Thurs Blogcast: Independence w/Tom Krannawitter; Jed Babbin; Sports sanity
July 3, 2025
Just One Thing: Independence Day Thoughts
There's a lot to love about the United States of America. It's not, as Dr Tom Krannawitter points out frequently (and maybe will again in our conversation today), that we've done everything right. We've certainly failed. But that doesn't mean we're not the greatest nation in the history of humankind. There are so very many things I could mention regarding the nature and Founding Principles of our republic that are praiseworthy but I will mention just one:
Here's the oath of office taken by members of the Australian parliament (identical or nearly identical to people in similar jobs in other parts of the former British empire):
I, (name), do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles the Third, His heirs and successors according to law. So help me God!
And here's the oath for members of the United States Congress:
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.
The difference is obvious, right?
In the United States, nobody takes an oath of office promising to obey a particular person or the holder of a particular office. It's true that many other countries have followed us on this, but we started it and, at least for most of us, we really believe it. This oath, to the rule of law rather than the rule of man, was one of the most important revolutions ever, one that changed the nature of government, and of the type of government that so many people around the world aspire to.
I hope we remain worthy of the government we're supposed to have. It's most certainly not the government we actually have (and that's been true for a long time, not just under this president, though he's surely pushing the boundaries even further.)
In short, I do love my country, I don't love my government, and that's really how America should be.
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Happy Independence Day Weekend
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air...
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Congratulations to Clayton Kershaw
He's the 20th MLB pitcher -- and the 4th left-hander -- to record 3,000 strikeouts
Oh, he's also only the 3rd to do it with one team
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Today's Guests
Dr Tom Krannawitter, PhD, is a Senior lecturer at the Leadership Program of the Rockies, and one of my good friends and a true mentor. We'll discuss some of his Independence Day thoughts, which will certainly delve into both history and philosophy.
His great Substack is here: Dr. Krannawitter's Substack | Thomas L. Krannawitter, Ph.D. | Substack
If you're interested in getting more Krannawitter specifically, and more inspiration generally, and you'd like to take an active role (which could mean lots of different things) in expanding liberty in the state of Colorado, please consider applying for the Leadership Program of the Rockies.
The deadline to apply is August 31: LPR-Application-How-to-Guide.pdf
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Jed Babbin is a former Deputy Undersecretary of Defense and my first editor (at Human Events, and then he brought me to the American Spectator.)
We'll cover a perfect topic for Independence Day: To win, we need to believe in American exceptionalism again - Washington Times
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Other Stuff
On this Independence Day holiday, there's a lot to think about here: American Pride Slips to New Low
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The Senate made the Big Beautiful Bill worse (after originally proposing amendments that would have made it better): politico.com/f/?id=00000197-cbfe-da98-a3b7-fbfeff590000
Very important information if you're planning to travel this weekend (or this summer at all): Passenger flagged by TSA after ‘swamp crotch’ sets off alarm — and it’s happening to others, too
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This is STILL really terrible policy and I STILL hope that the Supreme Court rules that Trump does not have the authority to impose most of his tariffs: Trump says he will put 20% tariff on Vietnam's exports | Reuters
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Eat custard: Custard is secret to Aylesbury WW2 veteran's long life
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The Democratic nominee for the mayor of NYC is an evil snake-oil salesman. He is not only a communist, having said he wants to "seize the means of production", but he's also an anti-Semite. Remarkable what the people of NY have done.
Mamdani’s government grocery stores plan is based on an accounting error
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A concert for Producer Dragon if ever there was one: Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath bow out: Rock's wildest frontman prepares for one last show
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Not surprising when regulations are made by people who don't understand what they're regulating:
Colorado instructors note struggles with new concealed carry regulations
Concealed Carry Permits & Training | Colorado General Assembly
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This seems clearly right as a matter of law, and the law makes sense: Judge 'reluctantly' dismisses claim of Club Q survivors | Courts | coloradopolitics.com
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Why is ANY of this a federal responsibility? Colorado scrambles to protect potential targets after Boulder attack - Axios Denver
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Risky thing to change the brand this way, but we'll see if it works: Cracker Barrel Fans Mourn the Loss of That Old-Timey Feeling - WSJ
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It's better but I think he really chose it because of the painter being a female HIspanic overtly Christian artist rather than it being a great portrait: New portrait of President Trump hangs in Colorado Capitol after he complained about an earlier one | AP News
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It's about time: Trans UPenn swimmer Lia Thomas will be stripped of her titles after university bends the knee to Trump admin
Why did Penn need to be threatened?
Dept of Ed statement: U.S. Department of Education Announces the University of Pennsylvania Has Entered into a Resolution Agreement to Resolve its Title IX Violations | U.S. Department of Education
Penn statement: Title IX Compliance in Athletics | Associate Vice President for Equity and Title IX Officer
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Thanks to listener Dave for sending: Jesus Delights Crowd By Miraculously Turning Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Into Chocolate Chip | Babylon Bee
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I want one, but not THAT much: Yankees’ George Costanza desk nap bobblehead pre-selling for five times more than tickets to game - The Athletic
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Today's Videos
Awesome: Italian Mechanic Transforms Junked Fiat Panda Into the World’s Narrowest Fully Functional Car
From an Italian car to a German robot, and not a bad looking one at that
To a Dutch scientist