The WallBuilders Show

AI Got It Wrong: Why America Is Not a Democracy

Our constitutional foundation gets challenged daily - not just by politicians, but now by artificial intelligence. When our podcast AI mistakenly labeled America a "democracy, " it highlighted a disturbing trend of historical revision that threatens our understanding of what makes America unique. The WallBuilders team dives deep into why this seemingly small distinction matters enormously. The founding fathers rejected democracy more vehemently than dictatorships, monarchies, or socialism because they recognized its dangers. As David Barton explains, the Constitution's Article IV, Section 4 explicitly guarantees each state a republican form of government - making democracy constitutionally prohibited. We also tackle the fascinating history of Alexis de Tocqueville's famous work "Democracy in America, " revealing how American translators altered the title to "The Republic of the United States of America" when publishing it in 1851 because they understood this crucial distinction. The conversation shifts to practical applications when exploring whether President Trump could eliminate the income tax without a constitutional amendment. Just because the 16th Amendment permits an income tax doesn't mean it must be implemented - similar to a speed limit sign that sets a maximum without requiring you to drive that speed. This episode serves as a powerful reminder that constitutional literacy remains our strongest defense against both human and technological misrepresentations of America's founding principles. Whether you're concerned about AI-generated misinformation or want to understand how constitutional constraints apply to taxation and judicial power, this conversation equips you with the historical and constitutional perspective to navigate today's complex political landscape. Support the show

The Surprising Constitutional History of Tariffs and How They Shaped American Prosperity

The forgotten economic foundation of America lies hidden in plain sight - tariffs. For over 150 years, these import taxes funded 90-95% of the federal government while simultaneously protecting American industry and workers. This eye-opening exploration of tariff history challenges everything we've been taught about international trade and taxation. Bill Federer takes us on a constitutional journey beginning with George Washington's Tariff Act of 1789 and the creation of the Coast Guard specifically to enforce these vital revenue mechanisms. The narrative weaves through America's industrial revolution, where tariffs enabled northern factories to flourish, creating the fastest rise in living standards humanity had ever witnessed. Women were liberated from menial tasks as factory-made products transformed daily life with ready-made clothing, indoor plumbing, and modern conveniences. The prosperity of America's Gilded Age stands as testament to the effectiveness of tariff policies, with ornate public buildings and infrastructure developments showcasing the nation's wealth. Everything changed with Woodrow Wilson's introduction of income tax on the wealthiest 1%, later expanded by FDR during World War II through paycheck withholding - a clever mechanism that obscured the true tax burden from workers. Most surprising are John F. Kennedy's economic insights, which mirror today's tariff debates. Kennedy recognized that high taxation drove American capital overseas and advocated for tax cuts to stimulate economic activity. His assertion that "tax rates are too high, tax revenues are too low, and the soundest way to raise the revenues in the long run is to cut tax rates" offers a profound perspective on current economic policy discussions. Ready to challenge your assumptions about tariffs and discover how they shaped American prosperity? Dive into this provocative historical journey that reveals how returning to constitutional funding mechanisms might address today's economic challenges. Support the show

Faith in Action: Fighting for Liberty

When a state legislator stands firm on principle, remarkable transformations become possible. Representative Barbara Ehardt from Idaho joins the WallBuilders Show to share the extraordinary legislative victories she's achieved defending families, women, and religious freedom. The conversation begins with a powerful acknowledgment of President Trump's Easter message – a refreshingly bold proclamation of Christian faith rarely seen from national leaders. This sets the stage for Ehart's discussion of her own courageous stances in Idaho's legislature. Ehart first rose to national prominence through her "Fairness in Women's Sports" legislation, which has now been replicated in 27 states. The movement gained tremendous momentum when female collegiate athletes began speaking out about the unfairness of competing against biological males. Most recently, Boise State women's volleyball team's refusal to compete against San Jose State (which had a male player) sparked similar stands from Utah State, University of Wyoming, and ultimately the entire Mountain West Conference. The conversation reveals how seemingly impossible legislative victories became reality through persistence and divine timing. After years of effort, Barbara Ehardt secured passage of mandatory "opt-in" requirements for human sexuality education, campus free speech protections, and comprehensive safety measures preventing biological males from entering women's prisons, shelters, and restroom facilities. In what Ehart describes as miraculous timing, the Ninth Circuit unanimously upheld Idaho's K-12 bathroom protections just as debates were heating up over her new legislation. Perhaps most compelling is Ehardt's passionate defense of these priorities against critics who dismiss them as mere "culture wars" distractions from "real issues. " As she powerfully articulates, protecting children from inappropriate content and ensuring women's safety are precisely the issues families care most deeply about. When asked whether parents would prioritize infrastructure or their daughter's safety, there's simply no question. Want to join the movement to restore common sense and protect families in your state? Contact your legislators today and urge them to follow Idaho's lead. Together, we can seize this moment of opportunity and rebuild a culture that honors timeless values. Support the show

The Economics of America First

A masterclass in economic strategy unfolds as former Congressman Bob McEwen joins the WallBuilders Show to dissect President Trump's controversial tariff policies. McEwen cuts through the noise with clarity and historical perspective, revealing how these tariffs represent sophisticated negotiation tactics rather than permanent economic barriers. "You can stand on any street corner in Europe and not see a single American car go by, " McEwen observes, highlighting the 26% tariff European nations place on American vehicles while enjoying relatively unchallenged access to U. S. markets. This stark imbalance frames Trump's approach not as protectionism but as leverage to create genuine free trade through reciprocity. Drawing powerful parallels between the Carter administration of the 1970s and Biden's presidency (dubbing the latter "Carter 2. 0"), McEwen reminds listeners how quickly economic fortunes can reverse under proper leadership. Just as Reagan's policies triggered an economic renaissance following Carter's malaise, Trump's America-first approach aims to restore manufacturing, energy production, and financial sovereignty. Perhaps most illuminating is McEwen's explanation of market transitions. When policies shift to favor Main Street over multinational corporations, markets initially react with uncertainty. This temporary turbulence ultimately leads to more balanced growth—if leaders have the backbone to weather criticism. "You can count politicians willing to endure this transition on one hand, " McEwen notes, "and virtually with one finger. " The conversation culminates with a sobering analysis of America's debt vulnerability. Having surged from a historically stable 30% of GDP to over 100% during COVID, this debt exposure invites exploitation from nations seeking alternatives to the dollar-based system. Trump's focus on eliminating waste and reducing debt emerges as essential to preserving American economic leadership. Support the show

Granville, West Virginia 2024

Town of Granville West Virginia Mayoral Proclamation In harmony with Christian Heritage Week in West Virginia November 24-30, 2024 As proclaimed by Governor Jim Justice WHEREAS, Thanksgiving week marks the thirty-third consecutive Christian Heritage Week in West Virginia: thus continuing a tradition of annual proclamations beginning with Governor Gatson Caperton in 1992 thru 1996 and […]

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