January 1st was an important day to Thomas Jefferson for many reasons. This week, we speak with President Jefferson about notable New Year's Day occurrences during his life.
#1318 Was Thomas Jefferson a Christian?
"I believe so strongly that Jefferson was right about separation of church and state."
— Clay S. Jenkinson portraying Thomas Jefferson
We wish all a Merry Christmas from The Thomas Jefferson Hour, which, as it turns out, is perhaps more than Thomas Jefferson would have done. Jefferson was not a believer in celebrating Christmas in a traditional fashion and felt it should not be a national holiday.
#1284 Foreign Policy
"peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none"
— Thomas Jefferson, First Inaugural Address (March 4, 1801)
This week on the Jefferson Hour, we talk with President Jefferson about his struggles with foreign entanglements, and his disappointment with the American people's reactions to his decisions.
#1251 Checks & Balances
"If the three federal branches can't stop themselves from doing appalling things, a fourth entity exists, and that's the states."
— Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson
We discuss the Kentucky Resolutions of 1798, states' rights, and the need for checks and balances within the federal government.
#1244 A Free Nation
"The Founding Fathers intended a free nation in which you could choose your religion."
— Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson
After a short discussion about weather, President Jefferson addresses a question about his ownership of a copy of the Quran. Jefferson goes on to explain his views on the importance of religious freedom. In the out-of-character portion of the show, Clay and David are joined by Brad Crisler.
#1243 Mister President
#1226 American Happiness
A variety of subjects are covered on the Thomas Jefferson Hour this week, including a discussion about Benjamin Franklin Bache's newspaper the Philadelphia Aurora, the effect negative press had on politicians during Jefferson’s time and an interview with Niya Bates about restoration work ongoing at Monticello.
Banned…Again
Banned
"It is a constitutional principle of American life that one's religious background should not be a factor in one's citizenship, in one's capacity to vote or hold public office or serve on juries or anything else. The quality of a citizen is commitment to principles of the Enlightenment, not this or that religious sensibility."
— Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by humanities scholar Clay S. Jenkinson
— Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by humanities scholar Clay S. Jenkinson