
You know some people have suggested that I shouldn't use the Johnny Reb and Billy Yank characters for this historical show, but I choose to do so due to the significance of the Civil War on America's history and how we can learn and improve on things by studying it. To relegate it to the catacombs of a library basement would be akin to establishing a 1984 type of history, something which I fear some are trying to do. Even the President himself says that anything more than fifty years past isn't relevant and to that I say: Nonsense! Maybe if we cherished the Constitution as we should and learned from our successes and failures we wouldn't be on the verge of national bankruptcy and chaos today. And that's why we use the Johnny Reb and Billy Yank characters and carry out this overview of the real American background and it's relevance to today.
On tonight's edition of Johnny Reb Meets Billy Yank we will talk about the Jeffersonian Era of American History (1800-1812). When Jefferson was elected President in 1800, it marked the end of the Federalist Party as an occupant of the senior leadership role in the new Republican and Jefferson immediately set about to move things in a more conservative direction as his long held beliefs directed.
We'll talk about one of the things he is most credited for, the Louisiana Purchase and how it changed the complexion of America as well as his struggles with getting the judicial system to one that insured constitutional direction and not a legislative role. Jefferson believed very strongly in a nation with clear separation of powers and we will also relate that view to the almost opposite approach we see in America today.
A brilliant and complicated man, Jefferson used words with great power and impact and he was able to maintain relationships with those with whom he totally disagreed, yet he could be devious at the same time. But one thing no one could ever question him about; his devotion and love for the new country and his beloved Virginia and his home at Monticello, overlooking one of his favorite places, the University of Virginia which is still fondly called Mr. Jefferson's University.
I hope you'll join us tonight at 9.
Our program can be found on the net at tobtr.com/s/7736079
Have a wonderful day and we will look forward to meeting with you tonight. God bless.