Getting Hammered®

This week's episode of Getting Hammered comes in the form of a bunch of readings from our Founders throughout June of 1776. Check the feed through June as we learn about George Washington's travails, watch the Lee Resolution pass the Continental Congress, see delegations argue with their hometown politicians over how they should vote, and hear why Thomas Jefferson was chosen to write the Declaration! I'll add the the feed as we get closer to July 4th! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus discuss the ongoing-ish deal with Iran, and what all the actors are up to, the controversy at the Reflecting Pool, which is important to new one-issue fountain voters, Ro Khanna's wealth confiscation fantasies, the rise of the socialists in New York City, and the McD's apple pie, back on the menu! A sad goodbye to Georgia politico, tough lady, and damn good Dawg, radio host Martha Zoller. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus discuss the Iran deal, what might be in it and what's not, and whether we are better off than before the war started. They talk UFC night at the White House, the charming Euros of the World Cup, Wemby, Brunson, and a touching tribute to Gene Shalit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is from John Adams' later autobiography, but is based on contemporaneous notes, so we'll count it. It gives a great, and frank, assessment of his and Jefferson's strengths and weaknesses, plus a digression on the power of oratory and the power of shutting up, which many public figures could learn from today. The gist is "talk less, write more," if I may borrow from "Hamilton." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus talk about accusations against Graham Platner, whose name it turns out MK has known for a long time before he ran for Senate. Updates on the L.A. Mayor's race , disappointment for Spencer Pratt, and the wacky ways they count votes, plus good news for Steve Hilton in California governor race. U.S. pilots are rescued by a U.S. drone after being shot down by a Iranian drone. Scott Pelley's pathos is too much for us, but the Euros discovering American small-town and Southern charm while in the States for the World Cup is everything. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This bit of the journals of the Continental Congress from June 10, 1776 illustrates how some delegations were confused as to how to proceed on behalf of their colonies on the question of independence. They're trying to collect advice in time for the June 28 postponed decision on the Lee Resolution after the Declaration has been written. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today in 1776, Gen. George Washington writes to John Hancock about perennial concerns— lack of pay, too-short enlistments of troops, and the lack of reliable battlefield information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia offers the resolution that eventually leads to the Declaration of Independence. Congress adopts the resolution with a plan to form committees to a) make foreign alliances as needed b) draft a declaration and c) wait three weeks to affirm the independence part of the resolution. The resolution, written in Lee's hand is short: Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved. That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign Alliances. That a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted to the respective Colonies for their consideration and approbation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Richard Henry Lee of Virginia writes from the Continental Congress to his friend, Landon Carter, a letter previewing the resolution he will eventually bring in Congress on June 7, which will then lead to the Declaration of Independence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"I received by Mr. Church a few lines from you; I wish to hear from you every opportunity tho you say no more than that you are well. I feel concerndleast your cloaths should go to rags having nobody to take any care of you in your long absence, and then you have not with you a proper change for the Seasons. However you must do the best you can. I have a suit of homespun for you whenever you return. I cannot avoid sometimes repineing that the gifts of fortune were not bestowed upon us, that I might have injoyed the happiness of spending my days with my Partner. But as it is, I think it my duty to attend with frugality and oeconomy to our own private affairs, and if I cannot add to our Little Substance yet see that it is not diminished. I should enjoy but little comfort in a state of Idleness, and uselessness. Here I can serve my partner, my family and myself, and injoy the Satisfaction of your serving your Country. I wish you would write me what I had best do with our House at Boston. I would advertise it if you think best. There are so many Houses torn to peicesand so many others abused that I might stand a chance of Letting it perhaps as it is in so good repair. My Brother is desirous of joining the Army again as a field officer but would chuse to be a field officer. I have mentiond him to some of the House and suppose he will be recommended to congress, for a commission. I hardly know where you will find Men to form the Regiments required. I begin to think population a very important Branch in the American Manufactorys. I enclose a List of Counsel. The House consists of more than 200 & 50 Members. Your former pupil [Angier] comes from Bridgwater, and 5 others. I hope they will proceed in Buisness with a little more Spirit than Heretofore. They are procuring two row Gallies, but when they will be finished I know not. I thought they were near done, but find to day they are not yet contracted for. All our Gentery are gone from Nantasket road except the commodore and one or two small craft. Every thing bears a very great price. The Merchant complains of the Farmer and the Farmer of the Merchant. Both are extravagant. Living is double what it was one year ago. I find you have licenced Tea but I am determined not to be a purchaser unless I can have it at Congress price, and in that article the venders pay no regard to congress, asking 10. 8. and the lowest is 7.6 per pound. I should like a little Green, but they say there is none to be had here; I only wish it for a medicine, as a relief to a nervious pain in my Head to which I am sometimes subject. Were it as plenty as ever I would not practice the use of it. Our Family are all well. It has been reported here that congress were going to remove 40 miles beyond Philadelphia. I gave no credit to the report, I heard no reason assignd for it. I had much rather they would come a hundred miles nearer home here. Adieu -- Yours" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus discuss Jill Biden's book rollout, Graham Platner's many, many scandals, and the A250 concert that wasn't. There is some singing. You're welcome. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Adams buys an expensive folio on this day and enters his first letter, to his wife. He also buys one for his professional correspondence, and I think we can thank Abigail for her annoyances with John's correspondence for the fact we have as many of Adams' letters as we do! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dear sir Philadelphia June 1. 1776 Your favours of May 14. and 22d. are now before me. The first I shewed to Mr. Morris, as soon as I received it. The last contains Intelligence, from Hallifax of the Streights to which our Enemies are reduced, which I was very glad to learn. I am very happy to learn from you and some other of my Friends that Boston is securely fortified; but still I cannot be fully satisfied untill I hear that every unfriendly Flagg is chased out of that Harbour. Cape Ann, I am sensible is a most important Post, and if the Enemy should possess themselves of it, they might distress the Trade of the Colony to a great Degree. For which Reason I am determined to do every Thing in my Power to get it fortified at the Continental Expence. I cant be confident that I shall succeed but it shall not be my Fault if I dont. I am very glad you gave me your Opinion of the Utility of that Harbour and of the Practicability of making it secure, because I was not enough acquainted with it before to speak with Precision about it. Your Observations upon the oppressive severity of the old Regulations of Trade in subjecting Ships and Cargoes to Confiscation for the Indiscretion of a Master or Mariner, and upon the Artifice and Corruption which was introduced respecting Hospital Money, are very just: But if you consider the Resolution of Congress, and that of Virginia of the 15th. of May, the Resolutions of the two Carolinas and Georgia, each of which Colonies, are instituting new Governments, under the Authority of the People; if you consider what is doing at New York, New Jersey, Pensilvania, and even in Maryland, which are all gradually forming themselves into order to follow the Colonies to the Northward and Southward, together with the Treaties with Hesse, Brunswick and Waldeck and the Answer to the Mayor &c. of London; I believe you will be convinced that there is little Probability 2of our ever again coming under the Yoke of British Regulations of Trade. The Cords which connected the two Countries are cutt asunder, and it will not be easy to splice them again, together. I agree with you, in sentiment, that there will be little Difficulty in Trading with France and Spain, a great deal in dealing with Portugal, and some with Holland. Yet by very good Intelligence I am convinced, that there are great Merchants in the United Provinces and even in Amsterdam, who will contract to supply you with any Thing you want, whether Merchandize or military Stores by the Way of Nieuport and Ostend, two Towns which are subject to the Empress of Austria, who has never taken any public Notice of the Dispute between Britain and Us, and has never prohibited her Subjects from supplying us with any Thing. There is a Gentleman, now in this City, a Native of it, and a very worthy Man who has been lately in those Towns as well as Amsterdam, who informs me that he had many Conversations there, with Merchants of figure, and that they assured him they should be glad to contract to furnish us with any Supplies, even upon Credit, for an Interest of four Per Cent.1 Other Intelligence to the same Purpose, with Additions of more Importance, has been sent here. But the Particulars may not be mentioned. Europe seems to be in a great Commotion; altho the Appearance of a perfect Calm is affected, I think this American Contest will light up a general War. What it will end in, God alone knows, to whose wise and righteous Providence I chearfully submit, and am with great Esteem and Respect for the Family, your Friend & servant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vic and Mary Katharine talk primary predictions (Cornyn vs. Paxton), a farewell to Thomas Massie and Stephen Colbert, the DNC's embarrassing autopsy, Memorial Day thoughts, along with recommended overseas American military cemeteries, and Vic has a beach read recommendation that is definitely at least PG-13. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vic and Mary Katharine talk about big victories on the parenting front at MK's home, foreign policy updates on Iran, China, Venezuela and Cuba, fully funtioning fountains, the war on NY pizza, and a new segment: Viruses With Vic! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vic and Mary Katharine valiantly fight technical difficulties (successfully!) of their own to tell you about the technical difficulties Virginia Democrats are facing on redistricting and the crashout they're having as a result. They update on SC, TN, FL, and AL before talking about the NYT's crazy Kristof column, Labor losses in Britain, Iran, and hantavirus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vic and MK dive into the news that Graham Platner is the presumptive Dem nominee for Senate in Maine, which means everyone who is left of center has to pretend Nazi tattoos mean nothing about a person. We talk updates on Iran, continuing surprising alliances, and a legal update on the Voting Rights Act. Finally, updates on the Palisades Fire, not at all caused by climate change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joseph Ward is a cousin and aide-de-camp to Gen. Artemas Ward. He is a frequent correspondent of Adams, reporting what he's seeing on the military front in Boston. Adams is worried about the British, still sitting around the harbor, trying to take over Boston again now that the Army is mostly in New York City. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MK and Vic talk Mary Katharine's live experience of an attack on democracy and free speech and the subsequent press coverage, which veered very quickly away from another attempt on the president's life and into centering media and making other people the victims. Also, is it okay to take the wine? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Continental Army deals with all kinds of personnel problems and shortages. In this case, Washington is taking the step of explicitly requesting better pay for his aides, as he works them very hard and must trust them with so much. He is afraid the good ones will leave his employ to seek other options if he can't pay them adequately. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A salty episode of Getting Hammered as Vic and Mary Katharine contemplate exporting the governance of Fairfax and Arlington to the rest of Virginia and what that means for the state and national politics. Also, a little bit of SPLC news and MK's kid destroyed another thing after a long dry spell! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vic Matus and Mary Katharine Ham talk about Iran, the blockade, the strategy, and the negotiation-athon. They also talk about Trump's AI post, backlash to it, and his fight with the Pope. Allegations against Swalwell continue to rise, but there's a reason they're all happening now. And Artemis II inspires us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My friend Sarah Isgur joins the podcast to talk about her new book, "Last Branch Standing," which is a very fun read about the Supreme Court, its history, the data on the current Court's decisions, and human stories of the Justices and their clerks and everyone's hijinx along the way. If you feel media coverage of the Court isn't giving you the big, real , complex picture— it often isn't— this is a good place to start getting better understanding. I really enjoyed it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this letter, Adams addresses all of the concerns and questions of Abigail's March 31 letter. He is glad to hear of her joy at the relative non-destruction of Boston and the fact that their house there stands. He ansers her concerns about Virginians and women's rights, though in a somewhat jokey tone. He has more serious thoughts on this account in other letters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vic is on Spring Break this week, so Kelly and MK discuss the daring Iran rescue, how in the world it's possible for people to be mad at it, growing polarization over even the best news, how we are Victor Glover fan girls and Artemis is also daring and astounding. Trump is on his holiday mean tweets again, California is defrauding us, and we sell Girl Scout cookies. Which one of us is better at it? Plus, more auctioneering practice! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this letter from Abigail to John, you can tell his absence is taking a toll on her. She tells of all the work she has to do on the farm, hoping to prove herself as a "farmeress" as he proves himself a statesman. She sounds a little nervous and sad as she wishes in vain for news of when he might come home. Boston is mourning its dead after the Brits have left town and she tells of a funeral she attended. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Spring Break edition of Getting Hammered, Vic and MK finally try the Big Arch, and because they didn't want it to get cold, they do that first and talk about burgers for half the show! After that, Iran, #NoKings, and polyamory. Mixed bag today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this famous letter, Abigail is still annoyed that John doesn't write often enough or come home. She is still a passionate advocate for liberty and impatient for a declaration. She is a serious critic of slaveholders in Virginia, wondering openly if they can possibly really be devoted to the cause of liberty when they deprive their fellow man of theirs. She also gives her thoughts on how the new government should treat women, saying they will "foment rebellion" if not considered in the laws of this new country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kelly Maher guest-hosts with Mary Katharine Ham today, tells us about her new adventure in auctioneering, and we talk about all the people who don't understand capitalism— Kathy Hochul, Hasan Piker, Abigail Spanberger, D.C. government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this letter to his friend, Horatio Gates, Adams touches on Boston and whether the Brits are really gone, talks about a recent resolution allowing privateers to take British boats, and then the challenges of forming a Republic of 13 colonies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Enjoy the details as Washington realizes he has to impress upon his soldiers how to act once they're in Boston. This is a very explicit effort to make sure the uncomfortable lines between Boston inhabitants who are leftover royalists, patriot residents, possible spies, and Continental soldiers are observed with as little drama as possible, and all conflict dealt with in legal avenues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gen. George Washington seems to let himself be happy in this letter to Hancock about having cleared the British army out of Boston, which they find in fairly good condition after 11 months of siege and occupation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode , Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus cover the Oscars, the bright spots and the political commentary, Iran strikes and "taking Cuba", jihadist attacks in the U.S., one of which exemplifies the uselessness of gun control laws, and the continuing leftward lurch of the state of Virginia under alleged moderate Abigail Spanberger. Plus, Paul Ehrlich critique! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we meet Timothy Newell, a Boston selectman who has been in Boston the entirety of the siege. As one of just a few members of civilian government left in the city, he has negotiated with Gen. Howe and British troops over treatment of citizens in the city. He is a patriot, but was likely too old to fight, so served the cause in a different way. While there, he wrote a colorful and thorough account of his time in the city with the British troops, whom he called "a set of men, whose unparralled wickedness, profanity, debauchery and cruelty is inexpressible." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two views on the Revolution today, one from John Adams' diary, discussing a resolution to remove arms from disaffected colonists, who did not want to fight for America. Adams wanted the resolution to go further, urging colonists to take up all powers of government, repudiating the Crown's authority, but he settled for the one presented. It was a big escalation, and enforced spottily across the 13 colonies, but the Army also really needed the muskets. Meanwhile, Washington occupies the high ground around Boston, but that tactical advantage doesn't erase his concerns about smallpox. Are the British troops spreading it on purpose to his ragtag Army? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus cover a wide range of current events, including domestic coverage of a terrorist attack in New York City, as well as updates on Iran and the Strait or Hormuz. Plus, Noem is out and we need to speculate a little and is Talarico the Christian Democrat who will turn Texas blue? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A truly astonishing feat, which becomes a turning point in Boston and in the entire war. Tune in for this ruse and how it goes down, causing British Gen. Howe to reportedly remark (although it is not attributed in a primary document, so let's attribute it to very cool legend): "The rebels have done more in one night than my whole army would have done in a month." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus discuss the recent military strikes against Iran, exploring the intelligence and strategy behind the operation, the rationale for the strikes, and the varied domestic and international reactions. They also analyze media coverage and public perception of the events, concluding with thoughts on the future implications for US-Iran relations and American foreign policy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is fascinating! Abigail Adams begins a letter to John Adams in Philadelphia that she won't finish until eight days later on March 10. Why? Because she is continually interrupted by bombing in nearby Boston, which unbeknownst to her is the beginning of the consequential taking of Dorchester Heights by the Colonial Army. She also talks about attacks on Adams' reputation, the trouble some friends get into defending him, and her thoughts on "Common Sense." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gold Medals, Medals of Freedom, Medals of Honor, a reunion of a Venezuelan political prisoner with his niece, Ilhan Omar yelling at Trump! This show had everything. Also, Abigail Spanberger spoke. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You'll remember Washington's War Council rejected a plan to attaack Boston in mid-February, instead telling Washington to put cannons up on Dorchester Heights. This is a contingency attack plan written by those same generals, should the British attack Dorchester Heights. They didn't feel great about its potential for success, and luckily, things turn out differently on the high ground around Boston later in March. Stay tuned! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of 'Getting Hammered', hosts Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus discuss Olympic highlights, the libs and journos who are trying to ruin them, personal parenting challenges, and the recent Supreme Court ruling on tariffs. They also cover Gavin Newsom's public persona and AOC's emo responses to criticism of her Munich performance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Feb. 23, 1776, John Adams offered resolutions in the Continental Congress with the intent of boosting domestic production of saltpeter, a main ingredient in gunpowder, and gunpowder mills. Domestic production never really took off during the war, only accounting for a small percentage of total gunpowder. Instead, the colonies imported or smuggled supplies in from the French and the West Indies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I chuckled at this, from planter and pamphleteer Landon Carter's diary and letters, which describe his very critical thoughts on "Common Sense" and his relief that Gen. Lee had not written it. He also recounts trying to get his grandson a slot in the army and how that ends embarrassingly for him and the grandson thanks to the young man's mother's breakdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Feb. 19, 1776, Ben Franklin wrote to Gen. Charles Lee, an admirer of Thomas Paine's to connect the two. Just a month after its publication, Paine's 47-page pamphlet is making waves all over the colonies. https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Franklin/01-22-02-0214 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Feb. 18, 1776, John Adams writes to Abigail and confides in her about a delicate diplomatic mission to Canada. He throws a little shade at the Catholic leadership in Canada and Southerners and admires his wife's mastery of the French language. https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/04-01-02-0229 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Mary Katharine Hamm and Vic Matus discuss sexual harassment training and AOC, and somewhat surprisingly, the two are not related. They delve into the recent Munich Security Conference, highlighting key speeches and the responses from various political figures. The conversation also touches on the ongoing redistricting controversy in Virginia and the implications of new laws on representation. Finally, they explore the Olympics and then the rising costs of cocktails. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Written in John Adams' hand, these notes from the Continental Congress catalogue the debate over whether to do trade with foreign entities. The colonies needs supplies, but engaging with foreign countries while at war with Great Britain creeps pretty close to acting like a country, not a colony. Hence, the debate. https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/01-02-02-0006-0002-0001 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At a meeting of his war councilF eb, 16, 1776,, George Washingon suggests a complex, amphibious assault on Boston on frozen waterways, but the council says "nope." What they decide instead will change the course of the war and the fight for America's freedom. https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-03-02-0229 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Feb. 12, 1776, the journals of the Continental Congress reveal that Major Gen. Lee is very worried about New York and that troops should be sent form Pennsylvania and New Jersey to aid him. The Congress also works on distribution of salt peter for the purposes of making gunpowder and blankets for a batallion. John Hancock urges Pennsylvania Delegate John Dickinson to get to Congress on time to vote the next day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices