Thom Hartmann on Jefferson and today's US democracy

I heard this interview with Thom Hartmann on ABC Radio National, and although done in 2004, it was one of the best interviews I have heard for months. In fact, I listened twice.

It's not just about Jefferson; Thom has some fascinating things to say about animal research (Conrad and Roper, Nature, 2003, et al) that he says shows animals from insects to great apes don't follow alpha males, but group instinct that makes decisions when 51% of the creatures are oriented towards a certain decision. I can't find the research online yet, but hope to read it.

Listen :: Real Media only, sorry

White Rose Society Hartmann archives and podcasts (podcasts appear to be by sub only)

"When Thom Hartmann bought an old farmhouse in Vermont, hidden away in the attic he found a complete twenty-volume set of the complete writings of Thomas Jefferson, published in 1904. The discovery led Hartmann to explore our founding fathers' true vision for America, and how that vision is and is not reflected in the government and society we see today. His observations are at once disturbing and hopeful. He points to the many ways our present government might make Jefferson's blood run cold, and yet offers hard evidence for the opportunity we have to return to the ideals of democracy at its best. He explains, 'Change, number one, doesn't necessarily happen instantly, and, number two, never happens from the top down; it always happens from the bottom up. So the reality is that change is happening.' Ultimately, Hartman reminds us, the future course of our government really is in our hands. 1 hour

"Thom Hartmann is a nationally syndicated talk radio personality. He is the author of fourteen books, including Unequal Protection: The Rise of Corporate Dominance and the Theft of Human Rights (Rodale 2002), The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight: The Fate of the World and What We Can Do Before It's Too Late (Three Rivers Press 2004), We the People: A Call to Take Back America (CoreWay Media 2004), and What Would Jefferson Do? A Return to Democracy (Harmony Books 2004). "
Source, and buy tape

You can buy What Would Jefferson Do? at discount in the Almanac's Cafe Diem! store

From Wikipedia: Thom Hartmann (1951 - ) is a United States broadcaster and non-fiction author. As of 2004 he hosts a 3-hour daily radio show broadcast on Sirius Satellite Radio, on radio stations in 29 U.S. states and podcast via mp3 archives at Whiterosesociety.org. On September 8, 2005, Air America Radio posted on their website that Hartmann had joined their network. His national program, which airs weekdays from noon until 3 PM ET, is now syndicated by Air America. A number of affiliates who play The Al Franken Show on weekdays play his show from 10am to 1pm eastern time on Sundays, and some play Hartmann's show in addition to or instead of Franken's on weekdays."

The Return to Democracy: Jefferson's Dream (great article by Thom Hartmann)

Tagged: progressive, radio, american+history, usa, history, politics, democracy