The Basis of Western Civilization and George Washington’s Role in Our Founding

On this Labor Day, September 5, 2022, Kim Monson explores the foundations of Western civilization and the American idea with historian Bill Federer and Discovery Institute fellow Scott S. Powell. From the origins of Labor Day to George Washington’s miraculous battlefield protection, this special prerecorded broadcast examines what makes America exceptional.

The History of American Education and Labor Day

Start listening at 00:42 – Hour 1

Bill Federer, founder of American Minute, traces the evolution of American education from its religious roots to the present day. Federer explains how education in America began in churches, with institutions like Harvard, Yale, and Princeton founded by different Protestant denominations. The conversation explores how the federal government gradually took control of education, eventually leading to the current state where critical race theory and other divisive ideologies are being taught in schools.

Federer provides a masterful explanation of critical theory, describing it as a Marxist divide-and-conquer tactic designed to destabilize nations. He traces this concept from Machiavelli through the British colonization of India to Karl Marx’s formal articulation of dialectics. The strategy involves dividing populations into subgroups, labeling some as victims and others as oppressors, then fomenting conflict until people cry out for government intervention, at which point freedoms are surrendered for order.

The discussion turns to Labor Day’s origins, examining the Pullman Railroad strike, Eugene Debs’s role in organizing labor unrest, and President Grover Cleveland’s decision to establish Labor Day in September specifically to avoid the May 1st date associated with communist May Day riots. Federer connects this history to the Protestant work ethic, the rags-to-riches American dream, and Booker T. Washington’s philosophy of economic advancement through hard work and business ownership.

“Anyone can seek a job, but it requires a person of rare ability to create a job. What we should be doing in our schools is to turn out fewer job seekers and more job creators.”

Bill Federer, Founder, American Minute

George Washington and Divine Providence in the American Founding

Start listening at 59:21 – Hour 2

Scott S. Powell, senior fellow at the Discovery Institute and author of “Rediscovering America,” examines the miraculous elements of America’s founding, focusing on George Washington’s extraordinary battlefield experiences. Powell recounts the 1755 Battle of the Monongahela during the French and Indian War, where the young Washington had four bullet holes through his coat yet suffered no wounds after two horses were shot out from under him.

This experience, Powell argues, gave Washington the confidence to lead the Continental Army against impossible odds. The British Navy had 270 ships against America’s seven converted merchant vessels; their army was twice the size of the colonial forces. Yet Washington’s courage, perseverance, and faith in divine protection inspired his troops to achieve the impossible. Powell describes how at Princeton, even townspeople watching Washington’s courageous leadership grabbed their guns and joined the battle.

Powell connects the founding to current challenges, warning that America faces a communist psychological operation designed to demoralize citizens, destabilize institutions, and ultimately transition the country from a bottom-up to a top-down form of government. He argues that restoring understanding of America’s heritage, constitution, and founding principles is essential to countering this threat. The discussion emphasizes that solutions come from the people, and each citizen must be a light shining in the darkness.

“The United States really is the only country in the entire history of mankind that was specifically founded on ideas and principles, rather than on blood lineage, language, common culture, the spoils of war and conquest.”

Scott S. Powell, Senior Fellow, Discovery Institute