This is an iHeart Podcast. Stop settling for weak sound. It's time to level up your game and bring the boom. Hit the town with the ultra-durable LG X-Boom portable speaker and enjoy vibrant sound wherever you go. Elevate your listening experience to new heights because let's be real, your music deserves it.
The future of sound is now with LG X Boom. And for a limited time, save 25% at lg.com with code FALL25. Bring a bowl. X-Boom. Time for a sofa upgrade?
Visit washable sofas.com and discover Anibay, where designer style meets budget-friendly prices, with sofas starting at $699. AniBay brings you the ultimate in furniture innovation with a modular design that allows you to rearrange your space effortlessly. Perfect for both small and large spaces, Anibay is the only machine-washable sofa inside and out. Say goodbye to stains and messes with liquid and stain-resistant fabrics that make cleaning easy. Liquid simply slides right off.
Designed for custom comfort, our high-resilience foam lets you choose between a sink-in feel or a supportive memory foam blend. Plus, our pet-friendly stain-resistant fabrics ensure your sofa stays beautiful for years. Don't compromise quality for price. Visit washablefas.com to upgrade your living space today with no risk returns and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Get up to 60% off plus free shipping and free returns.
Shop now at washablesofas.com. offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply. This message is brought to you by AppleCard. Each Apple product, like the iPhone, is thoughtfully designed by skilled designers. The titanium Apple Card is no different.
It's laser-etched, has no numbers, and it earns you daily cash on everything you buy, including 3% back on everything at Apple. Apply for Apple Card on your iPhone in minutes. Subject to credit approval, AppleCard issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Salt Lake City Branch. Terms and more at AppleCard.com. TiVo Plus gives you 300 plus channels of movies, shows, sports, even kids' favorites, all free.
And no, we don't want your credit card. Watch live, watch on demand, watching your PJs eating pizza. It's all right there on your TiVo home screen. With so much variety from comedy and action to live news and family programming, you'll never run out of options. TiVo Plus.
Free, binge-worthy, and always on. Check us out at Teevo.com. Builders trust Ferguson Home to bring innovation and efficiency to every project. With top products, expert support, and tools that allow you to browse, organize, order, and work with clients, Ferguson Home has custom solutions for every pro. Discover an unparalleled selection of products from the best brands to help you create spaces that stand out.
Find your local Ferguson Home showroom or visit FergusonHome.com to explore the best selection of kitchen, bath, and lighting products. and get personalized expert support. Every step of the way when we built our home, my wife and I. Used and loved the support of Ferguson Home. Bring your vision to Ferguson Home where it all comes together.
Shop top brands like Kohler or find your local showroom at fergusonhome.com. This is Lee Habib and this is Our American Stories. It's no small miracle that the United States is the longest standing constitutional republic in the world. After all, data shows the shelf life of the average democracy It is about 58 years before falling into despotism. or otherwise transitioning.
It's a good thing we're not average. But we almost were. You're to share the story of how George Washington refused to become a king. Despite very real attempts to make him one, is Vince Benedetto. The founder of Bold Gold Media Group and a regular contributor here at Our American Stories.
Take it away, Vince. It was not long after the Battle of Yorktown in 1781. When Washington's decisive victory over the British all but ended the Revolutionary War. A triumphant Washington made his new headquarters in Newburgh. where he awaited word of a treaty that would formally end the war.
But there were problems on the home front. Washington had to maintain the Continental Army in a state of readiness should peace negotiations fail. and his army was suffering. and worst of all, largely unpaid. They'd endured eight years of hardship.
But the Continental Congress Lack the funds to properly equip and compensate the soldiers throughout the war. According to Jack Warren, author of Freedom, The Enduring Importance of the American Revolution. Washington's officers struggled to maintain order. but most of them were as angry and frustrated as their men. Like their soldiers, they too had gone without pet.
The frustration of the officers extended far beyond finances. There was an emerging belief that the Congress was ineffective, incompetent, and unable to govern the new nation through the vast challenges ahead. This uncertainty was expressed in a letter, now known as the Newburgh Letter, sent to General Washington by Colonel Louis Nicola, on May 22, 1782. Professing to speak on behalf of many officers, Nicola urged Washington to make himself king of the United States. believing that only Washington had the moral authority and respect needed to lead the new nation through the rough times ahead.
Washington faithful to the ideals of the Revolution, condemn the notion. replying to Nicola quickly and emphatically. He said If you have any regard for your country. Concern for yourself or posterity. Or respect for me.
Banish these thoughts from your mind. and never communicate. As from yourself, or anyone else. a sentiment of the like nature. Washington understood history was littered with examples of generals becoming absolute rulers in the wake of their victories.
He also understood that since the dawn of the revolution, Many feared. He too. might become an American Cromwell. In early seventeen eighty three, Frustration within the ranks of Washington's officer corps reached its apex. What became now known as the New Berg Conspiracy.
began to formulate in early March. when anonymous letters began circulating. The first, Authored by an aide to General Horatio Gates, encouraged officers to gather. And to discuss their grievances and even propose defying Congress and refusing to disband. if their demands were not met.
This letter was followed by a second, designed to further inflame passions. intimating open military rebellion. if Congress failed to act. On the verge of a mass mutiny, Washington, who had led his army through many battles, stepped into the breach. Aware of the anonymous letters.
He issued a general order the very next day. disrupting the conspirators' planned gathering. He also cleverly implied that he may not even be present at that meeting, and it would be led by the senior officer in attendance. What followed? Was one of the great examples of leadership.
and stagecraft. in American military history. Washington was keenly aware that addressing the officers directly. and condemning them. could run the risk of losing their support.
But he also understood that ignoring the map would be even worse. When the day arrived, There was no sign of Washington. Starting the meeting was General Gates. who began by riling up his audience. But soon after, The door swung open, and and General Washington entered the room.
much to the shock of Gates and the officers present. Gates did the only thing he could do. He relinquished the floor to Washington. Rather than choose to use the force of his command. or implicit threats.
Washington chose the path of moral persuasion. His preparation was meticulous. as he sought to address the officers' grievances. and the broader threat to Republican governance. by ideas contained in those anonymous letters.
He also explained. That he was working on their behalf to make sure Congress would not betray their commitments to the Army. Washington then reminded the officers that they were men of honor. making it clear this moment required the same commitment to duty. that tested their resolve and courage on the battlefield.
He said to them, You will give one more distinguished proof. of unexampled patriotism, and patient virtue. Rising superior to the pressure of the most complicated sufferings. And you will? by the dignity of your conduct.
afford occasion for posterity to say, when speaking of the glorious example you have exhibited to mankind, had this day been wanting, the world had never seen the last stage of perfection to which human nature is capable of attaining. What happened next might very well have been the single act by Washington that saved our republic. As he began to read a letter he'd received from a member of Congress attempting to address their plight. the now older Washington, struggled to read the letter due to his declining eyesight. His soldiers noticed him struggling.
and Washington noticed them noticing. Masterfully reading the room, Washington in a rare moment of vulnerability. Pause. He reached into his vest pocket, and pulled out a pair of reading glasses. His troops were astonished.
none had ever seen their general showing any sign of weakness or age. Washington then looked at them. And he said Gentlemen. You will permit me to put on my spectacles. For I have not only grown gray, but almost blind.
in service to my country. Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles. for I have not only grown gray, but almost blind. in service to my country. Historians have debated whether Washington staged this moment.
But calculate it or not, the impact was emotionally overwhelming. as his troops were moved to tears. When Washington left the room, any thought of mutiny ceased. And for one final time, His troops followed Washington's lead. and his example.
This moment represented something far deeper than stopping a rebellion within the ranks. Washington established that elected civilian authority of the military, must at all times be maintained and cherished. and that any attempt to undermine it was a betrayal of the revolution itself. The meeting concluded with his officers committing to support the Congress and rejecting any calls for a rebellion. or open defiance.
The Treaty of Paris was signed in September of 1783, officially ending the Revolutionary War. and thanks to Washington's continued advocacy, His officers' grievances were addressed by Congress. although imperfectly. when they approved half pay pensions for life. As a new year approached, On a day that should be remembered second only to our Independence Day.
Washington fulfilled his destiny. Not as an American Cromwell. but as the American Cincinnatus. On December 23rd, seventeen eighty three. he defied nearly every historic precedent and he resigned his commission.
Voluntarily relinquishing his sword, to the Continental Congress. asking for nothing in return, Washington was a civilian once again. and he returned to his home. at Mount Vernon. The story of George Washington and how he averted a coup.
and refused to become king. Here on Our American Stories. Stop settling for weak sound. It's time to level up your game and bring the boom. Hit the town with the ultra-durable LG X-Boom portable speaker and enjoy vibrant sound wherever you go.
Elevate your listening experience to new heights because let's be real, your music deserves it. The future of sound is now with LG X Boom. And for a limited time, save 25% at lg.com with code FALL25. Bring the bowl. X Boom.
Time for a sofa upgrade? Visit washable sofas.com and discover Anibay, where designer style meets budget-friendly prices, with sofas starting at $699. Anibay brings you the ultimate in-furniture innovation with a modular design that allows you to rearrange your space effortlessly. Perfect for both small and large spaces, Anibay is the only machine-washable sofa inside and out. Say goodbye to stains and messes with liquid and stain-resistant fabrics that make cleaning easy.
Liquid simply slides right off. Designed for custom comfort, our high-resilience foam lets you choose between a sink-in feel or a supportive memory foam blend. Plus, our pet-friendly stain-resistant fabrics ensure your sofa stays beautiful for years. Don't compromise quality for price. Visit washablefas.com to upgrade your living space today with no risk returns and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Get up to 60% off plus free shipping and free returns. Shop now at washablesofas.com. Offers are subject to change and certain restrictions. may apply. Over 300 channels, zero bills.
That's TiVo Plus. Curated movies, news series, and sports highlights. No credit card, no logins, just TV that gets straight to the good stuff. Grab the remote, press play, and start watching TiVo Plus. Free, binge-worthy, always on.
Check us out at TiVo.com. Human trafficking doesn't always look like what you expect. Everyday moments can become opportunities for someone with bad intentions, whether you're a parent, teacher, coach, or neighbor. Check in. Ask questions.
Stay connected. Blue Campaign is a national awareness initiative that provides resources to help recognize suspected instances of human trafficking. Learn the signs and how to report at dhs.gov/slash blue campaign. The day begins at the Chase Sapphire Lounge by the club at Boston Logan Airport. You get the clam chowder.
In San Diego, it's tostadas. New York, espresso martini. It's 10 a.m. Why not? It's the quiet before your next flight, the shower that resets your day, the menu that lets you know where you are.
This is access to over 1,300 airport lounges and every sapphire lounge by the club. And one card that gets you in. Chase Sapphire Reserve, the most rewarding card. Learn more at chase.com/slash sapphire reserve. Cards issued by J.P.
Morgan Chase Bank, any member of FDIC, subject to credit approval. This is an iHeart podcast.
