Lest WE Forget Historical

Can a president do anything they want? Lillian Cauldwell reveals how the Constitution draws the line on power in this compelling episode. In this episode of Lest We Forget History, host Lillian Cauldwell tackles the current president’s question: “What are the limits of presidential power?” Drawing from American Progress, Lillian explores how the Constitution outlines what a president can—and canno...

Unpacking the 20th Amendment and why it still matters today.  In today’s episode of Lest We Forget History, host Lillian Cauldwell continues her reading of the U.S. Constitution, focusing on the 20th Amendment. She reminds us how carefully our forefathers crafted a legal framework designed to protect every citizen. Lillian emphasizes that civic participation is essential — laws must be upheld and...

In this episode of Lest We Forget History, Lillian Cauldwell unpacks Amendments 8–20, highlighting Section 4’s outline of presidential and vice-presidential powers—both elected and incumbent. She then turns to the cornerstone of democracy: Amendment 19 and women’s voting rights. Gender is no barrier, and any attempt to block women—especially women of color—from voting is a direct violation of the...

In today’s episode, Lillian Cauldwell continues her powerful reading and interpretation of the U.S. Constitution, reminding us of the freedoms secured through the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and countless battles fought to defend liberty. This episode highlights Article III, Section 2, which defines the scope of judicial power—covering cases in law and equity under the Constitution, federal...

In today’s episode of Lest We Forget Historical, host Lillian Cauldwell explores the alarming trend of erasing accountability—a tactic used to obscure truth, silence opposition, and distort public memory. As parallels to the Nixon era emerge, Lillian examines how the deliberate removal of records and suppression of information threatens transparency and democracy.    Much like former President Ric...

In this episode of Historical: Lest We Forget, host Lillian Cauldwell continues her exploration of the U.S. Constitution by turning to the creation of the Bill of Rights. She examines why James Madison, Benjamin Franklin, and Alexander Hamilton believed it was crucial to explicitly protect individual freedoms — not only to prevent the Constitution from failing, but to reassure citizens who had fle...

On today’s episode of Historical, Lest We Forget, host Lillian Cauldwell examines how Massachusetts is re-evaluating Assisted Living fire protocols after a series of tragic events. Last year, one care facility was engulfed in flames when two visiting rabbis used fire torches to ritually cleanse a kitchen for Passover—without prior consultation or permission. The incident caused multiple injuries a...

In today’s episode of Historical: Lest We Forget, host Lillian Cauldwell highlights a troubling development: multiple newspapers report that the current administration has barred both the Pentagon and the Defense Department from releasing satellite hurricane and weather data to the public. These weather warnings withheld from the public raise urgent concerns about preparedness and transparency in...

In today’s episode of Historical: Lest We Forget, host Lillian Cauldwell examines a critical question posed by Dietrich Knauth: Does U.S. law allow a president to send troops against protesters? Knauth highlights a past instance where the president deployed National Guard troops to California after days of protests against immigration raids, framing the demonstrations as a potential "rebellion" ag...

In today’s episode of Lest We Forget Historical, Lillian Cauldwell explores Presidential Gifts and the unusual items received by U.S. presidents throughout history. Since 1776, world leaders, royalty, and heads of state have presented extravagant and sometimes bizarre offerings to American presidents. From Abraham Lincoln declining a herd of elephants from the King of Siam in 1862 to Bill and Hill...

In today's episode of Lest We Forget Historical with Lillian C., we revisit the tumultuous era of Richard M. Nixon, a presidency defined by scandal, secrecy, and the abuse of power. At the center of the Nixon IRS scandal, the former president wielded the tax agency as a weapon, targeting his enemies by manipulating their records in a personal campaign of retribution. Nixon’s downfall came with Wat...

In today’s episode of Lest We Forget Historical, host Lillian Cauldwell delves into the origins of Sanctuary cities in the United States—when they were first established, why they emerged as safe havens for immigrants seeking protection, and the principles that guided their creation. Fast forward to today, an executive order from the current administration has redefined the concept of Sanctuary ci...

In today’s episode of Lest We Forget Historical with Lillian, we reflect on What History Tells Us about the dangers of distorted narratives. Lillian delves into the infamous Nazi Legend—a propaganda tool Adolf Hitler used to justify the atrocities of WWII. Hitler perpetuated the false belief that Germany's defeat in WWI was the fault of Jews and Western Europe, using this narrative to rationalize...

The current administration and certain states have justified these measures by pointing to instances of violence during Palestinian protests. However, as Lillian examines the language and scope of these bills, it becomes evident that these Anti-Protest Measures are deliberately targeting students, supporters, professors, and academics—anyone who might challenge the administration’s authority or id...

Protesting, at its core, is a form of free speech—a right enshrined in the Constitution. Yet, as Lillian explores, one can’t help but wonder: Are we truly free to exercise this right without facing consequences? Join her as she delves deeper into this gripping chapter of America’s history. https://bit.ly/3S0aJec Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lest-we-forget-hi...

Lillian explores the use of tariffs by the Roman Empire and compares them to the tariffs implemented by the current U.S. administration. She highlights the shared objectives of these two influential powers: regulating commerce, generating revenue, and protecting specific economic interests. While 21st-century tariffs differ in certain aspects, Lillian provides insights into how this administration...

In today’s episode of Lest We Forget Historical with Lillian C., we tackle a provocative question posed by journalist C.A. Bridges: Has the current administration effectively reintroduced segregation? According to Bridges’ article, a February memo from the U.S. General Services Administration reveals that the administration no longer mandates the explicit prohibition of segregated facilities—such...

In this episode of Lest We Forget Historical with Lillian C, Lillian examines the history of U.S. presidents who have abused their executive powers for political agendas that strayed from the vision of the nation’s Founders. She explores how these leaders manipulated their authority to engage in dubious and reprehensible acts—silencing the media, spreading falsehoods, and bending institutions to s...

In today’s episode of Lest We Forget Historical, host Lillian Cauldwell delves into an article by Richard Kreitner, published in The Nation, titled A Warning About the Dangers of Executive Orders—From 40 Years Ago. This thought-provoking piece highlights how the current president isn’t the first to issue a flood of executive orders while sidestepping judicial checks. Back in the Reagan era, a simi...

In today's episode of "Lest We Forget Historical: US Presidents and the Supreme Court," host Lillian Cauldwell explores the extent of influence a sitting president has over the US Supreme Court. She examines the strategies presidents use to exert some control over the high court, such as appointing young justices who will shape decisions for decades. While the episode explains that presidents don'...

On today's episode of "Lest We Forget Historical," host Lillian Cauldwell delves into an insightful article from Time Magazine titled **"The Rise of America’s Broligarchy and What to Do About It."** Who are the oligarchs, and how did they quickly gain control of our government? The article is co-authored by Lawrence Norden, Vice President of the Elections and Government Program at the Brennan Cent...

In this episode of our podcast, "Lest We Forget Historical," host Lillian Cauldwell delves into the fascinating and troubling history of presidents who have abused their power. From George Washington to John Quincy Adams, we'll explore how these leaders pushed the boundaries of their authority, often with far-reaching consequences. We'll start with the Father of our Country, George Washington, and...

In this episode of Lest We Forget Historical, host Lillian Cauldwell explores a compelling article by a Polish dissident that presents a 15-step survival guide for navigating life under authoritarian rule. The guide reveals tactics used to erode democracy and empowers listeners with practical steps to resist and protect democratic values. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.co...

In today's episode of "Lest We Forget Historical," host Lillian Cauldwell explores the intricate dynamics between past presidents and military personnel, highlighting how executive power impacts civilian perspectives on military involvement. Military figures have faced significant challenges throughout American history when their visions clashed with executive decisions. For instance, Billy Mitche...

Let’s also remember what Abraham Lincoln said in his Gettysburg Address: Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal... It is for us, the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work that they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rathe...