We discuss the beginning of the Revolutionary War and the efforts of the Second Continental Congress to pursue peace and vindicate their rights at the same time. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We discuss the sale of Dave’s house in southern Colorado Springs and attending the NFL draft. The Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms (2:51) -  We discuss the Second Continental Congress’s vindication of the early American war effort, their attempt to pursue peace with the King, and the King’s response. Links: The Causes and Necessity…; The ‘Olive Branch’ Petition; George III’s Declaration of Rebellion. Establishing a new legitimate government (37:59) - We discuss the way that the First and Second Continental Congress worked to establish the moral and political foundations for a new American government even before declaring independence.   Tocqueville’s Crystal Ball (44:35) - We quickly review our bad Masters picks before predicting the NBA champion and how the Patriots will use their first round pick in the NFL draft. Email: [email protected] YouTube: @DIAToday Intagram: @DemocracyinAmericaToday Keeping Our Republic at Barnes & Noble and Amazon. The history of the American Revolution: Walter McDougall, Freedom Just Around the Corner; Robert Middlekauff, The Glorious Cause. David Corbin is the Provost of Colorado Christian University. Matt Parks and David Corbin both taught politics at The King’s College in New York City and have written together on reviving American republicanism, The Federalist, and Democracy in America. All views expressed in this podcast are those of the speaker and not necessarily those of their present or former employers.