The One Percenters - The Way I Heard It Podcast (Ep. 104) 

Yes, it was their death warrant and they knew it with this phrase, "And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."

I really enjoyed the way Mike told the story, if teachers did it this way kids might be more interested. Great job Mike Rowe!

When I had listened to Paul Harvey's "We, the People," I knew in an instant "WHO" these founding fathers were: today's "one percenters." And yes, today's government, all three branches, is out of control. I am sad to see a nation on the brink of collapse, and I don't know what could possibly turn it back around; there are so many issues to be addressed, from over-taxation, moral decay, lack of education, communication, poor work ethic... My dad used to say this a lot: "What this country needs is a good, old fashioned depression." Maybe THEN, the modern day "struggles" of life will be long forgotten when the newfound attempt to survive becomes the norm; fear is a good motivator. Very good job, Mr. Rowe.!

Dang! A story we all know, taught from a very different perspective. Moving and powerful! Thank for reminding us of the sacrifices made by our founding fathers, Mike!

This was enlightening to me, to think we evolved from men who made up the Continental Congress to today’s Congress is horrifying.

Six years later and still just as powerful

This can never get old or become unimportant. We need to always and forever remember and keep passing this around. Thank you, Mike.

I am an immigrant from Germany, via Canada. Though Itrained as a scientist, I have a keen interest in history, European, Canadian, American. When I hear Americans complain about how horrific and racist American is, I see the enemy behind the lies coming out of those mouths. That enemy preys on the ignorance of those who are ungrateful for what this country offers them. Our ideological enemies create, in those people, an ignorant arrogance which justifies itself with the patina of “an enlightened education.” Thank you, Mike, for this reminder of the sacrifice America’s ancestors made for this country. It’s time for more Americans to be less whiny, and more grateful.

I have chillbumps.. gratitude for reminding me how amazing this country (and my fellow humans) are!

You are the new Paul Harvey. Awesome job.

All Americans need more of this. Examples of what sacrifice for ones liberties truly are. Thank you, this is always current.

This was great..should have millions of views. We will now play this for our friends n family every Independence Day. Love ya Mike

Mike, from someone whose family have been in this country since before it was a country Thank you

I think you have found your calling. I always enjoy hearing you speak. Thanks for taking the time to share.

US history was my favorite highschool class, for two reasons: 1) my Veteran Teacher who made it so interesting 2) learning about the brave me who founded our country and those who fought for independence. Both the teacher and the lessons made me know I was one Lucky & Proud American. Mike, thanks for the reminder.

I love how you brew intimacy with the characters before you share the amazing story, help return glory to the West as we need your strength here in Australia too. Thanks Mike, Aaron.

Of course, within seconds I knew where this was going. That knowledge does not reduce its impact. Mike Rowe, doing what Mike Rowe does. A great presentation.

Thank you for once again being a guiding light in these stormy times.

The fact that Richard Stockton depended on the kindness of friends, rather than government handouts is also a sad long-forgotten cultural norm. Phenomenal presentation! I fear those true virtues are dying. I hope they can be revived.

Thank you Mike. I wonder how many Americans know of this story. Because it Ain't taught in our public schools since the seventies. Very few I'm sure , especially since they were one percenter's. Thanx again for what you do , and like the comment said , you are the new Paul Harvey.

I wish I could like this one multiple times Mike.

Thank you Mr. Rowe . These stories are filled with selflessness , courage , and bravery by a group of men who had a dream or just a good idea , and made it come true ! That too me is amazing. And it deserves our attention and admiration. It's amazing how little Americans know about our founding fathers or their own country. I wish I could come up with an idea to turn it around. I guess we just keep spreading the word around as much as we can . God knows our schools aren't doing it.

Thank you Mike for the story and the simple facts. We are a wonderful nation filled with honorable people that we ALL can be proud of. Happy Independence Day to you & yours.

Fantastic story, Mike. And... so spell-bindingly told. Thank you!

Loved this piece enough to listen to it again after hearing on Independence Day after doing my annual tradition of listening to "We Mutually Pledge" by Paul Harvey. Yes the Paul Harvey narration is probably one of those "overblown" re-tellings of the stories of the signers of the "Manifesto" but I have still loved it for years. When I was an on-air guy in radio I used to play it every time I drew the short straw and was live on the 4th. If I were still on the air and not just "engineer guy" now I'd probably ask permission to use this one. Nice work Mike, much like "The Rest of the Story" but with a less dated sound. Thanks for taking the time to share these "The Way I Heard It" stories. You are a natural storyteller and the rest of us benefit by your willingness to share.

This to me is more powerful now than it was 6 years ago thank you Mike Rowe for all you do for our country .

So moving. "... we pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor." Gets me every time.

Always love going back through Mike's content and picking up a new nugget of missed knowledge.

Frances Lewis is one of my ancestors. I love how you told his story. Thanks.

I thought we were talking Clubs and interested, then I recognized Mike Rowe and even more interested; now I’m interested and better for having watched. God bless Mike Patriot Rowe. America is better for his parents having him. Thank you

Wow, powerful Independence Day talk. Thank you, Mike!

I love when history comes to life in a way that's relatable to our current situation.

Wow!!! Mike Rowe for President! Ben sayin that for years. I even started a little school for teaching trade work skills. Thanks for the inspiration

Great reminder! We lost all sense of the cost of liberty. Those governing our land have lost all sense of duty, honor, serve & defend. When people living & educated in America celebrate a holiday but don't know what we're celebrating, we're doomed.

Powerful, moving and Thought Provoking! Well done, Mr. Mike Rowe!

Sir, you and a few others like you are today's National Treasures. Thank you for the reminder of why we celebrate this holiday.

You are like one of the most grounded famous persons I have ever listened to.

6 years later, and it's still just as poignant as ever. 7 years later and we are looking at a different United States. 6 years later, we are on the precipice of a cliff being eroded with every passing day. Too few people remember the lives and love of 56 men who lit the flame of liberty. Too many people take for granted the freedom we enjoy because of their sacrifice. The story of the 56 should be read at every dinner table, at every bar, at every concert, at every church to remind the people of this great nation that we are meant for more than what we have become. The story of the 56 should be in the hearts of every American, on the minds of every tyrant, and should garner admiration, respect, reverence from all... and send a cold shiver down the spine of every person who stands against what this nation was founded upon.

7 years later and this is still such a moving story. Happy Independence Day!

Thanks for that Mike. What amazes me is the lack of understanding the people have in Liberty and Freedom. Many of the people in this country are also willing to give up everything, but for and to the wrong cause. They are willing to give up their rights and therefore liberty and freedom. God Bless you. Love the message.

I was held captive for 7 minutes. I love stories like that. The podcast & especially the TV show educate, mentally enhance & entertain me. Keep it up, Mike. You’re doing a great job.

Half of everything that I know is because you taught it to me. Your TV shows, radio, Pod casts have been my classroom and you have been my teacher. Thank you Mike, I'm a better person because of you.

Great telling of a wonderful story of the beginning of our GREAT NATION. God Bless America & you too. Thanks for taking the time to remind us of the sacrifices made for freedom!🇺🇸

GOD BLESS YOU, MIKE ROWE!

I enjoyed the history lesson. Keep the history lessons coming. Thank you my fellow freedom brother

But yet we all forget and are not grateful .. Thanks Mike

This never gets old Mike, well done again.

The war started 19 April 1775 when the government sent soldiers to confiscate all firearms and arrest the people who owned them. This date, 19 April 1775 is America's real Birthday. Born in Blood, smoke and fire. Still a great video Mike, Thank you

Thanks Mike for your insight and dedication to our valued independence.

This showed up in my feed on July 3, 2023. Happy 4th everyone!

Thanks Mike. The more we share the more we learn. Thanks so much for sharing this.

I'm so happy to see Mike Rowe. What a great American.

🇺🇸🗽🎇 thanks Mike ,born and raised in Massachusetts and sick to my stomach to think this state is where it all started,and now this state is a disgrace from the government and foolish people, I've been a tradesman for 5 decades and I'm thankful for you and your wisdom you relay to the people,as in "WE the PEOPLE"🇺🇸🇺🇸

A reminder worth repeating every INDEPENDENCE DAY! Heck, every day of the year........ Thank you, Mike.

I’m glad to hear you contribute your inspirational insights onto this up & coming generation! You kind of remind me of the late great Paul Harvey! So Mike, give us “ the rest of the story!”

Well Done Sir. Excellent Presentation 👏 Be Well Mike 🙂

This says it all ! Great one Mike ! 🇺🇸

Thank you Mike for revealing another hidden history lesson! Who doesn't love a true hero's story packed with courage? This one brings it home to the heart. Imagine a society that was nonexploitive or self-seeking, but just thankful for what they have. We could dress ourselves without the government choosing what we wore or the accepted color schemes. Americans today are at the point of not trusting the majority of their leaders to even read a kid's book to their children without the fear of indoctrination towards an evil cause. Yet, even though I have never met you Mike, I would trust you to read to them, because the Spirit tells me so...but without the beer of course. 😊

Mike is the Best History Teacher I've ever come across, probably since Herodotus. Mike, if you could teach Geometry, Mechanics & the ever-dreaded and detested Algebra, we might even be able to go to the Moon or Mars Someday. Yes, even Us: the ditch diggers, the dishwashers, the toilette cleaners and the Toilers of the Farms and Cities. Even Us! Cheers,

I had a feeling where you were going with this story, even though I didn’t know the people mentioned. I salute my neighbours to the south🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇨🇦

Please run for president Mike

Thank you for an amazing perspective on the the real sacrifices made by our founders. Home of the brave and land of the free are not just words.

2023 thanks. still relevant today.

It sounded at the beginning that you were comparing the framers of the Declaration Of Independence (favorably) with the present day One Percent. I hope not, because there IS no comparison.

Ironic that there are 1000 thumbs up,,,, and 10 Thumbs down. You should re-release this every July 1st.

These men are why I served in the united states army. I took an irrevocable oath when I joined that day in1976 to protect and defend the Constitution from all enemies foreign and domestic.

Well done, Mike. Thanks for reminding citizens of what the 4th of July is really all about. Not just a day off work. The inconvenient reality that we all need to work hard to achieve success and maintain our way of life. Doesn't matter what you do. Smile anyway. Help others. Be honest. It's frustrating to see what is happening to our youth and our country. The media is convincing everyone they are helpless victims and to rely on government handouts to live. You have shined a light on this, and I thank-you for this. FYI, I'm 61 ,work construction " carpenter " over 40 yrs experience. Tried to retire. Was depressing so back to work after 4 back surgeries. Fused neck, back in my happy place. LOL

Mike Rowe gets better with age. Dang. What a heart-rending story, I didn't quite realize it was like that ... I puzzle over why they did not take precautions to ensure their loved ones weren't taken alive? I could never imagine that happening to my Wife and Family ... I'd sooner see us gunned down on our own land or eating cyanide pills for our last supper together. Either way ... heavy duty. Thank You, Mike Rowe, for this incredible piece of Americana. It's in my archives now.

Mike, you sound like today's version of Paul Harvey!! Glad to see you take up a very worthy cause. Now, go for it with great enthusiasm!

Thanks for rerunning this. A reminder is in order.

Thank you for sharing that. I shared it on Facebook. I learned to say, "Happy Declaration of Independence Day."

Mike Rowe is an exotic tribrid of Paul Harvey, Will Rogers, and Mark Twain!

You’re a great patriot Mike Remember When the people fear the government, there is tyranny When the government fears the people, there is liberty

I recall a crusty old local small town radio newsman back in the 70s and 80s who gave his Independence Day oration on the current political climate of the day. He would begin several times saying, " I see NOTHING to celebrate, ( long pause ), I see NOTHING to celebrate," then another long pause and then he went in to a very long explanation on many fronts. If he were alive today his transmission tower would be glowing red hot.

No time like the present, who knows this kind of sentiment could start a resurgence of the backbone required to turn this country back to it's roots....if not fare thee well and Shalom and God bless and keep you all

6:13 - Those who sacrifice essential liberty, to purchase temporary security, deserve neither, and soon lose both.

I have got to tell you Mike, about the middle of your presentation I was getting angry. I thought you were talking about today. I was thinking about anarchy. That's what it was, but not toward our government but the British. This was a powerful video. Thanks

First time I've gone to your site, I will continue as I need a breath of fresh air and common sense. From day one I have admired you, and now you have my undivided attention.

Thank you Mike Rowe for speaking so frankly.

LIBERTY over Safety, Pledge it !!!

SO enlightening to hear someone with such a following speak such truths.

Thanks Mike, Happy Independence Day to you too! You're a real American hero.

Mike, as usual crystal clear and spot on!

Man the new light that you shine on our independence is among the brightest. Such a awesome job!

As Independence day approaches again, my mind brushed over watching this video 2 years ago. So I rang it up and watched again. My eyes are stinging , so again Thank you Mr. Rowe. And THANK YOU ALL WHO HAVE CONTINUED TO FIGHT, ALIVE AND DEAD, MIA, for keeping it possible for us to crack a beer, fire up a grill, EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR.

What a brilliant concept, still worth preserving, still worth fighting for

Oh the Happy 4th of July (even with a bit of accent, nice touch) was such a unashamed gig at the south. Being from Alabama, I hear that a lot. I to enjoy saying Happy Independence Day, it just seems a little more authentic. Thank you for all that you do and where your focus remains. Strong, talented and resourceful America.

Mike I find it mind boggling that you don't have millions of subscribers.

Thank you for sharing that Mr. Rowe. Rarely do we in this country hear about the sacrifices all of us made, rich or poor, to create this country. For better or for worse our ancestors have given us an opportunity to uphold and maintain our freedoms. These freedoms extend to every single citizen and must continually be earned. I only hope we can continue to do our forefathers proudly.

My grandfather and my father and even my mother always taught us kids that there is no price that is ever too high to pay for liberty. Our founders were incredible people that did an amazingly incredible thing and it is just amazing that even today there are people just like they were.

When you really consider what these men had endured in an attempt to live their lives in peace and as free individuals with the same rights as any other human on the planet you begin to see just how enslaved we have always been. People are still too concerned with the inconveniences they may deal with if they were to take a stand. I have taken a stand and wouldn't bend and they hit me with everything they had and it forever changed my life. I now live with the words "when injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" tattooed on my forearm. I see it every day and I am reminded that It is my duty to stand for my beliefs even if what I believe has me standing alone because those who stand for nothing will fall for anything.

Listening to this on indepence day 2021. God bless ya Mike and God bless the USA

Those who give a thumbs down think this is just a story. They don't realize that it's true.

Nice story. And as true as far as it goes. The issue that initiated the Founding Father’s ire wasn’t taxes by itself, or even so much the tax rate imposed on colonists. The issue that initiate action on the part of the Founding Fathers was that colonists were being taxed without having representation in Parliament.

Very well told. I live in Australia and it was all new to me. There is an echo however. I was born in England just after the Second World War and my wise parents took us from the devastation and food rationing to beautiful New Zealand thence PNG as missionaries thence Australia. Am logically in my latter 70’s and have long felt so sorry for the widows of that terrible war. They are gone now so rest in peace. But those men you mentioned were like the troops that went off “to save the world” and they too never came back. Your 4 brave men fought and died for a miserable America going to hell in a basket as is England, France, Germany, Australia, South America, Africa, Europe......what a waste the giving of those past lives. Is there a wise reader of these words able to point to any government anywhere anytime which brought peace, prosperity without corruption. Please name just one. My point? We can mend broken bodies, build awesome bridges, airplanes, works of incredible art.....but NO ONE has the innate ability to govern another. Not in our own homes or streets or communities, country nor State. We have to look outside of a square which brings, bloodshed, misery, inheritance of mere cash to our children. Those men in the beginning of your story expressed a feeling we all have...but the method failed them and their immediate families. As with all the troops in history ......there has to be a better way that we can find based on the eloquence of those earnest men.

There needs to be more of these Mike! They are so enjoyable.

God Bless Mike, once this type on common sense was very common. The time to refresh the tree of liberty........ ( Finish the sentence)

Love it Mike. Thanks for all you do to help enlighten your fellow man. Commenting to help the algorithm get this trending again

Love you Mike. You should be president of our country. This USA needs people like you in charge. You are definitely fulfilling your call. Keep up the GOOD work

I allow the commercials to run while I read the comments. I hope this helps!