H. Robert Baker, Duty to Resist

Tenther Radio Episode #83: H. Robert Baker, Duty to Resist







In this repeat of Tenther Radio Episode 50, Robert Baker joins Michael and Nick to discuss his book The Rescue of Joshua Glover: A Fugitive Slave, the Constitution, and the Coming of the Civil War. Baker is an Associate Professor at Georgia State University. In the preface of his book he explains that, “Deeply embedded in the American Revolution was the concept that the people, properly organized, might act on their own.”
Then he gives us an overview of the cultural undercurrents surrounding the organized protests in Wisconsin seeking to secure Glover’s freedom. Protesters at the courthouse actually appointed a president and created committees, drafted resolutions to deal with the legalities of ensuring Glover’s freedom. The people of Wisconsin refused to bow to the concept of judicial supremacy.

“I think we’re kind of resigned to the fact that we live under a regime of judicial supremacy today.” – Robert Baker

“The obvious counterargument to rights is that we’re fighting an enemy that doesn’t respect rights, and I fundamentally believe that this is a mistake…and sometimes this is hard [applying rights universally to everyone], especially when we’re dealing with people that we don’t like.” – Robert Baker

 

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