Medical science had pretty much eradicated measles by the year 2000, but an outbreak occurred recently in Texas and other states largely because many children had not been vaccinated. Public resistance to vaccination has grown in recent years, and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, has cut vaccine research drastically.

Could resistance to medical science run amok, endangering public health?

This podcast cites the example of George Washington’s decision to immunize his troops against smallpox early in the American Revolution. The podcast also identifies how a worldwide vaccination campaign to eliminate smallpox eventually succeeded in the late twentieth century. Both histories are relevant to present-day clashes between the defenders and critics of vaccines.

Why have Republicans and Democrats become sharply divided about dealing with immigration? Is compromise possible? There are no easy solutions for settling disputes, but this podcast suggests ideas. It identifies an important lesson from history that is frequently overlooked. For decades, we’ve all been engaged in illegal activity when dealing with immigration -- American citizens, American business leaders, and undocumented foreigners.

Ordinarily, American presidents don’t vilify previous chief executives, but Donald Trump is different. Trump routinely criticizes former presidents, especially Democrats. No president is so consistently the target of Trump’s contempt as Barak Obama.

What is the source of that negativity? Trump’s behavior might spring from anger over humorous remarks Obama made years ago. Barack Obama’s jesting may have influenced Donald Trump’s decision to run for president and his decision-making at the White House.