to track where our money goes. research now talks about our buying power. we went to be the 1/3 -- authority where it goes. we want to show where the buying power can go. more to go to west side chicago or south side atlanta. if we spend more here or there how many jobs can it create? we want to show the impact on america. the foundation is focused on that and for me to focus on inspiring consumers to look for and support our business is. we have great future ahead hopefully to say there is 20

grocery stores. that is the future. >> host: they do for the conversation. we will check for you and the empowerment experiment in its next phase.

>> hello. thanks for coming out on this evening. as many of you node after nearly 40 years of business coming be here are proud of our section of the staff picks and hope to gain more attention from our comments. will often ask period -- each other would be reading? we will respond as staff tick. maybe. it did not hold up. yes. even though you have word and i are best friends and have put back more than a few beers and have ridden

mirrored -- many chairlifts side-by-side it does not follow i would staff pick his new book but i did because it is an excellent book. hugh howard worked for various publishing houses over 10 years. as then architecture zero historian writing for "the new york times" the basis of his first book the preservationist progress. he has written over dozen books on american architecture, art, history. him and his wife moved in 1981 where they chronicled their efforts to remodel an old colonial in his book house streets. he has turned his eye to thomas jefferson and his role as an architect and inspiration to other early architects in his book dr. campbell and mr. jefferson. he brought to life the

founding druthers of american painting and the elusive george washington. recently, along with his collaborator, he wrote to from the houses of the founding fathers. they are hard at it again in this sequel to called houses of the presidents. right envy his research troops. you should ask him about his and visit to bill clinton's boyhood home. turning to the war of 1812 with the book "mr. & mrs. madison's war" america's first couple at the second war of independence" published by blooms very book and the history book club selection of the month. most of us have a great school remember this of the war 1812, dolly saving the george washington portrait, francis scott key.

much more complicated. added time of considerable political division. the yankees wanted nothing to do without war. what a diverse cast of characters per co-chief the diminutive and brilliant james madison and his vivacious wife dolly. their first -- the first power couple and the obama's could learn much from james and dolley. of pivotal moment in her history america be sieged sought to maintain its independence from forces to huge to repel. but they did. a concept that the few independent bookstores appreciate. thinks to c-span and a booktv, be sure to check out the schedule to find out

when this will be held or telecast. he will offer remarks then take questions and will happily sign copies of his book. also copies are available on our website to. the book loft.com if you have questions remember to wait for the microphone. the entire staff are very pleased to welcome our friend and neighbor, 89. [applause] >> hugh howard. >> good evening. wonderful to be here thank you for those kind words.

also markets and alec and all of the other folks here. independent stores are becoming more and more important in this world. for those of us to enjoy the process of browsing for books it has the special place. i think them for being here tonight. to begin, the question that comes to mind why a book on the war of 1812? partly because i can recount. this is 2012 there for the bicentennial of the war. anniversaries have they

doppler effect. you don't hear them much. then they stay away. i was hoping they could catch the moment. maybe it is working. another reason for the book of 1812 is my curiosity. it is the war that 10 stew blur if you ask any casuals or any other conflict of the 20th century would get to up pretty good answer. asking about the revolution, and the shot heard around the world, washington, a valley forge and they come easily to mind.

the lowered 1812 was a different matter. asking this question repeatedly, for the most part it is a no man's land. i wanted to do something about that. of the third reason is deciding what to write next to come up with an idea but to the pattern is the same that to i do homework. went to find something that has not been said by whether people and based on the participants' weight back in time. when i have a hand though i put words on paper. there is a moment when a

move to another subject or orion know i want to to write to the book. with mr. and mrs. madison, that happened with this paragraph. i will read it. picture a president looking at the ruined of two of the nation's most iconic buildings. he warns their loss burned in an act of international terrorism. award declaration is in the air based on false intelligence. promise as well above and easily accomplished victory. unfortunately the conflict turns into a war that mts the treasury and divides the country and leaves nine feeling tramp and.

consider this president was james madison the building is the capital, the president's house, the year is 1814. history echoes it is interesting it could be oddly contemporary. the more relearn to the more confusing was the subject. the name of the war is something of a misnomer. it was declared 1812 but all of 1813 and all of 1814 and into 1815. the biggest single military victory was fought after the war was ov

. >> we have and your checks

and in new orleans and then john quincy adams standing in a short jacket. the treaty could be summed up in the phrase of status quote antebellum. away it was before the war. very little changes. except in some ways it was something of a watershed and like to make the case it was very important to shape the american character in more contemporary terms, we were being bullied and we stood up for ourselves. david and goliath although

we did not knock our opponent to the ground but hours of conscience -- confidence was altered as a result. it may be useful to explain to mr. and mrs. madison is a function of chronology. madison was president but the declaration that began and in doing gland it would interfere with trade and the politicians were mostly merchants. they quickly called the conflict mr. madison's war.

although no warrior

who a. >> they did not like it then. we do not like it no.

fourth, alleged the british were stirring up the indians. and then the declaration of war referring to the warfare of the northwest territory. he blamed the english for causing trouble the us the support of infection called the war hawks probably e did not hurt the people around said that would be an easy matter that jefferson predicted the capture of canada would be which makes good alliteration but it did not play out that way out.

i am delighted to say that i knew when i decided to write the book i wanted to talk about the human perspective mr. and mrs. madison. so painted by gilbert stuart 52 excuse anachronism she is the babe but look at her. her gaze is direct, so is she. meeting james she was recently widowed, he was 43. world-renowned political

philosophers and principal author of the united -- constitution and still live with his parents. [laughter] she stood taller, at younger, a striking good looks literally turning heads on the streets. as a team, you can sensor personality i can see why finding her to his taste the term first lady did not come into use until 1848 then she was referred to as the first lady it was to characterize this woman. she was perfect mrs. madison

this of flying dame has a smile for everybody. james secretary of state dolly was the president's hostess. jefferson you recall is a word and on her way to become a central figure the role that she took on full-time march 4th. one admirer observed with her husband swearing in she looked like a queen it she rapped just strip of silk fabric about her head. james, it admitted to sleeping poorly looked pale but dolly affable to

everyone went on happily. ever for 16 years she ruled over washington society welcoming political friends so many came that during them madison presidency she was well known and probably more widely loved and admired than hurt husband. the man that james madison defeated was heard to remark i was beaten by mr. and mrs. madison. i may have a better chance of it was him alone. i decided they had different but complementary perspectives.

now to tell the story of 1812 it would take hours rather than minutes. by would be remiss if the conflict did produce in the pathology of people don't associate the stories before example in the early weeks 18 british pound cannonball built off -- bounced off the constitution came guessing more than a few people in the room have walked said techs. august 19, 1812 they won a decisive victory when the ship reduced the ship to a

perfect unmanageable rack. of course, it was then made of iron. that was a great day for history but i will read another story from the pages of my book. >> stood to great ships are under easy sale in the midday sun. on a tranquil see the leading the uss chesapeake of pursuit in name only. as the captain reached the understanding the ship was square off in a fair fight for grabs a stroke of 4:00 the americans fired a gun. british captains ordered the

topsails up slowing the progress. by half past five the chesapeake -- chesapeake was closing in fast for both ships the year when. moving fast enough just as a pawn it comes down, then shannon's star byrd aside it was a nervous moment as they may have passed and opened fire but the americans chose not to attempt to that maneuver an unspoken in gentlemen's agreement they would fight on equal terms this was the year to redo a close range the ships sailing nearly side-by-side separated by 50 yards. 20 miles east of boston 10 minutes before 6:00 p.m.. the american captain

james, as she slowed it entered a firing range. broke standing order when the ships that the second the second report was heard before the gunners replied. there after that air thundered over the next six minutes the ship's sustained three full broadsides there was the crackle and pop of the muskets and rifles. the hellish cannon fire blasted into the holes of both ships. buying into the corridors the water -- quarterdeck and water deck killed the men mogul's ships many men fell

program rifleman shot the homeless men of the chesapeake the man who took his place soon have the same fate. also hitting the lieutenant. to shipman were killed outright and another had a leg blown off. they suffered many casualties but aboard the shannon war than 50 men were dead. clearly visible from the top they made a pretty target. he could no longer stand without raising himself and issued orders refuse to be carried the low. as the shot separated the dax the chesapeake carried her beyond what the guns would bear. the sales damage, the helm shattered, when she fell off

scores into the path of the issue and in. kappa din lawrence called for a boarding party but the british were quicker as the ships collided bet captain stepped onto the deck of the chesapeake before the captain could have another counterattack the shot went into his growing he staggered and fell saying fire away. several sailors met the british commander with force. striking him in the face of waiting those of the one clubs and with the bottom of the musket another had a portion of his brain. of reem came to the aid

another bound to the head wound with a handkerchief. they overwhelm the americans in a matter of minutes another wave came aboard to drive the crewmen below deck to secure the hatches. captain lawrence was carried below despite his wounds he still issued commands. don't surrender the ship. when the maid came to him he sent them away to attend to the wounded men who arrived first. i can wait my turn. upon hearing the quiet teeth ordered them to fight faster until they sing. you know, when another wounded officer was carried in the news he brought did not seem possible.

they carried her bet lawrence remained insistent. do not give up the ship. it was too late to the british countrymen had or the hauled down the colors and wasted the flag in its place. captain james lawrence would live three days before he died of his wounds. few doubts was expressed of fighting the shannon that day but many of much louder voices said the toast was soon offered by secretary of state in washington in the society as cincinnati in the york but the most prophetic bespoke 10 in baltimore and

the words do not give up the ship the eternal model of america. in fact,, lawrence's friend soon raise the pundits on his ship called the uss lawrence named after the late capt. and it was sown with his famous phrase and became the model. ironically a horrific loss a hero and a rallying cry. i do not have been a video of the war of 1812. but in my mind's eye i can envision a book journalist how hollywood dennis and the

highlights would have to include the battle of baltimore, a crucial conflict with the land and the sea, them bombardment of those who were held captive on a ship. he recorded on the first publication the defense of fort mchenry but somebody else renamed it the "star spangled banner." also the smoke from the battle of lake erie still in the air to dotting in no to the secretary of four unused and willow peoples from his pocket. he has met the enemy and they are ours.

and then there was a surge wielding a saber. then jump to the president or the dolly awaits james return which is the lead time in american history when they have been at the front. only mr. madison did their return. instead retreating soldiers fled to the town dolly looking down of the largest house but for-- packaging papers were 18 and wondering until a messenger arrives with though word from james. he is a free slave.

but she can't until she deals with george. , she can hear the boom of the cannon she refuses to leave until she can arrange a safe departure saving the portrait of jarret -- george washington hanging in the dining room. she recognizes it would be a prize for the invaders and said later if it would fall into the hands of the enemy they could make a great finish. to servants are sent to the task to retrieve the portrait taller than any person in with her permission and day hack away with a hatchet once the frame is reduced to kindling the canvas is or to the floor. only then do we cut to the

carriage to watch mrs. madison depart and trusting the painting to two friends to hid it in the barn in maryland. phi were planning a movie a suppose i would convey in the 21st century terms terms, dolly was hot. james was a little bit like a nerd andrew jackson was the rock star in new orleans with his wind. but seriously we must grapple with the substance of four. we put a premium on winning which is why though war of 1812 was the forgot 10 war. unusual where no clear winner emerged reading about lyndon johnson about south

vietnam and henry cabot lodge to sam will not go down in history as the first president to lose the war, i mumbled under my breath, hold the phone. that ships sailed hadn't madison already lost a war? that prompted me to think about winners and losers to ask the question who won the war of 1812 inouye? although it may seem one candidate, let me explain and a misreading of what the neighbors were thinking many americans talk themselves to think they would have the invading force and not all major%. and a clay assured president madison they are loan and competent to place canada at the feet.

quite incorrect. with the invasion that canadians do not welcome them from the south and the three pronged invasion and look to a fair. the northwestern reorganize state surrendered to a much smaller force in detroit. it was a debacle. of force in niagara was captured on canadian soil. november, the assault on montreal ended in a retreat terrifying exchange of friendly fire. the british forces of canada more than held their own throat the war. perhaps it could be said that canadians were victorious. a group that did not win was the american indians was settler approaching on their

lands many side with theitish tw jackson believes native americans were at excited to war by the agents of britain with the ongoing fear of lexington kentucky of the scalping knife and the tomahawk of the savages the indians found themselves doing battles with henry harris soon and of the typical new fame and jackson after he took charge of u.s. forces of the south. the charismatic tecumseh tecumseh, wellington of the indian who bought the battle of thames. after of massacre by of land and of creeks the jackson campaign culminated

march 1814 battle of horseshoe bend. one they could see 20 million acres from white settlement. the american indian was "the biggest loser" and knows a prelude for others to come. another loser was the federalist party to present did madison the opposition first voted in a block 39 to nothing against the import of june 1812. does that sound familiar? they have the opposition often mitch mcconnell had nothing.

the federalist later opposed more funding in congress and their own region the opposition extended to continue to trade with the enemy and their refusal to commit the militiamen to the boundaries of massachusetts. as confidante massachusetts said day she said half of new england is watching. in a suicidal act the federal was assembled behind closed doors and the stated purpose was to move toward a radical reform but in fact, was an open secret they're advocating withdrawal from the union or an alliance with britain. the convention did not succeed the resolutions produced our politics

however the taint would poison the party by the time of the next presidential election the federalist parties see it -- sees deal benny power in washington. the was for generations to have that one party did democratic republicans. the federalist party died with the war of 1812 of self-inflicted wounds. how about his majesty and mr. madison's? could they be called victorious? the royal navy in a ship to ship confrontation that began the war demonstrating prowess of the american

sailors and ending the illusion we did not do a very good job to witness the burning buildings of those of the men that is to say someone other sauce to put this end when the combatants pack up and go home that is what happened at the end of the war of 1812 but given how the gold evolved with focuses more on winning and going home. maybe we should make a particular attempt to look at the war of 1812 and what it has engendered. it is not incidental i a dedicate the book to then

and now to the unwinnable war. but there were a outcomes lourdes gains that serve the american interests. with the signing of the treaty trade was restored. ships left daily from the ports. the westward blum saw land values rise in population growth there was a new unity symbolized by james and dolley madison. left washington writing a tide of popularity. madison's successor upon taking office embarked on the north and south that one newspaper called the era of good feeling. the fighting was launched

out as henry clay said is necessary to america as a tool is to of the young officer to him being bullied in society while the american belligerence has not been vanquished the war of 1812 did poorly their confidence or has given the americans what they lack as a national character founded on the glory come to wall. it would begin to demonstrate the new-found confidence united states had a role to play in the larger world that i think is the most significant legacy of "mr. & mrs. madison's war." thank you.

[applause] do we have any questions? we have a microphone. very interesting. you call this "mr. & mrs. madison's war" the think it was this matter since initiative to go to war? it was the last big event done before those who were not at the founding. and the first and last time congress follow the rules and debated and declared war before we've got started fighting. >> i think he rode a wave of

widespread public opinion to say who got of the east you found a lot of folks who thought it was necessary to go to war to save face and there was support where many were hawks came to power. that was part of it. in no sense initiative going to war in aid to know seven it was attacked quite unexpectedly then many calls go to war. it was not a seemingly easy solution in negotiating

terms. clearly not his idea but he decided it was a necessity to dictate the documents to deliver to congress and subsequent ratified has said declaration of war. does that answer a question? any more questions? >> to what extent do you think phi have been napoleon in europe but the same time? >> interest dain question. at the beginning of the war that was a major issue. within in april 1814, and

then it came to -- after with the duke of wellington derived and marched on washington that turned back but it is hard to separate the causes of four and the events of four because one of the principal reasons is the british were out of sailors of their own. they have almost been at war 20 years at this point* with the french. the simple answer is it is impossible to separate the french war from this war and to be integrated and a very complicated way.

question? >> proposal interested in the naval aspect that they started to build the navy that jefferson did the support returning the war he did write how proud he was, there is a thesis six frigates that were herb builds repeatedly on lake erie convince wellington they could not win and that led to them willing to make the peace. do have a comment on that thesis? >> gettelfinger there is much question. i know there is a letter that wellington wrote to

napoleon minister to france and then when the advice was solicited obviously paraphrasing bette to it would be soleil to pursue this because you will not win coming in the wake of the battle of baltimore so those of more likely to have impact did his decision to prosecute the war further. but no question that to welling tens opinion carries a lot of weight and the

character of that shifted slide of think there is any question wellington had in impact. >> i am curious if you could tell us about the romantic misfit i learned about in school of the alliance between andrew jackson and pirates and the battle of new orleans? what is true? >> and is a very interesting story. i am sure people know more about it than i do but early on he wanted that -- nothing whatsoever to do and had unpleasant terms but jackson

was nothing if not pragmatic. also with intimate knowledge of the complicated and watery terrain. the personnel why he wanted to her ratio may know think he but is unhappy about it. but i think and your jackson did not hold them in high regard but not enough men or skills. >> dicey a question. >> dolly madison.

[laughter] the way you describe her she sounds like she may be the first of the modern first lady's. what do say about the potential first lady's right now is the most like dolly madison? >> interesting but for the participatory first lady one example in her time when she was a young woman and ever got adams was the first lady , she was acquainted with all of them. at their weekly fence fence, people had to come up and bowel to get the attention of the first lady.

win dolly madison would walk around and shake hands. issue is very accessible and friendly and a warm person who will come to both sides of the political spectrum to hurt the finns which was a force of good and to be able to do more of that today. not placing blame on michelle obama with such show polarizing it situation with michele obama. i don't know enough about the first lady is one has to admirer any number but i don't know enough about contemporary first lady's to give you a good answer.

[laughter] i see another question. >> have you sent a copy to the president and mrs. obama? >> good idea. i don't think so. we should do that. [laughter] >> demint chin how you do early research but go back a step before that. had you pick a subject to do research? but to look at the calendar

2012 and then my previous book of george washington of thomas jefferson there is a logic to writing about the federal arrow. and the chronology fit. and to know about dolly madison and all of these great white guys we could talk about slaves, architecture, and then that could make history little interesting.

>> so of the buildings were burned except the old brick building inhabited and the, daunt the rumor has said the royal marine spirited to four burning out of respect for our marines but nobody knows the truth. can you shed light on that? >> one building that was scared was the patent office executed from the kappa all stood in front of the building and said you cannot do this it is worth -- worse than destroying the ice and geo library it is not about politics.

i never heard the story of the marine building. thank you for coming. i appreciate your time and listening. good evening. [applause] >> the morality of capitalism is the name of the book. the subtitle is what the professors will not tell you. megan robins is the communications director for the group what what they tell us? >> the project is expansion of the project we do every year it -- every year also

the subtitle what the professors will not tell you. we gave over 100,000 copies a way to student groups to distribute on campus. is focused on the adm of capitalism as a moral argument not just economic. we collected essays from all over the world with the viewpoint of capital lonesome. >> host: that includes john mack be? bill but he is the founder of dole food and writes about capitalism as a moral argument to have the moral high ground to say they can decide hot days decide how to live their lives it is a very moral argument to make. >> host: what is to dance for liberty? >> 51c3 nonprofit a network

of support and resources for student groups all over the world and all over the united states to promote the idea of liberty on their college campus. >> host: when was it founded? >> 2008 by a group of young interns in the washington d.c. area. who have roundtable discussion to promote liberty on campus. then decided to have another meeting but then they formed as an organization in. >> we are on over 700 student groups in our network all over the world. >> host: your second compilation? >> guest: yes. that we have put together in partnership with the atlas society. >> host: the ayn rand society? >> guest: the at less society. >> host: may again roberts when of a