Principle Perspective with Mike Winther

Mike Winther
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Since its inception in 2005, the Institute for Principle Studies has examined government from a perspective of principle over pragmatism, hope over discouragement, and the recognition of the Lordship of Jesus Christ over every area of life. This podcast will continue that mission of providing valuable teaching in the areas of government, economics, and history.

  1. 06/19/2024

    Biblical Principles of Government (10b)

    In Christianity, there is a lot of discussion about end times, tribulation, rapture, and similar topics. Mike Winther addresses end times views found in the Bible. The modern church holds different views compared to the traditional perspectives. In this episode, Mike argues in favor of the traditional view rather than the modern interpretation of the end times. He also emphasizes that this topic is not an absolute necessity of the Christian faith. True and honest Christians disagree about the end times and even about what the Bible says regarding them. As believers, this is a subject on which we can agree or disagree. Most churches have adopted the newer version of the end times from the 1860s or 1870s; this view encourages the church to remain passive. In this discussion, Mike revisits what the Bible says as he concludes this series. You'll Learn: [01:02] There are Christians who believe that when the Antichrist takes over there will be a one world government. This ties in because there are people pushing for a one world government. [02:52] Their church had a dispensational view. This view says that there's a 7-year tribulation coming, at the end of this is the second coming of Christ, things get worse and worse, there's a one world government, and Christians are persecuted.  [03:41] There is also the view that the church is raptured out either at the beginning, middle, or end of the tribulation. [05:58] Mike spent a year reading Gary Demar and studying biblical end times. He had an amazing bible study year.  [06:23] If you haven't heard of this view, he wants you to at least know about it. You might just have the best Bible study year of your life. [06:45] Eschatology is the study of the end times. [07:34] Matthew 24. The Olivet discourse. [17:41] According to all of the scripture these prophecies took place in the first century. [19:44] The new world view is the future tribulation and the one world government. The old worldview was that the tribulation was a prophecy. [20:02] The prophetic event that we are waiting for is the second coming of Jesus. [21:27] The Antichrist isn't mentioned in Revelations. [22:53] Mike talks about Revelations 1. [26:29] In Matthew, Jesus talks about the abomination of desolation. [28:31] Second Thessalonians chapter 2.  [30:41] Psalm 110. This is the Old Testament passage most quoted in the New Testament. [32:37] The end times view of things getting worse and worse isn't supported in scripture. [33:13] The 3,000 page challenge. [33:58] Free yourself from debt and government subsidies. Consider the 5% Challenge and supporting good causes. [37:21] Suggest a ministry in the church for government economics.  [38:04] Encourage private education as opposed to government education. [40:09] Don't be afraid to teach hard biblical truth. Present it lovingly and humbly but present the truth. [41:31] Have a long-term strategy of education and changing hearts and minds. [45:00] William Wilberforce and his plight to absolve the slave trade. [48:22] Let's start building the kind of world that God wants us to build. Your Resources: Books to browse Biblical Principles of Government (1a) Biblical Principles of Government (1b) Biblical Principles of Government (2a) Biblical Principles of Government (2b) Biblical Principles of Government (3a) Biblical Principles of Government (3b) Biblical Principles of Government (4a) Biblical Principles of Government (4b) Biblical Principles of Government (5a) Biblical Principles of Government (5b) Biblical Principles of Government (6a) Biblical Principles of Government (6a) Biblical Principles of Government (7a) Biblical Principles of Government (7b) Biblical Principles of Government (8a) Biblical Principles of Government (8b) Biblical Principles of Government (9a) Biblical Principles of Government (9b) Biblical Principles of Government (10a) Last Days Madness God and Government The Apocalypse Code William Wilberforce

    50 min

  2. 06/12/2024

    Biblical Principles of Government (10a)

    In this session, Mike Winther discusses government, relativism, and absolute truth. He talks about how the modern educational system teaches relativism instead of absolute truth. A significant part of the modern world's conflict centers on the debate over the existence of absolute truth. The message of this class is that absolute truths do exist, and there may be more of them than we initially thought. In the first week of this lecture series, Mike explored the proper role of government. The core assumption is that there is a proper role for government, as well as improper roles. We should have a framework for determining what the proper role of government is. God's commands and prohibitions that apply to individuals also apply to groups, including the government. Any exceptions to this rule must be clearly outlined in scripture. We can always look to the Bible to see what powers are given to the government or magistrate. The civil government adjudicates disputes, protects our rights, and defends us from foreign invasion. Mike reviews some concepts from previous episodes and introduces new material on foreign policy and war. He shares how biblical principles that apply to individuals on a small scale also apply to groups and governments. You'll Learn: [00:56] Government, relativism, and absolute truth. Our modern education is teaching our kids relativism, not absolute truth. [02:05] There are absolute truths. We should have a framework for deciding what the proper role of government is. [03:21] The collective application of God's commands. God's command applies to us individually and collectively. [06:09] The civil government adjudicates disputes between individuals. Each institution has tools given to them by scripture. These include the power of the rod for the family government, excommunication for the church government, and power of the sword for the civil government. [07:07] The government is also here to protect our rights. [13:17] The law is needed to bring salvation, social order, and help us identify who God is. [13:49] R. J. Rushdoony is one of Mike's favorite authors.  [18:39] Foreign policy and war. The use of the sword.  [23:47] What applies on the small scale also applies on the big scale. [26:00] If we are wronged in a non-violent way we turn the other cheek. [29:29] The biblical principle of self-defense. [34:34] Mike talks about the US drone strikes in Pakistan. [37:23] Mike talks about constitutional wars and unconstitutionally declared wars. If we're going to go to war they should be constitutionally declared. [41:20] He also touches on Brexit and the European Union. [45:17] Mike gives an example about how division is better than one central power. [46:56] The more power, the more temptation to sin. Your Resources: Books to browse Biblical Principles of Government (1a) Biblical Principles of Government (1b) Biblical Principles of Government (2a) Biblical Principles of Government (2b) Biblical Principles of Government (3a) Biblical Principles of Government (3b) Biblical Principles of Government (4a) Biblical Principles of Government (4b) Biblical Principles of Government (5a) Biblical Principles of Government (5b) Biblical Principles of Government (6a) Biblical Principles of Government (6a) Biblical Principles of Government (7a) Biblical Principles of Government (7b) Biblical Principles of Government (8a) Biblical Principles of Government (8b) Biblical Principles of Government (9a) Biblical Principles of Government (9b) R. J. Rushdoony: A Patriarch for Modern Theonomy Institutes of Biblical Law (Vol. 1-3)

    53 min

  3. 06/05/2024

    Biblical Principles of Government (9b)

    In this ongoing discussion of Biblical Principles of Government, Mike Winther talks about the ongoing battle over history. He begins with a tribute to King Massasoit and explains how the pilgrims bought land from the Native Americans. This tribute eventually evolved into a plaque commemorating the conflict between the pilgrims and the Native Americans, highlighting two different narratives. There is a battle over history. We learn about some interesting aspects of English and early American history from the pilgrims, legal scholars, and early church leaders. Mike emphasizes that in order to have liberty and freedom, these concepts must exist in the minds of the people. He then turns to America and the battle for heroes, starting with the unique characteristics of George Washington. This discussion provides a wonderful look into our history, all tying back to Biblical principles. You'll Learn: [00:40] The Mayflower II is a replica of the Mayflower. There is a statue of Massasoit . A symbol of people who held justice higher than their race.  [02:36] We don't evangelize a compromising truth or a compromising God. [03:02] Land was purchased by the pilgrims who understood property rights.  [04:08] National Day of Mourning, and Thanksgiving as a reminder of genocide.  [08:26] Pilgrims founded Harvard as a university to teach pastors and Christians and create a new level of leadership. [09:36] Mike explains how Charles I was a tyrant. [12:09] The brief that John Cooke helped create to justify sentencing Charles I. [14:13] The people wanted a king, and Charles II had a reign of terror unlike anything that his father had done. [15:10] The battle for heroes. George Washington was unique. [15:49] The French and Indian War. This was the French and the Indians against the colonists and the English. [21:01] Mike talks about George Washington's miraculous survival in the war. [28:14] Looking back and making historical figures heroes to suit our political agenda. [34:32] Our heroes matter. Selling ideas by selling our heroes. [35:17] Industrialization of the 1800s. A lot of the population was moving out west.  [36:05] In order to get the Transcontinental Railroad, the government created the Union Pacific and the Central Pacific Companies to build railroads.  [37:17] The greatest subsidy was the US Army which was used to clear the Indians from the land. [40:16] Whenever anybody tells you a project is too big for the private sector, don't believe it. [43:01] There's a lot of revisionist history out there. Both sides accuse the other side of revising history. Your Resources: Books to browse Biblical Principles of Government (1a) Biblical Principles of Government (1b) Biblical Principles of Government (2a) Biblical Principles of Government (2b) Biblical Principles of Government (3a) Biblical Principles of Government (3b) Biblical Principles of Government (4a) Biblical Principles of Government (4b) Biblical Principles of Government (5a) Biblical Principles of Government (5b) Biblical Principles of Government (6a) Biblical Principles of Government (6a) Biblical Principles of Government (7a) Biblical Principles of Government (7b) Biblical Principles of Government (8a) Biblical Principles of Government (8b) Biblical Principles of Government (9a) Mayflower II The Tyrannicide Brief: The Story of the Man Who Sent Charles I to the Scaffold Bulletproof George Washington Real Lincoln Lincoln Unmasked The Myth of the Robber Barons by Burt Folsom Crown and Covenant Trilogy

    47 min

  4. 05/29/2024

    Biblical Principles of Government (9a)

    Mike Winther continues his discussion on Biblical Principles of Government. This episode will focus on history, but he begins the lecture by highlighting two key solutions to our problems: the political solution and the educational solution. All of our efforts to change the world can be divided into these two categories. We either try to change society politically or through education. Unfortunately, we often concentrate all our efforts on the political solution, when focusing on education is the real answer. Spending just one-tenth of what is spent on political campaigns on biblical education could significantly influence the outlooks of future generations. Mike also emphasizes the importance of reading physical books, underlining, and bookmarking the best passages. Mike kicks off the history portion by breaking down the etymology of the word "history." He discusses how history is important to God and uses the Bible as an example. Mike then explores the six philosophical views of history that shape how people perceive it. We learn that history is the study of the consequences of ideas. Mike strives to make history interesting and ties it back to the Biblical Principles we cherish. You'll Learn: [01:02] The political and educational solutions to our problems. We either try to change society politically or through education. [01:41] Sometimes we get our focus wrong and put all of our effort on the political solution and neglect education. [05:32] If we spent 1/10 of what is spent on political campaigns on education and teaching High School students this course, it would change society. [12:16] Mike talks about the importance of reading and how we all need to be readers. [16:06] History and the etymology of the word. His story or the working out of God's story. [19:15] History is important to God. Just try to find a book in the Bible that isn't about history. [19:44] Psalm 78 and Joshua 4 and Judges 5 and the New Testament. [22:23] Mike talks about the six philosophical views of history that frame how people view history. [23:15] The state of society, good or bad. Early time and later time. This charts the views of History. [23:46] 1. The random view of History. Things are sometimes better and sometimes worse. [24:13] 2. The pendulum view of History where we swing from one extreme to another. [24:51] 3. The evolutionary progress view. This is where everything evolves over time and gets better. [25:39] The first three views of history are atheist or agnostic. The next three are compatible with Christianity. [25:41] He also talks about what all Christians agree on. [27:13] 4. The pessimistic view. Things get worse and worse until the second coming. [27:46] 5. The neutral view. We're not getting more or less righteous, things just vacillate back and forth. [28:08] 6. The optimistic view. Over time, the church has more influence, and the level of righteousness improves. [28:46] Psalm 110 [36:37] History is simply the study of the consequences of ideas. It gets exciting when you think about the stuff that really happened. [37:48] The Magna Carta was the first time a king was seriously challenged. [38:36] The Great Charter was the start of a multi-millennial challenge to the power of the king. [39:46] Mike shares the history before the landing of the Mayflower. [40:30] The Gutenberg Bible gave more people access to read God's word.  [42:28] Separatists were people who were tired of the Church of England and were separating. The Puritans were trying to purify and solve all the flaws. [43:11] The pilgrims lived in Holland before they came to Plymouth. John Robinson preached all of God's words.  [44:14] The number one reason they left Holland was because their children were too influenced by the secular nature of Holland. The fifth reason was to evangelize the natives of North America. [48:20] The Mayflower Compact. The first constitution in the US. [51:51] The providential view of history says that Providence or God intervenes in history. [56:24] The pilgrims didn't have enough crops to sustain themselves. [01:00:35] The first experiment in socialism was a failure. Once it was abandoned they had more food than they could use. Your Resources: Books to browse Biblical Principles of Government (1a) Biblical Principles of Government (1b) Biblical Principles of Government (2a) Biblical Principles of Government (2b) Biblical Principles of Government (3a) Biblical Principles of Government (3b) Biblical Principles of Government (4a) Biblical Principles of Government (4b) Biblical Principles of Government (5a) Biblical Principles of Government (5b) Biblical Principles of Government (6a) Biblical Principles of Government (6a) Biblical Principles of Government (7a) Biblical Principles of Government (7b) Biblical Principles of Government (8a) Biblical Principles of Government (8b) A Practical Guide to Culture: Helping the Next Generation Navigate Today's World History of Plimoth Plantation

    1h 2m

  5. 05/22/2024

    Biblical Principles of Government (8b)

    Mike Winther continues his valuable teaching on economics, government, and history in section 8a of his Biblical Principles of Government course. Have you ever wondered how an economy grows? Mike begins by discussing growth, inflation, and increasing the money supply, answering these questions using his ongoing small island economy example. He also addresses incentives to invest and explains how market downturns are less severe when people have substantial savings. Additionally, we learn why a fixed economy would benefit more individuals. After covering economic topics, Mike shifts his focus to education. He explores the biblical view of whom we teach and how we teach. He also shares concepts both inside and outside the Overton window, the differences between Puritans and separatists, what parents know about teachers, and many other intriguing ideas and examples. As usual, this lecture is as relevant today as it was when it was first recorded. You'll Learn: [00:41] If we didn't have inflation or the money supply increased, how would the economy grow? [00:55] Thinking the economy can't grow without inflation is a Keynesian philosophy. [01:06] Mike goes back to the island example to illustrate his point.  [02:18] He talks about how the value of money can increase and help retirees and all of us with a motivation to save and invest. [04:20] Education. Deuteronomy 6:4 [05:47] Who gets education? Who do we educate? How do we educate? [07:28] Mike shares concepts outside the Overton window. [10:04] He talks about Puritan versus separatist. [14:35] kids learn to read and write to properly decipher the word of God. [19:16] What do parents know about their children's teachers?  [21:43]  In 1831, Tocqueville said that it's rare to find a student who hasn't had teaching about the Constitution of the United States. There also weren't government schools. [27:06] Mike talks about the State having more authority over our children's education. The idea of switching the Overton window from private to public education. [33:38] What we teach our kids in high school matters because it affects what they believe later on when they become adults and start deciding for themselves. [34:38] We need to look at education and ask what the ideal should be. [35:25] It should be an ideal that the education of our kids is Christian and private. [38:32] When you put the word state in a school it means it's a government school. [38:54] Why is our educational system feeling? Socialism and communism. What it teaches.  [39:38] Mike shares quotes by Martin Luther. [40:24] AA Hodge quotes on government education.  [41:48] Strategy: Decrease public education. Increase private education. Don't fund the enemy. Vote down the school bond issues. We need to fund good ideas. Educate yourself. Educate others. Your Resources: Books to browse Biblical Principles of Government (1a) Biblical Principles of Government (1b) Biblical Principles of Government (2a) Biblical Principles of Government (2b) Biblical Principles of Government (3a) Biblical Principles of Government (3b) Biblical Principles of Government (4a) Biblical Principles of Government (4b) Biblical Principles of Government (5a) Biblical Principles of Government (5b) Biblical Principles of Government (6a) Biblical Principles of Government (6a) Biblical Principles of Government (7a) Biblical Principles of Government (7b) Biblical Principles of Government (8a)

    46 min

  6. 05/15/2024

    Biblical Principles of Government (8a)

    As Mike Winther continues his Biblical Principles of Government series, we'll explore practical components about how the world works while increasing our intellectual inquiry. All of this is so we can gain a better understanding of how we can make a difference. He kicks off the show by discussing whether the topics covered in the series really matter.  For many Christians, they don't. Everything is already seen as a foregone conclusion. This is a view that people have held since the second century AD. If your answer is yes, this matters, then what are you going to do? This lecture will highlight why it matters and what actions you may want to take. You'll Learn: [00:52] Does the stuff that we've been talking about matter?  [01:19] For a lot of Christians, the stuff doesn't matter. [01:37] If the answer is yes, what are you going to do? [02:11] Matthew 10:16 [05:57] Mike makes a chart with two extremes like 0% government and 100% government. He also makes a chart with philosophical positions and the number of people with those views. [08:15] With extreme positions the vast majority of our population will fall in the middle of a bell curve. [13:05] His chart shows how candidates move towards the middle majority in a way that makes the two political parties similar.  [15:29] Political parties and candidates will try to position their beliefs and what they tell you as close to the hump in the bell curve as possible. [17:53] The political solutions in America actually aren't political solutions. We're not going to change America at the voting booth. [19:15] We need to move up by educating people and changing hearts and minds. [21:55] The dialectic is a philosophy or explanation of how history works. [23:19] The thesis and antithesis do battle. Neither side wins but there is a blending. [29:33] The real victory goes to the bold.  [33:52] Every issue has unthinkables on both sides. [37:00] If you want to persuade someone, you need to ask whether they're in the Overton window. [37:32] The public opinion bubble. The concept of the dialectic. The concept of the Overton window. These are three accurate ways of analyzing how change happens in society. [38:34] America is as America thinks. [40:44] Hearing policy options over and over will move someone's Overton window. [42:57] Sharing ideas is the start to shifting public opinion. [43:06] How do we move the population bubble? How do we do these things to change the course of civilization? [44:09] Number one thing is we need God's help. Promote truth and a Biblical perspective. [44:32] You don't need immediate results. Go for the long haul. You can accomplish a lot if you don't care who gets the credit. [48:44] The elections are just the fuel gauge.   Your Resources: Books to browse Biblical Principles of Government (1a) Biblical Principles of Government (1b) Biblical Principles of Government (2a) Biblical Principles of Government (2b) Biblical Principles of Government (3a) Biblical Principles of Government (3b) Biblical Principles of Government (4a) Biblical Principles of Government (4b) Biblical Principles of Government (5a) Biblical Principles of Government (5b) Biblical Principles of Government (6a) Biblical Principles of Government (6a) Biblical Principles of Government (7a) Biblical Principles of Government (7b)

    51 min

  7. 05/08/2024

    Biblical Principles of Government (7b)

    Mike Winther continues his conversation from last week about charity, highlighting God's plan for generosity and the importance of sharing. He differentiates between God's model of voluntary charity and the concept of forced charity, such as Marxism, which he claims is not genuine charity. He compares the government's approach to God's model, beginning the episode by referencing scriptural passages that outline God's vision. Mike also examines God's "safety net," which includes working, helping one's family, and seeking support from the church. Another critical topic he dives into is the church's role in charitable work. He references passages from "Bringing in the Sheaves" while discussing the ongoing struggle against poverty. Additionally, he touches on the enumerated powers of the federal government and how states contribute to defining these powers. Ultimately, he brings all his teachings back to biblical principles, emphasizing their importance over government policies. You'll Learn: [00:41] James 1:26 talks about pure and faultless religion and caring for widows and orphans. 1st Timothy 6:17 talks about the same.  [02:44] The idea of being willing to share is God's plan. [03:04] 2nd Thessalonians 3:10. If man will not work, he shall not eat. [04:23] 1st Timothy 5:7 is about providing for your relatives. [05:00] God's safety net is you work, and you take care of your family. [05:34] There are three layers to God's "safety net" including individual hard work, family, and the church. [06:22] Ezekiel 16:29 The first sin is not helping the needy. [07:39] Taking care of the poor and needy is a Christian mandate. [07:54] Charity. 1. Giving to those with real need. 2. Giving voluntarily. 3. Giving out of love. [09:37] If Christians do charity correctly, Jesus and the church get the credit. [12:02] Institutions and mechanisms for charity. Self-reliance. Family. Church. Other voluntary non-Christian organizations. [13:00] Who gets charity? The widow, orphan, alien, and disabled. [13:50] Charity should be voluntary, local, and glorifying to God. [16:23] The war on the poor. LBJ declared a war on poverty in the 1960s. The alm's race had begun. [20:10] Presidents suggest spending Congress approves the budget. We can't collectively lump all the spending in one group or another. [22:54] The Deacon role is to take care of the Widow, orphan, and alien. [24:16] The states enumerate powers that they gave to the federal government. [26:48] Davy Crockett was a member of the US House of Representatives. [34:12] Redistribution frequently takes from people who are worse off than the ones getting the distribution. [37:25] The power of the truth of Christianity. [40:02] Providing charity is a difficult task. [42:05] The concepts of this class build each week and weave together like a fabric. [49:00] There's a battle over who provides the charity. As a church, we need to contend with that. Your Resources: Books to browse Biblical Principles of Government (1a) Biblical Principles of Government (1b) Biblical Principles of Government (2a) Biblical Principles of Government (2b) Biblical Principles of Government (3a) Biblical Principles of Government (3b) Biblical Principles of Government (4a) Biblical Principles of Government (4b) Biblical Principles of Government (5a) Biblical Principles of Government (5b) Biblical Principles of Government (6a) Biblical Principles of Government (6a) Biblical Principles of Government (7a) Bringing in the Sheaves

    50 min

  8. 05/01/2024

    Biblical Principles of Government (7a)

    In this discussion, Mike Winther explores the significant topic of charity. Mike approaches this subject with caution to ensure that our actions align not only with our intentions but also with what God intends. He discusses the arguments for both large and small government structures, highlighting two main reasons why government expansion occurs. Mike examines what the Bible says about charity and assisting the poor, and he contrasts God's model of charity with that of Karl Marx. Additionally, Mike addresses the issue of inflation, the increase in the money supply, and rising prices. We learn how inflation lowers the standard of living and serves as another means of wealth redistribution. The discussion also covers the influence of the wealthy and the pivotal meeting at Jekyll Island that led to the establishment of the Federal Reserve. Often, the solutions we devise are part of the problem itself. We further explore how inflation negatively impacts savings. You'll Learn: [01:03] What happens when we increase the money supply?  [02:34] Inflation reduces our standard of living and is another method of redistribution of wealth. [03:16] Inflation is a hidden tax and even a moral evil. [09:08] Mike talks about the private rail car taking the wealthy men who established the Federal Reserve to Jekyll Island. This gives monopoly control over our currency and interest rates to the semi-public semi-private institution. [10:41] The Federal Reserve Act was sold as something to help the little guy. It actually did just the opposite. [12:55] Mike talks about campaign finance reforms and how they backfired. It led to longer terms of office for the incumbents. [16:17] Mike shares a hypothetical scenario that compares kids stealing a widows savings to losing savings when inflation is higher than interest rates.  [18:14] We have an ethical obligation to do something when we know an evil is occurring. [21:01] Mike talks about how the government finances deficits. Methods include bonds, borrowing from foreign investors, and having the Federal Reserve create money in exchange for a bond. [26:14] Debt is a bad thing.  [27:21] There's a battle over the size of the government.  [28:08] When people's safety feels threatened they allow the government to get bigger. We also expand government to help the poor. [29:09] Who gets charity? Who gives charity? What are the standards for charity?  [30:03] Deuteronomy 10:17 through 19. Deuteronomy 14:28. Deuteronomy 24:19. [38:10] The practical applications of this course are going to multiply. It's always a good idea to look at principles. [42:26] Should we be forced to pay for someone else's education against our will? [46:30] Is there a right to freedom of movement? What are the circumstances where you could legitimately reject someone from coming here? [46:57] Individualism says the individual is most important. Collectivism says the group is most important.   Your Resources: Books to browse Biblical Principles of Government (1a) Biblical Principles of Government (1b) Biblical Principles of Government (2a) Biblical Principles of Government (2b) Biblical Principles of Government (3a) Biblical Principles of Government (3b) Biblical Principles of Government (4a) Biblical Principles of Government (4b) Biblical Principles of Government (5a) Biblical Principles of Government (5b) Biblical Principles of Government (6a) Biblical Principles of Government (6a) The Creature from Jekyll Island

    51 min
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Since its inception in 2005, the Institute for Principle Studies has examined government from a perspective of principle over pragmatism, hope over discouragement, and the recognition of the Lordship of Jesus Christ over every area of life. This podcast will continue that mission of providing valuable teaching in the areas of government, economics, and history.

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