Norton I, Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico

[@colmhain]

If I were rich, I'd be eccentric. But since I'm poor, I'm just crazy.

[@chrisneedham5803]

Mental illness is such a wonderful thing. I am a marmalade sandwich

[@Tatiana-jt9hd]

I am a donut (gordon ramsay reference)

[@brianmonks8657]

I'm English, so I get to be eccentric no matter how much money I have :)

[@kaycox5555]

LOL

[@bigblue6917]

@@brianmonks8657 It is, Brian, our birthright. 😄👍

[@AliasUndercover]

No one ever told him he wasn't, so he was. He's one of my favorite historical loonies.

[@J_T_B]

that should be a series done by the history guy

[@phizzelout]

not mine, my favorite is Zim

[@demef758]

My new favorite is Joe Biden.

[@hughbarton775]

And thank you for the wonderful Cervantes quote at the end!

[@patricknevermind8529]

@@phizzelout zim who?

[@mikejuba9228]

He may have had a "delusional disorder", but his statement regarding our elected officials was, and still is, spot on.

[@mikaelgaiason688]

They're not elected. They don't have any more authority than he did if you stop and think about it.

[@Cemi_Mhikku]

@@mikaelgaiason688 Speaking of delusional.

[@larrysherk]

Yes indeed ! He seems to me a socially inspired idiot-savant. We need a large number more of him.

[@demef758]

It wasn't too long ago, maybe 30 years, when his statement about elected officials WAS adhered to. But then the republicans had to go and screw it up by taking over the House and Senate in the 90s, thus removing the democrats from their rightful ownership of the government reins, and all civility ceased.

[@TheVGMajor]

@@demef758 Speaking of delusional.

[@nikburton9264]

I remember reading about Norton years ago. Gotta love a man who declares himself awesome and has no one argue with him.

[@demef758]

But enough about Obama .....

[@zakofrx]

I think that would be easier today in San Francisco.

[@mariakelly5]

@@demef758 President Obama is awesome!

[@joeees7790]

Back when San Francisco was cool.

[@BillB23]

Emperor Norton is one of my favorite historical figures. Thank you for this. When asked if anyone in my family suffers from mental illness I reply, "No, we enjoy every minute of it."

[@stonewallrussians]

Bill Brockmann that’s a great response 😆

[@species3167]

We might be related.

[@dsnodgrass4843]

He was the beneficiary of a unique quirk in the American nature of the time: in a country founded on the equality of men and the scorning of kings, the romance around monarchical gravitas and dignity had yet to fully die. The citizens humored him because his imperial deportment made them feel important in their interactions with him. It was a charade, but a harmless one; and it pleased the city's folk of all levels to be entertained with it. If one but sees the cumulative effect the game had in lightening the weary load of an uncomfortably growing city , any questions of his sanity or his honesty are beside the point.

[@A_Man_In_His_Van]

Exactly, imagine the yearning for entertainment on those dusty, shit covered streets, then this guy comes strolling thru like the Emporer of the United States or some such absurdly grand title!!!

[@igorst.georgesbutler6783]

He's a hard act to follow for sure.

[@sparky6086]

Nowadays, people fill that void in their lives by reading about the British Royals in gossip magazines...

[@sparky6086]

@@A_Man_In_His_Van They're no longer dusty, but they are shit covered again. ...Only this time; it's not horse manure!

[@bretthess6376]

Well said

[@kenthawley5990]

I have read about Emperor Norton before, but your video brings such a great eccentric to life. There was a time when communities supported their eccentrics. Maybe we thought, "There, but for the grace of God, go I." Whatever, the case, they were OUR eccentrics, and we took care of them and defended them when necessary. Thank you for this excellent piece of American history that deserves to be remembered because it shows us how to treat each other.

[@jeffmartin3406]

Tolerance is a characteristic few people have these days, if only we could embrace "live and let live".

[@squelfland]

This is an excellent comment.

[@andyalford7487]

@@jeffmartin3406 amen

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

They coddle them here in Portland OR, with freedom to deficate on public walkways, and to 'camp' en-mass on both private and public lands... freedom to leave waste anyplace, and freedom to abuse all sorts of addictive drugs without threat of jail or treatment. Its really quite lovely once you get past the smell of urine snd shit, and the visual blight. Leftism at its highest and best.

[@JonathanCarroll3579]

Being a 5th Generation San Franciscan, born and raised. This had me cry a little with happiness. Thankyou.

[@markpedroza7294]

Put your onion's away..

[@hagamapama]

Never heard that story about the rioters and the Chinese. That was an act that befits Royalty!

[@Apriose]

hagamapama a good emperor protects his subjects.

[@bug1701]

@@Apriose so true

[@tenhirankei]

Now reciting the Lord's Prayer in public may get you put in jail for "hate speech". San Francisco has lost much over time. Norton I would take one look at it and request refuge in an asylum! "if these people are called sane, I will have nothing to do with them."

[@vilstef6988]

A noble deed by the Emperor! A similar deed was performed by King Richard II, ending the Peasant's Revolt in 1381. Richard, a boy of 14 wasted no time in betraying the peasants. They should have put an end to the two-faced toxic turd when they had the chance. I'm not real impressed by any of the Richards who ruled England.

[@bxdanny]

@tenhirankei It won't get you put in jail - unless you're a teacher and recite it in front of your class to lead them in it.

[@bigblue6917]

Nice to see that an English eccentric can find a home in San Francisco. I do hope the bridge is renamed in his honour. Considering how many get such things, despite them having a the very least a somewhat checked past, it would be nice for someone to receive the honour who actually wanted only the best for his fellow citizens. I did know about Norton but not in any great depth so it is nice to get a fuller biography of him. I have often said if I learn something new I have had a good day. Today was a very good day.

[@elizabethsohler1847]

Beautifully stated.

[@steveclark4291]

Who can really say what is normal and not normal ! He sounded like a good man ! May he Rest In Peace forever !

[@robertspencer5219]

Thanks. I've been personally aware of Emperor Norton for well over a decade but you've done a wonderful job highlighting so many facets of his life. Even a few trinkets I wasn't aware of and in only twelve minutes!!!

[@John-ru5ud]

Reality is for those who lack imagination.

[@mediamattersismycockholste562]

add some unicorn farts and flying monkeys, and you just described the base ideology of today's Democratic Party and the media who propagandize for them.

[@DAndyLord]

@@mediamattersismycockholste562 You managed to make this video about the Democrats and Democratic voters, somehow. Crazy right wingers like you deserve the crazies on the left, two sides of the crazy coin. Y'all belong together, please take them and leave. The rest of us want our reality back.

[@briangarrow448]

@@mediamattersismycockholste562 Is that where you are going to make your political and social commentary stand? I applaud your incredible moral character and intellectual bravery. You must be the pillar in your community that everyone from swaddled babes to arthritic greybeards rely upon for near legendary proclamations. Truly, we mere mortals are forever doomed to exist in the sad crumbling ruins of your personal universe.

[@bnoguerasc]

You are a poet, sir

[@mediamattersismycockholste562]

@@DAndyLord Oh man. Thanks for that. Out of all of the comments on here this morning, yours got me, and then everyone else here in the office at my company, laughing pretty good this morning. Here's the deal. I'd love to go back in time before I ever heard of Obama, before I found out Bill Clinton was a rapist or that the Clintons were the worst criminal gangsters in U.S. history, before I heard the term 'social justice warrior' or 'tranny reading storybook hour for kids', or 'muh pronouns', or before the Democrats went completely insane and got sold out to foreign interests like the ChiComs and corrupted our schools, colleges, and media... but I can't. And normally, when half a country is as brainwashed and diametrically opposed to sanity as the left seems to be these days, according to the history books, the result is civil war, bodies in ditches, and lots of mud, shit, and death. HOWEVER. Thanks to the internet, instead of this country turning into Bosnia on a bad day, and I was there for that party and it was absolutely horrible.. now.. we wage a civil war of information online. Which is much less messy. So I do this as a public service before I have to get involved with work in the morning, and it's easy! Because all I have to do is share basic provable truths. I'm saving lives here :) so to speak, by winning hearts and minds, as today's left loses them, because, as the Soviets learned, you can't fool all of the people all of the time. The Democrats have lost their minds. Wouldn't it be easier to just offset their propaganda and lies with truth, vote them out, and avoid a civil war? I think so, and here we are. But I do totally sympathize. If I could go back to, say, 1988, I'd be outta here :)

[@JazznRealHipHop]

Can you imagine living in that time and someone telling you "Hey, show a little respect! That's the emperor of the United States!"

[@mediamattersismycockholste562]

I can't imagine living in this time, and having a Democratic Party that promotes racist identity politics, promotes an islamic death cult over all other religions, promotes censorship, disarmament of the law abiding, murder of the unwanted, promotes mentally ill gender confused sexualized cross dressers to children, promotes the failed ideology of marxism, history revisionism (!!), and anything anti-American, while supported by a media machine that has sped right by propaganda straight to just making things up to the point of creating an entire 'fake news' industry.. and yet.... here we are!

[@abajindar]

@@mediamattersismycockholste562 Shut up, Ivan.

[@TheUglyGnome]

@@mediamattersismycockholste562 You must have watched too much Alex Jones. Please have a break and learn about the real world around you.

[@mediamattersismycockholste562]

@@TheUglyGnome lol! THAT'S all you've got? I may have 40 years of reading up on a bit of history, world politics, major wars of the late 19th century to end of the Cold War, a degree or two, survived a combat zone as a teenager, a first career as a research analyst of economic trends, a current career running a mid-size company with techs 'on the ground' over three states who I often ride with out there in the 'real world'.. but what do I know? Why don't you tell us all which part of my statement was wrong? :)

[@TheUglyGnome]

@@mediamattersismycockholste562 Oh. This is who's business is better - competition. I also used to run mid-sized company with offices in 4 counties. Traveled in 3 continents on my business trips. Was competent enough to be able to retire at the age of 40. Your turn.

[@deedeewinfrey3181]

I wish you had been my History teacher in high school 😁❤

[@mediamattersismycockholste562]

no kidding. Today's history teachers are telling the kids communism was awesome! and jobs are bad...

[@Tatiana-jt9hd]

@@mediamattersismycockholste562 welps your school is the weird one i guess.. communism aint awesome, but it aint evil either

[@mediamattersismycockholste562]

@@Tatiana-jt9hd 100 million dead, the Khmer Rouge, the East German Stasi, the NKVD/KGB, the ChiCom executioners of perpetrators of political crimes, anyone in Cuba as soon as they leave, the starving in Venezuela, any North Korean, anyone who ever tried to work on a car of Soviet manufacture, a whole bunch of starved to death Ukrainians in the 30's, anyone who fought the VC in Vietnam, Bernie's accountant, anyone who appreciates personal freedom, and pretty much any history book prior to 2006 disagrees with your assessment of communism. Your ignorance is absolutely frightening.

[@663rainmaker]

Dee Dee Winfrey I had incredible instructors long ago in the Equality State of Wyoming... always wanted to pursue a education or perhaps a degree.. History and Factual Information is so wonderful to be able to share as our Instructor here in these incredible inspiring videos of The “ History Guy”! I truly am a dinosaur from Wyoming a age long ago, the time before y2k and the storms of a desert and political ping pong.. and who’s who and who’s telling the truth! Teddy Bears and Teddy Roosevelt... Yogi and Boo Boo In Jellystone.. those Rockies was my home and a high plains drift? Snow Drifts! Cheyenne Wyoming had touched my life and soul Freedom with Liberty during a Cold War and Duke Nuk’em was pointing out how to Cook ? Cooked County Wyoming? Laramie County and the Sandy Shores oF Cheyenne! Quebec 1 is.... open to the public... a real place in my old back yard! 25 miles north of Cheyenne Wyoming Ground ZERO.... F. E. Burn’em the Mighty 90.. our USA AF! Aim for? And a “ Johnson County War “. I really enjoy this channel and the history! “ Black Tom Island “! and how we have history to record presentation Style... Urainum g0ne fusion Gp$ Selling USA Urainum Mining Industry to Russia? Swing wide those Gate$? Watergate? And politics and today do we have Russiagate? Uranium g0ne is Wyoming’s mining industries?? Gone?? Gone where? Gone with the Winds of Globalization.. Glow Ball Effect oF depleted uranium weaponry.... history has a effect! But to record it properly and factually correct... is the HOLY BIBLE a document of Historical proportions!? Owen Wister writers cramps can be contagious? Tall Tales and Happy Rails..4004 Big Boy the worlds largest steam locomotives chilling ever more on the Shores of Cheyenne Wyoming! But could the History Guy aid in a story.. could we all be part of it too.. I believe that we are truly that! And Paul Harvey news and commentary? But for now I best close my door on the little Caboose... as I remember that little train that said I think I can.. i think I can... Ol’ Sadie sits in Lions park Cheyenne Wyoming in a Frontier Daze! The Over The Hill Gang! WhoootWhooooot

[@karlt8233]

The ONLY teacher I remember by name from my 11th grade year was my history teacher. He was a Vietnam Vet so in 82 was in his mid/late 30's and each week he would do a small " Forgotten History" similar to what we have here. These little Friday morning history snippets were awesome and really inspired me to favor history over all other subjects.

[@zenzicubik476]

God bless Emperor Norton I. "Some men see things as they are and ask 'why?' I dream things that never were and ask 'why not?' George Bernard Shaw, "Back to Methuselah."

[@damilla1958]

"Too much sanity, might be madness." Thank you for telling the tale of Emperor Norton in such a sympathetic, and understanding, manner. His eccentricities were not mere folly, they spoke to the people and their needs. Everything I have ever heard or read of him told of a man of principle, caring equally for all. Would that leaders of the world would heed his example.

[@Dsschuh]

Such a beautiful presentation of a most interesting individual. THG - I cried at the end over your wonderful summation of "Emperor" Norton. Thank you.

[@profharveyherrera]

Mr. History Guy, you never fail to amaze me with your wonderful narrative.

[@somnathchowdhury1]

May all Kings, president, dictators follow Emperor Norton I. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful history 🙏

[@matthewjones12181]

Norton I is mentioned in quite a few old time radio shows, especially ones dealing with the Old West. He was truly eccentric, and certainly unforgettable.

[@shamoy1000]

Entertaining history. Certainly worth remembering. Good job history guy.

[@icebob8555]

Here’s to The emperor of the United States at protector of Mexico

[@williamhervey6409]

The Cervantes quote moved me deeply, thank you

[@Rif_Leman]

I think that this is now my favorite THG episode.

[@jkrause365]

I've never heard of Emperor Norton I. What an interesting video. Thanks for posting. One of your best.

[@davidvdr]

One of your best episodes. Thank you. And I like how you tied in the classical literature too.

[@MrJest2]

So happy to see the History Guy cover him. Emperor Norton has been one of my personal heroes for a long time now. Delightful episode, thanks!! :-)

[@iambrian6601]

I paused my Texas Longhorns podcast for this..... you’re that good.

[@paulnormandin5267]

The Emperor is alive in modern literature. Christopher Moore is a brilliant writer in the mode of Carl Hiaasen and he has brought the man into the 21st century. A number of Mr. Moore’s novels are set in San Francisco and the Emperor is a recurring, and often heroic, character. He has been given two dogs as his companions, Bummer and Lazarus. Thanks again for a great lesson in History That Deserves to be Remembered!

[@medik1660]

Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah for Emperor Norton I, and the history guy and gal!, this is by far one of my favorites. your epilogue at the end strikes true, if only. Thank you again for a great video

[@CaballoSalvajeTrese]

Your videos never fail to choke me up.. by far my favorite channel to watch and listen to

[@isabellenicoleherman6816]

I love the stories but I truly think it's the way you tell them that makes this the best of all the History Channel's I watch. Thank you again

[@kennyhagan5781]

Absolutely one of my favorite historical figures. I learned about him in the 80s.

[@richardklug822]

An excellent video of a kindred spirit. I decided to retire following two life-threatening medical procedures, whereupon my co-workers awarded me the honorary title of "Colonel Dunwerk". On a subsequent visit to Gettysburg, I had my avatar photo taken in approprite military costume. Though I make no claims of power or sovereignty, once in awhile it is fun to create one's own reality. Hail Emperor Norton!

[@briangarrow448]

Your service to our economy is appreciated. Enjoy that time. Your attitude should be emulated. Well done sir, Well done.

[@larryboulware3063]

Nice beard, your Highness.

[@larryboulware3063]

And kudos for grammar and syntax.

[@richardklug822]

@@larryboulware3063 Thank you for both compliments sir! The fusion of several vertebra in my neck prevented my shaving for four months. After recovering from the procedure, I decided to have a little fun before returning to my "normal", clean-shaven appearance. The resulting photograph has startled quite a few of my relatives and friends!

[@kinocohen8245]

Wow...your channel is my favorite youtube channel. History is a great subject. too many people Don't appreciate it. Thanks for being incredible history channel

[@AshGreen359]

One of my all time favorite historical figures.

[@liberteus]

I knew his story already, but dang your narration and pace makes it so lovely, captivating and endearing.

[@ghrey8282]

"When those who would proclaim themselves sane, carry on as they now do. Count me among the mad." ....and you said you liked to stay away from politics..... All the best: Ghrey

[@PelenTan]

Wow. This was almost too powerful for a Friday. Thanks again.

[@TheCleric42]

BUNGA BUNGA! Your best story yet. -John the first, internet Emir

[@knutdergroe9757]

BUNGA, BUNGA........ THANK YOU , That is CLASSIC...... HAHAHAHA

[@elizabethsohler1847]

It has gotten so that the minute I hear that someone wants to run for President of the US, the first thing I do is fear for their mental stability I can't imagine why a person would do that to themselves, still less become Emir of the Internet.

[@kevinkirk4285]

I thoroughly enjoy your videos. When my daughter started high school a few years back, I advised her to focus on math and English while she was there because she had the rest of her life to learn about history. Thanks for all those wonderful bits of history that deserve to be remembered.

[@swivelhips586]

This makes me feel a lot better about the strong notion I've been having to wear a Continental Army uniform around Las Vegas everyday. Maybe not June thru August.

[@Tsukiko.97]

I live one hour away from San Francisco. I share this story to all of my friends and they always are mind blown. Great video once again, as well as a nice refresher!

[@danielpedigo6762]

What a great piece of history. Thank you so much History Guy

[@memyself-nd-i]

I know this man that wonders the streets of my hometown in WV. He always wears a winter jacket with a hood. He is not normal, and is mentally ill. Haven't seen him in years, as I no longer live there. People are unnecessarily afraid of him. He always caries a heavy wood pole with him for protection. I would talk with him from time to time, a real nice guy. and he always seemed to enjoy having conversation, as I think few people did out of fear. Anyway, nicest guy you could ever meet. I can't see him hurting anyone. I doubt many knew he was married. Id pick him and wife up in my taxi. I also knew him from another job as security guard in the courthouse. I know why he carries the heavy piece of wood. But, keep that to myself. This story reminds me of the guy.

[@elizabethsohler1847]

That's.touching. It's nice that you remember him the way you do.

[@cjmoore7240]

Thank you for this! I laughed very hard and what a great piece of history! Long live Emperor Norton I, Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico! KEEP ON ROCKING!

[@elizabethsohler1847]

He did! He has since died unfortunately, so is not around to help us. I wonder what he would make of our current "leadership."

[@AdamBechtol]

Ah, I've seen many of your videos, but this really may be my favorite so far. It's such an incredibly intriguing question raised about sanity and insanity.

[@blacksmith67]

I first heard of Norton I many years ago, but your telling of his tale brought a little tear to my eye. Some anomalies exist in a purely poetic state.

[@jordanvozenilek1092]

This is the greatest story I have heard in a long time.

[@taun856]

I've waited for this one for a long time... Thank you for showing respect for the Emperor, THG!

[@chuckvt5196]

Great video! Emperor Norton most certainly deserves to be remembered! Thank you for sharing his gem with us!

[@folcwinep.pywackett8517]

WOW! "too much sanity may be madness" wow is right! This is beautiful history that deserves to be remembered!

[@demef758]

You seem very, very sane to me ....

[@Zakalwe-01]

Delightful, and the very epitome of what makes this channel so compelling.

[@RonnWaters]

I used to include him when I taught California History. Great story! Thanks.

[@MatthewHuntley1961]

This may well be one of my favorites, and one most timely. Thank you!

[@ValliW]

The only difference between him and emperors and rulers of old, his claim was not preceded by a military invasion

[@GasCityGuy]

Yet another home run! Thanks for the bright spot in my day!

[@dannagy546]

For all his eccentricities, his thoughts of government and racial harmony seemed to far exceed his time

[@user-DrJoe-Future]

Yes, he was ahead of his time.

[@matthewharroun8618]

I've never heard of Emperor Norton until now, but how I wish KZbin would let us have a "Favorite" button. This is just another one of Mr. The History Guy's videos that deserve just that.

[@thomas316]

Love your work History Guy (and your talented team! 😊)

[@bigblue6917]

That's because the poor cannot afford the lawyers to sue people.

[@paulmiddleton8487]

Dammit, you actually made me shed a tear at the end with his obituaries!

[@howardjohnson2138]

I had an Aunt that would go through the roof when anyone within her earshot said the hated word frisco.

[@samiam619]

Howard Johnson Being from the Los Angeles area, I just LOVE to use that word!

[@Rif_Leman]

It is a much loved word in Frisco Texas.

[@garyevans3421]

Howard Johnson Sorry she’s no longer with you. I wonder what she would think of reports of dirty syringes and human feces in the streets of her beloved city. Would she say “no, that’s not in San Francisco. That’s in that darn Frisco!”

[@LividImp]

I lived in the bay area for a few years, and once I saw people losing their shit over the word "Frisco", I couldn't stop using it. Such a stupid thing to get bent out of shape over. No one else is so stuck up about their city like SF is (well, maybe Seattle). It's really obnoxious. I loved the landscape and the cooler weather, but the people drove me nuts.

[@unreliablememory9687]

@@garyevans3421 Reports, not reality. All big cities, all of them, have richer and poorer neighborhoods. San Francisco is a beautiful city with a thriving arts scene, wonderful food and world class schools. It is a place everyone should see, and frankly every American should be proud of, like New York or any of our great cities. The cruelty with which we treat one another is pointless, and particularly sad and ironic following this particular video segment, which highlights how truly decent people can be.

[@robotslug]

Man, now that's a well told story. I am blown away often by the skill and impact these stories are told with and subsequently have on me.

[@keithrosenberg5486]

When I lived in the South Bay area I selected "Norton II" as my pseudonym on the Bulletin Board Circuit. I even got crowned at a BBS pizza party!

[@MrJest2]

Did you all meet at "Emperor Norton's" (in south San Jose) for the pizza?? :-)

[@rustymustard7798]

Damn, who else remembers BBS pizza parties and cookouts? Kids these days have no idea,,, lol!

[@keithrosenberg5486]

@@MrJest2 I was the only one there. I have not even met another one. Besides, I claim to be the only Norton II, the legitimate heir! :)

[@Myopicvisions]

This story touched me, and reminded me that there is no harm in being kind.

[@billyjeff2185]

He would be technically part of the old west! My favorite history! I teared up alittle at the end there with his death, what an amazing man. Thank you, history guy! 🤠

[@whalesong999]

It was an amazing story, one I had not heard of before. What grace and mercy followed this man and his insightful endeavors to live among us with relative peace and honor.

[@billyjeff2185]

@@whalesong999 totally understand and agree! He deserves to be remembered...

[@dscary1837]

Thank you so much for your story on one of my most favorite local icons.

[@bwayne40004]

I saw the notification pop up and I said "This must be Ed Norton."

[@demef758]

Sheesh, whatta grouch!

[@aehamilton7]

That was outstanding among so many other outstanding Snippets of History you have presented I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@ronfullerton3162]

Where he had such a respect for his fellow man, I really question who was crazy. He or other supposedly smart people who spend their time with little to no respect for others.

[@alabastardmasterson]

This is why I love this channel

[@oneminutereviews25]

He still exists in San Francisco and fact there are tens of thousands of him wandering the streets

[@1994CPK]

I gotta go back and see how wacky the homeless have gotten in that city. They are putting boulders on the sidewalks to keep them away.

[@mediamattersismycockholste562]

replete with the bonus of street pooping and drug needle dropping...

[@demef758]

@CraigG: it was government that created the mental health problems. Educate yourself by looking up "California Short-Doyle" for the genesis of the issue. (Hint: Jerry Brown's daddy, Jesse Unruh) History Guy could make a video on this topic.

[@gunslingingbird74]

Actually, there's just one Emperor Norton walking around in SF today. He leads tours of SF starting at Union Square 3 times a week.

[@raydunakin]

@@demef758 It was the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act of 1968 that really started us on the road to ruin. It was made worse by the California Court of Appeal's decision in the 1987 case of Riese v. St. Mary’s Hospital and Medical Center. Together, these made it almost impossible to give the mentally ill proper treatment.

[@theron6009]

This one got my eyes welled up. Nicely done, sir.

[@bkohatl]

I love the Emperor Norton, too bad he isn't available right now, would be a much needed improvement.

[@mediamattersismycockholste562]

he's a better option than any of the Democrats running for President, that's for sure.

[@bkohatl]

@@mediamattersismycockholste562 The difference is that they care about us, like Emperor Norton did. While Turnberry Trump and Doonbeg Pence are too busy EMBEZZLING money from US for their personal profit. That is the difference between a patriot and a Traitor.

[@timothyboles6457]

Anything would be an improvement now in San Francisco, or the state of California for that matter

[@romanfields7900]

@@bkohatl Wow. I feel sorry for you.

[@bkohatl]

@@romanfields7900 Well, I see Putin's Russian Military Intelligence is working overtime smearing Trump's opponents. Norton was a generous unselfish man, your guy is vicious and greedy.

[@davegrimes3385]

What an outstanding story! Thank you History Guy, easily one of your best.

[@stenbak88]

I hope we can be civil like he wanted

[@SVL76dash2]

Nicely tied together at the end. Indeed, we could all use a touch of such 'madness'. As always, thank you, sir, for these enlightening segments.

[@VincentVader]

I recently saw an episode of Bonanza that featured this character. Out of curiosity I looked him up and found out he was a real person.

[@LazyIRanch]

Thank you! I had completely forgotten about this until you jogged my memory!

[@bryanmcquire3569]

saw it again today...and now im here

[@LuckyBaldwin777]

Death Valley Days also did an episode with him kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3rcYX17qqd7jqs

[@Intercaust]

What an amazing story. Thank you for this video.

[@russjosey2012]

One of your best videos. I personally think Emperor Norton should be on our $100 bills!!

[@demef758]

More appropriate would be our $3 bill.

[@elizabethsohler1847]

Fantastic idea! Especially since He Deserves to be Remembered!

[@howlandowlle7953]

. I have watched a lot of your videos and I cannot think of any I have not liked and appreciated. But, this one, Mr. H. Guy, is the most touching, heart warming and gracious one I have seen from you. In twelve minutes and eleven seconds, you have established a real respect, even a touch of reverence for Norton I, a hero of the human mind. This is a history video that deserves to be remembered. . Thank you.

[@trainchugger53]

Please officially rename the Bay Bridge to the Norton Bridge

[@noelevans68]

My son and I are history fanatics! We love your videos and look forward to seeing them every day!!!

[@gulfchef]

By God's mercy, we should all be Men of La Mancha.

[@alanhembra2565]

So glad you covered him. He’s awesome.

[@oldgundog4705]

"Moderation in everything - including moderation." I'm glad the Emperor isn't alive to see his capital city.

[@rustymustard7798]

What a trip, I've said this word for word most of my life and never knew it was a quote from the Emperor. I just came up with it on my own.

[@TheAuntieBa]

Oldgundog470 Quote by Oscar Wilde, and my personal motto for over forty years.

[@oldgundog4705]

@@TheAuntieBa "I believe everything I read on the internet - including stuff written by Oldgundog470" - Emperor Norton of these United States

[@oldgundog4705]

“Everything in moderation, including moderation” (attributed variously to Oscar Wilde, Horace Porter, Petronius, Oldgundog470, and Norton I, Emperor of these United States and Protector of Mexico)

[@oldgundog4705]

And I shouldn't leave out Rusty Mustard.

[@aprilkoyyen7720]

I love it when the history guy comes at ya with the feels.

[@jaydeister9305]

"Not entirely mad, especially with regards to politics (well founded lies)."

[@mediamattersismycockholste562]

cornerstone of today's DNC.

[@Aramis419]

My cousin and I visited San Francisco for the first time ever in 2016 and then again in 2017 - each time, my first priority upon landing at SFO, before even finding our hotel, was to pay my respects to Emperor Norton. Vive l'Empereur!!

[@susanjones2701]

To be or not to be crazy? this video was very interesting.

[@guyh.4553]

We could use Emperor Norton right about now! Great fun story HG! Loved it!

[@jeanbaptiste3470]

He seems to have been more sane than all of Congress.

[@Maxaldojo]

Beautiful! What an interesting and moving story! Thanks, THG.

[@trent3872]

My last name is Norton, having watched this video I now understand some of my kin folks self grandiosity and self righteousness lol. To think, I may be a royal.

[@whalesong999]

What refreshing candor..! I come from what I can honestly say has been an "eccentric" family and wear a good bit of their "stuff" also.

[@roberttelarket4934]

A royal pain in the ass.

[@trent3872]

@@roberttelarket4934 lol!!!

[@elizabethsohler1847]

@@whalesong999 If you have it, have fun with it !

[@TheSAPTrainer]

Not only lessons in History, but also lessons in Life... What an outstanding episode!

[@Erin-Thor]

"Phycologists that have examined Norton’s case since the time of his death believe he may have been suffering from a delusional disorder of the grandiose type, a relatively rare disorder where someone has an overinflated sense of worth or identity..." Why does that sound so dang familiar? 🤪

[@mediamattersismycockholste562]

Hillary.... Obama..... any Democrat in office who can't tie their shoelaces or bring back jobs, a good economy, lower taxes, create u.s. energy independence, or clean up their shithole cities...

[@Me2Lancer]

@@mediamattersismycockholste562 … The current Speaker of the House from San Francisco.

[@rogerwhittle2078]

@@mediamattersismycockholste562 As opposed to the present King of Manhattan and pretender to the throne of the United States, unlike whom, Norton I had charm and did little harm. The King of Manhattan, on the other hand, has all the charm of genital warts and herpes, while destroying the United States. The parallel is striking, but diametrically opposite.

[@mediamattersismycockholste562]

@@Me2Lancer lol! ya!

[@JimFortune]

Did Mexico pay for him?

[@ranchman12]

Excellent! I have a degree in pol-sci and one in history. Haven't seen a video from either lately that has truly made me smile. Thank you, sir. I shared on Facebook and hope some of my professors will see it as well.

[@0diepus]

This one was good like that last one. Oh and the one before. Oh wait the one about a viewers ancestor was good too. Dam it they’re all good!!!!

[@prof2yousmithe444]

THIS is why I am a patreon!!! I love this channel! You show history that no one has ever done. Thank you!