Have you heard rumblings about the 25th Amendment this past week? I sure have, and from different sources, too. In order to be “in the know,” let’s do a quick review of this section of the Constitution. You may find one or more of the sections to be of great interest. The Twenty-fifth Amendment concerns […]
Ranked-Choice Voting and You
Do you find ranked-choice voting confusing? Do you know what RCV is? Let’s discover this new way of voting used by Alaska, Hawaii, Kansas, and Wyoming. Nevada used this method for absentee caucus voters. It is also used in some cities. Proponents of ranked-choice voting (RCV) say it is fair and straightforward since the most […]
Does the Constitution Only Provide for a Navy?
Does the U.S. Constitution allow the United States to have a standing Army? One of our participants raised this topic because they and many other Americans believe we are only constitutionally allowed to maintain a Navy. Let’s prepare ourselves to answer this question from a Constitutional perspective. First, what does the Constitution say? “The Congress […]
When “They” Say “Democracy”
When “they” say “democracy,” what “they” really mean is Big Government control. “They” (and you know who “they” are) use these words as synonyms. You know what a democracy is but be careful how the word is used. Since we have civil discussions here, we will stick to the principles of liberty, not the many […]
Is This The Way to Choose a Presidential Candidate?
Are presidential candidates basically activist influencers? Moreover, would you go to Tic Tac [misspelling intentional] to find your ideal presidential candidate? This idea was posed to me by a thirty-something guy whose job is— wait for it— social media. I think if you are young, this may look like the future, that is, choosing your […]
The Military and EVs
What about the military getting a fleet of Electrical Vehicles (EVs) trucks? What are they thinking? And what does the Constitution say about national defense? Let’s take a moment to think about this. Consider the Mission Logistics It is unlikely that soldiers can get to their destination without stopping to charge their EVs. Where will […]
Founding Moments: Birth of American Independence 1774-1776
You have celebrated (hope it was safe and memorable!), but what about the meaning of the Independence Day holiday? How many of you know or remember the extraordinary events leading up to July 4, 1776? The Lead Up to Independence Day 1774-1775 Take, for example, that meeting of the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia in […]
Celebrating the Declaration of Independence
We are celebrating the Declaration of Independence, where our Founders declared that we have unalienable rights, “that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness (including your property rights).” We learn of the self-evident truth that all men are created equal and that “all” means “ALL.” Yet, we find a significant number of […]
What Was It Like for the Signers of the Declaration of Independence?
Summer, 1776. Signers of the Declaration of Independence. What kind of guts does it take to start a nation that puts The People truly in charge while separating from a king with “a decent respect” as they listed their grievances, one by one. Where does such courage come from? I’ve seen it at the National […]
The Culture (Is this what matters most)?
Much of our news, in one way or another, concerns the culture and social issues, including sex. Is this what matters most? Somehow, these private matters have become political. Daily, the news involves sexual issues. Is it because sex sells? Or is our culture being dragged away and enticed into arenas that divert our attention […]
Juneteenth, a Celebration of Freedom
Juneteenth is short for June 19, 1865, when troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery and the beginning of “all men (human beings) are created equal.” Freedom for all, not just some. So, let’s celebrate a day when America’s sin of slavery could be put behind […]
Who Can the President Pardon?
Who can a U.S. President pardon? Do you have this question, which is circulating among Americans? Let’s go to the Constitution for the answer. Be sure to read what powers the President has regarding pardons and reprieves. Article II, section 2, Clause 1 “The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy […]
Flag Day
Flags for organizations have become a big deal in the past few years. Remember when our flag was respected, even revered above all others? I will link below to a website that helps us “brush up” on United States flag etiquette. (I am not advertising this business or making a commission) It’s a short, orderly […]
Could Americans Be Forced to House Migrants?
Let’s take a lesson from the Third Amendment and our history. The Constitution forbids the government from forcing us to house soldiers without our consent. Here is the text of the Third Amendment: “No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of […]
Religion and a Free People Can Co-exist
Religion and a Free People can co-exist. In fact, they must. In my recent article, “Liberty and Lawlessness Cannot Co-Exist,” I agreed with Founder John Adams that moral values are essential to remaining a free people. (see https://civicsandcitizenship.org/liberty-and-lawlessness-cannot-co-exist/ )I often receive pushback on this subject. On Religion and a Free People in the Founders’ Words […]