The basics of American government-how important is it that our leaders know them? Better yet, do you think it is important? Let’s look at recent occasions of misquoted or forgotten American foundations and then decide. Recently, a prominent national leader misquoted the Declaration of Independence. What did they leave out? “…that we are endowed with […]
Travel Is a Civics Lesson
Travel is a great way to enhance your civics knowledge. It’s a fascinating way to learn about America through the lens of hikes, road trips, and really any mode of travel. Recently, I taught my Jr. High civics students a lesson about travel using three principles: 1. You leave home (travel) to find things different, […]
National Issues: Political or Constitutional Solution?
What is better for our country’s problems? A political or a constitutional outcome? Political results are usually a short-term fix that changes with the prevailing party in power. A constitutional solution adheres to the Supreme Law of the Land. It’s a solid foundation that connects us to the generations who lived in, fought for, and […]
What Kind of Government Do You Want?
Do you want a centralized government where the federal government has the power and most of the control? Or do you prefer a national government with a constitution that divides federal power with regional entities (like states)? Think about it carefully. What Are the Arguments? The argument for a centralized authority sounds something like this: […]
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Like the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., today we need to focus on a higher place with a better goal. So, why does our nation continue to place a higher emphasis on skin color rather than the content of character? Dr. King would be so disappointed. Some of you remember Dr. King leading peaceful […]
Adopting the House of Representatives Rules
Now that we have a Speaker, what happens next in Congress? The House of Representatives must adopt rules that govern their operations every two years. The 118th Congress votes on those rules as the second order of business. (The Constitution requires the House to elect a Speaker as the first order of business). It’s important […]
The Fifth Amendment and Private Property
What if the government wants to buy your property for its own use? The pictures below depict a home surrounded by beautiful woods— AND a frontage road, an interstate highway, sports field(s), and a multi-story hotel (I took the pictures from the hotel’s 5th-floor window). What is this home doing in the middle of a […]
Speaker of the House: Chaos? Or Constitutional Republic At Work?
The election of the Speaker of the House is going on and on and on. That’s a good thing. It’s our Constitutional Republic at work. Article 1, Section 2 lists the first order of business for the House: Elect a Speaker. It doesn’t say the process is microwavable. Instead, there are no time limits on […]
Write Your Own Script
As we bid farewell to 2022, many people are glad to see the year go. Are you? Usually, I like to recap the year in my mind’s eye, but not this time. It’s the first time it’s both painful to look back and scary to look forward, or so I’m told. Wait. Where did I […]
Conversation
Over the holidays, I had a conversation with a man who interprets the Declaration of Independence very differently from how I teach the founding documents. We hit on three areas of disagreement with the Declaration that I thought might interest you. My view is the “point,” and his is the “counterpoint.” See what you think. […]
Christmas Miracle
Who doesn’t need a story of a Christmas miracle? I never tire of reading about the courage of our forefathers at Christmastime as they built our nation. Their suffering, perseverance, willingness to die rather than surrender, and their hope for a better future speak volumes. They stepped up to the plate when all hope seemed […]
Christmas List For America
What would be on your Christmas list for America? I’m talking about what you want to see for yourself and the next generation. A coveted Christmas gift for your child might be a new pencil or a pair of socks in days gone by. Those were days of finding joy in simple pleasures. We complicate […]
The Present Is All We Have
Many Americans seem to be in a post-election high or a post-election funk. Although this may be true, let’s address those living here and now, not living in yesterday’s results or tomorrow’s hopes. After all, you and I cannot control the past or the future. The present is all we have. Is it appropriate to […]
Wreaths Across America
(Last year I was so moved by the story of the growing national organization “Wreaths Across America” and our fellow Americans’ patriotism, that I wrote about it. Readers to this page warmly received the information, so here is this year’s update. I was surprised to learn that without truckers donating their time, this beautiful tribute […]
Why Are There So Many Global Protests?
Have you checked out the number of protests going on around the globe? You may be consuming fluff for news if you aren’t aware of these things. One visual trip around the world viewing global protests causes a true American to treasure our founding American documents, especially the Bill of Rights. Global Protests for Freedom […]
