What is a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)? It is a legally binding contract involving a confidential relationship between at least two parties. It is sometimes called a “confidentiality agreement” or the colloquial term “hush money.” The NDA contract could be between a business and an employee or a soon-to-be former employee. It can also be between […]
Jury Duty- Who, Me?
I just read a community post from a woman who found her jury duty summons unsettling because she would have to miss work. With the price of eggs as they are, I understand her concerns. A bevy of responses offered this woman advice on potential excuses to “get out of jury duty.” Others used the […]
Risk/Reward
How is it that the country’s supposedly best and brightest fail yet again? We don’t need to be financial gurus to understand risk/reward and success/failure. Common sense goes a long way in life. You don’t need a master’s degree to understand it. Why can’t the likes of high end bank executives “get” it? Because they […]
The Judicial Branch and You
With this week’s wealth of negative news, let’s focus on something concrete and trustworthy. Let’s look at Article III of the Constitution, which establishes the federal government’s Judicial Branch. Article III is short. The Judicial Branch, which seems so complicated, is understandable. I’ll be teaching some of this material to teenagers this week. Let’s refresh […]
Excuse! What Is the Government’s Latest?
Have you noticed a trend lately? Government makes an excuse for perceived errors. It goes something like this: (relax, people) “It happens all the time.” Isn’t this excusing the abnormal away? What is the Government’s latest excuse? Here are a few examples: “Lots of countries have il-legals crossing the border.” In other words, you and […]
Fun, Finances, Freedom, Florida
Fun, finances, freedom. Florida purportedly adds 1000 people a day to their population. Yesterday, I heard it called the “Sixth Borough of New York City.” What’s going on here? It seems like everyone is headed south, and not just for the sun. It’s a citizenship issue and a movement, so let’s discuss it. I can […]
Meritocracy or Mediocrity?
Meritocracy or Mediocrity? Which do you prefer? Is excellence a good thing? Or is making everyone equitable, so no one person shines, makes more money, or succeeds in life, a better way to go? Would you rather live in a society where everything and everyone at all times is on a “level playing field?” Or […]
President’s Day
Today, I’m celebrating President’s Day by recalling past presidents’ wise words that still speak to us. Later this spring, I would like to return to Washington, D. C. to visit the Jefferson Memorial now that its refurbishing work is complete. I climbed the Washington Monument as a 13-year-old. No additional visits can top that experience, […]
The Simplest Explanation
What in the world is going on? If we listen and observe, sometimes the truth is right there in front of us. The simplest explanation for an occurrence is usually correct. As I write this, there has been yet another train derailment, and three more UAPs (unidentified aerial phenomena-it’s the new name for UFOs) are […]
UFO and Spy Balloons In U.S. Airspace?
Indeed by now, some official knows who is sending strange unidentified flying objects, aka UFO, over American airspace. Is E.T. phoning home? Who’s invading our skies? Armchair spy addicts and news-watchers want to hear the latest. Yet, our government seems a little too silent on the “spy in the sky.” When convenient, the press awards itself […]
What the State of the Union Is Meant to Be
Article II, Sec. 3 requires that the President of the United States inform Congress of the State of the Union. Through our elected representatives, We the People are: 1. to be informed about how our country is doing 2. to be given any recommendations the President thinks are necessary. The Constitution says it this way: […]
Should Our Leaders Know the Basics of American Government?
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: […]
