(Although written five years ago, this article is highly relevant in 2025, and helps explain what is going on in the electorate today). Historical Context & W. Cleon Skousen’s Blueprint How much has communism subtly infiltrated America and become accepted? What, you ask?? I found a fascinating article by Dr. Ileana Johnson Paugh, where she […]
Leaders Lead: A Commentary
I teach my Civics and Constitution students this principle: “The life of the leader sets the course for the people.” So, the generals need to lose weight and get fit. They have new rules to follow and enforce. Yet, their attitude seemed to be, “he called us here for this???” Yes, setting the course for […]
Building Influence: Personal Impact on Society
Who is in your circle of influence? Let’s start by asking who you are closest to in daily life. Your Closest Circle: Trust and Influence Who knows you best? Who do you advise? Who trusts you? Our very closest friends, with whom we share our lives, form relationships with us based on trust, loyalty, and […]
Facing the 2025 Government Shutdown
As autumn arrives, the looming October 1, 2025 deadline forces every American to confront what a federal shutdown truly means for daily life.” As autumn arrives, it is time for us to discuss the impending government shutdown and its impact on daily life. This is a civics and citizenship issue, so let’s discuss. What if there is […]
From Crown to Constitution: Modern Reflections
Watching brief glimpses of the British crown welcoming America’s president and various world tech, government, finance, and media powerbrokers at a lavish state dinner made me think (and smile). As Americans prepare to celebrate 250 years of independence, I couldn’t help but reflect on how far history has brought us since the American colonies declared […]
Has America Normalized “Throwing Dirt” on Each Other?
“Every time you throw dirt on her, you lose a little ground.”- George Strait. We digest a lot of “dirt” as Americans. Shovels full, in fact. A lot of “dirt” gets thrown in our “everyday” in the form of fake news, bending the law, starting arguments to move an agenda forward, and slander. We seem […]
The Struggle for America’s Soul
You may find the news increasingly upsetting lately. More coverage of murder, more surveys showing that young people under 40 want Marxism (socialism, communism, etc.), and free stuff. There are more lawsuits, more declines in public education, and more sexual issues in the front and center of the news. Why is everything around us seemingly […]
Declaration: Rights From Creator, Not Government
Two senators had an exchange on the Declaration of Independence regarding the rights of Americans this week. One Senator said, “The notion that rights don’t come from laws and don’t come from the government, but come from the Creator… That’s what the Iranian government believes. So the statement that our rights do not come from […]
Labor Day Reflections On Work
Besides looking forward to a fun final summer weekend, Labor Day affords us one more opportunity to reflect and reassess before busy fall schedules “kick in.” I was reading about the history of work in the United States and was so impressed with our humble beginnings. What made the USA into an industrial powerhouse? Hard […]
Champion of Freedom: Charles Carroll’s Legacy
Let’s meet another unsung hero of the Declaration of Independence: Charles Carroll, the longest-living signer of this founding document. He was a champion of civil and religious liberties and spoke out against oppressive British taxation as well as slavery. Carroll, courageous as he was, took no prisoners when it came to ad hominem attacks. Courage […]
Essential Lessons for Today’s Students
When you see the yellow school buses rolling down your street in late August, you know it’s back-to-school time for America’s children. Whether children are public, private, or home-schooled, I wonder what they will learn about America this year. Will the curriculum be laced with political ideology? Or will their books be fact-based? Will there […]
Caesar Rodney: Unsung Hero of Independence
In the heart of the summer of 1776, as the fate of our nation hung in the balance, one man’s courage and determination would alter the course of history. As we continue in our study of the Declaration of Independence, let’s meet this unsung hero. The Call for Independence A little background about our first […]
Understanding D.C. Governance: Laws and Authority
What laws govern the situation in Washington, D.C.? Let’s discover the civics lesson in our nation’s latest controversy. The District of Columbia has been under Home Rule since 1973. The District of Columbia Home Rule Act of 1973 provided a framework for local governance by citizens of the District. The federal government retains oversight responsibilities. […]
The Next Civil War Seems Unlikely
Do you think America is headed for another Civil War? I get comments from readers that don’t simply question the possibility. They assume it. Or fear it. Or both. Similarly for some media commentators from time to time. So, I’ve been thinking this through and doing some research. Looks like the idea of another Civil […]
Pursuit of Happiness: Rights and Civic Responsibility
As we continue in our study of the Declaration of Independence, let’s dive deeper into the meaning of the “Pursuit of Happiness” as per a request from one of our participants. Understanding the Pursuit of Happiness When I teach teens this phrase, I start by telling them what it is NOT, i.e., the government buying […]
