The Declaration of Independence uses the noun “Men” and not “Women.” Today’s cultural drift has encouraged us to take issue with the use of the word “Men” as it is not inclusive, they say. I would argue that, indeed, the word “Men,” as used in our founding documents, includes all humans today. Historical Meaning of […]
Presidents’ Day Reflections
As we celebrate Presidents’ Day, I think about some of our defining moments in history and leadership. What comes to mind is the American War for Independence, the Civil War, World War II, and today. Whatever defining moments we have in our American history, presidential leadership matters in each of them. I am reflecting on […]
Self-Evident Truth in the Declaration
Did you know that Thomas Jefferson’s original draft of the Declaration of Independence did not include the phrase “self-evident”? He originally wrote in the rough draft, “We hold these truths to be sacred and undeniable…” Benjamin Franklin changed the draft to read, “We hold these truths to be self-evident.” In Walter Isaacson’s “The Greatest Sentence […]
Why the First Amendment Isn’t Unlimited
Does the First Amendment allow you to say anything you want, where you want, and how you want to say it? That is the belief of many Americans who have not been taught basic elements of the First Amendment. Several of our participants here at Common Sense Civics and Citizenship believe this and say that […]
What “Nazi” Actually Means
(The following description may be difficult for sensitive readers.) Do you think words matter, especially words that are associated with genocide? You have heard the word “Nazi” used often in the news. I think we need to review the correct use of that word. Let’s dive in. What the Term “Nazi” Really Refers To “Nazi” […]
Study Law, Not Promises, When Voting
Voters should set aside emotion and judge candidates by their constitutional fidelity and past actions. Emotion vs. Scrutiny It is good practice to stand back from the emotion of issues and put them under scrutiny. It’s also good practice to avoid voting for promises. We vote based on a record of action and support for […]
Crafting America’s Defining Sentence, 1776
Look closely at the picture accompanying this article—history in the making. The painting is “Writing the Declaration of Independence, 1776” by J.L.G. Ferris. The Library of Congress describes the painting as “Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams meet at Jefferson’s lodgings, on the corner of Seventh and High (Market) streets in Philadelphia, to review […]
Protecting Worship: A Historical Overview
Did you know that as early as the 17th century, there were laws on the books forbidding the disruption of a religious service in our land? Some news sources claim that disturbing a church service falls under First Amendment rights. However, laws against disrupting religious services date back to the 17th century in America. Historian […]
True American Citizenship: Values, Beliefs, and Freedom
Recently, I received this question from one of our participants at Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. He asks, “The problem (one of many) is, many modern Americans have a very haughty opinion of themselves, just because they are American…They have a high opinion of themselves simply because they can claim “citizenship”. Candace, please “dive in” […]
The First Amendment: Peaceable, Not Permissive
Does it bother you when our Constitution is misquoted? It sure gets under my skin. The lack of civics education is once again showing up in America. Over the weekend, we heard the twisting of the First Amendment to say something it doesn’t say about protesting. For example, we heard something like this: “The U.S. […]
Remembering MLK: Sit‑Ins, Fire Hoses, and Courage
My earliest recollections of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. are of him leading non-violent, constitutional protests in the 1960s. I was a news consumer from a young age, and Dr. King was on my black-and-white television screen every night, leading throngs of respectfully dressed, well-behaved protesters seeking equal rights in our nation. Remembering Sit‑Ins and […]
Think Like An American Again
This year promises to be an adventurous year, and not for the faint of heart! To prepare for what lies ahead, I will write a series of articles here on our founding documents. After all, ignorance is not bliss in contemporary culture. We need to be prepared, not only with knowledge but with the ability […]
Why the Founders Chose Three Branches
How did our Founders arrive at the concept of three branches of government, and why does it matter? The Concept of Three Branches of Government Goes Way Back Have you ever heard of Polybius, the ancient Greek historian? Me neither, until today. He found the three popular forms of governance in his day to have […]
Values That Secure Our Republic
What values will make America strong enough to withstand world threats attempting to bring our nation down? The Role of Suffering in National Victory I submit that suffering is a necessary attribute to achieving victory. How would our nation fare if we had to endure hardship to achieve victory in the end? Do we believe […]
Looking Forward to a New Year
I loved Year In Review segments as a kid, and continued the tradition into adulthood. This year, however, I took a pass. Division and discord seem to summarize 2025. I don’t care to re-live it. I’m ready to move forward, with lessons from the past and a renewed focus on what matters to a common-sense […]
