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 […]
Resilience, Faith, and Courage That Built America
This post isn’t about blame; it’s about education. Below are examples of courage, sacrifice, and faith that shaped our national character. Read them and share your thoughts in the comments—without naming, blaming, or shaming political parties or people—so we can learn together. Let’s begin with a powerful example from our nation’s early history. From Valley […]
Christmas Overnight, 1776
Christmas overnight, December 25-26, 1776. Rain turned to sleet, turned to ice, turned into a biting storm from the northeast. Who would brave a night like that with a poorly clad, hungry, tired army and the need to cross the ice-choked Delaware River? George Washington would. The Night that Changed the War The army was […]
Questions Every Citizen Must Answer
History shows that socialism is an agenda that entices people groups with promises that have historically yielded a record of failure. How are entire populations won over? Socialists do it with promises of free things and fairness from a “new and improved government” led by someone “smarter” than you. Ask yourself these questions: Who is […]
P.L.A.N. for Peaceful Holiday Gatherings
As we prepare for upcoming celebrations with family and friends, I offer you my common-sense P.L.A.N. for a peaceful event. These get-togethers often involve citizenship issues that spark disagreements. Prior planning prevents poor performance. Take a look: (No) Politics-How to avoid holiday fights P. (No) Politics. If someone begins discussing a highly controversial topic, find […]
Founders’ Motives: Framework for Independence
What were the specific motives and framework that guided our Founders? There appears to be a movement to transform our current Constitutional Republic into something of ambiguous scope but resolute intention. The movement has an undercurrent of dissatisfaction with the status quo, but lacks the motivation and structure that our Founders had when deciding to […]
Remembering Pearl Harbor 12/07/41
“No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might, will win through to absolute victory …We will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us … Hostilities exist. There […]
