“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 […]
Why Do Younger Americans Embrace Marxism?
Younger Americans are increasingly drawn to Marxism, a trend that raises critical questions about their values, aspirations, and understanding of government and society. I’ve been thinking about this topic since I compiled my recent article, “Marxism: A Utopian Illusion or Reality?” https://civicsandcitizenship.org/marxism-a-utopian-illusion-or-reality I addressed the stark differences between Marxism and a Constitutional Republic. Most older […]
Marxism: A Utopian Illusion or Reality?
More Americans are considering Marxism as a viable system of governance. Who is convincing them that Marxism is the essence of utopia? It is well worth our time to reflect on the differences between Marxism and a Constitutional Republic, since growing numbers of Americans seem willing to embrace governance by a system that is anything […]
Self-Evident Truths: Foundations of Freedom
Have you ever pondered what a self-evident truth is? As we continue our study of the Declaration of Independence, let’s examine how this phrase was used and its significance. Start by reading the words as they are used in this founding American document: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created […]
Due Process: A Right for All?
The question of whether due process is a right reserved solely for American citizens and legal residents invites a deeper exploration of constitutional protections and their implications. Here’s an interesting question I received from a CSCC participant: “Is it possible for Congress to pass a law stating that ‘due process’ is a right for only […]
Correction:
Please note the following error in last week’s article https://civicsandcitizenship.org/reviving-the-declaration-its-modern-relevance George Washington was not a member of the Committee of Five. He was commanding the Continental army at the time. The Committee of Five members were John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, and Benjamin Franklin. I sincerely regret the error.
