Thank you for returning to Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. Afghanistan is top of mind for Americans this week. Like many of you, I am in disbelief over what we have heard and learned. In today’s newsletter, we take a look at this incredible situation from a common sense civics and citizen perspective. Let’s begin […]
We Need Answers
August 18, 2021 Afghanistan I have always said that the life of the leader sets the course for the people. While running errands yesterday, I noticed how unusually unsettled people were in the stores, parking lots, and streets, not to mention the back-to-school shoppers. Americans are affected by this turn of events, just like they […]
We Can’t Do Everything; What CAN We Do?
Thank you for returning to Common Sense Civics and Citizenship’s weekly newsletter. I hope you find today’s articles helpful. In one of the articles, we take a look at the way Americans are communicating. We are arguing to destroy each other rather than win converts. I’ve been reading a modern version of The Federalist Papers. […]
Americans Argue; Publius To The Rescue
Publius (John Adams, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay) to the rescue again, as they have wisdom we could use in our current national dialogue. Please stick with me as I set the stage. Heard on the street: Americans arguing about each other’s V-status. In one scenario, two boat owners were screaming and cussing at each […]
Agenda 21
Agenda 21 Welcome back to Common Sense Civics and Citizenship! Two very important topics this week aren’t being discussed in the news unless you hunt for them. Have you ever heard about Agenda 21? We will look at the goals of this UN initiative. The similarity to today’s news is shocking. Did you know that […]
Immigration Matters
Immigration Matters Ever wonder how immigration got to the place where it is today? Some careful study on the issue shines a light on what happens when the Constitution is stretched to say things it doesn’t say. First, you may remember that the word “immigration” never appears in our U.S. Constitution. If it’s not in […]
Learning from Our Forefathers
“It has been often said that the people of this country will decide the important question of whether societies can establish a good government by careful thought and choice. Or whether people are forever destined to be governed only by accident and force.” (Webster, Mary E. The Federalist Papers in Modern Language. 2018. p. 1) […]
Conversations: Things That Make You Go Hmmm
Let’s take a brief look at recent conversations overheard here and there. Knowing how to navigate conversations is a citizenship issue. Think of the following as “things that make you go hmmmmm.” The Border Issue: Person #1: “If you don’t believe in open borders, you are a race-ist.” Person #2: “How do you define racism?” […]
Everything Old Is New Again
Thank you for returning to Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. We’re glad you’re here! I’ve spent some time reading and studying, trying to make sense of all the changes going on around us so quickly. American Founding Father Roger Sherman and President Woodrow Wilson captured my attention for different reasons. See if you can draw […]
Learn from Sherman’s Character and Quirks
Having applied for instructor certification with the Institute on the Constitution, I was observed teaching (and passed with no corrections!) and then asked to complete an essay. One of the questions was this: “What is one of your favorite quotes from our Founders?” I used a favorite quote from founding father Roger Sherman. The founder […]
Who Were Those Other Influencers?
Welcome back to this page! Glad to have you here. What a tumultuous week in our nation! My passion is Founding documents education. It’s a good thing because in my view, if you know the American founding documents, you can’t be tricked into emotional responses. You’re not asleep at the wheel while your liberties slowly […]
A Changing Perception of Work
Young Americans think differently than older citizens. Well, that is no news flash. What is noteworthy is the change in the younger generation’s perception of work. It’s a citizenship issue and will profoundly affect our future if we don’t speak up for the value of work. Take a look at these stories: Last weekend, I […]
Who Are Your Influencers?
Welcome back or for the first time to Common Sense Civics and Citizenship! Always glad to have your participation here. This week, we explore two topics that generated a ton of interest. First, I was observed and critiqued by the Institute on the Constitution to be certified as an instructor. Happy to report that I […]
Understand the Times
Understand the Times What an eye-opener it is to read the opposing views of what America is! Thanks to the long Independence holiday weekend, we had an opportunity to read more than usual. You would not know that we were living in the same country, depending on which media you accessed. Since we don’t name […]
Proud to Be an American
Summer, 1776. What kind of guts does it take to start a nation that puts The People truly in charge while separating from a king with “a decent respect” as they listed their grievances, one by one. Where does such courage come from? I’ve seen it in the National Archives. I could almost feel the […]
