Some questions arise as our nation deals with three issues. You’ve heard enough political analysis from the media. Now, let’s apply some Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. Issue #1: Al-Baghdadi is dead. The question at hand is why President Trump did not consult or notify Congressional leadership before he gave the “go” for the demise […]
National Anthem a Drinking Song?
Has your loved one come home reporting to you that our National Anthem is a drinking song? You know, images of steins raised, boots on the furniture, and a party in power mode. You might be stunned, not knowing how to defend The Star Spangled Banner, a song that’s heard weekly, if not more often, […]
Book Study on “The 5000 Year Leap” (Cont’d)
Welcome back this week to our book study called “The 5000 Year Leap”. (Skousen, W. Cleon. The Five Thousand Year Leap: 28 Ideas That Changed the World. National Center for Constitutional Studies, 1981). Last week, we learned that humankind made a 5,000-year leap in America’s first 200 years. What was the cause of this giant […]
Is Our National Anthem a Drinking Song?
Has your loved one come home reporting to you that our National Anthem is a drinking song? You know, images of steins raised, boots on the furniture, and a party in power mode. You might be stunned, not knowing how to defend The Star Spangled Banner, a song that’s heard weekly, if not more often, […]
New Summer Book Study
Summer is a great time to add some additional reading to the schedule. After some thought into doing a summer book study, I’d like to introduce you to “The 5000 Year Leap.” (Skousen, W. Cleon. The Five Thousand Year Leap: 28 Ideas That Changed the World. National Center for Constitutional Studies, 1981). The book had […]
A (Founding) Father’s Day Reflection
How are you spending this Father’s Day? As I was making preparations for the weekend, I thought of our Founding Fathers. It occurred to me that they had some traits of good fathers as they led this infant nation. Let’s take a look at a few of them: A Father’s Day reflection through the writings […]
Name the First Amendment Rights. Go!
More than 40% of Americans cannot name even one of the freedoms guaranteed in the First Amendment. Only 36% of those surveyed could name even one freedom. Some Americans think there are only three freedoms guaranteed. Actually, we have five freedoms in the First Amendment. Can you name them? If not, let’s get after it […]
Social Media and “Hate Speech”
So, should social media ban hate speech? If so, who should enforce the ban? How do we, as a country, decide who will be the arbiter of what is called “hate speech?” In fact, what is “hate speech?” That has been a huge topic among young people this week. Let’s examine a few questions regarding […]
Ever Have One of “Those” Conversations on Social Media?
Ever have one of “those” conversations with people of differing views on social media? You know, the ones where you think before you comment. You know you are in a territory of opposing viewpoints. However, you decide that this one is worth your time. Know what I’m talking about? Well, I had one of “those” […]
Memorial Day, 2019
How are you celebrating Memorial Day this year? Even better, who are you remembering? I was surprised to find out that a couple of my students had no attachment to our American holidays except to eat food with family. Their response prompted me to ask you for your traditions of celebrating Memorial Day. You know, […]
Washington’s Rules of Civility Book Study (con’t)
We are making our way through a book study of George Washington’s “Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation.” (Applewood Books, 1988). Glad you are here as we learn from our first president the life lessons he thought were essential for success. A recurrent theme in this book is how to treat […]
Word of the Day: Espionage Act
Common Sense Civics and Citizenship Word of the Day: Espionage Act “The Espionage Act of 1917 prohibited obtaining information, recording pictures, or copying descriptions of any information relating to the national defense with intent or reason to believe that the information may be used for the injury of the United States or to the advantage […]
Common Sense applied to the Border Crisis
Do you spend much time thinking about the border crisis or do you push it out of your mind? Does it grate on your nerves or are you confident that someone else is taking care of it? Maybe you are just too busy earning a living to think about it. Perhaps you have a personal […]
George Washington “Rules for Civility…” Book Study
Spring is generally a time of personal reflection and renewal. Americans take up activities like physical fitness boot camps, spring cleaning, self-denial during the Lenten season… Okay. I can almost hear you adding March Madness to the list 🙂 Some of George Washington’s practices remind me of these early spring rituals. Thanks for joining us […]
Common Sense Applied…
I have this scene rolling around in my mind like a movie. It’s the USA from the 1770s to the1950s knocking on a large door. On the other side of that door are Gen X’ers, Millenials, the older Gen Z’s and about half of the Baby Boomers. The dialogue goes something like this: “Hi. We’re […]
