Our Contemporary Protests Have Historical Roots (And Why You Should Care)Are today’s protests a harbinger of a return to the 1960s unrest, with its simmering anger and youth hostility? The echoes are undeniable. Are young Americans exporting their discontent, potentially destabilizing the world? The signs are alarming. If the answer to these questions is “yes,” why are we tolerating this? Shouldn’t we have learned from history?Haven’t We Learned Anything from the 1960s?First, given that we went through the struggle by wrestling with social justice issues decades ago, I would think we would have learned to live in peace with one another by now. Perhaps the ‘60s generation never reconciled their unrest and now brings it to our college campuses and the political arena (among other areas) with a blatant disregard for our constitutional rights. By all accounts, today’s leaders have not led our children well. It's up to us to change this.[Before continuing: Do not name political parties, candidates, prominent people, or people groups in the comments. Please do not add additional pictures or links. I will delete posts from those who cannot practice reasonable conversation with civility.]Youth Mobilized Against AuthoritySecond, the 1960s and today’s youth mobilized by using the news and whatever technology was/is available to them. Why does today’s media patronize anti-American sentiment or spin it to make bad behavior seem justified? Maybe the adult generation of the 1960s didn’t do enough within their families to discipline their children. The Silent Generation (born between 1928 and 1945) was obedient and patriotic. Perhaps they spoiled their children and didn’t know how to handle radical behavior. Could it be that their “children” have grown up and perpetuate an unpatriotic, undisciplined culture?Tactics from a Cultural Marxism Playbook?Third, look at today’s protests. The very people who teach our youth that they are being treated unfairly (e.g., by having a merit-based system) and mistreated (e.g., changes in the weather) grant college students space to threaten and even harm those who do not hold their views. This sounds like a tactic taken out of a cultural Marxism playbook.The Government ResponseFourth, look at the Government Response. In both eras, the government response has been contentious. In the 1960’s, the use of force suppressed dissent to stop it temporarily. Perhaps there is an undercurrent that wants it both ways. On the one hand, Americans want the law enforced, but on the other hand, many don’t want law enforcement at all. Likewise, our youth claim the First Amendment right to assemble but conveniently leave out the word “peacefully.” This is evident in the recent protests where some have turned violent, leading to a debate on the balance between freedom of expression and public safety.The Cultural ImpactUndeniably, the 1960s and today’s youth protestors have had a cultural impact on the arts, sciences, media, and American political and civil discourse. Both groups are now affecting the youngest generation among us, and not for the better, I would say. Think about the impact of the rise of identity politics, the normalization of radical ideologies, and the erosion of traditional values.Draw Comparisons, Gain Insights, Avoid History Repeating ItselfWhen we recognize the similarities between the 1960s and today, we can avoid being content with history repeating itself. We can speak up in our circles of influence and persuade others that these forms of protest are not leading us to a good place. We can vote differently. We must withdraw our support of colleges, rallies, organizations, and institutions that promote unrest in an un-American, unconstitutional way. These are meaningful ways to make an impact for good in the historical life of our nation. This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship.🇺🇸 #protest #historical
Maximizing Your Tax Returns: A Common-Sense ApproachApril 10, 2024 By Candace Donnelly With all the tax talk going around this week, let’s look at some common-sense tax considerations. Are Tax Refun...
Understanding Your Rights: Bill of Rights, First and Second AmendmentsHow well do you know your rights?It's common sense to know your rights as an American. Yet, how many Americans know the number of rights in the First Amendment? Could you recite your freedoms in the Bill of Rights? Plenty of "man-on-the-street" videos show Americans' apologetic ignorance, particularly those under 35. Let's learn or renew our acquaintance with a few fundamental foundational rights as Americans.Bill of Rights or Bill of Suggestions?First, our Bill of Rights is part of the U.S. Constitution, specifically the first ten amendments. It is not a separate document. Next, the Bill of Rights tells the government our individual rights. These rights belong to us. The Bill of Rights is not a bill of suggestions or permissions.A Common Sense Review of Our Rights in the First Amendment: Can You Name Your Rights?[Before continuing :Do not name political parties, candidates, or prominent people in the comments. Address the main topic of the article without using names. No additional pictures or links, please. I will delete posts from those who cannot practice intelligent conversation with civility.]Let's look at the First Amendment, which names five of our freedoms: Freedom of Religion- is not freedom from religion. You can freely attend the house of worship you choose or not attend one at all; Congress cannot create a national denomination.Freedom of Speech—You can speak, write, or share ideas or opinions without government interference. Freedom of speech does not protect obscenity, child pornography, indecency, defamation, certain forms of incitement, or fighting words.Freedom of the Press- to report the news without government censorship or reprisalsFreedom to PEACEABLY assemble (i.e., in a group)—This is NOT the right to protest by laying down in the street, stopping traffic on a bridge for an undetermined time, kicking someone's car, disturbing the peace (i.e., singing protests at 2 a.m., threatening the lives of people with whom you disagree or don't like, causing property damage, etc. It is the right of Americans to assemble PEACEABLY. Freedom to petition our government for redress of grievances—You have the right to inform the government of ideas, laws, policies, etc., that you question or would like to be changed. It is not the right to threaten life, limb, or property to get your voice heard. A redress of grievances is not calling up some young intern at your elected official's office and cussing them out because you are unhappy with the status quo. Instead, vote differently or run against them in the next election.It is common sense civics and citizenship to memorize these First Amendment rights and know how to interpret them legally, not emotionally. Doing so helps all of us live peacefully and vote intelligently.About the Second AmendmentIf you ask anyone about the Second Amendment, you usually will hear something like, "It's the right to own a gun." Immediately, emotional arguments among Americans ensue over gun ownership, gun laws, animal rights, and more. Stop right there. The Second Amendment guarantees your right to own a gun. It is a fact. You do not have to own a gun, but you can own a gun. This article is not about your arguments for or against gun ownership. Consider the following:A short time ago, a young person in my vicinity decided to visit a friend. This young person allegedly killed his friend, his friend's mother, the mailman, and about six other people by going on a neighborhood house-to-house murder spree. He used a baseball bat to kill a teenage girl who was enjoying time on spring break with her sister and a friend. This teen shielded her sister and her friend from certain death. The alleged murderer took a vehicle and ran over some of his victims. No guns were involved. A knife, a baseball bat, and a truck were the weapons used to kill eleven innocent people. I'll leave that right there for your common sense consideration. The Second Amendment says what it says. My question to you is: Can you name your constitutional rights? We will continue reviewing the Bill of Rights in future articles.This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship 🇺🇸Photo credit: Paul Weaver
Maximizing Your Tax Returns: A Common-Sense ApproachApril 10, 2024 By Candace Donnelly With all the tax talk going around this week, let’s look at some common-sense tax considerations. Are Tax Refun...
Thanks for being a top engager and making it on to my weekly engagement list! 🎉Andrea Tucker, Martha Troyer, Ed Rooney