Understanding Today’s Youth Political Trends I’m still sorting out why so many young people are voting for communists these days. The thought resonated with me that, for this generation, supporting communism (what they call “democratic socialism”) vocally and by voting, these young people feel like they are doing something to fix America’s problems. In other […]
Preserving American Values: Lessons From the Founders
“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) […]
United We Stand: The Power of Participation
Recently, a relatively new American citizen, whose agenda includes abolishing prisons and defunding the police, won the nomination for New York City mayor. In California, there is a mayor, via social media, allegedly calling upon criminal gang members to stand up to ICE. Apply the Principles of Self-Government We the People get the government we […]
Preserving the Peaceful Transfer of Power
As we prepare for the peaceful transfer of power in our nation on January 20, perhaps you thought the 2024 election was controversial. History shows our nation had other contentious moments but came together for a peaceful transfer of power. Controversy and Unity in the Election of 1800 Look up the election in 1800 between […]
Navigating Presidential Transitions: Building Trust, Setting Priorities, Transferring Power
How much do you know about presidential transitions besides what you hear or read in the news? Most media information is designed to get and keep your attention at a level similar to election season. Remember: news sells. Instead, let’s focus on some facts about the customary presidential transition.Presidential transitions are primarily about four things: […]
The Laws That Govern U.S. Elections
Ever wonder where all the laws governing our elections are found? I know what the Constitution says, but what about U.S. Law? Let’s make sense of it all. With AI’s (1) help, I researched this topic to organize these laws and statutes in my mind. The national laws governing presidential elections are primarily based on […]
Why You Shouldn’t Skip Reading the Party Platform
The author provides a simple guide to reading and understanding a political party platform and emphasizes its importance in voting
Understanding How National Convention Delegates are Chosen
Democrat and Republican parties have their own methods for choosing delegates to attend their national conventions. It can be complicated, but understanding this process is part of being an informed voter. Delegates can be chosen through primary elections, caucuses, or by party leaders. Some delegates may include the presidential candidates themselves. Elected representatives from counties, […]
Can a Prisoner Run for President?
Can a prisoner run for President? What about Secret Service protection? Those questions are receiving a lot of media attention this week. Let’s take a look at the Constitution and current law for the answer. What the Law Says and Does Not Say Yes, an imprisoned candidate for president can run for office. Article II, […]
Ranked-Choice Voting and You
Do you find ranked-choice voting confusing? Do you know what RCV is? Let’s discover this new way of voting used by Alaska, Hawaii, Kansas, and Wyoming. Nevada used this method for absentee caucus voters. It is also used in some cities. Proponents of ranked-choice voting (RCV) say it is fair and straightforward since the most […]
The Present Is All We Have
Many Americans seem to be in a post-election high or a post-election funk. Although this may be true, let’s address those living here and now, not living in yesterday’s results or tomorrow’s hopes. After all, you and I cannot control the past or the future. The present is all we have. Is it appropriate to […]
How Do You Select Leaders?
When you cast your ballot, what factors determine who you choose to lead? How do you select leaders? That was the topic in my Jr. High civics class this week. It sounds so simple, but then again, it’s not easy, as my ‘tweens discovered. Maturity I asked the students what “maturity” meant. One child answered, […]
We Can’t Do Everything; We Can Do Something
Many fellow citizens have expressed deep concerns, like, “Should I take our country seriously? Or languish in feelings of defeat for the almost 250-year-old American Experiment?” Last night, I met “Ash Bay.” Hear the story of an everyday American that decided to do something small and do it with “all-in” effort. The town board asked […]
Common Sense Applied
One of the goals of this page is to encourage wise and responsible citizenship. I hope that we find value in practicing common sense citizenship as a part of everyday life. We look around and wonder if that goal has “left the station.” Let’s look at a few items that Americans are dealing with and […]
Justice Clarence Thomas’ Dissent-a learning opportunity
So many voices, and for me, so little clarity. Let’s do some discovery. Justice Clarence Thomas issued a dissenting opinion on the Pennsylvania election case, specifically, the denial of a writ of certiorari. (What is that? See below) His writing presents a learning opportunity for us. The opinion is short, readable, understandable, and gives us […]
