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 […]
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 […]
Decoding the Declaration: Founders’ True Intent
What was the objective of writing the Declaration of Independence? Examining primary sources allows us to discover much more than what is presented in history books. I was pleased to find this quote from Thomas Jefferson in a letter to Henry Lee, which discusses the objective of the Declaration. My explanation follows the letter. Letter […]
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 […]
Unity Over Division: A Call to Action
Washington’s Warning: A Timeless Truth George Washington, our first president, warned against Americans dividing into political parties and factions in his farewell address, on Saturday, September 17, 1796. “However [political parties or factions] may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by […]
Embracing the Spirit of Flag Day
(This post had over 3,500 “likes” this week on Facebook, so I’m repeating here and in my weekly update. I hope you find it encouraging. 🇺🇸) “As long as we stand united under the American flag, there is no challenge we cannot overcome. It is a symbol of our resilience and strength.” – Unknown Flags for […]
Embracing Our Civic Duty Today
Sometimes we have to dig a little deeper to find out about our American heritage. The Presidential Oath: Is It a Shared Responsibility? “. . . But he who takes the oath today to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States only assumes the solemn obligation which every patriotic citizen, on the […]
Honoring Heroes: Memorial Day Traditions
How are you celebrating Memorial Day this year? Even better, who are you remembering? I was surprised that some of my students had no attachment to our American holidays except to eat food with family. Their response prompted me to ask you about your traditions for celebrating Memorial Day. Understanding Memorial Day Maybe younger generations […]
Moral Principles in the U.S. Constitution
The Importance of Morality in Governance Morality, defined as the practice of doing what is right, is essential for a free and self-governing society. I contend that we must legislate morality in our country because a society without common moral principles risks being ruled by tyrants. Our Founding Fathers understood this necessity. Rather than devolving […]
Founders’ Values: A Surprising Legacy
What the Founders believed may surprise you. Contrary to common teachings today, very few deists existed in the 18th century. Therefore, deists were outnumbered. Judeo-Christian Morality: A Shared Foundation The Framers had a common belief in Judeo-Christian moral values (not religious doctrine) that are still widely held today. You know the ones- don’t cheat, steal, […]
Individual Freedom vs. Collective Ideology
There are competing ideologies, and many Americans want it both ways.That is impossible! Today’s Competing Ideologies Our young people chant pro-death slogans against the innocent. Have these people ever studied real history or science? Perhaps if colleges taught an actual body of knowledge and promoted patriotism (i.e., love of one’s country), not tribalism (i.e., oppressor […]
What Makes You An American?
What makes us American, if not a common language? The answer lies in what we believe. Our beliefs shape our behavior and, ultimately, our identity. We Know Who We Are -We are a freeborn people. Therefore, we endeavor to learn our Founding American documents and pass them on to our posterity. These documents are a […]
America Celebrates with Time-Honored Traditions
Today, our children know our country better by its politics than its traditions. I hope to change that this week in my Jr. High and High School civics classes by asking, “What are some of the Inauguration traditions that our country enjoys?” Did you know there is a First Nail Ceremony? This event, with its […]
Washington’s Christmas Crossing
Christmas overnight, December 25-26, 1776. Rain turned to sleet, then ice, into a biting storm from the northeast. Who would brave a night like that with a poorly clad, hungry, tired army and the need to cross the ice-choked Delaware River? General George Washington would. A Stormy Night and a Desperate Plan The army was […]
A Day That Will Live in Infamy (If We Tell the Story)
Is it a day that lives in infamy? That’s what FDR said concerning December 7, 1941, when ”the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.” To live in infamy means that a criminal or evil act will be remembered for time immemorial. Yet, I’m […]
