Thank you for returning to Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. This year promises to be an adventurous year, and not for the faint of heart! In order to be prepared for what lies ahead, I will be writing a series of articles on here that pertain to our founding documents. After all, ignorance is not […]
Jobs Jobs Jobs
There’s a lot of talk about changes going on in our country. Have any significant changes come to your city? I’ve noticed for about a month now, grocery store shelves are left wanting with empty spaces to fill—the same as it was in spring of 2020. I wondered about that but didn’t question it until […]
What Now?
Thank you for returning to Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. After we recollect, it’s time to gather our thoughts, strap our boots on, and move ahead. Our first article in the newsletter this week is driven by the seeming sense of sadness and defeat in the culture. There’s plenty of reason to be hope-filled, and […]
Looking for the Courageous
When is the last time you read a story about American greatness? Been a while, no? We may not even realize it, but we are hungry for stories of courage, bravery, success, valor, honor, and outstanding citizenship. We need those stories right now. I believe there are many behind-the-scenes American hero stories that will emerge […]
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 […]
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 […]
On Memorial Day, Americans Remember
“The United States became a great nation because of its people and its principles.” Wish I could remember where I read that because the truth of it stays with me. People continually express in the comments how concerned they are for our country. I can only tell you that I look every single day for […]
The Pursuit of Freedom
People crave freedom. We know that all too well. If you’ve raised children, you “get” it. If you’ve lived in the United States for any length of time, you’ve experienced it. If you were born here, it’s in your DNA. How many of you know someone moving to where they can inhale an independent spirit […]
Who Are“We the People”?
“We the People” is us, not the government. Recently, a prominent public official said that “We the People is all of us.” When public servants are not in their official roles, i.e., mowing the lawn, doing carpool, grocery shopping, a day at the beach, they are “We the People.” When they serve in their official […]
United? Or Divided States of America?
Aren’t we focusing on the wrong thing? How is dividing America into factions and groups making us a better nation? Are we not straying farther and farther away from our national motto, “Out of Many, One”? Everywhere I turn, I hear more and more stories of how we seek to honor our differences, not unite […]
Could We Lose Our American Identity?
You could lose your identity as: an employee an owner an individual a countryside dweller an outspoken critic an inventor a sports enthusiast an American Wait. Could we lose our identity as Americans? Not “American in Name Only.” I mean the traditions and values that make us uniquely American. I believe we could lose our […]
Are America’s Best Days Over?
I get notes these days from people who want to give up on America. They say its best days are over. So, I got to thinking about this. Having traveled a fair amount, I’ve seen how other parts of the world live in Eastern and Western Europe, the Middle East, South America, New Zealand, and […]
Presidents Day
Read their words. If you have the time, find a photo and look into their eyes. After all, the eye is a window to the soul, they say. I was looking for words of wisdom from past U.S. presidents in honor of President’s Day. In particular, I was looking for comments from past Chief Executives […]
Note from Candace
Welcome! Thank you for subscribing to this weekly newsletter. At Common Sense Civics and Citizenship, we look to find what we have in common- our founding American documents, and all that America aspires to be. Our country is going through a tumultuous time. Our freedoms are at risk on certain fronts. It’s not time to […]