Our country lived over 200 years under the standard of right and wrong. We as a nation understood that some things are wrong and inherently bad for society. There are also righteous ways that build a society. What Is The Standard? The standard was based on ancient wisdom and common sense. People regarded behaviors like […]
President’s Day
Today, I’m celebrating President’s Day by recalling past presidents’ wise words that still speak to us. Later this spring, I would like to return to Washington, D. C. to visit the Jefferson Memorial now that its refurbishing work is complete. I climbed the Washington Monument as a 13-year-old. No additional visits can top that experience, […]
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Like the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., today we need to focus on a higher place with a better goal. So, why does our nation continue to place a higher emphasis on skin color rather than the content of character? Dr. King would be so disappointed. Some of you remember Dr. King leading peaceful […]
Christmas Miracle
Who doesn’t need a story of a Christmas miracle? I never tire of reading about the courage of our forefathers at Christmastime as they built our nation. Their suffering, perseverance, willingness to die rather than surrender, and their hope for a better future speak volumes. They stepped up to the plate when all hope seemed […]
Christmas List For America
What would be on your Christmas list for America? I’m talking about what you want to see for yourself and the next generation. A coveted Christmas gift for your child might be a new pencil or a pair of socks in days gone by. Those were days of finding joy in simple pleasures. We complicate […]
Wreaths Across America
(Last year I was so moved by the story of the growing national organization “Wreaths Across America” and our fellow Americans’ patriotism, that I wrote about it. Readers to this page warmly received the information, so here is this year’s update. I was surprised to learn that without truckers donating their time, this beautiful tribute […]
Thanksgiving 2022
Thanksgiving is a genuine American holiday celebrated from our country’s infancy. Many of you are packing or cooking, planning or preparing. Our celebrations are far more expensive this year and, dare I say, relationship-wise. But, we can successfully gather and give thanks if we remember a few simple lessons. I like to use the acronym […]
Why Are Veterans Important?
Why is the Veteran important? A first reaction might be, “who would ask such a thing? Of course, Veterans are important! But, have you ever given thought to why this is so? It’s a citizenship issue, so let’s talk about it. I first heard of this subject when it became the VFW’s Voice of Democracy […]
Labor Day 2022
Labor Day– a time to celebrate the fruits of your hard work. How will you be celebrating Labor Day? Hats off to all of you who work or give your support to those who do. I looked at a list of occupations and began thinking about the people who make my life easy. Take, for […]
Memorial Day 2022
Thank you for returning to Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. We take a look at two issues (in the newsletter and on the website) close to my heart-children and war heroes. I hope you find these articles helpful and inspiring. “Every day is Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery,” says Executive Director Karen-Durham Aguilera. Indeed, […]
Your Government, Your Future
Wishing all who are celebrating Easter or Passover, a blessed celebration. I’m grateful to live in a country where we have the freedom to worship in the way we choose. The freedom to worship is one of our God-given rights. Thank you to those who do not worship but are gracious to those of us […]
President’s Day
As we celebrate Presidents’ Day, I think about some of our defining moments in history and leadership. What comes to mind is The American War for Independence, The Civil War, World War II, and now. I call today’s defining moment the War on Freedom. I believe whatever defining moments we have in our American history, […]
Wreaths Across America
Thank you for returning this week to Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. My joy-filled wishes to you and your loved ones as we celebrate Christmas, which is one of our national holidays. We have a lot of sickness in my extended family, so we will be visiting a nursing home to see Grandma, a grandson […]
Celebrating Our Military
It’s a big week for our armed forces. You won’t want to miss three opportunities to celebrate our military members. Some special events are underway. First, a heartfelt thank-you and congratulations to our United States Marine Corps as they celebrate 246 years of service to our country. We are deeply grateful to our Marines for […]
Thoughts On Labor Day 2021
Labor Day seems to have a different meaning this year. It doesn’t seem the same as other years. I want to fly my flag and treat it as a national holiday for healing rather than celebrate work and the traditional end of summer. Anyone else feeling this way? We have a hurricane, tornado, and storm […]
