(The following description may be difficult for sensitive readers.) Do you think words matter, especially words that are associated with genocide? You have heard the word “Nazi” used often in the news. I think we need to review the correct use of that word. Let’s dive in. What the Term “Nazi” Really Refers To “Nazi” […]
Study Law, Not Promises, When Voting
Voters should set aside emotion and judge candidates by their constitutional fidelity and past actions. Emotion vs. Scrutiny It is good practice to stand back from the emotion of issues and put them under scrutiny. It’s also good practice to avoid voting for promises. We vote based on a record of action and support for […]
True American Citizenship: Values, Beliefs, and Freedom
Recently, I received this question from one of our participants at Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. He asks, “The problem (one of many) is, many modern Americans have a very haughty opinion of themselves, just because they are American…They have a high opinion of themselves simply because they can claim “citizenship”. Candace, please “dive in” […]
Remembering MLK: Sit‑Ins, Fire Hoses, and Courage
My earliest recollections of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. are of him leading non-violent, constitutional protests in the 1960s. I was a news consumer from a young age, and Dr. King was on my black-and-white television screen every night, leading throngs of respectfully dressed, well-behaved protesters seeking equal rights in our nation. Remembering Sit‑Ins and […]
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 […]
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 […]
Jimmy Carter, 39th President, 1924-2024
The longest living President, Jimmy Carter, passed away this week. Reflections on Carter’s presidency often highlight significant challenges and unpopular or failed solutions. Who remembers lining up to get gas for their car? How about Carter’s strong suggestion to “wear a sweater” and keep indoor temps to 55 degrees? (It was cold!) Remember the Iranian […]
Crisis and Citizenship: Teaching Students to ‘Think and Do” Like Americans
I took the opportunity to teach my junior high civics class and my High School U.S. Constitution class some lessons from the recent Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The overriding theme during our discussion was “How to Think Like an American” in a crisis. I used posts from X (formerly Twitter) as a springboard for our […]
Can Amoral People Remain Free?
How can a free-born people support amorality without downing their society? I have been pondering this question from different angles. Let’s explore it together. Amorality Comes In Many Forms Amorality takes many forms. For example, we recognize murder as amoral but to support savage murder, i.e., tying mother and child together and burning them beyond […]
The Gadsden Flag
We all know what the Gadsden flag is, right? I am just ensuring all of my readers understand the historical significance of this flag and its relevancy to the founding generation. All of this in light of the controversy it caused recently. Who Flew the Gadsden Flag and Why? The yellow Gadsden flag has the […]
Are You an American Thinker or a Follower?
Are you an American thinker or a follower? Our nation can be categorized into two groups: those who think and those who follow. It doesn’t matter what your political, religious, or secular affiliations are. People either think about things and make their own decisions or follow the prevailing “wisdom” from politicians, the press, or the […]
Why People Fall For Socialism
Our young people (and many adults) fall for socialism because they haven’t been taught to think for themselves. They naively believe the government will be an annual daddy that will provide for them. They never have to grow up to be discerning, responsible adults. Instead, they adopt groupthink and surrender to the very authoritarian power […]
Epidemic of Loneliness
Are you lonely? Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, the Surgeon General of the United States, published a detailed report called “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation.” Did you catch that? It’s an epidemic of loneliness? Supposedly, one in every two Americans was lonely pre-pandemic. Now, it’s worse. This is a citizenship issue, so let’s talk about it. […]
The Standard
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 […]
