Does it bother you that TSA and other federal workers go unpaid during shutdowns?” It does me. Let’s look at this issue. Origins: How the Filibuster Began (1806) At the heart of the matter is the filibuster rule, which was established in 1806 by accident (!) You see, the U.S. Senate unintentionally eliminated a rule […]
Action Over Anger Always
What good comes from fretting our nation? Action, not anger, offers a far better chance of changing things than venting and complaining. I’ve recently been asked by fellow citizens why “Congress doesn’t do something about this or that!” Here is one example: “Why doesn’t Congress stop third parties from ‘jacking up’ the price of concert […]
Parchment and Promise: American Founders’ Courage
Standing before the original Declaration at the National Archives, I felt the quiet gravity of the moment—56 pens poised to risk everything to birth a nation. It’s Summer, 1776. The signers of the Declaration of Independence gather for an overwhelming task. What kind of guts does it take to start a nation that puts The […]
Did the Declaration Exclude Women and Minorities?
The Declaration of Independence uses the noun “Men” and not “Women.” Today’s cultural drift has encouraged us to take issue with the use of the word “Men” as it is not inclusive, they say. I would argue that, indeed, the word “Men,” as used in our founding documents, includes all humans today. Historical Meaning of […]
What “Nazi” Actually Means
(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 […]
Crafting America’s Defining Sentence, 1776
Look closely at the picture accompanying this article—history in the making. The painting is “Writing the Declaration of Independence, 1776” by J.L.G. Ferris. The Library of Congress describes the painting as “Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams meet at Jefferson’s lodgings, on the corner of Seventh and High (Market) streets in Philadelphia, to review […]
Why the Founders Chose Three Branches
How did our Founders arrive at the concept of three branches of government, and why does it matter? The Concept of Three Branches of Government Goes Way Back Have you ever heard of Polybius, the ancient Greek historian? Me neither, until today. He found the three popular forms of governance in his day to have […]
Nullification Theory: When Challenging Federal Law
What do these actions have in common? Sanctuary cities Legalization of marijuana Local officials ordering subordinates not to protect federal law officers Reminding active duty military that they have the right to disobey an illegal order A U.S. congressman suggesting that state law enforcement could arrest federal officials who were enforcing the immigration laws The […]
Two Media Voices, Two Futures
Which media voice are you listening to today — the one that fans passive anger and blames others, or the one that confronts hard facts and urges productive action? Do you find that media coverage shapes your opinions and views on civic issues? If so, it can become more challenging to think and reason independently. […]
Senate Filibuster: Past, Present, Future
What is the Senate filibuster, and how does it work? Let’s examine this issue. The Senate was meant to be a deliberative body, using debate and persuasion to come to a decision that benefits We the People. But now, it is merely a clash of partisans. In a sense, some say we have lost our […]
The Cost of Convenience: Freedom vs. Freebies
Why would people trade freedom for free stuff? Our Founders believed a good working definition of freedom is “A state of exemption from the power or control of another; liberty; exemption from slavery, servitude, or confinement.” (See https://webstersdictionary1828.com/ ). Look up the former Soviet Union or Venezuela. We the People in certain cities (yes, plural, […]
Faith, Freedom, and the Founders’ Words
As a lead-up to our country’s 250th birthday celebration, we are continuing in our study of the Declaration of Independence. In my research, I have found it beneficial to look at some of the “back stories” of the Declaration. (for example, Charles Carroll, the longest living signer of the Declaration.) The Religious Landscape of the […]
Leaders Lead: A Commentary
I teach my Civics and Constitution students this principle: “The life of the leader sets the course for the people.” So, the generals need to lose weight and get fit. They have new rules to follow and enforce. Yet, their attitude seemed to be, “he called us here for this???” Yes, setting the course for […]
Declaration: Rights From Creator, Not Government
Two senators had an exchange on the Declaration of Independence regarding the rights of Americans this week. One Senator said, “The notion that rights don’t come from laws and don’t come from the government, but come from the Creator… That’s what the Iranian government believes. So the statement that our rights do not come from […]
