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 […]
Why the First Amendment Isn’t Unlimited
Does the First Amendment allow you to say anything you want, where you want, and how you want to say it? That is the belief of many Americans who have not been taught basic elements of the First Amendment. Several of our participants here at Common Sense Civics and Citizenship believe this and say that […]
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. […]
The Cloward‑Piven Playbook: Crisis‑Driven Change
The “Cloward-Piven strategy” was developed by sociologists Richard Cloward and Frances Fox Piven in the 1960s. I was an observer in a conversation of intellectual types that included people who believe this is what is happening in the United States. The description of this political theory/strategy varies, depending on who you talk to. Although it […]
Has America Normalized “Throwing Dirt” on Each Other?
“Every time you throw dirt on her, you lose a little ground.”- George Strait. We digest a lot of “dirt” as Americans. Shovels full, in fact. A lot of “dirt” gets thrown in our “everyday” in the form of fake news, bending the law, starting arguments to move an agenda forward, and slander. We seem […]
The Next Civil War Seems Unlikely
Do you think America is headed for another Civil War? I get comments from readers that don’t simply question the possibility. They assume it. Or fear it. Or both. Similarly for some media commentators from time to time. So, I’ve been thinking this through and doing some research. Looks like the idea of another Civil […]
Your Guide to Legislative Engagement
How can the American people do their due diligence with legislation that is too voluminous for even the congressmen and their staff to get through? That is the question from one of our patriot participants this week. She writes: “What about keeping up with contemporary legislation? Our Representatives – who are paid to do this […]
Passion vs. Wisdom in Governance
What are your hopes and dreams? We generally fail to realize that how we are governed has more to say about whether we will ever realize them. The Impact of Governance on Our Hopes and Dreams When I sat down to think about this question years ago, it led me to study our founding documents […]
Tariffs? Or Tariffed?
Tariffs are dominating the news in a big way. We the People are helping news networks and other media to make a lot of money when we engage in panic and fear, or choose ignorance. It’s a citizenship issue, so let’s discuss it. Understanding Tariffs and Their Impact on Americans I’m a civics teacher, not […]
The Daylight Saving Time Dilemma
It’s that time of year again—Daylight Saving Time. Here we go! Sigh. Every spring, the debate reignites: Should we keep changing the clocks or stay on DST permanently? Supporters and opponents cite everything from natural daylight cycles to energy savings and geographic location. Under federal law, states must follow the twice-yearly change or receive an […]
The Economy IS a Civics Issue
Recently, I was informed by a participant that my article, “DOGE, Dividends, and Debt” (https://civicsandcitizenship.org/doge-dividends-and-debt/ )was political and not a civics issue. I say economic issues are civics issues. Let’s discuss. The Economy Impacts Our Lives Comprehending how your government taxes you, spends your money or grows the economy is essential to understanding how our […]
Stinking Thinking in America and the Path Forward
Have you heard? Some Americans are sympathizing with, even claiming to love, a CEO killer they neither know nor have met. This is not normal. Yet, in the twentieth century and today, certain Americans evaluate suspects based solely on their outward appearance, disregarding the alleged crime entirely. This blind affirmation of physicality over facts or […]
America’s Spiritual Battle: a Civics Issue Between Good and Evil
You’ve heard it alleged that the USA is engaged in a battle between good and evil, which is known as a spiritual battle. In other words, our country is not about right vs. left, conservative vs. liberal, or this vs. that. It’s all about good vs. evil. This is a civics and citizenship issue, so […]
Government Shutdown? We Will Survive
So, if there is a government shutdown, what does that mean for you? I know we’ve been told that the world will come to an end. Sigh. That was until the looming shutdown hit the back pages of the news cycle… until it becomes front and center once again soon. Been There. Done That. We’ve […]
