Exploring the Declaration of Independence Americans may have learned about the Declaration of Independence at some point, but what they genuinely want to know is its relevance to today. I conduct workshops on this very subject. People come with high expectations to review or to learn for the first time what’s in this founding American […]
Celebrate and Cherish Independence
We are celebrating the Declaration of Independence, where our Founders declared that we have unalienable rights, “that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness (including your property rights).” We learn of the self-evident truth that all men are created equal and that “all” means “ALL.” Yet, we find a significant number of […]
Moral Principles in the U.S. Constitution
The Importance of Morality in Governance Morality, defined as the practice of doing what is right, is essential for a free and self-governing society. I contend that we must legislate morality in our country because a society without common moral principles risks being ruled by tyrants. Our Founding Fathers understood this necessity. Rather than devolving […]
Reflections: Celebrating July 4 Through the Declaration of Independence
On Independence Day, the author reflects on key phrases from the Declaration of Independence to convey their importance and meaning. Emphasizing natural and moral law, they remind us of the inherent rights endowed by our Creator, the courage of the Founders, and the necessity of vigilance to maintain freedom. The post encourages readers to revisit this foundational document for a deeper understanding of American liberty.
When Government Policies Override the Will of the People
What happens when government policies submerge the will of the People? For one, we lose freedom. Let’s explore this topic as it affects many nations, including ours. In free countries, the people’s will is supposed to guide government policies. However, when government policies override or, worse, ignore the will of the people, freedom is the […]
The Dangers of Embracing Citizen Victimhood: A Reality Check
So, are Americans hopeless victims of our circumstances at this point in history? Keep in mind that victimhood is not a strategy to keep liberty. [Before reading further and commenting, please know that this is an educational page (that I pay for), not a political one. Do not name names or blame political parties. We […]
What We Believe Is How We Behave
“What we believe is how we behave.” Is that true? How will you behave if you embrace the trending cultural shift? Are These Statements True? Many Americans are being taught to believe : – We are not created equal, that group identity is important, but some groups are more important than others., – Our rights […]
What Is A Living Constitution?
Have you ever heard of “a living constitution?” This is a philosophy based on a “revolving door” definition of truth. Truth As Defined by Our Founders When our Founders wrote the US Constitution, “truth” was defined as absolute and unchanging. For example, you’ve often heard me mention “The Laws of Nature and Nature’s God” from […]
Founding Moments: Birth of American Independence 1774-1776
You have celebrated (hope it was safe and memorable!), but what about the meaning of the Independence Day holiday? How many of you know or remember the extraordinary events leading up to July 4, 1776? The Lead Up to Independence Day 1774-1775 Take, for example, that meeting of the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia in […]
What Was It Like for the Signers of the Declaration of Independence?
Summer, 1776. Signers of the Declaration of Independence. What kind of guts does it take to start a nation that puts The People truly in charge while separating from a king with “a decent respect” as they listed their grievances, one by one. Where does such courage come from? I’ve seen it at the National […]
Conversation
Over the holidays, I had a conversation with a man who interprets the Declaration of Independence very differently from how I teach the founding documents. We hit on three areas of disagreement with the Declaration that I thought might interest you. My view is the “point,” and his is the “counterpoint.” See what you think. […]
Why Are There So Many Global Protests?
Have you checked out the number of protests going on around the globe? You may be consuming fluff for news if you aren’t aware of these things. One visual trip around the world viewing global protests causes a true American to treasure our founding American documents, especially the Bill of Rights. Global Protests for Freedom […]
Natural Law
Wrong is wrong. Even if someone declares it right, it is still wrong. Bad is bad, even if it is better than ______________. Do you agree? I mean, how do you know if you’re right and the other person is wrong? Our Founders always returned to “the Laws of Nature and Nature’s God.” That was […]
Happy Independence Day!
Welcome back to Common Sense Civics and Citizenship! We are considering our American Independence this week by thinking of all the reasons we have to celebrate it- yes, even now. Following the first article is a piece that addresses our need for more and better civics education. Let’s begin: Happy Independence Day! Well, it is […]
“Why Do Americans Put Up With This?”
Maybe you can help me with a vague answer I gave to a Ukrainian national I recently met up with in the Chicago area. This woman lives with her young teen son and mother and works in the midwest. I’m guessing she has been here about seven years from what she said. She casually but […]
