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 […]
Founders’ Values: A Surprising Legacy
What the Founders believed may surprise you. Contrary to common teachings today, very few deists existed in the 18th century. Therefore, deists were outnumbered. Judeo-Christian Morality: A Shared Foundation The Framers had a common belief in Judeo-Christian moral values (not religious doctrine) that are still widely held today. You know the ones- don’t cheat, steal, […]
What Would You Say to Greenland?
What would you tell the people of Greenland (population 56,000) if you had the opportunity to discuss their country joining the United States? I’ve been thinking about this for a while. For example, what would I say if I could write a guest editorial? What would you say? It’s a civics and citizenship issue, so […]
DOGE, Dividends, and Debt
What should We the People do with the “DOGE savings?” The Department of Government Efficiency is identifying billions and billions of dollars that would cut federal spending. Where should that money go? I had an interesting discussion with my teen students the other day. Here are three ideas being “floated” lately: Spend the Money One […]
President’s Day Reflections on Freedom
President’s Day is here. One way I celebrate the day is by considering the wise sayings of some of our nation’s leaders: Pour a tea or coffee and join me as we take a moment to embrace our personal responsibility to keep the cause of freedom alive. Washington and Lincoln “The Constitution is the guide […]
1776: Christmas Defined America’s Destiny
This time of year always takes me back to the War for Independence, 1776. Without the bravery of those early Americans, you and I would not be celebrating Christmas as Americans today. I came across this article from William J. Federer in his email piece for December 19, 2024, called “The American Minute.” Federer sets […]
Dribble, Baby, Dribble: Founding Principles That Stand the Test of Time
I am humbled and truly impressed that our Founders understood the need to tolerate each other’s differences but united together on a common goal: to build the United States of America on sound principles that work when they are practiced with consistency. Learning the Basics: From 3-Year-Old Basketball to Nation-Building As an illustration, have you […]
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 […]
America Will Survive
America will survive. Some of you have written to me that, as a country, you think we are doomed. Last week, I heard this while driving: “America has had problems before. We solved the problems. It will be good again.” This sentiment resonates with me. I believe America will survive. Things will be good again […]
US Constitution: Does It Ever Mention God?
One of our commenters last week asserted that “God is never mentioned in the U.S. Constitution.” Our regular participants here at Common Sense Civics and Citizenship know that the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution comprise our Founding American Documents. So, rather than the filtered, watered-down opinions of “the politician, press, or professor,” let’s […]
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 […]
Perspective Is Needed
The world is a quagmire right now, so we perspective. Consider the following statements: Heard, Seen, Or Said Recently “How many people are putting themselves in harm’s way so you can be free?” “If you want to know what a country really thinks, don’t believe what they say until you verify what they teach their […]
How Should Americans Pick a Side On An Issue?
What do you do when you must pick one side over another? In today’s news, Americans are being prompted to choose sides. For example: -the presidential race -in the contest for Speaker of the House -in the Israel War -life over death -good over evil -freedom over tyranny -and more What are your options? -Pick […]
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 […]
