People crave freedom. We know that all too well. If you’ve raised children, you “get” it. If you’ve lived in the United States for any length of time, you’ve experienced it. If you were born here, it’s in your DNA. How many of you know someone moving to where they can inhale an independent spirit […]
Freedom and the Importance of Balance of Power
There was a time when our constitutional government was the envy of the world. Many countries attempted to adopt our system of government. Those countries didn’t wholly succeed because a cornerstone of our American government is that our rights do not come from government at all. Our rights come from our Creator. “…that they are […]
Delusion or Decision?
“People never give up their liberties but under some delusion.” -Edmund Burke, Irish statesman, economist, philosopher, and a contemporary of our Founders I read this quote, and it stopped me in my tracks. We gave up a lot of our liberties over the past year. If Burke is correct, that begs the question: Are we […]
God, Property, and Politics
Welcome! Thank you for returning to Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. More and more Americans are beginning to speak up on the issues, rather than being blind-sided into silence. It is my hope that our subscribers gain insights that help you as you sort through the issues. In our first article, we look at two […]
Ask.
We the People are beginning to ask probing questions about the direction of our country. In this week’s newsletter, I address the need for us to ask more questions. We need answers. When we ask and keep on asking, one of the benefits is that we keep a free press, not a government controlled press. […]
Pandemic Life in Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia
Wonder what the atmosphere is really like in Washington, DC, and Philadelphia lately? It was an interesting trip I took to those two historically American cities recently. I have a few personal observations for those who might be curious. The usual hustle and bustle of visitors during spring break in Washington was noticeably absent. This […]
How Would You Define Freedom?
What would you guess the definition of the word “freedom” was at the time of America’s founding? What do you think the meaning of freedom is today? Let’s consult the “American Dictionary of the English Language,” aka Webster’s Dictionary 1828. After all, it was the source of definitions de rigueur. The noun had about eight […]
Common Sense Applied
One of the goals of this page is to encourage wise and responsible citizenship. I hope that we find value in practicing common sense citizenship as a part of everyday life. We look around and wonder if that goal has “left the station.” Let’s look at a few items that Americans are dealing with and […]
Have We Taken Our Freedoms for Granted?
Have we taken our freedoms for granted? Have we, as a nation, become dependent on others to keep the fires of liberty burning? According to the Declaration of Independence, our government gets its power from you and me by our consent. We agree to place people in our national government that will represent our concerns […]
2021-Ready! Set! Go!
Everybody’s talking about 2020’s misery. Let’s look ahead. How well are you prepared for 2021? With 2020 almost in the rear view mirror, I think we can all agree. After a rough ride, Americans have a strong need to prepare, focus, and resolve to have a better year in 2021. Prior preparation prevents poor performance. […]
Freedom and Justice
Are you sensing a subtle but powerful national tug-o-war between Freedom and Justice lately? I am. What is your view of Freedom and Justice? Is one more important than the other? Are they equal? Does it matter? I submit to you that they are equally important, but you can have neither without order. If you […]
Thanksgiving 2020
Amid controversy in our nation, I’m incredibly grateful for my freedom. Freedom involves choices. I’m not a victim. I can take a stand. I can defend the Constitution. I can celebrate with traditions or make new ones. I can exercise common sense. I can celebrate the gift of liberty that our forefathers gave to us. […]
On Freedom Today
Americans, are you in need of a shot of courage at this point in our history? Let’s look back to Americans facing tumultuous times, examine, and apply their words. “The people never give up their liberties but under some delusion.” Edmund Burke, 1784 Are you deluded about the need to guard our liberty with vigilance? […]
Freedom vs. Lockdowns
What extraordinary thing would you do to save your life? Most people are inclined to preserve their lives. So why the rebellions across the world against coronavirus lockdowns? Here’s why: We love freedom. All humanity yearns for it. If people believe in a cause, they will lay down their lives for it. Recently, I reflected […]
Presidential Debate Makeover
By now, you have heard and seen it all about the first presidential debate, which many Americans are struggling to call a “debate.” It’s been called a lot of things, mostly negative. Americans instinctively know what debate should look and sound like. For sure, the debate did not follow the rules for civility that we […]
