Thank you for returning to Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. After we recollect, it’s time to gather our thoughts, strap our boots on, and move ahead. Our first article in the newsletter this week is driven by the seeming sense of sadness and defeat in the culture. There’s plenty of reason to be hope-filled, and we address the resilience of Americans. The second article shares ideas of how to pass on the meaning of 9/11 to a generation that was not yet born. I want to identify with our sadness over the events of the past two weeks, but I don’t want to dwell there. May we rise to the challenges ahead of us. Now, for the first article:
What Now?
Just like the rich foam in a good cappuccino, Americans rise to the top. We don’t accept defeat. The enemy said that we have the watches (clocks), but they have the time. The enemy always has time. Our goal is to stay focused on the mission until the clock runs out. The buzzer sounds and Americans make the three-pointer.
-If leadership fails us, Americans choose new leaders.
-If our strategy isn’t working, we hire new people with better ideas.
-If old ways no longer “cut it,” we get on the cutting edge.
-If our borders are a problem, we fix the problem. If the problem seems beyond repair, wait. We have plenty of clocks, and we can tell time.
-If our schools no longer teach a body of knowledge that we want our kids to learn, we either change schools, change the curriculum, run for school board positions, teach our kids ourselves, or find someone who will.
-We don’t go away quietly when it comes to our children. They’re OUR children.
-If we are between a rock and a hard place, we find a way out, whatever it takes.
-If our neighbors are in trouble, we come to their defense. Our history is replete with stories of fellow citizens who selflessly donated time, money, and treasure to help those who can’t help themselves.
-If anyone thinks they can make us do what we don’t want to do because it isn’t right for us to do, we won’t do it—especially if it is not in line with our founding documents or against our conscience.
-We don’t give up or shut up. Defeat is not welcome here.
Pay attention to the stories you hear about everyday Americans, past and present. Revive your faith in God and country. We still are the last, best hope on earth.
We own the shot clock, and we know what time it is.
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship.🇺🇸
