About Steven W. Allen, J.D.

Steven W. Allen, J.D. is an author, speaker, and retired attorney. His book "Founding Fathers - Uncommon Heroes" is popular with all ages and is used in many schools. See his other books at www.StevenAllenBooks.com

U. S. Presidents

Landsdowne paintingYesterday’s post was about President’s Day. I hope you will all be celebrating this holiday. Be sure to remember George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. These are the two presidents for which the day was made a holiday by combining their two birthdays.

Abraham Lincoln loved the early American history, and especially loved George Washington. They were so alike. Both were tall. Abe, “6’4” nearly” and George 6’3” exact on his death bed. You know what happens when you age.

Both men are known for their honesty. George “I cannot tell a lie,” and “Honest Abe.” Both led the country during tumultuous timAbraham_Lincoln_2es. George the Revolutionary War and Abe the Civil War. Both turned to the Bible and to God for protection and inspiration. read more

Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln

GeorgeWashingtonI have missed creating my Blog ever since the Christmas Holidays at the end of last year. Things got in the way. You know how life can be sometimes!

Here we are just a few days away from ‘”President’s Day”. I just wanted to gear up again about these men for which President’s Day was created and named. I’ll have more to say about these two men.

But I just wanted to clarify something. I have discovered in talking with younger people, that many do not know why we have a President’s Day. Many are of the opinion that on this holiday one can choose to honor whichever U.S. President they wish. It could be Calvin Coolidge, Jimmy Carter, or even Barack Obama. read more

Merry Christmas From the President!

It was just so delightful to hear President-Elect Trump wish his supporters, and all Americans, A MERRY CHRISTMAS! It seemed that we, as a nation had been so bogged down with political correctness that everyone was afraid to use those words. Happy Holidays became the catch phrase.

West_Point_Cadet_Chapel_Interior_04When you read history, I mean real history, you learn that the nation was born out of Christian beliefs, notwithstanding what President Obama has said about us not being a Christian nation.

It is a foundation of the Christian culture to love your neighbor, tell the truth, and seek for wisdom and peace. Nothing wrong with that. But to hold we are not a Christian nation became politically correct, despite being historically incorrect. read more

Our Founding Fathers and Character

George Washington learned character at an early age because of his father. Among other things, Augustine saw to it that George was mentored in penmanship, and at the same time, CHARACTER.

GW RulesGeorge learned the “110 Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation” by practicing his penmanship. This became an important part of George’s youth—learning character traits that he valued all his life.

After seeing the results of our last Presidential Election, I am all the more convinced that teaching character is now the most important educational topic that our schools should now be involved in. In athletics and sports, good sportsmanship is taught by the coaches and P.E. instructors. I propose it now needs to be taught as a part of the English curriculum, or in history, or as a separate course. read more

Founding Fathers and Words

whom?“Be sure when you step,

Step with care and great tact.
And remember that life’s
A great balancing act.

“And will you succeed?
Yes! You will indeed!” Dr. Seuss

And so I was enjoying a show with commentary on a well know television station. Yes, cable. And it was going so well. And then at the end, the host had to add words like these: “Please join Kimberly and I on our . . .” Well, that interrupted everything. It stopped. Just like a conversation with Whom. Who uses ‘whom’ in usual conversation? read more

Benjamin Franklin’s Words

Ben Franklin thumb pictureThere are some today who would like to subvert the Constitutional Requirement for voting with the Electoral College. Good winners and good losers are not much a part of our national character any more. I am amazed at the name-calling, the wishes against the duly elected President, and just the rancor.

I think we should listen to the words of Benjamin Franklin at the Constitutional Convention. Only apply it to ourselves in this situation. Here’s what he said:

“On the whole, Sir, I cannot help expressing a wish that every member of the convention (or American citizens, in this case) who may still have objections to it (the vote, in this case) would, with me, on this occasion doubt a little of his own infallibility and, to make manifest our unanimity, (or the outcome of the election, in this case) and put his name to the instrument (or accept the outcome).” As quoted in Founding Fathers—Uncommon Heroes, by Steven W. Allen, 2003, page 199. read more

Founding Fathers and Troubles

HeaderYes, our Founding Fathers had many troubles, scores of obstacles to overcome. Things that had never been thought about before, not to mention, done. But they went ahead and with the help of their faith, their fellow countrymen, and honorable leaders, they went ahead and did it!

You can, too.

As Dr. Seuss said: “Troubled by troubles?
Hope you’re doing okay.
I’m thinking good thinks!
They’re coming your way!

I’m thinking good thinks for you, too!

Character as Displayed by Our Founding Fathers

Landsdowne paintingAfter writing my blog post about our Vice President Elect, and how he was treated by the cast of Alexander in New York, I was sent an email from a friend that originated from Maureen Dowd. She wrote about extensive background on Mike Pence, our VP elect. It was really well written and eye opening. Until that sad evening, I had wanted to go see the Broadway play. No longer!

I hope you would take the time to find it and read it yourself. Whether you like Mike Pence or not, it makes for good background information. You should be able to find it at topicsnytimes.com. read more

Founding Father’s Respect

Sometimes the right thing’s not easy to do.
But not for you! Yahoo! –Dr. Seuss

It’s true, the right thing is not always easy to do.

GW RulesOne thing that’s not been easy to do this pasts election campaign, is to show signs of respect. I’m thinking of one particular instance where one of the candidates was attending a Broadway show with his family. Some of the audience wasn’t too accepting of him being there.

But then, in an unapologetic manner, even members of the cast, shouted negative comments and slogans at this person. Yes, in front of the whole ticket purchasing audience. The politician didn’t make too much of this. No real fuss from him. read more

Thomas Jefferson’s School Remarks

ThomasJeffersonAgain that question about Thomas Jefferson’s relationship with Christ is raised. Was he really religious, and was he a Christian? As one of his last projects, Jefferson designed and built the University of Virginia at Charlottesville. He not only designed the buildings and the campus, he also designed the curriculum.

Here’s what he said at the cornerstone laying ceremony:

“May almighty God, without invocation to whom, no work of importance should be begun, bless this undertaking and enable us to carry it on with success—protect this College, the object of which institution, is to instill into the minds of Youth, principles of sound knowledge. To inspire them with the love of religion & virtue, and prepare them for filling the various situations in society with credit to themselves and benefit to their country.” (Founding Fathers—Uncommon Heroes, 2003, Steven W. Allen, page172.) read more