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

George Washington’s Birthday

I just read a short story around the idea that if something needs to be done, perhaps you should do something. In part it said: “If you see a need, don’t ask ‘Why doesn’t somebody do something?’ Ask instead ‘Why don’t I do something?’

One day, entering into my office I said it was a shame that according to the newspaper this morning, there are many ‘white sales’, automobile sales, and furniture sales in honor of George Washington’s birthday, but there is no George Washington Birthday Celebration. read more

Founding Fathers Back to Basics

GeorgeWashingtonGeneral George Washington, leader of the Revolutionary War, was worried about his troops during the Winter of 1777-78, as they were camped for the winter at Valley Forge. He turned to prayer.

Soon there appeared on his doorstep Lieutenant General Friedrich Ludholf Gerhardt Wilhelm Augustine Von Steuben, from the Prussian Army, with a letter of introduction from Benjamin Franklin, the U.S. Minister to France.

Von Steuben heard about the War in the Colonies, and went to France where he met Benjamin Franklin. Franklin was impressed with the man and wrote him a letter of introduction to John Hancock, the president of Congress. Hancock provided a team of horses, a carriage, and servants and sent him to meet General Washington. read more

Franklin’s Project for Moral Perfection

Ben FranklinBenjamin Franklin wrote the book “The Art of Virtue” to help others understand that being true to oneself is being virtuous. Of course he also wrote this Autobiography, “Poor Richard’s Almanac”, and his book about Electricity. Several times he describes his “project for moral perfection, which he worked on all his life to improve his own character.

He gave us much sage advice, some of which we still quote today (early to bed . . .). He showed us how important it is to have character, or moral excellence and firmness. Not only by his writings, but by the life he lived. read more

Benjamin Franklin and Imagination

Franklin_in_his_fur_capBesides being a successful printer, Benjamin Franklin was an inventor. He would often ask himself questions, such as how can I read my work and stay busy with other things. He needed to see things up close and at a distance.

So he figured out how to combine his two spectacles into one. Thus we have bifocals. He asked how he could keep his house from burning if it were struck by lightening. Thus he invented the lightning rod. And on and on.

An interesting story is told about Walt Disney. (I thing Ben Would love Walt and Disneyland!) read more

The Founding Fathers and One Widow

Abraham_Lincoln_2In 1863 there lived a young, penniless widow in New Hampshire named Sarah Hale. She established a popular magazine called “Godey’s Lady Book.” In her “book” she wrote some columns, some articles, some editorials, and even some recipes. (Reminds you a little of Benjamin Franklin and his “Poor Richard’s Almanac” doesn’t it?)

Among other things, Sarah Hale encouraged a national celebration of Thanksgiving. You see, Thanksgiving at that time was a State by State holiday on different days. And it was a religious holiday—a day for saying thanks to God for his many blessings. read more

Be Thankful–It’s Thanksgiving!

Abraham_Lincoln_2Sing Songs of Gratitude

On this beautiful Thanksgiving Day, We should be grateful that President Abraham Lincoln declared this day a national holiday. I have been impressed by the great blessings I have received in my life. Big and small. Some I didn’t think of as blessings at the time, still turned out for the best, or for my needed experience. Perhaps you feel the same.

That caused me to think of a song I learned in my youth. It goes something like this.

“When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings; name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done. read more

Founding Fathers Say Teach Prayers of Thanksgiving

Tomorrow is our day of giving thanks to God. It is officially “Thanksgiving Day.” It should actually be taught in our schools. I remember when it used to be.

Forrest Turpen, a Christian educator said it this way: “It is time we put a stop to the coercive and compulsory bans on religious expression in our public Schools. Those who oppose such expression constantly point to their desire to protect constitutional rights and intents. However, they seem oblivious to the fact that those who wrote and adopted the U. S. Constitution also made frequent reference to the importance of prayer in the public area and the need for moral instruction based on Biblical values in our schools.” read more

The Founding Fathers As Christians

Some may not agree, but according to their own records, the Founding Fathers were Christians. They resorted to the Bible for help is discerning what kind of nation to establish. They asked for the help of God in the process. In their minds and words, we are a Christian nation.

In a visit with my 96 year old mother today, she wanted me to read to her from my book “The Illegal Trial of Christ.” We read together. When we came to the following words, she cried:

Illgegal Trial of Christ cover“The requests to put the information shared in my presentations into book form have become more persuasive and have increased in persistence. I was finally convinced to give it a try. I turned to my friend and editor, Rosemary Green, for her assistance. She has taken my sometimes convoluted notes, disjointed outlines, and rudimentary book drafts and through her care, close attention, and long-suffering has turned them into this book. read more

Founding Fathers, Politics and Football

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThe football game between Southern Methodist University and Notre Dame had just begun when the Fighting Irish scored a touchdown. A spectator immediately jumped to his feet, yelled in an unabashed tone and patted his neighbor on the back.

When just a few moments later, Southern Methodist scored a touchdown. That same spectator sprang to his feet again, and yelled with delight at the outcome.

Well, that aroused the person’s curiosity who was sitting next to this man. He asked: “Which team are you rooting for, friend?” read more

Benjamin Franklin the Author

Ben FranklinWe know that Benjamin Franklin was a great scientist, inventor, printer, businessman, diplomat, horseman, ambassador, mentor, public servant, and Founding Father. But we don’t often think of him as an author. But we should.

His scientific book about electricity made him a household name in all the civilized world at the time. It was the most widely read book in Europe. Franklin was also the author of a series of political satires that were held in as great esteem as books by Lord Chesterfield and Jonathan Swift. read more