Lessons From Prison

Patrick Henry warned us about losing some of our rights, even with the new Constitution. Yes, just as he warned, I was unjustly and falsely accused of conspiracy to defraud the government. To avoid a possible 37 year prison sentence, I accepted a plea offer. Later I was exonerated when the civil court decided I had done no wrong.

Read about this In my upcoming book “A Patriot Imprisoned.” Sometimes people ask me how I could have made it through confinement, imprisonment, and detention, and remain confident, optimistic, and even positive? It’s because those are my choices. That is my character. read more

Jefferson’s Good Name

There are those who deem it necessary to besmirch the characters of GREAT men in the history of the Unites States. Much that is untrue has been said or written about Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and yes, even George Washington.

I do not know why some have chosen this path. I do know that it is tasteless, unseemly and unacceptable. We should have our heroes to look up to and fashion our own character about. By tearing them down, we do NOT lift ourselves up.

I have created a chapter in my book “Founding Fathers—Uncommon Heroes” to “debunking the rumors” and Myths about our heroes of history. read more

A Republic—If You Can Keep It!

Benjamin Franklin was asked one question as he left the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia after the meeting had adjourned on September 17, 1787. He was asked by a widow as Ben walked slowly down the steps: “Well, Doctor Franklin, what have we got, a Monarchy or a Republic?”

His response was quick, full of meaning, and authoritative: “You have a Republic—if you can keep it!”

A part of keeping such a Republic depends on the character of those who govern themselves. That’s because the people are the source of all lawful authority. Americans are free and inherently independent of all but THE MORAL LAW. America does not have a unified religion or a common theology, but we do have something we have to depend on for our freedom. That is a common morality shared by all citizens and that morality is rooted in faith and reason. read more

Our Foundational Documents

People began moving to America for various reasons after it became a real possibility to make a life here. The real Founding of America as a new nation began with the French and Indian War in 1763. George Washington played a major part in that war as a member and leader of the Virginia militia, which was subject to the British General.

Then the Revolutionary War essentially began with the shots fired at the Battle of Lexington in 1775. George Washington was appointed to be the first Commanding Officer of the United Colonial Army soon thereafter. read more

The Founding Fathers and the Constitution

James Madison, known as “The Father of the Constitution”, explained that those prominent men at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, wanted the Constitution to be understood by the American population..

Gouverneur Morris (yes, that was his name) was named as the scrivener, or the man to put the concepts that were agreed upon in the meetings, into final form. In plain English. It was his intention to write the new document so it could be easily understood by a person with an eighth grade, or similar, education. read more

Benjamin Franklin and Education

Franklin didn’t have much of a formal education, but he had a lion’s share of personal experience and the use of knowledge. But he did have some strong opinions on education for American children.

“I think with you,” he said, “that nothing is more important for the public weal (wealth or well-being) than to train up youth in wisdom and virtue. Wise and good men are, in my opinion, the strength of a state, far more than riches or arms.”

He continued in this frame: “As to their studies, it would be well if they could be taught everything that is useful and everything that is ornamental. But art is long and time is short. It is therefore proposed that they be taught things that are most useful and most ornamental—in regard to the professions for which they are intended. read more

George Washington and Thomas Paine

George Washington, of course, was elected unanimously to be the new General to lead the now United Colonial Army to fight the British in what was becoming the Revolutionary War.

He had some interesting help along the way. Alexander Hamilton, James Monroe, General von Steuben, Nathan Hale, and even Thomas Paine. Paine was there when Washington crossed the Delaware for that famous battle of Trenton (and Princeton).

By night Paine sat by the campfire and used a drum head for a desk to write his 8 page pamphlet “The American Crisis.” Thomas Paine then walked 35 miles to Philadelphia where the editor of the Pennsylvania Journal, a newspaper, read his thesis written from his notes. The editor found it all worthy of printing. He published it immediately, printing 18,000 copies. read more

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

Franklin’s Note on Our Government

Liberty BellThe past few days so many editorialists and commentators have touted that we have a great democracy. I must remind you once again, we, in America, do NOT have a democracy. Remember how after the Constitution was finally approved by the Constitutional Convention in 1787, Benjamin Franklin was asked “what was the result of the deliberations. What kind of government do we have?”

Ben answered quickly: “You have a REPUBLIC,” and then he added the warning: “if you can keep it!”

I found a most interesting quote on this subject. I would simply like to quote it here. read more