Political Debates

whom?I heard there was a Presidential candidate debate tonight. I didn’t watch it. I was meeting with my siblings and my 96 year old mother about her needs. She is doing quite well for her age. She has slipped a little over the past year. A few months ago she fell and broke her hip. But it has healed nicely without surgery. Even though her memory isn’t what it used to be, she can still carry on a conversation. That’s enough about Mom, now how about politics?

As far as politics goes, I am reminded of the words of a religious leader who reminded his listeners to watch themselves. He admonished if you don’t watch yourselves that will lead to improper thoughts. Such thoughts lead to words. And words lead to acts. Wrong acts may lead to losing your life and you station with your Father in Heaven. read more

How to Vote

JohnAdamsI have it on good authority that there was actually a Vice Presidential debate this evening between the candidates for the office. I’m sorry, I couldn’t bring myself to watch it. It seems to me that there is little to be learned from two men who tell lies for fun and profit—for themselves. It seems to me that few politicians are really in it for the citizens anymore.

Here’s what John Adams had to say about the office of Vice President:
He described the office as “the most insignificant office that ever the invention of man contrived or his imagination conceived.” And he should know. He served two terms as VP under our first President, George Washington. read more

Thomas Paine’s Common Sense

thomas paineWe don’t give much attention to Thomas Paine these days. He was from England and had tried to make a living alternatively as a grocer, a Methodist preacher, an excise officer, an English teacher and a writer. He wasn’t much of a businessman as you can see, and he had a difficult time relating to others. However, he was a creative and imaginative literary mastermind.

He was an unknown and moneyless unsuccessful writer who decided to migrate to America. He had met Benjamin Franklin in London, and Franklin gave him a letter of recommendation to Congress. Paine soon got a job working for The Pennsylvania Magazine. He wrote numerous articles for his new employer. read more

Abraham Lincoln and the Founding Fathers

Abraham_Lincoln_2In one of my classes as a guest instructor at a local High School, I asked a question, as I always do. I asked who was the first President of the United States of America. One young man braved his answer and responded: “Wasn’t it Abraham Lincoln?”

I have found that some students actually come off with that as their honest answer. Pardon the pun. Honest Abe. Abe wasn’t the first President. Far from it. George Washington was number 1! Lincoln did honor and look up to George Washington. I say look up to, even though they were actually both about the same height. read more

Constitution Day and Temples

800px-Mtchoirandorchestra_ConferenceCenter_(cropped)It was so interesting to read a report in the newspaper today about Philadelphia and the Mormons. You may know that the true name of the Mormon Church is “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints”. They are referred to as the Mormons because they believe in a New Testament of Jesus Christ which is titled The Book of Mormon.

The reason this report was so interesting was that the Mormons are such ardent supporters of the U.S. Constitution, which was signed in Philadelphia in 1787. And now there is a temple near the Philadelphia City Hall. How did they arrange that? It is the 152nd temple for the Church. read more

Presidential Resume’ for Abraham Lincoln

If you think it’s necessary for political contenders to have nice statistics and resume’s to present on their behalf, you’d be surprised at Abraham Lincoln’s background as a politician. For one thing he loved George Washington.

Abraham_Lincoln_2Here are some of the things he accomplished (or didn’t):

Ran for the Illinois State legislature in 1832 he lost the campaign and also his job.
In 1833 his new grocery business (he was an entrepreneur) business failed. And it took him another 15 years to pay of the debt this caused him.
Elected to the State legislature in 1834.
He lost races for the Illinois speaker of the house in 1836 and 1838.
He ran for U.S. Congress in 1843 but lost.
He was elected to Congress in 1846, but he lost his attempt to be re-nominated in 1848.
He lost his race for land officer in 1849.
He ran for U.S. Senate in 1854 but lost.
In 1858 he again lost his campaign for U.S. Senate.
In 1860 he was elected President of the United States of America.
He was reelected in 1864, but that didn’t work out too well for his as he was soon assassinated! read more

The Original Patriots

Today, some of us football fans especially, think of the Patriots as the New England Patriots football team. You know, they’ve been in the Super Bowl four times in the last few years, and are an amazing fun team to watch play football. I myself am a football fan, and a Patriot fan as well.

Founding Fathers coverHowever, the original Patriots didn’t play football. Football hadn’t even been invented yet. Those original Patriots played for keeps and they created a new nation. The first one ever to be of the people, by the people and for the people. read more

Benjamin Franklin—Wise Friend

After the Declaration of Independence had been written, argued, agreed upon and signed, Benjamin Franklin was sent by Congress to seek to negotiate a loan from the King of France. This was needed to keep the Revolutionary Army of George Washington in service.

At the same time, Franklin’s friend, John Paul Jones was in Le Havre asking the French King for some warships. Jones’ written letters were to no avail.

Benjamin Franklin prepared to sail back to Pennsylvania after his loan was granted and a treaty with France were finally signed. read more

Snoopy and Constitution Day

constitutionYesterday was Constitution Day. Everyone I asked, never knew it was a special day at all, much less Constitution Day. Well, I guess that’s to be expected. Schools don’t pay much attention to the Constitution, because they seem to be too busy with optional gender bathrooms. Opps. Forget I said that.

It’s a little too much like the Peanuts comic strip where Schroeder is carrying a sign that reads: “Only 22 more days until Beethoven’s birthday.” He walks past Charlie Brown with that sign. read more