Category Archives: Government

Battle for Independence

Posted on by May 24, 2016

Ben Franklin thumb pictureYou may have missed it but the Revolutionary War ended in 1781 at Yorktown, VA. The particulars of that battle were amazing. So was the outcome. British General Cornwallis surrendered his army after the valiant efforts of the Americans and the French.

After the defeat at Yorktown, a friend of Benjamin Franklin approached him and said: “It looks as if the battle for independence is finally over.”

Franklin replied: “Sir, you are mistaken. The Revolutionary War may be over, but the battle for independence has just begun.” read more

George Washington and The Grand Old Flag

Posted on by May 16, 2016

Founding Fathers coverBetsy Ross was a recent widow, and she was a poor, struggling seamstress when the story goes, she was approach by a team, including General George Washington to create a new flag for the hope of a new nation. It was apparently a secret meeting. General Washington asked her for help in the preparation of a brand new flag, and a new concept for a struggling nation.

Some historians doubt the story at least a little. Why? Because a man named Francis Hopkinson asked to be credited and paid for the production of the new flag. Who was Hopkinson? He was an author and a delegate to the Continental Congress from New Jersey. He asked to be paid for ‘his creation’. He actually wrote a letter to the Continental Board of Admiralty for a reward of two casks of wine for several patriotic designs he had created during the previous three years. read more

Washington’s Farewell Address

Posted on by May 15, 2016

Landsdowne paintingWhen George Washington left office after serving two terms as President of the United States, he gave a Farewell Address. History says he didn’t actually deliver the speech, but had it printed and disseminated to Congress.

The speech was full of wisdom learned from his long experience as a leader of this country. For many years, decades, perhaps even centuries, this speech was required reading for Members of Congress—especially new members. The encouragement George gave in his talk had many religious overtones, and showed his true feelings about our nation. I think you should read it, perhaps every year! read more

More Presidential Assassinations

Posted on by May 13, 2016

Library of Congress Reading RoomAs I told you yesterday, I have learned some interesting facts from reading a fiction Bestseller. But I didn’t mention the name of the book or the author. So if you are interested, the name of the book is “the Fifth Assassin” by Brad Meltzer. The main character is Beecher White who is an archivists and the National Archives in Washington, D.C.

An archivist is, of course, someone who is in charge of Archives. An archive is a place where public records or historical documents are kept. The National Archives in Washington is a beautiful building in the District in which the original Declaration of Independence, the U. S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and many other very important historical documents are kept. read more

Benjamin Franklin and Words

Posted on by May 8, 2016

Mark_Twain_by_AF_BradleyAs you know, Benjamin Franklin was a printer since his early days when he was apprenticed to his brother, James. He eventually moved on from Boston to Philadelphia, where he became a very successful printer with his own company.

Because he was a printer, he was also an avid reader, even though he had a rudimentary education. His access to books helped him become a leader in the City, then the State, then throughout the Colonies, then in England and France, and finally at the Constitutional Convention. read more

George Washington’s Perseverance

Posted on by May 6, 2016

GeorgeWashingtonWashington was well known for sticking to a task that he had undertaken. He couldn’t be shaken from doing his duty, or fulfilling his promise.

After he had fought in the French and Indian War, served in the Virginia House of Burgesses, Served as Commander in Chief of the United Colonial Armies until he won the War, served as President of the Constitutional Convention, was unanimously elected, not once but twice as the President of the new United States of America, he finally wanted to return home to Mount Vernon to live out his life. The country wanted him to serve a third term as President, but he finally declined a job! He truly had served enough!! read more

The Tact of the Founding Fathers

Posted on by May 5, 2016

“So 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

Abraham_Lincoln_2“Tact is the ability to see others as they see themselves.”
–Abraham Lincoln

“So you’ve got a problem? That’s good. Why? Because repeated victories over your problems are the rungs on your ladder to success With each victory you grow in wisdom, stature, and experience. You become a bigger, better, more successful person each time you meet a problem and tackle and conquer it with a positive mental attitude.”
–W. Clement Stone read more

George Washington Didn’t Quit

Posted on by May 4, 2016

GeorgeWashingtonOne thing that the British are certain about is that General George Washington never quit. No matter how difficult the challenge, or how bad the weather, or how small the number of recruits, George carried on. He was after all the unanimously appointed Commander in Chief of the United Colonial Army.

He carried on courageously until Yorktown when he became the ultimate winner. What a war. But he still wasn’t finished.

I just read a story about another person who would quit. For some reason it made me think of all Washington had to endure. read more

Franklin as Postmaster—Again!

Posted on by May 3, 2016

Ben FranklinBenjamin Franklin returned from a long, long business trip to London in 1775. He was happy to be home. But not quite as happy as those leaders of the Colonies.

John Hancock, of Boston, was President of the Continental Congress when Ben returned to Philadelphia. Ben was welcomed by his wife, by his friends in Philly, and by Congress, the Continental Congress, where he would become a delegate from Pennsylvania.

But before that John Hancock approached Benjamin Franklin with the news. “Dr. Franklin, we’re giving you your old job back as Postmaster of the Colonies.” read more

Benjamin Franklin and Religion

Posted on by May 2, 2016

Ben Franklin thumb pictureBenjamin Franklin responded to his sister Jane Mecom of Boston in a letter in 1743. Jane was apparently concerned about Ben’s slightly unorthodox view and convictions.

Ben carefully explained his beliefs and stated gently: “There are some things in your New England doctrines and worship, which I do not agree with, but I do not therefore condemn them, or desire to shake your belief or practice of them.”

At the age of 37, Ben was a little ahead of his time relating to religious toleration soon to be called Freedom of Religion, because under the U.S. Constitution, First Amendment, we are guaranteed that no Government Religion would be established (Amendment I, December 15, 1791). read more