USMC War College (MCWAR)’s Post

Can we make this mandatory for all USA citizens? Why, Who, What, When, Where, & How can also lead us to bringing down ancestral brickwalls by knowing the issues of the time.

Richard Henry Lee and Francis Lightfoot Lee, the sons of Stratford Hall founder Thomas Lee, were the only brothers among the fifty-six signers of the Declaration of Independence. Their older brother Thomas Ludwell Lee was an active member of the Virginia Convention which instructed the Virginia delegation to make the resolution for independence from Great Britain. On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee, senior member of the Virginia delegation to the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia, presented a three-part resolution, "Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved. That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign Alliances. That a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted to the respective Colonies for their consideration and approbation." When Congress reconvened on #OnThisDay (July 2, 1776), it adopted the Lee resolution almost unanimously—New York did not cast a vote. Immediately, Congress began to shape the Declaration document to its final form, which was officially adopted on July 4—the day of its annual celebration in the United States. #stratfordhall #declarationofindependence #history #virginiahistory #historymatters #americanhistory #nnk250 #va250

The Eagleton Center on the American Governor, a Center of the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University, seeks to promote research and discussion on the varied roles, powers and legacies of governors in the United States in order to inform present and future state executive leadership and enhance historical knowledge and perspective. Learn more about our research and historical archives at governors.rutgers.edu

Some of you may know that George M. Smerk, Jr., distinguished professor of transportation at Indiana University, author, and public transportation expert, passed away last year. RT&S just recently learned about George's passing, and we published a brief feature and obituary on our website yesterday. I know that George had a lot of students who now work in the transit and transportation industry, so I'd like to get the word out as widely as possible. You can read the RT&S piece here: https://lnkd.in/dVyHkmhd

Check out our new research about honor cultures and violence in Justice Quarterly! The University of Texas at Dallas School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences at UT Dallas

It is essential to recognize when excellent school programs in art, design, & media education. The Illinois Art Education Association seeks to honor this programmatic & professional excellence where it occurs in Illinois schools. https://ow.ly/NBjO50RaQi1

This blog post truly reflects our profound learning experience in Montgomery, Alabama. It truly reflected our mission of “Leadership for Just and Humane Schools” at the National Superintendents Roundtable. What a power symposium!

Reflecting on the poignant narrative from the Associated Press regarding the focus of US military academies on oaths and loyalty to the Constitution amidst intensifying political divisions, it's evident that the values instilled in our military are more crucial than ever. This story resonates deeply with my own experiences and convictions, especially considering the unsettling events of recent years, including the Capitol siege. The commitment to the Constitution, as emphasized by MAJ Joe Amoroso to his students at West Point, underscores a fundamental principle: the allegiance of our military is to the democratic foundations of our nation, not to any individual leader or political ideology. This principle is vital in maintaining the trust between the armed forces and the public, especially in an era marked by deep political polarization and eroding confidence in traditional institutions. The military's role, as questioned during former President Trump's tenure and his potential future plans, brings to the fore the importance of understanding and adhering to the non-partisan nature of military service. Trump's rhetoric about "his generals" and aggressive agenda, contrasted with President Biden's warnings, highlights the precarious balance the military must maintain in a politically charged environment. The incidents of January 6, 2021, where former and active-duty military members were involved, are a stark reminder of the dangers of losing sight of the military's true allegiance. The Oath Project, initiated by cadets at the Air Force Academy, is a commendable effort in deepening the understanding of the military's commitment to the Constitution and distinguishing it from allegiances to individuals or sovereigns. As BG Shane Reeves pointedly states, the Constitution is central to the military's teachings. It is not just about winning wars but also about maintaining the trust of the American people and staying nonpartisan. This is a critical responsibility, particularly in times when current events, like the January 6 insurrection, are inextricably linked with the role of the military. The narrative of Ulysses S. Grant and Dwight D. Eisenhower, as depicted in Grant Hall at West Point, serves as a powerful reminder of the historical significance of the oath and the civilian-military relationship. Their actions during pivotal moments in American history exemplify the military's commitment to the Constitution and democratic processes. As a nation, we must uphold and revere the fundamental principles of loyalty to the Constitution and nonpartisanship in our military. This commitment is crucial in navigating the complexities of modern-day political landscapes while maintaining the sacred trust between the military and the American public.

Thoughtful Patriotism For as man is the best of the animals when perfected, so he is the worst of all when sundered from law and justice.—Aristotle, Politics, Book I (around 350 BC) The Hillsdale K-12 civics program begins with a strong foundation in American history, geography, and the founding documents of the United States and eventually concludes with a deep examination of the moral,  political, and philosophical underpinnings of the American Founding in grades 10-12. Through this program, we seek to foster a deep understanding of how our system of government came to be and how it operates. This knowledge contributes to an appreciation for the American experiment with self-government and a sense of responsibility for the role citizens ought to play in the civic life of the nation. We refer to the ability to meaningfully contemplate these matters as “thoughtful patriotism.”

Massey College has just published my essay on Hugh Segal and the legacy of Progressive Conservatism.The passing of Brian Mulroney , perhaps the last of our Progressive Conservative Prime Ministers, reminds us again of the impact of this school of political thought and organization.There will be future Conservative PMs, perhaps soon, but the Progressive Conservative wing of that party is much reduced.Those interested can read the piece at https://lnkd.in/ebt9rNcC.