| This week’s curation at RealClear’s American Civics portal starts off by highlighting D.G. Hart’s recent op-ed, which argues that work is a central aspect of the American character. He notes that work was pivotal for two famous Americans: Benjamin Franklin and William James. For the former, it fueled an industriousness that affected everything from politics, newsprint, and a myriad of inventions; for the latter, it was part of a uniquely American philosophy: pragmatism. “Hard work is how you earn your way in America,” Hart writes. “Specific thoughts about ordinary activity are how Americans gain wisdom. Leisure and speculation may be valuable for an elite class of philosophers and nobles. But the democratic side of America calls for something more accessible, practical, and empiric.” Victor Davis Hanson gives a compelling overview of his new book, “The Dying Citizen.” He explains that American citizenship relies on a broad, healthy middle class that shares patriotic traditions and the virtues necessary for self-government. As he argues, “freedom requires constant reinvestment in and replenishment of a nation's traditions and ideals.” Importantly, he notes, “Self-criticism of one’s country is salutary to ensure needed changes, but only if Americans accept that an innately self-correcting United States does not have to be perfect to be good – and especially when, in a world of innately flawed humans and failed states, it remains far better than any of the alternatives abroad.” Donald Downs, Robert George, and Keith Whittington – key members of the newly formed Academic Freedom Alliance that is composed of more than 400 faculty members nationwide – provide much needed advice to those facing hostility at their schools. Key points include not abandoning your convictions in the face of pushback, understanding that your institution may not help if controversy should arise, and receiving good advice before responding to accusations. “Remember that in standing up for your own rights to think and speak freely, and to seek the truth and speak the truth as best as you understand it,” they write, “you are not only protecting yourself; you are also defending the rights of other scholars (and students) and the integrity of the academic vocation.” Original Posts D.G. Hart, RealClearPublicAffairs In the News Donald Devine, Law & Liberty Bob Woodson, The Hill David Williams, CNN Johnny Burtka, Newsweek David Tucker, Teaching American History Edwin C. Hagenstein, Minding the Campus Victor Davis Hanson, RealClearPolitics David Davenport, Washington Examiner Nayeli L. Riano, Law & Liberty Angela Sailor & Adam Kissel, Washington Times Beverly McKittrick, RealClearPolitics Adam Kirsch, Jewish Review of Books Donald A. Downs, Robert P. George, & Keith E. Whittington, Chronicle of Higher Education Nathan Harden, Newsweek Brian Flood, Fox News Brian Katulis, Ruy Teixeira, Danielle Pletka, et al., Making Sense of the World At the start of 2021, four prominent voices on the political left created the popular Substack ‘The Liberal Patriot.’ Motivated... Lou Frey Institute Civics in Real Time is a weekly podcast about civic issues, ideas, events and concepts brought to you by the Lou Frey Institute... Barbara Thomas, Rick Hotchner, & Mónica Guzmán, Braver Angels Barbara Thomas is a lifelong liberal. Rick Hotchner is a committed conservative. As a couple, they are one of a dwindling number... Daniel Gullotta & Jeff Sikkenga, American Idea In this episode of The American Idea, Jeff welcomes Daniel Gullotta, Doctoral Candidate in Religious Studies at Stanford University... William Bennett, Today Foundation "I wanted to tell the un-varnished and un-blinking truth truth of the American Story," The former secretary of education explains... Retro Report Education Join the Retro Report Education team to learn how their award-winning films and accompanying lessons and activities can... Adam Carrington & Jeff Sikkenga, Ashbrook The Supreme Court will began a new term on October 4th, 2021. Among the cases being heard this term are Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which regards a Mississippi law Daniel J. Mahoney, Intercollegiate Studies Institute Assumption University Professor Emeritus Daniel J. Mahoney discusses the philosopher and teacher George Carey and his admiration for... Ian Rowe, Anthony B. Bradley, & Delano Squires, 1776 Unites On September 28, AEI’s Ian Rowe, Anthony B. Bradley of King’s College, and Delano Squires of Blaze Media discussed 1776... Carl Cannon's Great American Stories Once upon a time, and not all that long ago, today's date was officially recognized as the day Christopher Columbus ... Good morning, it's Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, the day of the week when I reprise quotations intended to be uplifting ... Eight years ago today, Americans found themselves amid a lengthy, and ultimately pointless, government shutdown. Ostensibly, the nation's two major ... |
