The Shot Heard Around the World

Today is the anniversary of the "Shot Heard Around the World." Also dubbed "Patriot's Day" - this is the anniversary of when our forefathers fired the first shots of the American Revolution at the Battle of Lexington.

At that time Americans were facing the most important decision of the life of our people - whether to tamely submit to British oppression - or to fight. The Battles of Lexington and Concord put the issue to rest - we would fight.

In the immediate aftermath of the Battle at Lexington, Dr Joseph Warren wrote that “to the persecution and tyranny of [the King’s] cruel ministry we will not tamely submit – appealing to Heaven for justice of our cause, we determine to die or be free."

One can rightfully ask whether such a spirit exists today. Clearly the men and women risking their lives overseas understand that freedom is not free, but what of the rest of us?


For more on American history and our First Principles, visit:http://www.americassurvivalguide.com/

Tax Day

Today is April 15 - the day of reckoning for taxes. According to theScott Hodge, President of the nonpartisan Tax Foundation, "Government continues to dominate the American taxpayer’s budget. Americans will still spend more on taxes in 2008 than they will spend on food, clothing and housing combined.”

This is a superb day for reflection about the size, scope, and purpose of the federal and state governments. As we move forward, voters, policy-makers, and think tanks should seriously review whether tax policy supports - or undermines - the Constitution and our First Principles. We should thoughtfully consider whether the enormous federal budget - as well as large state budgets - are serving our principles well. Spending without such scrutiny appears to be the norm, yet Americans appear to be more dischanted than ever with government. Viewing our taxes through the lense of our history and First Principles would bring some needed discipline to our fiscal and budgetary policy.

For more, check out http://www.americassurvivalguide.com/index.php

Michigan Students Struggle In Writing

According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), 73 percent of Michigan 8th graders were not proficient in writing - statistically the same as the last test in 2002. Meanwhile, there is a move afoot in Michigan to strip out essays and short answers in the MEAP and MERIT tests because of cost concerns.

None of this portends well for Michigan or the nation. Effective communication - including old fashioned reading and writing, is essential to America's ability to function as a free republic. An uninformed public - and a public that is unable to effectively write - is in peril.

To see what America needs to combat this crisis and others, visit:
http://www.americassurvivalguide.com/