Founding Principles
Thomas Paine’s Common Sense: A Timeless Call for Liberty vs Unlimited Power
Government … even in its best state … is still evil. Thomas Paine didn’t pull any punches in Common Sense. First published on January 10, 1776, it remains one of the most important pamphlets in American history. Far more than a rousing call for...
George Washington’s First “State of the Union,” Building a Foundation for the Young Republic
On January 8, 1790, President George Washington walked into the Senate chamber of Federal Hall in New York City to deliver his first Annual Message to Congress – what we would now call the first State of the Union Address. His remarks were concise, rooted in the...
Oath to the Constitution: What Adherence Truly Means
“If their duty, their honor, and their oaths will not bind them, let us not put into their hands our liberty and all our other great interests.” These are the powerful words of Gouverneur Morris, the “Penman of the Constitution” and author of...
Poor Richard’s Almanac: Benjamin Franklin’s Timeless Guide to Life, Liberty, and Frugality
On Dec. 28, 1732, at just 27 years of age, Benjamin Franklin published the first edition of Poor Richard’s Almanac. He went on to publish it annually for 25 years, and it garnered him wealth and fame. It also played a big part in elevating him to the status of “the...