To Pray or Not to Pray: That Was the Question

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          In early September 1774, the First Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to consider a collective response to the British government’s coercive actions. A little more than a year and a half later, the Second Continental Congress would declare independence...

Past is Prologue: 1215 – 1776

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    The story is familiar to anyone who has studied history at even its most elementary level.  Its heroes and villains, struggles, strife, and victory over oppression are the stuff of which legends have been made, as well as innumerable books, films, artistic works...

“Old Glory:” Driven on Winds of War

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In 1803, a young man ran away from his home in Salem, Massachusetts. He was only thirteen, but even at that young age the sea called to him as the mythical Sirens had lured the ancient mariners. Like other young men of his age, his life as a sailor began as a cabin...

One Vote, One Vote, One Vote – California

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If one vote made the Declaration of Independence possible, could a series of “one votes” have made statehood possible for California? Consider this.             In 1842, Henry Shoemaker was a simple, hired farm worker who suddenly realized it was election day and he...

Women’s Vote by One Man’s Vote

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Believe it or not, the Constitution, as originally written, did not deny women the right to vote. In fact, it neither denied nor gave the vote to anyone. Voting qualifications were left up to the states, with the sole requirement that whoever was eligible to vote for...

The Bill of Rights – Ten or Twelve?

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If you write (or go online) to the National Archives, the depository of our country’s historical documents, and request a copy of the original Bill of Rights, also known as the first Ten Amendments to the Constitution, you might be surprised at what you receive. It...

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