Our nation was founded by men and women who traveled the world to study what made governments succeed — and why many failed. They looked at empires and republics, at tyranny and liberty, and they brought to America the best of “Western culture” — respect for individual rights, rule of law, free enterprise, and self-determination. This rich heritage made the United States not just a country, but a beacon of freedom — a nation designed to be “independent, resilient, and strong.

The picture that paints a thousand words doesn’t do California justice. California’s majesty requires a 3D mural that stretches between El Kapitan and Half Dome. Its geographic diversity is a metaphor for the diversity of its people. California’s Dream is one of opportunity while refusing to give suckers an even break. The freeway to success is off ramped with numerous, unforgiving wrecks. Hard work and hard luck go hand in hand. Success, once achieved, demands continued inno

For The Madera Tribune The Fountain Saloon was located at Gateway and Yosemite. George Gruber, the owner, is shown here, second from the left. In 1907, Madera with a population of just more than 2,000, had 13 saloons within its city limits. The town’s trustees went on record as opposing such a high saloon/citizen ratio, and expressed a determination to reduce it. In this they were supported by a vocal segment of the population, especially the Women’s Christian Temperance Unio

Edward Everett Hale, author of “A Man Without a Country” was an author, a historian, a patriot, and a minister. He once said, “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.” I recently heard a pastor read this quote during one of his sermons, and it really resonated with me. It has stuck in my mind, because it is very meaningful. We all have God-given talent

Back in my early 20s, I became aware of something that has served me well ever since. What I discovered was, that most people believe the first thing they hear and cannot be swayed from it. Therefore, arguments are pointless and often counter-productive. Children learn from their parents, and with few exceptions (such as hormonal rebellion), they will cling to that for life. After all, mom and dad are the smartest people they know, so why shouldn’t they believe them? This exp

Pexels, freerangestock.com If you are planning a barbecue for friends and family, chicken wings are very popular. Even though we know that Memorial Day is certainly about much more than a chance to get together and share a meal, it is still a very popular way for families and friends to observe this holiday. Monday, May 25 is the date, and if you are thinking about inviting folks over, perhaps you may be thinking along the lines of a barbecue event. If so, you will hopefully

Unfortunately, here we are again, dealing with another attempt to assassinate the POTUS by another crazed individual who has been brainwashed and radicalized by the far left wing faction that has taken over the Democrat party. This guy apparently thought it was his job to save the world and take out Trump. Pretty sad that, within minutes of it happening, the negative comments were already starting — everything from it being staged, to wishing he had been successful. But it is

In my field, sociology, some of the most significant and interesting changes that we’ve witnessed in the past half century have involved the composition of the American family. But I need to point out that the United States is not unique in this regard. As a nation, we are following the trends that started in the advanced economies of Europe. I think that a major reason for Europe leading the way in new family patterns in the 21st century is a function of the process of moder