CBD and THC are the main players in the cannabinoid world. Most people don’t know about CBG, a more potent hemp compound. Recent studies show that CBG offers a plethora of health and wellness benefits. But with the many hemp varieties on the market, choosing the best CBG strain can be challenging.

However, this guide is here to help you if you are interested in using CBG. The article will include tips to consider during purchase. The article also includes some of the best CBG strains available on the market.

Find the Right Source: Quality Matters

Where you buy your CBG matters a lot. Don’t buy from any weed dispensary without knowing where they get their hemp. You could check here or look out for reputable weed shops in your town or city. Start by reading reviews and customer testimonials to learn more about the shop or hemp farm.

Renowned weed shops provide independent lab certificates detailing the CBG strain’s terpene and cannabinoid profile. This information will help you know what therapeutic and wellness benefits you will get from the strain.

Identify Your Therapeutic Needs

This is a crucial step that most hemp users ignore when shopping for CBD or high-CBG hemp strains. Knowing your needs will help you pick the best strains from the wide pool of CBG strains. Do you want something to calm you after a long day at work, or are you looking for a mood booster to make your house party more fun?

Remember, each strain offers unique benefits. Lifter strains are energy boosters, suitable for a productive morning or creative afternoon when your energy is depleted. Downer strains bring more calmness and mind clarity. These strains are perfect for after-work smoking sessions as you prepare to go to bed.

Explore the Delivery Methods

There is no one perfect way of consuming CBG products. Most people prefer vaping because it helps deliver the effects fast. It also looks cool and is more calming if you want to have more fun chasing clouds.

Another popular product is CBG oil. You can add the oil to your smoothies or other drinks of choice. However, you can still place a drop of the CBG oil under your tongue for faster absorption. Some say that the results kick in quickly due to the many blood vessels found under the tongue.

CBG edibles are also available on the market. You can purchase gummies or cookies infused with CBG extract. However, you must be careful not to overindulge when consuming cookies.

Popular CBG Strains

In most cases, CBG strains are classified by their CBG content. High CBG strains or CBG dominant strains are the most potent. White CBG is a popular strain known for boosting creativity and focus. It is suitable for daytime or afternoon use when you need more energy to focus on your tasks.

Oregon Cherry CBG is loved because of its unique aromas. Its CBG content isn’t high compared to White CBG. Many users like it for its calming properties. Some claim that it does a perfect job of providing pain relief.

The post CBG Strain: Choosing the Perfect Strain For Wellness and Recreation appeared first on Granite Grok.

I am grateful this Independence Day that our nation still fights for the fundamental liberties our forefathers secured for the world to see. This Substack is itself evidence that Americans still value free speech, as we all seek to find truth in a world of unethical journalism and untrustworthy government.

Farmers have long served as the backbone of this nation and its liberties. Farmers supplied our Revolutionary War forces in our divorce from the British, and are just as necessary today to liberate Americans from dependency on processed foods and government control.

Today’s America is surreal. Our borders, institutions, laws, and values are being systematically tarnished in a culture war grounded in contempt for America and its culture. Never has the Fourth of July been so meaningful: we must embrace and nurture the good of our nation with humility and gratitude.

But a Constitution of Government once changed from Freedom, can never be restored. Liberty, once lost, is lost forever.” John Adams

I expect Montpelier, Vermont will host a Fourth of July parade today without any American flags — though perhaps a colorful display of pride, unicorns, and rainbows. Instead of celebrating sexual desires and fantasies today, I will be reflecting on things I took for granted as a child — the Pledge of Allegiance and My Country Tis of Thee in public school, celebrating the Bicentennial in 1976, experiencing a nation truly aspiring toward equality and freedom of speech, rather than totalitarian domination in the name of liberty of identity.

Let us reflect humbly on what our nation has been, and what it will become in the near future.

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” Ronald Reagan

Happy Independence Day!

 

John Klar is an Attorney, farmer, and author. Mostly farmer… And Regular Contributor to GraniteGrok and VermontGrok.

The post Happy Independence Day! appeared first on Granite Grok.

My story begins in Chengdu, China, at the dawn of the Cultural Revolution, an insanity that gripped millions of my countrymen. We were destitute, as were most Chinese during this period.

We lived in a primitive worker’s row house by a river sharing one tarp-covered outhouse and one water faucet with eight families. We had a mud floor that, after occasional flooding, would sprout mushrooms.

My parents were illiterate workers, so their positions in the state factory were too low to be rationed much food. A full belly was a luxury. My uncle even taught me how to trap rats for food. All we knew was a life of arduous labor and chaos. Little time was spent thinking of philosophical fantasies concerning ‘oppression’ and ‘rights,’ so we labored to survive, hoping only that we would endure.

Despite the socialist rhetoric, school and childcare were not free. I even missed school for a year to babysit my infant brother. Yet despite the few resources available to Chinese students, I committed all of my energy to excel in school when I could go. But in Communist China, even fleeting joy is crushed in the young by ideological rigidity, for I was denied entry into Mao’s ‘Young Pioneers.’ The pain was not in the denial but in learning that my friend reported me for showing ‘too much pride in my grades.’

We want to thank Lily Tang Williams for this Contribution – Please direct yours to Steve@GraniteGrok.com.
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From that moment forward I was the model communist citizen. I wrote ideologically validating diaries. I memorized Mao’s words. I recited his political slogans as prayer and made sure that every word I uttered was politically correct. Mao was our god, and I was his faithful disciple.

This mindset served me well for a time, for when Mao shut down all churches and temples, I mourned not. In 1976, when I was 12 years old, Mao died, and the Cultural Revolution came to an end. When the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) admitted that Mao was only a man and the Cultural Revolution was just a mistake, my faith in the CCP began to crack.

China’s renaissance began, colleges reopened and after years of hard work and preparation, I was able to pass the national entrance exam. I was accepted into a top tiered university to study law.

I had hopes that China should not be ruled by men, but by law. Yet even the law was an extension of the wills of men, modeled after the Soviet Union legal code. It was the antithesis of justice.

I learned an important lesson from Mao’s regime: to become a slave, the ‘true horrors’ are not the shackles placed around one’s wrists, but the ones that are self-imposed.

No longer secured by the shackles of cognitive slavery, but not able to find solace in a just code of laws, I became cynical and rebellious, even befriending foreign students on campus to learn if there was more to life.

It was during this time I met an American student. What he showed me would forever change my life — the Declaration of Independence. When I read the lines, ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident… (that all men) are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,’ they shattered what remained of my mental shackles. What ideas! Rights come not from the benevolence of the state, but from God.

All I had ever known were ‘collective rights,’ the workers’ rights, the rights of peasants, etc. Never had I imagined that I, an individual, had rights. Those words only served to embolden me and my dreams. Knowing where they came from, I began to look to that ‘City upon a Hill.’

I eventually made it to America in 1988. In the decades since, I have thrived in this great country. I earned my graduate degree, married, raised three children, started my own business, searched for deeper truths, learned much about liberty and the free market, rid myself of CCP indoctrination, naturalized as a U.S. citizen and volunteered in my local community.

I have traveled around the country to share my personal stories and educate our youth about the horrors of Communism. I am running for congress today in New Hampshire to save American ideals and American Dream.

I will always defend the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, the documents with the words that freed me from my enslavement and helped me choose America as my home.

I have always wanted to thank our founding fathers who wrote the Declaration of Independence, the most beautiful document ever written.

Happy Independence Day!

The post The Forefathers Shattered My Communist Chains appeared first on Granite Grok.

If you’re a homeowner, you might have heard about home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) as a way to tap into the value of your property to finance various expenses. While HELOCs offer flexibility and potential advantages, they also come with risks and drawbacks. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the pros and cons of a HELOC to help you decide if it’s the right financial tool for your needs.

Exploring Personal Loans Online

Before diving into the details of HELOCs, it’s worth mentioning another financial option: personal loans online. Personal loans offer a lump sum of money that can be used for various purposes, without requiring collateral like your home. While personal loans online may be suitable for certain situations, they differ from HELOCs in terms of flexibility and interest rates.

Understanding HELOC Pros

One of the primary advantages of a HELOC is its flexibility. Unlike a traditional loan, where you receive a lump sum of money upfront, a HELOC functions more like a revolving line of credit. This means you can borrow funds as needed, up to a predetermined credit limit, and only pay interest on the amount you use. Additionally, HELOCs often come with lower interest rates compared to other types of loans, making them an attractive option for financing large expenses like home renovations or college tuition.

Access to Equity

Another benefit of a HELOC is that it allows you to access the equity you’ve built up in your home. Equity is the difference between the current market value of your home and the amount you still owe on your mortgage. By tapping into your home’s equity through a HELOC, you can access a significant source of funds to cover major expenses or consolidate high-interest debt.

Tax Deductibility

In some cases, the interest paid on a HELOC may be tax-deductible, depending on how the funds are used. For example, if you use the proceeds from a HELOC to make home improvements, the interest may be tax-deductible. However, it’s essential to consult with a tax advisor to understand the specific tax implications of using a HELOC in your situation.

Considering the Risks

While HELOCs offer several advantages, they also come with risks that borrowers should be aware of. One potential downside is the risk of foreclosure. Since a HELOC is secured by your home, failure to repay the loan could result in the lender foreclosing on your property. Additionally, because HELOCs typically have variable interest rates, your monthly payments could increase if interest rates rise, making it harder to budget for repayment.

Variable Interest Rates

Speaking of interest rates, the variable nature of HELOC interest rates means that your payments could fluctuate over time. While this can be beneficial when interest rates are low, it also means that your payments could increase if rates rise, potentially putting strain on your budget.

Closing Costs and Fees

Like any financial product, HELOCs often come with closing costs and fees, which can add to the overall cost of borrowing. These fees may include application fees, appraisal fees, annual fees, and early termination fees. Before taking out a HELOC, be sure to carefully review the terms and conditions to understand all associated costs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a HELOC can be a valuable financial tool for homeowners looking to access their home’s equity to finance major expenses. However, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully and consider your individual financial situation and goals before proceeding. By understanding the benefits and risks of a HELOC, you can make an informed decision about whether it’s the right option for you.

The post Pros And Cons Of A Home Equity Line Of Credit appeared first on Granite Grok.

You’ve likely heard the old saw, “There’s never a cop around when you need them,” so the next public safety question is, “Where’s the trained and armed Citizen when a criminal shows up.”

Hopefully, sitting right there next to you.

Thug walked in, showed his gun, and wanted to rob the store. That’s when one of the workers whipped out his own piece and eliminated the thug in the most calm way. Not one person was freaking out in this video. Is anyone else sick of the criminals? And you know what, maybe they would stop stealing if Democrats stopped running the country into the ground and making everything so expensive.

Now, I still haven’t figured out what kind of a store this is. However, six shots solved the problem. And as was pointed out, no one freaked out. I am curious, however, why none of the other workers covered their ears (until the very end) – shooting a gun without ear protection is a painful experience, and, in an enclosed space, even more so. However, it only took 4 to 5 seconds to put the miscreant down – the helmet on his head didn’t help at all.

So, in the end, a good guy with a gun took down a bad guy with a gun.

And the anti-gunners keep telling us this never happens…

 

The post Another Second Amendment Happy Ending appeared first on Granite Grok.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of cryptocurrencies, effective marketing strategies are pivotal for blockchain projects to gain visibility, attract investors, and foster adoption. As the industry matures, new trends in crypto marketing are reshaping the way projects engage with their audiences and differentiate themselves in a competitive market. Understanding these trends and partnering with the best crypto marketing agencies can be instrumental in navigating the complexities of the blockchain ecosystem and achieving sustainable growth.

Evolution of Crypto Marketing Strategies

The evolution of crypto marketing strategies parallels the growth and diversification of the blockchain industry itself. Initially, crypto projects relied heavily on grassroots efforts, online communities, and word-of-mouth to build awareness and attract early adopters. However, as the market expanded and regulatory frameworks began to take shape, the need for sophisticated marketing approaches became evident.

Key Trends Shaping Crypto Marketing Today

1. Influencer Marketing: Influencer marketing has emerged as a potent force in crypto marketing, leveraging the credibility and reach of influencers within the blockchain and cryptocurrency communities. Top crypto marketing agencies collaborate with influencers who resonate with their target audience to endorse projects through content creation, reviews, and endorsements on platforms like YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram. These partnerships not only amplify brand visibility but also build trust and engagement among potential investors and users.
2. Content Marketing: Content remains a cornerstone of effective crypto marketing strategies. High-quality content in the form of articles, blogs, videos, and podcasts serves to educate audiences about blockchain technology, project developments, and investment opportunities. The best crypto marketing agencies like Icoda excel in crafting compelling content that educates, informs, and resonates with their target demographic. They understand the nuances of the crypto community and tailor content to address their interests and concerns.
3. Social Media Engagement: Social media platforms play a pivotal role in crypto marketing by facilitating real-time communication and community engagement. Projects leverage platforms such as Twitter, Reddit, and Discord to share updates, interact with followers, and participate in discussions. Effective social media strategies developed by top crypto marketing agencies involve active community management, content curation, and proactive engagement to foster a loyal and engaged community around the project.
4. Search Engine Optimization (SEO): SEO is critical for enhancing visibility and driving organic traffic to crypto projects’ websites and content. The best crypto marketing agencies employ SEO strategies such as keyword optimization, link building, and content structuring to improve search engine rankings. By optimizing for relevant keywords and creating valuable content, agencies ensure that projects are discoverable to investors, enthusiasts, and stakeholders seeking information about cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology.
5. Community Building and Engagement: Building a strong and engaged community is essential for the long-term success of crypto projects. The best crypto marketing agencies focus on community-building initiatives such as hosting AMAs (Ask Me Anything) sessions, creating dedicated forums, and organizing virtual events. These activities foster transparency, trust, and loyalty among community members, creating a supportive environment where ideas are shared, feedback is gathered, and users become advocates for the project.

The Role of the Best Crypto Marketing Agencies

In navigating these trends and implementing effective marketing strategies, crypto projects often rely on the expertise and guidance of the best crypto marketing agencies. These agencies specialize in understanding the unique dynamics of the blockchain industry and leverage their knowledge to create tailored marketing solutions that drive results.

1. Strategic Planning and Execution: The best crypto marketing agencies begin by conducting comprehensive market research and competitor analysis. They collaborate closely with clients to define clear marketing objectives, identify target audiences, and develop strategic roadmaps for achieving measurable goals. By understanding the project’s value proposition and competitive landscape, agencies craft innovative campaigns and tactics to maximize impact and ROI.
2. Creative Campaign Development: Creativity is key to standing out in the competitive crypto market. The best agencies harness creative talents to develop visually compelling campaigns, engaging storytelling, and memorable brand identities. Whether it’s designing impactful visuals, producing informative videos, or crafting interactive experiences, agencies ensure that every campaign element aligns with the project’s brand identity and resonates with its target audience.
3. Compliance and Regulatory Guidance: Navigating regulatory compliance is crucial for maintaining credibility and trust in the crypto space. The best crypto marketing agencies stay abreast of evolving regulations and guidelines, ensuring that marketing campaigns adhere to legal requirements. This includes transparency in advertising, compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) policies, and adherence to data protection regulations such as GDPR. By prioritizing compliance, agencies mitigate risks and uphold ethical standards in their marketing practices.
4. Analytics and Performance Optimization: Measurement and analysis are integral to assessing the effectiveness of crypto marketing campaigns. The best agencies leverage advanced analytics tools to track key performance indicators (KPIs), monitor campaign metrics, and derive actionable insights. By analyzing data-driven insights, agencies optimize marketing strategies in real-time, identify opportunities for improvement, and maximize ROI for their clients.

Embracing Innovation for Future Growth

As the crypto market continues to evolve, staying ahead of trends and embracing innovation will be crucial for projects aiming to achieve sustained growth and success. The best crypto marketing agencies play a pivotal role in guiding projects through these dynamics, offering strategic counsel, creative excellence, and regulatory compliance to navigate the complexities of the blockchain ecosystem effectively.

By partnering with the best crypto marketing agencies, projects can leverage influencer partnerships, create compelling content, engage effectively on social media, optimize for search engines, and build strong communities. These strategies not only enhance brand visibility and credibility but also foster long-term relationships with stakeholders and drive adoption of blockchain solutions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the future of crypto marketing is dynamic and multifaceted, driven by technological innovation, regulatory developments, and evolving consumer behaviors. By embracing emerging trends and partnering with the best crypto marketing agencies, blockchain projects can position themselves competitively in the global marketplace. As the industry continues to mature, strategic marketing becomes increasingly pivotal in shaping perceptions, driving adoption, and fostering sustainable growth in the exciting world of cryptocurrencies.

The post Navigating the Future of Crypto Marketing: Trends and the Role of the Best Crypto Marketing Agencies appeared first on Granite Grok.

What financial freedom actually means to you depends on your financial situation and history. For some, financial freedom means having paid off all outstanding debts. For others, it means having enough money after paying the bills each month to save, grow retirement savings, or simply afford a preferred lifestyle. For others still, it means being able to pursue interests and passions without having to worry about financial strain. Regardless of your definition, consumer credit card relief can be an essential step towards reaching your financial goals. Here are some practical tips to help you achieve financial freedom.

1. Understand Your Financial Situation

Before you can achieve financial freedom, you need to understand your current financial situation. This involves knowing how much you earn, how much you owe, and where your money goes each month.

• Track Your Income and Expenses: Use a budgeting app or a simple spreadsheet to track your income and all your expenses. This will help you see where your money is going and identify areas where you can cut back.
• Assess Your Debts: Make a list of all your debts, including credit cards, loans, and mortgages. Note the interest rates and minimum payments for each. This will help you prioritize which debts to tackle first.

2. Create a Budget

A budget is a crucial tool for managing your finances and achieving financial freedom. It helps you plan your spending, save money, and avoid overspending.

• Set Financial Goals: Define your short-term and long-term financial goals. This could be saving for a vacation, paying off debt, or building an emergency fund.
• Allocate Funds: Based on your goals, allocate funds for different categories such as savings, debt repayment, and daily expenses. Stick to your budget as closely as possible.

3. Pay Off Debt

Paying off debt is a significant step towards financial freedom. High-interest debt, such as credit card debt, can be particularly challenging to manage.

• Consumer Credit Card Relief: Consider options like debt consolidation or credit card relief programs to reduce interest rates and simplify your payments. These services can help you manage and pay off debt more efficiently.
• Prioritize High-Interest Debt: Focus on paying off debts with the highest interest rates first. This will save you money in the long run and help you become debt-free faster.

4. Build an Emergency Fund

An emergency fund acts as a financial safety net, covering unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs without derailing your financial plans.

• Start Small: Aim to save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses. Start with a small, manageable amount and gradually increase your savings.
• Automate Savings: Set up automatic transfers to your emergency fund to ensure consistent savings. This makes it easier to build your fund over time.

5. Save and Invest Wisely

Saving and investing are critical components of achieving financial freedom. They help you grow your wealth and secure your financial future.

• Retirement Savings: Contribute to retirement accounts such as a 401(k) or IRA. Take advantage of employer matching contributions if available.
• Diversify Investments: Diversify your investments to manage risk and improve returns. Consider a mix of stocks, bonds, and other assets based on your risk tolerance and financial goals.

6. Live Below Your Means

Living below your means is about spending less than you earn. It’s a fundamental principle of personal finance that helps you save more and reduce financial stress.

• Avoid Lifestyle Inflation: As your income increases, avoid the temptation to increase your spending proportionally. Focus on saving and investing the extra income instead.
• Cut Unnecessary Expenses: Identify areas where you can cut back, such as dining out, subscription services, or impulse purchases. Small changes can add up to significant savings over time.

7. Continuously Educate Yourself

Financial literacy is key to making informed decisions and achieving financial freedom. Continuously educate yourself about personal finance topics.

• Read Books and Articles: There are many resources available that cover various aspects of personal finance. Reading books and articles can help you understand different strategies and concepts.
• Take Online Courses: Many websites offer free or affordable courses on personal finance topics. These courses can provide structured learning and valuable insights.
• Consult Financial Advisors: If you’re unsure about certain financial decisions, consulting a financial advisor can provide personalized advice based on your financial situation and goals.

8. Plan for the Future

Achieving financial freedom involves planning for the future and preparing for life’s uncertainties.

• Set Long-Term Goals: Think about your long-term financial goals, such as buying a home, funding your children’s education, or retiring comfortably. Break these goals down into smaller, manageable steps.
• Estate Planning: Consider estate planning to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes. This includes creating a will, setting up trusts, and designating beneficiaries.

Conclusion

Achieving financial freedom is a journey that requires discipline, planning, and continuous effort. By understanding your financial situation, creating a budget, paying off debt, building an emergency fund, saving and investing wisely, living below your means, educating yourself, and planning for the future, you can take control of your finances and achieve the freedom to live the life you want. Whether it’s consumer credit card relief or building an emergency fund, every step you take brings you closer to your goal. Start today and pave the way for a financially secure and fulfilling future.

 

The post Tips for Achieving Financial Freedom appeared first on Granite Grok.

This Fourth of July, our country will celebrate the 248th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. That was the day representatives from thirteen colonies spoke as one. It was the day they stood together and signed a document that declared the sovereignty of the United States of America to the world.

We would no longer be ruled by Great Britain; we would collectively rule ourselves.

That was the first step in a long, dangerous, and difficult journey toward personal, political, religious, and economic freedom. It would cost them and our country dearly, but they were all willing to take that first step.

Since none of us personally knew the “Signers”, we only know who they were and what they did based on the limited historical records available to us. We can speculate, interpret, and have an opinion, but we should do so in the context of their time, not ours.

Some will argue that these men were not perfect, that they were flawed. Yes, save one man, we are all flawed. What can’t be argued is that these men were brave, steadfast, and patriotic as they laid the foundation upon which our country was built.

Since their time, the United States of America has grown into the great Nation we all call home. Millions of immigrants legally emigrated from countries all around the world and chose to come to America. They came to help build this country. They wanted to experience the freedom, promise, and opportunity that this country offered. They wanted to work and to make a better life for themselves and their families.

My grandfather was one of those immigrants. He came from Italy to become an American, not an Italian living in America. He didn’t come here to be accommodated by America, he came here to assimilate into the “melting pot” that was America. He loved this country and was proud to be an American.

Countless immigrant family members served in World War II, fighting as Americans. They learned the language of their newly adopted country and insisted that their children did as well. They fully immersed themselves in the culture and traditions of their new homeland.

You see, in order to become a naturalized American citizen, legal immigrants are required to renounce their former country and take an oath to “support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic.” Today’s illegal “migrants” take no such oath.

Americans still absolutely welcome and support legal immigration. Americans are generous to a fault, and we are always willing to welcome into our country those who love our country, our traditions, and our way of life and who respect our laws.

Even as American citizens are being held against their will in foreign countries around the world, we allow foreigners, many who entered our country illegally, to burn our flag and disrespect our Country.

We allow them to spread hate, distribute drugs, traffic children, rape, murder and commit countless crimes against American citizens. Many of these foreign interlopers come from countries where the freedoms we take for granted don’t exist.

Yet despite breaking our laws, our government showers them with free housing, food, clothing, healthcare, and welfare, while American Veterans and citizens remain homeless. Is this the America the Signers dreamed of? I think not.

Sadly, even some misguided American citizens support and join these hate-filled demonstrations that denigrate and attack their own country.

Fortunately, most Americans still love and support their country. They understand that there is no perfect country, and they realize that America, despite her faults, is still the “home of the free, because of the brave”. Yes, Americans are still free to pursue, as our Founders declared so long ago, “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”.

Since that declaration almost two and a half centuries ago, many patriotic men and women have stepped forward to defend the freedoms we all enjoy. They, like the Signers, so loved this country that they were willing to die for it. Today, and every day, we should remember the words engraved on the granite wall of the Korean War Memorial in Washington, DC: “FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.”

So what does Independence Day mean to today’s American citizens? Do we all feel a sense of shared history, community, unity, patriotism, pride, love of country, thankfulness and appreciation for the country the Signers bequeathed to us? Again, I believe that most Americans still share those sentiments.

So today, as we celebrate our Independence Day by gathering with family and friends, let us not forget how blessed we are to live in this beautiful and bountiful country.

Let us pledge never to give up the personal, political, religious, and economic freedoms the Signers fought so hard for.

Let us remember those brave and selfless Signers whose actions on July 4, 1776, literally changed the world.

Let us put aside our personal differences and remember the common thread that unites us: We are all Americans, and it’s our birthday.

Happy Birthday, America, and may God continue to bless us!

The post Night Cap: Happy Birthday, America appeared first on Granite Grok.

I know I shouldn’t be surprised, but still, I am surprised at all the hyperbolic reactions that are being published in response to the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on presidential immunity for official acts.

Biden can assassinate Trump now!  Trump will be able to assassinate Biden if he gets elected!  Biden can add four more Justices to the Supreme Court!  The President can amend the Constitution to make abortion illegal… or legal!  Democracy is over!  The President is now a king!

But this is what we get for telling generations of students that it’s okay if they can’t read or think clearly about what they’ve read.  We’ll just ‘meet them where they are’ and tell them, in overly simple terms, what is in the books they can’t read.

So now, we have hundreds of millions of people who can’t actually read or understand a Supreme Court ruling and who instead have to depend on politicians, political pundits, and podcasters — many of whom are in the same boat — to tell them what’s in the decision.  And then they repeat what they’ve heard, even when that bears little or no resemblance to what it actually says.  Maybe, especially when that’s the case.

(If someone starts telling you about how awful this decision is, your first question should be:  Did you read it?  And your second question should be:  Then how do you know what it says?)

This is what happens when we forget that public education isn’t about ‘bright futures for children’, or ‘training kids so they can get good jobs’, or ‘developing a work force that can compete on the world stage’, or providing subsidized daycare for parents.

As it says in Article 83 of our state constitution, it’s about ensuring the preservation of a free government.  Which is to say, helping each new generation become difficult to lie to.

To paraphrase Jackie Kennedy:  If we bungle educating our children,  nothing else we do matters very much.  

If we ever feel like turning things around, at least with respect to education, Article 3 of our state constitution provides a remedy:

When men enter into a state of society, they surrender up some of their natural rights to that society, in order to ensure the protection of others; and, without such an equivalent, the surrender is void.

That is, public schools could be focused exclusively on helping students develop the skills they need to educate themselves—which turn out to be exactly the same skills they need to avoid being manipulated through deceit: literacy, numeracy, and rationality.

And those are exactly the skills that taxpayers need children to develop in order for their own rights to be protected when those children acquire the right to vote upon reaching an arbitrary age.

And that is exactly what needs to happen if we’re going to preserve a free government.

The post When Johnny Can’t Read appeared first on Granite Grok.