Sometimes people tell fake news as a joke. Other times, people tell fake news by mistake or carelessly (gossip can be like this). Still other times, some people make up fake stories to get something they want. A person who yells, “fire!” In a crowded building is creating fake news to get people to run out of the building. This can also get people to be hurt as they rush out. Faked stories have been in the news a lot in the last weeks. Some of those fake stories have gotten people hurt, scared, and some were killed.
In 1917, a writer named H.L. Menken wrote fake news about bathing. “The use of bathtubs is banned by the city of Boston in 1845.” This is one of many FAKE claims by H.L. Mencken in the New York Evening Mail in a hoax article about the history of bathtubs.
Other FAKE claims in the article:
• FAKE: The first American bathtub was installed December 20, 1842;
• FAKE: A bathtub was installed in the White House for Millard Fillmore ;
• FAKE: 1843, Philadelphia tried to ban bathing, November 1 to March 15.”
On This Day Trivia
Mencken stated the article was a joke, but his fake “facts” get to be reprinted in articles and books about bathtubs and hygiene and have even made their way into medical journals. What seems like a funny joke can get spread around and even cause trouble.
Sometimes, a hoax or a fake or a lie gets spread around so much that people believe it, even if it goes against common sense.
In 1793, Thomas Paine was arrested in France. Paine had been an important writer leading up to the American colonies declaring independence from England. His essay, “Common Sense” used by George Washington to help many Americans decide that breaking away from England was the best choice.
Here are some of Paine’s key points:
Government's purpose was to serve the people. Paine described government as a “necessary evil,” which existed to give people a structure so they could work together to solve problems and prosper. But to do that, it had to be responsive to people’s needs.
Having a king was a bad idea. "In England a king hath little more to do than to make war and give away places, which in plain terms, is to impoverish the nation…”
America as the home of the free. America’s real connection was to people everywhere who yearned to escape oppression.
America had a rare opportunity to create a new nation based on self-rule.
A strong central government was needed. Paine envisioned that the new nation would have a strong central government, with a constitution that protected individual rights, including freedom of religion.
Paine moved to France to be involved in the French Revolution, writing anti-royalty essays like The Rights of Man. The revolutionaries in France gave Paine honorary citizenship, but turned against him as he argued publicly against the death penalty. He was imprisoned, and future President James Monroe pulled in all his connections to get Paine free in 1794.
History.com
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Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities
Below you will find several rights and responsibilities (found in the pocket constitution guide for citizenship) that all citizens should exercise and respect. Some of these responsibilities are required of every citizen. All are important to ensuring that the United States of America remains a free and prosperous nation. These may remind you of Thomas Paine’s ideas.
Rights
Freedom to express yourself.
Freedom to worship as you wish.
Right to a prompt, fair trial by jury.
Right to vote in elections for public officials.
Right to apply for federal employment requiring U.S. citizenship.
Right to run for elected office.
Freedom to pursue “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
Responsibilities
Support and defend the Constitution.
Stay informed of the issues affecting your community.
Participate in the democratic process.
Respect and obey federal, state, and local laws.
Respect the rights, beliefs, and opinions of others.
Participate in your local community.
Pay income and other taxes honestly, and on time, to federal, state, and local authorities.
Serve on a jury when called upon.
Defend the country if the need should arise.
This week, we’ve got a link for a few short videos about Civics and History of the United States. The Khan Academy teamed up with researcher, writer, and reporter John Dickerson. We hope you enjoy these!
Video: Government and Civics with John Dickerson
This week’s suggestion for Action: Plant a seed! A seed can be an idea or a plant that grows. Either way, care for it, water it with regular care and light. Watch it grow!
Sources:
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services