My country, right or wrong?

Andy Long asked his social network what true patriotism meant to them. The responses displayed a diversity of thought – and a unity of purpose.

This election year, take action beyond the factions

Andy Long on the power of political parties – and the importance of summoning the courage to buck them.

Confront this brutal reality – and have faith in the story’s end

Andy Long on how long, difficult journeys can build strength, power, and leadership.

George Norris, the Great War, and political courage

Though I grew up 90 miles away in Grant, probably the first time I heard about McCook’s George Norris was in college. It wasn’t in history class, though. I was […]

Shopping locally: a source of civic power

Our democracy gives us the opportunity to elect our public officials at a local, state and national level. This is a powerful tool to help shape what we want to […]

Leadership beyond agendas and the status quo

I am ashamed to say that I’m a member of a bad board of directors. No one on the board is a bad person, but as a group, we’ve failed […]

Here’s how to supercharge civic education in Nebraska

My first job out of college was teaching social studies at South Platte High School in Big Springs. The job came open when the former social studies teacher, Virginia Krajewski, […]

A devotional for democracy

As a former high school history teacher, I often get inspiration from great moments in history — such as the Gettysburg Address, delivered by President Lincoln. The president dedicated a […]