All government authority is contingent on the continued consent of a free and thinking people.
Welcome to Scrutinizing the Republic—home of the Independent Loyal Opposition. This is a space for citizens who believe in liberty grounded in conscience. Here, we ask challenging questions. We stand for morality and religiosity as fundamental to society. We explore the principles that shaped the Constitution, the role of faith in public life, and the civic duties too often neglected in a noisy age. We reflect upon the role of government and much more.
This site will grow over time, organized into three core areas:
- Faith – exploring the soul of a people and the moral conscience of a nation
- Law – tracking legislation, executive actions, judicial shifts, and the erosion (or restoration) of rights
- Civic Duty – calling citizens to think, act, vote, and engage beyond slogans
Expect essays, policy critiques, historical reflections, and the occasional firebrand thought piece. It belongs here if it stirs conscience, demands accountability, or points toward a better Republic. If you would like your thoughts included, please contact D&C Consulting, to become a featured author: drdave@dnc-consulting.com.
Faith – The Conscience of a Republic
A Republic without faith is a Republic adrift. Not faith in dogma or denomination, but faith as moral conscience, an internal compass that guides the soul of a people. Faith the breeds action, not soundbites and sloganeering.
Scrutinizing the Republic exists to examine how belief, virtue, and spiritual heritage shape civic life. Whether expressed through theology, personal reflection, or cultural practice, faith forms the groundwork for conscience, and conscience is what keeps a nation honest.
You will find here articles that explore the tension between spiritual life and public service, the cost of moral compromise, and the enduring power of hope in dark times. In a culture that often trades sacred values for convenience, we are here to ask: What must not be lost?
This isn’t a pulpit—it’s a proving ground.
Law – Where Conscience Meets Consequence
Law does not rise from a vacuum, it rises from morals shared by like minded people, who work to build functioning societies. When morality erodes, legislation becomes a weapon, not a safeguard. When law is grounded in conscience, law becomes the architecture of a just society.
Scrutinizing the Republic houses critiques, reviews, and reflections on legislation, executive decisions, judicial actions, and constitutional interpretation. It also includes primary source research and white papers tied to systemic accountability efforts.
Law is more than codes and precedence; it is how we codify conscience into consequence. But when power serves itself, the law bends away from justice. This is where we push back. Where we examine the legal pillars holding (or failing) the Republic. Research will be rigorous. Language will be plain. Conclusions will be earned… NEVER assumed.
Civic Duty – The Work of a Free People
“Civic duty isn’t a checkbox—it’s a calling.”
In every generation, the health of a Republic depends on whether its citizens are willing to think, speak, vote, serve, and sacrifice. In this section, we will look at current events, political culture, grassroots action, and the quiet daily work of keeping the Republic upright.
You will find commentary here that cuts through slogans and posturing. We are not loyal to left or right, we are loyal to principle. Whether it is unpacking misinformation, spotlighting local action, or calling out apathy, this space exists to remind us: The Republic is not self-sustaining. We the People are the maintenance crew. Let us get to work.
Stay sharp. Stay principled. Stay engaged.
— M. Dave Salisbury, PhD
American Citizen.
Dual-Service (Army/Navy) Veteran.
Independent Loyal Opposition.
Laughing Warrior
scrutinizingtherepublic.com 
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