From Publishers Weekly
Equality, restraint, optimism: these are among the values that former senator Simon sees as characteristic of America at its finest. And he optimistically-perhaps idealistically-believes that renewing our commitment to these values can "help bring more stability, peace, and harmony to our world." In this primer on America's "best values," Simon, now founding director of the Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, examines these virtues' history and impact. And he doesn't neglect to look at America's failures to act on these values, such as equality, which for so long did not apply to African Americans and women, among other groups. America is a religious nation, Simon avers, and his thought-provoking primer explores religion's potential both for good and for intolerance.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
When Simon looks on America from the perspective of a former U.S. senator, he sees a country with high ideals--and with wounds that remain unhealed since September 11, 2001. Evidence of the wounds is that as a nation we have developed "a selective view of current events and history which glorifies us and vilifies others." We are becoming less responsible, tolerant, and compassionate. Simon sees this as "a great disservice to truth, to future generations and to ourselves." His prescription? Return to core American values and reinvest in the process of aligning personal, social, and political realities with the vision the founders outlined in the Constitution. He doesn't contend that the U.S. has a monopoly on humility, compassion, courage, and equality, but he draws on extensive knowledge of history to tell the stories of Americans who personified those ideals. Simon's journalistic background shows in the clear, coherent style he maintains while addressing issues with an unblinking eye and a compassionate heart. Donna Chavez
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
