America: Still The Best Hope
The world has never had a good definition of the word liberty, and the American people, just now, are much in want of one. We all declare for liberty; but in using the same word we do not all mean the same thing.
-- Abraham Lincoln, April 18, 1864
In 1975, I co-authored what became the most widely used introduction to Judaism in the English language.
Thirty-seven years later, I have written the case for American values.
It took a lifetime to write it. And I wrote it because I fear that fewer and fewer Americans can identify American values, let alone explain why they constitute the best system ever created for making a good society.
The book is also an in-depth critique of Leftism and Islamism. I sought to write the most persuasive explanation of their moral failings as systems of thought and in practice.
Here is some footage of my recent appearance at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library where I discussed the book in further detail.
I would love to hear some reactions to my book, my Reagan Library lecture, or even simply my contention that the biggest threat to America in 2012 is not Barack Obama but instead is that we are failing to instill new generations of Americans with the ideas, ideals, and values that made us a beacon of hope to the world.
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May '10
Re: America: Still The Best Hope
"So what! Why should I take your offense seriously?"
Beautiful. It's taken for granted that offense is legitimate, so long as the offended is a member of a qualified group. Thank you for placing the burden of proof where it belongs.
Apr '11
Re: America: Still The Best Hope
EJHill:
Their allies are hard at work. Imagine my surprise in my Sunday Church Bulletin this week was the announcement that one of the Wednesday night discussions this month was going to be "Mormonism: Is it a Cult and what do they believe?" Bend over Mitt, here it comes! ·
Did you invite a Mormon/ alert the nearest LDS church, perhaps anonymously (not necessarily actually anonymously, but asking not to be identified, whether or not you, yourself, attend)? These meetings can be persuasive, and if you can get an unimpeachable defender to attend (ie. someone who won't be emotional, or impolite), they can make a big difference, even if it's only to correct and/ or explain the worst exaggerations. Bonus points for being a woman.
Not only would it help mitigate the poison, but it'd provide the mitigator with useful practice; Mormons are used to responding tor craziness, but the next few months will be a little different, and it's good to get them warmed up. Plus, it's helpful to have them being reminded early and often that Republicans are their defenders; Mormon electoral emotions are surprisingly mixed, and it's good to get 'em volunteering.
Re: America: Still The Best Hope
Thank YOU for your kind words, Big John. Treating the other side with respect - genuine respect - is one of the most disarming weapons for advancing our cause that we have in our arsenal.
Apr '12
Re: America: Still The Best Hope
Superb speech. I valued, "Ask someone who has done well if they had high self esteem." The high self esteem movement at school is seen through by the kids, or my sons anyway. CJRun, I loved church and Christmas time growing up and I finally threw in the towel as the churches I have attended in Canada are liberal just as Dennis describes. Feed the poor and politics in the sermons about Israel and Palistine. Meanwhile, people in the congregation with breaking families.