Rating: 
Summary: Should be Required Reading
Review: A fabulous collection of great thoughts, words, and people that every American should know, honor, and emulate. It left me somewhat embarrassed of the present state of affairs among our elected officials. No one can read this without gaining more respect, pride, and admiration of our predecessors. An excellent book.
Rating:
Summary: eye opening and tear shedding
Review: As a military man who joined to serve his country and nothing more, this book is a breath of life giving air. To know that I am not the only one who feels the need to give all to this country. Mr. Bennett does an outstanding job pointing out the easily missed down falls of modern day society without ever calling out a single name or pointing fingers. WE ARE ALL responsible and just as guilty as the next for the decisions that have been made concerning American Morality. And Mr. Bennett makes that point abundantly clear. I just barely got through his introduction when pride and fear began to overwhelm me. This country is in trouble and as he says in his book "it may not have all the answers but it is a step in the right direction. Thank You Mr. Bennett for reminding me that I am an American and I have the right to stand for what is right. And I too gladly give of my time and life if required in service to this great nation.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: Great principles. I'm glad so many copies are available in the public library.
Rating:
Summary: Astonishingly good, deeply important
Review: I started listening to the audio tape some time ago in the car, and was initially somewhat ambivalent about the program. However, within fifteen minutes, I was thoroughly engaged, and fifteen minutes after that, wiping held-back tears from the corners of my eyes, wondering if "Nathaniel" (as in Hale) would be a good name for my future son.Our forefathers, with courage and genius, created the most immitated society the world has ever known. How proud and fortunate this audio book makes one feel. I'm committed to listening to it with my teenage nieces and nephews on a "captive" drive sometime. It'll be a great topic for discussion.
Rating:
Summary: Greater Than Any History Book I Was Ever Required To Read
Review: Once again, Bill Bennett has demonstrated his exceptional ability to choose an unfortunately undervalued topic in today's society (in this case, the Founders), and pull together a book which should be required reading in our public schools and which each and every candidate for elected or appointed office should be required to read, then submit to a test which would shame the SATs! Failure to pass with an 'A' would bar the individual from holding or seeking office for a period of 5 years! There is a clear correlation between the increase in our nations material wealth and the trend which finds our historical roots becoming more and more distant. Knowing, understanding, appreciating, and following the precepts of this book will go a long way towards reversing a sad and truly disgraceful trend.
Rating:
Summary: America's Founding Ideals
Review: Our form of government has been the most lasting, widespread innovation in modern history. As wonderful as that is, in many ways it is even more wonderful to return to the frame of mind and the values that engendered this invention. Although (as Bill Bennett rightly points out) our founding Fathers (and Mothers) often fell far short of their own ideals and were profoundly skeptical about the potential of people to do the right thing, they also aspired to a kind of virtue on Earth that combined true nobility of spirit and deed with good relations towards others. Bennett has put these ideals into the following categories: patriotism and courage; love and courtship; civility and friendship; education of the head and heart; industry and frugality; justice; and piety. You can dip your inquisitive toe into any of these, whenever you want. .... I suggest that in addition to buying a copy for yourself, that you plan to give this book as a gift to your children and grandchildren as they reach the age when they will begin to make important moral choices for themselves. .... In most cases, I felt like the material here was stating timeless principles that do apply today .... Bennett does a nice job as editor in explaining the context of each passage. His love of these people, these ideals, and these words is obvious. It will move you. And hopefully inspire you to follow the good advice in those words. Nicely done, Bill Bennett! This is a good use of history . . . to help us learn not to repeat the mistakes of the past needlessly.
Rating:
Summary: Timeless Values
Review: This book was a gift from my uncle, and one that I was thrilled to receive. I have a passion for learning about the Founders and the War that defined the way we live today. The author brings out the best quotes, poems, and letters from the most influential men in American history. Their level of devotion is unparalleled throughout the world. I find it most admirable that these men relied on God for their wisdom and through prayer and faith they pledged their "sacred honor" to the cause. I am only a high school student, but I understand that these values apply to everyone in every class. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for God or guidance.
Rating:
Summary: Provides proof that American History Textbooks are LYING!
Review: This is an excellent resource for teaching your kids that America was founded on Christian Principals by God Fearing men. Provides PROOF that the American History texbooks are lying when they call our founding fathers Diests. Many, if not most of them were in fact devoted Christians.
Rating:
Summary: An outstanding compilation of essays
Review: This is one of those rare books that makes you wistful for a more civil age. When I first started the book, I must confess that I didn't want to "waste my time" reading all the essays -- about things that didn't particularly interest me, or from authors from whom I'd already read. However, my biases were quickly squelched after reading -- and re-reading -- the first few essays. The value in this book comes from Mr. Bennett acknowledging the fact that the men and women writing these essays were not perfect. On the contrary, they recognized their weaknesses. But rather than wearily accept those weaknesses, they held themselves to a "higher standard" and strove to overcome their challenges. They are examples we all can learn from.
Rating:
Summary: An outstanding compilation of essays
Review: This is one of those rare books that makes you wistful for a more civil age. When I first started the book, I must confess that I didn't want to "waste my time" reading all the essays -- about things that didn't particularly interest me, or from authors from whom I'd already read. However, my biases were quickly squelched after reading -- and re-reading -- the first few essays. The value in this book comes from Mr. Bennett acknowledging the fact that the men and women writing these essays were not perfect. On the contrary, they recognized their weaknesses. But rather than wearily accept those weaknesses, they held themselves to a "higher standard" and strove to overcome their challenges. They are examples we all can learn from.
| 
