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BOOK REVIEW The Pocket Book of Patriotism by Jonathan Foreman Sterling Publishing - October 2005
Reviewed by Dr. Jonathan Dolhenty
The Pocket Book of Patriotism is a beautifully presented little book containing many of the "essentials" that every American child and adult should become familiar with. I say "little" because it only has 96 pages; yet those pages are full of information that, if taken to heart, ought to make we Americans proud. What a resource to have readily available in a format that can be carried in a backpack, brief case, purse, or even a child's lunch box! Jonathan Foreman, the man who put this valuable contribution together, describes the book (better than I can) in his Introduction: "It is not a textbook, still less an encyclopedia. It is a celebration of this country. Without whitewashing America's past (true patriotism acknowledges America's sins and flaws) it celebrates America's history, her contributions to humanity, the eternal optimism and energy of her people. Above all it celebrates the documents in which successive generations of Americans have placed their faith." And that's exactly what it does and what it delivers. In my view, this "little" book should be placed in the hands of every American schoolchild, not to be "read" as one would a novel or ordinary nonfiction book, but to be perused occasionally for thoughtful reflection and accessible for immediate reference when one needs the information contained therein. So, what is "contained therein"? Here, briefly, is a list of some of the contents: 1. A selective timeline of historic events (beginning in 30,000 B.C.! and continuing until 2005 A.D.). Also, little-known facts which place America's chronology in the context of key world events, interspersed with fascinating quotes by important figures. Incidentally, I am happy to relate that one of my favorite quotes is included: the famous (to some "infamous") statement that Barry Goldwater made during his presidential bid that got virtually all Democrat and many Republican noses out of joint. However, Goldwater was correct then and subsequent history has, I think, shown him to be correct. (Sorry, you'll have to read the book to see what quotation I'm referencing.) 2. Excerpts from key speeches, charters, and significant documents of American history, with highlights from the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. Every American, at the very least, ought to be familiar with the first paragraph and the first sentence of the third paragraph of the Declaration of Independence. Furthermore, I would think it desirable that every American child be able to recite the Preamble to the Constitution. I have found that many Americans can't even recognize its placement among our core documents. That's a shame. 3. Excerpts and lyrics from classic patriotic songs and poems. It is an unfortunate fact that our public schools have virtually ignored or forgotten the famous songs and poems of America and no longer expose students to them. The author has included a few favorites of mine -- Emerson's "The Concord Hymn," Longfellow's "Paul Revere's Ride," and "The Marine Corps Hymn" among them -- and I would hope that our young people would become familiar with them and the others offered. They are, after all, an essential part of our American heritage. 4. Chronological lists of US presidents as well as the states and their dates of accession to the Union. I used to teach American history many eons ago. In my first year of teaching I required my students to memorize the names of the US presidents in chronological order; until, that is, one of my students asked "why" when they could simply "look them up." Good question! I stopped that practice immediately and spent the time showing my students where to find the information when they needed it. Now I would simply put this book in their hands and tell them to keep it handy all the time. 5. A history of the Medal of Honor and other medals of valor. This is an unusual (albeit very valuable) entry in my opinion. Most American history textbooks do not seem to contain this type of information. Hats off to the author for including it as a part of our American heritage. Our children especially need to be made aware of the part our military veterans have played in keeping our nation free. The Medal of Honor winners are true heroes, as are those who have won other medals for bravery and service. 6. A primer on US flag traditions and etiquette. Again, valuable information in this day and age when so many Americans do not seem to be aware that a certain respect is due our flag; not because of the flag itself, but because it is a symbol reflecting our commitment to liberty and justice for all. It is unfortunate that so often our flag is seen as a symbol of mere political policies rather than which it truly represents. All in all, I think Foreman has made a splendid contribution to the citizens of this country, both young and old, by putting together this resource and providing us with a true sense of what "patriotism" genuinely means. All too often these days, we are presented with a cheap "nickel and dime" patriotism or a hubristic "nationalistic" patriotism which results in mere xenophobia or in a misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the American adventure. Our Founding Fathers would have rejected both notions of such patriotism, opting instead for a patriotism which articulated those ideas and ideals expressed in the two key documents of American history: the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States (notably the Preamble). I highly recommend this book and hope for its wide distribution. We must regain a sense of "civic pride" in its true and rational meaning, especially in this time when we face so many challenges, both domestic and foreign. In order to accomplish this, in my view, we need to have at hand such a book as this to remind us that, while we are not perfect by any means, we are dedicated to the ideas and ideals upon which America was founded. |
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Enrich your life with a book about politics and current events... Enrich your political & social life with a politics or news magazine... |
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