Central Kansas Library System

"Smug, geriatric politicians bring the nation to the brink of war in an effort to control the burgeoning population of young males; working-class men dream of burying the elites; and professors propound theories offering students only the bleakest future. Adjustment Day arrives, fearlessly making real the logical conclusion of every separatist, alternative, and conspiracy theory"--

At a moment of crisis over our national identity, journalist Dan Rather reflects on what it means to be an American. He reminds us of the principles upon which the United States was founded. Looking at the freedoms that define us, from the vote to the press; the values that have transformed us, from empathy to inclusion to service; the institutions that sustain us, such as public education; and the traits that helped form our young country, such as...

How did the Vietnam War change the way we think of ourselves as a people and a nation? Christian G. Appy, author of the widely praised oral history of the Vietnam War Patriots, now examines the relationship between the war’s realities and myths and its impact on our national identity, conscience, pride, shame, popular culture, and postwar foreign policy. Drawing on a vast variety of sources from movies, songs, and novels to official documents,...

"The American flag, the Statue of Liberty, and US popular culture are all world-famous symbols of the United States. In The American Identity, readers will learn about the history and meaning behind these and other parts of the United States' unique cultural identity."--Publisher's website.

"Crime fiction expert Susanna Lee tracks the evolution of the hard-boiled character type over time and media in the United States. She shows how crime fiction rose in popularity at times of national conflict. Readers and viewers crave the sort of grit and independence that the hard-boiled detective offers when reality may leave them feeling they lack control over their own lives. This is a study of literature and film and also a work of cultural studies"--...

America was built on nine distinct virtues which shaped the character of our nation and made it great. Grit, manliness, individualism, merit, profit and providence, dominion over our environment, thrift, and above all pride in our country -- these qualities define us, and are the reason that hundreds of millions of people worldwide look to America for hope, inspiration, and opportunity. But it's precisely these virtues that now are under attack by...

A prominent British conservative warns Americans to stop President Obama from leading their country down the path to European-style socialism. In March 2009, British conservative Daniel Hannan became a celebrity overnight when he assailed prime minister Gordon Brown on the floor of the European Parliament. The YouTube clip went viral, leading to whirlwind appearances on FOX News and other conservative media outlets. A thoughtful and articulate spokesman...

Discusses what it means to be an American, including enjoying the freedoms offered in America, respecting others rights, and taking advantage of opportunities to become better citizens and persons.

The junior senator from Illinois discusses how to transform U.S. politics, calling for a return to America's original ideals and revealing how they can address such issues as globalization and the function of religion in public life.

With his intelligent poodle, Charlie, as his traveling companion, John Steinbeck re-explores his native United States in a camping truck. This book is comprised of his conversations with people throughout the country and his personal observations.