Another classic work by David McCullough. As an author I was impressed by his command of the engineering details for building the bridge. Although the Another classic work by David McCullough. As an author I was impressed by his command of the engineering details for building the bridge. Although the author is comfortable with the engineering issues he faces the social issues of corruption and contract fraud head on and makes this a complete work....more
This is a remarkable book separating fact and fiction relating to the life of Harriet Tubman. She is an impressive example of a black slave achieving This is a remarkable book separating fact and fiction relating to the life of Harriet Tubman. She is an impressive example of a black slave achieving greatness because of her commitment to high virtues and her undeviating love for the welfare of her enslaved family by gathering them to freedom. As the author of “The High Ground: Why Civic Virtue Matters to America” which highlights inspiring examples of civic virtue of our 18th Century American Founders I consider Tubman a sterling example of the virtues of the 19th century American woman and plan to include her in the next edition of my series on “The High Ground.”...more
I enjoyed MaKay Coppins book “Romney A Reckoning.” In my book “The High Ground-Why Civic Virtue Matters to America I use the experience of Romney votiI enjoyed MaKay Coppins book “Romney A Reckoning.” In my book “The High Ground-Why Civic Virtue Matters to America I use the experience of Romney voting to convict Trump in his first impeachment trial as an example of political courage. “Political courage is to stand firm in being a person of character and doing what is right especially when it is unpopular or puts you at risk.” Although people may disagree with his decision it was an “act of conviction following the dictates of his conscience.” For his courageous action he was awarded the 2021 Profiles in Courage Award by the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library. Standing up to political leaders in the twenty-first century is a courageous act and we need more leaders who set aside personal and party interests for the welfare of the country....more
In my book The High Ground: Why Civic Virtue Matters to America” I write that “Political courage is to stand firm in being a person of character and dIn my book The High Ground: Why Civic Virtue Matters to America” I write that “Political courage is to stand firm in being a person of character and doing what is right, even when it is unpopular or puts you at risk.” Liz Cheney’s book “Oath and Honor” is a prime example of the truth of this statement where she put her political career on the line along with ten other Republicans who voted to impeach Trump for the Jan 6 attack on the Capitol. Cheney and all but two Republicans who voted to impeach were turned out of office ending their Congressional careers. However, as one defeated Republican concluded: “ I would rather lose office with my character intact than stay elected having made sacrifices of the soul.” (p. 141) This is political courage. I also appreciate her emphasis on respect for the rule of law and the Constitution. As a career prosecutor I am concerned with the lack of respect for our American justice system and the Constitution that has been manifested post January 6. Kudos to Cheney for bringing this sad episode in American history to light and warning us to be more vigilant in defense of our Constitution....more
Fictional works are not my favorite genre but I enjoyed The Absentee because the protagonists Lord Colambre and and his love interest Grace are modelsFictional works are not my favorite genre but I enjoyed The Absentee because the protagonists Lord Colambre and and his love interest Grace are models of high moral standards in spite of being surrounded by those who prefer to take the low road. It was nice to read a book where goodness and virtue prevail to help the poor underclass so abused by agents of the Absentee landlord. It is also an excellent work describing Irish regional life. I believe that the author and I are very distant relatives....more
Having written a book called "The High Ground" about the American Founders that focused on John and Abigail Adams I was pleased that a colleague direcHaving written a book called "The High Ground" about the American Founders that focused on John and Abigail Adams I was pleased that a colleague directed me to this book about Samuel Adams by Ira Stoll. I was amazed at Samuel Adams' strong belief in God and in the importance of civic virtues in the American Revolution and the foundation of our American Republic. This book will have a choice place on my bookshelf honoring our American Founders. ...more