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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
“we have to know who we were if we’re to know who we are and where we’re headed.”
I will fully admit I did not read the summary on the back to know it was a collection of speeches, and at first I was a little disappointed. That disappointment did not last long as I breezed through each of these that left me wanting more. Well done.
I will fully admit I did not read the summary on the back to know it was a collection of speeches, and at first I was a little disappointed. That disappointment did not last long as I breezed through each of these that left me wanting more. Well done.
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
President Donald Trump has been re-elected by the American people, of their own accord. They have voted for a felon, a man who has on numerous occasions denounced the law, for the sake of the economy, something the President has no real control over. We must be one of the only countries at this moment that have taken advantage of a system that was laid down for us by our forefathers, and decided to stop teaching its importance. And now the people, blind and ignorant, in hopes of economic growth for their own pockets, have turned the house, the senate, and the presidency to a man who idolizes Dictators.
And yet, maybe there is hope. Maybe if we continue to talk to one another, forgive one another, and forge ahead, even in the darkest of times, maybe we’ll just keep shining through.
McCullough and our founders said it best; an uneducated populace cannot make wise decisions, and cannot choose a stable government. So let’s wisen up, hopefully within the next two years, and push ahead. Let’s be the America we know we can be. Let’s re write this blunder, and stay a nation United, a nation of law, a nation of principles, of fairness, of equality, of democracy, a nation that shines as the greatest beacon for all humanity.
And yet, maybe there is hope. Maybe if we continue to talk to one another, forgive one another, and forge ahead, even in the darkest of times, maybe we’ll just keep shining through.
McCullough and our founders said it best; an uneducated populace cannot make wise decisions, and cannot choose a stable government. So let’s wisen up, hopefully within the next two years, and push ahead. Let’s be the America we know we can be. Let’s re write this blunder, and stay a nation United, a nation of law, a nation of principles, of fairness, of equality, of democracy, a nation that shines as the greatest beacon for all humanity.
This is a collection of speeches McCullough has given, mostly college commencement speeches, or building dedications. Some of it was interesting, but it was not at all what I expected. I do agree we could all learn more history, but this is absolutely the history of white men in America with only a small nod to Native Americans, and non at all to women or African-Americans. So, if you like the history of white men told by and for white men, this is the book for you.
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Read it! Be reminded of what America is and what we stand for. McCullough is a masterful author, historian, and orator and these pages do not disappoint. It is a pleasure to take in this work and be moved, despite the angst and anger that feels so overwhelming today. I want every American, young and old, to read this. With history by his side, you will be inspired by those who came before us, with their tenacity, their dedication, and words of wisdom that are timeless and as meaningful, if not more, today. McCullough's speeches aim to inspire and in that they succeed.
Read it! Tell your friends and family to read it. It might be what everyone needs.
Read it! Tell your friends and family to read it. It might be what everyone needs.
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Unlike most of McCullough’s books, this was a series of addresses he delivered. Each of them is densely packed with facts and examples of how great and fragile our democracy is as each of his histories.
The integrity and loyalty of the founders was enlightening in the face of uncertainties from having no guidelines. In fact, the Massachusetts Constitution, hammered out by John Adams and contemporaries was used as the template for the US Congressional Congress, and several later states.
In 1989, McCullough addressed a joint session of Congress. He spoke of a woman in 1950, a freshman senator from Maine, that stood up to a bully trying to divide not only the Republican Party, but the nation, and in the process abolish the rights provided by the Constitution that had stood for over 170 years. Nobody was immune to Joe McCarthy’s vitriol and threats of being branded a Communist. Margaret Chase Smith finally said, “I speak as a Republican. I speak as a woman. I speak as a United States Senator. I speak as an American. I don’t want to see the Republican Party ride to political victory on the four horsemen of calumny—fear, ignorance, bigotry and smear.”
Now, only years 70 later who will stand up for their party today? Where is today’s version of Congressman George Norris from Nebraska that led a revolt against the obstructionist House Speaker Joe Cannon? Who will be our era’s Margaret Chase Smith?
I have to believe in his introduction, “Yes, we have much to be seriously concerned about, much that needs to be corrected, improved, or dispensed with. But the vitality and creative energy, the fundamental decency, the tolerance and insistence on truth, and the good-heartedness of the American people are there still plainly.”
The integrity and loyalty of the founders was enlightening in the face of uncertainties from having no guidelines. In fact, the Massachusetts Constitution, hammered out by John Adams and contemporaries was used as the template for the US Congressional Congress, and several later states.
In 1989, McCullough addressed a joint session of Congress. He spoke of a woman in 1950, a freshman senator from Maine, that stood up to a bully trying to divide not only the Republican Party, but the nation, and in the process abolish the rights provided by the Constitution that had stood for over 170 years. Nobody was immune to Joe McCarthy’s vitriol and threats of being branded a Communist. Margaret Chase Smith finally said, “I speak as a Republican. I speak as a woman. I speak as a United States Senator. I speak as an American. I don’t want to see the Republican Party ride to political victory on the four horsemen of calumny—fear, ignorance, bigotry and smear.”
Now, only years 70 later who will stand up for their party today? Where is today’s version of Congressman George Norris from Nebraska that led a revolt against the obstructionist House Speaker Joe Cannon? Who will be our era’s Margaret Chase Smith?
I have to believe in his introduction, “Yes, we have much to be seriously concerned about, much that needs to be corrected, improved, or dispensed with. But the vitality and creative energy, the fundamental decency, the tolerance and insistence on truth, and the good-heartedness of the American people are there still plainly.”
As compelling if not occasionally dull read. The book is a compilation of speeches give by David McCullough to mostly college graduate ceremonies. The core idea has to do with what defines the American spirit which really comes down to formal and informal education and the will to serve. What I really liked about the book is the idealism behind it. That the American journey is not defined by one mistake or victory but by its people both good and bad. If I had to implement one idea from this book is that America is worth fighting for, particularly from the Trump nazis who seek to destroy everything the founding fathers, and patriots of the last 245 years, sought to create. The more perfect Union has yet to be realized and it’s the job of every generation to push it just a little bit further.