The Essential America; Our Founders and the Liberal Tradition

New York: Simon & Schuster, 2004. First edition. First Printing [stated]. Hardcover. Very good condition/Very good. ix, [3], 176, [4] pages. Contains In Conclusion, Acknowledgments, Index. Inscribed by the author on the half title page. The inscription reads: For Michael Spire--all the best G McGovern. George Stanley McGovern (July 19, 1922 - October 21, 2012) was an American historian, author, U.S. representative, U.S. senator, and the Democratic Party nominee in the 1972 presidential election. McGovern grew up in South Dakota. In World War II he was a B-24 pilot who flew 35 missions. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross. As a senator, McGovern was an example of modern American liberalism. He was most known for his outspoken opposition to the Vietnam War. Liberalism is the oldest and most enduring American tradition, a philosophy and way of life inherited from the Founding Fathers. This is the central idea of "The Essential America". Referring us to our moral and spiritual foundations, McGovern not only presents a resounding defense of liberalism but offers specific proposals for keeping the tradition vibrant. "The Essential America" proposes programs for feeding the world's malnourished children. Rather than sending our armies abroad, McGovern spells out policies that confront the causes of terrorism. He proposes cutting our military budget. He condemns preemptive war, criticizes tax cuts for the rich, and warns against government for the powerful minority. Americans have traditionally stood for progress, generosity, tolerance, and protection of the needy, McGovern states -- as well as for multi-lateralism in foreign policy and "a decent respect for the opinions of mankind." He reminds us that while creative tension between liberalism and conservatism is the genius of American politics, it is the liberals who have been responsible for every forward step in our national history. They built "the Essential America."