Bill Bennett conference call: An American Patriot’s Almanac
posted at 12:55 pm on December 11, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
Bill Bennett and John Cribb hosted a conference call to discuss their new book, The American Patriot’s Almanac: Daily Readings on America, which they describe as an effort to present the positive case for American exceptionalism. Bennett wants to re-teach history to Americans. American History is our worst subject, and Bennett has two textbook projects that he hopes will help reverse that trend. This, though, allows readers a daily anecdote to get more acquainted with our own nation and our own traditions, from which two generations of revisionist history has distanced us.
Cribb got the idea of this book shortly after 9/11, but had other projects on the burner. Two years ago, he called Bennett and they partnered on the Almanac. It’s an explicit exhortation to patriotism, a daily reminder of why America is a special place. Each day is a new story from American history that occurred on that date, as well as other entertaining articles, such as the 50 greatest American movies ever made — which Bennett said they would expect some argument.
Bennett says he understands the need to curse the darkness, but this book lights the candle to illuminate what makes America great. I asked him about that, and his initial response had me laughing; Bennett replied that the best balance was to have a morning radio show cursing the darkness and spend the afternoons writing books that light candles. Bennett said that we need to spend more time showing people why they should love this nation, and maybe some Americans simply have never heard that argument. If we don’t do that, how can they know when criticism of our nation is unfair?
At the moment, The American Patriot’s Almanac: Daily Readings on America is #26 on Amazon and about to enter the New York Times’ best-seller list. It looks like a great gift for family this year. Be sure to add it to your own bookshelf as well.
Blowback
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Before it is banned or burned
Vashta.Nerada on December 11, 2008 at 1:05 PM
If it doesn’t pass the White Guilt litmus test, it’ll never make it to the classrooms, where it is sorely needed.
hillbillyjim on December 11, 2008 at 1:09 PM
Unless, of course, it promotes diversity, homosexuality, athiesm, or abortion.
hillbillyjim on December 11, 2008 at 1:11 PM
Robert Kagan’s book “Dangerous Nation” is also good, as far as dispelling the isolationist myth about the founders that is regarded as fact on the fringe right. also, Walter Russel Meads, “God and Gold”
jp on December 11, 2008 at 1:12 PM
Ed just got a mention on Rush’s show.
Security Mom on December 11, 2008 at 1:21 PM
This isn’t “history.” A balanced historical accounting of American exceptionalism would look at both the negative and the positive consequences of exceptionalism in word and deed.
But I suspect historical balance–in fact history at all–is the last thing on these authors’ minds. I haven’t read the book, but at first glance this looks like propaganda. We need to teach our kids to think critically, to look at all sides of an issue, to see value, yes, but also to understand error–not simply swallow whole an undigested and (probably) platitudinous Norman Rockwell vision of a past that never was.
Grow Fins on December 11, 2008 at 1:34 PM
At border’s you can get Abe Lincoln’s devotional for under $10, more proof that the greatest reads are often the cheapest.
abobo on December 11, 2008 at 1:35 PM
…..but maybe my criticism of this as history is unfair. rereading the blurb on Amazon and taking a “Look Inside,” this seems more akin to the patriotic primers of old than a straight historical account.
Still, it doesn’t sound very balanced. And I wouldn’t want my kids to get an unbalanced version of their own heritage.
Grow Fins on December 11, 2008 at 1:39 PM
You haven’t seen a public school history textbook in more than a decade, obviously.
Vashta.Nerada on December 11, 2008 at 1:40 PM
I agree, far too much time is spent cursing the darkness and not enough time blessing and appreciating the Light. You build your house on the foundation of past achievements; not on a garbage heap….
DL13 on December 11, 2008 at 1:46 PM
All federally-funded education is always going to be propaganda.
And it’s more than a little bit ironic that the people who support anti-American propaganda in federal classrooms are the same ones who scream loudest and most shrilly at the notion of disbanding the NEA.
logis on December 11, 2008 at 1:54 PM
I really like Bennett. I think he’s very enjoyable to listen to and I appreciate his efforts. As an author, though, I think he is overly generous in his interpretation of history.
Spirit of 1776 on December 11, 2008 at 1:55 PM
Well… I suspect balance is very much on their minds; but in the same way as cereal is “part of a balanced breakfast.” The kiddos get plenty of what America has done WRONG at school; this is the other side of that story. That bad side + the good side = balance.
But I’m not so interested in “balance” as in truth, and in seeing the next generation aspire to accomplish great things — for the U.S. and the broader world. To invent machines and cures, to create art, literature and music, to bring peace and prosperity where there has been misery and poverty — to be as great a force for good as possible. Yes, that requires a sober look at America’s failings, so they are not repeated; but it even more requires a look at American accomplishment — to borrow from Newton, ‘shoulders’ to stand on so that they can see further.
I’m buying this for Christmas for every relative of mine between the ages of 12 & 25, and hoping there’s a “children’s edition” soon to follow.
RegularJoe on December 11, 2008 at 1:56 PM
Be nice to have a daily patriotism session in the public schools. But where would we fit it in? We’d have to cut time from the recycling, global warming or condom usage classes.
whitetop on December 11, 2008 at 2:47 PM
I got it last week – it’s excellent. It’s packed with inspiring and concise examples (historical and cultural) of why America is worthy of patriotic love. Plus it has the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and even flag etiquette.
illustro on December 11, 2008 at 3:00 PM
An American living abroad, hubby getting the boxed set and the almanac for me, it will be here AFTER Christmas, but I don’t care.. I am excited to be getting these books.
God Bless The USA
with all its; faults America is still the best place to be.
whitetop, remember when we said the pledge everyday in school? They don’t do that anymore at all that I know of. My nieces and nephews do not even know what that is.
pabo on December 11, 2008 at 4:14 PM
How many should we order to send to Obama?
publiuspen on December 11, 2008 at 5:13 PM
Unfortunately, because of the intellectual cowardice Bill Bennett showed in the writing of “America, the Last, Best Hope” volume two, I will not read any more of his work. I was thoroughly enjoying them until I got near the end of his second book and he decided to be gutless and actually used the phrase “…the N word” instead of spelling it out. It’s a book, Bill! You’re allowed to spell out even offensive words in a book. That doesn’t make you a racist. Apparently, he thought it did, so he wimped out. Maybe it’s a minor point with most, but it represents rank cowardice to me. If the editor or publisher demanded the change I have seen no evidence of that. Until I do, I just won’t waste any more time on him. Too many good books out there to bother with gutless writers.
SKYFOX on December 12, 2008 at 5:07 AM
Nor does NOT using the word make him gutless. It is not gutless to be sensitive to the feelings of others.
I was actually thinking “no point at all”.
Entirely your right, of course. Actually, I notice in your post YOU didn’t identify just what “… the N word” is. Should we waste more time reading your “gutless” posts? /snark
RegularJoe on December 12, 2008 at 7:23 AM
It is not gutless to be sensitive to the feelings of others.
RegularJoe
Ah, sensitivity. The new fascism.
My words were a personal observation on a minor blog. Not a major tome purported to be “honest” to history.
You’re coming across as a little “backed up”. Some fiber in your diet might help you be a little more regular, Joe. /snark
SKYFOX on December 12, 2008 at 1:02 PM