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BOOK REVIEW
AUTHENTIC PATRIOTISM: RESTORING AMERICA'S FOUNDING IDEALS THROUGH SELFLESS ACTION
BY: STEPHEN P. KIERNAN
THIS is one of the most exciting books I have laid my hands on since "the financial crisis" set us firmly on a new course in 2008. I have had a feeling for a long time that something was terribly askew with how we were living and being in this country, and (like others) I was attributing it to the direct problems of the day...such as, serial wars, a flagging economy, etc. etc.
Mr. Kiernan points out, however, that to do so confuses the effect with the cause. "...do we think the soldiers' return will mean the end of (war)? Do we "believe a wave of hiring or new records for the Dow Jones Industrial Average will restore the nation's greatness?"
He thinks not. Rather, he believes that the country is "adrift" ... the underlying cause of our many ills being an uninvolved, passive people. He says,
"The problem, in its essence, is one of engagement. The American people are no longer fully engaged in the task of building a more perfect union. Their involvement in improving the condition of the country has waned, one person at a time, until most of the population considers that mission somebody else's business"...."Passivity under a political system like America's is a potentially fatal shortcoming. A demoracy without the active efforts of engaged citizens is like a monarchy without a king."
But this is NOT a cry to become politically involved, to sign more petitions or to elect better politicians. Rather, this is a call to become the "agents of our own salvation" by becoming "authentic patriots," those who see a need and selflessly become part of the solution in some small way, "discover(ing) how good it feels to make a difference."
Part Two of the book discusses the stories of many authentic patriots who have seen a problem and stepped in to make a difference: it relates how these authentic patriots started, what they learned and how their energy and ideas can spread.
Part Threediscusses the opportunity for every American to participate in "national rejuvenation". It explains what the elements of authentic patriots' successes have been, so their gains can be replicated by others and their attitudes spread. "It offers examples of people from all walks of life solving all kinds of problems - and along the way discovering how good it feels to make a difference."
In the year of 2013, when the theme we are bringing forth at Spirit United is "Living the New Paradigm," this book is a "don't-miss read." | 
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