2007-03-09 Invaluable insights into the process of nation building

The author brings insight and clarity to both the individuality of the characters, and by so doing peels away at the layers of mythology that becloud our vision of them, and their brilliant leadership. But perhaps of greater value to us today, the author presents insight into the necessary processes required to bring together disparate groups of peoples with differing philosophies and religions toward building a United nation with tolerance and accommodating all differences. The genius and the force of their leadership at the foundation of the American experience of building itself as a nation cries out to be understood and appreciated by the leaders (and those who elect them) of the same nation today. The genius of the Founding Borthers stands in stark contrast to the glaring absence of qualities of leadership today. An appreciation of this foundation experience, as well as the Civil War experience, I think are basic to an understanding of the character of the American nation and its role in the world today.