America

The title of this book is: America, as I know it. It is merely, solely, and nothing more than a collection of stories about my personal experiences regarding a variety of things that seem to be nagging some of us these days (race, drugs, guns, that sort of thing). The answer to those various concerns is not found in ideology or wishful thinking, but in the character of Americans in action.
Americans are fiercely independent individuals, naturally resistant to authority, and particularly distrustful of government. They are willing to do what's necessary to protect their own. Those I've known always say what they mean and mean what they say. They live by two simple admonitions: Mind your own business, and Keep your thoughts to yourself. At once, Americans remain open to other points of view and are always willing to help one another. In general, I believe, we tend to look at each other and see ourselves. Those traits imbue us with a form of humor which is-I have always somehow felt-naturally and particularly American.
When heroes are found here, their heroics may be of the quietest sort; small actions taken or words spoken which reveal an underlying morality that makes them both typically American, and (for that very reason) well worth remembering.

There are also stories here that display regrettable weakness-usually on my part-thus establishing a dark background against which true American character sparkles all the more brightly.

This is America, as I know it; you can draw your own conclusions. I'm not selling anything.