Exploring Patriotism: Reflections on What Unites Us

J. Drew: This book is a summary and distillation of the experiences of the USA reporter Dan Gardner. Before I make my comments about this book, I would like to state that as someone who works with children who might have a range of difficulties including cerebral palsy or autism, that the only one single intervention that works with everyone is education and knowledge. Some people might say that education is expensive, but it certainly is not as expensive as ignorance. So seeking to understand the world and to improve ourselves through education is a valuable resource. This book has that in spades. This is the wonderful book that talks about the values we should place on ourselves in being able to unite and understand one another. We sometimes feel that the world we now experience is full of division, extreme political ideologies and has never been so bad. However, anyone who said that has clearly never read a history book. And actually there is much that unites us, many of us share similar values, ideologies and beliefs.

The book looks at a range of values including freedom (the vote, dissent, and the press), community (inclusion, empathy, immigration), exploration (science, books...

United Kingdom on Mar 26, 2021

Sharon Davis: The wisdom of Dan Rather is exactly what the country needs in this time of deep division. After watching the storming of our capital building, it is time that we adhere to the ideals of uniting rather than dividing. Dan Rather reflects on his childhood, his many experiences in journalism and how these experiences have shaped a response to the question of ‘What Unites Us’ by turning it into a statement rather than a question. Each chapter title reflects an answer to that question as the reader is taken back in time to learn from Rather’s experiences and the experiences of our country. At a time in history when most of us are questioning how we make it through these trying times, it is important to take these words to heart and to work and move forward to a better future- to be “STEADY” and have resolve. Mr. Rather, thank you for your wisdom, and thank you for your love of our great country.

United States on Jan 16, 2021

Rie: This book is like a lighthouse for those who are overdrawn by so many conflicting informations or/and totally lost at sea and don’t even find a true meaning of democracy.
I hope all young people read this before turning voting age.

Canada on Dec 11, 2020

Nancy Adair: In these days before the 2020 election I have been reading Dan Rather's What Unites Us, recently released in paperback form.
I was able to join Politics and Prose Bookstore's Zoom talk with Rather. He was interviewed by Jennifer Steinhauer, whose book The Firsts: The Inside Story of the Women Reshaping Congress I read a few months ago.

Rather lays out the shared values Americans which can become a platform for building consensus in our divided country.

One person, one vote. The freedom of speech, to dissent; freedom of the press--no matter how flawed. The importance of science and knowledge, even if we disagree over specific ideas. Education. Our desire to be an empathetic people.

Rather hopes his book can be a jumping off place for dialogue, starting a much needed conversation.

Rather harkens back to his childhood and draws from his years as a journalist. He first defines patriotism as opposed to nationalism and ends with what it means to be a citizen.

In the Zoom talk, a listener asked Rather if the country has ever been as divided as it is today. He recalled the 1960s when rebellions and nonviolent protests erupted over war and racism....

United States on Nov 04, 2020

Bobbi: I bought this book as the perfect gift to commemorate a friend's attaining United States citizenship. Dan Rather thoughtfully reflects on the history of important facets of this great nation, as it moves forward to the present day and beyond. Rather shares many personal stories, making this a satisfying read.

Canada on Mar 07, 2020

Dr. P. Phillips: Dan Rather is a skilled newsman who writes beautifully and smoothly. This was a very interesting read that goes through a number of things that unite us as Americans, such as religion, beliefs, sports, etc. Very nice to read something positive in turbulent times. I enjoy his interviews, and commentary as a guest on news programs like CNN, and his adventures posted on Facebook. I hope to hear from him for a long time to come. A great American, and a true patriot who loves his country.

Canada on Jul 30, 2018

Miss D Chivers: Great book, I love the way that Dan writes, thoroughly enjoyed reading it

United Kingdom on Jan 08, 2018

Gary Moreau, Author: In the often-hardscrabble world of the newsroom, Dan Rather has always stood out as a bit, well, sentimental. And he readily admits it: “Like so many, I love my country and its people. I do so with a sentimentality that may seem anachronistic in today’s more jaded world.”

The thing that has always made Rather such an American force, however, is that he comes by the sentimentality honestly. Whatever you conclude about the man after reading this book you will and must conclude that he is authentic. He is the real deal.

There are so many great sentiments in this book. It’s impossible to pick out the best. Here’s just a sampling:

“If we lose a sense of humility, we risk losing everything.”

“Patriotism is rooted in humility. Nationalism is rooted in arrogance.”

“…a free press is even more relevant now than ever.”

“…the whole premise of our democracy is that truth and justice must win out.”

“…art is about engaging in a candid dialogue with yourself.”

“American greatness has largely been driven by audacity.”

And my favorite, “Still, libraries represent an aspirational notion of...

United States on Nov 07, 2017