Publisher's Synopsis
America's Declaration of Independence proclaimed three principles upon which American democracy was founded: that all persons are created equal; that every person is entitled to certain unalienable rights; that government is instituted to secure those rights. These are the indispensable principles of legitimate government, and the core of the American promise.
But now America's democracy is in a struggle with the authoritarian personality, both externally and within. This book is a common citizen's search for the reasons; it is a broad search, for there are no simple answers to why the promise of freedom and equality, and government "of, by, and for the people" has failed for so many; and is rejected by so many. One conclusion, however, is certain: The failure is not in the ideals of democracy, it is in the fear that generates undemocratic ambitions; America is not a people's democracy because it is not a people's economy. Subjects: Declaration of Independence, Democracy, Covenant, Unalienable Rights, Life, Liberty, Freedom, Truth, Justice, Created Equal, Common interest, Patriotism, Primal fear, Amygdala, Selfishness, Empathy, Neoliberalism, evolution..
