July is American History month, a time to read about the positive role our nation has played in human evolution. I highly recommend The American Dream Renewed, written by Edward L. Ericson, for a positive portrayal of the essence of who we are. The author, a leader of the Ethical Culture movement and humanism, says "the American nation has crossed a cultural divide, becoming in fact an incipient 'world people', the first major example of comprehensively global people hood to emerge in history." In just 174 pages Ericson covers the essential historical events that have produced a nation of pluralisms: religious, political, economic and racial pluralism that makes us the template for advancing civilization. To quote the author: "Some cynics would reduce the American dream to the mindless pursuit of material goods, to the drive to 'get ahead' without regard for the larger human consequences. But those who know the soul of America in depth recognize this portrayal as a travesty. The secret of America lies in the yearning of the human heart for freedom, justice, and equality...They are the essence of the dream that has made America."

--Flo Wineriter