their core beliefs; that they learn about our founding principles; and that they understand the politics and economics that are affecting our future as a nation. Throughout history great nations have risen and fallen; there is no guarantee that the American Experiment will survive. But it should. Liberty, the recognition of unalienable human Rights, and the Rule of Law are critically important. Freedom, however, is not free. This book started out as a series of letters and rants to my kids and grandkids, an attempt to help them learn about the issues facing us. It is for anyone who believes in the Idea of America and wants to participate in keeping the American Experiment alive.