02630cam a2200397 a 4500 59863 20230404125749.0 071031s2008 nyu b 001 0 eng 2007045133 (OCoLC)ocn166380149 DLC DLC BTCTA BAKER YDXCP BUR 9781400065448 (alk. paper) 1400065445 (alk. paper) (OCoLC)166380149 n-us--- 002 E 169.1 F495t 2008 973 Fineman, Howard. The thirteen American arguments : enduring debates that define and inspire our country / Howard Fineman. Enduring debates that define and inspire our country New York : Random House, 2008. 306 p. ; 25 cm. Includes bibliographical references (p. 252-284) and index. Political journalist Howard Fineman mixes scenes from the campaign trail with forays into 400 years of American history, to show that every debate, from our nation's founding to the present day, is rooted in one of thirteen arguments that--thankfully--defy resolution. It is the very process of never-ending argument, he explains, that defines us, inspires us, and keeps us free. At a time when most public disagreement seems shrill and meaningless, Fineman makes a cogent case for nurturing the real American dialogue. Whether it's the environment, international trade, interpreting law, Congress vs. the president, or reformers vs. elites, these are the issues that galvanized the Founding Fathers and should still inspire our leaders, thinkers, and citizens. "Argument is strength, not weakness," says Fineman. "As long as we argue, there is hope, and as long as there is hope, we will argue."--From publisher description. Introduction: For the sake of argument -- Who is a person? -- Who is an American? -- The role of faith -- What can we know and say? -- The limits of individualism -- Who judges the law? -- Debt and the dollar -- Local v. national authority -- Presidential power -- The terms of trade -- War and diplomacy -- The environment -- A fair, "more perfect" union. National characteristics, American. United States Politics and government. Political culture United States. United States Civilization. Baker and Taylor BTCP BK0007385151 YBP Library Services YANK 2722061 Baker & Taylor BKTY 25.00 18.75 1400065445 0007385151 active lcc bk clperez C0 DRFGD 4191 4191 0 0 lcc 0 0 RR BJB BJB RR 2023-04-04 1 0 002 E 169.1 F495t 2008 00000059771 2018-10-23 00:00:00 1 2018-10-23 bk