Whats so Great about America?

Dinesh D'Souza frames his recent What's So Great About America as a defense of America in the face of those who hate her. One suspects that the terrorist attacks simply served as a timely frame of reference for this lesson in American apologetics. Regardless, the book is an interesting and persuasive read.

Many of D'Souza's topics may seem old hat - arguments against slavery reparations and in defense of colonialism, for example. But the depths to which he delves is what makes this book worth reading. In opposing reparations for slavery, for instance, he addresses the historical roots of slavery, various methods of addressing racism, and reasons behind the disparity of outcomes between races. Other topics receive equally thorough treatment.

Cultural conservatives should especially note D'Souza's chapter on those who criticize America for her immorality. For that's where they (and Islamic fundamentalists) come under fire for engaging in excessive condemnation. While conceding many of cultural conservatives' arguments, D'Souza reminds us that forced morality isn't morality at all, and that by offering the freedom to choose to be moral (or immoral), America provides the best option out there. However, he doesn't simply leave it at that, but with his usual thoroughness he also pinpoints the roots of America's current moral decline, highlighting the countercultural movement of the 60s and its roots in the self-indulgent philosophy of Rousseau.

One can't describe this book without mentioning the unique perspective D'Souza is able to bring to it as an immigrant himself. Free of the victim mentality common to many minority groups in America, he's able to write proudly of a country whose primary weakness he sees as a "lack of moral self-confidence."

So pick up this book, read it, and revel. As Jeane Kirkpatrick has said, "Americans need to face the truth about themselves, no matter how pleasant it is."