This book is written out of a passionate love for America, yet a disappointment in the devaluation of the basic principles we espouse. Unfortunately our values and morals have been compromised for greed and special interest. We have the opportunity to circle the wagons and work together to preserve what this God fearing nation was founded upon. In tough times, we gathered as one nation and rediscovered our patriotism and commitment to our country and to each other. Now is the time to recognize our commonalities and build the bridges across the chasms that divide us. I remain committed to eradicating hatred and separation in America, and encouraging unity. Elbert Ransom, Jr. is an ordained Baptist Minister, international lecturer, author, seminar instructor, and musician. He earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from Wesley Theology Seminary, Washington, D.C. in 1995. He is regularly called upon by the U.S. Department of State to travel to many countries abroad to speak on the subjects of Democracy, Human Rights, and Nonviolence as an Agent to Social Change. As a civil rights activist, he participated as an aide to the late Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. Among his varied interests, he is currently an adjunct faculty member at the Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia. Photo Courtesy of Louise Ransom, Free Lance Photographer, Alexandria, Vir