Foreword
I n 1996 I published my second book, How Could You Do That?! The Abdication of Character, Courage, and Conscience. The books concept arose in response to what I was sadly hearing more and more from callers to my internationally syndicated radio program: people making important life decisions based on a whim or emotion or passion, regardless of the consequences of their actions on others, much less the impact on their own futures. Astonishingly, the callers sounded perplexedeven angrythat the long-term effects of their decisions did not match their desired results.
The incredible freedom to choose our own destiny that we all enjoy had been taken to an extreme, where it becomes destructive chaos. This extreme view of freedom to choose became our societal norm as more and more people came to believe that it was okay to do whatever they wanted to whomever and in whatever manner they pleased. No rules. No values. No limits. No morals. Just do it.
It was at this time that the focus of my radio program changed from mental to moral health. I expounded daily on the issues of character, courage, and conscience. The point was to help people understand that the immediate gratification of wants, passions, and impulses, at the expense of obligation, compassion, and morality, was not ultimately satisfying or successful.
While my approach made enemies of those who resist traditional values, it has been deeply appreciated by millions of Americans who still believe in the importance of family, patriotism, commitment, and sacrifice. These people found in me the support they needed to follow their moral intuition about right and wrong.
On the surface it would seem to many that Tammy Bruce, a feminist-lesbian activist, and I could not possibly be in the same book, much less on the same page. The reason for this perception is central to the thesis of Tammys important book. Truth, integrity, justice, and fairness should not and need not be sacrificed on the altar of any activist agendayet this is exactly what typically happens and what makes some groups dangerous. All their members are intimidated into adhering to a central philosophy and vocabulary; any dissent is squashed. And, diversity never includes the opposing positionwhich is to be eliminated from public discourse by any and every means possible.
Abhorrence of this group-think phenomenon is exactly why Tammy and I are friends and mutual supporters. Although we have divergent perspectives and opinions on many (but not all) sociopolitical issues, we are of one mind when it comes to valuing truth, integrity, honor, and character. Tammy and I have defended each others right to express a point of viewa right central to a free society. On numerous occasions, I have admired her courage to stand up against injustice when doing so was dangerous or unpopular. She will support speaking the truth even when it will cause her to be ostracized, punished, and embarrassed.
That is the stuff of heroes.
Tammy Bruce is one of my heroes. When you read her book and/or listen to her speak, she will become one of yours, too.
Now, if I could only change her mind about some things well, shed be perfect!
It is with a full heart that I endorse this book. Read it and weep. Then, go do something about it!
LAURA C. SCHLESSINGER, PH.D.,
author of Ten Stupid Things Couples Do
to Mess Up Their Relationships
Acknowledgments
M any people played different roles in making this book possible. It is truly a project that is a culmination of individuals, with different points of view and certainly of different political persuasions, but all committed to making a difference and improving the quality of life.
Dr. Laura Schlessinger, because of her personal resolve and commitment to the issues, is to be thanked for her example, both professionally and personally. Her standing up for what is right inspired me (even though we disagree much of the time!), and her kindness changed me personally. Thank you, Laura.
June Bundy Csida and Stephen Densmore, to whom this book is dedicated, were invaluable to the worktheir ideas, praise, and, most of all, their criticisms kept me on track and focused. I owe them a great deal. Steven Martin, who saw the potential of the project and had the courage to make the original decision to publish. Linda Bridgesan extraordinary woman and brilliant editorhelped me refine my argument, kept me from bludgeoning you with theory, and made the whole process a joy. Youll enjoy this book and learn more from it because of Lindas work. We all owe her one. Libby Larson, my project editor, as smart and savvy as they come, kept me and the book on track and on time. David Richardson, my acquisitions editor, fought for me and the book, making it all possible. Thank you, David. And to my literary agent, Paul S. Levine, whose confidence and enthusiasm about the project made all the difference in the world. His skill as an agent then made a dream into a reality. Thanks, Paul.
At the University of Southern California, I am in debt to two people in particularDr. Ann Crigler, the Director of the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics, provided invaluable advice and direction; and professor of political science, Dr. Richard Hrair Dekmejian, an extraordinary man whose insights into the world of political elites and political psychology were invaluable to the development of my understanding of my own political experiences. And philosophy professor, Christine Holmgren, who, during my time at Santa Monica College, helped me to appreciate the more profound aspects of life, science, and spirituality. Thank you, Christine.
Id like to thank the people I interviewed, whose advice I solicited, and who made my work possible because of their friendship and support, now and in the past. Forgive me if I have inadvertently not included someone. Lisa Andrew, Christian Arbid, Keven Bellows, Lew Bishop, Denise Brown, Bunz Bruce, Sadie Bruce, Vanessa Coffey, Ward Connerly, David Dismore, Andrea Dworkin, Rabbi David Eliezrie, Brenda Feigen, Dr. Beverly Feinstein, Marc Germain, Bridget Gless, Charles Grodin, Josh Horn, David Horowitz, Dorothy Jonas, Elaine Lafferty, Carol Ann Leif, Sandi Lifson, Shelly Mandell, Susan Carpenter-McMillan, Carol Newman, Gary Oldman, Joanne Parrent, Nicole Perlman, Michelle Phillips, Bill Press, Marie Jos Ragab, Geraldo Rivera, Janice Rocco, Joel Sachs, Dr. Joyce Sachs, Bonnie Sloane, Jill Stewart, John Stoltenberg, Myra Terry, Douglas Urbanski, and Lynn Wasserman.