Newell examines noted Americans at seven critical turning points in American history to look at what it takes to be a statesman.Through a powerful speech and the events preceding and following it, they show us how they grappled with conflicting values, varying demands, and the uncertainties of trying to forge a good society.

Despite angry debate, political incivility, and low approval ratings for the leaders of most public and private institutions, there is much to believe in and hope for in America. We are strong, resilient, and capable of getting it right. We have achieved - and can continue to achieve - the promise of our founding. That path was never meant to be straight or easy. Yet, we have the tools to succeed . As former President Clinton said: "there is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America." In this collection of brief reflections, Terry Newell probes into both...

To Serve with Honor argues that public servants must act ethically and honorably to earn the public's trust - and that no amount of ethics laws will guarantee this. There are 109 pages of federal government ethics laws, yet CIA Director David Petraeus resigned over an affair with his biographer. No law prevented that. The IRS improperly singled out certain groups seeking tax-exempt status for review - and then did its best to explain away what it had done. Again, no law prevented that. Appointment schedulers in the Veterans Health Administration falsified patient wait times under pressure...