Uniting the States of America—A Self-Care Plan for a Wounded Nation Book Review

With anger in the air, and far too much hostility on the left, the right, “red state” vs “blue state,” Lyle Greenfield’s Uniting the States of America—A Self-Care Plan for a Wounded Nation is a timely and much needed guide for healing the country. Combining historical warnings and the ideas and wisdom of contemporary Americans from across the country, and many walks of life, Uniting the States of America is a call to action for citizens concerned about the politically and culturally divided state of our Union – a situation that has raised alarm for the very future of our democracy. 

Greenfield clearly identifies the causes of the current turmoil, and how the divisiveness and hostility rampant in our political and cultural discourse among politicians, citizens, and families came to be. But rather than just presenting the issues, he offers a handbook to fix a fractured nation, outlining what must be done to reinvigorate the American ideal and bring us closer together. He discusses how our elected officials and citizens alike need to stop the name-calling, listen better to the views of others, and work in constructive ways to get things done. How we must find common ground and learn to disagree without being disrespectful. How we need to pay attention to the sources of our information and learn to evaluate what we hear.

As Greenfield points out, our representatives must dial down the name-calling and personal attacks and communicate with ALL whom they represent, not simply the ones who voted for them. And most importantly “we the people” need to vote, the most basic way of participating in the democratic process, for the choices we make will determine the direction of the country for years to come.

No matter what political and cultural philosophies you subscribe to, this is a must read for everyone who wants to live in a civil society where we appreciate the viewpoints of people with whom we differ and allow a continuous flow of ideas from all directions.

In the words of Frank Sesno, Professor at GW and author of Ask More: The Power of Questions to Open Doors, Uncover Solutions, and Spark Change, “With an ear to the ground and an eye on history, Greenfield takes us on a ride through our divisive times. Weaving real-world experience, clear insight, and a wry wit, he has written an original and inspiring guide that will resonate with anyone who cares where our country is going and wants to contribute to its future.”

Nicole Killian