The author introduces us to a review of literature on the teaching of democratic values following the terrorist events of September 11, 2001. Exploring the historical roots of democratic values, Dr. McCarty identifies the fault lines that lie across the landscape of a modern democracy. Among other important questions, she addresses the degree to which vigorous patriotism diminishes public discourse of issues around which there is little consensus among most Americans.
Explores how textbooks present the military in its myriad roles over the course of American history. Vogt suggests that textbooks alone are not sufficient to communicate effectively the role military organizations have played in times of peace as well as times of war. He highlights the use of community resources such as museums, artifacts, photographs and historical sites as other sources of information to complete the picture of how the military has contributed to the story of democracy.
The author asks how a culture of peace can be created. What would it take to create a climate for constructive dialogue with peoples everywhere that would build an enduring culture of peace in our time? These important questions are framed in the context of their exploration of ways classroom teachers can contribute to a social climate the builds a lasting peace throughout the world.
Provides a very personal and graphic picture of her experience while serving in Occupied Palestine during the spring and summer of 2002. This eloquent narrative describes the great difficulties faced by the many Palestinians whose lives have been disrupted by war, displacement and a climate of retaliation. She not only identifies a number of groups, both Israeli and Palestinian, who work under the ideals of lasting peace through negotiation but she also enumerates the steps they must take to reach that lasting peace.
The author expresses her hope for peace in the face of what often appears to be a hopeless situation. Describing an activity used with fourth graders at Alon Elementary School, she explores how elementary children can guide the quest to "beat their swords into plowshares." Drawing upon creative thinking and problem solving, students propose ways to transform the machines of war into artifacts of peace.