A Letter to America

by David L. Boren

A powerful wake-up call to all Americans With only 6 percent of the world’s population, how long will the United States remain a global superpower? The answer, David Boren tells us in A Letter to America , depends on asking ourselves tough questions. A powerful wake-up call to Americans, A Letter to America , forces us to take a bold, objective look at ourselves. In A Letter to America , Boren explains with unsparing clarity why the country is at a crossroads and why decisive action is urgently needed and offers us an ambitious, hopeful plan. What the country needs, Boren asserts, are major reforms to restore the ability of our political system to act responsibly. By relying on our shared values, we can replace cynicism with hope and strengthen our determination to build a better future. We must fashion a post–Cold War foreign policy that fits twenty-first-century realities—including multiple contending superpowers. We must adopt campaign finance reform that curbs the influence of special interests and restores political power to the voters. Universal health care coverage, budget deficit reduction, affordable higher education, and a more progressive tax structure will strengthen the middle class. Boren also describes how we can renew our emphasis on quality primary and secondary education, revitalize our spirit of community, and promote volunteerism. He urges the teaching of more American history and government, for without educated citizens our system cannot function and our rights will not be preserved. Unless we understand how we became great, we will not remain great. The plan Boren puts forward is optimistic and challenges Americans to look into the future, decide what we want to be and where we want to go, and then implement the policies and actions we need to take us there.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, History, Philosophy

120 pages, Hardcover

First published February 28, 2008

About the author

David Lyle Boren was an American lawyer and politician from Oklahoma. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the 21st governor of Oklahoma from 1975 to 1979 and three terms in the United States Senate from 1979 to 1994. A conservative Democrat, to date, he is the last in his party to have served as U.S. Senator from Oklahoma. He was the 13th and second-longest serving president of the University of Oklahoma from 1994 to 2018. He was the longest serving chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. On September 20, 2017, Boren officially announced his retirement as president of the University of Oklahoma, effective June 30, 2018.

Reviews

[TK421 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Left or right, it does not matter what side of the aisle you align to when reading this book. The ideas here are important to both parties (and independents). I hope we, as a society, can accomplish some of the ideas stated within this slim volume, while also preparing the way for more ideas to succeed after we have passed the baton of life on to the generations yet to come.

[Kerrie Highley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this was published in 2008 it is still timely today, maybe even more so now. The things Boren discusses are even more important now and I’m as worried about this country as ever. I have thought for a while that we need leadership with vision and wisdom, something that we don’t have today. He makes some excellent points about issues that need to be addressed and changes that need to be made. I don’t agree with every point he makes but I think he’s right on the biggest issues. Good book!

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author, now President of Oklahoma University informs, us that we do not know our own history, do not study and are not educated about the ideas and events that led to the writing of our Constitution or what previous generations have done to preserve it. Half of American high school seniors think that the United States fought World War II on the side of Germany!! 64% of the students of a top American University could not name George Washington as the Commander of forces at the Battle of Yorktown. We spend more and more money on education today and our students learn less and less. For further comments on this theme, please see my reviews of “Confederates in the Attic” and “Land of Lincoln”

Those who do not understand their rights or how they were obtained will hardly be able to defend them. When are we going to realize that our students in high school and college should not be allowed to graduate without enough knowledge of American History and Government to function as informed citizens.

Increasingly, the subjects of history and civics have been found irrelevant in today’s multicultural society and not everyone agrees that the end of these studies is nigh but more and more it is becoming the prevailing view. I am wondering when English Literature will fall into the same category and follow the same route to oblivion? The reasoning being, why should we study Literature???

We are certainly traveling a dangerous path here and this book outlines recommendations that should be adopted immediately to stop the bleeding of our faltering culture.

[Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating book - pamphlet, really, what the Romans would have called a libellus - on progressive politics in America. A call to action for all Americans. Well worth reading.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a Republican, but I definitely needed to read this book.!!

[Pearl · Rating 4 out of 5]

In an efficient 109 pages, former U.S. Senator and OU President David L. Boren presents America's troubling position as a falling international superpower while still projecting an earnest and optimistic patriotism. Despite being written over 15 years ago, I feel his assessment of our national conditions is equally applicable to our contemporary political climate.

Boren's writing was straightforward, without the dense rhetoric and diction I come to expect of most political analyses. He accented statistics and historical realities with personal accounts, with most being tonally appropriate (besides a couple I thought were somewhat paternalistic). He breaks the letter into a brief Introduction and 7 Chapters, touching topics like "Our Disappearing Middle Class" (Ch. 5) and "The Destructiveness of Partisanship" (Ch. 2). Pretty relevant for 2025, right?

He begins and ends the book with allusions to a Rhode Scholar finalist interview where he asked the candidates, "how long do you think the U.S. will be the world's leading superpower?" He describes the otherwise poised candidates as being caught off-guard, having seemingly never considered that their country may not always dominate the international landscape.

While I feel most of my peers would have many thoughts to this (maybe things were different in 2008), I can't deny that I also grew up with an America-centric mentality. To be honest, until I had began a semester abroad *and* made many international student friends/acquaintances, my thoughts about U.S.A.'s role on the global stage were few and far-between. I appreciated Boren's acknowledgement of this unfortunately common ignorance that often translates into arrogance for U.S. citizens.

Notes on each chapter:

(1) Chapter 1 centers on America's international relations. Boren broadly describes our international reputation as decent in the mid-twentieth century, in no small part due to the Marshall Plan and Cold War. International support for the U.S. peaked with 9/11, with sympathies pouring in from nearly every nation on the globe. This reputation rapidly degraded with Bush's excessive exercise of military power in the Iraq War, unwillingness to agree to the Kyoto Accords, etc. I would add that Obama's Yemen fiasco and Trump's degradation of diplomacy has deepened this same departure from grace. Boren emphasizes that we need to rebuild diplomatic relations, particularly as China and India rival the U.S. in economic supremacy.

(2) Relying his experiences in Washington and polling data, Boren explores where the increasingly polarized two-party system fails American citizens. He highlights how the pervasive cynicism among citizens regarding their ability to influence their own country's politics is destroying us; this theme comes back time and time again in this brief text. I enjoyed this quote: "As citizens we must insist on it by punishing at the ballot box those who shun bipartisan cooperation." Unfortunately, we have not executed on this call to action in the big 2025. Interestingly, Boren believes electing an independent president for 4-8 years who forces collaboration between Democrats and Republicans is the answer. Notably, this not require a third-party -- a presidential candidate need only get enough signatures to appear on the national ballot.

(3) Chapter 3 surveys campaign corruption through political action committees (PACs) and other financial influences. In short, American politics is ran by money -- it costs an insane amount of money to run for office, and representatives are distracted from their civic duties by these fundraising obligations. Boren advocates for a constitutional amendment that permits only potential voters (i.e., in-state citizens) to contribute to congressional/gubernatorial campaigns. Makes sense to me!

(4) In this Chapter, Boren explains our dismal economic health. We're in a sickening amount of national debt, and entitlement programs (Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid) are becoming untenable as they are now. He suggests raising the age for Social Security qualification and taxing the benefits of those older people who can afford their own health insurance. This chapter did not help my anxiety regarding Trump's reckless deepening of the national debt. Good luck to my generation, I suppose.

(5) Chapter 5 focuses on the rising wealth inequality in the U.S. If the U.S. is to prevent themselves from falling into the rich/poor divide that plagues countries like Brazil, we will need to make concerted efforts to preserve our middle-class and prevent further wealth accumulating for the top 0.1%.

(6) Drawing on his experience as an educator (at my university!), Boren emphasizes the need for increased civic education. Most students seem to not know basic facts about our country and its historical origins; as America lacks an ethnic/geographic binding, he argues for the particular importance of U.S. citizens sharing the same civic values. He mentioned briefly that the U.S. benefited from fantastic educators because highly intelligent women were limited to only a few industries, leading many of them to become incredible teachers; now teachers are under-paid and there is no patriarchal incentive for our nation's brightest to go into teaching. This hit home for me. I love teaching and tutoring science, but I'll likely never pursue a teaching career (even at the college level) because of under-compensation.

(7) Boren attempts to end his letter on an upbeat note while emphasizing what our next steps should be to retain relevance in the 21st century. In his last paragraph, he asserts that he wouldn't rather be born in any other generation or any other country despite our problems, and practically assumes the reader feels the same. Just two years ago I would say I feel the same: "we aren't perfect, but I'm grateful to be an American citizen." I do not now. While I am still very conscious of the privileges my country of origin and birth year have given me, I would seriously consider changing both given the (magical) opportunity.

All said and done, engaging and enjoyable read for someone who doesn't read sociopolitical topics often. Made me see Boren in a better light, beyond his sexual misconduct allegations that cast a shadow over his legacy at my university.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in 2008 but just as needed in 2018 as it would have been at the election of 2016 as well. I don't ever recall hearing about Boren before this, but this is a very well put together 'letter' and argument on behalf of the United States of America. Sadly, since it was written in 2008 much of what he has asked for and hoped would be changed (partianship, poor infrastructure, poor education, etc) has gotten even worse rather than better. All the reason more that this needs to be read.

[R Fontaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughtful, balanced and a call to action while shining a light on everything where the politics of the past has failed since this book was written in 2008.
A very slim volume,108 pages, yet not a wasted sentence or paragraph in the entire book. Extremely well done- all the more so for not being partisan.

[Sawyer Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good. Quick read. Great principles from a respectable moderate leader harping on the importance of political compromise and the destruction inherent in polarizing partisanship. However, everything said has been said better before by others. Good for what it is

[robin friedman · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Boren And The Urgency Of Memory

David Boren's short book is cast in the form of a letter to all Americans. Boren is a former Rhodes Scholar, Governor of Oklahoma, and Senator. He resigned his Senate seat to become President of the University of Oklahoma, a position he has held since 1995. While serving as a University President, Boren teaches an introductory class in American government to freshmen. The book is simply and eloquently written and, for this reader, comes from the heart.

Boren's letter conveys a sense of urgency. He finds the United States mired in a host of problems, including the lack of a sense of direction and purpose and pervasive cynicism about the political process. Boren finds that the position of the United States in the world is on the decline. Boren's goal is to revitalize the promise of America. His basic programme can be seen in comments he makes about the United States policy beginning with the Marshall Plan following WW II where " generosity, vision, political courage, and bipartisanship came together to help America lead the world and ultimately to end the Cold War without a third world war." (pp.16-17)

In short chapters of his letter Boren considers foreign policy, excessive partisanship in the halls of Congress and in the Executive Branch, the corruption resulting from exponentially increasing expenditures on political campaigning financed by special interest groups, domestic issues such as deficit spending, health care, and education, and the increased polarization in the United States between the wealthy and the poor, to the detriment of the middle class. In each of these issues, Boren concludes that the "generosity, vision, political courage, and bipartisanship" that characterized America of a different era are sadly lacking. Boren diagnoses what he believes are the sources of the problems and offers suggestions for their resolution. As is to be expected in a short account, Boren is more impressive in identifying problems than in proposing detailed solutions. His goal is to help his readers see the problems and work through for themselves to answers.

The single theme that pervades this book is the need for improving education at all levels of the American educational system and of all subjects, both scientific and humanistic. Boren recognizes that a simple glut of information does not necessarily lead to knowledge and that knowledge itself needs to be expanded and deepened to become wisdom. Boren points out that young Americans in particular know little of the history of our country and of its political institutions. This lack of knowledge consists of an ignorance of particular facts (such as that the United States fought Germany in WW II or that George Washington was the General at Yorktown) as well as knowledge of the Constitution and of the roles of Congress, the Executive Branch, and the Judiciary in the United States government and of the nature of the Federal system. With this lack of knowledge comes a lack of understanding of the nature of our country and of the meaning and character of the American experiment. Whatever the merits may be of Boren's specific policy proposals, I think he is surely correct that Americans need to be better educated and the secondary school and university level in their understanding of American history and the American experience.

In the opening and concluding sections of his letter, Boren discusses a lecture given in 2002 by Bruce Cole, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Cole delivered a lecture at New York University titled "The Urgency of Memory" in which he stressed the importance of Americans returning to humanistic studies to understand themselves and their place in the world following the attacks of September 11, 2001. Boren quotes the following passage from Cole's address. (p.15)

"A nation that does not know why it exists or what it stands for cannot be expected to long endure. We must recover from the amnesia that shrouds our history in darkness, our principles in confusion, and our future in uncertainty. We cannot expect that a nation which has lost its memory will keep its vision. We cannot hope that forgetting our past will enhance our focus for the future."

Boren's letter can be read as a commentary on these words of Cole. By learning to understand and appreciate our nation, to recognize its achievements and its failures and to find meaning in the American experience, Americans can identify and surmount the problems that beset our beloved country.

Robin Friedman

[Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just visited on business the University of Oklahoma, where David Boren is president. I was intensely impressed with how dynamic and innovative the campus was as I toured around and talked in depth with many people there. I stopped in a shop there and saw this book by Boren, and decided to buy it in order to see what his vision for America was. I was surprised to see that some of the ideas he wrote about in this book are things he actually is putting into effect at his university campus. It's good to see someone who is more than just a talking head, but instead is trying to actually put his ideass into effect.

Boren is a former governor, and US Senator who this year is celebrating his 50th year of public service. So he has a long standing political perspective having viewed politics from the heart of political power in Congress and as governor.

This book seeks to encourage a national dialogue about how does the United States preserve its greatness in light of the issues which are creating a disaffected American population who is less and less educated about the basic political and historical tenants this country is founded upon. He seeks to take a common sense look at the problems our country faces with morale, pessimism, political partisanship, the economy, and presents some solutions to address them. While this was written in 2008, it was totally relevant to today's political situation, especially in light of the recent election. He very presciently showed that partisanship was creating a very disaffected population who have lost faith in either party, which could lead to a president who is independent. While this country's current president is not independent of either party, there is no question he doesn't necessarily feel bound by party guidelines of the party he has chosen or political traditions of the nation he now leads. Boren predicted this type of election result in 2008. Oh to be a fly on the wall to see his reaction to the election night results in Nov. 2016.

This book presents broad ideas and doesn't delve much into detail about how to achieve what he suggests we should do. At times he is a little preachy as when he said "we should do ... [this]" and "we should do ... [that]". Sometimes things are easier said than done, so without substantive details to back up his claims it feels a little empty to read some of his assertions. I also didn't see that he much addressed two major issues this nation faces: poverty, and racism. While in 2008, it may not have been in the forefront of issues, but it certainly surely was there. The same with poverty, which he largely doesn't address. Finally stylistically, he is a little repetitive, and flits from topic to topic often appearing to be at random.

Still, this book does create the profound consideration of issues that he wants us to ponder. His common sense approach about in the major ares which potentially hinder in our quest to stay at the peak of power for generations to come is quite profound. It's an easy read having taken me one day to finish it. Yet despite the short length, this book will stay with me for a long time to come.

[Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have to admit that I read David Boren's call for courageous action on the part of all Americans with a good deal of prejudice. I first met Boren in 1973 when he was a back row legislator running for governor in the 1974 campaign. Boren promised to bring a "new broom" to Oklahoma politics and sweep out the corruption of the Old Guard. Instead, he pretty much governed politics as usual, howbeit less corrupt than the previous governor who served time in a federal prison.

Then as U.S. Senator from Oklahoma, Boren pretty much laid low and did not leave any sort of legacy. He also voted for the confirmation of Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court. It is true that he later expressed much regret for this vote, but when it came time to take courageous action, Boren went ago to get along.

In this short book, Boren makes the claims that most have already made. He cries over our extreme partisanship, lack of cultural literacy, lack of knowledge of American history and political structure, crumbling infrastructure, shrinking middle class, burgeoning deficits, and public cynicism.. He calls for civic involvement, education investment, a host of other recommendations, and the political courage to see these lofty goals realized.

Nearly everything Boren says in this book has been said by others in a more persuasive manner and with better credentials than he possesses. He has few specifics as to how the miracles he wishes to see accomplished will be accomplished.

I have to say to President Boren, "Sir, your actions have spoken so loudly that I have trouble hearing your words." And that is my letter to David.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much that I'm going to read it again. President Boren had so many great ideas about improving our country - mostly about taking responsibility for the problems we now face. He beings by telling a story about how he conducted interviews with potential Rhodes Scholarshsip applicants and asked them: How much longer do you think the US will remain the world's leading super power? Each candidate stumbled through her or his response. Clearly none of them had contemplated the idea.

From this intriguing beginning Boren goes on to talk about how "one of our greatest shortcomings as Americans is our failure to be intellectually curious about what is happening to us as a people."

He also explained how our country began the slide into being so partisan. He said it became more and more common for Democrats and Republicans to meet separately to determine how to get the opposition to vote on a proposal that would make them look like they were against education or family values.

President Boren told me he's thinking of writing an update.

[Maria Boyles]

David Boren is the current president of the University of Oklahoma and a former Governor of Oklahoma as well as a former Senator that served as the head of the Intelligence committee during George Bush Sr. term in office and the first Desert Storm.
Mr. Boren’s book is about the current view and world politics of our country. He covers history how we got where we are and what kind of leaders we need to be choosing to help the United States future. This is the kind of information we should be hearing on the Today Show and Good Morning America, instead of the spin of the day.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely thought-provoking. It brings up a lot of problems with our current political system and society which need to be addressed. It's an important read for any American. I think that some of the solutions Boren offers are not complete but it was certainly eye-opening and quick and to the point. He brushes on some points quickly without fully addressing them, but it's a start in the right direction. As someone who is not politically involved, many of his points on the disenchantment of America's youth with politics hit home.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by a former U.S. Senator and current University of Oklahoma president, it lays out the author's case that the U.S. will decline in power and prestige unless its leaders and citizens make a concerted effort to replace cynicism with hope and act together to build a better future for all. He urges that bipartisan cooperation be restored, that the influence of special interests come to an end, that campaign financing be reformed, that unilateral military operations cease and and that political power be restored to voters.
If nothing else, it's a good civics lesson.

[Corbin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short book is a commendable attempt to lasso Americans into caring more about what's going on. Unfortunately, it only touches the surface on such important national issues as education, the economy, and campaign reform.

This book only strengthened my resolve in the idea that without campaign reform, very little else will be changed in this country.

It is a passionately written essay by a sincere man. We need more letters to America indeed.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite a different perspective than Jon Sterwart's "America"! A 28yr veteran of the Senate and now President of the University of Oklahoma takes a look at American, where it is, and more importantly - why, along with where it needs to go and equally important, WHY! Copywrited 2008 so writtern before the heavy presidential campainging and before "the fall". Most interesting. Does not endorse any candidate, but talks about leadership and what will be necessary in his view.

[Corey A. Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mr. Boren has many years of experience and wisdom under his belt. He pushes many issues that I can't say I agree with but still am intrigued by his perspective. The book was written at the end of George W. Bush's presidency and before the financial meltdown which gives it an interesting take on the country's situation. He openly supports a new world order and a new world army. He truly believes that more Government is the solution.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book to anyone with even the slightest interest in American politics. The ideas expressed by this career public servant, former senator and current president of the University of Oklahoma, are timely and relevant to the debates our nation will have, or should be having, before the November presidential election.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone should read this! It's a positive and practical look at the problems facing our country. A few of his ideas are a little out there and probably wouldn't go over well, but at least he is putting forth ideas instead of being critical.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am teaching this to my AP junior English class. We started the intro today. It is an excellent read and a wake up call for all Americans. I'm using it to increase awareness in my students and to work with rhetorical devices, argument, and analysis.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent middle of the road essay. A case for bi-partisan efforts and the re-invigoration of the country.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great!

[Judy McCarver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good quick read.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read, some good arguments. A little depressing to see how even since 2008 we have fallen so far. He did a good job not being too partisan only at times did he rail against George W Bush.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

I agree with many of his points, but too often he relies on government "solutions".

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

a necessary read if we are ever to have a "bipartisan" approach to governing America

[Michael Laflamme]

Hard Hitting, timely and very important. A thoughtful meditation on what it means to BE citizens of the United States of America. Some of these proposals have already taken shape, others have yet to be addressed. We are already acting very late. We need to act in haste to put these designs into action. A vital handbook for civics and history educators.