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 public and personal events to examine sources of our present discontent and ways that we can put our ideals and ideas to use in addressing them. At the heart of these reflections is the belief that the American character is being tested and that we must strengthen our understanding and promotion of civic virtue in American life. Newell is the author of Statesmanship, Character, and Leadership in America (Palgrave Macmillan, 2013) and co-editor of The Trusted Leader: Building the Relationships That Make Government Work (CQ Press, 2011).