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Arthur Schlesinger's The Vital Center was a defense of liberalism that threw out ideas about optimism and progress. Schlesinger had learned from the theologian Reinhold Niebuhr and his pessimism about human nature and sin. Just look at the "Soviet experience" and "the rise of fascism," Schlesinger told his readers in 1949, and it's clear that humans are "imperfect" and that "the corruptions of power could unleash great evil in the world." Considering that I had been reading Christopher Lasch, it was ironic to hear Schlesinger speak of "limits" throughout the book. Also strange was Schlesinger's belief that liberal democracy required certain virtues from its citizens. OK, Schlesinger may not have used the term virtue, but he certainly embraced such characteristics as "intricacy," "ambiguity," "a sense of humility," and Max Weber's ethic of responsibility-all as an alternative to the mindless certitude and "fanaticism" expected from the subjects of totalitarian political rule. Schlesinger believed citizens of a liberal democracy needed to face the "anxiety" of modernity-a heroic challenge of its own sort. This was no empty "proceduralism" nor was it the liberalism devoid of values that communitarians and "populists" like Lasch derided.

When I'm at a party and tell people that I teach American history, I often hear either, "You know, I'm fascinated by the Civil War" or a disquisition about a favorite president or something about a family's past. Sometimes this response sparks an interesting conversation; often I turn glassy-eyed. No matter what, though, I like the response, because it suggests that people outside of academe have a desire to understand their own past. You can see that desire all around you—in museums, best-selling books written by David McCullough, and Hollywood movies about everything from the American Revolution to the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Offers remarks on historian Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr's The Vital Center, which presented the author an eye-opening defense of liberalism. It is argued that the contemporary Left ought to read Schlesinger's text, & its continued salience is demonstrated with a review of some of his ideas. J. Zendejas

Discusses changes evident in US values & culture occurring in the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorism attacks, especially in a renewed emphasis on the dignity of the individual & civic equality. Historical reference is made to cultural expression in the 1930s-era US.

Analyzes the work of Michael Moore, one of America's most prominent leftists, who has used the rich tradition of leftist political criticism & muckraking combined with postmodern irony & humor to make political criticism entertaining. Moore has successfully competed in the media-saturated world of postmodern America to reach the 18-34 age group via satellite TV & mega-mall bookstores. However, by capitalizing on entertainment, Moore's work is focused on his own issues & not the political activity of others, & his focus on humor leaves him somewhat apolitical & unable to move beyond the limits of entertainment. He faces the same inefficacy as the majority of the Left who are angry, but lack political solutions & realistic approaches to achieve lasting change. L. A. Hoffman