American Values in Decline: What Can We Do? (Book Review).

American Values in Decline: What Can We Do? by William M Fox, 1st Books Library, Bloomington, Indiana, 2001.

American Values in Decline: What Can We Do? reviews the trends contributing to America's decline in values involving the ideas, customs, and institutions that define what is moral, as well as what constitutes right and wrong behavior. It considers the conscious development of failure, the predisposition toward inappropriate behavior, and what can be done to maintain the greatness of America and its people through obeying the laws and respecting the rights and property of others.

The author states that it is simplistic to assume that by doing what is right is the result of knowing what is right, rather that various factors interact in society to cause ethical behavior. He emphasizes that it does not take money or power to be kind to a friend or stranger, to stand by a loved one, or fight against injustice. It is not the big things in life that make up America's history and freedoms as a nation, but the small events, the everyday decisions that give meaning to this nation's future and the role that values have on positive or negative behavior. Genetic inheritance on the types of values acquired by people in the socialization process has impact on how basic core values are achieved.

The book presents a candid approach to the author's research in tracing core values of honesty, loyalty, morals, and hard work in America from the time of the first settlers to the present day and why these values have declined. As a free nation, America's culture, beliefs, and way of life are being attacked and undercut by people indifferent or actively hostile to the laws and core values that make America a great and proud nation of people willing to die for its protection.

The power of values has a direct influence on positive behavior through first ensuring that all schools, public and private, are consistent with the country's core values and by reducing or eliminating the erosion of standards and self-esteem in students through the enhancement of teacher preparation and parental involvement. Second, the author addresses ethics in political leadership, including government, private industry, and individual fraud. He emphasizes that conscientious people of principle should be selected to serve without fear or favor from others in the political arena and that this standard of selection would impact many areas, ranging from welfare and campaign donations to budgeting and contracts. Third, the author considers the core values in the administration of justice and what can be done, ranging from examining the ethical responsibilities of prosecutors and defense attorneys to correcting the misdirection in the rehabilitation of criminals. For example, in regards to lawsuits, he recomme nds placing caps on punitive damages to curb greed and protect people from unwanted penalties. Last, the author examines the need for nurturing values in the business sector. He suggests developing and implementing adequate business policies and regulations, eliminating deception and exploitation within and outside business, establishing attainable and workable programs, and creating and enforcing a strong and positive code of business ethics.

Given the effectiveness of the numerous remedies in each part of the book, many steps can be taken to introduce and nurture core values. Some are in the areas of the administration of justice, rehabilitation of criminals, political leadership, the chronically unemployed, and the strict ethical management of domestic and international business operations. Overall, the author asks, "Shall we have moral growth or future decline for our families, communities, and nation?"

All members at all levels in the criminal justice system should read this book because it offers a very frank approach to many of the problems that American society faces today. It also could benefit the military, research institutions, law and business schools, employment security commissions, and Congress, as well as behavioral and anger management training programs.