At a time when economic crisis, ever-expanding government, rising international threats, declining civic education, and many other problems cloud America's future, political leaders increasingly pay lip service to 'first principles' - the principles on which the nation was founded. But just what are those principles? On that question, sadly, politicians and pundits have little to say. Fortunately, Matthew Spalding provides the answer in "We Still Hold These Truths". Spalding, an expert in American political history at The Heritage Foundation, the esteemed Washington, D.C. - based research and educational institute, explains and brings to life ten core principles that define our national creed and common identity. His enlightening and entertaining tour through American history recalls our first principles as they were understood by the Founders and reveals their deep roots in Western civilization. But "We Still Hold These Truths" is more than an inspiring account of the nobility of America's accomplishments. It is also a bracing reminder of how far we have strayed off course as a nation. Spalding shows how readily political leaders and cultural elites abandon - indeed, trample on - the principles to which this country is dedicated. Even more troubling is how readily we all let it happen. Before we can rededicate ourselves to the core principles that made America, we must rediscover them. For as Thomas Jefferson observed, 'If a nation expects to be ignorant and free in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be'. Appreciating our vital heritage, Spalding lays out a strategy to reclaim our future - getting our nation back on track and holding accountable those who seek to take us in a different direction.