This book presents the ideas of the president of Boston University on how America can change course and restore traditional democratic values. The primary threat to American freedom comes not from foreign nations but from societal and individual attitudes of self indulgence, extravagance, and a declinging educational system. A return to traditional morality, a willingness to accept responsibility for our acts, and the immediate reform of the public schools is encouraged. The 17 chapters are organized into 3 sections concerned with first principles, the school, and society, respectively. Sample chapters have the following titles: "The Gods of the Copybook Headings,""Teachers in a Troubled Society,""Education and Democracy in the Age of Television,""Academic Freedom and Civilization,""Poisoning the Wells of Academe,""Tenure in Context,""The 'Private' Sector and the Public Interest,""Paying the Bill for College,""The Pursuit of Fairness,""America and the Underclass--A House Divided,""The Litigious Society,""The Kennedy Doctrine--Principles for a Settlement in Central America" and "The Illusion of Peace". (SM)