America has changed radically since 1936 when a poor Czechoslovakian refugee, an outsider in his own land because he was a Jew, arrived in America. Emerging from the bowels of a ship with the poorest of the poor, he finally felt free the moment he set foot on American soil. Even though he was only fifteen years old, had not graduated from high school, and understood little of the world, he knew that he could now go as far as his talent and gumption - plus a bit of luck - would take him. That boy, Morrie Friedman, instantly fell in love with America and the possibilities it offered. He fought for this country during World War II, volunteering to go overseas and into harm's way when he could have remained stateside, safe from harm. Morrie worked his way up the ladder in the steel business, from message boy to metal worker to supervisor, then into the managerial ranks, rising to become company president, then founder of his own steel company. He earned his U.S. citizenship, married the love of his life, and fathered a son. He also mastered the art of golf, even playing with the great Arnold Palmer, and otherwise took advantage of all that this wonderful country has to offer. But during the past several decades, the country that embraced Morrie and millions of others, granting them freedom while fighting for liberty and prosperity around the world, has slowly begun to disappear. It is as if America's very soul has weakened, a sorry situation that can be traced to a change in basic beliefs. For too many of us, belief in the dignity and sanctity of a hard day's work has faded away. Belief that the future will be better has given way to fear. There are many other changes, the most dangerous being the loss of a feeling that we are a people united by our commitment to freedom, democracy, and capitalism. For far too many of us, this wonderful belief has fallen by the wayside, replaced by cynicism, political opportunism, and the idea that everyone should get what he can, while he can. Morrie has written this book to encourage the American people to rekindle their belief in our country; to regain their hope and faith in themselves, our country, and the future. He begins by telling his story, one that could only have happened in America. Then, using his 95 years of life experience, he offers his ideas for getting the country back on course, as it was in the past when America provided freedom and opportunities for undreamed of prosperity to countless people from around the world. Some may disagree with Morrie's suggestions, but we can all agree on one thing: It's time to reclaim the spirit that made this country great and the world a safer, better place.
