I recently finished The Thirteen American Arguments: Enduring Debates That Define and Inspire Our Country by journalist Howard Fineman. Fineman believes that our never-ending, passionate national 'arguments' about such issues as immigration, religion, free press, and the like are what make the U.S. strong. Says Fineman in his intro: "We are the Arguing County, born in, and born to, debate. The habit of doing so---the urgent, almost neurotic need to do so---makes us unique and gives us our freedom, creativity, and strength." A good read, and good reminder that dissent is both healthy and patriotic.

I'm now reading Rick Steves' Travel as a Political Act. Steves is the host of the PBS series "Europe Through the Back Door." A well-written reminder that stepping outside of one's own borders, comfort zone, and assumptions can be deeply rewarding.