The New York Times op-ed columnist probes the widening gap between American ideals and American realities, and urges us to do something about it. Herbert's work is characterized by a strong moral vision and a deep understanding of the human costs of political decisions. In this book he makes the case that in recent years America has too often failed to live up to its creed of fairness and justice in the lives of working people, racial minorities, children, and others not among the powerful. He introduces us to real people facing real problems and trying to maintain their dignity along the way, and he blows the whistle on imperious public officials who think the rules of common decency do not apply to them.