This book provides intelligent politicians (and others) with philosophical and historical perspectives on some of the toughest issues we Americans face. Every position on each of the life issues discussed has a common denominator -- a concept of the person. Without respect for personhood, for the certitude that every man and woman matters, liberty will become license, and the responsibility to do what is right will degrade into the right to do what is irresponsible. Transcendent values will be replaced by fleeting tastes; the common good will be displaced by raw power. Whether that power turns out to be individual or collective will hardly matter.