Authentic Patriotism Launched,
by Martha Perkins
May 20, 2010, page 15.....

Stephen Kiernan, local author and award winning journalist, has written a new book, Authentic Patriotism, Restoring America’s Founding Ideals through Selfless Action, launched last week at the Flying Pig Bookstore. Stephen writes, “When you meet people who are changing the world, it is a continually humbling experience. But eventually it becomes an inspiring one… The more time I spent with the authentic patriots this book portrays, the more I found my faith in this nation and its founding principles vigorously restored. This is an incomparable gift.” His book is a timely gift to readers.

He writes, “If you see a man with difficulties nonetheless making his way through life, if you see a woman with challenges reckoning with those woes, if you witness this struggling up close, it affects you. It humbles you. It causes you to reflect on your own good fortune. It diminishes your swagger and enlarges your heart.

“And if you have the opportunity to serve this man, to place yourself deliberately in the position of serving this woman, and they allow you to help them, it will heal and fill and strengthen your conscience. It will deepen your life, your appreciation for its blessings, and your awareness of your existence belonging to a larger purpose.”

He calls those who help others “Authentic Patriots.” He reminds us that America’s original idea was to embrace all who came here, in order to fulfill the potential in every human being.

Kiernan’s message complements that of two other authors whose books I have appreciated: Paul Hawken (Blessed Unrest) and Harold Kushner (When All You’ve Ever Wanted Isn’t Enough: The Search for a Life That Matters). Hawkin celebrates the people who have dedicated their lives to working on the most salient issues of our day: climate change, poverty, deforestation, peace, water, hunger. Kushner says he has learned through travel and research during his long life as a rabbi that when we do something for someone else, our lives matter.