American Ideals and Respectful Discourse
Supporting an Informed Citizenry
Ensuring Americans understand the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and asserting the importance of reliable information
“Our identity as a Nation – unlike many other nations – is not determined by geography or ethnicity, by soil or blood. Being an American involves the embrace of high ideals and civic responsibility.”
– President George W. Bush
All Americans have a role to play as we constantly strive toward a more perfect union. Citizens need reliable information to make decisions about their communities, states, and nation. The rights and responsibilities of citizenship should prompt Americans to value their pluralistic society, understand how our republic works, and appreciate the freedoms our Constitution enshrines.
The American capacity for self-renewal is one of the wonders of history. But regeneration does not happen by itself. It requires concentrated effort. We believe we should:
- Address mis- and disinformation to ensure trust in our democracy doesn’t waver
- Advocate for local journalism so communities may thrive
- Highlight the rights and responsibilities of good citizenship
Executive Director, George W. Bush Institute and Vice President George W. Bush Presidential Center
Don Evans Family Managing Director, Opportunity and Democracy George W. Bush Institute
Director, Global Policy George W. Bush Institute
Deputy Director, Leadership Programs George W. Bush Institute
Senior Editorial Advisor George W. Bush Institute
Kelly and David Pfeil Fellow George W. Bush Institute