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
Read David J. Kramer's biography.
David J. Kramer
David J. Kramer

Executive Director, George W. Bush Institute and Vice President George W. Bush Presidential Center

Read Anne Wicks's biography.
Anne Wicks
Anne Wicks

Don Evans Family Managing Director, Opportunity and Democracy George W. Bush Institute

Read Chris Walsh's biography.
Chris Walsh

Director, Global Policy George W. Bush Institute

Read Michael Bailey's biography.
Michael Bailey

Deputy Director, Leadership Programs George W. Bush Institute

Read William McKenzie's biography.
William McKenzie

Senior Editorial Advisor George W. Bush Institute

Read Nicole Bibbins Sedaca's biography.
Nicole Bibbins Sedaca

Kelly and David Pfeil Fellow George W. Bush Institute

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