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In two episodes, Jessica Rosenthal introduced the book and Richard Haass discussed its argument that America’s rights‑focused democracy is faltering without a renewed emphasis on civic obligations. They highlighted the author’s call to restore the social compact by balancing individual rights with responsibilities to one another, the country, and the government. The conversation framed the title as a timely and important contribution to the discussion of civic engagement, especially around July 4th.
Episode: Extra: The Case For Mandatory Civics Lessons
Haass argues that the US is facing a decline in civic engagement and trust in institutions, suggesting that a rights-based democracy is failing due to a lack of emphasis on obligations to the country and each other. He emphasizes the need to restore the social compact and promote civic responsibility.
In his new book, Bill of Obligations, former diplomat Richard Haass addresses America's growing political divide and how we can move beyond that to become better citizens.
You write in this book about our obligations to each other and to our own country, but also to our governments, our government's obligations to us.
And my argument is that's necessary. Indeed, what Lincoln and others have talked about, the unfinished work of America, is to square these rights with reality.
So I'm not anti-rights in any way, obviously, but I do think that we've lost this notion of obligations.
It's a timely conversation for July 4th.
Episode: Why America Is Losing Faith In Its Self
The book discusses the obligations that Americans have to each other, to their country, and to their government. It also argues that America's rights-based democracy is failing and that the founders' emphasis on rights needs to be balanced with a focus on obligations.
Again, there's some variation for political reasons, but that's the larger message. The idea that plus or minus only half of Americans are feeling proud, and I think that's a reflection.
It's a perfect segue into talking about your book, The Bill of Obligations, which is a timely conversation for July 4th. You write in this book about our obligations to each other and to our own country, but also to our government's obligations to us.
Absolutely. Don't get me wrong. Rights are central to any democracy, particularly this one. As you correctly say, rights were central, first of all, to the fact we became independent.
My argument is that's necessary. Indeed, what Lincoln and others talked about, the unfinished work of America, is to square these rights with reality. That remains a goal.
My point is that we need to, yes, keep our rights, even expand them. But we also need to introduce, as you said, this notion of obligations--the two of us to one another, and both of us to the country, to government.
