This is an interesting book written by Michael Medved.  I had seen him interviewed on TV and although he definitely approaches things from a conservative point of view, he does so in a way that is not offensive.

Uncovering the truth about some of the lies is not so comforting.  The first chapter debunks the myth that America was founded on genocide against the Native Americans.  While Medved does a good job knocking down this straw man, it is little consolation for the other things done to those who inhabited those who inhabited this land originally.

He makes a very strong case in dealing with the lie that founders intended a secular and not a Christian Nation.  This is one of the better chapters.  He states that the Pilgrims actually came from Holland (after having been there for 11 years) not because of persecution but because of the great religious tolerance of that country.  They were concerned that they would lose their identity in such an environment.

He also points out that Jefferson’s famous letter regarding the wall of separation actually was motivated by his concern with potential government harassment of minority faiths rather than worries over the states ongoing promotion of religious principles.  In fact a year after the letter he led congress to provide government funds for a Catholic priest who was ministering to the Kaskaskia Indians.

Some of the lies are in the news today.  There is a great chapter on the lie that the power of big business hurts the country and oppresses the people.

Some chapters were better than others.  Overall it was an interesting book to read.  I appreciated Medved’s ablilty to make his point without be derogatory towards those who held other views.