Dr. Alan Keyes is the author of Our Character, Our Future a book that focuses on the issue of morality in our society. In 1996 Keyes gave a speech at a congressional dinner among many elite Americans. The issues he focused on revolved around the moral fabric of America, and how it has been lost.

The thoughts and views expressed in the speech run consistent with the topics discussed in the book Our Character Our Future, which include politics, religion, and prevalent social issues. Keyes is the former ambassador to the U.N. Economic and Social Council, and his doctorate degree was earned in the field of governmental affairs and obtained at Harvard University. The rhetoric that Keyes uses in the book illustrates his conservative views concerning some issues. For instance, instead of supporting government programs that provide teenagers with condoms and safe sex literature Keyes opposes and suggests that people consider abstinence as protection from sexually transmitted diseases and teenage pregnancy. (Keyes, 27) The author elaborates on issues of the same significance that affect us everyday and proposes solutions for those that are destructive and concurrent.

Overall the book focuses on individual character and an individual’s responsibility to themselves, their family, and society. It has been reviewed by influential persons such Ronald Regan, and Rush Limbaugh.

The views that Keyes expressed suggest that he is ignoring the issue of economic inequality.Many issues that are a problem in our society derive from the fact that there is an unequal distribution of wealth. The status quo emphasizes that the majority of America’s wealth is in the hands of a relative few. When individuals do not have the economic means necessary to live comfortably, morality becomes obsolete in certain situations. Some may resort to petty crime and indulge in actions that defy the law, which ultimately contributes to the alarming growth of the prison system, and the glorification of such lifestyles. With this in mind it is understandable why people resort to government assistance for relief. Since the economy cannot help them, due to the low wages that are given for labor, individuals look towards the institution that regulates the economy for help. As a result Keyes scorns them for “relying” on the institution. Meanwhile the cost of living continues to increase while wages remain the same. With this in mind, how can the average worker ever live comfortably, or have enough monetary substance to support themselves, or a family if such is desired.

In 2004 it is quite evident that jobs are scarce, especially ones that pay a salary that exceeds the poverty line. Taking Keyes’ conservative perspective into account, I respect his opinions that are rational, however I disagree with them. For the government should represent everything that is moral, but even the political conscious sways to the wicked at times. This gives way to civil immorality, which has been displayed by both the government and citizens for centuries. Nonetheless government officials and its institutions should lead by example, which would include working on a change that can be realistically achieved.

Based on Geoclan’s Global scale Our Character our Future: Reclaiming America’s Moral Destiny receives a 2. It receives one globe for the effort and one for the desire to see change. The change that Keyes wants to manifest is manifold. It includes religion, and morality as the standards by which all social issues should be measured. Given the diversity and complexity of our society in some cases religion and morale are completely ignored. In order to create such change, more resources need to be made readily available to the public.