Author: Richard A. Garcia
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
ISBN: 0313005559
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 449
Book Description
U.S. Latinos have made important contributions to American society, and this biographical dictionary is devoted to celebrating those contributions. All 127 men and women profiled in this work have immigrated to or been born in the United States and have made major contributions to American life and culture. Cuban Americans, Puerto Ricans, Mexican Americans, and others of Spanish, South American, Central American and Caribbean heritage—more than one-third of them women—represent 35 fields of endeavor and all 50 states. From historical figures to the newest sports champion, figure-skater Rudy Galindo, this work provides profiles of both prominent and important but less-familiar people who have made significant contributions in their fields. Many of those profiled can be found in no other biographical source. A selection of photos complements the text. All biographies have been written by experts in their ethnic fields. Those profiled range widely from distinguished scientists to sports stars, from actors to activists, from businesswomen to political personalities, from literary luminaries to labor organizers. All are potential role models for young men and women, and many have overcome extreme odds to succeed. These colorfully written, substantive biographies detail their subjects' goals, struggles, and commitments to success and to their ethnic communities. Among the 127 people profiled are: Nobel Prize-winning scientist Luis Alvarez; Treasurer of the United States Romana Acosta Bañuelos; actor/composer/activist Rubén Blades; classical dancer Fernando Bujones; baseball player José Canseco; U.S. Secretary of Education Lauro Cavazos Jr.; writer Sandra Cisneros; fashion designer Oscar de la Renta; U.S. Congressman Lincoln DÍaz-Balart; teacher Jaime Escalante; composer/singer Gloria Estefan; tennis players Gigi Fernández and Mary Joe Fernández ; playwright Mara Fornés; U.S. Men's 1996 Figure Skating Champion Rudy Galindo; physician/political activist Héctor GarcÍa; Coca-Cola CEO Roberto Goizueta; labor leader Dolores Huerta; U.S. Ambassador MarÍa-Luci Jaramillo; artist Marisol; civil-rights activist Vilma Socorro MartÍnez; businessman/politician Jorge Mas Canosa; federal judge Harold Medina; graphic artist Nicholasa Mohr; U.S. Surgeon General Antonia Novello; astronaut Ellen Ochoa; Nobel Prize-winning biochemist Severo Ochoa; TV personality Geraldo Rivera; U.S. Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen; educational psychologist George I. Sánchez; newspaper editor Roberto Suárez; women's rights activist/businesswoman MarÍa Elena Toraño-PantÍn; New York State Supreme Court Judge Edwin Torres; mystic Teresa Urrea; film producer/director Luis Valdez. For ease of use, the heading of each profile identifies ethnic group, field of endeavor, birthdate and, where appropriate, death date. Each profile concludes with a suggested reading list of books and periodical articles about the subject. An ethnic index, field of endeavor index, and a general index make research easy. This much needed reference work is essential for school and public libraries.
Antonia C. Novello
Author: Carole Marsh
Publisher: Gallopade International
ISBN: 9780635021397
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 16
Book Description
An activity book that presents information about Crazy Horse.
Publisher: Gallopade International
ISBN: 9780635021397
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 16
Book Description
An activity book that presents information about Crazy Horse.
Notable Latino Americans
Author: Richard A. Garcia
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
ISBN: 0313005559
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 449
Book Description
U.S. Latinos have made important contributions to American society, and this biographical dictionary is devoted to celebrating those contributions. All 127 men and women profiled in this work have immigrated to or been born in the United States and have made major contributions to American life and culture. Cuban Americans, Puerto Ricans, Mexican Americans, and others of Spanish, South American, Central American and Caribbean heritage—more than one-third of them women—represent 35 fields of endeavor and all 50 states. From historical figures to the newest sports champion, figure-skater Rudy Galindo, this work provides profiles of both prominent and important but less-familiar people who have made significant contributions in their fields. Many of those profiled can be found in no other biographical source. A selection of photos complements the text. All biographies have been written by experts in their ethnic fields. Those profiled range widely from distinguished scientists to sports stars, from actors to activists, from businesswomen to political personalities, from literary luminaries to labor organizers. All are potential role models for young men and women, and many have overcome extreme odds to succeed. These colorfully written, substantive biographies detail their subjects' goals, struggles, and commitments to success and to their ethnic communities. Among the 127 people profiled are: Nobel Prize-winning scientist Luis Alvarez; Treasurer of the United States Romana Acosta Bañuelos; actor/composer/activist Rubén Blades; classical dancer Fernando Bujones; baseball player José Canseco; U.S. Secretary of Education Lauro Cavazos Jr.; writer Sandra Cisneros; fashion designer Oscar de la Renta; U.S. Congressman Lincoln DÍaz-Balart; teacher Jaime Escalante; composer/singer Gloria Estefan; tennis players Gigi Fernández and Mary Joe Fernández ; playwright Mara Fornés; U.S. Men's 1996 Figure Skating Champion Rudy Galindo; physician/political activist Héctor GarcÍa; Coca-Cola CEO Roberto Goizueta; labor leader Dolores Huerta; U.S. Ambassador MarÍa-Luci Jaramillo; artist Marisol; civil-rights activist Vilma Socorro MartÍnez; businessman/politician Jorge Mas Canosa; federal judge Harold Medina; graphic artist Nicholasa Mohr; U.S. Surgeon General Antonia Novello; astronaut Ellen Ochoa; Nobel Prize-winning biochemist Severo Ochoa; TV personality Geraldo Rivera; U.S. Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen; educational psychologist George I. Sánchez; newspaper editor Roberto Suárez; women's rights activist/businesswoman MarÍa Elena Toraño-PantÍn; New York State Supreme Court Judge Edwin Torres; mystic Teresa Urrea; film producer/director Luis Valdez. For ease of use, the heading of each profile identifies ethnic group, field of endeavor, birthdate and, where appropriate, death date. Each profile concludes with a suggested reading list of books and periodical articles about the subject. An ethnic index, field of endeavor index, and a general index make research easy. This much needed reference work is essential for school and public libraries.
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
ISBN: 0313005559
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 449
Book Description
U.S. Latinos have made important contributions to American society, and this biographical dictionary is devoted to celebrating those contributions. All 127 men and women profiled in this work have immigrated to or been born in the United States and have made major contributions to American life and culture. Cuban Americans, Puerto Ricans, Mexican Americans, and others of Spanish, South American, Central American and Caribbean heritage—more than one-third of them women—represent 35 fields of endeavor and all 50 states. From historical figures to the newest sports champion, figure-skater Rudy Galindo, this work provides profiles of both prominent and important but less-familiar people who have made significant contributions in their fields. Many of those profiled can be found in no other biographical source. A selection of photos complements the text. All biographies have been written by experts in their ethnic fields. Those profiled range widely from distinguished scientists to sports stars, from actors to activists, from businesswomen to political personalities, from literary luminaries to labor organizers. All are potential role models for young men and women, and many have overcome extreme odds to succeed. These colorfully written, substantive biographies detail their subjects' goals, struggles, and commitments to success and to their ethnic communities. Among the 127 people profiled are: Nobel Prize-winning scientist Luis Alvarez; Treasurer of the United States Romana Acosta Bañuelos; actor/composer/activist Rubén Blades; classical dancer Fernando Bujones; baseball player José Canseco; U.S. Secretary of Education Lauro Cavazos Jr.; writer Sandra Cisneros; fashion designer Oscar de la Renta; U.S. Congressman Lincoln DÍaz-Balart; teacher Jaime Escalante; composer/singer Gloria Estefan; tennis players Gigi Fernández and Mary Joe Fernández ; playwright Mara Fornés; U.S. Men's 1996 Figure Skating Champion Rudy Galindo; physician/political activist Héctor GarcÍa; Coca-Cola CEO Roberto Goizueta; labor leader Dolores Huerta; U.S. Ambassador MarÍa-Luci Jaramillo; artist Marisol; civil-rights activist Vilma Socorro MartÍnez; businessman/politician Jorge Mas Canosa; federal judge Harold Medina; graphic artist Nicholasa Mohr; U.S. Surgeon General Antonia Novello; astronaut Ellen Ochoa; Nobel Prize-winning biochemist Severo Ochoa; TV personality Geraldo Rivera; U.S. Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen; educational psychologist George I. Sánchez; newspaper editor Roberto Suárez; women's rights activist/businesswoman MarÍa Elena Toraño-PantÍn; New York State Supreme Court Judge Edwin Torres; mystic Teresa Urrea; film producer/director Luis Valdez. For ease of use, the heading of each profile identifies ethnic group, field of endeavor, birthdate and, where appropriate, death date. Each profile concludes with a suggested reading list of books and periodical articles about the subject. An ethnic index, field of endeavor index, and a general index make research easy. This much needed reference work is essential for school and public libraries.
Latino History and Culture
Author: David J. Leonard
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317466462
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 701
Book Description
Latinos are the fastest growing population in America today. This two-volume encyclopedia traces the history of Latinos in the United States from colonial times to the present, focusing on their impact on the nation in its historical development and current culture. "Latino History and Culture" covers the myriad ethnic groups that make up the Latino population. It explores issues such as labor, legal and illegal immigration, traditional and immigrant culture, health, education, political activism, art, literature, and family, as well as historical events and developments. A-Z entries cover eras, individuals, organizations and institutions, critical events in U.S. history and the impact of the Latino population, communities and ethnic groups, and key cities and regions. Each entry includes cross references and bibliographic citations, and a comprehensive index and illustrations augment the text.
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317466462
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 701
Book Description
Latinos are the fastest growing population in America today. This two-volume encyclopedia traces the history of Latinos in the United States from colonial times to the present, focusing on their impact on the nation in its historical development and current culture. "Latino History and Culture" covers the myriad ethnic groups that make up the Latino population. It explores issues such as labor, legal and illegal immigration, traditional and immigrant culture, health, education, political activism, art, literature, and family, as well as historical events and developments. A-Z entries cover eras, individuals, organizations and institutions, critical events in U.S. history and the impact of the Latino population, communities and ethnic groups, and key cities and regions. Each entry includes cross references and bibliographic citations, and a comprehensive index and illustrations augment the text.
Netherworld
Author: Nathan D. Gjovik
Publisher: Tate Publishing
ISBN: 1622958098
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 418
Book Description
Over the course of more than 22 years of service with the Federal government Nathan Gjovik has seen first-hand how it uses tools like affirmative action and various preferences and set asides to award positions, promotions, and contracts. These tools are nearly all designed to serve populations who the Government has deemed to be 'disadvantaged' while Caucasian males, who the Government has apparently determined as a class to be advantaged, are relegated to whatever they are able to muster on their own, outside the Federal sector. With the increasing proportion of Federal control of the US economy these tools determine in large part economic winners and losers within the US. These tools also indirectly impact how Federal laws are promulgated and enforced by program managers, many of whom were awarded their positions based primarily on their race or gender (or other non-merit based factors), determine how to best ensure the continuance of their program as well as the manner in which it will follow, enforce, or ignore Federal law. CAPT Nathan D. Gjovik, USPHS (Ret.) This book is an accounting of Mr. Gjovik's attempts to make positive changes from within the Federal government and the Federal responses to same. It also documents some of the asinine, incompetent, and potentially criminal activities which occur routinely within the Federal sector through the eyes of one who came from the private sector.
Publisher: Tate Publishing
ISBN: 1622958098
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 418
Book Description
Over the course of more than 22 years of service with the Federal government Nathan Gjovik has seen first-hand how it uses tools like affirmative action and various preferences and set asides to award positions, promotions, and contracts. These tools are nearly all designed to serve populations who the Government has deemed to be 'disadvantaged' while Caucasian males, who the Government has apparently determined as a class to be advantaged, are relegated to whatever they are able to muster on their own, outside the Federal sector. With the increasing proportion of Federal control of the US economy these tools determine in large part economic winners and losers within the US. These tools also indirectly impact how Federal laws are promulgated and enforced by program managers, many of whom were awarded their positions based primarily on their race or gender (or other non-merit based factors), determine how to best ensure the continuance of their program as well as the manner in which it will follow, enforce, or ignore Federal law. CAPT Nathan D. Gjovik, USPHS (Ret.) This book is an accounting of Mr. Gjovik's attempts to make positive changes from within the Federal government and the Federal responses to same. It also documents some of the asinine, incompetent, and potentially criminal activities which occur routinely within the Federal sector through the eyes of one who came from the private sector.
Antonia Novello
Author: Jill C. Wheeler
Publisher: Checkerboard Library
ISBN: 9781617834486
Category : Physicians
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
This brief biography examines the life and career of America's first woman surgeon general.
Publisher: Checkerboard Library
ISBN: 9781617834486
Category : Physicians
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
This brief biography examines the life and career of America's first woman surgeon general.
100 Hispanics You Should Know
Author: Iván A. Castro
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
ISBN: 0313090432
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 320
Book Description
Meet 100 Hispanics from around the world and throughout history who have lived amazing lives. This guide covers well known celebrities, such as actress Rita Moreno, activist César Chavéz, and musician Pablo Casals as well as more obscure individuals, such as Ellen Ochoa (inventor and first Hispanic female astronaut), Agustin Lara (a renowned Mexican composer), and Jose Capablanca (one of the greatest chess players of all times). Many of these individuals have made significant contributions to science, literature, politics, and other fields of human endeavour. Some more notorious, but equally fascinating characters are included as well. Brief biographical sketches are accompanied by bibliographies of resources, where readers can find more information. Grades 6-12.
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
ISBN: 0313090432
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 320
Book Description
Meet 100 Hispanics from around the world and throughout history who have lived amazing lives. This guide covers well known celebrities, such as actress Rita Moreno, activist César Chavéz, and musician Pablo Casals as well as more obscure individuals, such as Ellen Ochoa (inventor and first Hispanic female astronaut), Agustin Lara (a renowned Mexican composer), and Jose Capablanca (one of the greatest chess players of all times). Many of these individuals have made significant contributions to science, literature, politics, and other fields of human endeavour. Some more notorious, but equally fascinating characters are included as well. Brief biographical sketches are accompanied by bibliographies of resources, where readers can find more information. Grades 6-12.
American Women Achievers, Grades 3 - 5
Author: Wheeler
Publisher: Carson-Dellosa Publishing
ISBN: 1604185783
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 130
Book Description
Invite students of varying reading levels in grades 3–5 to enjoy 40 high-interest biographies using American Woman Achievers. Each text is presented at two reading levels, and each version of the text includes a set of comprehension questions and a bonus activity. Comprehension skills include finding the main idea, reading for details, sequencing, using context clues, and drawing conclusions. This 128-page book has mixed-format questions, writing extensions, an assessment grid, and reproducible pages. It supports NCSS standards and aligns with state, national, and Canadian provincial standards.
Publisher: Carson-Dellosa Publishing
ISBN: 1604185783
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 130
Book Description
Invite students of varying reading levels in grades 3–5 to enjoy 40 high-interest biographies using American Woman Achievers. Each text is presented at two reading levels, and each version of the text includes a set of comprehension questions and a bonus activity. Comprehension skills include finding the main idea, reading for details, sequencing, using context clues, and drawing conclusions. This 128-page book has mixed-format questions, writing extensions, an assessment grid, and reproducible pages. It supports NCSS standards and aligns with state, national, and Canadian provincial standards.
Top 101 Women of STEM
Author: Nicholas Faulkner
Publisher: Encyclopaedia Britannica
ISBN: 1680484990
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 255
Book Description
This extensive and insightful text introduces readers to an eclectic mix of women who have excelled in all areas of science, technology, engineering, and math. Some of the figures are less well known than others, but all are highly accomplished and inspirational in their fields. This book offers biographies of astronauts, naturalists, zoologists, and astronomers, among many others. Any reader will be proud of the great pioneering work these women have done in their fields and be inspired to pursue such achievements on their own.
Publisher: Encyclopaedia Britannica
ISBN: 1680484990
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 255
Book Description
This extensive and insightful text introduces readers to an eclectic mix of women who have excelled in all areas of science, technology, engineering, and math. Some of the figures are less well known than others, but all are highly accomplished and inspirational in their fields. This book offers biographies of astronauts, naturalists, zoologists, and astronomers, among many others. Any reader will be proud of the great pioneering work these women have done in their fields and be inspired to pursue such achievements on their own.
America's Most Famous Catholic (According to Himself)
Author: Stephanie N. Brehm
Publisher: Fordham Univ Press
ISBN: 0823285316
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 214
Book Description
A case study of the intersection of humor and American Catholicism in contemporary society. For nine years, Stephen Colbert’s persona “Colbert”?a Republican superhero and parody of conservative political pundits?informed audiences on current events, politics, social issues, and religion while lampooning conservative political policy, biblical literalism, and religious hypocrisy. To devout, vocal, and authoritative lay Catholics, religion is central to both the actor and his most famous character. Yet many viewers wonder, “Is Colbert a practicing Catholic in real life or is this part of his act?” This bookexamines the ways in which Colbert challenges perceptions of Catholicism and Catholic mores through his faith and comedy. Religion and the foibles of religious institutions have served as fodder for scores of comedians over the years. What set “Colbert” apart on his show, The Colbert Report, was that his critical observations were made more powerful and harder to ignore because he approached religious material not from the predictable stance of the irreverent secular comedian but from his position as one of the faithful. He is a Catholic celebrity who can bridge critical outsider and participating insider, neither fully reverent nor fully irreverent. Providing a digital media ethnography and rhetorical analysis of Stephen Colbert and his character from 2005 to 2014, author Stephanie N. Brehm examines the intersection between lived religion and mass media, moving from an exploration of how Catholicism shapes Colbert’s life and world towards a conversation about how “Colbert” shapes Catholicism. Brehm provides historical context by discovering how “Colbert” compares to other Catholic figures, such Don Novello, George Carlin, Louis C.K., and Jim Gaffigan, who have each presented their views of Catholicism to Americans through radio, film, and television. The last chapter provides a current glimpse of Colbert on The Late Show, where he continues to be voice for Catholicism on late night, now to an even broader audience. America’s Most Famous Catholic (According to Himself) also explores how Colbert carved space for Americans who currently define their religious lives through absence, ambivalence, and alternatives. Brehm reflects on the complexity of contemporary American Catholicism as it is lived today in the often-ignored form of Catholic multiplicity: thinking Catholics, cultural Catholics, cafeteria Catholics, and lukewarm Catholics, or what others have called Colbert Catholicism, an emphasis on the joy of religion in concert with the suffering. By examining the humor in religion, Brehm allows us to clearly see the religious elements in the work and life of comedian Stephen Colbert. Praise for America’s Most Famous Catholic (According to Himself) “Combining the interpretative skills of an academic with a natural appreciation for pop culture, Brehm offers a lively look at why the 'new evangelization' may be just as much the responsibility of comics as of clerics.” —James Martin, SJ, Jesuit priest and author of Jesus: A Pilgrimage and The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything: A Spirituality for Real Life “Anyone interested in religious comedy's recent history in America will enjoy Stephanie Brehm's book . . . If you want to study how humor, social media and entertainment inform and mold our church and public opinion today, this book will be a good choice for you.”?Catholic Philly
Publisher: Fordham Univ Press
ISBN: 0823285316
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 214
Book Description
A case study of the intersection of humor and American Catholicism in contemporary society. For nine years, Stephen Colbert’s persona “Colbert”?a Republican superhero and parody of conservative political pundits?informed audiences on current events, politics, social issues, and religion while lampooning conservative political policy, biblical literalism, and religious hypocrisy. To devout, vocal, and authoritative lay Catholics, religion is central to both the actor and his most famous character. Yet many viewers wonder, “Is Colbert a practicing Catholic in real life or is this part of his act?” This bookexamines the ways in which Colbert challenges perceptions of Catholicism and Catholic mores through his faith and comedy. Religion and the foibles of religious institutions have served as fodder for scores of comedians over the years. What set “Colbert” apart on his show, The Colbert Report, was that his critical observations were made more powerful and harder to ignore because he approached religious material not from the predictable stance of the irreverent secular comedian but from his position as one of the faithful. He is a Catholic celebrity who can bridge critical outsider and participating insider, neither fully reverent nor fully irreverent. Providing a digital media ethnography and rhetorical analysis of Stephen Colbert and his character from 2005 to 2014, author Stephanie N. Brehm examines the intersection between lived religion and mass media, moving from an exploration of how Catholicism shapes Colbert’s life and world towards a conversation about how “Colbert” shapes Catholicism. Brehm provides historical context by discovering how “Colbert” compares to other Catholic figures, such Don Novello, George Carlin, Louis C.K., and Jim Gaffigan, who have each presented their views of Catholicism to Americans through radio, film, and television. The last chapter provides a current glimpse of Colbert on The Late Show, where he continues to be voice for Catholicism on late night, now to an even broader audience. America’s Most Famous Catholic (According to Himself) also explores how Colbert carved space for Americans who currently define their religious lives through absence, ambivalence, and alternatives. Brehm reflects on the complexity of contemporary American Catholicism as it is lived today in the often-ignored form of Catholic multiplicity: thinking Catholics, cultural Catholics, cafeteria Catholics, and lukewarm Catholics, or what others have called Colbert Catholicism, an emphasis on the joy of religion in concert with the suffering. By examining the humor in religion, Brehm allows us to clearly see the religious elements in the work and life of comedian Stephen Colbert. Praise for America’s Most Famous Catholic (According to Himself) “Combining the interpretative skills of an academic with a natural appreciation for pop culture, Brehm offers a lively look at why the 'new evangelization' may be just as much the responsibility of comics as of clerics.” —James Martin, SJ, Jesuit priest and author of Jesus: A Pilgrimage and The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything: A Spirituality for Real Life “Anyone interested in religious comedy's recent history in America will enjoy Stephanie Brehm's book . . . If you want to study how humor, social media and entertainment inform and mold our church and public opinion today, this book will be a good choice for you.”?Catholic Philly
Surgeon General's Warning
Author: Mike Stobbe
Publisher: Univ of California Press
ISBN: 0520272293
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 386
Book Description
What does it mean to be the nation's doctor? In this engaging narrative, journalist Mike Stobbe examines the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General, underlining how it has always been an anomaly within the federal government with a unique ability to influence public health. But now Surgeon Generals compete with other high profile figures, like the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Furthermore, in an era of declining budgets, when public health departments eliminate tens of thousands of jobs, some argue that a lower-profile and ineffective surgeon general is a waste of money. Tracing stories of how surgeons general such as Luther Terry, C. Everett Koop, and Jocelyn Elders created policies and confronted controversy in response to issues like smoking, AIDS, and masturbation, Stobbe highlights how this office is key to shaping the nation's health and explains why its decline is harming our country's well-being.
Publisher: Univ of California Press
ISBN: 0520272293
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 386
Book Description
What does it mean to be the nation's doctor? In this engaging narrative, journalist Mike Stobbe examines the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General, underlining how it has always been an anomaly within the federal government with a unique ability to influence public health. But now Surgeon Generals compete with other high profile figures, like the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Furthermore, in an era of declining budgets, when public health departments eliminate tens of thousands of jobs, some argue that a lower-profile and ineffective surgeon general is a waste of money. Tracing stories of how surgeons general such as Luther Terry, C. Everett Koop, and Jocelyn Elders created policies and confronted controversy in response to issues like smoking, AIDS, and masturbation, Stobbe highlights how this office is key to shaping the nation's health and explains why its decline is harming our country's well-being.