Chapter 5 of my book begins with my observation of some of the fundamental differences between the U.S. and the Soviet Union:

“I was raised in a country founded on the importance of the individual, self-reliance, and freedom of expression, whereas the Soviet Union enforced doctrines of totalitarianism and mass conformity and had an omniscient censorship system that repressed expressions of ideas contrary to official dogma and propaganda. I was raised in a democracy in which the people had voted in twenty-one presidential elections from 1900 through 1984, but during that same time only five autocratic leaders had come to power in the Soviet Union. . . “

Of course, I returned to the United States with a great and lasting appreciation for the individual rights and liberties afforded to me and all Americans by the U.S. Constitution. The American Civil Liberties has championed, advanced, and protected those rights, especially in the most controversial and difficult circumstances, for almost 100 years. I am thrilled to have been invited by the Milwaukee ACLU to have a book signing at its Annual Bill of Rights Celebration on March 19 at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee. A central theme of my story — to stand up and fight for justice and human rights — is exactly what the ALCU does on a daily basis. Come and join the celebration of rights we need to protect now more than ever.