Just as I was about to shut down the computer for the night, I caught Tim Russert's interview with historian David McCullough on MSNBC. He has a new book out, inspired to teach kids about history aftrer 9/11, called 1776: Washington's War.

It's not just about George Washington's war against the British. It is how he played to the British before and after the war, and how he graciously agreed to give up the power he could have had as America's king at that time, how he stepped aside and allowed others to take power and learn how to govern this new democratic republic.

It also details the role of others in the movement for a Declaration of Independence, including Thomas Paine.

If you are interested, The New Yorker review is now online - for free:

In the year 1776, character was destiny.