William J. Bennett

In the following viewpoint, excerpted from a speech delivered to the Heritage Foundation, William J. Bennett argues that America is experiencing a serious crisis of morals, as evidenced by rising rates of violent crime, illegitimacy, divorce, and teen suicide, and declining standards of education. As deviant behavior has grown more prevalent, he contends, society loses its capacity for shock, disgust, and outrage. Bennett blames America’s moral decline on a widespread rejection of religion. He is the codirector of the organization Empower America, and the author of a number of books about morality, including The Death of Outrage: Bill Clinton and the Assault on American Ideals, The Book of Virtues, and The De-Valuing of America: The Fight for Our Culture and Our Children.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. How do foreigners perceive America...