SILVER SPRING, Md., July 12, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- In a unique book that weaves together the author's personal stories with her opinions on society, Survival and Concerns (now available through AuthorHouse) by Alice Vaeth offers a well-rounded look at how her life experiences shaped her perspective on the current state of affairs in the United States.
During an arduous, Depression-era childhood, Vaeth felt unwanted by her father. Her family moved often, and many times she was forced to live with other families. She loved school and learned by observing people's behavior, which propelled Vaeth out of her family's home and eventually into a promising career in Washington, D.C.
As a young woman, Vaeth worked for the Internal Revenue Service and enjoyed living with other women in a boarding house. She later married and had children. Her husband, an excessive gambler, caused her much grief and strained family resources. Despite the stress, Vaeth endured and remained in the marriage for the sake of her two children. She continued her dedication to her work, first as a civil servant, then as a real-estate professional.
After describing the many situations she lived through, Vaeth discusses her views on the major issues Americans face today. She touches on subjects ranging from education and violent entertainment to abortion and suicide. Throughout her commentary, she interjects her own creative ideas for reform. For example, Vaeth writes about the staggering amount of crime in America and an imperfect justice system that often acquits guilty defendants. Part of the problem lies with overzealous prosecuting attorneys and biased defense lawyers, she writes. Her solution is to create the position of "justice coordinator" to collect evidence in an unbiased fashion.
Vaeth's life experiences have made her a concerned American, and she has chosen to speak out in Survival and Concerns because she has seen problems worsen through the years, she writes.
"We must not sit on the sidelines and let the world pass by," she writes. "We must be active participants in promoting a better America."
Growing up in Michigan, Indiana, Missouri and Florida, Vaeth earned many awards for her service in the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service. She also wrote a weekly newspaper column. Survival and Concerns is her first published book.
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