ALLENDALE, Michigan, Jan. 4 -- Grand Valley State University issued the following news: The acrimonious nature of American civic life over the past several years might seem unique, but in reality the country's staunch divisions can be traced to the founding of the republic. Jon Meacham, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian, will discuss how the American story is filled with dramatic conflicts that have given rise to hope and fear, calling each generation of citizens to choose the best more PR