Summer Reading: What's in Our Constitution?
Monday, August 22, 2011 at 9:00AM
As of today (August 22), the 2012 Presidential and General Election is 442 days away. Do we have the “constitution” to make it all the way given what we’ve already witnessed?
Pun aside, how well do we and the many candidates vying for office understand the fundamental governing principles set forth by the Founding Brothers more than 200 years ago? The average American’s understanding of the U.S. Constitution is limited.
“Fewer people than you may think have actually read or heard the Constitution,” observes Deaver Brown, narrator of “The United States Constitution,” by James Madison.
So, add to your summer reading list this short reading of the Constitution and a few basic facts about the birth of the ”supreme law” of the land. “United States Constitution” (Simple Magazine, Inc.) may be downloaded for $1.95 through iTunes, Amazon and other book sources.
The audiobook may be listened to In almost the same time — 37 minutes — it takes a MAX light rail train to travel from the Beaverton Transit Center to Pioneer Courthouse Square in downtown Portland.
Brown stresses reading and rereading the book as an economic and productive use of time. It is something all of us should do before much more of the campaign season passes. This is a good time to get grounded in the basic rules guiding our republic. The book is easy listening. Considered the primary author of the Constitution, Madison’s 18th Century lawyerly language surprisingly is clear and precise.
Not counting the first 10 amendments (the Bill of Rights), the Constitution has only been changed 17 times. It is remarkable to think how much has changed in the world since the Constitution became law, says Brown, but how so little has changed in this document.