We, the People: Formative Documents of America's Democracy

"We the People Considers the Patriots' Act" might very well be the title of an important essay that should be written by an individual much more knowledgeable than I. Instead it is my way of introducing you to two books that have made significant impressions on me during the past month. We the People by Adolph Caso has been a troubling, perplexing text for me to assimilate. Although I am not an avid "student" of America's history, I was nevertheless appalled to learn for the first time in my life about Cesare Beccaria and his role in our history. Indeed, I had never heard of his essay, "Crimes and Punishments." We are all aware that there are laws under which we, the people, are judged and punished daily. But have we any significant background and/or knowledge of those laws? Have we any significant understanding of the philosophies that guided America in its formative years. I, for one, admit I did not. Yet, the truths in Beccaria's book have been incorporated in the constitutions of practically all European countries, as well as America. Indeed, in America where there is a great need to co-exist amongst many immigrants, it required much more. "The extent to which Beccaria's observation served to cause the Founding Fathers to opt for "We, the People" over "We, the States" may never be completely known. But that the Constitution was supposed to be the supreme law of the land has certainly come to fruition. It is this kind of law, a law that aims at the single individual rather than at units, that Beccaria was principally concerned with, it being the means to regulate the activities of men and to assure them their happiness on earth." (P.288). How can we ever attain a government of the people when we, as individuals are not taught our responsibilities? If we are not taught to take responsibility for our actions, if we are not provided an opportunity to learn what response will occur when we act irresponsibly, how are we to survive? "Among the richest to the poorest ...from the lowliest positions to the highest offices in the land--including in the courts and with judges, ministers, politicians, lawyers and every other profession--responsibility needs to be taught, emphasized and enforced, without which we end up with mayhem and ultimately destroying ourselves." (Dick Innes, Founder/ Director of ACTS International and ACTS Communications, Daily Encounter, July 13, 2006.) While reading and studying, yes, studying, the text of We the People, I picked up a novel by one of my favorite storytellers, Stephen T. Cannell. Who of us has not seen a picture of him on TV, at the end of one of his major dramas, excitingly tearing out a sheet of paper from his typewriter and having it fly away until his next program of the A-Team (my favorite) The Rockford Files, The Commish, et. al. Thus, in my usual anticipation of a good suspense story, I opened Cold Hit. As with many of today's major authors, Cannell has taken an issue and created a dram

What is our Constitution based on? What makes the Bill of Rights one of the most unique documents in World History? What's so special about the Emancipation Proclamation? This book gives the answers and so much more.More than a book about historical documents, Caso explains the importance of each. Caso gives you the explanation as to what each document stands for and its impact on our history.The entire text of each document is enclosed, which I found quite refreshing, as most books of this genre tend to scrutinize only certain parts. The author has certainly done his homework with this book.A true must read for all high school and college students, as well as all politicians. This book will take out the complexity of the documents and simplify the meaning. An excellent read and a job well done!