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10/12/08
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March
31, 2004 In the introduction of this book, we learn that a hologram is something ephemeral that only appears to be solid. It is Kenneth W. Royce's contention that the US Constitution itself, revered by many, is just that: a mere hologram of liberty. Whether that idea surprises you or disgusts you is immaterial to the facts that are then set out, one by one and chapter after chapter, to prove the point. I picked up this book with some skepticism and a little trepidation. I've long been something of a fan of the Constitution and, though I'm no expert, I certainly have more knowledge about it than the average American does. But the research behind Hologram of Liberty was so extensive and with such attention to detail that I learned new things in every chapter. I also, largely against my will, found myself convinced that appearances are, indeed, deceiving. The beginning of the book is devoted to history. Writings by the Founding Fathers as well as excerpts from news reports of the day are mingled with segments of the Constitution and quotes from the Federalist Papers. With the evidence at hand and directly from participants and witnesses of the Constitutional Convention, Royce makes his case, and a compelling one it is. He says that his research has led him to conclude that "the Constitution and the Federal Government was the most protracted coup d'etat in history." In later chapters, Royce takes us up to the present day and describes how the Constitution is applied. More importantly, he offers suggestions as to how we might "make happier arrangements, while we still have at least our Bill of Rights." Hologram of Liberty is at times difficult to follow (I occasionally found myself re-reading certain paragraphs) due in no small part to the eloquent and slightly archaic English commonly used two centuries ago. But Royce's ability to distill information and to explain in simple terms various codicils and caveats is invaluable to those who want to learn more about the Constitution, its true intent, and just how it was the government got from there to here in two hundred years. Lady Liberty's read: Now that I've read Hologram of Liberty in its entirety, it's only served a small part of its intended purpose. As Royce so delicately puts it, "For over 200 years, we've been in blind love with an apparition, a hologram of liberty." Now that the blinders are off, I plan to keep the book readily at hand on the bookshelf in my office as a reference. I suspect it will prove almost as valuable the second and the twenty-second time around. Hologram of Liberty is available online through its publisher, Javelin Press [http://www.javelinpress.com]. E-mail
Lady Liberty at ladylibrty@ladylibrty.com |
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