When is the last time you read the Constitution of the United States of America? I mean actually read it. Yourself. As a writer of novels, poems and philosophy, I could be cutting off my nose in spite of my face here, but I got to pondering on this after a chance discussion the other day with one of my editing clients.

The same holds true for any book on actual history or political science. It's my opinion that we've become a culture of followers. We have all, myself included, become media news and Internet junkies. Even journalists tend to be partisan, depending on what network, cable, or written publication they happen to work for. We tend to go to social sites, discussion forums and blogs and immediately choose the side we want to be on, then proceed to enter a word war. Always a 'your' side pitted against 'their' side environment. Facts become of secondary importance. We must win at all costs.

As with the Scriptural texts of the planet, we've all taken to interpreting these historical writings and documents in such a way as benefits 'our' side. Or if in politics, in the way which condones or allows our policy agenda. We tend to believe the media and print rhetoric as fact. Yet, we look around us and see decline in our nation, our environment, our world standing, and our hopes for the future. We see the America we've been taught is the most powerful nation ever on earth, falling apart. I suppose the Roman Empire felt they were invincible as well. In reality, we are but a child in the history of dynasties. We run around the globe lauding the tenets of democracy when we really don't practice them ourselves. To be a true democracy, one has to be educated on the responsibility of the 'vote', not just the 'right' to cast one.

The fiasco of the last couple weeks in the so-called Senate Confirmation Hearings of Supreme Court Appointee, Sotomayor was not much more than a political pandering 'side show' with most of the senators taking advantage of their time in the spotlight to present a display of self-aggrandizement and vote gathering at someone else's expense. Whether for or against Judge Sotomayor, the display of our so-called leaders was pitiful. Maybe it was my own perception, but I think the rather blank expression worn by the judge during most of the session was, equally, shock and amusement. I could almost feel her thinking . . . is this really happening? These are our elected leaders? It's a joke!

Romance and Thriller novels are the best-selling genre in book writing over all. As a writer, and here's where I stick my neck out, I often wonder why? Is it our escape into another world? For the last decade the "Constitution" seems to have become the most used word in politics. We are continually told what is Constitutional and what isn't. What rights are guaranteed and which are being taken away. We listen and, again depending on which 'side' we are on, choose what to believe and what not to believe. We vote based on who we think is the smartest, the shrewdest, the bravest, OR will we to stand to gain something for ourselves or our age group. We don't really know squat about what the meat of the Constitution actually says. We're too busy trying to keep a home together and reading fiction or gossip magazines. Down deep, we all know this is true even though we may not readily admit it.

In addition, the founding Document, although still most sound in principle, definitely should be altered to address the times of the day. We are now a nation of nearly 400 million people vs. fifty million or less then. What were sprawling rural farm communities, are now sprawling metropolis'. I've not come across a person on either 'side' who doesn't feel the Electoral College has long been outdated. Now, it actually feeds the corruption.

In the course of doing political columns during the past two years, I've developed a penchant for history. I've read and studied, and researched, more than I ever have for a book of my own. I'm one of those "write from the soul" kind of writers. I suppose that is why my first love is free verse poetry. But, I've discovered a tremendous amount of soul in history! I literally shed tears reading "A Team of Rivals". The Civil War stories rip your heart right out of your chest. Now my greatest fear is we are heading for another one. Only this time, it will be us against the world of power mongers and greed. We're going to lose. There are no winners in war, in my opinion. I heartily suggest that everyone get a pocket book of the United States Constitution and read it. Again and again. I carry one in my purse.

Hope everyone is well. I got a rash of editing jobs and have been rather swamped! Gotta pay the bills first, girls. :) Next month, I may get none. The only downside to a writing career. Feast or famine!
Susan        

**Susan Haley is the published author of two books, several articles on networking, an award-winning poet, an independent copy editor and book reviewer for AME Marketing out of San Diego.. She also contributes a column to "The Florida Writer" the official magazine of the Florida Writers Association, of which she is Facilitator for the Sarasota County Chapter. The audio version of her novel "Rainy Day People" was awarded in the 2008 Indie Excellence National Book Awards. She also contributes a variety of editorials and excerpts of her work to various E-zines and newsletters and local papers. She has a third book, "Soul Songs" scheduled for release later this year and is currently working on a new novel, "The House is Burning".