Michael Les Benedict

1261 The Impeachment and Trial of Andrew Johnson, by Michael Les Benedict (read 17 Jan 1974) I read this book in preparation for a talk I gave at a local service club, which talk I entitled Impeachment Now? My thesis was that Nixon deserved to be impeached, as the essential basis for impeachment was present, but that he should not be till it became clearer to folk that he should be impeached. That position I think was right--impeachment in January 1974 would have been very divisive, but in August nearly all right-thinking folk agreed that Nixon should go.
I found the book helpful in understanding the impeachment process.… (more)

August 2008

Wow, where to start? This book is exactly what its title contends, it is a concise history of the Constitution. Benedict spends a chapter explaining what was going on in England before the founding of America.

He tells the story of the US through the eyes of the Constitution and the Supreme Court. This work is not for the casual history reader, if you do not have a good grasp of history already, I would caution you against this book. But if you feel confident in you American History, then this is a fine reminder of what went on and why.

He talks a lot about several key issues that are always reoccurring; states rights vs federalism, human rights, rights to privacy vs security, property issues, and the constitutionality of the government and judicial branch to direct/interfere with laws. Very interesting overview of the last 200+ years. He ends with 2005 issues, and tries to maintain balance with his opinion.

I noted and underlined all though this book, I can see that it will be very resourceful in my future history studies. This book is required reading for my Fall 08 Constitution class. Now I feel much better prepared.

23-2008… (more)