EVEN HAND

"Even Hand: Long Live the Republic" envisions an individual's "relationship to the mass of humanity that determines the quality of...citizenship" to outline a "new political theory" whose "primary concerns" are believed to be "stated in the Preamble to the United States Constitution." This investigation is largely founded on the perception of "the ability of people to make their own rules and live by them." From "Authority Structures" to "The Principle of Independent Rights," the volume covers a range of topics juxtaposing personal observation and research in an effort to create a thorough yet accessible overview.

Even Hand begins by detailing its purpose and asserting, "The following [c]hapters will strive to demonstrate that it is respect for liberty which will foster civility which in turn is the fertile soil a Republic requires." Chapter two more specifically considers the United States Constitution as a "contract of governing principles." For "[t]he idea behind respect for liberty is that no person should be subjected to political power without their consent." Thus finding "a good authority structure should consider freedom and equality, have a coherent system for making and interpreting law, and then...ask every adult person by contract for their allegiance." Identifying "many social concerns determining a balance between freedom and justice," it is pointed out, "Until the Judicial Department is made to answer to the people through the principles of democracy neither our security nor our dreams of a civilized society will be safe from the age-old equation of privileged authority." Even Hand envisions "If the masses were given 'Even Hand', those who would choose 'yes' would instantly increase the number of politically active people that currently participate in the operation of our government." As the work progresses, Even Hand touches upon a range of political, economic, and cultural considerations typically underscoring life in a sometimes-uncertain modern society. Later in a look at "Human Law", suggests an underlying theme of the volume, indicating, "Even though our history is bogged down with atrocities we can not allow this fact to hinder our attempts to become a progressive and law-minded civilization. We should recognize the need for advanced concepts and innovations of social relationships."

The concluding sections of "Even Hand: Long Live the Republic" address issues relating to "the Principle of Social Rights" and "Misconceptions of Socialism." There is also sketch of "A Global Constitution" with "articles" touching upon considerations such as "judicial power," "human rights," and "social agreements." Throughout the text Even Hand emphasizes the likely importance of the individual striving toward a measure of control and personal accountability. As a whole the offering is designed to enlighten, motivate, and provoke thought for the reader who might express an interest in a related idea.