Governments

Clear, concise, and deeply thoughtful analysis of the basic premise underlying the religion clauses of the Bill of Rights and how they have been and continue to be misconstrued by both sides in issues involving relations between Church and State.

Tracks development of Jefferson's "wall of separation" comment from its original significance to the status of useful shibboleth. Provides insightful interpretation of events that gradually changed what had been "the Protestant nation" into a truly religiously plural society and turned James Madison's concept into reality.

Presents a clear and historically accurate picture of the relationship between government and religion envisaged by the Framers of the Constitution, as well as examples of how it can be adhered to in our time.

For some time we have not had a truly radical approach to the reading of the First Amendment as it relates to Church-State Relations. Now Thomas Curry, the Roman Catholic Auxiliary Bishop of Santa Barbara, CA, has provided one that I believe will stimulate productive discussions from all sides.

Whereas people have largely divided themselves into "separationists" or "accommodationists," a general literalism of approach has blocked our seeing the historical roots of the First Amendment. Those who framed and passed the Amendment did not think like modern Americans, either those who wish for governmental support or those who would put a wall of separation between religion and government.

Read carefully, and seen in the context of writers like Jame Madison and the experience of the colonies, the Amendment actually declares that the government has no power in questions of religion. It declares itself incapable of judging religious questions. The founders did not want to support any religion as had been the case with governments of many stripes in the past. Neither did they wish to have a say on what religion was the best or what religion could do. Goernment simply had no competence in religious matters.

All religions, not just Roman Catholicism, will be affected by an understanding and acceptance of Curry's views. Freedom for Jehovah's Witnesses, Jews, Muslims--for all religions--is what the First Amendment guarantees for Amricans.

So THIS is why Franco was able to rule for 39 years! Payne has done a fantastic job of explaining how Primo de Rivera could come to power, fall, then nine years later Franco could become Spain's "Caudillo". Payne's detailed account makes one feel as though they have experienced what it was like in Spain from the beginning of Primo de Rivera's dictatorship to the restoration of democratic institutions in 1977. Overall, a good read.

I have not read this book yet, but I intend to buy it soon. I have to call attention to an error in the online book review -- Francisco Franco died Nov, 20, 1975, not in 1977. Spain's first free elctions in decades were held June 15, 1977.

An informative and very readable book. The reporting of environments and people is both vivid and frank. Highly recommended to anyone with an interest in this area.

Harding deserves praise for allowing Africans to do most of the talking in his essays looking at Africa's protracted civil conflicts. His book represents journalism at its finest and is a must read for anyone interested in contemporary African affairs.

This is a book of profound and timely importance Michael Gellert delineates the dilemma facing contemporary America at the turn of the new millenium with the insight of a scholar and the heart of a sage. His philosophic understanding of American character as played out in our national history is both unique and deeply engaging. In drawing out the fantasies, cults and motifs that have shaped our heroic sense of mission, our belief in unlimited possibilities and our quest for salvation in material wealth, he shows how we have drifted from the vision laid down by our founding fathers.

Particularly insightful is, in his first chapter, his treatment of the dichotomy between (in the spiritual and psychologial sense) authority and youth. He relates these two archetypes of the collective unconscious as bipolar and yet interdependent. The spirit of youth moves toward the spirit of
authority for guidance and completion and the spirit of authority moves toward the spirit of youth for rejuvenation and rebirth. Youth without authority stays forever young and becomes stagnant, authority without youth dries up and dies.

The early settlers embodied the spirit of authority (civilization, order and tradition), but the fierce wilderness of the continent encouraged the emergence of the primitive spirit of youth. The raw energies of this spirit were needed to transform the land and build the new nation. The consequence of this for the American character Mr. Gellert sees as a disposition toward barbarism, juxtaposed by a heritage of culture and spirituality-a schism between the spirits. What was lacking over much of our history and Puritanism, internationalism and isolationism, freethinking and religiosity, have characterized the American identity. First one pole of a pair is predominant, then the other. When one becomes extreme or exhausted it flips into the other, rather than evolve to a higher level.

Other chapters deal with the cult of motion and speed, the cult of celebrity, and the quest for "height" (transcendence through high achievements). Mr. Gellert's astute analysis of fanaticism and fundamentalism predates the events of "9/11," yet establishes a firm foundation for understanding the many forms "true belief" embodies. He shows how modern Christian evangelicals and followers of the New Age movement exemplify the dichotomy between authority and youth.

The serious reader of history and philosophy will find thought-provoking information and ideas in this eloquently written book by Michael Gellert.

Selwyn Mills, Ph.D.
Gestalt Psychotherapist, Author
Great Neck, NY

I found Michael Gellert's book a great comfort in the days following September 11. His view of the need to understand the impact of the heroic ideal on American history and culture could not be more timely. His ability to weave the social, the political, and the historical with the psychological, universal patterns of human behavior is truly impressive.
Steven J. Frank, Ph.D., Jungian Analyst, Director, Kieffer E. Frantz Clinic, C. G. Jung Institute of Los Angeles

From the Introductory Note by Jacques Delors, former president of the European Commission: "Dusan Sidjanski's particularly opportune analysis in the framework of European federalism casts a clear light on one of the deepest and most permanent mainsprings of European action.

However, if this analysis is not a unique source of my reflection, it is certainly quite clear that it is one of the most illuminating and enriching analysis for the future of Europe which will doubtless be both difficult and exciting.

I wish English-speaking readers of this new edition the pleasure of discovering the major work in European integration".

From the Foreword by Harold K. Jacobson, Professor of International Relations, University of Michigan: "The Federal Future of Europe is a marvellous addition to the English literature on the European Union.

Curiously, given the United States own proud history of federalism, Americans have particularly ignored the federalist position. The English version of The Federal Future of Europe fills a major gap in the literature. It will stand with Haas-s and Moravcsik's works as a seminal statement about Europe.

The Federal Future of Europe was written with insight, knowledge, and passion. Readers will be informed and moved. I strongly commend it to everyone interested in Europe and to those more broadly interested in contemporary international affairs".

This major study of the development of the European project, informed by a thorough knowledge of the Community and Union over the years and by deep understanding of the relevant literatures in political science and political economy is important for all who study the European Union or work with it as officials and business people.

Statement by Ernst B. Haas, Robson Research Professor Emeritus of Government, University of California, Berkeley Dusan Sidjanski's The Federal Future of Europe is remarkable for two reasons. It offers a comprehensive but eminently readable summary and analysis of the institutions of the European Union and of its main policies. This is no mean feat, considering the complexity and sweep of both. But in addition, the discussion is placed in the context of an unwavering commitment to federalism and to a federal future for Europe. Even if we do not agree with the desirability or certainty of that outcome, it is vital that this vision remain on everyone's agenda along with other possible

options, and that it be intelligently defended. Sidjanski succeeds brilliantly in so doing.

Dusan Sidjanski is founder and Professor Emeritus of the Department of Political Science, University of Geneva and Professor emeritus, European Institute. He has authored numerous publications, most recently, The ECE in the Age of Change (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, United Nations), 1999.

Professor Sidjanski's main publications include: Fédéralisme amphictyonique,

Lausanne, 1956; Dimensions européennes de la science politique, Paris, 1963; L'Europe des affaires (with Jean Meynaud), Paris 1967; "Pressure Groups and the European Economic Community", (C. Cosgrove and K. J. Twitchett, Ed), The New International Actors, New York and London, 1970; Les groupes de pressions dans la Communauté européenne, (J. Meynaud), Brussels, 1971; "The Left, the Right, the Establishment and the Swiss Electorate" with R. Inglehart, Party Identification and Beyond, (I. Budge, et al., ed.), London, 1976; The Role of executive heads in regional economic integration, with H. K. Jacobson, Geneva, 1978; De la démocratie européenne, Paris, 1979; "Regional Patterns of Economic Cooperation", with H. Jacobson, Comparative Regional Systems, (W. J. Feld & G. Boyd, ed.), New York, 1980; The Emerging International Economic Order, H.K. Jacobson & D. Sidjanski, ed., London & Beverly Hills, 1982; L'Europe du Sud dans la Communauté européenne, (with U.

Ayberk et al.), Paris, 1990; Union ou désunion de l'Europe?, Geneva, 1991 and The ECE in the Age of Change, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, United Nations, New York and Geneva, 1998.

The Federal Future of Europe describes the formation of the European Community and also its turning to a Union, particularly thoroughly. Professor Sidjanski convinces the reader that federalism is a solution to help lower nationalism in Europe.

I advise this book to all who are involved in the European Union and/or have developped an interest towards it as analysis of the European Community and the European Union. The book is illuminating and helpful for both students in science politics and for those working towards an improved Europe.

Thought provoking and clearily written. While primarily limited in scope to impeachment of federal judges (because more cases exist), the information on the origin of the impeachment provisions in the federal Constitution and the thinking behind the adoption of the provisions by the framers is relevant to issues of presidential impeachment. The reader will find that it is useful as a guide to following the current hearings of the House Judiciary Committee as the members refer to precedents and history.

Prof. Gerhardt includes excellent signposts for further research into the innumerable Constitutional questions raised. The work is a well-constructed combination of law text and book for the general reader with a scholarly turn of mind. Each section is prefaced by a brief statement of its objective of the sort found at the start of scholarly papers. The annotations and bibliography arewell done.

The last major treatments of impeachment were written by Raoul Berger and Charles Black a quarter century ago. Yet, in fact, quite a bit has happened since then: though no Presidents have been impeached (so far), cases involving federal judges in particular have made new law and raised new questions. Gerhardt's book goes into more depth than either Black or Berger, and provides an excellent guide to a wide range of issues. Gerhardt is more a Blackian than a Bergerian -- heavily influenced by structure and relationship, and prone to avoid judicial review of impeachment in most circumstances. An excellent book, and well-written.

When you read this, you can't help but wonder where all the great minds have gone. This assessment of basic human rights and freedoms should be required reading for all kids, and repeat reading for adults with any appreciation of history and/or politics. Its lessons and statements are universal, and should not be examined as simply a part of US history, but rather how the lessons may be applied elsewhere in parts of the world that are still stuck in the Dark Ages.

An essential book for every American both young or old, male or female, Democrat or Republican. A delightful discovery on the need of God and guns (or perhaps swords) in the United States and the intolerance of a government in charge of all but answerable to noone. An undeniably perfect fit for todays culture.

Discover your roots from the men that gave their lives for the signing of the Constitution; true heroes. Their resolve was unquestionable and the love for country without reproach.

They brought us so far. We've walked away. Read it and weep. BK

This book was wonderfully well-written and I am not just saying that because one of the authors, Jeff M. Elliot, is my Pol. Sci. professors!! In, response to the last review by "A Reader" - You need to get over yourself!! The use of "Persident" and "Republic" is NOT being used subversively - GET A LIFE!!! It was a wonderful look at Castro's Presidency!!!

I would like to inform the writers of this book that a "republic" according to the dictionary is a country where the "president" has been elected by voters, by the people, that is. There has not been a public vote in Cuba for 38 years. The people have not elected Fidel Castro as their president. He elected himself so I strongly suggest that you change the title of the book. You are maliciously and with felonious intent subverting the meaning of "republic" and "president" and I do resent calling Fidel what he is not.

I am fortunate enough to know some of the people who gave testimony here. This important book makes us face the experiences and effects of exile. Anyone who wants to understand Chile and its people should read this book. At the memorial to the disappeared and politically executed in Santiago's General Cementary, there is a stone with the message "Para que nunca mas," which orders us to never let such suffering happen again. As one of the contributors told me, we must know his experience so that we will not repeat this tragic part of Chile's history.

The book, "Flight from Chile: Voices of Exile" is a compelling account of life in exile told by the exiled themselves. The authors interviewed 33 Chileans who fled, or were forced, into exile following the military coup of 1973. The exiles came from many walks of Chilean life, including politically involved moderates and leftists, individuals active in social programs that were deemed "threatening" by the military regime, and even former members of the military and security forces. The exiles dispersed around the globe and the book does an excellent job of illustrating the difficulties they had adjusting to new and alien cultures whilst constantly thinking of home. Many of the exiles have since returned to Chile in what can only be considered a "bittersweet homecoming" and the book powerfully illustrates the changes that occurred in Chile and in the exiles themselves during the intervening years. The recent social unrest in Chile, resulting from the arrest of former dictator Pinochet in Britain, illuminates the volatile emotions still present in a country struggling to come to terms with the horrors of its past. In light of current events "Flight from Chile" is an even more powerful documentation of the human tragedy of political exile and its social consequences.

THIS IS AN ENGAGING AND EFFECTIVE WAY TO PRESENT THE ETHIOLOGY OF A DILEMA THAT HAS BEEN OUT OF FOCUS FOR ONE HUNDRED YEARS. THE EDITORS HAVE CHOSEN A VARIED SPECTRUM OF VIEWS, AND IT IS THROUGH THESE DIFFERENT LENSES THAT THE ISSUE SHOULD BE DISCUSSED.

If you need to read about Puerto Rico or are doing research, this should be your first stop. This book is the most comprehensive and well documented book ever written on the legal situation of Puerto Rico. Anybody who has anything to do with the island needs to read this book first.