A Great July Read...

The Declaration of Independence was the promise;

The Constitution was the fulfillment.

The Constitutional Convention took place in Philadelphia in 1787. Over the course of that summer, 55 men from 12 states worked to create the Constitution of the United States of America. (Rhode Island did not participate.) The rooms where they met were hot and stifling, secrecy was paramount, and they didn't always agree.

"When a broad table is to be made, and the edges of the planks do not fit, the artist takes a little from both, and makes a good joint. In like manner here both sides must part with some of their demands in order that they may join in some accommodating  proportion."                      --Benjamin Franklin

George Washington acted as President of the Convention and oversaw the process; Benjamin Franklin and James Madison were two of the delegates. Who were the rest? Plain, Honest Men. And Richard Beeman tells their story in this amazing account of the birth of our constitution. I loved this book. And I have great respect for all of these men. This is a moment in our country's history that should not be forgotten.

At the conclusion of the Convention, Benjamin Franklin was asked,

"What have you wrought?" He answered, "...a Republic, if you can keep it."

Other great July reads:

Happy Reading!

And Happy 4th of July!!