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metchap's review against another edition
3.0
More of a comedy rather than a real political discussion. No doubt the history is well researched but the conclusions are for laughs not for thought.
sehixson's review against another edition
1.0
First, the good: The idea behind this book, that the Constitution needs revisiting is one with merit. As Bleyer points out, many of the Founders (notably Jefferson) thought it should be done with regularity (and throughout US history, people such as Lysander Spooner have pointed out the wisdom of that idea). Bleyer also includes lots of great anecdotes - many about the Founders that aren't usually known outside history-geek circles as well as some about living people that are highly entertaining. I personally loved his lunch with Justice Scalia - wish I could do the same! Also, in the beginning of the book, Bleyer is remarkably even handed politically - something quite rare these days!
However, as the book goes on, Bleyer's politics become increasingly apparent - by the amendments, there is no longer any attempt at even-handedness. Throughout the book, what is constant is an "I'm better and smarter than you" attitude that is exactly why I can't stand many contemporary comedians and pundits. By the end of the first chapter, I as a reader felt alienated by the author's attitude - and though the ego was presented as a source of humor, it wasn't amusing and by the end of the book, felt increasingly less satiric.
However, as the book goes on, Bleyer's politics become increasingly apparent - by the amendments, there is no longer any attempt at even-handedness. Throughout the book, what is constant is an "I'm better and smarter than you" attitude that is exactly why I can't stand many contemporary comedians and pundits. By the end of the first chapter, I as a reader felt alienated by the author's attitude - and though the ego was presented as a source of humor, it wasn't amusing and by the end of the book, felt increasingly less satiric.
vadersvalkyrie's review against another edition
4.0
Very funny and full of interesting history. I only wish Bleyer had included, in one place, the final text of his Constitution.
bookwormmichelle's review against another edition
3.0
I realize this was mostly intended to be humorous. And it was funny in spots. But not quite enough spots to have made the entire enterprise worth the time. :-(
dickh's review against another edition
4.0
I actually took a book out of the library last Saturday on the constitution, a subject I had long thought about but never pursued. So then I received Me the People in the mail. As a result, I started with the, shall I say, more entertaining version of the constitution. Nicholas Cage was mocked three times in the first 90 pages so I was hooked.
Okay, finished the book. Very entertaining, his lunch with Justice Scalia is to die for. Thoroughly enjoyable and he definitely wrote a better constitution for the 21st century.
Okay, finished the book. Very entertaining, his lunch with Justice Scalia is to die for. Thoroughly enjoyable and he definitely wrote a better constitution for the 21st century.