New Opportunities

As a result of my recent accident and neck fracture, I spent two weeks recovering at the Roseville Care Center, located at 1161 Cirby Way, just west of Sunrise Avenue in Roseville. From the room where I received occupational and physical therapy, I could see the office where, for more than a decade, I had helped parents care for their children’s health needs.

I shared a room with another man about my age—one of the most delightful roommates I’ve ever had. As often happens, several of our conversations turned to the ideas in my book A More Perfect Democracy. During our stay, he read the book and suggested that I consider giving a presentation at the Sacramento Renaissance Society at Sacramento State University.

Once I returned home and regained access to my computer, I looked into opportunities for volunteer instructors. The Renaissance Society offers an impressive range of subjects—everything from creative writing and art to history and current affairs—taught by members who wish to share their knowledge or lead discussions. Programs are held both on campus and off-site, with options for Zoom participation as well.

I obtained a copy of the Society’s Fall bulletin, a valuable resource listing who is teaching what, where, and when during the current semester. After contacting the appropriate coordinators, I applied to lead a presentation and discussion group titled A More Perfect Democracy: How We Got Here and Where We’re Going.

The course will trace a brief history of the events that led the American colonies into the French and Indian War and later the War of Independence, followed by the ten-year Confederation period and the creation of the 1787 Constitution that established our Federal Republic.

We’ll then explore how that Constitution has been misused—beginning within a year of its ratification—and examine the ongoing struggle for dominance among the three branches of government. The class will consider how the resulting legislative, executive, and judicial abuses have evolved into what could fairly be called a 21st-century epidemic.

The course is tentatively scheduled for Friday afternoons at 1 p.m., from February through May. The building and room location will be announced once confirmed.

I also plan to make myself available to speak at other colleges, universities, and organizations.

After 240 years under the current Constitution, it’s time to reflect on what we’ve learned—and to use those lessons to create a more perfect democracy and a modernized Constitution.

~ Ray Blain