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The Amendment that Refused to Die

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Now in an updated and revised edition, Howard Meyer's The Amendment That Refused To Die: Equality And Justice Deferred is the fascinating and documented history of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. The 14th Amendment guarantees equality and freedom for U.S. citizens, and Meyer traces the amendment's origins in the aftermath of the Civile war; its near repudiation; violent reactions against it; and its revival in the 20th century. Very highly recommended for American political science students and Constitutional studies reading lists, The Amendment That Refused To Die surveys current attacks against the amendment in ways that threaten 14th Amendment based affirmative action, desegregation, voting rights, abortion rights, gay rights, and protection from oppressive measures of the State legislation.

My history classes glossed over the 14th Amendment. I remember them talking about the 13th and 15th Amendment, but the 14th was neglected. This is unfortunate, as it is the crown jewel of our Constitution. It had the potential--and the intent--to revolutionize America, making us a truly egalitarian society that took seriously the words of our Declaration of Independence: "All men are created equal."

Unfortanately, as this book well documents, it has been stolen from us and most often used, not to protect the powerless from the powerful, but to protect the powerful who don't need protection. The Supreme Court, including The Five who now control the Court, has been a major force in twisting and mutilating this amendment to make the corporate elites more powerful.

This great book provides a tool to educate people about how America has lost its way, and how to get back on track.

I must confess I have not read through the entirety of The Ammendment that Refused To Die, but I think recent events have made crystal clear to all the importance of the supreme court and its evolving use (and misuse) of the fourteenth ammendment. This book was nominated for a pulitzer prize when it was first published and it has been updated to preserve its relevence.