John and Elizabeth Edwards: Scholars and Biographers

Senator John Edwards wrote a nice little piece for a new online journal of the American Constitutional Society as a send-off for a journal, Harvard Law and Policy Review.

Citation: John Edwards, Constitutional Values Beyond the Courts, 1 HARV. L. & POL'Y REV. (Online) (Sept. 18, 2006), http://www.hlpronline.com/2006/07/edwards_01.html

Here's a snippet:

Throughout our nation’s history, Americans have looked to the courts to guarantee the rights and freedoms embodied in the Constitution. They have sought protection from abuses of government power, enforcement of equality, and restraint of corporate power.

Last July, on the eve of the nomination hearings for Chief Justice John Roberts, I spoke to the American Constitution Society about the historical role of the courts in securing the rights of all Americans. One year and two Supreme Court appointments later, it is clear that the courts can only go so far in ensuring that every American has the same opportunity to lead a fulfilling life.

We are in the midst of a right wing movement to stifle the ability of ordinary people to obtain justice through the courts. This movement advances what I call “protect the powerful” jurisprudence, because that is what it is designed to do: maximize the constitutional protection for corporations and property rights, minimize the constitutional commitment to equality, and restrict the power of the federal government to solve the country’s problems.

LINK

Meantime, Elizabeth is busy with a book tour for promoting her new autobiography, Saving Graces. Mbair at the OAC has posted a preliminary report from an event at Barnes & Noble last night. Elizabeth was also featured in a Washington Post column today. (photo credit: Susan Biddle/WP) One thing I didn't know mentioned in the article, "Now happily describing herself as "cancer-free," Edwards recently accepted the Congressional Families Leadership Award at the 14th annual Action for Cancer Awareness Awards luncheon, held on the Hill last week." Kewl!

The Thirtysomething blog mentions seeing Elizabeth on TV. Wasn't sure which show, but the part of the book about Elizabeth's worst day resonated with the blogger. The title of the post is Comfort. I'm certain Elizabeth would appreciate knowing she has written something that can help others, especially the death of a child.

Tags: John Edwards, Elizabeth Edwards, Saving Graces, Harvard Law and Policy Review, American Constitution Society, Benny's World