CAN'T NOTHING BRING ME DOWN by Ida Keeling with Anita Diggs

I don’t recall the last time I was so excited about reading a book and became puzzled mid-way and then felt let down. CAN’T NOTHING BRING ME DOWN-Chasing Myself In The Race Against Time by Ida Keeling with Anita Diggs was supposed to be the biography of the first woman in history to complete a 100 meter race.
Shortly after the midway point of this 198 page book it seemed to me the tone change. It seemed that the book transitioned from being a biography with historical tid-bits inserted to a History book with biographical information added. (I am wondering what was edited out.) Though I read this book in a half a day I struggled with the last 50 pages.
Despite my disappointment in the book I do think it is well worth the purchase and something many women, of all races, should read. From a historical perspective there is a lot to learn from Mrs. Keelings life and what it was like being a single mother. From a biographical perspective her life reminds me of the Langston Hughes poem: “Mother to Son”  (see below)in the poem the mother says: “Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.”
I suspect there are wounds that have yet to be healed in the heart of Ms. Ida Keeling and this is when history replaced words from the heart.                                  Written by Marsha L F Randolph

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

MOTHER TO SONBY LANGSTON HUGHESWell, son, I’ll tell you:Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.It’s had tacks in it,And splinters,And boards torn up,And places with no carpet on the floor—Bare.But all the timeI’se been a-climbin’ on,And reachin’ landin’s,And turnin’ corners,And sometimes goin’ in the darkWhere there ain’t been no light.So boy, don’t you turn back.Don’t you set down on the steps’Cause you finds it’s kinder hard.Don’t you fall now—For I’se still goin’, honey,I’se still climbin’,And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.
Langston Hughes, “Mother to Son” from Collected Poems. Copyright © 1994 by The Estate of Langston Hughes. 

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA CONSTITUTION

I decided to make my first book to review for 2017 THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. I have several pocket sized copies. I admit that this was the first time that I ever read the entire document. 

Based on the past ten years in America, and the most recent election cycle I believe every American should read: THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA with its’ AMENDMENTS at least once. Too many people think this is a democratic government but according to the Constitution it is a republic. Republic Definition- a political system in which the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who can elect people to represent them. -SCRIVENER WordNet Dictionary.

Article IV section 4
The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature can-not be convened) against domestic Violence

This document is not difficult to understand if you speak proper English, not street talk, I would suggest it be read at least twice (this is the same advice I give for those who have never read the Bible).

There are some who are calling for revisions of this important document and only an informed individual can understand why this is a foolish idea. Many young people do not fully appreciate the wisdom found on these pages. And status quo  politicians take advantage of the ignorance of the general population by disregarding  the words written within.

For example: the Constitution does not say anything about ‘separation of church and state. The first Amendment declares that the government cannot pass laws about religion. Regardless of your faith you have the freedom to vote for who you please BUT the government cannot tell you how to vote because of your faith.

Amendment I.
 Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

I read the entire document in one day. Though it was read over the course of four hours I was frequently interrupted thus I am sure it could be less than that. Free pocket Constitutions are thin enough to actually fit in your jean pocket get one today.

FREE CONSTITUTIONS available at Hillsdale college as well as a FREE COURSE on the subject..

FREE DOWNLOADABLE PDF FILE