I then raced to the Independent Publisher's IPPY Book Awards at the Providence NYC some 11 blocks away. I must have looked like a regular New Yorker because people were moving out of my way as I hustled up the busy streets of Manhattan. I made it just in time to accept my IPPY Award and to meet my kids there! We had a great time and I enjoyed the event immensely! No matter how hard I try to keep things in perspective, I still seem to be pushed by events into believing that I am an actual author. Oh well, it was great fun. Attached see the two medallions I was awarded last night. Back into the city today and tonight. Have a great Thursday!
Had a great time last night at two award ceremonies in New York! The first ceremony was hosted by the Independent Book Publishers Professionals Group where they recognized their Next Generation Indie Book Award Winners. Although it was a tightly packed crowd at the Harvard Club of NYC, the event was very nice. There were presentations and comments by members of the Jury Panels, who made it clear that to win in the Non-Fiction categories was extremely tough, as virtually all nominees were outstanding. It made me feel a but odd being amongst recognized authors that have received many awards in the past. As I was waiting in line for my "photo-op" with the presenters, a well-known author (not telling who) commented that he was amazed to hear that one of the authors was being recognized for his very first book! I could only muster a response of "Wow, that must be so special!" Well, it kinda is, but I was not going to admit I was that guy!
I then raced to the Independent Publisher's IPPY Book Awards at the Providence NYC some 11 blocks away. I must have looked like a regular New Yorker because people were moving out of my way as I hustled up the busy streets of Manhattan. I made it just in time to accept my IPPY Award and to meet my kids there! We had a great time and I enjoyed the event immensely! No matter how hard I try to keep things in perspective, I still seem to be pushed by events into believing that I am an actual author. Oh well, it was great fun. Attached see the two medallions I was awarded last night. Back into the city today and tonight. Have a great Thursday! Currently in New York City preparing for tonight's National Book Award Celebrations hosted first by the Independent Book Publishers Group ("IBPPG") presenting their Next Generation Indie Book Awards at the Harvard Club of NYC. Then I am off to the Independent Publishers' IPPY Book Awards at the Providence NYC. It should be a fun and interesting evening as both events kick off this year's BookExpo America, the largest literary convention in the World. I will certainly check back in tomorrow with details on the evening's events. Until then, be well. Word has just been received that "How Our Government Really Works, Despite What They Say" has been awarded a 2012 Next Generation Indie Award ("Finalist") in the Education/Academic Category! Next Generation Indie Book Award is presented by the Independent Book Publishers Group ("IBPPG") and is considered one of the most prestigious awards available to small or university presses. It is certainly an honor to win an Indie "Finalist" Book Award. According to the IBPPG website, "The Next Generation Indie Book Awards ("Indie Book Awards") is the most exciting and rewarding book awards program open to independent publishers and authors worldwide. The Indie Book Awards program was established by the Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group to recognize and honor the best independently published books of the year in 60 categories. The judges of the Next Generation Indie Book Awards are all actively involved in the indie book publishing industry, and range from literary agents to editors. The judges also include publishing executives, book reviewers, writing teachers, successful published authors, and experts in the various areas of judging including book design." Thank you IBPPG! Independent Publishers National Silver Book Award ("IPPY") As mentioned earlier, I was honored to have my book, "How Our Government Really Works, Despite What They Say" nominated by my publisher, Bardolf & Co. to be considered by an independent jury for a 17th Annual Independent Publishers National Book Award (also known as an "IPPY"). According to the Independent Publisher's website, the National Book Award "The "IPPY" Awards, launched in 1996, are designed to bring increased recognition to the deserving but often unsung titles published by independent authors and publishers." "(This year's) medalists represented 44 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia, seven Canadian provinces, and ten countries overseas." So it came as a great surprise to learn late last Tuesday night that I have been awarded a 2013 Independent Publishers National Silver Book Award ("IPPY") in the category of "Politics, Economics, Law and Media!" According to the group, “One element driving the high rate of excellence is participation from university presses. This year, 29 medalists came from university presses and 9 came from museums. Their elevated level of writing, editing, design and production raises the bar and inspires us all.” An official national Press release is planned by the Independent Publishers Group for Tuesday, May 7 (which makes it a nice 63rd Anniversary gift for my parents!). Among the winners are books published by the following institutions: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Whitney Museum of Art, The University of Arizona Press, The University of Nevada Pres, The University Press of New England, The Kent State University Press, The University of Nebraska Press, Excelsior College Press, The Indiana University Press (GO HOOSIERS!), Stanford University Press, The Princeton University Press, The MIT Press, The University of North Carolina Press, The SUNY Press, The Wayne State University Press, The West Virginia University Press, The University of New Mexico Press, The University of Alberta Press, The University of Louisiana at Lafayette Press, and the Michigan State University Press. Sounds like great company right!? I am extremely honored to have my first book receive such a prestigious award and to be included with such notable honorees. I will be attending the Awards Ceremony in New York City on May 29th! Hopefully this award will help to get the word out that as Americans, we already have the power to change our leadership in Washington and to ensure the future of the United States is based upon the interests of every citizen, instead of influential interest groups. All I keep saying over and over is "Baruch Hashem!" I have been truly blessed for everything I have been given, including my new, shiny 2013 National Independent Publishers Silver IPPY Book Award! A heartfelt thanks to Chris Angermann, my tried and true advocate, editor and friend along with my wife Shellie Fay, who both pushed me hard to make this happen! Independent Publishers National "IPPY" Awards It is a pleasure to announce that "How Our Government Really Works, Despite What They Say" has been nominated for the 2013 Independent Publishers National "IPPY" Book Award. My book was nominated for a National Award under the Category of Current Events, I (Politics, Economics, Law and Media). Over 5,000 books have been nominated for the 17th Annual Awards, including books published by over 80 University and Museum Presses. Stay tuned for more information from the Independent Publishers National Book Awards! Mondays are usually a fresh start for my week, but today everything seemed to drag on and a sense of fatigue began to set in. I guess being part of the day long and fabulous Venice Book Fair and Writers Festival may have taken the "wind out of my sails" a bit. As I was checking my faculty mail, I found a letter from a local gentleman that helped restore my tired self. Although I have received similar comments from folks, this was the first to be sent via "snail mail" and these days, that takes some effort. I greatly appreciate this letter from Bob as it reads... "4-6-13 Re: Your Book, thank you. A few days ago I read your book on how government was designed and intended to work for active U.S. citizens. The book was on loan to me from the Jacaranda Library (the book is available at all Sarasota County Library Branches). It was both clear and fascinating, especially the chapter on the "media". We need to wake up and resist being manipulated by all kinds of sources, ie the media, the special interest groups, politicians. We are short on enlightenment and we are long on ignorant. Bob" Bob also left me his address and phone number. Thank you Bob! I hope others get re-engaged in our democratic-republic. I have been invited to attend a political function tomorrow night, so no postings again until Wednesday. Check out other pages on this website for added photos from my January 24, 2013 visit with the Florida Supreme Court. As always, thank you for all of your loyal support! Have a great Monday Evening! During a recent interview with the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, I was asked what it has been like to now be known locally as an author. On the surface, the question seemed innocuous, but I found it a bit more "deep" than an easy response of "Great!" By speaking to different groups (and being sought by even more), I have been struck with the reality that writing my book has not only opened doors for me as a political commentator, but also for those that have read the book and been energized by its message. Let me explain further. Tomorrow I will be appearing at the Venice Book Fair and Writers Festival at the Venice Theater with State Senator Nancy Detert. The objective of the event is to discuss the current state of politics on both the State and Federal level. As you can guess, I have a bunch of things I can talk about relating to government and politics, but what is happening is consistent with what has been happening since last August - citizens writing me with their questions seeking answers or clarifications. Half way through the Q & A portion of my Venice Literacy presentation in January, it dawned on me that folks really do seek answers to questions they are finally beginning to ask as it relates to our government, the Constitution, political parties, media and interest groups. To top it off, their varied questions were excellent! Now I am receiving e-mails from locals filled with questions they plan on asking me tomorrow during my morning presentation. And the questions they are asking? All top shelf! So perhaps not all is lost. I know not everyone agrees with my political opinions. I know many have their own perceptions of American History. But I also know from this website that over 4,000 readers are checking in to see what I have to say. Does my ego lead me to believe I am some great oracle of wisdom. No! But I do appreciate that there are many, many folks now more interested in learning about our government, understanding our current state of politics, and concerned that our leaders may be far too interested by the lure of enormous sums of campaign cash and lucrative post public service revolving door lobbying jobs. I am encouraged that there is hope that the folks I consider the "Silent Majority" is preparing to be silent no more! Have a great weekend and check out the website for the Venice Book Fair and Writers Festival at http://www.venicebookfair.com. If you caught yesterday's posting, you will recall I slammed Conservative syndicated journalist Kathleen Parker's inane excuses that military women should not be allowed to be in combat due to differences in "biological and human conditions." After more thought, it occurred to me that Parker writes for The Washington Post, a sure fire member of the "Liberal Lame Stream Media" according to Right Wing pundits on Fox News. But Parker is a Conservative. So how could it be possible that The Washington Post is "Liberal?" Consider further that another conservative pundit by the name of Michael Gerson also writes a syndicated column through the Post. How "Liberal" and "Lame" can the Post be if conservatives write for them and are syndicated through their Writers Group? Perhaps the claims of the Right Wing pundits on Fox are wrong? Could it be possible? Think I am wrong? Take a look at Mr. Gerson's most recent article entitled "Obama's Immigration Test." According to Gerson, "behind the fragile consensus (bi-partisan immigration proposals) is a remarkable, yearlong effort by Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fl, to move the GOP...." Remarkable? Really? He goes on to write "Rubio has been willing to risk his tea party credibility in making the conservative case for reform." You're kidding right? And what does Mr. Gerson write about President Obama and his statements regarding the need for immigration reform? "To him (Obama) objectivity requires the recognition that reality has only one side, which the president fully occupies." Get my drift? Gerson is another conservative pundit who writes for The Washington Post. How many more conservatives do I have to list that write for the Post to prove the Rush Limbaughs and Sarah Palins occupying the Right Wing Media Machine are dead wrong in claiming the Media is "Liberal." But the narratives continue. How many Liberals write for Bretibart? Newsmaxx? Work for Rush Limbaugh? Isn't it about time Americans begin to reject the notion that no one other than the Right Wing Media can be honest or "Fair and Balanced?" I know folks will question why I am taking this tact and not attacking any Liberal writers. Could it be that I don't bother to read syndicated articles penned by "Liberal" writers? I already know Krugman's arguments, so why bother reading his work? Same goes for any other known Liberal writer. But I do pay attention to Conservative writers because I often can't begin to figure out why ideology guides their opinions instead of common sense applied to known facts! I know it seems a bit strange, but I seek out Conservative writers to check their claims against my opinions. In the event I agree with them, then I will readily admit the fact. But more often than not, I wind up shaking my head in wonder over their attempts to influence and manipulate the public with their ideologically based narratives. Perhaps we should all agree that lately, all Media is Lame, but it certainly is not all Liberal. As an aside, many thanks to the Venice Sertoma Club for honoring me with their January, 2013 Educator of the Month Award. It was a pleasure addressing them at their luncheon today! Based upon recent bills proposed by some Republicans in Congress and State legislatures, you would think some have wrapped themselves so tightly in the flag they have cut off circulation to their brains! But it is not just bozos in Congress and Statehouses with this affliction, it seems to be pervasive in our society! At one of my recent public forums, I had someone stand up and ask where President Obama had the authority to extend the Debt Ceiling if Congress refused to do so. After explaining that many Constitutional scholars have pondered the Executive's authority under Article II and the 14th Amendment to unilaterally authorize the payment of legitimate debts incurred by Congress, I made it clear such a move should be avoided as it would inevitably lead to a Constitutional crisis. The gentleman followed up asking why the Supreme Court wouldn't get involved. When I explained that the Court has traditionally sought to engage in "Justiciable" disputes rather than in "political" ones, the questioner asked if I really understood his question! Really? You see, his assertion was that Obama has continually acted in violation of the Constitution and the Court is bound to declare his actions unlawful! After explaining the difference between a "Justiciable" dispute from a "Political" one, he continued to claim the dispute would be a legitimate one for the Court and that regardless, Obama should be impeached for his wrongful actions. And then the trap door opened! Without trying to embarrass him too much, I asked him which branch of government would have the power to impeach Obama. He hemmed and hawed until someone said the House of Representatives. I then asked him which branch would conduct an impeachment trial and he correctly replied the Senate. My follow-up was simple. If the GOP controlled House impeached Obama, what would possibly make him think the Democratically controlled Senate would convict him? When he showed he understood by shaking his head and blushing, everyone realized such a move could only be perceived as being "Political" in nature (hence the reluctance for the Court to be involved)! And so it goes when Republican representatives continue to clamor against Obama based upon political fictions. Are they arguing something based upon fact or simply perpetuating illogical rhetoric designed to simply inflame the emotions of their political base? Clearly the current proposals from GOP leaders indicate the later. Perhaps when it comes time to re-brand the GOP, its leadership will learn that America's parade is passing them by. And if the GOP and its supporters continue on its current path, perhaps it will soon realize America has begun turning out the lights on their party. Farewell Address (1796) Presenting to the Venice Literacy Council was a tremendous opportunity to point out the real dangers facing our Democracy and what can be done to protect our liberties. You see, I firmly believe that the crisis facing our Country is not related to the economy and the deficit, but directly linked to the failure of our citizens to take the time to study, learn and appreciate our collective American History and the Constitution! Knowing my audience would immediately challenge my ideological foundations instead of listening to what I had to say, I opted to frame my remarks around those given by George Washington in his 1796 Farewell Address. By doing so, I figured I would not only capture my audience's attention, but I would also discount any negative feelings they would have about my "politics." Sure enough, it worked! Washington, in his address warned us all that the biggest threats to our system of government were the negative influences of factions, including but not limited to political parties, interest groups and their supporting media. He went on to state that the only "check" on "false patriot" purveyors of negative influences was an active electorate, fully informed of the truth and armed with the power of public opinion. He also mentioned the need to remain diligent in this effort, as it can become far too easy to become complacent and susceptible to corrupting outside "influences." Although Washington included a mention that the only way for society to change our government was the Constitutional method of amendments, I consciously avoided getting into a Second Amendment argument ('gotta know your audience right?)! By framing my presentation around Washington, I was able to make the cogent argument that it is our collective responsibility to stay informed and involved to keep those in power in "check" and to use the ballot box to keep them from wandering astray from our best interests (after all, elections already give us the ability to impose Term Limits on our elected officials)! After my presentation, members of the audience were given the opportunity to ask questions, and ask they did! I fielded questions pertaining to elections, Citizens United, the fiscal cliff, the deficit, presidential executive actions, and our current education system! If I was not totally pumped during the presentation, I certainly was after fielding such great questions from the audience! So my mission has become clear. I am officially on my way to convince Americans that we have a civic duty to learn our history and Constitution, and to use that knowledge to empower the Electorate so that it is less susceptible to political manipulation by political parties, interest groups and their ideologically supporting for-profit media. From the responses received since the presentation, I am convinced Americans long for the opportunity to exercise this power! Perhaps we should issue a new declaration? A Declaration of Independence from political parties, interest groups and their manipulative media? Americans are finally waking up! |
AuthorDaniel R. Rubin is an Attorney, Key Note Presenter, Lecturer and Award Winning Author. He is a retired Adjunct Professor of American History who also taught Advanced Placement United States Government and American Politics in Venice, Florida. @2023 Daniel R. Rubin Copyright. All Rights reserved. Categories
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