Amendments to the Constitution

Last night my wife, Anne, and I poured ourselves some chardonnay, sliced up some bagels and brie, lit a pair of jasmine-scented candles and settled back in our loveseat for a nice romantic evening watching Amendments to the Constitution. Okay, I'm lying like a Bill Clinton deposition. To tell the truth, the opening volume of Amendments to the Constitution was the last video on the review pile, and when I could put if off no longer, I put on a hairshirt, propped my eyelids open with toothpicks, and sat on a bed of nails in order to focus my concentration. In the first tape in the 20-video Amendments to the Constitution series, viewers will discover the genesis, subsequent history, and importance of the First Amendment, which is also the cornerstone of the Bill of Rights. Specifically, the First Amendment prohibits government from interfering in the areas of speech, religion, press, and lawful assemblies. Dry stuff? Not at all. Combining good interview clips (with, among others, the ACLU's Nadine Strossen), solid re-enactment footage from the colonial period, and cogent commentary on relevant court cases--all presented in a hip style--the program takes a potentially deadly dull topic and not only makes it interesting and informative, but reminds young viewers that each generation must re-examine these important issues. Kudos to producers Rhonda Fabian and Jerry Baber, two of the best creators of quality audio-visual curriculum materials working today. Wonderfully bite-sized for classroom use, this series is highly recommended. Aud: J, H, P. (R. Pitman)