Media Advisory

 CONTACT:  Bruce Novark: 239/642-6777

 WHAT:   "America:  How and Why We Got Here."  When elected officials take national office they swear to preserve, protect and defend the U.S. Constitution.  Americans often take for granted that their representatives abide by this oath of office.  But do they?  How can you tell? What are the consequences of not adhering to the intent of the Constitution? 

Here's an opportunity for concerned citizens to learn the facts about our most important founding document.

Marco Islander and constitutional scholar Michael Sanchez will conduct a free, four-part program open to the public that examines the roots of the U.S. Constitution, its creation and interpretation, and explores its place in today's American society.  Each session will include a presentation followed by a question-and-answer session and discussion.

WHERE:  Marco Island Public Library, Rose Room, 210 S. Heathwood Dr.; 239/394-3272.

WHO:  Marco Island resident Mike Sanchez holds a bachelor's degree in history from Florida International University, Miami, and is working toward a master's degree in history at Florida Gulf Coast University, Ft. Myers. He plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Constitutional History.

WHEN:  Each of the four evening sessions will be repeated later in the month in the morning so that the program is available to as many members of the public as possible.  The schedule is as follows:

            Part 1: Significance of the Constitution and Events that Led to its Creation

                        Wed., July 7, 5:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.

                        Tues., July 20, 10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

            Part 2: Structure of the Constitution

                        Wed., Aug. 4, 5: 30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.

                        Tues., Aug. 24, 10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

            Part 3:  Interpreting the Constitution

                        Tues., Sept. 14, 5: 30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.

                        Wed., Sept. 22, 10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

            Part 4: Government Today and Why the Constitution is Still Important

                        Tues., Oct. 12, 5:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.

                        Wed., Oct. 27, 10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

 NOTE:  "America: How and Why We Got Here" is sponsored by GOOOH (pronounced "go"), a nationwide, non-partisan, grassroots effort to return the U.S. House of Representatives to the control of citizen-legislators as envisioned by the founders of the Republic. GOOOH plans to do this by identifying and supporting intelligent, accomplished and principled candidates to run for office without financial support from political parties or special interests, and who commit to abide by the U.S. Constitution and agree to term limits.