Dean Ackerman Thomson's Books

Ring Papa Ring!

The Story of an American Family

By: Dean Ackerman Thomson

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Ring Papa Ring!

The Story of an American Family

By: Dean Ackerman Thomson

This book tells the story of one American family. Several family trees came together in two people, Blanche Klinefelter and Herbert Thomsonour grandparents. As writers, we are two grandsons who have corroborated to tell this story. Like weaving a tapestry, we have tried to interpret the story of our particular family in the context of unfolding European and American history. This is a book about our family and its stories. We write about eras long, long ago as well as times closer to the present day. As two cousins, we have two points-of-view about these times and places. As the French would have it, Vive la diffrence. It is easy to confuse family traditions with history. History is the enemy of memory. The two stalk each other across the fields of the past, claiming the same terrain. Remembered family stories trail off into forgotten places. Each in his own way, we are historians. We have benefited from each others approaches. Historians follow cautiously checking records. Memory can be misleading. But stories always have some basis in the past. The heart of our book is where the recollected stories and history meet.

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Page Count

196

Publisher

iUniverse

Published Date

ISBN 10

1475987390

ISBN 13

9781475987393

The Constitution of New Zealand

A Contextual Analysis

By: Matthew SR Palmer,Dean R Knight

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The Constitution of New Zealand

A Contextual Analysis

By: Matthew SR Palmer,Dean R Knight

This book examines New Zealand's constitution, through the lens of constitutional realism. It looks at the practices, habits, conventions and norms of constitutional life. It focuses on the structures, processes and culture that govern the exercise of public power – a perspective that is necessary to explore and account for a lived, rather than textual, constitution. New Zealand's constitution is unique. One of three remaining unwritten democratic constitutions in the world, it is characterised by a charming set of anachronistic contrasts. “Unwritten”, but much found in various written sources. Built on a network of Westminster constitutional conventions but generously tailored to local conditions. Proudly independent, yet perhaps a purer Westminster model than its British parent. Flexible and vulnerable, while oddly enduring. It looks to the centralised authority that comes with a strong executive, strict parliamentary sovereignty, and a unitary state. However, its populace insists on egalitarian values and representative democracy, with elections fiercely conducted nowadays under a system of proportional representation. The interests of indigenous Maori are protected largely through democratic majority rule. A reputation for upholding the rule of law, yet few institutional safeguards to ensure compliance.

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