The word democracy is derived from the Greek dēmokratiā, meaning dēmos (people) and kratos (rule). The people rule. If you know that, it is accurate to say that democracy in America is in a coma, if not brain dead. It has been suffering from many years of abuse and neglect. Says the cynic, there is little hope for recovery.

The United States of America was a promise made to all the peoples of the world that there was a place where the greatest ideals of man could be realized; it was always slightly over the horizon, just beyond reach, a dream more than a reality, but a place worth striving to find.

Sorry. Better luck next time.

That’s it. Here I am, still sitting in front of my laptop. I got it all down so no one will forget how it happened there. The rest, of course, is up to you.*

Acknowledgments

I would like to express my appreciation and my admiration for Thomas Dunne, formerly the greatly esteemed proprietor of Thomas Dunne Books. This book was born in his mind and he was kind enough to involve me and has been incredibly supportive throughout the entire process. He handed the actual editing off to Steve Powers, to whom I remain indebted for his enthusiasm, his support, his skill, and his good nature. I also am greatly appreciative of the work done by Steve’s assistant, Lisa Bonvissuto, who was always there with a smile in her voice and properly encouraging words. I also greatly appreciate the work of my editor Sarah Grill, who came into the action late in the game, picked up the pieces skillfully and gracefully, and brought it to the finish line.

Matthew Glenn and Jerry Stern (with whom I have been friends since he moved into my neighborhood in fourth grade) read various versions of this story and offered advice and storage space!

Everything I do is possible because of the love and support of my beautiful wife, Laura. (Anybody looking for the best personal trainer and yoga instructor in the country, she’s it!) But more importantly, to me, she has been my greatest cheerleader and most astute coach throughout all the books we’ve done together. How lucky I have been to find her and for her to marry me. Rollie should have been so lucky!

I also appreciate the work of our sons, Taylor Jesse and Beau Charles Stevens, as well as our polite Chihuahua, Willow Bay, for creating a home in which I could happily type-away!

Finally, it was Brian McClane, to whom this book is dedicated, who educated me about the daily struggles of the physically handicapped. I am reminded of some of the courageous people I have known in my travels, who have a different and harder path through life. Among them was Kyle Pablo, a fellow Yankee fan, who remains in my heart. In this new world we hopefully are creating it is my hope that we not only are including the accommodations they require, but that we are welcoming them to complete participation. Disabilities separate us; admittedly at times I wasn’t sure how to form a friendship with a man or woman with a disability. And then I learned it begins with “hello.”