by James Glaser
June 18, 2002

Believe it or not, there was thought given to how this web site was set up. Ken Holder did a fine job and I really like the austere and functional layout. The section toward the bottom of the page that reads "Sites I Visit" tells you the reader some of the sites that I find most interesting.

I chose the Constitution of the United States as the first one because I wanted those that read this site to be able to click on and read our Constitution. That is what would happen until May 31 2002. The site you were clicking on was run by the National Archives. Now when you click on, the page is white with a little line that says "As of May 31 2002 www nara.gov became www. Archives.gov wait 10 seconds or click now to visit www.archives.gov

Well instead of the Constitution popping up with the Bill of Rights after, now there is a page with pictures and advertisements "support the National Archives" I thought that Tax dollars went there, but alas not enough. Their motto is "Ready Access To Essential Evidence"

I will agree that our Constitution is essential for us to be able to see in these times of war and terrorism. What the National Archives has given up is Ready Access.

You want to read the Constitution? Here is how you can do it now. On that first page find and click on "Exhibit Hall" new page, find and click on "The Charters of Freedom" new page, scroll down to "the Constitution" and click new page, Scroll down to " you can read a transcription of the complete text of the Constitution" click new page, and there you are.

Ready Access to America's most important document. I don't think so, but this is a real fine example of what our government can do to an essential archive. Adding color and pictures really does nothing for the researcher looking for information, but it does add to the government work force or just maybe somebody got a really big contract for recreating this web site.

Am I cynical or what? Do any of you really think that the American government would spend our tax dollars changing something and then make it harder for us to use? Could that lead to having to hire some one else to change it again and again until it was kind of like it was at the start? No way!

Well now that the National Archives has made access more like the game "MYST," maybe more kids will join in the search for Essential Evidence. And hey, now that you know the code to finding the Constitution, how about checking out just one part. Article ll Section 1-4. This will be the Article that covers the duties and powers of the President. I would like you to read the whole Constitution, but if you just have the time to read this Article on the executive branch, you will be able to see in the future when George Bush is over stepping his authority. Then you too can say "There He Goes Again"

Post Script: Ken and I will work on getting the Constitution only one click away for you.