'The most difficult subjects can be explained to the most slow-witted man if he has not formed any idea of them already; but the simplest thing cannot be made clear to the most intelligent man if he is firmly persuaded that he knows already, without a shadow of doubt, what is laid before him.'

LEO TOLSTOY, 1897

Constitutional scholar David Gray Adler isn't expected to invoke words of wisdom from the great Russian writer Leo Tolstoy when Adler heads a town hall-style meeting this Friday evening at the Coeur d'Alene Public Library.

But we think the Tolstoy quote above could go a long way in ensuring better understanding of the document that continues to guide our great nation today.

For more than a quarter century, Adler, now director of the James A. and Louise McClure Center for Public Policy Research at the University of Idaho, has lectured internationally and published numerous articles and books on the subjects of the U.S. Constitution and the American presidency. He is as engaging as he is well-informed, a constitutional expert likely without equal in Idaho.

During the event Friday, which starts promptly at 6:30, Adler will help clear some partisanship-induced constitutional fog blurring issues like the role of American citizens and the responsibilities of the media. Here's what he says:

"The issue of governmental accountability is nothing new to the citizenry. But recent events - security fears in the wake of 9/11, three wars, rising deficits, a high and prolonged jobless rate, and a sluggish economy - have spiked Americans' frustration, resentment and anger towards Washington. My presentation will offer an historical overview of some underlying issues that have absorbed the energies of concerned citizens, focusing on constitutional issues and theories of representation conducive to governance."

As a co-sponsor of this event along with our friends from the Idaho Humanities Council, we encourage you to join us not just to hear Adler's talk, but to engage in a healthy, respectful question and answer session afterward. Let's all leave our partisan blinders and our personal frustrations at the door and see how much better we can understand a vital document we're firmly persuaded we don't know well enough.