By David Walters

You have an opportunity.

You have an opportunity to connect with an expert on constitutional law and how it relates to your everyday life. Bring your liberal beliefs, bring your conservative beliefs, bring your I-don’t-know-what-I-believe beliefs, and spend a bit of time with Judge Andrew Napolitano, a libertarian who dances on both sides of the aisle. Steadfast in his opinions, down to earth in his qualifications, surprising in that he dances alone at times on his own dance floor (American Civil War, 9-11, UK wiretapping), but always clear on what his beliefs are, backed up with why he holds them. You may not always agree with his stance, but you will understand more about constitutional law when you leave, and your beliefs will come out stronger because of the encounter.

Lecture as entertainment has been a part of our culture since man first congregated. An expert in a particular field spends time sharing his expertise and points of view with an assembled audience. It was the main form of entertainment for much of this country’s history, bringing in the crowds to rival many a Broadway hit (which still continues to this day at Chautauqua). And occasionally it brought in the police when the speech was too volatile (which gave us the Heckler’s veto). Mainly it was thought-provoking and informative, making you a better person for the experience.

You will come out the better person for having spent the time with the judge, understanding more about your inalienable rights, the 1st, 4th, 5th, and 9th amendments, constitutional law and its applications on the state level, your generational responsibility to protect our democracy, and insight into the not new concept of people in power compromising themselves to stay in power.

What stands out about Judge Napolitano is that he knows why he believes what he believes. After the evening, you will know more about why you believe what you believe and add credence to those beliefs having spent a Monday evening with him. This is one of the few shows I wish were longer in its duration as there is much to talk about in today’s world.

He has brought together several issues that everyone can relate to:

  • Trump and his crimes
  • Kanye West and hate speech
  • The NYC homeless and Mayor Adams’ initiative
  • Twitter and what freedom of speech means
  • The FBI as a domestic surveillance agency
  • The fact that we are currently in a greatest generation fight for democracy and we all have a part to play.

This is a discussion on constitutional law that will leave you with a bit more clarity no matter what your stance. You owe it to yourself.

Judge Andrew P. Napolitano appearing in: Why Is The Government In My Soup?, for six consecutive Monday nights, beginning Monday, January 9 (through Monday, February 13, 2023) at 7:30pm at Theater 555 (555 West 42nd Street). Tickets are $49 and may be obtained through www.theater555.com.

Produced and directed by Eric Krebs. Lighting design by Joan Racho-Jansen.

All performances run 70 minutes and are followed by a public talk back, so bring your constitutional law questions.

You have an opportunity that doesn’t come around very often. Don’t let it pass.

As always, this is just one person’s opinion in a world filled with them.