While the reception since the publication of “The Moderates’ Manifesto” has been gratifying, it is worth noting that it is not my first book. Before this, I wrote and published on Amazon “The Voices at CERN,” a science fiction novel, and its sequel, “The Terror at CERN.” Both involve particle physics, research into the nature of all matter and energy, the existence of multiple dimensions, and efforts by opponents of science to stop that research. Is there a connection between these two works of science fiction and “The Moderates’ Manifesto”? Yes, there is, but you may have to look for it. As I mentioned in the Afterword in both sci-fi novels, good science fiction depends on “What if?…” where a scientific trend or concept is expanded or projected into different circumstances. Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea is a “what if” story about submarine travel. In both the book and movie form, the Martian asks the “What if?…” question about an astronaut stranded on Mars and how they survive. “The Moderates’ Manifesto” takes the “What if?…” question into the realm of politics and government. What if we had less polarization and more cooperation in our civic life? What if we prohibited gerrymandering and voter suppression? What if we adopted the Equal Rights Amendment? Several such questions are raised in the book. However, the major difference between science fiction and “The Moderates’ Manifesto” is that we can control our political future. The choices we make in voting and the public policies we urge our elected leaders to follow can and will influence our country’s future and the kind of lives we all live. Good science fiction can be thought-provoking, inspiring, and entertaining. Still, a serious look at current politics and government through works like “The Moderates’ Manifesto” can turn thought into reality and positive action.
What If?
