Preserving Democracy, Voting Rights and the Rule of Law Explored by Legal Experts

What Do You Have to Lose? Takes a hard look at modern day threats to the U.S. Constitution and its critical role in safeguarding freedom. End Quote

The words we provided should inspire and empower voters to act. Democracy only works if we make it work.

(1888PressRelease) March 24, 2025 - DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich. – Outlining the current threat to the voice of the public and the power of a free vote, lawyer David L. Nelson and retired law librarian Mary Margaret Serpento released a new book What Do You Have to Lose? The Pillars of a Republic Conceived in Liberty and Dedicated to the Rule of Law.

President Donald Trump asked, “What the hell have you got to lose?” Inside the pages of this timely work, Nelson and Serpento show how the ongoing assault on voting rights and the integrity of elections impacts the will of the people. Drawing on historical events and clear legal insights, the coauthors emphasize how the U.S. Constitution preserves citizens' rights while highlighting the challenges these rights face right now.

93-year-old Nelson explains, “We wrote this book as a wake-up call to every American. What is happening right now is not only about history forgotten in dusty tomes. We must recognize how the survival of our democracy is at stake. The right to vote, having those votes counted and active participation are all under threat. The words we’ve provided should inspire and empower voters to act. Democracy only works if we make it work.”

What Do You Have to Lose? also explores how we’ve reached these constitutional questions. From the violence directed at police, lawmakers and staff at the Capitol Building during the January 6, 2021 insurrection, to political battles playing out across social media, news broadcasts and public vitriol, Nelson and Serpento guide readers through the complex structure of American rights and the power of representative democracy.

The authors' combined knowledge and legal expertise are steeped in both academic credentials and practical insight. Nelson is a member of the Michigan Bar Association, having earned a J.D. and gained admittance to the U.S. Supreme Court. Serpento brings a wealth of references and research through her masters in library science from the University of Michigan and 40 years of experience as a law librarian.

Coauthor Serpento adds, “Our nation’s founders provided us with a representative republic and safeguards to strengthen our freedoms. We must educate and motivate people to recognize and stand against misinformation and apathy by emphasizing the importance of civic engagement.”

As the nation stands at a point where no one can sit and watch from the sidelines, the work of Nelson and Serpento offers a crucial message that democracy only exists if voters protect and sustain it.

What Do You Have to Lose? The Pillars of a Republic Conceived in Liberty and Dedicated to the Rule of Law is available through Amazon in Kindle, paperback and hardcover.

About David L. Nelson – David L. Nelson holds a JD from the University of Michigan Law School. He is a recognized member of the Michigan Bar Association and gained admittance to the US Supreme Court. Previous works include Tool Marks Don’t Lie, River of Iron and Chasing Blood Money.

About Mary Margaret Serpento – Mary Margaret Serpento holds a B.A. from the Pennsylvania State University and an A.M.L.S. from the University of Michigan. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and served as a law librarian for 40 years.

https://www.amazon.com/What-You-Have-Lose-Conceived/dp/B0DN6RN2FL?crid=7HG48L09X9JO&&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nv-U6YLQU5k2dIcyimtzyUorFm0Cnos2e_1BUcCyqAH34XymSf5NhbWaDbm76dNZD2fqgvM90SfGryi2M_ISfDa3eYUfuX16Np

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