Editor’s Comment:  Attorney and author Ronald S. Barak breathed new life into NoPoli.org when he talked about us in his new novel, a season for redemption¸ published this month by Gander House Publishers and available in hardback, paperback and Kindle and iBook formats at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, iTunes and other booksellers.  Our NNN Board of Editors thought it might be interesting to provide our viewers with a bit of information about Ron and his new book, a real page turner political and legal thriller that takes place in current day Washington, D.C.  For more information, visit http://aseasonforredemption.com and http://ronaldsbarak.com.

 Kessler:  Ron, what prompted you to write a book like a season for redemption?

 Barak:  I love reading books, Steve, particularly political and legal fiction.  No one seemed to have written a book based on what is politically happening in the country today.  So, I thought I would take a stab at it.

 Kessler:  What exactly is the book about?

 Barak:  The underlying premise of the book is that no matter how much Wall Street might superficially be to blame for the economic tailspin of our country, the real culprits are our political representatives.  More worried about assuring their own futures, our representatives have placed the interests of “we the people” second to their own personal agendas.  In the book, someone decides that our political leaders must be taught a lesson, and made to understand that the abandonment of their public trust simply won’t be tolerated any longer.  So, he—or she—starts killing  several public officials one at a time.

 Kessler:  Well, I’ve read the book, of course, but for those of our readers who haven’t—yet—what happens from there?

 Barak:  I don’t want to give too much away, but I will share a few things.  People around the country start worrying about this killer.  Who is “he”?  Where is he?  Why exactly is he doing this?  He doesn’t explain what “his” motives are until he leaves behind a video at the scene of his third murder.  That’s when our politicians really start worrying—about their own skins, looking over their shoulders.  As for the rest of the country, the debate is on.  Some want to stop the killer straight away.  Some think he’s a hero.  The debate rages across the country, right into the jury room after the trial of the person who is arrested and charged with the crime and tried for murder.

 Kessler:  I won’t give away anything either, other than to say the book races through one surprise turn after another to an ending that not many would have anticipated.  I sure didn’t.

 Barak:  I appreciate your comments.  Many others who have already read the book have been saying some very nice things about it as well.

 Kessler:  Let me change the subject, Ron, and ask you a little bit about…you.  Does this book represent your views?

Barak:  (Smiling).  Well, I think that’s a bit of a curveball, Steve.  Are you asking me if I believe in murder, or taking the law into your own hands, for any reason?  No.  Of course not.  This book is pure fiction, pure fantasy, just to spin what is hopefully a fun story, so to speak–except perhaps for some of our political leaders.

 Kessler:  I understand, but what about the politics?  Does a season for redemption represent your political views?

Barak:  Steve, I’m as apolitical as they come.  I don’t favor the right or the left.  I’m pretty much a centrist.  However, what I do feel very passionate about is a dislike for all of our political representatives, on either side of the aisle, who seem to have lost their way, who seem to be in it for themselves and not for serving “we the people.”  Drawing attention to that subject is for sure one of the reasons I wanted to write this book.

 Kessler:  Helping protect the public from those of its servants who have abandoned their public trust is precisely the purpose of NoPoli.org.  Is that why you mention NoPoli.org throughout a season for redemption?

 Barak:  Absolutely.  I’m a keen fan of NoPoli.org and its staff.  There is no question but that I see eye to eye with much of what you and your colleagues at NoPoli.org have to say.

 Kessler:  Well, the publication of your book has helped breathe some new life into our website.  We’re very grateful to you for that.  What’s the chance we might twist your arm to write an occasional guest blog for NoPoli.org?

Barak:  Mmm, I don’t know, Steve.  I haven’t thought about that.  I’m just a fiction writer.  You and Leah and Paige are the pros at this kind of real world stuff.  But, maybe I’ll take a crack at a piece or two a little further down the road.  I’ve been pretty busy with my book and my law practice – and I’m trying to get my golf game under control.

 Kessler:  Have you played Congressional?

 Barak:  Haven’t.  I’ve played Augusta and I’ve been invited to play Pine Valley.  I’m looking forward to that very much.  I’d also love to play Congressional.  Do you think White House Chief of Staff Manny Reyes might invite me to play Congressional with him?  He did recently take Tom Thomas to play Congressional in a season for redemption.

Kessler:  Don’t think I’d count on that, Ron.  But, you never know.  However, if he does, you probably ought to watch your back.

 Barak:  Right.

 Kessler:  Thanks for talking with our viewers, Ron.  We hope you’ll come back again soon.

 Barak:  Thanks for the invite, Steve.