DURHAM – With the country about to go to the polls to select a president for the next four years, politics is very much on the forefront of people’s minds nowadays.

Durham’s Michael Ozga, 55, has taken his interest in politics a little bit further than most people. Ozga, an operations manager for a medical imaging service who moved to Durham from Bar Harbor nine years ago, has written a new book, “Progressive Dystopia,” which is being published through the self-publishing company Authorhouse. According to Ozga, a first-time author, “Progressive Dystopia” takes a look at progressive politics and what that could mean to American society today.

Ozga recently took a few minutes to discuss the book and his motivations for writing it with the Tri-Town Weekly.

Q: What made you decide to write this book?

A: Frustration with direction of the country.

Q: How long did it take you to write it?

A: It took me 18 months, including the editing process.

Q: How much research did you do for the book?

A: I’m an avid reader, particularly of American history, so the research has been an ongoing process. Specifically for this book, I would approximate nine to 12 months.

Q: Who were your sources?

A: I have a substantial library full of American history, political history, etc. The Internet was a huge source, I have approximately 1,200 articles printed off from various sites. Talk radio and nightly newscasts were also utilized (in the research).

Q: Give the readers a quick synopsis as to what “Progressive Dystopia’ is about.

A: It examines progressive politics through the prism of the Constitution and founding fathers. The founders promoted individual rights, free markets and a decentralized federal government. The progressive movement promotes collective duties, government intrusion into the free markets and a coercive federal government.

Q: Was the book timed to coincide with this year’s presidential election?

A: Yes, it was.

Q: Why did you choose to release the book to coincide with the election?

A: The founders left us a blueprint for success, whereby government arises from the people, not over them. That power is delegated not assumed. The founders believed that the individual is antecedent to any form of government. Progressive ideology is predicated upon the belief that imperfect man can centrally plan a utopian existence, whereby the government is antecedent to the individual. American Progressivism is completely antithetical to our founding principles. We’re at a crossroads in our nation’s history and the election this November provides a distinct contrast. We either return to the principles the country was founded upon or we do indeed undergo a radical transformation.

Q: What is your opinion of the candidates in this year’s election?

A: (There is a) very clear distinction between Romney and Obama and what direction the country wants to take. We either vote for collective duties and government intrusion or we vote for individual rights and free markets. We have a clear choice between candidates who believe that government arises over the people and candidates who believe that government arises from the people. The choice is just as clear with regard to the local elections.

Q: How has the book been received?

A: As with anything political, the book has been very well received in some circles, (and) not as much in others. I’ve appeared on WGAN with Ken and Mike, “Maine Points” with Mike Violette and “Inside Maine” with Phil Harriman.

Q: Where can people get the book?

A: (It is available) online at Amazon.com and Authorhouse.com.

Michael Ozga