Events
Amity Shlaes: The Great Society and Its Enemies
Date and Time
Tuesday, March 3, 2020 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
RSVP
You can RSVP for this event
Description
The idea of socialism is taking on a renewed glow in this country. In the 1960s, socialism also enjoyed a degree of popularity, as did its compromise, the welfare state. Social democratic principles were the basis of Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society. Ronald Reagan made a career of opposing those principles. In her most recent bestseller, Great Society: A New History, Amity Shlaes argues that policies for social planning which were implemented in the name of the collective hurt both the nation and the individual. The result of these collective projects was a new Silent Majority. Former Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan has called the book “accurate history that reads like a novel.” Join the Hauenstein Center as Amity discusses her new book and gives us insight into our own struggles with these resurgent principles.
Immediately following the conclusion of Amity’s presentation on The Great Society and Its Enemies, join us for a Community Conversation facilitated by Beth Buelow. This workshop is an opportunity for audience members to engage in conversation about the topic and translate what they learned into practical, generative change and action. The goal of this community conversation is, in the words of our director, Gleaves Whitney, to find common ground where we can, and to stand our ground where we must.
Objectives of the Community Conversation:
To provide an intentional space for community members to explore themes presented by the speaker and “localize” the issues on a personal and community level. To create opportunities for people to take what they’ve learned and use it as a catalyst for productive common ground action in their lives and communities. To enrich connections between community members and deepen their relationship with one another.
Recommended Parking: Seward Ramp
All forums are free and open to the public. Reservations for forums are strongly recommended. They guarantee a seat in the building but not in the main hall. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors to the main hall open approximately a half hour before the program begins.
Contact
For more information, contact Jakob Bigard.