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The Atlantic – September Issue
The Original Underclass: Poor White Americans Current Crisis Shouldn’t Have Caught The Country As Off Guard As It Has
By Alec MacGillis who covers government and politics for ProPublica
Sometime during the past few years, the country started talking differently about white Americans of modest means. Early in the Obama era, the ennobling language of campaign pundits prevailed. There was much discussion of “white working-class voters,” with whom the Democrats, and especially Barack Obama, were having such trouble connecting. Never mind that this overbroad category of Americans—the exit pollsters’ definition was anyone without a four-year college degree, or more than a third of the electorate—obliterated major differences in geography, ethnicity, and culture. The label served to conjure a vast swath of salt-of-the-earth citizens living and working in the wide-open spaces between the coasts—Sarah Palin’s “real America”—who were dubious of the effete, hifalutin types increasingly dominating the party that had once purported to represent the common man. The “white working class” connoted virtue and integrity. A party losing touch with it was a party unmoored.
That flattering glow has faded away. Today, less privileged white Americans are considered to be in crisis, and the language of sociologists and pathologists predominates. Charles Murray’s Coming Apart: The State of White America, 1960–2010 was published in 2012, and Robert D. Putnam’s Our Kids: The American Dream in Crisis came out last year. From opposite ends of the ideological spectrum, they made the case that social breakdown among low-income whites was starting to mimic trends that had begun decades earlier among African Americans: Rates of out-of-wedlock births and male joblessness were rising sharply. Then came the stories about a surge in opiate addiction among white Americans, alongside shocking reports of rising mortality rates (including by suicide) among middle-aged whites. And then, of course, came the 2016 presidential campaign. The question was suddenly no longer why Democrats struggled to appeal to regular Americans. It was why so many regular Americans were drawn to a man like Donald Trump.
Equally jarring has been the shift in tone. A barely suppressed contempt has characterized much of the commentary about white woe, on both the left and the right. Writing for National Review in March, the conservative provocateur Kevin Williamson shoveled scorn on the low-income white Republican voters who, as he saw it, were most responsible for the rise of Trump:
“Nothing happened to them. There wasn’t some awful disaster. There wasn’t a war or a famine or a plague or a foreign occupation. Even the economic changes of the past few decades do very little to explain the dysfunction and negligence—and the incomprehensible malice—of poor white America. So the gypsum business in Garbutt ain’t what it used to be. There is more to life in the 21st century than wallboard and cheap sentimentality about how the Man closed the factories down. The truth about these dysfunctional, downscale communities is that they deserve to die. Economically, they are negative assets. Morally, they are indefensible. Forget all your cheap theatrical Bruce Springsteen crap. Forget your sanctimony about struggling Rust Belt factory towns and your conspiracy theories about the wily Orientals stealing our jobs … The white American underclass is in thrall to a vicious, selfish culture whose main products are misery and used heroin needles. Donald Trump’s speeches make them feel good. So does OxyContin.”
Analysis on the left has been less gratuitously nasty but similarly harsh in its insinuation. Several prominent liberals have theorized that what’s driving rising mortality and drug and alcohol abuse among white Americans is, quite simply, despair over the loss of their perch in the country’s pecking order. “So what is happening?” asked Josh Marshall on his “Talking Points Memo” blog in December. “Let’s put this clearly,” he said in wrapping up his analysis of the dismal health data. “The stressor at work here is the perceived and real loss of the social and economic advantages of being white.”
The barely veiled implication, whichever version you consider, is that the people undergoing these travails deserve relatively little sympathy—that they maybe, kinda had this reckoning coming. Either they are layabouts drenched in self-pity or they are sad cases consumed with racial status anxiety and animus toward the nonwhites passing them on the ladder. Both interpretations are, in their own ways, strikingly ungenerous toward a huge number of fellow Americans.
They are also unsatisfying as explanations for what is happening out there. Williamson, for one, mischaracterizes the typical Trump voter. As exit polls show, the candidate’s base is not the truly bereft white underclass Williamson derides. Those Americans are, by and large, not voting at all, as I’m often reminded when reporting in places like Appalachia, where turnout rates are the lowest in the country. People voting for Trump are mostly a notch higher on the economic ladder—in a position to feel exactly the resentment that Williamson himself feels toward the shiftless needy. As for liberals’ diagnosis that a major public-health crisis is rooted in racial envy, it fails to square with, among other things, the fact that blacks and Hispanics have hardly been flourishing themselves. Yes, there’s an African American president, but by many metrics the Great Recession was even worse for minorities than for whites.
Two new books—one a provocative, deeply researched history and the other an affecting memoir—are well timed to help make better sense of the plight of struggling whites in the United States. Both accounts converge on an important insight: The gloomy state of affairs in the lower reaches of white America should not have caught the rest of the country as off guard as it has—and mobilizing solutions for the crisis will depend partly on closing the gaps that allowed for such obliviousness.
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Reading Liberally Editorial Note:
The next section of The Atlantic article deals with “White Trash: The 400-Year Untold History of Class in America” by Nancy Isenberg.
Both “White Trash” and “Hillbilly Elegy” were proposed simultaneously as Reading Liberally topics by John Karls on 8/5/2016.
For readers who would like to skip to the portion of The Atlantic article dealing with “Hillbilly Elegy” please scroll down to the end of this section on “White Trash” which is marked by another 10 asterisks.
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“Welcome to America as it was,” Nancy Isenberg, a historian at Louisiana State University, writes near the outset of White Trash: The 400-Year Untold History of Class in America. Her title might seem sensational were it not so well earned. As she makes plain, a white lower class not only figured more prominently in the development of the colonies and the young country than national lore suggests, but was spoken of from the start explicitly in terms of waste and refuse.
For England, the New World beckoned as more than a vast store of natural resources, Isenberg argues. It was also a place to dispose of the dregs of its own society. In the late 16th century, the geographer Richard Hakluyt argued that America could serve as a giant workhouse where the “fry [young children] of wandering beggars that grow up idly and hurtfully and burdenous to the Realm, might be unladen and better bred up.” The exportable poor, he wrote, were the “offals of our people.” In 1619, King James I was so fed up with vagrant boys milling around his Newmarket palace that he asked the Virginia Company to ship them overseas. Three years later, John Donne—yes, that John Donne—wrote about the colony of Virginia as if it were England’s spleen and liver, Isenberg writes, draining the “ill humours of the body … to breed good bloud.” Thus it was, she goes on, that the early settlers included so many “roguish highwaymen, mean vagrants, Irish rebels, known whores, and an assortment of convicts,” including one Elizabeth “Little Bess” Armstrong, sent to Virginia for stealing two spoons.
One of America’s founding myths, of course, is that the simple act of leaving England and boldly starting new lives in the colonies had an equalizing effect on the colonists, swiftly narrowing the distance between indentured servant and merchant, landowner and clerk—all except the African slave. Nonsense, Isenberg says: “Independence did not magically erase the British class system.” A “ruthless class order” was enforced at Jamestown, where one woman returned from 10 months of Indian captivity to be told that she owed 150 pounds of tobacco to her dead husband’s former master and would have to work off the debt. The Puritans were likewise “obsessed with class rank”—membership in the Church and its core elect were elite privileges—not least because the early Massachusetts settlers included far more nonreligious riffraff than is generally realized. A version of the North Carolina constitution probably co-authored by John Locke was designed to “avoid erecting a numerous democracy.” It envisioned a nobility of landgraves and caciques (German for “princes” and Spanish for “chieftains”), along with a “court of heraldry” to oversee marriages and make sure they preserved pedigree.
Class distinctions were maintained above all in the apportionment of land. In Virginia in 1700, indentured servants had virtually no chance to own any, and by 1770, less than 10 percent of white Virginians had claim to more than half the land. In 1729 in North Carolina, a colony with 36,000 people, there were only 3,281 listed grants, and 309 grantees owned nearly half the land. “Land was the principal source of wealth, and those without any had little chance to escape servitude,” Isenberg writes. “It was the stigma of landlessness that would leave its mark on white trash from this day forward.” This was not just a Southern dynamic. The American usage of squatter traces to New England, where many of the nonelect—later called “swamp Yankees”—carved out homes on others’ land only to be chased off and have their houses burned.
The Founding Fathers were, as Isenberg sees it, complicit in perpetuating these stark class divides. George Washington believed that only the “lower class of people” should serve as foot soldiers in the Continental Army. Thomas Jefferson envisioned his public schools educating talented students “raked from the rubbish” of the lower class, and argued that ranking humans like animal breeds was perfectly natural. “The circumstance of superior beauty is thought worthy of attention in the propagation of our horses, dogs and other domestic animals,” he wrote. “Why not that of man?” John Adams believed the “passion for distinction” was a powerful human force: “There must be one, indeed, who is the last and lowest of the human species.”
By the time the nation gained independence, the white underclass—its future dependents—was fully entrenched. This underclass could be found just about everywhere in the new country, but it was perhaps most conspicuous in North Carolina, where many whites who had been denied land in Virginia trickled into the area south of the Great Dismal Swamp, establishing what Isenberg calls “the first white trash colony.” William Byrd II, the Virginia planter, described these swamp denizens as suffering from “distempers of laziness” and “slothful in everything but getting children.” North Carolina’s governor described his people as “the meanest, most rustic and squalid part of the species.”
Accounts of this underclass as “an anomalous new breed of human,” as Isenberg puts it, proliferated as poor whites without property spread west and south across the country. These “crackers” and “squatters” were “no better than savages,” with “children brought up in the Woods like brutes,” wrote a Swiss-born colonel in the colonial army in 1759. In 1810, the ornithologist Alexander Wilson described the “grotesque log cabins” where the lowly patriarch typically stood wearing a shirt “defiled and torn,” his “face inlaid with dirt and soot.” Thomas Jefferson’s granddaughter came back from an 1817 excursion with her grandfather telling of that “half civiliz’d race who lived beyond the ridge.” In 1830, the country even got its first “Cracker Dictionary” to document the slang of poor whites.
At various junctures, politicians (think Davy Crockett and Andrew Jackson) turned humble roots into a mark of “backwoodsman” authenticity, but the pendulum always swung back. The term white trash made its first appearance in print as early as 1821. It gained currency three decades later, by which point observers were expressing horror over these people’s “tallow” skin and their habit of eating clay. As George Weston warned in his widely circulated 1856 pamphlet “The Poor Whites of the South,” they were “sinking deeper and more hopelessly into barbarism with every succeeding generation.” Speaking of this class as a separate breed—a species unto itself—was a way to skirt the challenge it presented to the nation’s vision of equality and inclusivity. Isenberg points up the tension: “If whiteness was not an automatic badge of superiority, a guarantee of the homogeneous population of independent, educable freemen … then the ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness were unobtainable.”
With so much talk of breeds, it is no surprise that, in the early 20th century, the U.S. was gripped by a eugenics craze, which Isenberg sees as motivated by revulsion over the supposed degeneracy of poor whites, especially those in the South. State fairs held “fitter family” contests, Teddy Roosevelt fretted about Americans’ “germ protoplasm,” and Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. issued a ruling upholding the forced sterilization of a poor Virginian named Carrie Buck, deemed a “moron.”
Isenberg, for all her efforts to clarify the role of class in the national culture, succumbs to a different kind of distortion herself. She is frustratingly hazy about regional distinctions within the white lower class, a blurriness that also skews some of the contemporary liberal theorizing about white despondency. As her account progresses, she focuses increasingly on the South, without squarely addressing that choice and its implications. To zero in on the white underclass in or near slaveholding areas is, understandably, to dwell on the fraught dynamic between poor whites and enslaved African Americans and its role in the national debate leading up to the Civil War. On the one hand, opponents of slavery argued that the association of labor with servitude dulled the work ethic of poor whites. On the other, defenders of slavery claimed that being spared the lowliest toil kept poor Southern whites a step above their Northern counterparts.
But there were whole other swaths of the country where many poor whites lived without any blacks nearby to speak of—not least the broad expanse of Appalachia. Isenberg makes plain in a brief aside that she does not buy the idea, enshrined in so many books in recent years, of a separate cohort of “Scots-Irish”—hard-drinking, hard-scrapping brawlers from the “borderlands” of Scotland, northern Ireland, and northern England who, cherishing their freedom and wanting nothing to do with the coastal elites, settled up in the Appalachian hills in the mid-18th century. One such account, Grady McWhiney’s Cracker Culture (1988), earns Isenberg’s brisk dismissal as a “flawed historical study that turned poor whites into Celtic ethnics (Scots-Irish).”
Regardless of the merits in that dispute, Isenberg ought to have reckoned more fully with the distinctions between poor whites in the Deep South and those elsewhere. At points, she mentions “hillbilly” whites (a k a “mountaineers” and “briar hoppers”) as a subset of her white underclass. But at other points, she makes it sound as if all poor whites lived with blacks in their midst and, when the Civil War came, went off with varying degrees of enthusiasm to fight to maintain their superiority over those blacks. In reality, many poor whites in Appalachia avoided what they saw as the war of the slaveholding planters of the Deep South and the cavaliers of the Tidewater region of Virginia—and even created a new state, West Virginia, in their resistance. Whether or not one buys into the Scots-Irish version of events, the history of greater Appalachia is one of provincial upstarts asserting themselves against elites, not merely one of dispossessed victims.
The distinction’s relevance persists today. Large areas of “real America” are almost entirely white. In Appalachia, that homogeneity, along with the region’s populist tradition, helps explain why white voters there took so much longer to flip from Democrat to Republican than in the Deep South. This does not mean that racism is absent in these areas—far from it. But it suggests that the racism is fueled as much by suspicion of the “other” as it is by firsthand experience of blacks and competition with them—and that political sentiment on issues such as welfare and crime isn’t as racially motivated as many liberal analysts assume. A focus on the South also eclipses places where low-income whites consist mainly of descendants of later European immigrants. (Think of the South Boston Irish, or Baltimore’s Polish American dockworkers depicted in the second season of The Wire.)
As Isenberg’s chronicle moves into the middle of the 20th century, she offers a fascinating account of how the trailer parks built to provide housing for war-industry workers gave rise to a whole new demeaning stereotype: trailer trash. She captures the reflexively pejorative depictions of poor southern whites during the civil-rights years. And she shows how, starting in the 1970s, the new preoccupation with ethnic heritage instilled a semi-ironic pride in “redneck” identity. The upgraded self-image prefigured the elevation of the “white working class” in the years to follow.
By the time her account reaches the late 20th century, though, the social and economic texture thins. Instead, Isenberg resorts to cataloguing representations of poor whites in pop culture (Deliverance, Hee Haw, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo) and celebrity politics (Tammy Faye Bakker, Bill Clinton, Sarah Palin), and offers some fairly trite commentary on the current political scene. Isenberg’s history is a bracing reminder of the persistent contempt for the white underclass, but you will have to look elsewhere for insights into why the condition of this class has taken a turn for the worse—and what its members think of themselves, and of the elites who have trashed them for so long.
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Beginning of The Atlantic comments on Hillbilly Elegy
To have become a memoirist when he’s barely cracked 30, J. D. Vance suggests at the outset of Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis, is “somewhat absurd”—except that the result couldn’t be better-timed. Vance’s story amounts to a one-family composite of nearly all the worrisome trends affecting poor white Americans. The cover image of a mountain cabin is slightly misleading. Vance’s family straddles “hillbillies” who have remained in Appalachia and those whose ancestors left for work in the Midwest and are now struggling across the postindustrial flatlands. He still has relatives in Breathitt County, Kentucky, and feels a strong bond with that place. But most of the book is set where his grandparents moved decades ago and he grew up, the small manufacturing city of Middletown, in distinctly un-hilly southwestern Ohio.
Unlike Isenberg, Vance subscribes fully to the notion of the Appalachian Scots-Irish as a distinct breed of low-income Americans who have brought their pugilistic ways with them wherever they have gone. His family fits the bill to the point of straining credulity. His beloved maternal grandmother, Mamaw, once nearly killed a man who stole the family’s cow. His great-uncle forced a man who made a leering comment about the young Mamaw to eat her panties at knifepoint. Later, when Mamaw got angry that her husband, Papaw, had come home drunk again, she set him on fire. (One of their daughters put out the flames.) Papaw was no slouch himself, having once apparently killed a neighbor’s dog by feeding it steak marinated in antifreeze after it nearly bit Vance’s mom.
But Vance, a self-described conservative who has contributed to National Review, is not offering another lurid saga of hillbilly exploits. He is trying to figure out how things went wrong for his people. “I am a hill person. So is much of America’s white working class,” he writes. “And we hill people aren’t doing very well.”
In Vance’s story, the troubles are embodied above all in one person: his mother. After graduating high school as the salutatorian, Bev became a teenage mother, as Mamaw had also been, and embarked on a string of marriages—five, at last count. She was bright—“the smartest person I knew”—and drilled the importance of reading and education into her son. She checked out library books on football strategy to get him to think more deeply about the game he loved, and revamped his third-grade science project the night before it was due, just like any suburban helicopter mom.
But her marriages were riven by fighting. She drank heavily, and became addicted to the painkillers she could pilfer in her job as a nurse, and later to heroin. Vance and his older sister were raised amid an extreme form of the instability and dysfunction that Charles Murray and Robert Putnam lament: He grew up with three stepfathers, and during one two-year stretch he lived in four houses. At one low point, when he was 12, his mother was taken away in handcuffs after he fled to a stranger’s house to escape a beating from her. At another point, she asked him to pee into a cup so she could use his urine to pass a drug test. “Chaos begets chaos,” he writes. “Welcome to family life for the American hillbilly.”
Vance survives this endless turbulence, thanks in large part to the tough love he receives from Mamaw, living nearby, who sees in him a chance to redeem her parenting failures with Bev. His grades are good enough to get him into the best state colleges in Ohio. But fearing that he isn’t ready for unstructured campus life, he enlists in the Marine Corps, and gets a stint in Iraq and a large helping of maturity and perspective. After finishing his tour, he excels at Ohio State and, to his joyful amazement, is admitted to Yale Law School.
With the same appealing guilelessness that he brings to the story of his youthful ordeals, Vance describes the culture shock he experiences in New Haven. He doesn’t know what to make of the endless “cocktail receptions and banquets” that combine networking and matchmaking. At the fancy restaurant where he’s attending a law firm’s recruitment dinner, he spits out sparkling water, having never drunk such a thing. He calls his girlfriend from the restroom to ask her, ‘What do I do with all these damned forks?’ ”
His estrangement often reflects poorly on the echelon he’s joined, whose members, he says with understatement, could do a better job of “opening their hearts and minds to” newcomers. He is taken aback when law-school friends leave a mess at a chicken joint, and stays behind with another student from a low-income background, Jamil, to clean it up. “People,” he writes, “would say with a straight face that a surgeon mother and engineer father were middle-class.” To his astonishment, he is regarded as an exotic figure by his professors and classmates, simply by virtue of having come from a small town in the middle of the country, gone to a mediocre public high school, and been born to parents who didn’t attend college.
He adapts to his new world well enough to land at a Washington, D.C., law firm and later in a court clerkship, and is today prospering as a principal at an investment firm in San Francisco. But the outsider feeling lingers—hearing someone use a big word like confabulate in conversation makes his blood rise. “Sometimes I view members of the elite with an almost primal scorn,” he admits. And questions nag at him: “Why has no else from my high school made it to the Ivy League? Why are people like me so poorly represented in America’s elite institutions?” He is acutely aware of how easily he could have been trapped, had it not been for the caring intervention he received at key moments from people like Mamaw and his sister. “Thinking about … how close I was to the abyss, gives me chills. I am one lucky son of a bitch.” He asks:
“How much of our lives, good and bad, should we credit to our personal decisions, and how much is just the inheritance of our culture, our families, and our parents who have failed their children? How much is Mom’s life her own fault? Where does blame stop and sympathy begin?”
Vance’s answers read like works in progress: His passages of general social commentary could have benefited from longer gestation, and are strongest when grounded in his biography. He is well aware of the larger forces driving the cultural decline he deplores. He knows how much of the deterioration in Middletown can be traced to the shrinkage of the big Armco steel-rolling mill that, during World War II, drew so many Appalachians—including Papaw—to the town. His tales of the increasingly rarefied world of elite education offer good evidence for why “many people in my community began to believe that the modern American meritocracy was not built for them.”
But he also sees the social decline in personal terms, as a weakening of moral fiber and work ethic. He describes, for instance, working at a local grocery store, where he “learned how people gamed the welfare system”:
“They’d buy two dozen-packs of soda with food stamps and then sell them at a discount for cash. They’d ring up their orders separately, buying food with food stamps, and beer, wine, and cigarettes with cash … Most of us were struggling to get by, but we made do, worked hard, and hoped for a better life. But a large minority was content to live off the dole. Every two weeks, I’d get a small paycheck and notice the line where federal and state income taxes were deducted from my wages. At least as often, our drug-addict neighbor would buy T-bone steaks, which I was too poor to buy for myself but was forced by Uncle Sam to buy for someone else.”
As Vance notes, resentment of this sort—which surfaces again and again in his book—helps explain why voters in the world he came from have largely abandoned the Democrats, the party of the social safety net.
Nor is the animus new: Isenberg traces it back to the days when poor Southerners were scorned for availing themselves of the aid extended to freed slaves—and joined in the scorn as soon as they escaped the dole. “The same self-made man who looked down on white trash others had conveniently chosen to forget that his own parents escaped the tar-paper shack only with the help of the federal government,” she writes. “ ‘Upscale rednecks’ had no trouble spotting those below them in their rearview mirrors.” In Vance’s book, those “below” are mostly fellow whites and the resentment is not primarily racially motivated, as many liberals would have one believe of all anti-welfare sentiment.
Vance does not pivot from such observations to a full-blown indictment of social-welfare programs. He isn’t ready to join the Republican chorus that blames the government (and specifically the black president who now heads it) for all ills. But he zealously subscribes to its corollary: The government, in his view, can’t possibly cure those ills. In a summary that borders on the polemical, he exhorts the “broad community of hillbillies” to “wake the hell up” and seize control of its fate.
“Public policy can help, but there is no government that can fix these problems for us … Mamaw refused to purchase bicycles for her grandchildren because they kept disappearing—even when locked up—from her front porch. She feared answering her door toward the end of her life because an able-bodied woman who lived next door would not stop bothering her for cash—money, we later learned, for drugs. These problems were not created by governments or corporations or anyone else. We created them, and only we can fix them.”
Vance’s intentions here are sincere and understandable. He’s tired of folks back home talking big about hard work when they are collecting checks just like the people they denigrate—tired of “the lies we tell ourselves.” He’s fed up with the quick resort to political blame, like the acquaintance in Middletown who told him that he had quit work because he was sick of waking up early but then declared on Facebook that it was the “Obama economy” that had set him back. “Whenever people ask me what I’d most like to change about the white working class,” writes Vance, “I say, ‘The feeling that our choices don’t matter.’ ”
He is wrong, though, that the burden of fixing things falls entirely on his people. The problems he describes—the reasons life in Middletown got tougher for his mom’s generation than it was for Mamaw and Papaw when they came north for work—have plenty to do with decisions by “governments or corporations.” The government and corporations have presided over the rise of new monopolies, the effect of which has been to concentrate wealth in a handful of companies and regions. The government and corporations welcomed China into the World Trade Organization; more and more economists now believe that move hastened the erosion of American manufacturing, by encouraging U.S. companies to shift operations offshore. The government and corporations each did their part to weaken organized labor, which once boosted wages and strengthened the social fabric in places like Middletown. More recently, the government has accelerated the decline of the coal industry, on environmentally defensible grounds but with awfully little in the way of remedies for those affected.
Even at the edges, solutions lie within the purview of the powers that be—such as allowing Medicaid expansion to proceed in the South and expanding access to medication-assisted treatment to help people like Vance’s mother get off heroin. Yes, aid should be tailored to avoid the sort of resentment that Vance felt at the grocery store. At moments, he seems to acknowledge a role for taxpayer-funded compassion. “The best way to look at this might be to recognize that you probably can’t fix these things,” a friend who worked at the White House once told him. “They’ll always be around. But maybe you can put your thumb on the scale a little for the people at the margins.”
Perhaps you can even put your whole hand on the scale. One of the most compelling parts of Isenberg’s history is her account of the help delivered to struggling rural whnites as part of the New Deal. Projects like the Resettlement Administration, led by Rexford Tugwell, which moved tenants to better land and provided loans for farm improvements, brought real progress. So did the Tennessee Valley Authority, which not only spurred development of much of the South but created training centers and entire planned towns—towns where hill children went to school with engineers’ kids. The New Deal had its flops. But men like Tugwell recognized that citizens in some places were slipping badly behind, and that their plight represented a powerful threat to the country’s founding ideals of individual self-determination and advancement.
A case can be made that the time has arrived for a major undertaking in, say, the devastated coal country of central Appalachia. How much to invest in struggling regions themselves, as opposed to making it easier for those who live in them to seek a livelihood elsewhere, is a debate that needs to happen. But the obligation is there, as it was 80 years ago. “We think of the left-behind groups as extinct,” Isenberg writes, “and the present as a time of advanced thought and sensibility. But today’s trailer trash are merely yesterday’s vagrants on wheels, an updated version of Okies in jalopies and Florida crackers in their carts. They are renamed often, but they do not disappear.”
Except they are now further out of sight than ever. As Isenberg documents, the lower classes have been disregarded and shunted off for as long as the United States has existed. But the separation has grown considerably in recent years. The elite economy is more concentrated than ever in a handful of winner-take-all cities—as Phillip Longman recently noted in the Washington Monthly, the per capita income of Washington, D.C., in 1980 was 29 percent above the average for Americans as a whole; in 2013, that figure was 68 percent. In the Bay Area, per capita income jumped from 50 percent to 88 percent above average over that period; in New York, from 80 percent to 172 percent. As these gaps have grown, the highly educated have become far more likely than those lower down the ladder to move in search of better-paying jobs.
The clustering is intensifying within regions, too. Since 1980, the share of upper-income households living in census tracts that are majority upper-income, rather than scattered throughout more mixed-income neighborhoods, has doubled. The upper echelon has increasingly sought comfort in prosperous insularity, withdrawing its abundant social capital from communities that relied on that capital’s overflow, and consolidating it in oversaturated enclaves.
So why are white Americans in downwardly mobile areas feeling a despair that appears to be driving stark increases in substance abuse and suicide? In my own reporting in Vance’s home ground of southwestern Ohio and ancestral territory of eastern Kentucky, I have encountered racial anxiety and antagonism, for sure. But far more striking is the general aura of decline that hangs over towns in which medical-supply stores and pawn shops dominate decrepit main streets, and Victorians stand crumbling, unoccupied. Talk with those still sticking it out, the body-shop worker and the dollar-store clerk and the unemployed miner, and the fatalism is clear: Things were much better in an earlier time, and no future awaits in places that have been left behind by polished people in gleaming cities. The most painful comparison is not with supposedly ascendant minorities—it’s with the fortunes of one’s own parents or, by now, grandparents. The demoralizing effect of decay enveloping the place you live cannot be underestimated. And the bitterness—the “primal scorn”—that Donald Trump has tapped into among white Americans in struggling areas is aimed not just at those of foreign extraction. It is directed toward fellow countrymen who have become foreigners of a different sort, looking down on the natives, if they bother to look at all.
Atlantic Magazine Article - Hillbilly Elegy and White Trash
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This section contains book reviews from the New York Times, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal.
It also contains an article from the September issue of The Atlantic Magazine which deals with two books -- “White Trash: The 400-Year Untold History of Class in America” by Nancy Isenberg as well as “Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of Family and Culture in Crisis” by J.D. Vance.
Fortuitously, both “White Trash” and “Hillbilly Elegy” were proposed simultaneously as Reading Liberally topics by John Karls on 8/5/2016, with “Hillbilly Elegy” being voted at our Aug meeting as the focus for our Sep meeting.
However, both books bear on the same imbroglio and The Atlantic article offers a thoughtful analysis of both.
This section contains book reviews from the New York Times, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal.
It also contains an article from the September issue of The Atlantic Magazine which deals with two books -- “White Trash: The 400-Year Untold History of Class in America” by Nancy Isenberg as well as “Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of Family and Culture in Crisis” by J.D. Vance.
Fortuitously, both “White Trash” and “Hillbilly Elegy” were proposed simultaneously as Reading Liberally topics by John Karls on 8/5/2016, with “Hillbilly Elegy” being voted at our Aug meeting as the focus for our Sep meeting.
However, both books bear on the same imbroglio and The Atlantic article offers a thoughtful analysis of both.
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- ↳ Section 2 – “General Info” Addendum
- ↳ Section 3 – Possible Topics for Future Meetings
- ↳ Section 4 – Legal Briefs, Etc. – Inner-City Holocaust and America's Apartheid "Justice" System (In Honor of Jonathan Kozol and In Memory of John Howard Griffin)
- ↳ Section 5 – Addendum - Inner-City Holocaust and America's Apartheid "Justice" System
- ↳ Section 6 – National Audubon Society Executes Great Salt Lake Death Warrant
- ↳ Section 7 – Addendum – National Audubon Society Executes Great Salt Lake Death Warrant
- ↳ Section 8 – Working Groups Currently Underway
- ↳ Original Proposal - Second Class: How the Elites Betrayed America's Working Men and Women by Batya Ungar-Sargon – May 15
- ↳ Reference Materials - Second Class: How the Elites Betrayed America's Working Men and Women by Batya Ungar-Sargon – May 15
- ↳ Banning TikTok – H.R. 7521 – Letter to Each Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation – Re April 17 Meeting
- ↳ Discussion Outline - Blood Money: Why the Powerful Turn a Blind Eye While China Kills Americans by Peter Schweizer - April 17
- ↳ Original Proposal - Blood Money: Why the Powerful Turn a Blind Eye While China Kills Americans by Peter Schweizer - April 17
- ↳ Participant Comments - Blood Money: Why the Powerful Turn a Blind Eye While China Kills Americans by Peter Schweizer - April 17
- ↳ Reference Materials - Blood Money: Why the Powerful Turn a Blind Eye While China Kills Americans by Peter Schweizer - April 17
- ↳ Meeting Report - Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson - March 20
- ↳ Discussion Outline - Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson - March 20
- ↳ Original Proposal - Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson - March 20
- ↳ Participant Comments - Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson - March 20
- ↳ Reference Materials - Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson - March 20
- ↳ Discussion Outline - Target Tehran: How Israel Is Using Sabotage, Cyberwarfare, Assassination and Secret Diplomacy to Stop a Nuclear Iran - Feb 21
- ↳ Original Proposal - Target Tehran: How Israel Is Using Sabotage, Cyberwarfare, Assassination and Secret Diplomacy to Stop a Nuclear Iran - Feb 21
- ↳ Participant Comments - Target Tehran: How Israel Is Using Sabotage, Cyberwarfare, Assassination and Secret Diplomacy to Stop a Nuclear Iran - Feb 21
- ↳ Reference Materials – Target Tehran: How Israel Is Using Sabotage, Cyberwarfare, Assassination and Secret Diplomacy to Stop a Nuclear Iran - Feb 21
- ↳ 1/27/24: RE-DIRECTING TO MICHELLE OBAMA OUR 6/3/2020 PLEA TO PROVIDE TUTORS & MENTORS FOR AMERICA’S INNER-CITY CHILDREN
- ↳ Discussion Outline – The Assault on American Excellence by Yale Law School Prof. & Former Long-Time Dean Anthony Kronman – Jan 17
- ↳ Participant Comments – The Assault on American Excellence by Yale Law School Prof. & Former Long-Time Dean Anthony Kronman – Jan 17
- ↳ Original Proposal – The Assault on American Excellence by Yale Law School Prof. & Former Long-Time Dean Anthony Kronman – Jan 17
- ↳ Reference Materials – The Assault on American Excellence by Yale Law School Prof. & Former Long-Time Dean Anthony Kronman – Jan 17
- ↳ 12/16/23: EX POST FACTO “CROSSING SWORDS” VIS-À-VIS THE THRICE-FAILED “TWO-STATE SOLUTION” (NB: Both the Netanyahu/Dermer Plan for Gaza and the Two-State Solution are compatible with our 12/16/23 Plea to Pres. Biden for a Palestinian “Marshall Plan”)
- ↳ 12/16/23: RE-DIRECTING TO PRES. BIDEN OUR 10/14/2009 PLEA TO PRES. OBAMA FOR A PALESTINIAN “MARSHALL PLAN”
- ↳ Discussion Outline – The Samson Option: Israel’s Nuclear Arsenal and American Foreign Policy by Pulitzer Prize Winner Seymour Hersh – Dec 13
- ↳ Original Proposal – The Samson Option: Israel’s Nuclear Arsenal and American Foreign Policy by Pulitzer Prize Winner Seymour Hersh – Dec 13
- ↳ Participant Comments – The Samson Option: Israel’s Nuclear Arsenal and American Foreign Policy by Pulitzer Prize Winner Seymour Hersh – Dec 13
- ↳ Reference Materials – The Samson Option: Israel’s Nuclear Arsenal and American Foreign Policy by Pulitzer Prize Winner Seymour Hersh – Dec 13
- ↳ 11/24/23: LTR TO PRES. BIDEN RE SOLVING GLOBAL WARMING 100% WITHOUT MILITARY ACTION
- ↳ 11/24/23: LTR TO PRES. BIDEN RE BENFITTING AMN TAXPAYERS FOR SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERIES OF BASIC RESEARCH THEY HAVE FINANCED
- ↳ Discussion Outline – Life After Capitalism: The Meaning of Wealth, the Future of the Economy, and the Time Theory of Money by George Gilder – Nov 15
- ↳ Original Proposal – Life After Capitalism: The Meaning of Wealth, the Future of the Economy, and the Time Theory of Money by George Gilder – Nov 15
- ↳ Participant Comments – Life After Capitalism: The Meaning of Wealth, the Future of the Economy, and the Time Theory of Money by George Gilder – Nov 15
- ↳ Reference Materials – Life After Capitalism: The Meaning of Wealth, the Future of the Economy, and the Time Theory of Money by George Gilder – Nov 15
- ↳ 10/26/2023: LETTER TO PRESIDENT BIDEN RE EXPORTATION OF AMERICAN JOBS AND SALE OF AMERICAN CROWN JEWELS TO PAY FOR CONSUMER-GOODS IMPORTS
- ↳ Discussion Outline – No Trade Is Free: Changing Course, Taking on China, and Helping America's Workers by Robert Lighthizer – Oct 18
- ↳ Original Proposal – No Trade Is Free: Changing Course, Taking on China, and Helping America's Workers by Robert Lighthizer – Oct 18
- ↳ Meeting Report – “Poverty, by America” by Prof. Matthew Desmond – AND Letter to President Biden re the United Nations War on Modern Slavery
- ↳ Participant Comments – No Trade Is Free: Changing Course, Taking on China, and Helping America's Workers by Robert Lighthizer – Oct 18
- ↳ Reference Materials – No Trade Is Free: Changing Course, Taking on China, and Helping America's Workers by Robert Lighthizer – Oct 18
- ↳ Discussion Outline – “Poverty, by America” by Prof. Matthew Desmond – Sep 20
- ↳ Original Proposal – “Poverty, by America” by Prof. Matthew Desmond – Sep 20
- ↳ Participant Comments – “Poverty, by America” by Prof. Matthew Desmond – Sep 20
- ↳ Reference Materials – “Poverty, by America” by Prof. Matthew Desmond – Sep 20
- ↳ Discussion Outline - When Race Trumps Merit: How the Pursuit of Equity Sacrifices Excellence, Destroys Beauty, and Threatens Lives - Aug 16
- ↳ Original Proposal - When Race Trumps Merit: How the Pursuit of Equity Sacrifices Excellence, Destroys Beauty, and Threatens Lives - Aug 16
- ↳ Participant Comments - When Race Trumps Merit: How the Pursuit of Equity Sacrifices Excellence, Destroys Beauty, and Threatens Lives - Aug 16
- ↳ Reference Materials - When Race Trumps Merit: How the Pursuit of Equity Sacrifices Excellence, Destroys Beauty, and Threatens Lives - Aug 16
- ↳ Discussion Outline – The U.S. Supreme Court vs. Lower-Court National Injunctions – July 19
- ↳ Original Proposal – The U.S. Supreme Court vs. Lower-Court National Injunctions – July 19
- ↳ Participant Comments – The U.S. Supreme Court vs. Lower-Court National Injunctions – July 19
- ↳ 6/21/2023: The Safer Communities Act of 2022 Proves To Be A Cruel Hoax Vis-a-vis Preventing School Shootings
- ↳ Discussion Outline – Rabbi Van Lanckton’s 16 Gun-Safety Ideas, Providing Our Schools The Same Protection As Airports & Office Buildings, Etc. – June 21
- ↳ Reference Materials – The U.S. Supreme Court vs. Lower-Court National Injunctions – July 19
- ↳ Original Proposal – Rabbi Van Lanckton’s 16 Gun-Safety Ideas, Providing Our Schools The Same Protection As Airports & Office Buildings, Etc. – June 21
- ↳ Participant Comments – Rabbi Van Lanckton’s 16 Gun-Safety Ideas, Providing Our Schools The Same Protection As Airports & Office Buildings, Etc. – June 21
- ↳ Reference Materials – Rabbi Van Lanckton’s 16 Gun-Safety Ideas, Providing Our Schools The Same Protection As Airports & Office Buildings, Etc. – June 21
- ↳ Discussion Outline – Oliver Stone’s “Nuclear Now” + “A Bright Future: How Some Countries Have Solved Climate Change and the Rest Can Follow” – May 17
- ↳ Original Proposal – Oliver Stone’s “Nuclear Now” + “A Bright Future: How Some Countries Have Solved Climate Change and the Rest Can Follow” – May 17
- ↳ Participant Comments – Oliver Stone’s “Nuclear Now” + “A Bright Future: How Some Countries Have Solved Climate Change and the Rest Can Follow” – May 17
- ↳ Reference Materials – Oliver Stone’s “Nuclear Now” + “A Bright Future: How Some Countries Have Solved Climate Change and the Rest Can Follow” – May 17
- ↳ Meeting Report – “Marked for Life: One Man’s Fight for Justice from the Inside” – April 19
- ↳ Discussion Outline – Marked for Life: One Man's Fight for Justice from the Inside – April 19
- ↳ Original Proposal – Marked for Life: One Man's Fight for Justice from the Inside – April 19
- ↳ Participant Comments – Marked for Life: One Man's Fight for Justice from the Inside – April 19
- ↳ Reference Materials – Marked for Life: One Man's Fight for Justice from the Inside – April 19
- ↳ Discussion Outline – The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure – March 15
- ↳ Original Proposal – The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure – March 15
- ↳ Participant Comments – The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure – March 15
- ↳ Reference Materials – The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure – March 15
- ↳ Discussion Outline – Future Peace: Technology, Aggression, and the Rush to War by Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Robert Latiff – Feb 15
- ↳ Original Proposal – Future Peace: Technology, Aggression, and the Rush to War by Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Robert Latiff – Feb 15
- ↳ Participant Comments – Future Peace: Technology, Aggression, and the Rush to War by Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Robert Latiff – Feb 15
- ↳ Reference Materials – Future Peace: Technology, Aggression, and the Rush to War by Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Robert Latiff – Feb 15
- ↳ Discussion Outline – “Bibi: My Story” by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – Jan 18
- ↳ Original Proposal – “Bibi: My Story” by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – Jan 18
- ↳ Participant Comments – “Bibi: My Story” by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – Jan 18
- ↳ Reference Materials – “Bibi: My Story” by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – Jan 18
- ↳ Discussion Outline – “Doom: The Politics of Catastrophe” by Prof. Niall Ferguson (husband of Ayaan Hirsi Ali) – Dec 14
- ↳ Original Proposal – “Doom: The Politics of Catastrophe” by Prof. Niall Ferguson (husband of Ayaan Hirsi Ali) – Dec 14
- ↳ Participant Comments – “Doom: The Politics of Catastrophe” by Prof. Niall Ferguson (husband of Ayaan Hirsi Ali) – Dec 14
- ↳ Reference Materials – “Doom: The Politics of Catastrophe” by Prof. Niall Ferguson (husband of Ayaan Hirsi Ali) – Dec 14
- ↳ Discussion Outline – A Pox On Both Former Sen. Phil Gramm and Pres. Biden Re Jonathan Kozol’s “Restoration of Apartheid Schooling in America” – Nov 16
- ↳ Original Proposal – A Pox On Both Former Sen. Phil Gramm and Pres. Biden Re Jonathan Kozol’s “Restoration of Apartheid Schooling in America” – Nov 16
- ↳ Participant Comments – A Pox On Both Former Sen. Phil Gramm and Pres. Biden Re Jonathan Kozol’s “Restoration of Apartheid Schooling in America” – Nov 16
- ↳ Reference Materials – A Pox On Both Former Sen. Phil Gramm and Pres. Biden Re Jonathan Kozol’s “Restoration of Apartheid Schooling in America” – Nov 16
- ↳ Discussion Outline – Volt Rush: The Winners and Losers in the Race to Go Green – Oct 19
- ↳ Original Proposal – Volt Rush: The Winners and Losers in the Race to Go Green – Oct 19
- ↳ Participant Comments – Volt Rush: The Winners and Losers in the Race to Go Green – Oct 19
- ↳ Reference Materials – Volt Rush: The Winners and Losers in the Race to Go Green – Oct 19
- ↳ Discussion Outline – What We Owe The Future by Oxford U. Prof. William MacAskill – Sept 21
- ↳ Original Proposal – What We Owe The Future by Oxford U. Prof. William MacAskill – Sept 21
- ↳ Participant Comments – What We Owe The Future by Oxford U. Prof. William MacAskill – Sept 21
- ↳ Reference Materials – What We Owe The Future by Oxford U. Prof. William MacAskill – Sept 21
- ↳ Discussion Outline - “The Dumbest Generation Grows Up: From Stupefied Youth to Dangerous Adults” by Prof. Mark Bauerlein - Aug 17
- ↳ Original Proposal - “The Dumbest Generation Grows Up: From Stupefied Youth to Dangerous Adults” by Prof. Mark Bauerlein - Aug 17
- ↳ Participant Comments - “The Dumbest Generation Grows Up: From Stupefied Youth to Dangerous Adults” by Prof. Mark Bauerlein - Aug 17
- ↳ Reference Materials - “The Dumbest Generation Grows Up: From Stupefied Youth to Dangerous Adults” by Prof. Mark Bauerlein - Aug 17
- ↳ Discussion Outline - Climate Change and "How The World Really Works: The Science Behind How We Got Here and Where We’re Going" by Prof. Vaclav Smil - July 20
- ↳ Original Proposal - Climate Change and "How The World Really Works: The Science Behind How We Got Here and Where We’re Going" by Prof. Vaclav Smil - July 20
- ↳ Participant Comments - Climate Change and "How The World Really Works: The Science Behind How We Got Here and Where We’re Going" by Prof. Vaclav Smil - July 20
- ↳ Reference Materials - Climate Change and "How The World Really Works: The Science Behind How We Got Here and Where We’re Going" by Vaclav Smil - July 20
- ↳ Discussion Outline – Caste: The Origins Of Our Discontents - Oprah’s Book Club – June 15
- ↳ Original Proposal – Caste: The Origins Of Our Discontents - Oprah’s Book Club – June 15
- ↳ Participant Comments – Caste: The Origins Of Our Discontents - Oprah’s Book Club – June 15
- ↳ Reference Materials – Caste: The Origins Of Our Discontents - Oprah’s Book Club – June 15
- ↳ Discussion Outline – “Red-Handed: How American Elites Get Rich Helping China Win” by Peter Schweizer – May 18
- ↳ Original Proposal – “Red-Handed: How American Elites Get Rich Helping China Win” by Peter Schweizer – May 18
- ↳ Participant Comments – “Red-Handed: How American Elites Get Rich Helping China Win” by Peter Schweizer – May 18
- ↳ Reference Materials – “Red-Handed: How American Elites Get Rich Helping China Win” by Peter Schweizer – May 18
- ↳ Discussion Outline - The Dying Concept of Citizenship & America’s Southern Border – April 20
- ↳ Original Proposal - The Dying Concept of Citizenship & America’s Southern Border – April 20
- ↳ Participant Comments - The Dying Concept of Citizenship & America’s Southern Border – April 20
- ↳ Reference Materials - The Dying Concept of Citizenship & America’s Southern Border – April 20
- ↳ Public-Policy Letters Sent to the European Union President & the NATO Secretary General – America’s 1994 Written & Signed Guarantee Of Ukraine’s Independence and Territorial Integrity For Ukraine Surrendering Its 1,900 Nuclear Missiles – March 16
- ↳ Discussion Outline – America’s 1994 Written & Signed Guarantee Of Ukraine’s Independence and Territorial Integrity For Ukraine Surrendering Its 1,900 Nuclear Missiles – March 16
- ↳ Original Proposal – America’s 1994 Written & Signed Guarantee Of Ukraine’s Independence and Territorial Integrity For Ukraine Surrendering Its 1,900 Nuclear Missiles – March 16
- ↳ Participant Comments – America’s 1994 Written & Signed Guarantee Of Ukraine’s Independence and Territorial Integrity For Ukraine Surrendering Its 1,900 Nuclear Missiles – March 16
- ↳ Short Quiz and Suggested Answers – America’s 1994 Written & Signed Guarantee Of Ukraine’s Independence and Territorial Integrity For Ukraine Surrendering Its 1,900 Nuclear Missiles – March 16
- ↳ Reference Materials – America’s 1994 Written & Signed Guarantee Of Ukraine’s Independence and Territorial Integrity For Ukraine Surrendering Its 1,900 Nuclear Missiles – March 16
- ↳ Discussion Outline – NYC Harvard Club Book Promotion – “Our Broken Elections: How the Left Changed the Way You Vote” – Feb 16
- ↳ Original Proposal – NYC Harvard Club Book Promotion – “Our Broken Elections: How the Left Changed the Way You Vote” – Feb 16
- ↳ Participant Comments – NYC Harvard Club Book Promotion - “Our Broken Elections: How the Left Changed the Way You Vote” – Feb 16
- ↳ Reference Materials – NYC Harvard Club Book Promotion – “Our Broken Elections: How the Left Changed the Way You Vote” – Feb 16
- ↳ Discussion Outline – The Deficit Myth by Democratic Party Economic Guru, Prof. Stephanie Kelton – Jan 19
- ↳ Original Proposal – The Deficit Myth by Democratic Party Economic Guru, Prof. Stephanie Kelton – Jan 19
- ↳ Discussion Outline – President Obama’s Dept of Energy Under-Secretary for Science (Prof. Steven Koonin) on “Unsettled: What Climate Science Tells Us, What It Doesn’t, and Why It Matters” – Dec 8
- ↳ Participant Comments – The Deficit Myth by Democratic Party Economic Guru, Prof. Stephanie Kelton – Jan 19
- ↳ Reference Materials – The Deficit Myth by Democratic Party Economic Guru, Prof. Stephanie Kelton – Jan 19
- ↳ Original Proposal – President Obama’s Dept of Energy Under-Secretary for Science (Prof. Steven Koonin) on “Unsettled: What Climate Science Tells Us, What It Doesn’t, and Why It Matters” – Dec 8
- ↳ Participant Comments – President Obama’s Dept of Energy Under-Secretary for Science (Prof. Steven Koonin) on “Unsettled: What Climate Science Tells Us, What It Doesn’t, and Why It Matters” – Dec 8
- ↳ Reference Materials – President Obama’s Dept of Energy Under-Secretary for Science (Prof. Steven Koonin) on “Unsettled: What Climate Science Tells Us, What It Doesn’t, and Why It Matters” – Dec 8
- ↳ CONTINUATION OF THE PREVIOUS SECTION
- ↳ Discussion Outline – An Elegant Defense: The Extraordinary New Science Of The Immune System – Nov 10
- ↳ Original Proposal – An Elegant Defense: The Extraordinary New Science Of The Immune System – Nov 10
- ↳ Participant Comments – An Elegant Defense: The Extraordinary New Science Of The Immune System – Nov 10
- ↳ Reference Materials – An Elegant Defense: The Extraordinary New Science Of The Immune System – Nov 10
- ↳ Discussion Outline – Revisiting The Issue Of Charter Schools: Stanford University vs. Stanford’s Hoover Institution – Oct 13
- ↳ Original Proposal – Revisiting The Issue Of Charter Schools: Stanford University vs. Stanford’s Hoover Institution – Oct 13
- ↳ Participant Comments – Revisiting The Issue Of Charter Schools: Stanford University vs. Stanford’s Hoover Institution – Oct 13
- ↳ Reference Materials – Revisiting The Issue Of Charter Schools: Stanford University vs. Stanford’s Hoover Institution – Oct 13
- ↳ Discussion Outline – Discrimination and Disparities by Thomas Sowell – Sept 8
- ↳ Original Proposal – Discrimination and Disparities by Thomas Sowell – Sept 8
- ↳ Participant Comments – Discrimination and Disparities by Thomas Sowell – Sept 8
- ↳ Reference Materials – Discrimination and Disparities by Thomas Sowell – Sept 8
- ↳ Discussion Outline - The Non-Partisan Public-Policy Issues of Whether, For Example, Michael Lewis’ “The Premonition: A Pandemic Story” Is A Classic Political “Hit Piece” and Whether, As Such, It Should Be (vs. Is) Protected by Freedom Of Speech - Aug 11
- ↳ Original Proposal – The Non-Partisan Public-Policy Issues of Whether, For Example, Michael Lewis’ “The Premonition: A Pandemic Story” Is A Classic Political “Hit Piece” and Whether, As Such, It Should Be (vs. Is) Protected by “Freedom Of Speech” – Aug 11
- ↳ Participant Comments – The Non-Partisan Public-Policy Issues of Whether, For Example, Michael Lewis’ “The Premonition: A Pandemic Story” Is A Classic Political “Hit Piece” and Whether, As Such, It Should Be (vs. Is) Protected by Freedom Of Speech – Aug 11
- ↳ Discussion Outline – “1620: A Critical Response To The 1619 Project” by Peter Wood – July 14
- ↳ Reference Materials – The Non-Partisan Public-Policy Issues of Whether, For Example, Michael Lewis’ “The Premonition: A Pandemic Story” Is A Classic Political “Hit Piece” and Whether, As Such, It Should Be (vs. Is) Protected by Freedom Of Speech – Aug 11
- ↳ Original Proposal – “1620: A Critical Response To The 1619 Project” by Peter Wood – July 14
- ↳ Participant Comments – “1620: A Critical Response To The 1619 Project” by Peter Wood – July 14
- ↳ Reference Materials – “1620: A Critical Response To The 1619 Project” by Peter Wood – July 14
- ↳ Meeting Report – “Predict & Surveil: Data, Discretion & the Future of Policing” by Prof. Sarah Brayne – June 9
- ↳ Discussion Outline – “Predict & Surveil: Data, Discretion & the Future of Policing” by Prof. Sarah Brayne – June 9
- ↳ Original Proposal – “Predict & Surveil: Data, Discretion & the Future of Policing” by Prof. Sarah Brayne – June 9
- ↳ Participant Comments – “Predict & Surveil: Data, Discretion & the Future of Policing” by Prof. Sarah Brayne – June 9
- ↳ Resource Materials – “Predict & Surveil: Data, Discretion & the Future of Policing” by Prof. Sarah Brayne – June 9
- ↳ Discussion Outline – “How To Avoid A Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need” by Bill Gates – May 12
- ↳ Original Proposal – “How To Avoid A Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need” by Bill Gates – May 12
- ↳ Participant Comments – “How To Avoid A Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need” by Bill Gates – May 12
- ↳ Reference Materials – “How To Avoid A Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need” by Bill Gates – May 12
- ↳ Discussion Outline – “Cancel Culture: The Latest Attack on Free Speech and Due Process” by Prof. Alan Dershowitz – April 7
- ↳ Original Proposal – “Cancel Culture: The Latest Attack on Free Speech and Due Process” by Prof. Alan Dershowitz – April 7
- ↳ Participant Comments – “Cancel Culture: The Latest Attack on Free Speech and Due Process” by Prof. Alan Dershowitz – April 7
- ↳ Reference Materials – “Cancel Culture: The Latest Attack on Free Speech and Due Process” by Prof. Alan Dershowitz – April 7
- ↳ Discussion Outline – “The New Map: Energy, Climate & the Clash of Nations” by Pulitzer-Prize Winner Daniel Yergin – March 10
- ↳ Original Proposal – “The New Map: Energy, Climate & the Clash of Nations” by Pulitzer-Prize Winner Daniel Yergin – March 10
- ↳ Participant Comments – “The New Map: Energy, Climate & the Clash of Nations” by Pulitzer-Prize Winner Daniel Yergin – March 10
- ↳ Resource Materials – “The New Map: Energy, Climate & the Clash of Nations” by Pulitzer-Prize Winner Daniel Yergin – March 10
- ↳ Discussion Outline - “Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress by Prof. Steven Pinker – Feb 10
- ↳ Reference Materials - “Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress by Prof. Steven Pinker – Feb 10
- ↳ Original Proposal - “Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress by Prof. Steven Pinker – Feb 10
- ↳ Participant Comments - “Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress by Prof. Steven Pinker – Feb 10
- ↳ Meeting Report – Civilization: The West and the Rest by Prof. Niall Ferguson – Jan 13
- ↳ Discussion Outline – Civilization: The West and the Rest by Prof. Niall Ferguson – Jan 13
- ↳ Original Proposal – Civilization: The West and the Rest by Prof. Niall Ferguson – Jan 13
- ↳ Participant Comments – Civilization: The West and the Rest by Prof. Niall Ferguson – Jan 13
- ↳ Reference Materials – Civilization: The West and the Rest by Prof. Niall Ferguson – Jan 13
- ↳ Discussion Outline - Great Society: A New History by Amity Shlaes - Dec 9
- ↳ Original Proposal - Great Society: A New History by Amity Shlaes - Dec 9
- ↳ Participant Comments - Great Society: A New History by Amity Shlaes - Dec 9
- ↳ Reference Materials - Great Society: A New History by Amity Shlaes - Dec 9
- ↳ Discussion Outline – “The Square and The Tower: Networks and Power, from the Freemasons to Facebook” by Prof. Niall Ferguson – Nov 11
- ↳ Original Proposal – “The Square and The Tower: Networks and Power, from the Freemasons to Facebook” by Prof. Niall Ferguson – Nov 11
- ↳ Participant Comments – “The Square and The Tower: Networks and Power, from the Freemasons to Facebook” by Prof. Niall Ferguson – Nov 11
- ↳ Reference Materials – “The Square and The Tower: Networks and Power, from the Freemasons to Facebook” by Prof. Niall Ferguson – Nov 11
- ↳ Discussion Outline – The Human Network: How Your Social Position Determines Your Power, Beliefs and Behaviors By Stanford U. Prof Matthew Jackson – Oct 14
- ↳ Original Proposal – The Human Network: How Your Social Position Determines Your Power, Beliefs and Behaviors By Stanford U. Prof Matthew Jackson – Oct 14
- ↳ Participant Comments – The Human Network: How Your Social Position Determines Your Power, Beliefs and Behaviors By Stanford U. Prof Matthew Jackson – Oct 14
- ↳ Reference Materials – The Human Network: How Your Social Position Determines Your Power, Beliefs and Behaviors By Stanford U. Prof Matthew Jackson – Oct 14
- ↳ Discussion Outline - The Revolutionary Lives of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King by Prof. Peniel Joseph - Sep 9
- ↳ Original Proposal - The Revolutionary Lives of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King by Prof. Peniel Joseph - Sep 9
- ↳ Participant Comments - The Revolutionary Lives of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King by Prof. Peniel Joseph - Sep 9
- ↳ Reference Materials - The Revolutionary Lives of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King by Prof. Peniel Joseph - Sep 9
- ↳ Discussion Outline – "Tightrope: Americans Reaching For Hope" by Pulitzer-Prize Winners Sheryl WuDunn and Husband, NY Times Columnist Nicholas Kristof – Aug 12
- ↳ Original Proposal – "Tightrope: Americans Reaching For Hope" by Pulitzer-Prize Winners Sheryl WuDunn and Husband, NY Times Columnist Nicholas Kristof – Aug 12
- ↳ Discussion Outline – “The Age of Addiction” by Prof. David Courtwright – July 8
- ↳ Participant Comments – "Tightrope: Americans Reaching For Hope" by Pulitzer-Prize Winners Sheryl WuDunn and Husband, NY Times Columnist Nicholas Kristof – Aug 12
- ↳ Reference Materials – "Tightrope: Americans Reaching For Hope" by Pulitzer-Prize Winners Sheryl WuDunn and Husband, NY Times Columnist Nicholas Kristof – Aug 12
- ↳ Participant Comments – “The Age of Addiction: How Bad Habits Became Big Business” by Prof. David Courtwright – July 8
- ↳ Original Proposal – “The Age of Addiction: How Bad Habits Became Big Business” by Prof. David Courtwright – July 8
- ↳ Reference Materials – “The Age of Addiction: How Bad Habits Became Big Business” by Prof. David Courtwright – July 8
- ↳ 6/3/2020: CALL TO ACTION – ONLY 10 MINUTES NEEDED FOR YOU TO PARTICIPATE – “SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION” E-MAIL CAMPAIGN TO ADDRESS THE ROOT CAUSE OF RACISM (VS. ONLY A MERE SYMPTOM) – AMERICA’S PERMANENT 30% UNDER-CASTE
- ↳ Discussion Outline – Jonathan Kozol “The Shame of the Nation: The Restoration of Apartheid Schooling in America” and Free Tuition for Public Colleges and Vocational Schools – June 3
- ↳ Original Proposal – Jonathan Kozol “The Shame of the Nation: The Restoration of Apartheid Schooling in America” and Free Tuition for Public Colleges and Vocational Schools – Mtg Date TBD
- ↳ Participant Comments – Jonathan Kozol “The Shame of the Nation: The Restoration of Apartheid Schooling in America” and Free Tuition for Public Colleges and Vocational Schools – Mtg Date TBD
- ↳ Reference Materials – Jonathan Kozol “The Shame of the Nation: The Restoration of Apartheid Schooling in America” and Free Tuition for Public Colleges and Vocational Schools – June 3
- ↳ Mail Campaign to ABC’s The View – Money in Politics – March 18
- ↳ Discussion Outline – Money in Politics – March 18
- ↳ Original Proposal - Money in Politics: Michael Bloomberg & Tom Steyer, et al. - March 18
- ↳ Participant Comments - Money in Politics: Michael Bloomberg & Tom Steyer, et al. - March 18
- ↳ Meeting WED Evening Feb 19 – Proposed E-mail Campaign Re “Hunger in America” – Your Opportunity To Strike A Blow For BASIC HUMAN DECENCY
- ↳ Feb 19 Meeting Report – Proposed E-mail Campaign Re “Hunger in America”
- ↳ Original Proposal – Utah Taxing Groceries of Our Neighbors Living on Less Than $2.00/Day – Feb 19
- ↳ Participant Comments – Utah Taxing Groceries of Our Neighbors Living on Less Than $2.00/Day – Feb 19
- ↳ Reference Materials – Utah Taxing Groceries of Our Neighbors Living on Less Than $2.00/Day – Feb 19
- ↳ CALL TO ACTION – ONLY 5 MINUTES NEEDED FOR YOU TO PARTICIPATE – “SIX-DEGREES-OF-SEPARATION” E-MAIL CAMPAIGN TO SOLVE THE PALESTINIAN ISSUE (AND AVOID “THE TWILIGHT OF THE HUMANS” - Jan 15
- ↳ Original Proposal – “REPRISE: A Marshall-Type Plan For Palestinians” – Jan 15
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline – “REPRISE: A Marshall-Type Plan For Palestinians” – Jan 15
- ↳ Participant Comments – “REPRISE: A Marshall-Type Plan For Palestinians” – Jan 15
- ↳ Reference Materials – “REPRISE: A Marshall-Type Plan For Palestinians” – Jan 15
- ↳ CALL TO ACTION – “SIX-DEGREES-OF-SEPARATION” E-MAIL CAMPAIGN TO SAVE THE U.S. GOVERNMENT $86 BILLION/YEAR BY ADOPTING MEDICARE-FOR-ALL – (only 5 minutes needed to participate)
- ↳ Discussion Outline – “The Price We Pay: What Broke American Health Care And How To Fix It” by Johns Hopkins Surgeon and Prof. of Health Policy Marty Markary – Dec 11
- ↳ Participant Comments – “The Price We Pay: What Broke American Health Care And How To Fix It” by Johns Hopkins Surgeon and Prof. of Health Policy Marty Markary – Dec 11
- ↳ Original Proposal – “The Price We Pay: What Broke American Health Care And How To Fix It” by Johns Hopkins Surgeon and Prof. of Health Policy Marty Markary – Dec 11
- ↳ Reference Materials – “The Price We Pay: What Broke American Health Care And How To Fix It” by Johns Hopkins Surgeon and Prof. of Health Policy Marty Markary – Dec 11
- ↳ CALL TO ACTION – “SIX-DEGREES-OF-SEPARATION” E-MAIL CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT POSSIBLE GLOBAL-WARMING SOLUTION (HYDROGEN EXTRACTION) FROM BEING KILLED!!! – (only 5 minutes needed to participate)
- ↳ Discussion Outline - Possible Global Warming Solution (Hydrogen Extraction) In Danger Of Being Killed!!! - Nov 13
- ↳ Original Proposal - Possible Global Warming Solution (Hydrogen Extraction) In Danger Of Being Killed!!! - Nov 13
- ↳ Participant Comments - Possible Global Warming Solution (Hydrogen Extraction) In Danger Of Being Killed!!! - Nov 13
- ↳ Reference Materials - Possible Global Warming Solution (Hydrogen Extraction) In Danger Of Being Killed!!! - Nov 13
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - “Tech Titans Of China: How China’s Tech Sector Is Challenging The World By Innovating Faster, Working Harder and Going Global by Rebecca A. Fannin – Oct 16
- ↳ Original Proposal - “Tech Titans Of China: How China’s Tech Sector Is Challenging The World By Innovating Faster, Working Harder and Going Global by Rebecca A. Fannin – Oct 16
- ↳ Participant Comments - “Tech Titans Of China: How China’s Tech Sector Is Challenging The World By Innovating Faster, Working Harder and Going Global by Rebecca A. Fannin - Oct 16
- ↳ Reference Materials - “Tech Titans Of China: How China’s Tech Sector Is Challenging The World By Innovating Faster, Working Harder and Going Global by Rebecca A. Fannin - Oct 16
- ↳ CALL TO ACTION – Six-Degrees-Of-Separation-Email-Campaign – A Suggestion To President Trump Re How To Support the United Nations 19-year Campaign Against “Trafficking In Persons, Especially Women and Children” – only 5 minutes needed to participate
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - Sex Trafficking: Inside the Business of Modern Slavery - Sep 18
- ↳ Original Proposal – Sex Trafficking: Inside the Business of Modern Slavery – Sep 18
- ↳ Participant Comments – Sex Trafficking: Inside the Business of Modern Slavery – Sep 18
- ↳ Reference Materials – Sex Trafficking: Inside the Business of Modern Slavery – Sep 18
- ↳ Participant Comments – Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson – July 31
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline – Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson – July 31
- ↳ Original Proposal – Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson – July 31
- ↳ Reference Materials – Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson – July 31
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline -- "The Great Revolt: Inside the Populist Coalition Reshaping American Politics” -- June 13
- ↳ Original Proposal -- "The Great Revolt: Inside the Populist Coalition Reshaping American Politics” -- June 13
- ↳ Short Quiz -- "The Great Revolt: Inside the Populist Coalition Reshaping American Politics” -- June 13
- ↳ Reference Materials -- "The Great Revolt: Inside the Populist Coalition Reshaping American Politics” -- June 13
- ↳ The Quartet – Three E-mail Campaigns “Approved” – May 16
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - "The Quartet: Orchestrating the Second American Revolution, 1783-1789" by Prof. Joseph J. Ellis – May 16
- ↳ Original Proposal - "The Quartet: Orchestrating the Second American Revolution, 1783-1789" by Prof. Joseph J. Ellis – May 16
- ↳ Reference Materials – "The Quartet: Orchestrating the Second American Revolution, 1783-1789" by Prof. Joseph J. Ellis – May 16
- ↳ Participant Comments – "The Quartet: Orchestrating the Second American Revolution, 1783-1789" by Prof. Joseph J. Ellis – May 16
- ↳ Cancellation of Official Status of April 11 Meeting on Joseph Califano’s “Our Damaged Democracy: We The People Must Act” + John Karls’ Research on Harvard as “Cambridge University in New England” 1636-1816
- ↳ Original Proposal - Our Damaged Democracy: We The People Must Act by Joseph Califano Jr. - April 11
- ↳ CALL TO ACTION – “SIX-DEGREES-OF-SEPARATION” E-MAIL CAMPAIGN TO HOLD CHINA RESPONSIBLE FOR NORTH KOREAN ACTIONS (only 5 minutes needed to participate)
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - “American Tianxia: Chinese Money, American Power and the End of History” by Prof. Salvatore Babones - March 14
- ↳ Original Proposal - “American Tianxia: Chinese Money, American Power and the End of History” by Prof. Salvatore Babones - March 14
- ↳ Participant Comments - “American Tianxia: Chinese Money, American Power and the End of History” by Prof. Salvatore Babones - March 14
- ↳ Reference Materials - “American Tianxia: Chinese Money, American Power and the End of History” by Prof. Salvatore Babones - March 14
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - “$2.00 a Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America” - Feb 7
- ↳ Original Proposal - “$2.00 a Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America” - Feb 7
- ↳ Participant Comments - “$2.00 a Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America” - Feb 7
- ↳ Reference Materials - “$2.00 a Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America” - Feb 7
- ↳ Meeting Cancellation - The Working Class Republican: Ronald Reagan and the Return of Blue Collar Conservatism - Jan 10
- ↳ Original Proposal - The Working Class Republican: Ronald Reagan and the Return of Blue Collar Conservatism - Jan 10
- ↳ Reference Materials - The Working Class Republican: Ronald Reagan and the Return of Blue Collar Conservatism - Jan 10
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - Heretic: Why Islam Needs a Reformation Now by Ayaan Hirsi Ali - Dec 13
- ↳ Original Proposal - Heretic: Why Islam Needs a Reformation Now by Ayaan Hirsi Ali - Dec 13
- ↳ Participant Comments - Heretic: Why Islam Needs a Reformation Now by Ayaan Hirsi Ali - Dec 13
- ↳ Reference Materials - Heretic: Why Islam Needs a Reformation Now by Ayaan Hirsi Ali - Dec 13
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - Strangers in Their Own Land: Anger and Mourning by the American Right: A Journey to the Heart of Our Political Divide - Nov 8
- ↳ Original Proposal - Strangers in Their Own Land: Anger and Mourning by the American Right: A Journey to the Heart of Our Political Divide - Nov 8
- ↳ Participant Comments - Strangers in Their Own Land: Anger and Mourning by the American Right: A Journey to the Heart of Our Political Divide - Nov 8
- ↳ Reference Materials - Strangers in Their Own Land: Anger and Mourning by the American Right: A Journey to the Heart of Our Political Divide - Nov 8
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - A Fine Mess: A Global Quest for a Simpler, Fairer, and More Efficient Tax System by T.R. Reid – Oct 4
- ↳ Original Proposal - A Fine Mess: A Global Quest for a Simpler, Fairer, and More Efficient Tax System by T.R. Reid – Oct 4
- ↳ Participant Comments - A Fine Mess: A Global Quest for a Simpler, Fairer, and More Efficient Tax System by T.R. Reid – Oct 4
- ↳ Reference Materials - A Fine Mess: A Global Quest for a Simpler, Fairer, and More Efficient Tax System by T.R. Reid – Oct 4
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - The War On Cops: How the New Attack on Law & Order Makes Everyone Less Safe by Heather MacDonald - Sep 6
- ↳ Original Proposal - The War On Cops: How the New Attack on Law & Order Makes Everyone Less Safe by Heather MacDonald - Sep 6
- ↳ Participant Comments - The War On Cops: How the New Attack on Law & Order Makes Everyone Less Safe by Heather MacDonald - Sep 6
- ↳ Reference Materials - The War On Cops: How the New Attack on Law & Order Makes Everyone Less Safe by Heather MacDonald - Sep 6
- ↳ Meeting Cancellation - American Amnesia: How The War On American Government Led Us To Forget What Made America Prosper – For Aug 9
- ↳ Original Proposal - American Amnesia: How The War On American Government Led Us To Forget What Made America Prosper – For Aug 9
- ↳ Reference Materials - American Amnesia: How The War On American Government Led Us To Forget What Made America Prosper – For Aug 9
- ↳ CALL TO ACTION – "SIX-DEGREES-OF-SEPARATION" E-MAIL CAMPAIGN RE SAVING THE U.S. GOV $300 BILLION/YEAR BY ENACTING “MEDICARE FOR ALL” – (only 5 minutes needed to participate)
- ↳ Original Proposal - An American Sickness: How Healthcare Became Big Business and How You Can Take It Back by Elisabeth Rosenthal – For July 12
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - An American Sickness: How Healthcare Became Big Business and How You Can Take It Back by Elisabeth Rosenthal – For July 12
- ↳ Participant Comments - An American Sickness: How Healthcare Became Big Business and How You Can Take It Back by Elisabeth Rosenthal – For July 12
- ↳ Reference Materials - An American Sickness: How Healthcare Became Big Business and How You Can Take It Back by Elisabeth Rosenthal – For July 12
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - How Everything Became War and the Military Became Everything by Rosa Brooks – June 7
- ↳ Original Proposal - How Everything Became War and the Military Became Everything by Rosa Brooks – June 7
- ↳ Participant Comments - How Everything Became War and the Military Became Everything by Rosa Brooks – June 7
- ↳ Reference Materials - How Everything Became War and the Military Became Everything by Rosa Brooks – June 7
- ↳ Discussion Outline – Authoritarian Rule by Our Intelligence Services – May 10
- ↳ Original Proposal – Authoritarian Rule by Our Intelligence Services – May 10
- ↳ Participant Comments – Authoritarian Rule by Our Intelligence Services – May 10
- ↳ Reference Materials – Authoritarian Rule by Our Intelligence Services – May 10
- ↳ April 12 Meeting Cancellation
- ↳ Original Proposal - Thank You For Being Late: An Optimist’s Guide To Thriving in an Age of Accelerations – For April 12th
- ↳ Reference Materials - Thank You For Being Late: An Optimist’s Guide To Thriving in an Age of Accelerations – For April 12th
- ↳ Participant Comments - Thank You For Being Late: An Optimist’s Guide To Thriving in an Age of Accelerations – For April 12th
- ↳ Discussion Outline – Killing Millions of Sesame Street Miss Piggy’s For The Human Organs – March 8
- ↳ Original Proposal – Killing Millions of Sesame Street Miss Piggy’s For The Human Organs – March 8
- ↳ Participant Comments – Killing Millions of Sesame Street Miss Piggy’s For The Human Organs – March 8
- ↳ Original Proposal Reference Materials – Killing Millions of Sesame Street Miss Piggy’s For The Human Organs – March 8
- ↳ CALL TO ACTION - OPPOSING THE WANTON DESTRUCTION OF GREAT SALT LAKE – FEB 8TH
- ↳ Discussion Outline - The Mormon Church Condoning The Wanton Destruction Of Great Salt Lake – Feb 8th
- ↳ Original Proposal - The Mormon Church Condoning The Wanton Destruction Of Great Salt Lake – Feb 8th
- ↳ Participant Comments - The Mormon Church Condoning The Wanton Destruction Of Great Salt Lake – Feb 8th
- ↳ Reference Materials - The Mormon Church Condoning The Wanton Destruction Of Great Salt Lake – Feb 8th
- ↳ Discussion Outline – Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters In The End – Jan 11
- ↳ Original Proposal – Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters In The End – Jan 11
- ↳ Participant Comments – Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters In The End – Jan 11
- ↳ Reference Materials – Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters In The End – Jan 11
- ↳ Discussion Outline – Makers and Takers: The Rise of Finance and the Fall of American Business – Dec 14
- ↳ Original Proposal - Makers and Takers: The Rise of Finance and the Fall of American Business – Dec 14
- ↳ Participant Comments - Makers and Takers: The Rise of Finance and the Fall of American Business – Dec 14
- ↳ Reference Materials - Makers and Takers: The Rise of Finance and the Fall of American Business – Dec 14
- ↳ Discussion Outline - The Terror Years: From Al-Qaeda to the Islamic State – Nov 16
- ↳ Original Proposal - The Terror Years: From Al-Qaeda to the Islamic State – Nov 16
- ↳ Participant Comments – The Terror Years: From Al-Qaeda to the Islamic State – Nov 16
- ↳ Reference Materials - The Terror Years: From Al-Qaeda to the Islamic State – Nov 16
- ↳ Discussion Outline - Helping Children Succeed: What Works and Why - Oct 19
- ↳ Participant Comments – Helping Children Succeed: What Works and Why - Oct 19
- ↳ Original Proposal - Helping Children Succeed: What Works and Why - Oct 19
- ↳ Reference Materials – Helping Children Succeed: What Works and Why - Oct 19
- ↳ Discussion Outline – Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of Family and Culture in Crisis - Sep 14
- ↳ Original Proposal – Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of Family and Culture in Crisis - Sep 14
- ↳ Participant Comments – Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of Family and Culture in Crisis - Sep 14
- ↳ Reference Materials – Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of Family and Culture in Crisis - Sep 14
- ↳ Discussion Outline - San Bernardino and The F.B.I. vs. Apple – Aug 10
- ↳ Original Proposal – San Bernardino and The F.B.I. vs. Apple – Aug 10
- ↳ Original Proposal – How The Other Half Banks: Exclusion, Exploitation, and The Threat To Democracy – July 13
- ↳ Participant Comments – San Bernardino and The F.B.I. vs. Apple – Aug 10
- ↳ Reference Materials – San Bernardino and The F.B.I. vs. Apple – Aug 10
- ↳ Reference Materials – How The Other Half Banks: Exclusion, Exploitation, and The Threat To Democracy – July 13
- ↳ Cancellation – How The Other Half Banks: Exclusion, Exploitation, and The Threat To Democracy – July 13
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline – 5 Easy Theses: Commonsense Solutions to America’s Greatest Economic Challenges – June 15
- ↳ Original Proposal – 5 Easy Theses: Commonsense Solutions to America’s Greatest Economic Challenges – June 15
- ↳ Participant Comments - 5 Easy Theses: Commonsense Solutions to America’s Greatest Economic Challenges – June 15
- ↳ Reference Materials – 5 Easy Theses: Commonsense Solutions to America’s Greatest Economic Challenges – June 15
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline – Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City – May 18
- ↳ Original Proposal – Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City – May 18
- ↳ Participant Comments – Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City – May 18
- ↳ Reference Materials – Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City – May 18
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline – Dark Money: The Hidden History of the Billionaires Behind the Rise of the Radical Right – April 20
- ↳ Original Proposal – Dark Money: The Hidden History of the Billionaires Behind the Rise of the Radical Right – April 20
- ↳ Participant Comments – Dark Money: The Hidden History of the Billionaires Behind the Rise of the Radical Right – April 20
- ↳ Reference Materials – Dark Money: The Hidden History of the Billionaires Behind the Rise of the Radical Right – April 20
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption – March 16
- ↳ Original Proposal - Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption – March 16
- ↳ Reference Materials - Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption – March 16
- ↳ Participant Comments – Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption – March 16
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline – Capitalism vs. The Climate – Feb 17
- ↳ Participant Comments – Capitalism vs. The Climate – Feb 17
- ↳ Original Proposal – Capitalism vs. The Climate – Feb 17
- ↳ Reference Materials - Capitalism vs. The Climate – Feb 17
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline – The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History – Jan 13
- ↳ Original Proposal – The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History – Jan 13
- ↳ Participant Comments – The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History – Jan 13
- ↳ Reference Materials – The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History – Jan 13
- ↳ Original Proposal – Saving Capitalism by Robert Reich – Dec 16
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline – Saving Capitalism by Robert Reich – Dec 16
- ↳ Participant Comments – Saving Capitalism by Robert Reich – Dec 16
- ↳ Reference Materials - Saving Capitalism by Robert Reich – Dec 16
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - The Teacher Wars: A History of America's Most Embattled Profession - Nov 18
- ↳ Original Proposal - The Teacher Wars: A History of America's Most Embattled Profession - Nov 18
- ↳ Participant Comments - The Teacher Wars: A History of America's Most Embattled Profession - Nov 18
- ↳ Reference Materials - The Teacher Wars: A History of America's Most Embattled Profession - Nov 18
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - Phishing for Phools: The Economics of Manipulation and Deception by George Akerlof and Robert Shiller – Oct 14
- ↳ Original Proposal - Phishing for Phools: The Economics of Manipulation and Deception by George Akerlof and Robert Shiller – Oct 14
- ↳ Participant Comments - Phishing for Phools: The Economics of Manipulation and Deception by George Akerlof and Robert Shiller – Oct 14
- ↳ Reference Materials - Phishing for Phools: The Economics of Manipulation and Deception by George Akerlof and Robert Shiller – Oct 14
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - The Impending Adverse Impact Of New Technology on Employment and Income Inequality – Sep 9th
- ↳ Original Proposal - The Impending Adverse Impact Of New Technology on Employment and Income Inequality – Sep 9th
- ↳ Participant Comments - The Impending Adverse Impact Of New Technology on Employment and Income Inequality – Sep 9th
- ↳ Reference Materials - The Impending Adverse Impact Of New Technology on Employment and Income Inequality – Sep 9th
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline – Joan Walsh’s “What’s the Matter with White People?” – Aug 12
- ↳ Participant Comments – Joan Walsh’s “What’s the Matter with White People?” – Aug 12
- ↳ Original Proposal – Joan Walsh’s “What’s the Matter with White People?” – Aug 12
- ↳ Reference Materials – Joan Walsh’s “What’s the Matter with White People?” – Aug 12
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline – The Lonely War: One Woman’s Account of the Struggle for Modern Iran – July 15
- ↳ Original Proposal – The Lonely War: One Woman’s Account of the Struggle for Modern Iran – July 15
- ↳ Participant Comments – The Lonely War: One Woman’s Account of the Struggle for Modern Iran – July 15
- ↳ Reference Materials – The Lonely War: One Woman’s Account of the Struggle for Modern Iran – July 15
- ↳ CALL TO ACTION – "SIX-DEGREES-OF-SEPARATION" E-MAIL CAMPAIGN – POPE FRANCIS AND 23% OF U.S. CHILDREN IN POVERTY
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - The Hoax of the School-Privatization Movement - June 17
- ↳ Original Proposal - The Hoax of the School-Privatization Movement - June 17
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - Why Foreign-Government Corruption Threatens Global Security – May 13
- ↳ Participant Comments - The Hoax of the School-Privatization Movement - June 17……………………………………… AMERICA’S APARTHEID “JUSTICE” SYSTEM -- BALTIMORE, AMERICAN INNER-CITIES AND TOM BRADY
- ↳ Original Proposal - Why Foreign-Government Corruption Threatens Global Security – May 13
- ↳ Reference Materials - The Hoax of the School-Privatization Movement - June 17
- ↳ Participant Comments - Why Foreign-Government Corruption Threatens Global Security – May 13
- ↳ Reference Materials - Why Foreign-Government Corruption Threatens Global Security – May 13
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - Corruption in America - April 8
- ↳ Original Proposal - Corruption in America – April 8
- ↳ Participant Comments - Corruption in America – April 8
- ↳ Reference Materials - Corruption in America – April 8
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - Leon Panetta’s Worthy Fights and President Obama’s Military Force Authorization - March 11
- ↳ Original Proposal - Leon Panetta’s Worthy Fights and President Obama’s Military Force Authorization - March 11
- ↳ Original Proposal - Losing Our Way: An Intimate Portrait of a Troubled America - Feb 11
- ↳ Participant Comments - Leon Panetta’s Worthy Fights and President Obama’s Military Force Authorization - March 11
- ↳ Reference Materials - Leon Panetta’s Worthy Fights and President Obama’s Military Force Authorization - March 11
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - Losing Our Way: An Intimate Portraith of a Troubled America - Feb 11
- ↳ Participant Comments - Losing Our Way: An Intimate Portrait of a Troubled America – Feb 11
- ↳ Reference Materials - Losing Our Way: An Intimate Portrait of a Troubled America – Feb 11
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - Hillary Distancing Herself From Pres. Obama Re The Islamic State - For Sep 3
- ↳ Original Proposal - Hillary Distancing Herself From Pres. Obama Re The Islamic State - For Sep 3
- ↳ Participant Comments - Hillary Distancing Herself From Pres. Obama Re The Islamic State - For Sep 3
- ↳ Reference Materials - Hillary Distancing Herself From Pres. Obama Re The Islamic State - For Sep 3
- ↳ Original Proposal - American Exceptionalism: Fact or Fiction??? - Aug 6th
- ↳ Participant Comments - American Exceptionalism: Fact or Fiction??? - Aug 6th
- ↳ MEETING CANCELLATION + SABBATICAL
- ↳ MEETING CANCELLATION + SABBATICAL (Continued)
- ↳ Original Proposal - The Hoax of the School-Privatization Movement - May 7th
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline -- NUCLEAR FUSION AND 50 MORE YEARS WANDERING IN THE WILDERNESS SHUNNING THE PROMISED LAND -- Apr 9th
- ↳ Do-It-Yourself-Six-Degrees-Of-Separation-Email-Campaign -- Nuclear Fusion and 50 More Years Wandering in the Wilderness Shunning the Promised Land
- ↳ Participant Comments -- Nuclear Fusion and 50 More Years Wandering in the Wilderness Shunning the Promised Land -- April 9th
- ↳ Reference Materials -- Nuclear Fusion and 50 More Years Wandering in the Wilderness Shunning the Promised Land -- April 9th
- ↳ Original Proposal -- Nuclear Fusion and 50 More Years Wandering in the Wilderness Shunning the Promised Land -- April 9th
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - Angry White Men: American Masculinity at the End of an Era – March 12th
- ↳ Original Proposal - Angry White Men: American Masculinity at the End of an Era – March 12th
- ↳ Participant Comments - Angry White Men: American Masculinity at the End of an Era – March 12th
- ↳ Reference Materials - Angry White Men: American Masculinity at the End of an Era – March 12th
- ↳ CALL TO ACTION – "SIX-DEGREES-OF-SEPARATION" E-MAIL CAMPAIGN TO PRESIDENT OBAMA – RENEWING 1968 EXECUTIVE ORDER 11387 TO HALT THE EXPORT OF AMERICAN JOBS
- ↳ Discussion Outline – 12 Years A Slave, the 1853 autobiography of a free black man who was kidnapped in Washington DC in 1841 and sold into slavery, which became a famous part of the Abolitionist Movement – Feb 12th
- ↳ Original Proposal – 12 Years A Slave, the 1853 autobiography of a free black man who was kidnapped in Washington DC in 1841 and sold into slavery, which became a famous part of the Abolitionist Movement – Feb 12th
- ↳ Participant Comments – 12 Years A Slave, the 1853 autobiography of a free black man who was kidnapped in Washington DC in 1841 and sold into slavery, which became a famous part of the Abolitionist Movement – Feb 12th
- ↳ Reference Materials – 12 Years A Slave, the 1853 autobiography of a free black man who was kidnapped in Washington DC in 1841 and sold into slavery, which became a famous part of the Abolitionist Movement – Feb 12th
- ↳ Discussion Outline - Magnificent Delusions: Pakistan, the U.S., and An Epic History of Misunderstanding – Jan 8th
- ↳ Original Proposal - Magnificent Delusions: Pakistan, the U.S., and An Epic History of Misunderstanding – Jan 8th
- ↳ Participant Comments - Magnificent Delusions: Pakistan, the U.S., and An Epic History of Misunderstanding – Jan 8th
- ↳ Reference Materials - Magnificent Delusions: Pakistan, the U.S., and An Epic History of Misunderstanding – Jan 8th
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline – Third-Trimester Abortions – Dec. 11th
- ↳ Original Proposal – Third-Trimester Abortions – Dec. 11th
- ↳ Participant Comments – Third-Trimester Abortions – Dec. 11th
- ↳ Reference Materials – Third-Trimester Abortions – Dec. 11th
- ↳ Discussion Outline - Will Ayatollah Khomenei Destroy The World??? - Nov 13
- ↳ Original Proposal - Who Is Ayatollah Khamenei by an Iranian Journalist/Dissident - Nov 13
- ↳ Participant Comments - Who Is Ayatollah Khamenei by an Iranian Journalist/Dissident - Nov 13
- ↳ Reference Materials - Who Is Ayatollah Khamenei by an Iranian Journalist/Dissident - Nov 13
- ↳ Discussion Outline - Austerity: The History of a Dangerous Idea - Oct 9th
- ↳ Original Proposal - Austerity: The History of a Dangerous Idea - Oct 9th
- ↳ Participant Comments - Austerity: The History of a Dangerous Idea - Oct 9th
- ↳ Reference Materials - Austerity: The History of a Dangerous Idea - Oct 9th
- ↳ CALL TO ACTION - SIX-DEGREES-OF-SEPARATION E-MAIL CAMPAIGN TO PRESIDENT OBAMA REGARDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THORIUM AS THE GREEN ENERGY SOURCE FOR THE FUTURE WHICH WILL, INTER ALIA, SOLVE OCEANIC ACIDIFICATION
- ↳ CALL TO ACTION - SIX-DEGREES-OF-SEPARATION E-MAIL CAMPAIGN TO PRESIDENT OBAMA REGARDING THE ENFORCEMENT OF OCEAN CONSERVATION
- ↳ Discussion Outline - Oceana by Ted Danson - Sep 11
- ↳ Original Proposal - Oceana by Ted Danson - Sep 11
- ↳ Participant Comments - Oceana by Ted Danson - Sep 11
- ↳ Reference Materials - Oceana by Ted Danson - Sep 11
- ↳ Discussion Outline - Our Current House-Of-Cards National Banking System - Aug 14
- ↳ Original Proposal - Our Current House-Of-Cards National Banking System - Aug 14
- ↳ Participant Comments - Our Current House-Of-Cards National Banking System - Aug 14
- ↳ ELLEN BIRRELL & JIM HUTCHINS – RSVP’S FOR AUG 14
- ↳ Reference Materials - Our Current House-Of-Cards National Banking System - Aug 14
- ↳ Discussion Outline - The Thistle and The Drone - July 10th
- ↳ Original Proposal - The Thistle and The Drone - July 10th
- ↳ Participant Comments - The Thistle and The Drone - July 10th
- ↳ Reference Materials - The Thistle and The Drone - July 10th
- ↳ Meeting Cancellation - The New Digital Age by Google's Eric Schmidt & Jared Cohen - June 12th
- ↳ Original Proposal - The New Digital Age by Google's Eric Schmidt & Jared Cohen - June 12th
- ↳ Participant Comments - The New Digital Age by Google's Eric Schmidt & Jared Cohen - June 12th
- ↳ Reference Materials - The New Digital Age by Google's Eric Schmidt & Jared Cohen - June 12th
- ↳ Discussion Outline - Federal Bailouts of Illinois and Detroit, Etc., Etc., Etc. - May 8th
- ↳ Original Proposal - Federal Bailouts of Illinois and Detroit, Etc., Etc., Etc. - May 8th
- ↳ Participant Comments - Federal Bailouts of Illinois and Detroit, Etc., Etc., Etc. – May 8th
- ↳ Discussion Outline - Salt-Sugar-Fat: How The Food Giants Hooked Us – April 10th
- ↳ Reference Materials - Federal Bailouts of Illinois and Detroit, Etc., Etc., Etc. – May 8th
- ↳ Original Proposal - Salt-Sugar-Fat: How The Food Giants Hooked Us – April 10th
- ↳ Participant Comments – Salt-Sugar-Fat: How The Food Giants Hooked Us – April 10th
- ↳ Reference Materials – Salt-Sugar-Fat: How The Food Giants Hooked Us – April 10th
- ↳ UNOFFICIAL SIX-DEGREES-OF-SEPARATION E-MAIL CAMPAIGN TO PRESIDENT OBAMA REGARDING ANNUAL DEFICITS AND ACCUMULATED DEBT
- ↳ Discussion Outline - How To Regain America's Competitive Edge And Boost Our Global Standing - March 13th
- ↳ Original Proposal – How To Regain America’s Competitive Edge And Boost Our Global Standing – March 13th
- ↳ Participant Comments - How To Regain America’s Competitive Edge And Boost Our Global Standing – March 13th
- ↳ Reference Materials - How To Regain America’s Competitive Edge And Boost Our Global Standing – March 13th
- ↳ Discussion Outline - John Brennan's Nomination To Head The CIA - Feb 6th
- ↳ Original Proposal - John Brennan's Nomination To Head The CIA - Feb 6th
- ↳ Participant Comments - John Brennan's Nomination To Head The CIA - Feb 6th
- ↳ Reference Materials - John Brennan's Nomination To Head The CIA - Feb 6th
- ↳ Discussion Outline - Assisted Suicide - Jan 9th
- ↳ Original Proposal - Assisted Suicide - Jan 9th
- ↳ Participant Comments - Assisted Suicide - Jan 9th
- ↳ Reference Materials - Assisted Suicide - Jan 9th
- ↳ Discussion Outline - It's Even Worse Than It Looks by Mann + Ornstein - Dec 12th
- ↳ Original Proposal - It's Even Worse Than It Looks By Mann + Ornstein - Dec 12th
- ↳ Participant Comments - It's Even Worse Than It Looks By Mann + Ornstein - Dec 12th
- ↳ Reference Materials - It's Even Worse Than It Looks By Mann + Ornstein - Dec 12th
- ↳ SIX-DEGREES-OF-SEPARATION E-MAIL CAMPAIGN TO PRINCETON ECONOMICS NOBEL-LAUREATE PROF. AND NY TIMES OP-ED COLUMNIST PAUL KRUGMAN – YOUR HELP DESPERATELY NEEDED TO AVERT ANOTHER ECONOMIC MELTDOWN - ONLY 5 MINUTES NEEDED TO PARTICIPATE
- ↳ Discussion Outline - The Price of Inequality - Nov. 14th
- ↳ Original Proposal - The Price of Inequality - November 14th
- ↳ Participant Comments - The Price of Inequality - November 14th
- ↳ Reference Materials - The Price of Inequality - November 14th
- ↳ SIX-DEGREES-OF-SEPARATION E-MAIL CAMPAIGN TO D.O.E. SECRETARY CHU – R&D FOR THORIUM, THE GREEN ENERGY SOURCE FOR THE FUTURE - ONLY 5 MINUTES NEEDED TO PARTICIPATE
- ↳ Discussion Outline - Thorium: The Green Energy Source For The Future – October 10th
- ↳ Original Proposal – Thorium: The Green Energy Source For The Future – October 10th
- ↳ Participant Comments - Thorium: The Green Energy Source For The Future – October 10th
- ↳ SIX-DEGREES-OF-SEPARATION E-MAIL CAMPAIGN FOR PROSECUTION OF BILL AND MELINDA GATES AT THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT FOR "CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY" (only 5 minutes needed to participate)
- ↳ Reference Materials - Thorium: The Green Energy Source For The Future – October 10th
- ↳ Discussion Outline – DOES CALLING A RATTLESNAKE A CANARY SOLVE THE PROBLEM IF THE “CANARY” BITES YOU??? – September 12th
- ↳ Original Proposal - Gates Foundation Crimes Against US Education Policy – September 12th
- ↳ Reference Materials - Gates Foundation Crimes Against US Education Policy – September 12th
- ↳ Participant Comments - Gates Foundation Crimes Against US Education Policy – September 12th
- ↳ Discussion Outline - Winner-Take-All-Politics – August 8th
- ↳ Original Proposal – Winner-Take-All-Politics – August 8th
- ↳ Participant Comments – Winner-Take-All-Politics – August 8th
- ↳ Reference Materials – Winner-Take-All-Politics – August 8th
- ↳ Discussion Outline - Gates Foundation's "Crimes Against Humanity" - July 11th
- ↳ Original Proposal - Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman - July 11th
- ↳ Participant Comments - Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman - July 11th
- ↳ Reference Materials - Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman - July 11th
- ↳ Discussion Outline - How Invisible Policies Undermine American Democracy - June 13th
- ↳ Original Proposal - How Invisible Governmental Policies Undermine American Democracy - June 13th
- ↳ Participant Comments - How Invisible Governmental Policies Undermine American Democracy - June 13th
- ↳ Discussion Outline -- Merchants of Doubt -- May 9th
- ↳ Reference Materials - How Invisible Governmental Policies Undermine American Democracy - June 13th
- ↳ Participant Comments -- Merchants of Doubt -- May 9th
- ↳ Original Proposal -- Merchants of Doubt -- May 9th
- ↳ Reference Materials - Merchants of Doubt - May 9th
- ↳ Discussion Outline -- The Gardens of Democracy: A New American Story of Citizenship, the Economy, and the Role of Government -- April 11th
- ↳ Original Proposal -- The Gardens of Democracy: A New American Story of Citizenship, the Economy, and the Role of Government -- April 11th
- ↳ Participant Comments -- The Gardens of Democracy: A New American Story of Citizenship, the Economy, and the Role of Government -- April 11th
- ↳ Reference Materials -- The Gardens of Democracy: A New American Story of Citizenship, the Economy, and the Role of Government -- April 11th
- ↳ Discussion Outline - Insight Into Life In North Korea - The Orphan Master's Son by Prof. Adam Johnson - March 14th
- ↳ Original Proposal - Insight Into Life In North Korea - The Orphan Master's Son by Prof. Adam Johnson - March 14th
- ↳ Participant Comments - Insight Into Life In North Korea - The Orphan Master's Son by Prof. Adam Johnson - March 14th
- ↳ Reference Materials - Insight Into Life In North Korea - The Orphan Master's Son by Prof. Adam Johnson - March 14th
- ↳ Discussion Outline – Real Politik (aka National Interest) and Libya vs. Iran -- Feb 8th
- ↳ Original Proposal -- Real Politik (aka National Interest) and Libya vs. Iran -- Feb 8th
- ↳ Participant Comments -- Real Politik (aka National Interest) and Libya vs. Iran -- Feb 8th
- ↳ Reference Materials -- Real Politik (aka National Interest) and Libya vs. Iran -- Feb 8th
- ↳ Discussion Outline - All The Devils Are Here: The Hidden History Of The Financial Crisis - Jan 11th
- ↳ Original Proposal - All The Devils Are Here: The Hidden History Of The Financial Crisis - Jan11
- ↳ Participant Comments - All The Devils Are Here: The Hidden History Of The Financial Crisis - Jan 11
- ↳ Reference Materials - All The Devils Are Here: The Hidden History Of The Financial Crisis - Jan 11
- ↳ CALL TO ACTION -- "SIX-DEGREES-OF-SEPARATION" E-MAIL CAMPAIGN = TRillions Being Printed To Bail Out Foreign Banks and Governments -- (ONLY 5 MINUTES NEEDED TO PARTICIPATE)
- ↳ Discussion Outline - Balanced-Budget Amendments & Redeeming National Debt With “Wallpaper” In Both Europe and the U.S. - December 14th
- ↳ Original Proposal - Balanced-Budget Amendments & Redeeming National Debt With “Wallpaper” In Both Europe and the U.S. - December 14th
- ↳ Participant Comments - Balanced-Budget Amendments & Redeeming National Debt With “Wallpaper” In Both Europe and the U.S. - December 14th
- ↳ Reference Materials - Balanced-Budget Amendments & Redeeming National Debt With “Wallpaper” In Both Europe and the U.S. - December 14th
- ↳ CALL TO ACTION -- "SIX-DEGREES-OF-SEPARATION" E-MAIL CAMPAIGN = Benefiting American Taxpayers For The Scientific Discoveries Of Basic Research They Have Financed -- (ONLY 5 MINUTES NEEDED TO PARTICIPATE)
- ↳ Discussion Outline - That Used To Be Us By Thomas Friedman - Nov 9th
- ↳ Participant Comments - That Used To Be Us By Thomas Friedman - Nov 9th
- ↳ Original Proposal - That Used To Be Us By Thomas Friedman - Nov 9th
- ↳ Reference Materials - That Used To Be Us By Thomas Friedman - Nov 9th
- ↳ Discussion Outline - Can The Middle Class Be Saved - Oct 12th
- ↳ Original Proposal - Can The Middle Class Be Saved? - Oct 12th
- ↳ Participant Comments - Can The Middle Class Be Saved - Oct 12th
- ↳ Reference Materials - Can The Middle Class Be Saved? - Oct 12th
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - Even Silence Has An End by Ingrid Betencourt - Sep 14th
- ↳ Original Proposal - Even Silence Has An End by Ingrid Betencourt - Sep 14th
- ↳ Participant Comments - Even Silence Has An End by Ingrid Betancourt - Sep 14th
- ↳ Reference Materials - Even Silence Has An End by Ingrid Betancourt - Sep 14th
- ↳ Discussion Outline - Blood Brothers by Elias Chacour - August 10th
- ↳ Original Proposal – Blood Brothers by Elias Chacour – August 10th
- ↳ Participant Comments - Blood Brothers by Elias Chacour - August 10th
- ↳ Reference Materials - Blood Brothers by Elias Chacour - August 10th
- ↳ Discussion Outline - America's Climate Problem, The Way Forward - July 13th
- ↳ Original Proposal - America's Climate Problem, The Way Forward - July 13th
- ↳ Participant Comments - America's Climate Problem, The Way Forward - July 13th
- ↳ Reference Materials - America's Climate Problem, The Way Forward - July 13th
- ↳ Post-Meeting Discussion - Monsoon: The Indian Ocean and the Future of American Power - June 15th
- ↳ Discussion Outline - Monsoon: The Indian Ocean and the Future of American Power - June 15th
- ↳ Original Proposal - Monsoon: The Indian Ocean and the Future of American Power - June 15th
- ↳ DO-IT-YOURSELF SIX-DEGREES-OF-SEPARATION-E-MAIL-CAMPAIGN = Insuring The Survival Of The Democratic Party Following A Nuclear Attack On The U.S. By Terrorists - ONLY-5-MINUTES-REQUIRED-TO-PARTICIPATE
- ↳ Participant Comments - Monsoon: The Indian Ocean and the Future of American Power - June 15th
- ↳ Reference Materials - Monsoon: The Indian Ocean and the Future of American Power - June 15th
- ↳ SIX-DEGREES-OF-SEPARATION-E-MAIL-CAMPAIGNS = Taxing-Corporate-Profits-From-Exporting-American-Jobs + Benefitting-American-Taxpayers-For-The-Scientific-Discoveries-Of-Basic-Research-They-Have-Financed - ONLY-5-MINUTES-REQUIRED-TO-PARTICIPATE
- ↳ Discussion Outline - Debtor Nation: The History Of America In Red Ink - May 11th
- ↳ Original Proposal - Debtor Nation: The History Of America In Red Ink - for May 11th
- ↳ Participant Comments - Debtor Nation: The History Of America In Red Ink - for May 11th
- ↳ Reference Materials - Debtor Nation: The History of America in Red Ink - for May 11th
- ↳ DO-IT-YOURSELF SIX-DEGREES-OF-SEPARATION E-MAIL CAMPAIGN – Apr.13th
- ↳ Discussion Outline - President Obama’s Nuclear Stand Post-Japan - April 13th
- ↳ Participant Comments - President Obama’s Nuclear Stand Post-Japan - April 13th
- ↳ Original Proposal - President Obama’s Nuclear Stand Post-Japan - April 13th
- ↳ Reference Materials - President Obama’s Nuclear Stand Post-Japan - April 13th
- ↳ Discussion Outline - Religious Freedom And National Security - Mar 16th
- ↳ Original Proposal - Religious Freedom And National Security - Mar 16th
- ↳ Participant Comments - Religious Freedom And National Security - Mar 16th
- ↳ Reference Materials - Religious Freedom And National Security - Mar 16th
- ↳ DO-IT-YOURSELF SIX-DEGREES-OF-SEPARATION E-MAIL CAMPAIGN – Feb 9th
- ↳ Discussion Outline - Reports By Two Deficit-Reduction Commissions - Feb 9
- ↳ Original Proposal - Reports By Two Deficit-Reduction Commissions - Feb 9
- ↳ Participant Comments - Reports By Two Deficit-Reduction Commissions - Feb 9
- ↳ Reference Materials - Reports By Two Deficit-Reduction Commissions - Feb 9
- ↳ Discussion Outline - Making Our Democracy Work by US Supreme Ct Justice Stephen Breyer - Jan 12th
- ↳ Original Proposal - Making Our Democracy Work by US Supreme Ct Justice Stephen Breyer - Jan 12th
- ↳ Post-Meeting Participant Comments - Making Our Democracy Work by US Supreme Ct Justice Stephen Breyer - Jan 12th
- ↳ Participant Comments - Making Our Democracy Work by US Supreme Ct Justice Stephen Breyer - Jan 12th
- ↳ Reference Materials - Making Our Democracy Work by US Supreme Ct Justice Stephen Breyer - Jan 12th
- ↳ Discussion Outline - The US Gov's "Kill List" To Assassinate US Citizens in Yemen - Dec 15th
- ↳ Original Proposal - The US Gov's "Kill List" To Assassinate US Citizens in Yemen - Dec 15th
- ↳ Participant Comments - The US Gov's "Kill List" To Assassinate US Citizens in Yemen - Dec 15th
- ↳ Reference Materials - The US Gov's "Kill List" To Assassinate US Citizens in Yemen - Dec 15th
- ↳ Unofficial Six-Degrees-Of-Separation E-mail Campaign - Obama's Wars - Nov. 10th
- ↳ Original Proposal - Obama's Wars by Bob Woodward - Nov 10th
- ↳ Participant Comments - Obama's Wars by Bob Woodward - Nov 10th
- ↳ Reference Materials - Obama's Wars by Bob Woodward - Nov. 10th
- ↳ Discussion Outline -- Murder City – What Does Juarez say about our future? -- Oct 13th
- ↳ Original Proposal - MurderCity - What does Juarez say about our future? - Oct 13th
- ↳ Participant Comments - MurderCity: What does Juarez say about our future? - Oct 13th
- ↳ Reference Materials - MurderCity: What does Juarez say about our future? - Oct 13th
- ↳ Discussion Outline - - The Big Sort: Why The Clustering Of Like-Minded America Is Tearing Us Apart - Sep. 15th
- ↳ Original Proposal - The Big Sort: Why The Clustering Of Like-Minded America Is Tearing Us Apart - Sep. 15th
- ↳ Participant Comments - The Big Sort: Why The Clustering Of Like-Minded America Is Tearing Us Apart - Sep. 15th
- ↳ Reference Materials - The Big Sort: Why The Clustering Of Like-Minded America Is Tearing Us Apart - Sep. 15th
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - Greg Mortenson's Stones Into Schools: Promoting Peace With Books, Not Bombs, In Afghanistan and Pakistan - August 11th
- ↳ Original Proposal - Greg Mortenson's Stones Into Schools: Promoting Peace With Books, Not Bombs, In Afghanistan and Pakistan - August 11th
- ↳ Participant Comments - Greg Mortenson's Stones Into Schools: Promoting Peace With Books, Not Bombs, In Afghanistan and Pakistan - August 11th
- ↳ Reference Materials - Greg Mortenson's Stones Into Schools: Promoting Peace With Books, Not Bombs, In Afghanistan and Pakistan - August 11th
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - The Broken Branch: How Congress Is Failing America And How To Get It Back - July 14th
- ↳ Original Proposal - The Broken Branch: How Congress Is Failing America And How To Get It Back - July 14th
- ↳ Participant Comments - "The Broken Branch: How Congress Is Failing America And How To Get It Back" - July 14th
- ↳ Reference Materials - The Broken Branch: How Congress Is Failing America and How To Get It Back - July 14th
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - Arizona's New Immigration Law - June 9th
- ↳ Original Proposal - Arizona's New Immigration Law - June 9th
- ↳ Participant Comments - Arizona's New Immigration Law - June 9th
- ↳ Reference Materials - Arizona's New Immigration Law - June 9th
- ↳ Meeting Cancellation - After Iran Gets The Bomb (Foreign Affairs Magazine Lead Article) - May 12th
- ↳ Original Proposal - After Iran Gets The Bomb (Foreign Affairs Magazine Lead Article) - May 12th
- ↳ Participant Comments - After Iran Gets The Bomb (Foreign Affairs Magazine Lead Article) - May 12th
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - "The Shock Doctrine: Rise of Disaster Capitalism" - April 14
- ↳ Reference Materials - After Iran Gets The Bomb (Foreign Affairs Magazine Lead Article) - May 12th
- ↳ Original Proposal - The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism - April 14
- ↳ Participant Comments - "The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism" - April 14
- ↳ Reference Materials - The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism - April 14
- ↳ “SIX-DEGREES-OF-SEPARATION” CALL TO ACTION = The Supreme Court’s Recent Corporate-Campaign-Contribution Decision - (ONLY 5 MINUTES NEEDED TO PARTICIPATE)
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - US Supreme Court 1/21/2010 Decision on Campaign Contributions by Corporations - March 10
- ↳ Original Proposal - U.S. Supreme Court 1/21/2010 Decision on Campaign Contributions by Corporations - March 10
- ↳ Participant Comments - U.S. Supreme Court 1/21/2010 Decision on Campaign Contributions by Corporations - March 10
- ↳ Reference Materials - U.S. Supreme Court 1/21/2010 Decision on Campaign Contributions by Corporations - March 10
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - When China Rules The World - Feb 10th
- ↳ Original Proposal - Martin Jacques' "When China Rules The World" - Feb. 10th
- ↳ Reference Mats + Participant Comments - When China Rules the World - Feb 10th -- including Suggested Answers to the Short Quiz and the NY Times Book Review on "When China Rules The World"
- ↳ “SIX-DEGREES-OF-SEPARATION” CALL TO ACTION = The ONLY Way To Transform The Prevailing SINGLE-DIGIT Inner-City High School Graduation Rates to 65%-70% And Beyond - (ONLY 5 MINUTES NEEDED TO PARTICIPATE)
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - Oprah Winfrey's "Precious" - Jan. 13th
- ↳ Original Proposal - Continuing Our Oprah Tradition With "Precious" – Jan 13th
- ↳ Participant Comments and Reference Materials - Continuing Our Oprah Tradition With “Precious” – Jan 13th
- ↳ “SIX-DEGREES-OF-SEPARATION” CALL TO ACTION = Eliminating Unemployment With A “National Security Work Force” (ONLY 5 MINUTES NEEDED TO PARTICIPATE)
- ↳ Original Proposal - Dorothy Kearns Goodwin's Pulitzer-Prize Winning "No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II" - Dec. 9
- ↳ Participant Comments and Reference Materials - Dorothy Kearns Goodwin's Pulitzer-Prize Winning "No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II" - Dec. 9
- ↳ "SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION" CALL TO ACTION - General Motors & the EPA Perpetrating Fraud Re the Chevrolet Volt (ONLY 5 MINUTES NEEDED TO PARTICIPATE)
- ↳ Original Proposal - General Motors + the EPA Perpetrating Fraud Re the Chevrolet Volt - Nov 18
- ↳ Participant Comments - General Motors and the EPA Perpetrating Fraud Re the Chevrolet Volt - Nov 18
- ↳ Reference Materials – General Motors and the EPA Perpetrating Fraud Re the Chevrolet Volt – Nov 18
- ↳ CALL TO ACTION - "American Policy Toward Palestinians = The Key to Middle-East Peace" - ONLY 5 MINUTES NEEDED TO PARTICIPATE
- ↳ Original Proposal - American Policy Toward Israel - Oct 14th
- ↳ Participant Comments - American Policy Toward Israel - Oct 14th
- ↳ Reference Materials - American Policy Toward Israel - Oct 14th
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - Health Care/Insurance Reform - Sep. 9th
- ↳ Bill Lee's Original Proposal - Health-Care (or Health-Insurance) Reform - Sep 9th
- ↳ Participant Comments - Health-Care (Health-Insurance) Reform - Sep 9th
- ↳ Reference Materials - Health-Care (Health-Insurance) Reform - Sep 9th
- ↳ Original Proposal - Three Cups of Tea - August 12th
- ↳ Participant Comments - "Three Cups of Tea" - Aug. 12th
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - How to Change The World - July 8th
- ↳ Original Proposal - How To Change The World - July 8th
- ↳ Participant Comments - How To Change The World - July 8th
- ↳ Original Proposal - Come Home America - June 10
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - Come Home America - June 10
- ↳ Reference Materials - How To Change The World - July 8th
- ↳ Participant Comments - Come Home America - June 10
- ↳ CALL TO ACTION - The ONLY Way To Transform SINGLE-DIGIT Inner-City High School Graduation Rates to 65%-70% - Only 5 Minutes Needed to Answer the Call to Action
- ↳ The Banking Imbroglio - Come Home America - June 10
- ↳ Reference Materials - Come Home America - June 10
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - A Report Card for U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan - May 13
- ↳ Original Proposal - A Report Card for US Education Secretary Arne Duncan - May 13
- ↳ Participant Comments - A Report Card for US Education Secretary Arne Duncan - May 13
- ↳ Reference Materials - A Report Card for US Education Secretary Arne Duncan - May 13
- ↳ CALL TO ACTION – Human Intelligence vs. Surging in Afghanistan From 17,000 U.S. Troops to 70,000 and Beyond
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - Afghanistan, President Obama's Vietnam and Pakistan, His Cambodia - April 8
- ↳ Original Proposal - Afghanistan, Pres. Obama's Vietnam and Pakistan, His Cambodia - April 8
- ↳ Participant Comments - Afghanistan, Pres. Obama's Vietnam and Pakistan, His Cambodia - April 8
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - How Should Pres. Obama Reform Health Care - March 11
- ↳ Reference Materials - Afghanistan, Pres. Obama's Vietnam and Pakistan, His Cambodia - April 8
- ↳ Original Proposal - How Should Pres. Obama Reform Health Care - March 11
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - Saving the Democratic Party from Extinction: Foreign Policy - Feb. 11
- ↳ Participant Comments - How Should Pres. Obama Reform Health Care - March 11
- ↳ Feb. 11 Topic = Saving the Democratic Party from Extinction - Foreign Policy
- ↳ Report of the 2007 Democratic Congress' Commission on the Prevention of WMD Proliferation and Terrorism - Feb. 11
- ↳ Participant Comments - Saving the Democratic Party from Extinction/Foreign Policy - Feb. 11
- ↳ Other Background Mats - Saving the Democratic Party from Extinction/Foreign Policy - Feb. 11
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - Leaving Children Behind - Jan. 14
- ↳ CALL TO ACTION - Separate BUT UNEQUAL Public Schools
- ↳ January 14th Topic = Leaving Children Behind
- ↳ Background Mats + Participant Comments - Leaving Children Behind - Jan. 14
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - "It's The Economy, Stupid" - Dec. 10th
- ↳ Text - 2007 Supreme Court Reversal of School Integration - Leaving Children Behind - Jan. 14
- ↳ Participant Comments - "It's The Economy, Stupid" - Dec. 10th
- ↳ December 10th Meeting = "It's The Economy, Stupid"
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - Al Gore's Challenge to America - Nov. 12
- ↳ Reference Materials - "It's The Economy, Stupid" - Dec. 10th
- ↳ CALL TO ACTION - Al Gore's 10-Year Challenge to America
- ↳ Participant Comments - Al Gore's Challenge to America - for Nov. 12
- ↳ Additional Ref Materials - Al Gore's Challenge to America - for Nov. 12
- ↳ Text of Al Gore's July 17th Challenge To Re-Power America's Electricity Grid Within 10 Years - For Nov. 12
- ↳ To Go "Beyond The Call of Duty" - Info About Three Background Books - For Nov. 12
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - Team of Rivals - Oct. 8
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - Barack Obama's Bible - Sep 10
- ↳ Participant Comments - "Team of Rivals - Oct 8
- ↳ Participant Comments - "Barack Obama's Bible = Rules for Radicals" - Sep 10
- ↳ Ref Mats - "Barack Obama's Bible = Rules for Radicals" - Sep 10
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - Aug 13
- ↳ Comments of Participants - Obama From Promise to Power - Aug 13
- ↳ Reference Mats - Obama From Promise to Power - Aug 13
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - Everything About Oil - July 9th
- ↳ Comments of Participants - Everything About Oil - July 9th
- ↳ Reference Materials - Everything About Oil - July 9th
- ↳ Tim Russert Eulogies
- ↳ A Fine Mess: A Global Quest for a Simpler, Fairer, and More Efficient Tax System by T.R. Reid – Oct 4
- ↳ Reference Materials – Revisiting The Issue Of Charter Schools: Stanford University vs. Stanford’s Hoover Institution – Oct 13
- ↳ Original Proposal - Blood Money: Why the Powerful Turn a Blind Eye While China Kills Americans by Peter Schweizer - April 17
- ↳ July Meeting - Possible Topics (historical)
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - "Infidel" - June 11
- ↳ “Infidel” by Ayaan Hirsi Ali – for June 11
- ↳ Comments of Participants - "Infidel" - June 11th
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - Bush's Law - May 14
- ↳ Reference Materials - "Infidel" - June 11th
- ↳ Eric Lichtblau's “Bush’s Law: The Remaking of American Justice” – May 14
- ↳ Participant Comments - "Bush's Law" - May 14
- ↳ Reference Materials - "Bush's Law" - May 14
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - Apr 9th
- ↳ Clone Rights: Involuntary Soldiers, Sex Slaves, Human "Lab Rats" Etc. - Apr 9
- ↳ Participant Comments/Ref Mats - Clone Rights for Apr 9
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - Mar 13
- ↳ Critiques of Benezir Bhutto’s “Reconciliation: Islam, Democracy and the West” - Mar 13th
- ↳ Benazir Bhutto's "Reconciliation: Islam, Democracy and the West" - for Mar. 13
- ↳ Comments of Participants - Mar. 13
- ↳ Background Materials - Mar. 13
- ↳ DRINKing Liberally Presentation - Fri Eve Feb 29
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - Feb 14th
- ↳ Proposed Solution to The Cesspool that is Washington DC - for Feb 14
- ↳ "The Best Gov Money Can Buy: Bribery and Extortion" - Text of Original Proposal for Feb 14
- ↳ Participant Comments - The Best Gov Money Can Buy: Bribery & Extortion - Feb 14th
- ↳ Illegal “Bribe” vs. “Legal” Campaign Contribution - Feb 14th
- ↳ Background Mats - The Best Gov Money Can Buy: Bribery & Extortion - Feb 14th
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - Jan 10th
- ↳ Illegal Immigration = Topic for Jan 10th
- ↳ Participant Comments on Immigration - Jan 10th
- ↳ Leading Dem Candidates on Immigration - Jan 10
- ↳ Leading Rep Candidates on Immigration - Jan 10
- ↳ Reference Materials - Immigration - Jan 10
- ↳ Call to Action - Meeting Report for Dec 13th
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - Dec 13th
- ↳ Hillary's Bashing Bush as "Soft on Iran" - for Dec 13
- ↳ Is War With Iran Inevitable??? - Topic for Dec 13
- ↳ Action v. Deterrance (+ Detente) - for Dec 13
- ↳ Bombing Syria 9/6/2007 Re Iran & N Korea - for Dec 13
- ↳ Participant Comments Re War With Iran - for Dec 13
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - Nov 8th
- ↳ Ref Mats - Osama's Fatwa To Nuke 10 Million Americans - Dec 13
- ↳ The Controversy That Is Bill Cosby for Nov 8th
- ↳ The KKK - "All The Best People In Society Belonged" - for Nov. 8th
- ↳ Participant Comments - School Integration & The Jena Six - for Nov 8th
- ↳ Background Mats - School Integration & The Jena Six - for Nov 8th
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - Oct 11th
- ↳ Participant Comments Re Global Warming for Oct 11th
- ↳ Suggested Background Materials Re Global Warming for Oct 11th
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - Sep 6th
- ↳ Suggested Discussion Outline - Aug 2d
- ↳ Comments of Participants - Universal Health Care for Aug 2nd
- ↳ Suggested Background Materials on Universal Health Care for Aug. 2d
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