Perspectives of a Lifelong Learner
History is probably the greatest teacher. That is if we are really willing to take the time to learn. One hundred years ago the nation had sent nearly a million Americans to "defend" freedom in Europe. Regardless of race or gender they went to protect the inalienable rights of others. Rights that, for many, were... Continue Reading →
For those of you in and around the greater Chicago area, this and the entire series of programs, on the campus of the University of Illinois, Chicago, will be well worth your time. There will come a day when this country fully embraces an honest and open conversation about race, gender, and sexual orientation. Until... Continue Reading →
Katharine Graham https://youtu.be/nrXlY6gzTTM In 1971, I was a political science major in my senior year in college. This topic dominated the conversation in all of my poli sci classes regardless of the course title and the intended subject matter. From kindergarten on, a civically educated society is an imperative. Education is not just about... Continue Reading →
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." Martin Luther King, Jr. https://youtu.be/ZVbs0RVm6E8
For those of you that have focused attention spans, this article is worth your time. I find truth in many, if not most, of the authors assertions. Over the years, I have adjuncted in four universities, guest lectured at another three and have also instructed in extension courses, including an OLLI program, at still another.... Continue Reading →
Even though this program has been running for more than thirty years, one could certainly argue that during that period of time it is more important now than ever. Program Description We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution is an instructional program on the principles of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights... Continue Reading →
"Democracy – not economic development, not career preparation, or self-actualization – must stand foremost again as the animating purpose of college." W. Taylor Reveley IV, President of Longwood University in Virginia. This is one of my mantras. Civic ignorance in this country is appalling. There are institutional reasons for this but there are other reasons... Continue Reading →
"A recent survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania found that only one in four Americans can name all three branches of government. One in three can’t name any."--- https://www.heraldandnews.com/members/forum/wire_commentary/decline-of-civics-education-in-schools-hurts-good-government/article_801ac42d-ebcd-5b29-8d97-e640a4b81edb.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=user-share
In 1965, James Baldwin debated William F. Buckley at the Cambridge Union Society, Cambridge University. The topic of the debate was, "The American Dream is at the expense of the American negro." The viewing of this series of videos should be required material in every high school and college curriculum. In addition to discussing our... Continue Reading →
"I strongly believe that none of the public policy problems we face in our nation — from the federal government’s rollbacks of civil rights enforcement to the need to increase access to quality preschool — can be solved without an informed and engaged citizenry." by John B. King, Jr. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bs-ed-op-1231-king-column-20171227-story.html
The Scholarly Participant 
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