democracy

We live in a time when political disagreements can end friendships, divide families, and make civil conversation feel nearly impossible. But what if friendship is precisely what our democracy needs most?In his new book, 'A World We Share: Hannah Arendt and the Power of Friendship in a Broken World,' Roger Berkowitz turns to the influential political philosopher Hannah Arendt, exploring how her remarkable friendships shaped her thinking about politics, truth, and human connection.Berkowitz argues that democracy depends not simply on agreeing about facts, but on learning to live with people who see the world differently.

Michael Roth, the President of Wesleyan University, will speak at the Monterey Meeting House in Monterey, MA on Sunday, August 9th. His talk is titled: 'From Neutrality to Democracy; How Higher Ed Can Defend Democracy.' Michael will join us later this morning.Michael Roth has been president of Wesleyan University since 2007. His most recent books are 'The Student: A Brief History and Safe Enough Spaces: A Pragmatist’s Guide to Free Speech, Affirmative Action, and Political Correctness on College Campuses,'and 'Beyond the University: Why Liberal Education Matters.'He is currently focused on building a network of schools, Democracy 250, whose students defend democracy by participating in it. We welcome Michael Roth to the RT.

'New York Times' opinion writer Michelle Goldberg will appear in conversation with essayist, poet, and longtime 'The Nation' columnist Katha Pollitt at the New Marlborough Meeting House on Saturday, August 1, at 4:30 pm. They will be discussing the current political moment and the future of American democracy.

For more than half a century, Gail Godwin has earned acclaim for novels that blend emotional depth with intellectual curiosity, receiving three National Book Award nominations along the way. In 'The Art of Becoming a Citizen: A Memoir,' she shifts from fiction to reflection, tracing the experiences that shaped her understanding of democracy, belonging, and public life.Part personal history, part meditation on the responsibilities of citizenship, the memoir explores how private lives intersect with national ideals. Written with the grace and insight that define Godwin's work, it offers a timely and thoughtful perspective on America's current political moment.

The Justice Center of Rensselaer County is presenting their fourth annual Robert Doherty Memorial Lecture this week with Douglas Blackmon. Blackmon is a distinguished journalist, scholar, filmmaker, and the Pulitzer-Prize winning author of Slavery by Another Name: The Re-Enslavement of Black Americans from the Civil War to World War II.His talk: “What Comes Next? Redefining Police Power, Restoring Personal Freedom, Rebuilding Faith in American Democracy” will be held on Thursday, April 2nd @ 7PM in the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.

During an hour-long virtual town hall, Vermont’s Congressional delegation heard concerns from Vermonters about federal policies impacting the state.

This Saturday, October 25, Hudson Hall presents a special preview performance of “What is Your Hand in This?,” a new collaboration between acclaimed baritone Davóne Tines and early music band Ruckus.The performance will be broadcast live as part of WAMC’s On the Road series.

Vermont Congresswoman Becca Balint holds a panel discussion on the future of democracy

A new course at Bennington College in Vermont seeks to examine challenges facing democracy. And we’ll learn about the longtime creative partnership between children’s book author and illustrator Eric Carle and editor Ann Beneduce.

A new course at Bennington College in Vermont seeks to examine challenges facing democracy. And we’ll learn about the longtime creative partnership between children’s book author and illustrator Eric Carle and editor Ann Beneduce.