Heather Cox Richardson | Democracy Awakening
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 พ.ย. 2023
- Join historian Heather Cox Richardson as she explores the state of American democracy in her new book, "Democracy Awakening." With a deep understanding of history, Richardson sheds light on the forces driving democracy toward authoritarianism and examines the importance of historical knowledge in understanding modern events.
In this enlightening discussion, Richardson asks crucial questions about democracy's future: Who benefits from the obfuscation of history? What can be done to reinvigorate democratic participation? How can we rededicate ourselves to the founding ideals of our country? Don't miss this opportunity to gain insight into our shared democratic experiment and the path forward.
This program is part of The Commonwealth Club’s Future of Democracy Series, supported by Betsy and Roy Eisenhardt.
Photo courtesy the speaker.
November 6, 2023
Speakers
Heather Cox Richardson
Professor of History, Boston College; Author, Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America; Twitter @HC_Richardson
In Conversation with T.J. Stiles
Biographer; Historian; Author; Twitter @TJStiles_Author
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Discover the rich history of The Commonwealth Club of California, the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum. Founded in 1903 in San Francisco, the Club has hosted a diverse range of speakers, from Teddy Roosevelt to Hillary Clinton, Martin Luther King, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton. With over 20,000 members, the Club organizes more than 400 annual events covering politics, culture, society, and the economy. Join us as we explore the legacy and impact of this esteemed institution on public discourse and civic engagement.
This woman is a national treasure.
Yes 🙏🏽✌
Thank you 🗽❤🗽
By the ways, Never forgive, This criminal drug dealer FordNation corrupted a whole population in #Ontario and blinded them to his billionS of dollars of #LOOT ...11 Reasons, Why he deserves #JAIL
1. Gave his own mpps a 16% salary increase on a 160000$ base & fu*ked over everyone else with a 3% increase.
2. Tried killing whistleblowers & witnesses & personally orchestrated the #gangstalking
3. Snow-mobiled when terrorists of #Canada were attacking our Capital.
4. Stole land worth billions
5. Screwed over our public hospitals
6. Screwed over our public transport
7. Screwed over law & order with his Malafide Lies.
8. Old folks died under Ford
9. His own mpps took tax-payer salary for their massages
10. 18 MZO'S to billionaires at his own daughters wedding.
11. Swallowing a BEE and while he was choking still remembered t say "REAL ESTATE" what a #RAAC 🤬
Please! She’s great to push the agenda
Yes she is
@@TerryBrochu the truth?
@@jimsykes6843 yeah No! I have critical thinking on my side! Not much of a follower
She is a much needed voice at this time in our history. This interview and she are brilliant!
Yep it's especially interesting that she pointed out that Hitler got his "best" ideas on how to implement racist genocidal policies and actions he looked to the US government
This is the first time on a national stage I’ve heard it said that the right is actively working toward a Christian nation. This threat is not talked about enough.
A 'Christian Nation' is prophetic; does that revert to some sort of Puritanism? You bet; no abortion rights,of course, women's rights-curtailed, gay rights - eliminated, what else, anyone?
Oh yes, Climate Change ignored/discounted , Gun Control - Phffett ! Gotta have lots of guns in Christendom.
I would clarify that just a bit - they're working toward a conservative Christian nation. Liberal Christians are not at all like this.
This is a horrifying scheme by the Republicans. Notice the GOP in Ohio that are scheming to ignore the recent pro-choice amendment that was passed by Ohio voters. This has already happened in another state too.
That's what baffles me - their Project 2025 was published in April and it caused no tsunami of bewilderment as one would expect. I simply cannot comprehend - one would assume the whole nation (or the majority) would be running in the streets with their hair on fire!
Fantastic Interview. Scary, but incredibly insightful.
Agreed!
Excellent. Thank you Heather Cox Richardson.
She must be the hardest working historian in America, a brilliant wonderful person who briefly made her home here in Norman, Oklahoma, for which I am proud; a woman who made her way out of this bright red state and settled in Maine, for which I am envious.
And you can find her new book at any Ron DeSantis book burning near you. Get them quick because there a real HOT item!
I’ve been listening to Heather’s interviews for a little while now and come to find out that’s she lives 20 minutes from me in Maine! I feel so lucky because she’s involved in my area and gives talks locally.
Buy her books.
I so appreciate how the moderator allows Heather to free flow with her topics. Some moderators box speakers in by their specific topics. Kudos!
That was no 'moderator'. That was a participant, complicit in keeping the conversation narrow focused on the enemy.
I am an enormous Eric Hoffer fan and so glad you brought his writings into focus. Thank you. However I fail to believe Trump’s original platform was strictly from his own thinking because I don’t believe Trump is that smart or organized.
Bravo Heather❤️
I agree totally and that frightens me more - the unknown forces.
The right wing agenda began in earnest twenty years ago to buy up all radio and print media. Which they've done.
I've always believed a 'deep state' as a right wing agenda.
I'd recommend reading Whitney Webb's One Nation under Blackmail.
Agree, and I am always amused when a Republican says "I like HIS policies." Trump is empty-headed and very suggestible, so the Bannons, Millers and other nogoodniks work him like a puppet.
@@user-xi7gz6sz4w no one ever accused Criminal Defendant tRump of original thought let alone being smart, well except himself. But he is a man/child with a talent for grifting and nobody is as good as grifting as he is.
Love that Heather is touring with her book making opportunities for a broader audience to hear her words of wisdom.
Trump thinking? That won't happen! 🤣🤣🤣
In my mind, Heather Cox Richardson gives a very clear and well documented story of where we are today in America. If you are still wondering why and how the present Republican Party has descended so completely into autocracy you need to read her books. I suggest starting with her last book. Anyone who feels the descent started with trump are missing the complete ride. As she says it's not just trump, unfortunately the roots of autocracy are deep.
Trump would have not happened without a party and a constituency ripe for him, that much should be clear to anybody. No history lessons needed, commons sense tells you that.
Oligarchs' hunger to subjugate the majority is permanent and perennial.
@@jcbjcb2 The Electoral Industry operates with a $15+ billion budget.
The ability of opportunists to make a buck seems pretty obvious?
The Mercer Organization seems to do pretty well.....
Robert - Why do you maintain this 'Good Versus Evil' myopia? 'Well Documented'???
Do you realize how many friends and relatives I've come across who believe that "Dictatorship 2024" if Trump wins? They are the same crowd who believed that 'Democracy was Saved in 2020 and then again in 2022 and 2023".
Just so happens that 'Save Democracy' = 'Democrats Win The Election Propaganda battles'.
Why don't we shift our focus to the conditions of the 'man on the streets' - and not in elite power chambers - where you appear to prefer to focus?
Buy her books.
a hundred years from now people are going to look at this era and wonder what on earth was wrong with us all.
We on the other side of the pond are wondering right now! All the while following the ramifications of another delusional, conservative populist movement: brexit (to make Britain "great again" although an IDIOT could tell you "not gonna happen").
It is only terrifying since we need strong Nato nations now more than ever to tackle Putin's aspirations for his version of world order. No wonder he's got his dirty hands in virtually every Western election at least the last ten years - and he's been successful.
Although, what is wrong with some people in the context of this vid, is not inherent to all of us (watching the vid).
I don't want my great-grandchildren asking their grandfather why they have to study about democracy when they don't live in one, and telling him their country hasn't had a democracy for fifty years or more.
They'll have already burned the books. Watch " Hunger Games".
Fantastic conversation!
Getting out the vote is so important. My state, Louisiana, just elected its own DeSantis without a runoff because most registered voters stayed home. Scary.
Mistake number one.
Yea, being like Cali would be better. 🙄🤔
Love hearing your writing method. Another beautifil writer does the same. Life is a challenge we can move thru and ourr values matter. Heather your focus is wonderful.
Whether or not we might lose our democracy during this unstable era is still an open question.
Thank you both for a discussion that had more nuance than Heather has been able to have some other places.
Absolutely 💯!! Thank you for this channel and its programs.
Thank you for this very Informative Topic!! We all need to do our part by Voting and making our voices heard to save our Democracy and Country 🇺🇲🙏🇺🇲
What I find lacking in Republican society is the importance of integrity, equality, compassion and courage. It seems deeper and fundamental to democracy.
Now if we can find a politician's voice and mind, similar to Lincoln's, to lead/articulate the 'standing up' to the power of greed.
Agreed. Biden is doing a good job but given his age he won’t last forever. Someone JFKs age with integrity, morals, and personality would be great.
Brilliant. I soak up every word like a thirsty sponge lol. Her perspective on history is beyond intellectually stimulating. Fantastic interview!
I hope the Commonwealth Club will create lots of Shorts to reach the younger generation. So many great bites here!!❤
Great idea!!
I wish she could do a follow up to this talk with an update on what happened in Ohio and how Republican legislators are going to ignore the outcome of the vote.
She follows up almost every day in her daily free (or premium paid) newsletter. Google “Letters to an American” or “HCR substack”
I feel much smarter after listening to Heather Cox Richardson. Thanks.
Brilliant!! History is so cool.
"Under tyranny it is much easier to act than to think"
~Hannah Arendt
Which is why it suits Trump perfectly! 🤣
I love Hannah Arendt! I spent a whole summer studying her works at Bard College ten years ago.
Thank you for giving us hope Heather, you ROCK!
1:04:13 - 1:06:13 she says the thing that gives me hope. Power to the People, y'all! Vote!
The main problem is this isn't a 30 second Tick-tock video. And they've been brain washed all there lives to worship Republicanism.
Am definitely sharing 💚
This analysis is deeply valuable...for all of us to understand what is coming.
NO POLLS!!!
Thank You!!!
Reclamation is a hopeful word. Thank you for this opportunity.
Last note and statement by Heather is more than hope.
Excellent conversation - unless you're among those who seek to destroy!
A national treasure indeed.
44:51 Rule of law is morality externalized. Ideology expresses itself in rules and norms to encourage or discourage behavior. Hence common law differs from sharia, democracy differs from tyranny, etc. I enjoyed the history shared here by the author. Thank you!
He admits it openly because "it's such an enormity that people can't wrap their heads around it, and they are stunned into relative inaction."
I think T openly rants about what he will do to democracy in 2024 because he has no control over his brain or his mouth and, frankly, he may be cunning but he is stupid. A true narcissist. I'm glad he is warning everybody publicly. Some people need to hear this to wake up. It is sort of like telling a bank employee that he will rob them. How smart is that?
Thank you, Heather.
Love this Lady ❤
Thank you ❤❤
Follow the money, and who likes things the way they are now...
Wonderful interview. She’s great!
Republican MEANT equal society!!!! Love this lady!
Love this! Such a brilliant woman and a great message. I would have loved to hear her opinion on the age factor with both Biden and Trump going into the 2024 election.
Requiring a balanced budget on the Federal level is like blowing up the economy. (1:00:45)
Yes, can't be done ! Are we in too deep already ? Will the economy tank; and when?
@@linmal2242 No, the economy won't tank (even with another Republican Great Depression) because the rich love things the way they are: they are nearly exempt from paying taxes because we allow them to LEND their money to the government instead of paying those taxes. The return of those loans (treasury bonds) is guaranteed. And all their wealth consists of accumulated profits PAID FOR BY US. In other words, were they to pay their fair share of taxes, they would simply be paying money received from us. They would be paying OUR taxes on OUR behalf, because we've already paid our fair share and have nothing left.
Vote blue locally and nationally 👍🏼😁💙
Excellent historian very lucid and very honest. I wish more historians were as honest.
Such an insightful interview which made me learn new things like:
The John Birch society says "America is a constitutional republic but not a democracy. The blacks are allowed to get represented but they are not allowed to vote."
In the 19th century, the terms "Republic" and "Republican" were considered radical.
I like what I heard, but most of this has been known most of my life. The fact that we need to be reacquainted is sad...
... but important
Jefferson notwithstanding, what really refreshes the roots of the Tree of Liberty is not (other people's) blood, it's the deliberate and repetitive practice of reacquaintance with the principles of liberty, along with very much else that we learned in school but that gets shoved not only to the back burner but off the stove altogether because (we think) that's stuff that's unrelated to making a living.
The True Believer by Eric Hoffer. I read it in uni. Recommend it highly.
Sounds like greed & selfishness is the great principle of the phrase American exceptionalism. I have a personal belief that empathy & thr good of the community should be the great principle.
We're not doomed. People fear how AI and Moloch and races to the bottom can destroy democracy, but AI can also be used to save democracy, and there are other dynamics of human empowerment that can get out the vote when that's needed to combat intimidation and authoritarianism.
It would be Trump's nightmare to have a impartial gizmo on a debate stage constantly calling him on his crap. A automatic fact checker. Be nice to hook one into the PA system at one of his rallys though. And watch him melt down into a pile of orange goo.
Meidas Touch Network is working to educate everyone by telling the truth backed by facts.
Is there no way at all that the President can stop Congress from getting their paychecks in the event of a shutdown ( executive order)? Just send the people home who cut the cheques!
It really worries me too. We must fight for our Democracy.
Interesting point about money not safe without democracy
Wow!!!
Back in the 70s, the Ill. Constitution had its House districts represented by 3 Reps. Voters got 3 votes to split for 1, 2, or 3 candidates; 3 votes for 1 candidate, 1.5 votes each for 2 candidates, or 3 votes for 1 candidate. This was a good idea that didn't work because it meant that no matter what neither party could have over 2/3 of the Reps in the House.
. . . To end Gerrymandering, I'd require that all US House districts be represented by 6 to 8 Reps, unless the state had 5 or less Reps in total. I'd use machines to count the votes and apply the fractional votes to the candidates. Each voter could get, say, 4 votes. They can vote for as many candidates as they want and the machine splits their votes equally between that many. They can give 4 votes to 1 candidate or for example, 1.33333 votes each for 3 candidates or 0.8 votes each for 5. If a state had a district with 6 Reps., it could not also have a district with 8 Reps., so, 6&7, 7&8, or all 6, 7, or 8. This also reduces the power of the extremists. They may get less votes, or they may get all the extremist votes and so waste them on one Rep, or split them between 2 candidates so neither wins.
. . . I'd also double or triple the size of the House to dilute the weight of the 100 EC votes from the 100 Senators when we elect the President. This can be done with a simple law. No need to wait for states to join the compact. It also makes the above work better with more districts per state.
Observing that a candidate is a problem because he can't complete a sentence, is all over the map, and just isn't together, sounds like the JQ Adams crowd talking about Andrew Jackson in 1828, Voters' decisions on election day can be surprising and disappointing.
We don't live in a democracy we live in an oligarchy.
She's been paying attention 😊
@SaviorMoney please explain
Painful to watch , but necessary to learn about .
taking up oxygen! yes! how can this spec fic writer do that?! art! teaching the art and craft of telling better stories!
Young people don't take anything for granted. If you don't show up in OVERWHELMING NUMBERS at the ballot place, the insurrectionist could still return.
Morality versus the rule of law as a driver for our economy is quite the tool for profiling trends.
Am I wrong in hearing the two panelists applaud democracy when they favor its outcomes, and claim that democracy is under attack when they oppose its outcomes?
It’s a common thing for many people without the ability to realize they might be wrong.
The Supreme Court may very well gut foundational democracy by the end of this current term.
if the DNC had a 🧠 they’d hire her yesterday
I am not too knowledgeable about speaking poignantly on multispeaking. Directly to the Ladies and Clergy; with concerns on sexual explosion, you could try this, appeal to the thinking,mature male friends,and appeal to them. State to these " gentlemen" that we are having a problem. We need your cooperation and help. We respectfully request that you, gentlemen stop the wild participation in wild sex. That you are intelligent men, but this needs to be heard and understood, because your fight will be won, either with or without your help. That if you truly cared for all parties that you would cooperate with this plea. God knows that this has happened before, lives and principalities have been reduced to rubble and do you understand? Runaway sexual habits, needs tending to.
As long as it's consensual , I have no problem with it .
Sales 101: what’s in it for them? How does it benefit them to join this fight?
Ms Cox is sooo knowledgeable very smart!
If nothing else the last 2 years has shown us in the west our democracies not work. Something goes awry between the people and the policies we vote for and what we are delivered. Leaders should refect the will of the people not dictate to them when they have the levers of power for the time of there reign.
SYSTEM of government:
REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY
FORM of government:
CONSTITUTIONAL FEDERAL REPUBLIC
Yes, the "privileged" feel justified in "playing" the system in order to maintain an advantage. Unfortunately, "playing" the system, stretching the rules, includes the potential of "breaking" the system. They often claim that the people, the populace may break the system via mob rule, but they often dismiss the inherent threat of the "privileged." It is only in the text of the Declaration of Independence and by extension the Bill of Rights that we see the real fears of our founding fathers. Democracy was never the actual problem; but rather, the problem was always the lack of democracy! The Revolutionary War, in this context, was our actual first civil war.
What udink future
I am from the future!
(dems win)😂
Democrats get out the vote when they’re really scared. If they aren’t scared by this a don’t know what will do it.
On why Evangelicals followed Donald Trump: See "Jesus and John Wayne" by Kristin Kobes Du Mez
Overturn Citizens United.
Movement Conservatives? Bowel Movement Conservatives, more like.
A bowel movement is a 3:07
much
tRonald may not be smart, but his shamelessness is as strong as his will to power.
Read the Governments 1963 Communist Manifesto. We are living it today.
Wrong....capitalism is in control and will always be in control as long as there's greed .
Somebody opened their mouth after being in coma!
People vote for Trump because they think blacks are inferior, so you must prove that blacks are not inferior. Why don't you do that? People like Richardson never try to prove that blacks aren't inferior.
He's a raving lunatic is why he is telling us what he will do ..
Sooooo many factually incorrect statements that it would be impossible to address them all in the comments. But just for illustration @TS 1:05:31: "By 1863 he (Lincoln) has signed the Emancipation Proclamation ending human enslavement in the United States." This is just not a fact. And really people don't need to take my word for it. Just Google "did the emancipation proclamation end slavery". Heather Cox appear to be simply a hack who spouts myths that panders to her echo chamber.
43:24> I agree with all she said except I do not understand why ANYONE would not want USA's laws to align with God's laws. Do not lie. Do not steal. etc.,
I welcome any response as long as its serious vs snarky, sarcastic, immature, etc.,
You put "ANYONE" in all caps. You are forgetting the very definition of freedom, "absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action." You are advocating that everyone MUST BELIEVE in the religion you choose. That is NOT freedom of choice.
We don't read we dink😢
How do we rarely hear if the pandemic and how many died and how he gave ppp to bysunesses? I believe this is turn key. I got 1400 dollars....and now? Schlafly makes me ill.
The young 🌱 will be forever poor
Is this guy gonna let the guest speak?
I HEAR THE HISTORICAL INFERENCE, BUT IT STILL REMAINS A COMPLETE MYSTERY THAT SO MANY PEOPLE COULD POSSIBLY HOLD ON TO A HORRENDOUSLY IMMORAL PERSON SUCH AS DONALD TRUMP.
Because he wears it on his sleeve while the others keep it hidden and try to say they’re the good ones. By the way, I didn’t and will not vote for Trump.
Typical leftist.
We are NOT a democracy. Let's get that straight right now. We are a Republic. Totally different meanings. Knock it off and get it right.
We are a Democratic Republic. Heather devotes at least two letters to your misconception. We are structured as a representative democracy.
We are both a constitutional republic with the form of democracy. They were used interchangeably in the beginning. Heather says it's like saying "I don't have a DOG... I have a golden retriever."
The male interviewer talks way too much. No one is attending to listen to his opinions.
Dont assume their gender
See. I'm blocked because I'm calling her out
apparently not
Ya we smell ya.
These interpretations strike me as too simple. "Does that sound familiar?" A waft of smug intellectualism.
That is your personal perspective. I honor people who spend their entire lives learning about things. I certainly wouldn't have been able to pay attention for that long! Too busy with "ME"
Brought to you by the society for Totalitarian rule.. Isn't it obvious the mind F she is doing. That is Only her opinion.
You , sir are part of the problem . You'd feel at home in Nazi Germany.
And her opinion is correct .
No it's the result of being a student of history and a living observer of Trump administration
gaseous obviousness, a full hour of it if ur in need of same
Thank you Ms Richardson. I wish more people were paying attention. They would rather elect a lunatic like Trump and gain an extra $2 on their 401ks than to keep our democracy. This country has been so dumbeded 😮😂 down.
MAGAts feel a thrill when imagining living in totalitarianism.
As Trump liked to suggest "Make me king and I'll shower you with riches" only problem is after he gets done paying his lawyers to keep his butt out of jail. The only thing he will be able to shower them with sure ain't riches 🤣
I just watched her interview with another person and it was pretty good but didn't allow comments at all. One thing I would like to ask her is why she doesn't put these daily letters in an audio version? I'm a very busy nurse who barely has time to shower shave and let my dog out in the morning (and feed her of course!) So I don't have an extra half an hour to read some lengthy article this woman has stayed up all night writing, no matter how good it is. An audio version would help her reach millions more people!
Vote blue!