Is There Democracy In America? 7/6/21

Tim Kipp and Nick Biddle will assess the presence or absence of democracy in America. If we assume a basic definition of democracy as “government of the people, by the people, and for the people,” how does today’s status quo stack up? Tim and Nick will review several of the major barriers obstructing people from democratic participation. Examples are voter suppression, campaign finance, and the Republican Party’s racist politics of grievance. They will look to connect the dots in order to shed light on the material results, (i.e. dysfunctional government exacerbating extreme wealth inequality). Today’s multiple challenges compel an honest appraisal of the political landscape.

Tim Kipp is a retired history and political science teacher of 39 years and a political activist since the 1960s. Nick Biddle, is a retired professor of history, and a Brattleboro resident since 2013. Dr. Mary M. Gannon has been involved with social justice education and activism personally and professionally throughout Northern New England for over 30 years. Woody Bernhard, Marlboro resident, retired carpenter, director We Celebrate Democracy / Civil Rights For All, BDF host.