Standing at the Precipice: What's Happening to America? IP
What's Happening America | Available
Seven years ago, David Bisno presented a series of memorable lectures for Osher entitled “Is This How Fascism Comes to America?” Now he has a new question for us. Some of us may be thrilled and relieved with developments in Washington; others of us may be in dismay, if not completely ‘gobsmacked.’
In 1935, Sinclair Lewis wrote It Can’t Happen Here. Can it happen after all? Can a dictator take control of the country? At least we need to consider, and try to understand, just what is happening in America. Are there lessons we can learn from elsewhere? Should we celebrate, or think again?
Do we understand: Il-Liberal democracies? White Christian nationalism? Populist philosophies? The advantages, allure, and dangers of authoritarianism? Cult personalities? The “Deep State?” Political purges? The advantages or disadvantages of DEI efforts? Are the ‘elites’ the problem? Are we aware of what outright Fascism is? Can it happen here? And why?
Join us for educational and provocative discussions. Is it happening here?
David Bisno
David Bisno, MD, retired ophthalmologist, has earned degrees from Harvard, the Washington University School of Medicine, and Dartmouth. Following his career in medicine, he has, for the past 30 years, developed and presented a myriad of courses within institutes for lifelong learning here at Dartmouth, across this country, and overseas. He was the founder and developer of our Summer Lecture Series.
Last year, responding to the crisis of October 7th, 2023 in the Middle East, David presented four provocative lectures entitled "Whose Land Is It, Anyway?" This spring, with headlines screaming, our government becoming “more efficient,” the stock market dropping, good folks being fired and those with little expertise being handed the reins, David will discuss with us topics filling the headlines and our homes with concerns. What does it mean that those who have been found guilty are released, those who did the prosecuting are being dismissed, and those to whom we entrusted responsibility are staying silent out of fear of retribution? What are the implications for our country?