Wednesday, January 15, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. in Knatvold

On January 15, Tom and Susan Cunningham will lead a discussion of the talking points presented in Timothy Snyder's book On Tyranny, with all who care to offer their examples and ideas on the subject. The author, a Yale Professor of History who specializes in Central and Eastern Europe, posits that the new threats faced by our political order are not unlike the totalitarianism of the 20th century, and asks whether we can learn from that experience. Handouts will include talking points, suggestions, and warnings from Snyder on actions we can or should take.

Quote from On Tyranny:

The Founding Fathers tried to protect us from the threat they knew,

the tyranny that overcame ancient democracy. Today, our political order faces new threats,

not unlike the totalitarianism of the twentieth century. We are no wiser than the Europeans

who saw democracy yield to fascism, Nazism, or communism. Our one advantage is that we

might learn from their experience.

After our February 5 meeting on Constitutional amendments, we will start the Great Decisions series from the Foreign Policy Association (FPA) on February 19. Booklets are available from their website for pre-order, to be mailed in early January. Link with the ordering information and the eight topics: American Foreign Policy at a Crossroads; U.S. Changing Leadership of the World Economy; U.S.-China Relations; India: Between China, the West, and the Global South; International Cooperation on Climate Change; The Future of NATO and European Security; AI and American National Security; and American Foreign Policy in the Middle East. The Middle East one is already spoken for, and we are welcoming volunteers to lead the other sessions.

All are welcome to join the Wednesday Forum, which meets on the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Knatvold Room and via Zoom. If you are not already on the Forum list and would like to be, to receive the Zoom link and regular notices, please contact the UUC office at office@uuchurch.org or (206) 525-8400.