Standing at the Precipice: What's Happening to America

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?