Inspiration for the Modern Revolutionary
An 1844 election poll lists how voters cast their ballots in a Virginia State Senate race. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Library Special Collections.
By Bill Sullivan
As Americans head to the polls today, much of the news coverage is focused on turnout. Inevitably the numbers will disappoint, at least in comparison with a presidential election year.
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By Christopher Phillips
Teddy Roosevelt asserted that “the people themselves must be the ultimate makers of their own Constitution.” How do you become a “maker” of the Constitution? Does that mean you have to be a Framer of the Constitution itself and set about revising it or amending it? Roosevelt, for one, meant that we each should be able to weigh in on what our Constitution means, on how it’s interpreted – to the extent that, if we the people differ in dramatic ways, we “should be given the chance… to settle what interpretation it is that [our] representatives shall therefore adopt as binding.”
What does the Constitution you’d like to have look like?
Join Christopher Phillips, author of Socrates Café and Constitution Café, for an open-ended discussion at the DeWitt Wallace Museum café on Friday, October 3 at 3:15 pm. Books will be available for purchase.
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By Bill Sullivan
Christopher Phillips wants to get rid of the Constitution and start over again. Well, not exactly. But he does want us to think about what we would do if we could start over. The William & Mary alum (Government major, naturally) will be leading the conversation in a “Constitution Café” Monday, August 11 at 5:30 in Colonial Williamsburg’s Visitor Center….
By Bill Sullivan
What’s it like to participate in a successful revolution? To write a new constitution? Albie Sachs, who helped to end apartheid and build a new democracy in South Africa, will present “The Soft Vengeance of a Freedom Fighter” at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 30, at Hennage Auditorium. A reception and book signing will follow. The event is free and no ticket is required….
Williamsburg audience narrowly votes against a more “United States of Europe.” On stage are Jörg Asmussen, Liam Fox and moderator Roger Cohen.
A collegial debate marked the final public session in this week’s Williamsburg-CSIS forum on the future of the European Union. New York Times columnist Roger Cohen moderated the exchange, which considered the motion, “A United States of Europe?”…
Were your election choices affected by the online community? Share your thoughts on politics in the age of blogs in iCitizenForum.
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From Jamestown Island in the 17th century to Ellis Island in the 19th century, America is a nation of immigrants. Do our current laws serve existing citizens and new citizens equally well?
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Where do you stand on health care reform? Weigh in on the question, and be a part of the great American tradition of civil discussion and debate.
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This week’s question for debate centers on a new Republican initiative. Will their plan get you to the polls?
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Learn the significance of November’s midterm elections and get ready to participate with our new online feature.
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