photo credit: Sue Manus

It seems only fitting that in today’s society and the economy being in turmoil that the topic “History of Liberty” will be the focus of this weeks lectures. With changes in US government and the Internet and the speed of information, there is a change in how people see liberty and democracy.

This weeks lectures will examine the vision of nations founders and the progress in reaching that vision. Speakers will discuss new understandings of liberty and democracy.

As of Saturday August 22 the line up of speakers were:

Monday, Hunter Rawlings
Tuesday, Gordon wood
Wednesday, Jim Lehrer
Thursday, Anthony Kennedy
Friday, Ambassador William H. Luers

I must admit Jim Lehrer (executive editor and anchor of “The News Hour With Jim Lehrer”) has a rich past in programs that I have seen over the years. He has been a moderator for several nationally televised presidential elections. I also remember him from the 1973 live coverage of the Senate Watergate hearings broadcast (aired on PBS) and later in the coverage of Richard Nixon. These broadcasts stayed with me and had an impression on my opinion of news and coverage of stories.

As the season ends at the Chautauqua Institution the information shared through lectures, entertainment and classes will enrich those people that attended.