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We'll continue the "Political Thinkers" series. It critically examines the political and ideological viewpoints of prominent public figures, considered to be tremendously influential as a trendsetter.

Here, the goal is to discuss fresh viewpoints -- some of which might be "unconventional" in nature -- in analyzing its applicability in our ever-increasingly complex society. Just like every issue that our group discusses, we examine and evaluate it with an independent and critical lens, at the highest level of intellectual rigor.

For this discussion, we'll evaluate the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass, including:

▨ His role as the most influential African-American of the Nineteenth Century.

▨ His role as a national leader of the abolitionist movement.

▨ His work and advocacy on behalf of other reform causes, including: women's rights, land reform, public education, and the abolition of capital punishment.

▨ His role as an influential intellectual, with emphasis on agitation and antagonism of the institutional status quo.

▨ His wide appeal to the both modern day Conservatives and Progressives.

▨ Finally, we'll evaluate how his complex personal life shaped his outlook and his legacy.

As we mark the MLK Day, we'll read and discuss "Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence" (circa April 1967).

It can be accessed from various sources online, including at the following link below:

https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/king-papers/documents/beyond-vietnam

(Note: the audio version of the speech can be accessed from the same webpage).

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Some questions worthy of further exploration:

- Who is the intended audience of the speech, and has he pursued the audience?

- Do you find the moral, philosophical, and religious references to be relevant and persuasive?

- Does the philosophy of "nonviolence movement" have any universal appeal or virtues?

- What was the impetus for Dr. King's evolution of civic activism from Civil Rights to foreign affairs?

- Does the speech appeal across today's ideological boundaries, namely the Left and the Right?

- Is the speech still relevant in today's society? If so, how?

IMPORTANT: the reading assignment is mandatory, if you wish to attend.

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Previous MLK Day discussions:

Come watch a live debate on the contentious topic of "Brexit." This is probably the most salient question of the time, not just for the U.K., but for the fate of the E.U. as well.

Fred and Andy will team up against
Nancy and Tanya to engage in a civil and thoughtful debate on this topic.

Here's the final debate resolution:
"This House supports the U.K. leaving the E.U."

The debate will be in an "Oxford-style" format

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The event schedule:

7:00 -- doors open, cellist performance of British-themed compositions
7:30 -- introduction by the moderator
7:45 to 9:45 -- the debate!
9:45 to 10:00 -- event wrap-up

Join us for the November 2019 edition of the Democratic Party Primary Debate Watch Party!

Come cheer or jeer the crowded field of ten (or so) candidates who will take the stage for yet another televised debate for the 2020 election! We'll play political bingo and have pre-debate social gathering. It's been a long primary season already, and this debate is sure to be a doozy!

There's no fee to attend this event and you can purchase food and / or drinks on your own tab.

Here's the proposed schedule:
7:30pm: the doors open
7:30pm to 9pm: pre-debate social gathering
9pm to 11pm: watch the televised debate!

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IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The NYCPF is a nonpartisan organization. As such, we do not promote, endorse, or advocate on behalf of any particular candidates, parties, issues or causes. Rather, our aim is to foster independent, critical thinking by the exchange of views and ideas at the highest level of intellectual rigor.