Renewing American Policy: Past As Prologue

Discussion Leaders

Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., historian and author, A Life in the Twentieth Century

Dr. Schlesinger has taught at Harvard University, and served as special assistant to President John E Kennedy  throughout his administration. The author of over sixteen books published over seven decades, he has received two Pulitzer Prizes, two National Book Awards and was the recipient of the National Humanities Medal. Dr. Schlesinger's long-awaited memoir, A Life in theTwentieth Century: Innocent Beginnings, 1917-1950, published just this week, focuses on his formative years in thefirst half of the century, and in the process reveals in elegant language and with astonishing breadth of vision as much about America's history as his own. Underlying his vivid depictions of pre-World War 11 America, his foraysinto culture and politics, his meditations upon the depression and the war, is Dr. Schlesinger's restless urge to define American democracy and to renew its vitality in this age of cynicism and apathy. Dr. Schlesinger participated in last year's Circle discussion honoring John Kenneth Galbraith, chair of GCCs International Advisory Board. Global Citizens Circle is honored to once again welcome Arthur Schlesinger, his wife Alexandra and their daughter, Katharine Kinderman, to the Cirele's family.We thank Dr. Schlesinger for helping all of us to understand and redefine American democracy in the new millennium.

Laura Knoy, host/producer, The Exchange New Hampshire Public Radio, Moderator

The Exchange, now celebrating its fifth year at New Hampshire Public Radio, is the only locally-produced statewide radio call-in program in New Hampshire. The show features in-depth interviews and listener calls on a variety of topics, from politics and current events to health, fitness and outdoor activities.  Laura Knoy is a veteran of public radio in Washington, DC, where she worked for seven years. For more than three years, she served as an announcer, reporter, and occasional host at National Public Radio headquarters in Washington. Prior to working in radio news, Laura Knoy conducted business in economics research. She graduated from George Washington University with a degree in international affairs and economics. Though her career led her to New Hampshire five years ago, she is not a stranger to thestate. She lived and attended high school in New Hampshire. Laura and her husband, Steven Winnett, reside in New Hampshire with their one-year old son, Isaiah. We are delighted to have Laura Knoy and her mother Martha Bauman, writer for the Keene Sentinel, join us in this evening's discussion.