Vanderbilt University
Professor of History at Vanderbilt University, where he studies social movements, and author of American Crucible: Race and Nation in the 20th Century and Working Class Americanism
PROFILE
Gary Gerstle
Guest
FROM Gary Gerstle
Which Way, L.A.?
What's the Future of 'Occupy Wall Street?' Demonstrators were evicted this morning from Zuccotti Park, but New York isn't the only city where "Occupy Wall Street" has clashed with local officials. We hear what's happening in other places and ask if the movement has a chance to make political change.
To the Point
What's the Future of 'Occupy Wall Street?' Around the country, city officials are trying to decide what to do about protests related to "Occupy Wall Street." In Oakland California, there was a violent confrontation with police three weeks ago. Yesterday, the Frank Ogawa Plaza was peacefully evacuated . Early this morning, New York police removed protesters from Manhattan's Zuccotti Park. Today, in what one liberal website calls "the revenge of the one percent,” many came back, insisting that they'll continue what they call a political movement against the entrenched power of financial interests. We hear from New York and from other cities around the country, including Oakland, California, Chapel Hill, North Carolina and Tulsa, Oklahoma. Is this a movement with the potential to make political change? Will the response of local governments be important to shaping its future?
Which Way, L.A.?
Patriotism and Political Dialogue: Symbol of Pride or Barrier to Debate? Barack Obama's patriotism is being questioned because he doesn't wear an American flag pin on his lapel. His pastor's sermons are called un-American. Congressional votes on anti-flag-burning bills are considered tests of patriotism, even though the Supreme Court has declared that flag burning is constitutionally protected speech. Do nationalism and patriotism illuminate or confuse political dialogue in America. Does the Founding Fathers' notion of American exceptionalism control our politics? How does the expression of American patriotism compare to displays of patriotism in other countries? Do our symbols of patriotism get in the way of real political debate?
To the Point
Patriotism and Political Dialogue: Symbol of Pride or Barrier to Debate? Barack Obama's patriotism is being questioned because he doesn't wear an American flag pin on his lapel. His pastor's sermons are called un-American. Congressional votes on anti-flag-burning bills are considered tests of patriotism, even though the Supreme Court has declared that flag burning is constitutionally protected speech. Do nationalism and patriotism illuminate or confuse political dialogue in America. Does the Founding Fathers' notion of American exceptionalism control our politics? How does the expression of American patriotism compare to displays of patriotism in other countries? Do our symbols of patriotism get in the way of real political debate?
Recommended
Left, Right & Center
How was the trip? President Trump's travels got less fun as he went from the Middle East to Europe.
To the Point
Is the threat from Russia missing from the Russia meddling probe? There's much being made about the Trump administration's possible ties with Russia. But the bottom line is Russia's effort to influence American democracy. Do the President and his aides care enough to take action before voters go back to the polls?
To the Point
White House budget proposal slashes and burns President Trump's first budget request is considered dead on arrival in Congress — a familiar development in Capitol Hill. We hear what it reveals about the priorities of the new administration. What's likely to die… and what might survive?
To the Point
Replacing Obamacare: Now you see it… now you don’t As the Senate deliberates replacing Obmacare, health coverage for millions of people is at stake. There've been no public hearings, and a draft measure won't be made public. Is the House version so unpopular that that Senate is hiding a version that looks much the same?