Peace, Politics, Terrorism Top UMaine Socialist, Marxist Studies Speaker Schedule

August 31, 2004 Archives

Contact: George Manlove at (207) 581-3756

ORONO — The fall semester’s Socialist and Marxist Studies Luncheon Series at the University of Maine features a wide-ranging speaker series designed to generate thought and debate over controversial topics including terrorism, U.S. involvement in the Middle East and domestic policy issues.

Every semester since 1988, the weekly Socialist and Marxist Studies Luncheon Series at the university has offered an informative, challenging and controversial list of speakers.

“These are well-attended presentations of high quality and always generate good questions and lively discussions with diverse points of view,” says UMaine philosophy Prof. Doug Allen, who organizes the series. “The 10 programs scheduled for fall of 2004 focus on significant, difficult and contemporary issues.”

Unless otherwise indicated, discussions take place Thursdays from 12:30-1:45 p.m. in the Bangor Lounge in the Memorial Union. The public is invited at no cost.

The new series includes two internationally renowned speakers, Phyllis Bennis from the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington, and Sulak Sivaraksa, one of the world’s major engaged Buddhists.

The program also includes discussions on crises and contemporary issues such as the 2004 elections, 9/11 and the war on terror, the media and the Iraq war, free trade with Central America, and the impact of money and politics on education.

Speakers do not necessarily present socialist or Marxist viewpoints, but offer differing perspectives on a wide range of issues.

The schedule is as follows:

  • Sept. 9: “Linking Terrorism and Iraq in Pre-war Coverage,” Prof. Amy Fried, Political Science, UMaine. Coe Lounge, Memorial Union.

  • Sept. 16: “Marxism, Militarism, and the Election,” Carl Cooley, industrial worker, farmer, teacher and member of Socialist Equality Party.

  • Sept. 23: “Mahatma Gandhi after 9/11: A Different Approach to Terrorism and Violence,” Professor Doug Allen, Philosophy, University of Maine.

  • Sept. 30: “The Eagle and the Candor: A Vision for a New Civilization in the Western Hemisphere,” Roberto Mendoza, Native American/Chicano activist and filmmaker, active in Green/Bioregional and Native American movements for past 30 years.

  • Oct. 14: “What if Bush is Re-elected? Student Perspectives on a Second Bush Administration,” UMaine student Isaac Curtis, moderator, with student representatives from the Maine Peace Action Committee, the Progressive Student Alliance and other UMaine organizations.

  • Oct. 21: “Challenging U.S. Support for Israel’s Occupation of Palestine: International Law & Human Rights,” Phyllis Bennis, director of the New Internationalism Program of Institute for Policy Studies in Washington D.C.

  • In the evening, at 7:30 p.m. in Minsky Recital Hall, Bennis also will deliver the Howard B. Schonberger Peace and Social Justice Lecture on “Challenging Empire: Iraq, the UN and the ‘Second Super-Power.'”

  • Oct. 28: “Engaged Buddhism and Socialism,” Sulak Sivaraksa, born in Thailand, nominated for Nobel Prize, Buddhist peace activist and UMaine Libra Professor.

  • Nov. 4: “CAFTA (Central America Free Trade Agreement): Another Bad Deal for the Masses,” Stefano Tijerina (Director), Bjorn Claeson (Program Director), and Marion Harris (Sister City Program) of PICA.

  • Nov. 11: “Buying Public Policy: Money and Politics,” Joseph W. Westphal, Chancellor of University of Maine System and professor of political science.

  • Nov. 18: “No Child Left Behind: The Impact of Federal Legislation on Public Education,” Dr. Valerie Ruhe, research associate, Center for Research and Evaluation, and Prof. Anne Pooler, associate dean, UMaine College of Education and Human Development.

The series is co-sponsored by Marxist-Socialist Studies Interdisciplinary Minor and the Maine Peace Action Committee, with generous support from the Memorial Union and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. For additional information, Allen can be reached at (207) 581-3860 or by email at douglas.allen@umit.maine.edu.