In what he called, "the most political book I have ever written," Prof. Robert Reich (HS) spoke to a crowd of about 150 yesterday about his new book titled, Reason: Why liberals will win the battle for America.
In his book, Reich argues that the "Radcons," (radical conservatives) who represent the far right of America, do not formulate their position based on reason and the values which he deems important. Reich devoted much of his talk to emphasizing the need for healthy and respectful political discussion in this country.
Reichis the Maurice B. Hexter Professor of Social and Economic Policy at the Heller School. During former President Clinton's first term, Reich was the secretary of labor.
Reich began his talk by saying that he encourages people to get out and talk about their political differences.
"We learn from one another by testing our ideas," he said.
At the same time, Reich said, "It seems like liberals and conservatives do nothing but yell at each other, if they talk to one another at all."
Reich discussed the danger of letting faith in God interfere with rational decision making saying that, "if fundamentalism is a retreat from greater logic and facts, then we are all in trouble."
To illustrate how reason is being challenged, Reich recounted a trip he took through the "red states" of America. He said these were the states that voted for Bush in 2000 and are likely to vote for him again, particularly those in the center of the country.
Reich said that people in this part of the country told him they like Bush because he is "honest." When asked to clarify what that meant, Reich said the people he encountered said Bush was "folksy."
According to Reich, many in the "red states" view Democrats as immoral because, "they support gay marriage, abortion and because of Monica Lewinsky."
Reich said that because he heard the same answers all over the country, he felt that these conservatives had been "programmed" to give these responses.
In reference to the political split in this country, Reich said, "The issues of gays, guns and God drive a wedge between us."
Commenting on the upcoming election, Reich said that no matter who wins on Nov. 2, everyone needs to become more politically involved. He said that if one's candidate wins, they should do whatever they can to support them and their initiatives. On the other hand, Reich said that if one's candidate loses, they should do whatever they can to help the losing party.
Reich ended his talk with a call to action and said, "So be organized, be mobilized, be energized, between now and Nov. 2."
After his formal remarks, Reich fielded questions pertaining to possible problems with the upcoming election, the way canvassers in swing states should be treated, and the future of the Democratic party.