Despite the significant increase in South Carolina’s per capita income over the decades since 1940 (and those gains were real and generated a more vigorous consumer economy), the Palmetto state’s standing among states remained in the bottom ten of among fifty. In 2021, despite the state’s aggressive and sustained development efforts, SC ranked 43th in per … Read more
The end of the Cold War did not prove to be the “End of History” as some predicted. Not even the flourishing hyperbole of conservative triumphalism could obscure the fact that after the Cold War’s end the old American marriage of nationalism and liberalism has grown frayed, and maybe even strained. With the common ideological … Read more
Americans stand in a very peculiar relationship to their history. We are fond of evoking it with pride – as the inspiring story of the “City on the Hill,” or the “last best hope for democracy,” and as the “leader of the free world,” and so on. We Americans are also readily inspired by our … Read more
Decades ago, scientists foretold the changing ethno-landscape of America. Now we are here and the debate of how to deal with it continues to rage. Understanding that diversity cultivates a stronger society, work force and business goals, how do we move past toleration to appreciation? This presentation shows us how to utilize diversity in more … Read more
More than sixty years have transpired between US involvement in the Vietnam War and our current engagement in the Ukraine. There are similarities in the circumstances that have led us to oppose Russian aggression in the heart of Europe, but there are also some significant differences. Olin Sansbury examines those similarities and differences and identifies … Read more
Intercollegiate athletics have long been considered an integral part of the college experience, but recent changes raise serious questions about the future, both for institutions and for student athletes. Olin Sansbury was a university chancellor for twenty years and served three years on the NCAA Presidents Commission. He examines the changes and their impact in … Read more
Since even before America became an independent country, novelists have used their storytelling skills to help us understand our system of governance and our relationships with one another—sometimes with humor, sometimes with irony. Political novels have advocated causes or ideas, have recorded successes and issued warnings. They have revealed our flaws and trumpeted our strengths. … Read more
Covert Action is “an activity or activities of the US government to influence political, economic, or military conditions abroad, where it is intended that the role of the US government will not be apparent or acknowledged publicly.” Such actions have been taken frequently in modern American history and not always successfully. Olin Sansbury examines some … Read more
The complexities of America’s attitude towards firearms is examined from the viewpoint of its impact on US politics and public safety. Olin Sansbury reviews the history of the Second Amendment and compares America’s approach to firearms to that of other nations in today’s world. Presentation of 30-45 minutes with Power Point aids. Group discussion invited.
