The John Adams Society |
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Christopher T. WolffChairman |
John p. AugustineSecretary |
G. Larry Colson Jr.Chief Whip |
Marina WolffChancellor |
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September 17, 2020 Location in Exile: Rivertown Event Center (formerly the Dakota Lodge), Hastings, MN “. . . no legacy is so rich as honesty.” ― William Shakespeare (from Act III of All’s Well That Ends Well) A NARRATIVE, defined for this debate as a story that explains a situation or series of events, reflecting a particular viewpoint, is a device that attracts followers to listen to the narrator. These days, too many people are obsessed with being a narrator, and not in the disinterested pursuit of knowledge, or the finding of common ground among people with disparate viewpoints. Facts become superfluous, as do vigorous debates or concerted attempts at conversion. Nuance and principled dissent are dismissed by the narrators as obstructionist to their unquestionably righteous desires. It’s all about mobilizing people who share your viewpoint in order to achieve more power, and to elevate it above other viewpoints. The “Black Lives Matter” movement tolerates no dissent from its narratives of systemic racism. The “Blue Lives Matter” movement defends all law enforcement actions, dismissing questions about proper levels or uses of force. The “me too” movement puts all responsibility for relations between the sexes on those regarded as oppressors; we are told we must always “believe the victims” when allegations are made. The “we’re in this together” movement demands uniform adherence to coronavirus policies when clearly there are differing levels of risks. There is a base convinced of the narrative that Donald Trump colluded with Russia to steal the 2016 election. Many believe that Trump most effectively mobilized his base with this line in his 2016 nomination acceptance speech: “Nobody knows the system better than me, which is why I alone can fix it.” What happened to our appreciation of the rule of law? ON THE OTHER HAND, those committed to seeking the truth about any particular matter are not legally prohibited from doing so in a free society. Yes, one may experience social cancellation, a postmodern method of persecution. However, as we commemorate the anniversary of the signing of the American Constitution by our nation’s Founding Fathers, with the blessings of liberty there also comes a call of duty to pursue the higher purpose, to seek the truth about all of Creation. THE CHAIRMAN, momentarily suspending his enrollment in Jordan Peterson lectures, has called a debate to settle the topic: RESOLVED: Narratives Are Trumping the Truth. The Debate will be Thursday, Sept. 17, 20 at Rivertown Event Center, 2103 Vermillion Street, Hastings, MN 55033. (Those heading south on Hwy. 61 should turn left onto 21st Street after the stoplight for CR46/47, then right into the parking lot behind O'Reilly Auto Parts, then proceed slowly until you see a two-story white stucco building with “Lodge Parking” signs.) The Chancellor will preside over refreshments beginning at seven o’clock p.m. Though this location does not serve alcohol, people of legal age may bring alcoholic beverages for consumption. Please be conservative in the use of such beverages and follow current government edicts, as the location in exile is some distance from the metro core and we need to project responsible, law-abiding conduct, lest the regulators get too interested in our social gathering. The debate will begin at half past seven. There is no dress code; however, gentlemen who wish to speak must wear a tie; ladies are encouraged to adhere to a similar sartorial standard. For gentlemen arriving sans tie yet wishing to speak during the caucus, the Purveyor of Ties will keep on hand several remarkable selections. Questions regarding debate caucus procedures or about the John Adams Society itself may be directed to the Chairman at (651) 494-9008 or the Secretary at (651) 398-9316. http://www.johnadamssociety.org
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