Tag: Democracy

The real and present danger of The United States vs. Itself

February 25, 2024

In living rooms and at professional development workshops, on opinion pages and the halls of Congress, the people of the world’s only superpower are attacking one another. Fueled by disinformation, our representatives, party leaders, pundits, clergy, and other hyper-partisans have driven division so deeply into our collective psyche that many people — maybe most people … More The real and present danger of The United States vs. Itself

In the U.S. vs. Itself, we have to defend elections to defend freedom.

January 27, 2024

I’ve been looking at how ailing democracy intersects with other risks. The practice and project of democracy in our republic is essential to the function of a free people. The free and fair election is the core institution on which all others rest. Attacks on elections attack the Constitution and all the rights it upholds. … More In the U.S. vs. Itself, we have to defend elections to defend freedom.

Taking to the airwaves for democracy & a brighter climate future

January 19, 2024

As I just shared, 12 of our local governments have come together to explore a power purchase agreement (PPA) with a solar developer in response to public demand for climate action. The PPA aims to generate 29,000,000 kilowatt hours of carbon-free electricity annually, providing financial stability through long-term low electricity rates and creating Pennsylvania jobs. … More Taking to the airwaves for democracy & a brighter climate future

Solar aggregation, cooperation, democracy, & action on climate change

January 19, 2024

In Centre County, Pennsylvania, 12 local governments have come together to explore a power purchase agreement (PPA) with a solar developer in response to public demand for climate action. The PPA aims to generate 29,000,000 kilowatt hours of carbon-free electricity annually, providing financial stability through long-term low electricity rates and creating Pennsylvania jobs. The project is now in its final stages, with local boards and solicitors set to review and vote on it. This initiative signifies democracy in action and a commitment to a more just and sustainable future. … More Solar aggregation, cooperation, democracy, & action on climate change

Discussing Selma to talk about Dr. King & the soul of America

January 13, 2024

Local high school students are hosting a social justice discussion about the film, Selma. They are inspired by Dr. King’s example & hoping to build community at a time when racial division & discord are high across the country and in our area. By discussing Dr. King’s life, we can better realize his vision for … More Discussing Selma to talk about Dr. King & the soul of America

Is the State College Borough Council trying to undermine democracy? Some of them are.

November 5, 2019

Thank you council members and members of the public. My name is Peter Buckland. I live in College Township. In the interest of full disclosure regarding my remarks, I work at Penn State University and have served in local government in elected and appointed positions. I speak to you during this special session as an … More Is the State College Borough Council trying to undermine democracy? Some of them are.

It’s time for higher education to engage democracy and climate change.

October 21, 2019

Join members of the Pennsylvania Environmental Resource Consortium to deliberate about climate change and build our capacity for citizenship on November 9th. All over the country, citizens are concerned about climate change. And young people, as the Climate Strikes show clearly, are most concerned of all. But what can we as citizens do about it? … More It’s time for higher education to engage democracy and climate change.