SIUE’s Arts & Issues Offers Civil Discourse During this Political Season
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Arts & Issues will present CROSSROADS: A Conversation about America’s Future at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11 at the Morris University Center Meridian Ballroom. The conversation will feature Juan Williams and Cal Thomas.
With one of the most contentious elections in U.S. history coming in November, Williams and Thomas will debate important issues driving the nation’s future. Williams and Thomas will discuss some of the polarization that is occurring around the country, and examine the qualities and shortcomings of the political process.
“This election season seemed like the perfect opportunity to bring in these two political pundits,” said Grant Andree, Arts & Issues director. “Juan Williams and Cal Thomas will have their positions coming from the right and the left, and they will disagree, but it will be a discussion about ideas and not name-calling. It should be an entertaining and thought provoking evening discussing the big issues facing our country.”
They will also address how elections are affected, and how those in the positions of power act. Though Thomas and Williams often disagree, they will discuss ways in which citizens can effectively find common ground and lessen the divide on critical issues.
Williams is an Emmy award winner for television documentary writing and has worked as a reporter for National Public Radio, The Washington Post and as a political analyst for Fox News. His opinion columns have won numerous awards, including the Columnist of the Year by the Washingtonian, and a political commentary award by the American Association of University Women.
Thomas is a panelist on the Fox News show Watch. He co-writes the twice-weekly forum page, “Common Ground” for USA Today, and hosts a syndicated daily radio program to more than 300 stations nationwide. Thomas has also worked for NBC, CNBC and PBS television.
CROSSROADS is sponsored by the Madison County Regional Office of Education.
For tickets, visit the Morris University Center Welcome Desk, visit artsandissues.com or call 1-866-698-4253.
The Arts & Issues series brings artistic excellence to the SIUE campus through an eclectic blend of speakers and performers. For more than 32 years, SIUE’s Arts & Issues series has showcased some of the world’s finest artists. Each season, thought-provoking speakers inspire people of all ages and backgrounds. Thanks to the underwriting of SIUE, corporations, foundations and individual donors, tickets are often discounted as much as 50 percent. This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.
Arts & Issues is tied to the academic mission of the University and offers unique opportunities for students, faculty, staff and the community, to engage with performers and speakers through master classes and special sessions.
Photos:
Juan Williams
Cal Thomas
