2009 Summer Tavern Debate on the Resolution: “Be it Resolved:

Chicago Lawyers Chapter

2009 Summer Tavern Debate on the Resolution: "Be it Resolved: Democracy is Dead

Just 87 years after the Founders declared independence, President Abraham Lincoln questioned whether a nation so consecrated and so dedicated could long endure. A century and a half later, the returns are in: the answer is "No!"

Domestically speaking, Congressional districts are gerrymandered to ensure perpetual "re-election," family members bequeath seats to other family members, proper identification is unnecessary for voting, and half the population can vote to take money out of the other half's pockets and put it directly in their own.

The view overseas is even worse: the United States will no longer stand up, even oratorically, for democratic reforms in a theocratic state, or support democrats who try to overthrow authoritarian regimes.

And yet, on the other hand, more countries than ever at least profess to believe in the right to vote, and the Internet and television are not only spreading American culture and values and breaking authoritarian strangleholds on information, but also may someday make direct democracy possible all over the world.

Hoist a drink and join the debate yourself!

5:30 p.m. - Cocktails
6:00 p.m. -Debate Begins

Admission Free--Cash Bar
Complimentary Hors D'Oeuvres