Book: Not Here: Why American Democracy is Eroding... by Robert Goodman

Are you a proud political geek?
If so, please join us to discuss the book "Not Here: Why American Democracy is Eroding and How Canada Can Protect Itself" by Robert Goodman, a Canadian professor based in Toronto.

Location: Resto Végo St-Denis
https://maps.app.goo.gl/YBEGHUFUwCuN7aZt6

Remember to check the most updated location on the day of, in case of a location change.

See the rules below.

Book Description on Amazon:
As a congressional staffer in the United States, Rob Goodman watched firsthand as a rising authoritarian movement disenfranchised voters, sabotaged institutions, and brought America to the brink of a coup. Now, as a political theorist who makes his home in Canada, he has an urgent warning for his adopted country: The same forces that have upended democracy in America and around the world are on the move in Canada, too. But we can protect our democracy by drawing on a set of political, cultural, and historical resources that are distinctly of this place.

In Not Here, Goodman outlines four such resources. First, the rejection of the dangerous idea of one “real” Canadian people. Second, the refusal of political charisma and founder-worship. Third, a set of social programs—embattled but still standing—that empower neighbours to see one another as equals. And fourth, Canada’s longstanding search for an identity separate from the great power with which it shares a continent.

Today, that great power is a democracy in decline, and so defending what makes Canada distinct matters more now than ever before. Canadian difference is not a curiosity, a luxury good, or a vanity item. It is a democratic immune system.

Laying bare the historical roots of today’s politics and making an urgent case for action, Not Here is a roadmap for safeguarding a democracy under unprecedented threat.

Current rules:
• Meetup charge: no meetup fee; pay for what you order at the restobar;
• You might be asked to re-confirm your RSVP close to the event date; stay tuned.

Nature of our discussions/debates:
• Opinions expressed are encouraged to be backed by facts wherever possible;
• Members should gracefully take criticism of their opinion and not take the criticism personally;
• Members should show willingness to provide more facts and explanations in support of their opinion if this is requested by any other participant;
• Organizer acts as a moderator as well as a participant in the discussion.

Group's policy on RSVPs:
• Every member is expected to respect their RSVP for each event and keep it up to date. Two instances of disrespect of the RSVP will lead to the member being removed from the group.
• If a person can no longer attend, they must change their RSVP to No as soon as possible.

We are looking forward to seeing you again (or meeting you for the first time)!