DIALOGUES IN DEMOCRACY
We’re living in dangerous times. Authoritarian regimes are on the rise throughout the developed world, promising to solve the problems of weakened democratic institutions by thwarting democracy altogether; that, somehow, autocratic rule is the best way to enact the “will of the people.” Years ago we had the privilege to take our democracy for granted, but now that it’s under attack, it’s important we understand what’s at stake. On October 3rd, former Polish president Lech Walesa—a key figure in liberating Poland from Soviet rule—will present a lecture about the dangers the United States is currently facing called Dialogues in Democracy, free to BSU students and alumni who wish to attend.
Prior to winning the 1990 presidential election, Walesa was best known as the leader and co-founder of Poland’s Solidarity movement, a cross-disciplinary trade union whose members comprised more than a third of Poland’s population. As the movement grew, Walesa and his associates were subject to increasing surveillance and were arrested numerous times for their role in organizing and leading many of the most important strikes in their nation’s history. In spite of escalating crackdowns Solidarity continued to be an effective thorn in the government’s side and an ally to the working people of Poland, netting Walesa a Nobel Peace Prize in 1983.
Even when forced underground by martial law, Solidarity remained a powerful force for change. Come 1989 Poland’s ruling party, the PZPR, was forced to come to the table with Solidarity amid mounting unrest and negotiate conditions for open elections, where union candidates won nearly every seat they were eligible for; Walesa became president the following year. Since his term ended Walesa has spent his time advocating for democracy around the world, just as he’ll be doing at Bridgewater State University this fall. While it can be hard for many of us to imagine a world without democracy, Lech Walesa experienced it firsthand. He knows better than most how much is at stake, and if lost, how difficult it will be to get it back.
To reserve tickets, please visit us here. Special thanks to Bruce, ’68, and Patricia Quinn, ’67, Bartlett for supporting this event as well as for endowing BSU’s Chair in Free Speech and Expression.