Lecture. Me to the 33rd this lecture has become an important night in americas intellectual life. The consequences and ideas offered at this podium the formula is a simple, we invite extraordinarily bright speakers perspectives which rarely get a hearing in manhattan ballrooms or progressive caverns. Tonivery in the wris lecture in 1995 that was a huge laugh line are we napping . [laughter] 1985,ring the lecture in james cu wilson asked why americans were so unhappy with the country that with was more prosperous and powerful than ever. He drew attention to several insufficiently addressed signs of disorder crime, failing schools, a coarsening culture, a deteriorating civic life. Wilson argued that these problems had begun with the dissolution of the family. Then, as now, a controversial view. Today, disorder is rising again. And i am not just referring to mayor bill de blasios much lamented return from iowa. [laughter] you were getting there. [laughter] [applause] this disorder is the
Queen elizabeth as a child, i never imagined that one day a man would walk on the moon. Yet this year we marked the 50th anniversary of the famous apollo 11 mission. Still looking very good. Here go. The eagle has landed. Queen elizabeth as those historic pictures were beamed back to earth, millions of us sat transfixed to our Television Screens as we watched Neil Armstrong taking a small step for man and a giant leap for mankind and indeed for womankind. Its a reminder for us all the giant leaps often start with small steps. This year we marked another important anniversary, dday. On the 6th of june, 1944, some 156,000 british, canadian, and American Forces landed in northern france. It was the largest ever seaborne invasion an was delayed due to bad weather. I will remember the look of concern on my fathers face. He knew the secret dday plans ut could of course share that burden with no one. For the 75th anniversary of that decisive battle, in a true spirit of reconciliation, those w
This is our meager attempt to try to do that. Before we get started, let me just say that this is being recorded by cspan. You know the routine, which means that when you get the mic, speak into the mic, wait for the mic before you speak. And be aware of the fact that its being recorded. So before we get started with our discussion, let me introduce the men to my left. Jim banner who edited the book president ial misconduct, which is our kickoff for our discussion tonight, is a visiting scholar in history at George Washington university, having spent most of his career teaching at princeton. Hes the founding director of the history news service. His most recent book is being a historian and introduction to the professional world of history. Again, i think it is about the profession and the worldview. He has edited and written numerous books, including the one we are featuring tonight. He is one of the creators of the National History center. Jackson leers is the board of governors prof
As a child, i never imagined that one day iman would walk on the moon. This year, we mark the 50th anniversary of the famous apollo 11 mission. It is still looking very good. You are a go. The eagle has landed. As those historic pictures were beamed back to earth, millions of us sat transfixed to our Television Screens as we watched Neil Armstrong taking a small step for man and a giant leap for mankind. And indeed for womankind. All thereminder for us giant leaps off and as small steps. This year, we marked another important anniversary, dday. 6, 1944, some 156,000 british, canadian, and American Forces landed in northern france. It was the largest ever seaborne invasion and was delayed due to bad weather. I well remember the look of concern on my fathers face. Andnew secret dday plans could share that burden with no one. The 75th anniversary of that decisive battle, in a true spirit of reconciliation, those who had formally been sworn enemies came together in friendly commemorations,
[god save the queen] queenod save our gracious long live our noble queen god save the queen send her victorious happy in glorious long to reign over us god save the Queen Queen Elizabeth ii 60 years ago today, a young woman spoke about the speed of technological change as she presented the First Television broadcast of its kind. She described the moment as a landmark. [archival footage] television has made it possible for many of you to see me in your homes on christmas day. My own family often gather round to watch television, as they are at this moment. And that is how i imagine you now. Six decades on, the presenter has evolved somewhat, as has the technology she described. Back then, who could have imagined that people would one day be watching this on laptops and mobile phones, as some of you are today . But im also struck by something that hasnt changed that whatever the technology, many of you will be watching this at home. We think of our homes as places of warmth, familiarity