Restoring Civility in American Democracy: Lessons from Gettysburg and Lincoln

Dr. Matthew C. Moen, President of the Gettysburg Foundation, is on the road again! On March 21 he will speak to students about civility and American democracy at Missouri University of Science and Technology--Missouri S&T--in Rolla, MO.

Disagreement permeates American public life, with leaders locked in struggle over public policy choices and citizens telling pollsters the steady conflict is becoming a significant source of stress in their personal lives. How do we emerge from this season of ill-will among us as Americans? How do we restore political civility? Part of the answer is looking back for guidance to the epic battle of Gettysburg and the healing words of President Lincoln, when the unfinished work of democracy was evident; another part is experimenting with public policy solutions to foster more civility. 

Dr. Moen will illustrate the practical lessons students can learn from Lincoln, as well as the sacrifice and selflessness of the townspeople of Gettysburg in the aftermath of searing destruction.