Democracy Under Threat

Speakers:

General Wesley K. Clark, (Ret.), Founder, Renew America Together

Frances F. Townsend, Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Activision Blizzard; Concordia Leadership Council Member

Beginning the discussion, Frances F. Townsend, Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Activision Blizzard and Concordia Leadership Council Member, noted that General Wesley K. Clark, (Ret.), Founder of Renew America Together, has not shied away from criticizing the Iraq war and the attempted insurrection of January 6, 2020. Clark explained that the incredible divide in our politics is leading us to lose our common culture. It’s time to reinvest in the public good rather than letting the private sector control it. Townsend suggested a mandatory year of service, either in the military or a social good like Teach for America. Clark said that a mandatory draft would be a tough sell for those seeking office and fearing a backlash, but that he agrees we need to find a way to rebuild our common ground. 

Turning to Ukraine, Clark explained that the post-World War II world is gone. Putin thought he could subvert Ukraine and has been shocked at the level of resistance. He may not yet realize he is losing, Clark continued, but he is. Moving the discussion back stateside, Clark described his nonprofit organization, Renew America Together, which aims to find the right balance between public and private interests.

Looking at the domestic threats to democracy, Townsend decried the events of January 6 and the influence of money in politics. She expressed her concern that Americans no longer believe their vote counts. Clark suggested that for democracy to work the government needs to deliver results that impact people individually and as a collective. After a prompt from Townsend, Clark provided some advice on presidential leadership, which includes clear communication, balance between the public and private sectors, and a relentless drive to make the country better.  

“What pulls us together is much greater than what divides us and that is what we are trying to embed at the citizen level.”

 

General Wesley K. Clark, (Ret.), Founder, Renew America Together

“You can’t fix it if you don’t first understand what the system is.”

 

Frances F. Townsend, Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Activision Blizzard; Concordia Leadership Council Member