Left Behind By the Right

Aug 3 2007 - 9:15am - Aug 3 2007 - 10:15am

This panel will explore why some prominent activists on the left were originally political conservatives. What made them conservatives in the first place? How did they become disillusioned with the modern right? Why did they decide to be active opponents of their former ideological breathren? The panelists, all prominent progressives who used to be conservatives, will discuss these issues.

Faith or No: Building Secular-Religious Coalitions

Aug 3 2007 - 9:15am - Aug 3 2007 - 10:15am

How can religious and secular progressive bloggers work and play together productively? Find out through examinations of the current religious and political climate, practical tips on working across the divide, and a how-to guide on starting flamewars.

Is the Religious Right Really Dead?

Aug 3 2007 - 1:00pm - Aug 3 2007 - 2:15pm

Every election cycle--and in between--pundits have declared that the religious right is dead. This roundtable will discuss the current status of the religious right, its power and points of leverage, its strengths and its weaknesses. Looking historically and into the future, what can we expect to be the future of the religious right?

Presenters will include: Chip Berlet, Talk to Action contributor, and Senior Analyst, Political Research Associates; Frederick Clarkson, co-founder, Talk to Action; Susan Thistlethwaite, President, Chicago Theological Seminary.

Science

Aug 3 2007 - 2:30pm - Aug 3 2007 - 3:45pm

The Yearlykos 2007 Science Panel will explore pure science, science policy and the intersection between science and politics, and the role of scientific activism in local and national politics. Featured speakers are Chris Mooney, Washington correspondent for Seed magazine, author of the Republican War on Science and his newest book, Storm World, science blogger and co-founder of Michigan Citizens for Science Ed Brayton, and Theoretical physicist Sean Carroll from Caltech. The panel is scheduled for Friday, August 3rd, from 2:30 PM CDT to 3:45 PM.  

Ed Brayton, who is also a Talk to Action contributor says:

My presentation will be on the efforts by the religious right to take over school boards in the last 20 years and the effect this has had on science education.

What to do about the Religious Right

Aug 3 2007 - 2:30pm - Aug 3 2007 - 3:45pm

Let's get over it. The religious right will be around for a long, long time. Why is this, and how shall we get our minds around this stubborn political fact? What to do about the Religious Right? The Religious Right is one of the most successful political and religious movements in American history. What should we be doing differently in response?  

Presenters are the same cast as above: Chip Berlet, Susan Thistlethwaite, and me.  (Chip has posted a sneak-preview of what he plans to talk about here.)