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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250705T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250705T150000
DTSTAMP:20260602T175701
CREATED:20250709T135145Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260215T161632Z
UID:460-1751720400-1751727600@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:Direct Democracy: Is it time for the UK to change our voting system?
DESCRIPTION:This month\, we are fortunate to have Neil Petrie lead the discussion on the topic of Direct Democracy. \n\n\n\nDirect Democracy has been used in Switzerland since the federation was established in 1848. It literally allows citizens to influence policies that directly involve their communities. \n\n\n\nImportant government legislation can be outsourced to the wider electorate\, using a series of referendums. This ultimately means that voters can decide on which acts are approved and then passed by Parliament. \n\n\n\nTo get some idea of how successful DD is\, the Swiss government has a 65% approval rating. The average is less than 30%. \n\n\n\nNeil Petrie represents a group called Direct Democracy\, details at www.ddrightnow.com. Direct Democracy is advocating electoral change in the UK based on the principles of the aforementioned Swiss system. \n\n\n\nAlongside this\, Direct Democracy also supports a digital Blockchain system. Each individual voter is issued with a unique identification number (akin to Bitcoin for politics)\, and then every vote that is added to the block can not be neither manipulated nor deleted. There are many people now saying that the traditional paper ballots are easily rigged. Blockchain voting is said to be successful in preventing fraud at this level. \n\n\n\nDirect Democracy has several members who have lived in Switzerland for several years themselves\, and therefore\, they have become advocates of political change in the UK\, hoping to promote a similar system. \n\n\n\nThe group is becoming successful as a political force and has even fielded several candidates at the local elections in May\, with growing enthusiasm. \n\n\n\nSo join us for a fact filled and free event (it will only cost the price of a drink at the bar downstairs). We are a friendly bunch and value everyone’s opinion. All’s we ask is that you also respect everyone else’s and refrain from any abusive language. \n\n\n\nLook forward to debating/discussing this with everyone. \n\n\n\n\nSIGN UP AT MEETUP
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/is-it-time-for-the-uk-to-change-our-voting-system/
LOCATION:The Hop Merchant\, Nottingham\, 64-68 Upper Parliament Street\, Nottingham\, NG1 2AG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://static.freethinkers.org.uk/uploads/2025/07/ballot-box.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250814T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250814T220000
DTSTAMP:20260602T175701
CREATED:20250730T090650Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250730T092008Z
UID:597-1755198000-1755208800@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:Free Thinkers Social Evening
DESCRIPTION:Due to requests from several members of the group\, we have arranged a purely social get-together. This is just for general conversation or debate if anyone wants to (no speakers\, no slides). So just bring yourselves along and be prepared to buy a drink or two. \n\n\n\n\nSIGN UP AT MEETUP
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/social-evening-aug-25/
LOCATION:The Hop Merchant\, Nottingham\, 64-68 Upper Parliament Street\, Nottingham\, NG1 2AG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Social Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://static.freethinkers.org.uk/uploads/2025/07/drinkie-poos.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250830T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250830T150000
DTSTAMP:20260602T175701
CREATED:20250710T094802Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250711T125822Z
UID:507-1756558800-1756566000@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:Is Diversity\, Equity and Inclusion actually beneficial?
DESCRIPTION:A number of companies – led by US giants such as Google and Amazon\, but closely followed by UK businesses like BT\, are rolling back DEI initiatives\, and a number of parties now have manifesto commitments to scrap DEI posts\, particularly in our public services. If you find DEI/EDI to be problematic\, will these initiatives rid the UK of this ideology? Would this be progressive\, or perhaps regressive? \n\n\n\nHilary Salt will discuss the need to look beyond the “diversity industry” if we want to understand why these initiatives have taken hold in the UK and why it’s simplistic to think that sacking DEI officers alone will make a difference. \n\n\n\nThe Public Sector Equality Duty\, the Companies Act\, The Equality Act and Gender Pay Gap requirements all contain provisions that push this agenda. According to Hilary\, we need to unpick these requirements to get a better understanding of how to tackle the “DEI industrial complex.” She will look at these requirements using some everyday examples and offer real-world solutions. \n\n\n\nHilary Salt is an actuary and business leader. She was a founding partner of First Actuarial plc where she advised employers\, pension scheme trustees and trade unions. She is also a public speaker and has spoken at many local and national events and conferences. \n\n\n\nSo join us for another interesting discussion/debate where all opinions are welcome\, and we only ask that you respect the opinions of others. \n\n\n\nThis event is free of charge under the priviso that everyone buys at least one drink from the bar downstairs (non-alcoholic beverages are included). \n\n\n\nLook forward to debating with everyone. \n\n\n\n\nSIGNUP AT MEETUP
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/is-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-actually-beneficial/
LOCATION:The Hop Merchant\, Nottingham\, 64-68 Upper Parliament Street\, Nottingham\, NG1 2AG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://static.freethinkers.org.uk/uploads/2025/07/dei-talk-aug25.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250913T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250913T150000
DTSTAMP:20260602T175701
CREATED:20250831T161203Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250911T160907Z
UID:607-1757768400-1757775600@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:Is it time to have an ADULT conversation about The Internet?
DESCRIPTION:Twenty years ago\, parents warned their children to never give out their personal details on the Internet. Today\, our government tells us we must give out our personal details to keep children safe. And people face very real consequences for revealing who they are on the Internet. What changed? Is free speech possible when our names and IDs follow us everywhere? And how do we actually keep our children safe? \n\n\n\nSo join us for a lively debate once again. All opinions are welcome\, but as always\, please respect everyone else’s opinions and refrain from any abusive language. \n\n\n\nThe event is free\, but we would appreciate everyone purchasing at least one drink from the bar downstairs. Soft drinks are also available. \n\n\n\nLook forward to debating with everyone. \n\n\n\n\nSIGN UP AT MEETUP
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/is-it-time-to-have-an-adult-conversation-about-the-internet/
LOCATION:The Hop Merchant\, Nottingham\, 64-68 Upper Parliament Street\, Nottingham\, NG1 2AG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://static.freethinkers.org.uk/uploads/2025/08/highres_529396205.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251011T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251011T150000
DTSTAMP:20260602T175701
CREATED:20251009T105747Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251009T105750Z
UID:618-1760187600-1760194800@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:Is Democracy likely to survive?
DESCRIPTION:This month\, we will be joined by Gordon Dabinett\, who is a promoter of local steering group politics. This group has been growing in success in Sheffield recently\, advocating better public transport and infrastructure for local people. \n\n\n\nWe will discuss the increasing centralisation and technocratic mission creep of our supposed democratic society. \n\n\n\nThis month’s format will be slightly different\, in that we want a larger audience participation. I’m encouraging people to think up questions beforehand and then to put myself and Gordon on the spot in a quickfire round. Hopefully\, we will be able to answer these questions. If we can’t\, then our ‘facts’ will have been disputed successfully. \n\n\n\nAs always\, this is a free event. We only ask that everyone buys at least one drink from the bar downstairs (non-alcoholic beverages available). We’re also a friendly group that discourages offensive language and respects everyone’s opinions. \n\n\n\nLook forward to debating with you all. \n\n\n\n\nSIGN UP AT MEETUP
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/is-democracy-likely-to-survive/
LOCATION:The Hop Merchant\, Nottingham\, 64-68 Upper Parliament Street\, Nottingham\, NG1 2AG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://static.freethinkers.org.uk/uploads/2025/10/highres_528028363.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251122T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251122T150000
DTSTAMP:20260602T175701
CREATED:20251009T110352Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251009T110355Z
UID:621-1763816400-1763823600@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:What is Consciousness?
DESCRIPTION:Few things define human experience quite like consciousness\, and yet it remains one of life’s great mysteries. Where does it come from? How did it evolve? Is it unique to humans — or even real at all? Philosophers and scientists have debated these questions for centuries\, and while we’ve gained insights\, definitive answers remain elusive. With the rise of Artificial Intelligence\, new questions are only multiplying. \n\n\n\nConsciousness shapes our moral intuitions and forces us to question the nature of reality itself. In this talk\, Robin Carling will guide us through the mainstream theories — with a glimpse of the fringe — before opening the floor to debate one of today’s most pressing issues: could AI ever be conscious? \n\n\n\nSo join us for an interesting debate/talk. Once again\, can I ask that everyone buys at least one drink from the bar downstairs (non-alcoholic included) as this event is free. As always\, please be cordial and allow everyone to have an opinion. \n\n\n\nLook forward to debating with everyone. \n\n\n\n\nSIGN UP AT MEETUP
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/what-is-consciousness/
LOCATION:The Hop Merchant\, Nottingham\, 64-68 Upper Parliament Street\, Nottingham\, NG1 2AG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://static.freethinkers.org.uk/uploads/2025/10/highres_530336773.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251220T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251220T150000
DTSTAMP:20260602T175701
CREATED:20251026T193902Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251026T193917Z
UID:625-1766235600-1766242800@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:Free Thinkers Christmas Party
DESCRIPTION:Firstly\, can I thank everyone for making this group the success that it’s become. The group couldn’t possibly have achieved this without the input and participation of all our members. \n\n\n\nDecember’s here\, so as we’ve done in years’ past\, we have our xmas get-together. Please come along for a glass of wine on us. Everyone can bring food if required\, and xmas jumpers\, hats\, and other accessories are welcome (if you want to). \n\n\n\nThere will be no topic of discussion this month. The usual format will commence in 2026. \n\n\n\n\nSIGN UP AT MEETUP
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/free-thinkers-christmas-party/
LOCATION:The Hop Merchant\, Nottingham\, 64-68 Upper Parliament Street\, Nottingham\, NG1 2AG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Social Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://static.freethinkers.org.uk/uploads/2025/10/highres_530689268.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260117T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260117T150000
DTSTAMP:20260602T175701
CREATED:20251123T173550Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251227T202052Z
UID:629-1768654800-1768662000@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:How Demographic Change is Reshaping Our Future
DESCRIPTION:This month\, Matthew Stanford has kindly agreed to lead the discussion on the topic of demographic changes reshaping our futures. \n\n\n\nFor the first time in human history\, more than half the world’s countries have birth rates below replacement level. Ageing populations will affect pensions\, healthcare systems\, the economy\, and even the existence of entire nations. \n\n\n\nMeanwhile\, some regions of the world\, such as Africa\, are booming with young\, expanding populations. This demographic divide will reshape the world as we know it. Ageing superpowers will be challenged by youthful nations with new economic and military strength. \n\n\n\nIn this talk\, we will discuss why birth rates are falling\, how they affect our future\, and if technology or migration can fill the gap. Expect insights\, discussion\, and a few surprises about the world’s demographic future. \n\n\n\nSo join us for the first debate/discussion of 2026. Once again\, all opinions are welcome\, and we only ask that you respect everyone else’s opinions whilst using decorum where necessary. \n\n\n\nThis event is free under the priviso that everyone buys at least one drink from the bar (non-alcoholic beverages also served). \n\n\n\nLook forward to debating with everyone. \n\n\n\n\nSIGN UP AT MEETUP
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/how-demographic-change-is-reshaping-our-future/
LOCATION:The Hop Merchant\, Nottingham\, 64-68 Upper Parliament Street\, Nottingham\, NG1 2AG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://static.freethinkers.org.uk/uploads/2025/11/highres_531084756.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260228T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260228T150000
DTSTAMP:20260602T175701
CREATED:20251227T201915Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T155617Z
UID:647-1772283600-1772290800@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:Does Intuition Influence Our Conscious State?
DESCRIPTION:This month’s debate/discussion will be hosted by Julie Tasker. \n\n\n\nDo you appreciate your own intuitive abilities?How might you develop your intuition to improve your life experiences? \n\n\n\nIntuition is the ability to understand or know something instinctively\, without conscious reasoning or needing an explanation. What does that mean in everyday life? \n\n\n\nOften\, intuition is called a “gut feeling”. Most people will know they’ve experienced a “gut feeling” at some time in their life – perhaps you have felt that something was wrong but didn’t know what; and then you heard of something adverse that’s just happened\, or someone rings or contacts you in some way that confirms your earlier feelings. These intuitive feelings could also be something positive\, though this isn’t generally talked about as often in our society. \n\n\n\nUnfortunately\, life tends to have closed down your intuition\, such as through much of our education system and other life approaches. Thus\, the potential considerable benefits of developing your intuition tend not to usually be emphasised in our daily lives. \n\n\n\nYet we can all develop our natural intuitions which is where we are aiming in the presentation which will include some tools to develop intuitions\, and also discussion to share people’s previous experiences and during / after the different intuitive exercises. \n\n\n\nPlease attend with an open mind\, and share your thoughts respectfully knowing that everyone has had different experiences and may have different beliefs. \n\n\n\nAs usual\, this event is free of charge\, and it will only cost you the price of a drink from the venue (non-alcoholic beverages are available). \n\n\n\n\nSIGN UP AT MEETUP
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/does-intuition-influence-our-conscious-state/
LOCATION:The Hop Merchant\, Nottingham\, 64-68 Upper Parliament Street\, Nottingham\, NG1 2AG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://static.freethinkers.org.uk/uploads/2025/12/consciousness.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260328T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260328T150000
DTSTAMP:20260602T175701
CREATED:20260128T165421Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T165421Z
UID:658-1774702800-1774710000@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:A Healthier Lifestyle or UPFs? An update on the latest nutrition developments
DESCRIPTION:Recently\, RFK Junior has caused a raucous by turning the food pyramid upside down. \n\n\n\nThe American Health Department is looking likely to abandon 40 years of research\, which has promoted a high carb diet that is rich in seed oils and other nefarious ingredients. \n\n\n\nIt now seems they will revert to promoting a diet rich in tallow fats and dairy. Are the days of Ultra Processed Foods numbered? \n\n\n\nThis is a follow-up to our discussion early last year\, based on new developments. \n\n\n\nSo join us for an interesting debate/discussion. All’s we ask is that you respect everyone’s opinions and refrain from using offensive language. \n\n\n\nThis event is free and will only cost the price of a drink from the bar (non-alcoholic beverages are available). \n\n\n\nLook forward to debating with everyone. \n\n\n\n\nSIGN UP AT MEETUP
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/a-healthier-lifestyle-or-upfs-an-update-on-the-latest-nutrition-developments/
LOCATION:The Hop Merchant\, Nottingham\, 64-68 Upper Parliament Street\, Nottingham\, NG1 2AG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://static.freethinkers.org.uk/uploads/2026/01/highres_532337528.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260425T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260425T150000
DTSTAMP:20260602T175701
CREATED:20260224T111340Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260224T113029Z
UID:700-1777122000-1777129200@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:Beauty - Is this the aim of Art or an outdated Idea?
DESCRIPTION:This month’s debate/discussion will be hosted by Jo Herlihy. \n\n\n\nThink of a piece of art – a painting\, a piece of music\, or maybe a building – that you love. Would you say that it was beautiful? And if yes\, what makes it so? \n\n\n\nThe introduction for this meeting will offer an overview of the history of beauty in art – how it has been understood\, defined\, and redefined by key thinkers over time. This should help us think about whether the idea of Beauty is relevant today – for what is produced and valued. \n\n\n\nThe idea of beauty in art has been\, and continues to be\, debated. The question is far from settled and has implications for how we think about art (whether as an artist or as a viewer) and for the institutions teaching about it and for those who look after artistic creations. \n\n\n\nSo join us for another fact-filled\, lively discussion/debate. As always\, we only ask that you respect everyone’s opinions and be cordial. This event is always free of charge and will only cost you the price of a drink from the bar downstairs (non-alcoholic available). \n\n\n\nBefore the April MeetUp\, we’d love to hear your views on Art and Beauty through a short 2-minute survey. Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts\, and hopefully\, we’ll see you on April 25th. \n\n\n\nArt and Beauty – https://forms.office.com/r/aqADcfREQq \n\n\n\n\nSIGN UP AT MEETUP
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/beauty-is-this-the-aim-of-art-or-an-outdated-idea/
LOCATION:The Hop Merchant\, Nottingham\, 64-68 Upper Parliament Street\, Nottingham\, NG1 2AG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://static.freethinkers.org.uk/uploads/2026/02/highres_532897211.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260523T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260523T150000
DTSTAMP:20260602T175701
CREATED:20260408T200201Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T200206Z
UID:740-1779541200-1779548400@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:Religion and spirituality in the modern world: Is God still relevant?
DESCRIPTION:We literally have over 2\,000 different religions being practised all over the world today. However\, particularly in western society\, the largest growing demographic is those who have rejected any kind of faith or spiritual practise. They prefer a life of secularism\, and even atheism. \n\n\n\nReligion has been practised (mostly polytheism) since around 10\,000 years ago\, when the very first communities began to form. Every culture in existense has performed various rituals and practises\, in order to honour a higher power. \n\n\n\nIn the UK today less than 6% of the population attend regular church services. We have also become multitheistic\, witnessing other faiths besides Christianity becoming more widespread. \n\n\n\nWhat is the future of faith in our society? Why has the spread of atheism become so prominent? \n\n\n\nI have also set a multiple choice question for everyone to answer if they could please. This will give us some kind of an idea as to the make-up of our members who are attending this event. \n\n\n\nLooking forward to debating with everyone. As always\, we are a friendly group that encourages free speech and we also respect all opinions\, within reason. This event is free of charge and all that we ask is that you honour our friends in the pub by buying at least one beverage from the bar downstairs (non-alcoholic alternatives are available). \n\n\n\n\nSIGN UP AT MEETUP
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/religion-and-spirituality-in-the-modern-world-is-god-still-relevant/
LOCATION:The Hop Merchant\, Nottingham\, 64-68 Upper Parliament Street\, Nottingham\, NG1 2AG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://static.freethinkers.org.uk/uploads/2026/04/religions.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260620T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260620T150000
DTSTAMP:20260602T175701
CREATED:20260506T110347Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260506T110449Z
UID:744-1781960400-1781967600@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:Education in the 2020s: How we learn in the age of A.I.
DESCRIPTION:As a change to our usual schedule\, we will be doing el fresco meetups throughout the summer months\, before resuming our usual pub meetups in the autumn. \n\n\n\nThis month’s theme has been suggested by Julie Tasker\, who has worked in the education sector\, and is becoming increasingly concerned about the way in which children are being taught. \n\n\n\nDo we need to concentrate on more practical subjects for certain students? Is university necessarily the go-to option for 50% of the population? \n\n\n\nIs it time that the National Cirriculum and the entire examination system was revamped? Why are there so many S.E.N.D. schools now? \n\n\n\nIs Artificial Intelligence actually the answer? Will traditional learning techniques eventually be superseded by technology? \n\n\n\nJoin us for a relaxed debate\, and also a nice drink and snack on a summer’s day in the open air (weather permitting\, we do have a backup plan just in case). \n\n\n\nAs always\, we encourage all opinions and respect everyone’s views. Please refrain from any offensive terminology though.
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/education-in-the-2020s-how-we-learn-in-the-age-of-a-i/
LOCATION:Forest Recreational Ground Cafe\, The Homemade Cafe\, Nottingham\, NG7 6QH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://static.freethinkers.org.uk/uploads/2026/05/highres_534068457.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T150000
DTSTAMP:20260602T175701
CREATED:20260602T095414Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260602T095415Z
UID:756-1783170000-1783177200@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:America at 250. Is the Dream of Life\, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness Over?
DESCRIPTION:The United States of America celebrates its 250th birthday on this very day. This is the day that the Declaration of Independence was drafted by the founding fathers in 1776. \n\n\n\nEven the biggest critic has to agree that America has had an extraordinary two and a half centuries. Progressing from a backwater\, primarily agricultural outpost of the British Empire\, to an industrial and military giant. \n\n\n\nThe nation’s leaders have sold the notion of ‘Life\, liberty and the pursuit of happiness’ to millions of immigrants who have flocked there from places as far afield as Ireland and Russia throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. \n\n\n\nThe great 1849 gold rush saw a vast expansion westwards and many Native Americans lost their lands and their culture during the relentless profiteering of this era. \n\n\n\nAmerica twice came to Europe’s aid during both World Wars. Uncle Sam then became Europe’s protector during the Cold War. \n\n\n\nSince then the nation has become the world’s principal economic and military superpower. It has dominated the global geopolitical scene being the principal funder of the World Bank\, the UN\, NATO and many other NGOs. \n\n\n\nAmerican popular culture has also been dominant through the media of music\, films and television. Then we have the F.A.N.G.S. which have hegemony of the internet\, all listed on NASDAQ and developed from start-ups in Silicon Valley \n\n\n\nHowever\, recently the American Dream and the perception of ‘Land of the Free’ has sunk to new depths of despair. The re-election of Donald J. Trump as president\, as well as the increasing multipolar political sabre-rattling has seen America lose a lot of respect. \n\n\n\nThis month we will debate this issue. So please join us and all’s we ask is that you are respectful of other people’s views\, whilst refraining from abusive language. \n\n\n\nLocation TBC \n\n\n\n\nSIGN UP AT MEETUP
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/america-at-250-is-the-dream-of-life-liberty-and-the-pursuit-of-happiness-over/
CATEGORIES:Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://static.freethinkers.org.uk/uploads/2026/06/stars-and-bars.jpg
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