Monday, March 26, 2012

9:30 – 10:30  MONDAY INTEREST GROUPS
Please see the Programs Page for a full list of groups.

BOOK DISCUSSION – Heritage Room      
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford
Discussion Leaders:  Mollie Keys and Peggy Woodbury
Set in Seattle during World War II, this novel explores the themes of father/son conflict, first love, and the heartache of Japanese internment camps.  Henry, a Chinese American, remembers Keiko, a Japanese American girl, from his childhood in the 1940s.  Their friendship withstood many trials.  Now, forty years later, Henry begins a search for his first love.

GREAT DECISIONS – Presidents’ Hall
Leader:  Anne Shainline
Topic:  Middle East Realignment
Great Decisions discussions investigate topics of political interest.  Background and analysis of issues are provided in a 25-minute DVD program which is distributed by the Foreign Policy Association, a 90-year-old organization committed to the importance of education in a democracy. This will be followed by a half-hour discussion.

10:45 – 11:45 – PUBLIC POLICY – Presidents’ Hall

Moving Beyond the Affordable Care Act: The Minnesota Health Plan and a New Paradigm for Health Care Financing

Speaker: David Dvorak, MD, Physicians for a National Health Program, Minnesota Chapter

The Affordable Care Act of 2010 may fall short of its goals of controlling health care spending and providing universal coverage.  Our presenter will discuss the Minnesota Health Plan, a proposed single-payer initiative that a growing number of Minnesotans are supporting.  He believes it is the only effective solution to our health care crisis.

Karen Rowley

11:45 – Noon – ANNOUNCEMENTS

12:00 – 1:15 – LUNCHEON

Luncheon Hostess:  Elaine Braun
Guest Hostess:  Marlene Teien
Public Policy                            Fellowships Room

1:15 – 2:15 – DISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH – Presidents’ Hall

Income Inequalities and the Subsidies of the Rich and Famous

Speaker: Jay Coggins, Professor, Department of Applied Economics, University of Minnesota

Income inequality is in the news.  In 2009, almost 1,500 millionaires paid no federal income tax while programs that benefit the poor were under attack.  The 99% complain about the privileges the top 1% enjoy.  Do they have a point or is this just partisan bickering?  Professor Coggins will present his views on how and why the rich are getting richer in America. He believes it is not just changes in the income distribution that drive increased inequality.

Jane Frymire

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