IS TRUMP STRONGER THAN THE FREE PRESS OR IS THE FREE PRESS STRONGER THAN TRUMP? ( Ann Allan)
I hope they don’t impeach President Trump before the 13 September. Those of you who follow me on Twitter will know my feelings about the President and his ‘fake news ‘ may be wondering why? Well I have to confess, with no assembly and the 
disaster that is Brexit I have been intrigued by the goings on in the White House. I know more about the judicial system in the USA than I do in the UK and can name most Republican and Democratic senators and of course Trump’s ex wives and ex-lovers. I was horrified when he won the election. I know now that there is a good chance it was won for him by Russia with which he has an affinity.
So when the Open Government Network NI of which I am a member were planning their conference Transparency for Accountability and were looking for ideas for sessions I suggested that we look at the influence Trump has had on transparency and openness in his own government and in others around the world. He befriends dictators like Putin, Erdogan and Duerte to whom transparency is an anathema.
So we are putting Trump On Trial on 13 September. And although I want him impeached or for him to resign I hope he stays just a little longer.
Other sessions will look at how the ongoing enquiry into the flawed RHI energy scheme and the effect on our democracy. In Beyond RHI: How to Restore Democratic accountability at Stormont. Many flaws in our democratic system have come to light. The question is how do we fix it?
The Magic Money Tree. I’m sure we’ve all heard from our parents at some stage that money doesn’t grow on trees. That is unless of course you are a bank that can create money out of nothing. But who is in charge of that tree?
Social media, instantly alerting us to events around the world such as terrorist attacks, social upheaval and natural disasters reminds us that our way of life is vulnerable and that we could face destruction and possible extinction. We will discuss how we face this dilemma in our session The (Post) Truth about Saving the World.
The final session will discuss How a Citizen’s Assembly would work in NI. What topic will it address? Could it provide a voice for civil society in the absence of an assembly ?
So if you haven’t already signed up, you need to do now as places are filling up quickly. Riddell Hall is a beautiful venue. And just look at the line up of speakers. Lunch and refreshments provided. What more could you ask for? Click on the link below to book and to see all the details including speakers at the event.
CHATTER 