Kentucky authors’ forum returns to in-person events with spike in Trump’s assault on democracy
Preserving institutions: a difficult journey at times, but one that is worth it. One institution that is making a welcome return to form is the Kentucky Authors Forum, which has been limited to podcasts for most of the past two years. But on Monday, January 24 at 6 p.m., central kentucky will once again be the site of some of the most vital and stimulating discussions in the literary world.
This year’s inaugural event couldn’t have been better timed. The authors have recently produced autobiographical books that include their direct involvement in matters of utmost importance to preserving the integrity of the US federal government. And for the Congressman from Maryland Jamie Raskinpersonal and professional demands piled on top of each other in a way that was, as the title of his book makes clear: “Unthinkable.”
Subtitled “Trauma, Truth, and Trial of American Democracy,” Raskin gives full account of a short recent period when he must certainly wish he weren’t the subject of national headlines. End of 2020, he lost his 25-year-old son Tommy to suicide. This tragedy seemed to have been brought about by factors and circumstances that could never be fully known to a father who nevertheless speculated on self-recrimination as part of his agony. Tommy’s versatile nature and generous, socially engaged personality are shared throughout ‘Unthinkable’ – and the author deftly shows how his son’s shortened life fully matches the legacy of a family that put accomplishments to its progressive ideals for generations.
Barely far from the chill of a winter funeral, Rep. Raskin returned to his office understanding the constitutionally mandated steps required by early January 2021. In lucid detail, his account lays out the tactics and careful observations by which the Democratic leadership is watching for signs of attempts to subvert the results by which Joe Biden was elected president. But it’s all going to hell with the riot of January 6 — where the intruders at the gates produced a more immediate and dangerous crisis.
Shortly after the smoke clears, the Speaker of the House asks Jamie Raskin to lead prosecutors in the Senate trial for Donald Trump’s second impeachment. This position places extraordinary demands on the grieving congressman — but it gives him purpose and he moves on.
Unsurprisingly, even with admirable research on the pages, this book is no one’s version of a dry, emotionless story. An example, taken from an opportune moment: Of Rep. Jim Jordan’s statements just before the rioters broke through the doors of the Capitol, Raskin said, “This speech without facts and without logic is the bread and butter of Fox News viewers. , but it is becoming a deadly threat to critical thinking in our beleaguered democratic republic.
There are details here that fascinate and infuriate, and a few display a barely pocketed mind. My favorite: Raskin’s invitation to Trump to testify at the impeachment trial was responded to (negatively) so quickly that it underscored guilt over the then-president’s prolonged delay in addressing the crowd.
Representative Raskin is part of the evening’s powerful lineup. Dr. Fiona Hillformer senior director of the National Security Council and key witness to Trump’s first impeachment inquiry, will speak about her recently released memoir “There’s nothing for you here: find an opportunity in the 21st century.” Louisville Congressman John Yarmuth (full disclosure: LEO Weekly founder) will serve as emcee and introduce the authors.
As of this issue’s publishing deadline, only extra seats to view the video ($15) are available (plus pre-event book sale with snacks). COVID safety requirements can be found at kentuckyperformingarts.organd more event information is available at kentuckyauthorforum.com.
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