UPHEAVALS IN AMERICAN SOCIETY – FALL 2026 VIDEOS

Coordinators: Michael Wellner, Terri Hicks

Each class focuses on one or more important social or political issues, including the all-important 2024 election, that have a major impact on the state of our country, and its future.

(Wednesday, B Week, AM, Room 27, M. Wellner)

To view a video click on the link above its description.

UPHEAVALS IN AMERICAN SOCIETY
A Hard Look At What’s Really Wrong With America

Presenter: Michael Wellner
Presentation Date: September 16, 2026

Many of us at Quest would probably agree that the current state of our country is not very good, to put it mildly. In this, our first class of this term, I’d like to explore in some detail, with your help and input, several items that I think present some long-term challenges for our children and grandchildren. (Hint: there are no easy fixes!) Join us for this critical discussion

UPHEAVALS IN AMERICAN SOCIETY
Why Are We So Unhappy When The Economy Is So Good

Presenter: George Hicks
Presentation Date: September 30, 2026

Many people feel there is a disconnect between the overall mood of the country and how things are going in general. So we will explore the state of the U.S. economy and how it appears to different groups in the country. And, we will examine measures of US happiness, including consumer confidence and satisfaction, rising anxiety, and trust in institutions. Come prepared for what we hope will be a lively discussion.

UPHEAVALS IN AMERICAN SOCIETY
Bari Weiss

Presenter: Emily Mines
Presentation Date: October 14, 2026

A new presence within the Paramount/Skydance empire, Bari Weiss is now the head of CBS News, has shaken up “60 Minutes” and has sold her ‘Contrarian’ newsletter, “The Free Press,” to the Ellisons for $150 million. Some see her as provocative and controversial; others find her refreshing. Is she a tool for the rich and powerful as some suppose she is? What is her background and position along the political spectrum? How did she get to where she is? Is her approach to news productive or might it be harmful?

Answers to these questions, and others, will be considered and debated. Come learn about her if you don’t already know much about her or chime in with your thoughts on her, if you do.

UPHEAVALS IN AMERICAN SOCIETY
Penn Station — Its Place in Urban History and Concerns about Its Future

Presenter: Andy Bata
Presentation Date: October 28, 2026

With coordination by Andy Bata, our own train daddy, we are pleased to announce this session on the history and current concerns for the future of Penn Station by the regional transit infrastructure thought leader and Chair of ReThinkNYC a regional think tank for the betterment of New York City. Sam Turvey will discuss the place of Penn Station in architectural and transit history, its demise in 1963 to 1967, and the provenance and details of present plans to transform it in an effort led by Andy Byford of Amtrak. Turvey is a 2025 City and State magazine Transportation Trailblazer. He has a BA. in Urban Affairs from Fordham College and a JD. Fordham University School of Law where he served as the associate editor of the Urban Law Journal.

Turvey will be joined by Karim Ahmed, a Senior Transportation Advisor, ReThinkNYC and the author of the proposed track implementation plan for Penn Station. Karim is a Principal of Reform Architecture, PLLC located in the South Bronx and has a B. Arch. from Cooper Union.

Dr. Robert Paaswell will also be part of the presentation. “Buz” as he insists on being called, is a Distinguished Professor of Civil Engineering Emeritus at City College. He is the former head of the Chicago Transit Authority and a Director Emeritus of the University Transportation Research Center, City College (DOT Region II); BA. Buz has a BS. From Columbia University and a Ph.D. from Rutgers University

UPHEAVALS IN AMERICAN SOCIETY
Analyzing the Election Panel Discussion

Presenters: Terri Hicks, Konstantin Dolgister, Bob Gottfried, Michael Wellner, and others
Presentation Date: November 11, 2026

Well, the mid-term election is over, and there is certainly much for us to discuss! But this blurb is actually being written before election day, so we don’t know now any actual winners and losers. But, if the polls are anywhere near correct, there will certainly be a lot to discuss. Join us as we review the results and ponder how much of a change they will bring, and what lies ahead for our country — and the world. To say that this is an important topic might just be the understatement of this century!