Summer School is Under Way
The Rockford Institute's 12th Annual Summer School, "The American West," is under way at Chronicles headquarters in Rockford, Illinois. The first lecture, delivered on Tuesday evening, July 7, was by Thomas Fleming: "Print the Legend: Clantons Versus Earps in Myth, History, and Film."
Here is a portion of Dr. Fleming's talk, in which he addresses the legitimacy of gun violence in the Old West.
For a larger version, click here to go to The Rockford Institute's YouTube channel.
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Now that is the Tom Fleming I know!! If I was up there with you fellows, I would "shake his hand or buy him a Daniel Webster Cigar." A darned awful shame, this summer school -- so much Southern talent up North while so many of us are stranded down South. Keep the videos coming!!!
As first time summer school students, my wife Norma and I really enjoyed this fine educational experience. The program was well organized and executed by Chris Check, the speakers were outstanding, the dinner locations outstanding especially Altamore's.
What did we get from this 4 day program?
1. The subject matters renewed my interest in the American West history. With the books and movies recommended before and during the program, my time will be filled up until the next summer school.
2. I've been reading Chronicles for a few years and to hear some of the speakers first hand now gives me a face/voice with the article. As I now read the articles, I can hear Williamson, McGrath, Wilson, Dr. James Patrick, and Fr. Hugh Barbour. Of course, Dr. Fleming was his usual eloquent self.
3. During the breaks, lunches and dinners, we had a chance to learn even more from the other 50 or so attendees from across the country. We discussed the talks, exchanged knowledge and became friends. An attendance list that was provided makes our friendship and knowledge exchange even better.
4. The possibility to roam around the basement, looking for past issues, checking out the cassettes, CD's and books available for sale was an added feature. You bet, I bought several and had them autographed by the speakers!
5. Lastly, some of my company co-workers were curious how it went. One was interested in Westerns so I gave him some of the readings that I received. Another has family roots dating back to early colonial days and is doing research on her Irish heritage. Several of the books that I learned about were passed on to her growing library. Kinda like "spreading the word?
You might think this is a paid announcement. Rest assured, I'm just a happy and grateful attendee!
If I can catch up on all the readings and movies by January, I'll be there next summer.
Well done, TRI staff!!
We discussed the talks, exchanged knowledge and became friends.
Lastly, some of my company co-workers were curious how it went. One was interested in Westerns so I gave him some of the readings that I received. Another has family roots dating back to early colonial days and is doing research on her Irish heritage. Several of the books that I learned about were passed on to her growing library....
When conservatives ask, " What should we do?" or "What can be done today?",I am going to print this post of yours and say ,"Read this, it is the only thing we ought to be doing that is worth our time and effirt to do." In other words, friendships formed in the pursuit of the good is the only worthy effort of a civilized people. Thanks for this good post.