By Michael LaGamma
At the May 10 meeting of the Greenwich Retired Men’s Association Hollister Sturges introduced the speaker, John Blankley, RMA member, businessman, entrepreneur, and local politician (now retired), who offered his thoughts on the question “What Would Alexis de Tocqueville Say About Democracy in America Today?” The talk was based on John’s life-long affinity with the earliest, and still foremost, interpreter of the American experiment in democracy. Drawing on his own experience and his reading and knowledge of Tocqueville’s works and modern interpretations, John’s conclusions may have surprised some.
The presentation began with some history because in order to answer the question it’s important to understand the times in which Tocqueville lived and his particular life story, from his family’s aristocratic background in France, his journey to America and his attempts at a political career. They were all essential components of the thinking that went into his masterpieces, “Democracy in America,” written in the 1830’s, and the “L’Ancien Régime et la Révolution,” written in the 1850’s, a study of what led to the French Revolution.
Tocqueville’s “Democracy in America” was the first account and analysis not only of what made democracy work in America (Volume 1) but what was required to make it work anywhere (Volume 2). Equality and liberty are the two touchstones of his work – and it is important to understand how Tocqueville viewed their interaction and how they are both needed to make a true democracy work.
Tocqueville felt that the biggest dangers to American democracy are the pretensions of the state, tyranny of the majority, and lack of commitment to democracy. In Blankley’s view, pretensions of the state are currently apparent in the promotion of wedge issues such as abortion and gun control. The tyranny of the majority seems to have swung toward tyranny of the minority due to structural issues problems as gerrymandering and the excessive power of the non-representative Senate. The most serious danger is lack of commitment to democracy as evident in the authoritarian streak of the previous president and the willingness of extremists to subvert government institutions to obtain or retain power. Of the three, the only risk that is existential is the lack of commitment.
The talk was followed by a lively Q&A, touching on many contemporary issues including the Electoral College, the effects of social media, the January 6th events at the Capitol, and term limits.
Born in England, John came to the USA 40 years ago but unlike Tocqueville he stayed and became an American citizen. From his roots in the UK, his degree in modern history from Oxford University, and his journey to citizenship, he brings a special perspective and appreciation of our country. He began his career as a chartered accountant with Price Waterhouse, and later became the CFO and board member of BP North America, Stolt Tankers and Terminals, and other companies. In 2000 he co-founded Flagship Networks, Inc., a computer consulting company, and is currently its chairman.
Like Tocqueville, John has been active in politics. Locally he served on the RTM and the BET and ran for first selectman. He also ran for state office: for state representative, for the State Senate, twice, and for state treasurer. He currently serves as a trustee of Greenwich Library, as chairman of Greenwich Green and Clean and as first vice-president of the St. Andrew’s Society of the State of New York, the oldest charity in the state. John and his wife, Vera, have lived in Greenwich since 1983 and have three children and five grandchildren.
To see the full presentation, go to https://greenwichrma.org, cursor to “Speakers” and click on “Speaker Videos.”
The RMA’s upcoming presentation will be a performance of the RMA’s Melody Men, scheduled for 11 AM on Wednesday, May 24th. Paraphrasing Irving Berlin’s lyrics, “The song is ended but the Melody Men linger on.” The group will perform selections from The Great American Song Book, in addition to country, folk and pop songs.
Since 1975, when Wally Pennels formed the group for its first performance at an annual RMA dinner, the Melody Men have been the community outreach choral group of the RMA. Bill Van Brunt succeeded Wally, and in 1985 well known orchestra leader Bob Button took over. Erf Porter succeeded Bob in 2012. He passed the baton to Win Adkins and Tom Healy, who is currently the music director with former record label executive Bob Morgan as the group’s fabulous accompanist. Tony Cocchi and Joe Mancinelli ably complete the leadership team today.
The group performs about 30 times during the Spring and Fall to appreciative senior audiences throughout Westchester and Fairfield counties. Some of the venues are Greenwich Woods, River/Hill Houses, Nathaniel Witherell, the Mews, Edgehill, Waterstone, Waveny, and Atria Senior Living in Rye Brook, Darien and Stamford, to name a few. Last year the Melody Men proudly logged over 1,130 volunteer hours.
The Melody Men have also performed the National Anthem at Citi Field before two Mets games, the Greenwich Town Party, the 9/11 Town Memorial Service, and annually at the Greenwich Old Timers’ Dinner. They are always seeking new venues that are looking for an upbeat hour of music, fun and cheer. Hope to see you soon!
To stream the performance of the Melody Men at 11 AM on Wednesday, May 24th, click on https://bit.ly/30IBj21. This presentation will also be available on local public access TV channels, Verizon FIOS channel 24 and Optimum (Cablevision) channel 79.
Note: The views expressed in these presentations are those of the speakers. They are not intended to represent the views of the RMA or its members.
RMA speaker presentations are presented as a community service at no cost to in-person or Zoom attendees, regardless of gender. The RMA urges all eligible individuals to consider becoming a member of our great organization, and thereby enjoy all the available fellowship, volunteer, and community service opportunities which the RMA offers to its members. For further information, go to https://greenwichrma.org/, or contact our membership chairman (mailto:members@greenwichrma.org).
