Current Affairs

If you enjoy spirited, focused conversation about global, national, state, and local issues of importance, then you should join the DMA Current Affairs Discussion Group.

“Our meetings are (usually) on the third Thursday of each month (Sep-Dec and Feb-May) at 2:00PM in the Lillian Gade Room of the DCA and on Zoom.

For each meeting a single topic is chosen in advance and either one of our members or a guest will give an informative presentation for about 20 minutes, followed by a general discussion by the group. The emphasis is on sharing information and perspectives, not debate, and never argument.

The discussion leader will define and articulate the topic and assemble any relevant pre-read materials to have posted on the website. All members are encouraged to share information they find informative and relevant. Topics will be posted on this website and announced at DMA weekly meetings, but please join the group email list for the zoom link. By general agreement, our meetings are available via Zoom but are not recorded for future playback, so plan to attend at our scheduled time.

If you have a topic you might like to present at a future meeting, please get in touch with Barry Silver, Doug Bernacchi, or Charles Salmans.

• Current Affairs, Why We Can’t Have Nice Things: Improving Infrastructure in America, Apr 16, 2026
  Current Affairs for April 2026: Why We Can’t Have Nice Things: Improving Infrastructure in America The Current Affairs group will meet on Thursday, April 16 at 2PM in the Lillian Gade Room at the DCA and on Zoom. If you have not received the Zoom link, please contact Barry at silver.barry@gmail.com or Doug at dbernacchi@gmail.com.… Read more: Current Affairs, Why We Can’t Have Nice Things: Improving Infrastructure in America, Apr 16, 2026
• Current Affairs for March 19, 2026: Is the US Ready for the Next War?
  Is the US Ready for the Next War – New Yorker Highly recommended also is a more recent article focusing on Ukraine, the epicenter of the new drone warfare: Drones Now Rule the Battlefield in the Ukraine-Russia War – The New York Times Filkins focuses quite a bit on US drone technology company Anduril, which got a critical close-up in… Read more: Current Affairs for March 19, 2026: Is the US Ready for the Next War?
• Current Affairs for February 19, 2026: What’s Next for Venezuela?
  Current Affairs for February 2026: What’s Next for Venezuela?   The Current Affairs group will meet on Thursday, February 19 at 2PM in the Lillian Gade Room at the DCA and on Zoom. If you have not received the Zoom link, please contact Barry at silver.barry@gmail.com or Doug at dbernacchi@gmail.com. Ted Helms will lead a discussion on “What’s Next… Read more: Current Affairs for February 19, 2026: What’s Next for Venezuela?
• Current Affairs: Innovation in the Age of AI, Nov 19, 2025 NEW DATE
  Current Affairs for November: Innovation in the Age of AI The Current Affairs group will meet on Wednesday, November 19 at 2PM in the Lillian Gade Room at the DCA and on Zoom. NOTE THAT THIS IS A DATE CHANGE!! If you have not received the Zoom link, please contact Barry at silver.barry@gmail.com or Doug at dbernacchi@gmail.com. We are pleased… Read more: Current Affairs: Innovation in the Age of AI, Nov 19, 2025 NEW DATE
• Current Affairs: “Order in the Court!”, Dec 18, 2025
  We have a great one coming up for you on Thursday, December 18 at 2PM in the Lillian Gade Room at the DCA and on Zoom (link provided below). Our topic will be: The U.S. Supreme Court and the Constitution | The Operation of the Court in a Challenging Era Graciously presenting this most relevant of… Read more: Current Affairs: “Order in the Court!”, Dec 18, 2025
• Current Affairs: “Special education reform in Connecticut,” Oct 30, 2025
  State Representative Tina Courpas will be our guest to talk about special education in Connecticut. She sponsored a reform bill on the subject, and will discuss how it passed the General Assembly with 100% bipartisan support – a rarity these days! She will discuss her education bill and influential role on the Education Committee as a minority… Read more: Current Affairs: “Special education reform in Connecticut,” Oct 30, 2025
• Current Affairs: “American Higher Education at a Turning Point”, Sept 18, 2025 @ 2:00
  Our first meeting will be on Thursday, September 18, at 2:00 p.m. in the Lillian Gade Room and on Zoom. The topic is tentatively titled “American Higher Education at a Turning Point”. Our guest presenter is Jeffrey Gray, who retired from Fordham University as SVP for Student Affairs. Pre-read suggestions: “The State of Higher Education”… Read more: Current Affairs: “American Higher Education at a Turning Point”, Sept 18, 2025 @ 2:00
• Current Affairs April 17 at 2pm: Jim Phillips on Solutions for Immigration Reform/Border Security
  Meeting in the Lillian Gade Room or on Zoom.
• Current Affairs May 15th at 2pm Ed Barksdale: The Rise and Fall of Nations – Where is America Now?
  The background material, provided in advance, focuses on “the science of history,” relying on the work of the mathematical historian Peter Turchin. Throughout recorded history, great nations have experienced repeated cycles of harmony, which coincided with a rise to greatness, and disharmony, which coincided with decline—and ultimately their demise. Turchin’s thesis is that two primary… Read more: Current Affairs May 15th at 2pm Ed Barksdale: The Rise and Fall of Nations – Where is America Now?
• Current Affairs March 27 at 2pm at the DCA and Zoom-David Maloof “The fundamental weakness of Western Civilization is empathy.” Does historical evidence support or reject this premise?
  In 2014, Darien resident and DMA member Dave Maloof wrote a book entitled “Christianity Matters.” Elon Musk recently said, “The fundamental weakness of Western Civilization is empathy.” Does historical evidence support or reject this premise?” That is largely what David’s book was about. He will give us an overview and then we can discuss the… Read more: Current Affairs March 27 at 2pm at the DCA and Zoom-David Maloof “The fundamental weakness of Western Civilization is empathy.” Does historical evidence support or reject this premise?
• Current Affairs Thursday, February 20th at 2pm State Representative Tracy Marra will preview the State Legislative session
  We will meet in the Lillian Gade Room and on Zoom. Representative Marra is the ranking member on the Energy and Technology committee. She also serves on Public Health and Transportation.  Other members of our delegation have been invited as well. Governor Lamont opened the 2025 legislative session with his State of the State address,… Read more: Current Affairs Thursday, February 20th at 2pm State Representative Tracy Marra will preview the State Legislative session
• Current Affairs December 12 at 2pm: Dan Lew will lead discussion of the ethical and societal implications of AI development,
  The evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a transformative journey, from its humble beginnings in the 1950s to the current era of machine learning and deep learning. As AI continues to advance, it holds immense potential to revolutionize various industries, such as healthcare, finance, and transportation. However, this potential also raises concerns about the… Read more: Current Affairs December 12 at 2pm: Dan Lew will lead discussion of the ethical and societal implications of AI development,
• Current Affairs, 2pm November 21st, Where do you get your news? Jim Cameron will review the latest online and print options and perhaps show you some new, credible resources for keeping up with local happenings.
  Where do you get your news, especially local coverage?  JIM CAMERON will review the latest online and print options and perhaps show you some new, credible resources for keeping up with local happenings.
• Current Affairs 2pm October 17,2024, Sunil Saksena will lead a Current Affairs discussion about India’s economy, its politics, the state of its democracy, its foreign policy and whether Washington’s growing friendship with India will yield the results it expects.
  India’s rise as a global power is marked by its growing economic, military, and strategic significance. With the world’s largest population and a burgeoning economy projected to be the third largest in the world by 2027, India is increasingly seen as a pivotal player on the global stage. Its strategic importance is underscored by its role in regional… Read more: Current Affairs 2pm October 17,2024, Sunil Saksena will lead a Current Affairs discussion about India’s economy, its politics, the state of its democracy, its foreign policy and whether Washington’s growing friendship with India will yield the results it expects.
• Current Affairs 2pm September 19, 2024 at DMA and on Zoom. What is happening on Great Island? Vinnie Arguimbau will moderate a discussion with Selectman Monica McNally about Great Island
  Vinnie Arguimbau will moderate a discussion with Board of Selectman member and Great Island Advisory Committee Chair Monica McNally about Great Island. The Master Plan development is underway.  Learn about the process and provide your feedback.
• Current Affairs: Immigration, Ric Grefe & Mike Wheeler, May 16, 2024
  Programs for New Americans Central American Immigrants in the US Green Card Flow Chart 2 Immigration is $7 trillion gift Right to Seek Asylum An Analysis of the Senate Border Bill _ American Immigration Council Biden’s Dilemma at the Border Green Card Flow Chart Immigration and labor shortages Legal Immigration Nearly Impossible Economists Love Immigration
• Current Affairs: Affordable Housing in Darien March 7th at 2pm at the DCA and on Zoom
  Mike Wheeler and Bob Baker will moderate a discussion of Affordable Housing on March 7th at 2 pm at the DCA and on Zoom. What is the status of Affordable Housing in Darien? What is the Darien Affordable Housing Plan of 2022? What is happening at the state level? What would a Fair Share requirement… Read more: Current Affairs: Affordable Housing in Darien March 7th at 2pm at the DCA and on Zoom
• Current Affairs: December 14 at the DCA and on Zoom: The Fed’s post-pandemic efforts to fight inflation – and what went wrong
  The last Current Affairs unit of the year will explore the role that the Federal Reserve played coming out of the Pandemic. How did the Fed deal with its important mandate to preserve price stability? What could Jerome Powell have done differently? We will examine the three most significant policy tools available to a central… Read more: Current Affairs: December 14 at the DCA and on Zoom: The Fed’s post-pandemic efforts to fight inflation – and what went wrong
• November 16th at 2 pm, Gunnar Edelstein will talk about how far we have come in the world of aviation from the Wright Brothers to the Space Shuttle.
  What are the effects of deregulation on commercial air travel? How are airlines trying to reinvent air travel as business travel declines? What will Artificial Intelligence mean to aviation? Are spare parts the airlines are using safe? What happens in the cockpit of a Navy jet when it is strafed by a Chinese jet? A… Read more: November 16th at 2 pm, Gunnar Edelstein will talk about how far we have come in the world of aviation from the Wright Brothers to the Space Shuttle.
• September 21st at 2pm Jim Phillips will lead a discussion on “The Future of Social Security: What are the Options?”
  There are a number of options to fix Social Security. Some of the most common proposals include: raising the payroll tax, lifting the cap on taxable wages, means-testing benefits, providing incentives to take the benefits later, privatizing social security, etc.. We anticipate a lively discussion on what are reasonable solutions. Whether or not they could pass… Read more: September 21st at 2pm Jim Phillips will lead a discussion on “The Future of Social Security: What are the Options?”
• October 19th at 2pm: Vincent Arguimbau will lead a discussion about how Darien should develop Great Island.
  How Darien should develop its purchase of Great Island rests primarily on the Italian Palazzo mansion and the horse stable with arched ceilings taken from Grand Central Station. Two monumental assets require enormous expenses to refurbish and maintain, expenses that taxpayers will resist shouldering. Our town will have to consider the whole gamut of possibilities… Read more: October 19th at 2pm: Vincent Arguimbau will lead a discussion about how Darien should develop Great Island.
• Current Affairs: May 18 at 2 p.m. at the DCA and on Zoom. Our current and future relationship with China
  Jan Selkowitz is a veteran China watcher.  There is no more important foreign affairs issue facing this administration than our complex relationship with Xi Jinping and China. Are we friends or enemies?  Can we cooperate on important technology issues like Artificial intelligence, or are we headed into a Cold War?  What is the future of… Read more: Current Affairs: May 18 at 2 p.m. at the DCA and on Zoom. Our current and future relationship with China
• Current Affairs: April 27 at 2 p.m. at the DCA and on Zoom. Voting Integrity.
  Current Affairs: April 27 at 2 p.m. at the DCA and on Zoom. Voting Integrity. Last year, Current Affairs had a lively discussion on voting rights. The flip side is voting integrity. Having made a career in accounting for the world’s largest corporations, which requires great accuracy and verifiable data, DMA member and CPA John… Read more: Current Affairs: April 27 at 2 p.m. at the DCA and on Zoom. Voting Integrity.
• Current Affairs Thursday March 16, 2023 at 2 pm Generative AI: Hype or reality? Its promise, its pitfalls and its implications for the future of work.
  On November 30, 2022 Open AI released a user- friendly application called ChatGPT. It took the world by storm—within 5 days it had 1 million users and within two months that number had exploded to 100 million. It was the fastest diffusion of a new technology in history. Known as ”Generative AI” it can generate… Read more: Current Affairs Thursday March 16, 2023 at 2 pm Generative AI: Hype or reality? Its promise, its pitfalls and its implications for the future of work.
• Current Affairs: Veteran Journalist Forrest Sawyer moderates “Ukraine and the New World Order” February 16th at DCA and Zoom at 2pm
  Emmy award-winning International journalist Forrest Sawyer will moderate our discussion. One year ago, Russia invaded Ukraine, expecting to control the country in just days. Instead, Vladimir Putin has committed the greatest military blunder since Hitler’s defeat at Stalingrad. With NATO’s assistance, Ukraine is now on offense. Can Russia be defeated? Could the war spread, involving… Read more: Current Affairs: Veteran Journalist Forrest Sawyer moderates “Ukraine and the New World Order” February 16th at DCA and Zoom at 2pm
• Current Affairs: Europe at a Crossroads? At DCA and via Zoom, Thursday December 15 at 2 p.m. How is Europe handling the political and economic winds?
  Is Putin still in power and at war? What are the key trends that may determine the future of the EU and NATO? How’s the energy situation looking as winter looms?  Don Loomis will start the discussion with his perspective on Italy (based on his years of experience there) which recently had a sea change in… Read more: Current Affairs: Europe at a Crossroads? At DCA and via Zoom, Thursday December 15 at 2 p.m. How is Europe handling the political and economic winds?
• Current Affairs: Dec. 1 at 2pm-DCA and Zoom: What did We learn from the November Elections? Is America heading for a Civil War?
  The November elections will be over. Will the results be accepted? Mark Nunan and Mike Wheeler will lead a discussion about life today in the Red States and the Blue states. Every Major publication has written a story about the potential of a Civil War or that Democracy is on the ballot. We will summarize… Read more: Current Affairs: Dec. 1 at 2pm-DCA and Zoom: What did We learn from the November Elections? Is America heading for a Civil War?
• October 20th at 2pm DCA and Zoom Global Warming/Change/Armageddon
  John Wolcott will lead the discussion that was originally planned for Part 2 of our CA last spring.  His presentation remains unchanged. Last February, Vince Arguimbau led a discussion entitled, “Agreed carbon emissions cause global warming, but is it an existential threat?” continuing to say, “If scarce resources were maximally devoted to reducing emissions then… Read more: October 20th at 2pm DCA and Zoom Global Warming/Change/Armageddon
• Current Affairs: May 12th at 11am Zoom and at DCA: Nationally there are book banning calls from the left and right. Kiera Parrott, Director of the Darien Library will be joining us to review Darien’s policies. What’s on your mind?
  Kiera Parrott, Director of the Darien Library will join us to  talk about Darien’s policy for adding and removing books and other materials to the collection, also known as a “Collection Development Policy.” We are postponing to the fall revisiting our discussion on alternative points of view on Global warming, Some told us we missed… Read more: Current Affairs: May 12th at 11am Zoom and at DCA: Nationally there are book banning calls from the left and right. Kiera Parrott, Director of the Darien Library will be joining us to review Darien’s policies. What’s on your mind?
• Current Affairs: The Electoral College, April 22, 2022 @11:00
  On April 22nd, Jim Phillips will lead a Current Affairs discussion of the Electoral College. Its history and whether it is still relevant today. There are numerous arguments to change the system, but no one has come up with a better alternative; and if they did, it would be extremely difficult to receive enough votes… Read more: Current Affairs: The Electoral College, April 22, 2022 @11:00
• Current Affairs: China: Ascending or Declining? March 18th, 2022 @11:00am Zoom Only
  Moderated by Jan Selkowitz, an entrepreneur and businessman who has been dealing with Asia for over five decades, and has family ties to China. Friday, March 18th at 11 am.  Zoom only Nikki Haley: “Why China keeps me up at night.”  China’s Economic Reckoning: The Price of Failed Reform   Warning of China’s Income Gap China… Read more: Current Affairs: China: Ascending or Declining? March 18th, 2022 @11:00am Zoom Only
• Current Affairs: Agreed carbon emissions cause global warming but is it an existential threat? Vincent Arguimbau will moderate the discussion February 18th at 11am Hybrid (DCA and Zoom)
  If scarce resources were maximally devoted to reducing emissions then would the result be worth the cost?  If not then how do we efficiently allocate resources to ameliorate and adapt to the changing environment? YouTube presentations Keeping Your Cool on the Climate Debate with Bjorn Lomborg Why renewables can’t save the planet  Michael Shellenberger Youtube… Read more: Current Affairs: Agreed carbon emissions cause global warming but is it an existential threat? Vincent Arguimbau will moderate the discussion February 18th at 11am Hybrid (DCA and Zoom)
• Current Affairs: National Intelligence Council, Friday, January 28, 2022 at 11am
  Current Affairs: Quadrennial Report of the National  Intelligence Council, Friday, January 28, 2022, at 11 am  White paper summarizing the issues: DMA Current Affairs White Paper January 2022 On Friday, January 28, at 11 am, Tom Igoe will lead a Current Affairs discussion on the latest  quadrennial report of The National Intelligence Council (NIC or… Read more: Current Affairs: National Intelligence Council, Friday, January 28, 2022 at 11am
• Current Affairs: Voting Rights Act, Don Loomis, Dec 16th, 2021
  December 16th (11am ET) DCA/Zoom Hybrid Don Loomis will moderate a discussion on the Voting Rights Act, H.R.1, H.R.4, and the actions being taken by the states to reform their voting laws. What does it all mean for future elections? Free and fair elections have been the bedrock of our democracy. Where do our voting… Read more: Current Affairs: Voting Rights Act, Don Loomis, Dec 16th, 2021
• Current Affairs: Europe’s  War on Technology Companies, Bert von Stuelpnagel, Nov 19, 2021 11am
  Bert von Stuelpnagel will host a discussion of  Europe’s  War on Technology companies  Europe’s War on US Tech is motivated by at least two principal motives: The fear that American technology companies, while clearly ahead of their European rivals, do not provide sufficient privacy protection; and the widespread opinion that they do not pay their fair… Read more: Current Affairs: Europe’s  War on Technology Companies, Bert von Stuelpnagel, Nov 19, 2021 11am
• Current Affairs: Income Inequality, Oct 28, 2021
  October 28th at 11:30am (new date & time) Current Affairs: Income Inequality-Is it a problem? If so, what are the solutions? What are the Chinese doing to address their income inequality? Mike Wheeler will moderate the discussion. Gary Banks will argue for the proposal and Mark Nunan will argue the opposing side. Study Materials Based… Read more: Current Affairs: Income Inequality, Oct 28, 2021
• Postponed: February 17, 2022 at 11am Current Affairs: Ric Grefé leads an interactive design session on Immigration
  February 17th  at 11am: Reimagining immigration policies. Ric Grefé will lead an interactive workshop using design thinking techniques to capture observations and ideas from all those attending. Participants will need to see the problem from many perspectives. According to the Interactive Design Foundation, design thinking is a non-linear, iterative process that teams use to understand… Read more: Postponed: February 17, 2022 at 11am Current Affairs: Ric Grefé leads an interactive design session on Immigration
• September 16th at 11am Current Affairs: Real Life as a Palestinian-Has America gotten this one right or wrong? As a successful international lawyer, some two decades ago, David Maloof asked: “How could he make the biggest difference in this life. He decided that the biggest challenge he could undertake was to try to solve the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict.
  Real Life as a Palestinian-Has America gotten this one right or wrong?  David Maloof will moderate the discussion. Background I am pleased to lead an in-house conversation on “Real Life as a Palestinian: Has America Gotten This Right or Wrong?” on September 16th  from 11am-12 noon. To save on time, let me start by providing… Read more: September 16th at 11am Current Affairs: Real Life as a Palestinian-Has America gotten this one right or wrong? As a successful international lawyer, some two decades ago, David Maloof asked: “How could he make the biggest difference in this life. He decided that the biggest challenge he could undertake was to try to solve the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict.
• Current Affairs: June 17th Universal Basic Income in Europe-Jamie Cooke, Head of RSA Scotland and Leading figure is in the global basic income discussion. Appearance courtesy of Ric Grefe Time: Jun 17, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
  Hosts: Mike Wheeler and Mark Nunan Note the time is 10am EDT for the Current Affairs. One hour earlier than usual. Mr. Cooke is joining us from Scotland. June 17th   Universal Basic Income in Europe-Jamie Cooke, Head of RSA Scotland and Leading figure is in the global basic income discussion. Appearance courtesy of Ric Grefe… Read more: Current Affairs: June 17th Universal Basic Income in Europe-Jamie Cooke, Head of RSA Scotland and Leading figure is in the global basic income discussion. Appearance courtesy of Ric Grefe Time: Jun 17, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
• Current Affairs: Universal Basic Income in Europe, June 17, 2021 10:00AM EDT
  Hosts: Mike Wheeler and Mark Nunan Note the time is 10am EDT for the Current Affairs. One hour earlier than usual. Mr. Cooke is joining us from Scotland. June 17th   Universal Basic Income in Europe-Jamie Cooke, Head of RSA Scotland and Leading figure is in the global basic income discussion. Appearance courtesy of Ric Grefe… Read more: Current Affairs: Universal Basic Income in Europe, June 17, 2021 10:00AM EDT
• Current Affairs: COVID Update, Thursday, May 20, 2021 @ 11:00
  Host: Bob Baker Discussion Leader: Charles Salmans On Thursday, May 20 at 11 a.m., I will lead a Current Affairs discussion on Covid — an update. We’ll address vaccine resistance and what may be required to prevent further mutations that potentially could get around the vaccines, the challenge of vaccinating people in poor, high density… Read more: Current Affairs: COVID Update, Thursday, May 20, 2021 @ 11:00
• Current Affairs: Understanding Modern Monetary Theory, April 15, 2021, 11:00
  Host: Bob Baker Discussion Leader: Henry Cavanna Outline For Discussion on April 15 about Federal Debt and Deficits. Do They Matter? I. Background of the US Budget  II. History of National Debt and Budget Deficits  III. Modern Monetary Theory and the Impact of Debt and Deficits Readings: https://www.econlib.org/library/Columns/y2021/SumnermodernmonetarytheoryPartI.html https://www.econlib.org/library/Columns/y2021/SumnermodernmonetarytheoryPartII.html https://www.taxpolicycenter.org/briefing-book/how-does-federal-government-spend-its-money https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/25/opinion/biden-us-economy.html?referringSource=articleShare Federal Spending Charts  … Read more: Current Affairs: Understanding Modern Monetary Theory, April 15, 2021, 11:00
• Current Affairs: Jim Phillips – Economic Outlook March 18, 2021
  CA Host: Bob Baker Presenter: Jim Phillips Biden’s American Rescue Plan-Discussion Topics What will the likely impact be for unemployment from the passage the ARP?  The US will see improved economic growth in 2021 over 2020.  How much of the growth will be the result of the Covid relief bill?   major or minor impact? What… Read more: Current Affairs: Jim Phillips – Economic Outlook March 18, 2021
• Current Affairs: Health Systems in Germany and the UK, Feb 18, 2021
  Host: Bob Baker   Bert von Stuelpnagel & Bryan Hooper will compare and contrast the health systems of Germany and the UK.
• Current Affairs: Micro lending, Jan 21, 2021, 11:00
  Host: Bob Baker Discussion Leader: David Mace  
• Current Affairs: Urban Violence and the Rule of Law, Dec 17, 2020
  Host: Bab Baker Discussion Leader: Joe Spain
• Current Affairs: Harris Hester, “The Election Results”, Nov 19, 2020, 11:00
  Host Bob Baker Discussion leader Harris Hester Discussion slides: 2020 Election GOP Election Lawsuits Recount rules Republican options
• Current Affairs: Vote by Mail, Oct 15, 2020, 11:00
  Host: Bob Baker Discussion Leader: John Schlachtenhafen https://www.wsj.com/articles/ballot-collection-battles-split-by-partisanship-move-through-courts-11590755212?st=4l91j4y2f2frvdw&reflink=article_email_share Where Americans Can Vote by Mail in the 2020 Elections Where Americans Can Vote by Mail in the 2020 Elections – The New York Times Discussion at the Darien Library with Denise Merrill, CT Secretary of State https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpTTSZeZI1s Mail-Vote Madness in Pennsylvania https://www.wsj.com/articles/mail-vote-madness-in-pennsylvania-11599865002?mod=hp_opin_po Secretaries of states caution that election… Read more: Current Affairs: Vote by Mail, Oct 15, 2020, 11:00
• Current Affairs: Income Inequality, Sept 17, 2020, 11:00
  Your Host: Bob Baker Discussion Leader: David Mace Our current affairs group will talk about income inequality in America and what we should do about it.   Pew Survey – CA Sep 2020 The Black-White Wage Gap Is as Big as It Was in 1950 https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/25/opinion/sunday/race-wage-gap.html?referringSource=articleShare https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_income_equality Racism’s Hidden Toll https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/08/11/opinion/us-coronavirus-black-mortality.html?referringSource=articleShare How does income inequality… Read more: Current Affairs: Income Inequality, Sept 17, 2020, 11:00
• Current Affairs: “Covid-19/ Status and Decisions to be Made”, Aug 27, 2020, 11:00
  Host: Bob Baker Discussion  Leader: Charles Salmans Main topics are: Covid infection and death rates Latest data and possibility of “waves” this fall and next year, as in 1918 Tradeoff between economy and quarantines Unemployment rates and issues of income replacement Especially hard hit — hospitality and travel, small business K-12 Schools, colleges and universities… Read more: Current Affairs: “Covid-19/ Status and Decisions to be Made”, Aug 27, 2020, 11:00
• Current Affairs: Nuclear Power in the US, July 16, 2020, 11:00
  Host: Bob Baker Discussion Leader: Mark Nunan Discussion slides: NUCLEAR_ENERGY_FUTURE_FOR_USA
• Current Affairs: Art Baron on Innovation, June 18, 2020, 11:00
  Host: Charlie Goodyear Discussion Leader: Art Baron   DISCUSSION OUTLINE ON INNOVATION  Current Affairs, June 18, 2020  AGENDA:  The Science of Innovation  The Digital Age . . . a Multi-Decade Transformation  Winners and Losers . . . Lessons Learned . . . Market Considerations  COVID . . . a Present Day Catalyst  Potential Future Industry… Read more: Current Affairs: Art Baron on Innovation, June 18, 2020, 11:00
• Current Affairs. Mike Critelli – Safety of the Electric Grid, May 21, 2020 @ 11:00
  Host: Charlie Goodyear. Speaker Mike Critelli. Bio  Critelli, Mike Outline of the electric grid. OUTLINE OF ELECTRIC POWER GRID
• Current Affairs, Talkin’ Trash, February 20, 2020
  8:30am, Lilian Gade Room at the DCA. Cliff van Voorhees and Carolyn Bayne will discuss the challenges of recycling in Darien. Introductory slide show. DMA Recycling Examples of what should and should not be in single stream recycling: Click below to see what’s allowed and not allowed in Darien Single Stream.  Just because it isn’t… Read more: Current Affairs, Talkin’ Trash, February 20, 2020
• Current Affairs- Business Roundtable: Purpose of a Corporation, March 19, 2020, 11:00 EDT
  DMA Current Affairs.  The Purpose of the Corporation hosted by Bob Baker We have licensed audio/video conferencing software and are going to (try to) hold the Current Affairs meeting over the internet. As always, you should review the material in advance on the website: https://dariendma.org/current-affairs-business-roundtable-purpose-of-a-corporation-march-19-2020/ You should keep the post open to follow Bob’s opening remarks. The… Read more: Current Affairs- Business Roundtable: Purpose of a Corporation, March 19, 2020, 11:00 EDT
• Current Affairs: Cyber Security, Thursday, January 16, 2020, 8:30am
  Club captain: Charles Goodyear Good intro video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtBnu-YtibA https://youtu.be/ZuzwHuQPKz0 What is Cyberwar 6Cyber cyberwar Hack Job The New Contours of Cyber Conflict Rosenbach cyber China’s Corporate Hack
• 5G Wireless Networks. December 9, 2019
  New date and place:  DCA second floor for 8:15- 9:15 on Monday December 9. Discussion  leader: Jim Phillips https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-downside-of-5g-overwhelmed-cities-torn-up-streets-a-decade-until-completion-11561780801 https://www.alvareztg.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-5g/ https://www.celltowerleaseexperts.com/cell-tower-lease-news/pros-cons-how-will-5g-impact-your-city/ https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-48616174 https://www.investors.com/news/technology/5g-stocks-5g-wireless-stocks/ https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/16/science/5g-cellphones-wireless-cancer.html https://www.barrons.com/articles/5g-stock-opportunities-51572025082?mod=hp_DAY_7 https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-government-is-tripping-over-itself-in-race-to-dominate-5g-technology-11573527840?mod=hp_lead_pos10 https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/6894452    
• Current Affairs: The Microbiome, Nov 21, 2019
  Discussion leaders: Jack Fitzgibbons & Gary Banks The microbiome is the genetic material of all the microbes (bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses) that live on and inside the human body. It is one of the most promising, yet challenging topics in modern medicine. The Microbiome is a new field with implications for many different areas including obesity research, causes… Read more: Current Affairs: The Microbiome, Nov 21, 2019
• Current Affairs: Election Laws, October 17, 2019, 8:15
  Discussion leader: Bob Baker 8:15, DCA Lilian Gade Room Special guest: John Visi, Darien Registrar of Voters DMA Current Affairs October topic-Election Regulations Regulations: Past-Present-Future Basic Authority: US constitution through first ten amendments has no mention of rules for elections; hence authority is granted to the several states. Two broad divisions of regulations: (1) who… Read more: Current Affairs: Election Laws, October 17, 2019, 8:15
• Current Affairs: Artificial Intelligence, September 19, 2019
  Discussion leader: Sunil Saksena & Alan Greene 8:15 in the DCA’s Lilian Gade room. Agenda What is AI Why is AI important Current Applications of AI Ethics and hazards associated with AI THE RESPONSIBLE AI Needs to be ethically sound and complies with regulations Foundation of end-to-end governance Supported by strong performance that address’s bias… Read more: Current Affairs: Artificial Intelligence, September 19, 2019
• Money Matters: 5G Networks, June 12, 2019, 8:45-9:45 DCA
  June 12 845-945 at the DCA   (John Hess and Doug Campbell) 5G networks are the next generation of mobile internet connectivity, offering faster speeds and more reliable connections on smartphones and other devices than ever before. 5G will greatly impact manufacturing, energy and utilities, agriculture, retail, financial services to name only a few. Time Recycling… Read more: Money Matters: 5G Networks, June 12, 2019, 8:45-9:45 DCA
• Current Affairs: Illegal Immigration, June 20, 2019
  Jim Phillips will lead a discussion on the issue of illegal immigration  on June 20, 2019, 8:15am in the Lilian Gade room at the DCA.   https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/homeland-security-to-test-dna-of-families-at-border-in-cases-of-suspected-fraud/2019/05/01/8e8c042a-6c46-11e9-a66d-a82d3f3d96d5_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.32e653253a32 https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-immigration-asylum/trump-directs-officials-to-toughen-asylum-rules-idUSKCN1S603M https://www.numbersusa.com/solutions https://thehill.com/opinion/immigration/401492-trump-ignores-practical-solution-for-stopping-illegal-immigration https://www.cato.org/publications/commentary/real-reform-can-fix-immigration https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_are_some_realistic_solutions_to_immigration Monthly arrests at border reach highest point since 2007 – The Washington Post https://apple.news/ABUEpRf2zSyuy5VqGauZ1jA https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/02/us/border-patrol-texas.html?em_pos=large&emc=edit_ctb_20190502&nl=crossing-the-border&nlid=69685278dit_ctb_20190502&ref=headline&te=1 https://www.cnbc.com/2019/05/15/trump-immigration-plan-puts-emphasis-on-skills-education-over-family.html
• Current Affairs: CRISPR, May 16, 2019
  Discussion Leader: Jack Fitzgibbons CRISPR is a technique to edit genes.  It has been compared to a word processor to edit the genome of any living organism.  This capability has the power for breakthrough developments such as biofuels, disease resistant and more nutritious crops, and actually “repairing” a human gene that causes a deadly disease… Read more: Current Affairs: CRISPR, May 16, 2019
• Current Affairs: CT’s Fiscal Problems, April 18, 2019
  Discussion leader: John Schlachtenhaufen Everybody has an opinion – and someone to blame – but in this discussion we’ll dig deep into the data and look for realistic solutions.    Opening commentary:                    CONNECTICUT FISCAL STABILITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH Connecticut has been amassing unfunded liabilities for decades and the amount today approaches $100 billion, primarily… Read more: Current Affairs: CT’s Fiscal Problems, April 18, 2019
• Current Affairs. DNA Privacy. March 21, 2019
  Discussion leader: Gary Banks DNA Privacy.  It is now inexpensive to at least partially sequence a person’s genome.  Companies like Ancestry.com, GEDMatch and 23andMe.com have done it for over 20 million people.  There are other databases where people have uploaded their DNA profile insearch of relatives.  There are also growing databases, some public, with individual’s DNA… Read more: Current Affairs. DNA Privacy. March 21, 2019
• Current Affairs. Brexit. February 21, 2019
  Discussion leader: Bryan Hooper Opening Notes: BREXIT: Why should we care?   At a seminar I attended in the UK many years ago each participant was asked to consider the future of their industry or professional group.  When it was his turn to make his forecast, a lawyer stood up and declared that “the legal… Read more: Current Affairs. Brexit. February 21, 2019
• Current Affairs: Is Social Media Good For Democracy? January 17, 2019
  Discussion leader: Jim Phillips Intelligence Squared Debate   https://www.intelligencesquaredus.org/debates/social-media-good-democracy-0 Hard Questions: What Effect Does Social Media Have on Democracy?https://newsroom.fb.com/news/2018/01/effect-social-media-democracy/ Facebook Says Social Media Can Be Negative For Democracy  https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/01/22/579732762/facebook-says-social-media-can-be-negative-for-democracy Guest Post: Is Social Media Good or Bad for Democracy?https://newsroom.fb.com/news/2018/01/vromen-democracy/ Without Transparency, Democracy Dies In The Darkness Of Social Media  https://www.forbes.com/sites/kalevleetaru/2018/01/25/without-transparency-democracy-dies-in-the-darkness-of-social-media/#41017c4a7221 Why social media may not be so good… Read more: Current Affairs: Is Social Media Good For Democracy? January 17, 2019
• Current Affairs: Single Payer Healthcare, Nov 15, 2018
  Discussion leader: Charlie Goodyear Summary : SINGLE PAYER HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS USA Healthcare System -17% of GDP (was 7% in 1971) vs. 9% Canada,10% UK, 10% Germany -Coverage : +50% Employer (155 million people, cost $20,000/family, employee pays $5000) +14% Medicare (+/- 55 million people) +12% Medicaid, Veterans, Native Americans (+/- 50 million people) + 7%… Read more: Current Affairs: Single Payer Healthcare, Nov 15, 2018
• Current Affairs: Global Warming, Dec 13, 2018. Now 1:00 today
  Discussion leader:Jack Neafsey Discussion outline: 1-CYCLICAL TEMP/CO2 FLUCTUATIONS OVER THE PAST        MINI ICE AGE FROM 1850 TO 1925 2-SCIENCE- NO HARD SCIENCE-ALL BASED ON MODELS DEVELOPED IN LATE 1980’S–MODELS HAVE BEEN         PROVEN TO BE WRONG 3-IMPACT- CO2 IS A FERTILIZER-15% OF CURRENT OUTPUT DUE TO CO2    IMPACT ON… Read more: Current Affairs: Global Warming, Dec 13, 2018. Now 1:00 today
• Current Affairs: Immigration Revisited, September 20, 2018
  Discussion leaders: David Mace & Charlie Goodyear Opening summary: Immigration Opening Comments Migrants Are on the Rise Around the World, and Myths About Them Are Shaping Attitudes – The New York Times Migrants Around the World Key facts about U.S. immigration policies and proposed changes | Pew Research Center http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/02/26/key-facts-about-u-s-immigration-policies-and-proposed-changes/ Companies Say Trump Is Hurting Business… Read more: Current Affairs: Immigration Revisited, September 20, 2018
• Current Affairs: International Trade, October 18, 2018
  Discussion leader: Harris Hester International Trade – It’s complicated Foreign Affairs.  Three Cheers for Trump’s Foreign Policy: What the establishment misses by Randy Schweller Foreign Affairs & Trade China’s Small Share of an iphone China’s Share of iphone This is a brief fact check on the relationship between the federal deficit and the trade deficit.… Read more: Current Affairs: International Trade, October 18, 2018
• Current Affairs: Gun Control, June 21, 2018
  8:15 Lilian Gade room Discussion Leader: Charles Salmans Gun Control Interpreting The Second Amendment – The Right to Bear Arms A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. The historical debate over the language of this… Read more: Current Affairs: Gun Control, June 21, 2018
• Current Affairs: End of Life Care – Issues and Policies, May 17, 2018
  Discussion leader: Jim Phillips Just because we can extend life, should we? The U.S. is expected to spend $2.8 trillion on health care in 2012. Medicare alone will cost taxpayers $590 billion, with over 25% going toward patients in their last year of life. If health care is a scarce resource, limited by its availability… Read more: Current Affairs: End of Life Care – Issues and Policies, May 17, 2018
• Current Affairs: Refugees, April 19, 2018
  Discussion leader: David Mace   Here is a good overview piece from the Pew Research Center on refugees http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/01/30/key-facts-about-refugees-to-the-u-s/ IQ2  Debate: Since the Syrian Civil War began in 2011, more than 4 million Syrians have fled the country, creating the greatest refugee crisis since World War II. Most have fled to Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan,… Read more: Current Affairs: Refugees, April 19, 2018
• Current Affairs: Inequality and increasing job automation, March 15, 2018
  Discussion leader: Bryan Hooper The American Dream is still alive, but it has been fading into the distance with the growth of inequality of income and wealth distribution over the past few decades. There are some good research guides to help us understand the current situation and provide a basis for discussion of how changes… Read more: Current Affairs: Inequality and increasing job automation, March 15, 2018
• Current Affairs Discussion – GMO’s – February 15, 2018
  Discussion Leader: Gary Banks The IQ2 Debate is an excellent introduction to the subject. (One debater is Rob Fraley from Monsanto – I used to work with him)  Spoiler alert – the Pro GMO side won by 28%. Genetically modified (GM) foods have been around for decades. Created by modifying the DNA of one organism… Read more: Current Affairs Discussion – GMO’s – February 15, 2018
• Current Affairs Discussion – Affordable Housing – January 18, 2018
  Discussion Leader: Bob Baker Factors in developing initiatives for affordable housing- DMA discussion Thursday are: 1. Economics 2. Politics 3. Welfare 4. Efficiency 5. Legal Issues 6. Fairness Darien Application to the Heights in Darien: http://theheightsdarien.com/apply/ National HUD Rental Assistance: https://www.hud.gov/topics/rental_assistance National Affordable Housing: https://nationalaffordablehousing.com/apply-section-8-housing-state/?utm_source=EE-1&utm_campaign=NationalAffordableHousing https://nationalaffordablehousing.com/?utm_source=BB-Desktop&utm_campaign=NationalAffordableHousing&utm_medium=All&utm_content=Ad-4&utm_term=Text-12 Typical Percentages for Household Budgets – Budgeting Money https://budgeting.thenest.com/typical-percentages-household-budgets-3299.html… Read more: Current Affairs Discussion – Affordable Housing – January 18, 2018
• December 14, 2017
  Current Affairs Discussion
  Drug Prices
  Leader: Sunil Saksena Drug Pricing–Tentative Discussion Outline for Dec 14, 2017 1.What is the evidence that drug prices in the US are too high? 2.Why are they high and how are prices set ?  ( a brief case study to be presented by Charles Goodyear) 3.Pharmaceutical companies justify their prices as necessary to fund their… Read more: December 14, 2017<br/>Current Affairs Discussion<br/>Drug Prices
• November 16, 2017
  Current Affairs Discussion
  Corporate Tax Reform Policy
  Leader: Harvey Mogenson   Discussion outline: Part I – Brief example/ discussion of the current corporate tax system as a basis to compare the Tax Reform Proposals.  This would include the concepts of a) tax rules applicable to a US corporation vs a foreign corporation/subsidiary; b) what does “effective tax rate” mean; c) the historical… Read more: November 16, 2017<br/>Current Affairs Discussion<br/>Corporate Tax Reform Policy
• October 19, 2017
  Current Affairs Discussion:
  Clean Disruption
  In our first article Tony Seba makes the case that multiple technologies are converging that will massively disrupt the auto industry, use of space, transportation, energy, climate, … – all a big part of how we now live and work.   He calls it “Clean Disruption”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2b3ttqYDwF0&feature=youtu.be Our  discussion will review his model.  Are the… Read more: October 19, 2017<br/>Current Affairs Discussion:<br/><em>Clean Disruption
• September 28, 2017
  Current Affairs Discussion:
  Comprehensive Immigration Reform
  Comprehensive Immigration Reform: challenges and problems in accomplishing it. Discussion leader: Charlie Goodyear Discussion Outline: https://dariendma.org//wp-content/uploads/Immigration-2.pdf Background information: https://dariendma.org//wp-content/uploads/Immigration-I-.pdf A general history immigration: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immigration_to_the_United_States On the 1986 Immigration Act: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immigration_Reform_and_Control_Act_of_1986 Immigration Reform Act of 2007 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comprehensive_Immigration_Reform_Act_of_2007\ On illegal immigration: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illegal_immigration_to_the_United_States E-Verify is a government system to verify a workers legal right to work in the… Read more: September 28, 2017<br>Current Affairs Discussion:<br>Comprehensive Immigration Reform</em>
• June 15, 2017
  Current Affairs Discussion:
  US-Mexico Relations
  Discussion leader: Gary Banks President Trump and Mexican leaders have been disagreeing since the first moments of Trump’s presidential campaign, when Trump accused Mexico of using the United States as a dumping ground for criminals; he went on to campaign on building a wall, imposing a tariff, and revising NAFTA. But beneath the heated rhetoric… Read more: June 15, 2017<br/>Current Affairs Discussion:<br/><em>US-Mexico Relations</em>
• May 18, 2017
  Current Affairs Discussion:
  The Federal Deficit
  Discussion leader: John Bartlett Key questions: 1. Is it a problem that due to deficit spending our national debt has doubled in the past ten years and now stands at 77% of gross domestic product – the highest since World War II? 2. Why do politicians not discuss this issue? 3. Should the deficit be… Read more: May 18, 2017<br/>Current Affairs Discussion:<br/><em>The Federal Deficit</em>
• April 20, 2017
  Current Affairs Discussion:
  Charter Schools
  Charter Schools: Pros & Cons Discussion leader: David Mace Discussion Questions: Our discussion on Charter schools will begin with a brief understanding of what is a charter school. Who attends charter schools? Who pays for charter schools? Why do some charter schools succeed and others fail? What is the impetus behind wanting to give children… Read more: April 20, 2017<br/>Current Affairs Discussion:<br/><em>Charter Schools</em>
• March 16, 2017
  Current Affairs Discussion:
  Sanctuary Cities and Immigration
  Sanctuary Cities – Their impact on – Immigration – Local economies – Legal system – Law enforcement Discussion leader: Bob Baker Resources: Sanctuary Cities in Vermont http://digital.vpr.net/post/sanctuary-cities-vermont#stream/0 https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/national/sanctuary-cities/ Campus Politics in the Age of Trump – The New York Times “sanctuary” https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/10/opinion/campus-politics-in-the-age-of-trump.html? _r=0 https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2016/11/26/federalism-the-constitution-and-sanctuary-cities/?utm_term=.0a406a814932 Here’s a recent editorial by the WSJ’s Jason Riley, I thought… Read more: March 16, 2017<br/>Current Affairs Discussion:<br/><em>Sanctuary Cities and Immigration</em>
• February 16, 2017
  Current Affairs Discussion:
  Fake News
  Mainstream journalists today are being subjected to disintermediation. Anyone with access to the Internet can post most anything posing as “news” on Facebook, Google, YouTube, and a variety of other websites. Journalism as practiced in the 1960s is a distant memory, as when Walter Cronkite of CBS declared that the Vietnam war could not be… Read more: February 16, 2017<br/>Current Affairs Discussion:<br/><em>Fake News</em>
• January 19, 2017
  Current Affairs Discussion:
  The Electoral College
  The Electoral College: – Why was it created? – How it works. – Is it still relevant? Discussion Leader: Jim Phillips
• Current Affairs
  If you enjoy researching and discussing current affairs then you should join the DMA Current Affairs Discussion Group. The Current Affairs group meets on the third Thursday of each month (Sep-Jun) at 11:00 AM in the Lillian Gade Room on the second floor of the DCA. The structure is as follows: With input from the… Read more: Current Affairs