Feb 7, 2017
Rotarian David Haynes, Editorial Page Editor of the Journal Sentinel, will interview Katherine Cramer, author of The Politics of Resentment which shows that rural resentment—no less than partisanship, race, or class—plays a major role in dividing America against itself. Published in early 2016, Dr. Cramer explores an often overlooked reality: rural political consciousness and the resentment of the “liberal elite.” Rural voters are distrustful that politicians will respect the distinct values of their communities and allocate a fair share of resources. One result is that the very people who stand to benefit from strong government services not only vote against the candidates who support those services but are vehemently against the very idea of big government. Although the book is a study of Wisconsin politics, this played out nationally in the 2016 presidential election.