We had unbelievable venality as well as virtue back during our founding, and we have unbelievable

virtue as well as venality now. So let's just figure out which do we wish to serve.

The anxiety never is a good thing. Obviously, I assume the reason most of you are here is that

we don't want to serve the forces of authoritarianism.

And so how is it that we will put our democracy back on a sure and straighter and truer track?

Hello and welcome to the best people. This week is really special.

I recently sat down with the legendary

documentary filmmaker and historian Kim Burns in front of a live audience at the 92nd Street Y.

Ken's films tell our story, the good, the bad, and the unflinching truth of us, which is why they

touch our hearts and become fixtures in our culture

and our understanding of who we are as Americans. He picks his topics carefully because once Ken

digs in, he goes deep, from baseball to jazz to the Vietnam War and his most recent project,

The American Revolution. The focus of this conversation, of our

conversation, is the 250th anniversary of our country, from her humble beginnings, through all

of her bumps and bruises along the way to now. One of her greatest tests of all. Ken and I wrestle

with where we are and why the choices every individual makes today,

tomorrow, and in the days ahead will determine what happens next. What a joy to spend this time

and share Ken's wisdom about the America we all love. So this is the best people, and this is Ken Burns.

Thank you.

Well, I'll start by asking you in front of everyone what I asked you in the back, but I'll clean it up.

Because Peter and Lenny are here.

Are we going to make it?

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