When Bill Moyers talks about the state of democracy in the United States today, he speaks of a loss of control in the management of our affairs. He laments that "the flame of democracy is almost extinguished today," and he recalls a time back in the sixties when he visited the Lehigh campus to recruit students for the Peace Corps. Back then, there was "a strong sense of optimism" among young people and "a pervasive belief in the prospect of a better life."

Moyers Tresolini Lecture presentation at Lehigh University's Zoellner Arts Center was both a lament and a call to action. A Baptist pastor turned public affairs broadcaster, Moyers served as President Lyndon Johnson's press secretary from 1965 to 1967. In 1986, after serving as senior news analyst for the evening news at CBS, Moyers created the highly acclaimed Public Affairs Television, a documentary production company. In the course of his celebrated career, he has won numerous awards, including two Pulitzer Prizes, over 30 Emmys and the 2006 Lifetime Emmy Award.

Moyers blames the current state of affairs on a failure of nerve in confronting the opponents of democracy, the wealthiest Americans who are getting richer at the expense of the workers. While large financial institutions were bailed out during the financial crisis, despite their irresponsible practices, middle class Americans paid dearly for the mortgage crisis. Many lost their homes and had to file for bankruptcy. Moreover, income inequality, which has been increasing since the 1970s, has resulted in the erosion of the real value of the minimum wage.

In addition, the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision making private individuals out of corporations, allows them to give unlimited contributions to political candidates. An individual can donate $1.5 million to a candidate, and a couple can give twice that amount. As a result, a "narrow faction manages the gears of government such that private and narrow interests override the public." Both political parties, said Moyers, "have been bought off," so that policy decisions are made by the wealthiest 1 percent. Seeing the power that derives from wealth, the public has become increasingly cynical.

For all these developments, Moyers ended his presentation on a positive note, citing numerous examples of heroic and selfless behavior by people during crises, such as the extraordinary risks taken by some to save the lives of others when the Twin Towers fell on 9/11 and the people who put their lives on the line to protect others on the day Gabby Giffords nearly lost her life to a gunman in Tucson.

Over time, the neglected, the homeless, the indigent and others have received help in numerous ways. Inroads have been made on many fronts, he commented. In that same spirit, "we must organize and resist the threats to our democracy."

During the question and answer period following the talk, a student asked what we can do besides "loving our neighbor." Moyers encouraged her to get together with others to bring about change. He recommended civil disobedience, protests and boycotts and noted that two groups are working to overturn the Citizens United ruling.

Another student from a low-income family commented that many in the audience were of an older generation. She asked how young people who are comfortable with the status quo can be motivated to take ownership of their democracy. Moyers responded that "change comes from a few really committed people." He advised her to start with one or two individuals and then try to bring in more people. Pick a cause, such as organizing fast food workers. Moyers pointed out that "the Right has a well-oiled organization, and Fox News is a propaganda machine. I wish I had a better answer," he said, "but you are my answer."

Moyers was introduced by Political Science Professor Ted Morgan.

Established in 1978, the annual Rocco J. Tresolini Lectureship in Law honors Rocco Tresolini, a distinguished professor and chairman of the Department of Government.