Ed Spire is a retired software engineer who has started and operated two small software companies and participated in an IPO of a large software startup, culminating in the position of senior director of software engineering for a large multinational team of engineers. In his retirement, Ed is participating in several areas of political activism and election operations. He has been most active in gun violence prevention and addressing the influence of financial pressure on our political system.
10 topics · no fee, no honorarium, no mileage
Review available topics below. Use the “Request This Free Speech” button and fill out the contact form. Ed contacts you to discuss the details of the request.
The democratic party has seen a rise in candidates who declare themselves to be "democratic socialists". What does that label reallty mean? And what can we expect from those candidates?
This presentation explains what labels such as "democratic socialist" and "social democracy" really mean, why these candidates are rising withing the democratic party, and what their rise means for the party. in particular, how the Democratic Socialists of America (the DSA) factors into all of this, and how "socialism" is or is not part of the coming Democratic patty platform.
Right-wing populism is rising in many western nations, but here in the US it is beginning to actually threaten our democracy. This presentation points out why this is happening uniquely here in the US: Because the country is becoming a true multi-racial democracy, a transformation that no other country is undergoing. And the US constitution actually empowers the minority that wishes to stop this transition.
We will discuss why this is happening, and what we need to change in our governmental structures to alleviate this attack on our democracy.
And we must address these very thorny issues, starting now. Because the US will become a multi-racial democracy - or it won't be a democracy any more.
In "Deportation Nation: America's Immigration Crossroads," Ed will analyze
unprecedented changes in federal immigration policy, shedding light on how
these actions impact families, communities, and the very fabric of our society.
The Trump administration's approach to immigration marks a sharp departure
from historic norms. With an enormous escalation in funding directed at
enforcement measures, the federal debt continues to rise as resources are
diverted towards policies that disrupt lives and separate families—including
many U.S. citizens. These measures have not only caused immense personal
suffering but have affected businesses, labor markets, and the broader
economy, undermining the stability upon which our nation thrives.
In this interactive session, Ed will present a contextual overview, showing how
our nation's current actions stand apart from prior policy and tradition. By
examining the history of American immigration, we'll explore the roots of our
nation's strength: inclusion, opportunity, and the promise of a better life. Ed will
pose thoughtful alternatives and policy ideas that align with our founding
values and point toward a more humane and pragmatic future.
All who care about the direction of our country and the well-being of our
neighbors are encouraged to attend.
Equip yourself with truth and perspective so that together, we can advocate for
policies that reflect our best traditions and put an end to destructive, divisive
practices. Bring your questions—and your hope for a more just America—to
what is sure to be an enlightening and empowering event.
Economic inequality has been rising in the US for decades, damaging our economy and society in the process. This presentation will discuss how high it has become, why it happens, how it damages our country, and what we can do about it.
There's been a lot of discussion lately about tighter regulations on assault weapons like the AR-15. If we are going to regulate these weapons, we will need a legal definition describing them. And instead of a definition that depends upon specific configurations or cosmetic appearance, we propose a definition based on the factors that make this class of weapons so deadly.
This presentation focuses on the development of this class of weapons, the factors that make them so deadly, and how we can use those factors to legally define an "assault weapon" for future regulation thereof.
Every decade, increasing gerrymandering has created more and more "safe seats", which have resulted in more and more extreme legislators on both sides of the aisle - creating a legislature where compromise is impossible, and very little legislative progress ensures. This presentation shows why this happens, and what we can do about it, using the recent example of the Alaska special election, utilizing a nonpartisan primary and a ranked choice voting general election, as an example of how to promote more moderate legislators and a more productive legislature.
For years, warnings about democratic erosion could feel abstract. Under Donald Trump, authoritarian tactics — attacks on institutions, personal rule through decree, aggressive tariff wars, and now the extreme deployment of military force — have become concrete. That concreteness is frightening many citizens, elites, and institutions into action, both in the US and in Europe. Come learn how this is happening, and how you can help make it happen faster.
This presentation focuses on Trump's tariffs and their impact on our country -
not only the economic consequences, but also how they play out in the larger
picture of trade, manufacturing, and everyday costs for families.
In addition to exploring the topic of tariffs, Ed Spire will be sharing a look
"behind the scenes" at how he use social media and artificial intelligence tools
to develop presentations like this one. These digital strategies make it easier to
gather solid information, sharpen our messages, and connect more effectively
with the communities we serve.
I hope you'll join us for a session that's part civic education, part skills-building,
and fully focused on empowering us all to better understand the challenges—
and opportunities—we face.
Learn why we elect the US president via the Electoral College, how our Electoral College damages our demcoracy - and what we can do about it.
this presentation addresses the problem of unlimited political money corrupting our democracy. We explain the problem clearly, and discuss the causes and possible solutions, including steps that we can take in our own communities to begin addressing this structural problem in our country. The presentation is non-partisan and brings issues to light which are of concern across the aisle.
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