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TRYON—In an age of social media, friends unfriend friends when learning their political beliefs are different. Differences between opposing parties are publicly expressed in dismissive anger. The concept of objectivity is losing usefulness.

At Lanier Library’s next Live@Lanier event, set for Thursday, September 19, at 1 p.m., Olin Sansbury, Chancellor Emeritus of USC Spartanburg and author of “Joint Ventures,” will share his perspectives on the roots, psychology, and process of partisan politics. 

“Even George Washington could not avoid partisan politics,” Olin says. “He regretted the conflicts between two of his loyal Cabinet members, but he understood the reality that democracy requires partisanship. More recently, however, some politicians and interest groups give partisanship a bad name, demonizing opposition to advance their own interest.”  

Originally from Darlington, S.C., Olin served in Viet Nam, wrote a sports column, got roughed up in a congressional race, and earned a Ph.D. in international studies. Active as a college teacher and administrator for more than thirty years, he served as the first dean of students at Francis Marion University and as the first chancellor at USCS. When retiring from USCS in 1993, he received the Order of the Palmetto from Governor Carroll Campbell.                                                                                                              

For anyone wondering about practical bipartisanship government, Olin’s program delves into the roles of population growth, mass media, the two-party system, voting by personality versus philosophy, and more.

Lanier Library is located at 72 Chestnut Street. To learn more, visit thelanierlibrary.org or call (828) 859-9535.