I am incredibly honored to participate in Aspen Institute's 2025 Laboratories of Democracy exchange between American, Canadian, and German state and provincial lawmakers. Last week, our trans-Atlantic, subnational, multipartisan experience took place in the city of Dresden...🧵 - ThreadSky

stephanielilychang.bsky.social • 3 days ago

I am incredibly honored to participate in Aspen Institute's 2025 Laboratories of Democracy exchange between American, Canadian, and German state and provincial lawmakers.

Last week, our trans-Atlantic, subnational, multipartisan experience took place in the city of Dresden...🧵

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stephanielilychang.bsky.social•3 days ago

...in the German state of Saxony, formerly part of the GDR – and the site of intense bombing by American and Allied forces in February 1945 (almost the entire city needed to be rebuilt) near the end of the Nazi reign over Germany.

stephanielilychang.bsky.social•3 days ago

This trip took place during a month of international concern about the long-lasting damage that US tariffs would have for Canada, Michigan, and the world, and fears about the global and European implications of US decisions regarding Ukraine after 3 years of casualties due to Russian aggression.

stephanielilychang.bsky.social•3 days ago

All this amidst the rise of the AfD and extremism, xenophobia, and isolationism. Our final dinner took place in a Ukrainian restaurant around the time of the shameful disrespect shown in the Oval Office by the American President toward the leader of a democratic country ravaged by unprovoked war.

stephanielilychang.bsky.social•3 days ago

Our trip included discussions with Saxon state leaders, migrant apprentices, a business owner, food bank volunteers, and each other. We talked about opportunities and challenges with immigration, social inclusion, economic mobility, education, poverty, and workforce shortages.

stephanielilychang.bsky.social•3 days ago

We explored the complexity of ethical and effective leadership, truth, morality, and purpose. I learned about some of the differences and similarities in our government and political structures.

stephanielilychang.bsky.social•3 days ago

The trip highlighted the interconnectedness as well as the tensions between our nations, economies, histories, and people. While there are no simple answers, my takeaway so far from this exchange is that the local is global and the global is local.

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