FREEPORT — Eric Laursen, an independent financial and political journalist, activist, and commentator, will be in Maine this weekend for a trio of speaking engagements hosted by the Frances Perkins Center of Newcastle.

Laursen will speak today at the Freeport Community Library from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m, the Portland Public Library on Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Skidompha Public Library in Damariscotta on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. All events are free and open to the public.

A news release describes Laursen’s book, “The People’s Pension,” as an extensive biography of Social Security:

While Social Security has been called the “third rail of American politics — touch it, and you die,” a powerful, well-funded movement to phase out or privatize Social Security has been gathering strength since the election of Ronald Reagan.

Each time it comes close to succeeding, it is beaten back by a coalition of labor, grassroots organizers and the elderly. Meanwhile, Social Security has only become more vital to retirees and their families as the federal and state governments slash other benefits and services — a trend that’s grown ever more troubling in recent years.

With 95 percent of Americans participating in Social Security, either as beneficiaries or through their payroll tax contributions, the program is quite literally the glue that binds Americans together as a community.

In a provocative epilogue, Laursen argues to democratize, not disable, the program, suggesting that the only solution for Social Security may be to de-link it from government altogether.

For more information, visit www.francisperkinscenter.org.