Capitol from inside the Library of Congress
Friday, January 16, 2009
Hope and pondering
One of the guest speakers at the conference Thursday was the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Hussain Haqqani. He spoke to us about his country and about the War on Terror. He shared with us his perspective on how to fight against terrorists. Pakistan is rich in cotton. He believes that one of the best ways we can begin to move toward winning the war on terror is to increase the need for cotton by demand for exporting to countries like the U.S. In doing this, jobs will be created that will draw those who might otherwise be pulled into terrorist recruitment.
He also spoke about the need for Americans to begin to think more globally; to think beyond their own borders. The reality of America providing military or economic help for Pakistan and other countries is not unappealing to them; however, he feels that rather than America marching in and taking the lead for these countries, they should first become more aware of the culture, desires, and dreams of the people in the country they are helping.
One of the students asked him how he felt about the civilian casualties that are taking place because of American troops. I believe his response was quite different than most in the conference expected. He told us that Pakistanis believe that American troops are doing the best that they can to avoid as many civilian casualties as possible, and that while those casualties are tragic, the reality of the terrorist threat is great. The American military is welcomed and supported by Pakistan.
Hearing directly from leaders of other countries has been one of the most dynamic parts of this experience for me. I feel that amazing insight has been brought to the table to consider and grow from. My understanding of diplomacy has been broadened and I have a new interest in learning even more about Pakistan and other countries in the Middle East.
Being at this conference is an incredible gift. Dreaming of what comes next on this journey is invigorating!!
Looking forward,
Angie
He also spoke about the need for Americans to begin to think more globally; to think beyond their own borders. The reality of America providing military or economic help for Pakistan and other countries is not unappealing to them; however, he feels that rather than America marching in and taking the lead for these countries, they should first become more aware of the culture, desires, and dreams of the people in the country they are helping.
One of the students asked him how he felt about the civilian casualties that are taking place because of American troops. I believe his response was quite different than most in the conference expected. He told us that Pakistanis believe that American troops are doing the best that they can to avoid as many civilian casualties as possible, and that while those casualties are tragic, the reality of the terrorist threat is great. The American military is welcomed and supported by Pakistan.
Hearing directly from leaders of other countries has been one of the most dynamic parts of this experience for me. I feel that amazing insight has been brought to the table to consider and grow from. My understanding of diplomacy has been broadened and I have a new interest in learning even more about Pakistan and other countries in the Middle East.
Being at this conference is an incredible gift. Dreaming of what comes next on this journey is invigorating!!
Looking forward,
Angie
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Perspectives
Being in Washington D.C. is certainly an amazing experience! I have seen and heard many new things that I have not been exposed to before. My perspective of the world is being broadened and enhanced.
Yesterday, Press Secretary Dana Perino came to our conference to be a guest on CSPAN, which was being broadcast live from our conference. (You can go to CSPAN's web site to see this episode of CSPAN Journal Live as well as one from the day before.) I really appreciated Dana being a part of this conference when she has so many other things to be responsible for in these last days leading up to the transition of President Bush leaving and President Elect Obama coming into office. It was good to hear from another perspective for a change. While there has been some great "common ground" moments at this conference, the majority of what has been presented has been from a very Leftist perspective. There are some Rightist positions presented, but the voice of the Right seems rather quiet compared to the Left.
I have always been more of a Centerist, but it often feels as if the voice from the Right is not welcome or accepted in this crowd. I have been hearing very strong voices speaking out against many things, but especially President Bush. Dana Perino gave some validity to my own views and thoughts regarding many of the comments being made. She also held a strong presence and poise that was commendable considering some of the questions being asked of her. The students from the conference were invited to ask her questions during the CSPAN show. You can hear those questions and Dana's answers on CSPAN's web page.
We also heard from Ted Kopel, who brought in a very strong opposing view to Dana Perino, but he had some very good things to contribute to the conversation taking place this week at the conference. There has been a lot presented about the news media, its influence good and bad on political views and outcomes, and about the types of media being used to obtain information such as TV vs. Cable news, blogs and the internet. One of the things being encouraged over and over again is for the students to broaden their perspective by reading materials presenting the opposing side from their views and to enter into civil, listening conversations with others who do not think the same way that they do. Surveys have shown that people 18-35 get the bulk of their news from late night talk shows, Saturday Night Live or other talk show programming and radio. We have been encouraged to read and listen to more legitimate news from all perspectives.
Yesterday afternoon my small group went to visit the Embassy of the State of Kuwait where we met Fatima Nazar, Cultural Attaché. She spoke with us about her country and we heard her perspective of America and the foreign affairs between America and Kuwait. Fatima was very gracious and incredibly pro-America. There was no political party posturing, just incredible enthusiasm regarding the relationship we have between us, and Kuwait's tremendous gratitude for the way that America came and helped to liberate them during the Gulf War. She stated many truths about bi-partisan realities. Regardless of which side you are on, according to Fatima, our government works and works well. Nothing is perfect; no one can fix everything within a four to eight year term of presidential office. No one can control what will come tomorrow. No matter how great you are perceived to be, failures and disappointment are inevitable. Grace and forgiveness will go a long way toward enhancing unity within the political arena of the United States of America in these troubled and strongly divided times.
My hope is that my perspective and views will be challenged and strengthened through this experience. Without a doubt, there is much work to be done to bring us to better stability as a country. My prayer will be that God's will would be done through our newly elected President and that I will be ever mindful and watchful to find my role in it.
~Angie
Yesterday, Press Secretary Dana Perino came to our conference to be a guest on CSPAN, which was being broadcast live from our conference. (You can go to CSPAN's web site to see this episode of CSPAN Journal Live as well as one from the day before.) I really appreciated Dana being a part of this conference when she has so many other things to be responsible for in these last days leading up to the transition of President Bush leaving and President Elect Obama coming into office. It was good to hear from another perspective for a change. While there has been some great "common ground" moments at this conference, the majority of what has been presented has been from a very Leftist perspective. There are some Rightist positions presented, but the voice of the Right seems rather quiet compared to the Left.
I have always been more of a Centerist, but it often feels as if the voice from the Right is not welcome or accepted in this crowd. I have been hearing very strong voices speaking out against many things, but especially President Bush. Dana Perino gave some validity to my own views and thoughts regarding many of the comments being made. She also held a strong presence and poise that was commendable considering some of the questions being asked of her. The students from the conference were invited to ask her questions during the CSPAN show. You can hear those questions and Dana's answers on CSPAN's web page.
We also heard from Ted Kopel, who brought in a very strong opposing view to Dana Perino, but he had some very good things to contribute to the conversation taking place this week at the conference. There has been a lot presented about the news media, its influence good and bad on political views and outcomes, and about the types of media being used to obtain information such as TV vs. Cable news, blogs and the internet. One of the things being encouraged over and over again is for the students to broaden their perspective by reading materials presenting the opposing side from their views and to enter into civil, listening conversations with others who do not think the same way that they do. Surveys have shown that people 18-35 get the bulk of their news from late night talk shows, Saturday Night Live or other talk show programming and radio. We have been encouraged to read and listen to more legitimate news from all perspectives.
Yesterday afternoon my small group went to visit the Embassy of the State of Kuwait where we met Fatima Nazar, Cultural Attaché. She spoke with us about her country and we heard her perspective of America and the foreign affairs between America and Kuwait. Fatima was very gracious and incredibly pro-America. There was no political party posturing, just incredible enthusiasm regarding the relationship we have between us, and Kuwait's tremendous gratitude for the way that America came and helped to liberate them during the Gulf War. She stated many truths about bi-partisan realities. Regardless of which side you are on, according to Fatima, our government works and works well. Nothing is perfect; no one can fix everything within a four to eight year term of presidential office. No one can control what will come tomorrow. No matter how great you are perceived to be, failures and disappointment are inevitable. Grace and forgiveness will go a long way toward enhancing unity within the political arena of the United States of America in these troubled and strongly divided times.
My hope is that my perspective and views will be challenged and strengthened through this experience. Without a doubt, there is much work to be done to bring us to better stability as a country. My prayer will be that God's will would be done through our newly elected President and that I will be ever mindful and watchful to find my role in it.
~Angie
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Coming Together
I caught a glimpse of hope today as I listened to USA Today columnists Bob Beckel and Cal Thomas share their vision for the future of politics. Each has very strong views about current issues at hand and the political means to bring change to these issues. Beckel is a Democrat and a self proclaimed Liberal. Thomas is a Republican and a conservative. Each have spent many years verbal combat with the opposing side, trying to convince the other that they should come to their way of thinking. They should by all appearances be arch enemies, but the truth is, they are very close friends who care deeply for each other and respect one another. They shared today about how they decided to begin a process of coming together to sit and listen to each other and to truly seek to believe that each are shooting for the same goal in regard to the issues at hand; they simply have different ideas of how to approach them.
They have written a book together called "Common Ground: How to Stop the Partisan War That Is Destroying America". Touring together and presenting their ideas and vision to political leaders and civilians alike, these two friends are trying to generate a movement toward a new kind of political arena; one where all can come together and discuss the issues at hand and work together toward a common good. It was inspiring to listen to them and to think that we could be moving into a new era of politics that will finally move out of party bashing and standoffs, and instead will get the job done through respectful compromise.
It was truly amazing to hear each of these men talk about their own convictions without holding back from stating fully what they believe in and in the same speech acknowledge the short comings and failures of the party to which they belong. I have renewed hope that we as a nation can and will begin to move into a new era of working together, respecting others views without shrinking back from our own, and finding the means to get the job of creating change done. With the dawn of a new presidential administration upon us, there is a strong sense of renewed hope for the future of our nation. What remains to be seen is if this will be a reality fulfilled. The hope for a strong leader is prevalent, but the need for a functional relationship between the House and the Senate as well as between the congress and the president will be the key for successful change. Thomas and Beckel stated that relationships need to be built between individuals from opposing parties for this change to begin to occur. We can make the choice to move toward common ground as well, choosing to enter into relationships with people who do not subscribe to the same ideals and political views. Creating stepping stones to common ground is a good start. It is my desire to begin to take time to pray for a movement toward common ground and seek God's plan for me in this process.
Hoping in Him,
~Angie
They have written a book together called "Common Ground: How to Stop the Partisan War That Is Destroying America". Touring together and presenting their ideas and vision to political leaders and civilians alike, these two friends are trying to generate a movement toward a new kind of political arena; one where all can come together and discuss the issues at hand and work together toward a common good. It was inspiring to listen to them and to think that we could be moving into a new era of politics that will finally move out of party bashing and standoffs, and instead will get the job done through respectful compromise.
It was truly amazing to hear each of these men talk about their own convictions without holding back from stating fully what they believe in and in the same speech acknowledge the short comings and failures of the party to which they belong. I have renewed hope that we as a nation can and will begin to move into a new era of working together, respecting others views without shrinking back from our own, and finding the means to get the job of creating change done. With the dawn of a new presidential administration upon us, there is a strong sense of renewed hope for the future of our nation. What remains to be seen is if this will be a reality fulfilled. The hope for a strong leader is prevalent, but the need for a functional relationship between the House and the Senate as well as between the congress and the president will be the key for successful change. Thomas and Beckel stated that relationships need to be built between individuals from opposing parties for this change to begin to occur. We can make the choice to move toward common ground as well, choosing to enter into relationships with people who do not subscribe to the same ideals and political views. Creating stepping stones to common ground is a good start. It is my desire to begin to take time to pray for a movement toward common ground and seek God's plan for me in this process.
Hoping in Him,
~Angie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)