Senator Bond talks about Smart Power at Webster University
Thursday afternoon I attended a special event at Webster University in St. Louis, MO. U.S. Senator Kit Bond spoke on campus about smart power and his recent book The Next Front: Southeast Asia and the Road to Global Peace with Islam. Senator Bond accepted the invitation to speak from the students of ONE Webster, who have had many meetings and interactions with the Senator and his office in the past around foreign affairs.
At the event, Senator Bond spoke about the importance of getting more sandals and sneakers on the ground now, in order to prevent having to put boots on the ground later. He is right and many will agree including the U.S. Sec. Robert Gates that Smart power, investing money in development and diplomacy, is a key part of our national security strategy.
The event was not only well attended but it was also streaming live online where viewers from around the world submitted questions.
I got the opportunity to ask a question during the event and took the opportunity to thank the Senator for being a champion on the issues by co-sponsoring past legislation like The Water for the World Act and Aid Reform. I also asked the Senator why he didn’t sign on to the Kerry-Lugar letter to Sen. Conrad in support of full funding for the International Affairs Budget. To my surprise, he said he actually had signed just that morning! His reaction was pretty funny, he said, “now that’s what you call shooting from the hip” and “we’ve got a ringer in the crowd!” check out this video:
After the event the ONE Webster students thanked the Senator for coming and speaking as well as his ongoing support including signing the Kerry-Lugar letter in support of $58.5 Billion for the International Affairs Budget. The Senator gladly took a ONE band, snapped a few photos and even signed a book for the school’s library.
What a great event, I am so glad I could be there! It was also a fantastic way for ONE Webster to wrap up their year, congrats to all the students who worked so hard this year!
- Previous Post Harmonize the clamor
- Next Post Harnessing the rain in Ethiopia
Blog Contributors
Hot Topics
-
The FY2013 Budget: Protect Funding that Saves Lives
As Congress weighs in on the FY2013 budget, they need to protect funding for poverty-fighting programs. -
Big oil. We won't be bullied.
Right now, some of the world's biggest oil companies are fighting to keep some of their deals with foreign governments secret. Let's tell big oil we won't be bullied. -
Canadian Aid
Cuts to poverty-fighting programs won't balance the budget, but they will set back progress on Canada's development priorities and risk jeopardizing existing investments. -
The Beginning of the End of AIDS
2011 marks 30 years since the first cases of AIDS were documented. Take a closer look at the specific, achievable goals we must hit by 2015 to make this year the beginning of the end of AIDS.
From Our Members
-
Sowing the ‘seeds of change’ at Des Moines’ Downtown Farmers Market
May 10th, 2012 | Posted by Libby Crimmings -
Thrivin’ in Pennsylvania with Rep. Charlie Dent
Apr 26th, 2012 | Posted by Brian Sweeney -
Working together as ONE at Loyola Academy
Apr 25th, 2012 | Posted by Field
From Our Partners
-
A human yardstick
May 15th, 2012 | Posted by Guest Blogger -
UN report calls for a realignment of agricultural reform
May 8th, 2012 | Posted by Guest Blogger -
Interview: Ugandan NGO founder on the joys of helping HIV+ children
May 7th, 2012 | Posted by Paulena Papagiannis
April 19, 2010 at 2:07 pm
Way to go ONE Webster! Go ONE! Thank you Sen. Bond!