Hart lecture reflects on post 9-11 America
Approximately 175 faculty, staff and students from the campus community chose to mark the fifth anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, at a lecture presented by former Sen. Gary Hart. The lecture, “9-11: Five Years On,” touched on a variety of topics including: national security, counter terrorism, the constitutional balance of power, international relations and dependence on foreign oil.
True to his commission as scholar in residence with the Wirth Chair for Environmental and Community Development Policy, Hart brought a perspective on the environment and use of resources into the discussion. “Restoration of the ancient republican ideal—citizen duty—can help us regain our security,” he said. “Duty to conserve, duty to use renewables, duty to save our climate—what Franklin Roosevelt called ‘the willingness to sacrifice for the good of a common discipline.’ The principles of the republic require wiser use of resources to restore our security.”
Hart, who co-chaired the U.S. Commission on National Security for the 21st century, is uniquely qualified to access the post-9-11 climate in America. He continues as a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the National Academy of Sciences task force on science and security.
Hart is also teaching a seminar class, Security, Resources and the Republic, this fall at the Graduate School of Public Affairs. This lecture was considered their third session, and they were asked to open the question and answer period following the lecture. If their interaction is any indication, both students and the professor are growing from the experience.
“I hope to share years of experience in public service, years that were deeply involved with national security, energy policy and national service, with GSPA students who, themselves, are mature and seasoned in the world of work and career,” says Hart. “Teaching, sharing what knowledge I have, is currently my way of trying to continue to be of service in the community.”
A digital video of “9-11: Five Years On” is available online.