About 170 attend first Speak Up, Speak Out forum on 9/11

More than 170 Central Michigan University students had the chance to discuss the events of 9/11 Thursday at the first Speak Up, Speak Out forum of the semester, but some felt the panel was too pessimistic.

“They focused more on the past than what can be done in the future,” said Rochester Hills freshman Anna Olsavsky.

Ionia freshman Marie Hengesbach agreed the panel was too pessimistic, but said it was because they have not been given a reason to be optimistic about the war.

The forum — “10 Years After 9/11-What Have We Learned?” — was held in the Bovee University Center Auditorium from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The panel included Political Science Fixed-Term Instructors Prakash Adhikari, Justin Hoyle and Thomas Stewart; as well as Rochester Hills junior Jacquelyn Keenan and Falmouth junior Timothy Kimbel.

Facilitator David Jesuit, associate political science professor, began the forum by showing video clips to spark discussion among the attendees. The first clip was of Former President George W. Bush’s interview in which he reflected back on his choices, and the second of President Barack Obama’s speech on the ten-year anniversary of 9/11.

The discussion began when Jesuit asked if the world was safer after the changes implemented following 9/11.

“I don’t feel safe, to be honest. I don’t feel safe,” Adhikari said.

The panelists agreed the world will remain unsafe until the United States can deal with the core issues surrounding the cause of 9/11.

“We haven’t had the national conversation we need to have,” Keenan said.

Hoyle said our policy has become more militaristic since post 9/11 foreign policy changes.

Discussion also covered the mistakes made in Iraq and Afghanistan, U.S. policy regarding the Taliban and Al Qaeda, military occupation of Afghanistan, and prevention future terror attacks.

Overall, the panelists were pleased with the discussion.

“I thought there were a lot of good comments and questions,” Jesuit said.

Students called the forum successful, as well. While many attended to receive extra credit for their classes, others came to take part in discussion and stay informed.

“We just like to hear from other people and hear what they have to say,” said Farmington Hills junior Katie Williams.