Albright Discusses Issues & "Rule of Law"

Tonight on the Webster University campus, former Secretary of State Madeline Albright spoke to an overflowing auditorium about the five issues confronting the next president, the importance of the rule of law, and what is needed to improve the worldwide status of the U.S. She did so without notes, without political rhetoric (though this was planned as an Obama campaign stop), and with energy and eloquence. She took about 12 questions from the audience and from others viewing the event at Webster locations around the globe. When asked what is needed to "improve our worldwide status," Albright replied that at a meeting of the five living former Secretaries of State (to be aired this Saturday night, 9/20/08 on CNN) we need to close Guantanamo, understand the balance between security needs and freedom, understand the importance of our own laws, demand more information and vote, and appreciate how fragile the rule of law is and respect the constitution of the U.S. The event was part of the "Issues for the 21st Century" series and the Holden Public Policy Forum.

Although the auditorium was officially full when I got to the door, my persistance, chat, and smile were ultimately rewaraded with a ftront row sseat on the aisle. Unfortunately, I could not ask a question as those in the from row were asked to stay in our seats throughout the presentation so we wouldn't disrupt the broadcast.