June 8, 2012 - Speaking Truth to Power visits the 50th Anniversary Celebration for the Council for a Livable World in Washington, D.C.
The afternoon session of the celebration included speeches from several prominent United States Senators, including Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), Sen. John Kerry (D-MA), Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI), Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM), and Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD). Several recurring topics were mentioned by multiple senators. One of these topics of discussion was the vast effort put into the New START (strategic arms reduction treaty) with the Russian Federation, which was signed in 2010 and entered into force in 2011. Several senators offered their compliments and critiques of the troop surge, and more recent troop drawdown, in Afghanistan. Another popular topic of discussion was the dysfunctional fillibuster system currently plaguing the senate. While this issue does not directly impact our foreign policy, it has a negative effect on what our legislature can do to bring about a wide range of positive changes in this area.
The evening session featured honored guests Representative Barney Frank and Senator Al Franken. Also addressing the reception by video were Vice President Joseph Biden and Massachusetts Senate Candidate Elizabeth Warren.
More important than any one speaker or point raised at the celebration was the fact that such a celebration was taking place. As a first time observer of the Council for a Livable World in action, I quickly noticed that the Council was greatly respected among some of our most well known and longest serving Senators. A 50 year career of advocating for safety and peace in our foreign policy has earned them a fantastic reputation in the Washington community. It was very pleasant to notice that this type of thinking can play a role in bringing about a positive change.
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