Auburn University’s America250 celebration kicked off its first signature speaker series with a conversation between 66th U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and “Firing Line” host Margaret Hoover. The event took place in the Gogue Performing Arts Center from 6 to 7 p.m. on March 30.
America250 commemorates the 250th anniversary of the U.S. through a yearlong celebration, featuring programs about democracy, civic life and U.S. history. The event, “Democracy in Dialogue,” focused on maintaining and building up skills and institutions that are necessary for democracy. Tickets to the event were free but required reservation.
The event began with the presentation of the flags and the national anthem, which was performed by the Auburn University Singers. Then, President Christopher Roberts introduced the series, explaining its importance to the University’s initiative.
“This series is central to that [America250] effort, bringing respected voices to Auburn to examine the ideas shaping out communities, our country and our future,” Roberts said.
Once Roberts finished his introduction, the Auburn University Singers sang a short rendition of “Alexander Hamilton” from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton.” Advisory Council Endowed Professor Kerry Inger and Morris Savage Endowed Chair Steven Brown then introduced Hoover and Rice.
After their introductions, Rice and Hoover joined the stage and hugged before beginning the discussion. Hoover opened the conversation with asking Rice about the “American idea.” Rice said that the founding fathers’ ideas of self-determination and self-government constitute the “American idea” through a spirit of revolution that carries on today.
“That revolutionary spirit remains, and it remains because if you are an American, you are not actually united by ethnicity or nationality or religion. You are united by creed: a belief that it doesn’t matter where you came from, it matters where you are going,” Rice said.
Despite contemporary issues like war, technological changes and economic troubles, Rice believes the American “revolutionary spirit” will endure. According to Rice, the U.S. has survived many of the same issues faced today by relying on its foundational institutions, which she believes protects and strengthens the country’s democracy as they mature alongside the U.S.
Hoover noted that although the U.S. is not perfect, it strives for a “more perfect union.” Rice agreed, saying that all democracies are imperfect and require maintenance.
“Democracy is the work of everyday, brick by brick,” Rice said. “If democracies are going to survive, thrive and get better, we all have a role to play in it.”
Rice believes that education and engagement in civic life are necessary for a functioning democracy. She believes that universities are particularly important for developing leadership skills and learning how to interact with people with different beliefs and backgrounds.
“In universities, more than anywhere, we should be encouraging our students to encounter people who think differently, ideas that might make them a bit uncomfortable,” Rice said. “I sometimes say to my students ‘You don’t have a constitutional right not to be offended.’ So, if you’re offended, talk to the person next to you and learn from each other about why that’s a problem.”
For those who want to become more civically engaged, Rice said to learn about the topic, become informed and find outlets for political involvement, such as campaigns and civic society groups.
The event ended with closing remarks from Student Government Association President Owen Beaverstock and a performance of the Auburn Alma Mater by the Auburn University Singers.
Those interested in America250 can learn more on its website.
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