Political Quotes

“Mr. President, throughout his life, the late Senator Paul Simon believed that for the United States to be a true world leader, our country and its citizens needed to strengthen our international understanding. In a 1995 floor speech, he posed the question ``Can someone really be considered educated if, upon graduation as an engineer or physician or teacher or journalist or accountant or architect, he or she does not have the most minimal understanding of the rest of the world?'' At the heart of this question was his aspiration for our country to become more internationally aware. Following the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001--an event that is now 15 years in our past, Senator Simon shared his vision of a world in which peace and security is fostered through mutual understanding and global awareness. He believed the best way to develop this understanding and awareness was through fulling submerse oneself in another culture. Senator Simon saw that the opportunity for this already existed on college campuses through study abroad programs. Study abroad helps students make a connection with another part of the world and begin to develop insight into the perspectives of other nations. By exposing young adults to study abroad, today's students will become more globally aware future leaders. Unfortunately, as a country, we are falling short of achieving the great vision set forth by Senator Simon.…”