Reflection Day 3

Barry Lawrence

6-5-10

Reflection Paper Day 3

Wow. Today was amazing! Les Janka, Vice President, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia NCS Operations and expert on American Foreign policy, pretty much rocked my world in terms of my global view. It was quite obvious that Jenka was lobbing for us Redlands Alums to move to DC and help “fix” the problem. But it worked. I was inspired to be a more informed and participating member of my country and world.

Primarily, Janka brought up several good points about the lack of efficiency and, frankly, logical methodology to international relations policy making. This was a huge shock to me, mostly because I fell into the category of young American that is guilty of ignorance in the realm of international policy. In all sincerity, as a music major (I know that is not a good excuse) I was completely ignorant of any of our foreign policies with countries in the middle east, let alone the mistakes that were made to get us in such a stink. Furthermore, with regards to how foreign policy is made through congress, just like ever other bill. This leaves congress wide open for lobbyists and other people to influence the vote with trivial items that often have nothing to do with foreign policy. When a senator is concerned with being reelected, he is more likely to listen to the wills of people in his district than any FSO, consultant, or even logic. This came as a shock to me, for I didn’t even know this was how foreign policy was decided! This (coupled with our history) makes America an inherently weak global player. On top of all of this, we have emerging countries like BRICK playing well with the cards they are dealt, and we are falling behind.

On top of everything, we have economic problems that are beyond the scope of reason, spending money we may never have on things that help us in few if any ways; we are in trouble. This very inspiring presentation moved me closer to a decision to devote my life to public service.