Overflow crowd greets senator

Clinton, campus click during first visit to BU

CURRENT ISSUE
BACK ISSUES

OTHER RELATED LINKS:

Research

Published weekly during the academic year by the Office of Communications and Marketing, 3699 Vestal Parkway East, Vestal, N.Y. 13850.John Hachtel, associate vice president of communications and marketing; Anita Knopp Doll, director of communications; Marty Doorey, editor; Katie Ellis, Janice Endrissen, Gail Glover, Susan E. Barker, Karen Fennie, John Hartrick, Ingrid Husisian, Sandra Paniccia, Susann Thiel, contributing writers; Evangelos Dousmanis, photography; Libby Graves, webmaster. Phone 607-777-6366. COMMENTS: Email Inside. BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY

By Sandy Paniccia

In what proved to be a mutually warm first impression, U.S. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton came to the Binghamton campus for the first time Saturday to learn about BU research initiatives and share her views on a variety of topics.

An estimated 700 people filled Lecture Hall 1 and overflowed into Lecture Hall 14 to hear Clinton talk and the chance to ask her questions. The former first lady returned the enthusiastic greeting from the primarily student audience with praise for the University's academic excellence and its importance to the state's economic vitality. After a 20-minute talk, she took questions from the audience for about a half hour.

Prior to the public gathering, Clinton was briefed on the University's research initiatives by Binghamton President Lois B. DeFleur, vice presidents Frances Carr and Thomas Kelly and other University officials. She later praised DeFleur for her leadership and the campus for undertaking ground-breaking research that she said will be crucial to job creation in the state.

"What’s exciting about this state is that embedded within its borders is the future," Clinton said. "Not only for people who live here but, I believe, the future we’re going to make for all of us. As I was listening to the president and others describe to me the research that is done here, I could see that future."

Congressman Maurice Hinchey who introduced her to the capacity crowd accompanied Clinton. The event was organized by the College Democrats organization.

Clinton said September 11 has subsumed the nation's efforts at economic recovery and growth as well as other issues, but she said the attacks should only deepen the country's commitment to a future of security and opportunity.

"As I look around this audience, I know there are first and second generation Americans whose families came here seeking freedom, opportunity and a better life," Clinton said. "But with globalization and all that it brings us… comes the ability of those who can use that force of globalization and technology against us. What we face is a challenge that is different than any challenge we have ever faced."

She urged students to overcome their fears in this "new and dangerous time." Rather than disagreements between President Bush and Congress or liberals vs. conservatives, Clinton said today's disagreements more often pit those who favor short-term benefits over the long-term gains.

In response to a question from political science professor Miki Kittleson on how to motivate student political involvement, Clinton said students must realize that they will not be heard unless they become politically active.

"What’s happened, I think, is that young people have other priorities," Clinton said. "So participating in politics, like voting in the election, doesn’t seem very pressing. What’s ironic is that if young people voted in this country, the politics would be much more future-oriented than they currently are."

Clinton, who recalled her experience as part of the student movement in the "60s to garner the vote for 18-year-olds, said she has heard politicians say they have given up going to college campuses to speak because students ultimately do not vote.

"Without a more vigorous representation of young people in the electorate and organized young political groups making their political voices known, the power that resides in young people today is latent," she said. "It is not being exercised. So as a result people take you for granted or ignore you."

Before leaving for a fundraiser in the community, Clinton shook hands with students and made a visit to the crowd gathered in Lecture Hall 14. "I hope this will be the first of many times that I come to this University," Clinton said.

On the issues

On U.S. policy toward Iraq: "Saddam Hussain presents a clear and present danger to the region and the world," Clinton said, because of his interest in weapons of mass destruction, his use of biological and chemical weapons on the Iraqi people and his refusal to allow U.N. inspectors. But before dealing with Iraq, Clinton said the United States must focus its energy on the al Quaida.

On state funding of higher education: "I understand the budget difficulties the state is facing," Clinton said, noting that 15 percent of state revenues were generated by businesses in the 18-acre area occupied by the World Trade Center. "But higher education has to be as affordable and accessible as we can make it," she said.

On what should replace the World Trade Center: Clinton said it is important that those who suffered losses on September 15 be involved in the decision. "It is a sacred spot and we need to have a fitting memorial," she said. But, she said, it is also important that the city reclaim the area for commerce so that the terrorists do not succeed in spreading fear.

On Israel: The United States has to guarantee the long-term security of Israel, Clinton said, and it cannot replace decisions made by Israel’s elected government.

On terrorism: "We are living in a very dangerous times," Clinton said. "We have to unite with other countries to control terrorism, but we also have to work to eliminate the conditions that lead to terrorism."