Former U.S. Senator George Mitchell spoke in Gates Auditorium last week in the first event of the “Bridges to the Future” series this year. He discussed the U.S. role in promoting peace.

The speech received a standing ovation from students, faculty and community members. It focused on the need for America to revisit fundamental values and ideals in order to renew relationships with allies to strengthen foreign policy.

Mitchell opened the speech with a comical account of the late night call notifying him of his appointment to the U.S. Senate. Shrugging his shoulders and calling his entrance into politics an “accident,” Mitchell then launched into his topic.

“He is able to make issues into conflicts that can be solved, and he is right,” said sophomore Greg Spanel, who attended the event.

Mitchell contextualized peace intiative by the U. S. by outlining international threats to democracy.

He focused on proliferation of nuclear weapons, growing numbers of decentralized terrorist groups, Islamic fundamentalism and competition for energy security.

“There is no one act or policy that can reverse trends, we have to be realistic,” said Mitchell.

In being realistic, Mitchell called for a realignment of the power and principles practiced by the United States.

The principles of the U.S. as outlined in the Declaration of Independence must once again be firmly applied as the ideals of our government, Mitchell said.

“Never forget because of our ideals we were a great nation before we were a great economic power.” said Mitchell.

Applause greeted Mitchell when he questioned the administration’s use of extreme authority in Iraq, its attempt to force the Iraqis into a democratic government as opposed to allowing them the right of self determination.

Mitchell also emphasized the need to reverse the growing tide of hostility toward the United States around the world and renew confidence in the responsible decision-making of our government.

Members of the audience groaned when Mitchell quoted the results of a poll taken in London showing that only 12 percent had confidence in U.S. ability to handle world problems.

“That is even high,” said Mitchell.

“We must rebuild our historic relationships with allies, and regain stature in the world,” said Mitchell.

Mitchell advocates restructuring the United Nations to be a legitimate world- decision-making entity, and reverse the persisting weakening of the international body.

Mitchell was selected by the board of the “Bridges to the Future” series, to speak on the theme of promoting peace.

After his speech, the floor was opened to questions from the audience. Moderator Judith Roberts, a clinical professor at DU, read audience questions to Mitchell.

“You could tell that he was a trial lawyer, he was very good on the spot,” said sophomore attendee Zoee Turrill.

“There is no such thing as a conflict that cannot be resolved,” said Mitchell in an answer to a question about Iraq.

However, according to Mitchell, the two options characterized by administration; “Stay the course” or “Cut and Run”, do not begin to recognize the complexities yet to be explored in terms of troop withdrawal.

By announcing the beginning of troop withdrawal, Mitchell believes that the Iraqi government will start organizing an effective rule as opposed to relying on U.S. troops to maintain order.

Mitchell agreed that poverty leads to conflict, but stated that it was merely a contributing factor.

The larger issue is the lack of economic growth, which if present, would provide employment and stability.

In 1995, President Bill Clinton sent Mitchell to Northern Ireland to attend peace negotiations between the IRA and British governments.

A lead contributor to the Good Friday Agreement, a milestone in Northern Ireland peace effort, Mitchell was given the Peace Prize.

“You have to have a willingness to listen,” said Mitchell, when asked what his personal techniques for making peace are.

Mitchell’s willingness to listen has also earned him the honor of “most respected member of Senate” by a bipartisan group for six consecutive years.

“Don’t make me talk about myself,” said Mitchell. “I have one message to all students; there will be opportunities in your life that you can’t now imagine. Be ready to take risks.”

As for student’s ability to promote peace, Mitchell said, “If you don’t like the policies, change the people who make the policies.”

Essentially calling for the civic engagement in government, Mitchell stressed that in a democracy, “individuals can make a difference.”