Making Democracy Work
Speech to CSB-SJU Students / Alums
Photo - Minnesota State Capitol
January 30, 2013
It was great to speak to students and alumni from the College of St. Benedict and St. John's University about Making Democracy Work at the Minnesota State Capitol. They were very engaged and had great questions.
U.S. Steel CEO Calls for Sensible Regulations
Economic Club of Minnesota Address
Photo (© Kennedy) John Surma addressing ECOM
January30, 2013
John Surma, the Chairman and CEO of U.S. Steel addressed the Economic Club of Minnesota (www.ecomn.org) which is chaired by Mark Kennedy. Surma emphasized the importance of U.S. Steel's operations in Minnesota to its global competitiveness. He also emphasized the company's active commitment be being a good corporate citizen. Noting the scale of investments in the steel industry he highlighted the need for a sensible and stable regulatory environment. Surma was appointed by President Obama to his Advisory Committee on Trade Policy and Negotiation.
Republicans are on the right course for next fiscal fight
FoxNews.com Article
Photo - Sign in Union Station on Inaugural Day
January 25, 2013
Giddy from hearing perhaps the most liberal inaugural speech in a lifetime, many liberals are celebrating the Republicans’ retreat on the debt ceiling. The House Republicans’ feint may be working.
In actuality, the plan to push back the debt ceiling by three months and attach a “No Budget, No Pay” provision to the legislation is one of their smartest moves in recent times. It simultaneously positions Republicans on firmer ground to advance their goal of achieving spending reductions and deprives Democrats of being simultaneously for something and against it.
Great Students of Politics - Communications
GSPM Spring Student Reception
January 25, 2013
It was great to welcome students of George Washington University's Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) to our annual spring reception. I continue to be encouraged by the quality and diversity of the students at the first and foremost school of applied politics and strategic communications.
A True Irish Breakfast
Meeting with Amb. Collins
Photo (© Kennedy) - With Amb. Michael Collins
January 25, 2013
Building a good rapport with Embassy Row and the George Washington University is beneficial to both. Visiting dignitaries often seek to engage with the broader audience that a university can provide. Universities seek to expose their students to diverse global perspectives. It was wonderful to share a true Irish Breakfast with Michael Collins, Ireland's Ambassador to the United States. Amb. Collins understands the importance of a strong embassy-academia bridge.
