Originally written on 9/10/2024

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Bohanon and Horowitz, accompanied by six stellar Ball State students, attended the September Economic Club of Indiana meeting at the Indy Convention Center. The luncheon featured former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in conversation with former Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels.  

One of our students noted the emphasis Secretary Rice placed on Latin America. When asked which three parts of the world were currently most problematic for the USA, Rice listed the Middle East, Russia, and Venezuela. Governor Daniels noted that China did not make the list. Rice answered that while our interactions with China mattered, her three priorities were the “hot spots”—as of now. The Maduro regime’s flagrant violation of Democratic norms and its chaotic economic policies threaten to “arrest the development” of the entire region—which is of vital importance to the United States. The Venezuelan dictatorship is only kept afloat by China, Russia, and Cuba and provides these three a foothold in the Western hemisphere in obvious conflict with United States interests.  

Other students noted her concern about Pentagon procurement procedures. Rice told the audience it is slow, protracted, and cumbersome, and favors large corporations with long standing ties to the Pentagon, extensive lobbying presence on Capitol Hill, and the financial resources to wait several years for new contracts. Small firms with innovative technology that could offer us a strategic military advantage are often excluded from the process because they can’t afford to wait years to sell to the Pentagon.  

Unsurprisingly, the students noted Rice’s insights into higher education. As one indicated Rice’s comments on education were “most relatable.” Rice, currently teaches classes at Stanford University, opined college students often fail to develop critical thinking skills. Too often students think a quick google search is substitute for actual research on a topic. Too often deep knowledge and thinking on a matter are trumped by laudable, but superficial concerns over social justice. She said that many campus protestors hoisting the banner “From the River to the Sea, Palestine Will be Free” could not identify the river or the sea in question.  

Rice reminded us that history is complex and nuanced. We shouldn’t abandon critical thinking to simplistic oppressor and oppressed narratives. The Founding Fathers worked toward the ideals of “liberty and justice for all.” They also heinously held other human being as slaves. Both statements are true. We ought to be able to deal with both truths.