Impact '08 in South Carolina, an event to address national security concerns and the future safety of America, attracted more than 100 people Thursday night in the Russell House Ballroom.
A three-course dinner, featuring a panel discussion, was co-sponsored by USC, the Center for U.S. Global Engagement, the Columbia World Affairs Council and the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.
Impact '08 focused on strengthening diplomacy and non-military action for the future of America. An important topic stressed throughout the night was how America needs to advance diplomatic tools to advance foreign relations.
The event also challenged the 2008 presidential candidates to secure a safer future for America.
USC President Andrew Sorensen opened the event by welcoming the guests of Impact '08. He mentioned the number of Carolina students traveling abroad has tripled over the years and noted the success of USC's Green Quad and Innovista project.
S. Hunter Howard, president and CEO of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, also spoke at the event and noted the importance of the global economy and its effect on the state.
"Global trade supports one in five jobs in South Carolina," Howard said.
Charles Bierbauer, dean of the School of Mass Communications and Information Sciences, was the moderator for the panel, which included Adm. Edmund Giambastiani and Maj. Gen. James Livingston. Giambastiani was vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Livingston is a Medal of Honor Recipient and a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.
"We as a university should be engaged in public dialogue about foreign policy, local issues and social concerns," Bierbauer said in a news release prior to the event.
Giambastiani said the government needs to spend resources and focus attention "not just in a military way, but in a non-military way."
He said Americans can change outside opinions about Americans but "we have to return to the point of believing in ourselves."
Livingston said he has much hope for America's future.
"There's something mighty right about this great country," Livingston said.
Gen. Michael Hagee was supposed to participate in the panel, but could not attend due to plane delays. Hagee will speak today on U.S. foreign policy in a lecture, "America and the World: How can we restore America's image?" from 1:30 to 3 p.m. in Gambrell 152.
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