Former senator speaks on global issues

Former U.S. Senator Paul Simon's message was clear while delivering a speech late Thursday night in the Moot Court Room at the IU Law School -- as a nation, we must increase our sensitivity toward the international community.\nThe speech was part of the Chancellor's Forum Series, though Chancellor Sharon Brehm could not attend because she was out of town.\nSimon has been involved in politics since 1954 when he was elected to the Illinois State Legislature. He is now retired from federal office and is a professor at the University of Southern Illinois.\nSimon's speech focused on the importance of water in our world's future, though he also presented his opinions on the recent topics affirmative action, America's image throughout the world and the federal budget.\nSimon said while water is not the sexiest subject, you do not have to be an Einstein to figure out the world is headed for some real problems. Simon also said people are not paying attention to the water problem because it is a quiet issue.\nHe said both quantity and quality of water are at stake because while the population is increasing, the water supply remains at the same level. He said both quantity and quality are at stake.\nThe senator stressed more funding needs to be directed towards the growing global water issue and deserves a piece of the federal budget. Simon said he thinks dedicating a tiny percentage of the defense budget toward water problems would do more for the security of our country.\n"We are viewed by much of the world as the rich guy who isn't paying attention, and unfortunately there's some legitimacy to that," he said. "We're going to have to listen to one another more often."\nSimon noted a large problem for the United States is its sometimes inaccurate portrayal in the international media.\n"However, if you change the substance, you change the image," he said. \nThe senator stressed small actions make a difference. He suggested citizens contact their legislative officials and the media to gain more awareness for the water issue.\n"If people in Bloomington, Ind., said, 'Let's pay attention to this issue,' you can really get something done," Simon said.\nIn response to IU alumna Michelle Gregory's inquiry about balancing the cultural influence of the United States along with its technological and fiscal support to other countries, Simon said it's not easy.\nThe senator praised IU for its efforts in celebrating a diverse student body.\n"I particularly appreciate the international emphasis you have here at IU," he said. "One of the advantages of being at IU is you get diversity."\nAmong the audience was state Rep. Matt Pierce, who worked on Simon's brief presidential campaign in 1988.\n"I'm very supportive of his positions on issues and it was great to hear him speak again," Pierce said.\nSimon praised Indiana for leaders like Sen. Richard Lugar, former Vice President Dan Quayle and former IU President Herman B Wells.\n"It is illustrative the kind of leadership you have," he said.\nSimon closed with a clear message for his audience. \n"We all change history either by what we do positively or negatively," he said. "I want all of you to change our history for the positive"