NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. -- Agreeing to disagree with a largely Republican audience at the close of the 2008 Outlook Leadership conference, Senator George J. Mitchell (D-Maine) challenged "the suggestion that we can drill our way to energy independence."
Speaking before about 200 retailers and suppliers at the annual conference, Mitchell said while he does favor some drilling, the country must rely on innovation to solve the problem of its dependence on foreign crude. Drilling "is only a small part of a very large answer," he said. "America…can create an entirely new industry with [[image-nocss] alternative energy]. It's where we ought to be at the forefront."
The senator addressed attendees by tying his message to the larger conference theme of "What's right with America." One of those virtues was the naturalization process. He said that as a federal judge, he presided over ceremonies that swore in new citizens and said those moments would often become quite emotional. "In America, no one [is] guaranteed success, but everyone has the opportunity."
Mitchell acknowledged that this is not a perfect country, having gone through civil strife and the egregious mistakes of the past inclusive of slavery and women 's right to vote. Currently, the nation suffers from a global perception problem, one that impairs the country's ability to form international coalitions and impairs its global influence. "Power alone has been considered the exclusive basis of American influence," he said. "But we must never forget that America was a great nation before becoming a military power and that's because of its ideals."
He said that the sovereignty of the individual, a focus on individual rights, the equality of law and the opportunity to succeed are all American values other countries try to emulate.
Mitchell entered the U.S. Senate in 1980 when he was appointed to complete the unexpired term of Senator Edmund S. Muskie, who resigned to become secretary of state. Before the 1982 election, Mitchell trailed in opinion polls by 36 points. His stunning come-from-behind victory gave him 61% of the votes cast. In 1988, he was reelected with 81% of the vote, the largest margin in Maine history. In January 1989, he became Senate majority leader. He held that position until he left the Senate in 1995.
He is the author of four books: Men of Zeal, co-authored with his colleague, then-Sen. William S. Cohen, on the Iran-Contra investigation; World on Fire, speaking to the threat of the greenhouse effect and recommending steps to curb it; Not For America Alone: The Triumph of Democracy & The Fall of Communism; and Making Peace, an account of his experiences in Northern Ireland. (Click here for a full biography.)
As part of the "What's Right With America" theme at the 2008 Outlook Leadership, at the new Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor, Md., CSP Information Group's CARRE Foundation is collecting donations to benefit the USO. Click here to donate now.
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