When Sen. Ron Wyden first agreed to speak at Penn, he planned to discuss America's foreign policy in the Middle East.
But the attacks of Sept. 11 changed that. And with the war on terrorism escalating, Wyden (D-Ore.) decided to cover everything from domestic policy to Osama bin Laden to the current military campaign in Afghanistan.
"You're never going to see another period like this," said Wyden, a member of the Senate's Select Committee on Intelligence. "Everything you've seen in science fiction movies is really happening."
Drawing more than 250 Penn students to Houston Hall, Wyden stayed well over the hour he was allocated, taking time to answer as many questions as possible.
"He was doing this as a favor," said College junior Arshad Hasan, president of Penn College Democrats, one of the groups that sponsored the event. "This was scheduled prior to September 11th, and he kept his commitment and spoke for much longer than scheduled."
Wyden made it clear right from the beginning that he wanted to cover what was on the students' minds, not his own agenda.
"Although my staff wrote me a long speech, which I'd be happy to give, I'd rather this be like a Penn town hall meeting," Wyden said. "I'll speak briefly and give you an idea of where we sit, then I'd like to give you the opportunity to ask questions."
Wyden began by touching briefly on the current issues -- airport security, anthrax and the U.S. military response overseas.
"But no area is in sharper focus than bin Laden," Wyden added. "Right now, he has three main goals. One, get rid of the Saudi royal family. Second, to make sure the state of Israel does not exist. And third, he wants to unravel the American way of life. He doesn't like the freedom and openness, but our openness and values are worth fighting for."
The topics of student questions ranged from President Bush's response to the attacks to the effects this event has had on other political issues to the responses of other nations around the world.
Students in attendance had mixed responses to Wyden's comments.
"I generally agree with most of what he said, I felt he should have addressed the current contradictions in foreign policy," Hasan said. "We promote openness and democracy, but continue to support oppressive regimes in other countries."
Others were not so supportive.
"I've always disagreed with his third point about bin Laden," said College junior Jonathan Bartolozzi, referring to bin Laden's alleged plans to ruin American society. "It's a good way to get the American people riled up, but I would agree with the people who debate its relevance."
But Wyden said he expected a variety of responses from the Penn audience.
"I'm sure you'll go away disagreeing with some of the things I've said," he said. "That's your right. But I hope you'll go away thinking this is the way government is supposed to work, this is what the Founding Fathers wanted."
One freshman asked Wyden what lesson students -- America's future leaders -- can learn from the tragic events in New York and Washington.
Wyden replied, "The one thing your generation should take away from this is that this country needs your talent and energy, that you have a chance to make a real difference with what you learn on this campus."
Several campus student groups helped sponsor the event, including PennPAC, the Debate Council, the Undergraduate Assembly and the Greek community.
