Democracy and Homeland Security: Strategies, Controversies, and Impact

Acknowledgments

This collection is the fifth to appear in the Democracy Symposium series supported by Kent State University’s Office of the President and Provost and published by the Kent State University Press. This book and the preceding volumes are the result of the commitment of many people to anti-violence principles and open dialogue. I want to especially acknowledge President Carol Cartwright of Kent State University for her leadership in instituting the Democracy Symposium Series and thank her for appointing me as the chair of the Fifth Symposium on Democracy and Homeland Security: Strategies, Controversies, and Impact. Of course, only at a university where equal access prevails can a president assign an Arab American Muslim woman to lead such a controversial topic. This did not go unnoticed by many. Provost Paul Gaston supported the effort of this Symposium as well. I thank the many colleagues who participated in formulating and deciding on the title, themes, keynote speakers, and papers to be presented at the Symposium. Special recognition goes to Deborah Barnbum, Timothy Berard, Dan Fitzpatrick, Thomas Hensley, Steve Hook, Eunsook Hyun, David Kessler, Paul Haridakis, Isaac Nettey, Charles Nieman, and John Stalvey. All these people brought vision and energy to the planning and success of the Symposium. The commitment and advice of Dr. Nieman, the immediate previous chair of the Democracy Symposium, were essential for the success of this Symposium. The energy and dedication of Timothy Berard were necessary to execute an idea discussed at length at previous Symposia, the student poster session. Jerry Lewis and Tom Hensley’s continued attachment to the events of May 4, 1970, and their meaning to Kent State have converted many of us who were not present at the time and, in my case, were not even in the United States. Thank you for your infectious spirit about justice and freedom.

This symposium’s goals were implemented because of the hard work and talents of Carole Harwood, Coordinator of Public Relations, University Relations, and Marketing, who has since left Kent State University. Carole’s help was not the only thing she lent to this Symposium; she was always a source of support and encouragement. Margaret Payne, Executive Assistant to the President and Secretary to the Board, who has since retired, was the important link to the president’s office. Her commitment was paramount for the success of the Fifth Symposium on Democracy.

I want to thank my spouse, Robert Weaver, for the day-to-day support during the planning phase of the Symposium and the editing of the proceedings. Thanks to my daughter, Soraya, who reminds me that optimism is the only way for a better future for her generation. Finally, thanks to my parents, who taught me that education is the only way for the marginal to be involved in the democracy discourse.