The UCLA International Institute, along with the United Nations
Foundation, will host a forum on campus today about U.S. foreign
policy issues for the Los Angeles community. The debate, “The
People Speak: America Debates its Role in the World,” will
feature Bruce Herschensohn, who was an aide to former President
Nixon and former U.S. Rep. Mel Levine, according to a press
release. Levine serves on the board of directors of the Pacific
Council on International Policy and also practices law, focusing on
international business and public policy. Herschensohn also
lectures at Pepperdine University’s School of Public Policy.
Los Angeles is one of 14 major cities chosen to host debates
featuring keynote participants. Interested people can start their
own forums regarding foreign policy, according to the
foundation’s “Join the Debate” Web site. Various
universities and community centers have already hosted debates.
Over 1,000 discussions are supposed to take place across the
country throughout the fall. Previous debates have covered such
issues as the United States’ role in solving poverty and
environmental degradation and its use of preemptive military force.
The nationwide debates were announced Sept. 30 by Sen. Timothy E.
Wirth, also the UNF president; Thomas Donnelly, resident fellow at
the American Enterprise Institute; and Kay Maxwell, president of
the League of Women Voters. The event will be free of charge and
open to the public.
The debate will be held today at the James West Alumni
Center at noon.