As a newcomer to the American political scene, the past four years of living in this nation has been a time of learning for me, and also a time of frequent exclamations of surprise. As a Canadian, I was most surprised by the strong party affiliations that function here.   » Read more…

What did I learn at Goshen College that influenced my career as an elected official? One thing I learned at Goshen College that has influenced my time as an elected official was what is learned outside the classroom can be as important in life, and in some respects perhaps more important, than what is learned inside. I learned that communication and collaboration are critical building blocks for a vibrant community.   » Read more…

I used to and at times feel apathetic about my country. I feel as though my little vote cannot make that much of a difference, but then I think of countries that don’t have democracy set up as conveniently as the United States and I reconsider my ability to impact my surroundings.   » Read more…

How has an experience abroad impacted my view of U.S. foreign policy? In addition to leading the German Study-Service Term, I lived for four years in Germany, serving a German national laboratory similar to Oak Ridge, Los Alamos, or Argonne. During three of those years I was an employee of the German Government. This gives me no greater insight into the Germans than anyone else. But it may have provided me with a different perspective.   » Read more…

How has an experience abroad impacted my view of U.S. foreign policy? My experiences abroad have been very enlightening for me politically. Talking with people on the other end of the crooked trade deals like NAFTA really helped me understand that people are not the main beneficiaries of the government. Right now, the government is much more business friendly than people friendly. The almighty dollar has won, and people are no longer important. We need to continue to put people first.

What is the most important political issue to me, and why? I refuse to be a one-issue voter. Foreign policy (trade/immigration and military intervention) is really a huge issue that I think deserves a lot of attention.

In the summer 2007 issue of the college’s alumni magazine, The Bulletin, Professor of Bible, Religion and Philosophy Keith Graber Miller explored U.S. patriotism in light of pacifist Christian beliefs. The article (and the provocative cover that went along with it) elicited much feedback from readers.

Read Keith Graber Miller’s article on faith and patriotism
Read feedback on the article

How did my Goshen College experience influence my views on political issues? At Goshen College, I have been become more aware of the U.S. influence on the rest of the world. Our views and our policies affect people around the globe.   » Read more…

How did my Goshen College experience influence my views on political issues? I took a course in political science from Professor Melvin Gingerich with a text by Hans Morganthau. It took a “realist” position and looked at self-interest as a powerful force in national life. I also learned that there were two political parties. From my central Pennsylvania, small town background, everyone I knew was Republican. I made friends with international students who understood the world through European, Asian and African eyes. College expanded my political horizons.