If people call you a liberal scaredy-cat because you won’t fight for your country, how do you respond? CNN reporter Rick Sanchez posed this question for the students involved in the student roundtable taped Tuesday night.
“I’d ask the same question,” responded first-year Adriel Santiago. “You’re looking into another person’s eyes. What are you afraid of?” Global citizenship, immigration, and the presidential elections are just some of the issues addressed in the roundtable discussion.
Seated on the stairs in a darkened College Church Chapel and surrounded by equipment and lighting, seven students took the time to share with reporters some viewpoints which might be taken for granted on campus but may challenge the idea that only the political right is religious.
How does a Mennonite think? “Global citizenship,” said junior Sheldon Good. “I think we consider ourselves not unpatriotic but more patriotic.” Junior Elizabeth Beachy said, “I think being patriotic is also being a neighbor.”
“Going overseas is a great way to learn that our way isn’t the only way … maybe not even the correct way,” said senior Peter Koontz. Should the United States require a year of service? Would it be a different country? A better country? To each of these questions, every student raised their hand yes.
“Peace, peace, I almost got sick with peace,” said Sanchez of his research in preparation for interviewing GC students.
Students stressed a need for change in immigration policies, diplomacy, and the importance of shaking our current “culture of fear.” Though they acknowledged great variation within the Mennonite church, “The poor, our country, global citizenship, and the environment are more important Christian issues than abolishing abortion or gay marriage”, said Koontz.
Another hand-raising question: all but one student plans to vote Obama.
“Only about 10 million people are going to see this,” joked Sanchez before beginning.
“I’m pretty nervous. I’m not really sure I’m qualified, but I think I could have some important things to say,” said Beachy before the taping began. They all did.
“They were magnificent. They articulated a commitment to core values of Goshen College, particularly what it means to be a global citizen. You couldn’t ask for a more Christ-centered view of the world,” President Brenneman told the Goshen News.
To learn more, visit the websites of the local media. The Goshen News, The Truth, The South Bend Tribune, and WNDU-16 all have posted their coverage of the event.
The conversation will air April 23 alongside similar roundtable interviews from other colleges.
