The Ranger Online

Issue date: 10/5/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Derik Villanueva Professor Asslan Khaligh speaks at the Sept. 26 Hot Potato discussion at the Methodist Student Center. The discussion "Has the Country Been Taken Off Track?" packed the center with 100 attendees.

Today there are 40 billion people without health care in the United States.

One out of three homeless in the U.S. are Vietnam War veterans.

There is a 57 percent rate of marriages ending in divorce.

Political science Professor Asslan Khaligh shared his opinions on the direction of the country at a Hot Potato discussion in the Methodist Student Center.

He said the country has neglected important issues in the United States, like health care, education, homelessness and failing infrastructure in exchange for concentrating its energy and funding on the war on terror.

He emphasized that this nation should concentrate on the elements that affect people's lives, like housing and affordable education.

The war on terror is overshadowing all else to the point that $7 billion to $12 billion is spent in Iraq every two weeks.

In the United States, 10 years ago 30 million people were without insurance and today 40 million people are without insurance, he said.

Many Americans cannot afford health care, and it's surprising that the U.S. is the only country that does not provide universal health care, he said.

He said that criminals get free health care, but when someone is sick, no one wants to take them in.

He said the problem continues with infrastructure.

New Orleans still doesn't have houses, and bridges are collapsing around the United States.

Those problems should be addressed foremost, he said.

There is no democracy in the United States. This is trying to be a pluralist country, he said.

The pharmacists, doctors and lawyers associations are those that lead our country.

Khaligh said, "Those who arm themselves with knowledge win."

By demanding that government listen to people's needs, individuals can possibly make a difference.

He said there is so much more people can do to make it better because of the disposable resources available to them.

He said, for this nation to be strong, it must first be strong at home and then expand internationally.

The country needs to embrace social science, being able to talk, to learn, to be knowledgeable and respect each other.

He said, "I teach negotiation so that students can deal with those who are different; it is a needed talent."

He said, "Politics is the art of negotiation."

Khaligh said, "We are the future, and to change the track of our country we must remain informed, question our leaders, become leaders, organize and utilize our power."

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