Today was the first day of the Impact on the Heartland Symposium held at Bismarck State College. Because of the work of a few scholars and humanities promoters in this community I am able to enjoy many convocations like it in this community. The line-up of speakers today held the audience's attention:1. General Charles F. Wald, USAF (ret.) - A four star general originally from North Dakota gave his insights on America's response to 9/11.
2. Lt. Col. Dean Eckmann, ND Air National Guard - flew with the three Happy Hooligans in their F-16's when they were the first called upon to fly over the capital preventing any further attacks on 9/11 and for many days after.
3. Jenette Nelson - North Dakota mother of a girl killed in the attack.
4. Marcel Sim - A paramedic who set up the first treatment and triage location at Ground Zero.
5. Chuck Roberts - a broadcast journalist who worked for CNN's Headline News when the attack occurred.
6. Thomas Frank - author and heartland populist who studies propaganda techniques, including how we were led to invade Iraq.
7. A panel of North Dakota Statesmen consisting of Senator Conrad, Senator Hoeven, Governor Dalrymple, Lieutenant Governor Wrigley, and former Congressman Earl Pomeroy.
Now, just having returned from the evening speaker I can finish writing. Peter Bergen spoke about his knowledge of Al-Qaeda. He was the first journalist to be granted an interview with Osama bin Laden. He speaks very knowledgeably and has held positions with CNN and ABC as well as with many professional organizations.
Tomorrow is another full line-up and I will be there.
