THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, October 25, 1996 TAG: 9610230122
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 12 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SCOTT McCASKEY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 65 lines
The lively exchanges about U.S. foreign and domestic policy in the post-Cold War era that took place at the Central Library Monday did not come from politicians.
The forum was among a small group of Chesapeake citizens participating in the ``Choices for the 21st Century'' discussion series.
``In World War II and with the Soviets, you knew who the enemy was,'' said 32-year-old Navy Chief Petty Officer Hakim A. Diaz. ``Now, it's not so focused.''
Marc J. Fink responded: ``Wait, there is a menace out there. It's the international terrorist network. It's just an underground menace.''
For nearly two hours, participants spouted varying opinions and insights on topics including the search for peace in an age of conflict, immigration, trade in a global economy, global environmental problems, and China on the world stage. Held Monday night, the forum was free-to-the-public and the last session in a four-part program.
Results of the group's viewpoints will be compiled with other ``Choices for the 21st Century'' discussions across the state - including Virginia Beach and Norfolk - and sent to congressional representatives and public policy makers in January. The talks are part of a nationwide project established in 1993 by Brown University and sponsored by the National Endowment or the Humanities.
Participants were given a 153-page reader on post-Cold War era public policy. Tidewater Community College history professor R. Lyn Rainard moderated the discussions.
``The idea here isn't so much about reaching a consensus; it's about getting people to realize there's a trade-off in values and beliefs,'' Rainard said. ``This last night we're focusing on how those values affect what people think the future of the United States should be.''
Among the group was retired banker Martin F. Byrne, who said he hopes the results of the talks will be heard by politicians.
``This is a way for ordinary people's ideas about the government to get to the legislature instead of all the usual things they hear from the special interest groups,'' said Byrne, 69.
JoAnn S. Mazzetta, a retired biologist, said she was impressed with the knowledge of other citizens.
``There are some very informed people here,'' said Mazzetta, 62. ``All of us have a lot of different opinions and perspectives, but that's what it's about, seeing the other person's viewpoint.''
Attendance averaged about 10 people at each session.
Although the series was designed to accommodate as many as 40 participants per session, library Adult Program director Elizabeth A. Griffing said she considered the discussions a success.
``It was a small enough group that people weren't intimidated about speaking,'' Griffing said. ``People built a rapport and everyone had a chance to express their opinion. Several individuals said they had an interest in holding foreign policy and current events talks in the future.''
The library is prepared to provide the meeting space for such a group, but the initiative and coordination will have to come from one of the series' participants. All at the final session expressed interest in pursuing the project on a monthly basis.
``There are not a lot of forums like this around,'' said Fink, 39. ``This could develop into a model for other areas. We could get public policy speakers to address the group. It could become a grassroots communication link to lawmakers.'' MEMO: More information about the forum is available by calling the
Central Library at 382-8139. by CNB