Newsletter Number 34: January 2, 2011
The first year of the decade, 2010, began with the earthquakes in Haiti, which were followed by the Gulf Coast oil spill. The near-depression of 2008-09 continued to wreak havoc even as the recession formally ended, and one of the last pieces of legislation passed by the government in 2010 was clearly a bipartisan, two-pronged approach at further stimulus and relief for those suffering from the consequences of the economic troubles. The rising influence of Asia, notably India and especially China, continued to play out in U.S. foreign and trade policy. The midterm elections were amazingly expensive, contentious, and extensively (if not always well) covered; & the House of Representatives will not exactly be a tea party for the Democratic Party. Yet the flurry of significant votes and legislation passed at the end of the 111th Congress suggested (again, for those familiar with history) that the media may need a new phrase to replace “lameduck” to discuss post-election congressional meetings. Though they kicked the budget can down the road, the passage of New START, the repeal of DADT, the unsuccessful attempts to enact the Dream Act, and the aforementioned deal on extending the Bush era tax cuts for everyone regardless of income (including the 13 month extension of unemployment benefits for 99ers, the estate tax provision, and the 2% social security break for all workers) made this a rather significant congressional session whether you are thrilled, chilled, would rather have been billed, or wish it had all been killed. And, none of this even references the recommendations by the bipartisan committee looking at some of the really big issues we still face (social security reform, the deficit, and tax reform). 2010 was also eventful for the department. We added two new colleagues, Dr. Natasha Duncan and Dr. Rolfe Peterson (and Professor Lena Surzhko-Harned is no longer “visiting” but just one of the team), and as a result we were able to expand our course offerings for students. MCAP, the Mercyhurst Center for Applied Politics got off to a great start in the Fall, conducting a widely cited poll and providing a superb learning opportunity for students. Homecoming was once again well attended by our alumni and – as always – quite enjoyable. Model UN, Model NATO, multiple Ad Hocs and other guest speakers, the Annual Christmas party & Beach Bash, and a trip to the American Association of Political Consultants conference kept students busy out of class too. In sum, if this first year of the decade is any tipoff to the nature of the rest of the decade, we may all end up fully appreciating the old Chinese (reputedly) curse “May you live in interesting times.” Speaking of interesting, let’s get to the alumni, and then faculty, updates. Thanks to all the alumni for staying in touch and sending in updates. It’s greatly appreciated.
WHO’S DOING WHAT: (ALUMNI UPDATES) Maeve Kelly (Major ’07) – After nearly 3 exciting years with Senator Gillibrand, I've recently started a job with The World Economic Forum. I work as a Team Coordinator for Consumer