Former senator discusses civic duty

Former Colorado Senator and presidential candidate Gary Hart emphasized the need to recognize traditional republican ideals of civic virtue and civil duty during a speech before an audience of about 70 Boston University students yesterday.

“What this country needs is a new national purpose founded on its ideals as a democratic republic,” Hart said. “There is a common good, and we need to recognize that.”

The 21st century common good, Hart said, includes the environment, natural resources and national security. Much of Hart’s speech focused on this topic and the idea of “citizen soldiers.”

“Citizen soldiers will be the frontline of defense of the homeland,” Hart said. “[A terrorist attack on American soil] is going to happen again. We ought to be prepared, and there are lots of jobs … [for citizens], particularly able-bodied young people.”

These jobs, Hart said, could include volunteer emergency workers and communications personnel, as well as positions in the National Guard.

Hart’s speech kicked off a six-week tour promoting his new book, “Restoration of the Republic: The Jeffersonian Ideal in 21st Century America.” The tour, which is scheduled to include visits to UCLA, Boston College and Georgetown University, features college campuses in hopes of reaching young people, Hart said.

“It is your future at stake here,” Hart said.

Alex Pederson, a first-year BU law student, responded to Hart’s ideas following the lecture.

“I prefer to see some administration dictating what’s happening, instead of just volunteers,” Pederson said.

However, Pederson said he came to the event merely to hear Hart speak rather than learn more about his new book.

“It wasn’t the subject matter, but more the profile of the individual,” Pederson said.

Mike Muller, a first-year BU law student, echoed that sentiment.

“[I attended] just out of pure interest,” Muller said. “[It was] a chance to hear a former senator speak.”