John Bolton Addresses Public Policy for the LeMieux Center

WEST PALM BEACH, FL- National security advisor and United Nations ambassador, John Bolton, spoke at Palm Beach Atlantic University on  Jan. 19, for the LeMieux Center to prompt public policy discourse. The Lemieux Center for public policy is considered a ‘center of excellence’, as it gives students an opportunity to hear about public policy and participate in civil discourse and thoughtful reason. With the time and treasure of the Lemieux Center’s Advisory Board, they are able to bring international speakers to the campus to speak on the subject matter.

John Bolton, who served under four presidents, was the speaker at this year’s event and had a lot to say about the United State’s position in international affairs. He mentions how America is at the end of the post-Cold War era. He later goes on to say that the end of this era was not the end of a significant point in history, but rather a wake-up call for our nation and others alike. We must remember what it took to win that war so that we can maintain safety according to Bolton. 

“When you forget what you had to do to protect yourself, you are going to learn it again- at a greater price,” Bolton said. 

With the war in Ukraine leaving many wondering what is next, Bolton expressed how future candidates need to give clear answers about their national security policies now more than ever. After his time serving under former president, Donald Trump, where he compared his public policy leadership to that of a pinball machine. He believes a stricter focus and continuing in our alliances will keep our nation safe and secure.

“In order to live our rich and pleasant life, we need to stay strong and strict on our public policies. We do not want a repeat of what happened in Afghanistan,” Bolton said. 

  This is due to the fact that, historically, presidents spend more money on national security than anything else. According to Bolton, America needs to be selfish, especially now, and continuously ask ourselves what is in our best interest. 

Audience members expressed how the speech was enlightening and was surprised to hear the exact perspective of America’s involvement in our foreign affairs.  Member of the audience, Arielle Wiedeman, mentioned how she believed that discussions like this can deepen the overall conversation. 

“I think those who align with the opposing political party can see why the republican party acted the way they did in certain situations,” she said

The LeMieux Center will continue in its efforts to boost the conversation on national events and public policy. In order to foster young minds to keep our country in mind, the LeMiuex Center will keep bringing in guest speakers such as Bolton, and push the conversation forward.