Mario Cuomo Visits Mason Via Video
Former New York Governor Mario Cuomo addressed George Mason University students in a video conference on Thursday, Feb. 17. The students, mostly members of Steve Klein's Communication 361 class, listened to Cuomo speak on a number of topics including speech writing, the war in Iraq, and the Rockefeller Drug Laws.
Mario Cuomo was elected governor of New York in 1982. During his 12-year term, Cuomo fought for causes such as public safety, reformed welfare, AIDS, improved drug laws, and education. Cuomo is the author of several articles, essays and books. More biographical information be found at http://home.twcny.rr.com/bmccabe/Cuomo_bio.html.
Cuomo talked in depth about what it takes to give a good speech.
"A speech is successful when it moves people," Cuomo said, "Almost always, an audience is going to be able to tell if you don't care."
Cuomo also praised Lincoln, "his use of language was unrivaled," said Cuomo. Cuomo is the author of "Why Lincoln Matters: Today More Than Ever," a book about Lincoln's presidency. There is an interesting article that provides more information on his book in a story titled Calling Abe Lincoln.
Cuomo moved quickly from speech writing to the war in Iraq. He freely voiced his own opinion on the war, calling for action.
"Remove everybody from the middle east," Cuomo said, "just pull 'em out."
Cuomo traced the conflict as far back as the invention of nuclear weapons.
"We are in a very difficult position," Cuomo said of the United States. "We invented the atom bomb, and we used it. Now we're stuck with it."
Cumo also questioned George W. Bush's motives for going to war in Iraq. Asking questions of the president, Cuomo said, "what are you doing in Africa? Nothing. What are you doing in Iraq? Well that we understand."
Cuomo also took a strong stand against the Rockefeller Drug Laws.
"The Rockefeller Law is an utter failure, and unfair," Cuomo said. "It ruined lives, and [Republicans] didn't want to look soft."
Cuomo acknowledged the problem of drugs, "crack cocaine made murderers out of saints," he said of New York's drug users. However, Cuomo does not believe the way to solve a drug problem is through punishment, but rehabilitation.
Cuomo closed with a short question and answer session, in which he fielded several questions from students across the country.
Additional Information:
Mario Cuomo Speaks at the Democratic National Convention
"A Tale of Two Cities"- Audio of Mario Cuomo