Dr. Condoleezza Rice speech a Game Changer

By Floyd MillerThe Abilene Civic Center was filled almost to capacity on November 18th. Citizens came to hear the former United States Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, speak at a fund-raiser for Global Samaritan Resources. Her speech was anchored around the theme that ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference. “Every life is worthy, and therefore capable, of greatness…” she said.Rice said that not only do we have a responsibility to our citizens but also the citizens of the world. In a one on one interview with Danny Sims, Executive Director of Global Samaritan, Dr. Rice answered a wide range of questions. She answered questions about foreign policy, her parents, her membership in the Augusta National Golf Country Club, the Grand Jury proceedings in Ferguson, Mo and what it was like growing up in the segregated South. On the issue of Ferguson she said “we need to Pray.” On growing up in the South she said her parents and other black parents tried to shield her and her friends from the prejudices of white people. She also said that one of the girls killed in the church bombing in Birmingham was her friend. “The essence of America – that which really unites us — is not ethnicity, or nationality or religion – it is an idea — and what an idea it is: That you can come from humble circumstances and do great things. That it doesn’t matter where you came from but where you are going.” ¯ Condoleezza RiceThis speech was a game changer for individuals that were paying attention.