As President Bush addressed the nation, members of Undergraduate Student Government met and discussed their reactions to his speech last night in the Ohio Union.
Melissa Koch, vice president of USG, said she thought the speech was very reassuring.
Koch said she was surprised that Bush did not address the possibility of the drafts or the situation of the reserves.
“When so many Ohio State students are captivated by news this big I expected him to at least mention the draft or how the reserves will be affected,” Koch said. “There are many students on edge wondering about the future of their loved ones.”
Creating the new position of homeland security was a very good move, Koch said.
“It shows the world that we are not going to allow terrorism to take over our country or our pride,” Koch said.
Kyle Woodley, a sophomore in journalism and director of communications for USG, agreed with Koch and thought he would have discussed the draft too.
“I would fight. This is something incredibly important,” Woodley said. “We need to do something. If I was called upon to help I would.”
Koch said she also hoped Bush would have reassured the country more about the economy. It is important to everyone, especially students who are getting ready for thier next stage in life, Koch said.
Santokh Sidhu, a sophomore in biology, and senator for biological, mathematical and physical sciences, said he thought Bush’s speech was good and exactly what he had expected. He said Bush addressed a lot of very important issues.
“I think it is good that he reinforced the importance of being patient. We need to act responsibly and justly,” Sidhu said.
Laura Landis, a senior in communications, saw the speech first hand. She is in Washington for an internship through the Arts and Sciences Washington Center program.
“I know this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. It is not everyday you get the chance to be in the House or see a proceeding like this,” Landis said.
Landis said she was just as shocked about the events of Sept. 11 as anyone.
“I never imagined something like this would ever happen. Especially while I was here for my internship,” Landis said. “It has been very chaotic here.”
Landis said she thought Bush’s speech was very impressive.
“It was really odd to be in a room with all the members of our government,” Landis said. “I was reassured and scared in the same sense. When Bush said they would find who did this and bring them justice I was reassured. As I thought of how and what kind of military force would be need I became scared.”
