Lecture

POLITICAL PARTY Ready for a break from television news-talk shows? This month, instead of tuning in to Face the Nation, you can get out and listen face-to-face—without interruptions from the talking heads—to several distinguished public figures who will speak around the state on everything from the economy and the military to presidential politics and family.

Charlie Rose, Ward Connerly, and Bob Gates March 4 in Dallas. As part of Southern Methodist University’s Willis M. Tate Distinguished Lecture Series, Rose presides over “Balancing Civil Liberties and National Security,” moderating the controversial debate over national security vis-à-vis the public’s right to know and individual freedoms: in one corner, Connerly, the chairman of the American Civil Rights Institute; in the other, Gates, a former director of the CIA and the new president of Texas A&M University.

Bill Bradley and Jack Kemp March 20 in San Antonio. Trinity University’s Flora Cameron Lecture in Politics and Public Affairs sponsors a panel discussion with Kemp, a co-director of Empower America, former HUD Secretary, and conservative columnist, and Bradley, a former Democratic senator from New Jersey and 2000 presidential candidate.

Steve Forbes March 20 in Tyler. Speaking of running for president, what will Forbes be discussing in Tyler? The organizers of the Distinguished Lecture Series at the University of Texas at Tyler’s Cowan Center couldn’t say for certain, but we’re willing to wager our flat-tax refund that he’ll mention the economy.

Karen Hughes April 1 in Dallas. President Bush’s confidante is the keynote speaker at the Women’s Foodservice Forum 2003 Annual Leadership Development Conference (which begins March 30 and includes workshops on professional development and leadership talent), addressing her decision to leave the West Wing to restructure her career and bring balance to her family.