BFTF Fellows became part of the national broadcast Weekend Edition Saturday July 19th, when Scott Simon invited them into the studio and artist Amos Lee plays a song for the fellows. Listen to the broadcast by clicking “Listen Now.” Fellows ask questions near the end of the program.
A video recording of the parliamentary debates have recently surfaced, giving increased insight into the beliefs and ideals of the candidates that ran for head of parliament. Below is a short video with highlights from the proceedings. Mysteriously, any mention of the rumored protests which interrupted the scheduled debate have been scrubbed from the official record. Stay tuned for additional updates on the state of parliament as they develop! (Click “More” for video)
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Global Debate Web site picks up on two debate stories for BFTF: Founder’s Dorm Debate & Diplomat’s Parliamentary Candidate Debate.
Extra Extra…Read All About It. Loudenia’s other media group, known as the Loudenia Times has recently started up a blog. You can find it at http://www.loudeniatimes.blogs.bftf.org/. In the spirit of the printer Ben Franklin, the Times started up as an underground print only publication, but as its popularity with the Loudenians grew, the Times started up a blog to keep its readers well informed of the news. Its currently focusing on the protest that interrupted the debate for leader of parliament. Click picture to see of what he does not speak!
Be sure to check out Security Sweep.
A counter newspaper made it debut this morning (mentor Lendyll will write more on this later. A demonstration was staged at the Parliament debate today. Also there is a new blog, that satires candidates and the main-stream press. See at Gossip
Topic group, serving as the basis of political parties in the Loudenian Parliament, investigated policy implications with a series of experts on Wednesday and Thursday. Tele-conferences featuring area experts at the US Department of State and professor’s expertise interacted with students for hour segments. The questioning was often punctuated by pointed and thoughtful questions and candid expert responses. The tele-conferences with State Department professional has become a feature of the Ben Franklin program, offering fellows with unique access to policy makers. This year’s sessions include:
Ian Kelly (EUR/RUS): Russia Issues
Walter Douglas (NEA/PPD): Middle East Issues
Drew Nelson (OES): Climate Change
Joel Kopp (EEB): Energy Issues
Wei-chin Lee (WFU): China issues
Eliza Koch, Noah Geesaman, Steve Rhee (EEB): Globalization/Trade
The diplomat fellows have begun an exciting week of deliberations and caucus meetings that will culminate in a grand parliamentary showdown next Tuesday. The fellows are billed to write bills on the following policy areas for the imaginary country of “Loudenia”. The policy platforms to be represented include Loudenia’s relations with Russia, China, it’s position on the Middle East crisis situations, Trade policy, Energy policy, and the policy on the Environment. The Republic of Loudenia is a “Central European nation that boasts picturesque mountains, dense forests and a temperate climate”. The country has a literacy rate of 99% and has steady national budget surpluses for the past decade. Unemployment rate is at only 4.8 %. Loudenia is also a member of the European Union (EU) and of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Read More »
The diplomat fellows today explored the correlations, if any, between political stability and economic development in sub-Saharan Africa. The session, led by professor of Economics Sylvain Boko, examined cutting-edge research on the topic and generated interesting discussions on post-conflict reconstruction in some of the fellows’ countries. Dr. Boko’s thesis is this; there is a strong correlation-if not causal connection- between political stability and economic development. He cited Somalia, Sudan, the DRC, and Zimbabwe as important case-studies for his proposition. Prof. Boko explained that traditional economic modules have proved insufficient in explaining the failing economies of many fragile states in Africa and much of the ‘developing’ world. He noted that much of the available data shows that while political stability may not be sufficient for economic growth it is nevertheless an essential index in the equation. Read More »
The Wake Forest University Admissions office provided refreshments and made several staff available in special sessions aimed at the possibilities and pratfalls of applying to US colleges and universities. Nearly all the fellow were interested in learning more, attending the sessions. Four Diplomats were interested enough to arrange personal interviews for Thursday. Yes, Mr. Turkmenistan, there will be an opportunity to visit admissions. 
BFTF Fellows became part of the national broadcast Weekend Edition Saturday July 19th, when Scott Simon invited them into the studio and artist Amos Lee plays a song for the fellows. Listen to the broadcast by clicking “Listen Now.” Fellows ask questions near the end of the program.
