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In the 21st century, we are constantly faced with questions regarding the economic, political, and social status of the United States. In the study group, we will bring to the IOP people who have not only been leaders but have affected the course of history from high positions. They are experts in their fields and will help shed light on the various topics we will explore.

9.25.07: The Challenges We Face

I will be sharing with students my experience in politics from the courts as a prosecutor and later a judge to the mayor's office, followed by 26 years in Congress. I will tell all from Reagan to George W., and outline the various challenges we will further investigate throughout the semester.

10.02.07: What is the status of our "Intelligence"?

Speaker: Porter Goss, former Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and former Director of the CIA.

Former Director Goss is in the unique position of viewing our intelligence structure from Congress as well as from the Administration. He will describe the state of our intelligence system and the future challenges we should expect to face.

10.09.07: How Congress works or doesn't work. An inside look

Proposed speaker: Judy Schneider of the Congressional Research Service.

Ms. Schneider will take us behind the scenes in sharing her experience with Congress with important information as well as humor. This session will be pure fun as well as informational.

10.16.07: Will Social Security be there for the next generation?

Speaker: Bill Archer, former Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee.

Social Security can be strengthened and even made better for future generations. If there is sufficient interest, the students will be invited to write their own plan to submit to Congress. Congressional staff could be available to assist. What will motivate Congress to legislate for the next generation instead of the next election?

10.23.07: Welfare Reform--an in depth examination. Where did we come from and where do we go now?

Speaker: Dr. Ron Haskins, Brookings Institute, former Professor at the University of North Carolina and Duke University.

Dr. Haskins was my Chief of Staff of the Human Resources, a sub-committee of Ways and Means Committee. Together we wrote the Welfare Reform Bill that has shrunk the welfare rolls by approximately 50%. He is author of "Work Over Welfare". He will disclose the behind- the- scenes closed meetings in drafting this historic legislation, both the good and the bad, and it's passage on the way to President Clinton's desk You will not only be introduced to the personalities involved, but will be given a unique insight of how our laws are made and the infighting between the House and the Senate as well as the White House. We hope Dr. Haskins will be accompanied by a high ranking leader from the Clinton White House.

10.30.07: Inside the White House

Speaker: Andy Card, former Chief of Staff to President Bush

An insider's view from within the White House. Mr. Card has wonderful personal stories about his close relationship with George W. Bush over six years.

11.06.07: Politicians and the Press

Proposed speakers: Gail Gitcho, formerly my Press Secretary and now assistant Press Secretary to Gov. Mitt Romney, and a well-known member of the press.

How do politicians and the press interact? We'll explore the relationship between the two with Ms. Gitcho and a member of the press.

11.13.07: Wrap-up

We will have a free-flowing exchange reviewing the former sessions and reaching conclusions to the many questions posed throughout the semester as well as anything else those in attendance might want to ask.