Sir Jeremy Hanley

Having to attend a lecture by a world diplomat on the relationship between the U.S. and UK didn't interest me, at least until Sir Jeremy Hanley walked to the podium. Like most politicians, I thought he would lack enthusiasm and get on with his speech quickly. I was pleasantly surprised as he relayed funny stories on Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher, to hear all the places he had been. I'm not the type of person to understand national news, especially the relationship and history between nations. Hanley used his laid-back personality and humor to explain this relationship in terms I could understand. I was actually disappointed to have to leave before his speech was over, especially since he started late and I didn't get to hear much of his lecture.

I was surprised at the formal dress attire many had and also how many students were there, especially internatinonal students. It would be interesting to know whether this lecture was extra credit for a class or if they came on their own. His explanation of the British government helped me understand things I didn't know before, and it's interesting to note he was an accountant and didn't seem to see himself in the role he has today. I don't know the exact reason he came to speak at MSU and why the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research brought him here, but I enjoyed all that I saw. I honestly wish I could've stayed until the end of the lecture.

I don't know if I would go to a lecture put on my any diplomat, but Hanley showed me politics have a different side. A funny side that was great on a cold Thursday morning.