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September 28, 2009
Soundbites

Marine commander on Iraq efforts
“We weren’t there to conquer Iraq, but we were, in our hearts, there to liberate these people from a very, very terrible time,” said Maj. Gen. John F. Kelly. The Marine commander spoke at Emory Law Sept. 21 about establishing the rule of law in the Al Anbar province.

“At the end of the day, it was a combination of what al Qaeda was doing in the province and what the Marines were doing in the province. What we were doing was fighting insurgents, but doing it in a very restrained way. And at the same time, everyday we were trying to rebuild a country,” Kelly said. —Liz Chilla

Carter on beliefs, major issues
Former President Jimmy Carter’s annual Q&A session with Emory freshman had a higher profile this year coming right after Carter’s comments that Rep. Joe Wilson’s outburst during President Barack Obama’s speech was “based on racism.”

At the Sept. 16 Town Hall, Carter’s answers ranged from Kanye West’s comments about Taylor Swift to Turkey and the European Union.

“I think it is completely legitimate, and to be expected, to have tough, sometimes even unfair debates about major issues,” Carter said about Wilson’s comment. But “out of bounds” personal attacks “against Obama have been influenced by a belief that he should not be president because he happens to be African American.” —Tania Dowdy

How to pump up your enthusiasm
“If you catch on fire with enthusiasm, people will come from miles around just to watch you burn!” William O’Neal told a full house at Emory University Hospital auditorium Sept. 15.

Step Up Emory hosted the motivational speaker who presented “Seven Keys for Maintaining Personal Enthusiasm.”

Interspersing stories and examples, O’Neal elaborated on each of the keys: Talk to yourself; communicate effectively; maintain personal vision; reflect on your purpose; look for opportunity in change; find sources of inspiration; and balance work and family life.

O’Neal urged listeners to “stay attached to sources of inspiration” like books and music.
“Sometimes, change is hard” he noted, but it is important not to fear it.

O’Neal emphasized a work-life balance because “you know what we’re going to do if you fall dead from stress? We’re going to fill your job,” he said, bringing down the house with laughter. —Leslie King