Katie Schultz
News Editor

The Brownson Arena was packed as Ben Stein took the stage to address not only Mesa State but the whole community at Entrepreneurship Day, April 14.
Stein’s speech covered every imaginable topic that has to do with the current state of America. It ranged from the economic downturn to education to taxes. His main point: even with all of our problems, America is still a great place to live.
“The best days (for America) still lie ahead,” Stein said.
After breaking the ice with a couple of jokes Stein got down to business. He made his opinion well known. He pointed out that it is astonishing how far America has come considering we are not that far from the days of slavery, Hitler, and civil right movements.
He believes that the big banks on Wall Street that got us in the recession should have been punished more severally and that China is on the rise as a far as an economic competitor for the United States. He also thinks that there is an education crisis in America and because of this, “the country is falling apart from the inside out.”
One point that got the support from several student’s in the audience was Stein’s opinion that the “ultra-rich” should be taxed more than the middle class. According to him, if taxed more they won’t miss a meal.
Even with all the disagreement on issues like health care and the economy, Stein pointed out it’s just the nature of the game.
“It’s the nature of a free country,” Stein said. “We are supposed to argue, we are not supposed to agree on everything.”
Yet, when all was said and done Stein feels the real heroes of America aren’t his next door neighbors but the men and women who put their life on the line every day and the families that support them.
“Military wives are the backbone of America,” he said.
After the main speech, Stein took the Mesa State students in the audience aside to give them some words of wisdom. He discussed the importance of getting along with others and communication as well as the value of higher education.
Many students appreciated what Stein had to say.
“I did enjoy him as a speaker,” said Dennis Hodges, a junior business administration major. “He says what he wants to say and makes it personal with jokes.”
Hodges said Stein’s best point was the idea that the ultra-rich should be taxed more.
Other students, like Nick Labor, a junior business administration major, thought Stein’s advice on networking was helpful.
“Very few public speakers talk about actions needed and solutions instead of just the problems,” Labor said. “(I went) to take advantage of a good opportunity.”
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kschultz@mesastate.edu

Chrissy Anzlovar/Criterion ASG President Ryan Hendershot speaks to concerned students about the 9 percent tuition increase, Thursday night at the Budget Forum in ACB. Sadly there was still a small turn out.