Arnold Schwarzenegger Kicks Off Lecture as Think Tank Guru at USC

In a symposium at University of Southern California, the 'Terminator' actor takes on political issues and the influence of the entertainment industry on the society.

Arnold Schwarzenegger continued to expand his career. From an army member to a body builder to an actor to a governor, he now becomes a professor at University of Southern California. He launched the USC Schwarzenegger Institute for State and Global Policy, committing $20 million from his own pocket and those of others.

The 65-year-old star tackled today's issues such as health care, global warming, education, fiscal and economic policy as well as political reform. To start it off, he held a day-long symposium on Monday, September 24. He invited high-profile politicians and media executives to join him on the panel to talk about politics and industry.

In the morning panel, the actor had a discussion about political issues with the likes of John McCain. "The history of this country has been corruption, reform, corruption, reform," said the 2008 Republican presidential candidate of the factor of the next national downfall. "There are going to be major scandals because too many millions of dollars are washing around in political campaigns."

When returning in the afternoon after a break, the former governor of California delved into the topics of entertainment and social change with media experts including president and chief operating officer of Universal Studios and NBCUniversal, Ron Meyer. During the discussion, the panelists agreed that the media played important part in shaping culture in the society.

"The power of films and television is enormous," Arnold said. "I think it is much more powerful than politicians will ever be." Ron added, "We have the chance as an industry ... to tell a story that can make an impact on society and change the way people think and feel." Rob Friedman, co-chairman of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, chimed in, "We continue to try to educate, to inform and to change attitudes."


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