Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi addressed an audience of primarily students at Meredith College Friday afternoon.

Pelosi, first woman Speaker of the House and California Democrat, told the audience that recently, citizens have begun having doubts about America’s future but they should not doubt the country’s ability to uphold the values of its Founding Fathers.

She addressed several points in her speech, including her disappointment in Congress’ inability to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq, which immediately attracted the audience’s applause.

“One of the biggest ethical issues facing our country is the war in Iraq,” she said.

The war, she said, lacked transparency, accountability and shared sacrifice from the beginning, but because Congress did not withdraw the troops, it cannot stop funding.

“Do I think mistakes were made regarding the war in Iraq? Don’t get me started,” she said. “But it is a decision I am willing to take responsibility for.”

She said visiting war sites and meeting the young people there had a big effect on her.

“They all had a common message. It sounded a lot like the message I hear at home,” she said. “They are all weary of war.”

The goal, she said, is to have all combat troops out of Iraq by the end of next year.

When asked during a press conference if she was worried that the Democrats would lose Congress after their performance, she said she was very confident they wouldn’t, and she hoped the party would strengthen the majority the following year.

Derek Gatlin, a junior in sociology, was unable to attend the lecture but said he wanted to go to understand Pelosi’s views better.

He agreed that Congress’ work in withdrawing troops from Iraq was disappointing.

“I feel that the Democrats anyway are very strongly against the war but not acting hard enough,” he said. “Their words are a lot stronger than their actions these days.”