Change. That is a word we have been hearing a lot lately, especially in regards to the upcoming presidential election. It is a word that is normally associated with Democratic Presidential nominee Barack Obama, though it can also be used to describe what is happening to the political climate at this university. When I stepped on campus almost two years ago to the day, I was warned by everyone from my grandmother to the Badger Buddies that helped me move in, that this campus proudly considered itself the Berkeley of the Midwest."" While I found this to be somewhat true - most students and professors are far-left on the political spectrum - I also found a group that not only accepted my political views, they embraced them. I found the College Republicans.
As a freshman, I was naturally nervous going into any new experience. But I punched down my nerves and went to the first College Republicans meeting. What I found there was a group of genuinely nice, down-to-earth people, who were concerned with getting Republicans elected to office and spreading the Conservative Movement. It was through the College Republicans that I found the courage to stand up for my beliefs, even though I knew that the majority of people would not agree with me.
But back to that all important word. Change. The political climate of this university is changing. I am not saying we will wake up tomorrow morning and all of a sudden people will be singing praises of President Bush and erecting statues to Ronald Reagan and Joseph McCarthy, but there is a growing contingency of people that are questioning the liberal rhetoric that so many accept without blinking an eye. So I invite everyone to come and see what the College Republicans are all about.
We have many exciting events planned for this year, our kick-off is a non-partisan, non-political event honoring those who perished in the Sept. 11 attacks seven years ago. We will be setting up a memorial on Bascom Hill in the morning, and our evening events include speakers and a non-denominational service with a message delivered by Pastor Rick Lund. Other activities will include campaign trips around the state to assist in State Assembly and Senate races, celebrating Freedom Week, and participating in Get Out the Vote. We have regular meetings where we host a variety of speakers, and we also are planning a fall social and election party.
I encourage everyone to get involved in this upcoming election. This is an exciting time for our country as we look to the election this November. We must remember, however, that John McCain and Barack Obama are not the only people running for office this election cycle. There are many hotly-contested race at the state level, including state Assembly and Senate races, and Congressional races. Whether or not you want to believe it, the outcome of this election cycle will affect you, and the way to influence it is to get out and participate in campaigns, whether it is by making phone calls, doing literature drops, or simply showing up to vote on Nov. 4. It is our civic duty as American citizens to participate in the political process, and I beseech everyone to do so.
Kristen Wall is a junior majoring in economics and political science and is the current Vice Chair of the UW-Madison College Republicans. Please send responses to opinion@dailycardinal.com.
