Campus climate is changing. And I’m not talking about Al Gore-style climate change; this is change that actually exists. Political change.
Deep within the bastion that is the University of Wisconsin, students are starting to realize not everything force-fed to them in Madison is fact. What’s more, they’re starting to question these so-called truths and speak out about them. It didn’t happen overnight, and there’s still a lot of work to be done, but the truth is that the conservative movement on college campuses across America is growing, and UW is in the upsweep. If you find yourself questioning your peers when they tell you the surge isn’t working or light rail in Madison is a good idea, the College Republicans might be the place for you. If you’re interested in this movement back towards limited government, less government spending, a strong national defense and personal responsibility, the College Republicans might be the place for you. As an extension of the big tent party, we involve students who are self-proclaimed Libertarians to moderates and all the way to the so-called “neo-cons.” Come check us out. What can it hurt?
We’re starting off the politically-fueled fall semester with a non-political event — the 9/11: Never Forget Project. The project is once again co-sponsored by several other student organizations, community leaders and each and every student, regardless of political identification, is invited to join us in the construction of the memorial on Bascom Hill on the morning of Sept. 11. Our night ceremony will start at 7 p.m. and will end with a candlelight vigil remembering the fallen victims and honoring those who serve our country.
In an effort to help students prepare for the looming elections, the College Republicans are taking every possible opportunity to register and educate voters. Much of this voter education will take place through a series of bipartisan town hall-style meetings with the College Democrats. Official details are still being worked out on this project, but if you have questions on any of the number of topics that will be covered, I encourage you to come and hear what both sides have to say on the issues. College Republican meetings until Nov. 4 will focus on a number of other campaign related issues, from national to statewide to local and campus issues. Before going to the polls, learning where you stand on the issues is the most important thing you can do.
Politically, this is the biggest year and most important election season our generation has ever seen. Many of us will be voting for our nation’s highest office for the first time and many others will cast their very first ballot altogether. If you want to get involved or simply want to check it out, I encourage you to stop by. More than that, this is a time for learning. Even if you don’t change your Facebook to say “very conservative,” you’ll know both sides of the equation. Knowledge. That is what’s really valuable.
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Sara Mikolajczak ([email protected]) is chair of the UW-Madison College Republicans.?