Here I sit writing the final “Point counterpoint” of my collegiate career for The Badger Herald — helped, of course, by some fine bourbon and country music. I’ll save you my reminiscing and Republican stereotypes and get on with the College Republican year in review.

I’ve had the honor to serve as the chairman of this important organization on campus for the last year. During my time, I have met some of the finest peers, most respectable opponents and most thoughtful people I have ever met on this campus. I have also learned how important a group like the College Republicans is on a campus like this.

I think the purpose of our organization is the same as every year, including election years. On a campus that is made up of overwhelmingly liberal administration, professors, lecturers and TAs, being a conservative student can be a tough road to hoe.

Now, this isn’t a sob story about being a conservative on campus, because, speaking for myself, this campus has made me a better conservative. This is, though, a recognition of what I believe the mission of our organization is and will be.  

For a second, and I know this will be damn near impossible for some people, imagine yourself as a freshman coming to this place next year. You have beliefs that include some things like the belief in the ability to defend yourself with a firearm and the thought that our government shouldn’t be piling on so much debt and maybe even the belief that the free market, not the government, is the greatest driver of economic good for all people. You may come from a farm or a small business-owning family that has been hurt by overreaching regulations. Even crazier, you may think people should read and defend the Constitution a little more.

Now imagine being that 18-year-old kid on this campus. Initially, you may seem like a member of House Stark walking into a House Lannisters’ wedding. In your first couple of classes, the majority of the class, including your professor or TA, reveal themselves to be left thinking. Shock! Your core beliefs may seem like they have no place here. How do you react?

Maybe you react by never speaking about your beliefs in front of people again. Maybe you get angry. Maybe you write the paper that is easier to write because it’s the opinion of everyone else in class.

Now, what good does that do for a campus who prides itself in the “continual and fearless sifting and winnowing by which alone the truth can be found?”

Then, when you’ve pretty much come to the conclusion everyone on this campus embodies the stereotype of a radical, left-wing, Che Guevara-loving socialist, a brave-soul stands up and defends the common-sense idea of the free market because he or she wants a job when they graduate. Suddenly, freshman you with your unpopular beliefs, are empowered to stand up for your ideas.

Will you convince anyone of your argument? Who knows. What it’s all about is the sifting and winnowing of all ideas to find the best one. If you are deprived of an idea, you can’t be certain your conclusion is the best solution or complete truth.

That, I believe, is our organization’s mission — empowering kids to stand up for their conservative beliefs in a constructive way. Helping split the youth vote 50-50 in the 2014 election was important and making inroads with the youth vote in 2016 will also be important.  

Empowering kids to stand up for their beliefs, I think, is the most important, though. Seeing more than 250 kids at a standing-room only meeting for Gov. Scott Walker and about 200 at a meeting with U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-WI, can only encourage other conservatives on campus to stand up for their beliefs.

Next year there is an important election in this country. The College Republicans will do their part to inform campus of our party’s views.

More importantly and more beneficial to the campus, though, the College Republicans will also inspire students to stand up for their beliefs.

Do it conservative peers. Stand up for your beliefs. You’ll be surprised how many people at this place will agree with you.

On Wisconsin.

Anthony Birch ([email protected]) is a senior majoring in political science and strategic communication.