Wednesday, September 13, 2006

Young Republicans

How long until Oklahoma college students are subjected to the tasteless tactics of the Young Republicans directed by Ken Mehlman and the RNC? It's already happening on campuses in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Texas. There the "compassionate conservatives coeds" are planning events dubbed "Catch an Illegal Immigrant Day" and "Fun with Guns". These events trivialize serious issues and do nothing to promote civil discourse or expand on the marketplace of ideas. Think it won't happen here? Think again. The Rs on the OU campus sponsored a "global cooling" day recently by giving away snow cones and promoting their limited world view that denies the realities of global warming. Advocating for or against an issue on campus, is a good thing, it's called civic engagement. Campaigning for your favorite politician on campus is a good thing, shooting bb guns at cardboard cutouts of the opposition is not civic engagement, it's target practice. Read DNC Chairman Howard Dean's letter to Mehlman here.

1 comment:

ODP Chairman said...

For Immediate Release
September 13, 2006


Contact: Amaya Smith- 202-863-8148

College Democrats of America Respond to Offensive RNC and College Republican Tactics
Washington, DC-College Democrats of America national President Lauren Wolfe and Chair of the College Democrats of America Hispanic Caucus Laura De Castro, responded to news stories about the College Republicans engaging in offensive election year tactics.

"It is both sad and appalling that the College Republicans are resorting to highly offensive and derogatory tactics during this election year," said Lauren Wolfe. "Events like 'Catch an Illegal Immigrant Day' or 'Guns for Fun' do nothing but lower the public discourse in the most despicable manner on some of the most important issues today. These so called 'games' are deplorable and should be immediately and strongly denounced by all Republican leaders, including national College Republicans.

"To distract from their own failures Republicans have resorted to promoting violence and discrimination for political gain. College Republicans would rather engage in these kings of offensive tactics than confront the crucial issues facing our generation and our country. It's disgusting, it's outrageous, and it's a sad commentary on the lack of inclusiveness of the Republican Party.

"In contrast, College Democrats are engaging in positive campaign efforts to constructively engage young people in the political process such as our National Youth Organizing event which will kick off this Saturday. Instead of engaging in negative and divisive campaign strategies, College Republicans should also commit themselves to mobilizing all eligible young voters who have a critical stake in this year's mid-term elections."