A lot sure does happen in two weeks. Since my last article, we went from an empty SGA slate to having two very capable slates in Andrews-Albritton '08 and Campus Alliance. We have seen Ralph Nadar enter the Presidential Race ... again ... and we have seen a political movement by the Ball State College Republicans vandalized and oppressed.
However, let's focus on an issue that I brought up in my last article that was completely ignored by both student political organizations (excluding the Ball State College Republicans, with whom I am a member) and the campus as a whole. So, let us start the conversation again. Why is there no response from the University Democrats or any other student political organization about having a public debate?
I do not see a better way to boost political involvement on this campus but boost membership numbers in these organizations as well. Now, I admit that the campus is on the right track by sponsoring the debates for the SGA slates. Yet, I challenge Ball State University to go further, sponsor a debate between the student political organizations.
I was proud to see the university have a nationally renowned speaker, the "Resident Liberal" Juan Williams, come speak to the student body Feb. 25. So, again the question is asked, "Why isn't a public debate between the student political organizations being discussed?"
Our candidates for SGA were able to have a public debate on issues that concern campus and what a great start that was. Now there is an opportunity for the university to say, "Let's have our own students debate the hot button issues. Let's have a public debate to get these students involved so that they can make an informed and intelligent decision in November. Let's move this campus forward and have its voice heard."
Do I think that a debate will be successful? Yes. However, I believe that the University Democrats are hesitant. I believe that if they truly were involved at the campus level and not just at the community or state level, they would have jumped all over the opportunity to show up the Ball State College Republicans in a public forum. Very few Democrats let the opportunity to tell me why my views are wrong pass them by.
Personally, I think it's because they do not believe they can defeat the Ball State College Republicans in a debate.
But I do not want this to be a two-party or two-organization debate. Let's have the Libertarian Organization join us. Any other student political organization is welcome as well. However, if the University Democrats do not awake from their winter slumber, I urge the Students for Barack Obama to step forward and become the leading liberal group on campus. I implore them to come forward and participate in one of the most basic rights we have, as Americans, to express and share our ideas, believes and viewpoints in an open forum.
Ball State, wake up and get moving. You are the future of this country. Do not, under any circumstance, let it fall by the wayside.
Robert Burgress is a freshman political science major and writes 'The Right Word' for the Daily News. His views do not necessarily agree with those of the newspaper.
Write to Robert at rkburgress@bsu.edu
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