Maine College Democrats Release Convention Video
November 3, 2007
The Maine College Democrats' released their Convention video this week. It has generated a lot of buzz on the blogs. Here it is:
Bowdoin College Democrats to Host 4th Annual Maine College Democrats Convention
October 22, 2007
The Bowdoin College Democrats are thrilled to announce that they will be hosting the 4th annual Maine College Democrats Convention at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine on the afternoon of Saturday, November 3, 2007. The Convention, which is titled “One Year to Victory,” will feature a keynote speech by Congressman and US Senate Candidate Tom Allen and a debate between all five candidates for the Democratic Nomination in the first Congressional District including Former State Senate Majority Leader Mike Brennan, Iraq War Veteran Adam Cote, Former State Senate President Mark Lawrence, Former State Senate Majority Leader Chellie Pingree, and State Senator Ethan Strimling.
The Convention will also feature in-depth campaign workshops on topics such as fundraising, voter file training, crafting a message, leading a chapter, and communicating with the press.
“We are thrilled to be hosting the convention at Bowdoin this year,” said Clark Gascoigne, Co-President of the Bowdoin College Democrats. “College students across Maine have an amazing opportunity to help elect a Senator who actually shares Maine values. This convention will act as a catalyst to empower Maine youths to take back our country.”
For more information on the convention, visit http://www.mainecollegedems.com.
Bowdoin College Democrats Partner with Clubs to Promote Conscious Consumerism
September 27, 2007
BRUNSWICK, ME – The Bowdoin College Democrats are thrilled to announce that they are partnering with a number of student organizations on campus to take part in a five week conscious consumer campaign. Aimed at making Bowdoin students more aware about the everyday purchases they make and the impact they can have on the world, the campaign will launch on Monday, October 15th with a week focused on the impact of beer. The following four weeks will focus on the impact of gasoline, clothing, cleaning products, and pizza, respectively.
Uniting the Bowdoin College Democrats, Bowdoin Cycling, Bowdoin Organic Garden, the Bowdoin Queer-Straight Alliance, Bowdoin Students for Peace, the Bowdoin Women’s Association, the Democratic Left, Evergreens, Global Justice, Sustainable Bowdoin, VDay, and the Yellow Bike Cooperative, the campaign will feature multiple events each week including movie screenings, teach-ins, lectures, dinners, etc.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with so many active groups on this project,” said Darren Fishell, Co-President of the Bowdoin College Democrats. “We believe that it is not just important to focus on the politics of our beliefs, but to also understand the implications of the choices that we make on a daily basis.”
Three Bowdoin Students Serve as National Officers of the College Democrats of America
September 18, 2007
BRUNSWICK, ME – Three Bowdoin Students were selected to serve as national officers of the College Democrats of America this summer at the National Convention in South Carolina. Frank Chi ’07 was elected National Communications Director, Alex Cornell du Houx ’06 was elected National Council Chair, and Clark Gascoigne ’08 was appointed by the National Executive Board to serve as the National New Media Director.
Chi, who graduated this past May with a degree in Government and Legal Studies, now works at GMMB, a political media consulting firm in Washington, DC. A veteran of numerous Democratic campaigns, Chi previously served as the President of the Bowdoin College Democrats, the Communications Director of the Maine College Democrats, and has also served as Internet Communications Director of two gubernatorial campaigns. Chi served as the organization’s New Media Director last year.
Cornell du Houx, who will receive his degree in History and Government and Legal Studies this December, previously served as the National Development Director of the College Democrats of America before serving a tour of duty in Iraq with the U.S. Marines last year. Cornell du Houx also previously served as the President of the Bowdoin College Democrats and Maine College Democrats – eventually leading the Maine College Democrats to win state federation of the year in 2005. Cornell du Houx’s reflections on Iraq were recently published on the homepage of the Huffington Post.
Gascoigne, who intends to graduate with a degree in Government and Legal Studies next May, currently serves as the President of the Bowdoin College Democrats. Gascoigne worked at the Democratic National Committee over the past summer and currently works as an intern on the Tom Allen for Senate Campaign. He served on last year’s CDA New Media Team.
“We are thrilled that so many Bowdoin students are involved in affecting change on the national level,” said Darren Fishell, Co-President of the Bowdoin College Democrats. “It is exciting to see Alex, Clark, and Frank take the experience and dedication for their country that they have shown on the local and state levels and apply that to the rest of the country. The coming election is going to be one of the most pivotal of our lifetimes; I can’t think of anyone better to take our message of hope and change to the rest of the country.”
Congressman Allen ‘67 Increases Student Aid For Bowdoin and Maine Students
September 18, 2007
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Tom Allen ’67 and Democrats in Congress fulfilled their promise to lower college costs by sending President Bush the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 to bring real help to Maine and Bowdoin students despite attempts by Congressional Republicans to obstruct the bill. With the cost of attending college soaring and family incomes remaining stagnant, the bill would mean Maine students will be eligible for an additional $7.2 million in need-based grant aid next year, and an additional $78 million over the next five years. [Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, September, 2007]
As students take on more debt to pay for college, the bill will cap federal student loan payments at 15 percent of a borrower's discretionary income, bringing needed relief to students with excessive loan burdens. In Maine, 68% of students graduating from four-year institutions in the 2004-2005 school year graduated with an average debt of $20,239. Additionally, the College Reduction and Access Act will forgive the debt of borrowers who serve in public service careers such as nursing, teaching or law enforcement for 10 years. [Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, September, 2007]
"Young people are the future of our country. Ensuring that we have access to college is critical to the economic security of Maine and our nation," said Bowdoin College Democrats Co-President, Clark Gascoigne. "With this bill, Congressman Allen and Democrats in Congress are delivering on their promise to make college more affordable and accessible for all qualified students. President Bush should sign this bill, which will invest more than $20 billion in college financial aid, and provide real student and borrower benefits that will not only help make college more affordable, but will help expand access to the American Dream for countless Bowdoin Students, thousands of Mainers, and millions of Americans."
Bowdoin College Democrats Share Message of Hope and Change on Statewide TV
September 13, 2007
PORTLAND, ME - This year members of the Bowdoin College Democrats are thrilled to be participating in the statewide television show titled ‘Youth in Politics.’ Produced by Youth News and Entertainment Television (YNE TV), the show, which airs weekly on WPFO - Fox 23 Portland, features members of the Maine College Democrats and Maine College Republicans debating the critical issues facing our state and country today.
Entering its third full season, ‘Youth in Politics’ airs every Saturday afternoon at 12:00pm on Fox 23. The show is shot biweekly at the YNE TV studios in Portland and will feature regular appearances from Bowdoin students Alex Cornell du Houx ’06 and Clark Gascoigne ’08, as well as College Democrats from Bates, Colby, and USM.
“We are thrilled to be involved in this exciting project,” said Bowdoin College Democrats Co-President Clark Gascoigne, “As always, the Bowdoin College Democrats are committed to raising the level of discourse on campus and in the community. Our hope is to engage thousands of Maine youths in a discussion about important issues addressing the community.”
“The 2008 election will be one of the most important of our lifetime, and Mainers will have to decide whether we want change or more of the same. We look forward to putting our message of hope and change to the test.”
An Exciting Year
September, 2007
Welcome back! This year will be an exciting one for the Bowdoin College Democrats. Most prominently, we will be hosting the Maine College Democrats Convention, which will include speeches by Governor John Baldacci, Rep. Tom Allen, Rep. Mike Michaud, and politicians all around the state. The convention will give students around Maine the chance to share ideas about how to build stronger community relationships and how to handle our responsibility to take back the country and begin the process of rebuilding trust in government.. It's a panoramic view, but it all begins at the local level. We hope that a greater focus on local issues will help us create a model for bandaging the ideological divides that are supposedly tearing our country apart.
Coming up, we will be delivering an informational presentation on the policy stances and records of the Democratic candidates open to the Bowdoin community and the public. Date and time TBA.
This year, meetings will be held weekly in Ladd House at 7:30 p.m. We look forward to hearing your ideas and working for change.
News Update!
Bowdoin Democrats in Fall '06
The Bowdoin College Democrats are focused on a number of key
initiatives for the upcoming 2006 election. The Bowdoin Democrats are
canvassing the campus to register students and inform them about the
vital issues that are at stake in this election. Students are also
assisting with the Governor Baldacci's re-election bid and Charlie
Priest's campaign to become state representative in district 63, as
well as other campaigns. The campaign to reject the Taxpayer's Bill
of Rights, TABOR, will be coordinated with the Maine People's Alliance
and the Bowdoin TABOR coalition and it is a central issue this year.
"I'm excited about this semester and we will do all we can to help
Democrats and defeat TABOR," Bowdoin Democrats co-president Charlie
Ticotsky said.
Bowdoin had a sizable showing at the Maine College Democrats
Convention on Sept. 30 at Bates College. Governor John Baldacci
stressed the importance of continuing progress in Maine; progress that
would be reversed with the election of a Republican candidate.
Baldacci cited Dirigo Health and the Maine Community College System as
products of this progress, and spoke of solar- and wind-power
initiatives that would put Maine on the pathway to energy independence
over the next four years. Other notable speakers included Senate
President Beth Edmunds, Portland Representative Herb Adams, Maine
Democratic Party Chairman Ben Dudley, and Leader of John Baldacci's
Re-election Campaign, Jesse Connolly.
"We want 2006 to be the year of the Democrat in Brunswick, in Maine,
and in the country as a whole," said co-president Thomas Rodrigues.
2005 MAINE COLLEGE DEMOCRATS CONVENTION A BIG SUCCESS
by Alex Reed '07
Oct. 7th, 2005
The Bowdoin College Democrats are proud to have planned and hosted the second annual Maine College Democrats convention - an event which electrified the 
Bowdoin campus and Brunswick community this past October weekend. As the only college Democrats convention of its kind, the political event drew upon the support of the entire Bowdoin student body, as well as loyal Democrats from all over New England.
Maine Governor John Baldacci, Representatives Tom Allen and Mike Michaud, and political satirist Al Franken gave keynote speeches praising the work Democrats have done throughout the many years of the party’s history from its roots in the Jeffersonian era all the way through the present-day struggle to promote civil liberties, equal rights, and social justice.
Yet their message was clear: young, politicized students such as the Maine College Democrats are the future leaders of the American liberal movement. “We wanted to promote dialogue on campus about the impact of young people on politics, and at the end of this weekend I think we really did achieve that.” says Bowdoin College Democrats co-President Frank Chi.
Nowhere was this more evident than after the much-anticipated performance by comedian Al Franken, whose speech 
drew a crowd of over a thousand people at Bowdoin’s Morrell Gymnasium. He urged the audience to “celebrate Democratic family values” by supporting equal rights for gays and to stay well-informed by marginalizing the right-wing media. Similarly, Franken called on young Democrats to “stay connected” so as to remain an organized, cohesive force capable of leading the United States to new horizons.
Such enthusiasm was especially apparent when Maine Governor Baldacci proclaimed October 1st as Maine College Democrats Day, for which he urged statewide observance. With the support and passion of so many Democrats, future conventions will be sure to make even more of an impact on young voters who support Democratic ideals.
Thanks are due to all those who attended the convention from all the Maine College Democrats chapters, as well as all those who made the convention possible through their financial and organizational support. We look forward to an even bigger convention next year.
Discrimination Remains Illegal in Maine!
Tuesday, November 8th was ELECTION DAY, and the Bowdoin College Democrats, in cooperation with the Maine Won't Discriminate Campaign, helped keep discrimination illegal in Maine. Final Results:
Statewide:
Yes: 45% - No 55%
In Brunswick:
Yes: 30% - No 70%
Award Winning Maine College Democrats Hold Second Annual Convention
___
Renowned comedian Al Franken and Governor John Baldacci will give key-note speeches
August 16th, 2005
BRUNSWICK, ME - The Maine College Democrats (MCDs) will hold their second annual state convention at Bowdoin College from September 30 to October 2. A total of 19 colleges and universities in Maine will be represented.
These politically enthused college students will convene in Brunswick for four days of training, community service, speeches and other events to stress the power of young voters in politics and engage in active dialogue about Maine’s Democratic future. Maine Democratic Party Chairman Pat Colwell and state politicians will also participate in the workshops and social events during the convention.
“We are very excited to have Governor Baldacci and Mr. Franken participate in our events. They will offer statewide and national insight into the importance of youth in our democracy,” says Maine College Democrats Co-President Alex Cornell du Houx.
On October 1, Governor John Baldacci and renowned political columnist Al Franken will join in, what should prove to be, a lively discussion with College Democrats from across the state. They will both address what college students can do to promote and translate their ideas into political action.
The MCD’s were recently awarded State of the Year by the College Democrats of America. This prestigious position is given to the state where the students exceed expectations of their goals. In the past year the Maine College Democrats expanded their presence on Maine’s college campuses exponentially by incorporating 20 new chapters; held their first-ever state convention, and launched the publication of their newspaper, Blueprint, which has the distinction of being the nation’s only College Democratic statewide newspaper.
Recently in Washington D.C., the MCD’s Co-President, Alex Cornell du Houx, was elected as the Development Director for the College Democrats of America.
During the convention students will highlight the successes of the MCD’s past and offer a vision for youth participation in Maine politics.
Anyone is welcome to attend the convention. To become a delegate please register on line at www.mainecollegedems.com/convention or contact one of the convention chairs.
For more information please contact the Convention Chairs Dan Herzberg 612-850-0078 and Anya Trundy, 207-522-4068 or convention@mainecollegedems.com.
Maine College Democrats Rise to National Prominence
August 4th, 2005
BRUNSWICK, ME – The Maine College Democrats were recently honored as “State Federation of the Year” by the College Democrats of America 
Executive Board at the College Democrats National Convention in Washington, DC. Maine College Democrats’ President, Alex Cornell du Houx (Bowdoin ’06), who ran unopposed, was also elected as the College Democrats of America Director of Development.
College Democrats of America President Grant Woodard affirms, “The Maine College Democrats are an example after which all other state federations should model themselves. When the Democratic Party issued a challenge to America’s new generation of voters during the 2004 Presidential Campaign, the Maine College Democrats rose to meet that challenge; organizing a statewide network of campaign volunteers who propelled Kerry to victory in Maine.”
In the past year the Maine College Democrats expanded their presence on Maine’s college campuses exponentially by incorporating 20 new chapters; held their first-ever state convention, and launched the publication of their newspaper The Blueprint, which has the distinction of being the nation’s only College Democratic statewide newspaper.
Cornell du Houx explained that, “This award is a testament to the passion, hard work, and dedication we’ve all invested in the pursuit of our Democratic ideals over the course of the last year. We remain deeply concerned for our collective future and are committed to another successful year.”
Cornell du Houx has been instrumental in building the Maine College Democrats, elevating them to their current level of national standing. “Undoubtedly, Alex will bring the same vision and work ethic to the national organization as he has contributed to the success the Maine College Democrats,” said Maine College Democrats Political Affairs Director Dan Herzberg (Bowdoin ’06).
Maine’s delegates, representing Bates, Bowdoin and Colby Colleges as well as the University of Southern Maine joined over 700 of their fellow campus progressives hailing from blue and red states alike in converging upon the nation’s capital for the convention’s four days of events. Attendees were addressed by such prominent Democrats as Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY), House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), and past and present Democratic National Committee Chairmen Terry McAuliffe and Howard Dean, respectively.
State Co-President Alex Cornell du Houx can be contacted for further comment regarding the College Democrats commendation as “State Federation of the Year” and/or his election as National Director of Development by phone at (207)-319-4511 or by e-mail at cornella@collegedems.com
Bowdoin Joins the Filibuster Frist Campaign
The Bowdoin College Democrats will join Bates College, Colby College, the University of Southern Maine, and University of Maine at Orono to Filibuster Frist and protect the rights of the minority. Bowdoin will begin filibustering at 10:00am on Monday, May 23rd in front of the statue of Joshua L. Chamberlain (between Searles and Wish Theater). 
Two crucial swing votes come from Maine Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins, so this has the potential to be an increibly influential event. Then Bowdoin College Democrats have issued this statement as to why they have become involved in this campaign:
The Bowdoin College Democrats are concerned that the Republican leadership in the senate are willing to overturn over 200 years precedent for short term political ambition that will erode our democracy. The filibuster is a fundamental part of the checks and balances that have protected the people and minority rights in the United States. Under our current system of government the minority is guaranteed certain rights to protect themselves from what Tocqueville described as the “tyranny of the masses.” The Bush administration is power hungry and wants complete control over the all three branches of the government. To do this they plan to pack the courts with radical judges who have a political agenda. Bill Clinton had 60 of his nominations blocked while Bush has only lost 10 of his nominations. It is clear that the Republican leadership has a political agenda in mind that will erode our system of checks and balances and our democracy.
People who are interested in participating in this critical call to action should contact Ben Kreider '05.
If you want to take action but are unable to participate, please contact Senator Susan Collins at (202) 224-2523 and voice opposition to the "nuclear option."
Breakfast With Dennis
May 7, 2005
Cheers and applause erupted from Bowdoin’s Daggett Lounge Saturday morning as Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich delivered an empowering speech to a 
crowd of students, faculty and community members. The “Breakfast with Dennis” event on May 7 drew an audience which not only filled the room over capacity, but also filled the crowd with a new sense of energy and enthusiasm.
Congressman Kucinich, former presidential candidate, mayor of Cleveland, and recipient of the Gandhi Peace Award, delivered a powerful message on the importance of outreach and integrity in the 21st century. Kucinich condemned the Bush administration for waging war in Iraq “not because of a failure of intelligence but a failure of integrity.” In response to a subsequent question regarding America’s relation with the UN, Kucinich stood atop a stone platform towards the back of the room and declared that this is not where America should place itself in relation to the rest of the world.
Kucinich also applied his theme of integrity and progressive thinking to the looming question of social security reform. When asked by the audience for his position on the privatization of social security, Kucinich responded with the idea that social security was never meant to be an investment plan, but rather a form of “insurance for us when we are no longer able to work.” Republicans’ attempts at privatizing social security, as Kucinich outlined, are aimed at destroying one of the most successful programs in American history. Indeed, the allocation of America’s resources from the many to a few is the true meaning of the word “privatization” which the Bush administration camouflages with the doublespeak of “strengthening” social security.
After a prolonged standing ovation, Kucinich directed special attention to the students, urging them to believe in themselves and to stay active in the Democratic Party. In his words, “it can all start with you.”
Bowdoin Students Attend Progressive Caucus
On Thursday April 7 a group of Bowdoin College students attended Maine's Progressive Caucus. The Bowdoin students accounted for almost a fourth of the attendees the Governor expressed his pleasure at seeing them there. Governor John Baldacci spoke on a variety of topics and opened the floor to questions. Questions ranged from the environment to heath care to women's rights. Baldacci noted that the Republican party of Maine is doing everything in their power to blockade any bond package the Governor brings forward to give the appearance Baldacci was unsuccessful. By obstructing the republicans are not hurting him and his re-election, but rather the people of the Maine.
College Democrats Expose Republican Initiative that dilutes the meaning of discrimination.
However, on examination of the bill it’s easy to see that it is simply a political maneuver by the Republican Party, not to create equality, but to advertise and impose their views upon others.
The republicans are creating an imaginary problem for political gain. Both sides have a strong political presence on campuses. In addition, our current laws and regulations are more than adequate to deal with any grievances a student may have.
Students choose to attend college. Students choose if they wish to be affiliated with a political party. Professors deserve the right to maintain their civil liberties by also being able to choose their political party. These are basic liberties granted and guaranteed to all of us under the constitution.
Professors do an excellent job of being objective and the hiring of new professors should be based on their qualifications and teaching ability – not political viewpoint.
Generally, conservatives simply choose not to become professors. *Only six percent of those with a PHD who are applying to become a teacher are conservative.
It’s ironic that the republicans want to dismantle affirmative action, yet when they are the minority they support it for themselves. However, unlike race or gender, being conservative does not carry a history of oppression.
The victims of discrimination deserve our voices defending them from oppression. Being a member of a political party in Maine does not mean you are oppressed. For being a member of a political party is a choice. Anyone can change party affiliation, no one can change who they are at birth.
It’s unfortunate that the Republican Party is more concerned with advancing their political agenda rather than protecting the rights of women and minorities. The Maine Legislature saw through the republicans tactics the LD 1194 was defeated earlier this month.
Second Anniversary of Iraq Invasion Peace March
by Sara Schlotterbeck
On March 19. 2003 at 10:16 P.M., President Bush addressed the nation: “My fellow citizens, at this hour, American and coalition forces are in the early stages of military operation to disarm Iraq, to free its people and to defend the world from grave danger.”
It has been two years since the United States invaded and the “grave danger” Bush spoke of has actually been instigated by U.S. invasion in Iraq. No weapons mass destruction were ever found and Saddam was not connected with 911. Over 1500, service women and men have died and over 10,000 troops have been wounded since the conflict began. Over 5000 troops are unable to return to duty because their wounds are so severe.
Tragically conditions for Iraqi’s are far worse after the invasion. Independent research from the U.K. estimates 100,000 civilians have died in the war, while the Bush administration maintains 10,000 civilians have died. For children, Iraq is also the second worst country to live in worldwide and a majority of Americans now believe Bush should not have invaded Iraq.
On March 20, 2003, I and thousands and thousands of others across the country and across the world skipped school and work to protest the invasion of Iraq that had begun the night before. Two years later on the anniversary of the start of the war, we took to the streets again in overwhelming numbers. According to the United for Peace and Justice website, there were protests this weekend in at least 765 towns and cities in all 50 states, more than double the number of anti-war actions on the first anniversary of the declaration of war. Faith-based communities held vigils in at least 300 locations, the largest faith-based organization against war since Vietnam.
I attended a march and rally in San Francisco on Saturday with Alex Cornell du Houx while we were attending a conference at UC Berkeley. There were thousands of people there despite fears of inclement weather. Many umbrellas were painted with slogans and signs waterproofed with plastic sheets. The protesters were incredibly diverse – people of all ages, races and religions united in opposition to a war that we and a majority of Americans do not believe in.
Marching with us were children, students, labor unions, peace groups, Democratic and Green party representatives, families, women’s groups, religious groups and veterans groups as well as thousands of individuals carrying hand-made signs. People held signs that reflected the diversity of reasons why they were there. Participants carried images of Picasso’s Guernica, American flags, signs calling for cutting military spending and focusing our resources on health care, education and direct criticisms of the Bush administration including a sign that read simply, “Bad plan, dude.”
Attending the protest was an invigorating reaffirmation of our beliefs and activism, as well as a powerful way to speak out against an unjust war that will not be ending anytime soon if we remain silent. You are invited to join Bowdoin Students for Peace at weekly vigils in downtown Brunswick (5:30-6:00 Fridays) and at Peace Action Maine’s “Fools no More” Parade in Portland on April 1st, and make your voice heard as well.
Ohio Press Release
Press Release: February 23, 2005
THE FIGHT FOR OHIO AND THE FUTURE FOR DEMOCRATS
Dr. Binswanger talks to Democrats about the Kerry campaign in Ohio.
Dr. Robert Binswanger, Professor of Public Policy at Dartmouth College and Field Director for the 2004 Kerry campaign in Ohio, talked to 53 members of the Bowdoin Democrats and the Brunswick community on Tuesday, February 22, 2005.
Dr. Binswanger discussed the campaign in Ohio, its organization, its methods, and most importantly, what went right and what can be done in the future to be more effective. Rachel Kaplan, Co-President of the Bowdoin Democrats, noted that the talk was “a really great bridge between the community and college democrats.” The diversity of the audience reflected the cohesion and inclusiveness that Dr. Binswanger strongly advocated the Democratic Party promote.
Dr. Binswanger said the Democratic Party needs to reach out to its base, such as women and minority voters – not just before an election, but everyday. In addition, Dr. Binswanger explained how the campaign process has become oriented towards the younger generation; more electronic, more focused on gathering information, and more creative.
With the youth in mind, Dr. Binswanger had a special message for the College Democrats, or anyone who had strong feelings and ideals; “get involved, stay involved, we need you.”
Vernon Robinson Lecture Response
We write in solidarity with the dozens of students who emailed us throughout the week in outrage, asking us to respond to the mean-spirited, racial means the College Republicans took in promoting their Tuesday speaker- Vernon Robinson.
Many found the rhetoric put forward by the College Republicans offensive and unwarranted. The claim, taken from Vernon Robinson’s website, that “The Only Thing he has in Common with Jesse Jackson is a good TAN,” which was used in the digest, was both divisive and offensive to many. We acknowledge that this and other taglines were meant to shock and incense the Bowdoin community into attending the talk, but we feel that this was not the right way to go about it. In fact, we filled Lancaster Lounge on the same night—an unfortunate scheduling coincidence—with consistently positive and enthusiastic advertising.
We also write to affirm our support for the Africana Studies program. In an illegal, BCC’d campus-wide email, the leaders of the College Republicans wrote that the lecture would be “a perspective you will NOT hear in an Africana Studies class.”
It is unfortunate that the Republicans are willing to be so insensitive in their effort to convince the campus community to attend their events. Yet, the College Republicans have most of all alienated themselves. They have promoted a politician who said in his lecture that liberals are “never willing to defend their country”, offended half of the audience by saying women had no place in the military, and has labeled Black leaders Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton “race hustling poverty pimps”, and Bill Clinton a “serial rapist.”
In the future we look forward to a meaningful and positive discussion. We feel that we should seek common ground on varied perspectives including gender, race and other controversial issues. We recognize the real and persistent forces of racism, injustice, and inequality in this country and hope to be a part of the continuing struggle against them, wishing that one day we are all truly equal as people.
Of course, we respect differing points of view and especially the right to speak one’s mind. However, we do not respect the efforts of organizations like the College Republicans in attempting to turn the opportunity of Black History Month into a political war by inciting division rather than national unity in solving this country’s problems. As both President Bush and John Kerry have said, we must work together to restore America’s splintered sense of purpose by bridging the ideological divides.
Sincerely,
The Bowdoin College Democrats
News
An Alternative View of President Bush's Inauguration: Carolyn M. Johnson
To begin my last semester as a senior at Bowdoin, I attended the 2005
Inauguration of President Bush. Having spent the last year as a
co-leader of the Bowdoin Women's Association, organizing protests
against the policies of the Bush administration and campaigning for
Kerry, the inauguration had the atmosphere of a funeral rather than
victory celebration. All of the hard work - the hundreds of miles
traveled to march for women's rights, the state-wide volunteer-managed
vote drives, the sweep of Maine's four electoral votes by Kerry -
culminated in a grotesque carnival commemorating four...more...years.
[read the full story]
Convention Press
Maine College Democrats held their first annual convention.
The Maine College Democrats were energized by the past election and continue to stay active. They traveled the state to grow from 3 to 21 chapters which stretch from Presq Isle (SP) to the University of Southern Maine. Their dedication was shown at the University of Maine at Orono, where voter turnout increased by over 200 percent and voted for Kerry by 68-29 percent. These results mirrored other state, community and private colleges across Maine.
One of the most exciting events for the Maine College Democrats was their inaugural convention at Bowdoin College. Over 150 students stayed on campus to partake in the first Maine College Democrats Convention in history. Across the nation during the 2004 election season over 1,100 College Democrats Chapters were founded on college campuses and Maine was in the forefront of that movement.
“There was an energy and excitement about the election and it engaged a lot of students,” said Political Science and Women Studies major Bree Dallinga Co-President of the Bowdoin and Maine College Democrats. “We felt that we could make a difference, we still do.” Dallinga worked tirelessly to get other colleges to attend the two day event where students were treated to lectures, presentations, trainings, and speeches.
Frank Chi who served as the convention- chair said it took two months preparation to organize the event. “Our enrollment went from eighth to three-hundred and sixty during that time. The issues speak to us. Only three out of every ten college students are now finding jobs when they graduate and Bush is destroying federal loans and grants that help pay for college.”
“It was great to see students engaged in the political process. Their energy, enthusiasm and commitment are exciting,” said Key-note speaker Governor John Baldacci, “It’s contagious.” The Governor talked about how Maine is moving forward despite the Bush Administration’s policies and his experiences when he was a college student starting out in politics. He encouraged his audience by telling them that they are the future.
“I was impressed by the Governor,” said programs co-chair Dawn Riebeling, “I’m so glad he took the time, to come and talk to us. He’s helping Maine while Bush has the worst environmental record in recent history.”
Congressman Tom Allen, a Bowdoin alumni, gave an hour long fire side talk to the students and stressed that the lack of universal health care in America is eroding our economy, the surplus the federal government had when President Clinton left office has turned into a seven- trillion dollar debt, and that the war in Iraq is “disastrous.” In his opinion the major difference between parities is that one believes in, “community and the common good,” while the other is focused on, “individualism, and materialism.”
Congressman Mike Michaud spoke about the challenges he faces in Washington D.C. under a Republican President and Congress. “We can’t allow social security to be dismantled, we can’t allow the needs of our Veterans to go unheeded,“ he stated.
Curtis Bateman, a Bowdoin senior, who attended the Bowdoin convention used to be a Republican. “After 9-11 I was afraid and I needed a sense of security so I trusted in the President. I used to defend his position to all my friends.” But when President Bush made cut backs that affected Arcadia Park Bateman “woke up,” as he put it. “I spent my childhood summers at Arcadia. How Bush has rolled back environment protection just doesn’t make sense. In fact I now see that nothing he does makes sense.”
Though the convention was obviously partisan the Bowdoin Democrats offered to partner with the Bowdoin Republicans to get out the vote. “The most important thing was to get students involved in the political process,” said Alex Cornell du Houx Co-President of the Bowdoin and Maine College Democrats who was the key organizer of the convention. Over 75% of the students at Bowdoin are Democrats.
All the speakers at the convention installed a sense of confidence that the Democrats in every level of government will build a stronger America and help those who are being harmed by the Bush administration.
“Having the convention brought us together from across Maine. It strengthened our commitment to fight for what is right. There are so many injustices taking place due to Bush’s polices. We won’t sit by, we will fight. Right now we’re gearing up for the 2006 elections,” said Cornell du Houx.
The political process has been invigorated on the Bowdoin College Campus because of the commitment of a new generation of Democrats.
