GOP @ Oberlin

2006-11-11T13:28:00.000-05:00

November 9, 2006
Meeting of the Oberlin College Republicans
MINUTES

Present: M. Burke, A. Lint, E. Strathmann, M. Brooks, J. Bruno, D. Sweet, D. Riczo, R. Randall

I. T-Shirt Committee
- JB asked for volunteers who would be willing to help get CRs t-shirts designed
- DR volunteered to suggest designs
- M. Brooks and M. Burke volunteered to find printing firm and order the shirts
- JB and DR will bring three possible designs to next meeting and members will vote

II. RRPLS Committee
- AL and ES volunteered to generate list of possible speakers for RRPLS, Spring 2007
- Committee will report list of ~10 possibilities at next meeting
- Members will vote on favorites; JB will discuss options with sponsor

III. Veterans Day
- JB asked whether anybody would like to do anything for Veterans Day; noted parade and service at LaGrange Veterans Park
- AL suggested doing something on campus to counteract military-bashing
- JB suggested putting up "Freedom's Source" placards from YAF
- MB, AL, JB volunteered to meet and put up posters on Saturday, 10:30am, Wilder Lobby

IV. Kate Obenshain Griffin Lecture
- Dinner invitations will be sent soon
- JB passed out posters; asked members to please put them up soon around campus
- Volunteers to help with logistics: ES and DR will help set up West Lecture Hall; MB will help clean up afterwards

V. WT Kenya Trip
- JB mentioned Oberlin student group's request for funding for WT volunteer trip to Kenya
- DR and others expressed sentiment that this is a great cause
- MB, JB, and others suggested that the CRs limited resources should be spent only on things that relate directly to our mission of advancing conservatism on campus
- Consensus against granting any funding

2006-11-11T13:23:00.000-05:00

October 26, 2006
Meeting of the Oberlin College Republicans
MINUTES

Present: J. Bruno, M. Burke, E. Strathmann, D. Riczo, D. Sweet, A. Lint, T. Ares, T. Hall, Guests: J. Gonzalez, B. Hall

I. Welcome Back
- Members discussed their Fall Break activities

II. Bill Kristol Lecture
- JB handed out posters and asked members to help put them up
- ES also asked members to "talk up" the lecture with their friends and classmates
- JB mentioned that dinner invitations would go out soon; based on meeting attendance

III. OPAL Iraq Forum
- TA will speak for the CRs about the War in Iraq
- Forum is Saturday, 3pm, Wilder 101
- JB asked other members to come in support of TA

IV. Wal-Mart Trip!
- Meet 9pm Friday night in Wilder Lobby
- BH suggested filming the trip; JB will call manager and ask

2006-11-11T13:14:00.000-05:00

October 12, 2006
Meeting of the Oberlin College Republicans
MINUTES

Present: J. Bruno, D. Riczo, L. Murphy, T. Ares, M. Brooks, E. Strathmann, D. Sweet, A. Lint

I. Recap of Thursday's Lecture
- Members discussed Pat Michaels lecture
- Good turnout, very active audience
- JB thanked CRs for help with posters, etc.

II. Planning for William Kristol Lecture
- Need to start postering after Fall Break
- Will send dinner invitations after break, as well
- AL suggested handing out small flyers at Convocation lectures

III. Other Programs
- Members discussed organizing further movie nights
- MB suggested a trip to the new Wal-Mart in Oberlin

IV. OPAL Iraq Forum
- JB announced that the Oberlin Peace Activist League has asked the CRs to participate in a student forum on the Iraq War
- TA volunteered to speak for the CRs

2006-09-28T22:22:00.000-05:00

September 28, 2006
Meeting of the Oberlin College Republicans
MINUTES

Present: J. Bruno, M. Brooks, T. Ares, M. Burke, R. Chester, E. Strathmann, L. Murphy, Guest: Deborah (OPIRG)

I. Welcome & Introductions

II. OPIRG Invitation
- Deborah from OPIRG invited members of the CRs to help out with voter registration canvassing in college dorms
- Members interested in signing up may contact Deborah at deborah@ohiopirgstudents.org

III. Other Opportunities to Get Involved
- JB reported that Lorain County Board of Elections is looking to hire Republican poll workers to work on Election Day
- Interested members may call (440) 326-5910
- Must be a registered Republican in Lorain County to qualify
- Martha Wise campaign: CRs interested may join the State Senate candidate's literature drop in Oberlin on Sunday, October 8, 1-3pm

IV. Brown VS. DeWine Debate on 'Meet the Press'
- JB reported that on Sunday, October 1, Senate candidates Brown and DeWine will debate on 'Meet the Press'
- All interested may come to East Hall (1st floor TV lounge) at 1:00pm

V. Postering/Advertising for Pat Michaels Lecture
- JB reported that many posters have been torn down, covered up, or defaced
- JB encouraged members to "maintain" their posters -- keep an eye out for other flyers covering them up; make sure lecture advertisements are visible
- M. Brooks & M. Burke volunteered to ask professors to announce lecture in class
- ES and JB volunteered to hand out flyers at Convocation lecture

VI. Article Discussion
- MB led discussion on 'California Retro' article by Patrick J. Michaels

2006-09-25T21:29:00.000-05:00

September 21, 2006
Meeting of the Oberlin College Republicans
MINUTES

Present: T. Ares, J. Bruno, D. Sweet, L. Murphy, M. Burke, A. Lint, E. Strathmann, S. Malik, R. Randall, E. White

I. Welcome & Introductions

II. Elections
- Vice President:
a. Candidates: E. Strathmann & A. Lint
b. E. Strathmann elected 6-3
- Treasurer:
a. Candidates: M. Brooks
b. M. Brooks elected 7-1 (one write-in for T. Ares)

III. Advertising for First RRPLS Lecture
- JB suggested doing posters
- MB suggested using Facebook to invite friends
- ES suggested announcing event in classes
- EW suggested handing out flyers at E. Kolbert Convocation lecture
- JB suggested e-mailing Environmental Studies students and professors

IV. Help with Martha Wise Campaign
- JB will contact Wise campaign manager about helping with a literature drop around Oberlin in early October
- AL and others expressed interest in helping out

V. Pizza Night Tomorrow
- JB announced pizza night & showing of documentary on Friday, 9/22

VI. Article Discussion
- Led by DS: "In Politics, Aim for the Heart, Not the Head," Washington Post, 9/18/06

2006-09-14T21:32:00.000-05:00

September 14, 2006
Meeting of the Oberlin College Republicans
MINUTES

Present: D. Sweet, T. Ares, M. Brooks, R. Randall, E. Strathmann, L. Murphy, J. Bruno, T. Hall, Guests (L. Stevens & M. Wise)

I. Welcome & Introductions
- All those present gave short introductions

II. Martha Wise for State Senate
- LS and MW make some remarks about Mrs. Wise's candidacy for State Senate in Oberlin's district
- MW is running in a close race for an open seat
- Volunteer opportunities for CRs: Walking list, literature drops, internships, etc.

III. Regular Meeting Times
- CRs will meet weekly on Thursday evenings at 8:30pm in Wilder TBA.

IV. Plan/Format for Future Meetings
- JB suggested the following format for meetings:
(Part 1): Discuss important logistical information related to CRs activities, programs, etc.
(Part 2): One member reads column or other piece of writing and the group discusses
(Part 3): Occasionally, this will be followed by a documentary showing (with food!)

V. Officer Elections
- JB reported that elections for two vacant officer positions will be held at the next meeting
- MB nominated herself for Treasurer, noted experience
- RR nominated ES for Vice President, ES accepted nomination

VI. Update on Activities
- 9/11 Memorial went over well, covered in Lorain Morning Journal
- First RRPLS speaker will be Pat Michaels on 10/5

VII. Next Meeting
- Thursday, September 21, 2006, 8:30pm
- DS volunteered to choose and read column/article for discussion

2006-09-07T22:32:00.000-05:00

September 7, 2006
Meeting of the Oberlin College Republicans
MINUTES

Present: T. Hall, E. Strathman, R. Randall, T. Ares, J. Bruno, D. Hill, Evan, A. Lint, D. Sweet, M. Burke, Guests (Matt from OSU CRs, Jim Gemelas, Jeff Csokmay)

I. Introductions
- All those present gave short introductions

II. Background
- JB provided background and history on CRs at Oberlin, including main activities during recent semesters

III. 9/11 Memorial
- CRs will create memorial for 5-Year Anniversary of September 11 attacks
- Memorial will consist of almost 3,000 small flags (one for each life lost in the attacks) placed in Wilder Bowl
- Also, post flyers donated by Young America's Foundation
- Connections Fair to be held the same day (4:30-6:00pm) in Wilder Bowl; CRs will have a table available
- Set-up of memorial will begin at around 5:00am on Monday, 9/11/06

IV. Ideas for Fall Activites
- Matt from OSU suggested working on elections
- JG and JC suggested ways to get involved with local candidates and the local GOP organization
- JB suggested celebrating important dates in conservative history (Reagan's birth, etc.), showing conservative documentaries, working to get out the vote in Avon and other GOP-leaning areas

V. Ronald Reagan Political Lectureship Series
- Planned for Fall semester: Patrick J. Michaels on 10/5, William Kristol on 11/2, Kate Obenshain Griffin on 11/15
- Ideas for spring? Current member can get involved in deciding

VI. Next Meeting
- To be held Thursday, September 14
- At that meeting, the group will decide when and how often to meet for the remainder of the semester.

2006-05-11T12:03:00.000-05:00

May 10, 2006
Meeting of the Oberlin College Republicans
MINUTES

Present: J. Bruno, B. Garrett, T. Hall, D. Hill, S. Lacki, D. Riczo

I. T-Shirts
- BG reported that there was a problem in the ordering process, but that everything seems to be on track now, and the CRs will continue with our order this semester
- JB suggested that if the CRs have funds remaining, it would make sense for order more t-shirts than we need at the moment, so we have them available next year

II. Possible Speakers for Next Year
- JB suggested the following speakers:
- Ben Stein ($25,000)
- Joe Scarborough ($18,000)
- Peter Schweizer ($3,000 - $5,000)
- Patrick Clawson (OC '73), Iran policy expert
- Jan Ting (OC '70), Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Delaware
- TH suggested John Stossel

III. Other Program Ideas for Next Year
- JB recapped ideas previously discussed: voter registration (perhaps in Republican-dominated towns/precincts), recruitment events
- BG suggested holding visible events linked to important events related to conservatism (e.g. celebrate birthday of President Reagan)
- BG suggested advertising the group's website
- TH suggested holding events related to environmentalism because of strong student interest; suggested speaker Patrick Michaels (UVa Climatologist), possibly to debate Oberlin Prof. David Orr

IV. Elections
- JB ran for President for Fall 2006, DR ran for Secretary for Fall 2006
- Both elected unanimously

V. Party
- JB suggested holding an end-of-year party for active CRs and to thank our VP and graduating member BG for all his hard work throughout the year
- Tentatively scheduled for May 20

2006-05-04T14:24:00.000-05:00

May 3, 2006
Meeting of the Oberlin College Republicans
MINUTES

Present: J. Bruno, B. Garrett

I. End-of-Year Party
- JB suggested that the CRs get together around the end of the year to celebrate our successful semester and say thanks to graduating members

II. T-Shirts
- BG reported that he had contacted the firm that the CRs are using, but said that he had not yet heard back about our order.

III. Speakers for Next Year
- BG suggested that it would be great if the CRs could set its speaker series schedule before the beginning of the year, so the group could advertise the entire series at the beginning of the year, not unlike how the college's Convocation Series is advertised.
- JB and BG brainstormed ideas for speakers. Possible names were: Ben Stein, Joe Scarborough, Steve Largent, Mark Steyn, Daniel Pipes, Peter Schweizer, and others.

2006-04-26T19:38:00.000-05:00

April 26, 2006
Meeting of the Oberlin College Republicans
MINUTES

Present: J. Bruno, D. Riczo, S. Lacki

I. Death Penalty Debate
- Debate will take place tomorrow (Thursday, April 27) at 8:00 p.m. in West Lecture Hall
- JB reported that Concert Sound will be recording the debate, assuming the participants are willing to allow that
- After the event, the recording will be made available as a podcast on the CRs website

II. John Fund Event
- JB reported for BG that the Ronald Reagan Political Lectureship Series will continue next Tuesday (May 2) with Wall Street Journal editorial writer John Fund
- Any CRs who are interested are invited to dinner with Mr. Fund at 5:45 p.m. the day of the lecture at Weia Teia; e-mail BG as soon as possible if interested
- DR and JB will distribute quarter-sheet flyers in dining halls on the day of the event

III. T-Shirts
- JB reported on behalf of BG that there is a college-approved t-shirt company in Lorain; the CRs will use this firm
- JB asked for ideas about shirt design, suggesting maroon-colored shirts with the CRs logo on the front and something on the back
- DR suggested "The Best Party on Campus!" for the back of the t-shirts
- SL called this "entertaining" and it was agreed upon
- BG will place order as soon as possible

IV. Lorain County GOP Pizza Party
- DR and JB will attend tomorrow (Thursday, Apri l 27), leaving Oberlin just before 4:30 p.m.
- CRs have 2-4 extra tickets, so JB will offer those spaces to students on the group's e-mail list

V. Recruitment Ideas
- JB suggested that the CRs must do a lot of recruitment to get freshmen and other underclassmen members next fall
- DR suggested using flyers and posters in unique, eye-catching locations
- JB suggested using e-mail and maintaining a strong presence in and around Wilder during first-year orientation

VI. Elections for Next Fall
- JB suggested that elections for officer positions for next semester should be held sometime soon (probably at the next CRs meeting)
- JB will sound out an e-mail to the group's mailing list
- Four positions will be available: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer

2006-04-20T22:19:00.000-05:00

April 20, 2006
Meeting of the Oberlin College Republicans
MINUTES

Present: J. Bruno, B. Garrett, D. Riczo, A. Rogers (CRNC Visitor)

I. CRNC Visitor
- Ashley Rogers of the College Republican National Committee met with the group to talk about our efforts and plans for next fall and Election '06.
- AR provided ideas for recruitment and voter registration efforts, and offered the group some materials for publicity.
- AR commented on our nice website.

II. Debate On Capital Punishment
- Thursday, April 27, 2006, 8:00 p.m.
- West Lecture Hall.
- CRs Speaker (from Ohio AG's Office) will argue in favor of capital punishment.
- Debate will be recorded and possibly filmed.

III. Update on Ronald Reagan Political Lectureship Series
- John Fund will be speaking May 2 in West Lecture Hall.
- Flyers will be done soon.
- Will try to get the lecture recorded for our records and to make available online.

IV. Lorain County GOP Pizza Party
- Party to be held in Lorain, OH on April 27.
- D. Arredondo gave us four tickets when he visited last week.
- JB, DR, and BG will attend, and will invite one other CR.

V. T-Shirts
- Discussed T-Shirts.
- BG will do more research and report back next week.

VI. OCIR Statement
- Oberlin Coalition for Im/migrant Right (OCIR) asked the CRs to sign on to their statement on immigration reform.
- Statement reads, in part, "We oppose racist and xenophobic legislation, such as the recent HR4437, which criminalizes im/migrants..."
- JB expressed that the GOP, too, is against "racist and xenophobic legislation," but stressed that (although the Oberlin CRs have no official position on the bill) HR4437 would make it a felony not to have immigrated, but to have immigrated illegally. That very important distinction was never made in the OCIR statement.
- CRs voted unanimously not to sign on to the statement.

2006-04-05T19:59:00.000-05:00

April 5 2006
Meeting of the Oberlin College Republicans
MINUTES

Present: J. Bruno, B. Garrett, D. Riczo, S. Lacki, A. Holter (USO Visitor), D. Fisher (USO Visitor)

I. Support Our Troops Drive
- Drive ended Sunday, March 19.
- All collected donations given to the USO of Northern Ohio today.
- Thanks to the USO for all their help with the event.

II. Update on Ronald Reagan Political Lectureship Series
- John Fund will be speaking May 2 in West Lecture Hall.
- Flyers will be done next week.

III. David Arredondo Visit
- David Arredondo, Chair of the Lorain Area Republican Party, will be coming to give a talk on Wednesday, April 12, at our regular meeting time of 7:30pm.
- Will make and post flyers this weekend to advertise the lecture, entitled "The Republican Party--A History of Freedom and Civil Rights."
- Talk will last about 30-35 minutes, and then we'll have a Q&A session.

IV. Death Penalty Debate
- JB reported that Matt Hellman, Ohio Attorney General's Office, has agreed to participate in the debate.
- Provisionally scheduled for Thursday, April 20, 8pm.
- Still waiting for confirmation from the ACLU's speaker.
- Will try to get West Lecture Hall.

V. New Iraq Policy Position
- The following policy position was unanimously approved:

The CRs believe that success in Iraq is attainable, and that U.S. forces should remain on the ground until two main conditions are met. First, a strong and legitimate democratic government must be formed. Second, the day-to-day security situation must be left in the hands of a well-trained and adept Iraqi police force or military. In order for these goals to be met, civilian policymakers must direct the U.S. military to learn from its mistakes, and to adapt its operations to meet the challenges of the insurgent enemy. Emphasis must be placed on enabling the new Iraqi government, along with that nation's armed forces, to provide protection and basic services to ordinary citizens. The United States must provide the training and resources necessary to make these goals achievable. At home, policymakers charged with crafting America's strategy in the war must develop a comprehensive plan for success and, with it, the eventual withdrawal of U.S. combat forces from Iraq.

VI. Other Business
- "Emancipation Revelation Revolution" Documentary not available until June.
- CRs should obtain a copy and screen it next fall.
- T-Shirts: BG will look into getting t-shirts for the group.
- Budget for next year: JB and BG will create a budget to submit to SFC this weekend.
- Monday, April 10, 12 noon, West Lecture Hall: Harvard economist Benjamin M. Friedman will give a lecture on "The Moral Consequences of Economic Growth." Everyone should be there!

2006-03-22T20:58:00.000-05:00

March 22, 2006 Meeting of the Oberlin College Republicans
MINUTES

Present: J. Bruno, B. Garrett, D. Riczo

I. Support Our Troops Drive
- Drive ended last Sunday, March 19.
- JB and BG collected donations held at Gibson's, Ben Franklin, and Missler's, and dropped off certificates of appreciation for these businesses.
- During the week after spring break, the CRs organization will make its own donation for the drive -- JB and BG will make purchases.
- USO of Northern Ohio has expressed a desire to meet the CRs, in appreciation of our effort with this event.
- Two representatives will likely attend the next CRs meeting, Wednesday, April 5, and pick up all donations at that time.

II. Update on Ronald Reagan Political Lectureship Series
- BG reported that John Fund (http://www.opinionjournal.com/diary/) will be coming to speak on Tuesday, May 2. S. Shapiro will attend.
- Probably will not be any other speakers for the series this semester.

III. David Arredondo Visit
- David Arredondo, Chair of the Lorain Area Republican Party, will be coming to address the CRs on Wednesday, April 12, at our regular meeting time of 7:30pm.
- Will post flyers after spring break to advertise the lecture, entitled "The Republican Party--A History of Freedom and Civil Rights."

IV. Death Penalty Debate
- JB reported difficulty in finding a qualified speaker to articulate a pro-capital punishment stance in a debate with attorneys invited by the Oberlin ACLU.
- Two possible leads: prosecutor or other staff member from the Office of the Attorney General of the State of Ohio, and Rep. Bob Latta (R), Chair of the Ohio House Criminal Justice Committee. Waiting to hear back from both; will advise.
- BG suggested trying to contact the Buckeye Institute.

V. Vice President Election
- BG unanimously elected Vice President; will retain Treasurer position as well.

VI. Documentary Screening
- Patrick Henry Center suggested screening a documentary entitled "Emancipation Revelation Revolution" about black conservatives and the stereotype that all blacks vote Democrat.
- PHC unable to lend the video, but JB will look into purchasing a copy so the CRs can screen it.

VII. New Iraq Policy Position
- JB proposed a new official CRs position on the War in Iraq.
- Discussion of proposed statement took place; two changes made.
- Current version of proposed position, to be voted for approval on Wednesday, April 5:

"The CRs believe that success in Iraq is attainable, and that U.S. forces should remain on the ground until two main conditions are met. First, a strong and legitimate democratic government must be formed. Second, the day-to-day security situation must be left in the hands of a well-trained and adept Iraqi police force or military. In order for these goals to be met, civilian policymakers must direct the U.S. military to learn from its mistakes, and to adapt its operations to meet the challenges of the insurgent enemy. Emphasis must be placed on enabling the new Iraqi government, along with that nation's armed forces, to provide protection and basic services to ordinary citizens. The United States must provide the training and resources necessary to make these goals achievable. At home, policymakers charged with crafting America's strategy in the war must develop a comprehensive plan for success and, with it, the eventual withdrawal of U.S. combat forces from Iraq."

VIII. Other Business
- DR reported participating in the student debt taskforce meeting that took place last week.
- Other students were generally receptive to DR's ideas, and a statement will be submitted for approval soon.
- Budget stuff: budget proposal for SFC must be prepared soon after break. JB reported attending SFC meeting on policies for 2006-2007 cycle. BG and JB will collaborate on the budget process.
- T-Shirts: BG will look into getting t-shirts for the group.

2006-03-15T22:01:00.000-05:00

March 15, 2006
Meeting of the Oberlin College Republicans
MINUTES

Present: J. Bruno, D. Riczo, S. Lacki, D. McHugh

I. Big Parade
- The CRs have been invited to participate in the Big Parade by decorating a float, by walking in the parade with a banner, etc. Discussion essentially ended at the decision that it would be fun to participate, but that it shouldn't be a priority, or come before organizing speakers or other programs.

II. Update on Support Our Troops Drive
- Drive ends this Sunday, March 19.
- JB will be in Wilder on Saturday, March 18, 2-4pm collecting donations.
- CRs could use volunteers to table at Missler's on Saturday, as well.
- Will make certificates of appreciation for our business partners in this community service project: Gibson's, Ben Franklin, and Missler's.
- Will pick up all donations from the stores on Monday, March 20 and will drive them out to the USO to donate.

III. Update on Ronald Reagan Political Lectureship Series
- BG reported by e-mail that John Fund (http://www.opinionjournal.com/diary/) will be coming to speak on Tuesday, May 2.
- May try to get one other speaker in addition before the end of the semester.

IV. David Arredondo to Visit
- David Arredondo, Chair of the Lorain Area Republican Party, will be coming to address the CRs on Wednesday, April 12, at our regular meeting time of 7:30pm.
- Will post flyers to advertise the lecture, entitled "The Republican Party--A History of Freedom and Civil Rights."

V. Death Penalty Debate
- JB reported that the CRs were hoping to work with Oberlin ACLU to participate in a debate on capital punishment.
- CRs would bring in an attorney to argue a pro-death penalty stance; no members present raised concerns, though it was noted that the CRs have adopted no official position on capital punishment.
- No success thus far in finding an attorney interested and willing to participate; will advise.

VI. Documentary Screening
- Patrick Henry Center suggested screening a documentary entitled "Emancipation Revelation Revolution" about black conservatives and the stereotype that all blacks vote Democrat.
- PHC will lend us the video for the screening, at no cost.
- Hope to hold screening in April, after spring break.

VII. Other Business
- Election for vacant Vice President position to be held next meeting.
- BG only current candidate.

2006-03-08T20:32:00.000-05:00

March 8, 2006
Meeting of the Oberlin College Republicans
MINUTES

Present: J. Bruno, B. Garrett, D. Riczo

I. Visitor from Ohio PIRG
- Spoke about Commission on Higher Education, requested that a representative of the CRs participate in OPIRG's Task Force on the issue, meeting on March 15. DR may be able to participate.

II. Update on Support Our Troops Drive
- JB will check in with Ben Franklin and Gibson's this week to see if we need to pick up any donations.
- Tabling in basement of Wilder went well on Monday and Tuesday; AF and NN were a great help and passed out a bunch of flyers.
- Short article about the drive appeared in the March 7 issue of the Oberlin News-Tribune.
- Need volunteers to accept donations in Wilder Lobby, Saturday, March 11, 2-4 p.m. and/or at Ben Franklin or Missler's.
- JB will send out an e-mail asking for volunteers.

III. Update on Ronald Reagan Political Lectureship Series
- BG reported that we are honing in on a date for John Fund to come speak, likely in early May.
- May try to get one other speaker in addition before the end of the semester.

IV. Patrick Henry Center Suggestions
- JB reported suggestions for: Malkin follow-up event, advertisement in the Oberlin Review, and formation of conservative student group.
- Discussion suggested that the timing isn't right for either a Malkin follow-up event or the proposed advertisement. If students are interested in forming a conservative group, the CRs encourage that, but members and leadership should be focusing efforts on the Oberlin College Republicans, and not on forming additional organizations.

V. National Conservative Student Conference 2006 (YAF)
- JB suggested that interested members look into attending the Young America Foundation's conference this summer, taking place July 30 - August 5 at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
- If funds are available at the end of the semester, CRs may be able to help support registration fees, etc.

VI. Charter Revision
- Charter revisions approved on March 1, 2006 took effect immediately.
- Thus we have a vacant officer positions: Vice President; vacancy was officially announced; BG declared candidacy.

VII. T-Shirts
- CRs should make t-shirts, as suggested at the first meeting of the semester.
- BG will look in to possible vendors, designs/slogans for the shirt, etc.

VIII. Blog
- CRs now have an account on Blogger.com. Will be used to post letters written by CRs members or officers to campus publications, meeting minutes, other commentary.
-Any time a member wishes to write an opinion piece, e-mail it to JB to be posted on the CRs blog.

IX. Other Business
- D. Arredondo may be interested in coming to a meeting to speak about the history of the Republican Party, other topics; BG will forward information to JB.
- JB expressed hope that in future years CRs will have a huge elephant float in the Big Parade.
- Baldwin-Wallace College Republicans will host Star Parker in a speaking event on Thursday, March 16, 8pm. JB will send e-mail to see if members interested in organizing a group to attend.

2006-03-04T01:53:00.000-05:00

Letter to the editor of the Oberlin Review, sent Feb. 23, 2006:

To the Editors:

On Wednesday, February 15, the Oberlin College Republicans (with the generous support of alumnus Steven Shapiro and others) brought conservative columnist and writer Michelle Malkin (OC ’92) to campus. Ms. Malkin spoke about the “unhinged” and hypocritical elements of the political left, and did the service of bringing attention to one aspect of the existing political landscape that has otherwise been conveniently ignored at Oberlin.

After the event, in his sardonic letter of February 17, “Campus Dialogue is Tiring,” Lee Rubenstein made a variety of brash assertions about the objectives and actions of our organization, including that the College Republicans (CRs) are “creating a conservative/liberal binary that portrays liberals as idiot freedom haters.” His body of evidence: an event flyer.

While I am pleased that Mr. Rubenstein put such thought into examining our advertisements, I’m afraid he missed the point.

Mr. Rubenstein writes that the CRs are “sick and tired of all the dialogue on this campus.” While perhaps an attractive fantasy to some, I can not think of a notion more overwhelmingly contradicted by the facts. To my knowledge, our organization has done more than any other in recent semesters to bring to campus points of view outside the realm of status quo political discussion at Oberlin. By ensuring that conservative ideas get exposure on campus, the CRs have made a vital contribution to the robustness of debate here, and the record demonstrates this plainly.

Mr. Rubenstein also writes about the choice of the CRs to use University of Colorado Professor Ward Churchill on one of its flyers to illustrate (as Ms. Malkin did in her new book) this “unhinged” element of the left. Though the underlying logic is unclear, he thereby deduces that the CRs believe that all liberals “[like] to rationalize the brutal murder of thousands of people,” as Mr. Churchill did, and that respect for terrorism is “typical” of liberals. The fact is, these are the words of Mr. Rubenstein, and neither the CRs nor our guest Michelle Malkin ever stated or implied such a ludicrous thing.

Near the end of his letter, Mr. Rubenstein points his finger at members of the CRs for isolating themselves in “the echo chamber.” The characterization is absurd, and the presence of an outspoken group of conservatives has only gone to counter the echoes that might otherwise deafen Oberlin.

Jonathan Bruno
President
Oberlin College Republicans