2008 Woodie Awards
Students establish rightist book club
CAROLYN CRIST
Issue date: 8/28/08 Section: News
For those who think the University campus is too liberal-leaning, a new student organization can help expand knowledge of ideology.
When: 6 p.m. Sunday
Where: SLC by Jittery Joe's
Several students have started a conservative book club called "Up from Liberalism," named after the first book being read.
The book, written by William F. Buckley, is sparking the groups' discussion of conservatism.
"We get together and read books and articles about conservatism, talk about current issues, how conservatism is progressing and was formed, what we can do now and how it can improve," said Ian Gunn, a sophomore from New Orleans.
The group met once last spring and now will meet once a month on Sundays in the Student Learning Center.
Buckley, founder of the political magazine National Review, "in a way started the conservative movement," Gunn said. "When he graduated from Yale and wrote 'God and Man at Yale,' talking about the liberal side of Yale, it launched his career because it was so controversial and got publicity."
Gunn said the group is starting with the same idea to "cover the underrepresented conservative side on campus."
Although several members of the group are active College Republicans, he said many members of the group "heard different students across campus express the desire to see more avenues to get involved and learn about conservativism. Some aren't politically active but are interested in learning about different ideologies and discussions."
Kristin Bernhard, vice chair of the group, said it gives her a way to examine the writing of the conservative movement.
"For me it's really important that what I believe is backed up by as much reading and research as possible. It gives a 'why' to explain when I say I'm conservative."
The group initially worked with the Intercollegiate Studies Institute to get started on campus and is also supported by the Leadership Institute of Alexandria, Va., which trains representatives across the country to start conservative student groups and newspapers.
UP FROM LIBERALISM
What: Conservative book clubWhen: 6 p.m. Sunday
Where: SLC by Jittery Joe's
Several students have started a conservative book club called "Up from Liberalism," named after the first book being read.
The book, written by William F. Buckley, is sparking the groups' discussion of conservatism.
"We get together and read books and articles about conservatism, talk about current issues, how conservatism is progressing and was formed, what we can do now and how it can improve," said Ian Gunn, a sophomore from New Orleans.
The group met once last spring and now will meet once a month on Sundays in the Student Learning Center.
Buckley, founder of the political magazine National Review, "in a way started the conservative movement," Gunn said. "When he graduated from Yale and wrote 'God and Man at Yale,' talking about the liberal side of Yale, it launched his career because it was so controversial and got publicity."
Gunn said the group is starting with the same idea to "cover the underrepresented conservative side on campus."
Although several members of the group are active College Republicans, he said many members of the group "heard different students across campus express the desire to see more avenues to get involved and learn about conservativism. Some aren't politically active but are interested in learning about different ideologies and discussions."
Kristin Bernhard, vice chair of the group, said it gives her a way to examine the writing of the conservative movement.
"For me it's really important that what I believe is backed up by as much reading and research as possible. It gives a 'why' to explain when I say I'm conservative."
The group initially worked with the Intercollegiate Studies Institute to get started on campus and is also supported by the Leadership Institute of Alexandria, Va., which trains representatives across the country to start conservative student groups and newspapers.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 20
George Lazenby
posted 8/28/08 @ 6:56 AM EST
What are they going to read? "In Defense of Internment?" "Treason?" "Mein Kampf?"
jay
posted 8/28/08 @ 8:09 AM EST
Right, George, because being a conservative equals being a Nazi. Get your dailykos.com email a little early today?
Also, you sucked as James Bond. (Continued…)
John C.
posted 8/28/08 @ 9:06 AM EST
I don't know. What does the liberal book club read? "Hypocrisy: A Self-Analysis"? "Flip-Flop: Strategies for People Who Can't Win Elections"? "Abortion For Dummies"?
Nick White
posted 8/28/08 @ 10:03 AM EST
"cover the underrepresented conservative side on campus?"
Isn't college republicans the largest chapter in the country?
During my time at UGA Conservatives were anything but underrepresented. (Continued…)
jeff gungrey
posted 8/28/08 @ 10:45 AM EST
Just because one is a member of the College Republicans doesn't mean one is a conservative. As Mr. McCain has shown with his record, you can be a Republican in name and not a conservative in thought. (Continued…)
This is rich.
posted 8/28/08 @ 11:49 AM EST
Thank you Jesus. It's about time that the "underrepresented" conservatives on this campus finally had a voice.
Are you kidding me? Have you ever left this state? UGA is definitely the most conservative public University I have ever seen in my life. (Continued…)
Peter Wallens
posted 8/28/08 @ 12:42 PM EST
Sounds like a great group. Definitely needed at UGA. I can probably count the conservative professors on one hand.
zaid
posted 8/28/08 @ 4:28 PM EST
"
Gunn said the group is starting with the same idea to "cover the underrepresented conservative side on campus."
This reminds me of the moment in the Simpsons movie when Mr. (Continued…)
Ste
posted 8/28/08 @ 4:46 PM EST
If liberals establish a similar club, will the headline read "Students Establish Leftist Book Club"?
Greg
posted 8/29/08 @ 12:31 AM EST
It's refreshing to see that liberals still don't know how to properly make arguments.
This is rich: Mr. Gunn is actually from Louisiana (and thus HAS left the state). (Continued…)
Post a Comment