Ripon College Days

Gaffney [Click to enlarge]

Ripon College continues to promote political awareness by bringing in speaker Frank Gaffney.

Gaffney, a former assistant secretary of defense for Ronald Reagan will discuss national security policies April 21 at 11:15 a.m. in Great Hall. Tickets are needed for the event and can be requested from the SMAC office.

"It is an excellent opportunity for students because we are of the voting age which means our opinion matters, and we should be educated on the issues," says Lacy Rourke, junior and co-chair of the SMAC contemporary issues committee.

Gaffney's speech will center on his recently published book, "War Footing: 10 Steps America Must Take to Prevail in the War for the Free World."

A book signing will take place from 10:45 to 11:15 a.m., and a short question and answer period will follow his speech.

Sponsors hope Gaffney's political insider status will allow him to offer new insight on the war.

"Since we are just part of the general public, we don't have enough access to the nitty gritty decision making," says Rourke. "Frank Gaffney's appearance will give people a better idea about why things are the way they are."

This information could have lasting effects on students given the enduring nature of the war.

"[Gaffney's appearance] will benefit students because they will become more educated on the topic of national security, and we're going to have to live with the war on terror for probably the rest of our lives," says senior Andy Kitslaar, former president of SMAC.

Though this event was initiated by SMAC, funding is being shared by a number of parties, including the Dean of Students, the President, SMAC, College Democrats, College Republicans and Communicating Plus.

"Frank Gaffney has been described as a liberal republican, but we felt bringing in the College Democrats and College Republicans could show that bipartisanship can take place," says Rourke.

This cooperation makes it possible for students to hear another perspective and be fully educated when forming their own beliefs.

"I was very impressed that both the College Republicans and the College Democrats were helping to sponsor his visit. I believe our students should have opportunities to be engaged with the full spectrum of political thought and philosophy," says President David Joyce.

Despite Gaffney's conservative political leanings, the College Democrats value his ability to get students talking.

"Anything that stimulates political discussion on campus is good for everyone," says first year and president of the College Democrats Lee Homan.

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