[20804] in APO-L
Re: Partisan Political Activity
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Rich Quodomine)
Thu Aug 26 13:45:17 1999
Date: Thu, 26 Aug 1999 10:45:16 PDT
Reply-To: Rich Quodomine <satan_scores@HOTMAIL.COM>
From: Rich Quodomine <satan_scores@HOTMAIL.COM>
To: APO-L@LISTSERV.IUPUI.EDU
<Nazi/Opposition scenario deleted>
>1. Does University sanction makes things easier? (For example, University
>president scheduled to talk or University providing food & drink @ event)
Yes. In many states, University sanction to a counter-rally is open invite
for students not normally inclined to politics to enter the semi-political
area. Here, I think, APO's policy of open membership without regard to race,
creed, or color (I am leaving out sex, as there are All-Male chapters,
though I am not starting that debate here) is clearly att odds with the KKK,
and therefore, APO chapters should be willing to participate in the
counter-rally, if they choose to.
>
>2. Does political "cover" help? (Young Democrats & College Republicans are
>both participating as organizations.)
Not really. They are political organizations, and APO is not. They are
expected to engage in debate over issues, or in this case, agreement. APO,
as a chapter, is not usually one to pass a political judgement.
>
>3. Does type of event type matter? (On campus rally vs. counter march to a
>rally.)
It can. At an off-campus rally, Campus Safety will in most cases not protect
students due to lack of authority. An off-campus rally against Naziism
(which I participated in in 1997) can also be dangerous because of potential
for violence. Interestingly, we succeeded in the counter-rally, dispersing a
relatively small group of racist pigs with a larger turnout, and
fortunately, there was no violence. However, APO should tell its chapter
members that participate that it has no responibility for their safety in an
off-campus event that APO does not officially sanction. Risk Management
rides again.
Here's a twisted question:
What if a a brother sought to participate on the side of the KKK?
Not that I expect your average Klansman to agree with APO principles, but
you never know.
-- Rich Quodomine
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