The Campus Majority: Gustavus Adolphus College

Gustavus Featured in New Educational Video Series

2011-09-26T17:20:00.000-05:00

Have you had enough of this freshman orientation controversy? Then, ask Gustavus to "Release their Footage" and settle this once and for all.

Tragic Irony

2011-04-29T18:59:00.004-05:00

Can you spot the similarity that exists between these two statements?

If we allow these MN Permit-to-Carry holders to have the same rights on campus that they have virtually everywhere else in the state, then I am going to be afraid that one of these carefully-screened, trained, and licensed classmates of mine with a record of responsible, lawful use of firearms might shoot me!
Violent crime with a firearm will never happen at Gustavus (because we’re such a wonderful safe place), so it is crazy to think that there are students who would feel the need to have a gun to protect themselves on campus.

I couldn't find the similarity either. After being momentarily puzzled I realized there simply is no similarity to spot -- they are entirely contradictory and completely dissimilar statements.

The only similarity they have is that its usually the same person who says both of them. ...How tragic.

Andrew Rothman, GOCRA VP, to Introduce Larry Pratt

2011-04-28T00:46:00.001-05:00

Andrew Rothman, the Vice-President of Minnesota Gun Owners Civil Rights Alliance (GOCRA) will be at Gustavus Adolphus College at 7:30PM on Thursday, April 28th (tonight) to introduce Larry Pratt, the Executive Director of Gun Owners of America.

Pratt is speaking on the topic of campus carry and why allowing MN Permit-to-Carry holders to carry a firearm for personal protection on Gustavus Campus is a reasonable idea.

Rothman is a long-time gun rights activist and the founder of the Minnesota Association of Defensive Firearm Instructors (MADFI). He continues to serve as Executive Director of MADFI, which has become the second largest carry instructor organization in Minnesota.

Rothman, an NRA-certified instructor in multiple disciplines, wrote MADFI's state-approved instructor curriculum. He has personally trained and certified more than 80 instructors.

As a repeat guest speaker and shooting event coordinator with the U of MN College Republicans, Rothman shows commitment to ensuring another generation of Americans can enjoy and appreciate firearms.

Guns Can Stop Rape

2011-04-27T00:31:00.000-05:00

Guns Can Stop Rape.

There is scientific data which tells us that "when avoidance of rape has failed and one must choose between being raped and resisting, a woman's best option is to resist with a gun in her hands."

Thankfully it is true that "only about 2 percent of defensive gun uses end with the user needing to pull the trigger; the overwhelming majority require only the credible threat of a gun to terminate the attack."

Still, the Gustavus Department of Campus Safety claims to be established in order “to provide the safest environment possible in which education may be pursued." But ironically -- and perversely -- one of its sections disallows women from even possessing, let alone using, what social science indicates is the most powerful rape-prevention tool.

It is tragically self-evident that Gustavus is not able to provide a rape-free environment, yet it prohibits a female student from defending herself in the most effective way.

I believe that individuals allowed to arm themselves for personal protection under state law should be allowed to do so under Gustavus regulation as well, and I would support the adoption of a revised weapons policy at Gustavus which would allow individuals with a state-recognized permit-to-carry to carry a concealed firearm for personal protection while on college property. This is “campus carry,” and I think that campus carry is a legitimate women’s issue that we should be aware of.

Breaking News Update Regarding Campus Carry Speech with Larry Pratt.

2011-04-26T15:49:00.000-05:00

Mr. Pratt will deliver his speech at Gustavus on the same day that State Representative Tony Cornish is introducing an omnibus guns bill (HF1467) that will affirm and extend the state’s current permit-to-carry legislation.

Larry Pratt is the Executive Director of Gun Owners of America and he has spent over 30 years of his life with this national membership organization of 300,000 Americans dedicated to promoting their Second Amendment freedom to keep and bear arms.

To schedule an interview with Mr. Pratt on Thursday, April 28th contact Phil Cleary at campusmajority(at)gac(dot)edu

Campus # 72: The Case for Making Gustavus a Concealed Carry School

2011-04-25T21:00:00.005-05:00

In Minnesota, trained, licensed, carefully-screened adults, age 21 and above, are allowed to carry handguns throughout most of the state.

They are "Minnesota Permit-to-Carry" (MNPTC) holders.

Permit-holders can carry at most parks, churches, movie theaters, shopping malls, office buildings, grocery stores, banks, and even the state Capitol.

Gusties with an MNPTC can enjoy this measure of personal protection when they visit colleges like MSU or SCSU.

Problematically, Gustavus' draconian weapons policy unjustly forces MNPTC holders on its campus to disarm; despite them being legally permitted to carry handguns virtually everywhere else.

Shouldn't individuals allowed to arm themselves for personal protection under state law should be allowed to do so under Gustavus regulation as well?

71 college campuses in the U.S. currently allow trained, licensed, carefully-screened adults with a state-issued permit to carry a firearm for personal protection. Under MN state law, Gustavus could become Campus # 72 to allow permit holders to carry for personal protection.

Find out why Gustavus should at "Campus # 72: The Case for Making Gustavus a Concealed Carry School" on Thursday, April 28th at 7:30 PM in Alumni Hall at Gustavus Adolphus College.

Larry Pratt, the Executive Director of Gun Owners of America, will provide the case for making Gustavus a concealed carry school for Minnesota Permit-to-Carry Holders.

Details regarding the event can be found on the website for Gun Owners of America: http://gunowners.org/mn04132011.htm

No negative impact for conceal carry statewide -- Holders are law-abiding, not dangerous.

2011-04-25T20:12:00.003-05:00

Look at this analysis by David Thul regarding MN Permit-to-Carry Holders:

Back in 2003 when Minnesota became a shall issue state for handgun permits, the left raised a fearful cry about the state turning into the Wild West, shootouts in bars and churches, and in general a huge surge in gun violence.

In 2004, the left hailed the completion of the light rail train in Minneapolis that would move people around the city without the need for pollution causing cars, start a trend towards Smart Growth in Minnesota and even thwart terrorism.

The interesting truth of these two major changes in Minnesota is quite the opposite. Light rail has killed at least 2 1/2 times as many Minnesotans than conceal carry permit holders have.

Since 2003 (and with a brief pause when the law was ruled unconstitutional and then modified and re-enacted), until the end of 2008, the Department of Public Safety has issued 56,919 carry permits that are still currently valid. In that same time frame, there have been two reported homicides that resulted in murder charges against a carry permit holder. In one of those cases, use of a pistol was confirmed, in the other case it is reported as unknown. For argument's sake, let's use 2 homicides that involved pistols by carry permit holders. But keep in mind, the DPS report only reports charges, not convictions. Both cases reported could have been justifiable homicides for all we know.

So a maximum of two individuals in the entire state of Minnesota have used a firearm in a way that was possibly unlawful under our Permit-to-Carry laws. That is fairly impressive, and shows that the claim that allowing permit-to-carry will make shootings more frequent is basically false.

Thul continues,

Since June of 2004, when the 'Jessie train' [light rail] started running until the end of 2008, there have been 5 reported fatalities. 1 was in a car that tried to go around the crossing gates, one was a bicyclist and 3 were pedestrians. The StarTribune has a interesting interactive map that shows the details, here. The 6th and 7th fatalities occurred just this month, as a car driver was hit and later died, and a pedestrian was hit and killed last week. But for comparison purposes, I won't count these latest two deaths since the DPS report is only current through the end of 2008.

So, since Minnesota became a shall issue state and completed a light rail line at roughly the same time, 2 people have died by permit holders, although we can only be sure that one of them used a pistol, and those two permit holders are presumed innocent until proven to be guilty. But 5 people have died because of the light rail line, with 2 more just this year. And light rail only impacts a small corridor in Minneapolis, where conceal carry is available in every corner of the state.

Apparently, handguns are safer than light rail.

And a state report confirms the fact that permit-holders are law-abiding, not dangerous, says the Mankato Free Press Editorial Department.

A state report [2007] shows that those who were granted the privilege of carrying a concealed weapon only committed 174 crimes since the law’s inception in 2003. Only 23 involved a handgun.

They represent only a tiny fraction of the 13 percent rise in violent crime since the conceal and carry law went into effect.

Press reports highlight the fact that the new law didn’t turn Minnesota into the “Wild West.” But the statistics also show violent criminals are not deterred because 40,000 citizens might have a gun when those criminals attack.

The state’s sheriffs, according to the report, say the law’s impact on public safety is negligible. “Except for one domestic assault, we’ve had no incidents either way,” Dakota County Sheriff Don Gudmundson told the Star Tribune.

Not only do permit-holders not use their firearms for violent crime, they engage in virtually no crime at all.

All of this affirms a plain and simple reality: Permit holders are law-abiding, not dangerous, and there has been no negative impact for conceal carry statewide.

So with the safe, law-abiding nature of legal permit holders in mind (people who are trained, licensed, and carefully-screened under the supervision of the state) one crucial question comes to mind.

The question is this: Why does Gustavus have a policy that unjustly forces these MNPTC holders on its campus to disarm; despite them being legally permitted to carry handguns virtually everywhere else?

Gustavus wrongfully forces students to choose between the means to protect themselves and their education, or risking their good standing with the university.

That is an immoral and unnecessary dilemma for Gustavus to force upon students.

There is no reason why individuals allowed to arm themselves for personal protection under state law shouldn't be allowed to do so under Gustavus regulation as well.

71 campuses in the U.S. currently allow individuals with state permits to carry on their property. None of these campuses have had a firearm related incident since adopting this common-sense policy.

While we can point to the horror stories related to the so-called "gun free zones" that have tragically taken place on many of the college campuses in America that force individuals to be defenseless in the face of danger, we cannot uncover evidence to corroborate the fear-mongering scenarios that anti-gunners postulate will occur if we dare respect the rights of permit holders to not be victimized by others.

Clearly, there needs to be a real conversation about resolving this issue to allow the safe, law-abiding permit-holders their right to personal protection on the Gustavus campus.

Few people are more qualified to start that conversation than Larry Pratt, the Executive Director of Gun Owners of America (a national membership organization of 300,000 Americans dedicated to promoting their Second Amendment freedom to keep and bear arms) for over 30 years.

Mr. Pratt is coming to the Gustavus Adolphus College campus on Thursday, April 28th at 7:30 PM to discuss the merits of allowing concealed carry on the Gustavus campus.

The public program, to be held in Alumni Hall, is organized by "Gusties for Campus Carry," a group of students who advocate allowing Minnesota permit-to-carry holders to possess a firearm while on the Gustavus campus. It is funded by the Gustavus College Republicans.

Make sure you attend the event featuring Larry Pratt this Thursday at 7:30 PM in Alumni Hall at Gustavus Adolphus College.

Full details for the event can be found on the Gun Owners of America website. You can also RSVP on Facebook, but no tickets are necessary and it is open to the public.

"Gun-Free Zone" Didn't Stop the Thug at UNC.

2011-04-08T01:47:00.001-05:00

This College campus was a so-called "gun-free zone" like Gustavus. That didn't stop the thug.

Worthless policies that disarm law-abiding students leave the innocent vulnerable while empowering criminals.

Individuals allowed to arm themselves for personal protection under state law should be allowed to do so under campus regulations as well.

Lindau Symposium Announces Dinesh D’Souza as New Speaker

2011-04-07T20:05:00.002-05:00

The Lindau Symposium will occur on Thursday, April 14 at 7 p.m. in Alumni Hall.

Due to a recent health complication, Michael Novak is no longer able to present for this year’s Lindau Symposium.

Fortunately, Dinesh D’Souza has agreed to present an address entitled America: Why America is Loved, Why America is Hated.

Dinesh D’Souza has a distinguished 25-year career as a writer, scholar, and public intellectual. A former policy analyst in the Reagan White House and current President of The King’s College in New York, D’Souza has been named one of America’s most influential conservative thinkers by the New York Times. The World Affairs Council lists him as one of the nation’s 500 leading authorities on international issues, and Newsweek cited him as one of the country’s most prominent Asian Americans. Starting early in his career D’Souza was considered one of the nation’s most articulate spokesmen for a reasoned and thoughtful conservatism. He has published 10 books including the bestsellers Illiberal Education, The End of Racism, What’s So Great About America and The Enemy at Home.

For more information go to <https://gustavus.edu/events/lindau/>.

Will Gustavus Reform its Weapon Policy to Authorize Self-Defense?

2011-04-05T16:05:00.011-05:00

Concealed Carry on Campus: Larry Pratt to Speak at Gustavus Adolphus College

For over 30 years Larry Pratt has been Executive Director of Gun Owners of America, a national membership organization of 300,000 Americans dedicated to promoting their Second Amendment freedom to keep and bear arms.

Larry Pratt, the Executive Director of Gun Owners of America, is coming to the Gustavus Adolphus College campus on Thursday, April 28th at 7:30 PM to discuss the merits of allowing concealed carry on the Gustavus campus.

The public program, to be held in Alumni Hall, is organized by "Gusties for Campus Carry," a group of students who advocate allowing Minnesota permit-to-carry holders to possess a firearm while on the Gustavus campus. It is funded by the Gustavus College Republicans.

The event chairman, Phil Cleary, says "individuals allowed to arm themselves for personal protection under state law should be allowed to do so under Gustavus regulation as well."

According to Cleary, it is law-abiding students who are the victims of Gustavus policies that leave them defenseless against violent crime.

"Gustavus wrongfully forces students to choose between the means to protect themselves and their education, or risking their good standing with the university. That is an immoral and unnecessary dilemma for Gustavus to force upon students. We need to have a real conversation about resolving this issue, and few people are more qualified to start that conversation than Larry Pratt."

His group supports reforming Gustavus' weapons policy to allow state recognized permit-to-carry holders the same rights on campus that they have virtually everywhere else.

"We hope bringing Pratt to campus will spark the administration’s interest in changing the weapon policy to allow for more reasonable measures of personal protection."

You don't want to miss this memorable event. Please invite your friends, family, and classmates. There is no charge for admission, there is free visitor parking on-campus, and finding Gustavus is easy.

Other event information available on CampusReform.Org. You can RSVP on Facebook, but no tickets are necessary and it is open to the public.

Advice for Self-Defense: Be Safe, Wear a Whistle?

2011-03-11T14:59:00.003-06:00

Last week's two incidents prove that the threat of violent crime for students is very real.

It is unfortunate what happened, and I believe the best way to respect those that have been effected by it is to discuss how we can make sure it never happens again.

Problematically, by punishing students who want to protect themselves from the violence of others, Gustavus policy virtually ensures that students become victims of this violent crime.

Our college wrongfully forces students to choose between the means to protect themselves and their education, or risking their good standing with the university.

That's an immoral and unnecessary dilemma for Gustavus to force upon students.

Law-abiding students are the victims of Gustavus policies that leave them defenseless against violent crime.

So in light of this reality, what has the College chosen to do? "DON'T WORRY, WE BOUGHT YOU A WHISTLE!"

Announcement by the Dean of Students on March 11, 2011:

We recognize that there are many measures that can contribute to personal safety.

In the past, Peer Assistants and Campus Safety have provided safety whistles to campus community members. With that in mind, the College has ordered safety whistles and will make them available at no cost to all members of the community.

We expect them to arrive by Monday, March 14, and will confirm this in our midday update email on Monday. They will be available at the Office of Residential Life, Dean of Students Office, and Campus Safety.

Gustavus Students Turn Out to "Take Back the Night"

2011-03-11T14:55:00.002-06:00

The Dean of Students reports:

Last night approximately 500 people came to Christ Chapel for “Take Back the Night,” an event centering on sexual assault.

It began with four speakers sharing information, thoughts, personal experiences, and advice for all those in attendance.

For gender-specific dialogue, the men headed to Alumni Hall and the women remained in the Chapel. The women then walked around the Chapel to symbolically reclaim their campus. The two groups then reconvened together outside around a fire, and threw their thoughts, feelings, fears, and stories into it.

This event was a wonderful show of strength and opportunity for growth on our campus. We thank all those who were able to participate.

Investigations Continue

2011-03-08T23:46:00.001-06:00

The Sheriff had a K9 unit in the Arboretum this evening.

Campus to Hold Forums, Daily.

2011-03-08T23:38:00.002-06:00

To: Gustavus students, faculty, and staff
From: Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Jeff Stocco

.... As long as this matter remains unresolved, there will be a need and a desire for in-person communication. Thus, we will hold daily forums for at least the rest of this week. Today’s forum will be held at 5 p.m. in Alumni Hall. These half hour meetings will be for campus community members only, and they will feature updates on St. Peter Police and Campus Safety efforts, as well as opportunities for community members to ask questions and to report on various efforts on campus around this issue. We encourage campus community members to attend these forums as their schedules permit.

We hope to see you tonight. In the meantime, please continue to be aware of your surroundings and call Campus Safety if you see anything suspicious. Leads specifically on this case can be phoned in to the St. Peter Police Department at 507-931-1550.

Campus Assaults Paralyze Campus with Fear. Gustavus to Hold Emergency Forum.

2011-03-07T12:25:00.001-06:00

At least two students have been assaulted in the last two days at Gustavus Adolphus College. Details of those incidents are here and here. Rumors of a third are floating around the campus, but remain unconfirmed.

Students are afraid for their safety. Many appear outraged that the campus has done little besides announce and publicize the incidents.

Some activists have mobilized to take safety and personal protection into their own hands; ascribing themselves as the Gustavus Guardian Angels they "are a group of students who want to ensure that our beloved campus remains a safe environment."

Worried that fear will paralyze the campus and more assaults might occur, the leadership of Gustavus has called for an emergency forum to discuss the issue.

March 7, 2011 at 10 a.m.

To: Gustavus students, faculty, and staff
From: Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Jeff Stocco

The following is a brief update on the assaults reported on campus this weekend. The first was reported to have occurred near the Interpretive Center at about 1:30 a.m. Saturday, March 5. The second incident occurred near Nobel Hall Sunday night at about 8:30 p.m.

These matters are being actively investigated by Campus Safety and the St. Peter Police Department. Campus Safety is deploying increased personnel to assist in heightened patrolling on campus.

The safety of the campus community is of critical importance. President Ohle has been working closely with senior College leadership, Director of Campus Safety Ray Thrower, and Student Affairs staff to respond to the incidents.

Today at 5 p.m. in Alumni Hall, all students, faculty, and staff are invited an open forum to receive further updates and to ask questions.

Tips to stay safe:
-Travel in groups.
-Lock doors behind you.
-Don't prop doors open.
-Be aware of your surroundings.
-Be aware that you can be easily distracted by headphones or cell phones.

Report any suspicious activity to Campus Safety at x8888.

We will send another e-mail update at midday today.

a THIRD assault?

2011-03-07T12:03:00.003-06:00

Rumor is that there may have been another attack early this morning (around 5:30am). Wow.

Update: The incident is considered unrelated to the other two situations on campus.

ANOTHER ASSAULT AT GUSTAVUS

2011-03-06T23:21:00.003-06:00

The College's emergency response system was activated to inform students of the following via SMS and voicemail: "Student assaulted near Nobel Hall this evening. Suspect at large. Exercise caution. Call Campus Safety for escort or to report suspicious activity."

Update
An email alert read the following:

To: Gustavus students, faculty, and staff
From: Dean of Students Jeff Stocco

The College learned tonight that a female student was assaulted this evening (Sunday, March 6) near Nobel Hall of Science. The limited information that we have indicates that the assailant was of medium build and wearing a sweater.

Campus Safety and local law enforcement are on the scene, investigating this incident. If you have any information about the incident or notice any suspicious activity on campus, please contact Campus Safety at 933-8888. For your own safety, we encourage you to contact Campus Safety for an escort and avoid walking alone on campus. -- Jeffrey L. Stocco

ASSAULT ON CAMPUS

2011-03-05T19:51:00.001-06:00

To: The Gustavus Community
From: Dean of Students Jeff Stocco

The College learned late this afternoon that a female student was assaulted at approximately 1:30 am today (Saturday, March 5) near the Interpretive Center on the south side of campus. The limited information that we have indicates that the assailant is a white male, medium build, approximately 5’ 10”.

If you have any information about the incident or notice any suspicious activity on campus, please contact Campus Safety at 933-8888. For your own safety, we encourage you to take advantage of the Safe Rides Mobile Escort Service.

Student Senate Elections are Today

2011-02-28T15:06:00.001-06:00

Elections for Student Senate "Co"-Presidents is today. Gustavus students can vote at this link: http://orgs.gustavus.edu/senate/voting/

Voting is open until 10PM

Information regarding the two candidate pairs on the ballots can be found on their websites (below):

http://www.facebook.com/FoxPrince2011
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Blake-Gust-and-Kate-Redden-for-Student-Senate-Co-President

"Let's Arm the Students"

2011-02-25T13:35:00.001-06:00

In response to the Gustavian Weekly column opposing campus carry:

In Minnesota, trained, licensed, carefully-screened adults, age 21 and above, are allowed to carry handguns throughout most of the state. They are “MN Permit-to-Carry” holders (MNPTC’s).

These law-abiding and responsible citizens include, of course, students!

Thus, it is disingenuous to talk about Campus Carry in terms of it being an invitation to everybody on the planet to come shoot up the college campus.

For many students it is already perfectly legal to carry a firearm virtually everywhere in the state (besides Gustavus Adolphus College property).

The issue of campus carry then is obviously not about the merits of allowing college-age students to be armed for personal protection; students already are armed.

It is about something much simpler — Gustavus lacks rational basis for disarming these students who carry safely virtually everywhere else, and that reality demands we re-evaluate our current weapon policy.

When a body of authority seeks to take rights away from individuals, we traditionally place the burden of defending the necessity of the policy on the institution supporting the policy not the minority it targets.

Gustavus needs to a coherent, logical, and comprehensive defense of its policy, or it needs to incorporate campus carry into a reformed version of that policy.

Gustavus has failed to offer sufficient evidence to justify its current policy that treats MNPTC holders like second-class citizens by forcing them to choose between getting an education and being able to protect themselves.

The time for a re-evaluation of that policy is now.

If arguments like those found in the column are the reasons we at Gustavus treat MNPTC holders like second class citizens and force them to choose between being vulnerable and defenseless or getting an education, then it is obviously that it truly is time to reform Gustavus’ unjust weapon policy.

To those entrusted with the power to change this weapon policy, we must exclaim “Campus Carry, Now!”

It is time to recognize that the students who are allowed to arm themselves for personal protection under state law should be allowed to do so under Gustavus regulation as well.

You can show your support for the cause by joining “Gusties for Campus Carry, Now!” on Facebook @ http://bit.ly/safergustavus

Campus Carry Movement Comes to Gustavus

2011-02-15T23:27:00.000-06:00

It has been a long time since we've posted anything.

Here are some links that might be of interest.

Shooting Close to Home Sparks Concerns About Campus Safety

"Gusties for Campus Carry, Now!" Debuts at Spring Club Rush.

http://bit.ly/safergustavus

Campus Dorm Infested with Cockroaches

2010-12-01T16:35:00.002-06:00

The College has recently become aware that cockroaches are present within some of the College View Apartments. We are notifying you of the following information to avoid inaccurate rumors being circulated.

What are they? A cockroach carries a flat, elongated black or brown shell-looking body, has long antennae, and a head which points downward. Females are wingless, and males carry two pair of wings. Cockroaches survive on a combination diet of plant and animal matter, including paper, clothing, food, wood, books, and small insects. Most cockroaches are nocturnal and will hide well out of sight during the day. They have a natural displeasure for light, so you won't often find them in plain view. The most common area for cockroaches to eat and sleep is under sink cabinets, behind kitchen cabinets, under major appliances and counter tops, and in laundry areas.

What is the College doing to get rid of the cockroaches? In order to ensure the cockroaches are removed completely from the building, the College has contracted with an exterminator to spray each apartment. The treatment will be performed on Friday. Each student in a treated apartment has been offered the opportunity to spend one night outside their apartment following the treatment as a personal precaution.

As a reminder to all students: cleanliness is key to preventing cockroaches. Please follow these simple steps, then, to maintain your space appropriately.

Dishes and food need to be removed from all cabinets and left out of the cabinets until after the treatment is completed.

Cabinets should be wiped down with a disinfecting cleaner
All dishes, pots, and pans should be thoroughly washed.

All clothing, boxes, etc., must be removed from floors in rooms and closets. Clothing that has been on the floor as well as all bedding should be washed.
Aquariums need to be covered during the treatment.
Vacuum entire apartment after all items have been removed from floor.
CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN.: wipe down all surfaces with disinfecting cleaner.
Maintain the cleanliness of your unit by frequent cleaning.

We understand this is a stressful time for students. Your understanding is greatly appreciated. If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Residential Life Office.

Measuring Success Locally Amidst a Sea of Losses

2010-11-08T23:29:00.002-06:00

On Tuesday, Republicans gained over 60 seats in the US House and six in the US Senate (1).

Because of Tuesday, Republicans now occupy eight additional governors' mansions and at least 500 more seats in state legislature (2).

In Minnesota state politics, Republicans have never had control of the state senate. Last Tuesday Minnesota conservatives seized control of both the state house and senate (3).

That being said, Republicans did not fare as well locally. In fact, its a big disappointment that not a single one of the endorsed Republican candidates in in our area won an election.

As unfortunate as our losses in this district are, if we evaluate the results of our precinct closely, we do have a lot to be proud of.

The following is an analysis of election numbers for Saint Peter's Ward 2, Precinct 1 in Nicollet County using data from the website of the Secretary of State:

In 2006 and 2008, the Republican State House candidates averaged of 23.39% of the vote while in 2010 we netted 27.05% of the vote. This is a 3.66% increase in the number of Republican votes for HD23A.
In 2006 (no race in 2008), the Republican State Senate candidate earned 26.3% of the vote while in 2010 we netted 31.01% of the vote. This is a 4.79% increase in the number of Republican votes for SD23.
In 2006 and 2008, the Republican US Congress candidates averaged of 23.14% of the vote while in 2010 we netted 28.89% of the vote. This is a 5.75% increase in the number of Republican votes for HD23A.

This means in 2010, Gustavus' precinct voted an average of 4.723% more conservative and Republican than it did in 2006 and 2008.

Putting 2010's malfunctioning ballot machines and delayed reporting aside, our candidates ran stronger this year in Ward 2 Precinct 1 than they have in any race since 2006.

Though we still haven't broke the leftist stronghold of this region, these gains tell us that Nicollet 23 does NOT have to be a safe haven that harbors leftist Democrat politicians.

In fact, through your continued activism and organization we can build on these successes and ensure 2012 is a bigger upset for the left than Tuesday was.

Liberal Arts: The Great Books and the Great Ideas...

2010-11-04T15:29:00.001-05:00

Reformed and Conservative: Liberal Arts: The Great Books and the Great Ideas...

Suspicious Voting Machine Activity Observed in Nicollet County

2010-11-03T04:18:00.008-05:00

There have been reports all over Minnesota of faulty voting machines, but I didn't know that when I went to vote at about 2:30 PM on election day in the city of St. Peter, MN in order to cast my ballot for the endorsed Republican candidates.

As a student of Gustavus Adolphus College I was voting in W2P1, or "Side-A" of the St. Peter Community Center. I walked in with about a dozen other students from the college. As I stood in line I observed the voting machine into which the ballots are placed after they are completed.

Ballots were strewn across the floor of the gymnasium and there were two individuals who had opened the voting machine and were seen stuffing ballots into the machine very rapidly. To me this seemed strange, but I continued on. I filled out my ballot, placed mine in the machine and saw the counter roll over to approximately 510 votes. It worked fine it seemed and I didn't think anything else of it.

But then that evening I was reading reports of 1) Problematic voting machines across the state of Minnesota and 2) A statement from the state Chairman of the Republican Party saying that in these incidences ballots need to be secured appropriately instead of jeopardizing election integrity with hasty actions like the ones I observed.

After all, with ballots all over the floor -- how do I know that the ballots that were returned to the machine were limited only to the valid ones that came out of the machine?

Later in the evening (approx. 9:30 PM) I was discussing the issue with a friend as we were awaiting the close of the polls and the reporting of results. A girl standing in this circle of conversation noted that she had observed this problem too at W2P1, or "Side-A" of the St. Peter Community Center. She said she voted around 4:30 PM and was approximately voter number 650 according to the faulty machine. The situation she described sounded identical to the one I had experienced but taking place later in the day-- ballots on the floor being jammed into a voting machine that was wide-open and unsecured.

These incidences suggest the machine was malfunctioning throughout the day, causing ballots and election integrity to be put at risk while also inviting additional ballots to be included in the machine when the individuals were re-stuffing the ballot box.

For this we must ask, are we certain that only legitimate ballots make it back into the voter machine for residents of W2P1? And also important to evaluate is how the counting of these ballots take place if the machine was known to have been malfunctioning.

I don't know the answer to these two questions, but we do know that election results for Nicollet County were significantly delayed in reporting compared to other counties and precincts. I contacted the Secretary of Elections of Nicollet County (507-931-6800) at approximately 10:35PM because at that time only a one of 33 precincts had been counted and reported.

Apparently, the county had been experiencing some type of difficulty that led to problems counting and reporting the ballots and they were unable to report results to the Secretary of State or to me. She was able to provide numbers at that time for three of 33 precincts in the county.

How were they doing their counting? Were other machines malfunctioning throughout the county?

Evidence doesn't at all necessarily suggest a complete loss of election integrity, but there is certainly potential for risk. Did it change the election outcome for our local candidates? Unlikely. That's not what I'm interested in making an accusation of; rather, I think that a discussion of what the county did to protect safe and fair elections for residents of our county is probably a good idea questionable incidents and uncertain responses.

Fall Fiasco 2010: Working Toward Mutual Understanding

2010-10-22T00:29:00.004-05:00

My apologies for not providing more content for discussion in the midst of the conversation. I've been quite sick and hope to recover soon. The following was sent to my inbox earlier this week by an individual student at Gustavus. I am posting it at their request. Being that it is quite warm and inviting I did not object to its anonymity, though I think it slightly detracts from its overall message. If you'd like content to be considered for submission, send it to campusmajority@gustavus.edu

An Open Letter Inviting Gusties to Work Toward Mutual Understanding

The purpose of this is to help clarify recent incidents at Gustavus Adolphus College while also encouraging individuals to converse and engage with others thoughtfully. Please consider taking the time to read this message carefully.

On September 16th, 2010, video excerpts of portions of the Peer Assistants’ “Inside Scoop” and I Am We Are’s “E pluribus Gustavus” were released on the internet. These videos and the selected scenes portrayed the two organizations, the College's orientation program specifically, and Gustavus generally as being in opposition with the College’s core values.

Since their release the videos have generated a significant national response, led to the loss of an estimated $5-6 million in contributions to the school, and initiated much-needed dialogue about Gustavus and its mission as a college of the Church. The result of these discussions, regarding how orientation will/won't change in the future, is unknown.

An additional, unrelated incident occurred on October 10th, 2010 when the Queers and Allies (Q&A) painted the campus Rock rainbow in order to kick off their celebration of “Coming Out Week.”

By the next morning the Rock had been painted black, with “Rom. 1:27” in red lettering. The assumption is that this was a reference to the bible verse Romans 1:27, which states:

“In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.”
(NIV)

In response to this expression, Q&A repainted the Rock rainbow and the Student Senate passed a resolution concerning the rock, calling it an “act of hate”. This act of censorship by the Senate was seen by many as a necessary and desirable outcome; by others an act of hatred toward free expression.

While unrelated, both the freshman orientation skits and the painting of the rock are situations that made some students feel threatened or unwelcome on campus.

While discourse, dissent, and debate help to challenge our beliefs and make us stronger, nobody at Gustavus should feel physically and emotionally endangered, and all should be free to hold their own viewpoints.

Gusties are each unique in their backgrounds, opinions, and worldviews, and Gustavus is a community in which we all live. Combative or hateful attitudes can unnecessarily make many individuals feel unwelcome. Because of this, behaviors that are hurtful towards an individual or a group can be detrimental to an environment conducive to learning that should be available to students, faculty, administration, and affiliates of Gustavus.

And that is why you are invited to do your part too in promoting civil discourse and understanding.

One might consider seeking out the individual value of people and the contributions they make to campus life before making them feel threatened or unwelcome. A way to do this is to start conversations with those with whom you disagree.

To begin, you might ask what it is like to be a holder of minority viewpoints and an advocate of unpopular politics. Discuss with a friend the struggle it might be if one were Christian and had attractions to members of the same sex; to be a pro-life female and be feminist; to be atheist at a Christian school; to be a Christian or a conservative at Gustavus; to be a non-drinker in college; to lose a parent or a sibling in an accident; or to pay for college on your own.

Nobody suggests you have to agree with an opinion you encounter while talking to classmates, but you're certainly invited to listen to and engage with them. The discussions and connections that come from these questions might just surprise you, and that is how people can begin to forge ahead through difficult times.

Are Christians the Target of the Latest Coming Out Week "Incident?"

2010-10-11T16:08:00.005-05:00

On Sunday evening, the campus rock was spray painted by a campus organization for their campus activities. By Monday morning, that rock was painted black and had a bible verse written on it.

As a result, some on the left are alleging that hateful, bigoted Christians are responsible for inciting a “bias incident” on campus. Is that a fair allegation, or is it just a sorry attempt to get attention by generating false controversy?

One Junior student made the accusation that it was actually a manufactured incident created solely to generate controversy and publicity: “It was probably kids just wanting to piss people off against the Christians. They’re just looking for excuses ya know.”

Thus perhaps the important question to ask in this situation is whether someone hostile to religious beliefs manufactured the incident in order to incite false controversy during COW; to artificially inflate the amount of publicity and awareness they would generate for their cause.

Are Christians being framed and targeted?

Think reasonably for a moment: Is it more likely that Christian students who are largely uninvolved on campus got up in the wee hours of morning to “make a statement” against another student group? …A statement lacking in substance, and originality… Something that most would overlook on any other day of the week… Or, is it more likely that there are some individuals celebrating “COW” who are interested in making their own statement by trying to make it appear they are being victimized by religious people?

I’ll bet $10 on the fact that this was manufactured; that is was astroturf; that it was somebody sympathetic to the celebrations of COW and hostile to religious expression who painted the rock.

And until somebody is identified showing that the opposite is the case, the only consideration of “hate” that the repainting of the rock should be given is as an expression of hatred for students who hold religious beliefs. A message rooted not out of hatred for “LGBTBBQ&A” but out of disgust with the existence of people who dare to adhere to religious beliefs on a college campus.

I mean, honestly, can anybody recall the last time a Christian organization painted the rock for any reason what-so-ever? It’s unlikely that more than a handful of people on campus even remember a time when the rock even featured a religious message.

If they were to bother with making a statement now, don’t you think it would be something more substantial than “Rom. 1:27?” …an utterly stereotypical means of expression pigeon-holed onto Christians by people hostile to them? That seems much more like a statement that somebody “astroturfing” an incident for the purposes of inventing campus controversy might think up.

A Case for Approaching Freshman Orientation Differently.

2010-10-07T00:41:00.006-05:00

A Gustavus student wrote a blog post that outlined some of here thoughts about Gustavus' freshman orientation activities.

We've posted it here on the TCM blog in order to promote a dialogue about the direction and manner in which we can move forward in a thoughtful way.

If you'd like to be a part of this conversation, post your comments or submit a 250-750 word piece to campusmajority@gustavus.edu.

What Orientation Did and Didn't Teach

Going to college is scary. Going to college two states away is even scarier. Arriving at Gustavus to be greeted by the loud, obnoxious and overwhelming Gustie Greeters was down right terrifying. I’ve changed a lot from the girl who drove up College Avenue last September, and it goes beyond not being scared of the Gustie Greeters anymore.

The last thing my mother told me as she drove away that afternoon was “go to church.” Being a typical 18-year-old I didn’t. I didn’t go to chapel. I didn’t pray. I didn’t once crack open my Bible. I started to replace God with bad friends, alcohol, boys, and just the effort of “keeping busy.” There was a void inside that I was trying to fill, and I eventually saw that it wasn’t working. I started to feel lost, upset, and stranded with no where to turn. I tried to distract myself with work and The Bachelor but still nothing helped. I didn’t know what to do, who I could talk to, or where I might fit in.

I’d arrived early that Fall to participate in Freshman Orientation. It was a weekend jam packed with cheesy name games, tours of campus, multiple dances every night, and several theater productions.

[Original Post Embedded Youtube Videos Here]

These productions taught me the difference between transgender and bisexual. They taught me that a sock on the door meant that there was a baby not being made (thanks to the free condoms) inside. They taught me the definition of blue balls, bondage and premature. I was enlightened. I was also terrified. I learned from the upperclassman that bias incidents were common, that there are more words for “lesbian” than I ever knew and that apparently yelling obscenities at the incoming class was how Gustavus welcomed people.

Now there were some great lessons I took from Orientation. There was a great skit about body image that almost made me cry. There was a fantastic conversation about how hurtful words can be with my Greeter Group afterwards. I even thought Captain Condom was pretty funny.

Unfortunately, none of these lessons really were going to help me with the crisis I was experiencing by second semester. No one taught me what to do if I thought a friend was an alcoholic. All the stuff I’d learned about healthy homosexual relationships wasn’t much help in my unhealthy heterosexual one. No one had bothered to teach me how to help a friend who refused to eat. I’d learned where to get condoms but not how to say no.
We’d talked about atheism but not about how students kept God in their busy lives. I had been taught to not leave a drunk friend alone, but not how to find friends who didn’t drink in the first place.

The goal of Orientation is to be a conversation starter. It's supposed to get kids thinking about experiences that maybe they aren't familiar with. It's supposed to encourage diversity and acceptance on campus.

All of those things are good. But how are we supposed to encourage diversity when 90% of the programming is aimed at acceptance of drinking, sex, homosexuality, and atheism?

Those are all things that do need to be discussed but how is an abstinent, non drinker, straight, Christian going to know where to get support for their life style if most of Orientation is spent talking about the opposite? And the same is true for the students who do share experiences with those talked about in Orientation, how are they supposed to by accepting towards alternative lifestyles if they aren't discussed?

Orientation is a vital part of a Gustie's transition from high school to college but maybe the material and goals need to be revisited.

The Case for Supporting Freshman Orientation.

2010-10-07T00:33:00.003-05:00

An individual student who attends Gustavus posted a thoughtful comment on the TCM blog regarding freshman orientation events at Gustavus. As part of the ongoing conversation about the seminars and skits, we've decided to feature it here in order to highlight her analysis.

If you'd like to be a part of this conversation, post your comments or submit a 250-750 word piece to campusmajority@gustavus.edu.

I would like to address this press release and consequent statements, piece by pieces.

1. "The seminar filmed featured a series of skits with sexually explicit scenes and patently vulgar language." The topics addressed at both Inside Scoop and E Pluribus are presented in an informational light. They are not in any way telling students that these are the only things to do, but rather ways to approach situations should they come up. The "vulgar language" you speak of is hardly worse than a PG-13 movie, and it's not used superfluously--it's used in a tasteful way that is used to prove a point.

2. I'm curious as to what is so offensive about knowing that there are free condoms offered somewhere. There are people in college having sex. Anyone who disputes this is either ignorant or in denial. For those who are having sex, I think it's a good thing that they have a resource so as not to end up with half the campus pregnant. For those who are choosing not to have sex, it's a simple matter of not using it. Just because you aren't using something, doesn't mean you should be unaware that it's there. I was not sexually active during my freshman year, yet I did not feel offended at knowing there were free condoms on campus.

I also fail to see what is wrong with learning an appropriate way to react to a roommate or friend coming out as gay. If someone approached you with any type of "confession" that was maybe not what you were expecting, is it wrong to be prepared for it? Is it wrong to want to be informed so that you do not say or do something that may inadvertantly be intolerant or offensive.

3. You also bring up the "problem" of "educating on the distinctionss between sex and gender" as well as testimonials from gay, lesbian, or athiest students. I was unaware that only those who are straight ELCA Christians were allowed to speak publicly. This was a trend during WW2 if you recall...the Christian Aryan race was the only race with real rights...perhaps you're suggesting we return to those times? That seems a little prejudiced to me.

It's been a few years since Sunday School, but I do recall learning that Jesus wants us to love everyone. And I recall in AP Gov that we all have equal rights in terms of that lovely first amendment (Freedom of Speech, if you weren't aware), so I fail to see where the college is wrong in this regard as well.

4. If you are going to use the college's statement of identity to push your own agenda, you have to acknowledge the whole statement. While we are "rooted in Swedish and Lutheran heritage," you must read the rest: we "aspire to be a community of persons from diverse backgrounds who respect and affirm the dignity of ALL people" and of course the very last part: "students are encouraged to work toward a just and peaceful world." Diverse backgrounds, dignity of all people, a just and peaceful world...seems to me that by singling out everyone different from yourself and calling their statements of self-affirmation "liberal propaganda," you are blantantly condtradicting the College's very stance that encourages the acceptance and dignity of all people.

This entire "press release" as well as the comments that have arisen in its wake are all very biased and quite frankly, VERY ignorant. First-Year Orientation is not meant as a form of any type of propaganda; it is meant to promote discussion, provide insight, provoke questions, and encourage conversations that may otherwise not start because students are too afraid to ask. We are an open and accepting community, of ALL people, and we make that known from day 1 of orientation. Have you ever sought out a member of the orientation staff, or a PA or member of IAWA to ask them about the reasoning behind their choices in what they present at orientation?

If you have never spoken with these individuals/groups, then you have no place to make these statements, because you are clearly misinformed of their intent. If you HAVE spoken with them, then you do the campus (and anyone else who reads this) a gross injustice by not representing both sides of the story. My particular greeter group had 12 first-years of diverse backgrounds, interests, beliefs, and values. One thing that they all agreed on was the impact of the orientation activities. When I asked them what they thought was the strongest part of orientation, what helped them or resonated with them the most, every single one of them responded with either Inside Scoop or E Pluribus (more leaning towards E Pluribus).

So these "scandalous" presentations you speak of are helping first-years and making a positive impact. I'd like to see where that positive impact and that reflection of Gustavus' core values fits in with your representation of the "injustices" you see here. I think that with a little research and conversation, you will see how grossly misinformed and ignorant your assumptions have been.

Respectfully,
Brit

Helpful Links for Gustavus Freshman Orientation

2010-10-06T19:26:00.027-05:00

The Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) Issues "Alliance Alert" for Gustavus Freshman Orientation

2010-10-06T00:42:00.000-05:00

The ADF Alliance Alert, a branch of the Alliance Defense Fund, reports results from ongoing efforts of ADF’s rapidly expanding legal alliance, while also guiding readers to the frontlines of the “culture war” on a daily basis.

According to their site, national leaders in law, policy, and culture rely on the Alert’s comprehensive coverage of issues important to social conservatives, including religious freedom, sanctity of life, marriage, family, and the judiciary.

What you'll notice today is that ADF issued an alert regarding the Sexual Indoctrination at Gustavus that has been making waves throughout the nation.

You can see that link here: http://www.alliancealert.org/2010/10/05/terminal-stage-of-western-civilization-video-of-freshman-orientation-at-the-gustavus-adolphus-college-elca/

Also of interest might be a short article by the ADF Senior Vice-President and Senior Counsel Jordan Lorence, who attended Gustavus Adolphus College for one year (1973-74). This is called the "Bargain Alert: Our Christian College Will Teach Your Kids Decadence, Atheism, and Doubt for Only $42,000 a Year!"

And the Story Starts to Grow Legs

2010-10-05T11:19:00.002-05:00

The story of Gustavus' freshman orientation seminars is starting to grow some legs.

The right -- http://www.alternativeright.com/main/blogs/zeitgeist/stihie-hokey-indoctrination-skits/

The left -- http://www.queerty.com/the-gustavus-adolphus-college-student-who-hates-seeing-freshman-learn-about-queers-20101005/

Soon, it might run on its own.

The Fall Flood Strikes Saint Peter and Southern Minnesota (Photos)

2010-10-04T13:42:00.004-05:00

We can assume this flood means the highway won’t be opening anytime soon, even as the water recedes. These submitted photos are US Highway 169 between St. Peter and Le Sueur.

Here are some pictures from the flood waters at their highest:

Park behind St Peter's Police Station

Campsites behind St Peter's Police Station

Park behind St Peter's Police Station

Hwy 99 Bridge toward Whisky River Restaurant, shot from near what was a boat access to the river

Here then are some submitted aerial photos of the rising river:

Mankato

169 North of St Peter

Aerial View of Hwy 99 Bridge in St Peter

Bridge in Le Seuer

See a video from the St. Peter Herald here St Peter Flood Video Hwy 169

Note: Submitted photos were by email, original source unattributed.

Text of Emails about Orientation

2010-10-04T13:18:00.004-05:00

All content here copied from
http://normslutherannews.blogspot.com/2010/10/ga.html

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FYI: I viewed the video of Gustavus college's freshman orientation with disgust, and waited to see the reactions from others. Pr. Scott Grorud, Faith, Hutchinson, whom I'm sure you already know, has responded so well for us all. After his response you can view the Gustavus material yourself. Pr. Grorud's point is well taken. Norm

----- Original Message -----
From: Scott Grorud
Subject: FW: [Boardtalk] Fw: "Rated R" at ELCA Gustavus Adolphus CollegeOrientation

Dear Friends,

This e-mail has been making the rounds this weekend, but if you haven't yet seen them, the two videos linked at the bottom of the message below are a tragic witness to the theological vacuum that has entered so many ELCA and other mainline Christian institutions. They are not easy to watch, but the saddest part is at the very end of the second one.

What I find most troubling about them is not the material presented. Sadly, our young people hear such messages constantly from the culture. What is most troubling is the complete lack of any Christian convictions or any moral context to analyze, critique or oppose this cultural rot. (The videos are excerpts, but they give little reason even to hope that a countering message was also presented.) The individual and his/her desires/thoughts/ideas have become idols. Plenty of this concerns the Sixth Commandment (adultery), but much more of it concerns the First (no other gods). That this can be presented at a college that still claims to be Christian and Lutheran reveals just how big a battle we're fighting for the soul of Christianity today.

As the parent of a college student, I can't help but wonder, too, about the tens of thousands of dollars being shelled out by faithful Christian parents who are taking false comfort from the fact that their children are attending a "Christian" college. Where is the obligation of the college to live up to its own mission and claims about itself? If you are an alumnus/a, a parent of a student or a donor to GAC, I hope you will make your convictions known to the administration.

Grace and peace,
Pastor Scott

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Fw: "Rated R" at ELCA Gustavus Adolphus CollegeOrientation

"Rated R" at ELCA Gustavus Adolphus College Orientation
To:
Date: Thursday, September 30, 2010,

Warning: the content of these videos taken at this year's Freshman Orientation at the ELCA's Gustavus Adolphus College is graphic and, in my opinion, vulgar, appalling, disturbing, tasteless, degrading, and completely unbefitting the sacred trust given to a Christian college and an institution of the ELCA. Sadly what is seen on these videos is not likely limited to GAC. You are an adult -- you can decide whether to watch these or not, but I hope you will understand why I felt it important for you to know what is happening on even one ELCA Church College campus.

President Ohle read a letter to me which he had prepared concerning this matter. I invited him to email me a copy and said that I would send it to those with whom I communicated in this regard. If & when he sends me this letter, in which the aforementioned presentations were described as "light-hearted," I will forward it to you.

GOOGLE: You Tube and search by the following titles or the links in the press release below.

1) Freshman Oreintation at Gustavus Infiltrated by Student w/video 6:27 minutes

2) Freshman Orientation at the Lutheran Gustavus Adolphus College 4:25 min.

3) Gustavus Freshman Orientation: Other Clips from Inside Scoop 5:58

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 21, 2010

Contact: Phil Cleary
Email: pcleary@gustavus.edu

Sexual Indoctrination at Lutheran College's Freshmen Orientation Caught on Tape

Saint Peter, MN – The freshman orientation activities that incoming students at Gustavus Adolphus College participate in were caught on camera by a student attending the seminars. According to the student with the camera, Phil Cleary, “the seminars filmed featured a series of skits with sexually explicit scenes and patently vulgar language.”

The first video, from a seminar titled the “Inside Scoop” features a series of sexually suggestive skits explaining to incoming students such things as where to get free condoms on campus, how to signal to your roommate that you are busy having sex (so he waits until later to come in), and how to tell your roommate you're gay (as well as the appropriate response you ought take when receiving such information).

The second video is from a seminar titled “E Pluribus Gustavus” and goes a bit further than the first, educating students about distinctions between gender and sex (as well as how to celebrate "LGPBBTTQ&A"), testimonies from gay, lesbian, and atheist students, and a call censor the content of speech after screaming cuss words at students in the dark.

Cleary commented, “This is propaganda that one might expect be taught in a Gender and Sexuality course at a secular, state institution. However, Gustavus is a Lutheran school in southern Minnesota founded by Swedish immigrants in the 1800’s, and these shameful seminars are presented during the first few hours and days that students are on campus before classes even begin.”

A book published by the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) alerts young people to be aware of the “use of coercive tactics that violate the individual rights of students to formulate their own beliefs” during orientation programs on College campuses. Also discussed in FIRE’s Guide to First-Year Orientation and Thought Reform on Campus is “diversity training that aims to intimidate students into abandoning deeply held beliefs so that they will adopt the university’s preferred political stance.”

More details and the videos can be viewed at the following links:
http://gustavus.campusreform.org/group/blog/freshman-orientation-caught-on-tape
http://gustavus.campusreform.org/group/blog/video-inside-freshman-orientation

Gustavus Adolphus College is a church-related, residential liberal arts college firmly rooted in its Swedish and Lutheran heritage that aspires to be a community of persons from diverse backgrounds who respect and affirm the dignity of all people and is a community where a mature understanding of the Christian faith and lives of service are nurtured and students are encouraged to work toward a just and peaceful world.

If you have further questions or comments to be directed to the college or issues you'd like clarified, please do feel free to contact the appropriate individuals on campus.

President's Office - President Jack Ohle, president@gac.edu 507-933-7538
Assistant to the President - Jolene Christensen jolene@gustavus.edu 507-933-7538
Board of Trustees - GACtrustee@gustavus.edu
Peer Assistants - Jody Douglas, Advisor douglas@gustavus.edu (507) 933-7607
Diversity Center - Virgil Jones, Director vjones@gustavus.edu (507) 933-7449

Snail Mail can be sent easily with the following address template:

(Name and Department)
Gustavus Adolphus College
800 West College Avenue
St. Peter, MN 56082

The Merits of having a Debate between HD23A Candidates

2010-10-03T23:57:00.000-05:00

http://weekly.blog.gustavus.edu/2010/10/01/terry-morrow/

In place of taking cues from party labels, Terry Morrow’s Star Tribune column (“No Parties, Just Ideas,” November 15, 2009) asked citizens of our state to approach the 2010 election “based on the issues.” Doing so, he says, could allow us to focus upon the issues we face with a serious, sustained public discussion regarding the current mid-term election.

This invitation to shift our attention away from partisan labels and toward the pros and cons of the ideas being debated has not caught on by most. Still, I propose that we as Gustavus students take him seriously on this offer.

To do so, Rep. Morrow could have an in-person debate of “the issues” surrounding his candidacy with the opposition candidate Rebecca Peichel.

An on-campus event sponsored by a non-partisan organization like the Gustavus SGA or the political science department would accomplish this.

For Gusties, it is crucial this happens. After all, the candidates Gusties support shouldn’t be able to circle the issues because we are fond of their party label; rather, in a serious, sustained public discussion before the student body, we should be asking Rep. Morrow to defend his questionable record from concern.

The debate would give Rep. Morrow the opportunity to, amongst many other things, justify to his students why he’s voted to burden Gusties by imposing taxes on music downloads, making alcohol more expensive, and sending the jobs we hope to get when we graduate out-of-state.

Morrow warns of the dangerous tendency for people to say, “I am of the same party as this legislator, therefore I agree.” Along those lines of argument, I think that while many students here may agree with Morrow’s party label, after viewing his voting record they might disagree with his HD 23A leadership. A debate will help us decide this.

Reports Stream in about Orientation Activities on Other Campuses.

2010-10-03T17:45:00.003-05:00

Over the years, people at Marquette University have gotten chronic complaints from students who feel that they have been subjected to indoctrination at Orientation.

Incoming students engage in an exercise called “Take a Stand,” which requires new Freshmen to publicly declare a position on some topic – often a topic that is highly contentious.

Some students on the campus call the process “Stalinist thought reform.”

These new students are herded into small groups, and led in a discussion. Then, they are required to “take a stand” by responding to a series of questions. They must move around the room, moving toward one side or the other, depending on which side of the issue they take, and how strongly they feel.

Students of minority viewpoints quickly face social ostracism and feel like an outsider. The silent pressure to conform to campus orthodoxy is overwhelming to many.

When students are told to take a position, they face an environment that is equally threatening – at least, it is if they harbor unapproved attitudes. It might seen safe to stay in the exact (moderate) middle of the room, but students are instructed that “you may not step on the line of neutrality.” Group leaders are told “with each statement have a person from each side share why they feel the way that they do.”

It’s a very challenging place for students with "politically incorrect" attitudes.

One source (a social conservative) who participated in the process told us “because they are freshmen, and because they are a little bit intimidated, I feel a lot of students aren’t standing on the side they would stand on if they were by themselves or were with friends.” And further: “I know when I was a freshman it was very difficult for me to stand on the side that I thought was morally appropriate. . . .”

So how is this biased? Mainly because only politically correct victim groups are presented as facing problems with intolerance and lack of acceptance. There is no monologue from a white student who is derided as the bearer of “white privilege” (something that happens with some frequency at Marquette). There is no monologue from a future cop who has to listen to leftie professors talk about how police are “racist.”

There is no monologue from a student who is demeaned for conservative religious values – perhaps derided for believing that sex outside marriage is wrong. But intolerance of students who support Catholic teaching is indeed a problem on campus.

http://mu-warrior.blogspot.com/2010/09/take-stand-during-freshman-orientation.html
http://mu-warrior.blogspot.com/2010/09/orientation-indoctrination-update.html

A book published by the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) alerts young people to be aware of the “use of coercive tactics that violate the individual rights of students to formulate their own beliefs” during orientation programs on College campuses. Also discussed in FIRE’s Guide to First-Year Orientation and Thought Reform on Campus is “diversity training that aims to intimidate students into abandoning deeply held beliefs so that they will adopt the university’s preferred political stance.”

FIRE is a resource that can be especially useful to students of public universities.

Another resource open to students is CampusReform.Org. CampusReform.org is designed to provide conservative activists with the resources, networking capabilities, and skills they need to revolutionize the struggle against leftist bias and abuse on college campuses.

More information about Gustavus Adolphus College's Freshman Orientation activities can be found with some of the following links:

Gustavus' Orientation "Controversy" Gathering Steam

2010-10-02T16:11:00.002-05:00

Just eleven days after a press release was circulated through a couple of channels of interested parties and publicized on the homepage of CampusReform.Org, the story of Gustavus' Freshman Orientation activities is spreading around the country at a significant rate.

Here, you can read a few comments from some interested individuals.

This anti-conservative agenda is called "free thinking," even though it denies freedom to others and isn't really thinking.

- Professor, Hillsdale College.

This shows how dangerous the ELCA and its institutions are becoming for our generation.

- Pastor, Former ELCA Church

I am humbled by your insight, courage and use of the new media to expose what is "doing harm" to vulnerable young people. Using new media, just as Luther did, to expose false notions. Please let me know if and how I can help, advise, or support you.

- 64 years as a Lutheran. PR Professional. Virginia.

The content of these videos taken at this year's Freshman Orientation at the ELCA's Gustavus Adolphus College is graphic and, in my opinion, vulgar, appalling, disturbing, tasteless, degrading, and completely unbefitting the sacred trust given to a Christian college and an institution of the ELCA. You may contact President Jack Ohle, Gustavus Adolphus College, 800 West College Avenue, St. Peter, MN 56082, 507-933-7538.

- Pastor, Florida. Spoke with President Jack Ohle.

I have a good feeling that clips from these videos will appear on Fox News and Bill O'Reilly. Not now, but after the November election. This is significant news, it is just a bit too political and religious to give major coverage in the heat of a major mid-term election cycle. But just wait patiently; this story is not dead. Its gathering steam slowly but surely.

- Pastor, Chicago.

http://gustavus.campusreform.org/group/blog/sexual-indoctrination-at-lutheran-colleges-freshmen-orientation-caught-on-tape

http://gustavus.campusreform.org/group/blog/freshman-orientation-caught-on-tape
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrYyA-Z6OFg

http://gustavus.campusreform.org/group/blog/video-inside-freshman-orientation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvIEq3kWPYQ

The Lindau Symposium at Gustavus.

2010-10-01T16:01:00.002-05:00

With generous funding from Phil and Nancy Lindau and the Lindau family, Gustavus Adolphus College has established the Lindau Endowed Symposium.

The goal of the Symposium is to encourage dialogue among Gustavus faculty, staff and students and to promote broad-based intellectual rigor and appreciation of all viewpoints in order to cultivate a campus-wide respect for civil discourse for future generations. The Symposium will ensure that Gustavus students are given the opportunity to examine the pressing issues of the day from a variety of viewpoints and that a conservative voice will always be represented and heard on the Gustavus campus.

Lindau devoted many years of his life to help ensure the future success and advancement of Gustavus. He served the College as a member of both the Alumni Association Board and the Board of Trustees, which he chaired from 1992 to 1995. Lindau also chaired the Building a Greater Gustavus Campaign following the 1998 tornado and was awarded the Greater Gustavus Award in 2003 for his commitment and generosity to the College. He was passionate about the faith-life intersection and the church-relatedness of his alma mater.

"Liberal arts colleges are a microcosm of the entire marketplace of ideas, and those ideas must be clearly articulated and debated. Often, more liberal, social, philosophical, economical and theological viewpoints create an environment on campuses today that is less tolerant and civil toward conservative values and views. Thoughtful evaluation of competing world views is a critical component of a liberal arts education, leading students and those involved in campus life to assess the value of ideas based on merit rather than on prevailing public opinion. Presenting and discussing intellectual and philosophical differences is crucial to any institution pursuing the ideals of a liberal arts education, and is a critical component in preparing college students to be engaged, thoughtful leaders in a civil society."

The Lindau Endowed Symposium will not only support the College’s core values of excellence, community, and justice, but ensure the free flow of ideas and open dialogue on the campus.

The inaugural symposium was held on campus in April of 2007 and featured The Reverend Richard John Neuhaus.

This spring, the distinguished Michael Novak will be on campus. A theologian, author, and former U.S. ambassador; he currently holds the George Frederick Jewett Chair in Religion and Public Policy at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C., where he is Director of Social and Political Studies. Mr. Novak has written some 25 influential books in the philosophy and theology of culture.

Balanced Budget Campaign Launches as GOP Unveils “Pledge to America”

2010-09-28T21:38:00.001-05:00

As House Republicans unveiled the “Pledge to America” and their plan to put government on a path to a balanced budget, a coalition of over 90 national, grassroots and student organizations has launched a nationwide campaign in support of a Balanced Budget Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The Gustavus College Republicans are a part of this coalition for reform.

The BBANow Coalition for a Common Sense Balanced Budget Amendment is led by ReAL Action, the citizen-activist arm of Renewing American Leadership, and includes Americans for Tax Reform, the National Taxpayers Union, Americans for a Balanced Budget Amendment, Tea Party 365, and others who are calling on all Congressional candidates and incumbents to sign the BBANow pledge at www.bbanow.org.

“It is time we begin to understand that the economy is a social issue with deep moral implications on families,” said Rick Tyler, Chairman of ReAL Action.

Since 2008, the Congress has added $4.6 trillion to the public debt, including $1.6 trillion in 2010 alone.
Today, the public debt is in excess of $13 trillion.

“The key argument for the Common Sense Balanced Budget Amendment is not money, it’s freedom,” said Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, Honorary Chairman of Renewing American Leadership. “The freedom for Americans to be a customer in the free market and not a client of the state.”

The Common Sense Balanced Budget Amendment is based on three principles:

1. A requirement that the Federal Budget be balanced every year,
2. A limitation on future federal spending that will prevent relying on tax increases or borrowing to achieve a balanced budget by tying future federal spending to an external standard,
3. A requirement that future tax increases must be passed by a two-thirds supermajority vote in the House and Senate.

“If America is to dig itself out of debt and reverse our economic outlook, we must first force the Congress to stop the out-of-control spending and set priorities,” said BBANow Coalitions Director Kellen Giuda. “The Common Sense Balanced Budget Amendment is our best opportunity to do that.”

BBA NOW can be found on Facebook at http://bit.ly/BBAnow

Pay-Gap Closed: Women Earn More than Men

2010-09-27T16:40:00.000-05:00

The median full-time salaries of young women are 8% higher than those of the guys in their peer group. In two cities, Atlanta and Memphis, those women are making about 20% more. This squares with earlier research from Queens College, New York, that had suggested that this was happening in major metropolises. But the new study suggests that the gap is bigger than previously thought, with young women in New York City, Los Angeles and San Diego making 17%, 12% and 15% more than their male peers, respectively. And it also holds true even in reasonably small areas like the Raleigh-Durham region and Charlotte in North Carolina (both 14% more), and Jacksonville, Fla. (6%).

Read more: http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,2015274,00.html#ixzz10li64o7v

GAC Trustees Pledge $5 Million to Endow Professors of Economics and Management

2010-09-27T15:51:00.001-05:00

Six Trustees Pledge $5 Million to Endow Faculty Positions

ST. PETER, Minn. -- At a gala dinner for friends of the College on Sept. 23, Gustavus Adolphus College President Jack R. Ohle announced that six members of the College’s Board of Trustees have committed to contribute a combined total of $5 million to the College’s endowment. They designated their support for the establishment of an Endowed Distinguished Professorship as well as endowment to support an existing position within the Department of Economics and Management. The trustee donors choose to remain anonymous but have asked that the positions be recognized as Board of Trustees endowed faculty positions.

“This generous gift supports academic excellence, following through on the College’s Commission Gustavus 150 strategic plan and priorities announced last year,” said President Jack R. Ohle. “Importantly, it provides an exciting example to others and a tone and pace for the philanthropy that will propel the College dramatically forward to its 2012 Sesquicentennial celebration and beyond.”

The Endowed Distinguished Professorship will support the work of an esteemed senior scholar in Economics and Management, for the benefit of Gustavus students, the department, the reputation of the College, and the extramural advancement of the discipline. The distinguished professor will be identified through a national search and will be passionate about undergraduate education and will be a recognized scholar and intellectual leader. The distinguished professor will not only teach but also will devote significant time to writing, publishing, leading symposia, and other activities.

The additional endowment support will go to fund an existing faculty position in Economics and Management. The endowment will support instruction as well as additional related extracurricular public colloquia, programs, and presentations on campus. This Endowed Chair will be held by an existing faculty member, and all holders of the chair will be appointed for three-year terms. Additional resources will be available through the endowment to support the extracurricular activities of the chair.

“These two faculty positions will develop and sustain academic excellence for generations to come,” said Dr. David Fienen, Provost and Dean of the College. “The Endowed Distinguished Professor will bring expertise and insight to bear on the teaching and learning environment at Gustavus, and will help develop and articulate a vision for the department for the next five to ten years. The Endowed Chair position will enable an existing faculty member to contribute in new ways to the College’s continued strength and growth in Economics and Management. Both of these positions reflect the strategic planning of the department.”

###

President Ohle added in an email to students,

When individuals are moved to this extraordinary level of philanthropy, it is in many ways a measure of their regard for, and confidence in, the entire institution. Each day, it is obvious that students, faculty, and staff are living out Gustavus’s core values of excellence, community, justice, service, and faith. These trustees believe it is important to recognize the work of the faculty. Their gifts will encourage others to make similar gifts for additional endowed faculty positions, student scholarships, and facilities, and in support of the general fund of the College.

Fall Flooding. Yikes.

2010-09-27T02:22:00.001-05:00

From Gustavus: "Several roadways leading into and out of St. Peter are currently closed due to flooding. U.S. Highway 169 is closed North (to/from Le Sueur) and South (to/from Mankato) as are Highways 22 to/from Mankato and Highway 99 heading East. Travel information and updates are available at www.511mn.org."

If you thought it wasn't getting bad ... In Zumbro Falls, MN the normal river depth is
around 7' and the river crested at 35' on Friday.

Gusties get Creative with Campaign Publicity

2010-09-25T19:57:00.001-05:00

Because a significant number of people pass through the same area in a short period of time, the large number of fans on their way into a football game are a prime audience for literature that describes a candidate, cause, or issue.

Problematically, few people walking into a game are thinking about politics or want to bother reading a piece of traditional campaign literature. However, with a bit of creativity one can easily overcome that obstacle.

That is what the Gustavus College Republicans did on Saturday afternoon.

Instead of handing out a piece of traditional campaign literature to people walking into a football game, they put their information on one side of a sheet of paper, and information about the game on the other. That way, people were more likely to take their literature in the first place, and importantly, they were more likely to hold onto it long enough to read it.

It seems effectively getting out your message has some give and take: Give the fans something they are interested in now, and they will take with them the opportunity to learn about your cause later.

Randy Demmer, Peter Trocke, and Rebecca Peichel Visit Gustavus

2010-09-25T19:25:00.002-05:00

The College Republicans at Gustavus participated in Saturday's homecoming activities at Gustavus Adolphus College. The students and volunteers walked the annual parade around ring-road with candidates Randy Demmer (CD1), Peter Trocke (SD23), and Rebecca Peichel (HD23A).

The candidates had the opportunity to meet students, alumni, and visitors to the campus who were there for the homecoming football game in the afternoon.

Homecoming: Just One More Thing to be Politicized.

2010-09-22T14:08:00.003-05:00

By taking the typical leftist mantra about "the village" and claiming it for "the campus," homecomming week at Gustavus has become just another opportunity for student experiences at the college to be politicized by the far-left.

The slogan that it "takes a community to raise a Gustie" was painted on a cafeteria window by the coordinators of homecoming week activities, and then put on the homepage of the College's website to advertise for the week's festivities.

http://news.blog.gustavus.edu/2010/09/20/homecoming-week-at-gustavus/
http://gustavus.campusreform.org/group/blog/it-takes-a-village-to-raise-a-gustie

THE BREAK UP

2010-09-21T16:48:00.002-05:00

Sexual Indoctrination at Lutheran College's Freshmen Orientation Caught on Tape

2010-09-20T13:22:00.003-05:00

Saint Peter, MN – The freshman orientation activities that incoming students at Gustavus Adolphus College participate in were caught on camera by a student attending the seminars. According to the student with the camera, Phil Cleary, “the seminars filmed featured a series of skits with sexually explicit scenes and patently vulgar language.”

The first video, from a seminar titled the “Inside Scoop” features a series of sexually suggestive skits explaining to incoming students such things as where to get free condoms on campus, how to signal to your roommate that you are busy having sex (so he waits until later to come in), and how to tell your roommate you're gay (as well as the appropriate response you ought take when receiving such information).

The second video is from a seminar titled “E Pluribus Gustavus” and goes a bit further than the first, educating students about distinctions between gender and sex (as well as how to celebrate "LGPBBTTQ&A"), testimonies from gay, lesbian, and atheist students, and a call censor the content of speech after screaming cuss words at students in the dark.

Cleary commented, “This is propaganda that one might expect be taught in a Gender and Sexuality course at a secular, state institution. However, Gustavus is a Lutheran school in southern Minnesota founded by Swedish immigrants in the 1800’s, and these shameful seminars are presented during the first few hours and days that students are on campus before classes even begin.”

A book published by the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) alerts young people to be aware of the “use of coercive tactics that violate the individual rights of students to formulate their own beliefs” during orientation programs on College campuses. Also discussed in FIRE’s Guide to First-Year Orientation and Thought Reform on Campus is “diversity training that aims to intimidate students into abandoning deeply held beliefs so that they will adopt the university’s preferred political stance.”

More details and the videos can be viewed at the following links:

http://gustavus.campusreform.org/group/blog/freshman-orientation-caught-on-tape

http://gustavus.campusreform.org/group/blog/video-inside-freshman-orientation

###

Gustavus Adolphus College is a church-related, residential liberal arts college firmly rooted in its Swedish and Lutheran heritage that aspires to be a community of persons from diverse backgrounds who respect and affirm the dignity of all people and is a community where a mature understanding of the Christian faith and lives of service are nurtured and students are encouraged to work toward a just and peaceful world.

The Truth About Terry Morrow.

2010-09-17T17:01:00.001-05:00

http://weekly.blog.gustavus.edu/2010/09/17/state-legislator/
Did you know one of your professors at Gustavus is a state legislator who supports taxes and fees aimed directly at Gustavus students and votes to make it harder for Gusties to get jobs after graduation?

We all know it is very difficult for graduates of a college with a regional reputation to get hired by an employer from an area that can’t even pronounce or recognize the name of your school. That is why it is especially scary our own professor supports general tax policies that send our future jobs out-off-state, to South Dakota and overseas.

Furthermore, if he had gotten his way this last biennium, you’d be paying more for beer and alcohol, and you would even have had to pay taxes for downloading songs onto your IPod!

Terry Morrow’s record speaks for itself; he is a Gustavus professor who supports policies especially burdensome to the Gusties that elected him. Not only will you spend more money on your weekly budget and more years after graduation searching for jobs because of Terry Morrow; thanks to those with whom Terry affiliates, you’ll spend much longer trying to pay off your student loans too.

Right now you’re still able to deduct up to $2500 of your student loan interest from your gross income. Thanks to Terry Morrow’s Party, the Democrats, you will not be able to deduct ANY student loan interest your gross income in five years time!

Since Gustavus graduates probably have more student loan debt than students at a state university, this is a tax change that is aimed directly at Gustavus students. The cost of your education just went up by as much as $2500 for every year that you carry student loan debt.

The students who helped elect Terry Morrow probably didn’t know he would vote for policies that deliberately burden those he teaches. Let’s thank Terry for betraying his constituency by voting him out of office on November 2, 2010.

Freshman Orientation at Gustavus Infiltrated by Student with Video Camera.

2010-09-15T09:00:00.004-05:00

Before classes even start at Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, MN, freshman students are exposed to a series of orientation and thought reform activities to help them become more acquainted with the "college life."

While most all colleges have activities and events designed to help students get to know each other and the school they will be studying at for the next four years, what many students, parents, and alumni probably don't know is the type of activites to which students are actually exposed.

If they did, they might be quite shocked.

As a freshman student at Gustavus Adolphus College, I recalled numerous students, including me, who were petrified by the extent to which freshmen orientation was actually more like a series of thought reform experiences in which the boundaries of acceptable discourse on campus were shifted in favor of left-wing ideas, values, and culture.

That is why I've gone through the trouble of producing the video below.

Featured today are a few clips from the "Inside Scoop," an hour-long event during orientation that makes it on the "mandatory" schedule for incoming Gustavus students.

Caution: Video contains scenes and language not suitable for all audiences.

Student's Disrespect of Gustavus 9/11 Memorial gets National Attention.

2010-09-14T22:46:00.002-05:00

A student was caught on camera disrespecting the annual 9/11 Never Forget Project. Jokingly, another student told him, "We'll see you on youtube." But, that statement turned out to be quite true.

Below are some of the people and organizations that have reposted the video.

Additionally, contact was made with a program officer from the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE; thefire.org), a non-partisan organization based in Philadelphia.

Young America's Foundation Homepage

CampusReform.Org National Feed

Minnesota Democrats Exposed Political Blog

Facebook

Twitter

Watch the video here!

Gustavus Gone Wild -- Contest to Expose Political Bias on Campus

2010-09-14T19:49:00.001-05:00

Have you ever wanted to fight back against abuses on campus? Now is your chance to do it and win money at the same time. Learn more from CampusReform.Org

Universities Gone Wild

American universities have gone wild. Now you can hold them accountable.

Throughout the fall semester, CampusReform.org will award a $100 prize each week to the U.S. college student who reports the best -- by which we mean worst -- instance of political bias on campus.

Enter now with this online form or by sending an email to contest@campusreform.org.

Contest Rules

Only one prize will be awarded per week.
Entries which do not win may be resubmitted for future weeks.
Entrants must be members of CampusReform.org and the campus subsite of the college or university in question to win.
All reports must be verified before any prize is awarded.
All submissions may be used by CampusReform.org in any manner deemed appropriate by the CampusReform.org staff.
No member of the CampusReform.org staff or their families may win any prizes in this contest.
Winners will be chosen based on the nature of the abuse, the number of students affected, the medium of the evidence provided, and any other factors deemed relevant.
If no submission for a week is found to be appropriate, CampusReform.org reserves the right to make no award that week.

Visit http://www.campusreform.org/start to get started.

Gustavus Student Tries to Disrupt 9/11 Never Forget Memorial

2010-09-13T16:39:00.000-05:00

Gustavus Lion "Gus" Headed to the Trashbin of History?

2010-09-13T15:05:00.000-05:00

You might not have known this, but the logo for athletics at Gustavus Adolphus College is on the chopping block.

The "Lion" known as Gus is set to be replaced.

Replaced with what you ask?

The proposed design is below

The leader of the group "Save Gustavus Adolphus College", Mary Carlson, commented that she doesn't think a lot of current students are aware of what's going on, especially alumni. Carlson added that Gwen Freed (VP of marketing) is watching the comments, and encouraged people to give feedback whether it be good or bad. gfreed@gustavus.edu

George Bush Bullhorn Speech

2010-09-12T01:05:00.001-05:00

Flashing Back: Gustavus Honors 9/11 in 2008

2010-09-11T15:00:00.002-05:00

Theater Department to Host Risque Play

2010-09-11T12:37:00.000-05:00

And students get to see pictures of it all over campus.

Gustavus hangs an American Flag.

2010-09-10T13:47:00.000-05:00

Unlike our earlier post, this IS big news.

College Hangs American Flag After Requests from Students

Marine Combat Vet to Speak at Gustavus 9/11 Never Forget Memorial

2010-09-09T14:12:00.002-05:00

Saint Peter, MN – The College Republicans of Gustavus are sponsoring a ceremony of remembrance on Friday, September 10th at 7PM to honor those that were fallen in the events of September 11, 2001.

The 9/11 Never Forget Memorial is an annual event for the Gustavus and Saint Peter community featuring a candle light vigil in front of a 2,976 flag memorial which has been set up by the campus Republican club.

David Carlson, a marine combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, will be speaking during the ceremony which takes place on Eckman Mall of the Gustavus campus.

Carlson was Infantry Sergeant in the 1st Marine Division, from August 2003 to August of 2007 and has been a candidate for both the Minnesota House of Representatives and the Minnesota Senate. Carlson now serves as Chief Executive Officer of Blue Diamond Strategies, which specializes in Executive protection, threat assessment, risk management and political consulting.

The mission of the Gustavus College Republicans is to elect Republican candidates at all levels of government, fight for Republican principles on college campuses, and build the next generation of conservative leaders in Minnesota.

Gustavus Students Move In

2010-09-06T21:49:00.001-05:00

Yep, big news.

The Personalities of Minnesota Political Parties

2010-08-11T22:36:00.003-05:00

The American people aren’t too hip on party politics right now, that much is clear. If they were, the Tea Party wouldn’t be growing as fast as it is.

However, no matter how much people feel disenfranchised by parties, there is really no way to replace the function they serve as a vehicle for ideas and a platform for candidates.

Parties are here to stay, and it isn't just policy that distinguishes Minnesota's two major parties, its personality.

So where do the personalities of the two parties differ?

The place the distinctions have become most apparent is the how the endorsing process of gubernatorial candidates for each party reached a decision.

The GOP

May 1^st, somewhere around 3 pm: Two ballots, hundreds of handshakes, multiple cups of coffee, and one epic parade of "Seifert v. Emmer" enthusiasts later the delegation was getting ready to start a third ballot.

With Emmer in the lead and the Seifert supporters standing firm, we were all prepared for a long night.

But suddenly Marty came running to the stage and energetically grabbed the mic.

It was then he announced that he wanted to throw his support behind Tom Emmer to elect Tom as the next governor of Minnesota. The Emmer crowd went crazy and the Seifert supporters looked like they'd seen a ghost.

Marty instructed his supporters to take off their Seifert stickers and slap on some Emmer ones. He was passionate as he urged the delegation to unanimously endorse Tom Emmer.

And so it was done.

The DFL

August 11^th, approximately 1 am: The ballots had been counted and DFL-endorsed candidate, Margaret Kelliher finally trailed behind DFL candidate Mark Dayton by about 5,000.

Even though defeat was imminent, Kelliher wasn’t ready to concede. She reassured her supporters that “this isn’t over.”

The DFL unity rally that was planned for 11 am on Wednesday morning was postponed as Kelliher demanded that all absentee ballots be counted before her press conference Wednesday afternoon.

Kelliher finally conceded late Wednesday morning when 100% of votes were accounted for and she lacked 7,000 of them.

So What?

Blame it on a big budget campaign. Argue that grassroots aren’t effective. Chalk it up to experience on a national level. No matter which way you slice it, the DFL endorsed candidate lost and didn’t give it up without a fight.

This is an election when we need to show the people that politics can work, that a politician really can support the people and that (Lord forgive me for saying this...) real change is possible.

We can’t do any of that if the people don’t believe that we can even support each other.

That it the DFL's big problem.

These differences is where the personalities of the parties come out most: Contrast this DFL endorsing fiasco, that officially ran from from February through August, to the GOP convention.

A GOP Delegate told me back in May that,

“It is through classy conventions like this where people play by the rules, work hard, and abide by the outcome that we can begin to appreciate more fully our American tradition of democracy.

Republicans know how to do things right; they truly love this state, this country, and have plans to make it better."

I'd only add that the DFL could take a few notes from the GOP.

Bess Folsom

You're an Indecent Human Being if you don't Study at Gustavus

2010-08-09T18:20:00.000-05:00

Did you know that if you don't attend school at Gustavus you not only risk wasting your life, there is also a chance you are an indecent human being?

Here is an ad that will run in the College's latest paid media campaign.

Click here to learn more about this latest move by Gustavus.

Advice for Incoming Gustavus Freshmen

2010-08-08T23:26:00.004-05:00

Being an effective campus organizer takes time.

Knowledge of the proper tactics and techniques for beings successful and making a real impact are often only learned by trial and error. However, while you will certainly pass through the school of hard knocks as a conservative activist, you can get mentorship and guidance from those who have come before you.

Here are six pieces of advice and some examples to help illustrate.

1) Focus more on campus issues.

Addressing national policy is fun and easy, but confronting campus issues can be fun and actually change something. There are many organizations nationwide focusing on national issues, but only you are in prime position to address issues on your campus. Your group has the potential to affect national policy in rare cases, but it has unlimited potential to affect campus policy.

Organize

Start a blog or student publication
Network with alumni

Expose

Professor bias
Discrimination against students or betrayal of core values

Lobby

Promote openness to conservative ideas
Target a policy that you want changed
Take action to redress a problem on campus

Be a Resource to Others

Offer activism advice
Help existing campus leaders by joining conservative groups, and get involved by being a committed, dedicated campus activist. You'll learn a lot and prepare yourself to take the lead when they're gone.

2) Focus more on building a conservative alumni and donor network.

Trying to change the minds of fellow students and get media attention drawn to leftist abuses and bias and conservative principles are worthy endeavors. But the impact of such activities are minimal and temporary relative to the impact one can have by cultivating alumni, donors, and other influentials (e.g. regents, trustees, governors) of the university. Moreover, these networking and fundraising activities will only help you personally and professionally after graduation. Working or volunteering for your university's fundraising operations is a useful way to find out who really controls policy and funding.

You could help out with research and networking for the Friends of Gustavus association.

3) Focus on attention-getting activism, not just mass education about conservative principles.

Mass education is what your university does, and your university has the advantage on that battleground. But what you can do very, very effectively is challenge and change the institution through confrontational activism. Identify leftist abuses and bias, draw attention to them, and demand changes. Your Regional Field Coordinator can help you pick the right tactics.

Remember that nothing is more important, powerful, and beneficial than an effective conservative student group on campus. Unfortunately, politics now impacts every aspect of our lives, including those we cherish most. Make it a top priority.

5) Hit the ground running by learning from the best.

You can increase the number and effectiveness of the conservative activists on your campus by getting training from the Leadership Institute.

They offer programs that will transform your activism.

Youth Leadership School: How to run a youth campaign and organize students politically in general.
Student Publications Workshop: How to start and run a student publication.
Campus Election Workshop: How to win student government elections.

6) Connect with the conservative leaders on your campus (and neighboring campuses) by joining CampusReform.org

Note: Some content original, other content provided by CRO

Are You a "Friend of Gustavus?"

2010-08-05T22:43:00.002-05:00

Did you know that current conservative students at Gustavus want your help to make an impact on the Gustavus campus?

With your membership, conservative students and alumni can work together to build and sustain a legacy of conservatism on the Gustavus campus!

You can get connected today in just seconds.

Friends of Gustavus is an alumni network whose mission is to inform, connect, and activate conservative graduates of the college in order to build and sustain a tradition of conservatism amongst students and alumni.

Inform - Inform the friends of Gustavus about conservative activities and leftist abuses on campus.
Connect - Connect current students with past students for the purpose of mentorship, networking, and development.
Activate - Activate like minded friends for impactful action on campus by creating opportunities for joint student-alumni involvement and then inviting individuals to become involved.

Officially launching during this year's homecoming festivities on Saturday, September 25, the group is situated to make a difference at the college.

But, you don't have to wait to join. By signing up today you can be a founding member of this non-partisan group, at no cost to you!

Please go to http://bit.ly/joinGAC to fill out the official membership form.
It is only a small investment of your time and energy for the purpose of making a significant difference at your alma mater.

Sincerely,

Phil Cleary '11
Executive Director
Friends of Gustavus

P.S. Be sure to go to http://bit.ly/joinGAC to register for the Friends of Gustavus Alumni group; it's designed to inform, connect, and activate conservative graduates of Gustavus Adolphus College.

You can also find us on:

Linkedin

Facebook

Campus Reform Online

The Web

Could a Radical Campus Feminist Group Face Sexual Harassment Charges?

2010-08-03T20:41:00.002-05:00

Some students are charging that an event which took place on campus this past spring amidst student protest and disgust violated these college's policies against sexual harassment.

That event, titled "I Heart Female ***asm" featured obscene and unwelcoming invitations and messages plastered all over campus in the days leading up to the event which drew attention to sex and sexuality. Those hosting the event used suggestive jokes and words of lewd sexual nature to describe sexual body parts, functions, and acts.

According to Gustavus Adolphus College's sexual harassment policy (revised as recent as July of 2008), the following are examples of sexual harassment:

A. Use of demeaning terms that draw attention to an individual's sex or sexuality.

B. Use of words of a sexual nature describing body parts or sexual acts, telling
suggestive jokes or stories, and conversations about sexual exploits or sexual desires.

C. Repeated unwelcome invitations to social engagements or work- or school-related
activities.

Thus, the organization which sponsored these violations, the Women's Awareness Center, is clearly responsible for infractions of college policy by sexually harassing students.

You can file a complaint against the organizers today by contacting the Dean of Students office of Gustavus.

To do so, immediately email dos@gustavus.edu or call 507.933.7526

Tell them that you feel that the "WAC" has engaged in sexual harassment in violation of the College's policy.
Emphasize how it has made you feel degraded and uncomfortable and why disciplinary action is a necessity.
Explain that it is reprehnsible that the college (the Human Resources Department, the Office of the Provost, and the Office of the Dean of Students) has not taken action to redress these infractions.
Demand that appropriate action be taken against the organizers and the sponsoring student group. Charge that appropriate sanctions include revocation of office space in the student union and prohibition of access to student activity fees for a period of 12 months.

The full text of the policy can be seen here. But what is important to keep in mind is that the only thing to fear from filing a complaint is fear itself. Why? The policy says two things:

1) No person who makes a complaint or cooperates in the investigation shall be subject to
any form of retaliation.

2) Any person engaging in such reprisals will be subject to severe sanctions.

Have no fear.

Ego for Auditor

2010-08-02T13:25:00.003-05:00

From an email sent out by a statewide candidate

Important Primary Note:

As many of you are probably aware, our endorsed candidate for Attorney General, Chris Barden, has a primary challenge from perennial candidate Sharon Anderson.

Ms. Anderson has run almost every cycle for two decades, and actually won the AG primary in 1994 against our endorsed candidate. Four years ago, she came within 8 points of defeating our endorsed candidate, Jeff Johnson.

Jeff had been a very visible candidate pre-primary. As a sitting State Senator, he was well-known and had spent most of the summer getting lawn signs up all over the state. With the early primary this year, Chris Barden has had less time to become known to republican primary voters.

Because none of the four candidates running for state auditor have a primary challenge from within their respective parties, there is no primary race for state auditor and it is not on the ballot. That means that the only "Anderson" on the primary ballot for a constitutional office is Chris Barden's opponent. Because of this, there is concern people may confuse the "Andersons" and inadvertently vote for Sharon Anderson.

Please tell everyone you know to support Chris Barden, not "Sharon Anderson" in the primary.

What's Pat Been Up to?

Pat won't be slowing down until November 3^rd!

...REALLY? Kind of a desperate excuse to come up with for sending out an email.

Ready to take Action for your Values?

2010-08-02T12:42:00.002-05:00

Recently, we mentioned that you could be the person who starts a pro-life student group on your campus, becomes the voice for justice, and organizes students to make a difference.

With CampusReform you can get the help you need to do exactly this.

You can advice they've provided for Becoming and Effective Pro-Life Group

Why not start now?

After all, "You owe it to both babies and mothers to be activists and organizers on your campus, not mere educators."

Would You Do This?

2010-07-31T16:08:00.000-05:00

Are you looking for a way to take a stand against atrocities like this?

Perhaps you could be the person who starts a pro-life student group on your campus, becomes the voice for justice, and organizes students to make a difference. With CampusReform you can get the help you need to do exactly this.

If you want free expert, personalized assistance for the purpose of starting an independent student group on your campus then you should contact your regional campus service coordinator at the Leadership Institute.

What will you do when the Thought Police come for your Brains?

2010-07-27T00:22:00.000-05:00

There are several ways that colleges and universities deprive students and professors of their freedom of conscience. Some of these methods include:

Mandatory “diversity training” like that imposed recently at Washington State University;
Speech codes mandating certain attitudes, such as the one FIRE defeated in court at Shippensburg University;
The use of nondiscrimination policies to ban organizations with dissenting viewpoints, especially religious groups, as in FIRE’s recent case at Princeton University; and
Punitive impositions of psychological counseling, one instance of which FIRE recently quashed at the University of New Hampshire.

Can you think of any events aimed at thought reform of freshman students that takes place on campus?

Please post a comment explaining your experience, or send it to campusmajority@gac.edu to let us know about any leftist excesses that might be taking place during orientation or other events. We'll talk about ways that you can help make a difference on campus.

The Associated Press Picks up Story on Gustavus.

2010-07-26T15:11:00.000-05:00

Recently, the story of a prank played on chemistry professor Dr. Bur hit the media.

Most peculiar isn't that a local paper like the Mankato Free Press picked up the story, but that it eventually ran on the AP and thus was printed in big papers across the country.

The joke has even spawned a youtube interview with nearly 1,100 hits four days after being uploaded.

Usually, the only thing Gustavus makes the news for is stinky corpse flowers, long tennis matches, censorship of student papers, and abuses by leftist professors.

Congratulations Gustavus.

DFL Field Coordinator tells Gustavus "We Can't Afford Tom Emmer"

2010-07-23T19:41:00.002-05:00

Recently, a Democratic Fascist Leftist Party member told students of Gustavus that,

Hopefully we can count on all of you to do your part this year to
elect a DFL Governor, because we can't afford Tom Emmer.

While he seems to think we cannot afford a candidate that wants to reduce spending and retain a balanced budget, he does say that his party can afford other things:

...This  year there will be a "Youth Coordinated
Campaign" that will hire organizers at colleges and universities
across the state.  If you are a current student and interested in
running the campus field program this fall, once again let me know.

Who is that directed to? He says:

people looking for a future (or immediate) career in politics.

The role model to which they are to look?

This year we are trying to elect the first DFL Governor since 1986, and our
endorsed candidate, Margaret Anderson Kelliher, happens to also be a
Gustavus alum.

So, let me get this right DFL -- we can afford a candidate who has done nothing to reign in runaway spending besides proposing new spending bills, we can afford to hire students to organize their campuses, but we cannot afford to say "enough is enough" while putting a check on uncontrolled power?

The DFL hasn't done anything productive with control of both houses in Minnesota ... I'd say "We Can't Afford to Let them Control One More"

We've got work to do friends, before they steal it.

The "Year of the REAL Woman"

2010-07-21T07:21:00.000-05:00

NeW Chapter for Women at Gustavus?

Will there be animosity and tensions amongst the ranks in the Women's Awareness Center at Gustavus? If Gustavus politics are trailing the national trend, perhaps there will be a break away group that begins standing for important woman's issues and education. An upstart of a group like the Network of Enlightened Women (NeW) could provide women the support that they need on campus.

2010 is shaping up to be the year of the Republican woman. According to Center for American Women and Politics, 14 Republican women have thrown their girdles into the ring for the U.S. Senate and 94 for the House of Representatives.

“There is a moment when ladies need to stand up to the women who compose groups like NOW and say, no, this is not liberation for me,” she said. “This will be the year of the real woman. For the first time, real women are actually going to be represented and have their voices heard.”

The conservative attempt to usurp the word feminist has arisen in response to the idea that only women who believe that the right to an abortion is a legitimate right can be considered liberated.

Liberation should not come from killing your future baby, continual grievances and pushing men down,” Dannenfelser said.

“Those women that put abortion at their center have ignored legitimate concerns we might have and instead have spent all their time on things which have hurt women.”

Read the Label: Chuck Colson talks Pornography

2010-07-19T19:33:00.000-05:00

Writer and cultural commentator Chuck Colson discussed today the problems that sit beneath our culture's infatuation with pornography.

While he reminds us of the importance of providing children filtered access to the internet (article below), a coalition of Gustavus students has been pushing for nothing more than the College to offer filtering software as an option for voluntary download by students on to their computer (Read more here, here, and here)

We already require anti-virus software to even access the network, why not offer safe internet as an option to students who want to pursue that option?

Read the Label
Chuck Colson
July 19, 2010

Everywhere you turn, someone is warning Americans about the dangers of childhood obesity. Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver toured the country preaching the gospel of healthier school lunches. The first lady has made fighting childhood obesity her top priority.

While I'm all for healthier eating and exercise, I can't help but think, however, that in our concern over our kids' waistlines, we have overlooked a far bigger threat—the one to their souls.

The threat I'm referring to is pornography. In the latest issue of First Things, Mary Eberstadt of the Hoover Institution writes about the impact of the "widespread gorging on pornographic imagery"—what she calls "sexual obesity." "Sexual obesity," Eberstadt tells us, is "deleterious and unhealthy," yet it elicits "nowhere near" the "universal public concern" as the physical kind.

It should. Consuming all that smut, she writes, is "far more likely to make [our kids'] future lives miserable than carrying those extra pounds ever will."

And even kids who don't download pornography are exposed to it through its "incursions into popular media": video games, popular music, television and even their cell phones!

This increased exposure is correlated with a host of ills, some of them literally ills: teenagers who use pornography are more likely to test positive for chlamydia.

Even worse than what pornography does to our bodies is what it does to our minds. There is evidence that pornography robs frequent users of "the ability to relate to or be close to women." As philosopher Roger Scruton put it, porn users "risk the loss of love, in a world where only love brings happiness."

Given what we know about the damage caused by "sexual obesity," why ignore it while obsessing over school lunches? Why are people who scrutinize nutrition labels and flee trans-fats like the plague clueless about what their kids are watching and how it shapes their character?
Part of the answer is that our media-driven culture is literally superficial. We are obsessed with outward appearances, not virtue.

Then there's the way our culture equates sexual license with freedom.

This isn't new. Since the Enlightenment, sexual license has been the preferred way to express western man's emancipation from the Christian moral order. As the atheist philosopher Voltaire flippantly put it, "God created sex. Priests created marriage."

The tragic belief that "sexual license equals freedom" is why proposals to require that pornographic websites end in ".XXX" are regarded as the slippery slope to tyranny. It's why Apple's attempt to remove "overtly sexual content" from its iPhone app store prompted talk of a boycott.

Since our culture isn't willing to take measures against sexual obesity, Christians need to be especially mindful of what their kids are consuming online.

Just as you wouldn't feed your children deep-fried Twinkies for dinner, you shouldn't give them unlimited and unfiltered access to the internet. A little diligence can make a big difference—the kind of difference you won't get from reading a nutrition label.

Will Intellectual Diversity Exist at this Year's Nobel Conference?

2010-07-19T15:24:00.001-05:00

That is a rhetorical question of course.

Since it is likely you will get a large dose of leftistism with a side of communism at this year's event titled "Making Food Good," I suggest you take a look at the approach this writer has to the issue of food related politics.

http://www.agweb.com/Blogs/BlogPost.aspx?src=TheTruth&PID=899423d5-d65c-44a4-ab3d-1ca3f5eaff6b

Her comments are posted here:

A new study by the National Association of Scholars (NAS) says that the books most commonly assigned display “a surprisingly low level of intellectual difficulty.” To make matters worse, a distressing number of schools select books that launch one-sided attacks on the modern food industry.

This is a shame because food production is an important subject that informed citizens should strive to understand and learn more about. Yet these summertime assignments aren’t helping. Some of them are actually hurting the public’s understanding of agriculture.

One of the most suggested authors for summer-reading assignments is the best-selling controversialist Michael Pollan. Students at ten campuses must digest one of his books, according to the NAS survey. They range from little Albion College in Michigan to the prestigious University of California at Berkeley. Another popular writer is Barbara Kingsolver, an advocate of the “local food” movement who is required reading at Virginia Tech and elsewhere.

Professors often talk about the importance of diversity, but I wonder if they really mean it: By assigning books by Pollan and Kingsolver, they’re exposing students to only one part of what is an important global discussion regarding what tools and technology are needed to feed a growing world population in a sustainable manner.

My preference is to recommend a more pragmatic and balanced reading list for the students as they prepare for the next phase of their educational journey. Because the current college and university reading lists imply little interest in alternatives to a narrow-minded and politically correct critique of food production, I thought I’d suggest three books that offer a more rounded understanding of the subject.

Denialism: How Irrational Thinking Hinders Scientific Progress, Harms the Planet, and Threatens Our Lives, by Michael Specter – The media bombards us with facts every day. They are intellectually stimulating, mind numbing, and confusing all at once. But the difference between good information and bad information is crucial. Specter’s approach recalls a quote from the late senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan: “You are entitled to your own opinions, but not to your own facts.” Specter encourages us to recognize that science-based facts are often the very best kind of facts. We need more of them, not fewer. They allow us to see through agenda-driven ideologues and special-interest groups. They also help us debunk popular myths about everything from organic food (which is no way to feed the world) to genetically modified crops (which is a part of the solution).

Food Politics: What Everyone Needs To Know, by Robert L. Paarlberg – Two years ago, Truth About Trade and Technology named Paarlberg’s Starved for Science as the “book of the year” because of its sensible call for the developing world to accept agricultural biotechnology. Now Paarlberg is back with a new volume that’s jam-packed with the type of science-based facts, figures, and arguments that Specter says we must learn to value. This book informs readers about the basics of agriculture and challenges notions about farming and food production that are regrettably popular in the faculty lounges. Food Politics truly nourishes the mind.

The Time It Never Rained, by Elmer Kelton: The author passed away last year, but his novel of a 1950s drought in West Texas is timeless. Its gripping story provides an excellent look at the opportunities and hardships that people in agriculture constantly face. The main character, Charlie Flagg, is a lovable grump who says that “a farmer’s concern is always the land.” The novel goes on to show why this is true, and why farmers and ranchers are some of the best stewards we have. This book is a perfect example of fiction’s ability to provide powerful insights into the way the world really works.
These three books are worthwhile on their own terms as well as for their value as antidotes against the propaganda that a few college and universities are peddling in their summer reading programs.

The Rockets' Red Glare

2010-07-06T22:22:00.000-05:00

What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming.
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;
O! say does that star-spangled banner yet wave,
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

10 Reasons Why You Should Be Using CampusReform.org

2010-07-01T21:54:00.003-05:00

10 Reasons Why You Should Be Using CampusReform.org

The Leadership Institute's Campus Reform website is a premiere tool not only for exposing and combating leftist abuses on college campuses, but also is a valuable source of information for developing your knowledge of political technology. An article swirling around the internet should convince you to sign up for an account today!

Ten Reasons to Join CampusReform.Org

1. Training. Whether it’s for publications, campus elections or anything else, you can find it on this website.

2. Connect with student activists from your school... You can network with other campuses, write blog updates about what’s happening at school, post local events and create a site just for your independent conservative group.

3. Each region has a campus services coordinator who can assist you in finding training. I know I can speak for many in saying they know what they’re doing and are a good resource to tweak good ideas and make them great. Our coordinator, Emily, is very helpful.

Read the original article Here

Oh yes, and did anyone say ... IT'S FREE.

Gustavus Students Read to Lead, or Read to Bleed?

2010-06-24T00:00:00.001-05:00

Read to Lead or Read to Bleed?

A new study out calls into question activities like our "Reading in Common" program that fall significantly short of making substantive academic contributions to the college experience yet tend to promote themes that align very nicely with far left ideology.

Is your college training you to be leading the next generation, or to be bleeding from the heart for leftist causes?

Dialogue about College's Identity Heating Up

2010-06-21T21:46:00.000-05:00

One place where discussion about Gustavus's identity as a college has begun to bubble to the surface is a letter to editor that was printed in the last edition of the academic year.

It seems this is a perennial issue that is passionately raised, and then is eventually suppressed and forgotten until another provocative situation is brought to light. Reports about acts of discrimination or religious bias frequently pop up; though the College seems to be successful at covering up and ignoring these tough issues where students are alienated because of their Christian affiliations.

Since "personnel is policy" an interesting development will be how the new selections on the board of trustees could influence the dynamics of power within the college. Little has been said about the views and priorities of these two new individuals and the promotion of Bernhardson to chairman.

Until then, we leave you with the latest zinger from a comment left by an alumnus about the Gustavus Commencement Ceremonies:

Why was Jesus Christ ignored during commencement services? Did Chaplain Johnson have an Apostle Peter moment or three?

Diversity Center is "Conservative Safe Space"

2010-06-20T23:21:00.000-05:00

The Diversity Center at Gustavus Adolphus College became a "Conservative Safe Space" in May of 2010 when the director made the decision to place a sticker on the door of the office. Junior student Phil Cleary, who pushed for the addition said, "I think this is a sign that we really do believe diversity is not just measured by the way people look, but also the way that they think. It is great that we are open to consciously seeking out ways to incorporate more of the student body into the activities of the D-Center."

Cleary said his inspiration for the idea came from students who were at the college previously, "I was working in the College Republicans office one day and found a binder of materials leftover from before I was a student. I learned that in 2006 two students filed a formal document of grievances and objectives with the school. The stories of hostility, discrimination, vandalism towards students who had a similarly situated worldview as my own rang true."

So Cleary decided to do something: Of the document's nine goals one of them that remained uncompleted was "The creation of a conservative safe zone," justified on the premises that most "students have a place where they can feel free to share their opinions and struggles, feel safe, and feel respected; conservative students do not." Thus, Cleary acquired stickers from the Clare Boothe Luce Policy institute, and invited the center to display one on the door.

Some students and friends might wonder why this is important. I think this is a valuable sign and gesture that the Office is not necessarily hostile to a particular point of view, but that students of all perspectives can be asked to think thoughtfully of the unexamined assumptions they carry forth in everyday life.

It is a good day when we take steps to signify that we support the free and open exchange of ideas in all areas of campus life, and take actions to promote a welcoming, affirming, and open environment where people of all viewpoints, beliefs, ideologies, and political persuasion can thrive.

Cleary said, "It is important that diversity encompassess everything you are, and everything you're not; I think conservative students will now feel more welcome to participate in functions sponsored by the diversity center."

College Democrats given keys to the office space allocated to the College Republicans

2010-06-20T23:19:00.000-05:00

A secure location where materials like literature, canvass sheets, political identitifcation information, etc can be stored is one of the primary functions that an office can play for a political group during a campaign. That is why the Student Activities Office (SAO) at Gustavus Adolphus College awarded the College Republicans office space in the "Gustie Den" for use during the 2010-2011 school year.

You will see quite plainly in the notice (below), that the office space would not be shared with other groups; an especially important distinction given the sensativity inherently assumed to exist during election year group operations!

However, it turns out that the SAO went behind the back of the College Republican student group and gave the College Democrats access to the Republican's office. They said, "several circumstances...have changed...we extended the deadline for organization den applications... [We've] partnered the College Republicans and Democrats in an office together."

In a statement by the College Republican chair, the Republican group said

It is an unprecedented move to give a group with a mission fundamentally oppossed to your own unrestricted access to an office assigned for your use, without notification beforehand that this decision was made.
Decisions to change or alter the way office space was allocated should be made in collaboration with the current leadership of the organization being affected. Because nobody currently elected to the College Republicans had input on the application, nor were they allowed to have a voice in the decision to give another group permission to use an office we have been allocated; the College Republicans would formally like to appeal this decision.
Not only is it entirely inappropriate to give Democrats keys to a Republican office without consulting them, it is laughable that those responsible for breaching the assumed security of a political office during a campaign season would try to justify their behavior by merely asserting that "several circumstances...have changed...we extended the deadline for organization den applications... [We've] partnered the College Republicans and Democrats in an office together."
No notification of this extension of deadline was given, nor any evidence of changing circumstances. We will not accept this type of behavior perpetuated toward minority student groups who hold underrepresented views on campus.

This turn of events is just asking for a "water-gate" type situation to occur.

Peaceful protester gets punched by union thug in NC

2010-06-12T18:43:00.004-05:00

In the video above, this is not some crazy "lone wolf" attacking Tea Party folks. This is a very plugged-in, Democratic activist -- a man whose income is dependent upon Union and Democratic money.

The Alinskyites (Saul Alinsky, "Rules for Radicals" - President Obama's playbook) are absolutely determined to silence dissent to their orthodoxy.

Dismantling "Teacher Education Programs" like Gustavus' key to student success?

2010-05-29T13:43:00.000-05:00

A Report on a new study out from UNC researchers says:

"Teach for America participants excel because they are “untainted” by the education school mindset. The higher education reform movement is filled with horror stories about how the demands for ideological conformity, the lack of intellectual rigor, the low standards, and the emphasis on mind-numbing pedagogy over substance have chased away many serious students from education departments. Such mediocrity is empirically reflected by the way education majors historically earn the lowest average cores of any graduate discipline on their graduate record exams (GREs)."

This is one more drop in the bucket indicating that dismantling "teacher education programs" like the one that Gustavus offers could be the key to improving K-12 student success and increasing the intellectual capacity of teachers in our public schools.

We need to bust the union monopoly on education, allow individuals more options for becoming a teacher outside of these low performing mind numbing filtration systems, and give students more choices in selecting the schools they attend.

The forty page study can be read at http://www.popecenter.org/acrobat/UNCEdSchoolsStudy.pdf

A Heritage Foundation video on the benefits of moving towards opening this type of system up can be viewed here http://www.heritage.org/multimedia/video/2009/10/let-me-rise

A brand new video out on charter schools has a trailer on Youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Khlm4fa-_cE

Celibacy the New Hipster Trend?

2010-05-13T01:27:00.004-05:00

Celibacy the New Hipster Trend?

On a campus where condoms are handed out like candy, it might be hard to believe that women across the country are giving sex up, but celibacy is becoming as hip as organic coffee and hummus. Lady Gaga announced her celibacy back in April, saying, “I’m celibate, celibacy’s fine.” Courtney Love and Playboy bunny, Ashley Dupre, have recently jumped on the no-sex bandwagon as well.

Some women are giving up sex to find a truer love. In a New York Post article, a 34-year-old women said that, “By tuning out some of that hyper-sexualized, porny-y clamor, you find yourself tuning into a sort of a subtler romance and being attracted to a different kind of guy.”

Some women are even saying no to men all together. A college student at UC Santa Barbara has pledged to not have any contact with guys for the entire month of May. She has said, “No dates. No random makeouts. No kissing male friends… No instigating text/email/Facebook wall conversations with members of the opposite sex whom I would consider dating. No sex. No crying over ex-boyfriends, lost loves, or the one that I’ll never have...”

According to the comments on the site, there is a host of women who support the idea. Women sight their lack of discipline, guilt, and unsuccessful relationships as reasons for wanting to take a break. So whether its a choice made for love or a choice made for self, women are choosing to give up on sex. Just as organic coffee and hummus have become an everyday occurrence, perhaps one day celibacy will be as well.

(Written by Bess Folsom)

Kagan Takes Lead Against Patriotic Students at Harvard

2010-05-10T17:24:00.002-05:00

Kagan Takes Lead Against Patriotic Students at Harvard

The nation's largest conservative youth outreach organization, Young America's Foundation, says Elena Kagan trampled on students' rights as dean of Harvard Law School.

Kagan treated patriotic students like second class citizens when she banned them from meeting with military recruiters in the career office.

It is unclear whether she encouraged or required students to go off campus to meet with military recruiters. According to the New York Times, Harvard allowed on campus recruiting with the assistance of the Harvard Law Students Veterans Association (HLSVA). However, according to a letter posted on the HLSVA website from February 18, 2005, the HLSVA recruiters "will be strongly encouraged to arrange for an off-campus location to conduct interviews."

The HLSVA letter goes on to say that their effort to provide recruiting assistance "falls short of duplicating the excellent assistance provided by the HLS Office of Career Services," clearly indicating that students interested in a career in the military were not receiving institutional aid but were rather passed off to a group that acknowledged their, "tiny membership, meager budget, and lack of any office space, we possess neither the time nor the resources to routinely schedule campus rooms or advertise extensively for outside organizations, as is the norm for most recruiting events."

Only because of pressure from then-President Larry Summers, and the threat of losing millions in federal funds, did Kagan opt for an apartheid system rather than an outright ban. She forced students to meet with military representatives off campus or in a segregated part of the campus, essentially telling these young people to "get to the back of the bus."

Kagan fought all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court to attempt to institutionalize discrimination against students who wish to serve their country. She filed an amicus brief in Rumsfeld v. FAIR. Her position was so extreme that it was rejected unanimously by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Even candidate Barack Obama claimed to differ with Kagan's stance, saying that students should have military service opportunities on campus. He said, "The notion that young people... anywhere, in any university, aren't offered the choice, the option of participating in military service, I think is a mistake."(Service Nation Presidential Forum, Columbia University, September 11, 2008)

Young America's Foundation Vice President Kate Obenshain said, "Kagan has repeatedly trampled on the rights of patriotic students who want to serve their country. She did so even at a time when our nation is at war."

The Supreme Court's unanimous decision rejected Kagan's radical ideology, saying that students have every right to meet with the military on campus and that the federal government has every right to deny US taxpayer funds to schools that did not comply.

The battle to limit the rights of certain students on campus-particularly those willing to sacrifice their lives in the service of their country--will begin anew should Kagan win a powerful life--long seat on the Supreme Court.

For more than forty years Young America's Foundation has stood up for the rights of ROTC and students who wish to serve their country. In those forty years, we have never seen as dire a threat to students' rights, and the constitutional rights of all citizens, as Elena Kagan presents.

Young America's Foundation calls on United States Senators and all Americans who believe in protecting the rights of students and the rights of Americans to express themselves freely to oppose Elena Kagan's nomination to the Supreme Court of the United States.

As the principal outreach organization of the Conservative Movement for more than 40 years, Young America's Foundation introduces thousands of young people to conservative ideas through national conferences, campus lectures and activism programs, internships, and seminars at the Reagan Ranch Center. Young America's Foundation preserves the Reagan Ranch as a premier presidential property and living tribute to Ronald Reagan's life and ideas.

###

"Freedom from Feminism" on Mother's Day?

2010-05-07T15:48:00.001-05:00

It looks as though one Minnesota radio commentator will be discussing what he claims should be the appropriate and proper theological response to the feminist movement. Could be interesting!

College Republicans are on Twitter!

2010-05-07T02:25:00.002-05:00

"The Best Party on Campus" made its debut on twitter this week. Their use of social media puts the College Republicans one more step ahead of the Gustavus Democrats, who apparently didn't turn in their application for office space before the deadline. You can follow the Gustavus College Republicans by going to http://twitter.com/GAC_CRs

Republicans may have fumbled the ball in 2008, but all signs indicate they are ready for victory in 2010.

Another one of these indicators is a new KSTP poll that shows Republican gubernatorial candidate leading all of the Democrat candidates. This conservative party has united around one candidate for governor and are ready to move forward, whereas the Democrats will be waging a bitter 3-way fight through at least the primary season.

Conservatives, Republicans, and the Tea Party

2010-05-04T20:17:00.001-05:00

"The Tea Party of today seems to be the closest thing to a mass-based proletariat uprising that America has seen, but it is surprisingly in defense of everything Karl Marx predicted they would revolt against."

Conservatives, Republicans, and the Tea Party (Phil Cleary)

What is the Tea Party? I think that tea party is a label that describes a new generation of people who have decided to get politically engaged: It is our friends and neighbors, It is the young and the old.

Its my mom, a unionized lifelong Democrat who in 2008 voted stopped voting for them, dropped the union, and in 2010 attended a caucus for the first time. Its my dad who was a silent, passive business owner who never mentioned politics in the house once, but in 2010 donated to a local party, and hangs up political op-eds at work.

The movement is, I think, made up of the type of people that want to be left alone; to work hard, be happy, and raise a family. These are people that believe in the American dream: If you work hard, and play it straight, you can be successful.

But we've reached a tipping point and people have made a realization that something is wrong; America isn't the America they want to to be. That fact has attracted into the fold these groups of individuals who were formerly not politically involved or engaged.

Why? The heat from political leadership over the years has turned the heat up to a level of boiling and they've said enough is enough. People have pledged to make a difference by making some noise. They've jumped in and come out swinging. These people have decided that showing up to the polls in November isn't enough, it is time to start standing up. And that change has been a long time coming.

An article written by a student at Wright State University described the Tea Party a little more fully:

According to supporters of this movement, the Tea Party is based in love and follows values and principles centered on good morals, family, freedom and God. The movement is about love for this country and the reasons America was founded in the first place, which some supporters believe has been portrayed poorly by the media.

“The media is attempting to paint us as this crazy extremist group who love nothing but their money and would do anything to keep it,” said Mack Everly, a Wright State student and Tea Party supporter. “We have been called uneducated racists, hate-mongers, and fear-mongers. None of this true.”

Much like the Republican and Democratic parties, the Tea Party Movement was started to accomplish more than one objective. Some supporters believe it to be a movement towards preserving the ideas that the United States was founded on and to lower the level of government corruption. Other party members focus on certain subjects, claiming that it is a movement against excessive government spending. Organized rallies and debates have been held across the nation similar to ones held for Republican and Democratic parties.

Thus, it seems the Tea Party is like much in the conservative movement: It is a diverse, broad coalition of diverging forces that becomes joined together as a group of people united by little more than love of America.

Some people have speculated that this energy and passion could create enough support to generate a spin-off of the traditional Republican and Democrat discourse and force the development of a third party.

But I disagree that this third party is what will happen. The Wright State Gaurdian said the following:

Aside from having the word “party” in the title, the Tea Party wasn’t created to crash the present two party system. “I think it would be an interesting development, but it’s not the purpose of the movement,” Everly said. Sarah Gross, also a Wright State student and Tea Party supporter agreed. “To my knowledge, I don’t think people really view this as a third party, but a large-scale protest movement,” Gross said.

That is particularly insightful. Without organization and a clear branded message, I think these folk will be best suited to work within the existing means of politics to create a dialogue and force a discussion.

What will stop a third party? I think if the Republicans play their cards right, most people under the Tea Party label will find a natural home in the GOP: The advocates of limited government, personal responsibility, and moral sanity who lost their way and need this energy to re-center themselves and find a vision.

Contrast this: Whereas the GOP has sought to build a coalition with these people, the DFL strategists have demagogued, alienated, and disenfranchised the Tea Party hoping that they can make it implode under its own weight. Their propaganda machine has worked hard to give it an aura and a particular brand that it does not have. In this, the left contradicts their purported values of representing the working class, the disengaged, the minority: The left is faithful to these categories only as long as they can be harvested for political gains. To this, the Tea party has said "no more."

So where does that leave us? I think that a third party would be suicide for these energetic individuals that are just entering the politcal fray. That being said, the threat of a third party by a passionate, dedicated, coalition in an era when elections are won by 2-3% margins is absolute gold.

It is with a broad based appeal to common sense, and the power to mobilize historically passive and disengaged portions of the electorate that the Tea Party is a label for a set of individuals ready to make a difference.

And you ask, "How might they go about doing that?"

Morton Blackwell, President of the Leadership Institute, has been training conservative young people about how to be effective in the public policy process. The organization teaches people how to organize to win. He released an article today on just this topic:

Events of the past year should persuade every serious conservative that a third party is no practical party vehicle for us.

...We should have no doubt now as to the disasters the left would create if conservatives, angry with terrible mistakes of many politicians, say, "I hate both parties. Let the leftists win and take all power in the country for awhile. So what?"

They are on the brink of destroying the system of checks and balances and separation of powers so wisely established by America's founding fathers.

Their agenda would ruin our country for the foreseeable future, surely beyond our ability to recover in our lifetimes.

Now is not the time for us to take our marbles and go home.

Now is the time for all good conservatives to work together whenever we can to promote conservative principles successfully through a major political party.

Let's build a new majority party which opportunists cannot cripple again by selling out conservative principles.

In this release, Blackwell sets out two fundamental goals that conservatives and Tea Party followers must have:

To nominate and elect to public office a greater number of principled conservatives.
To advance a greater number of principled conservatives to positions of party leadership at the local, state, and national levels.

His point is, like mine, that to do this a third party would be suicide: Coalition building is king. "To achieve these objectives, conservatives must develop systematic strategies to achieve the following fourteen types of actions."

His brand new mass-based grassroots organization network to connect college students across America, CampusReform.org, has released his 14 point manifesto .

Identify early, groom, and recruit principled conservatives to run for public office and manage campaigns.
Focus conservative time, talent, and money on candidates who, if nominated and elected, will actively lead for conservative principles.
Unite in a timely fashion to reduce the number of party nomination contests which pit multiple conservative candidates against a single content-free candidate.
Increase the number of conservatives who actively participate, through contributions and personal activism, on behalf of conservative candidates in nomination contests.
Defeat in nomination contests a sufficient number of content-free incumbents and candidates for open seats so that even non-conservatives will conclude that they must at least behave as conservatives if they wish to succeed in politics.
Identify and recruit dedicated conservatives who are willing to spend the time and money necessary to rise within the structure of the party of their choice.

This can best be achieved by making widely known the duty of solid conservatives to take positions of responsibility in a major party.

Yes, leadership in party organizations necessarily includes associating with people who hold different principles or none at all.

But when sufficient numbers of conservatives fail to participate personally in party activities, opportunists and liberals dominate the party organizations.
Learn better how to distinguish between principled conservatives and opportunists who feign conservative principles in order to achieve power.

Never fully trust anyone who has not stuck with conservative principles in what appeared to be losing battles.
Change the behavior of national party committees which generally tend to support leftists or content-free candidates rather than conservative candidates for party nominations.
Change the behavior of national party committees which often direct party resources specially into the general election campaigns of so-called "moderate" party nominees rather than to the campaigns of principled conservative nominees.
Defeat the ambition of too many elected public office holders to subordinate to their complete control the party committees in the state, district, or locality where those public officials are elected.
Identify and ostracize incompetent political consultants who greedily attempt to direct party and campaign spending into commissionable advertising expenditures rather than into a budget balanced as to paid advertising and vital but non-commissionable grassroots organization.
Get leaders of conservative organizations to persuade their groups' members and supporters to participate personally in party committees, in nomination contests, and in general election campaigns.
Get major conservative communicators (print, broadcast, and online) to urge their readers, listeners, and viewers to participate personally in major party committees, in party nomination contests, and in general election campaigns.
Get large numbers of conservatives to participate at the local, state, and national levels in party volunteer auxiliary organizations such as the women's groups and youth groups.

Blackwell adds that "conservatives who actively oppose their party's nominee almost always destroy any future they might have in party committees or future nomination contests."

Organizations and leaders in the always decentralized conservative movement should review carefully all fourteen projects and take on those of them which fit in best with their own missions and capabilities.

Those who adopt and work diligently on one or more of the projects should receive the support and praise of fellow conservatives.

The Tea Party is a label that has activated an otherwise apathetic portion of the electorate. They are here to stay for at least this election. To the level that I have seen them passionately and relentlessly engaged, most of them are probably here to stay.

Lessons Learned from my First Political Convention

2010-05-01T20:11:00.001-05:00

Lessons from the Convention

As I traveled to the 2010 Republican State Convention I was sporting "Marty Seifert for Governor" gear on my jacket, car and purse. As I head back to Gustavus today after the concluding of the convention, those will be replaced with "Tom Emmer for Governor" paraphernalia.

I'm a newcomer to the inner workings of the Minnesota government and political system. Growing up in Nebraska, I was raised on primary elections and thought conventions only happened at the national level. Minnesota is not at all like Nebraska.

Yesterday, which was day two of the convention and the day in which the Republican party would be endorsing a gubernatorial candidate, felt like a mini presidential election. There were the people holding signs as you walked in, tempting you with mentions of free coffee and donuts (I confess, I was one of them). There were the campaign staffers running around whispering into their awesome headsets that made them look like Secret Service (...I didn't get one). There were the people asking you over and over (okay, okay ... I was one of those people too...) if you would like a button to show your support, and if you do, "which one?" There was a plethora of choices. And there were the candidates milling about shaking hands with delegates, working to win votes (and also thanking their volunteers). This was game day.

The Minnesota College Republicans were out in full force, working hard for both candidates; showing that the youth of Minnesota are fully engaged in politics today. When current Minnesota governor, Tim Pawlenty, spoke yesterday afternoon, the College Republicans and the infamous Seifert kids were able to meet him. The Seifert kids present yesterday were passionate activists representing at least four colleges from around Minnesota including the U of M, MNSU, University of St. Thomas, and Gustavus.

Two ballots, hundreds of handshakes, multiple cups of coffee, and one epic parade of "Seifert v. Emmer" enthusiasts later the delegation was getting ready to start a third ballot. With Emmer in the lead and the Seifert supporters standing firm, we were all prepared for a long night. Suddenly Marty came running to the stage and energetically grabbed the mic. It was then he announced that he wanted to throw his support behind Tom Emmer to elect Tom as the next governor of Minnesota. The Emmer crowd went crazy and the Seifert supporters looked like they'd seen a ghost.

Marty instructed his supporters to take off their Seifert stickers and slap on some Emmer ones. He was passionate as he urged the delegation to unanimously endorse Tome Emmer. And so it was done.

Tom came bouncing to the stage and embraced Marty. Balloons were falling down as the Emmer clan surrounded the two men, all grinning and happy stage one of the fight was over. It was a quintessential scene of unity. As corny as it sounds, I actually had goosebumps.

As I left the convention I slid my Seifert buttons in my pocket and picked up "Women for Emmer" and "Students for Emmer" buttons to replace them. One delegate, who recognized me from earlier in the day as a Seifert Kid stopped me, took my hand and said, "Thank you for supporting such a class act man like Marty." I was speechless and all I could do was smile.

I may be from Nebraska but I've learned a thing or two about about conventions. It is not just about the personality who gets the endorsement; at the end of the day, we are on the same team. As the Unity Breakfast held this morning demonstrates, the Republican Party of Minnesota will unite as one to elect Tom Emmer as the next governor of Minnesota. Hence, the new pins I'm sporting.

-Written by Bess Folsom

"It is through classy conventions like this where people play by the rules, work hard, and abide by the outcome that we can begin to appreciate more fully our American tradition of democracy. Republicans know how to do things right; they truly love this state, this country, and have plans to make it better." - A Delegate from Nicollet County

Facebook succeeds at making it awkward to join fanpages.

2010-04-25T20:11:00.002-05:00

Facebook succeeds at making it awkward to join fanpages.

Facebook's most recent update to the site included changing the way fan pages work. Since becoming a "fan" seemed to imply too much of a commitment, they wanted to alter the way you join them. Now, instead of becoming a fan of a page, you simply indicate that you "like" it.

The peculiar change is matched by the fact that it now makes joining fanpages of people and certain ideas particularly awkward because of the way it shows up on people's profile's.

Look at the screen shots from some random facebook users taken recently. One implies a type of sexual orientation, when in fact that is a notion completely unrelated to the group.

The second implies that one person has a crush on another.

And lastly, you'll see the type of door that was blown wide open for facebook users to take advantage of.... "___ likes it ____" ...a type of innuendo humor not seen since the popularity of "that's what she said" jokes.

Submitted by Jeff

Theatre Dept. Offers an Arabian Gem

2010-04-25T19:52:00.000-05:00

Theatre Dept. Offers an Arabian Gem

The Gustavus Theatre Department presented another gem tonight in Anderson Theatre. The play, The Arabian Nights, is set in Baghdad and is composed of many stories. The young and beautiful Scheherezade (Andrea Gullixson) fools the King (Jordan Klitzke) into not killing her, by weaving him marvelous tales each night (ending with cliff hangers of course) insuring she lives another day.

The cast came together wonderfully to portray a host of humorous, witty, heart breaking and wise tales. The Gustavus ticket sales page says this about the play:

MacArthur fellow Mary Zimmerman's brilliant adaptation of One Thousand and One Nights has been acclaimed as "a celebration of the salutatury powers of storytelling" and "theatre at its most unpretentiously poetic, most fetchingly stylish, as humane as it is elegant." Based on ancient tales from Persain, Arabic, and other folklore and literary traditions, the play follows Sheherezade's attempt to save her life by narrating stories to King Shahryar, ruler of Baghdad, City of Peace and Poets.

The students added their own flair to the performance with references to; Gustavus’s own tagline, “Make Your Life Count,” the construction of the new academic building, and the mysterious water park rumor that floated around last spring.

Though the play is on the longer side at over two hours, the humor keeps you attentive and entertained.

-Written by Bess Folsom

Gustie found with chemicals powerful enough to create blast of "hundreds of feet."

2010-04-22T22:20:00.000-05:00

According to a report by the Mankato Free Press,

A felony charge has been filed against a Gustavus Adolphus College student who is accused of taking explosive chemicals from a science classroom and keeping them in his dorm room.

That is pretty scary considering that the chemistry professor interviewed about the situation reported, "4.5 grams of lead azide contained enough explosive power to ...blast objects hundreds of feet away from the point of detonation."

The student is scheduled to make his first court appearance on May 4 for the felony charge of possessing an explosive device.

Ron Paul and Barack Obama Poll Evenly for 2012

2010-04-20T18:33:00.001-05:00

According to USA TODAY, the Texas Republican Rep. Ron Paul is dead even with President Obama in a poll about the 2012 presidency.

The polling strength of a congressman who struggled to even crack 10% in presidential primary polls in 2008 is a positive sign of strength for the conservative movement.

Why? Because if Barack Obama doesn't poll well even against Ron Paul, then there won't be [m]any he'll be able to beat out in 2012.

Clarifying Our Readership Numbers

2010-04-19T23:28:00.001-05:00

Some of our visitors have questioned the validity of readership numbers that have been shared and talked about. Since we have no intention of misrepresenting our current state-of-affairs at TCM, I wanted to be sure to provide some photographs of our Google Analytics numbers so that those who are interested can examine them on their own. Thanks for your concern.

One request for clarification was regarding the difference between "visits" and "visitors" which is an important distinction. You will see those two numbers in these photos.

This last photo illustrates the importance that social media has in transmitting information about the site (over 80% of our visits came from social media referrals like twitter, facebook, and reddit). It is because of the "flatness" of the internet (The World is Flat, by Thomas Friedman) that submissions can be picked up on and spread virally Certainly these numbers are not all regular visitors, but sometimes word travels quickly through cyberspace and one or two can be picked up on and quickly popularized.

-Eric Adamson, blog manager

Lady Gaga and the Cycle of Regret

2010-04-19T21:47:00.001-05:00

Lady Gaga and the Cycle of Regret

Recently, a prospective student asked me, "What do you guys do for fun around here besides party?? -- I've seen the Facebook pictures." I was a little taken aback I must admit! Not because a prospective student was asking me about partying; that's a daily occurrence, but because they were citing actual evidence.

It seems that Gusties make mistakes, and those mistakes are more public now than ever.

In fact, in a recent CNN article about college hookups, junior Frannie Boyle announces that even though she has made mistakes, she is done with the party hookup scene.

[Urban Dictionary defines hooking up as: engaging in any sort of sexual activity (including making out) with someone you aren't dating] It's this "loose" behavior, generally fueled by alcohol that Boyle is taking a stand against.

The article cites Lady Gaga's recent announcement of celibacy, the Facebook group "Bring Dating Back," and the Kelly Clarkson song "I Do Not Hook Up." According to the article, at least 75 percent of college females have hooked up on campus and the number is even higher for males.

Considering that according to a April 2010 James Madison University study, "more college women tend to want a relationship out of a hookup compared with men who prefer to stay independent," things aren't looking up for the supposed 75 percent of female Gusties who have hooked up.

When you mix hormonal college students, alcohol, and lack of supervision, things are bound to happen. Many of us have experienced the regret that comes after a night of poor decision making. The question is, why do we keep making those same mistakes over and over again?

Frannie Boyle has chosen to break the cycle of regret, will you?

Written by Bess Folsom

Conservative-Based Blog Launches Growth Initiative; "Join Today!"

2010-04-19T14:59:00.001-05:00

The Campus Majority at Gustavus Adolphus College is a conservative-based news blog whose goal is to be "The Right Source for News on Campus." In just three short months after the launch of the online site, the blog seen a long trail of successes; with a readership of over 20,000 coming from 50 states and 119 countries. However, the blog doesn't want to stop there!

That is why today they've decided that to continue making a difference they will not only need to grow their readership but also be more adamant about seeking out people who make submissions regularly. Accordingly, they've launched a program to expand their staff and increase their pool of writers and photographers.

As always, TCM will still have an open-submissions policy of accepting work from anybody, published with 3/4 vote of the editorial board; but this is about growing the number and quality of writers who will submit more regularly and play a role in expanding TCM's success!

Make a Difference, Join Today!

Republican Candidates for MN Governor Faceoff in Mankato

2010-04-17T18:15:00.003-05:00

The top candidates for the Republican endorsement for Governor are Tom Emmer and Marty Seifert. Both met with delegates and spoke before Seifert won the gubernatorial straw poll.

Randy Demmer Wins Republican Endorsement for Congress!

2010-04-17T16:57:00.001-05:00

Randy Demmer Wins Republican Endorsement for Congress!

Video Evidence Finds People Less Informed than Tea Partiers.

2010-04-17T16:45:00.000-05:00

Taxes are unsustainably low?
Nobody has been raising our taxes?

http://ow.ly/175YOF

This is only icing on the cake, with the recent finding by the New York Times that the Tea Party is on average wealthier and more educated than the rest of America,

Gubernatorial Candidate Phil Herwig says "No More RINO's" in the GOP. Gets upset with candidate for equivocating TEA Party and Republican Party.

2010-04-17T02:24:00.003-05:00

Gubernatorial Candidate Phil Herwig says "No More RINO's" in the GOP. Gets upset with candidate for equivocating TEA Party and Republican Party.

Phil Herwig is an underdog candidate for the governor's seat in Minnesota, but that doesn't mean he's lacking in passion or without a message. Herwig was the last to speak at Friday's candidate forum for the 1st Congressional District Republican Convention.

GOP Candidate Phil Herwig shares his message with forum attendees.

Herwig is upfront and direct with delegates saying that Minnesota needs a real conservative as Governor. One attendee whispered to those at her table, inquiring about Herwig's own credentials as a conservative.

Herwig certainly isn't a front runner in the competition for the GOP endorsement that is largely between Marty Seifert, and Tom Emmer; but his presence at important events is gaining him name recognition and increasing general awareness of his message. His website is http://www.herwigforgovernor.com/

First Congressional District GOP Holds Forum in Mankato for Candidates before Convention

2010-04-17T02:19:00.003-05:00

First Congressional District GOP Holds Forum in Mankato for Candidates before Convention

The first congressional district Republicans of Minnesota gathered at the Country Inn Hotel in Mankato on Friday evening for a candidate forum and social reception before their convention convenes at the Centennial Student Union on the Mankato campus Saturday morning.

Four Republican candidates are vying for the US Congressional seat currently occupied by Democrat Tim Walz. One candidate claimed at the forum that "Tim Walz's voting card has been in Pelosi's purse since he got in office," apparently criticizing Walz's failure to work as an "independent congressmen" as he claimed to be doing on the campaign trail and instead "voting like San Fransisco liberals." Distaste of Walz and other leftist politicians hung heavy in the air, but drowning out the dislike of leftism was a love of America and a message for sustaining our future.

State Chairman Tony Sutton, of the Republican Party, was present at the forum.

The Chair of the CD1 Republicans got a photo with the four Republicans vying for the US Congressional seat.

Allan Quist is a graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College. He ran for MN Governor in 1994, and is hoping to get the CD1 endorsement for Congress tomorrow.

Randy Demmer is a resident of Hayfield, and served in the MN legislature previously. He visited Gustavus in 2008 when he was hoping for the same endorsement. He's looking much stronger in 2010.

Jim Hagedorn's experience in Washington, DC and a vision for conservative politics made him popular amongst some of the forum attendees.

Jim Engstrand is a citizen soldier that returned from duty in Iraq late this January. Considered the underdog because he entered the race after the February caucus, he could make an impressive showing at the convention tomorrow after a successful night at the forum. He is hoping to make use of his leadership skills and "economic, social, and military conservatism" to win back CD1 for Minnesotans.

With four strong congressional candidates, each with a unique message and the organization to win in November, the endorsement ballots tomorrow might be close. In addition to the four candidates talking about their plans and vision to improve the life of Minnesotans in the first district of Minnesota, candidates for statewide offices like state auditor and governor were present. Attendance at the forum was larger than expected, filling the room to capacity. This got the party leadership enthusiastic about the growth of the conservative movement in an off-year election cycle.

Story and photos by Phil Cleary

Silence is not a Virtue.

2010-04-16T15:55:00.001-05:00

When there is an issue you find to be of pressing importance, do you talk about it and engage others in conversation, or do you avoid talking about it all together?

That question is at the core of one of the primary differences between the "Day of Truth" and the "Day of Silence."

One group wants to "get the conversation started" in order to dialogue with their peers and learn. They see tough issues that face our culture and want to talk about them. The other seems to want to suppress discussion and force conformity through silence. It alienates those that disagree with the established orthodoxy by lashing out at those who “speak out” when others expect silence.

I think do not think silence is a virtue; discourse and dialogue is vitally important to the functioning of a healthy community. Will you be forced into silence, or will you and your peers choose to dialogue constructively and "get the conversation started?"

Written by Jeffrey Miles