Colby-Sawyer College recently hosted our first candidate for the 2008 presidential race in what we hope will be the first of many public forums for political candidates to discuss the issues most important to our nation. John Cox–a relatively unknown Republican activist who describes himself as a Reagan Republican and “the only true conservative” in the race–spoke to a group of about 100 students, along with some faculty, staff and community members.
Mr. Cox made his case for why he thinks that professional politicians should be replaced by people like him—successful entrepreneurs and business people with real world experience. He spoke about his early life, his family and career, and presented his views on some of the issues that many voters care about: the war in Iraq, the economy, education, the environment, taxes, health care costs and our country's role in the world.
As dean of students, I was pleased to see a good turnout for this event and students' high level of engagement. They paid close attention to Mr. Cox's presentation, and when the opportunity was made available, they questioned him for clarity on his positions regarding our nation's global responsibilities, abortion and gay marriage, the education of the children of illegal immigrants and the protection of our environment.
At this pivotal time in our history, students at Colby-Sawyer and around the country have the opportunity and responsibility to become informed and involved if they hope to have a hand in their country's direction. While our students are often attentive to their studies and college activities, they also recognize that our nation needs their energy, intelligence and passion to resolve our most complex and intractable issues.
Global warming and terrorism, spiraling costs for health care, the war in Iraq, the increasing national debt, complex trade relationships that affect jobs here at home — these issues are no longer abstractions for our students, but rather, issues that are likely to have a direct impact on their lives now and well in to their future. As part of their Colby-Sawyer education, our students are not only learning in their fields of study, but also getting opportunities to engage as responsible, caring and engaged citizens.
Colby-Sawyer has started a Presidential Candidate Task Force that is open to our students, faculty and staff, and we will work together to bring candidates for the U.S. presidency to our campus. By engaging in our nation's political processes, we hope that our students and the other members of our college community, as well informed and civic-minded people, can experience democracy firsthand and join the national dialogue.
College community members who would like to participate in the Presidential Candidate Task Force should contact my office. We look forward to hearing from you!
Dave Sauerwein
Vice President for Student Development
and Dean of Students
dsauerwein@colby-sawyer.edu
