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Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009 8:49 a.m.

Congressman dissects American policies in Middle East

by The GW Hatchet

This post was written by Hatchet Reporter Philip Gardner.

Alumnus and Congressman Steve Israel, D-N.Y., spoke in strong support of the country that bears his last name to a crowd of students in the Marvin Center Wednesday.

Israel, who has represented central Long Island since 2001, graduated from GW in 1982. He spoke and answered questions for more than an hour at the event, which was sponsored by the GW College Democrats, GreenGW, GAP Israel, the Jewish Student Association and the Alumni Association.

“I believe the single greatest threat in the Middle East is Iran,” Israel said.

He said it was a feeling countries in the region shared as well. “When you sit with the defense ministers and the prime ministers and the foreign ministers and you have a map of the Middle East and you say ‘What keeps you up at night?’ they’re not pointing at Israel – they’re pointing at Iran.”

He faulted the Bush administration for not preventing Iran’s nuclear expansion, noting that when George W. Bush took office Iran had zero nuclear centrifuges compared to 8,000 when he left office eight years later.

Regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Israel said he believed that the Obama administration was “walking a very fine line between trying to signal to the Arab world that they’re not reflexively pro-Israel so that they’ll come along and help the United States stop Iran while and at the same time trying to broker a long term peace between Israel and Palestine.”

Israel was also critical of past U.S. policy in the region.

“We as a country have made a mistake over the past many years with respect to U.S. policy towards Israel and Arab countries,” Israel said. “Our mistake has been that we believed that negotiating at high diplomatic altitudes is going to make a difference.”

Israel cited Palestinian schools which he said embed a hatred and mistrust of the country of Israel from a young age in Palestinian youth one of the reasons it is difficult for the Palestinian population to accept an Israeli state.

“Reforming curricula and education in Palestinian classrooms is what will bring peace and stability,” he said. “And the Palestinians have shown no desire to do that.”

Juliana Amin, a freshman in the Columbian College, asked Israel if he felt the United States should put any pressure on Israeli government to change its policies towards Palestine. The congressman pointed to a need for Israel to find a better policy regarding warfare that reduced Palestinian civilian causalities, though he offered no alternatives. Amin said she felt unsatisfied with Israel’s military tactics-focused response.

“I was asking about basic human rights issues and the daily struggles that Palestinians go through as a result of Israeli policy towards Palestine,” Amin said. “I feel like he didn’t really answer my question.”

Others felt more satisfied with Israel’s performance. Kaitlin Gaughran, also a freshman, worked for Israel’s re-election campaign in 2008 and said it was great to hear him speak.

“It was inspirational to hear him talk about what we as College Democrats can do in the future,” she said.

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Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009 12:52 a.m.

Long-serving congressman discusses options for health care reform at Alumni House

by The GW Hatchet
Rep. John Conyers spoke Tuesday night at an event hosted by the College Democrats. Raffaella Giampaolo/Hatchet Photographer

Rep. John Conyers spoke Tuesday night at an event hosted by the College Democrats. Raffaella Giampaolo/Hatchet Photographer

This post was written by Hatchet Reporter Nicolas Diaz.

Long-serving Congressman John Conyers discussed the sharp partisan battle over health care and the unstable economic climate at Alumni House Monday in an event hosted by the College Democrats.

Conyers chairs the House Judiciary Committee and has been representing Michigan in the House since 1965. Many of the questions from the student audience asked what the Congressman, along with the rest of the Democratic Party, was doing to improve the health care crisis.

Conyers said Democrats are morally and politically dedicated to working on the issue, but wants the public to understand that there are more people working against a public option than there are in favor of one.

“For every member of Congress supporting health care reform, there are six lobbyists against him,” he said.

Conyers, who represents Detroit and other areas of Michigan that have been hit hard by the slumping economy, said, “We are not in a recession, but a depression.”

Conyers reminded the audience that while the stock market may be improving, there is a 28 percent unemployment rate in his hometown of Detroit, and 147 evictions take place each day in Michigan’s Wayne County.

Read more…

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Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009 5:15 p.m.

Students sound off on Obama’s promise to end “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”

by Lauren French

President Barack Obama promised last Saturday night to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” but some activists on campus say he is merely rehashing past campaign vows and voiced frustrated with another promise to end the military policy without a timetable.

Speaking to an audience of nearly 3,000 people at a fundraising dinner for the Human Rights Campaign, a gay advocacy group, Obama said he would end the policy barring openly gay men and women from serving in the military, but gave no timeline for the policy reversal.

“I will end ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” Obama said. “That is my commitment to you.”

Openly gay students on campus say they are pleased the president acknowledged the discriminatory policy but say he still needs to fulfill campaign promises.

“This is by no means any great revelation,” sophomore Todd Belok said. “Only time will tell if he acts on his words.”

Belok was kicked out of GW’s Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program last December after two fellow midshipmen saw him kiss another male at a party.

Read more…

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Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009 3:43 p.m.

Michael Moore to host town hall on capitalism in the Marvin Center Sept. 29

by Sarah Scire

Filmmaker and author Michael Moore will host a town hall discussion on capitalism next Tuesday in the Dorothy Betts Marvin Theatre.

Moore is known for his provocative and high-grossing documentaries, including “Bowling for Columbine,” “Fahrenheit 9/11,” and “Sicko.” Moore’s newest film, “Capitalism: A Love Story,” tries to unearth the reasons behind the recent economic downturn. Tuesday’s event will begin at 3 p.m. and seating is open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.

The event is cosponsored by GW College Democrats, Program Board and ThinkTalk.com, which will tape and broadcast the event.

College Democrats President Peter Weiss said the CDs believe Moore’s appearance will “incite interesting and thoughtful dialogue.” Weiss said his group is currently negotiating a Thursday and Friday screening of Moore’s new movie at AMC Loews in Georgetown.

A version of this post appeared in print on September 24, 2009.

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Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009 2:33 p.m.

Congressman talks climate change, health care, war

by The GW Hatchet

This post was written by Clara Hanson.

Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va., addressed a wealth of political issues from the environmental crisis to online gambling at his speech to the GW College Democrats and Green GW this Tuesday.

The congressman, who is a GW alumnus, discussed the current health care bill, the war in Afghanistan, the Iraq War, and the Bush Administration, and talked at length about his experience as the Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee.

Rahall also promoted climate bill he is currently drafting, which he says may improve upon a current environmental bill in the Senate.

“That bill, I imagine, will be a very pro-oil industry bill. That’s one of the reasons why I’ve introduced my bill on the House side. If that happens, then I have an alternative to the oil industry bill that I expect the Senate may send us before the year is over,” he said.

As a representative for West Virginia, a coal state, Rahall also stressed clean coal options and problems presented by lack of government control of oil drillers. He said he believes that the owners of untapped oil fields should be taxed, rather than allowing them to wait for the price of oil to rise in order to maximize profit.

The Congressman also spoke about the need for a bipartisan government and a bipartisan people.

“In regards to your political viewpoints, you should always respect the opposite presidency,” Rahall said.

Matt Ingoglia, the CDs communication director, said, “he emphasized the fact that Democrats need to realize that Republicans are not our mortal enemies, they’re people who are just as principled in their beliefs as we are, and it’s important that … we recognize that our disagreements are legitimate, and that we build from there.”

Spencer Olson, president of Green GW, said, “I know a lot of our members wanted to have a discussion with the chairman of the natural resources committee … it was nice for us to host someone who many of our members don’t necessarily agree with all the time, and to have an open discussion.”

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Saturday, July 25, 2009 1:47 p.m.

Tim Kaine speaks at SMPA

by Caroline Coppel
Gov. Tim Kaine, D-Va., spoke at the Jack Morton Auditorium Saturday morning as part of the College Democrats of America national convention. Caroline Coppel/Hatchet photographer

Gov. Tim Kaine, D-Va., spoke at the Jack Morton Auditorium Saturday morning as part of the College Democrats of America national convention. Caroline Coppel/Hatchet photographer

The Chairman of the Democratic National Committee and Governor of Virginia outlined his goals for the Democratic party Saturday morning at the College Democrats of America national convention, which is being held on GW’s Foggy Bottom campus this weekend.

Gov. Tim Kaine, D-Va., who became the chair of the Democratic National Committee in January, said he wanted to organize the party around changing policy issues, such as health care and the environment, instead of “just one election on one day.” Expanding the party’s grassroots politics, he said, would be the best way to implement this new organization.

“Small donors really matter,” he said. “We want to continue to keep these people engaged.” He encouraged audience members to be active in their own neighborhoods, in order to strengthen the reach of the Democratic party.

Kaine said he was also focused on health care reform, citing it as one of the Obama administration’s primary issues. He said that expanding health care coverage would be a challenge, but it was necessary for the country to address it.

“The status quo isn’t working,” he said. “We’re a better nation than this.”

Kaine addressed the upcoming gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia, again asking audience members for their support during the campaigns.

“Governors are the implementers,” he said. “We are out there every day making [policies] work.”

Kaine, who spoke at the Jack Morton Auditorium in the School of Media and Public Affairs, was one of several important Democrats who made an appearance during the 50th annual CDA convention. House Majority Whip Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., spoke at a luncheon on Thursday, and Sen. Arlen Specter, D-Pa., spoke at the convetnion’s opening ceremonies on Thursday.

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Thursday, July 23, 2009 10:49 p.m.

Specter speaks at Marvin Center

by Caroline Coppel
Sen. Arlen Specter, D-Pa.

Sen. Arlen Specter, D-Pa., spoke at the opening ceremonies of the College Democrats of America's national convention, held in Betts Theatre in the Marvin Center. Caroline Coppel/Hatchet photographer

Sen. Arlen Specter, D-Pa., asserted his independent voting record Thursday night at the official kickoff of the College Democrats of America national convention, which is being held on GW’s Foggy Bottom campus.

Specter, who became a Democrat in April 2009, said party politics have never been his first priority at the event’s opening ceremonies, which were held in the Betts Theatre in the Marvin Center.

The keynote speaker said he supported traditional Democratic issues, such as health care and women’s reproductive rights, even before he left the GOP. As a Republican, Specter said, he “provided a key vote” for the stimulus package.

“I knew that when I cast that vote, it was politically risky,” he said.

Regarding his 2010 Senate race, Specter said he was “willing to take on any challenges in the fall.” He was also confident that he would regain seniority in his Senate committees, but he was “going to be patient about it.”

Specter’s appearance at the ceremony was delayed due to an emergency vote in the Senate. Specter had to cut his speech short in order to cast another vote on Capitol Hill, but still took several questions from audience members.

“I’m glad the College Democrats had a chance to welcome Senator Specter into the party,” said Cory Struble, former president of the GW College Democrats.

This is the 50th annual CDA national convention; the last convention held at GW was in 1979. More than 300 people are expected to attend, including some big party names: House Majority Whip Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., appeared at a luncheon earlier today, and Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine (D) will speak at the Jack Morton Auditorium on Saturday.

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Tuesday, March 24, 2009 3:58 p.m.

Frank also made “homophobe” comment at GW

by Sarah Scire
Rep. Barney Frank, D, visited the Marvin Center in Feburary. Courtesy photo.

Rep. Barney Frank, D, visited the Marvin Center in February. Courtesy photo.

More than 200 newspapers and Web sites have picked up the Associated Press piece about Massachusetts Rep. Barney Frank calling Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia “a homophobe” — but it wasn’t the first time the openly gay congressman had harsh words for the conservative justice.

Speaking to the GW College Democrats two weeks before his interview with 365gay.com, Frank had this to say about the conservative justice: “Justice Antonin Scalia is a bigot and an outright homophobe.”

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Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009 1:53 p.m.

YAF crosses defaced in MC, College Democrat takes responsibility

by Nat Grossman

This post was written by Hatchet Staff Writer Gabriella Schwarz.

Courtesy GW College Republicans.

Courtesy GW College Republicans.

A number of crosses used by the Young America’s Foundation during an anti-abortion event last week were defaced and left in a Marvin Center office, and a member of the College Democrats has taken responsibility.

Members of the College Republicans found the crosses on Monday evening scattered around the office they share with the College Democrats. One was pinned upside down on a bulletin board and draped with a condom, another featured a drawing of Jesus along with the words “pwned” and “lol,” and others were emblazoned with words like “Darwin” and “Amelia West,” the vice president of the CDs.

A CD statement Thursday morning said a member of their organization had stepped forward and apologized for the vandalism. The perpetrator was not named.

Courtesy GW College Republicans

“We respect and welcome individuals from all religious backgrounds, and we extend our sincerest apology to those who were offended by the actions of one of our members,” the release said. CD leaders declined to comment further.

YAF President Rob Lockwood said the incident has been reported to the University Police Department, and the crosses are now in the department’s custody.

The College Republicans also addressed the incident in a news release.

“The College Republicans are outraged by the desecration of Christian symbols that occurred in our shared office with the College Democrats,” the release stated.

College Republicans Chairman Brand Kroeger said he appreciated the College Democrats’ response.

“The leadership of the College Democrats has been very apologetic during our conversations and we look forward to resolving this situation,” he said.

Updated at 5 p.m.: University Spokesperson Tracy Schario said the student responsible has been identified by the University and will face disciplinary action under the Code of Student Conduct. UPD is investigating the incident further.

In a statement, University President Steven Knapp condemned the student’s actions.

“Such actions are unacceptable and utterly incompatible with the spirit of mutual respect that is essential to the life of an academic community,” he said.

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Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008 3:39 a.m.

CDs and CRs spend more than $10,000 on programming

by Emily Cahn

Both the College Democrats and College Republicans spent more than $10,000 on programming during the run-up to last week’s historic presidential election, according to records released by the Student Association.

Student organization financial records became available to the public after the SA passed a bill aiming to increase transparency in the financial process earlier this year. While both organizations utilized the SA co-sponsorship account, a large majority of their funds came from outside sources.

Brand Kroeger, chairman of the CRs said his organization received thousands of dollars in donations from organizations like the Institute for Politics and Democracy and the alumni house.

“In addition to that we have, outside of the Student Association, raised about $10,000,” said Kroeger, a senior.

Troy Timmer, finance director of the CDs, said his organization spend $14,000 on programming this semester, with a majority of those funds coming from the organization’s revenue account.

Both organizations, however, utilized the SA co-sponsorship fund in their programming.

According to financial documents, the CDs received $1,500 in co-sponsorships in addition to their $10,000 initial allocation. The CRs received $9,000 in co-sponsorships in addition to their $10,000 initial allocation.

The financial documents attribute the large difference in co-sponsorship amounts to the CR’s event with Former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott.

Even though the elections are over, both organizations said they plan on scheduling more programming throughout the rest of the year.

“It has been our overall strategy to have enough money at the end of the semester to put on great programming equal to or better than what we have already done so far,” Timmer said.

He added, “We are currently planning a way to celebrate the election results in our successful efforts in getting a big turnout in the Senate and our campaign efforts in the House. So we will hopefully have some type of programming celebrating relating to that.”

Timmer also said the CDs will play a large role in planning the Inaugural Ball.

While McCain did not win the election, Kroeger said the CRs are also going to hold events relating to Inauguration Day.

“I sit on the Inaugural Ball Committee and the College Republicans are playing a roll,” Kroeger said. “We are planning on decorating a room at the ball. In addition to that we are probably going to do a farewell event for George W. Bush on January 20th when he flies away from the White House.”

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