College Republicans, Democrats host joint meeting to make cards for veterans
In a time of political polarization, two political student organizations at Central Michigan University were able to come together as students and support local veterans.
College Republicans hosted a joint meeting with College Democrats Feb. 28, where members of both student organizations wrote letters to the local Veteran Affairs Department.
The idea of a joint meeting was one that had been talked about a while between the two groups said President of College Republicans and Temeprance senior, Sarah Jeffrey.
“There’s so much polarization between individuals on campus,” Jeffrey said. “We just want to show everyone that we (can) get along with someone just because (we) have different political views.”
Both groups meet at 8 p.m. on Wednesdays in Anspach Hall. College Democrats meet in Anspach 167 each week, while College Republicans meet in room 169.
Writing letters to veterans was a bi-partisan issue that everyone should care about, Jeffrey said. They came up with the idea by brainstorming ideas that could be done for the community. The letters were words of encouragement and thanks for those who have served the country.
The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, and an ice breaker where everyone introduced themselves and their favorite politician.
While everyone was writing their letters, Isabella County Commissioner, James Moreno, spoke about petitions for social justice issues.
Neither group was expecting him at the meeting, Jeffrey said.
Members of College Republicans, Clio senior Mackenzie Flynn and Richmond sophomore Alysa Nepper both felt that the misconception of the two political parties being hostile toward each other comes from Washington, D.C. where politics can be heated.
“We’re young and we’re the next generation of leaders,” Nepper said. “I think it’s important for us to share ideas and not be a hostile environment like Washington or the capital.”
Flynn thought it was nice to have an open platform to talk about political views, without fear of being disliked.
“At the end of the day we’re all Chippewas and we might have differing views, but our morals are the same,” Flynn said. “Having events like this really showcases that we’re not so different at the end of the day.”
