With war in Iraq, tensions are escalating as battle lines are drawn in political circles and on college campuses worldwide.
University of Memphis College Republicans have taken part in the debate and say insufficient media coverage is being given to war supporters.
As an active group on The U of M campus, College Republican members say they vigorously support coalition troops.
Andrew McGarrity, president of College Republicans, said he believes the Bush administration’s use of force in Iraq as a part of the broader war against terrorism is justified.
“The fact is that so long as Saddam remains in power, he threatens the lives of his people, the stability and peace of the region and the security of the world,” McGarrity said.
Melanie George, sophomore public relations major and College Republican member, also said she believes war supporters, who constitute a majority of the population, are given unbalanced coverage by the mass media.
“All you see is anti-war, when in reality 80 percent support the war,” George said.
The number of Americans supporting the war in Iraq was at approximately 70 percent last week, with 25 percent of Americans opposing the war, according to information from the Gallup Organization’s Web site.
George said she believes coalition forces are making great progress in the war while respecting the sanctity of civilian life, and they should be supported at home.
Brandon Williams, junior business marketing major and College Republican member, agreed.
“I think most attention is on war protestors mainly,” Williams said. “A small portion of the population is against the war, but they’re being given more attention.”
McGarrity said members of College Republicans have actively campaigned to show support for the troops. During The U of M’s 90th anniversary celebration last week, the College Republicans distributed yellow ribbons in support of coalition troops.
Despite their efforts, McGarrity said he believes his organization and war supporters in general are not being given adequate attention.
“Although a huge majority of Americans support the war, the media would have you think otherwise,” he said. “It sometimes seems that Saddam sends talking points and the media reports accordingly.
“Stories are filled with negativism and news of set-backs, but the truth is America is winning this war with amazing speed and respect for innocent life.”
McGarrity said his group has done an effective job in supporting the war effort and in supporting other conservative views on campus.
“The (College Republicans) have boldly represented the conservative voice on campus through activism and participation in University sponsored events,” he said. “The (College Republicans) have shown The U of M campus what it means to be a conservative student.”
