Yet another outlet has been created for University of Memphisstudents to have an opportunity to share their political ideas, andfor this particular group, "New American Patriotism" is thecenterpiece that holds everyone together.
The new campus organization, Students for Clark, was started byfirst-year law students Tom and Virginia Nesbitt to endorse GeneralWesley K. Clark's 2004 campaign for the United States presidencyand also to connect with other students who support Clark and hisideals.
"Students at The University of Memphis need a candidate they canbelieve in," Virginia said. "That is what this group is for --students reaching out to their peers, their friends, letting themknow this political process exists for them too."
Tom said he and his wife were first intrigued by Clark when theysaw the retired military officer on ABC's This Week. The couplesaid up until that point, they had not seen a candidate they feltthey could support, but they were immediately impressed with theGeneral's candid responses and charismatic demeanor when answeringGeorge Stephanopolous' questions.
Tom said the group's first meeting, Monday, Nov. 24 at 5 p.m.,will give them a chance to inform members of what has beenhappening on a local and national level since Clark joined therace.
They will also create committees, select officers and discusswhen and where regular meetings will be held. Right now, the grouphas several members, and the co-chairs are looking to recruit manymore.
"We've got about 15 members so far," Tom said. "We're hoping torecruit new members through our first meeting and also sign up somefolks at the table we'll have in the U.C. lobby this week."
The table is located on the second floor of the UniversityCenter today and Monday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"Anyone is more than welcome to be a part of our group,"Virginia said. "The focus of our activities is going to be reachingout to the college community in Memphis and gathering support ofyoung voters for General Clark's campaign."
Regardless of its size, members of the group said they aredetermined to show their support and encourage U of M students andpeople in the surrounding community to do the same.
Many of the group members are planning a trip to New Hampshireor South Carolina in December to help with campaigning in thosestates. They also participated in the Social Awareness Forumsponsored by the Tiger Democrats last week, and Nov. 14, a RushHour Rally was held at Poplar and Union, which got "a lot of honksfrom fellow Memphians," Tom said.
In addition, the group members said they hope to work closelywith the Clark campaign, which will be establishing a field officein Memphis in a couple of weeks.
The slogan of the campaign and Clark's platform, "New AmericanPatriotism," means a lot to the founders, College of William andMary graduates. They said the current presidential administrationstifles open discussion on several national and internationalpolicies and issues and is very critical of opinions different fromthe administration's and also that the people with those opposingviewpoints are indirectly accused of being non-patriotic.
"Bush has tarnished America's reputation abroad, mismanaged oureconomy, and eroded our civil liberties," Tom said. " Who better toturn things around than someone (Clark) whose resume includes NATOSupreme Allied Commander, investment banker and recipient of thePresidential Medal of Freedom?"
