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/ NEWS / THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2010 / THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN / KANSAN.COM
CAMPUS
Group seeks to promote socialism
BY MICHAEL HOLTZ
mholtz@kansan.com
Ever since she was 11 years old, Jackie Sewell said she knew there was something wrong with society. She just didn't know what it was.
As a teenager, Sewell began to notice the economic inequalities and social injustices she perceived in and around her hometown. She grew upset over the apparent wealth disparities and prejudices she said many of her peers chose to ignore.
Sewell concluded that the root of those problems was America's economic system: capitalism. She soon lost faith in what she considered a flawed and corrupt system and instead found solace in socialism.
"It is a stigma," said Sewell, a junior from Andover. "But for me I just don't care anymore. I am a socialist and there's no going back."
Sewell was eager to put her beliefs into practice during her two years at Wichita State University. There she met Chris Hicks, president of Wichita State's
Young Democrat Socialists (YDS) chapter. She quickly became involved with the organization by passing out fliers, tabling and attending national conferences.
"I was set," Sewell said. "I was agreeing with a lot of the things he was saying, and it all made sense to me."
After Sewell transferred to the University of Kansas this fall, she founded a new YDS chapter.
Though the KU chapter is in its early stages of development — its first meeting is next Tuesday — Sewell sounded excited for the organization's future.
The KU chapter's first goal is to increase membership and educate students
who advocate Soviet style communism," said Stafford, a freshman from Goddard.
Though democratic socialism is an extensive ideology that incorporates many ideas, members of YDS generally believe that both the economy and society should be run democratically, according to the organization's website. They believe the American government and economy need
"It is a stigma. But for me I just don't care anymore.I am a socialist and there's no going back."
about YDS, said Vice President Trey Stafford. He said there were many misconceptions about democratic socialism that made many Americans cautious of it.
"We're not some crazy people
radical transformation to create greater economic and social democracy.
"Democratic socialism is the expansion of democracy," said Andrew Porter, national organizer for YDS, the organization's top position. "We shouldn't allow small, select
groups of people make decisions that affect everyone with no control over any of those decisions."
YOUNG
DEMOCRATIC
SOCIALISTS
MEETINGS
Once the KU chapter has an established base of dedicated members, Stafford said it would
WHEN: Second and fourth Tuesday of every month, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Alcove B, third floor of the Kansas Union
start work on local and national campaigns. Campus sustainability is one of Stafford's top priorities. On the national level, YDS is pursuing a free higher education campaign.
Regardless of which goals the organization accomplishes, Stafford said YDS would help establish a more diverse political culture on campus.
"It can benefit students mainly in getting them aware of the world," Stafford said. He added that it opened them up to alternative political ideas.
Edited by Michael Bednar
NATIONAL
'Naked Cowboy to run for office
ASSOCIATED PRESS
NEW YORK — New York's "Naked Cowboy" is looking for some new exposure as a presidential candidate.
Robert Burck is familiar to any Times Square tourist as the man standing in the heart of the "Crossroads of the World", playing a guitar and wearing only tight-whiteys, boots and a cowboy hat.
But he wore a suit and tie Wednesday as he announced his intention to run for president in 2012 as a member of the conservative tea party movement.
"America is rapidly transforming into a government-run enterprise," the tourist attraction said, adding that "American politicians are selling out America and its most cherished institution, that being capitalism."
He proclaimed he was running "in defense of individual liberty" and criticized President Barack Obama for the direction of the country.
For the big announcement, the
hat was off — perhaps symbolically tossed into the ring. Burck said he was registered as a Republican in Ohio.
Among his policy goals, he listed closing borders, requiring drug tests for welfare recipients, abolishing unions for government workers, and cutting capital gains and income taxes. He also said he would work to reverse the recently passed health care law.
Is he serious? He says yes. But this isn't his first flirtation with public office. He announced a mayoral run in 2009 and later dropped out.
His news conference attracted a throng of media, as well as curious onlookers. He declined to say what impact his presidential aspirations would have on his performances.
Cari Teff, 34, visiting from Monroe, Wis., had seen the Naked Cowboy in all his glory once before.
"I couldn't believe it," she said Wednesday. "I didn't know who it was at first."
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