SHANNON URTNOWSKI
News Editor
Like many youths today, junior Richard Case says he is unable to associate himself with an individual political party, as he is unsure of his stance on certain issues. The political spectrum is vast and many ideologies are represented, but oftentimes individuals experience conflicting views on issues both supported and rejected by a particular party.
Senior Sara Benavides said she became aware of this “problem” during her spring 2007 semester in Washington, D.C., and she created the Forum for Political Understanding to help dispel political confusion for Pepperdine students and faculty. She started the group in October, and on Monday night the group hosted its final event of year, “Why Should You Care?” Students such as Case attended the forum, where four faculty members spoke about how they came to support their different political understandings.
Todd Bouldin, a visiting professor of religion and social science, represented the Democratic Party; Robert Kaufman, a professor of public policy, represented the Republican Party; Stanley Warford, a professor of computer science, represented the Libertarian Party, and David Dowdey, a professor of German, represented the pacifist viewpoint. Political Science Professor Chris Soper mediated the discussion.
Case said he found the event to be “a very beneficial experience.”
“It was nice to hear a variety of views on the political spectrum,” he said.
However, although many perspectives were discussed, political understanding goes beyond those presented Monday.
“It wasn’t, of course, the whole gamut of political viewpoints, but it offered some good information,” Dowdey said.
Students said they appreciated the event because it took strides to break down the walls of political confusion. The four speakers, seemingly quite passionate about their views, allowed listeners to understand what factors led them to their beliefs.
Bouldin said he was asked to take part in the event about a month ago.
“I wanted to come because I like the topic, in that it was not a debate,” he said. “It was a chance to tell our stories and what brought us to our political understanding, and I think that’s what’s left out of political discussion.”
Bouldin said that, as a professor of political science, he has a “vested interest” in the teaching of politics. He thinks this is especially important at Pepperdine.
“I think it’s very refreshing to have this kind of conversation on campus,” Bouldin said. “I find that, like others have said, our campus tends to sometimes not have the most robust political debate and discussion that we should have, so I’m glad we have an event like this to hear a variety of viewpoints.”
The presenters spoke about a number of issues that have led them to their political beliefs, such as religion, family and personal values. After each professor spoke individually, audience members were invited to pose questions for them. The Forum for Political Understanding secretary, senior Lorenzo Ramos, said this interactive and informative transferring of ideas is what the group stands for and hopes to accomplish in all its events.
“I think that this one most embodies what FPS is all about,” Ramos said of the event.
He said the group has hosted a few forums since its creation in October, but this gathering marked the first time it addressed more than one political ideology at a single event.
The Forum for Political Understanding is a non-partisan group that aims to keep students and faculty advised about the various political beliefs held throughout the nation.
“It’s kind of for Pepperdine students and faculty to gain awareness about the different political movements out there,” Ramos said. “It’s not asking you to commit to anything. It’s probably the most open-minded political organization on campus.”
He added that people should be motivated to attend the group’s events, as the organization is welcoming of everyone, no matter where they lie on the political spectrum.
“You’re not tied to a party by going,” Ramos said. “You’re just tied to politics in general and hearing what everyone has to say.”
Many in attendance, including the speakers, agreed the event was successful and informational.
“I appreciated the diversity of viewpoints and the clarity with which everyone presented them,” Warford said.
For more information about the Forum for Political Understanding and its upcoming events, e-mails can be sent to political.understanding @gmail.com.
04-10-2008