Partisan parlor tricks

Call me a cynic, but I’m no fan of bipartisanship. Something about Democrats and Republicans working together rubs me the wrong way. So, I was utterly amused to see sidewalk chalking for a “Support the Troops” rally, sponsored by the IU College Democrats and IU College Republicans. My curiosity was piqued, especially considering how obsolete the two groups are on campus right now. \nNow, I am nothing if not an intrepid journalist. So I made my way to a little booth the two groups were operating in Dunn Meadowa. So much for a rally. Members were collecting money in order to buy care packages for the soldiers. Part of the proceeds would also go to the organization Operation Iraqi Children, which provides school supplies for Iraqi children. Democrats and Republicans might disagree with the war right now, but at least they can agree on one thing – children are hurting in Iraq. The irony that we have caused much of their misery was not lost on me. \nThe most disturbing aspect of the “rally” was the presence of an Army recruitment tent beside the booth. A representation of sheer propaganda, the recruitment gimmick was apparently concocted by the College Republicans. The very same chicken-hawk College Republicans, who are conveniently missing the action in Iraq, are more than eager to sign up other students for a death wish. A little hypocritical, don’t you think?\nThe two groups pegged the event in “support of the troops” but I have always been bothered by this phrase. Traditionally, supporting the troops has been equated with support for the Bush administration’s disastrous policies. The IU Democrats had a unique opportunity to give a different perspective on this oft-repeated statement and yet, chose not to do so. While it would have seemed more beneficial to state that supporting the troops meant bringing them home, they did not adopt such a stance – the army recruiters were testament to that. \nWhile the troops have endured enormous strains and losses, no one has suffered more from our callousness than Iraqis. While I was pleased to note that the two groups were acknowledging humanitarian crises in the country, we must also recognize that we are largely the cause of these disasters. Operation Iraqi Children, however, places much of the blame for such conditions on Saddam Hussein. It also emphasizes the “hearts and minds” the United States will win if we improve school conditions. We didn’t invade Iraq under the guise of providing better education and we don’t have to pretend otherwise. \nPerhaps the most disappointing aspect of being involved in political groups on campus is the lack of intellectual rigor present. Even more saddening is the lack of activism among such groups. Instead of asking tough questions, the event served as a publicity stunt that does nothing to alleviate conditions for soldiers and Iraqis. Given the choice between a return flight home and a care package, I am inclined to believe that soldiers would pick the former.