Democratic leaders speak at UIndy
By Sarah Haefner | Feature Editor
As part of a continuing trend of presenting prestigious political leaders to the University of Indianapolis community, College Democrats invited several government representatives to speak to students, faculty and community members about their platforms and views on several key issues.
The event, held on Oct. 29 in the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center, drew a surprisingly low audience turnout, and the Republican representatives were unable to attend.
Congressman Andre Carson and newly elected State Representative Mary Ann Sullivan both attended and answered various questions posed by audience members concerning diversity, change, the economy, campaigns and first-time voters.
Carson described Indianapolis as a diverse community and the United States as a diverse nation of different ideologies.
“Whoever thought that a Muslim could represent the state?” Carson said. “Hoosiers are critical thinkers and take progressive stance. We’re more free-thinking than the media gives us credit for.”
Sullivan and Carson also discussed the prevalence of “change” during the 2008 election season.
“There’s tremendous dissatisfaction with voters,” Sullivan said. “The emphasis of change is based on the hardships we’ve all experienced.”
Both candidates offered advice for first-time voters as well, advising them to look at voting records as the most effective method of holding candidates accountable.
An international student also posed a question concerning immigration, and both candidates had clear views on the issue.
“It is unrealistic to think we can move 12 million people out of the country, but if you want to be a U.S. citizen, you have to respect the process,” Carson said.
