October 19, 2014
Gubernatorial candidates of three parties held a joint press conference at Hamline University in St Paul, to protest suppression of the political process and today’s exclusionary debate by the DFL and GOP candidates. Below is Libertarian candidate Chris Holbrook addressing the crowd:
Most disturbing was the response by Hamline’s leadership to the situation, as they learned that alternative parties would not accept the exclusion quietly. Hamline could’ve adopted a strong ethical stance, recognizing the initial oversight and stating that they would seek to adhere to their own policy by demanding that any debates held on their grounds be inclusive of all candidates, or canceling the debate if this were not the case. Hamline’s leadership could’ve been hailed as heroes by the public and garnered a lot of positive press for the University.
Candidates and activists gather after the joint press conference
Instead, Hamline’s leadership chose the weasely approach. Their website article was revised to remove any mention of the University officials who were coordinating the debate, and attempts were made to absolve the University of any responsibility for the decision-making process.
For students of Hamline who may someday choose to run for political office, Libertarians hope that they will value diversity of viewpoints, a free and open political system, and freedom of speech, rather than censorship, underhandedness, and suppression of the political process.
Instead of the “You decide” logo in the background of the Hamline debate stage, perhaps “WE decide for you” would’ve been more appropriate
Concerned about the expansion of government control and the erosion of individual liberty? Please consider joining and becoming active with the Libertarian Party of Minnesota. Libertarians support liberty on all issues, all the time! Libertarianism is a philosophical and political movement to promote personal freedom, strong civil liberties, a genuinely free marketplace, and peace.
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