College Republicans Kick Off Year with All-American Barbeque

Kristie Murr, Tower Staff
September 22, 2011
Filed under News

The College Republicans and College Democrats organized the “All American BBQ” by providing a barbeque and ice cream, on the Pryz West Lawn, On Monday evening.

The CRs served the food and the CDs served dessert as the opportunity put aside difficulties to bring students together.

Students playing baseball and freebees on the West Lawn, blue, red and white necklaces, as well as American flags encrypted in small balls, pens, and bracelets; hot-dog and burgers, and the music lead an American atmosphere to the barbecue, and added a last touch of summer. The CRs earned $100 by selling T-shirts to the students, with the words “Call Barack and Michelle let em know that IT’S ON” and “College Republicans”.     

“This barbecue is the last official event of the summer,” said Peter Rescigno, vice chairman of the College Republicans. “All of this, everything that is American promotes our group and ideals.”

 “This event is a non polarizing event, where everybody can relate to,” said Rescigno. “It is also a way for students to find out who we are, how to get along with others and also how we [the club] can get to know them,” said Alexa Fee, treasurer of the College Republicans. “We want to explain what the Republican Party is and not what they [the students] think it is.”  

“The message behind this barbecue is also to make students more aware of political events,” said John McCarthy, vice chairman of the College Democrats.

  The presence of the two political clubs settled a warmth atmosphere. “You had on one side the democrats reflecting the Midwestern culture with their smile, and on the other side, the Republicans with their handshakes and meat, bringing out their Southern Hospitality,” said Freshman Brent J. Straub, Major German and Politics.

Improvements from last year were noticed by the members of the CRs and by the students, as underlined Daniel Krakower, a sophomore history major, “It is more enjoyable, less about political ideas and just about being an American.”

The barbecue also reflected important American ideals, “This barbecue embodies the American spirit, the American Dream, hard work and traditional ideals,” said Chris Consalvo, Public Relations Chair of the CDs.

Last year, the Pig roasts had less a success than the barbecue, and it was more expensive. This year, the CDs spent $7,000.   

A CD student, Winston Orozco, found the food good. “If the two parties were dominated by the food, I would be on the Republican side because I could eat this food every day.”

However, the food didn’t make him change sides, and he said that you still need both sides in politics, Democrats and Republicans. Also, starting locally by bringing Americans together allows the two parties to get along with each other “And I hope the Congress will work that way,” said Winston.

A non bi-partisan event could qualify this barbecue, “The CRs and CDs have such different views, but all of these were put aside and created a sense of community and brotherhood, which are important values at CUA,” said Straub. “There are times to be partisan and times to be American.”