School gift nurtures conservative voices

Washington Times ^ | 5-14-07 | Valerie Richardson

[JZelle]

When College Republicans at Stetson University griped about the lack of conservative thought on campus, Martha Apgar was listening.

In a first-of-its kind gift, the philanthropist donated $1 million to establish a conservative speakers' forum, the John N. Apgar Jr. Lecture Series, at the private university in DeLand, Fla.

The series, named after Mrs. Apgar's late husband, kicked off in the fall with legendary conservative commentator William F. Buckley Jr. in one of his last campus appearances. The college is scheduled to host Princeton University professor Robert George later this year.

Mr. Buckley's speech was seen as a major regional event, organizers said. Students from neighboring Florida universities drove to DeLand to see him, and members of the College Democrats helped serve as ushers.

[ishabibble]

See the number of responses to this news? This is PRECISELY what is wrong with conservatism here at FR and other sites. How do we change the national landscape if people ignore stories like this?

Mrs. Apgar put up the money for conservative voices to be heard on college campuses, a favourite topic of derision around here, so where are the backers? Where are the cheering voices?

You can “tsk tsk” all you want, but it doesn’t mean anything unless you can back it up with real positive action. Conservatism no longer means discretion, it now must mean a visible public face. Go look at the DC FReepers threads and the Mr. Trooprally threads and gain some courage! Conservatism will die without willful action.