Dean speaks on election

Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean addressed a packed O'Neill Plaza, focusing on the flaws of the current Bush administration while encouraging students to take control of America.

The event on Tuesday was organized by the Boston College Democrats and the UGBC, with the underlying message of encouraging students to vote. Dean was critical of the current administration, pointing out flaws in its approach to Iraq, the handling of the economy, and its environmental policies.

"This president has set us on a path that, in my view, will be enormously harmful to this country," said Dean.

Dean, who many pundits predicted would receive the Democratic party's nomination before the Iowa primary, strongly encouraged students to get involved in government. Voting, according to Dean, is not enough. "If you run, then you can change America," said Dean.

If people cannot serve, said Dean, then they must contribute to some campaign, whether it by volunteering for three hours a week or giving small donations.

One of the innovations that Dean is credited with is the use of the Internet to raise money. Instead of a relatively small pool of large contributors, Dean used the world of bloggers to raise about $30 million in contributions in donations of less than $200.

In his speech, Dean stated that Bush and the right wing favor the corporations and large contributors, and therefore not most of America. Dean said that 95 percent of the population want jobs, job opportunities for their children, economic security, decent public schools, and American foreign policy to reflect American morals. Republicans, in Dean's view, never talk about these things; instead they focus on divisive issues. "I am tired of people who do not represent that 95 percent," said Dean. "And I am tired of them dividing my country so no one gets anything."

Dean also criticized Bush's handling of the environment. The Clear Skies initiative, said Dean, put more mercury in the air and refused to address the global warming issue. "This administration doesn't believe in facts; that's why it's an ipso facto failure," he said.

Justin Galacki, president of the BC Democrats and CSOM '06, felt Dean articulated the Democratic side of the issue well. "I was extremely thrilled with today's event," he said. "It helps present our side of the issues, and I hope it will help educate people in regard to this election."

Many students gravitated to Dean's campaign in the early stages of the primary not only because of his focus on student issues, but because he encouraged the involvement of young people. "We trusted you," said Dean. "We did it not because I'm so smart and because I'm such a nice guy; we did it because we had no money. We had no choice."

Dean praised students for creating the infrastructure of his campaign. In his speech, he thanked students for spreading the Dean movement throughout the country with their own leaflets and representations of the campaign. "You basically did what you wanted," said Dean. "And you did a great job."

For many students, Dean's words resonated as a fresh voice in politics. "He is trying to shake America. He was a little harsh to the other side, but he is trying to promote change," said Julian Kiani, A&S '08. "He made people realize they have the power."

Even some Bush supporters saw Dean in a positive light. "If he was in the running I would probably have to rethink my Bush vote," said Mike Viscosi, A&S '08. "He was very well-spoken."

Dean closed his address by praising BC, commenting on how he liked the hockey and basketball teams. He emphasized the importance of community service. "I know that you are 18 or 20 years old and you may not enjoy doing that kind of community service, but it's how you build countries," he said.

After his speech, the forum was opened to a question and answer session. Questions ranged from education to medical liability, with one student asking about a possible return to office. "I want to get John Kerry elected to return sanity to the country," said Dean.

Another student inquired about Dean's view of the media's power to shape campaigns, as many consider the downfall of his efforts to be the constant replay of his infamous "Dean scream."

Dean focused on how the corporate ownership has turned the media into an entertainment business, and journalists are forced to get the exciting story, even if it isn't true. "Corporations have too much power and it is hurting our democracy," he said.

The process of getting Dean to speak at BC began over the summer, when the BC College Democrats were searching for a big speaker to come before the election. Galacki contacted sociology professor Charles Derber, who had spoken with Dean before. The Democrats began calling his agent, and eventually settled on Oct. 5 as the date of the speech.

"The timing worked out perfectly," said Galacki. "There is still time for people to make up their mind. If he can inspire one person, that will be one more person fighting for the cause."

After setting the date, the Democrats joined with the UGBC to work out the logistics, including securing O'Neill plaza.