On Wednesday, May 13th, Mike Gallagher and Tony Peraica came to RB. It was a Forum Club sponsored event and it was meant to counter the controversial appearance of Bill Ayers. Gallagher and Peraica are two known conservatives.

I really enjoyed the event. The room was full of energy—some positive, some negative. Gallagher is an extremely articulate person. Although he is a strong conservative, he advocated both political parties being heard.   

Peraica said, and Gallagher agreed, that conservatives stand for “smaller government, lower taxes, elimination of corruption, and individual responsibility.”

To me it was interesting to note which students were in attendance. I would say that 75%-80% of the students that were present had opposing views from Gallagher. It made me proud that the students who disagree with the conservative views Gallagher was advocating were also the students that were open minded enough to come and listen.

My criticism of the event is how much Ayers was brought up. I understand that the initial reason Gallagher and Peraica were invited to come was to counter Ayers’ appearance. I don’t think his name needed to be brought up by anyone quite as much as it was. Personally, I am more interesting in hearing what conservative activism means than going back into the whole Ayers issue.

Something that did not sit well with me is the implication that teachers at RB are not accepting of views other than their own. I have had the pleasure of getting to know a majority of the staff at RB. I cannot think of a single person that has tried to suppress my views.

Overall, I’m extremely grateful I had the opportunity to hear Ayers, Gallagher, and Peraica speak at RB. I think it is very important that students are exposed to all sides.

--Submitted by Emily Mussio, Editor-in-Chief