Friday, January 28, 2005

The First Day of the Rest of Our Lives

It is my duty to inform you that as of today, January 28, 2005, the St. Mary's College Nonpartisans have officially suspended all operations and become an inactive organization without members or leadership.

In a letter to the Exec Board, Ben Porter, our illustrious President, presented the case for disbandment thus:
Exec. Board Members,

I believe that we have arrived at a juncture where the continued existence of the St. Mary's College Nonpartisans is neither feasible nor prudent. We do not presently have sufficient support (even here on campus) to continue to function in a productive fashion. The overwhelming response to the nonpartisans has been a preference for a stagnant system of partisan political conformity. Sadly, I believe that the College Nonpartisans should be allowed to slip away into the ranks of inactivity. I am hopeful that at some point in the future the nonpartisans will be revived in a time of need.

I am proud to have served as both president and vice president of the College Nonpartisans. I am proud of the accomplishments of the past three years because no matter how small we have had an impact. I continue to be proud of my continued personal commitment to our nonpartisanship. Perhaps though, nonpartisanship is best practiced on a strictly personal level or over lunch than in a formalized club no matter how informal it may be.

Thanks for a great run,
Ben

My response was as follows:

Ben's put the point eloquently, and I don't have much to add. Like Ben, I have served as both President and Vice President of this organization, and I'm enormously proud of the work we've done. An idea in Ben's and my head became a fleeting but full-fledged movement for independent thought in politics through the work of all of us dedicated souls. That's not something that happens every day. I'm honored and humbled by the commitment of all of you; it's just time to move on.

Remember, Nonpartisanship is not a club or an event, it's a way of life. Every one of us and of the people who've been associated with us -- Aaron Samet, now in the Army but still a Nonpartisan in spirit; Bob Lewis, out fighting the county commissioners on principle; Bob Auerbach, fighting for change he will never live to see but that is the driving purpose behind his life -- is still a Nonpartisan, and I suspect will always be one. All you have to do is think for yourself; and once someone has tasted the opiate of freethinking he can never go back, never.

Nonpartisanship is a battle against conformity -- a battle that will never end. I have been privileged to share that battle over the past three years with some quality
warriors. Go forth, and remember.

Jeremy Young, signing off

And Chris Toft, our Secretary since the founding of the club, weighed in:

Sadly, I must agree. Nonpartisans had essentially become the exec board, and sometimes Joe [Rieu]. I'm thankful for the opportunity I had to meet you all, and feel we were effective in getting the message we desired out. Should minds change, please let me know, as I'd be happy to be onboard again.

Chris

In closing, I will only say: this group of great idealists here lays down the gauntlet which we have carried, nobly and with honor, for the past three years. We leave it to others to complete the work we began, if it is ever to be completed. This webpage will remain active as long as Blogspot decides to continue to host us, and my e-mail address can still be reached with questions or comments; but I will not update the page any longer, nor will I most likely check it again. It will remain as an archive of documents and ideas that, should anyone else choose to take up our task, will help get you started on the great hopeful journey into the unknown.

If anyone wants a souvenir copy of our newsletter, e-mail me and I'll send it to you. If you want thoughts or comments on Nonpartisanship, I will likewise be glad to oblige. Otherwise, our chronicle ends here.

In your service,

-- Jeremy Young