Some of the most beautiful aspects of this country are the freedom of speech, press, and personal opinion. We have the right to speak out against a president’s policy when we feel it is unjust. That is exactly what the University at Buffalo College Democrats did on October 19 at the Bash Bush Bonanza. It gave students the opportunity to voice—and smash—their frustrations with the Bush Administration.

“We have shirts, bracelets, and progressive policies available today,” said Corey Mohr, a junior political science major and president of the UB Dems. In addition to selling T-shirts with the phrase “Do it Donkey Style” written on the front and democratic wrist bands, the Dems set up a car that acted as a symbol of the Bush Administration. A figurine of President Bush was placed in the front seat and one of Vice President Cheney was placed in the back. The club members felt this was appropriate because in their opinion Cheney is the “back seat driver” and “brains” behind President Bush. The car was spray painted with Republican policies and the word “lies” and was appropriately named the “Vehicle of Mass Destruction.” After filling out a waiver, students were allowed to take a sledgehammer and smash the car to let out their political frustrations.

“I know there may be some who will say outlandish things such as we are inciting violence in bashing a Bush car or that we are holding a stunt to piss off the extremists, but this event is not about anything like that,” stated Philip Meyer, a junior political science major and vice president of the Dems. “This is for Democrats to rally around the simple fact of being a Democrat and to bring awareness to students about what the Democratic Party is doing for them.”

The Dems were pleased that so many students wanted to participate. They sold more than 20 “Do it Donkey Style” T-shirts in the first hour.

Mohr said he joined the Dems because he understands the importance of becoming politically engaged. “If you’re not the one deciding what legislation is being passed in the government, someone else most certainly will,” he said. According to Mohr, the club attracts approximately 40 people each meeting, doubling attendance from last year. Mohr is confident that the success of the Bash Bush Bonanza made the Dems more known on campus and hopes it will result in the club gaining even more members.

Meyer is the mastermind behind the Bash Bush Bonanza. “This is in no way a stunt,” he said. “This is a way to show people that there is an active Democratic party on campus. We want to inform people and spread awareness about all of the destructive policies this administration has made.” Meyer joined the club a year ago because he was upset with the rightward direction his country’s politics were taking and the College Democrats offered him a way to fight off the Republican “attack” on campus.

According to Meyer, the rapid growth in the club can be credited to how many students are “enraged and have realized the lasting negative effects the Republican Party and the Bush administration will have on our generation.”

Considering that the Bash Bush Bonanza “bashed” an entire political party’s viewpoints, one would imagine that while planning the event, the club would be concerned about backlash from those who support President Bush, but both Meyer and Mohr were unfazed.

“Everyone is entitled to their own political views,” said Meyer. “I already expect the right wing extremists to say all kinds of nasty things. So, it will be of no shock to me when they do.”

“I can’t imagine that any students would be so ignorant as to become physically violent because of a peaceful display of protest,” added Mohr.

Besides a few colorful remarks from passersby, the backlash from opposing students was minimal. A note supporting the president was posted on a board that was intended for students to write messages voicing their outrage with the White House, but besides that, the protest was a peaceful one.

The Bash Bush Bonanza is the largest and most controversial event that the UB Dems have held to date. Both the club members and e-board contributed ideas. The event was entertaining, but also informative. In addition to educating fellow students about current national policies, the Dems handed out flyers of local Democratic candidates such as Deborah Bruch Bucki and Jerry Schad, both running for the Amherst Town Board.

Although the event was sponsored by the Dems, students of all political stripes were encouraged to attend. The event not only raised awareness about the negative effects of President Bush’s administration, but it attempted to offset political apathy within the student body.

The UB Dems hold meetings on Thursdays at 7 p.m. in room 210 in the Student Union. The club is always looking for members who are passionate about the Democratic cause. The club hopes this event made more student Democrats want to join.

“This event is undoubtedly the most controversial thing we have done on campus since the clubs re-emergence three years ago,” said Mohr, “We’re hoping [that] by causing a buzz we can get students to become more politically aware—especially concerning the floundering policies of the Bush Administration,” stated Mohr.

The Bash Bush Bonanza was both enlightening and entertaining. The response from the student body was, overall, a great one. Gabe Degrazia, a senior theater major and self-proclaimed Democrat encouraged the Dems and said, “I think there should be more events like this. We should do this every day!”