Badnarik Reprend Ses Cours

[Freeman]

Michael Badnarik, the Libertarian Party candidate in the 2004 presidential campaign, came to OU Friday to teach a class over the Constitution. He also led an open forum over Libertarian Party issues and policies.

Badnarik used the text of his book “Good to be King” as the basis of his eight-hour lecture, which was held in the Frontier Room of Oklahoma Memorial Union.

The seminar was an in-depth study over constitutional principles and their application in the government.

Badnarik said he used an interactive teaching style to present ideas such as the difference between rights and privileges and the application of the Bill of Rights and other constitutional articles in government.

“I didn’t just stand there and preach. I encouraged the students not to take anything for granted, to do their own research,” he said.

David Buckles, an aviation management senior who attended the class, said Badnarik used a challenge-response teaching style that was very provocative.

“He was … a character,” Buckles said. “He is very passionate about what he thinks. He is very knowledgeable about what he thinks and he explains things well.”

Buckles said Badnarik began the class with a discussion on property rights followed by an argument about how the government has exempted itself from the Constitution.

Buckles said Badnarik was very emphatic on this point, declaring that 90 percent of what the government does is unconstitutional,” mentioning driver’s licenses specifically. Badnarik said he does not own a driver’s license.

The seminar was held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and cost $100 to attend. Participants also received a copy of Badnarik’s book.

The OU Libertarians , in conjunction with Badnarik and the Classen Young Libertarians from the Classen School of Advanced Studies in Oklahoma City, organized the event.

Badnarik agreed to talk at Classen under the condition that he would also get the opportunity to teach his class at a college venue. The Classen Young Libertarians then contacted Loreli Randolph, OU Libertarians president and psychology sophomore, to make arrangements to hold the class at OU.

“I asked the members [of OU Libertarians] if they would be willing to make the time commitment. Everyone was really excited, and it was just a matter of putting in the hours from there,” said Randolph, who organized the event.

Students who were not able to attend the $100 seminar gathered to hear Badnarik speak in the open forum held at 7:30 in the Frontier Room in the union. About 50 people attended the forum.

Badnarik began the forum on a lighthearted note, saying, “Much to my surprise, I was the Libertarian candidate for President of the United States.”

He then summarized the main points of his class and addressed common misconceptions about the Libertarian Party. He also explained the Libertarian position on issues ranging from national defense to drug use.

His response to audience questions about controversial topics such as the federal reserve, gun control and prostitution put many audience members on the defensive.

Several times during the question-and-answer session, Badnarik apologized for any perceived hostility on his part. However, Badnarik was able to lighten the mood of the crowd by joking with audience members.

“He tended to answer questions abrasively … but he did spark some good discussion,” said Buckles, who attended the forum. “I think he exemplifies the philosophy of the Libertarian Party, but he is not necessarily the best face to put on the party.”

Badnarik said his main goal in holding classes and forums was to “make the Libertarian message a mainstream message.”

He also said he likes to talk to college students because he feels that they have a “visceral experience of liberty” because they are at the stage where they are trying to gain independence from their parents.

Badnarik said his political goals are focused on running for office in Texas in 2006, either in the legislature or as governor.

[pankkake]

traukoul !!!