In Review: Pie & Politics

October 27th, 2011 Pie & Politics
By Laura Stevens

Politics and pie? This seemingly odd pair proved completely compatible at last night’s Pie and Politics sponsored by Jefferson County Republicans. Politically interested citizens from all over Dodge County, and upwards of 20 Maranatha college students and staff, met at the Upper Krust to discuss politics over pie. Those who gathered had the opportunity to hear Miss Julaine Appling and Speaker, and candidate for the U.S. Senate, Jeff Fitzgerald discuss an array of topics.

Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald (R-Horicon) responds to Assembly Democrats' motion to remove Fitzgerald from his leadership position at the state Capitol earlier this year.

Topics discussed were broad, but included the importance of maintaining the integrity of the familial institution in our nation, balancing the Wisconsin budget, the effect of specific laws in elementary-level schools, and past and future elections. A highlight included Speaker Fitzgerald’s discussion of recent challenges faced in the Wisconsin Assembly on a day-to-day basis. Each speaker concluded with a Q&A time with those in attendance. It was a profitable and delicious time for all present.
Five Maranatha students, and members of College Conservatives Maranatha Chapter, were able to sum up what they enjoyed and what they learned at Pie and Politics:

"I came away from the evening with a tummy full of apple pie and a heart full of hope for conservatism in Wisconsin. I was reminded why I'm proud to be an American, and that fundamental American values and freedoms are worth fighting for. I was encouraged that there are actually people out there who are willing to do something to preserve the ideals they hold dear."
 Joe Zoller, Senior—Biology/Pre-Medical Major

"I really enjoyed the Pie and Politics meeting. Sometimes when I am at Maranatha I feel like I am not as informed about what is going on in our state government. Tonight’s meeting was just the kind of update I needed. It is great to know that there are people in Madison that are working to preserve values that I hold to. I really liked the emphasis that was placed on building a society based off of good family structures. It was refreshing to see and hear from people that are doing more than talking, but are putting their thoughts to action. If you didn’t go to the pie and politics you really missed out."
 Holly Buell, Junior—Social Studies Education Major

 “Pie and Politics was a great way to meet various people throughout the county and discuss what is going on in Wisconsin politics today. Amongst the bites of pies were conservative anecdotes to the problems facing Wisconsin and America. Issues like recall elections (of which Wisconsin is most familiar) and candidates at the national level were discussed in great detail. Julaine Appling spoke on various topics ranging from legislation that would allow school districts to choose to teach abstinence education to legislation that would affect the Electoral College voting system in Wisconsin. The later was the most interesting. Some Democrats have recently desired to dismantle the Electoral College in Wisconsin in favor of a "Popular Sovereignty" model. Appling sited a statistic that said that over 50 percent of voters polled said they favored this dismantling of the electoral system. She tied this sort of might-makes-right-democracy ideology to that of the riots and protests over collective bargaining in the beginning months of 2011. Appling referenced the fact that we do not say "And to this Democracy for which we stand," rather, "And to this Republic..." The Electoral College is what makes us the Republic that we are.”
 Adam Burton, Sophomore—Social Studies Education Major

“It was very encouraging to hear there are Christian people fighting for what is right in politics. Hearing Ms. Appling tell about what she has been doing in Madison gives hope that advances can be made in the political world and that it is not a lost cause. Speaker Fitzgerald also spoke and talked about the collective bargaining bill that was passed earlier this year. He commented that people are now realizing that the bill is having a positive effect on the economy in Wisconsin.”
 Audrey Smiley, Sophomore—Humanities: Cross-Cultural Studies Major

“The apple caramel pecan pie is still a winner in my book. I really enjoyed the interaction with our elected officials from Jefferson and Dodge County as well as the great conversation with Julaine and Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald. A highlight was Ms. Appling’s affirmation of the United States being a Republic as opposed to a democracy.”
 Jason Garrison, Senior—Social Studies Education Major

The Cabinet would like to thank all CCMC members who made it to Pie & Politics.
A special thank you to Jefferson Country Republican Chair Jim Braughler for his coordination and labor.
Hope to see everyone at the next Pie & Politics! We will keep you posted!