Televisions all over the nation tuned into the president’s annual State of the Union address, but in a small theater in Eugene, about 75 students and local residents tuned in for the first “State of CONfusion Party.”
Organized by the University’s College Democrats, this event was meant to resemble a political version of the “Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Throwing popcorn and Nerf footballs at the screen was allowed. One guy was dressed in a Superman costume and the College Democrats co-chairman wore a President Bush mask while passing out the rules of conduct sheet.
The rules asked the audience to use its “better judgment when throwing things,” but also called on viewers to “scream in terror” whenever Bush said the words “terror,” “terrorism” or “terrorist.”
Bush dedicated about half of his speech to national security, terrorism and international conflict. Stating a long-term goal of eliminating tyranny in the world, Bush asked members of Congress and the people of America to continue efforts to advance democracy and freedom throughout the world. He said that although “no one can deny the success of freedom,” there are still some who “pervert and fight against it.”
As America approaches the third anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, the debate over whether to withdraw troops or keep applying pressure hasn’t ceased. Bush touted several of the war’s accomplishments, including the overthrow of a dictatorship, bringing liberation to the people and sovereignty to the land, and now instituting a democratic constitution.
“We must keep our word, battle our enemies and stand behind our military,” Bush said.
With a theme of compassion underlying much of his speech, Bush spoke directly to the citizens of Iran, a country whose government is currently expanding its nuclear programs despite international opposition. He also asked the government of Egypt and the newly elected Hamas group in Israel to “work for lasting peace.”
“We show compassion abroad because poverty, corruption and despair are sources of terrorism,” he said.
College Democrats co-Chairwoman Kristina Edmunson said she was pleased with the turnout and the fun atmosphere. Although she thought the speech was “mediocre at best,” she was happy to see Bush encourage bi-partisan collaboration in everything from the Iraq war to the economy.
“I appreciate the fact that he wasn’t as arrogant,” Edmunson said.

College Republicans Chairman Anthony Warren, who watched “the Super Bowl of politics” in The Break in the EMU, said it was great to hear Bush call for bi-partisan support for the war.
“We wouldn’t be able to scream at each other about politics if it weren’t for the courage of the men and women overseas,” he said.
Warren was particularly excited that Bush clarified the nature of the federal surveillance program, which Warren said is negatively skewed by the media. Bush encouraged Congress to pass the Patriot Act and the terrorist surveillance program because he said they are keeping American citizens safe from events similar to Sept. 11.
Bush told the audience of members of all three branches of the federal government that “we don’t want to sit back and wait to be hit again.”
Warren said programs similar to the terrorist surveillance program have been exercised by the Executive branch for the past 40 years.
“It’s not some Big Brother spying program,” he said.
College Democrats co-Chairman Ben Lenet wasn’t as pleased, saying Bush flip-flopped on the issue. Lenet passed out a piece of paper with a quote from a www.whitehouse.gov news release that quoted Bush saying “a wiretap requires a court order” and that nothing has changed in that regard.
Lenet called this “a whopper of lies.”
Tom Albright, an undergraduate in political science and vice chairman of the College Republicans Executive Board, said he’s usually not a big fan of the president’s annual address. On Tuesday, however, Albright thought Bush gave an eloquent speech that outlined achievable goals.
“Any time we can promote freedom abroad or at home is a step in the right direction for the country,” he said.