“Tell me what democracy is!”

The voices echoed through the north side of Driscoll. There was a rumble; there was a flash of optimism; there was a point to be made, a fight to be had.

There were just about two dozen soldiers, and by the end of the night, sixteen senators that heard the plea of these troops.

It was a long-winded, procedurally clouded battle; three-and-half hours marked what should be considered an historic meeting of the All Undergraduate Student Association and its constituents. Why was it so historic?

The upcoming ballot initiative regarding the creation of domestic partnerships in Colorado, and why a political statement should be made.

I want to personally thank all of those students-those soldiers-for taking a stand for what they believe in, and enduring a long stay in the “gallery” to make their point. I’m so proud of you-of us-for standing strong.

I also want to thank the 15 senators who heeded our call. It wasn’t just a call for your support on this ballot initiative; it was a call for you to take a firm stance on an issue.

Instead of abstaining-of avoiding the question, of remaining silent in the face of such a call-you voted. Thank you for that vote; even more so, thank you for saying yes.

To the one senator who abstained: I appreciate your opinion, and the words you offered in opposition to our call. However, I really wish you had chosen to voice your choice in a vote. Your silence made no statement, and did not prove correct your assertion as to what Senate’s role. Clearly, AUSA Senate has a right, if not a responsibility, to take political stands when the rights and justice of its constituents are on the table.

That was proven on Oct. 17, . That was the rallying cry that echoed through Driscoll, and that is what the soldiers were fighting for. That’s history. And,

“This is what democracy is!”

(for information on this resolution and the roll call vote, visit www.du.edu/orgs/senate).