We made it to CPAC and went to the Marriott Ballroom where we watched a debate on the question, "Does security trump freedom?" One of the questions that I found to be most thought-provoking, and the panelists thought to be most controversial, was, "Should detailed background checks be conducted on Muslims wanting to serve in the army, including information about what faction of Islam they practice and who they listen to preach?" Some panelists said, yes, we must do what it takes to protect our country; others said no, not unless their behavior shows telling signs for suspicion. I'm going to agree with the latter on this one- it is their constitutional right to practice the religion they choose without being questioned or checked. I'd like to know a round-about percentage of how many practicing Muslims are radicals, and I'm looking forward to strengthening my above opinion and others, or breaking the stereotypes I've been presented, when I travel to Egypt and Turkey with Dr. Kiasatpour of the political science department this summer.
We went to a panel on Saving Freedom in Urban Centers, Ron Paul, and XPAC, but I could barely stay awake for most of them so I'm not going to comment. XPAC this year is a fail, and I highly doubt it will yield any success next year based on what I'm seeing now.
Dinner was fun. Turner gave me some good laughs. Now I'm just doing lots of reading for other political science classes and calling some of my sorority sisters back home. My big sister had a baby tonight!! Speaking of Ford's Theater, the father wanted to name the baby Lincoln, but I'm praying that she stuck to her guns and named it Alexander. I mean, I know a pretty cool lady whose name is Alexandra... But that's neither here nor there.
More tomorrow.
Ali Edelstein
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