Are the Penn. State Young Democratic Socialists Afraid to Debate TPUSA? – The Libertarian Republic
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By Aidan Mattis
Speaking to the Penn StateStudent run, and independent media siteThe Underground,Jesse RyanthePresident of the Young Democratic Socialists chapter, had harsh words about the pro-freedom organization. Citing a Twitter dispute with PSU TPUSA President Kylie Thomas, Ryan said that when seeking new members, they would preferably [stay] away from the Turning Point USA table. Ryans group also called the capitalist, small government organization LGBT-phobic due to a tweet from the Ohio State chapter of TPUSA. Despite the fact that Thomas herself is bisexual, and the chapter in question is not at Penn. State, notOhio State, Ryan persisted in calling the chapter of TPUSA homophobic.
Speaking about a picture tweeted by OSUs chapter of TPUSA, in which a student wears a T-shirt with an image of Che Guevara with the text Socialism is for F*gs, Ryan said that the comment was just not anything productive. It was filled with homophobia.
TPUSA at OSU responded, saying We apologize to those who found the T-Shirt offensive. The actual saying on the shirt is Socialism is for Figs, but it is challenging to read in the picture.
Penn. States Turning Point USA has been pursuing an opportunity to debate YDS on the merits of capitalism versus socialism, yet has been continuously frustrated by the leftist groups refusal to do so. Ryan cited concerns in dealing with the libertarian-leaning nonpartisan TPUSA, stating that When you have a very sensitive title like us, you have to have a very logical, analytical approach when youre talking to people like that [TPUSA]. Ryan was referencing TPUSAs executive board, who have a table set up in the campus HUB every Tuesday. People might just come up and start ripping up signs, Ryan finished.
Ironically, PSUs TPUSA chapter has struggled with peopleripping up signs and having their materials unceremoniously dispersed, as a leftist leaning journalist named Terri Thomas (of no relation to the former Thomas)did exactly that to the groups table in early February.
At anothermeeting, Ryan told hisclub about a back and forth with Kylie Thomas on Twitter. Citing what he believed to be a more of a screaming match than an actual debate, he remarked that [He] just really think[s] its a testament to what would actually happen if [YDS] actually debated [Turning Point USA]. Ryans excuses have frustrated members of the Turning Point chapter.
Further excusing his club from participating in debate, Ryan explained that Debates are really about who screams the loudest and who talks the fastest Ryan made no effort to reach out to other members of the Turning Point USA chapter at the school, and has yet to speak with Kylie Thomas, relying solely on the YDS chapter Twitter to communicate. Ryans comments about TPUSA at PSU being homophobic have yet to see any official response from the pro-capitalism group.
This incident at Penn State represents a growing trend in millennial politics, in which the left would rather shy away from debate and discussion than face the opposing side. By claiming that any interaction with the opposing ideology would be an uncivil screaming match, YDS has excused itself from the challenge of defending their ideas. To quote the infamous Milo Yiannopoulos, If you dont show up to defend your ideas, you lose. Thus, in this microcosm, this bout of political battle, Young Democratic Socialists has lost the skirmish.
debateohio statePenn. StateTPUSATurning Point USAYDSYoung Democratic Socialists
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Are the Penn. State Young Democratic Socialists Afraid to Debate TPUSA? - The Libertarian Republic
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