Kevin Scobey's farewell letter to the College Libertarians and responses:
Hello,
As many of you know, I have just graduated from Western Illinois University and must formally step down from my leadership role with the College Libertarians. Dr. Adam Chacksfield and I founded the group over four years ago, and I have been the group's presiding officer for about 7 semesters. My intention was not only to use the group to spread the ideas of individual liberty and free markets in the college community, but to provide a place where libertarians could meet other libertarians, and where people of like minds could meet each other. With the help of our advisers and active members, and with the cooperation of other student groups and professors, I think we have been able to do just those things. With the numerous forums, debates, and videos (thank you John Stossel) we have participated in over the past few years, I think we have done well to give the libertarian movement a little boost. I genuinely appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this, and wish you the best in the future should you choose to continue this organization.
In accordance with the requirements of the Office of Student Activities, we have a group constitution and a (somewhat) democratic process for selecting officers. Unless you go through the process of amending the constitution, it will remain in effect until the beginning of the fall semester of 2007, at which time you will have to re-authorize it or create a new one. In the mean time, Joshua Carrigan has offered to lead the group. We will be in the process of transitioning group-related responsibilities and information over the next few weeks. Josh can be reached at ash@macomb.com; and soon, you will be able to contact him at libertarians@wiu.edu as well. In the future, I will gladly consult with the group and help, remotely, with anything I can. I will continue to be on Facebook, and I can be reached at my other e-mail address: kevinmartin6@aim.com.
Again, thank you, farewell, and best of luck.
Sincerely,
Kevin Scobey
(Retiring) President, College Libertarians of Western Illinois University
Kevin,
I'd like to be the first to thank you and Dr. Chacksfield for spreading the ideas of liberty. When I arrived at Western I already self-described as libertarian. However, after being introduced to you by Ms. Jackson, and later to the College Libertarians, I was able to broaden and deepen my understanding of libertarianism. You, Adam, and the rest of the CLs acted as a catalyst that sparked my thirst for knowledge about free markets and individual liberty.
Through meetings that lasted for two or sometimes three hours, aptly dubbed by another group member as "mind sex," debates with other campus political orgs in which it seemed every write-up in the Western Currier that followed stated that the CLs were the "most practical" or "principled" or it quoted an audience member that noted that we "introduced them to a new way of looking at an issue," and more, I can honestly say that without the WIU CL I would not be where I am today.
For those of you still at Western: I hope that you keep the flame of liberty aloft. An org like the CLs gives many students who may otherwise feel isolated in their worldview not only a vibrant community but a place to question and learn. If I can do anything to help you or the org, either personally or professionally (I now work at IHS <http://www.theihs.org/>), let me know.
Best of luck Kevin. In liberty,
-Pete
Hi Kevin,
Congratulations on doing a great job leading the College Libertarians. Impressive as the visible effects of your activities as President are, they represent only a tiny fraction of your impact. You've clearly changed people's lives and contributed immensely to the libertarian movement. You provide clear evidence of the huge impact one motivated person can have.
Another activity that wouldn't have happened without your efforts: I wrote up the drug legalization speech I gave a few weeks ago and published it in the Macomb Journal and Eagle as the Macomb Area Alliance for Peace and Justice column. It was in last Sunday's Macomb Journal. I'll send you a copy of the article - but there's nothing really changed from the speech.
It's been great to get to know you. Best wishes with life after undergrad. With your abilities and passion you can really do anything you want. The question of what you want to do is I'm sure the big one (and may change greatly with time eluding final resolution). If I can help in any way, at any point, let me know.
Congratulations & gratitude,
Adam
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