Coalition for a Democratic Future Elects Three Harvard Undergrads

The Massachusetts Young Democrats convened at the Marriott Hotel in Cambridge Saturday for the Coalition for a Democratic Future conference.

The people attending the conference ranged from Rap. Barney Frank '61 (D-Mass.), whose district includes Cambridge, to National Democratic Convention leader Neil P. Carpenter, to Pablo F. Lopez '02.

Frank spoke on globalization at the conference, while Lopez said he attended the conference to learn about the Democratic Party.

During the weekend, three Harvard students were elected to leadership positions within the coalition.

Erin B. Ashwell '02, former treasurer of the coalition, and Joseph N. Sanberg '01, president of the Harvard-Radcliffe College Democrats, were selected as at-large directors. Kathryn R. Markham '99-'00, who is also a Crimson editor, was elected regional director of the Sixth Governor's Council District, which includes Harvard.

When asked why he felt it was important to attend, Lopez said he felt an obligation to educate himself.

"In this time of racism, violence, and fighting around the world, I realize that I am the future of this country and that my vote determines the direction in which it will go," Lopez said. "Quite frankly, I don't know what party I am so I'm here to learn what the Democratic Party is about. I eventually plan to attend a Republican function as well and figure out my political stance."

Attendees with more experience, such as Carpenter, a member of the coalition's board and a financial analyst for General Electric, who is also the political and legislative director of the Democrats of America, said he attended the convention because it was about the future.

"[This group of] people in some small way is going to shape, in the next 50 years, what this society will look like," he said.

Carpenter also described his personal background to a small crowd of Harvard students and explained that coming from a disadvantaged background led to his current commitment to help people.

"No person should have limited educational resources because of their parents' ability to pay," he said after his emotional account.

Markham said she felt it is particularly important for Harvard students to become involved in the Democratic Party because "it's clearly the party that represents the young people and is in the forefront on a number of issues."

She said young people tend to be liberal, and thus the Democratic Party is the natural party for them to join.

Lopez disagreed with the statement.

"Young people tend to be what their parents are," Lopez said. "I can no longer stand idly by and be handed my party affiliation. I have to make the decision for myself. That's why I'm here. I want more information."

Still undecided after the convention, Lopez said he thought the Democrats were very progressive.

"They're really liberal, a little too liberal at times," he said. "Sometimes the party borders on lunacy, but so does the [Republican Party] so I don't know how I will end up voting."