Page 137 - 1969 VESTIGE

With flags flying high, VES "Rehel Rousers" prove that sectional ties reason for this gathering was political, many Wallacites used the often dictate the political party to which one belongs. Although the occasion to celebrate their own Civil War Centennial.
Politically Stimulated Students Cheer Candidates
Firm opinion, a genuine concern for the country in which they live, and the enthusiasm of political competition were all evident among students and faculty in the pre-election political rally held in the gymnasium.
Humphrey, Nixon, Wallace, and Gregory were each represented by their respective speaker before a platform often assaulted by partisan cries: "Go, Go, Gettum . . . Gethun . . . Humph, Humph," "Spiro is a Zero," and "Dump the Hump!" These phrases emanated from the placard-studded crowd for most of the evening and were intermpted only when the supporters of the top two contenders mana~ed to unite in an attack against the Wallacites with Seig Heil,"
complete with salute.
When the crowd silenced, it was confronted with the issues. "Business should provide the guiding light through the bureaucratic maze" . . . "There are vast numbers of people in this country who are being pushed tmder by big business, big government, and big politics," and "His record shows an unfledging compassion toward minority rights." These statements were challenged and pondered, supported and decried.
The following morning, as the nation went to the polls, the students of VES voted its preferences. For Nixon: 40.4%; Wallace, 26.4%; Humphrey, 24.8%; and Gregory, 6.7%. A surprise for some, an elation for others, the results stood - a lesson in the American democratic system.
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