Although Homecoming was fun, next weekend Williamsburg’s social options will return to that of a retirement community, without the free art classes. You could stay in town and head to one of the three bars, stand around in the empty unit basements, mix it up by driving back and forth on the Colonial Parkway — or you could do something both exciting and important. This Saturday Jon Stewart ’84 and Stephen Colbert are hosting their Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear. Stewart and Colbert are liberals, but the event is nonpartisan, with a message of returning civility and practicality to our debates. Regardless of political leanings, we can all recognize that discourse must be somewhat rational in order to be effective. The rally hopes to bring together those Americans who aren’t happy with how things are going but lack either the time or energy to travel the country in powdered wigs.
As College of William and Mary students, our attendance is especially reasonable since it is a rally sponsored by Stewart. Seeking progressive change and sensible leadership is a plus, but a trip to Washington, D.C. is exactly what this student body needs. By contributing to the success of Stewart’s event, we are adding to our own reputation, since he is one of the few alumni who are well known. Essentially, Stewart’s fame is increased by the rally, each student at the College will have increased bragging rights. Stewart’s reputation is your reputation; his success is a fundamental part of your degree.
Furthermore, the intensity from midterms has died down and now is the ideal time for a vacation. Again, Homecoming was fun, but next weekend probably won’t be. Washington undoubtedly has more going on than does Williamsburg. Since a majority of students live in Northern Virginia anyway, everyone can find a place at which to stay. If you aren’t that close with any of the 150 people you know from Alexandria Va., fake a friendship for America. The rally is at 11 a.m., so there is ample time to wake up early and drive there. Or you could go out hard in D.C. Friday, get up, wipe the eyeliner off your face, pregame, and write something clever on a poster board. You might even have time for a pre-protest walk of shame.
If the logic behind speaking up for your country and uniting around a cause of sanity isn’t enough, think of the practicality of heading home (or to your temporary friend’s home) for a relaxing weekend following midterms and homecoming. Imagine doing a load of laundry, eating edible food, and —if you’re hosting — showing off your McMansion to some friends. I’m sure your parents would love to see you, beer pong isn’t illegal in D.C., and you can still get back in time for Halloween — and those 500 pages of reading. Attend the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear this Saturday, and even if nobody comes except Wyatt Cenac, at least you’ll get out of Williamsburg.