'Granny D' to stroll into UA for campaign finance discussion
Political activism is as suited for a college campus as warm cookies are for a grandmother's kitchen.
Even when the activist is an 89-year-old Granny herself.
Doris Haddock, or Granny D as she is also known, will stop at the University of Arizona today on her nationwide tour to call for campaign finance reform.
"I don't want my great-grandchildren brought up in a country in which the democracy is threatened," Haddock said. "So I decided to do something about it."
She will hold a "teach-in" discussion at noon in Room 225 of the Family and Consumer Resources building about how to eliminate corporate political campaign contributions.
A self-proclaimed lifelong activist, Haddock became interested in campaign finance reform when the U.S. Senate rejected legislation that would have regulated election fundraising.
Haddock resolved to walk at least 10 miles a day across the United States, collecting signatures on petitions saying that citizens want to see quick finance reform. She then plans to give the documents to the Senate for consideration.
The activist began her pilgrimage Jan. 1 as the Rose Bowl parade faded in Pasadena, Calif. Along with many companions, her son Jim has followed her in a support vehicle during the daily 10-mile treks.
Haddock relies on volunteers along her route to feed and shelter her as she traverses the nation. She has been met with much support and her particular mode of travel has afforded her a unique perspective on the public's views.
"I get to see the country from the ground level," she said. "I get to hear what the people are saying."
Haddock is not the only person critical of the present state of campaign finance. Some UA students agree with her activist viewpoints.
"They (corporations) all have purely capitalist ideas, and will support the candidate that will help them," said Paul Kountz, an electrical engineering freshman.
"There is no consideration on what is best for the community," Kountz said.
Haddock said the lack of respect that politicians display toward citizens lies at the heart of the problem.
"The man in the street and the woman in the street do care (about finance reform)," she said.
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