(Pennsylvania - Allegheny) College criticizes invitation-only political rallies

Source: USA Today

A Pennsylvania college that was the scene of a protest against Vice President Cheney is trying to start a movement to ban politicians from holding closed meetings restricted to supporters on all campuses in the nation.

The Soapbox Alliance started by professors at Allegheny College in Meadville, Pa., says it is opposed to allowing politicians of any party to use colleges as a backdrop for their rallies. The alliance has sent letters to 600 other colleges and universities in the hope that they too will refuse to let their facilities be used for such events.

"Young folks are savvy and increasingly cynical about politics. They can see through phony staged events," says Dan Shea, director of Allegheny's Center for Political Participation, who initiated the Alliance. "We want to get them involved in the process."

Colleges have shown little enthusiasm for the idea. And political operatives question whether rallies should include people who don't support the candidate.

"It's a nice concept, but people tend to misbehave," says Trent Duffy, former deputy press secretary for President Bush.

Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2007-11-19-soapbox_N.htm

"It's a nice concept, but people tend to misbehave," says former white house stooge.

What historical document talked about "of .., by .., and for the people"?