Amid town hall meetings, tea parties, and controversial activists, one area college student stands apart.

Her name is Ashleigh Kenny and she's created a t-shirt that's causing quite a stir, not only in Valdosta, but across the nation.

A blue t-shirt with an unmistakable print is the cause of controversy nationwide and a VSU student is at the center of it all.

"I made these t-shirts for a local tea party," said Ashleigh Kenny, designer of the shirts. "I didn't really think they would go anywhere, but people were interested in them, wanted them, bought them. There's been controversy with them but I'm excited it's causing discussion. It's causing action."

The t-shirt reads "R.I.P. U.S. Constitution" on the front and Ronald Reagan is quoted on the back saying the following:

"In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem, government is the problem."

21-year-old Ashleigh Kenny has already sold more than a hundred of these shirts, and by doing so, she hopes to spread awareness.

"Our government is getting too big. How big can be debated, but the truth is, the government is bigger than the people. Therefore, the constitution is under attack. No matter which way you look at it, it is," said Kenny.

And it's that shared belief that's prompted more of the area's young people to get involved.

"I've always had the political views and sort of the roar opinion about it, but she really got me inspired with her fire and her fervor for it," said Alex H., recent graduate of Valdosta State.

"I think it's great," said Nolen Cox, Valdosta Tea Party Organizer. "They're working into the political system and there's a lot of people coming into the tea party movement that are young, so I'm not surprised."

As for Kenny, she knows it's small, but she believes the shirts can make a difference.

"This is really to speak to my generation, give them a chance to voice. Throw on a t-shirt, walk around, and there you go. You got a message," said Kenny.

Kenny gave her t-shirt to State Representative Jack Kingston at the Town Hall Meeting in Valdosta three weeks ago.

Kingston was later questioned about it on the Bill Maher Show on HBO, giving Kenny national recognition.

Contact Ashleigh by emailing her at: amkenny@valdosta.edu

Or visit:
matternow.org