Filmmaker Eugene Jarecki will bring his award-winning documentary, "Why We Fight" to campus Wednesday; riding on Jarecki's coattails, however, comes mild controversy surrounding his appearance.

"The film focuses into the heart of America's attitude towards war and the tangled web of the American military landscape," said College of Health Sciences junior Keta Radich, speakers commissioner for MUSG. "Jarecki wants to address our rationale for fighting. He believes democracy should be our nation's first priority."

There was confusion in the original announcement of Jarecki's appearance. Due to the tone of Jarecki's documentary, which is largely against the war in Iraq, some conservatives on campus were under the impression that Jarecki was billed as a conservative and took offense to this.

"We are not really thrilled that he was billed as a conservative," said Daniel Maciejewski, chairman of the Marquette chapter of College Republicans and College of Arts & Sciences junior. "We are telling members to go and hear him out on this, trying to make this more of a dialogue, making sure that the conservative side is also being brought out. We're not going to condemn him without hearing him out."

"To anyone who has been upset by this program, please do not assume the stereotype that all Republicans are war-makers and Democrats are anti-war," Radich said. "This is false. Eugene does not focus on political parties; instead, he advocates for American democracy."

According to Radich, Jarecki was never billed as a conservative.

"Jarecki was never advertised as a conservative; rather, he is a moderate," Radich said. "When I spoke to the agents about an unbiased speaker, they were fully aware I meant a speaker who would not be preaching their political views to Marquette students. I specifically said, 'No Michael Moores, please.' With this information, Eugene Jarecki surfaced."

According to Mary Ellen Burke, secretary for the College Republicans and junior in the College of Communication, members of the College Republicans will have informational handouts at the event to provide students with another view.

"A couple of our members actually watched 'Why We Fight' and developed some counterpoints to some things that were said," Burke said. "We were able to point out some things that may have been inaccurate or exaggerated. This seemed like a good way to respond other than just protesting."

Radich, who scheduled Jarecki's appearance, said she was looking for a speaker who would get ideas and dialogue rolling on campus about a topic of interest and importance to Marquette students.

"I wanted an intellectually stimulating program that combined an unbiased speaker with a contemporary topic," Radich said. "In a time of war we should be informed and aware of our nation's policies. I hope students will attend the event to see a remarkable film and learn about issues currently facing the United States. Knowledge is power."

As speakers commissioner, Radich sees her job as largely helping to give the Marquette community that power.

"In our highly advanced and technology-based country, I believe our biggest obstacle is ignorance," Radich said. "I want to overcome that obstacle and give students a chance to learn about issues facing our country today."

Jarecki will be on campus Wednesday for the showing of "Why We Fight," which will be followed by a speech and a question-and-answer session. The event is free and located in the Weasler Auditorium.