The Campus Democrats and Republicans met Tuesday night to fiercely debate their political views regarding several current issues, but despite their divergent beliefs, the debate was designed by both parties with a similar goal in mind.
“We hope the debate makes students more politically aware of issues of the government,” Campus Republicans chairman Stan Pulliam said. “We would like to create a more politically educated student body.”
The 8 p.m. meeting in the EMU Fir Room thoroughly covered five topics: missile defense, education, incidental fees, dealing with recession and President Bush’s energy plan.
Jed McGuire, treasurer for the College Democrats, said his group has been doing research for the past two weeks and was prepared to help students become more informed about both sides of the issues.
The first topic — and one of the more thoroughly debated — concerned student incidental fees, an issue which has been prominent on campus this year.
McGuire introduced the Democrats’ position on student incidental fees, arguing that the current distribution of student fees to various groups on campus helps to foster diversity of opinion and ultimately contributes to students’ educations. He also mentioned other perks of the student incidental fees, such as free bus service and cheaper child care for student mothers on campus.
“The community gains from having more diverse opinions on campus,” McGuire said.
Pulliam expressed the Republicans’ concern that many students do not agree with the beliefs of the organizations that receive student funds and suggested that students be given more control over how their money is distributed.
“What we need is incidental fee reform,” he said.
Throughout the debate, the audience of about 30 people remained active, asking questions of both parties and challenging them on their views, particularly on the topic of a missile defense system, which College Democrat member Tim Johnson described as expensive and ineffective. The Republican group defended the idea, depicting it as a deterrent which can protect the country from enemies’ missiles.
So who won and who lost?
According to both groups, the debate itself was not the point. Getting students involved in political issues that affect them is important, McGuire said, not winning and losing.
“I guess you could win something,” he said, “because you can win a presidential debate.
“It isn’t about debating.”