The Aquinas

The University’s Debate Society held a Political Debate Tuesday at the Mosckowitz Theater in the DeNaples Center.  Members of the College Republicans, College Democrats and Young Americans for Liberty presented their party’s positions on some of the critical issues in this semester’s installment of “The Great Debate” series.
The debate was organized in a forum style, with students responding to questions presented by moderators; John Strain, communication professor, and Rev. Rick Malloy, S.J., Vice President of University Ministries.
Christine McBride and Brian Lafferty represented the College Democrats, Mike Mulraney and Brian Riordan represented College Republicans and David Perez and Ian Saggese represented the Young Americans for Liberty.
Economic Issues were significant in this debate, which covered specific questions about job creation, the Occupy Movement and perspectives on Corporate Power.   The Democrats pushed a position of government responsibility in economy.
Republicans argued that competition should be the primary force in the marketplace. They did point out that government should be involved in Defense and Infrastructure, however.
The Young Americans for Liberty pointed to the banking system as a primary source for economic hardships and that the federal government overstepped its bounds and helped give corporations the power they have today.  All parties agreed that the Occupy movement as a whole lacks a focused message and leader. The debate also focused on the social issues of abortion and gay marriage.  The College Democrats argued for this progressive ideology.  The Republicans said that it is the states’ role to rule on the issues of abortion and gay marriage.  The Young Americans for Liberty said protecting life is a key role of government and allows for a ruling on abortion.  Gay marriage, however, is a non issue.
The final key issue discussed, was education.  The Democrats said that it is necessary to help students get an education.
The Republicans argued that federal involvement in education drove prices up, making it difficult for students to afford further education.  The Young Americans for Liberty agreed with the Republicans adding the college loan system creates a cycle of debt, making government loans a worse option than letting students pay for education themselves.
The parties made brief closing statements. The Republicans said competition was key in the marketplace and federal government placed too many regulations.  The Young Americans for Liberty told the audience that they were free and government and corporations only wanted control.
The Debate Society was pleased with the attendance and noted that its events are attracting more individuals.  The political debate was part of the initiative made by all political organizations to raise political awareness on campus.
This is the second time a debate between the three political parties was held.  The Debate Society expressed joy at the success of the event and hopes that the next events will have the same results.
By Micheal Forsette
News Correspondent