Where do you stand?

The debate teams of Elon students and faculty take sides on the “big issues” you voted for in the 2004 elections

The team captains: Looking at the issues for 2004

Laith Al-Majali : Representing the International community

Although we are talking about the significance of these elections to the rest of the world, it is important to not limit this discussion to foreign policy. A president’s stance on and interpretation of foreign policy is what shapes how US policy affects the rest of the world and how the rest of the world affects US policy. The economy is also a top consideration for the rest of the world.  As the world’s largest economy largest importer, largest financial market, and largest services sector, the stability of the US economy is focal in the effort to stabilize the world’s economy. There is also a large debate on trade policy, civil rights, women’s rights and gay rights. The US is seen as the most advanced and democratic country in the world, and its policies towards its own citizens are seen by many people as an example of its democracy, or as an example of the falsehood of that claim .

It is important to recognize that the extent to which each candidate is seen to be preferred or disliked by the rest of the world’s 6.25 billion people is not solely determined by their foreign policy approaches.

Natasha Christenson, Democrat

We propose an end of tax breaks for companies utilizing outsourcing and use the savings to cut the corporate rate by 5%. We plan on making America more competitive by reducing the burden of the middle class. The War on Iraq was the wrong war at the wrong time. We plan on beginning American troop withdrawal from Iraq. We plan on strengthening our nation by rebuilding trusts and strengthening relations with other nations.

The Democratic Party believes in the right of basic equality for all American families, concerning same-sex marriages the Democratic Party proposes an end to legislation, such as the Federal Marriage Amendment which permits the continued discrimination of homosexuals.

Katelyn Ealer, Republican

On gay marriage we take the stance that marriage is a sacred sacrament that can not be spoiled by such an arrangement that goes against religious morality.  We realize that the only reason gay people want to get married is for the added benefits marriage brings.  Therefore, we support the idea of civil unions.   

On the war on terror, we take the stance of being on the offense.  We as a nation can not just sit around and wait to be attacked again like we were on 9/11.  It was right to go to Iraq, because terrorists did have a large strong hold on the nation. And, the truth is, we did find WMD’s in Iraq, but liberals just don’t want to acknowledge that.  We found serine gas and mobile chemical weapons factories.  If these do not count as WND’s, even though they have the capability to kill millions of people, what does? 

Issue 1: Same-Sex Marriage

Adam Smith- Democrat

Proponents of bigotry and hate say this measure is not about homophobia, but about “traditional marriage.” I am also confused as to what tradition of marriage we are trying to protect. Is it the marriage where women are considered property and have no rights or the one where mixed race couples are not allowed to marry? Maybe, in fact, it is the one that allows couples two-day marriages in Las Vegas.

Dr. Martin Fowler- Independent

Neither President Bush nor Senator Kerry endorses legal recognition of same-sex civil marriage. I believe that same-sex couples are entitled to equal protection under the law and enjoyment of all legal benefits available to any married couple in America.  Massachusetts does this.  Belgium, Netherlands, Canada, and Spain also do this.  Civil unions merely segregate same-sex couples into separate but equal second-class citizenship.  The sensible and just policy is to endorse full federal and state recognition of same-sex civil marriage in the United States.

Jamey Falkenbury- Republican

The republican party feels that because marriage is a scared act between a man and woman that same sex marriages go against the belief structure and what marriage was created as. The major reason for the same sex marriages is to reap the same benefits as legal marriages. Instead of allowing homosexuals to be married to each other and “damaging” the sanctity of marriage, republicans feel that homosexuals should receive civil unions as a way of reaping the same benefits as married people.

Issue 2: The Economy

Kathleen Niple- Democrat

Voters think with their wallets. Consumers with money in their wallet during elections are more likely to vote for re-election of a candidate than a consumer who is paying a high tax rate. Kerry vowed to cut the deficit in half in four years. He plans to implement Bush Sr.’s “pay as you go plan” for social security where government will not run a deficit. The latest job numbers have not helped Bush’s campaign. George W. promised approximately 104,000 new jobs and the latest result shows only 96,000 created. At the end of Bush’s first term, the economy will have 600,000 fewer jobs than his inauguration in 2001 (Boston Herald).

Alex Miller- Independent

he American economy is a force beyond comprehension.  We produce lots and lots of stuff.  In a competitive market, the growth of one corpora tion mandates the growth of another.  Expanding corporations demand increasingly open markets, more resources and more demand.  The by product of this never-ending expansion is the creation of waste and pollution.  The consequence of this economic system on the environ ment has the potential to be catastrophic.  Without the adoption of stringent environmental policies and increased governmental regulation and enforcement of these policies, environmental disaster is not a question of if but a question of when.  “More of the same” from either candidate will not be enough. 

Luke Wake, Republican

It is undeniable that the Republican Party stands for the neo-liberal, free-trade, values which have been the driving force in America’s economic success, in the past and in the booming recovery we have experienced since the recession Bush inherited.  If the jobs are moving because of market-manipulation and subsidy, the virtuous circle is broken.”  In other words the “outsourcing” Kerry speaks of is not a result of free-trade at all, but rather, the result of protectionist policies.  Protectionist policies, like government subsidies and tariffs, do not promote market growth nor do they really preserve jobs. Any economist will say that free-trade is the best strategy for raising living standards around the world and for promoting economic growth here in the United States.  To truly fight outsourcing American policy makers must defend and promote free-trade.

Issue 3: The War on Terror and National Security

Dr.Matthew Gendle- Independent

“The interests of the U.S. will be best served by: (1) removing our current military presence in Iraq and Afghanistan; (2) initiating focused world-wide operations to disable and destroy Al-Quaida cells(3) advocating for a multinational U.N. peacekeeping force in Iraq and; (4) reexamining the role of U.S. foreign policy in the formation and promotion of terrorist ideologies.”

Jonathan Chuk-Republican

“The world is rapidly becoming a dangerous place for Americans and we need to protect our homeland. National security is second to none on the agenda and it is not time to back down, or soften, our attacks on terrorism, but rather, fight it stronger than ever.”   

Zachary Lauritzen-Democrat

The United States pushed aside international friendships with Germany, France, Russia, China and India while failing to build a real coalition of support. Our military is stretched thin and left unable to address the two countries with real terrorist ties—Iran and North Korea—who continue development of nuclear weapons.”

The Elon debate details

-The structure will allow each group party to give opening, position and closing statements as well as give them the opportunity to offer a rebuttal to arguments.

-A “Party for the Parties” will be held at Fireplace Lounge following the debate.

-An online mock election will be held Thursday and Friday, Oct. 23.