Council offers debate on America’s role in world

Council offers debate on America’s role in world

by English Young
The Shorthorn
9/28/04

With the presidential elections five weeks away, the Honors College Council will sponsor a debate on campus at 5 p.m. today in 106 College Hall.

The free debate is part of The People Speak: America Debates Its Role in the World public education effort and is open to the public.

Students Umer Khan, president of Americans for Informed Democracy, and Jonathan Abel, member of the Harbinson Community, will debate the use of military force abroad and if working with other countries and international institutions such as the United Nations strengthens America’s image and further the intent to promote peace in the world.

“We had to choose two issues to debate,” said Denis Gjoni, the Honors College Council president. “We felt that these issues were controversial and would intrigue the students.”

Last year when the Honors College Council held the debate, a teacher and a student debated the issue regarding American policy. Gjoni participated in the debate.

“This year, faculty will not participate in the debate. It hinders student participation,” Gjoni said. “Our purpose is to stimulate dialogue between students.”

The People Speak is an organization that promotes discussion of America’s role in the world.

Allan Saxe, political science associate professor, will serve as the moderator.

“I’m a good moderator because I will allow all ideas to be presented in a fair atmosphere,” he said. “Debates such as this give each person the chance to present their views.”

The council is providing the event with a mini-grant provided by the United Nations Foundation. A light dinner and refreshments will be provided at the reception following the debate.

“We hope to increase public awareness about being a part of a nationwide debate and encourage student debating,” Gjoni said.

For more information, visit http://www.thepeoplespeak.org/.