The College Democrats and College Republicans went head-to-head last night in a debate moderated by the Political Science Association (PSA) to address the issues of international relations and domestic security.
Eric Witmer of the College Democrats opened the debate, referring to the Bush administration as "the most fiscally irresponsible presidency in history."
Jon Dandrea, a member of the College Republicans, followed Witmer and outlined the major tenants of the Republican Party that were addressed during the course of the debate with regards to international relations. He focused on U.S. efforts in Iraq, the value of supporting Israeli allies, six-party talks regarding North Korean nuclear proliferation and the Patriot Act.
Dandrea referred to the Statue of Liberty as a "beacon of hope" to countless immigrants inviting those who want to breathe freely.
"Not all are able to breach the walls of oppression to make that journey, so we must come to them," he said.
Questions first came from the moderator, PSA President Midori Valdivia, then from the panels, which directed questions at their opponents, and finally from the audience.
"We knew the audience. A lot of questions revolve around Iraq, and we trusted students and panelists to bring that up," Valdivia said.
The PSA questions were general and focused on America's position in the world during the next 20 years, noting trends in alliances and competitiveness.
College Democrats questioned how the quest to catch Osama Bin Laden "flip-flopped" to Saddam Hussein, weapons of mass destruction and Iraq.
Mikhail Hutton of the College Republicans focused on the positive aspects of the U.S. presence in Iraq.
"We are sending companies in there to help build up the economy. Religious rebels make it harder to progress," Hutton said.
He said that by capturing Hussein, President George W. Bush has saved lives.
"You said the administration has saved lives. It hasn't saved U.S. lives," Robert Arcamona of the College Democrats responded.
There were about 10 questions from the audience, mostly directed at the College Republicans. They touched on many aspects of security, including terrorists flooding Iraqi borders, the Abu Ghraib prison abuse scandal, and the Patriot Act
A debate spurred surrounding the Patriot Act and whether it violates the Fourth Amendment.
Arcamona said the act is difficult to understand.
"Has anyone read the Patriot Act? Probably not, because it's impossible," Arcamona said. "You don't give someone poison; you hide it in something."
Amanda Sponsler of the College Republicans noted that the U.S. Supreme Court has never decided whether the act is in violation of the Fourth Amendment, and it has never been determined to be unconstitutional by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
College Republicans Chairman Andy Banducci said search warrants are still required, and "that's the best protection you can have."
One member of the audience who asked the panel of College Republicans a question relating to homeland security felt that his question wasn't properly addressed.
"The Republicans talked about Israel, Palestine and the situation in Iraq. The situation in the U.S. itself was not addressed by the Republicans," Jim Coder (freshman-aerospace engineering) said.
Jacob Zentichko (junior-aerospace engineering) said he felt the Republicans were stronger.
"Generally, the Republicans were more optimistic," he said. "In my opinion, all the Democrats want to do is rattle off statistics and claim that they have a plan."
