State Approaches

Next Saturday is the day!

The Second Annual Congressional Debate State Tournament will be held Saturday February 9, at the DeVos Center, on GVSU downtown campus. Some details will be coming shortly, including who is in which chamber.

Here is what we know:

We will have 9 students attending: Esther Creswell, Oana Damacus, Riet Groenleer, Catherine Khuu, Christina Le, Regie Pell, Emily Riippa, Abe Rinck, Nathan Ritsema.

There are 92 students registered, for chambers of 23 each.

The docket for each session is set -- analysis will follow shortly.

Food
At this time, a box lunch will be provided through GVSU. If one gets particularly desparate there is of course the Burger King at Pearl & Front (just north of the campus).

Schedule

• Registration 8:30 – 9:00 DeVos Center.
  As the host school we are asking you to arrive at 8:00 to help welcome students and schools get adjusted to the site.
  
• Session I 9:30 – 11:30 various
• Lunch 11:30 – 12:30 DeVos Center
  See Food above.
  
• Session II 12:45 – 2:45 various
• Super Session
  (finals) 3:30 – 5:30 TBA
  There will likely be a lot of people who want to see this. So be sure that you get there early. If you're parents are coming, give them the heads up.
  
• Awards 6:00 – 6:45 Loosemore Auditorium
  Politicians! Lawyers! Parents and Bigwigs! And we are hoping, even the media. Plus awards for the best bill. Invite the folks, and best of all you're out in time for Swirl.
  

Grand Ledge Update

The opening session of the Western Michigan Legislative Debate League is going to be one of our largest ever. At this count, there are 37 students planning to attend -- that means two chambers.

With two chambers we will split City students:

Chamber 1

Emily Riippa
Riet Groenleer,
Yefei Jin
Catherine Khuu

Chamber 2

Christina Le
Abe Rinck
Oana Damacus
Nathan Ritsema

And now, what about those bills?
We have five bills to consider, three by Simon Boehme from Kalamazoo Central, two from City (hint hint -- we will need more bill writers). The bills offer a good sampling of controversy for you to sink your teeth into. Let's examine them.

A Bill for the removal of the Electoral College

• Overview: Simon wants to abolish the Electoral College, and in its place use a preference ranking system. Sounds like a no-brainer, doesn't it?
• Aff: The Electoral College is rather clumsy and can lead to electing a person who actually receives fewer votes (look up what happened in 2000 with Bush/Gore). On the positive side, the plan would make the vote more responsive to the majority wishes.
• Neg: Look for the unseend disadvantages. In Constitutional theory, the Electoral College was used to guarantee small states at least some say in the election -- would this happen under the proposed set-up?
• Research: You ought to be able to find all you need by searching for "Electoral College" and "Ban Electoral College."

A Bill to repeal Affirmative Action (Executive Order 11246)

• Overview: Article I gives the intent rather clearly. This debate could degenerate into a food fight on race, or you could consider exploring just what the Federal Government is doing. There is a lot of vagueness here, not least, how does one define Affirmative Action. Do we mean only the explicit quota systems? Or something more general, where disadvantaged groups are given help (think of math/science camps for girls)? The danger in the bill is that there is a broader intent than what the specific Executive Order details. The bill's author goes after the bill with a broad brush -- you've been warned!
• Aff: Go with the moral reasoning, the intent of the bill. One can plausibly point out that we already ban racial discrimination and that should be enough. Create arguments for racial equality as the better way of upholding American values.
• Neg: Two big troubles invite a response. First, this is very broad, so lots and lots of holes. Note he doesn't define affirmative action. Second, lookup the Executive Order. It's a far more narrow piece of legislation (and only applies for contractors with a contract worth more than $10k). Lot's of good stuff.
• Research: Start with looking up the original Executive Order. Wikipedia has a decent overview. Expand your search to news on Affirmative Action.

A Resolution to Support the Afrian Union (AU)

• Overview: Pretty bland. There may be a little too much reliance on the African Union. The real question would be whether this organization is as effective as the Resolution suggests.
• Aff. Focus on the good that is being done by the AU. This is a new step for the African countries, designed to work together (and not just be a club for dictators_.
• Neg. Focus on the size of the problem, and the small resources of the AU. Good intentions, but really, what can you expect with their budget. Lastly, note that they are a creature of Libya leader Qaddafi.
• Research. Look up secondary sources, like the BBC. There's more out there.

Free FEMA

• Overview. After Katrina, it became clear that FEMA had lost its aura of competence that it once had under the Clinton administration. Many blame this on how the agency is hid within the Department of Homeland Security. This bill would restore an independent existence to FEMA.
• Aff. Emphasize the problems that gave rise to this issue (Katrina, etc.). You may also want to pick up on the need for professionalism. You may also want to pick up on the issue of professional management, and why that is a good thing given the type of work FEMA is engaged in.
• Neg. An independent agency may not have the resources to really coordinate relief. You can also point out how the budget numbers are a little unclear.
• Research. The idea of making FEMA independent has been kicking around. Start your search with "FEMA Independence -Missouri" (you don't want articles about "Independence, Missouri)

A Bill to Redefine Marriage

• Overview. Abe sticks his foot in. This will be controversial. The heart of the bill lies in the good ennummerated in Section 2. Opponents will see this as advancing a social agenda, defenders will point to the obvious benefits.
• Aff. As above, focus on the contractual benefits, the ones that make the home better. These moves would save money for the government (at least that would be your argument).
• Neg. Should Congress really be in the business of overturning a thousand years of experience? You will want to be careful not to sound too harsh about some of the benefits.
• Research. There are lots of arguments out there. Find an argument that matches your own sensibility.

Press Functions at Student Congress

This was too long for the earlier post. This is for Esther and Catherine.

THURSDAY
12:45 p.m. - Press Faculty Advisors Meeting - Radisson, Michigan I
1:15 p.m. - General Session - Radisson, Capitol I-II
2:15 p.m. - First Working Press Meeting - Radisson, Michigan I

Press "get acquainted" meeting. Discuss general outline of press activities
Begin processes and procedures. Select editors and delegate all press responsibilities.
8:45 p.m. - Press Corps Candidates Conference - Radisson, Capitol III-IV
10:30 p.m. - Press Corps Post Press Conference Meeting - Radisson, Michigan I


FIRST PAPER
7:00 p.m. -Thursday - Copy deadline for Paper #1.
8:00 a.m. -Friday - Distribution of Paper #1. 200 copies.


Paper #1 can focus on the candidates for election at the Student Congress and the bill writing process. It should be approximately two pages (four sides) long (really would like to produce smaller papers this year!), with no story exceeding 300 words.

The articles can give the positions of each of the twelve candidates for election. The most effective method of doing this is through interview-type stories. Reporters also could follow the deliberations as a particular committee drafts its legislation. These are news stories and not editorials, so it is important to be OBJECTIVE.

B. Other Possible Stories of Paper #1

• *Profiles of the different organizations mentioned in the topic.
• *A survey of directors to determine ways to fund the involvement of their school in Student Congress.
• *A lead article explaining the election procedure and the purpose of the Student Congress.
• *An editorial recommending a particular candidate(s) for each office (responsibility of editor).
• *An editorial cartoon.
• *The effects of the press conference on the image of candidates for the legislative and executive positions.
• *Comments, particularly from second and third year participants, about the election process for delegates to select the President.
• *An editorial.

SECOND PAPER
5:00 p.m. -Friday - Copy deadline for Paper #2.
8:00 a.m. -Saturday - Distribution of Paper #2. 200 copies.

The paper could include coverage of the following (i.e. suggested articles):

• *The work of the bill-producing committees. Press Office will receive copies of each of the bills by 8 a.m. Friday. Cover not only the bills, but also the actual committee procedures involved in developing and defending the bills.
• *The General Session of Congress, Legislative Assembly, and the Election of Speaker and President, all taking place Friday.
• *Comments from delegates, particularly second and third year participants, about the differences
• in policy topics on the discussions and deliberations at Student Congress.

B. Other Possible Stories for Paper #2

• *Interviews with the two House Speakers, and the President of the Executive Branch.
• *Editorials about the bills or any other aspect of the Congress.
• *Since the legislature is in session, interviews with or comments from legislators regarding changes in Michigan with the Granholm government and/or fiscal challenges.
• *Letters to the Editor with responses from the Press Corps.
• *An editorial cartoon; review of executive actions.
• *Survey of participants on the their choice for President in the forthcoming elections.

PROCESS COMMENTS

1. A process to maintain organization of the various stages of the composition of a story will be maintained by the press corps. In all likelihood, there will be a system of boxes to designate the status of a story. Members should check the press room in one-half intervals to ensure that edits or other modifications on specific stories are timely.

2. The editors will maintain a checklist of all content for a specific paper. It may be appropriate for a staff member to serve as Office Manager for the paper to ensure responsibility for materials.


3. Reporters who interview specific candidates should be responsible for asking the candidate questions during the press conference.

4. Proof reading of stories is essential. Members of the press corps should assume responsibility for reviewing stories that they write to help guarantee reliable copy. Some members of the press corps may process copy and/or input stories for one edition, while writing for another.

NOTE: The paper will be printed in black and white. If you have a computer with word processing, it can be used to expedite the production of the paper.

DIGITAL RECORD
The intent of the photographic experience is to capture a visual summary of key aspects of the Student Congress. It is our intention to create a video essay that we can post of our web page regarding the legislative simulation.

With the use of a digital camera, there can be editing of relevant pictures during the conference. We would like the visual representation to capture various aspects of the conference, including the activities and the personalities.

Student Congress Details

The following is not complete (you’ll recognize the holes) – but this is the information as best as we have it, as Tuesday noon. We’ll have another wrap-up tomorrow. Speaking of tomorrow (Wednesday) we will get together during Seminar to craft a Resolution for the Congress.

Travel
We will go by car pool, myself (Mr H) and Ms P.

Our Time Line
Thursday September 20
Leave City 9:30 am– after the finish of First Block
Arrive Lansing 10:45 am
Saturday September 22
Leave Lansing 4:45
Return City High 6:00 pm.

Housing
We will be staying at The Radisson Hotel in downtown Lansing.
111 N Grand Ave
Lansing, MI 48933
(517) 482-0188

Costs
Housing
The most you will pay is $70.
We have applied for a grant from the PTSA and hope to reduce this charge significantly. More on that by Wednesday (tomorrow)
Food
There are fast food places within walking distance.
As we will arrive before lunch – so you can cut costs by packing your lunch for the first day.

Assignments

Technology (Evan, Reggie, Mr H)

Much of sub-Saharan Africa is entirely rural, with miles between villages, and even greater distances to a possible health care provider. The expanded range of cell phones could allow doctors to reach patients more quickly. Strengthened and broader Telemedicine, through use of PDAs and laptops, would allow physicians access to patient records in rural areas. The US Water for the Poor Initiative would help with sanitation technology issues if its emphasis were redirected from the Middle East to sub-Saharan Africa

Education (Julia)

Proper public health education is an important part of decreasing infection rates of many of the disease affecting this region. One change that could be implemented by the United States government would be to not support abstinence-only sexual education. By teaching proper condom usage and the risks associated with being sexually active, HIV infections may also decrease. Proper agricultural development education has many possible advantages including increasing crop production, decreased malnutrition as well as decreased poverty in many areas. Water sanitation is another area where proper education coupled with access to resources could stop the spread of many infectious agents such as cholera and diarrhea.

Environment (Riet)

One of the most effective ways to spread disease and toxins is through water. Industrial toxic waste that is dumped into a river can hurt and even kill people, animals, and the rest of the environment for miles. Although the 1989 Basel Convention was meant to stop international dumpers, there are many who violate this agreement. While the organic revolution spreads throughout America, many African countries continue to use toxic pesticides and herbicides, both for lack of an alternative and education on the issue. More than thirty percent of sub-Saharan citizens are malnourished. Not only is this a public health issue, but also the connection between malnutrition and disease is undeniable.

Science (Nathan)

As the HIV/AIDS epidemic seems to spin out of control in sub-Saharan Africa, we not only see high infection rates, but also significantly decreased life expectancy of those infected compared to those in “developed countries” who are also infected. Part of the reason for this is because of decreased access to anti-retroviral drugs. The availability of generic versions of AZT and other such medication would help to deal with this issue. There is a whole host of neglected tropical diseases that are often forgotten about when researchers begin developing new vaccines and treatments, but can be just as fatal as the more popular diseases. A focus on vaccines instead of just treatment research could potentially curb spread of certain diseases.

Executive Branch (Christina, Ms P)
Duties of the executive branch include:

• Developing an executive stance or position on various legislative items. The executive branch may suggest legislation to committees, lobby for specific concepts or language in bills, or participate in the hearing process for the drafting of proposals.
• Holding hearings, in conjunction with organizational representatives, on specific bills or issues of interest.
• Monitoring legislative debate in both assemblies, including periodic conferencing with legislators and other participants.
• Finalizing executive action on legislation by veto or endorsing proposals, including an option to "sign" bills passed by both assemblies. Review of executive vetoes by the legislature can only occur after initial deliberation on all bills.
• Making special presentations to either legislative body, usually by the elected President and Vice President, on significant issues. With legislative approval, a State of the Union address would be an option.

Press Corps (Catherine, Esther)
This description describes the planned activities can be found in the next post.