St. John's News
St. John's Students Debate Key Issues Affecting America
September 22, 2008
“The point of debate is to expose ideas in conflict to determine
which ones are better,” said Steve Llano, Ph.D., Professor in the
Department of Communication, Rhetoric and Theatre and Director of
the St. John’s Debate Society. Many ideas were in conflict as
students from the St. John’s College Democrats and College
Republicans engaged in a friendly dispute over issues related to
the 2008 Presidential Election.
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On September 17, in honor of Constitution Day, the date of the
signing of the U.S. Constitution, executive board members from the
two political organizations on the Queens campus, participated in a
Myth-buster Debate. At this Participate in ’08 event, over 200
students, faculty and administrators watched as the student groups
debated on four issues currently affecting America: immigration,
gun control, the Iraq War and the U.S. economy.
The Queens campus debate, hosted by the Office of the Provost
and moderated by Dr. Llano, was a truly engaging opportunity for
students from each organization to dispel party rumors and myths
and educate the student body on what their respective parties stand
for.
Concurrently, the Staten Island campus hosted an informative
Community Dialogue featuring student presentations and discussion
on the Electoral College and its role in the election process.
“Electoral Votes are based on the number of members of congress
each state has,” explained junior government and politics major,
Sylvia Cuesta. “Each state is a separate election essentially. If
you can win the 10 biggest states, you can win the election.”
As part of the Participate in ’08 initiative, St. John’s
University will continue to provide students with exciting
political speakers and events, as well as frequent voter
registration drives to promote civic responsibility and making a
difference in the community. Upcoming events include the Candidates
Forum and “Lee Brenner – The Myspace Elections” on the Staten
Island campus.
For other resources and links to information about the upcoming
election and St. John’s College Democrat and College Republican
events, please visit the Participate
in ’08 Web site.