Campus politicos face off in debate

Tensions rose Wednesday night as the UNC Young Democrats and the College Republicans held their first debate of the semester.

The debate, sponsored by the Theta Phi chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc. sorority, centered on the presidential election.

"This election is about the philosophy of the candidate that is most like yours," said Jordan Selleck, chairman of College Republicans.

"It really means a lot that people are excited about voting and excited about our country."

The most heated discussion of the night came when debaters focused on the war on terror.

"Instead of waiting for the next attack on our soil, President Bush acted first," Republican Tripp Costas said. "Terrorists do not negotiate, and we shouldn't either."

In response to comments on the war on terrorism, he added, "John Kerry has painted a gloomy picture of Iraq."

"I'm not convinced that things are as peachy as the Republicans would paint it," YD member Bret Barden said.

The politicos also discussed taxation.

"The Republicans have brought up requirement after requirement without providing dollar after dollar," Barden said.

In response, Republicans said President Bush plans to increase Pell Grants to help college students with rising tuition rates.

"Who doesn't want Bill Gates' money in their own pocket?" Republican Norbie Schickel said during the debate over tax cuts. "It doesn't work that way."

Democrat Tom Jensen responded by saying: "We want to make sure people who are very wealthy aren't benefiting more than they should be."

The debate also focused on minority interests, a topic pertinent to audience members from the sponsoring sorority.

"We have a long way to go on race in this country, and anyone who doesn't see that isn't living in the same country I am," Jensen said, sparking applause.

As the cheers died down, Schickel agreed, but he added that "the best way for equality to come through is economics. ... Give (minorities) the opportunity to start their own business."

The debate's final discussion addressed the differences between the two parties.

"Step back out of the heat of the kitchen; it's a little hot in here," Selleck said to lighten the growing tension. "Let's focus on philosophies."

He went on to say that the Left is not as flexible as Republicans are on the issues.

But YD President Justin Guillory disagreed, responding that "(Democrats are about) providing everyone with the same opportunity to live the American Dream."

Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.