University of Memphis Tiger Democrats and College Republicansdebated Wednesday the political issues facing the 2004 presidentialcandidates.
The main topics for debate were the war in Iraq, tax cuts andhealth care.
"Over the past year, most Americans opinions have flip-floppedonce or twice about the Iraq War," said Jason Hillner, TigerDemocrat and sophomore sociology major. "It's been an interestingturn of events (moving from) focusing on a war on terror tofocusing on a war with Iraq and finding a link between thetwo."
Chuck Grimes, College Republican and sophomore political sciencemajor, said that most Americans opinions of the war have been splitat some time during the past year.
"We have an obligation as the most powerful nation to defendIraq," Grimes said, adding that he believes that the United Statesmust act to defend nations when they cannot help themselves andwhen the world, as a whole, can't decide on a course of action.
Hillner countered Grimes' argument by saying he could notremember a time in U.S. history that the country has cut taxesduring a time of war.
Hillner also stressed his belief that the United States. needsinternational support in Iraq to help in the peacekeepingefforts.
"I wish (the United Nations) had helped, but they straddled thefence for so long that they became irrelevant," Grimes said.
The two also debated the Bush administration tax cuts andwhether they should be rolled back.
"The tax cut will benefit 91 million Americans," Grimes said."Why should they cut it off when no one wants to pay moretaxes?"
Grimes added that 68 million women would see a decline intaxation and 12 million elderly people and 23 million smallbusiness owners would receive substantial tax cuts if Bush's planstays.
Hillner rebutted, arguing the cuts are not helping, only makingthe rich richer and the poor poorer.
Despite voicing opposing views on many of the topics debated,Hillner and Grimes agreed that the cost of health care for theelderly needs to be decreased.
"The number one goal for health care providers should be thepeople they serve," Grimes said. "Bush has a six-step plan forstrengthening the economy. First of which is to make health caremore available by reducing it to the lowest cost possible."
Part of the problem with the current healthcare system lies withfrivolous lawsuits that bog down drug companies cost billions ofdollars to settle, Grimes said, adding that Bush is takingprogressive steps in aiding Americans with healthcare problems.
"Patients have a right to sue their H.M.O. for negligence thatleads to harm," Hillner said. "These drug companies are not barelymaking ends meet, they are making a lot of money."
While Bush is focusing on giving aid to chronically ill andelderly Americans, Hillner said the Democratic Party is focusing onthe retail and actual costs of prescribed medicine.
Although fewer than 20 people attended the debate,representatives from both student organizations said they hopestudents become more aware of the political issues surrounding thepresidential election.
