F-M students tackle politics
Syracuse Post-Standard
Elizabeth Doran
October 24th, 2008
High school panel delves into positions of Obama, McCain on key issues.
The original plan was to stage a mock presidential debate at Fayetteville-Manlius High School, but that fell apart when all the volunteers wanted to be Barack Obama, and no one wanted to be John McCain.
So social studies teacher MaryAnne Silvernail tweaked the event, and turned it into an "Issues Roundtable" with three student "experts" on the economy, health care and foreign policy.
The round table turned into a debate at times, however, as several students in the audience challenged some of Obama's policies in support of McCain's. The "expert" panel, however, all said they are Obama supporters.
For nearly an hour, the students debated the candidates' approaches to the economy, tax cuts, health care and Iraq. About 10 students listened to the debate, and some participated.
One student, Josh Mohr, said he doesn't understand why Obama wants to tax the top tier of income-earners, which are mainly business owners, instead of everyone.
"It seems like it's just giving money to people who don't pay taxes," he said.
Freshman Riley Kennedy, the "economy" expert, said those who don't pay taxes usually don't have an income to tax.
But freshman Jimmy Miron said it's the upper-income earners who provide jobs for the middle class, and they shouldn't have to pay more taxes.
Students also discussed whether President George W. Bush's policies regarding Iraq have helped or hurt.
Kennedy said she believes the longer the U.S. stays in Iraq, the more it will push the country into debt.
"Obama wants us to get out as soon as possible, and McCain favors us staying there," she said.
But sophomore Ethan Gilbert, who served as the "foreign policy" expert, warned that radical Islam will never be completely erased.
"It's like a hydra; you cut off one head and two more take its place," he said.
The students all agreed the economy is the single hottest issue in the election.
"The economy affects so many people and can mean lost jobs and lost income for a lot of people," said senior Davor Mondom. "I think it's important to focus on stimulating the middle class."
F-M High School students voted Thursday in a mock presidential and congressional election. With 58 percent of the student body voting, Dan Maffei and Barack Obama came out on top.
The vote was 527 for Obama to 182 for McCain and 63 for Ralph Nader.
Dan Maffei got 370 votes, Dale Sweetland 230 and Howie Hawkins 81. In all, 789 of 1,350 students cast votes.
Elizabeth Doran can be reached at edoran@syracuse.com or 470.3012.
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