Debaters answer: If you were running for president, what issue would fire you up the most?
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Compiled by Allie Davison, Wharton High, and Caroline Wallace, St. Petersburg High
The candidates who want to be the GOP presidential choice have been debating and debating and debating, including twice this week (you no doubt saw/read about the one Monday in Tampa, and there's one scheduled Thursday, Jan. 26, in Jacksonville), before the Florida primary Jan. 31. We found some students used to debating and asked them.
Avinash Ramanthan, Wharton High senior and debate team manager: "Income equality, because when there is such a wide gap between the wealthiest and poorest citizens, the middle class in our society dies. I’m not saying that everyone should have the same income, but we need to ensure that people are not struggling to make ends meet."
Saagar Gupta, St. Petersburg High sophomore and debate team sergeant: "Should euthanasia be legalized? How can we help the Department of Education?"
Udeme Ikaiddi, Wharton High senior and debate team member: "Civil rights, or the rights of every single human being in America. That includes different races, religions, sexual orientations. We need to keep everything equal, because that is the only thing fair."
Taylor Allums, St. Petersburg High junior and debate team sergeant: "What do you think about the ‘‘give every constituent a pony” campaign that Vermin Supreme has? What do you think about SOPA?"
Madelyn Diaz, Wharton High senior and debate team captain: "Health insurance. I feel like a lot of times people who are in hospitals don’t get the proper treatment because the health insurance (company) tells them, “No, you can’t get the surgery because you can’t pay for it.” I don’t feel like (insurance companies) should have the power to determine the life of another."
Zak Kouris, St. Petersburg High freshman and debate team member: "Do you feel your religious views will (have an impact on) how many votes you will get in the “Bible Belt’’ states? Who do you think is the worst presidential candidate of all time? Do you think that America should impose forced listening to Justin Bieber to replace waterboarding?"
Ben Connelly, St. Petersburg High sophomore and debate team member: "Is Newt Gingrich’s head large enough to be considered a planet? Does Mitt Romney change his views THAT MUCH, or does he have a secret twin?"
