Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2004 | 9 a.m.
Editor's note: More than 1,000 students from high schools throughout Southern Nevada participated in the 49th annual Sun Youth Forum on Nov. 23. The students were divided into groups to discuss a variety of topics. A spokesperson was chosen from each group to write a column about the students' findings. Alexander Anderson of Green Valley High School writes about domestic issues covered by his group for the topic, "America."
By Alexander Anderson
The first issues that we discussed in our group, which was moderated by the cordial and witty Danny Greenspun, were educational reform and the No Child Left Behind Act. We decided that there needs to be reform in the flow of money for the school district.
More money must go toward updating books in classrooms, hiring and paying teachers, and also toward an increase in technology for schools. Even if this means that less school district money should be spent on sports, the students agreed that providing basic education is of utmost importance. Also, the bureaucracy that exists in the administration must be limited and reformed to redirect money towards education.
In regard to the No Child Left Behind Act, the students agreed that the concept of a national standard for education is an obligation the government must handle, but the No Child Left Behind Act must be reformed. Students said that programs such as these show a lack of faith in the teachers of America and in the educational system. Most students believed that education starts in the home, and the burden should be on the parents.
We also discussed the prospect of a draft. Many Americans are worried that there are not enough men and women in uniform to successfully battle terrorism abroad and finish the war in Iraq. There was equal representation for and against the draft.
Those in support argued that all people have an obligation to their country; one student went as far to say that service should be required. Those opposing the draft argued it is unnecessary because of the Reserves and the number of soldiers in regions where they are unneeded. One student suggested removing our troops from European countries like France, Germany, England and Spain and send them to supplement the troops fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq.
With the issue of immigration, students agreed that there is no way to stop immigrants from coming to America. There were many students present who were first- and second-generation Americans, living the American dream of voicing their opinions. The strongest arguments in support of immigration, legal and illegal, were those regarding the economy.
First, immigrants support the American economy, especially in the southwestern United States. But, on a more humanitarian level, many immigrants, specifically the legal immigrants, are working to send money to impoverished family members. The overall consensus of the group was that America has an obligation to be a safe house for the people of the world escaping tyranny and poverty.
Abortion brought the longest discussion and the most participation from the students. While nearly every student recognized abortion was a dreadful institution, the majority of the students thought that it is not the government's role to prevent a woman from saving her life or aborting a fetus that was caused by rape.
Danny Greenspun put the burden of proof on the students who categorically opposed abortion to support their stance without the use of religion.
My response was that human beings contain 46 chromosomes, just as a fetus contains 46 chromosomes at the instant of conception. A growing fetus has just as much potential for life as a newly born child. With conception taking up to 72 hours, rape victims can go to a doctor and then have the sperm eliminated before conception to ensure pregnancy does not occur.
The majority of the students agreed that the government should allow abortions under strict guidelines.
These were the most important issues discussed. Other issues were touched upon, but none held the significance of education reform, the draft, immigration and abortion. It is important that the adults of our community take into consideration the opinions of the future of our community.
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