The Role of Government in Reducing Economic ... - West News

By Elizabeth Walters

On October 2, the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, a school of the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences, presented ASU West?s campus with a debate over the topic of economic inequality in the government. The event was free to the public, and offered students and residents of the surrounding community a chance to get insight on the topic from professionals on the topic.

The motion for the debate was that ?the government has no place in reducing economic inequality.? Moderated by Nadine Arroyo Rodriguez, Latin affairs reporter for KJZZ/National Public Radio Arizona, the debate offered new vision and insight on the topic. This issue is becoming very prominent in our current society, especially with the current presidential election. Amit Ron, a political scientist and assistant professor at the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences said that the schools is ?committed to engagement of civil discourse and conversation intended to enhance understanding of critical issues,? and that ?as the election approaches, we are pleased to offer the public the chance to hear a thoughtful debate about the proper role of government in our society.?

The two professionals arguing for the case were Dean Martin and William Boyes. Martin is an Arizona business owner, and former state treasurer and legislator. Boyes is an emeritus professor of economics from Arizona State?s top ranked W.P. Carey School of Business. He has received many awards throughout his career in business and economics, and has served as a consultant to the Commerce Department of the White House, among other institutions.

Arguing against the case were Dana Naimark and Lane Kenworthy. Naimark currently serves as President and CEO of Children?s Action Alliance, an organization that ?seeks to influence policies and decisions affecting the lives of Arizona children and their families? on issues such as inequality. Naimark?s career history includes 19 years at CAA where she has been ?conducting analysis, raising awareness, and lobbying the state legislature on a wide variety of policy issues that affect parents and children.? Kenworthy is a sociology and political science professor at the University of Arizona, who has written numerous works on his subjects.

All four of the presenters appealed to their college-based audience in various ways. Those arguing for the motion used analogies that college students could understand and relate to, such as golf and football. While those arguing against the motion discussed history and the future. Naimark discussed the impact children have on the future, and even discussed a generalized transition into college, something much of the audience was all too familiar with.

Overall, both sides presented their points in clear and concise ways, but the debate failed to meet the expectations of many students who found it bland and were hoping for something more extensive.

Source: http://www.atwestnews.com/2012/10/15/the-role-of-government-in-reducing-economic-inequality/

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