On September 28th over 50 students and faculty gathered to debate whether the U.S. should adopt and run a Universal Healthcare System. Students offered many views both for and against the resolution.
In support of the resolution, one student noted that the United States signed the UN’s resolution on health and that, through a universal health care system would be able to meet many of the guidelines the US currently fails to meet. Those against the resolution noted the increased wait time that would likely result if healthcare was provided by the U.S. Government. Another student for the resolution noted that the government healthcare plan for former military in North Carolina, Tricare, works well and that it could also work well for others. Other students noted that they did not trust those currently in power and would therefore be concerned if the current administration had a say over the types of care that a US universal healthcare system would provide. Some noted the large sums spent on the current military action in Iran and how those resources could be better used for healthcare in the United States. One student against the resolution noted that the United States’ individualistic culture would make it difficult to replicate the well-run universal healthcare systems available in European countries.
No successful debate is possible without an excellent facilitator. In his first time as debate chair, Barnes Debate Fellow, Laz White, carefully guided the discussion and ensured that all speakers and audience members were given an opportunity to offer their views. He also ensured that all audience members were given an opportunity to ask probing questions of each speaker.
The Debate was made possible through the support of the Barnes Family Foundation, ACTA, the College Debates and Discourse Alliance and Braver Angels. We thank Bryan Paul for his suggestions and guidance.
And a big thank you to Whitey Mcall for ensuring we were all well-nourished and hydrated!