Approximately 40 eager students attended a much anticipated meeting of the Junior Statesmen of America chapter last night. Attendees were not disappointed: the debate was lively and entertaining, there was plenty of food, and the next conference is right around the corner.

Perhaps the highlight of the meeting was a mock debate regarding an outlandish proposal for an alternative to war. The debate topic read:

Resolved: The countries of the world should come together every four years for a competition to the death in order to solve international disputes.

Students had fun with the proposal, laughing, and jokingly debating the crazy idea. Part of the fun for some members was taking it seriously. Pro and con speakers Jack Mulcaire and Petersen Walrod, respectively, dueled it out in a battle of wits and oratory skills to establish their side of the debate.

 Walrod began his argument mentioning how “unfair” such a system would be, in which more advanced nations could loose to third world countries solely on the premise of loosing in a one-on-one fight.

Mulcaire on the other hand suggested that such a system would actually ease international tensions, allowing nations to resolve their disputes without investing in large armies and loosing vast quantities of soldiers.

Petersen Walrod: Debater Extraordinaire.

Senior Sebastien Welch said of the debate, “It was lively and fun. Good natured humor. Jack was an eloquent speaker, especially for being impromptu. His words were hysterical, yet somehow poignant. Petersen’s points were a little off the mark, yet still did much to establish his perspective.”

Mr. Walrod’s argument must have been good enough, though, because the resolution failed, 19 to 12, with 6 abstentions .

“I like the potential of all of our newcomers, I think with the correct training, they might one day dominate JSA,” said Walrod.

A number of subsequent speakers took to the podium as well, sharing their viewpoints on the issue at hand, and getting a number of laughs.

“I think it went really well, I was really stoked to see all the new members, and am hoping to see a lot of new members sign up,” said senior Jack Mulcaire, President of the Junior Statesmen Chapter.

The next JSA conference will be held on February 13-14, 2010 at the Long Beach Hilton. Students interested in learning more should visit the chapter website.

Last week, congress debated an incredibly controversial and potentially explosive healthcare bill. Alliances were formed, opponents crushed, and points viciously fought over.

Much of the same was occurring at the local Newport Beach Marriot.

The southern California branch of the Junior Statesmen of America convened at the Fall State Conference, bearing the formal attire which is a conventional sign of serious business.

Junior Riley Senske said of the event, “Fall State exceeded my already high expectations.”

Two speakers graced the JSA convention with their presence in the opening session. One was Richard Greene, and the other Jacob Dayan, the Israeli Consul General. Both spoke eloquently, setting the tone for what would be an intriguing an fruitful weekend of debate, heated discussions, and opposing viewpoints.

Senior Jack Mulcaire triumphantly won a “best speaker” gavel after giving a stirring argument on the topic of whether or not the US indirectly sponsors terrorism.

Controversy arose in another debate over whether or not the US should continue sending financial aid to Israel. Seniors Cahill Maffei and Petersen Walrod both raised their voices in the debate as subsequent speakers. The initial vote was a tie. The subsequent recount passed the bill, ending financial aid by a margin of only one vote.

Seniors Cahill Maffei and Chris Nguyen both won “JSA Scholar” awards for their participation in the Junior Statesmen Summer Camp at Stanford University over the summer.

Students interesting in joining CdM’s chapter should click here.