College Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians debate

Student associations discuss various hot topic issues at Political Policy Forum

The College Republicans, College Democrats and Libertarians of Liberty University debated on President Obama’s healthcare plan Thursday, April 12. As one of the most controversial issues in American politics today, the topic of Individual Mandate within the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act has been in the spotlight this past month. The topic has been in debate for two years, but its constitutionality has recently been discussed in the Supreme Court.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), otherwise known as Obamacare, is a 2,000-page bill signed into law by Obama in 2010. PPACA requires citizens not covered by employer— or government—sponsored insurance plans to maintain minimal essential health insurance coverage or pay a tax, unless they are exempted for religious beliefs or financial hardship, which is referred to as the “individual mandate.”

Republican debaters Zach Martin and Josh Hetzler called the plan “unconstitutional and immoral, and should be repealed and rejected wholesale.” They also claimed that the enforcement of this act will not work. People who have insurance will make more frequent doctor visits than people without insurance, causing a decrease in the quality or rationing of care, the team said.

Libertarian debaters Craig Storrs and David Sherret agreed that Obamacare would be destructive for the economy, thus adding $1.15 trillion to net spending. During his debate, Storrs referred to the General Welfare Clause, located in the Constitution.

“Nothing trumps the Constitution,” Storrs said.

However, Democrat representatives Christine Darby and Jerry Griffin disagreed, saying that the PPACA is, indeed, constitutional and a national necessity. They claimed that this bill would “allow the pool to be bigger so that every citizen can have the same coverage and right as every other American. Without the mandate, government would lose $10 billion per year.”

Sean Boden, a senior Politics and Policy major, sat in on the debate. When asked how this issue would affect him, Boden replied with concern.

“With this healthcare law, it will increase the debt more, forcing me to inherit the debt,” Boden said.

“Plus, as I go into the political realm, I will be forced to correct the errors that the current government is making by both the Republicans and Democrats.”

Storrs mentioned how he would be required to pay premium insurance after he turns 26 and is let go of his parents’ insurance plan.

Student Josiah Tillett was happy that this topic was debated, as it currently plays a key role in his life. “Especially because I’m married and providing for my family, this plan would make living a lot harder. It would raise my healthcare rates, decrease healthcare quality, and have a negative impact on the industry,” Tillett said.

All debaters agreed that no matter what, Justice Kennedy would have the swing vote on the case. After hearing the oral arguments within the Supreme Court so far, Storrs believes there will be a 5-4 split, therefore nullifying the bill.

When asked what topics they would like to see debated in the future, Republican representative Zach Martin said he would like to see the issues of homosexuality and same-sex marriage discussed. On the other hand, Storrs voted for foreign policy.