Journalists debate the issues

The Vox Discipuli (Latin for “Voice of the Students”) Lecture Series will present an election-themed debate, “Red vs. Blue,” with conservative columnist Jonah Goldberg and progressive Editor-at-Large of The New Republic, Peter Beinart, at 7 p.m. Monday in the Student Union Jordan Ballroom.

These prominent political journalists bring a wide-ranging discussion about the issues that affect the country during this election year.

“It’s quite an exciting time for students right now,” Vox Discipuli Committee Chair Michael Reed said. “You have an impending financial collapse of the U.S. economy, you have a very unpopular war, a very, very unpopular president and you have a very unpopular congress. So many people are now looking at these elections and I think that you’re going to see the highest turnout probably ever in U.S. history.”

Goldberg is a best-selling author, contributing editor to the National Review and a founding editor of the National Review Online. His book, “Liberal Fascism: The Secret History of the American Left, from Mussolini to the Politics of Meaning,” is a number one New York Times best seller.

Beinart is the editor-at-large of The New Republic and a senior fellow for U.S. Foreign Policy for the Council of Foreign Relations. He was voted columnist of the year by The Week in 2004 and is a contributor to Time Magazine and the Washington Post.

“I would really advise students that if they are curious about the election and if they want to go out and hear what some of these guys have to say, to come and see [the VDL]. It should be pretty exciting,” Reed said.

Goldburg and Beinart square off in a conservative vs. liberal WebTV show, “What’s your problem?” which can be viewed on bloggingheads.com. Both journalists have columns or articles that have appeared in major publications across the country and both have made appearances on television and radio talk shows.

“It’s such a unique opportunity to actually hear the issues and have a discussion around them [that] can be really beneficial,” Rebecca Ames, director of the Volunteer Services Board and Vox Discipuli committee member, said.

Vox Discipuli is the student equivalent to the Distinguished Lecture Series, which is the most prominent speaking event on campus. The lecture series is student fee funded and is run by a committee of five students. These students decide whom – within budget – to bring to campus. The first speaker was (Ret.) U.S. Four Star Gen. John Abizaid in April 2008.

The committee is seeking student input on  speakers they want to bring to Boise State.

“The great thing about our committee is that the students have the power to bring high profile speakers to campus,” Reed said.
The funds used for Vox Discipuli were originally allocated to DLS, which is now seeking private funding.

The student committee includes: Reed, Ames, Associated Students of Boise State University President Trevor Grigg, Editor-in-Chief of The Arbiter Shannon Morgan and formerASBSU President Mark Getecha. Students who have a at least a 3.0 GPA can  apply to serve on the Vox Discipuli committee  by contacting  Reed at voxdiscipuli@boisestate.edu. Students can also email their speaker suggestions

The debate tonight is free and open to the public. Free parking will be available in the Lincoln Garage.

SONIA TREVIZO<>ARBITER JOURNALIST

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