 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
By Debbie Thomas & Garth Halverson
Staff Writers
The 52nd annual Model Government session began with a sober
message from Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice David Prosser, who
stated that we are in the midst of “critical times.” Justice Prosser said that
the importance of Youth in Government is in its ability to create the future
leaders of this country and prepare them for the critical responsibilities
that will test the nation. With the country in an economic downfall and the
security of the nation uncertain, he challenged all the delegates by saying
“What are you going to do to help solve our problems?”
Staff Writers
The 52nd annual Model Government session began with a sober
message from Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice David Prosser, who
stated that we are in the midst of “critical times.” Justice Prosser said that
the importance of Youth in Government is in its ability to create the future
leaders of this country and prepare them for the critical responsibilities
that will test the nation. With the country in an economic downfall and the
security of the nation uncertain, he challenged all the delegates by saying
“What are you going to do to help solve our problems?”
Justice Prosser closed his speech by reassuring the significance of
Youth in Government with a somewhat humorous remark about
leadership development programs being labeled as “nerdy.” “Blessed
are the nerds for they shall inherit the responsibilities of saving this
country.”
The ceremony continued with a message from the guest speaker,
Wisconsin representative Keith Ripp of the 47th Assembly District.
Youth in Government with a somewhat humorous remark about
leadership development programs being labeled as “nerdy.” “Blessed
are the nerds for they shall inherit the responsibilities of saving this
country.”
The ceremony continued with a message from the guest speaker,
Wisconsin representative Keith Ripp of the 47th Assembly District.
Representative Ripp, who was elected to the State Assembly this past November, said that he is still learning and
experiencing the “first-hand crash course” of the legislature, just as many first time Youth in Government delegates are quickly understanding.
Hestressed the importance of public service as an “honorable calling.” While not the most glamorous field of work, Ripp believes firmly that public
service through government both preserves democracy and makes the world a better place. Urging delegates to take a stand for their beliefs,
Representative Ripp said the freedom to participate in our democracy is not just a right, but a responsibility. Ending on an inspiring note, he
stated “keep a strong grip on your ideals, they set you apart from the crowd.” At the conclusion of the ceremony youth governor Troy Tauber spoke.
While commenting on the awe-inspiring history of the capitol, Tauber emphasized the tremendous opportunity delegates have in experiencing
government and legislative procedures first-hand. By conveying his love of the program to members of the audience, Tauber said he hoped that
these delegates would be inspired to make a difference and get involved, not only with Youth in Government, but with future endeavors as well.
experiencing the “first-hand crash course” of the legislature, just as many first time Youth in Government delegates are quickly understanding.
Hestressed the importance of public service as an “honorable calling.” While not the most glamorous field of work, Ripp believes firmly that public
service through government both preserves democracy and makes the world a better place. Urging delegates to take a stand for their beliefs,
Representative Ripp said the freedom to participate in our democracy is not just a right, but a responsibility. Ending on an inspiring note, he
stated “keep a strong grip on your ideals, they set you apart from the crowd.” At the conclusion of the ceremony youth governor Troy Tauber spoke.
While commenting on the awe-inspiring history of the capitol, Tauber emphasized the tremendous opportunity delegates have in experiencing
government and legislative procedures first-hand. By conveying his love of the program to members of the audience, Tauber said he hoped that
these delegates would be inspired to make a difference and get involved, not only with Youth in Government, but with future endeavors as well.
| SESSION BEGINS Prosser, Ripp, headline opening ceremonies |
By Emma Felty
Staff Writer
Youth in Government is a great educational and fun experience for all. But in the midst of YIG delegates working
on their bills and projects, many don’t know what happens with the Supreme Court, a powerful and exciting part of the government. The head of
the Supreme Court of YIG consists of Dan Kelly, Chief Justice; MurphyKate Montee, First Justice; Logan Finucan, Attorney General and Jake
Arambel, Marshal. “The Supreme Court gives a more meaningful and specific look at government,” said Jake Arambel, Marshal. The Supreme
Court gets down to the very core of the government and maintains its stability. Supreme Court Justices must argue cases and act like a real
lawyer. “You really try to outsmart people,” said Emily Dressler, Supreme Court Justice.
For some, the Supreme Court of YIG is an outlet and an experience to participate within the "real world." “I don’t like speaking in front of people
without knowing what I’m talking about so I like the Supreme Court because I can have it planned out in front of me,” said Dressler. Dressler, who
also plans on possibly going into law, likes the Supreme Court because it is great practice for her future career. The Supreme Court is a huge
part of our state's judicial system, and in turn is a huge part of YIG. Justices have strong leadership, will, and drive to be a part of the Supreme
Court.
Staff Writer
Youth in Government is a great educational and fun experience for all. But in the midst of YIG delegates working
on their bills and projects, many don’t know what happens with the Supreme Court, a powerful and exciting part of the government. The head of
the Supreme Court of YIG consists of Dan Kelly, Chief Justice; MurphyKate Montee, First Justice; Logan Finucan, Attorney General and Jake
Arambel, Marshal. “The Supreme Court gives a more meaningful and specific look at government,” said Jake Arambel, Marshal. The Supreme
Court gets down to the very core of the government and maintains its stability. Supreme Court Justices must argue cases and act like a real
lawyer. “You really try to outsmart people,” said Emily Dressler, Supreme Court Justice.
For some, the Supreme Court of YIG is an outlet and an experience to participate within the "real world." “I don’t like speaking in front of people
without knowing what I’m talking about so I like the Supreme Court because I can have it planned out in front of me,” said Dressler. Dressler, who
also plans on possibly going into law, likes the Supreme Court because it is great practice for her future career. The Supreme Court is a huge
part of our state's judicial system, and in turn is a huge part of YIG. Justices have strong leadership, will, and drive to be a part of the Supreme
Court.
| Supreme Court beings deliberations |
By Stephanie Mann & Grace Schroeder
Staff Writers
Recently elected Governor Troy Tauber announced plans for the Model Legislature, including bills he was
particular interested in during the 52nd session of Youth in Government. Governor Tauber showed particular
interest in Bill #14, an act to legalize brothels in Wisconsin and tax them by 19%. The pros of this bill are that it
would improve the economy, lower the crime rate and give citizens the freedom rightly deserved. Tauber
believes that the brothels could make a good amount of revenue if properly regulated by the government
such as screeing for STD's and mandatory use of condoms.
Another bill that Tauber supported was bill number #90, titled “An act to repeal state statute 948.03(6)”,
written by Syon Link of Dane County. This bill attempts to repeal a long-standing state statute that allows
religious families to practice “faith healing” instead of taking family members and friends to proper medical
facilities to heal the aforementioned.
Faith healing is a religious practice where friends or family treat sick or wounded patients with prayer.
Currently, a person could practice faith healing without fear of being persecuted for it, even if their practices
results in the death of a patient, quite often one that could have easily been prevented if the patient had been
admitted into a proper medical facility.
Staff Writers
Recently elected Governor Troy Tauber announced plans for the Model Legislature, including bills he was
particular interested in during the 52nd session of Youth in Government. Governor Tauber showed particular
interest in Bill #14, an act to legalize brothels in Wisconsin and tax them by 19%. The pros of this bill are that it
would improve the economy, lower the crime rate and give citizens the freedom rightly deserved. Tauber
believes that the brothels could make a good amount of revenue if properly regulated by the government
such as screeing for STD's and mandatory use of condoms.
Another bill that Tauber supported was bill number #90, titled “An act to repeal state statute 948.03(6)”,
written by Syon Link of Dane County. This bill attempts to repeal a long-standing state statute that allows
religious families to practice “faith healing” instead of taking family members and friends to proper medical
facilities to heal the aforementioned.
Faith healing is a religious practice where friends or family treat sick or wounded patients with prayer.
Currently, a person could practice faith healing without fear of being persecuted for it, even if their practices
results in the death of a patient, quite often one that could have easily been prevented if the patient had been
admitted into a proper medical facility.
| Governor announces agenda for Model Gov. Brothels and "Faith Healing" bills discussed |
Studies revealed that an estimated 172 children died as a consequence of faith healing, an unpleasant figure that could be almost completely
eliminated. Tauber urges delegates to thoroughly research their bills before bringing them into debate. Tauber does not criticize delegates for this, but
instead encourages them to improve. Thoroughly researched bills streamline debate and make it more interesting for all participants. A researched bill
is a bill that has a greater chance of being passed than one with little or no improvement beyond the concept and drafting. It is no secret that the
authors of the bills are asked questions about the bills more often than not, and if these questions can be answered with clearness and consistency
that originates from research, the chances of the bills success could skyrocket depending on the bill’s content.
Another thing Tauber would enjoy seeing in debate would be some more conservative viewpoints. Tauber feels that would help the program greatly if
delegates could take a few moments to see certain matters from a different point of view. The purpose of a democracy, says Tauber, is defeated when
only one viewpoint is present. When more than one viewpoint is shown, debate is sparked and becomes a livening and invigorating experience for all
involved. It also promotes a balanced government where both the Republican and Democratic parties can present their opinions without the
government being biased towards one side or the other.
Another important issue addressed by Governor Tauber is the future Youth in Government governor. Although Tauber says that there are very good
candidates this year, he did not have any favorites. One thing he did like about the candidates was that they came from different program areas
including the Press Corps and the Supreme Court. Governor Tauber thinks that it is an interesting group of people and believes it will be a good race.
eliminated. Tauber urges delegates to thoroughly research their bills before bringing them into debate. Tauber does not criticize delegates for this, but
instead encourages them to improve. Thoroughly researched bills streamline debate and make it more interesting for all participants. A researched bill
is a bill that has a greater chance of being passed than one with little or no improvement beyond the concept and drafting. It is no secret that the
authors of the bills are asked questions about the bills more often than not, and if these questions can be answered with clearness and consistency
that originates from research, the chances of the bills success could skyrocket depending on the bill’s content.
Another thing Tauber would enjoy seeing in debate would be some more conservative viewpoints. Tauber feels that would help the program greatly if
delegates could take a few moments to see certain matters from a different point of view. The purpose of a democracy, says Tauber, is defeated when
only one viewpoint is present. When more than one viewpoint is shown, debate is sparked and becomes a livening and invigorating experience for all
involved. It also promotes a balanced government where both the Republican and Democratic parties can present their opinions without the
government being biased towards one side or the other.
Another important issue addressed by Governor Tauber is the future Youth in Government governor. Although Tauber says that there are very good
candidates this year, he did not have any favorites. One thing he did like about the candidates was that they came from different program areas
including the Press Corps and the Supreme Court. Governor Tauber thinks that it is an interesting group of people and believes it will be a good race.
| Ripp discusses new role as rep. in Madison |
Brown-Chicka Brown Cow: What got you interested in Politics?
Ripp: First I got involved with agriculture associations, going to hearings in Washinton D.
C. Eventually I became a town supervisor and dealt with local politics, during this time I
prepared myself for bigger opportunities and I finally became a representative of the
47th assembly district.
BCBC: What schools did you attend and what other jobs did you have?
Ripp: After graduating from high school, I went to the University of Wisconsin-Madison
for business. As for the others jobs I’ve had; my wife and I own a trucking
company and we own a farm. We are the third generation of farmers in my family.
BCBC: What is a typical day in the life at your job?
Ripp: Mainly I make and receive a lot of phone calls and do a lot of reading and
research. Aother huge part of my job is drafting bills.
BCBC: What bill are you working on now?
Ripp: Right now I’m trying to pass a bill dealing with trying to make more jobs for
people. The jobs will be in technology, research and manufacturing areas.
BCBC: What do you feel is the most important part of your job?
Ripp: The most imporant part is definitely representing the people in the 47th assembly
district; listening to their problems and issues and trying to come up with solutions.
Right now a main problem in my district is flooding so most of my concern in on that
and trying to come up with a solution.
BCBC: Do you have any advice for Youth in Government members?
Ripp: Be extremely active and involved at the local level of government and prepare
yourself to move up whenever and do so whenever possible.
Ripp: First I got involved with agriculture associations, going to hearings in Washinton D.
C. Eventually I became a town supervisor and dealt with local politics, during this time I
prepared myself for bigger opportunities and I finally became a representative of the
47th assembly district.
BCBC: What schools did you attend and what other jobs did you have?
Ripp: After graduating from high school, I went to the University of Wisconsin-Madison
for business. As for the others jobs I’ve had; my wife and I own a trucking
company and we own a farm. We are the third generation of farmers in my family.
BCBC: What is a typical day in the life at your job?
Ripp: Mainly I make and receive a lot of phone calls and do a lot of reading and
research. Aother huge part of my job is drafting bills.
BCBC: What bill are you working on now?
Ripp: Right now I’m trying to pass a bill dealing with trying to make more jobs for
people. The jobs will be in technology, research and manufacturing areas.
BCBC: What do you feel is the most important part of your job?
Ripp: The most imporant part is definitely representing the people in the 47th assembly
district; listening to their problems and issues and trying to come up with solutions.
Right now a main problem in my district is flooding so most of my concern in on that
and trying to come up with a solution.
BCBC: Do you have any advice for Youth in Government members?
Ripp: Be extremely active and involved at the local level of government and prepare
yourself to move up whenever and do so whenever possible.
By Lisa Grewe
Editor-In-Chief
Brown-Chica Brown Cow sat down with Representative Keith Ripp (R-Lodi) who spoke at the YIG opening ceromonies this afternoon and asked
him questions about his new life as a Wisconsin legislater. Ripp was elected this past November.
Editor-In-Chief
Brown-Chica Brown Cow sat down with Representative Keith Ripp (R-Lodi) who spoke at the YIG opening ceromonies this afternoon and asked
him questions about his new life as a Wisconsin legislater. Ripp was elected this past November.
Capital offers abundance of history
By Stephanie Mann
Staff Writer
Almost all delegates in Madison this weekend assemble inside the famous capitol building,
located in the heart of Madison. However, not nearly as many know about the history of the regal
building. The first capitol building of Wisconsin was erected in the town of Belmont, Wisconsin.
The building was little more than a pre-constructed wooden frame with no heat or running water.
Legislatures met there only two days after it was erected. During the session, Madison was
elected the capitol of Wisconsin. Amazingly, this structure is still standing and is cared for by the
Wisconsin Historical Society. The second capitol of Wisconsin was built in 1837 in Madison, with
the main structure being made out of stone and oak. This capitol building was located on the
same location as the modern one and remained in service for twenty years, until a growing country
forced Wisconsin to reconstruct its capitol.
The third capitol was built on the bones of the second. The third capitol’s dome was inspired by
the dome on the Capitol building of the United States. The building took twelve years to be
Staff Writer
Almost all delegates in Madison this weekend assemble inside the famous capitol building,
located in the heart of Madison. However, not nearly as many know about the history of the regal
building. The first capitol building of Wisconsin was erected in the town of Belmont, Wisconsin.
The building was little more than a pre-constructed wooden frame with no heat or running water.
Legislatures met there only two days after it was erected. During the session, Madison was
elected the capitol of Wisconsin. Amazingly, this structure is still standing and is cared for by the
Wisconsin Historical Society. The second capitol of Wisconsin was built in 1837 in Madison, with
the main structure being made out of stone and oak. This capitol building was located on the
same location as the modern one and remained in service for twenty years, until a growing country
forced Wisconsin to reconstruct its capitol.
The third capitol was built on the bones of the second. The third capitol’s dome was inspired by
the dome on the Capitol building of the United States. The building took twelve years to be
completed, and over the next thirteen years, the building was expanded to include the north and south
wings of the building. On one cold night in February of 1904, a gas jet ignited the highly flammable
freshly varnished ceiling on the capitol building. The fire quickly blazed into a raging fury because of a
combination of several factors. The fire fighting systems in the capitol were state-of-the-art at the time,
but they were rendered useless because the reservoirs of water that supplied them were dry, and the
fire had already done an incredible amount of damage before the firefighting systems could be rerouted
to the city water supply. Local firefighters from Madison could not handle the fire by themselves, so
additional men and trucks rushed in from Milwaukee. However, the reinforcements could do almost
nothing at first because the bitter temperatures had affected their equipment, freezing the water and
locking up the necessary equipment. Before anything could be done, the fire had already rendered
devastating damage to every part of the building except the north wing. All other wings were burned to
the ground. Losses were catastrophic.
wings of the building. On one cold night in February of 1904, a gas jet ignited the highly flammable
freshly varnished ceiling on the capitol building. The fire quickly blazed into a raging fury because of a
combination of several factors. The fire fighting systems in the capitol were state-of-the-art at the time,
but they were rendered useless because the reservoirs of water that supplied them were dry, and the
fire had already done an incredible amount of damage before the firefighting systems could be rerouted
to the city water supply. Local firefighters from Madison could not handle the fire by themselves, so
additional men and trucks rushed in from Milwaukee. However, the reinforcements could do almost
nothing at first because the bitter temperatures had affected their equipment, freezing the water and
locking up the necessary equipment. Before anything could be done, the fire had already rendered
devastating damage to every part of the building except the north wing. All other wings were burned to
the ground. Losses were catastrophic.
Books, records, and historical artifacts were lost forever to the fire. Ironically, the fire had taken
place only weeks after the State Legislature voted to cancel the fire insurance policy on the
capitol building. Reconstruction on the capitol building began two years after the blaze, taking
eleven years to finalize. This was because it was decided to draw up new floor plans to provide
for the offices and apartments of new government officials, which limited the construction
workers to reconstruct one wing at a time. The new capitol featured many improvements, such
as the gilded Lady Wisconsin on top of the dome. Lady Wisconsin, often called simply
“Wisconsin” is a hollow bronze statue of a woman holding
a globe with an eagle mounted on it in her left hand and a right hand pointing out towards the
horizon, representing the state motto: “Forward!” Lady Wisconsin also received a costly coating
of gold leaf. Another interesting feature about the capitol building is the large dome. The dome
stands only three feet shorter than the nation’s capitol, and the dome is the largest recorded
granite dome in the world. Interestingly enough, a state law prohibits any building within one
mile from the capitol building from being taller than the massive columns supporting the dome.
place only weeks after the State Legislature voted to cancel the fire insurance policy on the
capitol building. Reconstruction on the capitol building began two years after the blaze, taking
eleven years to finalize. This was because it was decided to draw up new floor plans to provide
for the offices and apartments of new government officials, which limited the construction
workers to reconstruct one wing at a time. The new capitol featured many improvements, such
as the gilded Lady Wisconsin on top of the dome. Lady Wisconsin, often called simply
“Wisconsin” is a hollow bronze statue of a woman holding
a globe with an eagle mounted on it in her left hand and a right hand pointing out towards the
horizon, representing the state motto: “Forward!” Lady Wisconsin also received a costly coating
of gold leaf. Another interesting feature about the capitol building is the large dome. The dome
stands only three feet shorter than the nation’s capitol, and the dome is the largest recorded
granite dome in the world. Interestingly enough, a state law prohibits any building within one
mile from the capitol building from being taller than the massive columns supporting the dome.
The capitol recently went through a renovation in 1988. The renovation was the first major construction work done on the building since the capitol was
rebuilt in 1906. The renovation aimed to mirror the original construction of the building before the fire of 1904, but without inhibiting the work of modern
officials there. The renovations were completed in 2002 at a cost of $158 million. Minor remodeling during the 60’s and 70’s had overshadowed the
buildings classic looks with things such as drop ceilings, florescent lights, and movable portions, while historical stencils were painted over. The
restoration was a great improvement to the building and was well worth the cost. Gold leaf was restored to decorative carvings, marble surfaces were
cleaned and polished, and wall murals and stencils were repainted. Skylights that had been sealed over in the 70’s were reopened, and the exterior
granite surfaces were repaired to their original glamour. The whole building had its electrical and plumbing systems replaced, and air conditioning was
installed, a feature I am sure many people celebrated. The whole building thrummed from the marvelous restoration.
The whole building is an incredible and amazing structure, with many interesting features to it. Amazingly enough, a starfish fossil can be found in the
north wing, on the left side of the grand staircase, fourth step from the bottom. The Capitol has exactly 705 rooms, 714 exterior windows, 1608 doors, and
2782 steps. Have fun looking for your assembly chambers, and make sure you have a map with you or you may wind up hopelessly lost in the many small
corridors around the building’s floors.
rebuilt in 1906. The renovation aimed to mirror the original construction of the building before the fire of 1904, but without inhibiting the work of modern
officials there. The renovations were completed in 2002 at a cost of $158 million. Minor remodeling during the 60’s and 70’s had overshadowed the
buildings classic looks with things such as drop ceilings, florescent lights, and movable portions, while historical stencils were painted over. The
restoration was a great improvement to the building and was well worth the cost. Gold leaf was restored to decorative carvings, marble surfaces were
cleaned and polished, and wall murals and stencils were repainted. Skylights that had been sealed over in the 70’s were reopened, and the exterior
granite surfaces were repaired to their original glamour. The whole building had its electrical and plumbing systems replaced, and air conditioning was
installed, a feature I am sure many people celebrated. The whole building thrummed from the marvelous restoration.
The whole building is an incredible and amazing structure, with many interesting features to it. Amazingly enough, a starfish fossil can be found in the
north wing, on the left side of the grand staircase, fourth step from the bottom. The Capitol has exactly 705 rooms, 714 exterior windows, 1608 doors, and
2782 steps. Have fun looking for your assembly chambers, and make sure you have a map with you or you may wind up hopelessly lost in the many small
corridors around the building’s floors.
| Ethan "the mammoth" Morris dominates YIG Wausau delegate surfaces as one of the most influential members in YIG |
By Mackenzie Martin & Savannah Reising
Staff Writers
Ethan Morris: Six-foot-one with a beard “like a woolly mammoth.”
You’ve probably heard him aroused in the debate, or at least seen him around. Delegate Morris recently
shared his pleasure with the Youth in Government program, what he dislikes about it, and let us in on his
common display of nonconformity.
After four years in Youth in Government, Ethan has created some fond memories. From the program, he
has found a better understanding of how to operate within a political system, and the process of following
rules and regulations, while still getting what you need to get done. Also, Morris thinks he has gained more
confidence and a new level of self respect.
Despite his overall enjoyment with the program, there are a few things that he would like to see
changed in the future. Firstly, Morris finds the opening ceremonies to be unnecessarily long. He thinks it is
pointless for the officers to ask for a motion to follow the rules according to the usual, official procedure. “If
you are going to pre-plan how everything goes and insure that a certain course of action is going to
happen, then there is no reason for us to vote. We should skip the formalities.” Perhaps if we cut the
opening ceremonies shorter, we would have more time on the debate floor. Another thing Ethan would like
to see changed would be an alteration in the Youth in Government system. “We are using the government’s
rules. If we were not to adopt the rules of the real Senate, and instead we made our own system, we would
learn a lot more about problem solving and debates.” He feels that people in general learn best from their
own mistakes. It would be more valuable if we were to allow more mistakes in the debate process.
Ethan Morris is not afraid to speak his opinions, which keeps him busy on the debate floor. In fact,
Staff Writers
Ethan Morris: Six-foot-one with a beard “like a woolly mammoth.”
You’ve probably heard him aroused in the debate, or at least seen him around. Delegate Morris recently
shared his pleasure with the Youth in Government program, what he dislikes about it, and let us in on his
common display of nonconformity.
After four years in Youth in Government, Ethan has created some fond memories. From the program, he
has found a better understanding of how to operate within a political system, and the process of following
rules and regulations, while still getting what you need to get done. Also, Morris thinks he has gained more
confidence and a new level of self respect.
Despite his overall enjoyment with the program, there are a few things that he would like to see
changed in the future. Firstly, Morris finds the opening ceremonies to be unnecessarily long. He thinks it is
pointless for the officers to ask for a motion to follow the rules according to the usual, official procedure. “If
you are going to pre-plan how everything goes and insure that a certain course of action is going to
happen, then there is no reason for us to vote. We should skip the formalities.” Perhaps if we cut the
opening ceremonies shorter, we would have more time on the debate floor. Another thing Ethan would like
to see changed would be an alteration in the Youth in Government system. “We are using the government’s
rules. If we were not to adopt the rules of the real Senate, and instead we made our own system, we would
learn a lot more about problem solving and debates.” He feels that people in general learn best from their
own mistakes. It would be more valuable if we were to allow more mistakes in the debate process.
Ethan Morris is not afraid to speak his opinions, which keeps him busy on the debate floor. In fact,
Morris has even been known to argue for the sake of “keeping an argument interesting”. Last year, he ran for Senate floor leader hoping to expand on
his opportunities to raise debate. Unfortunately, he lost the vote. He credits this to the large majority of people not wanting to vote for someone who is in
general disagreement. He understands he is viewed as an obstinate person; however he is not afraid to argue as he knows this is just a simulation.
He doesn’t agree that he is a great public speaker, but he did share that public speaking doesn’t make him nervous, which is a bonus when it comes
to debating in the Senate. Overall, Ethan is pleased with this program and plans to return next year. He is looking forward to his last year of YIG, as he
assumes it will bring more learning opportunities and provide a fun experience.
his opportunities to raise debate. Unfortunately, he lost the vote. He credits this to the large majority of people not wanting to vote for someone who is in
general disagreement. He understands he is viewed as an obstinate person; however he is not afraid to argue as he knows this is just a simulation.
He doesn’t agree that he is a great public speaker, but he did share that public speaking doesn’t make him nervous, which is a bonus when it comes
to debating in the Senate. Overall, Ethan is pleased with this program and plans to return next year. He is looking forward to his last year of YIG, as he
assumes it will bring more learning opportunities and provide a fun experience.
| Seeking medical help over faith a no brainer |
By Andrea Parmentier
Staff Writer
“In the name of the Father and of the son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.” Many of us hear these words every
Sunday in church, but what about when we’re sick?
Syon Link of Dane County wrote a bill to repeal state statute 948.03(6), which currently allows parents to
get away with murder. It protects parents from legal prosecution if their child dies while receiving faith-based
rather than medical care. It passed in the Senate unanimously.
While it is every parent’s right to decide how to care for his or her child, it is not right to allow a child to die
when medical care could easily have saved him or her. As Jacob Kelly brought up in debate, parents aren’t
allowed to harm their children in other ways, so why are they allowed to prolong their suffering? Child
neglectors
too are protected by this statue because there is no way to tell if they were really practicing faith-based healing
or just being neglectful.
Some brought up during debate that the parents think they are doing the right thing by faith-based healing,
even if it is considered a bit unorthodox. This isn’t a good argument against medical healing,
as it is perfectly practical to pray and get medical treatment for your child at the same time. Others, like Seth
Hoffmeister, think it’s unbalanced to say that if a child dies during medical treatment the parents did all they
could, but if a child dies during faith-based treatment the parents are negligent. These naysayers, however,
are wrong. The parents could do more; they could get medical treatment.
Staff Writer
“In the name of the Father and of the son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.” Many of us hear these words every
Sunday in church, but what about when we’re sick?
Syon Link of Dane County wrote a bill to repeal state statute 948.03(6), which currently allows parents to
get away with murder. It protects parents from legal prosecution if their child dies while receiving faith-based
rather than medical care. It passed in the Senate unanimously.
While it is every parent’s right to decide how to care for his or her child, it is not right to allow a child to die
when medical care could easily have saved him or her. As Jacob Kelly brought up in debate, parents aren’t
allowed to harm their children in other ways, so why are they allowed to prolong their suffering? Child
neglectors
too are protected by this statue because there is no way to tell if they were really practicing faith-based healing
or just being neglectful.
Some brought up during debate that the parents think they are doing the right thing by faith-based healing,
even if it is considered a bit unorthodox. This isn’t a good argument against medical healing,
as it is perfectly practical to pray and get medical treatment for your child at the same time. Others, like Seth
Hoffmeister, think it’s unbalanced to say that if a child dies during medical treatment the parents did all they
could, but if a child dies during faith-based treatment the parents are negligent. These naysayers, however,
are wrong. The parents could do more; they could get medical treatment.
child and get him or her medical treatment at the same time? If there is a known cure for a child’s illness or a good chance of success of an operation,
parents should use the available treatments. The bill is not taking away freedom or religion or the freedom to care for a child the way a parent wishes; it
is just giving the parents incentive to do something extra and punishing them for their negligence if the poor child dies. To borrow Hannah Hitzman’s
words, “Are we going to let a child die because his parents think a god will save him?”
parents should use the available treatments. The bill is not taking away freedom or religion or the freedom to care for a child the way a parent wishes; it
is just giving the parents incentive to do something extra and punishing them for their negligence if the poor child dies. To borrow Hannah Hitzman’s
words, “Are we going to let a child die because his parents think a god will save him?”