National - Tuesday, October 27, 2009 10:20 - 0 Comments
PURNYU Vote Against US Troop Surge in Afghanistan
For their second event this semester, the Political Union and Review at New York University wrangled over the resolution: A US troop surge in Afghanistan is the best action to ensure US security. It was a lopsided debate at best. When it came to a show of hands, the surge lost 10 – 4 despite one “ironic” vote and one vote from a guy who arrived five minutes from the end.
Views on Afghanistan were articulated by Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, and a man simply representing the Left. Republicans argued in favor of a troop surge, Democrats against it mostly because of finite resources, and the Libertarians and the Left agreed that any US presence in Afghanistan is detrimental to national security to begin with.
The most compelling argument for the surge was made by Nicholas Brennan, who said that the Bush administration neglected Afghanistan, which is why US forces could not wipe out the Taliban in the last eight years. Now that Obama is in charge, he can outline a clear mission for the military (focus that it previously lacked, apparently) and provide it with adequate resources to achieve its aims.
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On Campus - Monday, October 26, 2009 14:45 - 0 Comments
PURNYU Debate Tonight on Afghanistan
The Political Union & Review at NYU is holding its second debate of semester tonight on Afghanistan.
The debate will start at 8pm in room 101 of 19 W.4th (that is main lecture hall in the politics building). Speakers for the event have not been announced yet. Participation by those who attend is encouraged, even if you have no formal experience in debating. I will be livetweeting the event on @NYULocal from start to finish.
US strategy in Afghanistan is still largely undefined by the Obama administration. Obama authorized the deployment 21,000 more troops in the region this year, despite a lack of public approval for scaling up the war. Commander of US Forces in Afghanistan, Gen. McChrystal, requested another 68,000 troops — a move supported by other NATO members. Journalists who reporting from the ground in Afghanistan harbor little hope for a peaceful resolution to the country’s problems. Just this morning, 14 Americans died in Afghanistan in two different helicopter crashes.
Evidently, there are a number strong, well-substantiated stances to take on Afghanistan. Ned’s report and response to PURNYU’s first debate, on health care a fortnight ago, sparked its own riveting discussion of the issue in the comments thread. We are looking forward to more of the same.
Featured, On Campus - Thursday, December 11, 2008 2:00 - 33 Comments
Ann Coulter Visits NYU to Deliver Predictable Stand-Up Routine
One of the first things I noticed about the eagerly anticipated Ann Coulter speaking engagement at NYU was that people were dressed up for it. It was almost like this was some kind of surreal College Republican prom night as much as it was a speaking event, but I guess I could understand why they might be excited. They had scored Ann Coulter, the modern conservative icon who had, by her own admission, only ever spoken once in New York City before–and that was during the Clinton years.
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On Campus - Tuesday, October 7, 2008 13:02 - 0 Comments
Political Union & Review at NYU Makes Return This Fall
“Resolved: Privatization is the only way to save social security from the baby boomers.” In an unprecedented vote at last night’s debate, the Political Union & Review at NYU (PURNYU) sided with the parties of the Right with a 13-12 count and 2 abstentions, passing the resolution.
Sophomore Lucas Patton (pictured above) moderated last night’s debate. Margarita Nachevnik spoke for the Party of the Left, Pat McClellan spoke for the Democrats, Mike Collins spoke for the Republicans, and Joel Nybeck spoke for the Party of the Right. All speakers were given 5 minutes for opening statements, then the floor opened for a 30 minute discussion, and the speakers concluded with 4 minute closing statements.
PURNYU kicked off last spring, led by recent NYU graduates Michael Wood and Ed Cadmus. In a series of three debates in April and May, the Political Union gained its popularity by bringing together voices from all sides of US political life. Past resolutions have included “Abortion is a miscarriage of justice” (failed) and “Republican foreign policy will not keep America safe” (passed).
