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Inaugural Special Alpharetta resident debates Obama policies
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| | | Garrett Abelkop, a Michigan State University senior and member of the debate team, is seen during a recent match. (click for larger version) | |
January 29, 2009
Chattahoochee High School graduate Garrett Abelkop visited Washington, D.C., not only for the inaugural, but also as part of the first ever Inauguration Debate Series held a day earlier.
Abelkop, a 21-year-old senior studying International Relations in Michigan State University's James Madison College, is an Alpharetta resident. He debated for Chattahoochee for four years, and straight on to MSU's debate team for four years, reaching the final found of the Tournament of Champions. After debating and attending the inauguration, Abelkop answered questions about his trip to D.C. from Bob Pepalis.
Pepalis: What does it mean to you to participate in events surrounding the inaugural?
Abelkop: It was an honor to play a role (albeit a small one) in the inauguration events. I was proud to represent Michigan State University and the debate community at-large in Monday's event. To me, the debate was not only a great discussion of how President Obama should proceed with governing the country, but it was also an excellent way to celebrate. It meant a lot to contribute.
Pepalis: What was it like being in D.C. and witnessing in the inauguration?
Abelkop: Witnessing the inauguration from the National Mall was breathtaking. It is a moment in history that I will never forget. The sense of camaraderie I felt between myself and the millions of others there celebrating is difficult to explain. The feeling was surreal. It was amazing (despite the cold weather and massive crowds).
Pepalis: What does the election of Barack Obama to the presidency mean to you?
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Abelkop: To me, the election of Barack Obama fulfills a sense of hope about the United States of America that I have not felt since grade school. Not only is this election monumental because Barack Obama is the first African-American president of the United States, but also because President Obama has demonstrated a unique capability to bring our country together and govern from the middle. I am proud to call Barack Obama my president.
Pepalis: What policies resonated with you that were addressed in the debate?
Abelkop: The debates covered all facets of President Obama's agenda including the economy, health care, energy and foreign policy. Specifically, our debate with Wake Forest University concerned President Obama's climate policy.
My partner and I argued the new administration should push forward with an aggressive and bold shift in our nation's approach to climate change within its first 100 days (because of the environmental and energy-related concerns that have been caused by our reliance on fossil fuels).
Wake Forest argued that such an approach would be unwise in time of economic trouble. It was a good debate on an engaging topic.
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Reader Comments
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Inaugural Debate
January 29, 2009 | 04:25 PM
It's laudible that these young people participated in this debate and a historic moment in history. They are to be congratulated.
I would be interested to know who debated against them- because there are over 30,000 climate scientists- who, with the founder of The Weather Channel- have conclusive proof that Global Warming (Climate Change) is a Hoax- and are Suing AlGore on this very subject.
Global Warming is a 30 year left-wing liberal agenda that continues toward a One World and Globalization Marxist Agenda, by imposing cafe standards on an alreary failing automobile industry - to use just one example.
"The Greening of America" is a huge scam. This is one of the coldest winters on record- weather is cyclical.
And, as George Carlin once wisely said, "If the Earth wanted or needed to get rid of us (because of pollution, etc etc)- she would shake us off like a bad case of fleas."
And the United States is sitting on more oil and shale oil than anywhere else in the world- plus we have alternative energies and a country full of highly creative entrepreneurs.
This spirit and free market Capitalistic system is why The United States is the greatest country in the world.
And we shall work hard to keep it that way- no matter what the left-wing liberals try to do with thier Socialist agenda.
Alec Martin, Gainesville
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