Gazing out at the crowd, members from the forensics team intensely visualize their next argument.
Students gathered on the Library Lawn, in a debate sponsored by the political science club and forensics team last week discussing Proposition 19, which would regulate and tax marijuana.
“The debate introduced Proposition 19 and allowed students to gather for a common cause,” Tilo Lopez, 20, president of the political science club, said.
Aubrey Manahan, 17, undecided major and Ben Porter, 18, political science major were for the proposition, while Richard Ewell, 21, political science and philosophy major and Daanish Hameed, 19, philosophy major opposed it.
“The tax revenue generated will be more than $100 million. To me, more money is better than no money,” Porter said. “Legalizing marijuana will decrease crowding in jails and will allow the police to focus on violent offenders, which is who we should be focusing on.”
The opposing side retaliated by saying the medical marijuana law that exists now, suffices.
“Who wants marijuana to be legalized? We all do Prop. 19 is just not the answer,” Hameed said during the debate. “Proposition 19 will screw it over, ruin true legalization.”
Porter said that we, as humans, have the freedom to vote.
“It may not be the perfect solution, but it’s a step in the right direction,” Porter said.
Aubrey Manahan, on the pro side, argued Proposition 8.
“Things begin within the state level of government, which leads for other states to follow California’s lead,” Manahan argued.
There was no defined winner, ultimately the purpose was to attract students to vote. “It doesn’t matter if you vote yes or no. Vote. It’s your only chance this year,” Porter said.
The team’s next official competition will be the Griffin Invitational at Grossmont College, Nov. 20-21.
The team also competed in the Watson-Lancer Tournament at Pasadena City College on Oct. 23-24.
The team placed in parliamentary, or two on two debate, impromptu and extemporaneous speaking.
Richard Ewell received a fourth place finish in extemporaneous and first in debate and impromptu.
Teammate Albro Lundy received a silver in parliamentary and gold in novice extemporaneous, he said the only thing he could improve on was to wear a snazzier tie to the next event