-M e t r o p o I i t a n S t a 1t c C o 11 e路 g e -o f D e n v c r s t u d c n t n e w ~ p a p c r .., c r ,. i n g t h e A u r a r i a C a m p u s ~ i n c e 1 9 7 9
Debate centers on social change Affirmative action, morals, responsibility of the government contentious for political speakers
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Right and left clashed last Friday, as Oliver North and Jesse Jackson debated the future before a crowd of 3,000 in Auraria's Events Center. The discourse, however, seemed to regress to the past, until the issue of affirmative action buoyed them back to the present. North, a nationally syndicated talk show host, decorated Marine and former U.S . Senate candidate, spoke of the need for a less intrusive government. North's main focus was the federal government's encroachment on constitutional rights. He said this was the result of government programs "run totally amok." "Law-abiding citizens are getting their rights taken away," North said. "I do not see the world's oldest democracy as the enemy," countered Jackson. Jackson, president of the National Rainbow Coalition, a two-time presidential candidate and civil-rights pioneer who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, spoke of the need for an inclusive America. He denounced the expansion of jails at the expense of schools, saying America must have a plan to lift our youth up, not lock them up. North said the government needs to stop pun1shmg success, which he said is not going to happen unless there is a change in the "moral leadership" of America. North cited I 9th-century statesman John Qu\ncy Adams' drive to abolish slavery as an example of moral decision making. According to Jackson, government is the catalyst for social change. He said change did not happen until the government offered tax incentives to businesses hiring minorities and essentially "let those in who had been left out." The two figures offered different accounts on the rise of retired Gen. Colin Powell. Jackson, while not denying the merits of Powell, said it was affirmative action which paved the way for the general's rank. North agreed affirmative action may have opened the door, but said Powell earned his promotions on merit alone. "What we must do is get beyond ancient history and get on with the future of this country," said a frustrated North. "You've been going on about John Quincy Adams all night," Jackson replied. As the cheers faded, he added, "discussing how Powell became a general is more recent than John Quincy Adams." The cheers of the sell-out crowd were with Jackson last Friday night, including a standing ovation when he was introduced. North was also greeted with See DEBATE page 5
Matthew J. Lilley
The METROPOUTAN
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Retired Col. Oliver North
photo illustration John McDonough, Hyoung Chang/The METROl'OUTAN
Civil Rights Leader the Rev. Jesse Jackson ~.
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