Governor Spencer Collet is sponsoring Peter Wyche and Betsy Sallee bill for the legalization of marijuana known as Governor’s Bill #2 or “MOPot” in the state of Missouri. The bill’s stipulations would entail purchasers of the substance to be at least 21 years of age. Governor Collet argues that the bill would be beneficial to the economic, social, and educational aspects of the state of Missouri. With the product being available through large corporations, and the availability of the substance being more common, the price for marijuana would be comparable to that of tobacco.
One of the governor’s arguments for the benefits of marijuana was to refer to the time of the sixties, when the law was not enforced quite as strongly as it is today. “Marijuana was a catalyst for change at the time and brought about positive creativity [and the questioning of social norms] ,” said Governor Collet.
The usage of marijuana in medical treatments was another argument made. It was called to mind that the drug has been shown to improve conditions like anorexia. Governor Collet said that he could find “No significant harm, malice, or evil that can come from [the legalization of] this drug.”
While the bill would not directly affect teenagers in the sense of allowing them to use the substance, it would still be beneficial to them on the larger scale of education. With the proposed tax on the legalized distribution of marijuana, the
profits would go to help Missouri’s education system. Instead of the profits of marijuana sales going directly into the hands of criminals, it goes to the betterment of the state. This bill would save the government millions of dollars in that all non violent marijuana users would not need to be kept in jail.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Brain Games: Who Am I?
compiled by Amy Young and Anne Mauldin
1. You throw away the outside and cook the inside, then you eat the outside and throw away the inside. What did you eat?
2. I can run but not walk. Wherever I go, thought follows close behind. What am I?
3. What goes around the world but stays in a corner?
4. I have holes in my top and bottom, my left, my right and middle, but I still hold water. What am I?
5. Give me food and I will live, but give me water and I will die. What am I?
Look for the answers in tonight’s edition of Capital News
1. You throw away the outside and cook the inside, then you eat the outside and throw away the inside. What did you eat?
2. I can run but not walk. Wherever I go, thought follows close behind. What am I?
3. What goes around the world but stays in a corner?
4. I have holes in my top and bottom, my left, my right and middle, but I still hold water. What am I?
5. Give me food and I will live, but give me water and I will die. What am I?
Look for the answers in tonight’s edition of Capital News
What To Expect For Today...
10:00-11:30 am: Registration
12:00-2:30 pm: Lunch, Take Luggage Upstairs
2:30– 3:00 pm: YIG Picture on Capital Steps
3:00–4:00 pm: Opening Joint Session
4:00-9:00 pm: In Programs and Dinner
9:15 pm: Return to Hotel
9:30-10:15 pm: Governor’s Debate (in Missouri and Capital Ballrooms)
10:15-10:45 pm: Meet the Candidates
11:00-11:30 pm: Delegation Meetings
11:30 pm: Go to rooms for YIG News Nightside
12:00-2:30 pm: Lunch, Take Luggage Upstairs
2:30– 3:00 pm: YIG Picture on Capital Steps
3:00–4:00 pm: Opening Joint Session
4:00-9:00 pm: In Programs and Dinner
9:15 pm: Return to Hotel
9:30-10:15 pm: Governor’s Debate (in Missouri and Capital Ballrooms)
10:15-10:45 pm: Meet the Candidates
11:00-11:30 pm: Delegation Meetings
11:30 pm: Go to rooms for YIG News Nightside
Lobbyist Reforms
by Trevor Grayless
Lobbyists, who are they? What do they do? Why are they important? Many people ask these very questions and luckily this year’s YIG lobbyists are letting us into the changes going on in their program and what their exact purpose is. One of the Chief Lobbyists this year, Miss Tara Hammer of the Springfield Delegation, filled us in on the basic changes to the lobbyist program, taking place this year.
One of the few basic changes this year will be “specific organizations that the lobbyists represent, each one is assigned a basic area, such as education,” said Hammer. The reason this change has occurred is to make sure each lobbyist has at least one bill to lobby instead of having too specific of a topic to find work.
Promotion of the lobbyist program is high on the priority list this year. “We are trying to make it more necessary to have the lobbyist witnessing in the committees,” Hammer said. Look out for their campaigns and when at a debate do not forget the lobbyists and all the hard and important work that goes into passing and supporting the bills that go into effect.
Lobbyists, who are they? What do they do? Why are they important? Many people ask these very questions and luckily this year’s YIG lobbyists are letting us into the changes going on in their program and what their exact purpose is. One of the Chief Lobbyists this year, Miss Tara Hammer of the Springfield Delegation, filled us in on the basic changes to the lobbyist program, taking place this year.
One of the few basic changes this year will be “specific organizations that the lobbyists represent, each one is assigned a basic area, such as education,” said Hammer. The reason this change has occurred is to make sure each lobbyist has at least one bill to lobby instead of having too specific of a topic to find work.
Promotion of the lobbyist program is high on the priority list this year. “We are trying to make it more necessary to have the lobbyist witnessing in the committees,” Hammer said. Look out for their campaigns and when at a debate do not forget the lobbyists and all the hard and important work that goes into passing and supporting the bills that go into effect.
Lewis Convention- Hit or Miss?
by Laura Shaw
Any returning YIGster will easily notice the drastic contrast in numbers between this year and last year, dwindling from a staggering seven-hundred plus students, to approximately three-hundred. So what happened to the other half? They participated in their own convention, the Lewis convention, two weeks ago. “It went really well, the smaller numbers (in each program) allowed for a more intimate atmosphere and new opportunities. The legislative could hold more debates, and pass more bills,” said YIG state director Ken Hussy. He conceded that it was a bit of an adjustment, getting used to such a smaller group, but overall the convention split worked out for the best.
Any returning YIGster will easily notice the drastic contrast in numbers between this year and last year, dwindling from a staggering seven-hundred plus students, to approximately three-hundred. So what happened to the other half? They participated in their own convention, the Lewis convention, two weeks ago. “It went really well, the smaller numbers (in each program) allowed for a more intimate atmosphere and new opportunities. The legislative could hold more debates, and pass more bills,” said YIG state director Ken Hussy. He conceded that it was a bit of an adjustment, getting used to such a smaller group, but overall the convention split worked out for the best.
Governor's Debate Tonight!
by Trevor Grayless and Laura Shaw
Along with the many changes occurring at YIG, this year comes a new forum for the Governor’s Debate. We, the editors, have taken it upon ourselves to make some necessary changes from the stuffy forums of the past. Some of you may have watched the presidential debates this year; well, when we were collaborating with the video press directors for this year’s debate, we decided to attempt a town hall forum, one that mirrors the second presidential debate between Senator John McCain and President Elect Barack Obama. We’re hoping to make the audience a bigger factor this year. You all may have noticed the question box sitting in the lobby when you first arrived. We encourage you to submit questions that you would like the candidates to answer during the debate. We’re going to take some of your best questions and present them to the candidates at tonight’s debate. However, as a disclaimer here, we ask that you take this suggestion box seriously and only put forward serious, well-thought out questions. I’m sure everyone is wondering whether each candidate wears boxers or briefs, but that’s a bit personal- don’t you think? If you want your voice to be heard, then don’t forget to drop off your (serious) questions, and be in the Capital and Missouri Ballrooms at 9:30 pm sharp!
Along with the many changes occurring at YIG, this year comes a new forum for the Governor’s Debate. We, the editors, have taken it upon ourselves to make some necessary changes from the stuffy forums of the past. Some of you may have watched the presidential debates this year; well, when we were collaborating with the video press directors for this year’s debate, we decided to attempt a town hall forum, one that mirrors the second presidential debate between Senator John McCain and President Elect Barack Obama. We’re hoping to make the audience a bigger factor this year. You all may have noticed the question box sitting in the lobby when you first arrived. We encourage you to submit questions that you would like the candidates to answer during the debate. We’re going to take some of your best questions and present them to the candidates at tonight’s debate. However, as a disclaimer here, we ask that you take this suggestion box seriously and only put forward serious, well-thought out questions. I’m sure everyone is wondering whether each candidate wears boxers or briefs, but that’s a bit personal- don’t you think? If you want your voice to be heard, then don’t forget to drop off your (serious) questions, and be in the Capital and Missouri Ballrooms at 9:30 pm sharp!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Surprising Ignorance from YIG Participants by Kelsie Maledy, Callaway County
Each year, YIGsters attend “Meet the Candidates Night” in order to learn about what the candidates for offices stand for. This year, participants attended the governor's debate to further understand governors' plans for office and their insights on what's going on in the world today.
With all of the training and programs YIG students participate in, many do not even know what the governor or other political positions do. This year, several students were asked what each political role encompasses. Surprisingly, the results were not what would be expected of Youth In Government participants. When students were asked what the governor’s duties were, only 50%* of them answered correctly. Several individuals could not even answer the questions and claimed they didn't have the "slightest idea".
When asked the duties of the Secretary of State, a mere 30%* knew the correct answer. 70%* of the YIGsters who took this poll knew exactly what the role of the lieutenant governor was.
It is such a wonder how so many students can be so extremely dedicated to YMCA's Youth In Government program, and yet not even fully comprehend the roles of the highest elected official; the governor. With the splitting of the program's delegations, it is said that more people can get involved, and further expand their knowledge. After analyzing these poll results, it is obvious that the role and duties of the governor must be more widely publicized.
*Results from a poll of 10 randomly selected YIG participants
With all of the training and programs YIG students participate in, many do not even know what the governor or other political positions do. This year, several students were asked what each political role encompasses. Surprisingly, the results were not what would be expected of Youth In Government participants. When students were asked what the governor’s duties were, only 50%* of them answered correctly. Several individuals could not even answer the questions and claimed they didn't have the "slightest idea".
When asked the duties of the Secretary of State, a mere 30%* knew the correct answer. 70%* of the YIGsters who took this poll knew exactly what the role of the lieutenant governor was.
It is such a wonder how so many students can be so extremely dedicated to YMCA's Youth In Government program, and yet not even fully comprehend the roles of the highest elected official; the governor. With the splitting of the program's delegations, it is said that more people can get involved, and further expand their knowledge. After analyzing these poll results, it is obvious that the role and duties of the governor must be more widely publicized.
*Results from a poll of 10 randomly selected YIG participants
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