Attending students were in for a personal political experience at “All Eyes on U.S.,” an event run by the Eastern Michigan University Student Government to help promote student awareness of the 2012 political election.
Hardly a third of the tables set were filled for the event and the signed guest list had only one name, but the conversation couldn’t be stopped.
Students were given the opportunity to learn and discuss several political
issues, as well as meet members of important student and public organizations.
By the time the first keynote speaker, governmental consultant Kirk Profit, finished his presentation, he was 20 minutes past his 10:30 a.m. scheduled end. But a debate about job creation with Jay McNally, John Freeman and others in the room kept him going.
Ryan Todd, an EMU sophomore and the vice-chairman of Student Government’s political action committee, said the event was intended to inform students.
“All Eyes on U.S. is an event trying to expose Eastern students to issues affecting the world as a result of the 2012 political election,” Todd said. “I’m excited that EMU was able to host a number of political organizations — some that are nationwide.”
The event featured two keynote speakers and nine individual “breakout sessions” where students participated in presentations that highlighted several major issues in the upcoming 2012 election. Some of these breakout sessions were combined to make up for the small attendance. These sessions made up the majority of the program.
John Freeman, a member of KnowYourCare.org presented on the state of the healthcare system, and how it will all change under the new “Obamacare” law.
The United States Student Association talked about the debt ceiling debate, and student advocacy.
EMU’s political action committee spoke on the differences between Republicans and Democrats, and Professor Singh gave a lecture on the Millennium Development Goals.
The event also featured several student organizations, as well as organizations promoting both political parties.
Students Nino Monea and Jeff Maeder did a presentation as representatives of the Model United Nations. Model UN is an on-campus club where students can act as representatives of a UN country, learn about their issues and take a stance.
“It’s kind of like debate, but with a role playing element,” said political science major Abby Wright-Geddes.
Also participating were the Republican party of Washtenaw County, the Willow Run Tea Party caucus and Working America.
The groups had booths where they could talk with students about their political beliefs, as well as their future at school and in their careers.
