Where I Stand -- James Valpiani: Impassioned opinions

Editor's note: More than 800 juniors and seniors from area high schools participated in the Sun Youth Forum Nov. 23 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The students were divided into small groups to discuss selected topics. Someone was chosen from each session to write about the students' opinions. James Valpiani of Bishop Gorman High School discusses his group's topic, "America."

Prominent Nevada citizens such as Sen. Richard Bryan, Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt and Sheriff Jerry Keller moderated the student groups at the Sun Youth Forum. However, unlike notoriously monotonous lectures, the students directed the conversations while the adults simply maintained the peace.

I had the privilege of participating in the American issues forum moderated by the very intelligent and well-spoken John Ensign, former congressman. Our panel discussed a number of volatile issues, and at times the tension escalated into near-screaming matches. I was surprised to learn that most teens really do have strong, often opposing, views on issues outside their personal lives. For instance, on the topic of integrity in politics, many students felt it was a primary concern when electing candidates. However, an outspoken few believe that the economy is the best indicator of a good representative and, in general, policy and results are more important than character. Overall, the majority agreed that a balance of integrity and policy made the best elected official.

Although the discussion started peacefully enough, the next topic dealing with Clinton-Lewinsky repercussions left no doubt that the students cared about political issues. A shrewd student pointed out during the heated debate that the behavior of elected officials sets the moral tone for the rest of the nation. Ensign was quick to point out that when the Lewinsky scandal broke, 65 percent of Americans believed that if guilty, President Clinton should be impeached. Eight months later, 65 percent of Americans believed that the president should keep his office regardless of his guilt. This statistic sparked cries that the private lives of elected officials had no place in the public forum. Surprisingly, a large number of students felt this to be untrue; most agreed that Clinton should be held responsible for his actions in his public and private lives, since the two are inherently inseparable. When Ensign mentioned that the use of marijuana among teenagers increased at least 200 percent one month after Clinton admitted drug use on MTV, few students could deny the power of elected officials over citizens' everyday lives.

The issue of campaign finance reform turned out to be esoteric for high school students. However, it served as a refreshing break as Ensign voiced his concerns, ideas and frustrations about the current system. He mentioned his difficulty in coming up with a solution, and seemed more than a little disappointed that we were unable to offer him any sound advice. Nevertheless, it was a very informative portion of the forum.

The last part of the panel was spent on a wide variety of issues. It should come as no surprise that the segment began with a debate over gun control laws. Almost the instant the topic was open for discussion, the once orderly room fell into verbal chaos. One student mentioned that the right to bear arms is a constitutional right. Another pointed out that, historically, the removal of guns from the public arena was the first step toward tyranny. More liberal students felt that guns have a limited place, if at all, in daily life. One student went so far as to say that owning firearms should be a privilege rather than a right. Inflamed teens began to yell the often-quoted phrase, "If you make owning a gun a crime, only criminals will have guns."

Ensign stepped in just in time to prevent what could have possibly turned into a group fistfight. After telling us that less than 1 percent of violent crimes involve firearms, and thus revealing his opinion on the matter, Ensign changed the topic to media influence. Ironically, this topic turned out to be more volatile. Students who felt the media were a strong influence on the teen psyche squared off against those who believed that individuals should take the responsibility for their own actions. Some pointed out research in favor of media influence, while others pointed to free will. Of course, with strong opinions such as these, no clear majority emerged.

For two years in a row, the beliefs and convictions of my peers have impressed me greatly. During the forums I have been fortunate enough to participate in, I have found myself agreeing wholeheartedly with some students, standing alone on certain issues and, more often than not, wanting to strangle fellow teens for holding contrary opinions.

It is exciting and reassuring to know that students are aware of their surroundings and are willing to stand up for what they believe in, even at the risk of being a nonconformist. After a day's worth of fervent discussion, I can honestly and gladly say that the issues are not just for the elite politicians and businesspeople of the adult world; they are alive and well in the hearts and minds of our future leaders. Contrary to the stereotypical views of teenagers today, students from all across the valley really do have a clue.

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