President's Peace Commission

The host, Ms. Cecilia Aguilar, member of the President's Peace Commission, presents Mr. Johnny Rodriguez, of the Southwest Voter Research Institute, and Ms. Esther Curnutt, of the League of Women Voters and of Friendship Force International. Discussion covers: the decisive factors in elections, the popular vote and corporate spending, and the fact that low voter turnout increases the power of corporations to influence the election; the influence of peer pressure, both positive and negative, on voter turnout among young voters; historical reasons for voter non-participation; the need to focus on the big picture, rather than a single issue; lack of participation results in lack of equity in public works and educational facilities; and historical incidents illustrating the importance of a single vote. Additional information provided includes the purpose of and services provided by the League of Women Voters, the addresses of absentee ballot polling places throughout San Antonio, the most effective methods to get out the vote, and voter registration requirements. Questions from the audience ensue. (55 minutes)

The host, Dr. Larry Hufford, professor of political science at St. Mary's University and member of the President's Peace Commission, presents Dr. Richard Gambitta, professor of political science and chairman of the public administration program at the University of Texas at San Antonio, and Dr. Tucker Gibson, professor of political science at Trinity University. (66 minutes)

The host, Ms. Sondra Sugerman, professor of English at St. Mary's University and member of the President's Peace Commission, presents Ms. Maria Berriozabal, former San Antonio City Council member and mayoral candidate, Ms. Helen Dutmer, former San Antonio City Council member, and Ms. Sonia Garcia, professor of political science at St. Mary's University. The presentation covers the following points: women's rights are human rights; the goals of women in positions of power should include equality, development, and peace; the issues with which women involved in the political process are generally concerned -- education, public safety, child care, health care, etc. -- are labelled as 'women's issues'; the money necessary to win elections does not get generated by 'women's issues'; however, women voters now constitute a majority of the electorate and have a slightly higher rate of voter turnout, therefore, the 'gender gap' in voter behavior is likely to begin to result in increased success for women candidates and 'women's issues'; and that it is important to maintain a connection between issues of peace and justice and those of political effectiveness and participation. (70 minutes)

The host, Fr. John Moder, president of St. Mary's University, presents Ms. Marisela Aguirre, a freshman political science major at St. Mary's University, Dr. Henry Flores, professor of political science at St. Mary's University, and Mr. Jose Roberto "Beto" Juarez, professor at St. Mary's University School of Law. The discussion centers on the reason for voting in order to ensure hope for the future and equal opportunity for all. The importance of the 1965 Voting Rights Act is cited in looking at the progression of expanding voter rights throughout American history. Modern barriers to voting, territorial annexation and term limits, are discussed. Finally, the importance, not only of the candidate voted for, but of the appointments that that candidate will make, and of the policies that will be implemented by those appointees, is considered. (48 minutes)

The host, Dr. Stephen Calogero, professor of philosophy at St. Mary's University and member of the President's Peace Commission, presents Ms. Susie Woodford, executive director of the Texas chapter of Common Cause, a national organization involved in political reform. (47 minutes)

The host, Dr. Colleen Nolan, professor of biology at St. Mary's University and member of the President's Peace Commission, presents Dr. Steven Neiheisel, professor of political science at St. Mary's University, and Mr. Enrique Rangel, bureau chief of the Dallas Morning News' Monterrey, Mexico desk. Discussion proceeds: although not a new phenomenon in American politics, the issue of character in the current election from that in previous elections in that the candidates themselves are the ones making the attacks and that the United States currently maintains a climate conducive to the public confession. Voter cynicism toward the political process as well as contentment with economic performance have nullifed the importance of the character issue in this election. However, public (vs. private) character remains an important issue, both for domestic voters, and in the view from abroad, in assessing a candidate's quality of leadership -- ability to form alliances, keep promises, act decisively, etc. Questions ensue. (46 minutes)

The host, Dr. Kenneth Craycraft, presents Dr. Thomas Hoffman, professor of political science at St. Mary's University, and Fr. Mike DeGerolame, director of the Justice and Peace Office of the Department of Social and Community Service of the Archdiocese of San Antonio. After viewing a video on political responsibility produced by the Administrative Board of U.S. Catholic Bishops, the discussion proceeds: In the Catholic tradition, citizenship is a virtue and political participation is an obligation; if good people do not get involved, it will not be possible to shape a more just and caring society. Both the Texas Democratic and Texas Republican parties appear to be composed of reasonable, concerned people, who, nonetheless, ridicule and demonize the other party's leader, hold that the other part, if left unchecked, would destroy the country, and consider that God is on the side of their own party. A survey is presented comparing the Democratic and Republican Party platforms with the published statements of the bishops on a number of political issues. It is demonstrated that neither party is completely for or against the official Catholic position. It is concluded that religion and politics are intertwined and influence each other. (48 minutes)

The host, Dr. Richard S. Pressman, professor at St. Mary's University and member of the President's Peace Commission, presents Mr. David Peña, a student at St. Mary's University School of Law, Ms. O'leen Stone, district director for U.S. Representative Lamar Smith -- Rep. Smith introduced H.R. 2202, the Immigration Reform Bill -- and Ms. Lee Teran, co-director of St. Mary's University School of Law's Immigration and Human Rights Clinic. Opposing views are represented on issues surrounding immigration: acceptable numbers, welfare and health care entitlement and utilization, legal vs. illegal immigrants, immigrant prison population, the right of the United States to control its own borders, and consequences of the 1985 Refugee Act and of the Welfare Reform Act. (72 minutes)

The host, Ms. Cecilia Aguilar, member of the President's Peace Commission, presents Mr. J. Richard Avena, regional civil rights director for the Texas Department of Human Services, and State Representative Leticia Van de Putte. Discussion centers on the Federal Welfare Reform Bill, formally known as the 'Personal Responsibility Work Opportunities Reconciliation Bill', and the effects it will have. In the discussion which ensues, it is stated that the impact will be greatest on states with large immigrant and new citizen populations -- California, New York, New Jersey, Texas, Illinois, Florida -- and that those most directly affected will be older people and children who are legal immigrants; according to the Children's Defense Fund, another million children will be reduced to poverty; that it is important to vote in order to have a voice in public policy, but that policy isn't decided only on Election Day -- that it is decided every day in boardrooms and at kitchen tables. (70 minutes)

The host, Ms. Christine Andrews, member of the President's Peace Commission, introduces the guests: Ms. Carolyn Gutierrez, vice president of internal affairs, St. Mary's University Student Government Association; Mr. Erick Romero, senator of academic affairs, St. Mary's University Student Government Association; Mr. Robert Wernersbach, president, St. Mary's University Student Government Association; Ms. Maria Hsin, president, St. Mary's University chapter of MEChA; and Roseann Ybarra, editor-in-chief of 'The Rattler'. Members of the panel speak in turn about their interests and why they got involved in politics. Views are also expressed on affirmative action and panelists are asked to respond to the questions of why young voters don't vote and what they would like to see changed on campus. (70 minutes)