President's Peace Commission

Ms. Sophia Henrichs, member of the President's Peace Commission, presents members of the panel, Ms. Bernadette Hamilton, professor of drama at St. Mary's University, and St. Mary's University students: Ms. Xochitl Martinez and Mr. Felipe Peralta, and describes the importance women's rights conventions played in the U.S. women's suffrage movement (ca. 1848-1920). Following an excerpt of the documentary, "Not For Ourselves Alone," the three panelists present dramatic readings of important documents (speeches, excerpts from letters, articles) reporting on or were included in several of the historical conventions. Dr. Castañeda, St. Mary's University professor of history, delivers remarks on the women's movement. A short videotape is shown depicting efforts of one woman, Los Angeles Unified School District Board Member Leticia Quezada, to run for Congress in 1992. In response to a question, Dr. Castañeda concludes that women's issues still shape our electoral choices. (71 minutes)

Dr. Thomas Hoffman, St. Mary's University professor of political science, presents Sr. Susan Mika, O.S.B., director of the Benedictine Resource Center, Mr. Al Gray, of St. Benedict's Catholic Church and Metro Alliance, and Mr. Peter Monod, director of the Office of Social Concerns of the Archdiocese of San Antonio. The panelists describe how they have integrated their religious and spiritual values into their religious lives. Each stresses political participation as moral obligation. After comments that the only socially accepted forms of attaining power in the U.S. are organized money and organized voter blocs, methods of community organization are discussed. (71 minutes)

Mr. Cesar Coro, president of the International Students Association at St. Mary's University, and Mr. Andrew Hill, J.D., St. Mary's University associate dean of students and member of the President's Peace Commission, co-host the discussion and present St. Mary's University international students Veliana Escobedo Carranza, from Mexico, and Jacobo Paz, from Honduras. The guest speakers -- and, occasionally, Mr. Coro, who is Bolivian -- relate particulars both of the local and national voting processes of their respective countries, such as candidate and voter eligibility requirements and systems of representation. Ensuing questions lead to discussions of voter turnout, voting as both privilege and civic duty, advisability of mandatory voting laws, the then upcoming U.S. presidential election, and the role of mass media in elections. It is suggested that low U.S. voter participation is due to a perceived lack of change between administrations. Mr. Paz states that it is more important to vote for the right reason than simply to go through the motions. Ms. Escobedo ponders American voters' motivations. (64 minutes)

Mr. Kevin Francis Day, a member of St. Mary's University campus ministry, presents Dr. Maria Lopez Howell, D.D.S., associate professor of dentistry at the University of Texas Health Science Center, and Mr. John Morony, professor of biological sciences at San Antonio College. The speakers address the debate concerning a pending ballot measure to fluoridate San Antonio's tap water. Dr. Howell argues for fluoridation; speaking from a health services provider perspective, she lists fluoride as an essential nutrient, presents oral health as an essential component of overall health, cites statistics on fluoridation and health, decries rumors of causal links to cancer and Alzheimer's disease, and enumerates the costs of bad oral health. Prof. Morony opposes government-mandated fluoridation on the basis of adverse biological effects as well as governmental interference in free choice; he cites statistics on fluoridation and tooth decay, warns of the dangers of fluorosis or flurotoxicity, and suggests that oral health would be better served by the removal of soda and candy vending machines. (43 minutes)

Mr. Gabriel Sanchez, president of the Student Government Association at St. Mary's University, presents Mr. Robert R. Brischetto, from the Alliance for Democracy, and Mr. Al Kaufman, representing Texas Common Cause. Detailing problems posed by current electoral funding law to even the most well-meaning candidate, Mr. Brischetto proposes a "clean money option," in which a candidate may choose to finance a campaign exclusively with public funds. He discusses the 1976 Buckley v. Valeo decision, in which the Supreme Court interpreted campaign spending as a form of free speech, and the dominance of corporate and special interests in politics that has resulted; Mr. Brischetto holds this dominance up as a threat to democracy. He appraises current bills aimed at campaign finance reform, concludes that change is still possible, and suggests several grassroots organizations for interested volunteers. Mr. Kaufman expresses agreement with Mr. Brischetto's views and speaks briefly about Common Cause's work on campaign finance reform. He refers to problems associated with George W. Bush's gubernatorial campaigns and urges attendees to vote and to get involved. (42 minutes)

Ms. Rose Ramos, member of the President's Peace Commission, presents Mr. Joseph Trigilio, president of the St. Mary's University chapter of Amnesty International, and Mr. Nick Sisoian, Speaker of the House of the St. Mary's University Student Government Association. The speakers deliver brief opening remarks and then respond to questions about the role of foreign policy in the 2000 presidential elections. Questions concern military spending, trade as a means of promoting human rights, dependence on foreign oil, and U.S. participation in multi-lateral agreements such as the IMF and WTO. Although reservations are expressed about the ability of either candidate to perform effectively in a foreign affairs context, the speakers advocate the importance of voter participation. (42 minutes)

PPC member Marida Carmona presents Dr. Noe Sauceda, superintendent of Edgewood Independent School District, and Dr. Gary Scott, St. Mary's University professor of economics. Utilizing a debate format, Dr. Saucedo argues against vouchers; Dr. Scott argues for them. Dr. Saucedo contrasts the public schools' mission of universal service with private schools' inability to serve all. He points to vastly increased demands placed on educational outcomes in an increasingly competitive global economy, while funding has remained constant. Dr. Saucedo argues that vouchers will only exacerbate current problems by diverting state funds to already wealthy school districts. He praises the self-examination that the voucher debate has produced, but thinks it could be achieved by less harmful methods. Dr. Saucedo urges state accountability and parental involvement. Dr. Scott discusses the idea of the 'common school' and questions public schools' ability to equal private schools' demonstrated superior common school outcomes. He urges portable (i.e. student-centered) school funding. Dr. Scott contrasts the positions of the two leading 2000 presidential candidates and favors the market-driven voucher system over the current government-driven system. (49 minutes)

Dr. Inmaculada de Melo-Martin, St. Mary's University professor of philosophy, presents St. Mary's University students and Environmental Rescue members, Mr. Adan Balboa and Ms. Nubia Andrea Perez. The speakers try to present the platforms of the four major candidates of the 2000 presidential election: Mr. Balboa presents the policies of George W. Bush and Patrick J. Buchanan; Ms. Perez presents the policies of Al Gore and Ralph Nader. The principal topics covered are global warming, public transportation, farm lands, and protected federal lands. Questions are also answered on the bases of the candidates' public statements. At the conclusion of the program, the speakers advocate leading by example and engaging in environmentally responsible action. (65 minutes)