Income inequality threatens democracy

So decides Great American Think-off audience

After another year of intelligent, thought-provoking, and civil debate, the Cultural Center in New York Mills announces the winner of the 24th annual Great American Think-Off. Sam Dennison of San Francisco, Calif., successfully argued that income inequality does indeed threaten democracy. 

Dennison also won the title of America’s Greatest Thinker in 2006, after having debated the question, “Which is more valuable to society: safety or freedom?” Dennison successfully argued that freedom requires courage but that for the future of humanity we must put freedom first.

During this year’s debate, Sam stated that “when you have so much wealth, you lose empathy for others.” This problem, he claimed, is at the root of the threat to American democracy.

Silver medalist Alex Liuzzi of St. Paul, bronze medalists Alice Obrecht, of Wheaton, Ill., and Kim Larson, of Moorhead all argued their points eloquently in the first two rounds of debate, both of which ended in close votes by audience participation.

Dennison’s essay and debate focused on the argument that democracy cannot survive without equality. Throughout the evening, Dennison gave many poignant examples of the result of growing income disparity rampant in the U.S. and how that disparity causes hopelessness and thus leads to the breakdown of democracy. 

“I have seen wealth be hateful. I have seen park benches being taken away from homeless people. I have seen a 99-year-old woman evicted in Palo Alto because someone wanted to raise the rent,” he said.

In the final round, Dennison debated Alex Liuzzi of St. Paul, who supported the position that income inequality does not threaten democracy on the premise that it instead motivates democratic participation. 

Quipped Liuzzi during the final round of debate, “If income inequality causes hopelessness (as Dennison argued), how do we fix it? Through our democracy! Income inequality is an outcome of policy...we can change the inequalities and problems in our society using the democratic process.” 

While Liuzzi agreed with Dennison that income inequality and poverty are very real issues, he argued that participation in the process of democracy is actually a way to help resolve these issues of disparity.

The audience, it seems, did not agree. Thus be it resolved: Income Inequality Threatens Democracy.

The Great American Think-Off essay contest and debate is held annually. Next year will be the 25th Annual Debate, held on June 10, 2017. The question will be released on Jan. 1 with essay submissions accepted until April 1, 2017. 

For more information call the Cultural Center at 218-385-3339, visit the Center’s website atwww.kulcher.org, or visit the Think-Off website at www.think-off.org. 

About the Great American      Think-Off: 

Now in its 24th year, The Great American Think-Off is an exhibition of civil disagreement between powerful ideas being explored by everyday people. Designed to bring philosophy down from the ivory towers of academia and make it accessible for all, the contest has received national acclaim including coverage by C-SPAN, the New York Times, and The Today Show. 

 

Advertising Deadlines

Deadline for advertisements and copy is Friday, noon.

Staples World

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 100 Staples, MN 56479 Telephone: (218) 894-1112 - Fax: (218) 894-3570 Toll Free: 1-888-894-1112 E Mail: office@staplesworld.com; editor@staplesworld.com

Deadline: Friday, noon

 

Sign Up For Breaking News

Stay informed on our latest news!

Manage my subscriptions

Subscribe to Breaking News feed