Student Debate on Gambling

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Joshua Darr, Boston CollegeĀ (A&S '09)
Tim Mooney, Boston CollegeĀ (A&S '09)
Kacey Seawell, Boston CollegeĀ (LSOE '09), moderator

Date:Ā November 8, 2007

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The event was presented by the Student Advisory Panel of the Boisi Center Student Advisory Panel.

Abstract

Š”°¬µē¾ŗ undergrads Joshua Darr and Tim MooneyĀ squared off in a debate about gambling in Massachusetts (and the USA in general).Ā Ā In four rounds of debates and rebuttals, Darr and Mooney argued for/against four propositions:

(1) Gambling is an economic boon to the states that legalize it.

(2) Gambling generates net benefits for indian tribes who operate casinos.

(3) Gambling is a morally and theologically permisable activity.

(4) Gambling's effects on society at large are, on the whole, not detrimental.

Event Photos

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From Left to Right: Mooney, Kasey Seawell & Darr

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Kasey Seawell

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Josh Darr

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Tim Mooney

Event Recap

Over the course of the semester, the Boisi Centerā€™s Student Advisory Panel (SAP) met frequently to discuss developments in politics and religion and to help the Center promote its events in these areas. In a terrific event related to the Centerā€™s conference on gambling, the SAP organized and hosted a debate on the question: ā€œIs gambling good for Massachusetts?ā€Ā  SAP members Tim Mooney (A&S ā€™09) and Joshua Darr (A&S ā€™09) squared off in a spirited debate moderated by SAP member Kacey Seawell (LSOE ā€™09). The audience voted on the resolution before and after the debate, revealing a small but significant shift toward the affirmative position. The event was a great success, and we hope to have other student-sponsored events in coming semesters.