In 1968, delegates of the first Conference on National Affairs joined together to create a forum that would allow for debate and discussion of important national issues. Forty-two years later, in 2009, the situation is quite similar. Although the spectrum of viewpoints and topics may have changed, the central purpose of this conference has not. Proposals may rise or fall deep in the sea of debate, but each delegate walks away with new information and viewpoints on an issue.
David John, a resource advisor in his 11th year at the conference, discussed the “3 types” of proposals that he often sees annually amongst the week of debate. The “Golden Oldies” are known as reoccurring issues that do not disintegrate in the heat of debate, such as abortion, death penalty, and states’ rights. They seek new solutions to these old problems, and although these problems may have originated long ago, they’ve yet to die.
There are “specific, timely” proposals that relate to the pressing topics of the current time period. In 2009, these issues include disputes over Iran, health care, and the environment.
John also mentioned proposals that deal with issues “ahead of their time.” These specific proposals are fresh, cutting-edge, and may not have had much exposure on a national stage. They often open many doors for the future. In the early 2000s, this was strongly observed when the topic of stem cell research was born in the debate.
Conference Director Bob McGaughey added that this very conference often foresees the future of our nation. He elaborated that this foresight can reflect political trends of the future. “The consensus of the conference often predicts the future majority shifts in liberal, moderate, and conservative views of the country”,adds McGaughey.
However similar or different proposals through the years may be, the purpose of the Conference remains, as McGaughey eloquently stated, “to bring together young minds that will make a difference in the future.”