Staying Calm with Controversy: How to Handle “Hot Water” Senate Bills
By Bella Bauman
The Youth In Government Legislative Branch is an amazing opportunity for delegates to craft, debate, and rule on topics that they believe will benefit the state of Wisconsin. However, not everyone agrees with the ideas and opinions of others, especially during this period of United States history where parties are more polarized than ever. Delegates must walk a fine line between sticking to their opinions and morals whilst being respectful and reflective of what they oppose.
Keeping in mind the thoughts and feelings of the people while debating, presenting, or ruling is of the utmost importance, both at Model Government and in real legislative sessions. One Nelson delegate, Evan Hall, had some incredibly insightful comments on how he goes about debating bills. Here is some of his sage advice, as a third year delegate, on how to debate and vote when the topics become controversial: Firstly, even if a delegate does not agree with a point, it is necessary to be as unbiased as possible; people will always disagree, but remaining respectful is key to maintaining decorum. Representative Hall states that whenever he debates either for or against a controversial topic, he tries to stick to facts, not personal opinions. Although Representative Hall states that he tries to argue the sides he opposes to support his fellow delegates, if he feels he cannot remain unbiased, he will refrain from debating. Delegates who stick to these pieces of advice will find themselves having a much more enjoyable and productive time at Model Government.
In addition, many delegates have agreed that it can be quite difficult to create articles or bills, as well as argue court cases that remain respectful.
One Harvey delegate, Ari Bhandari, who has a more controversial topic for her bill on gun violence, has given her advice for writing this type of bill. She reflects that when presenting her bill she tries to keep in mind all emotions for her bill topic, and will state facts, not opinions. A delegate may have a controversial court case, bill, or article. The topics may be controversial, but delegates must stay respectful, and utilizing some of these points will help delegates in the future to ensure their time at YIG stays as a time of fun and productivity for all delegates.
Politics always have been, and always will be appeals to emotion, but staying as unbiased and factual as possible will ensure everyone feels respected and heard, no matter the subject matter. While Model Government is not “actual” government, it is the foundation for delegates who may very well be in government in the future. Even if a delegate is not in government, they can always remember this advice in any aspect of life, whether that is with friends and family, jobs, and so much more.