Author: Samuel Tuinei

Illustration by Tyler Carpenter Scholars and students gathered for four different panels to discuss free markets, property takings, economic policy in the era of President Trump and more as part of the Constitution Week Conference Sept 21. The panelists consisted of scholars from diverse political backgrounds which allowed for open and inclusive conversations. The Trump administration is not going to cut spending but will cut taxes and the debt will get worse, according to Michael Tanner, domestic policies scholar, during the final panel discussion. Tanner discussed the 82 trillion dollars of U.S. implicit debt which consists of Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. “We are partying and making you pay the bill,” Tanner said in regards to older American’s spending and the younger generation having to pay the debts later. Julius Krein, an American conservative political writer, editor and panel speaker disagreed with Tanner saying the debt issue doesn’t matter and is much more complex than many think. Eminent Domain law was also discussed as part of a series of lectures. Eminent Domain law is the inherent power reserved by the government to acquire private land by forced sale for public purposes on the condition that “just compensation” is provided to the original owners. The speakers not only addressed the historical significance of Eminent Domain law, but also provided modern context, allowing students to understand how these laws might affect...