There is an idea floating around this campus that students aren't interested in issues which do not directly affect them. The argument doesn't hold up well if one looks at the attendances at forums and debates on issues of national and international importance. The Middle East debate held late last term was such a case in point, with more people filling the hall than many an SRC.

The debate was jointly organised by the Progressive Students' Allaince and the Jewish Students' Society. The topic, "Do the Palestinians have a right to a homeland?" was argued for by Don Canon, and against by Michael Hirschfeld. The JSS had asked Israeli ambassador Yaakov Morris, but in his usual fashion he declined the invitation to meet Carson in open debate.