Teen smokers may think they have it tough now, but government officials aim to make the habit even more difficult for Americans, Montana Sen. Max Baucus told FHS students April 6. “Smoking is a terrible habit,” said Baucus. “It’s costly, it’s damaging to your health and it’s offensive to those around you. If you’re stupid enough to smoke, we (the government) are going to make you pay for it.” Teen smoking was only one issue Baucus spoke of during his “hour of answers.” Students were challenged to question Baucus, and the challenge was met, he said. Students asked about tribal sovereignty, taxes, education, Native American issues and the legal drinking age. “This is your hour,” Baucus told the students from social science classes. “Ask anything. Ask that little nagging question that is in the back of your mind. This is your chance.” One issue brought up more than once by students was alcohol. Senior Josh Pilsch, along with many other students, wondered why an 18-year old who is old enough to die for his or her country cannot legally drink. Baucus said he would be in favor of lowering the drinking age if Americans were more responsible with alcohol usage. “One of the problems in America is we tend to suspend responsibility too long,” said Baucus. “Most people in other countries can handle the booze situation better than Americans.” “It just bothers me that we can sign up to serve our country or even die for our country, but we can’t drink,” said Pilsch. “I think that it’s important to have the right to drink if we want to.” Baucus was also faced with questions concerning education. His response to the results of the Third International Math and Science Study (TIMSS) test was not one of disappointment, yet he has ideas for changing the system. “In every other country education is a national system, while in America it’s locally supported, which means less money,” said Baucus. “We should boost public schools instead of retreating to private schools because private schools mean the rich are being better educated than middle class. That is not good.” Students’ and teachers’ reactions to Baucus were mixed. “I thought Senator Baucus would show up in a suit and be more businesslike,” said senior Missy Ruff. “I think he wanted us to think he was cool for talking to us one-on-one.” While Baucus visited students, Montana Rep. Rick Hill invited a select number of “prominent community figures” to an evening meeting at FHS about the future of Social Security. Although this meeting was invitational, anyone was welcome to attend, according to Hill. “Over 200 people were invited,” said Hill. “People who have showed an interest in these issues or who have attended other town meetings were invited.” The focal point of the meeting was the future of Social Security when the “Baby Boomers” are ready to collect the money. By the year 2012, more money will be paid out than will be being paid into Social Security, according to Hill. “Right now there are 3.3 workers for every retiree collecting Social Security,” said Hill. “When the Baby Boomers start to collect Social Security, there will only be two workers for every retiree.” Hill said he hoped to see young adults attend his meeting since the Social Security problem will affect them, too. “I want people to see the urgency of dealing with this problem. This is an extremely important issue for your generation,” said Hill to the only student attending, senior Travis Smith. “Everything America stands for is in jeopardy if we don’t get this problem under control.” “It was entertaining to listen to some of the different opinions,” said Smith, who attended Hill’s meeting to understand the specifics of the Social Security problem. “It was real conservative and very educating.” Although both Hill and Baucus seemed to focus on negative issues, Baucus offered three pieces of advice: “To thine own self be true. Decide what makes your blood flow and do it. “Second, remember there are no closed doors. America’s the most mobile country; there’s always an opportunity. “And third, in whatever you do as a career, always include public service. Helping people is a great feeling.” |
