Students interview senators

Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., told Carson High School media students Wednesday in an interview that Saddam Hussein is from the same mold as Adolph Hitler.

In a 20-minute satellite interview with CHS students, Sens. Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Ensign shared their thoughts about the possible war on Iraq, along with national and state issues.

Students from the CHS video production class, AP American Government and the Senator News participated in the interview, which gave students an opportunity to ask questions on several topics including Yucca Mountain, No Child Left Behind, Iraq and renewable energy.

In an answer to a question by senior Ian Anderson, Reid and Ensign said reinstating the draft would be a last option and that volunteer soldiers are better than drafted ones.

In a later interview, Anderson said he differed with the senators on one point.

"They are pro war and I am not," Anderson said.

Reid and Ensign said they have developed a quality working relationship with one another regarding Nevada issues. Although their opinions differ on the national education issue, "No Child Left Behind," they both agree on the possible war with Iraq and the need to keep Yucca Mountain waste-free.

Freshman Justin Ryan reflected on the relationship of the senators.

"They seem to work well together," he said.

Title IX, a measure to protect women's right to participate in sports, was also addressed during the interview. President Bush's administration is considering making revisions to Title IX that would, in many people's minds, weaken the gender-equity law.

"When my wife was in high school she was a much better athlete than me but she could only participate in cheerleading," said Reid. "I believe very passionately in Title IX."

Following the interview with the senators, several students commented on the experience.

"It's important to hear what they have to say because they are representing us," said senior Jessica Smallman.

Anna Fast, a senior, agreed.

"This was a great opportunity to hear what my peers wanted to ask them."

Editor's Note: Sarah Hutchinson and Kelly Walker are members of the Senator News newspaper staff. Walker is assistant editor of the paper.

For Your Information:

CAT 10 Times of the tape of the Students Interviewing the Senators

Wednesday, March 12 at 8:00 p.m. on Channel 10

Thursday, March 13 at 9:00 A.M. on Channel 10

Saturday, March 15 at 11:00 A.M. on Channel 10