THE JUNIOR STATEMENT Then, in 2003, North Korea began to shoot missiles into the Sea of Japan, angering many Japanese officials who believed themselves to be at risk. By 2006, North Korea had removed much of the disingenuous façade of their program by formally announcing that American military intervention in Korea would be met with nuclear bombing. To prove its capability, on October 9th of the same year, North Korea tested its first nuclear weapon. After three years of nuclear development the nation tested its first warhead underground on May 25th, 2009. In its most aggressive and militant announcement to date, North Korea vowed to strike against South Korea if the North’s cargo ships were delayed or searched by anyone. Over the course of 2009, the government ordered the testing of nineteen separate missiles of varying ranges. In December 2011, the Supreme Leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-il, died, leaving the reins to his son, Kim Jong-un. In a radical departure from the militancy of his father’s rule, Kim Jong-un agreed to halt North Korea’s nuclear program in exchange for American food aid in February of this year. After just under one month, the nation reinstated the program, with Kim Jong-un preparing a longrange missile for launch in the summer. The United States is in the midst of negotiations, and has recently condemned further nuclear development. At this apparent setback, North Korea has drawn its curtain of secrecy tighter, and the true nature of its nuclear program may never fully be known.
The Official Newsletter of the Junior State of America (JSA)
Puget Sound Region Mayor, PNW Lt. Governor, and PNW Governor. Some of the questions asked regarded what experience they have to be qualified for their position and others included how they would describe themselves in one word. The keynote debate at the end of the day regarded who would win on Election Day, November 6: President Barack Obama, or the best Republican nominee, determined by the debates from the day, Mitt Romney. After an intense debate, the delegates overwhelmingly believed President Barack Obama should keep his job by a vote of 23-2. After a successful day of debate it is clear that majority of these JSAers leaned towards Barack Obama and are excited and engaged for the upcoming election. The JSAers that were awarded best speaker awards during their debates are as follows: Iman Baghai (2), Issaquah High School; Vikram Kumor, Issaquah High School; Will Badart, International High School; and Brandon Lecoq, International High School.
International Hosts the PNW's Second Minicon By: Iman Baghai On March 17, 2012 International High School hosted the PNW's second Minicon. International's conference attracted students from various chapters to engage in debates revolving around the election. The event's theme was "Decision 2012". The debates primarily revolved around the republican nominees that ranged from “Resolved, that Romney will win the nomination on the account of his physical appearance” to “Resolved, that Paul will be nominated because of his unrivaled foreign policy experience.” The debates provided the delegates with good humor, discussion, and debate. International also hosted a candidates forum for JSAers who are running for the elected offices of Greater Puget Sound Region Vice Mayor, Greater
Upon reflection, International student, Will Badart, who did majority of the planning for the minicon believed that "the mincon was excellent. The turnout was great, people were really involved in their debates, and the candidate's forum was really productive." As the second mini-convention in the PNW wraps up, the future awaits how many more there will be.
Texas Spring State By Christy Luspo Members of the Texas Junior State came together in Houston, Texas to attend Spring State 2012: “The American Identity: From the Founder to the Future.” The three day convention was held from Friday, March 23 to Sunday, March 25. During this time, the members of the Texas Junior State expanded their knowledge of American politics and were given the opportunity to share their opinions as involved speakers. Held at the J.W. Marriott Hotel across from the Houston Galleria, Spring State 2012 proved to be a weekend full of engaging debates, thought talks, and entertainment. Jackie Parker from St. Agnes Academy shares, “Spring State this year was fantastic. I had the
JSA Be the People