GCSU's ORIGINAL Free Pizza Seminar Series
Fall 2007

The Free Pizza Seminar Series is sponsored by the GC&SU Economics Club.
For each seminar a student will present a discussion topic. The format "informal discussion"
over pizza and drinks. There is no required reading, just open discussion and debate. All
students and faculty are invited to participate. Pizza and drinks (limited supply) will be
provided free on a first-come-first-served basis. 


Upcoming Seminars
None scheduled. If you would like to volunteer a topic to present, please email Ben Scafidi.

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Past Seminars


Wed., Nov. 8, 12.30-1.30, Atk. 105 (different room than usual)
Presenter: Robert Buckley
Topic: "Milledgeville's New Law Banning Students from Living Downtown"

This pizza seminar will discuss the newly proposed Milledgeville city ordinance in an economic context. What are the arguments for and against this proposed ordinance and are they economically significant? What could be the consequences for the local economy should this ordinance pass the Milledgeville City Council on Tuesday, November 14?  What alternate proposals could be developed to make both parties happy? 

Click here to see the Supreme Court decision cited in the ordinance.
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Wed., Sept. 27, 12.30-1.30, Atkinson 201
Presenter: Sam Rauschenberg
Topic: "Is the HOPE Scholarship program an efficient and equitable financial aid program?

Abstract:  Since its implementation in 1991, proponents of the HOPE scholarship claim that it has enabled thousands of students to attend Georgia universities and has kept many top high school students within the state for their college education. The scholarship also enjoys overwhelming popular support among Georgians and has become a model for many other state financial aid programs. On a more local level, roughly 97% of incoming Georgia students at GCSU in 2005 received the scholarship. However, opponents believe that it encourages students to slow down academic progress and graduate in more time, which drains the funding. In addition, they claim that it only subsidizes students who would have gone to college anyway while it is funded through the lottery, which is predominantly paid for by the poor population. Based on these mixed conclusions, is the HOPE Scholarship in Georgia’s best interests? If so, are there policy changes that could increase enrollment without slowing graduation rates?
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Mon., Feb. 20, 2006, 12.30-1.30, Atkinson 201
Presenter: Anthony Green (ECON student)
Topic: Marijuana regulation

Abstract:  The debate surrounding the legalization and regulation of marijuana has been around for decades and has still failed to gain an honest evaluation by the Federal Government.  The Government has been repetitive in their exaggerated rhetoric about the ills of marijuana while throwing billions of taxpayer’s money (that’s ours!) into an obviously faulty and un-winnable “War Against Drugs.”  Could the Government actually be making society worse off by continuing this expensive assault?
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Wed., Nov. 2, 2005, 12.30-1.30, Atkinson 201
Presenter:  Robert Buckley (POLS/ECON student)
Topic:  "The Flat Tax"

Abstract:  A review and critique of the Fair Tax Book by Congressman John Linder and radio talk show host Neal Boortz. What are the economic benefits and consequences of instituting a consumption tax (such as the fair tax) in America?
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Wed., Oct. 19, 2005, 12.30-1.30, Atkinson 201
Presenter:  Blake Shiver (ECON/CSCI student)
Topic:  "Should Google Own the Universe? Intellectual Property, Search Engines, and the Freedom of Information"

Abstract:  As Google, Yahoo, and other search engines strive to provide a user friendly gateway to as much information as possible, property rights can be easily neglected and overlooked. How can free markets and/or government regulation work to solve this conflict of freedom of information vs. intellectual property rights?
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Wed., Apr. 27, 2005, 12.30-1.30, Atkinson 201
Presenter:  Joe Samprone (ECON Faculty)
Topic:  "Can George Bush Get Social Security Reformed?"

Abstract:  Among other proposals, President Bush is proposing a partial privatization of the Social Security program. Opponents, like the AAUP, argue that reform would be catastrophic. Younger workers, however, see the current system as unlikely to provide for their retirement. Is the Bush proposal good for workers? Is it likely to get support from politicians? We'll discuss this, and maybe a few other policy issues.
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Wed., Apr. 13, 2005, 12.30-1.30, Atkinson 201
Presenter:  John Swinton (ECON Faculty)
Topic:  "Recycling is Garbage!"

Abstract:  This generation holds recycling as one of the great hopes for preserving resources and maintaining an attractive environment. Many states reward recycling with "deposit/refund" systems. Many states require that state agencies use a certain amount of recycled products. Some states even require state agencies to achieve certain recycling rates. We have, however, taken the benefits of recycling for granted without much critical examination of the incentives of state-mandated recycling programs. The readings challenge you to reconsider the virtues and vices of recycling and determine for yourself how far the government should push a recycling agenda.
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Wed., Mar. 30, 2005, 12.30-1.30, Atkinson 201
Presenter:  Anthony Green (ECON student)
Topic:  "The Terri Schiavo Case"

Abstract:  The much publicized case of Terri Schiavo’s right-to-live versus right-to-die has broken new ground in government intervention. For the first time, congress has passed a law to intervene in a personal domestic dispute. To add insult to injury, with the passing of their new law, congress is questioning the competence of many qualified judges who have already heard and decided this case. Highly charged emotions have taken the place of logic and reason. This is an easy case to get behind on either side, depending on your personal religious or moral views, but do we really want congress deciding on these types of personal family issues? Could it be possible that a private tragedy has been used to push a political agenda, or maybe congress feels that the federalists principles of states rights are not valid anymore. No matter which angle you choose to take, hypocrisy has been elevated to new heights in this case.     
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Wed., Mar. 9, 2005, 12.30-1.30, Atkinson 201
Presenter:  Andrew Townsend
Topic:  "Reforming American's Spy Machine"

Abstract:  President Bush recently nominated Ambassador John Negroponte as the first director of national intelligence (DNI). This move is an attempt to put all of the various intelligence agencies under one umbrella with one director who has total budgetary power. Is this move in the best interest of national security? And is intelligence worth every penny?
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Wed., Mar. 2, 2005, 12.30-1.30, Atkinson 201
Presenter:  Doug Walker (ECON Faculty)
Topic:  "What the F*#@ Happened to Free Speech and Academic Freedom at U.S. Universities?"

Abstract:   As reported in the news recently, three professors (two of whom are economists) have made controversial statements (regarding victims of 9/11, women, and homosexuals). The response has been an intense public debate, in which offended individuals have demanded that the professors resign or be fired. Aren't universities supposed to be places where differences in opinion are tolerated? Oddly enough, universities are often the most intolerant of environments.  
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Wed., Feb. 16, 2005, 12.30-1.30, Atkinson 201
Presenter:  J.J. Arias (ECON Faculty)
Topic:  "How Allowing the Death of Millions of African Children Helps Politicians, UN Officials, and Movie Stars to Sleep Well at Night"

Abstract:  The unrelenting pressure on developing countries to ban DDT to protect the environmental sensibilities of wealthy Americans and Europeans has led to a resurgence of malaria, which some estimate kills about 3 million people per year. Most of the victims are African children.
Is the current ban allocatively efficient? What are the equity implications? What role should individuals, national governments and international 
organizations such as the U.N. play in making these decisions?