The four finalists for the 2007 Great American Think-Off have been named, and will debate the question, "Which Should you Trust More-Your Head or Your Heart?".
This year's question brought in 535 essays from as far away as London, Guam and the Far East. Judges, reading the essays blind, chose four finalists to participate in the live debate in New York Mills on June 9, 7 p.m., at the school auditorium. The audience votes during the debate and decides who is to become "America's Greatest Thinker."
The two finalists for "Head" are Joe Kaiser, age 38, an Arts Administrator from Minneapolis; and Robert R. Anderson, age 44, a Paralegal from Shalimar, Florida.
Defending the "Heart" will be Paul D. Allick, age 38, an Episcopal Priest, from Burnsville; and Paul Ruterbusch, age53, an Engineer from Flushing, Michigan. All four will be honored in a parade June 8 plus receive $500, travel, food and lodging expenses and a bronze, silver or gold medal.
Celebrating its 15th year, the Great American Think-Off is a national philosophy competition providing an opportunity for ordinary people to voice their opinion on life's perplexing questions. Last year's question, "Which is More Valuable to Society: Safety or Freedom?" continued the debate on the Patriot Act and other constitutional issues. Previous year's questions included "Is the Pen Mightier than the Sword?" (2002), "Is Democracy Fair?" (2000), "Is the Death Penalty Ethical in a Civilized Society?" (1997) and "Is Honesty Always the Best Policy?" (1998) one of two years the debate was broadcast live on C-SPAN.
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For more information on the history of the event contact the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center at 385-3339 or email to nymills@kulcher.org .
