NEW YORK MILLS-After reading, judging, debating and announcing finalists, the Cultural Center in New York Mills announces 10 additional individuals, beyond the top four finalists, who wrote exemplary essays for the 2016 Great American Think-Off. The panel of judges selected five essay-writers from each side of the issue as Honorable Mentions.
This year's Think-Off topic is "Income Inequality Threatens Democracy" and essayists were asked to agree or disagree with this statement. The Honorable Mentions run the gamut of professions and backgrounds, from retirees and attorneys to stay-at-home-dads and corporate directors; suffice to say this group of thinkers is diverse.
Of those who argued income inequality does threaten democracy, the center honors Julie Davis and Milt Lee of Cass Lake; Bill Motz of Windsor, Calif.; Don Evans of Laporte; and David Bornus of Shoreview.
Of those who argued income inequality does not threaten democracy, the center honors David Lapakko of Richfield; David Eckel of Clayton, NC; Fred Morris of Minneapolis; Cody Atkins of Billings, Mont.; and Conan Mauro of Clovis, NM.
All Honorable Mention recipients have been invited to attend the Saturday event and will receive a "Great American Thinker" certificate, select Think-Off memorabilia, recognition in the Think-Off program and will have their essays published online on the Think-Off website after the final debate.
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Each year the Great American Think-Off proffers a philosophical, and perhaps controversial, idea to be discussed and debated. This year, the finalists converge Saturday in the New York Mills School Auditorium to debate and settle the issue of whether or not income inequality threatens democracy.
The audience will vote to determine America's Greatest Thinker for 2016. A reception will follow.
Tickets are available for the live debate for $12 in advance or $15 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased online at Brown Paper Tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2511636 or by calling the Center at 218-385-3339. Visit www.kulcher.org for more information.
