'Firing Line' returning to Ole Miss

UM hosting show for fourth time, last program ever

Ready, set, fire!

Firing Line, a internationally acclaimed debate hosted by William Buckley on PBS, will return to the Ole Miss campus Dec. 3 at 8 p.m. for the shows final program ever.

The show, which is scheduled to be in the Tad Smith Coliseum, has selected the topic of "The government should not impose a tax on electronic commerce" for debate.

"It's a high complement that William Buckley was willing to host his final debate here," said Chancellor Robert Khayat. "We are delighted to host the debate. The university is happy to take the lead and present this issue to the world."

Students will be selected in upcoming days to debate members of the panel about e-commerce during a student led forum at 1 p.m. on Dec. 3.

This will be the fourth appearance of Firing Line on the Ole Miss campus.

The professional panelists for discussing the topic of e-commerce have not been selected yet.

Gloria Kellum, vice-chancellor of university relations, said it was an honor for the university to be selected to host the last episode of Firing Line.

"Previous debates have been lively at the university," Kellum said. "The audience has a great appreciation for the debate. They are honoring the university by asking us to host this."

Kellum also highlighted the importance of the topic of debate in the 21st century.

"E-commerce is such a force to be reckoned with in the business world, and the taxation issues are currently being debated by states and the nation as well as internationally. It's of most importance for growth and development of the Web."

"I think it's good for college students to participate in debates," said Heather Westberry, a senior from Columbus.

Previous panelists have included Trent Lott, Henry Kissinger, James Barksdale and Jerry Brown, former California governor.

The last Firing Line program was taped on campus Oct. 15, 1997. The topic of debate for the previous show was "Resolved: Trade with China should not be interrupted."

Tickets will be sold to the public through the Central Ticket Office at a later date.