Sparring

Wanna debate?

E is in the Forensic Club at her high school (yes, I mentioned she would be going in the fall). Since I lettered as a freshmen and since none of the sponsoring teachers have ever coached, I offered my services. They have their first tournament next week.

They are only going to do Student Congress next week due to limited time, so today we discussed the Resolutions. Wanna have a go?

Resolution 1: Resolved: That the US Representatives and Senators be limited to twelve years of continuous service.

Resolution 2: Resolved: that the goal of US foreign trade policy should be worldwide free trade.

Resolution 3: Resolved: that the federal government should mandate comprehensive sex education in all public secondary schools.

Resolution 4: Resolved: that the federal government mandate that all states require job training and community service for any and all welfare recipients.

And the national debate topic:

Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially decrease its authority either to detain without charge or to search without probable cause.

We discussed terms and the importance of defining them. Then we extemporaneously talked about pros and cons. I had to frequently challenge them to not use "I think" statements. We sent them off with cheerful admonitions of: "Research!" "Three different supportive sources!"

I told them my two rules: 1)No private conversations while someone is speaking, and 2)Raise your hand to speak or be recognized. Everyone deserves the chance to be heard, and everyone enjoys being heard.

I look forward to watching them develop their rhetoric, logic and debate skills.