Академический Документы
Профессиональный Документы
Культура Документы
Publishedby
i n t e r na t idoenablte ed u c a t ai so sn o c i a t i o n
400
Copyright 2003 by
International
Debate Educatio
All rights reserved . No part be reproduced or transmitted any means, electronic or mech
tocopy, or any information st system, without permission fr
The topics and arguments include represent the work of an interna diverse points of view.
We woul for their contributions: James A Kumar Bekbolotov (Kyrgystan), Ma (UK),
Thomas Dixon (UK), William Endersby (UK), Alexis Hearndon ( Maryia Lahutsina
(Belarus), Rich Jacquleine Rose (UK), Jonathan S (US), Jason Stone (US), Richard Meng
Tan (Singapore), Hayden Tay Robert Weekes (UK), Marc Whitmor liam J. Driscoll (US).
Library
of Congress Catalogin
ISBN:
0 - 9702130 - 9 - 3
by Hernn Bonomo
Printed
in the USA
TableContentof
Introduction
Debate
topics:
in the101 Military
|3
Book
Tolerance213 Policing
Topical216index
|5
Debatabase
Book
INTRODUCTION
could
hardly
exist
withoutthe
linargumentationisticelements.
of Argumentation
is
usefulan
argumentinactivitiesincludeslikesignifnego
tion and conflict resolutiontheyarebecausenotcovered 5itThird,canbybethetheus help people find ways
toappliesresolveonlytheirto differencesthesimples some of these situations,mentdifferencescomposedcannotof
variebe internally and an outsideofevidenceadjudicatorrelatedmusttobetheca These are the
situationsmodelthatmay wenotcallapplydebatewell,. Ti according to this view,comings,debate thisdefinmodeld
hastheprop of arguing about claimsinginsomesituationsofthe keywherelementthe come must be decided
bytheyan adjudfuncticatorontogether.Thefocus.The this introduction is onfollowingthoseelementspages,
illustrateofargume tion that are most oftenment:used in debate.
- This is not to say that other forms of rhetoric do not on reason is most clearly in the foreground is argumentat 3-The Uses
of(Cambridge,Argument UK: Cambridge University Press, 19 4- Albert R. JonsenTheandAbuseStephenofCasuistry:Toulmin,
(Berkeley:AHistoryUniversitofMor Press, 1988).
5
ment
is
most
easily
explainedInaditionbya
toravelthe
simpleanalogyar.
evidence
is
the
argumenothersstartingargument
pointstructur.Thes
claiinc
the
arguers
destinationpendent.The
argumentswarrantis.
Althoughthemeansth
travel,
and
the
reservationexhaustinvolvesallpotentialquestionsargumenorc
cerns
the
arguer
may
haveoftheaboutmorearrivalcommon atonestheencoudest tion. Toulmins model can be used to diagram the str ture
of relatively simpleConvergentargumentsArguments.
of a simple argument:
Convergent argument
Simple Argument
Warrant
Evidence
Warrant
+
Claim
Evidence
Evidence
Claim
+
Evidence
Reservation
Reservation
Consider
as an illustration,
was born in Bermuda. Here is how the structure of th of placebos in drug testing r
argument
some
Simple Argument
Pers
ons
born
in
Bermuda generally are
British citizens.
Evidence
in Bermuda.
Warrant
Associations among
lying, placebos, an
inmoral acts.
Claim
Harry is a British
citizen.
Evidence
Lying generally is
an inmoral act.
Claim
Reservation
Placebo
be use
Unless HarrysEvidenceparents
were U.S. citUsingzensplacebos. in
re
medical research
involves lying to
drug.
Introduction|9
This particular argument begins with two pieces evidence. The first
pieceIndependentinvolvesArgumentsthevalue stat that lying generally is considered an immoral a
Warrant
This
piece of evidence is a statement that is con
with the audiences values regarding lying. The s
piece of evidence is the factual statement that
use of placebos in medical research involves a fo
lying. The second piece of evidence involves the
Evidence
Warrant
Claim
placebo (e.g., a su
Evidence
jects as they are led to believe that they are re drug that may save their lives. The warrant then bines the
evidence with a familiar pattern of re ingin this case, if an actTakeinforgeneralinstanceis immoralthefol any
particular instancecapitalofthatpunishment:actlikewise i If lying is immoral in general, then using placeb
particular is also immoralOn.moral grounds, capital
Warrant
If a murder is wrong
Capital punish-
such
human life.
Claim
Mistakes in
Capital punis
judgment
ment ought to
should be cor-abolished
An arguer using an independent argument structur
rectable
Evidence
leaves no possibility
for
theargument. In
words,
an incorrect vere-
action
humans perform when th
What are the differentpurposekindsofofcommunicatingclaims?7This with
1 How can different claimssentencbe pcositsmbineda definitiontosupport various propositions? Much of the
time arguers per
2 What are the differentpositingformsa ofdefinitionevidence?without
3 What are the differenttosupportkinds itof. argumentativeTheymaydoth
warrants? does not require them to make
1 What distinguishes favgoodr ofargumthentsdefinitionfrombad. The
ones?
create a frame of mind in the
lead the audience to demand a
the
- Perhaps a more accurate way of stating the question is X. This way of phrasing the question more clearly identifi more fully
later.
7
that
An
argument to supportthe adefinclaimtionf shortcudefinitionsth
becomes necessary when avoidingtheaudiencecontroverrefusesy. to ac the definition that was
Definitionspositedwithoutimply
avaluespportb
argument.
An
arguers
opponentvalueladenwill.
Forfrequentlyinstance,enc age the audience to demanddefinesupportthemedicalfora procedurdefinit When
antiabortion
advocaextesractiondefinedas
theirpartialposition-birt
pro-life,
some
in
thebirthproinfanticide,choicemovementthe objeval claiming that pro-choicewith infanticidesalsoproare-lifelikely.I like this
one,
the
entirecal
aprgumentocedurecans
turnwell.onInwht
or
not
the
arguer
is
ablesucceededtosuccesinsfullyhortcuttingsupport of definition. avoiding the value controve
erwise
be
expected.
Definitionsreasonsformaysupportavoid.controveBeca
in
two
ways:
by
implyingotdescriptionscontroversial,and allby impldesc
values. arguments. Many or even m
Definitions imply descargumentativeiptionsby includingbecausetheley
ments in the definitioninstthatnce,properlyifa personrequiresimplevi tiary support. For instance,hecolorsan
rosesarguerofflowearemightred;thatsclaivio affirmative action is unfairperson andwouldmightnot defineordinarilyaff
tive
action
as
racial
thesepreferdensceriptionquotas.
Whethe
mative
action
programs
requireOnekindracialofdescriptivepreference c is a matter of much controversytoricalfact.But.Allif statementthedefin
- With regard to the first example, some people claim t account the fact that a shooter must reacquire the subjec tive action argue
that hiring quotas are required only f the primary source of the claim regarding Jack Ruby was A was mistaken in his report.
cal
be
claims. To be
a historicalevaluatingclaimthat aobjectstatement.In mt
controversial
and
mustneed requiretodescribeeasonaffiormativeitss
port. The statement, Othat.J.itSimpsoniseitherwon goodthe orHeisbad-man Trophy, is not
controversialAscientificanddescriptithereforen canno an argumentative claim.anOnargumentheothero chand,be
theusedstast ment, O. J. Simpson killdevelopmentdNicole ofBrownanotherSimpsokind, o not only is
controversial,the primarybutalsodetrequrmiresnantanof argho present to reasons
supporcultinguralorisdeanyinterestingit. cl Another kind of descriptionperspectiveisa.
claimPeopleofcanscientifargue fact. Scientific facts geneticarestatementsexplanationthat orcommandthecu belief
of the scientificclaimcommunity:frequentlyThehasEarthbeen isuset third planet from the sunmorality.A
claimof10homosexualitySoofinscientificthecase. offa a controversial
scientificminantsstatementofhomosexuality,believedby theas tist or a group of
scientisimports,antbutfornotitsyetownacceptedsakean entire scientific community:potentialColdclaimsfusionas
canwellbe. pr duced in the laboratory.DescriptiveLikeoher hisfactoricalualstatemecla all scientific
statementsbecauseare nottheyclaimsmake statementsofscientif either because they areeventnot
controversialoccurredasassertedorbecausean do not require reasons asto evidencbegivenininmakingtheir
fsurtherpport say, The Earth is the thirdLee planHarvety fromOswaldthekilledsun, not a claim because it
isnedynot. controversial and bec a person making that statementO.J. wouldSimpsonnotmurderedbexpecteNic
to give reasons to supportand itRonald.But Goldmanthestatement,. fusion can be produced in U.a
SMl.addoxboratory,shipsandTurnerwereJoyis attackedcont versial statement, and theby
thescientificNorthVietnamesecommunity inwoult challenge anyone making that statement to support i with
reason and evidenceEach. of these are interestin
Descriptive claims frequentimmoral.y are used as evidence relational and evaluative arguments. A claim descri
ing the nature of an objectRelaionshipfrequenStlyatementsisneeded be arguing that one objectDescriptiveisrelated
claimstoanotharer aboutobje People might need to argue,whatisfortheinstance,essence ofthatX orhiriY quotas are
essential
featuresdependon,of
butaffirmativegobeyond,actionthe
descriptive
claim)
beforeth
relationshiptheycanarguebetweenthat affirXan tive action leads to differentialshipassert treatmconnentciofn pberstw
hiring
pools
(relationalevents,claim)or.
phenomenaSimilarly,.
peopleLiked
need
to
describe
an
objectofrelationshiporphenomenonca priorbeimportto
10
- Some argue, for instance, that because the tendency for be considered moral or immoral.
Introduction|13
the
similarity.
11
- One can make a case for a causal relationship between murder caused blood to get on the glove. The causal rela
although one could say that the act of murdering Preside This last claim is a weak one since the palm print could
rence
of
those
effects.willFinally,producesomeconditiongoodeffectpr
tates
that
effect.
Forcommercialsexample,considerclaimthatthesetheirthre
sible
claims
about
the
causesoneof
toheartloseattacks:weight. Th
1 Genetics are the causecausalof conditionheartattacanks.then be
2 A high cholesterolvincediet buyerscancauseto tryheartheirattackdie.
3 Vigorous exercise causesclaimheartisthaattacksregardless. of
ing the proposed diet will le We know that some
peopleStatementsaregeticallyareaboutcausalmotivereclaimspre-disposed to heart attacksthe
thaneffectsothersof.humanIf agentperson.
already is predisposedthosetoheartalreadyattacksdiscussed,regularlyare sumes a diet high in
cholesterol,logicalphenomenathatdiet.Thecontriburelati the likelihood of heartdieattack,exercise,.Supposeanda
heartpersondis a heart attack while onshipsamorning.Variousjog.elemenWhats wasin tha cause? Genetics? Diet?
otherExercise?elementsTheinanswerthatsameis thasy three factors may havemotivesbeencontributoryareakind
ofcausescausal. N single cause may have choiceaused istheinvolvedheartattack,increatinbut
three
conditions in combinationdosenatorsmayandhaverpresulentedativin
heart
attack.
paign finance reform? Why do c
Necessary and frequentlysufficientprodcausesuceealwithdangerous
products? T
singular causes rather questionsthancontributoryinvolve
causalcauses.claiMo
is essential to happinessdifferentisanorderexamplethanofthoseaclaid necessary causation. To
Insayantheatrliermoneyexample,isnecessagenet cause of happiness is not choosetosaythatto causethe
prheartsenced money automatically leadstems tochoicehappinessfrequently.Theclaiman i does, however, imply
thatminingwithoutwhat actionsmoneyhappinessleadto w is impossible. If one claimwantedthatto
makerepresentativesclaimofsu ficient causation usingmotheivatesamethexample,tostallone campamight claim that
money is thethatkeytheto profhappinesstmotive.Dependininduce on how one interpreted
tothatproduceclaim,dangerousitmight productsmeanh money brings happiness quregardlessstionsthatof otherdeal
withconditiomoti In that case, one wouldarguinghavemadebouta claimtheeffectsabout aofs ficient cause. Like other
causal claims, c
Necessary
and
sufficientusefulcausesasevidenceareusefulin
thewhenco
arguing
about
relationshipsclaims.betweenAclaimandbasedamongon
varise-ous
phenomena.
They
arecampaignalsousefulfinanceas reformevidencemight,fro which to construct otheras evikindencesof
toclaims,constructparticulafu claims that evaluate a wisdomcourse ofof reaction-electing.Whenthatan argse
proposes a strategy toticulareliminatecorporationsanundesirabledesireff evidence derived from ationclaimof
aboutunsafea productsnecessarymightcon tion of that effect is denceusefulto. Havingsupportmadeclaimclaimaski a
necessary cause, one corporationcanforward. a proposal to el nate that necessary causeTheandclaimsthus
ofeliminaterelationshipeft For instance, if peopleso believefarhavethatinvolvedovereatingrelations essary condition
of
obesity,relationshipstheycouldofcontingency,usethisca
claim
as
evidence
to
convinceoraffectsothersanotherthat.theyThesneec quit overeating. Thus, generallymaking beenclaimdividedabout
aintonecest sary cause is a good waycauseto.supportHowever,a pclanimsforofelimcon ing an effect. kind of claims
of relationshi
tion of society.
first requires relational evi
1 Capital punishment notis.racistInthe. first instance, t
inherent feature of capital p To complicate matterstheevenargummore,ntevaluativeevaluates claimsaneff of
action inherently areWhencomparativearguinganclaimsinherent.Tofeatr in favor of a
particulartionalactionevidenceispossibleisunnecessaronlyin parison to other actionsis.ofFortheinstancfeature,
ratherpreviothan claims imply that capitalBut manypunishtimes,nt isby thelessnaturemoral more brutal, and
more isracistforcedthanto evaluatethealternativesaneffe Because action claims
instances,usuallyrequirethearguermultiple,isrequcom parative claims as evidencebymeansto
ofsupportrelaionalthem,evidenactio
Introduction|17
In
summary,
four
categoriesments:
claimsofevideandceevidenceandclai.
include
definitions,
descriptions,thesetwoelementsrlationalisthasta
(of
contingency
and
ofprovidessimilarity),nformationndevaluatithatc Sometimes claims are thednceendandproductsclaims ofto
argumentsuppor at other times they areevidenceusedasareevidencethefoundationforthe struction of further
claimsproposition.This. intWarrantsoductionand hr sented a category systemlikelyand begunto
toindividualexplain howcre ious types of claims arenotrelatedreceivetotheonesameanotherdetailwh is used as
evidence
for
Whenanotherusing.
Tthis
introductivolume,de
done
little
or
nothing
bertowardthatexplainingitisonlyhowa onestar structs arguments for thesemuch lessvariousexcellenttypes
ofdebaterclaim methods and processes ofthisconstructingvolume.Theythesewillclaimnee the topics of later
chaptersndperhaps. collective res
claims
and evidence.
Then, of course, comes the ing where debaters will be
This
essay
has
providevidencesometheprovidedreticalinbackgrouthisv
relevant
to
argumentationresearchindebatingwith.warrantsSpecificallnd provided a discussion ofclaimsthe Toulminandto
modelcombineof thosargu and a more detailed desupportingcriptionofortworefutingofToulminprop
Robert Trapp
Professor
of Rhetoric
Willamette
University
Salem, Oregon, U.S.A.
January
2003
DEBATE TOPIC
TheRoutledge,Struggle
2001for.Afgha
Marsden,ThePeterTaliban:.
War
dc
PROS CONS
Often, only neighboringIs countriestheinvolvementareableoftoAfresic to crises in a timely selfmannerinterest?.Acase inForpointexamplewa South African interventionthein wanr uprisingtheDemocratiinLeso It
stabilized
the
country(DRC)andwas,restoredatleastthe
inrightfpart
thus
preventing
a
potentialtothecivildiamondwar.mines and ot
zones. Some neighboring cou interest in fueling wars th
Regional
intervention
Theis
ofteneffectmoreof
regionaleffectiveblocin
ducing
change.
While
internatiohasbeennial. grForupsexample,suchasZ UN may be successful inMugabekeepinghas
theconsistpeace,ntlytheirgn losophy leaves once theirneighborsoldingerscountrigohomes.. ByTheha regional
groups
intervene,Many
corruptthechangesbut
politicalltheyimpo
remain
after
the
soldierstheirdepartneighbors.Regionaltocondonepoliti ensure political progressZimbabwe,. cronyism, especia
PROS CONS
account
special
circumstancuniquesunderstandingfrequentlymeansresulth
in
the
breakdown
of
negotiationstrieshave alignedormediationthemselves.Afri can leaders are also morewar, likelyescalatingotrustit,
ratherandcoopeth with regional organizations, such as SADEC, than wit international organizations.
African countries must Webe needseen to be sureccessfullythatthepu ing democratic and economicWhile
developmemanycountries.ManymayAfribe-can leaders still carryonly,colonialitis resentmentsgenerallythethatrolm
foreign intervention diffmuniculttyordetermineimpossiblewhet.Thersev ers will be willing tooflistenanotherto
Africancountry approachesisjustif problem, while automaticallydecisiondistrustingcouldbest foreignbemade onb
however well intentionedthe. despots would be a mist
Sample Motions:
This House would keep its own peace.
This
This
Web Links:
When All Else Fails, Mugabe Gets Rough. <http://www.lowel Short essay on Robert Mugabes oppressive rule in Zimbabwe.
Further Reading:
Du
Plessis, LManaging.,andM.AfricanHough. Conflict: HSRCThe ChallengePublishers,of 2000Mil
Smock, DavidMakingR.,Wared.and Waging Peace:UnitedForeignStatesIntervenInstituteion oi West, HarryConflictG., edand. Its
ResolutionUniversityinContemporaryPressofAmerica,Africa.1
dc
|27
PROS
CONS
The use
of
non-AfricanFluencyanguagesin Englishsuchas confersFrench a
English
in
African schoolsEnglish isa throwbthelanguageckto coloof
ism. They were adopted ofmoreworldby thebusiness,order ofandtheof ruo of the day than for anyas
practicalthoseon theadvantageInternetthey.P give. lish are handicapped.
If the issue is one ofDevelopingunderstanding,African thencountrieit weak argument. Many countriestiona
(ehighly.., JapanindustrializandGe many) have proved thatandtheyGermanyc.be Developingpowerful bothcou
academically and economicallyresourcesbytoteaching a pupilssecon their mother tongue whilehigh
providingproficiencyearlythat andis pco prehensive instruction TranslatinEnglishon ias notasecondonly tedlan
Instruction in the languagesibilityof oftheimportantcuntry scienerve maintain cultural
identity;expertstrainslationthecountryisan. Traneas for turning English textsable
intooptiontheinrequirconversationdlang This may not even be necessaryspeeches. if schools encour
proficiency in English as a second language.
Making
an
indigenous
languageManyAfricanfirstcountrieslanguagedodon
Englishindigenousasecondlanguagesnguage.Sout.Th
standard
10forofficialeachlanguagesmusthatrema
not
of
exclude
making
education
PROS
high,
more
CONS
but we are
proficient in
their society; this isbefarthemorenorm,beneficialitwould tohavethemto having it relegated tothsecondmostlanguagepracticalstatususefor.Englyo by contrast, is spokenguagemuch otherless frequentlythanEnglishin
Afriwou countries, and making theit asamesecondproblemlanguageofglobalrecognisz this.
Sample Motions:
This House would place its own culture first. This House would put itself first.
This House believes in a language barrier. This House would put English last.
dc
PROS CONS
Without a doubt many ofJustthelikeworldsany pharmaceuticalbusiness,the p companies are making largeneed
profitstorecoupby sellingsignificantdrugsf poor nations that haveresearchgreat andportiondevelopmentoftheir.
Thepop lation infected with HIV/AIDSdrugsis. highlyThisistechnical,anmmoralan exploitation of those
initialAIDSsufferersinancialwhoinvestmentcanleasti
afford
to
pay
for
treatmenttohaveandany
whoreasonhavetothecontinuleast power internationally toopmentnegotiate. cheaper prices.
The countries with theDrugbiggestcompaniesAIDS problemsareasmuchare sua captive market and are
theforcedfreetomarketpaywhateverasany
otherdr
companies
demand
for
theirgallyproductsproducing.Poorgenericnationsdrugsar
thus
justified
in
usingcouragethethreatdrug
ofcompaniesroducingfromgenc drugs to force drug companieseffectiveto medicineslowerpricbecause. t
shown
Generic drugs would beBecausefarcheapermost ofto theprodruguce compand would avoid the
shippingFirstcostsWorldfromnations,factoriestheyin havEur or America. Generic drugsproducehave
effectivenoresarchmedicinesanddevea opment costs to recoup,thatso notheycornerscould arebe soldcut inforth
|29
PROS CONS
Millions
of
people
willIs
continueitright
tothatsufferthosewhinfele
companies
refuse
to
makeWorldAIDSgetmedicationhugediscountsavailablwh to poorer nations at apaypricefulltheyprice?an
Developedafford.Ar trying to use the millionspay mofre HIVif sufferersthedrug compaasho in their battle to get
theirpricescharityheysaleswant? to po
countries themselves using developing nations could re
savings by buying and using stop mother-to-child transm
Sample Motions:
This House would insist on cheaper drugs.
This House believes that capitalism lets the sick suffer. This House wants the First World to help.
This House needs help with AIDS. This House would fight AIDS.
Web Links:
HEALTH: Cheaper AIDS Drugs a Myth, Says Medical Aid Age International Press Service article on the controversy s
HIV/AIDS drugs to poor countries.
Further Reading:
Hope, KempeAIDS andR. Development in Africa:Haworth,A 1999Social. Science Per
Intensifying
dc
ALCOHOL, BANNING OF
In almost all countries, adults can buy and consum and places alcohol can be sold). This is a marked Ecstasy
(methamphetamine), and heroin. Alcohol abu responsible for almost 17,000 deaths and hundreds US $19.7
billion, while alcohol abuse resulted in failure of Prohibition in the United States during
PROS CONS
Alcohol is just as potentiallyTheperfectaddictsocietyve asmightmanyproil drugs. Those who
becomesaleaddictedofalcoholoften. However,losetheirin marriages, jobs, families,unlikeandotherevendrugs,their
islivesan.intA proportion of homelessculturpeople. wereTobanmadeit sois becausecomplet of alcoholism. Any
drugwouldthis makeddictriveminalsnd destructofbilli should be illegal. the biggest black market the
In
many
countries
alcoholHumanisbeingsacontareibutorynaturallyfactoin
in
6070%
of
violent
crimes,conflictincludi.Sexandg violencechildabuseare domestic violence, sexumalkeassault,-up,and andwe
domurdernot.needIn aa tion, alcohol is far andto awaythe surfactheleading.At worst,cause ofalcp disorder, street
fights,theseetc.tendenciesInshort,butalcotholat
ismak
the
prime
causes
of
violthenceunderlyingandcrimecause,inmodernofviolsoc
ety,
and
its
banning
woulding
causesimmediatelyarebiologicalreducetheandin dence of these crimes. murder illegal does not eradi
Although
organizationsThelikeprogressMothers
madeAgainstagainstDrunkdr
Driving
have
successfullydecadesreducedhas thebenumbervery ofencouradrun driving deaths in the Unittinued
toStates,campaigndeathsagainstand serit injuries caused by drunkto hopedriversthatstillcampaignsruntototherest
sands each year. This ings unacceptablewilleventually.Alcoholeradicateshou simply be banned. deaths, while tragic,
are not
take away the civil liberties abiding citizens by depriving drinking
alcohol.
|31
PROS CONS
Currently thousands ofThepeopalcoholeare industryemployed isby anth alcohol industry. However,Thus, thenot
factonly thatwouldanbanninimmo industry employs a lotplesofpeoplecivil islibnertiesvera tgooda ment to keep
that immoralalsoindusputthousandsrygoing. ofInsteadpeopl government should fund programs to retrain worker
Sample Motions:
This House would ban alcohol. This House would hit the bottle.
This
Web Links:
Alcoholics Anonymous. < http://www.alcoholics-anonymous Offers information on the organizations program and serv
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). < http://www.madd Good source for statistics, laws, and initiatives on drun
The National Clearing House for Alcohol and Drug Inform Excellent source for links to a large number of articles drinking.
Further Reading:
Plant, Martin, andTheDouglasAlcohol.FreeCamReportn,Assn. edsBooks,. 2000.
dc
PROS CONS
American
culture
is
materialisticDemocracyhasandfunctioneindividualisinA
Americans
are
concernedwheprimarilyeelse inwithetheirworldown.Ameriper sonal wealth and well-being,theimportanceandgive
ofinsuffindivcidualentr to the good of society protectingasawhole.individual rights
American
culture
is
ignorantTheUniteand
Statesarrogantis.
oneAmericanofth
have
little
understandingtolerantofothersocietiesparts. ofThethenatiowor but reflexively assume whotatcameAricanfrom
differentcultureiscountspe to everything else. Americansntreligions;areintentthroughoutuponimposiits their culture on
the worldcomed. immigrants from all ove
identity
Sample Motions:
This House supports the restriction of foreign programs on This House would forbid further construction of golden arch
|33
Web Links:
Canadian Nationalism and Anti-Americanism. <http://www. A Web site that examines the possibility of the political identity
and American cultural influence.
Why Anti-Americanism? <http://www.empower.org/patriotis An essay by conservative writer Norman Podhoretz that off
Further Reading:
Barber, JihadBenjaminvs.. McWorld: How Globalism.Ballantine,andTribalism1996.Are
Hardt, Michael,EmpireandHarvardAntonio.UniveNegrsity. Press, 2001.
Huntington,TheSamuelClash Pof. CivilizationsTouchstone,andtheRemaking1998. of
dc
ANARCHISM
Anarchism is a political philosophy that support even a democracy, ultimately serves the interest and early
twentieth centuries but waned after t World Trade Organization meeting in Seattle in 2
PROS CONS
Anarchism is essentiallyAnarchismfightisformarkedhumanbyfrexaced Modern nations, even
thoseunralisticthatclargumentimtobe. Fardemof racies, stifle their
citizenschyallowswiththemoppressivetobedominand machinery imposed by
thethatelites,agovernmentthegoverninghaselimicl It is better to live
withoutandthesuchpoliconteprolsevent.Thisthe mean anarchists stand
forstongcompletetooppresschaos;thetheyweaksup. cooperation and
barterernmentbetweenallowsindividualsindustriesasprot able. Only without controlsandagriculturecanhumans
totrulyharvestlive urally and freely. All advances in art and sci
sible by governments that p resources together. Anarchi
dreamy approach to the seri ernance.
Anarchists
believe
in
Anarchismclasslesswouldsocietynot.
makModerne
racies
are
divided
intoclasslesssocialsocietyseshatisconotti
with
each
other.
Nationswomenhavebecreatedomedominantbarriersoverbe
people
that
cause
hatreduralandintelligence,misery.Anarchyskill,remoc these barriers by removingother theadvantageapparatus.
that ma economic subjection of others possible.
PROS CONS
Anarchism has nothing Asto cando withclearlyviolentbeseengroupsfromandr individuals that hijackis anlargelychista
eventsfront for organitheir reasons. The vast majorityindividualsofanarchistsandgroups,are peaceaando protesters
who
would
nevercallsuseforviolencepacifism.
belieAnarchismtheir
a
viable
and
fair
way
mentsoflifesmackthatofallowsdangeroushumansutop and interact naturally.to subvert all the advances m
Sample Motions:
This House believes that anarchy rules.
This
Web Links:
The Anarchist FAQ Webpage. < http://www.geocities.com/Cap Presents an overview of anarchism in a Q & A format.
Movement for Anarchy. <http://www.anarchy-movement.com/> Contains information on political theories and topics as we
Further Reading:
Goldman,AnarchismEmma. andDover,Other1970Essays..
KropotkiAnarchism,Peter. and Anarchist .Communism:LeftBank ItsBooks,Basics1987and. Pr
Meltzer,Anarchism:Albert. Arguments.K. PrFor. Distribution,andAgainst. 1966.
dc
ANIMAL RIGHTS
In the nineteenth century reformers began urging t Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals farm
animals as well. In the 1970s Australian phil While most people agree that humans have an obliga rights
remains contentious.
PROS CONS
|35
PROS CONS
That
a
small
number
ofAnimalextremistsrightsandactivistscriminalsareh
attached
themselves
toterroriststheanimalwhorightsdont
movemencarea
does
not
invalidate
thetionscauselike.WhytheshouldntAnimalLiberani
rights
supporters
and
activiststicsand
detaketh
threats;medicine?PeoTh morally obligated to takeof Animalscareof isthemselvesalsoan inextr way they can
until morextremistshumaneresearchtill availmethodsthema developed and implementedhowever,. which could
not ha
experiments and tests on an reasonable concern, but tal sign
of extremism and irrat
Sample Motions:
This House believes that animals have rights too. This House would respect animals rights.
This
Web Links:
Animal Rights FAQ. http://www.animal-rights.com/arpage. Includes about 100 FAQs, biographies of animal rights act
animal rights groups.
EthicsUpdates.Edu: The Moral Status of Animals. <http:/ Includes essays on the moral status of animals as well as rights.
36|The Debatabase Book
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. <http://www. Home page for radical animal rights organization includes n
Further Reading:
Singer,AnimalPeter.Liberation.Avon,1991.
Wise, Steven M.Rattling,andJanetheGoodallCage:.TowardPerseus,Legal2000Rights. for An
dc
PROS CONS
The financial struggle Thetatcreativeartists processexperienceneedsis tion to weed the good artistsmakefromends
themet,badwhen.Onlywillthosethe who are truly dedicatedcreativewillmakeenergythe sacrifictocompletesneet to
succeed. Others willeralenterfundingotherforccupgrants,tionsfewwhe their creativity and talentstinuetheircan
workberewardedandmaintain.Arti could also find paid employmentliving.Artiststhatwillwillenablebeforcethe to
continue working onabandontheir art. If an artists w is worthy of financial support, that artist will fi patron from the
private sector who will support him her.
Subsidies
could
functionArtsasina
Americawayto
arerewardunifyinartist
who
are
creating
what
differentthegovernmentbackgroundsprefers.canIn
comth
way,
subsidies
could
leadan
tosharegovexperienrnmentcensorshipandtal art to silence criticsis. Communistcentraltodictatorshipswhoweare asub
|37
PROS CONS
dized
patriotic
art
buteingssquelched.Supportingindependentartistsa
Having
artists
rely
onvaluesthegovernmentandtransmittingfortheirour
bread
risks
their
artisticgenerationsintegrity;.In
additihowcouldn, f social critics and advocatepatrioticfor becausechnge inart thebuildsy when it is the system
thatditionis.puttingThegrantfoodproncess,the
The
strings
attached
toensuresbsidiesthe
indmakependencethempotenof weapons against democracydanger. of censorship.
Sample Motions:
This House would tell Congress to stop funding the NEAs This House believes that subsidizing artists is detriment This House
would increase subsidies for artists.
This
Web Links:
Libertarian Party Position on Subsidies. <http://www.lp Libertarian Party argues against government funding of th
National Endowment for the Arts. <http://arts.endow.gov Site maintained by the agency in charge of distributing f works and
about the benefits of art in America.
Further Reading:
Bolton, RichaCulturd,e Wars:ed. Documents fromNewthePress,Recent1992Controver. Netzer,
Dick,TheandSubsidizDickMiedtzerMuse:. Public Ashgate,Support for1993the. Zeigler, JosephArts Wesley,inCrisis:et alThe.
National.A EndowmentCappella Boforks,the
dc
38|The Debatabase Book
ASSASSINATION OF A DICTATOR
Often considered in the context of Adolph Hitler a as Saddam Hussein in Iraq and Slobodan Milosovic
genocide.
PROS CONS
own
war
people.
divert
thus
that
PROS CONS
Sample Motions:
This House
This House
This
House
This
House
would
would
believes
believes
assassinate a dictator.
assassinate. . . (supply name of curre
murder isnt always wrong.
violence is sometimes the answ
that
that
Further Reading:
Boesche,TheRoriesbert.of Tyranny:PennsylvaniFromPlatoStateto ArendtUniversity. Pre
Brooker,Non-PaulDemocratic. Regimes: StTheory,.MartinsGovernmentPress, &2000Politi.
Lee,
StephenEuropean. DictatRorships,utledge,191820001945..
dc
ASSISTED SUICIDE
Assisted suicide is currently being discussed a that he or she wishes to end his or her life, i suicide was
illegal in all US states, but in th Jack Kevorkian, have campaigned for a change in and should be able to
die with dignity. In 1997 conservative attorney general John Ashcroft orde terminally ill die. In April 2002 a
district ju first country to legalize euthanasia and physici
PROS CONS
therefore immoral.
Those in the late stages of a terminal disease hav rific future: the gradualIt isdeclinealwaysofwrongthe
body,togivethe of organs, and the needcareforisartificialimmensely lifeflxiblesuppo some cases, the
illnesspreservewillslowlyqualitydestroyoflifetheiras the essence of themselvespatients.Evenneedwhenneverthis
beis innotp case, the huge amounts Societysfmedicationrole requiredistohelpto t trol pain will often leavethey
canthem. Counseling,adeliriouswhicha pable state. Faced withtermsthis,with theirissurelycondition,moreh that
these individuals be allowed to choose the m
PROS CONS
of
Suicide is a lonely, desperate act, carried out in and often is a cry forDemandinghelp.Thethatimpactfamilyon
themmbersfami can be catastrophic. Bya dlecisgalionzingcanassistedbean unbearasuicide process can be
broughtresentoutintoalovedthe onpesn. decisionInome cases, families might
emotionallyhavebeenunawarescarredofortheestrantru feelings of their lovedbeingone.inBeingany
wayforcedinvolvedtoconfrwit the issue of a family cidemembersalso illnessntroducesmay a donewgread good,
perhaps even allowingillmaythebefamilypressuredtopersuadeintondt patient not to end hiswholifeare.
Inototherpreparedcases,to itsuppormak family part of the processness.. EvenThey thecan
mostunderstandwellreguth reasons behind a patienotswaydecisiontoensurewithouttha thisfeelingdi guilt and
recrimination, and the terminally ill pat can speak openly to them about her feelings before death.
At the moment, doctors are often put into an imposs ble position. A good doctAoctorswill rfolerm
mustcloseremainbonds clw
patients
and will
wantoftomedicalgivethemethicsthe isbestto qualidono
of life
possible.
However,not bewheninvolvedapatientin deliberatehaslost
losing his ability to Withoutlivewiththisdignityprinciple,andexpresthem strong desire to die, ldosectorsa
greatarelegdeallyofunabletrust;toa To say that modern mediacceptableinecantotallypartoferadicatedoctorspa is a
tragic oversimplificationthedangerof ofsufferinginvoluntary.Whileeutp cal pain may be
alleviated,Legalizingtheemotassistedonal painsuicideof aa and lingering death, ofburdthen lonssdoctorsfthe.
abilityThedailyto meaningful life, can beservehorrificlife.canAdoctorsbedifficultduty ei address his or her
patientsalsocarrysuffering,theimmensebeit moralphysi emotional. As a
result,ingdoctwhorscanareandalreadycannothelpingdie,a patients to diealthoughbility isof
notactuallylegal,killingassistedpa cide does happen. It wouldiswhybethefarvastbettermajoritytorecogniofme this and
bring the processthelegalizatiintotheopen,of assistedwhereit be regulated. True abusespatientof
thegoesdoctoragainst-patientallheyre tionship and incidents of involuntary euthanasia wou then be far easier to limit.
|41
Sample Motions:
This House would legalize assisted suicide. This House would die with dignity.
Web Links:
Doctor-Assisted Suicide: A Guide to Websites and the Li Links to general information and sites, pro and con, on p
Euthanasia.Com. <http://www.euthanasia.com/>
Provides
FinalExit.Org. <http://www.finalexit.org/>
General site containing information on legislation, euth assisted suicide.
The Hemlock Society. <http://www.hemlock.org/> Right-to-die group provides information on organization s
Further Reading:
Dworkin,
Gerald, REuthanasia.G.Fry, and SisselaPhysicianCambridgeBok-Assist.UniversitydSuiciP
Humphrey,FinalDerekExit:. The Practicalities ofDTP,Self1997-Deliveranc.
Shavelson,AChosenLony.Death: The Dyi.UniversitygConfrontof AssistedCaliforniaSuiciPr
dc
PROS CONS
The species Homo sapiensTheisideaunprecedentedthatextinctionsanduniqw among all life on Earthter.
Humanis sentienceexaggerationand. intFos ligence far surpass
thoseextinctionsofotherhavcreaturesoccurred.Them have allowed human beingshistorypopulateoflife theon
Earth, oc struct civilizations andthe builddie-outindustry,ofthe dinosaaffur environment in a way
thatdiversity,nootherit specieshasreboundedcan.T great power comes withlastinggreat
responsibharm.Extilincty,ionsand should avoid abusing ourevolutionaryplanet,lestprocesswecause. ir rable
damagedamage like the extinction of speci and the consequent reduction in biodiversity cau by
deforestation, over-fishing, hunting, and the trade in animal products and exotic animals them selves.
PROS CONS
As
occupants
of
this
planet,Evenif
wethismustrespecthave
respectwasjustf
other
life
forms,
especiallyatsignificantsincelifecoston.EarthBiodivema the only life in the universespendtaxpayers.Wecan
shmowneythisthatresc by making every efforthealthtopreventcare andthe socialextinctionservico existing species,
therebyfor preserviustoconcentrategbiodiversityonothe.
has not yet sorted out its ow
Maintaining biodiversityEnvironmentalisglobalprotectionproblem and demands a global
solutiondiversity.Thedevelopedarevery worldmuch asholuxl apply pressure on the
developing(FirstWorld)world.Manyto adoptofthesemor environmentally friendlyfinancpoliciesalmeans. of developing
ing them would stunt economi franchise their citizens. It nations to
criticize the lack tion in the developing world, World got to its
current posi Revolution that paid no heed and other such
concerns.
Sample Motions:
This
This
Web Links:
The Born Free Foundation. <http://www.bornfree.org.uk/> Site dedicated to the conservation of rare species in their
EELink.Net: Endangered Species. <http://eelink.net/EndSpp Offers information on endangered and extinct species, laws
supporting biodiversity.
The Natural History Museum, London: Biodiversity and Worl Contains map of global biodiversity as well as information
San Diego Zoo: Endangered Species Report. <http://www.san Offers information on what scientists are doing to understa
|43
Lecture
The Virtual Library of Ecology & Biodiversity. <http:// Provides links to hundreds of sites on ecology and biodiv
World Conservation Monitoring Centre: Biodiversity. <ht Presents information on the status, trends, and distribut of
biodiversity.
World Conservation Monitoring Centre: CITES. <http://ww A clearinghouse for data and resources on biodiversity.
Further Reading:
Dobson, CoAndrewservation. Hand.W BiodiversityFreeman,1998..
Eldredge,LifeNilesinthe. Balance: Humanity.Princetoand UniversitytheBiodivePrsityess,
Jeffries,BiodiversityMike. Routledge,andConservation1997..
dc
CALENDAR REFORM
This is an interesting proposition, if one that all failed in the face of tradition, convenienc
TheWorld Calendarisbased on a 52-week, 364-day year, the week and is called Year-End Day.
In leap and October all have 31 days; the other months
PROS CONS
The Gregorian calendarUnderhas 12allmonthsftheofproposdiffedrenc lengths (with no month wouldbeing
havone-twelfthobechangedofthe any uneven half- and quartervanc-years,disturbedandno. standardTheY2K
day of the year or of problemanymonthat. Tthise endmakesof finan1999 planning in particular
readjustingdifficult, andthe pubcalendaricholidca irregular. Some
companiesadministrativeusetheInternatandfionalnanciaF Calendar to pay their
ducingemployees;anewotherscalendaworkisonso basis of 13 months andideagiveunthinkablethelastmonths.
pay Christmas bonus.
The
Gregorian
calendar
Anyis
fixedchoiceonofthea
starting
dap
1
C.E.,
which
has
significancetrary,andonlyalthfoughrChristiantheGre
the
supposed
year
of
Chriginstsin
birthChristian.Astandardhistory,ca for all religions and cnountriesw.Astandardmakes muchcalendamore fos
fixed on a starting pointutterlyinhistoryinappropriate:withsignificDiff all people. holidays, and their calenda
their
traditions.
PROS CONS
The
calendar
has
been
successfullyCalendarreformreformedhasalsoin
thefailp
the
Gregorian
calendarFrenchwasdevisedrevolutionariesonlyin1582introd(by
Pope
Gregory
XIII).
There1793wouldand
abandonedbecost itin inreform180 ing again, but this wouldUnionbe fiveoffset-day inweeksthe (withoutlongter
savings resulting from weresimplificationtemporarily. implemented.
Sample Motions:
This House would reform the calendar.
This
Web Links:
Calendars. <http://astro.nmsu.edu/~lhuber/leaphist.html> Offers information on the history and principles behind var
Provides
Further Reading:
Travis, TimothyTheFifth.4000,Milenium,. AsterSixRevolooshunairyEspritPress, 1994Ideas.
dct
PROS CONS
With contributions to aDonorscandidatgive, moneydonorstoeffectiveacandid buy influence (or at leastwith
access,thecandidateswhichmayposibetionhe same thing), so that theireffect,interestsaform areof
sprepreseechanted when laws are made. TheFiresultstAmendmeisinequality:. The wealthy have more influence
than the poor.
|45
PROS CONS
Sample Motions:
This House would make all political campaigns publicly fi This House would ban paid political advertising on televi
Web Links:
The Cato Institute: Money and Politics. <http://www.cat Members of the institute offer arguments on why campaign
Hoover Institution, Public Policy Inquiry: Campaign Fi The Hoover Institution at Stanford University offers hist
Public Campaign: Clean Money, Clean Elections. <http:/ Web site of an advocacy group that supports sweeping refo
Further Reading:
Corrado,
Anthony,Campaign etFinanceal.. Reform:BrookingsA SourcebookInstitution, 1997.
Donnelly, MoneyDavid,andet Poal.itics: Financing.BeaconOurPress,Elections1999. Demo
Smith, BradlUnfreey Speech:A. The Folly.PrincetonofCampaignUniversityFinance PrReforss
dc
46|The Debatabase Book
CAPITAL PUNISHMENT
Before Ryan left office in early 2003, he pardoned to life in prison without parole. In a speech just capriciousand, therefore, immoral.
PROS CONS
The principle of capitalExecutionpunishmentis, inissimplestthatcertaiter crimes deserve nothing
Itlessdevaluesthandeaththe respectasajust,we prl tionate, and effective canresponsewesay. Thethatprobkillingems
asisociwr with the death penaltycriminals?areconcernedMore withimportantitsimplis mentation rather than ingits
innocentprinciplepeople.Murderers.Atleastfor their rights as humansexecutedthemomeintthetheyUS
takeintheawaytwen the rights of another humantion.of Byan winnocentelding suchpersona powca erful punishment
as the response to murder, society affirming the value that is placed on the right to l the innocent person. Many more
innocent people have been killed by released, paroled, or escaped murder than innocent people executed.
PROS CONS
penalty in these cases1976is.a problem. For opponent seize on such cases is to cloud the issue; this i
argument against the principle.
Some criminals are beyondBy exrehabcutilitatngcriminalson.Perhapsyou ital punishment should itybe
reservedofrehabilitationforserial. Youkill rorists, murderers of policemen,repentof theirandsocrime,on. serv
and emerge as a reformed an ety.
Sample Motions:
This House supports the death penalty.
This
Web Links:
Amnesty International and the Death Penalty. <http://ww Presents facts and figures on the death penalty as well a
Derechos Human Rights: Death Penalty Links. <http://www Links to hundreds of sites on all aspects of the death pe
Issues and Controversies: The Death Penalty. <http://ww Provides a good overview of the issue in the US to 1997.
Pro-Death Penalty.Com. <http://www.prodeathpenalty.com> Offers information from a pro-death penalty point of view
Further Reading:
Costanzo,JustMarkRevenge:. Costs andStConsequences.MartinsPress,ofthe1997Death. Hanks, AgainstGarder.the Death
Penalty: Christian.HeraldandSecularPress, A1 Pojman, Louis, Theand DeathJeffreyPenalty:Reiman.Rowman.For and
Littlefield,Against 1998
dc
PROS CONS
Using a cell phone whileClearly,drivingusingis averycelldangerophone Physically holding a handsetousin
somereovescircumstances,onehandfr the controls, making accideousntsmanymoresituations,likely,whilefor ing
is even worse, as atit a alsostandstillrequiresin usersgridlockto attention from the roadfic. Researchlights,
orshowswhilethatdrivin speaking on a cell phonevisibilityhavemuch.Othersloweractionsreactii in braking tests
than tractingnonusers;eating,suchdriverschanginghavet tion times that are
worsearguingevenwiththanpassengersthereactionabo of drunk drivers. children squabbling, etc. W
law
cell ph
PROS CONS
tions,
Research shows very littleHands-differencefreecell phonbetweensetus,ingw handheld and a handsfreeautomatedcell dialing,phone,inaretermsthe ofan impaired concentrationtoandcommunicateslowerreactionfreely
timeswithout braking tests. For somethereasoncontrolsthe orbraintheirtreatseyes aoft phone conversation
differentlyisnodiffromerencetalkingbetweento talkipas ger, perhaps because thefreepassengercellphoneis andlso
holdingawareofa sible road hazards in asengerwaythenxtelephtoyou;ne incallerfact,ca be and, accordingly,
stopsasyoutalkingmaybewhentemptthed drivertoturn to concentrate. In any addrcase,ss voicethepassengerctivated. techno is often unreliable, thus frustrating drivers, who concentration as a result. Banning one
kind of cel phone while allowing the use of another kind would b inconsistent. In addition, hands-free cell phones c
just as many accidents.
Existing laws are inadequate;Society drivinghasno needwithoutfor dueaspec and attention is a limitedphone
chargeuse;almostthat caneverybe countvery ficult to prove. In anyingcase,withouteveryduetimecare anddriveratte
moving
vehicle
uses
a
cellisdriviphone,g
dangerouslypotentiallybecausdan
ous
situation
is
created.cellThisphone,justifithes lawsspecifictopro being introduced. books. The police should enf
The states authority toThecontrolstate hasthe noactionsright ofto driint already accepted, for example,personal
throughlibertiespeed.Cellimitsphon rules against drunk driviving. Dangerousdoes,and drivingsimply bannmee
|49
PROS CONS
Sample Motions:
This House would ban drivers from using mobile phones. This House would do more to promote road safety.
This
Web Links:
Cell Phones Bans May Not Make Roads Safer. <http://my.w Article on WebMDHealth, discussing how hands-free devi
even more problems.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. <http://www.hwy Contains information on all aspects of highway safety, in
dc
PROS CONS
An individuals rights Civilend whenrightsheyshouldimpingenot onbe t safety and rights of othersaclear.
Byandenactipresengt ldawsngerag incitement to racial hatredthermore,and similaraslong hateasnospeeill
acknowledge that freedomthe ofcreativeexpressionprocess,shouldthehap limits. Art should be
subjectdecidingtowhethersameto restricviewth any other form of expressionments.aboutBymakingchild
anpornograpexcept for art, we would be creatingirrelevant legalbecauseloopchiolde pofo tent such as hate
speech, which could seek protec on the grounds that it was a form of art.
Certain
types
of
conteAnt
ag(e-.ratedg.,sexualsystemcontent)isave
unsuitable
for
childrenintodespiteaccounttheirdifferartisticnglevme should be able to developCensorasystemhipalsoof
censorship,deprivespa on age, that protects ourtheirchildren. as they see
vote,
PROS CONS
they be deprived of the abili their children see? Finally, people are
not forced to view look at something they think
Many forms of modern artContentpush thatthe weboundarconsideres ofacce what is acceptable or beenaim
forregardedthelowestastaboolevel50
ofyeat
This
type
of
content
istroversialunacceptablpie,ceandof
governmenartisou should have the right toetybanwillit.reject it.
believe that some people are should all of society be pena ways
of reducing the crime ra civil liberties, than censors
Sample Motions:
This House supports censorship of the arts. This House believes that nude art is lewd art.
This House fears that artistic license is a license to kill This House believes that you are what you see.
Web Links:
American Civil Liberties Union. <http://www.aclu.org> Offers information on laws, court cases, and challenges to
PBS: Culture Shock. <http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/cultureshock A companion site to a PBS series on art, cultural values, a
University of Pennsylvania: Banned Books Online. <http:// On-line exhibit of books that have been the objects of cens
Further Reading:
Dubin, ArrestingStephen. Images: Impoli.Routledge,icArt 1994and.Uncivil Actions
dc
|51
CHEMICAL CASTRATION
Many people consider sexual abuse one of the wo punished by chemical castration in addition to sex
drive. During the late 1990s several US sta kinds of paroled sex offenders.
PROS CONS
Because sexual abuse isOura justicehorrficsystemcrime, hasdamaginreje victim both physicallyusingand
psychologically,physicalpainor chemdisf castration is a suitablefavorpunishmentofamore.Inenlightenedmanyinst
counseling cannot cure offthenderpsychological.Whatwouldandhappenhys urges behind these crimesfound.
Chemicaltobeinnocent?castrationImpri
vents
repeat
offenses
(onepreventof
recidivismthemainpurposeswouldbeo punishment) and is a strong deterrent for prospec offenders.
Chemical castration willEvenhelpif offenderschemical castratiobyfreeing from the urges that causeit
isthemstillto repeatfar crudetheir cran Many sexual criminals haveprolongedsaid thatpsychotherapytheywould.
Alli be free of these urgesmenbut placescannot thecontrollegalthemphira much like heroin
addictsandcannotmaygivecontrolthe appearancetheirs.A ical cure for these urges will free the offender.
Sample Motions:
This House would cure sex offenders by physical means. This House would use cure rather than prevention in deali This House
would chemically castrate pedophiles.
Web Links:
Is Chemical Castration an Appropriate Punishment for Ma Information and links to articles in support of chemical
Further Reading:
Pallone,RehabilitatingNathanel. CrimiTransaction,alSexual 1990Psychopaths..
Prentky,
Robert, andForensicAnne WolbertManagementBurgessPlenum,ofSexual.1999. Offenders.
dc
PROS CONS
The primary purpose of Childajusticecrimesystemisdifferentisthe prevfro tion of crime and the
legalprotectionsystemsof the offendersinnocent. aI to achieve these
purposesfunctioninghatchildrenasmoralshouldagentsnot. entitled to lenient punishmhandlenthem.Theis
purpthroughses rehabiofpun ishment are proportionalishmrenttribution,. deterrence, a prevention of crime.
Rehabilitation should at best secondary aim.
The
just
desserts
theorySubjectiveofpunishmentculpabilityarguesshouldtha
the
retribution
societypunishmenttakesagainstashean
harmoffenderprincis
be
proportional
to
theisharmpunishedhas
morecausedseverthelyvictitha For example, a person ter,who killseven thoughismore bothculpablecauseth a person
who robs or huartse.notBecapableusetheofharmmakingchildrthe cause is the same as thatasadultscaused. Itby
isadultsthe comminabittilit a similar offense, childrenjudgmentsshouldthatnotmakesreceivethem lesspe treatment.
The assumptiworthynthatof childrenlighter punishmentarenotas. morally culpable as adults is false.
rational
decisions.
The best way to preventThiscrimeis ain argumenttheshort thatrun iswou lock up the offenders.peopleThis
stforpslifthembecausefromimmedithat-ately harming society. themInthefromlongharmingterm, anyonethese.chilBe
will be reluctant to returnridiculous,tocrimet mustbecauseacceptofth
|53
PROS CONS
Sample Motions:
This House would lower the age of criminal responsibility This House would punish children as if they were adults. This House
believes that sparing the rod spoils the child
Web Links:
Cornell Law Information Service: An Overview of Juvenil Quick summary of the theory and current status of juveni
Juvenile Crime/Punishment Statistics. <http://crime.abo Offers links to statistics on juvenile crimes and arrests death
penalty.
National Criminal Justice Reference ServiceJuvenile Ju Provides links to resources on a wide variety of juvenile
Further Reading:
Fagan, Jeffrey, andTheFranklinChangingE.BordersZimring,of edsJuvenile. .Justic Chicago University Press, 1998.
Jensen, Gary, DelinquencyandDeanG. andWavRojeYouthlandk. Press,Crime. 1998. Lawrence, Richard,
SchoolandChristopherCrimeandOxfordLawreJuvenileUceiversity.JusticePress,.
Morrison,As If:BlakeA.Crime, a TrPicador,al,Question1997. of Childhood. Vito, Gennaro,TheJuvetnileal.
Justice.WavelandSystem: PressConcepts.1998and. Issues
dc
CHINA, FEAR OF
Chinas perceived threat to the West stems large violent suppression of democratic reform movemen
aggressive foreign policy during the Cold War ye have created an image of China as a warmonger a
improve relations with the West. However, the fe that China had acquired American nuclear weapon at the
United States.
PROS CONS
China is an economic powerhouseChinaseconomicthatcouldgrowthdwarfisun Western nations. The
biggestaccountedmarketfor onmerelyEarth,3.5%Chinaof already produces one-thirdtotheof
leadingtheworldseconomy,toys theand Uo eighth of its textiles.ingBetween25.6%.1951In
termsand1980,ofGDPthepe omy of China grew at aeighty12.5%-first,annual jusrate,aheadwhichofisG greater even
than the NewarchetypalGuinea. TigerIntermseconomyofinterof Japan. Americas huge
tradeequivalentdeficittowithSouthChinaKoreasuggeand that China could dominatethe
Netherlandsconventional.InChintradingsp relationships and suck foreigninmost Westerndirect
investment,econoies.
However, this was accompanied in which $35US billion left t
Since the middle of thePeopletwentiethwronglycentury,assume Chinathat ha presented a
formidablemilitarythreat..InChinatermshasof t worlds largest
standinginsignificant,armyandposesaccounthreatingforbo in terms of technologytotal,and
regiasonalpposedambitionto33.9%Thesp Cox Report revealed
thatSimilarly,ChinahadChinasacquiredarmsmoderndealin nuclear warheads. In addition,cern.At tCheinasend
ofarmsthesales,twenti ticularly to rogue stateons, transfersthreaten worldconstitutedpeace. 2Its.2 fer of weapons to
PakistanUnitedhasStates,precipitatedbycontrast,anarmst with India and
conflictweaponinKas.hmir,Chinaresultedisasignattwory wars, and bolstered a ProliferationmilitaryregimeTreaty.We
noandlongethe have to fear terror fromTreatythe. EastIthasonly,neverbutdetonatedterror around the world that
flowsict frnorm showCina.any inclinatio
China
is
capable
of
formingChina
exertsadangeroustonishinglypowerbloc
in
East
Asia
that
threatensnationsWestern.Asthe
interlargestsrecip.Chi
remains
both
politicallyveryand
reconomicallyluctantdonor,closeChinato
many
states
that
lack
herselfthesupportalliesof.
WesternFor2,000powersyea Vietnam, Cambodia, Burma,ceptandof NorthinternationalKorea. interde
nomic globalization has modif is no evidence that China has
expansionist philosophy.
|55
Sample Motions:
This House should
This
House
This
House
thinks
treats
regard China as a
global power.
that China is merely a regional power.
China as an equal
power.
Web Links:
Sinomania.com. http://www.sinomania.com
US Has Much to Fear from China. <http://www.capo.org/op 1997 article from the Center for the Advancement of Pale tive.
Further Reading:
Lampton,
Press, 2001.
Mann, AboutJames.Face: A History of AmericasVintage Books,Curious2000Relation.
Swaine,
Michael InterpretingD.,andAshleyChinasJ.TellisGrandRand.Strategy:Corporation,Past
dc
CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE
Civil disobedience is the deliberate disobeying civil disobedience are willing to accept the co Thoreau first
articulated the tenets of civil di when conscience and law do not coincide, indivi was a major tactic in the
womens suffrage move abolition of apartheid in South Africa.
PROS CONS
Elections do not give tThe pevopleic sufficientofthepeopleopporti to express their will. tionsIncertaintake
placecircumstancesregularly,c obedience is a powerfulcanmethodwrite oftheirmakinglocal,the willstat the public
heard. If aexpressinglawisopprthessiveiropinionitcann.L opposed in principle bysentobeyingand serveitin
thepracticepeople..I be broken. ways to express their views
PROS CONS
In actual fact, the conflictToooftenwiththisthe productiveauthoritygivevi protest its power and innocenturgency
andmembersbringsof antheissuepubli a wider audience. The oftwomenscausingsuffrageserimovementusinjurie
Britain and the civil sacrificerightsmovemeofinnocentinhelives;Unitep States are both examplesnot ofat
anll.eventually successf campaign that won by its confrontation with authorit where more sedate methods would
simply not have suc-ceeded.
Sample Motions:
This House supports civil disobedience.
This House believes the ends justify the means. This House would break the law in a good cause.
Web Links:
Civil Disobedience Index. <http://www.actupny.org/documen Offers information on the history, theory, and practice of
Further Reading:
Arendt,CrisesHannahof. HarvesttheRepublicBooks,. 1972.
Thoreau,
dc
PROS CONS
We accept the need for Nonationaljustificationserviceexistsinwartime;forco vice in peacetime is justThe
anrmextensiondforces
ofas
theysamestan
It
would
mean
that
the
outcountrytheirwasrolepreparedwithoutforconscremer
gencies
when
they
happen,prefersrathervoluthanteerhavingarmyto. pre pare after the fact.
jobs.
In
PROS CONS
has
pride
should be fostered in
The
individual has a dutyAcitizentogivehas someadutyhingto bpacy
to society, and nationalsocietyservice.Anyallowsservicethisto.theWh through protecting the tarycountry. or
helping with so or environmental projects, national service encou the idea of working as a community.
Sample Motions:
This House would reintroduce the draft.
Web Links:
1 Corporation for National Service. http://www.cns.gov
US government site presenting information on public servi
Draft Registration: The Politics of Institutional Immor Essay in support of dismantling the Selective Service Sys
Further Reading:
Danzig,
Richard,NationalandPetService:SzantonLexingWhat.onWouldBooks,It Mean?1986.
Evers, WilliamNationalM.Service:HooverProInstituteandCon.Press, 1990.
dc
PROS CONS
Criminals must be punishedPunishing.All formswith painof punishmebarb recognize that with
theiescommissionbuilt
militaryofcriminalmighta
individuals
surrender
ofsomecriminalsoftheiras
humanentitiesrightwi Why, logically, is corporalcivilizedpunishmentsociety anyis thatmore i an infringement of
thesenalsrights.Prisonthanis
prison?necessaryCorpa
punishment
is
an
easy,prevention,strong,visible,andrehabilitatandther
effective
deterrent.
Itleastis
alsoshulda
prnot)portistoopnateto ment for certain crimesUN. Declaration of Human Rig
PROS CONS
Corporal
punishment
is
Societiesappropriatewithfora
csollemectiveultureme
but
not
for
others.
CitizensishmentoflawWesternthan
democraciessocieties
w
a
great
deal
of
state
havecontrolmoreandcrimeauthoritythanSingaporfrighte
and
hold
very
diverse
viewscorporalon
acceptablepunishment
behaviorbutprecia
appropriate
punishment.ofIna
manybehavioralMiddle
normand.FarTheEastUS-ern countries, however,poralconsensuspunihmentismuchin thegreaterpast;o what is
acceptableandishedaharsher. collective respons exists toward those who breach societys norms. Sin pore has
very little crime in comparison with the U Let the results of its justice system speak for them
Sample Motions:
This House would flog criminals live on national television. This House would bring back the birch.
Web Links:
World Corporal Punishment Research. <http://www.corpun.co Links to hundreds of sites providing historical and contemp
Further Reading:
Newman, JustGraemeand. Painful: A Case forHarrowthe &CorporalHeston, Punishment1995.
dc
PROS CONS
Corporal
punishment,
specificallyHittingchildspankisngneverorsimrighl
actions,
can
be
an
effectpunishmentvepunishmenttoteachand deterrechild for childish misbehaviorright.Ifandchildrenwrong isdo
unprovotespon. seriously to verbal warningsthattheoradultlightispundisplhmeased,ntfr teachers or parents,
thencause short,astatesharpof exstimulus,remedisw inflicts pain but no lastingmakes childrendamage,
islessthelikelylast resto cause the child to associateclarity.misbehaviorInolderchildrenwithpunisdi menta crucial
associationcal puinishmentachilds devlikelopmentyto.
thermisbehavior.
|59
PROS CONS
Corporal
punishment
administeredThebuttocksinarethea
prsexualsencez
at
least
two
adults
issuremuchfromlessadministeringlikelytobecompun lent or lead to sexual suchabuse. puniAtschool,hment
canotheraffec should be present; at hoopme,ntbofth childrenparents. being di
ence of another adult does eration from punishment int case
from Arizona in 1995 Michael Wetton, who had pre lence
against children. He forcing a 9-year-old boy an naked and
be paddled. In th present, but too frightene
He who spareth his rodThehatethDevil hiscan citeson, Scriptubuthe who loveth him is
chastenethShakespearehim.betimes. Prover 13:24.
The Bible frequently condon geous
to the modern sensibi
Sample Motions:
This House would spank its children when necessary.
This
Web Links:
Corporal Punishment of Children. <http://people.biola.e Provides links and references to research on corporal p research.
The Sexual Dangers of Spanking Children. <http://silcon Detailed 1996 article on the dangers of spanking.
Ultimate Deterrent: Punishment and Control in English a 1966 article examining disciplinary policy in British an
World Corporal Punishment Research. <http://www.corpun. Links to hundreds of sites providing historical and conte
Further Reading:
Hyman, TheIrwinCase. Against Spanking: How.JosseytoDiscipline-Bass,1997Your. C Rosemond,To SpaJohnk. or Not to.
Spank:Andrews ParMcMentsel, 1994Handbook.
Straus, Murray, andBeatingDenisetheA.DevilDonnellyOut.of Them: Corporal on ChildrenTransaction,. 2001.
dc
60|The Debatabase Book
CORRUPTION, BENEFITS OF
Public corruption is generally viewed as an obstac and aid agencies as well as donor-states have spe
arguments have been made that because corruption of, public corruption is seen as an unavoidable si
PROS CONS
Corruption reduces bureaCoucracyntriesandwithspeedslowerthelvelsimpleo mentation of administrativecient
bureaupracticraciesgoverandingenjoyeco nomic forces of the marketbeing.. Corruptionpublicin theofficiapubl
acquire incentives to obstcreatecle a todevelopmentinvestment,-friendlcausi system for the economyable.As
resourcesaresult, andcorruptionsubversionsta a chain of benefits foralsoall antheinvisibleeconomic
taxactors,onthemak
overregulated,
efficient.
obstructivedeeplybureaucraciescorruptedstatesmuch couldmore
corruption.
Corruption is
a WesternTheconceptvery ideaand isof ncorrutapplicabtion
to traditional societies,oneswhetreaditionscorruption.Culturaldoesnotre such a negative meaningto.
legitimizeManytraditionalcorruptisoncietieby with a gift culture evidencehaveadifferenthasbeen
undpresenterstandint civil responsibilities thatand etiqcorruptionete. Theis requiredsocialst and political
traditionspracticesofmany. cMountriesreover, areregardinbase the beneficial effect ofqualitycorruptionofhumanand
cultureannot sundervi
its absence.
Sample Motions:
This House declares that anticorruption efforts do more har This House confirms that corruption is unethical.
This
Web Links:
|61
Further Reading:
Anechiarico,TheFrank,Pursuitet ofal.Absolute Integrity: UniversityHowCorrupt
Chicago
Press, 1998.
Della Porta, Donatella,CorruptandExchanges:AlbertoVannucciActors,. Resources, Aldine de Gruyter, 1999.
Rose-Ackerman,CorruptionSusan.and Government: Causes, Consequences
Cambridge
University Press, 1999.
dc
COVENANT MARRIAGE
Divorce is an unfortunate reality of American l and 50% of marriages end in divorce. Divorce ca
suggested giving couples the choice of covenant either party can, at any time, dissolve the mar more
difficult to dissolve. Before entering into required prior to granting a divorce By 2002, L state legislatures
are considering instituting
PROS CONS
Covenant marriages mightIn a reducecovenantthemarriage,number ofa p domestic violence
casesactually.A1991occurredJstice toDepartmebeper study concluded that
currentThisespeciallyhusbnds/fathersworries accadv for only 9% of the caseswho
ofsaydomesticthatprovingabuse.domestThe of the abuse was perpetratedandthebywaitingformer
periodhusbands,make friends, or transient partnersrelationships.Withoutlongerdivorce,.Inad may be less likely
to beseninvolvedasalegwithimabusivetereasonme
PROS CONS
and
financial
matters
areriagediscussedhasproducedandexplorednochildrewi
the
counselor.
Covenantnomarriagessignificantareassetsmore
restricttodivid
but
allow
for
divorce
laysinspecifictheburdencircumstances:ofproofonad
tery;
physical
or
sexualdivorceabuse.
ofA
judgeaspousemustorbechild;conv donment of at least onedivorceyear; actuallyincarcerationexist.ofIna adsp for a
felony
conviction;marriagespousescanlivingbedisseparateolvedbeca
apart
for
two
years;
andtion,a
legalpartnersseparationstringof ofonem or 18 months if a minorforchilddivorceisinvolved..
Sample Motions:
This House believes that couples should choose a covenant m This House opposes covenant marriage laws.
This
Web Links:
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. <http://www.aaml Web site with many articles related to marriage and divorce
|63
Americans for Divorce Reform. <http://www.divorcereform Pro-divorce reform page offers many articles on divorce states
could adopt to create covenant marriage laws.
Covenant Marriage Movement. <http://www.covenantmarriag This Christian-based site gives information for couples c
covenant marriage.
Further Reading:
Bennett,TheWilliamBrokenJ.Hearth: Reversing. theDoubleday,MorCollapse2001. o
Fineman, MarthaThe IllusionAlbertsonof. Equality: .TheUnivRhersitytoric ofand ChR 1991.
Hetherington, E.ForMavis,BetterandorJohnfor.KellyWorse:.. Norton,Divorce 2002Reconsid. Lowery,CovenantFred. Marriage:.
HowardStayingPublisTogething,erfor2002Life. Wilson, TheJamesMarriageQ. Problem: How. OurHarperCollins,CultureHas
2002Weakened.
dc
PROS CONS
The
Constitution
forbidsIn
thepractice,establishmentthereisofnoanyq
religion,
but
it
also
ofguacreationismaneesfreedomdependofuponreli
which
means
that
the
govthernmentJudeocannotChrisiansuppressandupor gion. By teaching that inevolutionitssacredis true,texts.schoolsTeachi lating
the religious beliffefsct,ofonlystudenthats.specific r
ment of other religions and creationism in a publicly f lation of
the Constitution.
Evolution has not beenEvolutionproved; its ais theoryatheorythatu to explain observable tificfactsfacts,.But
thosebutcreationisfctsca explained just as well,containedand someinscripturecases,even.Cre by intelligent
design
theoryscience.
Moreovbecauser,itevolutioniisnotc
not
acknowledge
that
thetificevidenprocedureessential. for p their idease.g., fossil remains of transitional, beingssimply does not
exist. Creationism is a th that is at least as worthy as evolution and shou taught along with it.
PROS CONS
History has shown that Sciencescientificis morallytheoriesandare religioften proved over time; evolution,aimto
thus,upholdshouldreligiousnot belico
sidered to
be
an unchangeable,debunkreligiousunassailablebeliefstruth.Evo.
the spirit
of
scientificattackinquiryonreligion;andntellectualitistaugs
cism,
students should nationbeexposedof availabltocompetingfactstheo.Stries.
their own private religious b
Sample Motions:
This House favors a curriculum free of creationism teaching This House believes that evolution ought to be taught inste This House
thinks that teaching creationism in public schoo
Web Links:
Evolution vs. Creationism. <http://physics.syr.edu/course Site contains information on both sides of the debate, incl tions.
Science and Creationism. <http://www.nap.edu/html/creatio Detailed essay from the National Academy of Sciences summar
advocates of creation science, and analyzes their claims.
Further Reading:
Binder,ContentiousAmyJ. Curricula: AfrocentrismPrincetonandCreationismUniversity iP Gilkey, CreatiLangdonism. on Trial:.
EvolutionUniversityandPressGod ofat Virginia,LittleRo
dc
|65
PROS CONS
The sanctions cause realSanctionsandunacceptabledidntcauseharmeconto Cuban people. In the
1990scommunistCuba lostpolitical$70US andbillionec trade and $1.2US billionshowin
internationaltoleadinevitablyloans tob of US sanctions. Cuba withoutistoo poorsanctionscountry.Evennotif suffer
from these lossesof.privateThedominanceownership,of Ameriforei in the pharmaceuticals
commoditiesindustry,moreover,wouldholdmeansCuba Cubans are unable to
gainTradeaccessCommissiontomanyfounddrugsa. Am ica would be the
naturalCubanmarketeconomyformostfromCubansanctiopr ucts, and its refusal tobestaccontributeeptgoods
withtoaneveconot minor Cuban componentsusingfrom sanctiothirdnatistonspressuredam-ages Cubas ability to
andtradepoliticalwithothreformscountries. South American countries have recently relied on types of loans that
Cuba is denied to keep their mies on track.
Sanctions
are
pointlessSanctionsandcounterproductiveareaproven.poliTh
made
no
political
diffepressurenceinanthextremelylast43
ryepares
would
they
now?
They
resultAggressivetheUSUSbengagementingblamedanf all the failures of thetheCubancollapseeconomy,of
theand Soviesanct are also used to justifyaccordingrepressiveto Secretarymeasures forof S President George
W.
BushtatementclaimstoofwantAmericastoempowedi
civil
society
in
Cuba,regimebutin.
Blaming1998,whileAmericagovernfor Texas, he argued that foolthe bestordinaryway toRussians,achieve andth
China was to trade and ispreexadctlyAmericanthetimevaluesthat.th
PROS CONS
Sample Motions:
This House would drop the sanctions on Cuba.
This
This
This
Web Links:
CIA Country Profile. < http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications Quick overview of the government and economy of Cuba.
Provides
GlobalPolicy.org. <http://www.globalpolicy.org>
|67
Further Reading:
Castro,CapitalismFidel. in Crisis: GlobalizationOceanPress, and2000World. Polit
Fontaine, Roger,A andStrategWillicamFlipE.-RatliffFlopin. theHooverCaribbean:InstitutL 2000.
Schwab,Cuba:PeterConfronting.PalgravetheUSMacmillan,Embargo. 1999.
dc
PROS CONS
Cultural treasures shouldArt treasuresbedisplayedshouldin thebe acco in which they originated;ofpeopleonly
thenand tocan sctholarseybe. t understood. In the caseplayingofthe themElgininMarbles,thegreatthi
architectural context thatReturningonly ptreasuresoximity to thei non itself can provide.sible. Too much has
changed
over the centuries for them their country of origin tha they
can be compared to la from a wide variety of cul could be
placed in original
internationally
recognized
68|The Debatabase Book
PROS CONS
time. Much art was freely sol indeed some art was specifica pean
market.
Some treasures, such asThisNativemay Americanbetrue, butffaloreligiorobe have religious and
culturaloriginallyassociationspurchaedwithor giventhe from which they were taken,withthebutintentionefonr
ofthoseeducatiwho view them in sterile glassthebeliefscases. ofDescendantstheircreatorsof creators are offended
bey seeingallowedaspectstosecondof-theirguess spith ity displayed for entertainmentAlso,many. cultural treasures
and cultures; no claim for th made.
In the past, countriesInmaythenotcasehaveof beenthe cPapablerthenon looking after their
heriactionage,inbutremovingthathasthemchangedwasa state-of-the-art museumtheis Ottomanplanned
authoritiesinAthens towerehou the surviving marbles, ingwhilestonepollution.They-caredontrolnothingmeasu have
reduced sulfur dioxideheritagein. Furthermore,cityto a hadfifth its previous level. AtGrethek
sameindependencetimethe incuratorshi1830, institutions such as theof BritiAthensh
woMuseumldbyisnowbeinghavecad into question, as it becpromesblemsapparentfacethethatreturncontroverof
cleaning and restorationNativepracticesAmericanmay museumshaveharm.Delidt sculptures they claim
todestprotyectd.without proper hand
Sample Motions:
This House would return cultural treasures to their country This House would return the Elgin Marbles.
This House believes a jewel is best in its original setting This House would. lose its marbles
Web Links:
The Melina Mercouri Foundation. <http://www.lofstrom.com/ Site campaigning for the return of the Elgin Marbles.
The Parthenon (Elgin) Marbles. <http://www.museum-securit Offers links to many sites dealing with the issue.
Stolen Property or Finders Keepers. <http://home.att.net/ General site offering information on the issues concerning
Further Reading:
Hitchens, TheChristopherElginMarbles:. ShouldVersoTheyBooks,Be Returned1998. to Gree
St.
Clair,LordWilliamElgin.andOxfordthe UniversityMarbles. Press, 1998.
Vrettos,TheTheodoreElgin.Affair: The Abduction of .AntiquitysLittleBrown,Great19
dc
|69
CURFEW LAWS
Over 300 US towns have passed local curfew laws In most cases cities imposed nighttime curfews, as
well. All curfews are aimed at proactively re involving parents and keeping young people from prevent the
actions of a few bad ones.
PROS CONS
Youth
crime
is
a
majorCurfewsandgrowingarenotproblanem,ffectivofte
involving
both
drugs
andyouthviolencecrime.. ResearchPartiularlyfinds rying is the rise of youthinjuvenilegangs, crimewhich andcan
curfeterr urban areas and create withasocialurfewsclimatedid seein whichadrop nality becomes the
normhad.Imposingoreto curfewsdowith othernminol can help solve these problemssuchas. zeroTheytolerancekeepyoungpolipeo off the street and outandof economictrouble. changesCurfews inarethe enforce
compared to othercase,formsmot ofjuvenilecrime preventicrime and are therefore effectiveand8. p.m., after the
end o
Children
have no good Childrenreasontoinbetheirout unaccompamid-teensnied late
at night, so bea courfewtat isnightnot withoutreally aadur
on their
liberty. Theyjobswould.Othersbebetterparticipateoff
doing schoolwork and participatingclubs.Requiring familyadults toact
ties.
ties is unreasonable. It wi
hi
not
adults
abuse
participate in after-sc
The
idea
ignore
of
zero
low-
PROS CONS
Sample Motions:
This House would introduce child curfews. This House would lock up its daughters.
This
Web Links:
American Civil Liberties Union. <http://www.aclu.org/cgi-Links to articles on the legal status of curfews.
Status Report on Youth Curfews in American Cities. <http: Summary of 1997 survey of 374 cities providing status of cu
Further Reading:
Jensen,
dc
|71
PROS CONS
The burden of debt costsTherelivesare. manySome reasonsofthe formos heavily indebted poor
thecountriesworldsarepooreststrugglingnationsto even the interest on thdeirbt loans,burdens,letbutaloneth
payindebt the principal. This massivelyoftheproblemsdistorts. Manytheircountecon and their spending
prioritiesfmoney.
Africanonweaponsnationstofigcu
spend
four
times
as
muchinvestingondebt
inrepaymentstheirpeopleasth. do on health. The reformsotherdemandedcorruptby thegovernmentIMFin return
for rescheduledgreeddebt ismakekillingthis problemtheirownev worse. In Zimbabwe, spayendingfor
onsocialhealthprogramscare hasand dropped by a third, in debtTanzania,maywellschoolexist,feesbuthavei
introduced to raise moreareasmoney.. Progress made in health and education over the past 50 years is ac
being reversed in some countries. It is obscene th ernments are cutting spending in these vital are repay debts.
The debts must be cancelled now.
To raise the cash for Again,debtrepaymtherents,are manypoor potencount have to produce goods
faminesthattheyarecancausedsell byinternawaro ally. Often this means tions,growingnotcashby cropsdebt.
insteadWhileg food needed to support totheirbe counterpopulat-intuitive,on.People thi tile countries can
findboostthemselvescountstarysvingeconomybecaus cannot afford to buy importedcouldandfoodshould. be
agricul
sufficient
is outdated.
need loans to invest in inf ing debt now would make len vide
loans on good terms in economic growth in the long
All
PROS CONS
Sample Motions:
This House would
This
House
This
House
would
would
end developing
kill the debt,
break the chains of debt.
world debt.
not the debtors.
Web Links:
Jubilee 2000 Coalition. <http://www.jubilee2000uk.org/> Research, analysis, news, and data on international debt an ing world
debt.
World Bank: HIPC. <http://www.worldbank.org/hipc> Detailed information, including progress reports and countr links to
scholarly articles on the issue.
Further Reading:
Dent, Martin,TheandCrisisBill ofPetersPoverty.Ashgate,andDebt1999in. the Third Worl
OCleireacaThin,rd SeamusWorld.Debt andPraeger,International1990. Public Policy.
dc
|73
PROS CONS
DNA detection has considerableAlthough DNAadvantagesdetectiovernmighco ventional
fingerprintingfingerprint.Fingerprintsdusting,attache onlte hard surfaces, can be
Environmentalsmeared,orcanfactorsbeavoidedatth using gloves. Comparisonsunlight,ofevenora
bactecleariaprintcan cf a crime scene with a previntdencein mustthe nationalbestoreddatain requires significant
scientifictrolledonditionsexpertise.. CriminaScieti build an accurate DNA profilebyswappingfrom
verysalivasmall.Thereamoui of genetic data, and theyfraudcanin coanalyzingstruct itsampleseven.i been
contaminated by oil,profilewater,is dependentoracidatuponthe tc scene. The accused
shouldined.apprTheciatesmaller novthel numbfin printing technique thatsibilityisboth ofobjectiveerror.
Inand1995acc
PROS CONS
The increased use of DNA evidence will minimize the risk of future wrongfulWeconvicdonotionsneed. Ana
databaseFBIstudytoin cates that since 1989 offendersDNAevidence.Whenhas theexcludedpolicethea initial suspect
in
25%
theyofsexualought
assaulttocreatecasesDNA.Morepr
forensically
valuable
theDNA
crimeanbescenefounddataon.evidenceLikewis that has existed for decadesbetakenandifthusthereassist coincernrev
previous miscarriages ofwronglyjusticonvicted. of a crime.
Sample Motions:
This House would have a criminal DNA database. This House would give away its DNA.
This
Web Links:
National Commission on the Future of DNA Evidence - http: Part of the larger National Institute of Justice website
to
maximize the value of forensic DNA evidence
Shadow Article, Anti-DNA Database - http://shadow.autono. Detailed essay outlining the reasons for opposing a broa
|75
From Crime Scene to Courtroom - http://www.ornl.gov/h A 1999 essay stressing the benefits of and problems in
director
How Stuff Works - http://www.howstuffworks.com/dna-evid Detailed explanation of DNA fingerprinting for the lay
Genelex, DNA Profilers - http://www.genelex.com/paterni Detailed discussion of the use of DNA evidence in the
Further Reading:
Norah Rudin andIntroductionKeithInmanto.2ndForensiced.CRCDNAPress,Analysis2001..
Gerald
SheindlinGeneticFingerprinting:.Routledge,TheLaw and1996Science. of DN
dc
PROS CONS
drilling
can
be
made
PROS CONS
Sample Motions:
This House supports measures to allow oil development in AN This House believes ecology should be valued over developme This
House maintains that limited development in the ANWR i
Web Links:
1 ANWR. <http://www.anwr.org/>
This introductory-level Web site provides justifications for pects for drilling in the Arctic. Offers links to fact shee
DOE Fossil EnergyStrategic Petroleum Reserve. <http://ww Government-sponsored neutral site provides a basic history they
serve. Contains quick facts and an up-to-date status o
Save the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. <http://www.sav This site provides a detailed analysis of the issues involv
Further Reading:
Hiscock,TheBruceBig.CaribouBoyds MillsHerd. Press, 2003.
House CommitteeHaringsonResonurces,Arctic104thCoastalCongPlain.,1stLeasesings., Augus
dc
DRUGS IN SPORTS
Over the past decades, the Olympic Games have foc Delegations have quietly withdrawn on the eve of t of
their medals as a result of testing positive fo Caminiti alleged that a large percentage of player mandatory drug
testing for professional baseball p
The use of steroids has not been confined to profe performance-enhancing drugs in high school and col the
fairness of some of the resulting bans. Some
PROS CONS
Using performance-enhancingOnce somedrugspeopleisan chooseissue oftofru dom of choice. If
athletesinfringewish onto thetakefreedomdrugs inof sec of improved performances,Athletesthemare
doveryso.drivenThey harmindi nobody but themselves andlengtshouldsto beachievetreatedtheiras adulgoa capable
of making rationalgold medaldecisionsintwon yearsthe basistime widely available informatseriousn. longWeshouldterm healthnotforbidprob them performance-enhancingathletesdrugsfromeventhemselvesifsuchdrugsand have longterm adverseperformanceeffects.We-enhancingvent outlaweddrugs. tobacco and boxing, which are proven health
risks.
What
|77
PROS CONS
enhancement? Athletes
mateuse allperfsormancetsof
enhancemendietarysu ments,
exercises,
equipment,maybe,clothing,weshouldtrainingnonethelere
medical
treatments,
etcfirs.,to,
toimproveprotecttheirathlpetesrforf There is nothing naturalpreserveabouthetakingspiritvitaminoffairp or
wearing whole-bodybetweenLycra suitshuman. beingsDet, mediciatthe technology, and even coEachingting
aalreadybalancedgivedietan andrt advantage to those athletesareclearlywhocanin afforddifferthentbe all these
aids.
As
thereand
isgrowthnoclearhormonesway.toWedistsho
between
legitimate
and
thisillegitimatedistinctionartificialandaimaidfo formance, they should allcompetitionsbeallowed..
Legalizing performance-Legalizationnhancingdrugsis verylevelsbadthefo ing field. Currently, suspicionmanceehancingboutdrugsuseleadssur every sport and every successfullems,incudingathletesteroid.Those rac itors
who dont take performancecharacteristics-enhancingfemaledrugs themselves as (and oftengreatlyre)
disadvantagreducedlifed.expectTher no tests for some drugs,addictiveand,in. any case, new me and chemical
advances mean that cheaters will alw be ahead of the testers. Legalization would remov uncertainty and allow
everyone to compete openly fairly.
Current rules are veryWhatarbitraryabout theand children?unfair.ForEv ple, the Olympics forbingds
athletesdrugswerefromlegalizedusingcold icines, even in sportsyouwherecontrolthe thestimulantsproblem
inamot medicines would have minimalletes traineffectsalongsideperformanadult There is also the
possibilityManywouldthatsuccumbsomepositotheive
t
simply
the
result
of
usingtousea
drugscombinationiftheseof
werelegalw
supplements.
Cyclists
endorsedlegally
haveby
leghealizationrtoperatio.Y allow increased circulationmakefullyand thusrational,improveinformper mance, but
they would ing,bebanned theif theyhealthwereimpacttou performance-enhancing drwougsld. be even worse
than fo
PROS CONS
governing bodies often tofightcompeteand loseontalentsuch courtalone.cas wasting vast sums of money.
Sample Motions:
This House would legalize the use of performance-enhancing This House would win at all costs.
This
Web Links:
Sports
Supplements
Danger.
CONTENT<>cnt_id=59279&FOLDER<>folder_id=18151&bm
Overview
<http://www.consumerreports.or
detail.jsp?
Further Reading:
Kuhn, Cynthia, Scott Schwartzwelder,Pumped:StraightandFactsWilkieforWilsonAthletes. a ingNorton,. 2000.
Yesalis,
Charles,TheandSteroidsVirginiaHumanGameKinetics,S..Cowart,1998.
dc
DRUG-TESTING IN SCHOOLS
The right of schools to randomly test students fo Vernonia School,theDistrictUSSupremev.ActonCourt ruled
that sch years later the US Court of Appeals for the Sevent all participants in extracurricular activities, b was
not suspected of taking drugs. In 2002 the US competitive extracurricular activities. Does soc
PROS CONS
Drug use among teenagersOurisjusticaclearsystemandpresentisbasedpro lem. Current measures topersontackleis
drugsinnocentattheuntilsourcepro imprisoning dealers andrandombreakingdrugthetestingsupply(therebychain) not
succeeding. It is studentsespeciallywhoimportantarenot suspectetoprot teenagers at an impressionablethemas
guiltyageanduntilattheproventime iw
|79
PROS CONS
Urine, hair, and breathDrugsamplesuserscanwillbe usedonly tourndet of most common drugs, inficludingultto
test,marijuana,such ascocainde heroin, and methamphetamigenest. before being tested.
Sample Motions:
This House supports random drug testing in schools. This House believes in a students right to privacy.
Web Links:
Substance Abuse Resource Center. <http://www.jointogeth General site offering links to current news on drug-relat
Further Reading:
Ligocki, DrugKennethTesting:B. WhatScarborough,WeAllNeed1996to.Know.
dc
PROS CONS
Taking
care
of
the
millionsWehaveofwastedpeopleandwhodestroyedarestarv
is
more
important
thanresources,savingnaturalandinresources,doing hamo of which are renewable Weanywaymust. preserve Earth
for fu
The industrialized worldsNoonemphasiswants toon stopprotectingeconomit environment shackles
developgivemillionsngcountriesbetter andlivescon.-B tributes to and widensablethe
developmentgreatdividethatbetweenintegrath First and Third Worlds.ardship,Bylimitingsocialthe
justice,developmentand profitable but pollutingcannotidustriessupportlikeunrestrictedsteelor oig ing, we are
sentencing nations to remain economical backward.
The
Green
Revolution
Thase
GreendoubledRevolutionthesizeisofthreatgrai
harvests.
Thus,
cuttingthedownThirdmoreWorldforestsby
replacingorendange
ing
fragile
ecosystems
Wetodoprovidenotknowmorewhatspacethe
forlongcr-is
no
longer
necessary.economicWenow
haveconsequthencesknowledgewill bet feed the worlds increasingtheshortpopulationrun,suchwithouthybridharmicr
the environment. environmental problems. The fa
which is expensive, must buy because the seed cannot be sa
years crops. Farmers using h was the richest part of India fertile
lands lay idle and un and desertification.
Sample Motions:
This House believes that environmental concerns should alwa
and Third Worlds.
|81
This House believes that economic growth, even at the exp to feed the rising world population.
Web Links:
Center for International Environmental Law. <http://www Offers a review of major international environmental agre free
trade on sustainable development.
International Institute for Sustainable Development. <h Describes institute activities and offers reports and res
United Nations Environmental Programme: Division of Tec Presents information on UN programs associated with susta
Further Reading:
Bartelmus,Environment,Peter. Growth and Development:Routledge,TheConcepts1994.
Cole, MatthTradew Liberalisation,A. EconomicEdward GrowthElgar, and2000the. Envi
Kageson,GrowthPer.Versus the Environment:Kluwer,1998Is. There a Trade-Off?
Lomborg,TheBjornSkeptical. Environmentalist:CambridgeMeasuringUniversitytheRealPr
dc
PROS CONS
Free trade brings aboutMostdemocratizationdictatorial oligarchieinthree It permits a flow of
informationusuallycreasesfromWestthernir couwea tries; it raises a nationsanyleveragestandardoverof
living;themoncea tates the growth of a middleintotheclassfree. Thesetrade farenactors. ate internal pressure
andcommunityconsequentchosepoliticalnottoimpoch economic freedom leads becausetopoliticalis
freedomavaluable.Freeec helped bring about thetrade,downfallspecioficallyommunismMFN statin Eastern
Europe and is Chinabeginningto improvetoincreasehumanfreedrig in China. When the UnitedradeStatescan
leadlinkedto mostdemocratfavo nation (MFN) status tomentsimprovemenagainsts whichinhumansanctio rights,
China made onlypermittokenthgesturesgrowth tof improveamidd rights record to maintaindownMFNto
statusthepeopl.Deep. Instrealuct changes in human rightsChineseanylivingcountrystandardscomeonlyby with
unlimited free tradeout. of business and forcing
tional
corporations that pa
PROS CONS
Sanctions
block
the
flowSanctiofoutsidenssendinformationstrongmessint
a
country,
thus
permittingcountrydicthatatorstheto Westernusepropagaworl to strengthen their ownoppositressionve. regimePeople.
cannot beli such propaganda is false when there are no competin external claims.
Sample Motions:
This House would put trade relations above human rights. This House believes in free trade.
This
This
Web Links:
Cato Institute Center for Trade Policy Studies. <http://w Site advocating free trade includes essays on China, the Cu
Iraq: Sanctions: The Private Weapon. <http://www.iacenter Site advocating the lifting of US and UN sanctions against
dc
PROS CONS
The
president
should
beThetheElectoralpersonchosenCollegeby
ensuresthegre
est
number
of
Americans,presidentviahehaspopularbroad
votesupport.Thet
Electoral
College
violatesWithoutthisthemandatecollge,in principlecandidat sometimes in practice. only to heavily populated urb
The Electoral College Thewas principleestablishedbehindata thetimeElecwhe the people were not
trustedtheprincipletochoosethatwisely;determinesseat too, were initially notSenate,chosenwhereinbypopularevey
vostate. Thi
|83
PROS CONS
states.
The
current
winner-takeBecause-allsystemnocandidateeffectivelycan
wie
nates
third-party
candidates,absoluteastheymajoritycannotofwinele Electoral College votesColletogeainpromotesffice.theThe
strengresul electoral process is preandisposedthatsystemtothepromostateus thqu change and progress
arecountrydiscouraged..
Sample Motions:
This House supports the abolition of the Electoral Colleg This House values the will of the people over the rights
Web Links:
Center for Voting and Democracy: The Case Against the E electoral_college.htm>
Web site argues for abolition, with news items and links
The Electoral College. <http://www.fec.gov/pages/ecmenu The Web site of the Federal Election Commission explains in
favor of retaining the Electoral College.
In Defense of the Electoral College. <http://www.cato.o Think tank Web site offers essay in favor of retaining Co
Further Reading:
Abbott,
David W.Wrong,and Winner:JamesP.TheLvineComing.Praeger,Debacle 1991inthe. E
Hardaway,TheRobertElectoralM. College and the Constitution:Praeger,1994.The
Pierce,
Neal R., andThe LawrencePeoples President:D.Longley.The Electoral C
AlternYaletiveUniversity. Press, 1981.
dc
PROS CONS
The scientific communityEnvironmentalsalmost unanimouspressure groupsin believing that
emissionsevidenceareseriouslyforclimatedamagichange.th world ecosystem. The
mostoccurring,seriouspollutionthreatisis climatnotn change. The effects of resultglobal
fromwarmingnaturalincludevariationincre ing desertification andindicatesrisingeahavelvelsoccurred.In addiinthi El
Nio phenomenon occurs more often. Air pollution has also resulted in increased acid rain and a grow hole in the
ozone layer.
The industrialization Thisoftheis smalljust anumbernew formf develofi oped countries caused countriesvirtually
haveall the problemsrightto ld out above. If developingindustriallycountries,justwhichas havedevelopeabou five
times the populationalizationofthe willdevelopedimproveworld,the liwe to industrialize unchecked,people
thethroughouteffect couldtheglobe.ca strophic. For example, tionrisingwillsealeadlevelsto ecwouldnomicfloodst lions
of homes in low-estlyingcountriesareas.uchThis,as Baingladesturn, Increased crop failuretiwonuldin
killthesemanynationsmore. by star vation. Developed countries might be able to protec themselves from these
effects, but developing count would not. The developing world has not acted to pr vent environmental disaster and
so the developed wor must act to save literally billions of lives.
PROS CONS
Sample Motions:
This House would link aid to emissions reductions.
This
Web Links:
World Bank Development Education Program. <http://www.w Information on sustainable development for teachers and s
World Bank: Environmentally and Socially Sustainable De Information on World Bank initiatives promoting sustainab
Further Reading:
Bossel,EarthHartmut.a Crossroads:.CambridgePathsto UniversityaSustainablePrss,Futu1
Carty, Winthrop,In andthe ElizabethShadowof Leethe. First World:ChicagoTheEnvi
Review
Press, 1995.
dc
PROS CONS
Western governments mustIf pursueethicalan foreethigncal policyforeig policy. This
translateswheintoeverthetherephiloisophyamoralthat us to act whenever
therehopelesslyisamoralnaveimperativenotion. toGo
by practical concerns. For tain nations might be uneth stops
such sales, citizens are purchased elsewhere.
PROS CONS
be above special interestsimpossibleandshould.Moreover,focuson thedoi what is right. nation may be what special
in
The argument for ethicalWe concedeforign thepolicyprincipleisstrongebut when the West
confrontsveningheinousmightcrimesmake inmatteforseignwor lands, such as genocidemindfulRwandaof
broaderorethnicconcleansierns, in the Balkans. In bothforeignplaces,countrytheWestand whathad aacticle moral
imperative for activeinotherinvolvementnations.Takingouractionan could save lives and
freetowardpeopleAfricanfrom problems,ionopprfor.
West
Sample Motions:
This House would have an ethical foreign policy.
This
Web Links:
1 Foreign Policy. <http://www.foreignpolicy.com>
Journal
Journal
Further Reading:
Forsythe,HumanDavidRightsP. in .InternationalCambridgeUnivRelationsrsityPress, 2000.
Hitchens, TheChristopherTrialofVerso,.Henry 2001Kissinger..
dc
|87
PROS CONS
The EU must have a defenseNATO haspolicysuccessfullyindependentdefenof NATO. With its origins ernin
theEuropeColdforWar
decadesandits.
domWh
nation
by
the
United
States,problemNATOcouldcarriesEuropeangreatD of historical and geopoliticalNATOcouldbaggagenot?In.
NATOany casecann easily intervene in EasterntoconsiderEuropeRussiaswithout seincursib Russias
displeasure.
Theern
EDFEuropewill.
FarallowbethetrEUtoto
with
crises
in
Easternpowerand
CeandtralgeopoliticalEuropemoreclouef tively than can NATO becauseating withthe EURussiawill.
notCreatinghave tiptoe around Russia. will marginalize NATO and t
in
the
policy
are
NATO has shown the EU NATOthat and stheandingproposedmultinaEDF- a tional defense force
isverypossibledifferent.Theconcernpropos.edNAE could follow its
examplenificantandcomplementsituationsitin. which are likely to adopt a commo
trast, the EDF is targeted dents that would be benea their
nature, these inciden effects on EU members. Ther achieve
consensus on how to
With the growing industrialEvenifandwe economicassumethatmaturitthe of the EU and its membercosts, theof
aEUstandingcouldnowmilitaaffor to have a standing defensepoliticalforceand.TheeconproposedmicbarE would
also create a greatAmong manythesejobsbarriersforEuaropeae:H defense industries. common defense policy?
Will
only defense or will it inc the nature of its command s its
supplies and equipment members use? These questio
economic considerations tha tinuous contention that wil EDF.
Sample Motions:
This House believes in a European Defense Force.
This
Web Links:
Janes: Defence. <http://www.janes.com/defence> Offers news on European defense concerns.
Further Reading:
Nye, JosUndephrstanding. International.Longman,2002Conflicts.
88|The Debatabase Book
EUROPEAN FEDERALIZATION
The members of the European Union (EU) are current suggestion is the creation of a federal structure would
be responsible for defense, foreign affairs, authorityin some cases the individual nations of education, as
American states do. Supporters of de and local authorities, further weakening the natio
PROS CONS
A
federal
Europe
wouldNationalbuildonidentitythesuccessand
differofthe
EU
and
its
predecessorsimportant.Itwouldthantamesupposedlythenationalsha ism that caused so manyExistinghorrors
nationalinthetwentiethgovernmentsce tury and realize the visionmodels.of Theitsefoundersrecognizeforthean h
closer union. While nationaleconomic governmentsdistinctivenessexistofthe will regard policy makingimportantas
cfompetitivecusforthebusinesloyal damaging the potentialfurtherprosperitypowerofisallremofvedEuropefrom citizens.
A federal Europeandetachedstheyate canare frombuildtheon deth shared history and cultureaccountableofits
powermembersbecomes,tofurthan the common good while ernmentaccommodatingisto regionalmakebothdifbad- d
ferences. badly. A federal system can d
of millions of people.
A
federal
Europe
is
betterAfederalequippedEuropeto
maypromotedamagethe
interests
of
its
citizens.internationallyRussiawouldalmostbecausecer have more influence thanstathecomposedsumof itsof
itsindivitradualiti states do now. FurthermoEuropeane,Europestatehaswouldalotresulttoconi tribute to the world
inmakingterms currentofits liberalNATOmemberstraditio political culture, providinginsecureboth.Inevitably,partner
itandwouldan sary balance to the UnitedpartnershipStates inwithglobalthe Unitedaffairs
PROS CONS
living that most EuropeansBrazilwouldan envy,theSovietwhile UnioIndi the best example of a humanlongtermrightsdemocraticproblems,succesand the developing world. opment. EU members often ha
interests in what would be defense and foreign policy, trade.
if
Sample Motions:
This House would create a United States of Europe. This House believes in a federal Europe.
This House would pursue an ever-closer union. This House would go deeper.
Web Links:
The Bruges Group. <http://www.eurocritic.demon.co.uk/br British organization offering articles and speeches in op
The European Movement. <http://www.euromove.org.uk> Information about the European Movement, an organization
citizens.
The European Party. <http://www.europeanparty.org> Information on the party, which supports reform of the cu
The Federal Trust. <http://www.cix.co.uk/~fedtrust> Provides summaries of major speeches on the EU issues inc
Further Reading:
Brown-John,FederalC.Lloyd,-TypeedSolutions.UniversityandEuropeanPress IntegratioofAmerica
Siedentop,DemocracLarry.ColumbiainEuropeUniversity. Press, 2001.
dc
PROS CONS
groups support.
Private and public thoughtDelineatingandspeechsuch aredifferencentrinsic different. The former isous.to Ifbe
onepreserved,isinvitedbut intothe ls has an impact on other makepeoplewhatthatwouldcan be harmful;publicspi
this speech we are seekingany case,torestrainalthough. politician promote intolerance and discr
rarely do they directly call impact are we seeking to avoi
The
recent
rise
in
popularityWhatriseofinrightextremism?-wngextremLePe
parties
across
Europe,heexemplifiedmoderated
hisby
theextremistsuccessme
Jean-Marie
Le
Pen
in
thersultinitialoftheroundfracturingofthe
Frencoft
presidential
elections,andshowshis
thatFrontappealiNationgaltoPartyvote extremist grounds can beAssemblyasuccessful.Thedraconianstrategy.lawWe
ph a duty to act against proportionatethreattoouresocietyponse toin athl of extremism.
Those who talk of partiesSuch goingpartiesundergroundbenefitfromif gointhey are banned are wrong.
preseBannintg themssuchelvesxtremeas polimartyrsica parties will mean thatbythethevastestablishment,majorityof
whichpeoplei nation never hear of thaveem ora saytheir.Suchviewsantistate.Suchparet will never get
anywhereverywithoutattractivemasssupporttoacrossand pubse licity. dispirited in society.
PROS CONS
Sample Motions:
This House would ban extremist political parties.
This
Web Links:
European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia. <h Site maintained by an organization established by the Eur in
Europe.
Further Reading:
Fraser,TheNicholasVoice.of Modern Hatred: OverlookTracingthePress,Rise 2001ofNe. George, John, andAmericanLaird
Extremists:M.Wilcox. Militias,. SupremacistPrometheus 1994
dc
FLAT
TAX
The slogan, No taxation without representation The first income tax law was passed in 1862 to s percent
of income paid in taxes depended on lev multiple times. In 1913, the 16th Amendment to law. Since its
inception, the federal income ta tax uses the same percentage rate for everyone,
PROS CONS
US citizens waste too Askingmuchtimecitizensand moneytocompfiletelin out tax forms. Just fillingtopay outfor
ahavingstadardgovernm1040 takes over 13 hours. Overall,itscitizenstaxpayers.Tax dollarsspend6.p2 lion hours
filling out military,IRSforms socialandpaprograms,erwork.I government paid citizensFor
minimummostcitizens,wageto filingdothei taxes, that would amountrecentlyto$32thebillionIRShas yenactear.W
you add in the cost of helptax professionals,taxpayers.It hasthe acostto pliance could be as highand as
comprehensive$194billion accordWebsitn the Tax Foundation. Clearly,professionalsthese costsare
usuallyaretoot and drain too many resourcesindividualsfrom theryingecontomyfind. w
PROS CONS
A flat tax would increaseCitizensprivacyare. Inprotthectedcurrentby mansy IRS employees have accessulateto
themanyprivacydetailsofaboutthe ainfope sons savings, investmentsIRS.
andWhenassets,applyingpropertyforloanshold and retirement
savings.actions,Corporatsimilaronsalsotypesmustofdisclinf details of their businessesTheIRS. Withhas an
flatexcellenttax, alltracp from assets would be lumpedcially together,consideringand theindividuanumber assets
would not need submittedtobelistedeach. Gettingyear. rid of estate tax would mean that when people die, the IRS
wont need to go through their assets.
The flat tax would treatIf everyonethisprovisionequallyis. Theaddedcurreto tax system forces lowpoorincomepeopleindividualswillliveand outsidefamli to pay a larger percentageInmanyof theirpeoplesincomeminds,
taxeshey do the rich. The flat taxcitizensisdifferentwhocontribute.Itallowsnothip to deduct an allowance uatedbased
taxationheir letsfamilypoorsizepeof their income, and thentothefinancerest ofthe theirgovernmeearntings.Wi taxed at
a standard rate,couldnobematterpayingwhatno taxheironeincoye Individuals owe taxes onlyyouron
raisetheincomethenextaboveyarthe. standard allowance. People who are in the low- or mi dle-income ranges will
receive the largest reducti in average taxes because their personal allowance w make up a greater percentage of
their income. Some low-income individuals and families will pay no tax at all.
This
system
will
reduceThetheideacoststhattocuthetingovernmentaxesf
and
make
people
pay
theirnomicfairgrowthshareis. fallaciousItwillresul.H people keeping more ofplytheir-sidehardpolicies,-earned
likemonytheandf being able to spend moretheoneconomyitems.theyThe wantflat andtax needwil Studies of the flat
taxtaxesprojectpaid
abylargebusinessesincrease.Evein
capita
income
if
it
is
aimplementedhugeproponent.Consumerofsupplyendin-si
will stimulate
US economy.
|93
Sample Motions:
This House would adopt a flat tax system.
This
Web Links:
Citizens for Tax Justice. <http://www.ctj.org/index.htm Site maintained by an organization advocating a greater v opposing
a switch to a flat tax, which it maintains would
National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA). <http://www NCPA, which promotes private alternatives to government r proflat tax perspective.
4
The
Further Reading:
Armey,
Fawcett
Columbine, 1996.
Hall, Robert E.Flat,.ndTaxHooAlverin InstitutionRabushka. Press, 1995. Hall,
RobertFairnessErnest,andedEfficiency.AEIPress,in 1996the.Flat Tax.
Hicko, TheScottFlatE. Tax: Why AddicusItWontBoWoks,rk for1996America.. McCaffery,FairEdwardNot Flat:J. How to
MakeUniversitytheTax SystemofChicagoBetterP
dc
PROS CONS
Free
speech
is
an
inherentlyThelimitsambiguoustofreeconcspeechpt
ta
requires
definition
andminedinterpretation;bygovernmentit. isIf thesp governments to clarify shouldthese ambiguitiesbedoneby.an
indepe
As
Justice Oliver WendellThe tyrannyHolmes wrote,ofthe themajoritymos
stringent
protection
ofgovernmentfreespeecenshworshipuldnot.A prohe
a man in
falsely shoutingnizesfirethatin smallerthatregroupsand cm
a
panic.
We accept
limitationsthatthey haveonfreeapublicspeechvoiw
it may threaten publicputsafetyonspeech.Therefore,. freedo speech is never absolute.
Speech leads to physicalSocietyacs. isPornography,self-regulatinghate.s and political polemic
actionrelinkedis atofalserape,onehate.Yesc and insurrection.
crimes are likely to have r who commit
sex crimes are l nography. But viewing porno speech does not necessarily exposing hate speech and
ex societal scrutiny increases be discredited and defeated
PROS CONS
through
persecution.
Some views are antitheticalWemustodefendreligiousthe rightbeliefsof. thT tect the devout, we shouldtheir
banviewsthis. type of offens speech.
We need to protect childrenWeallfromagreeexposurethatgovernmenttoobscene offensive, or potentiallybut
damagingthatdoesmaterialsnotmean. that g the right to censor all mater
Sample Motions:
This House would restrict freedom of speech.
This
This
This
Web Links:
American Civil Liberties Union. <http://www.aclu.org> Offers information and resources on a wide variety of right
Banned Books Online. <http://digital.library.upenn.edu/bo On-line exhibit of books that have been the object of censo
First Amendment Cyber Tribune. <http://w3.trib.com/FACT/> Resource with links to hundreds of sites dealing with First
Further Reading:
Curtis, MichaelFreeSpeech,Knt. The Peoples Darling Privilege:Duke Str
University
Press, 2000
Eastland,FreedomTerryof. ExpressionRowmanin andthe Littlefield,SupremeCourt2000.. Hensley, ThBoundariesmasR., edof.
Freedom of ExpressionKentStateandUniversity,Orderin
Irons, Peter,A andPeoplesHowardHistoryZinnViking,.ofthe1999Supreme. Court.
Kennedy, FreSheila,Expredssion. in America:Greenwood,ADocumentary1999. History.
dc
FREE
TRADE
Economists and politicians have praised the virtu the theory goes, you guarantee the most efficient work in
practice? Specifically, could it help the and points to international institutions like as and help these nations.
However, as long as the We market, its position is arguably hypocritical.
|95
PROS CONS
Interlocking trade relationshipsFreetrade doesecreasenot thepromotelik of war. If a nation ishaveengagedgone
into mutuallywaragainstbenef relationships with othermightcountries,applytoita hasgoodno-naturince jeopardize
these relatinonshipstnecessathroughily toaggronessionthat promotes peace, which is a universal good.
A
tariff-free
internationalInternationaleconomy
economicsistheonlyisn
to
maintain
maximum
globalefficiencyefficiencyofglobalandtheresourchea est prices. Efficient allocationTariffrevenueoftheis
aworldsperfect means less waste and, therefoofgovernmente,moreincomeaffordable.Witho for consumers.
cannot protect the jobs of
Sample Motions:
This House believes free trade serves a universal good.
This
Web Links:
International Monetary Fund (IMF). <www.imf.org> General site providing statistics and background on the I involving
trade; and presents evaluations of IMF programs
dc
GAY ADOPTION
At present, US states are divided on the issue of approved the practice, while Arkansas, Florida, an banning
gay and lesbian couples from adopting chil Civil rights groups are currently challenging bans
PROS CONS
Society is changing, andThe traditionalhenaluclearidea familoft nuclear family with marrieditsbreakdownmother
andis fatherinevitable,is longer the only acceptablematrnalalternativedpatern.Manyl influstatesn beginning to award
legaltiverights.Evolutiontogayandcouplesnaturebecah the stability of such developmentrelationshipsof
isthenowyoungrecogniisa Such couples can provideencesa.stableResarchandUniverslovingpublshedtyupbrinofIl ing
for children. Law Reviewin1997 found that chi
homosexual households are sig be gay themselves.
Nature has shown in manyWhilespeciesexceptionsthat, occur,whenonetheorno both parents die, an unclemotheror
andauntfathfrequentlyrnurturetakesoff the child-rearing role.adoption by gay couples is t
unnatural
upbringing.
In
many
cases
where
oneWhileofthethepartnerslawshouldis
thenot
biolpena
cal
parent,
gay
couplesalsoareexistscurrentolyencourageresponsiblythe
r
ing
children.
Allowingforadoptchildon
raisingbythe.otherLegalpartneproh merely confers legal rightsnaturalonstepan alreadytoward thissuccessfuidea
informal, family model.
Sample Motions:
This House would allow gay couples to adopt children.
This
Web Links:
American Civil Liberties Union: Gay and Lesbian Rights. Provides information on gay rights and the status of lega
Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere. <http://www.c Site offering sociological information on gay families fo
Further Reading:
Savage,TheDanKid:. What Happened When My BoyfriendStoryand.Plume,IDeci2 Sullivan,IssuesAnnin. Gay
andChildLesbianWelfareAdoptionLeague. of America, 199 Tasker, Fiona, GrowingandSusanUp GolombokinaLesbian.
Family:GuilfordEffPrectsss, on19
dc
GAY CLERGY
Debates over the ordination of gays have domina formally oppose the ordination of gays. In prac leaders
who have openly ordained gays have been as a result of the sex abuse scandal that engul
PROS CONS
PROS CONS
has a victim (the betrayed partner), the latter can purely loving relationship.
Priests
have
a
responsibPrieslitsy
actto
representasrepresentativethememb
of
their
congregationstheir.Alargecongregationnumberof. SomeChristiapeop are gay, and they can brecauseive, betterwhile
womenspiritualare childire from gay ministers thanthefromchurch,heterostheyxualscannotwho repredono
understand their lifestymales. orTherelationshsameappliesps. to gay
Jesus
message.
Sample Motions:
This House believes in the ordination of gay clergy. This House calls for a representative clergy.
Web Links:
1 BeliefNet. <http://www.beliefnet.com>
Multi-faith site offering information on various religions
ReligiousTolerance.Org: The Bible and Homosexuality. <htt Summarizes the conservative and liberal interpretations of
What Does the Bible Say About Sexuality and Homosexuality 0,,PTID4211|CHID102753|CIID234127,00.html> Article on the t
Further Reading:
Didi, HermanTheA.tigay Agenda: OrthodoxUniversityVision ofandChicagotheChristianPress, Kader, OpenlySamuel.Gay, Openly
Christian:Leyland,Howthe1999Bible. Really Is Keith, CongregationsHartman. in ConflicRutgers:The
UniversityBattleoverPress,Homosexual1996 Siker,HomosexualityJeffrey. in the Church:WestminsterBoth
JohnSidesKnox,ofthe1994Debate..
dc
GAY MARRIAGE
American society increasingly supports equal right accommodations. Yet national polls consistently sh to
formally register their unions with the state. status, but 30 states have passed laws specificall permitting gay
marriages in 2000.
PROS CONS
The refusal of governmentsWhile tocontepermitporargays societytomarrysh one of the last areas
oftiondiscriminationgeneral, someagainstformsgayso state should permit gayobjectivelycouplestojustifiedmarryas.
Societyamean of professing their loveas ato heterosexuandforalchinstitutiother.Sonc views ought to change
withunionthebtweentimes.a man and a wom
|99
PROS CONS
Sample Motions:
This House would allow gay couples to marry. This House would give homosexuals equal rights.
This
Web Links:
Gay Marriage. <http://www.pe.net/~bidstrup/marriage.htm Essay in support of gay marriage that also presents the a
GayMarriedMen.Org. <http://www.gaymarriedmen.org>
Legal Gay Marriages in the Netherlands. <http://news.bb BBC story on the Dutch parliaments passage of a bill giv
RainbowGuide.Com. <http://www.rainbowguide.com>
dc
PROS CONS
Many other professionsTherequmilitaryrebondis aofspecialtrust andca intense living conditionslife-amongordeathemployeessituations.Gayswherare not barred from any of couldthem. be fatal. Men and women together;
why should gays and
If
the
armed
forces
acceptClosetedgays,homosexualstheywouldrunnottheh
to
remain
in
the
closet,couldthushavreducingimplicationstheriskforof n mail. In any case this risk is diminishing as soci increasingly
accepts homosexuality.
Gays
and
lesbians
frequentlyTheproblemcome
tois
termsnotowithmuchthe
sexuality
in
their
latetheteenshalfheartedorearlyenforcemtwentients, ow might be long after theycizedhadandenlistifpedople.A
understanbanwould require the firing of personnelinterest amongwhohadmilitaryjoined persoingo faith. This is
discriminationgaysareatnotitsbeingworstmisled..
Sample Motions:
This House would not admit gays into the armed forces.
This
Web Links:
The Ban on Gays in the Military: Links. <http://www.calif Links to history of Dont Ask, Dont Tell policy, articles
Issues and Controversies: Gays in the Military. <http://w Offers comprehensive overview of issue from 1992 to 1998.
|101
Further Reading:
Eidsmoe,GaysJohna.d Guns: The Case againstVitalIssuesHomosexualsPress, in1993the. Halley,Dont:JanetA. Readers
GuideDuketo theUniversMilitarysPress,Anti1999-Gay. Herek, OutGregoryinForce:. SexualUniversityOrientationf
andChicagothe MilitaryPress,19.
Wells-Petry,Exclusion:MelissaHomosexuals.Regneryand Publishing,theRightto1993Serve..
dc
GENE PATENTING
The pioneering research of the Human Genome Proj that scientists may be able to use genetic rese
Office had granted more than 1,500 patents on fr but on the process of discovering and isolating ethical
questions arise when commercial compani coming close to patenting the building blocks of
PROS CONS
Companies engaged in genomicGenesareresearchtheveryarebasislegallof entitled to patent genes,that
soanyonewhy shouldhasthetheyrightbe t vented from doing so? of a particular gene shows
ity. Patenting treatments b morally acceptable, but pat
If companies are not allowedMostgenetictopatentresearchthe producisno their research, other
companies.Thewillpublicexploityfundtheid ings. Without the safeguardshascontributed,thatapatentbyfar,provith
companies will end theiredgeresearchinthis becausearea.Patentinthyse future profit. ban patenting in order to p
in
genome research.
PROs CONS
Sample Motions:
This House would allow the patenting of genes. This House believes that genes are inventions.
Web Links:
1 Celera. <http://www.celera.com/>
Biotech
GeneLetter.Com. <http://www.geneletter.com/archives/dna1. Offers clear summary of genetic patenting in the United Sta
The National Human Genome Research Institute (US): Divisi Excellent source of research on all aspects of the Human Ge
Further Reading:
Matare,Bioethic:Herbert. The Ethics ofBerginEvolution&Garvey,andGenetic1999. Interf
dc
GENETIC SCREENING
Francis Galton coined the term eugenics in 1883 breeding, the term referred to the restructuring
reproduction) of the higher echelons of society. S nineteenth century, but it lost favor as a result a result of
advances in biotechnology, we can scre a baby boy, Adam Nash, was born after having been fertilization by
his parents. They chose that emb as a bone marrow donor for his sister, who had a g
PROS CONS
Testing
embryonic
cellsEmbryoniccanhelp
testingoidentifycouldpotentibeco
debilitating
illnesses
for
inhefuturitedexploitationdisorders. ofIt tc determine the sex of a developbaby,allowingintotheparentswidespreadwho
caab
a
sex-linked
genetic
disorderdesignertobabihaveschildrchosen
forwith
passing
on
the
disorderconsideredtotheir childrendesirable..ItThis emiis sensible to use this technology to ensure that chil are as
healthy as possible.
|103
PROS CONS
When
a
number
of
embryosThe
arepropositioncreated
throughholdssini
vitro
fertilization,
theembryosembryoslikenotcommchosenditiesafter.E ing may be offered up foris theadoptionideaof.
disposingHumanlifeof not be thrown away, andconformchildlessto thecouplesrequirementscanben
Sample Motions:
This House would choose its babies.
This House would genetically engineer its children. This House calls for more genetic screening.
Web Links:
Designer
Babies.
<
http://www.bbc.co.uk/horizon/designe
atelevitranscriptionseriesofa program
The
site,
connectedHorizwith,onffersaBBC
Further Reading:
Andrews,FutuLorei ColumbiaPerfectB.. University Press, 2001. Chadwick, Ruth, DarrenTheShickle,Ethics
andofKluwer,GeneticHenkTen1999ScreeningHave...
Rothman, BarbaraTheBookKatzof.Life: A Personal Guide to ProjRace,ctNor. Beacon, 2001.
dc
PROS CONS
Globalization marginalizesGlobalizationthepor.isIterodingisameath exclusion, deepening inequalityopedand
developingandreinforcingnation division of the world Northinto-coreSouthanddivideperiphery.Itis. Ia new form of
Western imperiaingglismobalthatprosperdominatesty.Throan exploits through TNC capitalmobility,and
globalizationgovernanceis institutions such as thewhichWorldprosperity,Bankand wealth,theInterp tional
Monetary Fund (IMF)are.being diffused around t
Globalization
has
intensifiedGlobalizatiglobalnhasandincreasednation
inequality.
The
economicnizandtionalsocialeffortsgaps
withintostabic
tries
and
between
countriesshown
significantarewdeing,progresswith.t rich becoming richer andglobalthe povertypoorbecominghasfallenpoorem
Globalization is an unevenintheprocevioussscausing500, andworldth mentation. Trade has alsoall regionsen
increashasimprovednginequaco Because of increasing fewglobalizationdecades.Globalizationthevaluef
PROS CONS
Globalization
exploitsGlobalizationdevelopingnationspromotesandevelopthei
poor
through
TNCs.
Globanolizationogyand
isknowledgeaeuphemismtopofor
transnationalization,
thenationsspreadreofthosepowerfcoulntriescompanb to areas that best suit corporate interests.
Sample Motions:
This House believes that globalization marginalizes the poo This House believes that globalization will bring about the This House
believes that globalization is a euphemism for t
Web Links:
Government Report: Making Globalisation Work for the Poor British government report on globalization and developing n
Poverty and Globalisation. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/engl Part of the BBC lecture series, Respect for the Earth. Lect particularly
women.
Further Reading:
Allen, Tim, andPovertyAlan andThomasDevelopment.OxfordintoUniversitythe21stPress,Century200.
Dicken,GlobalPeterShift:. TransformingGuilford thePress,World1998Economy..
World EnteringBank. the 21st Century:WorldWorldBank,Development2000. Report 19
dc
|105
GLOBAL WARMING
Since the 1980s, a growing body of evidence has industrialized nations of the world agreed to r under
attack from both sidesmany environmental in industry feel it is an unnecessary burden. A announced
that the United States would abandon Global warming is a particularly difficult issue angered that a
problem that seems to have been World. A global consensus remains far off.
PROS CONS
PROS CONS
a further 3C over the 65cm;next century,in1995, lowit-revisedlyingareasit even entire countries, cmsuch.Theas
moreBangladresearchsh,couldthat dita pear under the waves. strophic global warming seems
report
this goal.
Sample Motions:
This House believes that Kyoto didnt go far enough. This House calls for urgent action on global warming. This House
fears a global greenhouse.
This
|107
Web Links:
Global Warming Central. <http://www.law.pace.edu/env/en Site maintained by Pace University School of Law offers c
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. <http://www. Offers reports assessing scientific, technical, and socio
Further Reading:
Drake, GlobalFrancesWarming:. The. ScienceEdward Arnold,ofClimate2000Change.
Gelbspan,The RossHeat. Is On: The ClimatePerseus,Crisis, 1998the.Cover Up,
Houghton,GlobalJohnWarming:. TheCambridgeCompleteUniversityBriefing.Press, 1997.
dc
GOD, EXISTENCE OF
This is the Big question, the ultimate metaph religions have offered proofs of the existence o
PROS CONS
The world is so magnificentYoucannotandwonderful,inferfromsothefulv variety and beauty
thatworlditisthatinconceivableGodwasthe thatcrea have come about purelycontainsbychancemany.Itextrais
soattribuintri that a conscious hand amustworldhavecreatorbeen.involvedJustbecauin creation. Therefore,
Godvariedexistsdoesasnothemeancreaitorwaso world. cant beauty happen by acci
PROS CONS
ment
doesnt work.
Sample Motions:
This House believes that God exists.
This
Web Links:
1 Counterbalance. <http://www.counterbalance.com>
Contains
The Existence of God and the Beginning of the Universe. < An academic paper employing the cosmological argument for t
dc
PROS CONS
The scientific communityTheagreesenvironmentalthatsomethinglobby hasmusth be done to curb emissionsclaimsof
greenhouseforpollutiongasesdamagingthat be the cause of globalfossilwarmingrecord.The indicatespossible
thatconse quences of global warmingfrequentlyincludeincropthe failure,past,andmast flooding, and the
destructioningclimateofentirechangeecosystemswithemissw the possible loss of billions of lives. Other conseq of
pollution include acid rain and the enlargement
|109
PROS CONS
the
PROS CONS
drop
in living standards in d
Sample Motions:
This House would buy the right to pollute. This House supports tradable pollution quotas. This House
believes that Kyoto got it right.
Web Links:
The Kyoto Protocol: An Economic and Game Theoretic Interp Technical article discussing the economic issues involved i
Further Reading:
Grubb,
MichaelKyoto Protocol:etal. RoyalAGuideInstituteandAssessmeofInternational. Af
Victor,TheDavidCollapseG. of the Kyoto Protocol.PrincetonandtheUniveStrugglesity P
dc
GUN CONTROL
The issue of gun control has divided American soc and to prevent tragedies like the recent wave of s
Opponents insist that they have the constitutiona uniquely American problem, gun control has become
massacre in Erfurt, Germany, in 2002.
PROS CONS
The only function of a Prohibitiguniston kisllnot.Thethemoreanswerins ments of death
injurymakewethemremovedisappearfromouror societmaket the safer we will be. ous. Citizens have the right
and
|111
PROS CONS
Sample Motions:
This House calls for stricter controls on gun ownership. This House believes there is no right to bear arms.
Web Links:
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): Gun Control. <ht Article explaining the ACLUs stand on gun control.
Guide to Gun Laws, Gun Control and Gun Rights. <http:// The site, maintained by the Legal Education Network, offe
Hodgdon. <http://www.hodgdon.com/liberty/gcn.htm>
dc
PROS
CONS
PROS CONS
The
constant
repetitionStereotypingofhatespeechis
stereotypesminorities.Ifchildrenamongandstudentyouths,
views,onmostheycampuseswill.matureUniversitywithoua
the
ofconstantlytheseminorithear hate speech.
apromotesresult
grofa
without
bigoted
attitudes
offet
sive
racial
hearing
such
engmorendmeredmbersby
isfu of
must
campus.
say, but will defend
Web Links:
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): Hate Speech on Cam Section of the broad ACLU Web site explaining its stand on
Further Reading:
Fiss,TheOwenIrony. HarvardofFree UniversitySpeech. Press, 1996.
Heumann,
Milton, Thomas W.HateChurch,SpeechandOnDavidCampus:P. RedlawskCases,Case.
Northeastern University Press, 1997.
Shiell,CampusTimothyHate. UniversitySpeechOn TrialPress. of Kansas, 1998.
dc
|113
PROS CONS
The United States as aThewholeUS governmentspnds14% cannotofGDPaf on health care. This includeshealth
carthe.
amountOther
spentuniversaby
federal
government,
stateSocialgovernmenSecuritys,
andinsuranceMedicar panies, and private citizensproblems. Manywithstfudiesndinghave.W s that a singlepayer
systemhuge
gwovernmentuldcut-costsfundedenoughsoci
enable
everyone
in
thethatUnitedprovideStatesuniversaltohave
healacce
health
care
without
thestannational
spendingamountofanytheirmoreGD currently. Medicare, a government-administered he care program, has
administrative costs of less th of its total budget.
PROS CONS
job. These laws mandate that not have to pay substantially than
employees who continue e
Moving to a system of Hunivemanrsalesourceshealthprofessionalscarewould reduce the burden on
humancomplyresourceswiththe manypersonnelother inper companies. Currently, datedthey
mustbythecomplyfederalwithgovernmemany federal laws related tobeingprovisionabletofexhercisealth insuracontr
With a single-payer system,choicestheseand workregulawithionspeoplewouli not apply and the costswillof
compliancebeforced towoulddealbewithelimt
nated.
Sample Motions:
This House would adopt a
This
House believes that
This
House believes that
universal
universal
health
care system.
health
care is more impo
it is immoral that US citizens do
Web Links:
1 American Medical Association. <http://www.ama-assn.org> The American Medical Association (AMA) was founded more tha
contributes to policy making through lobbying and by provid search feature that can be used to find information on the
2 Kaiser Family Foundation Commission on Medicaid and the U This site offers many articles with varied perspectives on is an
independent voice and source of facts and analysis fo general public.
3 The 100% Campaign. <http://www.100percentcampaign.org/abo This site is for the 100% Campaign in California. The goal some
type of health coverage. It offers information about w
Further Reading:
Anders,HealthGeorgeAgainst. Wealth: HMOsHoughtonandthe Mifflin,Breakdown1996of.Medi
Churchill,SelfLarry-InterestR. and Universal Health Care: .Why WellHarvard
University Press, 1994.
Woolhandler,
Steffie, BleedingandDavidtheHimmelstein,Patient:TheM.CommonDConsequences.
Courage
Press, 2001.
dc
|115
HOLLYWOODS INFLUENCE
Many areas of the world have embraced Hollywood film industries struggle to hold even 30% of the
profoundly in France, where President Jacques Ch goods, subject solely to the law of the market.
industries and by laws that limit the amount of issue in World Trade Organization negotiations.
PROS CONS
Hollywood films are poor,Hollywoodlowest-moviescommon-aredenominainterna-tor pulp that rely on
specialpeople alleffectsover andthe laworgeld qf of sex and violence
tomademaskinpreposterousHollywoodcanplots,beru dialogue, and poor
actingbeterrific.Thestudios.Inanyaddictiocase, market testing leads toartisticunadventurouscredibilityfilms,
withwhen pulsory happy endings andweightslushyescapismmorals.macks of e
artistic credibility, it wo wood would provide it.
PROS CONS
Sample Motions:
This House would restrict the influence of Hollywood. This House would practice cultural protectionism. This House
condemns cultural imperialism.
Web Links:
Central Europe Review: Hungary v. Hollywood. <http://www. Analysis of Hungarian films imitating Hollywood.
dc
HUMAN CLONING
The cloning of Dolly the sheep in 1997 generated and a ban on federal funding for cloning research, and
another demanding its prohibition were both re cloning is clear. The European Parliament, the Cou passed
resolutions asserting that human cloning is
PROS CONS
The technology is unsafeCloning.The isnuclearnodifferenttransferfromtec nique that produced
Dollytechnologyrequired. Research277embryos,isrequifrom which only one healthy tifyand
viableandreduceshepthewasriskproducedoft The other fetuses were hideously deformed, and eith died or were
aborted. Moreover, we do not know the long-term consequences of cloning.
Reproductive
cloning
injuresThisargumentthefamilys.whollySingleunsuipeo
will
be
able
to
produceSocietyoffspringfreelywithoutallows asinglepartne Once born, the child willExistingbedeniedpracticesthe
suchlove asof spon parent, most probably ationthefatherwithout.Severalknowledgetheologiaof
|117
PROS CONS
have recognized that a Surechildy isa motherasymbolicwouldexpresprefe the mutual love of itsitageparentsof
herand cthildeir ratherhopefo future. This sign of loveunknownislostand whenrandom childsdonor? Il in a
laboratory. child to be born into a hap
rates of single parenthood is not always possible.
Many churches and secularWhen organizatipeopleresortns, toincluditalk WHO, view reproductive
aboutcloninghumanascontrarydignitytoyouhumac dignity. no evidence or arguments to
Why is sexual intercourse t dignified than a reasoned d
modern science to have a ch
PROS CONS
rather than attempt to bring their own offspring int already crowded world.
Cloning treats childrenTheaseffcommoditiesrtrequired. Individualtoclone will be able to have achild willwith
bedesiredhighlycharactervalued as a symbol of status, Furrathermore,than becauseweshouldtheynotdesipr
conceive, love, and raiseconceivedanotherbyhumansexualbeingprocreati.
intentioned parents.
Sample Motions:
This House would ban human cloning.
This
This
Web Links:
1 American Life League. < http://www.all.org>
Pro-life organization offers information on a variety of re
The Ethics of Reproductive and Therapeutic Cloning. <http Academic article arguing that there is no ethical reason to
Human Cloning Foundation. <http://www.humancloning.org> Offers resources, books, and essays in support of human clo
Further Reading:
Burley, TheJustine,Geneticed.RevolutiOxfordnandUniversityHumanRightsPre.s, 1999. Harris,Clones,John. Genes and
Immortality:OxfordEthicsUniversityandthePress,Genetic199 Nussbaum, Martha,Clonesand Cassand Clones:SunsteinFacts.
Norton,andFantasies1998. abou
dc
PROS CONS
The
seriously
ill
are Aentsingletled
kidneytospendhastheirablackmoney
saving
their
lives.
It
Consequently,ispreferablethethatsalesomeof
indiorga
receive
organs,
and
survive,portthethanmostthategregioustheydiediscr.T wealthy will not be theandsolepoorbeneficiaries.Thosewho
ofcannotpolia organ purchase. For eachorgansuccessfulwillhavekidneynoopportunittranspla operation, valuable
hoursfamily,on
aifdialysispreparedmachinetodonatewi
open
up.
The
expense
ofwouldpalliatdecidve
tocaredeclineforindividapay
|119
PROS CONS
requiring a transplant ofwilldollars?beeliminatedDonated. organs will die and only the rich
The donor of an organ, Theor hisblackfamily,arketwillworksbenefiin siderably from the saleThird.BothWorlda
kidneytothe andFirsta.piT of liver can be removedlationwithoutand significantthecomparativeharm the
individual. Any asserthationhealthythat anindividualsin make a reasoned decisionto
toscavedonategingororgansell merchanthese is patronizing. The famakeily theof a decisionrecently
todecseasedll vidual also ought to beratherable thanosaveconsentthe.lifeWhereof and simultaneously
receivethe neocolonialistremuneration. surgeon
The
transplant
surgeon,Puthetingnursingapricestaff,ontheandhumaev
pharmaceutical
companiestationproducingbythetheunscrupulousanti-rejec. drugs receive payment for each operation performe
Why should the donor of the organs, arguably th most important actor in any transplant, not also r
remuneration? What is remarkable is that a lifesa treatment should apparently have no financial valu
Sample Motions:
This House would legalize the sale of organs. This House would have a heartwith a price tag. This
House would buy body parts.
Web Links:
Provides
information and resources on organ donation and
United Network for Organ Sharing. <http://www.unos.org/ The Web site of the organization that maintains the US or
transplantation and transplantation issues, including bio
Further Reading:
Chabot-Long,AGiftLynnof. Life: A Page FromJe Lynnthe Publications,LifeofLiving19
Green,TheRegNicholas. Effect:OReillABoysandGiftAssociattothes,World1999..
dc
120|The Debatabase Book
PROS CONS
By their nature and birth,Doanimalshuman beingshavethepossesssame inalcert inalienable rights. As ofAr ticleheir
InatureoftheandUDHRbirth?stateIs,
human beings are born Whyfreeshouldandequaleveryoneindignityhavea andr
rights. are born?
The simple sharing of aThiscommonargumenthumanitys arbitraryestablishesan human
extrapolatedamentalfromhumanthisrightshumanityon extthe norms that secure the
dignityHowaccuratewith whichcanthiswe a want to live.
just a wish list of ways we w to
in a
rights. We
ingsbasic.
be treated
certain wa
to be so treated.
Desires are not what groundsIfhuman humanrightsrightsarerequireme.What human rights are
baseddoonweisseetheso universalmuchambiguityneed foa basic security in our theybodies,are?
ourTherepossessions,ishugedebateand relationships within societyandmany.Thispeoplesecuritycannotisntagreeju
able; it is vital. Humannomicrightsor developmentarethosethingsrightstha. nally assure these
vitalrightsrequiaremenrationals.ThomasrequiremeHobbe recognized that all people benefit from this securi because
human beings are equal in their capacity t harm one another.
|121
Sample Motions:
This House believes in fundamental human rights. This House believes rights are right.
Web Links:
2 Human Rights Documents and Materials. <http://www1.umn. Site maintained by the Human Rights Library at the Univer
human rights.
3 Human Rights Web. <http://www.hrweb.org/>
General site offering an introduction to human rights, bi documents relating to human rights, and links to other re
Universal Declaration of Human Rights. <http://www.un.o Text of the document.
Further Reading:
Paine,CommonTom. Sense, the Rights of Man Newand AmericanOtherEssentialLibrary,
Savic,TheObradPolitics.. Verso,ofHuman2000Rights.
dc
PROSCONS
As good international Samaritans,Usingforce weto mupholdstintervenhuma halt human rights
violationsForce.inevitablyThe1948 Genocideinvolves Coi vention calls on
countriesproperty)toundertakeforthe saketopreveofa to punish genocide. nesian intervention in East
sition of martial law: Amne this as complaint and cure
PROS CONS
The nations that are partyGuns andto unstableinternationalpeace humanare rights conventions
havethesearesponsibilitysituationsevento seethe thatsma countries accept these humannoble ridealsghts.violations.
Force does not necessSarilynctionsinvolveharm thediplomaticmilitaryrel. lomatic pressure,
includingeffectsanctions,anychangecan.Noforcesubstanopp sive regimes to respectofferedhuman rightsonthe.
efficacy of san tions against Iraq, for exampl human rights. Instead, they h
support.
Serbian
Sample Motions:
This House would use force to uphold human rights.
Web Links:
Information
on human rights by issue and geographical area.
United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human R Information on the operations of the OHCHR and its campaign rights.
Includes links to information on key human rights i
Further Reading:
Forsythe,HumanDavidRights. in. InternationalCambridgeUniversityRelationsPress, 2000. Gray, ChristineInternational.
Law.OxfordandtheUniversityUseofForcePress, 2001.
Koh, Harold, andDeliberativeRonaldC.Slye,Democr.edsYacyle. aUndiversityHumanRightsPres, 199
Robertson,CrimesGoffreyAgainst. Humanity:.NewThePress,Struggle2000for. Global Ju
dc
|123
IMMIGRATION, RESTRICTIONS ON
In the last half of the twentieth century, the or religious persecution, but a large proportion were actively
recruited as cheap labor. Immigrat Should immigration be restricted, and if so, to of developing nations?
PROS CONS
Labor is increasingly mobileEconomicin migrantsthisage ofleaveglobalde People looking for
workbecnauseturallythey
movecannotfromfindareasjo
underemployment
and
povertyhigher
toincomesregions.Thwisthcanhigheca standards of living wherenegativeworkerseffectare ino demandvelopm.
International
migrationImmigrantscanbring
boostednecessarytheknowlAme
and
technologies
to
countriesbecause.theForUnitedinstance,Statestheh
migration
from
Europe
towhicthe
opportuniUnitedStatesyabouindedthe. nineteenth century contritiesbutedhavetochangedAmericansincegrowtth
and
development.
Not
onlyopportunityAmerca,
isbutlimitedalsoAustrbyi
and
New
Zealand
emergedFurthermore,outofimmigranttheimmigrantsflow.
United States and Western E grate into their host cultu
Sample Motions:
This House believes that rich countries should enforce i The House believes that international immigration is ben
Web Links:
World Immigration and Deportation. <http://www.world-im Broad site dealing with a variety of issues associated w
dc
PROS CONS
The ICC will lead to ThepoliticalUSshouldprosecutionhavenothing.It wito subject American
servicefullymembers.Moreover,andseniordeterminlingtar and political strategiststionalto criminallaw(by
thechargesUSorforanym actions that are legitimplacete shouldandnecessarybeeasy. asAny thenatiI can ask the ICC
prosecutorhimselfto ionlyvestigatewiththean gravissuest, the prosecutor hasextheprotainlypowerrio
wouldtoinvestigatenotapprove a st motuThe. UN Security Counciltematicannotmass overrideviolationsor of hu veto
his actions or decisionscomeunder.Politicalthejurisdictionprosecutio evident in the preliminatorsy
investigationpowerisalso bylimitedtheIntb national Criminal TribunalobtainforthetheapprovalFormer Yugoslaviofthree
(ICTY) into the NATO bombingarrest warrantofKosovoor andinitiatingthe Federal Republic of
Yugoslavinvestigation.The couldprosecutorbenefitchost to investigate a campaignend
doubtsthathadaboutbeentheundertakenjustifia with clinical precision,US acceptedthathad
thereceivedjurisdictionthesupp of the Security Councilbec(auselthoughitdidafternot theexpectfact),its that had been
directedtheyagainstwere adeployedmilitarytocarryingprevent a brutal policy of genocide. This grim precedent su
gests that a prosecutor will not hesitate to invest other good faith and successful military actions ac the globe.
The US holds a unique Thepositionvery preeminencemaintainingof intther national peace and securityadhere. Itto
mighttherulebe appropriateofinterna other countries to consentcommittowarthecrimesjurisdictionwhileconduof ICC
because they do notpaignhavetotheprotectsame responshumanrightsbili-ties and risks. US
armedcanforcesdemandhavethatrespondedtheUS, orto anma more situations duringlawfulthe
ends1990sbythlanwfulduringmeansthe. whole of the Cold War. humanMore thanrightsever,violationstheworldo loon
to the US to ensure peacetor andis. safOtherty.nationsUSmilitarywith sido inance increases the
likelihmentsoverseas,odofprosecutionsuchasthe.WheU
|125
PROS CONS
rogue regimes are incapablefiedtheof defRomeatingStatuthe withoUSmi ily, they are likely toaccepthallengethe
principletheUSin thatthe In will damage US interestsstatefartomoreupholdthanoranyestablisconve tional military
action thoseandwillsameresulthuman inrightsUSreluc. intervene in the future. The indispensable nation be
permitted to dispense with the ICC.
The Rome Statute has createdThisobjectiontheovelto thecrimeICC ofis aggression, which incrtheasesICC
thehas likelihoodnotyetdefinedofp prosecution. One state thecouldcrimeaccuseofanothaggressionofagi sion
for intervening totheprotectdomestichumanffarirsghtsof. Govas ments carrying out a policynorms of
geconocideventionalcouldandreq that a nation be prosecutedCharterforprohibitsuccessfullyboth prthev
genocide. Moreover, by againstquirkanotherof stateute,and ai that refuses to accept
jurisdictionICCjurisdiction.The canUS shouldnever request the prosecutionsoofthatforeignits
negotiatorsnationalsforca allegedly committed inAssemblyitsterritoryofState. ThusParties,Yugos President
Slobodan Milonsevicdraftingcoulda havedefinitiodemandedof the investigation of NATO forces for activities d
Operation Allied Force but could have prevented investigation of the Bosnian Serb army in the sam ritory.
Sample Motions:
This House believes that the United States should not sup This House believes that the creation of the ICC is a cri
Web Links:
The Coalition for an ICC. <http://www.iccnow.org/index. Country-by-country report on the status of the Rome Statu
Crimes of War Project. <http://www.crimesofwar.org/> Provides up-to-date information on possible violations of law and
justice.
dc
INTERNET CENSORSHIP
The Internet (World Wide Web) is the fastest growi world. In the last 10 years concern has increased making
instructions, that abets terrorist activit But even if censorship of the Internet can be mora
PROS CONS
Although democratic nationsCensorshipvalue isfreedomusuallyof evilspeech.G all put some restrictionsit
wherevontherrightpossible.Such.
Childrestrip
usually
surround
hard-coreexample;and
childsufficientpornography,legislatibu some nations restrict hatendlespeechthoseaswhowellattempt.The Inteto
should be no exceptionviewto thesesuch mbaterialsicstandards.Other.foTr offensive material is
nooffensive,differentbutbecausetheonlyit iswaypuba on the Web. speech is to be exposed to it
accordingly.
PROS CONS
Sample Motions:
This
This
This
Web Links:
ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union): CyberLiberties. Provides links to resources and information on campaigns
Electronic Frontier Foundation. <http://www.eff.org/blu Offers summaries of issues involving Internet censorship
Further reading:
Peck,
Libraries,Robert.
the
First
AmendmentAmericanandCyberspace:LibraryAssociWhat
Jonathan,Sex,andLaws,MarkandManganCyberspace:. Freedom and Ce Revolution.Holt, 1997.
Wallace,
IRAQ, INVASION OF
Iraq invaded its neighbor, Kuwait, in 1990, provok defeated Iraq, it stopped short of removing Iraqi chemical,
biological, and nuclear weapons, one of investigate Iraqi weapons programs and shut them d from Iraq in 1998
after reporting that Iraq had r singled out Iraq, Iran, and North Korea as an axi Bush administration has
indicated that it is will
PROS CONS
Saddam Hussein is developingWhere isweaponsthe evidenceofmass destructhatSa tion. During the 1990s
toUNSCOMpossessinguncoveredweaponsnuclear,ofmass
chemical,
and
biologicalnoneweapons.Recentplantsdefectorsandprogramhaveb but was unable to shutStateshem downwhat.
theySinceknowUNSCOMit want left in 1998, stores ofdemandsthese kindsabout ofinspectionsweaponshaveeff
increasing rapidly accoprovedinga tonegativerecentthatIraqiitdefectisn Because sanctions failedthato
UNSCOMforce Iraqfailedto tocooperatefindin the UN, we have no alternativesivesearchingbutto.
overthrowTheweaponssucha dangerous regime beforexcuseitusesto suchoverthrowterriblearegimeweapo
family
in particular, hates.
PROS CONS
on
power.
UN
sanctions
soexcepbrutedallyfood.TheandUnitedmedicineSta
but
Hussein
has
deliberatelyIraqiNationawithheldCongrthesess,frombu people to score propagandaexile pointsgroups.
Hisuniattedacksonly Kurds of northern Iraq regimeandthe. ItMarshincludesArabs figuresandSh Muslims of
southern Iraqcredentihaveamountedls,includingtogenocidform
implicated in brutal acts o legitimacy within Iraq. The Hussein
civil war would ma Iraqis even worse.
Overthrowing
the
IraqiInvadingregime
isIraqfeasiblewouldbeand
mine
not
result
in
large
numbersdidnotoffallcasualtiesthrough.
aSanctcou
prevented
the
Iraqi
miliattack,ry
fromaninvadingrebuildingforceaftw destruction in the GulforcesWar. Thefor defectionsalongcampaignofma
senior
army
officers
broughtebels
tovaluableactas
intelligencaproxyar
Western
military
plannersstan).The.Iraqiregime,soldierslike
themay
Tan
in
Afghanistan,
is
likelyquipped,toprovebuttoneitherbeverywerebri
subject
to
a
forceful
theattack,elitecollapsingRepublicanthroughGuard, military and popular supportand100,000. strong, would b
many
Sample Motions:
This House would invade Iraq.
This
This
Web Links:
1 The Case for Tough Action Against Iraq. <http://www.obs
Article inObserverthesupportingBrish the overthrow of Saddam Hussein by m
Further Reading:
Butler,TheRichardGreatest. Threat: Iraq, Weapons PublicofMassAffairs,Destructio20 Farouk-Sluglett, Marion,IraqSinceand
1958:Peter FromSluglI.RBe.ttvolutionTauris,. to2001Dictat. MacKey,TheSandraReckoning:. Iraq andNorton,theLegacy2002. of
Saddam Hussein
dc
IVORY TRADING
The African elephant population decreased from abo of intense poaching to supply the international i
Endangered Species (CITES) banned ivory trading. eased for Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, giving ivory
demand. The ivory was sold in 1999; in 2000 announced that it would apply for permission to s
PROS CONS
The elephant populationsElephantsofsouthernarehighlyAfricanintelligstate are growing rapidly,
placingfortheirastrainivory isuponunethicthealti. parks in which they livemize. Thisthe viewhas
necessitatedthathumankindgov ment culls that have resultedwayconvenientinlarge. stockpiles of (also acquired from
animals that died naturally) t these nations are currently unable to sell. Relaxin CITES ban on trading ivory, subject
to careful regu tion, would bring much-needed cash to the environ-mental programs of these impoverished
countries, hel ing them to safeguard the long-term survival of Afri elephants.
A trading ban does notAtchokepresentoff demand for ivory. Instead, it raises the prices areto exorbitantactually
lowerlevels,tha aging poaching. Japan istradingemergingban wouldfrom thernewconomicinter problems that
depressedincreasedemnd
duringthesizetheof1990s,themarkand
Chinas
growing
prosperHitygherispricescreatingpresentaewa
marketlong-Consequently
the
illegandltradeencouragewill
generatecontinuedhigherpoach its in the future. Legiertimate,yinAfricaegulatedisso salesseverewout undercut the
illegal marketnotstopand thedrivepoactherspoachers.
|131
PROS CONS
of
business.
Sample Motions:
This House would allow trade in ivory. This House would save the elephants.
This
Web Links:
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species Provides information on CITES and CITES programs, the tex
species.
International Fund for Animal Welfare. <http://www.ifaw Links to information on the status of elephants and proje
Further Reading:
Pearce, Elephants,David,ed. EconomicsEarthscan,and1991Ivory..
Snugg,ElephantsIke. and Ivory:InstituteLessons fromofEconomictheTradeAffairs,Ban. 19
dc
PROS CONS
One
of the fundamentalItprinciplesaprimaryof crimobligationjustiof
is that the punishment toshouldestablishftheclearcrimeand. Thatceraip ciple is abrogated whenthreealifestrikessentencelawsisofferautomatisuch
imposed
for a third
feltonyrywhethnaturer makesthat felonypunishmentse
ous and
violent, or
minorvent andinconsistencynon-violentin. thBecauscri
there is only one sentence possible for many kinds crimes, it follows that the sentence does not neces correspond
to the gravity of the offense.
It often happens that Historically,thethirdfelonyjudgesthathaveis,abusth one that triggers the haveautomaticbeen
givensentencebyistherelatcriminv minor. For example, a often,life sentencejudgeshavehas imposedbeenimposlig
on
someone
for
the
attemptedevenwhenshopliftingthosecriminalsofvideohav-tapes.
A
life
sentenceTheformandatorysuch
crimesentncesis
cruelimpos
unusual,
and,
as
such,ensureis
forbiddthatecidivistsnbythe Eightharep Amendment to the Constitution.
The
PROS CONS
Sample Motions:
This House would restore discretion in sentencing to the This House would make the punishment fit the crime.
Web Links:
Website of an advocacy group that opposes a wide range of of litigation and briefs written for Supreme Court.
dc
MARIJUANA, LEGALIZATION OF
The debate about the legalization of drugs, par the individual against a paternalistic state. A like alcohol
and tobacco, but also has been prov marijuana will act as a precursor to increased
PROS CONS
Although marijuana doesUnlikhave somealcoholharmfuland tobacco,effects
thanentlylegaldangeroussubstanceshallucinatolike
and tobacco. Research bythermore,Britishmany MedicalindividualsAsso tion shows
morecrimeaddictivetofund tha ijuana. Furthermore, thetionconsuofmarptijuanaonof
smoking
causereadilymoredeathsavailable,peryearwhichthanin
marijuana.
peopleofmarijuanawillgainwillaccesremo
is
no
more
harmful
that nicotineresortisfarto
willalcohollead cigarette
The
legalizationmore
PROS CONS
response
Sample Motions:
This House believes that marijuana should be legalized. This House supports the legalization of drugs.
This
Web Links:
1 Office of National Drug Control Policy. <http://www.whiteh
|135
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. Information on marijuana facts, laws, and medical use fro
Further Reading:
Brown,Cannabis:David. The TaylorGenus andCannabisFrancis,. 1998.
Matthews,CannabisPatrickCulture:. A Journey.TrafalgarthroughSquare,Disputed2000.Terr
dc
PROS CONS
US policy in the MiddleDo Eastno forgethasbeenthatconsistentlformost the side of Israel andborshas
saidignoredthattheIsraelrightshadofn
peoples.
Although
the
destroyedUSrecognized.US
supporttheneedhasforb Jewish homeland, it hasvivalnot. made a commitment to recognizing that Palestinians
need a homeland as
American policy toward Athedistinctionmilitarizationmust beof madethe M East has been inconsistentand
militaryandunfairaggression.Although.
Thth
has
taken
a
strong
stanceassistanceagainsttotheIsradevelsopmentha
weapons
in
Arab
nations,counitriehas
thatsold
haveweaponsopenlyto I and condoned Israels developmenttions.The USof must,nuclearhowevercapa ity. of
weapons in countries wit
for example, Iraq, which l attack on Kuwait.
The
PROS CONS
Sample Motions:
This House supports US sponsorship of a Palestinian state. This House would value democracy more than votes and oil.
Web Links:
Israel and Palestine. <http://www.foreignpolicy-nfocus.or Web site of a think tank without walls is highly critical o
Israel/Mideast Briefings: Five Basic Talking Points on Isr <http://www.ajc.org/Israel/IsraelMideastBriefingsDetail.asp? The Web
site of the American Jewish Committee offers a proFurther Reading:
Friedman,FromThomasBeirutL.Anchor,toJerusalem1990..
Peters,FromJoanTime. Immemorial: The OriginsJKAPofPublishers,theArab-Jewish2001. C
Said, EdwardTheEndW.of the PeaceKnopf,Process:2001. Oslo and After.
dc
MINORITY LANGUAGES
Throughout human history, numerous languages have centralized governments, unified education, and ma
Arguments for preserving linguistic diversity as p efforts to build unified states and with increased majority
languages in certain countries are themse existence threatened by global languages.
PROS CONS
Any language is a reflectionInthe ofcoursehumanofculturehuman progreandi an invaluable cultural
disappear;artifact. Humanityisnormalsuffers.Hista loss when languages becomeples
ofextincteven.theLingreauistestic divelan sity deserves no less proteonesctionomigandto
careprominence;thandoesth diversity or biodiversitytragic. about it. English, the
|137
PROS CONS
Sample Motions:
This House supports protection of minority languages. This House would not give special status to minority lang This House
agrees that there should be only one official
Web Links:
Multilingualism. <http://www.linguasphere.org>
American
nongovernmental organization lobbying to make En
World Languages. <http://www.ethnologue.com>
A
comprehensive resource on languages of the world, with
Further Reading:
Crowley,An TerIntroductiony. toOxfordHistorUnicalversityLinguisticsPress,.1998. Crystal,LanguageDavidCambridge.Death.
University Press, 2000. Pennycook,TheAlasCultairural. Politics of AddisonEnglish-WeAsley,an Internatio1996. SkutnabbKangas, Tove, RobertLinguisticPhillipson,HumanandRights:Mart RannuOverc tionMouton. de Gruyter, 1995.
dc
MONARCHY, ABOLITION OF
Although the United Kingdom (UK) has perhaps the b Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain also f in
Africa and the Middle East (e.g., Morocco, Jord heads of state anachronisms who should be swept a when the
leaders of many new republics still strug
PROS CONS
The concept of monarchyConstitutionalisundemcraticmonarchy.Iftheismona-arch retains any
significantsystem.politicalAhereditarypowers,headthesof unjustifiable. Why shouldelementthe
ofpinioncontinuityofone withinperson in office by accident ofrealbirth,powersbe ofableEuropeantoifluencmonar
outcome of elections ortheoryofpoliticalBritishdecisionrulercanmakinve Monarchy may also be usednone
tohaspropdoneupsoothersince unjustheear-tifiable elements withinfiguresgovernment,abovetheforpoliticalexample
thco House of Lords in the UKretain. an important symbolic
unity. In Britain their right warn the prime minister has overly
radical policies. In S ally faced down a military co
PROS CONS
Sample Motions:
This House would abolish the monarchy. This House would storm the palace.
This
Web Links:
Australians for Constitutional Monarchy. <http://www.no Australian organization opposing the creation of a republ
The Centre for Republican Democracy. <http://www.centre Articles in support of a British republic from a radical
3
4
dc
NATIONAL TESTING
Responding to mounting concerns that the Americ Behind Act (2001), which mandates that states d state
tests are then compared with those from a Progress (NAEP). The intent is to use the resul and students
who are falling behind. Education measure vastly expands federal oversight of educ and will not
accomplish its objective. Others ar them against other schools and other students i
PROS CONS
A national curriculum Thefor mandateostcoreforsubjecanationalsalreate exists without school
teachboardstheandsamelocalcurriculumcommunities.E even realizing it. Mostshouldhigh
schoolbeablestudentstodeterminearepr ing for standardized collegeschoolsentacrossancetheexamscountryand
thear fore study what is neededbeableto dot makewell decisionsthese testat Also, only a few textbookbe
taughtcompanieswithinproducetheirtextsclassrf high school students. Whentestinglocalitiesremoves
selthectraditiononeof textbooks, they are, inadapteffect,to communagreeingty tostandwhatrdsamo to a national
curriculumcurriculum.Besides,decisionsstudents. across country should learn the same skills.
The entire reason thatUsingpublica nationaleducationtestin Americatodete was founded was to developdents
aaremoreworkingproductiveoversimplifwork-force. Although educationof nationalbyitselftestingisa worthyusetermgo
ultimately what we wantoforbusiness,ourchildrenasif ischildrenforthema be successful individualsout whoat theare
endableoftoanearnassemblli when they graduate fromnationalhghschooltestingor collegeuseterms.Foculi ing on
word choices thattingmayresults,alsobe andusedthein thebottobu ness world is just a
distracter,ournationsusedchildrenbyopponents.Wecann national testing to shiftrupt,theanddebateprofitawaydrivenfromworldwha really needs to happen ourin ournationsnationsclasschrooolsms..
occur over the entire school benefit students who are not g
Developing acceptable Thenationalidea ofstandardsationalis standardnoteas but other countries haveone
demonstrateduntilyoustartthattocreaactualin good standard tests thatdardsmotivthate teachersstudnts mustand
teach is possible. Excellencebe istaughtcreatedis difficultbybringingenoughtoge the right people,
examiningallysuchtextbooks,agreementandislookingprobab standards already put inhistoricplace byfiguresmany
shouldnationalallteas
|141
PROS CONS
Sample Motions:
This House
This House
This
House
This
House
Web Links:
Education Commission of the States (ECS). <http://www.e Offers a wealth of information about the practical implic
National Education Association (NEA). <http://www.nea.o Site maintained by the major national organization that o of the
initiative.
Schools.
<http://www.pbs.org
This
companion
WebFronsipresentslinetothea
Further Reading:
Ohanian,OneSusanSize. Fits Few: TheHeinemann,Follyof Educational1999. Standa Orfield, Gary, andRaisingMindy
StaKorndhardsber,oredsRaising. Barriers?: I tionCentury. Foundation Press, 2001.
Tucker, Marc S.,StandardsJudy forB. CoddingOurSchools:. How JosseytoSet-BassThe 1998.
dc
NATION-STATES
The question of whether the nation-state has a number of challenges to the very idea of soverei the
current international order (largely based in a globalized world. In this debate, the nati and economy and
contains a population that has international law regardless of its size and po
PROS CONS
Perceiving the world asIna thecollnearctionfutureofdistinctthepre states is still viablestatesas
constructwillbereplacedofthe worby Nation-states remain formregionadableorganizations,andwillbeableeno
resist the tide of globalizationrations,andforintercenturiesational. nature wants to
remainonsepnationalrateandidentityqual, willmaintad ing an identity and markingtural and defendingeconomic
advancescertain ritory. No amount of internationalizationculturalcohesion.Globalizcandes the system that has
workedand anysuccessfullynationthatfortriesalmost years. margins of the world order.
PROS CONS
regionalism,
which
peopletion
No
viable
alternative
Growingtothe
currentfederalismorderandexistsregiona.
nation-state
is
the
besthavesystemprovedavailablethathumansfor
canpreseo
cultures
and
institutionsconcerns.DeprivingThiscombinatipeopleonf
ofthe
national
identity
for
thegovernmsakentof
isglobalizationlikelytobeisre tion of human rights. ment in the future.
Sample Motions:
This House believes that the nation-state system does not d This House should endorse nation-states against globalizati This House
holds that nation-states have no future.
Web Links:
Advanced Research on the Europeanisation of the Nation-St Provides links as well as an annotated list of journal arti
The Nationalism Project. <http://www.nationalismproject.o Provides essays, articles, bibliographies, book abstracts a
Nations, States and Politics. <http://www.scholiast.org/n Research program on the changes in Europe with a primary fo
UN Report on Globalization and Nation-State. <http://www. A page devoted to political theory as it applies to nations
Further Reading:
Friedman,TheThomasLexus.and the Olive Farrar,Tree:UnderstandingStraus&Giroux,Globali20
Gould,Carol, andCulturalPasqualeIdentityPaquinRowman,andedstheand. NationLittlefield,-State. 2001
Holton,GlobalizationR.J. andMacmillan,theNation1998-State..
Huntington,TheSamuelClash Pof. CivilizationsSimonandandtheSchuster,Remaking 1996ofWor.
Soros,GeorgeSoros. PubliconGlobalizationAffairs,2002..
dc
|143
PROS CONS
No matter how long ago Athesesomecrimespoint wereprosecommitteution their horrific nature canago
leaveservesnonodoubtpurposethat.
Thethe
petrators
must
be
huntedusuallytotheveryendsyoungoftheandEarthof. time has elapsed is notare legalnotGermandefenseand.
Theycooperatwoul been prosecuted if evidfearnce. Mosthad beenoftheavailablemajorfigat end of the war. We
mustiesmeteareoutnowequaldead,justiceandtheto
war
criminals.
The
statuteinmanyof
limitHolocausttionsmuseumsnver.r on murder. cumstances, and after such
pose.
We owe it to those whoAlthoughperishedprosecutingtofightonthein arth name against bigotry, tion,andto
whoprsecuteareallthosedead resnow sible for their deathssuch.If rweasoningdonot,isthenlesstheyrele vain.
ipants we are dealing with merely following orders and in the cause that they fel
and we
their
areTrialsamonglikethosethesemostarein notfavori
shouldtims, notwhomakemay assumptiosufferincreso
shouldforcedwe insulttotestifyhem (possiblbypubli
torturershavebeenand subpoenaed)refusingto. prosWem
wounds in the name of retri
Sample Motions:
This
This
Web Links:
Holocaust Study Resources. <http://www.hum.huji.ac.il/D Extensive site with links to information on historical an
144|The Debatabase Book
and
survivors.
The Holocaust Teacher Resource Center. <http://www.holoca Provides teachers, students, and the general public lesson
Holocaust.
The Jewish Resources Site. <http://www.us-israel.org/jsou Links to resources on the Holocaust and the international r
Further Reading:
Rosenbaum,ProsecutingAlan. NaziWestview,WarCriminals1997..
Wiesenthal,The Sunflower:imon. On the PossibilitiesSchocken,1998and. Limits of Fo
dc
PROS CONS
Currently, the majorityEstimatofthesworldsofhow elongectricityfossili erated using fossil fuelshave.
Althoughremained estimatunchangeds vafory tg about the worlds supplydictingoffossilwhen fuels,these fuelssome
estiwill suggest that oil could impossiblebeexhaustedbecausewithinew50 deposiyears coal within 25 years.
becausThuswe themustratefindofa newuse sourccanno of energy. We must startIn toadditionconvertsometo
nuclearexperts enersti now so there is not a 350majoryeacrisisof naturalwhenfossilgas. fuWel run out. search for a
new power source
Unfortunately, the nuclearThe nuclearindustryinduhastrya badhas reputash tion for safety that isThreenot
MileentirelyIslanddeservedwewere.
Themin
whelming
majority
of
nucleardown,
andreactorsChernobylhavefunctionthe
|145
PROS CONS
self-sufficiency in energy
The nuclear industry isSuggestingamajor employerthatnuclear.It powcre
withproviderinvestment,iscompletelywicreatefatue more. always provide roughly the
numerous
jobs
and,
Sample Motions:
This House would look to the atom.
This
Web Links:
Greenpeace International: Nuclear. <http://www.greenpea Information on the organizations campaigns against nucle
Further Reading:
Berinstein,AlternPaulative. Energy:OryxFacts,Press,Statistics,2001. and Issues.
Blair, Cornelia, Nancy REnergy:.Jacobs,An aInformationssuedJacquelynofthePlu90sF..,Quiram1999.. Makhijani, Arjun,The
andNuclearScottPowerSaleskaDeception:. U.S. Nuclear My to InherentlyApex,Safe1999Reactors..
dc
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
The nuclear bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasak Cold War that followed was dominated, above all, b
raced to produce increasingly powerful arsenals, e nuclear arms race led to the concept of Mutually their
weapons would totally annihilate one another situation substantially. The fear of nuclear war by rogue states
and terrorist groups.
PROS CONS
Nuclear weapons are morallyTheuserepugnantofnuclear.Overweaponsthepaswo 50 years, we have seen
tragedy;movementbuttowardso, tolimitedagreatewar fare and precision weaponswar. Ttheatreasonminimizefor
themaintainiimpact on civilians. Nuclear weaponsarsenal haveistomassive,prevent indiscrwar.Th inate destructive
powerusing.Theynuclearcankillweaponstens discouroftho sands and cause catastrophicWarwas harmone toof the
worldmost peacenvi ronment. largely because of the nucle
superpowers.
The idea of a so-calledThenucleardeterrentdeterrentprinciplenostilllong applies. During the
ColdGulfWar,War,peacefor example,wasmaintainedthefe only by a balance of power;ation wasneitherone
ofsuperpowerthefactorshad an advantage large enousingghtochbemicalconfidweaponsntof victoragains However, a
balance of maypowerpreventnolongerrogueexisstates. Withfrom the proliferation of
nuclMorearover,weapons,althoughsometheroguecitizest may develop the abilitypowerstotrikemay
opposeatnationsthe usethatofha nuclear weapons. Would theirmajoropinionsnuclearwouldpowersrapidlythen strike
back at the aggrweaponsssr? Theof massanswerdestructionisunknownu. addition, most of the emerging nuclear
threats woul not come from legitimate governments but from dicta tors and terrorist groups. Would killing thousands
civilians ever be acceptable in retaliation for the of extremists?
PROS CONS
of
the world.
Sample Motions:
This House would abolish nuclear weapons.
This
Web Links:
dc
PROS CONS
The CTBT is the best wayThe toCTBTstopis athemisguideddevelopmentatt and proliferation of
more,nuclearndpowermore balancecomplex,. Itnuclw weapons. The treaty notthatonlypresentlimits
notherealtechnicalthreat opment of weapons but byalsorestrictingreduces theseextentcountr which they can be
displayed,reality
thusof
Mutuallyreducing
Assuredtheir
as
a
bargaining
chip
andactuallysymbolencourageofpowerreckless.TheCT means fewer weapons inpowersfewer. countries and is
the fore a valuable way of reducing nuclear tensions.
PROS CONS
Nuclear
explosions
haveOverta
massivetesting
environmentalbynuclearpowe
impact
and
cause
massivemostharmdeserted.Large andareasenvironmentareirra ated by the blasts and exampthelonge,Siberiatermeffectsandtheof deserad tive materials thrown intoern Australiatheatmosphere.Thus,bytheir expen sions
are uncertain. Nuclearjustminimaltests ofbutenmuchinvolveless moth people off their own landsmight
(astakewithplacethetoFrenchcircumventest Polynesia in 1995) and involve the destruction of ha tats. Although
information is scanty, the undergrou tests conducted in China are suspected to have caus earthquakes.
The
CTBT
does
not
threatenComputerexistingmodelingnuclearworksarseonally
Other
aspects
of
nucleardataweaponsfrom
likereal
guidanceexplosionssyste.T
and
missiles
can
still
lessbetested;reliablebesides,computercomputermodeli
eling
now
does
much
ofdevthelop,workmodelingfortestingwillbecomeexplo
sions.
Russia
and
Britaintoryhave.Morebover,thratifitisedexactlytheCTB neither has any intentionare ofimportantreliquishingthe
itstestsstatu.T nuclear power. ensure the weapons are workin
has been found highly useful industries that are specifica
Proliferation Treaty.
Voters in the United States,TheCTBTforis examppole,iticaloverwhelmdead ingly favor the CTBT; 73%is
nonexistentto16%say that(provedthe Unibytheed States should ratify thenationstreatyinvolved.World
opinionitsdevelin but a few rogue statesit)strongly.Atreatyfavorsthatbanninghasnonucleo testing, thus showing
comesignificantintoforcesupportis clearlyandcreatno political impetus for stigningmeandtheenergytreatyo.
Sample Motions:
This House would
This
House
This
House
would
would
ban
nuclear testing.
ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban
ban
the bomb.
|149
Web Links:
Coalition to Reduce Nuclear Dangers. <http://www.clw.or Provides information on a wide variety of issues involvin
Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization. <ht Summarizes the current status of the CTBT.
Physicians for Social Responsibility. <http://www.psr.o Offers detailed essay on the US response to the CTBT.
US State Department Arms Control Bureau. <http://www.st Information on current US policy and diplomatic negotiati
Further Reading:
Arnett, NuclearEric,edWeapons. after the ComprehensiveOxfordTest Ban:
University
Press, 1996.
Lambers, WilNuclieamr KTest. Ban Treaty:BillABetterLambers,Shield2001Than. Mi
Pande,CTBT:SavitaIndia. and SouththeNucleAsiarBooks,TestBan1996..
dc
PROS CONS
The use of performance-Wenhancingshould havedrugs someiswidesprsympat at the Olympics and
makesoften,the thevictorieseam ofcoacthosecom take them meaningless. ThNewredrugsare storiessuchas
oftheChinesgrow hormone EPO are very difficultlacednoodlestodetect,.TheInternatbutth Olympic authorities
are(IOC)doingConferencelittleto inaddrFessbruath lem. that coaches take the Olymp
The
man
who
revived
theTheOlympics
atmovementtheendgivesofth
nineteenth
century,
BarcommunitydeCoubertin,sports programsinsisted t educating the public inwhile,the spiritDream
ofTeamsfairareplayess the importance of takingOlympicpart ratheraims: faster,thanwinninghighe just as
important as the Games themselvescanonlybe. Today,goo Games are played by DreampetitionTeamsgivesof
younghighlyathlettrain athletesindividuals wecancanworkwatch. with awe but ne hope to copy.
The
PROS CONS
the idea of participationpicsforareitsstillown thesake. competitWithso prize money at stake, cwialnningbreakst allin
coveragecostsis isthea is table aim. The sponsorsof andpeopletheirto hbeavyablehands,tosee.tg interrupting
televisionotcoveragehavesignificantofeventcontrolfora o mercial, seem more importanthasthe thanstrongther
sporthand. andCorpoa-w rate sponsorship concentratesWithout onanyathletessponsorship,from themanyr est
countries. The US teamnots,endforteamsexample,.Sponsorshbenefitp fri huge funding and can thusprocesstrainof
toputtingfar higherallcountrleve than can those of developing countries. This preven competition on an equal footing,
one feature of th Olympic dream.
The IOC and many nationWhalteverOlympicgoes committeesoninthe commi lack integrity. This
kiOlympiclsthedreamGamesitselfspiritthat.Foris e ple, several of the judgesofthewhoathletesselected.
ItNaganoispossibfor 1998 Winter Olympics, strongerSydneyforwhereverthe2000theOlymGames- a pics, and Salt
Lake Cityersforarethedetached2002Winterfrom Olympicthe are known to have taken bribes from the winning citi and
from some of the other competing cities as well
Sample Motions:
This House believes that the Olympic dream is dead.
This House believes that the battle against doping in sport This House wants to win at all costs.
Web Links:
International Olympic Committee. <http://www.olympic.org> Official Web site of the Olympic Games provides information
Further Reading:
Jennings,
Schuster,
2000.
Lensky,
Press, 2000.
Schaffer,
Press, 2000.
dc
|151
PROS CONS
The 1990s saw a welcomeThetrendgay towardrights themovementfull hasinc sion of gays and
lesbianstheseinradicalsoiety,tacticsbutmuchare wu remains. Homophobia andarediscriminowopenationlygay
areand stilcan linked to the perceptiongaysthandt gayslesbiansare.a Thetinyneemin of the population.
Thatistentsomany.Everyonegaysremainhasa inrigh closet (pretending toprivacybeheterosexual). contribut this
misperception. Outing celebrities increases number of gay role models and improves the public perception of
gays, making the process of coming easier for all gay men and women.
Celebrities enter into Thean publicsunspoken obsessioncontract with fans. In return for
theForvastmany,amountssexualityofadorationisvery money, they must surrenotder somethingagooddealthatof
celthebirit vacy. The public has thefansright. to know about the p who profit immeasurably from its support.
Sample Motions:
This House would force celebrities out of the closet. This House would name (but not shame) gay celebrities.
Web Links:
Does Human Dignity Require Outing Homosexuals? <http:// Academic article evaluating outing from a philosophical s
152|The Debatabase Book
Further Reading:
Gross,ContestedLarry. Closets: TheUniversityPolitics ofandMinnesotaEthicsofPress,Outing199.
Johansson,Outing:WarrenShattering.Haworth,theConspiracy1994. of Silence.
Mohr, RichardGayIdeas:. Outing Beacon,andOther1994Controversies..
Murphy, GayTimothyEthics:. Controversies inHaworth,Outing,1995Civil. Rights, a
dc
PROS CONS
Population is a major Manyproblempopulationtoday; theforecastsworld popare-ulation of 6 billion
istakeexpectedintoaccounttoreachthe10differe.7bil by 2050. Given the straingrowthon.
globAnationslresourcespopulationandt environment today, an earlynvironmentalstages
ofdisasterdevelopment,isclea waiting to happen as theand populationrisinglevelstimeofbombeducatioticks away.
While reproductionstabilizeis fundamatthentalreplacementhuman right, rights come
withfigurerespofnsibilit10.7iesllion.We byhave205 responsibility to futureto remaingenerations,steady
andthereafter,populati control is one method of ensuringtodayachievethat naturalmaturityresou.De will be available
for ouralternativedescendantsmethods. to solve
|153
PROS CONS
Contraception
empowers
Womenwomen
mayby
givingnothavethemthereprocho-ductive
control.
Delayingtivespreg.Inancymanygivesdevelopingopportu
ties
for
education,
employment,insexual
andrelationshipssocialand andpo cal advancement. Birth familycontrolplanningcantherefore.Religiousbea term
investment in politicalchildrenreformaspossibleandoffersmay als protection of womens rightsmaynot. even be
socially ac
advanced by contraception? reality, contraception typi
national population control Chinas one-child policy), often
violate womens right
Contraception can help Whilsave thebirthlivescontrolof womenshouldin developing world. The opinglack
ofnations,obstetricsuchcarenationds prevalence of disease moreand malnutritionpressing,issuescontribut.Prov
a
high
rate
of
mortalityproperamongsanitationpregnant
canmothersimproa
their
newborn
children.family,Thisriskin additioncanbeoverto redu100 that of mothers in developedamajorcountriesreasonfor.
parents
number of children). Spendi and services is a far bette
providing contraception.
Supporting contraceptionContraceptionisaneasy wayis aforcontrovethed oped world to help the
opdevelopingdanddevelopingworldcopenationswith
population
crisis
and
itthe.
Thiconsequentcanreducestiflingthe ofsu opment. Contraceptives,gramscomparedinthetodevelopingmonetary
aidwor are less likely to be misdirectedcalappeal ofinto(andthethuspocketfun rupt officials. policies in the
developed w
Sample Motions:
This House supports contraception in developing nations. This House would cap population growth in the developing This
House believes that there are too many people.
This
Web Links:
Paul Ehrlich and the Population Bomb. <http://www.pbs.o Site connected with a PBS show on PaulThe
PopulationEhrlich,explainingwhoBomb, 19h population growth damages the Earths ability to sustain
The United Nations Population Information Network. <htt Offers links to population information on the UN systems
Further Reading:
Cohen,HowJoelMany. People CanNor ton,he Earth1995. Support?
Zuckerman,
Ben, andHumanDavidPopulationJefferson,andJonesedsthe. EnvironmentalandBartlett, C
dc
OVERSEAS MANUFACTURING
In the new era of globalization, American compani outside the United States. Many countries are eag bring;
overseas factories usually can be run at s are much lower than wages for American workers. T many
questions and raised many issues. Their work unreasonable hours; they may be paid less than a are schoolage children. Increasingly, the public treatment of their foreign workers and to provide
PROS CONS
Companies build factoriesManufacturersoverseas forknow onethatprimarymistr reason: Foreign
workerspayareincheaperthelong.Whenrun.companiesTheykno are driven by the profithappymotive,workforcethey
haveisgoinganincenttob to pay as little as possiblegivetheirand operationtoskimp onlongequipm-ter and procedures
that wouldfacturersprovide carecomfortaboutandthesafetbo to workers. Workers needthato concebeprotectednthat
motivatesfromcorpot rations that care more wellabout. profits than people.
often asked
overtime,
work
by
to
work
and
materials.
when
someone
Sample Motions:
This House will not buy materials made in foreign sweatsh This House would force American companies to let foreign
Web Links:
Solutions for a Global Problem. <http://www.sweatshops. This Web site is sponsored by the activist organization C and
encourages citizens to take action to eliminate them.
Sweatshops for the New World Order. <http://www.fee.org This essay, from the Foundation for Economic Education, a
Further Reading:
Featherstone,StudentsLiza,Againstetal. Sweatshops:Verso Books,TheMaking2002.of
Sweatshops:H. Foreign Direct BrookingsInvestmentInstand tion, 2002.
Mo
Moran,
TheodoreBeyond
dc
PACIFISM
Pacifism has a long history in the United States every American war from the Revolution to the P to policy
changes, as was the case in the Vietn military action against terrorists in Afghanist of terrorism. The
debate between nonviolent obj morality vs. practicality: Is violence ever con diminish evil. The debate also
contrasts the li and thus raises the difficult issue of sacrifici
PROS CONS
Pacifists
believe
that
Pacifismviolence
isbegetsaluxuryviolencethat.
s
do
not
have
to
retreatotherscompletelyfight.
fromPacifistsworld
claan
domestic
affairs;
theyenjoyingarenot
thecowardsliberty.Duringfor Wow War I, conscientious foughtobjectorsbothstworldodupwarsagainsttoc
militarism and cynicaltadinplomacyjusticethat.We haddid ledour tom conflict. In many countriesanny. they were
executed for
PROS
CONS
beliefs.
When
war
is
inevitable,Thispacifiststypeofcanprotestestis
thenot
tc
elties
of
war,
such
aswartortutrightre,a.tacksByadmittingoncivilianth
other
contraventions
ofitable,theGenevayou
areConvention,acknowledging attempt to curb violencesannotexcessessitby. and do nothing.
Sample Motions:
This House would be pacifist.
This
This
Web Links:
The Good War and Those Who Refuse to Fight It. <http://ww PBS Web site providing overview of pacifism in American his
The Paradox of War and Pacifism. <http://www.leaderu.com/s Historical discussion of pacifism from a Christian point of
Further Reading:
Cooper,PatrioticSandi. Pacifism: WagingOxfoWardonUniversityWarinEurope,Press 1815onDeMcCarthy,AllColmanofOne. Peace:RutgersEssaysUniversityonNonviolencePress,. 1994.
dc
PROS CONS
No person who is financiallyIfpoliticiandependet wereonsomeodependen else
funding,servetheunduepublicinfluencegood
mightadi
ested
way.
politicianmanyspecialdependsinterestonhuge groupssumso
is
truly free
When
|157
to
a
PROS CONS
up.
Sample Motions:
This House would change campaign finance laws to allow co This House would lobby Congress to advance its interests.
Web Links:
Missing the Point on Campaign Finance. <http://www.clar An essay from the Claremont Institute for the Study of St special
interest groups has been exaggerated.
Money and Politics: Who Owns Democracy? <http://www.net A project of Information Renaissance and National Issues
proposals to change the role of money in politics.
Your Guide to the Money in U.S. Elections. <http://www. Web site of the Center for Responsive Politics provides d alerts
flag instances where contributions may have influ
Further Reading:
Drew, ElizabethTheCorruption. of AmericanOverPolookitics:Press,What2000Went. Wro
dc
PORNOGRAPHY, BANNING OF
Most adult pornography is legal in the United Sta of freedom of speech. Nevertheless, many campaign
restrictions were based on moral grounds, but in studies have shown that pornography contributes t
PROS CONS
Pornography debases humanFreedominteractionsofspeech byis reducingoneofo love and all other
emotionsCensorshiptothemightcrudelybejustifiedexual. is an important elementoffensiveinrelatitonships,others, but
itthis the be all and end all raphyofthem.It. Pornographyisfilmedlegallyalsodebby the human body and
exploisentsingthoseadultsluredandintothusitoffen.It encourages unhealthy, obinjuresectifyingnooneattitudesandis
atowardlegit opposite sex. Pornographyfeelingsisnotanda emotionsvictimlessin muchcrim The victim is the very
art,fabricandofliteraturesocietyitselfdo..
Many
rapists
are
obsessedSaly,withrapepornographywillexist.It
withencou
ages
them
to
view
womenRapistsasobjectsmayuseand
pornography,helpsjustif
their
contention
that
wnomentcreatearewillingrapistsparticipants.Theclaim
the
act.
Indeed,
feministsinvalidhveproposed.Ourlegalthatsystempornog
phy
is
rape
because
it
bexploitstweenthoughtwomensandbodiesact.thatPorn raphy serves only to encouragePornographybrutalis
asexlegitimatecrimes.
enjoyment. Government should interests of sexual repressio
|159
Sample Motions:
This House believes pornography does more harm than good. This House would ban pornography.
This
Web Links:
American Civil Liberties Union. <http://www.aclu.org/> Information on court challenges to censorship, including
Pornography as a Cause of Rape. <http://www.dianarussel Summary of scholarly book showing the relationship betwee
Further Reading:
Cornell,FeminismDrucilla.ndOxfordPornographyUniversity. Press, 2000.
Juffer,At HomJane.With Pornography:.NewWomen,York SexUniversity,andEveryday1998.Li
Strossen,DefenNadineg. Pornography: Free SpNewech,YorkSex,Universityandthe PF
dc
PROS CONS
Until 1139, priests in Thethe earliestWestern church werefathersper ted to marry. The Biblesupporteddoesnot
themandatecelibatecelibacyprie in fact, St. Peter, thetury,firstchurchpope, councilswasmarriednac.T history and
traditionsmarriedofthe
menRomanwhoCatholicwereordainchur
include
the
option
for
relationsprieststowithmarrytheir. wives.
the apostles, other than Pe do know that they gave up e
More important, Jesus led a
The number of priests inProtestantAmerica ischurches,onthe declinewhich many parishes are withoutare
havingpriestproblems.Theprohibecruit on marriage pushes somenumbermen awayofnewfromprieststheprisesti
hood.
The
requirement
opedfcelibacyworldhasdraseenticallydeclired
the
pool
from
which
therecenthurchstudycan
showedelect
thatpriestsvo
means
that
the
church
diocesesisnotalwaysinthegettingUSthathewer and the brightest. the church, including pries
feeling second to th
PROS CONS
Priestly
celibacy
is
outdatedThepriest.It
issetssettheapartpriestfromap
the
therole:xperiencesHerepresentsofhisChristparishito ners. Jesus led a life of chastity
must
modern
world
and
Celibate
priests
can
nevTher
cexperilibatencepriestthe
intimatehasuni
complicated
marital
relationshippowerofself.They-controllack
credibiandthe
when
conducting
maritalareandkeyfamilyideascounselingmarriage.Mar.Th-ried
priests
can
betterchurchserveandtheircan
parishionerscounselcouplebe of their marital and familyknowledgeexperiences..
Sample Motions:
This House would permit priests to marry.
This House would have the Vatican stop requiring priestly c This House believes that a married priest is a better pries
Web Links:
Celibacy of the Clergy. <http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/ Offers a detailed article on the history and theology of pr
How to Refute Arguments Against Priestly Celibacy. <http: Clear presentation of arguments against celibacy, with refu
Lets Welcome Back Married Priests. <http://www.uscatholi Article, written by a married former priest, argues against
Further Reading:
McGovern,PriestlyThomas. CelibacyFourCourtsTodayPress,. 1998.
Schoenherr,GoodbyeRichardFather:A. The Celibate MaleOxfordPriesthoodUniversityandt
Press, 2002.
Stickler,TheAlphonsoCaseofM.Clerical Celibacy: ItsIgnatiusHistoricalPress,Deve1
Stravinska,PriestlyM.J.,Celibacy:ed. Its Scriptural,Newman Historical,HousePress,Spir20
dc
|161
PRIVACYVS.SECURITY
In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of Se rights and powers to law enforcement agencies. and in the
surveillance of material transmitted identification cards, facial profiling systems, aimed at protecting
Americans from further terr government will be able to gather more informat this invasion of privacy is
unwarranted and rep Constitution.
PROS CONS
The primary function ofThegovernmentrightto privacyistosecureunderl general welfare of itsto
citizenstheConstitution,.Security iswhicha good that is promised tosearchallAmericans,andseizureand.
itWhenmus primacy over individualandconcesharnse aboutinformatprivacyonabou.
ing an electronic version o
Electronic
surveillanceAnyof
proposalfinancialthattransactionsincreases
exampleis
an
essentialagenciestoolforshouldtrackingbe
dismissetheact
terrorists
when
they
areagenciesplanning(e.attacksg.,the.
IRS)The
goha
ment
cannot
stand
by
andcitizenswait.untilIncreasedcriminalpoweractsm committed; it must stopabuseattacks. before they happe
Tighter security controlsTighterat airportssecurity andcontrolsbrderc help prevent damage andethnicloss andof
lifereligious.In additiogroups their deterrent effect,discriminatorytheywillenable. official attacks as they are
happening.
Sample Motions:
This House supports the creation of a national identity c This House would give the government more power in time o
Web Links:
1 Privacilla.org. <http://www.privacilla.org>
A Web site devoted to gathering information on privacy is
1 Privacy vs. Security: A Bogus Debate? <http://www.busin
162|The Debatabase Book
From the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clar conflict between privacy and security. Includes links to oth
Further Reading:
Alderman,
Ellen,TheandRightCarolVintage,toPrivacyKnnedy1997...
Brin, TheDavidTransparent. Society: Will TechnologyPerseusForcePubliUshing,toC
Etzioni,TheAmitaiLimits.BasicofPrivacyBooks,. 2000
dc
PROS CONS
The people have a rightPeopletoknowwillaboutalwaysthosebe fascinapowe Their salaries are paidof forthe
powerfulbythepeople,andfamouswhethe.N through taxes, in the urescase haveofpoliticiansthesamerightand civiltop
vants, or by revenue generatedjoy.Norbyshouldfilms,publicCDs,TV,figuret in the case of celebritiesdards.
ofThepersonaldecisionsbehaviorofpolitth affect many aspects ofa peoplessensationalilivest; pressinexchange,.Ifth
people have the right ciestomakend publicinformedactionsjudgmentsofpo about the kind of leaderspersonalthey
foibles,want.Anydemocracyattempt tw restrict what may be reported about public figures c easily become a
conspiracy to manipulate voters or keep them in the dark.
PROS CONS
Many
politicians
point
Whenout
thepoliticiansrfamily
usevaluestheirand
licize
aspects
of
theirlivesprivatetowinliveselections,whenit
theis
advantage.
If
the
publicapublicimage
issuethey.seekThistodoescrean at variance with theirprivacyownpractice,ofthosesuchpoliticianhypocr deserves
to be exposed.personal lives in a campaig
Sample Motions:
This House believes that public figures have no right to This House demands the right to know.
This
Further Reading:
Collins,ScorpionGail. Tongues: Gossip,Morrow,Celebrity,1998. and American P
Wacks,
RaymondPrivacy. and Gaunt,Press Freedom1995..
dc
PROSTITUTION, LEGALIZATION OF
Prostitution has long been opposed on moral gro particularly AIDS, and about the violence that stop the
selling of sex. Criminalizing prostitu legalize it to protect prostitutes and monitor selling sex is legal; the
Dutch city of Amsterd for or against prostitution. Nevada has made pr arrangement also has enjoyed
notable success in
PROS CONS
Prostitution is an issueProstitutesofindividoualnotlibertyhavea. gT trol of ones own bodyencouragedisthemostor
forcedbasic ofto humwor rights. We do not imposetheylegalare oldpenaltiesenough onto makeena women who
choose
to
behavepromiscuoustheirreasoning.Whyshouldimpair
the
exchange
of
money
background,suddenlymakepreviousconsensualsexual
PROS
CONS
illegal?
Prostitution
has
existedGovernmentsinallcultureshavea
throughoutdutytop
tory.
Governments
shouldphysirecalognizehealthatof theytheircannotciti eradicate it. Consequentlywould theyimplicitshouldy
passapprovlegislad that makes prostitutionpracticesafer,. ratherProstitutionhanperisistnev futile and dangerous
pryohibitunggionrl.
Prostitutes
have
performedProstitutionavalid
harmssocialthefunctionfabric
thousands
of
years.
Prostitutioncourseoutsideactuallyofmarriagehelpsmaino marriages and relationshowips.disregardApurely
forphysical,thesancto mercial transaction doesthe notherjeopartnerdize inthea emotionrelati stability of a
relationshipment.isIninextricablyItaly,for example,linkedt a prostitute does not violate the law against adult
betweeBunny
prostitutes
and
and often threatenig greatertowok
|165
PROS CONS
cate part, if not all, dependoftheirnt earnings,onpimps. andLicenseoft age the women to
becomeforaddictedprostitutestodrugsto.workProvidin a secure environment inbusinesswhich tohasworkto
freespayformenrena
women of pimps.
rity; prostitutes working o
worry
about such expenses.
vate apartments, while othe
izing
prostitution will not
the
environment
is a consequenc
controls.
Licensed
brothels
willProstitutesimprovethewillqualitycontinueoflit
people
who
live
and
workareinunlikelyareascurrentlytowork
nearfrequt
by
prostitutes.
Regulatheionslicensedcanrequibrothelsbrothels.Furt in areas away from homesmentsand wantschoolsto.create
ghett
tain areas?
Existing legal prohibitionsMerely againstbecause solicitingsomeindividan titution do not work.
meanProstituthatesthearelawregularlyitself isa and fined. To pay the fines,abolishedthey. mustThe
easeprostitutewithwh selves. The laws banningto workprostitutionsuggests arethatcounterpenal ductive. severe
rather than removed
Sample Motions:
This House would have lots more sex. This House would legalize brothels.
This
Further Reading:
Chapkis, Wendy, JillLivPoesnSexr,Act:and WomenAnnieRoutledge,PerformingSprinkle.1997Erotic.
Ivison,FionasIreneLittle.StoryBrown,. 1997.
dc
REFERENDA
In contemporary democracies decisions are made by an issue should have a fuller demonstration of pu
questions put to a popular vote. They can have th which governments use them varies from nation to history;
half of them in Switzerland. The United e.g., California, use them frequently.
PROS CONS
In a democracy the peopleGoverningshouldinvolveshavethestablishiirsayas often as possible.
Referendathepeoplewereelectuncommontheirinreprthes past because they
werepermitdifficultthemtotoorgenactnizetheir.Now plt technology (i.e., the
Internet)isunpopularmakesinitthiallystaskbuteasib should utilize it to furtherpopular,thein spiritthelongof
rundemocrac.Su increase the involvementsurviveofthea preoplefer.ndumSwitzerland.Ifpeop an example of a nation
governmentthatuses frequentisdoing,referendatheycan ciently. of office. Governments job i
Freakish
results
can
beFreakavoishdedresultsbyrequiringcanoccuracertif
percentage
(say
ofrequirtheelectordforatereferendumtocasta tovot a referendum to be valids. too high, no referendum wi
30%)
Many
countries
have
partyIfnonesystemsofthewithpartieslittlesuppordiff
ence
between
parties.
Consequently,hasnosignificantlrge supportsectorsamoof public find their views unrepresented. Referenda wou be a
remedy.
Sample Motions:
This House calls for the increased use of referenda. This House would vote on it.
This
|167
Web Links:
Direct Democracy Campaign. <http://www.homeusers.preste Information in support of direct democracy, a system unde
To Collect the Wisest Sentiments. <http://www.vote.org/ Scholarly essay on the referendum in US history as well a
dc
PROS CONS
Religion is a stronger Religionforcethanis anyextremelymaterialdangeinc It is far better at
directingtojustifybehaviorbrutal
towardactionssoc.
terment
than
either
lawstorturephysicalinthe
forcename.ofForGodex. both Gandhi and MartinthemLuther King,so-calledJr., GermanconducteC nonviolent
protests baseders oni reltheirgiousFhrervalues.Religi.
in politics because it can control or to achieve a rul
The very existence of Theocratic states, become.g., Irto that religion can be
atheylegitimatearebasedsourceonobedienceofpol power. Governments in
theocraticGodsrepresentativestatesare rathermuchm stable than in secularstitcountriestion. because leaders
viewed as appointed by God. Political stability, turn, leads to economic welfare.
Biblical
commandments
areReligionsthebasliskeofIslamWesternjustiet
unfaithful,Religionteachmesaningus
tolerapeopl
people
andgiousreligionsconvictions.Usuallylike
beliethes
more
tolerantoristhanttacksnonbelievofSersptember.
cal
of
and
legal
other
peaceful
systems.
races
and
PROS CONS
Sample Motions:
This House believes that religion is a positive influence o This House believes that church and state must be kept sepa
Web Links:
United States Institute of Peace. <http://www.usip.org/re Site reports on the Institutes Religion and Peacemaking In
Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance. <http://www.r Presents information on various aspects of religion and inc brief
description of each.
Further Reading:
Gopin,HolyMarcWar,. Holy Peace: How ReligionOxford CanUniversityBringPeacePress,to
Hunter, ShireenThe.,FutureandMarcof IslamGopin.and the West:Praeger,Clash of Ci 1998.
Kepel,Jihad:GillesThe. Trail of PoliticalHarvardIslamUniversity.TranslatedPress,by Ant20 Smock, RelDavigiousdR. Perspectives on
War:.RevChristian,.ed.UnitedMuslim,StatesanI Peace Press, 2002.
dc
PROS CONS
|169
PROS CONS
Sample Motions:
This House rejoices that God is dead. This House does not believe.
This
Web Links:
1 Counterbalance. <http://www.counterbalance.org>
A
science and religion site sympathetic to Christianity
The Secular Web. <http://www.infidels.org/>
Contains
essays and articles supporting a metaphysical p
Theism, Atheism, and Rationality. <http://www.leaderu.com Philosophical essay in support of a theistic world view.
dc
PROS CONS
The legal precedent behindReparationsAfrican-areAmericannothistoricademands for slavery
reparationsreparationsoriginatesisfrommerelyUS Armythe merFie Order 15 issued by Gento.
WilliampopulismTecumsehbyAfricanSherman-Americ in 1865. It stated
thatlitigiouseachfreedmannatureofshouldAmericanrece 40 acres of land and a woulddraft hanimalvegivento
workpropertythe lanand compensation for their paymentsenslavemeandt. propertyBitternesstransfeover
governments failure toIfhonorthe governmentthatorder wantsexitstoinhe culture and contributesit
toshouldracialofferhostilityopportunities.Repara could possibly reduce somement
ofandthateducationhostility.Furthermoandlea better race relations inbe Americadecided. on, how would they
|171
PROS CONS
Sample Motions:
This House would give reparations to the descendants of s This House believes that the United States federal govern slave
trade.
This
Web Links:
All the Current Slavery Reparations News. <http://slave Impartial site offers scores of links to other Web pages
Millions For Reparations. <http://www.millionsforrepara This Web site, maintained by an organization in favor of
172|The Debatabase Book
thoughts
about reparations.
We Wont Pay. <http://www.wewontpay.com>
This Web site has the personal testimony of more than 100 I participants are qualified and cite sources; others do not. logical
fallacies in argument.
Further Reading:
Horowitz,UncivilDavid.Wars: The ControversyEncounter,over 2001Reparations. for S Robinson,TheRandallDebt:.What
AmericaPlume, Owes2001.to Blacks.
Winbush,
dc
PROS CONS
The Cold War ended moreRussiasthana desiredecade toagoregain.Now, its the two most powerful solidaritycuntries
inwiththetheworldUnitedfindSti natural and necessary cooperationtocooperate. Russiatofighthasterroribeen and in
other arenas. Bothininternationalcountrieshaveaffairselectedsincne presidents who quicklyUnionestablished.
friendly, even p sonal, relations. Good relations between leaders of improve relations between countries.
|173
PROS
CONS
Sample Motions:
This House believes that long-term cooperation between Ru This House believes that todays warming US-Russia relati the war on
international terrorism.
Web Links:
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. <http://www Presents a detailed report on US-Russia relations by the Council on
Foreign and Defense Policy (Moscow).
Center for Defense Information: Views from Moscow. <htt Provides an article by the former deputy chief of staff o relations
between Russia and the United States.
Radio Free Europe. <http://www.rferl.org/nca/special/RU Includes an archive of all the recent articles concerning
Further Reading:
Ellis,DefenseJason Dby. Other Means: The Politics ofPraeger,US-NIS 2001Thre Pikayev,Russia,Alexnderthe. U.S. and
theOxfordMissileUniversityTchnologyPress,Contr1
dc
SCHOOL UNIFORMS
Traditionally, students in American parochial s smattering of public schools had uniform polici uniforms in an
effort to stop school crime. The that students in many schools with uniform poli floodgate of uniform adoption.
President Bill Cl message. To avoid legal challenges, school dist for parents to opt out of the uniform
requireme
PROS CONS
Uniforms help create a Uniformsstrngsensesuppressofcommunity,individua promoting discipline
anddentshelpingfrom acceptingraiseacademicrespon dards. This is why
educatorsownlivesfrequ.Thentlyencourageadopt th when trying to revive failinggroup schoolsrather.than as indi
ters and abilities. Uniform of rote learning and milita
PROS CONS
Wearing uniforms acts Studentsasasocialwaysleveler;find waysall stoud are equal in the eyes
ofregardlesstheschoofl andwhatofclotheseachothar institutions without unifsciormsus willstudentsown theare
sameoftennumbco petitive in dress and worryofwhetherendlesslyornotabouttheytheircan weap ance. Pupils without
expensive,willchangetrendytheminuteclothesclassemay
become
social
outcastsfind.Manysomeparentsuniformpreferitems,uniformsuch because they save moneysive. and complain that
they c
the school.
Uniforms have practicalUniformsbenefitsmakeoutsidestudentshe veryschooid building. If students sizeare
identifiedthedivisionswithbetweenapartiscu institution, they may beilitymoreofawarebullyingoftheirand fightsbehavi
They may act more consinstitutionsderaelyof.others while trav ing to and from the school. On organized trips, tea
ers find keeping track and monitoring behavior of st dents easier.
Uniforms prepare studentsThe businessforlife worldafter isgraduatioincreas when businesses will expectcodes,
themmakingto adheretheschoolstocorpoth rate dress codes.
anachronistic. Adults who att uniforms do
not appear to str
Uniforms make it easy Oftenforteachersitis theto monitoruniform dresthat codes fairly. School
administratorswarmenoughin andwinterstudentsortooco stantly battle about whatbecauseclothingitis
isbadlyapproprdesignedate schools without uniformsGirls. complain about being fo in the coldest months.
Some g tive Muslims, may oppose spec cultural reasons. Students wi vert dress codes, so the staf
any case.
Sample Motions:
This House would introduce school uniforms.
This
This
Web Links:
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): All Dressed Up and Uniform Policies. <http://www.aclu.org/features/f110499a.ht Site
summarizing one campaign against school uniforms with
ACLU: Philly Adopts School Uniform Policy. <http://www.ac 2000 press release presenting opposing viewpoints on Philad
|175
U.S. Department of Education: Manual on Uniforms. <http 1996 summary of arguments in support of school uniforms, on
uniforms.
dc
SCHOOL VOUCHERS
Over the past decades, Americans have been incr particularly in inner-city neighborhoods, where
suggestions for improving education for all chi of these programs vary with locality, all would to help pay
the cost of private, including paro damage public schools and argue that they subve help the children
most in need.
PROS CONS
The current public educationTheAmericansystem publicisfailingeducaticou students, particularly tralin
innertoAmerican-cityeighbodemocracyhood.
an
era
where
education
foris
theall
keychildrentosuccess,regardlessthe dren are not being providedtheir withreligion,thechancetheir toacadedev
the skills
necessary toto competepay.It
inhasthehelpedmodernmilliwo
Vouchers
give
poor
pareandtsprovidedtheabilitythe
civictosendeduct
children
to
better
schoolscitizens.Theseto
childunderstandenshouldAmer sacrificed while we wait vfoucherpublicsystemschoolis reformsaying.
The money would help someThe families,governmentandvouchersthatisarewo the risks. Not all
studentstialenoughinnonperformingtogivetrue
scfi
will
be
able
to
attendare
privatenotlargeschoolenough.However,tohel
the
students
who
can
affordschoolsuch.Thean
voucherspportunitymakel nonperforming schools, affordablemoreresourcesfor peoplewillbewhoavaic at those
nonperforming addition,schoolstoprivateeducateschoolstherem ing students. Private allschoolsstudentswould
withhave vouchersano o change admission standardstuitionor ortuitiostandards,nor foris tha reason to think
that impactgreat vouchersswellinwouldprivatehaves. enrollment would result.
Vouchers
PROS CONS
Sample Motions:
This House believes that the government should cease the us This House recommends that educational vouchers be used for This
House believes that the issuing of vouchers by the gov
Web Links:
School Vouchers: The Wrong Choice for Public Education. < This is an anti-school voucher Web site containing a detail option.
This Web page from the Cato Institute presents a debate on the site offers links and policy analysis.
What Are the Issues: Vouchers? <http://www.pta.org/progra The PTA Web site provides excellent background on the issue
Further Reading:
Doerr, Edd, Albert J. Menendez,TheCase AgainstandPrometheus,JohnSchoolM.SwomleyVouchers1996...
Kilpatrick,ChoiceDavind WSchooling:.LoyolACasePress,forTuition1990. Vouchers.
Kolbert,
Kathryn,JusticeandZakTalking:Mettger,NewPrSchooleds,. 2002Vouchers..
dc
SCIENCE:
THREAT TO SOCIETY?
As the twenty-first century dawns, science is exte further than many people feel comfortable with. B
established procedures, such as in vitro fertiliz God. The development of nuclear weapons is just advances.
PROS CONS
ula tion
|177
PROS CONS
Science has greatly increasedScience thedoescapabilitynotkill; ofhuma women to kill each otherscience.Wars
forthatheusedflawsto inbe hufo face-to-face on the batttributelefield,sufferingwithcomparativetoscie casualties,
are now foughtorphilosophy,frommiles bothaway ofin whicano ity. The buildup of
nuclearexamplearsenalsgivenillustratesduringhe h War gave humanity the
accompanyingcapabilityofresponsibilityobliterating entire world 10 times overtion.
ensurAtcertaindthattimesneitherin h such as the 1962 CubanSovietmissileUnioncrisis,deployedthe wornuclde
stood on the brink of destruction.
Sample Motions:
This House believes science is a threat to humanity. This House fears science.
This
Web Links:
Institute of Scientists in Society (ISIS). <http://www. Maintained by ISIS, a nonprofit organization working for issues in
science.
International Center for Technology Assessment. <http:/ Site provides information on the organizations initiativ impacts of
technology.
Scientists for Global Responsibility. <http://www.sgr.o UK-based organization promoting the ethical use of scienc
Further Reading:
Collins,
H. M.,TheandGolem:TrevorWhatPinchYou. CambridgeShouldKnowUniversityAboutScienPr
dc
PROS CONS
The current tension in Wethedoninternatiohavenoughalarevidencenaisl to increase, leading
toisgreatermoreofdissatisfacthreatthanion inwithp ican policies. This, inareturn,likelymay toresulttake
inadvantagemoreter attacks. Terrorists nowseizeuse advancedthemomenttechnologytostrengtheand organized in
networks governmentofhard-to-agenciestrackcellsare. sophiAddre ing modern terrorism isterimpossibleterrorism
without curbimpingi some rights. What is not acceptable is to
using
In
any
large-scale
attemptHistorically,fightterrorismmanylimitationsomeab
of
rights
are
certain
togodoccurintentions.However,.Permittingendingallv rity measures because atheyfew maycases,violateis
therightstop isof noa good idea. The majoritywillof toleratehemeasuresincreasedareintendeviola to safeguard civil
liberties,allyfundamentalnotabuse rightsthem. will
Security
measures
have
IfnothereallyUnitedlimitedStatesfreedom,losesit
comparablerorism,withthethoseterrofrisotherswindeve. oped countries.
US
measures
are
PROS CONS
Sample Motions:
This House believes that security is the most important g This House would not trade liberty for security.
Web Links:
Report by international rights organization expressing co for possible terrorists following September 11.
Balancing Security and Liberty. <http://www.heritage.or Article in support of Bush administration anti-terrorism
Office of Homeland Security. <http://www.whitehouse.gov Bush administration site providing latest news on the dom
dc
PROS CONS
Self-determination is Callsfundamentalforindependencerightthatdestmu afforded to a native
orinnationalNortherngroupIreland,.The UNKashmiGen Assembly Resolution 1514areas(Theof
DeclarationSpain,and SGrantinLa Independence to ColonialhumanCountriesright,andit Peoples),almostalw
Helsinki Act, and the AfricanminorityCharterisableof toHumanactiveRig all assert that selfdeterminationandrepresetativeisan goveimpornmetan
is
viewed as an illegitimat
PROS CONS
Some
claims
for
self-detTherminationwrongsinflictedependandbythenceo
were
nourished
in
the
soilfautofofthetheillnew-treatmentgovernmentsof.
peoples
by
colonial
powersare.
Themovingrecognitionawayfromofnatmino ity rights protects culturalalismisidentitiesaboutdifference,thatriskwh
diluted. The activitiesideaof ofterroristtheglobalgroupscitizenshould.N undermine the politicalpursueagendasby
ofviolentnationalistterroristpart and the protests of minoritybe groupsrewarded. for their dis
Sample Motions:
This House believes
This
House
This
House
believes
believes
in native rights.
self-determination is a human right.
that one mans terrorist is another man
Web Links:
International Institute for Self-Determination. <http://w Site maintained by an organization promoting peaceful self-selfdetermination, a bibliography of print resources on th
Michael
Freeman,
National
SelfPeace-DeterminatioReview,vol.10,no,.
<http://www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/intrel/freeman.htm>
Article providing an overview of nationalism in the 20th ce
Peace2.
and
|181
Self-Determination for Gibraltar Group. <http://www.sel Site illustrates the kinds of issues involved in a campai
Further Reading:
Hobsbawm,NationsEric Jand. Nationalism SinceCambridge1780: UniversityProgamme, PreMy
Ignatieff,BloodMichaelandBelonging:. JourNoondayeys intoPress,the1995New. Nation
Ranger, Terence,heInventioned.CambridgeofTraditUniversityon. Press, 1992.
dc
PROS CONS
Abstinence
is
an
outdatedClassroomapproacheducationbasedonshouldtradit
religious
teaching.
Someeducationyoung peoplencouragesmay choosesexual but we cannot expect itbothto safebe thesx
normand.restrTeenaintger express their sexualitydrenas arepartatofrisktheirof developsevere Having sex is not
the harmproblem;from having unsafesextoo sexyo hurting people through agsexualdto choicesabstain.is.
Sample Motions:
This House believes that sex education should take place This House would rather not discuss it with its parents.
Web Links:
Avert: AIDS & Sex Education. <http://www.avert.org/educ Information on sex education from a leading UK-based AIDS
Sex Education Forum. <http://www.ncb.org.uk/sexed.htm> Part of the larger UK National Childrens Bureau site pro sex.
dc
PROS CONS
Sex offenders, even moreThisoproposalthanotheris acriminfundamentls,a prone to repeat their crimesciples.
ofMakingour penaltheir system,namespubw enables parents to protectasettheirprisonchildtermenandand
threducenb rate of sexual crime byimposrepeats aoffendersnewpunishment. for
itably, will lead to sex offe their neighbors. Offenders ha their
homes or lost their job Innocent people will also suf have been
subject to threats, tion made public by the polic ment of innocent
people. Such ated; we cannot as a society of justice.
PROS CONS
more
quickly,
thus
theyenforcement,arealsobroughtbutmakingtojusticpub
swiftly
and
surely.
Theseaboutslawsaddsand notheiradvantagesrong an enforcement provide a tivestrong.Thdeterrentabuse
andagainstharassmre offenses. suffer could drive them und
monitoring more difficult.
We cannot know how manyWhatchildrenevidenceweredo savedwehaveby th these laws, but even
oneeffectivechildsavedinprotectingfromsexualpeo justifies them.
Very little. As a result of reluctant
to charge juvenil they do not want children s offenders are not getting t
future
Sample Motions:
This House supports a national register of sex offenders. This House would name and shame.
Web Links:
Megans Law Legislation in All 50 States. <www.klaaskid Offers background information on the Jacob Wetterling Act laws.
Further Reading:
Pryor, DouglasUnspeakableW. Acts: Why NewMen YorkSexuallyUniversityAbuse Press,Children1 Ryan, Gail, Sandy
LanJuvenile,and
SexAlanOffending:Rizler,
edsJoCausse.ys,-Bass,Conseq1
Sampson,ActsAdamof.
Abuse:
Sex
OffendersRoutledge,andThe1994Criminal. Just
dc
PROS CONS
The world is safer withWithoutasingleanystrongother superpowenationt it was in the bipolarUnitedCold
WarStateswithcancomoperateting gla alliances. It is also ignoringfarsaferthethanwishesitwasof durinothe half of
the twentieth goalscentury,.At whleastnhavingthe bipolarnumb of powers resulted in twoworldworldkeptwarsthe
andtwo manysuperpowsma conflicts. History shows that the world is best of nated by a single democracy.
PROS CONS
Sample Motions:
This House agrees that the existence of a single superpower This House supports a multipolar structure for the world. This House
condemns the single superpower.
Web Links:
Carnegie Council on Ethics and International Affairs. <ht US international relations think tank focusing on ethical a
Foreign Policy Association. <http://www.fpa.org/newslette Features a variety of links and resources on the US role in
Muslimedia.com. <http://www.muslimedia.com/>
Further Reading:
Brilmayer,AmericanLea. Hegemony: Political.YaleMoralUniversityina OnePr-ss,Superp199
Huntington,
Samuel PForeign.The78,LonelyAffairsno.2Superpower(March/April. 1999).
Kagan, TheRobertBenevolent.ForeignEmpire(SummerPolicy. 1998).
dc
SINGLE-SEX SCHOOLS
Studies have shown that boys gain more academical schools promote greater achievement in girls. But
success of the education system. In 1996, a long-only policy resulted in a landmark US Supreme Cou the
Court left room for private (i.e., not state-where needed to redress discrimination.
PROS CONS
Women benefit from a singleA1998-sexsurveyeducationbythe. ResearchAmerican shows that girls in singlesityWomen,sexschooalsongparticipate-timeadvoc
in
class,
develop
much
cation,higher
selfadmittedesteem,thatscogirlsehif in aptitude tests, are shmorew academiclikelytoimprovementchoosemale.Th
|185
PROS CONS
plines
such
as
science
glein-college,sexschoolsandarearemoreins
ful
in
theirWhos,careersWhograduat.enInsceofiswomofquestionable
imp
ens
colleges
outnumbereportallothernoted,womenBoys.TheandUnitgi States has only 83 womenslementscollegesofgood.
education
smaller classes, focused ac der-fair instruction. Thes in
coeducational schools.
Children in the formativeThe formativeyears,betweenyears 7ofandchil1 gravitate to their own exposesex.
Theythem
naturallytothecompanytend
t
behavior
appropriate
totheytheirlearngendereach.
Thusothersimplbemh ing an education strategyfor gearedadult lifespecifically.Thenumbertowa gender makes
sense.
Certainsingle-subjectsexdiscu,ssionuch
asis
sexso
cation
or
gender
issues,organizedarebestwithintaught coeducatinsing classrooms.
Boys and girls distractIn eachfact otherboys andfrom girlstheir arest especially in adolescenceother,as
sexualengenderingandemotionalgoodbeh arise. Too much time canticularlybespentas teenageattemptinggirlsto
impress
or
even
sexuallysibilityharassthaneachboysotherof.
theAcads
competition
between
thetionsexesbetweenisunhealthythesexesandis oa adds to unhappiness andat anxietyschool. among weaker
stu dents.
Single-sex schools (suchSingleas-thesx Virginiaschools Militaryforwome tute) are a throwback ofto thethe
feminpatristarchalmovement;societm the past; historically schools,inmany cultures,whyshouldntonly womemen
allowed
an
education
ofexistedanysortonly.Suchfor
singlemen,then-sex
tutions
both
remind
womentory;ofhowever,pastsubservienceaslongas anb continue to bar them fromof attendingfullsocial
sincglusione-sex. i
one),
Sample Motions:
This House believes in single-sex education.
Web Links:
Atlantic Monthly: The Trouble with Single-Sex Schools. Article opposing single-sex schools by a graduate of a w
Single-Sex Education: The Supreme Court Speaks. <http:/ Text of the Supreme Court decision requiring the Virginia
Further Reading:
Miller-Bernal,SeparateLesliebyDegree:. Women Students. ExperiencesPeterLang, 2000.
Ruhlman,BoysMichaelThemselves:. A ReturnHolt, to1997Single.-Sex Education Streitmatter,ForGirlsJaniceOnly:.
MakingStateCaseUniversityforSngleof-SexNew SchoYor
dc
186|The Debatabase Book
PROS CONS
Smoking is extremely harmfulWhilea togovernmentthesmokersha healthresp The American Cancer
Societypopulation,estimatesitalsothathastobaccores causes up to 400,000 domeathsof eachchoiceyear.The
morelawthanpreven AIDS, alcohol, drug abuse,ingotherscarcrashes,.Itshouldmurders,notstopsu cides, and fires
combinedthreatens.Worldwideonly somethemselves3million.Da people die from smokingrockeachclimbingyear,
oneand eveparachutingy10sec onds. Estimates suggestbeenthatpassedthis againstfigurewillndulgingrise million by
2020. Smokersing areactivi22timessuchmoreaslikelyeating develop lung cancer
thanmuchnonsmokers,alcohol.Banningandsmoking can lead to a host of
iotedherintrusionhealthproblems,intopersonalinclud emphysema and heart disease. One of the main responsibilities of any government is to ensure the safety population; that is why taking hard drugs and break ing the speed
limit are illegal. Putting a ban on sm would therefore be reasonable.
Of
course,
personal
freedomCigarettesisimportant;arevery
wedifferentshould
act
against
the
tobaccopoisonouscompanies,foodsnot.
Cigarettesindividualsa.
a
company
produces
foodtheythatareisdefective;poisonous theyora arecar
that
fails
safety tests,Peoplthe prshoductuld
stillisimmediatelybepermi off the market. All cigarettesbettercomparisonandotheristobaccounheapr ucts are
potentially lethalcancontributeandshouldto behearttakendiseaoff market. In short, smokingditions,shouldbutbe
thebannedgovernment. d
turers of these products. Bot are sources of pleasure that, ciated
health risks, are fata They are quite different from cars, which
pose high, immedi
|187
PROS CONS
Sample Motions:
This House would ban tobacco. This House would not smoke.
This
Web Links:
Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Tobacco. <ht Research, data, and reports relating to tobacco as well a
3
4
Smoking From All Sides. <http://www.cs.brown.edu/~lsh/s Links to statistics and hundreds of articles on both side
World Health Organization: Tobacco Free Initiative. <http Information on WHOs worldwide program to stop smoking, as societal
impact of tobacco and smoking.
Further Reading:
Whelan, Cigarettes:Elizabeth. What the Warning Label Doesnt Tell You:
of
SmokingPrometheus,. 1997.
dc
SPACE EXPLORATION
The space programs of both the US and the USSR we War. From the launch of Sputnik, the first artific Yuri
Gagarin in 1961, the first moon landing in 1 of money to outdo each other in the Space Race. S exploration
has become less clear. Russia no long the United States has also cut back. Near the end missions that are
faster, better, cheaper. Expe 1970s seem unlikely to be repeated. In particular disappeared, although
potential missions to Mars
PROS CONS
Humankind
always strugglesHigh idealstoexpandare itsall horizonswelland.
The
curiosity that constantlycomeat thepushexpenseattheof boundarthepre
of
our understanding isby onewar,offamine,ournoblestand povecharty,acte
istics. The explorationstrugglingoftheuniversesimply tois liveahighfroi space truly is the finalof frontierexploring.
Thespaceinstinctarea luxurtoe fundamentally human; alreadyofwastingsome ourof ourtimemostand amazeffor-ing
achievements have theakenspaceplaceprogram,inspacewe. mustNoones can deny the sense of
wonderOncewewehavfeltaddrwhessednforthetheprof time a new man-made starwe rosewill
inhavethetimesky,toorexplorewhenNet Armstrong first steppedthenonto. Tthe moneyon. Sspaceent exploraonprob
tion speaks to that partwouldof usbe thatbetterrisesinvestedabove inthe
day.
dis
a t
PROS CONS
space
program
has
broughtprojectabout.Theygreatareleapsresultinteo
nology.
The
need
to
reduceofmonweyightandonmanpowrocketsr
toleds
the
microchip
and
the
modernresult
computerofaspecific.The prograneedt produce safe but efficientadvancespowerinsourcesminiaturizationfortheA
missions led to the developmentbuildbeterof nuclearpracticalmissilfuel which are now being
exploredcontinueas buildingpossible nuclearpowersouw for cleaner cars. The wouldeffectsbe
offarzerobettergravitydevotedon nauts have substantiallygoals,addedforto example,ourknowledgecancero
workings of the human bodyrenewablendtheenergyagingsourproces.s.T can never know exactly
manywhichsidebenefitsbenefits,will emergebutwou the space program in the future, but we do know t we will
constantly meet new obstacles and in over ing them will find new solutions to old problems.
Sample Motions:
This House would
This
House
This
House
would
would
explore
the
explore
the
reach for the stars.
universe.
Final Frontier.
Web Links:
European Space Agency (ESA). <http://www.esa.int/export European Space Agency and the earthly use of space.
Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). <http://www.jpl.nasa.g Describes the research conducted by the JPL and provides the
solar system, and deep space.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). < Vast site describing the US space program and the other N
Further Reading:
Cooper,LeapGordofn.Faith: An AstronautsHarperCollins,Journey 2000into. the Unk
Launius,
Roger, BertramNASA Ulrich,andthe andExplor.StewJohnationrt,GlennTaboriof.Space& Chan
dc
PROS CONS
Although therapeutic cloningMerely willhopinginvolvefora thegoodcreatou and destruction of
thousandsimmoralofactionsembryos,acceptabletheresult.M benefits will be so greatgovernedasto byoutweighmoral
moralandethicalconsi ations. Once the researchthe goalsduty everyhave beenhumanachbeieved,ngow use of
embryo treatmentsmuchcansympathybegreatlywe fereducedlfor. sufTh likely result of curingeaspes,oplewe
ofcannotfataltoleratedisesstheis the cost. means to an end. Stem cell re
The moral status of theTheembryonicisdistincthuman shouldfromtha the fetus. What reason statusisthereas
totheassertfetus thatorthelifech at the stage of embryophysiolcreatiogicaln?Thepointaccepteddowetestdecl clinical
death is an absArencew toof baseraina stdeclmarationctivity fetus first acquires a calfunctioningappearance?
brainThatsixtheweeksmbr the embryo has been createdthefetus.We cannotandfromcondonetheadultthe wastage
of human embryos. However,isnota wehumanmustbeing. wary of regarding the loss of an embryo as the loss
human life.
PROS CONS
Sample Motions:
This House would allow stem cell research.
This
Web Links:
American Journal of Bioethics. <http://www.ajobonline.c Provides a wide variety of resources on the ethics of clo
Ethics of Cloning. <http://www.wits.ac.za/bioethics/gen Scholarly article that argues that no ethnical issues ar
ReligiousTolerance.org. <http://www.religioustolerance. Provides good explanation of cloning for the lay person.
Further Reading:
Harris,Clones,John. Genes and Immortality:OxfordEthicsUniversityandthePress,Genet1
Holland,
Suzanne, KarenThLebacqz,Human EmbryonicandLaurieStemZoloth,Cell edsDeba.
PolicyMIT. Press, 2001.
Lauritzen,CloningPaul, anded. the Future.OxfordofHumanUniversityEmbryo Press,Research200
dc
SURROGATE MOTHERS
For many people, the first time they heard about 1980s. In this case the surrogate (biological) hiding
rather than give her to the biological f parental rights but gave custody of the child t regarding surrogacy,
ranging from outlawing pai sprung up around surrogacy in the states with m and match them with
potential adoptive parents. parents, costing as much as $35,000 (and higher be genetically linked to at
least one of the pa couples, surrogacy presents one of the only pat reproduction make it contentious in
debate and
PROS CONS
Adoptive parents can requireBecausepsychurrologicalgatemothersevaluatido for their surrogates
todren,suretheytheyhavewillno incentivemakesacri for the unborn child. theyInaddition,arecarryingmost
haveofthethewomebe who commit to being a surrogatetakedrugsmotherormedicinesdosobecausethat they have a
caring attitudemaymakeandunhealthywantto helplifestylepeopl This attitude would likelynancy.contributeAmother
whoto theirwill raismaki the best decisions for givtheschbildrthbeforeismoreit liskelybornto.
advantage.
If surrogacy is done correctly,Thebreakingtheof birthsurrogate(surroagar mother and birth
fathermoreandcomplicationspartnerorspousethan theunderb stand the ramificationscontractsoftheir.
Surrogacydecision beforeshould tn pregnancy is embarked childupon. shouldAlthoughnotmorebe knowinglyexpensive, agencies are a goodstanceoptionwhere. The oragencyshe couwildl psychological screeningwithof
andsuchcounselingtroversyof. theSurrogsu gate mother and will ensurepened inthatmanythemedilegalhypeddocumentcas are in order. In a recentdrenstudygrowing Britaupwithn, 90%one ofsets gate mothers had no
anxrietiespped awayaboutfromhandingthem thevia babcou over to the adoptive panotherrents afterset.
Enteringbirth.Onlyintothea s cases where there is arisksproblemthatmakeare toohe mediagreat. The many
surrogacy success stories do not.
PROS CONS
Sample Motions:
This House
This House
This
House
This
House
would ban
believes
advocates
believes
the use
that the
a federal law
that surrogate
of surrogate mothers.
potential harms of surroga
protecting
the right
motherhood
is the mo
Web Links:
The American Surrogacy Center, Inc. <http://www.surroga The purpose of the site, which was founded by a woman who on
the third-party reproductive options of surrogacy and
Surrogacy From a Feminist Perspective. <http://www.heal This article, which lays out many of the arguments oppos
patriarchal system.
Surrogate Mothers On-Line. <http://www.surromomsonline. This Web site is run by women who are involved in the sur
personal stories, a classified section where you can find
Further Reading:
Dutton,A MatterGail. of Trust: TheCloudsGuide Publishing,toGestational1997Surroga.
MacKlin,SurrogatesRuth. & Other Mothers:TempleTheDebatesUniversityover Press,Assis
Saban,MiracleCheryl.Child: GeneticNew MHother,rizon,Surrogate1993. Womb.
dc
TERM LIMITS
For years, the president was one of the few US po politicians grew in the early 1990s, voters looke 18 states
had passed laws automatically forcing l limited the terms of mayors and other elected off 1994 Contract with
America, but Congress twice amendment needed to make the change. In the early political agenda and some
states moved to repeal
PROS CONS
Term limits ensure thatExperiencepoliticianscountsdo innotpoliticsbecome corrupted by power
andnewloseofficeholdertouchwithwillthe takepeopleman and principles that firsttofullygot
themgraspelectedthejob..RepresePolic tatives who spend too aremanycomplicated,yearsinoffice,andthelivingpub
the national capital farsystemfromthattheirallowsconstheituentsre-elea surrounded by lobbyistsciansd.
fellowIflongpoliticians,-termofficeholeas become part of a professionalfromthe governingvoters, theyclass,willremol
from the concerns of normalreguarpeopleneed. toTermrunlimitsforrerecr-el ate a class of citizenitylegislatorsandkeeps whopoliticiansseepoliticain as a brief chance to improveion. their country, rather as a long-term,
comfortable career.
Term limits will overcomeTerm thelimitsadvantagesare thatinsultincumto bents have in any re-electwhoiona
campaigndemocracy. Theseareatadvanlib tages include name recognitiisfactoryn andincumbentgreater.
Preventiaccess funding from special interestsfromrunning. simply removes t
important political decisions have an unfair advantage, it of the
political system, e.g. paign financing.
Term
limits
would
bringAmateurfresh
faces,politicians,talents,thrownandexi
ences
to
the
politicalenfprorcedcess.earlThey wouldretirementensureoft elected officials had experiencecians,are inlikelythe
realtobeworldnav side party political machinesspecial andinterestsbring.moreTermfirstlimit-knowledge of business
andthe industryrelationshiptogovernmentbetweenthe.
branches of government, becau have the experience to deal e
dent.
|195
Sample Motions:
This House would impose term limits. This House would clean up politics.
This House calls for the return of the citizen-legislator This House believes a new broom sweeps clean.
Web Links:
U.S. Congressional and State Term Limit Action Page. <h Presents justifications for term limits as well as state-on the
topic.
Further Reading:
Coyne,CleaningJames. House: AmericasRegneryCampaignPublishing,forTerm1992Limits..
Crane,
Edward H.,TheandPoliticsRogerPilon,andCatoLawedsInstitute,of.TermLimits1994.
Kamber,GivingVictorUp. on Democracy: WhyRegneryTermLimitsPublishing,AreBad1995fo Will, GReorgestoration:F. Congress,
Term LimitsFree andPress,the 1994Recovery.
dc
PROS CONS
One
mans
terrorist
isTheanotherexamplemansof
freedomSouthAfricfigh
Most
terrorist
organizationsmanycases,donothengagepoliticalnvios simply for the joy of roristsitforoperatepersonalis
fargainmore.I they stand for a particleular politicalwhoisin positiontherightan for a group of people.BottomEvery
line:conflictKillinghas atpeopleleas sides. Look at the AfricanviolenceNationalas CongresspoliticalintoS Africa.
For many years morethe Souththan murderersAfricangovernmenandsho and many foreign governments
regarded it as an il gal terrorist organization. South Africas black m on the other hand, viewed it as a champion
of free History will record that it was on the side of jus the apartheid government was in the wrong.
PROS CONS
Sample Motions:
This House would talk to terrorists.
This House believes that force cannot eliminate ideology. This House would bomb their beliefs out of existence.
Web Links:
Federation of American Scientists. <http://www.fas.org/ir Information on steps taken to combat terrorism after Septem
International Policy Institute for Counter-Terrorism. <ht Maintained by an Israeli institute, the site offers general international and
national counterterrorism activities.
U.S. State Department Counterterrorism Office. <http://ww Provides current information on terrorism as well as a stat
Terrorist Group Profiles. <http://web.nps.navy.mil/~librar Maintained by the Dudley Knox Library of the Naval Postgrad sites on
terrorism.
The Terrorism Research Center. <http://www.terrorism.com/ Offers essays on current issues as well a link to documents
Further Reading:
Hoffman,InsideBruceColumbiaTerrorism.University. Press, 1999.
Lesser, Ian O., BruceCounteringHoffman, JamtheRandsNewArquillCorporTerrorismation,et.al1999.. Reich, Walter,Origins edof.
Terrorism: Psychologies,Woodrow WilsonIdeologies,Center,Theo19
dc
|197
PROS CONS
The Food and Drug AdministrationWhenCongressisdelineatedresponsibleth for regulating drugs, Food,which
Drugae defined&CosmeticsassubstAct (other than food) that latre intendedthatthe toFDAaffectshouldthere ture
and function of theexistencebody. ofSinceanother nicotinagency tobacco has this effect,viewit
theshouldBureaube ofclassifiedAlcohol,a and its sale, distribution,clearandthatpromCotionngresshouldhad
controlled by the governmentCongress. clearly regards to
substance, the FDA has no b
PROS CONS
individual.
Sample Motions:
This House would petition Congress to designate tobacco as This House believes that the Food and Drug Administration s
Web Links:
American Cancer Society. <http://www.cancer.org/eprise/ma National organizations Web site supplies cancer informatio
American Lung Association. <http://www.lunguse.org/tobacc National organization Web site offering information on the
Brown Universitys Smoking From All Sides. <http://www.cs Web site includes several documents discussing both sides o
Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. <http://www Symposia of abstracts on tobacco and nicotine addiction.
Further Reading:
Gately,Tobacco:Iain. A Cultural History ofGroveHow Press,anExotic2002Plant. Sed Lemieux,SmokingPierreand. Liberty:
GovernmentVariaPress,asa Public1997. Health Pr
Rain, Robert L., andRegulatingStephenOxfordTobaccoD.SugarmanUniversity.. Press, 2001.
dc
PROS CONS
The veto power is an anachronismTheP5has.wieldedTheP5 vetogot powerthis privilege for two
reasonsboththatduringhaveando afterpplicationtheCoi post-Cold War world. First,and1990,to protectmembers
nationalofthe P5intv ests, the Big Three (theYet US,betweenBritain,1990 and the1999 Sovithe Union) made the veto
a onlyprerequisitesevenoccasionsforestablwhileshingma United Nations followingpeacekeepingWorldWar
operatiII.Seconsd,. Tthise P5 held unrivaled strategicnumbermightofoperationsthroughtheirundertaknucl weapons
technology or yearsnuclear.Thecapacityuseof. Tthe P5vetowilldu
|199
PROS CONS
In
the
rare
recent
circumstancCollectives
securityinwhichistheoftev
has
been
exercised,
itnationalhasbeeninterestshijacked ofby thideolP demands and petty nationalmembersintereisstsuch. Cthinaat
theyprevem peacekeeping operationspreserveinGuatemalainternandtionMacedonilpeac because these
countriescasthadthetiesveto forTaiwanselfish.The r is no longer applied formoretheimportantmaintenance(and
ofmorecollecr security. multipolar world.
The issue of abolishingAbolishingtheveto theis worthyvetoisofimpodi sion. A debate will clarifyingly cedethe
natureitspreeminentofthevep its application and educatetics. theAnd publicremember,on theeachChame aims.
The public could thenpowerpressureofvetomembersovertoanyac accordance with the Charvetero..
Sample Motions:
This House would abolish the Security Council veto. This House would say no to the veto.
This
Web Links:
Commission on Global Governance. <http://www.cgg.ch/unref Presents proposals for reforming the United Nations.
Global Policy Organization. <http://www.globalpolicy.org/ Offers documents on the Security Council as well as proposa
The United Nations: Security Council. <http://www.un.org/ Provides information on the Councils members, structure, p
Further Reading:
Roberts,
Oxford
Russett,
dc
UN STANDING ARMY
A standing army is a permanent military force tha This is almost always a national government, alth
maintained their own private military forces, as 1920s). At present the UN has no military force o instead it
must gather together troops and equipm each individual crisis.
PROS CONS
side
intervention becomes a r
PROS CONS
Sample Motions:
This House would create a UN standing army. This House would give the watchdog some teeth.
Web Links:
UN: Report on the Panel on United Nations Peace Operati Text of the 2000 panel report on peacekeeping operations
peace building missions.
Further Reading:
Biermann, Wolfgang,UNandPeacekeepingMartinVadset,inTrouble:eds. Ashgate,Lessons Lea 1999.
Gordon, D. S., andAspectsF.H.ofFrankToase,PeacekeepingCass,eds.2001.. Sarooshi,TheDaUneshited. Nations and
the.OxfordDevelopmentUniversityofCollectPress, Shawcross, WilliamUsfro. EviDeliver:Peacekeepers,SimonWarlordsand
Schuster,andaWor Whitman,PeacekeepingJim.Frankand UNCass,Agencies1999.
202|The Debatabase Book
VEGETARIANISM
Very few human societies have forsworn eating mea constitute almost the whole of the diet, with mea result of
poverty, not choice. In modern Western Many believe it is immoral for human beings to ea refusing to eat dairy
products or eggs as well be them are raised.
PROS CONS
The main reason to be Eatingvegetarianmeat doesistonotreduceneed anito suffering. Farm animalsA
agreowingsentient,number
livingoforganbeicngsa
humans,
and,
like
us,
providetheycanmeatfeelwithoutpleasurecrueltyandpa. Farming and killing thesewelfarenimalslaws forto
protectfoodis farmwong The methods of farmingmeanand thatslaughteritis arewrongoftenin prinbar-baric and cruel,
even on free range farms. Also, most countries, animal welfare laws do not cover an mals farmed for food.
Human beings are omnivoresHuman andbeingsare hravetionalevolvedagentos with free will, thus
theysharpcancaninechooseteethwhetherfor totearineat vegetables, or both. Itsystemsmight
beadaptednaturaltoeatingforhumeaan be violent toward one
anothetablers.butModernthatsqudoeamishnessnotmea that it is right. Someannaturalaffectatraitsionofare
decadentimmoral should be restrained. ofIn ourany naturalcase,ourinstinctclosest andani cousins, the apes, eat
toan eallt-bothvegetablemeatanddietvegetable.
diet will inevitably mean we
Becoming a vegetarian Allis anof environmentallytheseproblems wouldfriendlex thing to do. Modern
farmingandfishingone.
ofDeforthestationminsourcha
of
pollution.
Beef
farmingashumanis
onecivilizationsofthemainexpcandus of deforestation, and forestsaslong casn nowpeoplecounteractcontinueit buy
fast food, financiallittleincentivestopollution,willbeandin manyplac continue cutting down existtrees.
toVegetablemakeroomandforgraincattlefa Because of our desire touseeatof fish,nitrates,our riverspesticides,andse
being emptied and many energyspeciescrisisface isextionectionofglob.Mea farmers use up far
morefarmersenergyplayresourcesaminutethanrolethos.F
|203
PROS CONS
growing vegetables and ofgrainsenergy,.Eatingnot limitingmea,fowl,mea fish causes not only crueltyproblemto.
animals, but also the environment.
Going veggie
offers
significantThekeyto goodhealthealthbenefitsa.
etarian diet contains
highand fishquantities-freedietof. fiber,Meat anvi
and minerals,
and is
lowprotein,fatiron,.Aveganand otherdi (wvi
eliminates animal products)oftheishealtheven betterbenefitsbecausof and dairy products are
itshighbeingcholesterolhighinfiber.Eatinand increases the risk of Wdevelopingcanachievemany theseforms
benefiofca
In 1996 the American Cancerfried foods,Societyeatingrecommendedonlyle
that
red meat be excludedincludingfromthea largediet entirelyamount.o
meat
also increases theouriskdietof. heartAmeatdisease-andfish.Aian
diet reduces the riskcan ofresultseriousin proteindiseasesandandi
it
is low in fat, alsoWesthelpsa vegetariantoprevent obdiesityis.
vegetarian sources of luxuryprotein,forsuchte asmiddlebeansclassand curd, are available. are extremely
expensive com
bacon,
burgers, sausages, e
Going vegetarian or veganOfcoursereduceswe tshoulderiskenforceof tracting food-borne diseashygienes.
andThe foodinclusionafetyof. Buan brains in animal feed wledshtouldoutbreaksstopeatingofbovinemeat, giform
encephalitis (madan cowhealthydisease)thing andto doits. h equivalent, Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. Meat and
p try transmit almost all of the potentially fatal food poisoning.
Sample Motions:
This House believes that if you love animals you shouldn This House would go veggie.
Web Links:
BritishMeat.Com. <http://www.britishmeat.com/49.htm> Despite its name, the site offers 49 reasons for becoming ethics.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. <http://ww Radical animal rights organization offers arguments in f
The VivaVegie Society. <http://www.vivavegie.org/vv101/ Essay offering 101 arguments for vegetarianism.
Further Reading:
Eisnitz,Slaughterhouse:Gail. The Shocking Story of Greed, Neglec
Prometheus, 1997.
Marcus,Vegan:Erik.The NewMcBooks,Ethics of1997Eating..
Walters, Kerry, EthicalandLisaVegetarianism:Portmess,edsState.From UniversityPythagoras ofto Press, 1999.
dc
VOTING, COMPULSORY
Voter turnout in US elections has decreased drama only 55% of adult American citizens voted, one of country.
There are many reasons for the decline, To reinvigorate the electorate some have suggeste and Singapore.
Some nations with compulsory votin accommodate those voters who do not wish to vote on the ballot. For
many Americans the issue of co rights vs. civic duties.
PROS CONS
In all democracies voterThisapathyidea is nonshighensest.amongPoliti poorest and most excludedture
sectorsthevotesof ofsocietythe.poorBecau.L poor and marginalized bypeoplemore doeducanotionvote,.In
governadditio-ments do not create policiestheselessaddressing-interestedtheirvotersneed This leads to a
viciouspoliticalcycle ofspinincreasingbecauseisolatpres When the most
disenfranchisedimportantarethanrequiredclear argumenttovote, then local, state,
andalizenationalpoliticsgovernmentsandburywillthe ti notice of them.
PROS CONS
Australia
recently.
Compulsory voting is effThectiveidea. isIn notAustrfealsiabletur. are as high as 98%! population decided not to
v
to make every nonvoter pay would have to chase down mi
action against millions who this measure would hurt mos edly
being enfranchised bec pay.
Sample Motions:
This House would make voting compulsory.
This House believes that a democracy is no place for apat This House believes that voting is a duty, not a right.
Web Links:
The Great Voting Hoax. <http://www.mind-trek.com/writ-d One individuals response to compulsory voting.
Further Reading:
Smith, CompulsoryLindsay. Voting: MitchellAComparativeCollge,Approach1980..
dc
PROS CONS
Countries
can
explicitlyClosurecedeisjurisdictionthelastthingfortr
internationalatetribunalslargeportion.Theseofbodiesthen
trying
to achieve justiceth andnew closuregovernment,that whillch bei
entire
nation.
foreign imperialists. Such t
crimes
to
PROS CONS
The world community mustNo sendone can cleardisputmessagethe enormithat it will act against
appallingthesetrialswar crimesdamage. aThisnationmust done on an
internationalSpain,stageforthroughexample,internationadidnot courts. lowing the bloody and repress
Franco. Instead, it turned th moved on collectively with no justice
and security there is possible, peace should be se rather than
recrimination.
The
issue
of
sovereigntyWhateverisincreasinglythetruth
lessaboutimpglobart
a
globalizing
world.
Thewarpoolingcrimes oftribunalssovereigntydonotoccs with increasing frequency,are nothingandany morestep
towardhanvictorsanin nationalization of legaltypesystems,ofjusticesuch underminesastheuse inof national tribunals,
is welcome.
Sample Motions:
This
This
Web Links:
Issues and Controversies on File: War Crimes Tribunals. < Clear and comprehensive introduction offering historical ba
War Crimes Tribunals. <http://www.globalpolicy.org/intlju Provides information on UN war crimes tribunals in Rwanda a Timor,
Cambodia, and Sierra Leone.
Further Reading:
Askin, KellyWarCrimesDawn. Against Women: ProsecutionMartiusin Nijhoff,Internatio19 Bass, GaryStayJonathantheHand. of
Vengeance:.PrincetonliticsTheUniversityofWarPresCr
Harris, Marshall Freeman,MakingR.JustiBruce Hitchner,Work:The Reportetal. of the Fund Task Force on ApprehTwentdiethng
IndictedCentury Fund,WarCriminals1998..
Hitchens, TheChristopherTrialofVerso,.Henry2001Kissinger..
dc
|207
PROS CONS
Sample Motions:
This House agrees that water flows can be an article of t This House should endorse international commerce in water This
House does not support legislation for trading of wa
Web Links:
The Transboundary Freshwater Dispute Database. <http:// A comprehensive resource on water treaties.
A
site promoting understanding of water rights and water
World Water Council. <www.worldwatercouncil.org>
Site maintained by an international organization dedicate resources on water issues.
The Worlds Water. <www.worldwater.org>
Up-to-date information on global freshwater resources.
Further Reading:
Amery,
HusseinWater Ain., theed. Middle UniversityEast:AGeographyfTexas,of2000Peace..
De Villiers,Water:MarqThe. Fate ofIslandOurMostPress,Precious2000. Resource.
Postel,LastSandraOasis:. FacingNorton,Water1997Scarcity..
dc
PROS CONS
Whales should be treatedKillingthewhalessame forwayhumanasotheruse animals, as a resourcepeopletobe
believeusedforthatfoodno andanimaloth products. Whales shouldthenotbenbefithuntedofhumans,toextincbutionev
but if their numbers aresuchhealthy,views, whalesthenhuntingshould thebe should be permitted.
ScientistsWhalesarehaveexceptionallyconducted studinte of intelligence on
dolphins,abletonotcommunicatewhales;thesefluentlystud however, cannot
measurehuntingintelligenceandtheinkillinganyusefulofanw Although people in
somemanyWesternsocialnationsandintellectualviewwhales as special and thereforeimmoralinparticular. need of
prote this view is not widely shared by other countries. impose it upon others is a form of cultural imperi ism.
by mistake.
PROS CONS
Modern
whaling
is
humane,Whalingespeciallyisinherentlycomparedcruelto
the
factory
farming
ofpooned,chickens,it iscows,usuallynd pigsexhau. whales die instantly orchasve.ryBecausequickly,whalesand
Japanarem researchers have developedcanachievenew,moreadirectpowerfulhit haon poons that will make
killsexplosiveeven-moretippedcertainharpoon. wo
often survive for some time by rifle shots or by additi direct hit
is scored, the e Japanese whaling ships repo are killed
instantly.
stocks.
A policy of limited huntingAnysystemcouldthatpreventallowsthewhalpot tial collapse of the
Iinternationalg,giventheWhalidemangd fCormmiw sion. The IWC ban was intendedtestsrevealto allowthat
Japannumbers t recover; this temporaryinmeasurescarc hasspeciervedsbeingits takpu If prohibition
continuesNorwayand couldtheIWCleavebecomesthe IWCmore concerned with moral
positionsaninternationalhanwhalingoutcry mand-agement, Japan and Norwaynot inmaytheirleavebestthe
interestsorganiza tion. Nothing in international law prevents them resuming whaling outside the IWC. Thus,
whaling wi again be unregulated, with more whales dying and haps greater cruelty.
Sample Motions:
This House would
This
House
This
House
would
would
Web Links:
The International Whaling Commission. <http://www.iwcoffi Links to information on the organization as well as to info dolphins,
and porpoises.
Japan Whaling Organization. <http://www.jp-whaling-assn.c Pro-whaling site offering information on the importance of
Makah Whaling: Questions and Answers. <http://www.makah.c Native American site explaining plans to resume traditional
Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society. <http://www.wdcs. Provides information on the status of whales, dolphins, and
Further Reading:
Stoett,ThePeterInternationalJ.UniversityPolitics ofof BritishWhaling.Columbia, 1997.
dc
WORKFARE
Traditionally people on welfare were not required benefits were cut off. Critics claimed that this a United States
programsadopted inworkfarewhich welfare recipients approach, too, has had its critics. Many claim th
necessary to move out of poverty.
PROS CONS
Making people work forWorkfaretheirwelfareprogramsbenefitsaredemeanibreak the dependency
cultureare.Receivingtreated asbenefitsslave forlabordoin.N nothing makes individualslivetoon
relianttheveryonlowtheincomestate p encourages apathy and lazinessefits.Workfare.Tying welfareignores
paymenthet to productive work challengesthoseinvolved,thesomethingtypically-for-notusi ing assumptions of
someandwelfaremanual recipientslaborthat andteachsowt that the state has a right to ask for something in for the
generosity of its taxpayers.
PROS CONS
welfare rolls very rapidly and allows the governm concentrate upon assisting the truly needy.
Spending money on workfareWorkfareprogramsisactuallyisan investmoree ment in people, who
gainwelfaretheoprogramsrtunitybecausetoliftth selves out of poverty. costsWorkfareof settingalsobenefitsupthe
thepro omy, by providing a better supply of labor and increasing consumer spending. Although workfare p
grams might cost more per person than just handi out welfare checks, their ability to deter fraud claims makes
them cheaper in the long run.
Sample Motions:
This House would introduce workfare. This House would end welfare.
This
Web Links:
Is Workfare Working? <http://www.lincproject.org/Newsle Short article summarizing the opinions of six experts on
Workfare Research and Advocacy Project. <http://www.wel Site provides information designed to empower those on wo
Further Reading:
Mink, GwendolynWelfaresCornell.End.University Press, 1998.
Peck, Jamie, Frances FWoxrkfarPiveGuilfordn,StandtesRichard.Press, Cloward2001..
Shagge,Workfare:Eric. IdeologyGaramondfor NewPress,Underclass1997..
dc
ZERO
TOLERANCE POLICING
Zero tolerance policing aims at stopping serious minor misdemeanors such as spray painting graffit although
the courts still maintain discretion in broken windows theory, which postulates that qu respectable citizens
to leave communities, whic criminals begin their careers with minor crimes. future crimes and, in the process,
stops neighbor
PROS CONS
Zero
tolerance
also
allowsPrionforsentencesrehabilitationcontribute.A
prt
sentence,
particularlyshouldfrjuveniles,havearehabilitativetakesthema
from
the
environment
thatniles
encouragedwithcriminalcriminalityrecords.h Rehabilitation is a centralandso tenaret likelyofmostopenalresortco The
large number of policemeet onestablithestreetshedcriminalsalsoincrwh the supervision of releasedstyle
prisoners,andteachthepreventingskillsner offenses. inal. Prison often fosters re
PROS CONS
Sample Motions:
This House believes in zero tolerance policing. This House would clamp down.
This
Web Links:
What Is Zero Tolerance? < http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk BBC site offering general information on the subject.
Further Reading:
Ayers,
Rick,Zero
etTolerance,al.eds.ResistingNewPress,theDrive2001.for
Punishme
andZeroNormanTolerance,Davis,Coronet,Policingeds. 1998aFree. Society. Downes, David
Deviance:Rock. A GuideClarendon,totheSo 1988.
Dennis,
Norman,
M.Understanding,PaulE.
dc
|215
TopicalIndex
ARTS AND CULTURE
American Culture:33Should it Be Feared? Art Subsidies,37 Abolition of Censorship50of
the Arts
Cultural Treasures,68 Return of Hollywoods116Influence Internet
127Censorship
Minority 137Languages
Private Lives of Public163 Figures, Revealing
CHILDREN
AND YOUTH
Adoption of Children97 by Same Sex Couples Child Curfews70
Child Offenders, 53Stricter Punishment for Corporal Punishment59 (for Children)
Drug-Testing79 in Schools National140Testing
School Vouchers176
CRIME AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Capital Punishment47
Chemical
Child
Castration52
Curfews70
Database74
Mandatory
Marijuana,
Legalization134 of
Sex
Offenders:183 Naming
Zero
Tolerance213 Policing
DEVELOPING
WORLD
AIDS Drugs for Developing29 Countries African Affairs, 26Outside Intervention in African
Languages28 in African Schools American Culture:33Should it Be Feared?
Corruption,61Benefits of
Developing-World 72Debt, Cancellation of Economic Development80 vs. Environment
Economic Sanctions82 vs. Engagement Environmentally85 Linked Aid
Globalization: Marginalization104 of the Poor? Immigration, 124Restrictions on
Ivory
Trading131
Minority 137Languages Nation-142States
Overpopulation 153and Contraception Overseas Manufacturing155
ECOLOGY
AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Animal 35Rights
Biodiversity
and42Endangered Species
Drilling in the Arctic76 National Wildlife Refug Economic Development80 vs. Environment
Nuclear vs. Renewable145 Energy Environmentally85 Linked Aid
Global
Greenhouse
Gases:109Trading of Quotas
Ivory
Trading131
Water
Resources:208A Commodity?
Free
Trade95
Flat 92Tax
Globalization: Marginalization104 of the Poor? Immigration, 124Restrictions on
Overseas
Manufacturing155
EDUCATION
African Languages28 in African Schools
Corporal Punishment59 (for Children)
Creationism
in64 Public Schools
Drug-Testing79 in Schools
Hate
Speech112on Campus
Minority Languages
National140Testing
Same-sex185Schools
School Uniforms174
137
School Vouchers176
Sex
Education182in Schools
EUROPE
AND THE EUROPEAN UNION
American Culture:33Should it Be Feared? European Defense87 Force
European
Federalization89
Immigration, 124Restrictions on Nation-142States
FAMILY
Adoption of Children97 by Same Sex Couples Covenant 62Marriage
Gay Marriages99 Human
Cloning117
Overpopulation 153and Contraception Surrogate192Mothers
GAY
ISSUES
Adoption of Children97 by Same Sex Couples Gay Marriages99
Gays in the101 Military Ordination 98of Gay Clergy
Outing Gay 152Celebrities
Cell191Research
Topical|217index
Human Rights:121Existence of
Human Rights: Imposition122 by Force? Immigration, 124Restrictions on
International125Criminal Court
Iraq,
Invasion129 of
Middle Eastern136 Policy, U.S. Nation-142States
Nazi War Criminals,144 Prosecution off Nuclear 147Weapons
Nuclear Weapons148 Testing Overpopulation 153and Contraception
Russian-American Cooperation:173 Temporary or Lon Single Superpower:184 Beneficial?
Terrorism196
UN
Security Council199 Veto, Abolition of
War
MILITARY
Afghanistan,24 Invasion of
Gays
in the101 Military
Iraq,
Invasion129 of
Nuclear 147Weapons
POLITICS
AND POLITICAL THEORY
Assassination39 of a Dictator Anarchism34
Campaign Finance45 Reform Civil Disobedience56
Compulsory205Voting Conscription57
Corruption,61Benefits of
Electoral College,83 Abolition of Ethical Foreign86 Policy
Extremist Political91 Parties, Banning of Flat 92Tax
Monarchy, Abolition139 of Nation-142States
Pacifism156
Politicians and157Special Interests Referenda167
Self-Determination180 and Nationalism
Term Limits for Elected195 Representatives Voting, Compulsory205
RELIGION
AND MORALITY
Abortion on21 Demand
Assisted40Suicide Covenant 62Marriage
Gay Marriages99
Ordination of98 Gay Clergy Does God108Exist?
Human Cloning117
Cell191Research
SOCIAL ISSUES
Abortion on21 Demand Assisted40Suicide
Adoption of Children97 by Same Sex Couples Affirmative23 Action
Alcohol31 Capital Punishment47
Cell Phones, Banning48 of Use in Cars Covenant 62Marriage
Gay
Marriages99
Gun
Control111
Marijuana: Legalization134 of Overseas Manufacturing155
Pornography,159Banning of
Private Lives of Public163 Figures, Revealing Prostitution,164Legalization of Reparations171for
Slavery
Smoking, Further187Restrictions on Surrogate192Mothers
Tobacco Regulation:198 Addictive Drug? Workfare211
SPORTS
Drug
in77Sports
Olympic Dream,150Death of the
Topical|219index
UNITED NATIONS
International125Criminal Court
UN Security Council199 Veto, Abolition of UN Standing201 Army
War