Politics Debate Topics for Students — page 35

2,667 debate topics, students. Debatable motions with arguments for and against. Open the arguments below, pick one at random, or present them full-screen.

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1701.
Scotland should remain dependent on the United Kingdom
For
Vote Pr Con!
My opponent has not posted an argument, nor sent me a reason why he couldn't. I shall wait for him to do so.
Against
I'd like my opponent to put his argument forward first.
1702.
The United States should build a wall on the Mexico border
For
"I believe him to be an intelligent, rational individual and therefore I truly look forward to debating him. " It warms my heart to hear that, but that will not lower my debate skills. Nice try! I would also like to begin with defining a few words that I believe will be…
My stand is that the United States-Mexico border fence/barrier should continue in existence and that we should not assist illegal immigrants because all are criminals since they have illegally come here. I accept all rules. Let the debate begin!
Against
I would like to remind my opponent that the previous round (round two) was ONLY for main arguments. His rebuttals should have been in this round. He should have the "conduct" points taken away from him in the votes due to him not following the debate structure I implemented. I…
Introduction I would like to begin by thanking my opponent for responding. I believe him to be an intelligent, rational individual and therefore I truly look forward to debating him. I assure the voters that I will not be distracted from the facts for any reason. I will be…
1703.
Voting should be mandatory
For
Now, in a normal debate round, it would irk me that you waited to specify on what type of voting. But I don't care right now. So ok, let's talk about voting in a democratic country. You say in a broad sense, but for the sake of debate, can we say America? Either way, the…
First off I would like to say good luck. I say that voting should be mandatory. The trend over the past elections has been one of a decreasing number of people who actually vote. You gave your reasons for that already. I would say that people who live in a democracy, should be…
Against
In response to second arguement that I do not sepcify where or what voting should be mandaotry on, I am referring to poltical elections in democratic countires on broad, open phiolosophical sense of it. Voting is a right, and people have the right to vote for a…
In Australia people of voting age who do not practice their right are fined 75$ (Aus). Should the same sort of thing happen here? I think, the status quo is better. Let me expalin. First of not all the people pay much attention to poltics. When voting, they should not be voting…
1704.
Libertarians should not identify as capitalists
For
"I contend that, while the libertarian opposes many aspects of the status quo in the United States, he does not necessarily oppose private property, and therefore there is not(sic) reason for one to refrain from identifying as a capitalist. " - Wjmelements Firstly, Wjmelements…
It is truly an honor to be debating someone of his fine caliber. The question is whether or not libertarians should identify themselves as Capitalists, supporters of Capitalism. I contend that libertarians should not, for both etymological and tactical reasons and also just to…
Against
==Summary== The existing clash has reduced due to a large area of agreement. My opponent's rebuttal, summarized, is: "My position is not that the libertarian should necessarily denounce Capitalism, as the word has different meanings and connotations with different audiences,…
My opponent has accepted his burden of proof, that he must prove that no libertarian should identify as a capitalist. I contend that, while the libertarian opposes many aspects of the status quo in the United States, he does not necessarily oppose private property, and…
1705.
South Asian countries should form a unified political union
For
Religious Violence: Compared to the thousand or more that died in the past riots that con has mentioned, the Muzaffarnagar violence resulted in only 63 deaths (not that they don't matter but compared to the thousands that died in previous riots this is not much), and this is at…
Religious Violence: I am aware of those riots that con has mentioned. but that is a small minority in a region of almost 1.5 billion people. Even that minority is reducing. Religious violence has reduced (not eliminated but reduced) since the start of this century and is…
Against
After initially taking a stand bordering on a perfect fantasy, my opponent has now decided to compromise on a few details, and has, in the process, committed multiple fallacies. These are going to be the focus of my forthcoming rebuttals in this…
Challenge accepted.I shall be taking the side of Con for this debate.Pro's resolution is that ALL FIVE countries, namely India, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, must be united into one nation.Hence, in order to win, I have to prove that the union of the countries shall be…
1706.
The United States should end its embargo against Cuba
For
On the opponents first claim (If 50 years of sanctions have not toppled the Castro regime, there is no reason to think the embargo will ever work): First, keeping the embargo will lead to democratic reforms. The trade embargo is necessary to starve Havana's communist government…
Hey, I'm looking forward to the debate.
Against
I will be arguing against the Cuban Embargo. My first claim is: The United States should end the Cuba embargo because its 50-year policy has failed to achieve its goals. Feb 7, 2012 marked the 50th anniversary of this embargo and the goal of forcing Cuba to adopt a…
Hi im nicetryguy and today I will be debating on the Embargo against Cuba. I believe they should not keep this Embargo. first round: state claim second round: facts third round: rebuttal
1707.
Canada should not have joined the military coalition against ISIS
For
For anyone curious who hasn't read the comments: "Aaaand I've accidentally forfeited. My sincere and profuse apologies to Nevearo; your arguments are really good and you seem to be taking this debate seriously (unlike so many of the trolls on this site). I just got hit with a…
Good day everyone! I'll get right to the point; these are my main arguments: I.) Canada is spending copious amounts of money on this modern-day crusade that could be put to better use. II.) Canada will be largely ineffectual as a military force. III.) The threat ISIS poses to…
Against
Nothing to answer.
Here are my main points. A. It is the responsibility of strong nations to police the common global laws, of which ISIS is in direct and egregious violation. B. Isis is a particularly heinous threat to global security, which directly impacts Canadian national security. C.…
1708.
Nuclear weapons are here to stay
For
Empire Building I would not count empire building as obsolete. The Soviet Union and other Communist nations recently engaged in empire building,so much so that about a third of the Earth's population was under Communism.While the main strategy of Communism is ideological…
Great... Imabench assured me that he would at least include some serious challenges to my resolution. I didn't restrict round 1 to acceptance only, and intended to get right to it, but it seems habit may have kept my opponent from responding with more than acceptance in the…
Against
I will sprinkle in both actual and trollish arguments for this debate, I'll let you all figure out which is which. Reasons Nuclear Bombs will be around: Empire Building Empire Building used to be a common thing, there was the mongols, then the British, before that there were…
Sorry it took so long"I have heard much wishful musing over the years about the total elimination of the world's nuclear stockpiles. However, I contend that this will not occur, unless a more destructive or effective weapon is found. I thought I made it clear that this…
1709.
The state has a moral obligation to regulate business
For
I have no arguments to respond to. My opponent has apparently forfeited the debate and deactivated his account. Vote Pro. Thank you.
Definitions:Govern - to control, direct, or strongly influence the actions and conduct of. .. to exercise continuous sovereign authority over. [1] Argument 1: Power necessitates check and balanceMy first argument will center around this syllogism:P1: Corporations have power P2:…
Against
I accept.
1710.
The president should have broad power over foreign policy
For
I am aware that my opponent was on vacation this past weekend and was unable to submit a response. Therefore, we will skip closing statements and my opponent will just close with her response to my foreign aid and alliances positions. Given that, I also restrict her ability to…
I hope it's within the realm of this debate for me to clarify my opinions (a rebuttal of your rebuttal, if you will) Checks and balances are less important than.... "separation of power". In the system I set up, everyone has power to do things effectively, but they are more…
Against
I shall try to respond to the above, present my view on foreign aid, and also introduce nothing new. Separation of power is implicit in the structure of our political system. Checks and balances keep any one of those (or even one segment) from abusing the power they have. I…
What you call bureaucracy, I call checks and balances. This concept is actually fundamental to our government, and thus I will assume you know the concept unless you indicate otherwise. ï¿½Further, while accountability is perhaps easier to keep track of when one man is given so…
1711.
The US should maintain mutually assured destruction over nuclear disarmament
For
I cannot debate due to personal reasons in which I'll PM Con with. I appologize for wasting his valuable time and forfeit all 7 points to my opponent.
No round as agreed upon.
Against
In light of the circumstances presented to me by Con, I accept his forfeit, however I ask that no one allocate points in judging this debate. I would rather not garner any ELO from these circumstances. I hope that, whenever he is able, we will be able to continue this debate at…
I'm not going to present a specific case, but rather reasons why the US should work towards disarming its nuclear weapons and treaties that lead to the disarming of those in other nations. Nuclear weapons only have one purpose, and as Ronald Reagan put it, they are "totally…
1712.
Government is necessary to ensure freedoms
For
For the last round I will state my closing arguments: In the history of human civilization, the only real bulwark for individual liberty has been a government, appointed by its populace, to advocate for its people's freedoms. Such a government that honors and upholds freedom of…
Wars have been around since tribalism, and is a false assumption to think that wars and military are solely a construct of government. The art of fighting and wars are characteristics that humans possess, and are characteristic of government regimes because they are made up of…
Against
Finally, I will make a revision of my arguments and some closing reflections. If we go back in time we will reach a time where all men were equal, where all individuals had the same rights. They had complete freedom. People did their work, exchanged what they had to spare for…
"Wars have been around since tribalism, and is a false assumption to think that wars and military are solely a construct of government."It was in the years of the Egyptians and Sumers that armies appeared. Sumers were the first to begin a war in the whole history. I quote A…
1713.
The federal government should be smaller
For
Well firstly i'm going to address your argument that seamed prominent in your argument, that being the constitution is old, worn out and should not be used as a guideline anymore for the president. Here are my 2 responses to this; 1. How did America go from 13 small colonies to…
Im arguing for a small federal government, it is what the founding fathers intended, im not talking about anarchy, im talking about a free society, where your property is yours and the government should respect that unless they follow the constitution fully. A government…
Against
My opponent has forfeited.
My opponent is wrong in number of occasions. :| Our constitution is lacking. It needs swift amendment, or we'll fail to compete with other nations. How did America go from 13 small colonies to the single most powerful country in the world? It's not due to the constitution…
1714.
Nigeria should adopt a Swiss-style cantonal system
For
In this entire debate my opponent, TheLDDebator, has not provided well-researched, coherent and persuasive reasons to oppose my proposal that "Nigeria Should Adopt the Swiss Cantonal System of Government". Rather, TheLDDebator's arguments have been: 1. Inconsistent and…
My opponent, TheLDDebator, has made several statements in this debate that made me realize that his level of knowledge about the fundamentals underlying this topic is superficial. This is not by itself a bad thing; however, it is quite difficult to have a meaningful discussion…
Against
I am baffled. I truly am. I used plenty of well-researched, coherent and persuasive arguments. You should take whatever my opp. is saying with a grain of salt. This is ridiculous. Anyways, I will rebut my opp's arguments. - My opp misconstrues what I am saying. I do agree that…
Just like I have done in that past, I will go attack point by point parallel to my opps. My opp. rebuts my point about how a government system does not solve or alleviate language problems, by pointing out his evidence about how "In the Western world of the mid-nineteenth…
1715.
Progressives have a significant history of intolerance
For
R1: The Progressive Founding FathersI use the term founding fathers in a way to signify they were the most prominent leaders of the Progressives.Teddy Roosevelt Teddy Roosevelt indeed did endorse the book (1). My opponent ask me to give more examples of the intolerance of Teddy…
Let me start with thank you to magicr for accepting this debateC1: The Progressive Founding FathersAs we all know the progressive founding fathers are Teddy Roosevelt and later Woodrow Wilson. These people practically shaped and created the progressive movement and these people…
Against
Progressive Founding FathersThese men were leaders in the progressive movement, but they were not the only leaders of the progressive movement.TRPro claims that TR did endorse the book, yet his link does not work, so it cannot be concluded that he did so from the evidence…
To begin, we must determine what makes someone a progressive. It should be noted that just because someone was a politician during the progressive era (1990s-1920s [1]) does not make them a progressive. A progressive can be determined by looking at a person's beliefs and…
1716.
The Air Force should be disbanded
For
........The "I" word. I hate when people jsut throw that around. It means "not knowing" in some references but it can also be translated into our English word of "ignore". Good for you for having a meal with this "Colonel Otero". Yes the Special Forces are made up of most…
I think that the United States Air Force is unnecessary. In the post 9/11 days counterterrorism missions are more effectively done on ground then on air. Sure you have piolts that can take down buildings and such as that, but that kind of operation would be better handled by…
Against
While I admire that your argument is based off of funding, I think your criticism of the Air Force come from ignorance as to what the tens of billions of dollars pays for. To start with, I had dinner with a Colonel Otero in the fall of 2006. Colonel Otero, a member of the Air…
I usually use it in the terms of not knowing, or uneducated. I typically don't ignore much. Air support is applied by all branches, in one way or another. In many cases this is done so that the operation can be coordinated by one branch, one division, one battalion, et cetera.…
1717.
EU countries should unite and form a single state
For
1. West Germany and East Germany are a prime example, while both shared a similar cultural and language (Germanic), both countries was very different. You had West Germany which you can look at very similar to the United States and western countries.. and then you had East…
Thanks the comment, I am glad to help out! Just typing it out as I am treating you as a fellow human being, so sorry if I seem 'blunt' and 'not polite'. 1. Actually, Germany wasn't that bad when West and East joined together, I didn't say what happen fully when the East joined.…
Against
First I will address you very reasonable observation as to the nature of the super-state. I never actually defined it, as I said in round 1: "The exact nature of the super-state to be formed, I will leave to the Prop to define", however as we only have one round left, I will…
In the second phase of this debate, first I will refute my opponents refutation, in addition to adding additional arguments: 1. A central super state cannot satisfy all parties. 2. How the EU economic system has already failed Europe However first I will address my opponents…
1718.
UK politicians' expenses should be strictly limited
For
I will leave my opponent to prove that , polticans claming hundreds of thousands of pounds in expenses for things like furniture , luxery houses , cars and oh yes porn movies , is justified and should continue. my view is that they should be stopped or limited.
thank you for clarifying were you stand. one point i shall make right now before i say anything else. http://www.mirror.co.uk... thats ï¿½93,000,000 in poltical expenses , now unless my opponent can justify were in a country like the u.k polticans are expected to shell out…
Against
now unless my opponent can justify were in a country like the UK politicians are expected to shell out ï¿½93,000,000 of their own money so they can do their job , remember you claimed that this money was for the good of their job you therefore have the burden to prove that the…
Alright so to clear a few things up before we get down to the nitty gritty a.)contrary to the popular belief I do know what a politician is. b.) quite consistent to the popular belief, I did not know what you were referring to by political expensies, nor could I have possibly…
1719.
The United States should normalize relations with Cuba
For
No, he just cried at how terrible you are. Sorry. It was ridiculous to even try and continue.
=============================== Definition debate =============================== Overview: Extend that we have an interpretation of normalize - from the 1ac, "It is because the U. S. embargo is the main strain on relations between the two countries that Chris and I see the…
Against
ROFL Coppter. My opponents conceded. Prefer my Definition, and by prefering it vote Con. The resolution is mute. Thank you for this entertaining debate.
Ok, my guess is my opponent couldn't figure out how to get Chris to post his argument, so after 3 day the time just ran out on him. Word Of Advice: You can't get anyone else to post arguments. Even if we have partners. lol. Exstend all of my arguments, again prefer my…
1720.
A larger military protects individual rights
For
Quick debate on military size and how a larger military means more individual rights. First round is for acceptance. Max character number is 500, to add difficulty and make things faster. No organization set for each round, use your writing space for whatever you want. Thanks!
I presume I win then? If you didn't like the 500 word limit, you could of just not accepted the debate. Anyway, a larger military doesn't necessarily mean attacking other countries or going into battle more, it just means more means to self protect and defend in case someone…
Against
I accept this argument. I disagree with my opponent, I believe that a larger military force would actually hinder individual freedoms of a nation to a certain extent.
I forfeit, I overestimated my ability to debate in this manner
1721.
Americans have a right to opt out of the two-party system
For
Not really. Most are centrists who cared about the individual issues, not the political binary. For example, I'm conservative on abortion, liberal on healthcare and contraception, moderate on guns, and revile even the candidates I vote for. I think we should abolish the party…
I am a centrist. I have liberal, moderate, and conservative beliefs and if Bernie runs, he has my vote, but I feel if I were to find a centrist candidate who shares most of my beliefs, I would support him or her, and rightfully so.
Against
But it all comes back to the amount of publicity of candidate gets. If people don't know they exist (most people don't go on the Internet and search for potential candidates with views the same as theirs), then they will not vote for them. They rely on the media to get their…
Yes, but a majority of Americans are fairly...apathetic towards politics. People are just more concerned with other things to look real deep into what a candidate believes and what other types of candidates are available. They get their information off of whatever news they…
1722.
America is more hypocritical than other nations
For
It's clear that you refuse to answer the questions, Which is why you're trying to change the narrative of the questions. You said that the "Declaration" is the best document ever. " Did you not say that? I asked (you) that 'if the "Declaration" is the best document ever, Then…
As you can see, My opponent is changing his tune once I caught him with those insane "Declaration of Independence" arguments. You said that "America makes mistakes & improves on them. " Ok. . . So why would you say that it's the best document ever when you knew that Black…
Against
The Declaration of Independence is the best document ever because of the foundation it left to make the most powerful country in the present. You take mistakes as if it was the fault of the document. It was the culture that normalized having slaves and when Americans became…
You said that "America makes mistakes & improves on them. " Ok. . . So why would you say that it's the best document ever when you knew that Black people were suffering under it? They made a mistake and improve on it. Why are you judging them with present day norms? That isn't…
1723.
The United States should reduce military presence in Kuwait, Afghanistan, South Korea and Turkey
For
ASPEC GROUP ALL OF IT: I specified Congress as my agent as I legitimately reserved the right to do in my 1AC. He never addressed this claim. Therefore, regardless of how much you may agree with his claim, he failed to address how I link to non of the debate harms he claims. A/T…
"BlackNovice forfeited this round." --> 1) This doesn't address any of my 2AR claims. He drops all of my points in what could quite possibly be the worst Neg. Block ever. 2) Flow through all of my points. 3) Take note of his 1NC. Those are the only points that he can use to win…
Against
ASPEC: A/T- Counter Interp 1.Not real world—no policy is implemented by all three branches at the same time. 2.Not an answer—Even if their interpretation is correct that the USFG is all three branches it doesn't change that fact that immigration policy is not implemented by the…
First, I meant the whole resolution. I thank my opponent for this debate. ASPEC A. Interp- Aff must specify an agent B. Violation- extend the plan text he didn't. C. Voters issue key to ground, and education, and he has no solvency doesn't specify who what and where. F-SPEC A.…
1724.
The UN Security Council should be reformed
For
Reform plan: -Eliminate the permanent seats held by the US, China, the UK, and France -Institute "rotating permanent seats", that is, seats permanently assigned to regions, with the specific nation in the seat being elected amongst the region for a term -Increase the number of…
Against
blah blah blah
lol, I like how my opponent's Round 1 argument seems to say, by omission, that Russia keeps their permanent seat. I negate: the US should have the only permanent seat.
1725.
India should attack Pakistan in the future
For
So my dear friend, i know you have a good knowledge but its half. India didnt wanted Pakistan,Bangladesh,Nepal to become a member of LEAGUE OF NATIONS, but on the reverse side India wanted all this as one. Mr Jinnah was the mastermind behind this partision movement.His revue…
Pakistan is a threat to India since we achieved Independence. Every day there is envasion of terrorists from Jammu and Kashmir and to help them for crossing the border Pakistan giives them coverfire. A big example of this is attack on Mumbai 26/11 where the fidien terrorists…
Against
"I would say to my critics to enter with me into the sufferings, not only of the people of India but of those, whether engaged in the war or not, of the whole world. I cannot look at this butchery going on in the world with indifference. I have an unchangeable faith that it is…
My opponent has not logged in since he posted this debate. I don't like that. I have little choice but to accept the pointless win he offers me, though I protest against his methods of generosity with ineffectual bleating. Bottom line: I put effort into this debate, and he…
1726.
Judicial activists should not be appointed to the Supreme Court
For
"Prior to the ruling African American students and White students could not go to school together. After the Supreme Court's ruling African American students and White students were permitted to go to school together. If this isn't changing a law it do not know what is." My…
I will attack my opponents case then move to crystallize my own. "Here is an example of good judicial activism, Brown vs. Board of Education. By your definition a judicial activist is anyone who creates or amends legislation. So your saying when the Supreme Court said…
Against
"The legislative branch agreed and made it a law." In fact, when the Supreme Court said segregation of schools was unconstitutional black children and white children were permitted to go to school together. Thus changing a law and becoming judicial activists by my opponent's…
2) or didn't amend a pre existing. Prior to the ruling African American students and White students could not go to school together. After the Supreme Court's ruling African American students and White students were permitted to go to school together. If this isn't changing a…
1727.
Dictatorship improves a country's economy
For
What lam giving is proof of how dictatorship increased countries economies over the years
Marcos P"rez Jim"nez, President/Dictator of Venezuala 1952 - 1958 is one of them that change the economy of his country in his ruling. His ruling period is characterized by marked improvement in development, with the rise of oil prices facilitating many public works…
Against
Coorelation is not causation, you have to show how giving all the powers of government to a single individual helps the economy.
Dictators are just tyrants who steal their citizens land and stump economic growth.
1728.
The US government distributes welfare unfairly
For
I would like to note that you are correct, my current argument has been racially inclined. Though my numbers are figurative, you continue to bring them up, and so I will use only well noted statistics. I would however like to change the way we argue this point. Aside from the…
As you have requested, I will respond to your questions. The number 90% is a figurative number, and not an actual average. Due to the Governments lack of welfare research, many get away with doing nothing by choosing to do nothing and simply remain unemployed. I myself can…
Against
I can see a point to be made here, and please understand that I am not accusing you of being a racist or bigot, however I do believe the foundation of your argument veered more towards a divisive culture than it does an answer the the original question. I found issue with that,…
You have failed once again to site any sources, so let me do so for you http://aspe.hhs.gov... That is a link to your welfare statistics from the governments reports. Your numbers are wrong, first let me say that while blacks make a higher percentage of the people receiving…
1729.
Liberalism will make future conversation impossible
For
Due to glitches in this website, My round 3 argument has been posted in the comments section. Kindly go there and review. Also, You may want to look at another debate I have up called "the website debate. Org has serious problems. . . . '
I would start round 2 by saying that this debate has to be taken with a sense of humor, However CON did not list his, Her, Or its triggers of which humor may be one. CON also failed to state by which pronoun he, Or she or it wishes to be addressed, So PRO shall use the gender…
Against
Okay, So you're not rebutting my position. Your rebutting a fictional position that you constructed that is not liberalism. If you're not going to take this debate at least half serious, Then there's nothing I can really say, Because you're just going to keep spitting out your…
That is a very well constructed straw man you have presented. To quote Christopher Hitchens "I'm still waiting to hear the argument" Liberalism is an idea. The tenants that people draw from them are just abuses of the concept and do not actually align with liberal values.…
1730.
Stability and security matter more than personal freedom
For
If any voters missed it, we are both dropping round 4 due to IRL things====The order is going to be the the extension of the Theory from last round, including his responses. Than I will cover new abuses presented in the last round, than I will go onto his defense, and lastly…
The order will be:Responses to Con's observations --> His responses to my case --> His caseHis second observation is that he has three paths to victory, and that he only needs to extend one to win today's round. This is insanely abusive, as it creates a massive offense skew in…
Against
In this round I shall respond to Pro and rebuild my case. Pro has accused me of abusive victory conditions which is false because it fails to meet the criteria for being abusive. It's not characterized by wrong or improper use of action because no rules were set. Since no rules…
Pro affirms that stability and security is more important than personal freedom, and it is his BoP is to prove this statement. As Con it is my job to negate (deny the truth of) Pro's statement, thus I must prove Pro's resolution false. Thus, I affirm that stability and security…
1731.
The United States should withdraw support from the United Nations
For
The United States is the largest member donor to the United Nations, contributing up to 25 percent of its entire worldwide operating budget (27 percent for U.N. peacekeeping activities) to the tune of billions of dollars each year. In addition, the United States hosts the U.N.…
First off the UN has done some good however I argue that the bad has outweighed this. You talk extensively about their role after WWII. The reason there hasn't been a global war is because all of the major powers capable of waging one are democratic. Other than maybe Russia,…
Against
I'm sure your claims are well-meant, but this is all rather amusing. Now you are rounding up a bunch of FOX news and Wikipedia articles, calling it research, and passing it off as an argument – once more, just regurgitating the 90-10 mistake. Due to obvious space limits, I…
Thank you for your reply. To save space, I will not quote you; I'll just reply to your points in succession. First off I must correct some inaccuracies in your post that I'm surprised to read. You said that all the major powers after the Second World War capable of conducting…
1732.
The influence of the media is detrimental to the American political process
For
Well, that's disappointing. Oh well. All my arguments carry over, etc.
First off, thanks for taking the debate. First meet is next weekend, and this is great prep. :) That said, in response to your refutation about how the media is simply mirroring their viewers, this is a straw man argument. The media clearly influences this process in a…
Against
The issue with saying the media has the power to decide candidates is that the media is only responding to the biases inherit in the people who watch their shows. The media is still a business and like most businesses the lesser performers or things which are judged as bad for…
1733.
Elected heads of state should not have term limits
For
A note about Con's R3: I would like to point out that Con used an image to exceed the stated 8000 character limit. The overall sum of his argument for R3 comes to 7,515 characters (including sources); whereas the text of the image exceeds the remaining c500 characters. This…
Most of his arguments are in favour of allowing new people into power to bring about new ideas and new changes, but RocketEngineer has failed to demonstrate that term limits are necessary to safeguard these transitions. This will be painfully obvious by the end of this entry.…
Against
I have raised issue with my opponents "conduct violations" accusations in the main debate.org forum. I am going to leave that there, and the debating here. I ask that the voters vote fairly, and not give into cheap attempts at votes, and vote for who they think was the better…
Before I begin my rebuttals, I would like to let everyone know that I am from the United States, and my knowledge of political leaders in Europe is limited. So forgive me if I mis-use terms such as "monarchs, and prime ministers". Basically I refer to them as one would a…
1734.
Development aid should take priority over military aid in the Sahel
For
Alright to begin I agree with your first point on how we need military aid but the point is we need to know which one is more important and you just say that we need military aid therefor that cant be used if you want to use it say in the point that we need it more then…
Contention one: Military aid has caused instability in Darfur Darfur is a region in Sudan the size of France. It is home to about 6 million people from nearly 100 tribes. Some nomads. Some farmers. All Muslims. In 1989, General Omar Bashir took control of Sudan by military…
Against
In this Argument, I will attack my opponents case. My opponents first contention states that military Aid has caused instability in Darfur. This point is irrelevant to todays debate because my opponent talks about the militaries of the Sahel region, not Military aid from other…
1. The Sahel needs Military Aid. 2. Military aid prevents terrorist attacks. 3. Military Aid helps keep people safe. My first point is that the Sahel region is not stable enough to not have military aid The links between jihadi extremists and transnational criminal groups has…
1735.
Switzerland is the most politically stable nation
For
Personally speaking, I believe that it is true that Switzerland is by far the most efficient government on this planet, (call me biased). Sure, their elections may spark a fuse here and there, but the government and its people handle the situation in a mature manner. As opposed…
Against
First, I will assume that the Resolution should read: "Switzerland is by far the most politically stable nation." Political stability has nothing to do with protecting freedoms, allowing for change, etc. Political stability only means that the government is not at risk of…
My opponent forfeitted. Ergo, I win. Thank you for your patience and time. Au Revoir.
1736.
The UN should adopt an agreement to dismantle all nuclear weapons
For
Since my opponent didn't give me something to respond to, and basically agreed with me, I will pass this round.
R1) Even if some countries hid few nukes, we still reduced a potential catastrophe. R2) No country would declare war on vast majority of UN, because it is pure suicide, even if that vast majority had no nukes. R3) Chances for WWIII to occur are high enough to be taken…
Against
the UN should make a resolution that says we will reduce the number of nukes. it's more honest than saying we are going to get rid of them all, cause everyone shouldn't be expected and it wouldn't be likely that they'd get rid of them all. i realize that i merely said it was…
i suppose i can get behind it's better for everyone to have a lot less than we currently have. i dont think the USA should get rid of all its nukes and i wouldnt expect others to either,even if they said they were going to. i dont know why con said something about invading UN…
1737.
Every poll should count all votes by adults
For
Admit you are an establishment scuz, and you win. It's that easy.
well you assumed, I submit...
Against
My argument still stands. My opponent is refusing to take the debate seriously and continues to deliver ad hominems.
As my opponent has essentially forfeited Round 2, I will begin my counterargument. There are two types of polls that come to mind when discussing whether or not the individual votes need to be counted: unanimous ones, and informal ones. Or a combination of both, for that…
1738.
Other leadership traits matter more than personal morals
For
There are more important characteristics in a leader than his morals.
Against
I'll be posting this in the voter's union. I would like the win for these reasons. Forfeiture by Pro, Pro not specifying what their arguments were. Con being willing to debate, but not getting a chance.
I just want to speed this debate up now.
1739.
Voting should be compulsory
For
That's alright :) Round three will just be rebuttals and answering rebuttals, sorry if there was a miscommunication on my part. I urge the judges to dismiss what I said about breaking conduct will result in a 7-point loss, since there was a miscommunication on the structure of…
"There are going to be three rounds and they are going to be as follows, failure to follow these rounds (unless amended in the round) will result in a full seven point forfeiture:constructive cases (no rebuttals but you can make pints that you expect to hear from the…
Against
Excellent I'm glad this debate can continue! Since we're not discussing my alternative to the democratic system discussed I will focus round 3 on rebutting the statements promoting compulsory voting. My Rebuttals "In compulsory voting, the people would be more politically…
I apologize for misunderstanding the structure of the debate (my first debate on this site) however I would still like to make a case if that's okay with you. My Constructive Case Compulsory voting is not the right solution to the problem of politicians focussed on special…
1740.
Affirmative action is good for society
For
Affirmative action is used to eliminate job discrimination. In the past, only white males were allowed to have jobs. Also, you provided no sources for your argument.
I accept.
Against
Look, I have a busy schedule, so I'm going to make this argument short. Between giving minorities bonus points on SATs and required percentage of minorities in a company, with the same thing occurring for women, affirmative action somehow manages to be racist to all races.…
Round 2: Opening arguments. Round 3: Rebutting your opponent's opening arguments. Round 4: Defending your opening arguments against your opponent's rebuttal of your arguments. BoP is 50/50. Let's have a good, clean, and civilized debate.
1741.
Australia should welcome all refugees
For
*Casper lives here*
Then I will say that the issue is not the people that cost your government money - the issue is how we built our countries as a whole. The governments of all countries focus more on security and power over sensibility and personality. We have in this world a Catch 22 - the…
Against
Ohh come on I need to do this for an assignment be serious!
Australia should NOT welcome all refugees because they are stealing all the available jobs and costing the government money meaning more tax for the people that legally live in Australia.
1742.
The United States should develop missile defense systems
For
Hmm... a forfeit. I didn't see that one coming. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Well, as we all know, Con cannot introduce any new arguments in R3 (since I will not be able to respond). Therefore, all she can do is attempt to…
Like Con, I agree that the government is a tool for the citizens and not vice versa. That is why the government has both the right and the responsibility to protect its citizens through any feasible means. This proposition has nothing to do with promoting fear; in fact, doing…
Against
Thank you, Con - my reply: The Value of Life, Role of Government, Social Contract, and Psychological Impact: I'm confused as to how a missile defense system will bulk up the economy and or give our government prestige? It seems like a Machiavellian idea of fear over love, and…
1743.
Emotional manipulation wins elections
For
unrebutted? can'y you even spell?
another quitteer? wow, I bring out the best in people.
Against
Well.
my case remains unrebuted.
1744.
Teachers should be allowed to carry firearms at school
For
I believe that teachers should have the right to bear arms.If you need clarification please comment.1st round is acceptanceNext 3 rounds will determine the winnerLet's make this debate fun and serious!Cheers! :)
"When was the last time you heard on the news of a school shooting with a taser? Exactly, it's irrelevant."Tasers are not heard of in the news because they aren't allowed yet. That is what I am debating. I gave a logical scenario in my previous argument: "[...] Imagine the…
Against
""When was the last time you heard on the news of a school shooting with a taser? Exactly, it's irrelevant." Tasers are not heard of in the news because they aren't allowed yet. That is what I am debating. I gave a logical scenario in my previous argument:" Guns aren't allowed…
"I'm not proposing that we arm teachers all the time. I'm simply saying that teachers should have access to some sort of weapon for self defence and the defence of students. I said this in the beginning: " The right to bear arms implies that you actually bear the arms. Assuming…
1745.
The UN should prioritize global poverty reduction over all other issues
For
Due to matt's forfeit of this 3 round debate i see no reason to cover old ground, merely state that due to the fact he has presented no counterarguments to anything within my case, as the old debate adage goes, "Silence breeds agreement", he therefore agree's with my entire…
Before I delve into the mechanics of this debate round I would like to make the following observation: Xlilmattx's information page (. http://www.debate.org...) states that he has "Post Doctoral" education, makes more than $150, 000 a year, is 23 years old, and work in the…
Against
Resolved: When in conflict the UN should priotize global poverty over environmental protection. I will make the following definitions clear. Poverty is defined by the World Bank as a state of living in which capable of adults live on less than 2.50 US dollars per day.…
1746.
Military intervention is necessary to counter North Korea's threat
For
I will be arguing pro, that North Korea is a constant threat to World-peace and military intervention against them is necessary. Terms: 1) Threat- A statement of an intention to inflict pain, injury, damage, or other hostile action on someone in retribution for something done…
Against
North Korea is about as much of a threat to World Peace as Narnia.
Legal military intervention in a state requires that evidence of an imminent threat of force from that state exists, and that peaceful alternatives have been exhausted. These are both clearly not true of North Korea at the moment, hence military intervention would be illegal.
1747.
Nuclear weapons should be abolished worldwide
For
A world without nuclear weapons would be nice, but sadly the whole world will never get rid of nuclear weapons because we all have different views.
I am aganst nuclear warfare. but if the U.S gets rid of the weapons countries like north korea will see this as a weakness and attack.
Against
I think we came to an agreement that nuclear weapons are not necessary and a world without them would be much brighter. Sadly as you have said it's unlikely that we'll ever get rid of them, but that should not stop us from trying.Thank you for the debate and thanks to everyone…
Thanks for replying again.The point I'm making is that if we wouldn't have nuclear weapons at all and I mean not U.S. only, I mean globally, there wouldn't be a threat of getting bombed.Let's try to take a look from the other perspective : U.S. has unfriendly policies against…
1748.
Voting should be compulsory in democracies
For
So, in this round I will address Con's remarks, and then provide feedback to Con as Con requested. I hope my feedback is useful. REBUTTAL V: Con says that we should have only the educated vote. But under the concept of free speech, even foolish people can express themselves. In…
The order will be AC, NC. PRO/AC: I Value Democracy on strength of link. When referencing democracy, we must not only value those systems that make a nation democratic, but also the ability of those systems to provide for the general welfare, as that is the core goal of just…
Against
My opponent stated that his value was democracy, which is also my value. My value applies to this debate differently than his does. For a democracy to be legitimate, which will in turn help the people, and the democracy better, we need to have the politically educated, and…
Encyclopedia Britannica says that "Whether made compulsory in law or through social pressure, it is doubtful that high voter turnout is a beneficial indication of an electorate"s capability for intelligent social choice." America"s first amendment is for the freedom of speech,…
1749.
The United States will remain the world's dominant superpower
For
Thank you very much for your arguments Con. As we come into this final round I would like to clarify the rules in case I failed to make them clear at the start of our debate. In our concluding statements we will summarise arguments given previously in prior rounds and will…
Embarrassed? Far from it I'm afraid, I'm very glad you expanded in fact you have saved me the trouble. I do recognise that they are fighting the East Turkistan Islamic Movement, but what I found more interesting is that on the link you gave the overarching title of the matter…
Against
http://www.youtube.com... http://www.youtube.com... http://www.youtube.com... As you can no doubt see, I have included some relevant music for you to listen to whilst you read. Before I make my concluding statements, I would also like to thank Pro for a fascinating and lively…
I would like to begin my rebuttal with a correction. Pro has claimed that the U.S. gave China a billion dollars in financial aid in 2011. This is not true. In fact, China only received $18 million in 2011. Last year, this was down to $14 million. [2] This is less than 2% of…
1750.
The United States should be split into separate nations
For
I see multiple problems with your logic: 1. 30% military spending not being feasible without increased taxes and/or debt. If Dixie produces R revenue, the military spending would be R x .30 . Thus leaving R x .70 for the rest of the economy. Of this, the little social benefits…
Radical Monarchist, not Conservative Republican You seem to make it out that all Monarchists are strong government dictators. I would be unique in the sense that I would be like a president, in which I could choose my own political party, but have the power of a king in which I…
Against
Pro claims to see multiple problems with my logic, but perhaps only as a rhetorical smokescreen to throw up a desperate mask over the reality that I have completely obliterated a number of his central arguments, and demolished his credibility as a leader.1. Current GOVERNMENT…
In his previous round, Pro has provided an enlightening vision of the dystopian nightmare which he dreams of and calls "Dixie". His delusions of grandeur become all the more curious when we consider that on some level he seems to genuinely believe that his ideas have merit and…

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