Sign up here: First Debate Tournament of 2008

I indeed think we should limit topics....seriously.

Only topics that MemoryShock can win.

There are the parameters and I look forward to full implementation...

Okay, for real seriously, the topics need to be random and there shouldn't be any parameters, save for what the Bill of Rights has allotted for personal reasons, which is enough if a fighter chooses to abuse the system.

I think that the distinction fighter carries with it a standard that precludes any abuse of the rules as well as a recognition that the topics are assigned in good faith.

If you don't like a topic, then you have just been given an opportunity...an opportunity to discover exactly what and why you don't agree with the topic position. It is either a way to reinforce your ideology or broaden your horizons.

We are here to argue in a standard that ATS has at times looked up to us for.

Let's not blow it by trying to restrict our intellectual boundaries...but if we do, then refer to my original 'serious' suggestion.

Originally posted by semperfortis
3. Seatbelts are a matter of personal choice and no laws should be in place regulating them.

I'll take pro. Fearless.

[edit on 8-3-2008 by MemoryShock]

Some of these "lighthearted" topics actually have real messages behind them. South Park vs. Simpsons for example I see as keeping our freedom of speech vs. accepting mindless entertainment and a very important topic at that.

Anyway, the last two rounds have been very... anti-climatic for me. Just luck of the draw. Had some interesting topics... and no one to argue with.

* America was discovered at 5,000 BC instead of by Lief Ericson
* Atlantis was not a continent but something else.
* Mythological event X was based on a historical event.
* Dinosaurs were alive during the time of man.

There are a ton of topics that can be considered out of main stream science, but do have evidence on both sides to support their arguments... if people care to do the research.

Public zoos should be banned and all animals released back to their natural habitat.

The United States of America should adopt a new policy to elect its' President.

Mothers who have given birth to more than one Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder baby should be persecuted.

Human rights are a mere myth reinforced by those who hold the power.

Television advertisements aimed at children should be banned.

The main stream media is a malign influence on today's society.

* Dreams Are A New Age Phenomenon And A Conscious Awareness Of Them Is Irrelevant to a Full and Productive Life.

* Freudian And Jungian Dream Symbology Are An Inadequate Resource When Attempting To Understand The Meaning Of Dreams.

* It's Illegal Only If You Get Caught.

* Interactive Medias Allow The Public To Feel Like They Have Had A Say Or Have Been Represented And Therefore Restrict Any 'Real Action' In The Face Of Blatant Subversion Of National Rights.

* Economic Stress Is A Major Factor In The Evolution Of The Human Species And Will Eventually Result In Different Human 'Classifications' Defined By Physiological Reasons For Mental Acuity/Inclination.

* Population Growth Will Result In A Major Societal/International Tragedy.


I will provide some 'lighter side' suggestions later...

[edit on 8-3-2008 by MemoryShock]

Originally posted by chissler

Mothers who have given birth to more than one Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder baby should be persecuted.

Would you settle for just prosecuting them, or do you really feel that they ought to be persecuted?


I am really glad that most of you seem to share my taste for an unlimited scope of debate, but I just wanted to be sure that the community was getting what it wants.

reply to post by The Vagabond


I think prosecute would allow for a much better debate. I'd love to see this one assigned for the next round.

As for my personal opinion, I would have no sympathy for a mother of several FASD babies. The rights of the fetus is quite the ethical dilemma, especially when you take into consideration these effects of alcohol, drugs, etc.

This one is a bit of a sore spot for me, but I really don't come down on either side of the fence.

[edit on 8-3-2008 by chissler]

reply to post by chissler


Still assuming you´re gonna participate in the next round?

reply to post by Skyfloating


Where did I say I would be participating? I said I would hope to see this one assigned in the next round. Overlooked the facts, yet again.






All in good fun. I'm really looking forward to the results on ours though.

reply to post by chissler


You know what, Ive lost four debates in a row now, so you your chances are not that bad.

I'll be disappointed if a lose this early. Not because I think I should win, but only because I'll have no one to argue with anymore.

My lady refuses to engange in any fun debates with me. I think I might be a bit too stubborn.

Awesome debate and congratulations to Semperfortis for his win. Deffinatly earning that title.

As for the debate between myself and MemoryShock. I wonder if the judges are going to be a team of Rhodes scholars or English professors. one or the other is going to probably be required to even be able to comprehend MemoryShock's posts in that debate.

Well, so far we know that Intrepid, TLomon, Skyfloating, and Semperfortis will be in the next round. More results to come soon. It's shaping up to be a tough 3rd round.

"Crom,

I do not often pray to you, I do not have the tongue for it.

It does not matter if we were good men, or bad, or that one stood against many.

All I ask is for REVENGE; and if you do not listen, TO HECK WITH YOU."

I have Conan on my side now, so watch out!

Looks to be a tough next round....

Semper

Congrats to semperfortis, intrepid, SkyFloating, and TLomon on making it to the next round...

I have to say that I really enjoyed the chissler/SkyFloating debate...
It was an enjoyable read and I had both of you guys ahead at various points in the debate, though chissler, changing tactics in your closing made me cringe.

Also, if I may speak freely, I felt that the 'wait for faster tech because it'll pass the slower tech anyways arguement could have been easily defused by a three dimensional perspective....there are many directions to go in space and if we as a species are to survive, we may as well hedge our bets and go everywhere at varying velocities.

I have been biting my tongue on that for quite a while now....regardless, you guys fought like hell and it is that type of hunger that makes these debates enjoyable.

And semper/coven... an excellent debate as well...

An ode to the fighters on ATS

Oh heroic warriors in battle fought
Brought with pen not sword did wrought
In brotherhood in battle we wage.
Not our choice of which side the stage.
Friendships bond the ultimate gain.
To the vanquished no thought of disdain.
The fighters are us, we go trudging on.
Even though our battle won.
The next fight soon we see.
Challenges us for the best of we.


[edit on 3/9/2008 by whatukno]

I just saw the result...and would like to commend whatukno on a fantastic debate .

There is nothing more I can say that I haven't already communicated via u2u, however, I can make it public.

You presented what I felt at times were stifling rebuttals and were concise, consistent and 'like a rock'.

My hat is off to you, sir, and I sincerely hope that we see you become a debate forum staple...

reply to post by MemoryShock


Thank you MemoryShock, A well deserved win. I certainly will be around this forum for a long time to come. I applaud your victory in this debate. Good luck on round 3.

I just thought of some new topics, let me know what you all think..

1. Practical Policing in South Carolina
2. Practical Policing in Delaware
3. Practical Policing in Maryland
4. Semperfortis should remain Champion

So?

I think they are good topics...

Semper

Originally posted by semperfortis
4. Semperfortis should remain Champion

I'll take the con...

reply to post by MemoryShock


HAHAHAHAHA

.........

You may have to get in line for that one. Lots of hungry debaters here. I feel like I'm in a den of wolves wearing porkchop underwear....

Semper