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Saturday, 13 September 2008

Time for Change?

With recent discusions (plural) I have seen, I thought I would revisit the "Global Warming" issue and let people state their cases here. Is it real? Is it natural? Is it man-made? Will anyone actually comment? What do you think? I think this topic will be open until Tuesday.

Tuesday, 09 September 2008

Debate on Aliens

Debate Topic: What Should be Done About Illegal Immigration?
Debate Duration: 9/9/08 - 9/12/08
See previous posts for rules.

Tuesday, 02 September 2008

Getting Warmer

Debate Status: Current (9/2/08 - 9/5/08)
Debate Topic: Global Warming - Is it a real threat or a hoax?

Wednesday, 27 August 2008

Rule Clarification

Due to a number of questions I recieved from a number of people, I thought it would be good for me to post concerning HOW the debates work. When I post a debate (such as the one currently going on) simply leave a comment stateing your veiw and any arguments you wish to state for it. To offer a rebuttal, reply to as many as you wish to (it may be more convienient to reply to a group and only type out one comment but that is your choice). There can be as many sides in this as there are points of view. Some debates might only have two sides but many will have more. Argue whatever side you wish and reply and comment at your leisure. If this format does not work then it will be modified later but this will be made clear and any rules specific to a given debate will be stated as well in case I decide to experiment with various formats. Insomuch as fact-checking, I and the judges may (and likely will) do some but for the most part it should be assumed that if nobody would have heard of what you're talking about, then it would need validity for the argument to be considered. You might consider siting the source if it sounds questionable. An argument that can't be backed up if it IS checked out will likely not factor into a judge's ruling. That, however will be up to each individual judge. (and I may recruit guest judges from time to time if people show an interest or should someone be requested by enough people - assuming they accept the position) Judging will be based on argument QUALITY and not necesarily who gets the last word or who wins popular opinion. Judges are permitted to accept bribes ONLY if it does not factor into thier decision. In other words, bribe them all you want but don't expect it to alter their ruling. I will find out what each judge has to say and highlight it all in comination with my own decision and post the results either as an edit to an existing debate or as a seperate post, depending on length and content. If there are any further questions feel free to ask them here.

Tuesday, 26 August 2008

Russian Rulette

The Background:
The Russian Federation recently invaded the country of Georgia, over-running two disputed provinces and then going beyond to take a large portion of the country. After pressure from the UN and others, they agreed to withdrawl but have further dug into the disputed provinces and have set up military checkpoints in Georgia as well, stating that their withdrawl was complete. The UN contiues to pressure Russia.
In possible related news, Poland signed an agreement with the USA to allow an anti-balistic missile depot to be placed in their counry holding 10 antibalistic missles for defensive purposes against 'rougue nations'. Russia has stated that if the depot is constructed then their response will go "beyond diplomacy".
The first debate topic is thus:
What should the response be to Russia's recent actions?
The debate will last until midnight Friday 8/29/08 (EST) after which, the judges and I will deliberate and determine the winning side of the debate. This will be based on how well the case is argued and I will edit this post to reflect the winner. This, however, has no binding on when the next debate begins.