Wells vs. Brasof

Wells graciously allowed me to debate her due to the fact that we had extra time in class.  She handled the scientific racism argument beautifully and even attacked using that darn cotton gin!  That invention will be the end of me in these debates.  (although, if you look it up you will find that the cotton gin actually extended slavery, not help end it).  Sometimes having the last word is a very powerful position in these debates.  Congratulations to Wells for putting up a great fight.  I had to really think on my feet in order to keep up.

-Brasof

Zamiyha vs. Antonio

This debate was fun to watch.  Both debaters came to the podium prepared, even after having to find Antiono somewhere else in the school!  Both debaters opened up holes in their opponents arguments yet did not address such openings in the rebuttal.  Congratulations to both debaters!

Charmira vs. Maria

Another student delivers 4 arguments?!  I loved this debate and the last one because the CX are so poignant.  That is, debaters are truly looking to find holes in their opponents arguments.  What I want everyone to consider as we move on is that these holes should expose weaknesses in arguments but it is still up to you to find evidence to counter.  Just saying someone is wrong is not enough.  Congratulations to both debaters!

Brian vs. Imani

This was a fantastic debate.  A true gem to watch.  Imani delivered a killer, I mean killer argument.  It was the best use of the Constitution yet.  She utilized the Tenth Amendment and the fact that the Constitution does not enumerate slavery.  This is very true, HOWEVER, if the slavery side looks into the textbook chapter a bit more and the Constitution they will clauses that relate to slavery (basis of fugitive slave laws) and thus could argue that it is in support of slavery.  Brian did a great job of listening to Imani's argument and challenging a fundamental assumption-why do we all need an education, and more specifically, the skills of reading and writing?  This question including Brian's stronger rebuttal took the win.  Congratulations to both speakers!

Fengting vs. Yi

Its Saturday morning and I'm still smiling over this one!  Each presented 3 strong arguments filled with evidence and challenged each other during the cross.  When described as the happiest, Fengting found evidence in the reader suggesting otherwise-using evidence to counter evidence.  Great debate and a wonderful way to conclude our debates.  Congratulations to both teams!

Brianna vs. William

Both debaters came to the podium prepared and this makes me all warm inside!  Brianna was able to crack William's armor today in the CX but didn't take advantage of it during the rebuttals   Brianna discussed in her argument that slaves rebel and then got William to admit that they discipline slaves so they "wont do it again".  Ding ding ding....they do act up again (rebel)!  Also, who handles the scientific argument better will also get an advantage. 

Chelsea vs. Nina

It is lovely to watch friends debate.  Sometimes, this can be a barrier when CX. Nina tried to defend her arguments with the "we are disciplining our slaves" argument while Chelsea attacked with they are "not happy".  Chelsea had an advantage in this respect because she challenged the legitimacy of the document which stated they are happy and through questioning, was able to get Nina to see why the conditions were not so plentiful and great.  This class is getting better, keep it up!

twizzler vs. roshonda

This was a great debate to watch on different levels. Both debaters were prepared and worked hard to overcome their fears.  I know this is cliche, but they are both winners.  Roshonda came strong with a scientific argument while Twizzler hit Roshonda with a rebellion argument tied into being treated unequally in America.  Attack don't just defend!

Shamoni vs Elijah

Great preparation can lead to a great debate.  This was a good one today. Elijah delivered 4 arguments to Shamoni's 3.  There was a struggle over the idea if slaves were stolen or actually sold.  Both debaters were not able to resolve this conflict even though Elijah tried to in the rebuttal by accusing his opponent of being "confused" but then stating that they were "stolen".  I think we all were a little confused.  Because the morality argument was left untouched (in this instance having 4 arguments was a good strategy), Elijah ended up taking this debate.  I do want to remind those that are reading that the rights embedded in the Declaration of Independence (written by....) are still up for grabs for both sides.  Good luck to those that will debating in the future!

Brittany vs. Arianna

This was a fun debate.   Arianna came to the podium with 3 strong points and was able to overcome her nervousness.  Brittany, looking for blood, really hammered away at the discrimination argument during the CX.  Brittany also introduced a new argument to the class regarding the loss of jobs for whites due to slavery.   Brittany also asked an interesting question that was skipped over-why can't white people be slaves? 

John v. Steven

I'm proud of these two students.  Both came up prepared and shined.  This debate was so close that only a slip up by Steven allowed the judges to vote towards a particular debater.  How is it possible that men are not equal (john's assertion) when all are equal in God's eyes (Steven's slip up)?  The rebuttal could have been a great place for steven to address this issue.  Science also seems to haunt our abolish side.  Prove that they are men, don't just say they physically look alike.  That was not enough back then it is not working now.  Kenny did a decent job suggesting that animals can't learn/practice religion but what if these "animals" could?

Gabe vs. Rachel

This was a wonderful debate.  Rachel's argument against abolishment has become one of my favorites of all time (minus the fact that she tried to deliver 4 points).  Slave owners do not feed them well because they need to be working in the fields and can't be too strong to rebel.  They are the inferior class of people and are meant to be in the fields.  They are essential to the American economy as those workers.  These are sound reasons.  BUT, Gabe was able to do something not many students have been successful at-proving that the conditions are not better by arguing the actual benefits pro-slavery people say they get.  This is excellent thinking!  This debate was so close that this point became the deciding factor.  I hope more debates are like this one today.

Leah vs. Shakira

She might be quiet during class, but I wouldn't want to debate Leah.  She not only creatively applied the Fourth Amendment, she was able to get to the roots of the evils of slavery--treatment.  Earlier comments to the class focused on getting the abolishment side to really step up their rhetoric and reasoning for why one would care if humans are treated poorly (consider that advocates for slavery didn't necessarily think that slaves were humans or deserve equal treatment)  Leah was able to punch this a hole in this today.  Shakira attempted to beat her opponent with strategy, not necessarily a horrible approach being that scoring could determine the debate.  She is the only student to every attempt to deliver 5 arguments but as we learned today, this might not be the most effective strategy.  2-3 strong arguments seem to still hold more weight over 4-5 less argued points.

Talissa vs. Liam

Stepping up to the plate last minute, Liam took today's first win.  Liam tied science into the debate (no effective rebuttal yet), making his teacher quite proud, and did a stellar job during CX.  Talissa was ALMOST trapped in the corner with Liam's Adam and Eve questioning but managed to escape by challenging pro-slavery people to consider who can play god and how can't.  Congratulations to our senior, we will miss you!

Ruth vs. Maria

Getting better.... Both debaters came to the podium well prepared with killer opening statements.  Maria was able to strengthen her arguments during the CX with prepared questions.  She thought out what she would ask and it showed.  Hint: show up to the podium with prepared questions just in case you get stuck or really want to hammer in a point.  Maria did an outstanding job arguing the U.S. Constitution but the most important thing in my eyes that happened was the introduction of the contradiction known as Thomas Jefferson. 

Remember, rebuttals are really important to knock out opponents arguments and stress what has happened during the debate.  If someone challenges your evidence, discuss in the rebuttal why you are right. 

Kenny vs. David

I was really looking forward to this debate because David had spent so much time learning how to judge as a form of training and Kenny has always struck me as a thoughtful, prepared student.  Kenny almost nailed the "slavery is different here than elsewhere" argument.  He is the first to bring up that empires fell because of slavery.  Warn Americans that this is happening now and almost happened in the past with strong examples and the argument is complete.  Both of these gentleman were the first to enter the scientific evidence into the debate which I LOVED.  I was soooooooo waiting for this to happen because it is how we started our course.  I want more of this.... 

Taniyia vs. Sierra

Fun fun fun.  These two ladies have a lot of attitude and it showed today.  Their speeches were sound and Sierra delivered one of the best pro-slavery bible arguments I have ever heard!  It was also great to hear Dred Scott enter into the discussion today.  Taniyia thought on her feet and did a good job to defuse it though by saying that Africans do not have to follow court cases if they do not get the benefit of the law and that Europeans do not have to follow African laws while in Africa.  This argument works (to some extent) because of Africans being forcefully removed out of Africa as opposed to "choosing" to come to America and choosing to follow her laws.  Keep chipping away abolishment side on that one though.  Decorum (how you handle yourself up there) matters.  If you ask a question, let them answer it.  If you but in while the next question is being asked, it might be considered bad decorum.  Controlling with yes/no questions is good, but if your opponent is going to try to explain oneself, let them.   Congratulations to both debaters, you created quite a stir today in class, yet held a critical-thinking debate.

Aliyia v. Ashley

Incredible debate!  Both debaters came to the podium prepared with outstanding arguments.  Ashley was very creative in her approach to slavery and even created an argument never heard of in our class before-that slaves live as long if not longer (evidence can support this and can be countered).  In the end, Aliyia's killer CX got Ashley to see her own hypocracy and even agree that slaver masters were greedy!  Wow!!!  What a great example of what this class is capable of.

Katelin vs. Jackie

Wow! What an interesting second debate.  Flowing is the key when you are up to.  Katelin introduced the idea that if slaves were so happy then why did they rebel.  A stronger rebellion argument is hard to counter, yet possible.  Don't let your opponent off the hook so easily.  Congratulations to the first set of debaters today!

Courtney vs. Nadiya

This was a really fun debate to watch.  Courtney's argument was killer!  She not only defined what it means to pursue happiness she studied her opponents historic figure and utilized such information during CX and rebuttal.  Nadiya also did some brilliant analysis by being the first to use the Fifth Amendment and introducing the idea that slavery was a necessary evil.    This was a hard debate to decide on but because Courtney was able to crack Nadiya's tough armor, she took the win.  Thank you for presenting a wonderful debate to the class! Thanks for the book :)

Farid vs. Sally

This debate was a real pleasure to watch.  Farid brilliantly applied the Eighth Amendment to the abolishment side in which he recognized that slave masters assumed that slaves were property yet challenged the idea that you need to respect such property.  Sally refused to let Farid off the hook during the CX while Farid refused to give into the point that those whom are enslaved do not get the same opportunities as those who aren't enslaved.  Congratulations to both debaters for getting in front of the class and delivering solid speeches!

Seth vs. Jonese

Sometimes hard work doesn't always pay off.  Work smarter, not harder.  This is what Jonese did.  She took full advantage of her strength, challenging her opponent during the CX.  Seth's arguments were very creative and thoughtful, however, one must really define life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness so that we know what that means for those enslaved and not enslaved.   I wonder, is it enough to say that you own soneone or do you need to prove that humans can be sold as property?  In the end, Jonese made example of the reality of social classes in society to prove that all are not equal.  She used that concept to challenge Seth's notion of equality.  We would not speak to the President the same way as our friend.  But, does that necessarily mean we would treat them less or a superior human?  Hmmm...maybe we do...

Yusuf vs. Alia

This was a great debate to watch. Both speakers came well prepared with 3 strong arguments and paid attention to prior debates.  Finally, the abolishment side handled the Three-Fifths a person issue.  But what is surprising to me is how effectively the for slavery side is countering the inhumane treatment argument.  Really!? Abolish side you have to handle the argument that slaves are the happiest in the world, perhaps the most free.  Thank you Yusuf for moving the class forward in terms of how to handle the rebuttals.  Congratulations to both debaters for earning strong marks and making this debate enjoyable!

Brian vs. Amanda

Taking advantage of after-school tutoring and judging opportunities, this competitive spirit gave Amanda the edge she needed to win this debate.  She delivered the strongest rebuttal in our class to date.  However, this is not to take away from the great speech Brian delivered.  He was the first to use the fact that blacks are not in the minority in certain key states which is very dangerous for the economy when they are not treated well.  He also gave an example of a rebellion that WAS successful in Haiti.  Brian needed to use more of the CX time to hammer away at Amanda's opening speech.  Amanda came to the podium with an overwhelming amount of evidence that connected directly to her argument.  This was a great debate to watch!  Congratulations to both debaters for a job well done!

Keith vs. Yaozang

Wow.  What an improvement by Keith and a show of great courage and analysis by Yaozang.  Yaozang's better off as slaves was one of the best handling of that argument in our class!  Keith presented a new argument not used by any other student in that Africans were considered chattel (property) not necessarily an occupation.  In the end both were stumped during the CX and our class needs to learn how to handle the Three-Fifths of a person and the challenge to slaves happiness as exhibited by their efforts to rebel and run away.  Rebuttals need to discuss why during this debate your opponent was wrong (direct challenges to their opening speech and issues that arise during CX) as well as reassert why your arguments and evidence (that was or wasnt challenged) are better.  Keep at it 3rd period!

Jasmine vs. Chris

What a great analytical debate!  These two students were not only prepared to debate, but were able to think on their feet and analyze each others arguments.  This is what I am looking for.  Now some interesting aspects of debate came out today.  Chris allowed Jasmine to fumble around a bit during the CX.  When Jasmine CX Chris, she was able to control him.  Crew, remember that when you CX someone, its your time to examine arguments.  If you feel your opponent is wasting time, then feel free to cut them off and move on.  Jasmine did this effectively today without being rude.  The against slavery side is going to learn how to handle the idea that slaves were "the happiest in the world...." evidence.  As I hinted today, do similar analytical techniques that Jasmine displayed when challenging the mudsill theory.  What did she do?  She called it a theory.  But in a larger sense, she challenged the authenticity of the document itself. Hmmmmm.....   If Chris would have supplied a little more evidence to why Jasmine's economic argument was wrong, he would have won this debate.  Rebuttals matter.  These were the best rebuttals so far but improvement is necessary to make this class the ultimate debaters.  Congratulations to both debaters.