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!