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?