General Interest - What Politicians Can Learn From High School Debaters

Listening and Doing Exercise:

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CHRISTENSEN	Deanne	I'm	Jonathon	Members	So	The	Yes	are	as
awesome	ban	could	evidence	going	high	how	long	need
of	on	other	school	the	they	think	we	with

of a Texas high school debate team are working their presentations. They are debating a call to extend federal ban on assault weapons. "This is a long-term , if you see before this ban ---- "So long will this ban have to go on? How will we have to restrict people's rights?" Debaters use and reason to question the arguments of their opponents. " biggest fallacy that we can possibly talk about is 'slippery slope fallacy' because it relies on so many variables." The students' personal beliefs are not as important their ability to argue either side of an issue. " you are saying that if we continue with what's on now it is going to cost more money?" ". ." "That is good, but you have to show evidence." Christensen is the Oakridge High School debate coach. DEANNE : "'"It's great when they disagree with each other, it's to see them trying to defend their position." High debaters can be great critics of candidate debates. Debater McClanahan thinks one-sidedness weakens civility. JONATHON McCLANAHAN: "I don't we should have to hate the president to disagree him. That's why I honestly believe that with partisanship need to be more respectful to each other. We to be able to have bi-partisan bills passed. We to work together more." Bryce Brady thinks political leaders learn from high school debaters. BRYCE BRADY: "I definitely politicians today could get a real lesson from a school debate team." DEANNE CHRISTENSEN: "'Theyre very smart and want to see this country be successful because they that future of our country." Deanne Christensen believes some these award-winning debaters will be the leaders of tomorrow. June Simms.

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