Article 8 - Ice melt in Greenland

Article 8 - this blog: Ice melt found across 97 percent of Greenland satellites show examines the relationship between Greenland's accelerated thawing and its effect on the environment. The author accumulates data from NASA and other sources and offers several scenarios regarding the potential devastation that could result from this event. Using this article, think about a resolution you could write either supporting (AFF) the need for greater attention to elements that impact the environment or NEG this article by debunk the evidence presented with your own research.

Again, in your case for or against this concept you need to do the following -

• Summarize the main point of the article and identify which position you take (AFFirmative or NEGation)
• Use evidence from at least 2 other sources to support your evaluation of the argument put forth in the original piece
• Use appropriate quotation format and cite your sources
• Write 300-500 words (proofreading is critical)

Article 7 - Bank Regulation

Article 7 - wonders if stronger regulation of banks is required after the Barclay's interest-rigging scandal in the UK. The following article: "Frank Calls LIBOR Scandal 'Outrageous' discusses US Congressman Barney Frank's strong rebuke of the British financial scandal opens up the question of how much control should the government wield over financial systems in general - or is a "market" based system more beneficial?

Again, in your case for or against this concept you need to do the following -

• Summarize the main point of the article and identify which position you take (AFFirmative or NEGation)
• Use evidence from at least 2 other sources to support your evaluation of the argument put forth in the original piece
• Use appropriate quotation format and cite your sources
• Write 300-500 words (proofreading is critical)

Article 6 - Deregulation

Article 6 - questions the impact of financial deregulation on the current economic state. David Barker, PhD, writing for Reuters, asks:" Is it true that deregulation helped cause the financial crisis?". As he pursues this line of questioning, he examines the historical case supporting regulation and the potential (and actual) loopholes of the system, concluding that deregulation does not wholly account for the overall flawed state of the US financial system as a whole.



"Is Deregulation to Blame for the Financial Crisis?"

Again, in your case for or against this concept you need to do the following -

• Summarize the main point of the article and identify which position you take (AFFirmative or NEGation)
• Use evidence from at least 2 other sources to support your evaluation of the argument put forth in the original piece
• Use appropriate quotation format and cite your sources
• Write 300-500 words (proofreading is critical)

Article 5 - Soda Ban

Article 5 - asks us to consider how much control the government should have over our daily decisions (even the bad ones we often make). This article from CBS News (online) presents NYC Mayor Bloomberg's proposal to ban the sale of excessively large "single-serving" containers of soda : "Mayor Bloomberg's Soda Ban Proposal to be Submitted to NYC Health Board Today"


Do you think that measures like this are necessary for the health of the nation? Is it a step towards helping to cub the growing obesity problem? Do you think this bill is actually directed at keeping PEOPLE from drinking large amounts of soda? or does it have other intentions?

Again, in your case for or against this concept you need to do the following -

• Summarize the main point of the article and identify which position you take (AFFirmative or NEGation)
• Use evidence from at least 2 other sources to support your evaluation of the argument put forth in the original piece
• Use appropriate quotation format and cite your sources
• Write 300-500 words (proofreading is critical)

Article 4 - Obamacare

Article 4 - addresses the 800 pound gorilla in the room - be assured that the topic of "Obamacare" will rear its head at our first tournament (All-Congress) - it would behoove you to research the pros AND cons of this bill and the Supreme Court decision since it is such a politically charged topic. This article comes from the New York Times, published July 3, 2012:

"Too Quiet, Again, On Healthcare" - Editorial


This article dissects the ongoing issues surrounding this piece of legislation - especially touching on the propaganda battle launched by the Republican party. It also discusses the puzzling lack of the Obama Administration to capitalize on the supportive Supreme Court decision. There are many ways you can take your discussion of this topic -- make sure you keep it narrow and focused. You cannot deal with the entirety of this bill in this blog entry - pick a small piece and investigate that part of the bill.

Again, in your case for or against this concept you need to do the following -

• Summarize the main point of the article and identify which position you take (AFFirmative or NEGation)
• Use evidence from at least 2 other sources to support your evaluation of the argument put forth in the original piece
• Use appropriate quotation format and cite your sources
• Write 300-500 words (proofreading is critical)

Article 3 - Contraception Bill

Article 3 - comes from BBC NEWS (online edition) : "Fierce Debate over Philippine Contraception Bill"

This article discusses the health care difficulties this Asian nation faces- it  frames the discussion as a conflict between religious beliefs and economic hardships, between deeply held beliefs and crushing poverty. In order to really discuss the issue, you should look beyond the Philippine's example to other examples in the world - either examples of where contraception initiatives were successful or where the opposition to these medical interventions have been overruled - what were the outcomes?

Again, in your case for or against this concept you need to do the following -

• Summarize the main point of the article and identify which position you take (AFFirmative or NEGation)
• Use evidence from at least 2 other sources to support your evaluation of the argument put forth in the original piece
• Use appropriate quotation format and cite your sources
• Write 300-500 words (proofreading is critical)

Article 2 - Debating Dirty Words

Article 2 - comes from the pages of Time Magazine: "You Can't Say That on Television: 40 Years of Debating Dirty Words"

This intriguing article opens us up to a discussion of what words should/should not be used in a public forum. The language is suggestive, but not graphic in this article - but if references to curse words make you uncomfortable, then I'd suggest you skip this article.

Again, in your case for or against this concept you need to do the following -

• Summarize the main point of the article and identify which position you take (AFFirmative or NEGation)
• Use evidence from at least 2 other sources to support your evaluation of the argument put forth in the original piece
• Use appropriate quotation format and cite your sources
• Write 300-500 words (proofreading is critical)