Rise of BRIC nations

Hello, my name is Joseph and I am using my old Public Forum case, which I used when I went to state. Note that since I am using my Public Forum speech, I may not be able to provide direct internet links to my evidence. The number of characters allowed per round is 5,000. I would like to set the grounds for this debate by allowing 3 CX quetions per round 2 and 3. Here is the full resolution: >Resolved: That, on balance, the rise of Brazil, Russia, India, and China (BRIC) has had a positive impact on the United States.< If any questions arise considering the resolution, we will use the resolution above. Here is my opening speech. For this resolution, the affirmative side is the most logical choice if you consider all of the facts, which is why I stand in strong affirmation of the resolution. In this debate, I will present my evidence as to prove that the effect of the growth of these nations has resulted in a favorable outcome for the United States thus far. Contention 1: Exports to BRIC have postponed the economic collapse, therefore benefiting the economy. According to Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine, without exports to foreign markets, including those of the BRIC nations, U.S. Real Gross Domestic Product would have dropped by the third quarter of 2007, collapsing the economy. Thanks to the growing demand from these countries, our economy was able to survive for a year longer before the financial sector finally collapsed in late 2008 due to poor planning on the part of the corporate management, not because of the rise of foreign markets. Contention 2: India has benefited the U.S. Example A: George Bush has promoted the U.S.-India economic relationship and the benefits of outsourcing for both countries. Trade between the U.S. and India has increased $27 billion since February, adding more money into the United States economy, which is just what we need in our current economic state. Example B: Over the past decade, the U.S. and India have shared common strategic interests, such as deterring maritime piracy in the Indian Ocean and fighting terrorism, according to The National Interest. Contention 3: China has benefited the U.S. Example A: Exports to China reduces consumer prices of Americans. The Business Roundtable says that trade with China has reduced consumer prices 0.5% since 2002, reducing the money spent in each household by $1,000 each year, which is a positive impact for the U.S. economy and American citizens. Example B: China is a major economic partner when it comes to exports. Just to name a few examples of the benefits Chinese exports have had on the U.S., exports to China in just the month of December 2008 have gained the U.S. $111.2 billion dollars, and exports to China in January 2009 have gained the U.S. $72.2 billion dollars. Example C: China has not only been a strong economic partner, but a strategic one as well. The Chinese government, Like India, has taken an active role in fighting piracy, protecting our trade ships. Our close relationship with China has undoubtedly had a positive impact on the United States. Contention 4: Russia has benefited the U.S. Example A: Russia is one of the United States' most strategic allies. According to Current History, as a member of the six-party talks over North Korea's nuclear weapons program, the issue of the Middle East peace efforts, and the operation to defeat the Taliban in Afghanistan, Russia has supported the U.S. in the discussions. Example B: Russia is a primarily resource based country, its expansions in the field of petroleum recovery have been crucial to today's world market, reducing the overall price of oil across the globe, including the U.S. Contention 5: Brazil has benefited the U.S. Example A: Brazil has assisted the U.S. with a number of key issues, such as the production of biofuels, fighting malaria, and stabilizing Haiti, according to Current History. By assisting the U.S. with our key interests, Brazil has promoted friendly relations with other countries. Example B: Brazil is a key economic partner. Trade with Brazil has earned the United States $560 billion, according to an article from The Economist. There is no doubt that these favorable circumstances have benefited the United States. With this evidence, my conclusion is that the resolution is correct. It is obvious that the rise of the BRIC nations have had a positive impact on the United States, based on the arguments I have presented. And for all of the reasons I have stated, I strongly urge an affirmative ballot on today's debate.