BeIR/webis-touche2020 huggingface dataset:
Yes the Confederate flag is racist

Seceding was not the issue, it was the reasons why they were seceding . I can tell you those other reasons did not matter to blacks when they were slaves and they don't matter to me because none of those reasons would have set slaves free. As far as blacks having a CSA flag, unfortunately there are some blacks who would do just about anything to fit into white society and there are some blacks that just don't know their history and don't care to. You have some blacks and whites that are being fooled by the "The United Daughters of Dixie" and other Confederate sympathizing organizations, with their Lost Cause Agenda, refreshing the racism behind that flag by lying about the CSA role in the preservation of slavery and trying to downplay it and rewrite history. If they are lying about it then they can't have any empathy towards it. How could it be a far stretch to say they are racist when they were fighting to preserve African American slavery? Is it because they had other reason? Do those other reason change the fact they were fighting to preserve slavery? With the Confederate Vice president stating "Our new Government is founded upon exactly the opposite ideas; its foundations are laid, its cornerstone rests, upon the great truth that the Negro is not equal to the white man; that slavery, subordination to the superior race, is his natural and normal condition". That's not a stretch at all to say that it's racist. There really wasn't a whole lot of other reasons they were fighting, the other issues were just satellite issue to the main idea of slavery. They wanted to uphold the old Constitution that would allow for slavery excluding the 14th amendment, when that's all that had changed in the Constitution. They benefited very well off the slave labor and they had no intentions on stopping it. Cotton was the bread and butter of the South and they needed slaves to cultivate it. It was not over tarrifs or anything other than what they said straight from the horse's mouth in their secession letters. Tell me specifically the other reason you are talking about, if you have any please show me where it say that in their secession letters, because there is no getting around secession letters detailing specifically why they wanted to secede from the Union thus causing the Civil War. The United states did not secede from Britian because they wanted to continue on with slavery, regardless of it being the main reason or not.
Yes the Confederate flag is racist

Using that as a reason is like saying that the current American flag stands for the hatred of the British because we were fighting to secede from them in the Revolutionary war. However, they are now one of our greatest allies, both militarily and economically. Obviously yes, were I a black slave, those reasons would matter to me, but I have several black friends who share my same views about the confederate flag, so using that as a reason doesn't work in every case. They believe their state flags to be more racist than the confederate flag, because while slavery was one of the rights they were fighting for, and I do have sempathy for those subjected to slavery in any sort of way, saying the confederate flag was racist is kind of a stretch, especiallly when you compare it to the amount of other reasons the south was fighting.
"Cyber Commander" should have a higher attack than "Happy Lover".

As seen in my opponent's second video, around 14:45, this Heart Ray is clearly meant for offense and destruction. It is, however, very weak. At both times it was used (7:25 and 14:45), it was easily slapped off" That is because it was meant to suicide so that the Mokey Mokey would increase in strength. Notably, both of the opponent's that it faced had a great deal of attack points. And now, I need us to discount all things stated by the Heart Ray. It actually attacks using something that seems to be called "Gushy Burst," which does not have the same effects of happiness. It looks like a burst of fire, which is clearly powerful. This means that Happy Lover is more powerful than just using a Heart Ray. While Cyber Commander may have bazookas and rocket launchers, neither of these are supernatural. They would both be destroyed by a burst of supernatural flames, which is exactly what Happy Lover has. You seem to be implying that Cyber Commander has his entire strike force with him. He doesn't; he is alone. This can be seen by Tristan being alone in the video. He is just part of a strike force, which is not there with him. Clearly, a supernatural burst of flames is more powerful than bazookas and rocket launchers, used by a single warrior. Vote CON. I did a lot more research for this debate that I though I would.
"Cyber Commander" should have a higher attack than "Happy Lover".

"Heart Ray" is clearly the extent of Happy Lover's powers. As seen in my opponent's second video, around 14:45, this Heart Ray is clearly meant for offense and destruction. It is, however, very weak. At both times it was used (7:25 and 14:45), it was easily slapped off. Heart Ray is clearly rather weak, and its effects are benign. Becoming overjoyed is harmless, and insanity is not implied as a result. "As PRO, you must prove that it cannot. " Actually, you are asserting that interpretation, so you need proof. The ability to fly would relate to evasiveness, and would contribute to defense points, not attack points. Happy Lover's ability to fly does not significantly help it attack because it uses a ray, not some physical combat move. Upon reviewing the first video, Cyber Commander was not in a position to use its rocket launcher because it was in defense mode. Further, it was not seen in action using the rocket launcher at 1:50. Even in the second half of episode 13, the rocket launcher is not seen to be used. However, that does not mean that it is not usable, and even still, the entire strike force has bazookas. . http://www.youtube.com... So, let us review. Happy Lover has an easily deflectable and benign heart ray and is a weak cherub. Cyber Commander is a strike force armed with powerul bazookas and rocket launchers. So, which should have a higher attack? Cyber Commander is clearly more powerful.
"Cyber Commander" should have a higher attack than "Happy Lover".

"Cherub does not imply magic at all. All it has is that Heart Ray, and all that does is make enemies happy. There is no implied teleportation into some happy death." "Heart Ray" does. An alternative explanation is that it could cause enemies to fall into a happy state of bliss and obliviousness, during which it is easily taken out by even the weakest of forces. This seems fairly mighty. "Further, while cherubs fall into the Fairy category, this does not mean that they are magical, or have any further powers." It means they are special. It can fly. Also, what else could a "Heart Ray" be besides magic? There is no other explanation. You need to explain how it works. "Bazookas and Rocket Launchers against a benign Heart Ray." Why do you call the Heart Ray benign? It causes insanity! It could magically go through certain forces, like rocket launchers, while destroying them, and hypnotize Cyber Commander. As PRO, you must prove that it cannot. http://www.youtube.com... Cyber Commander appears at 1:50 in the first video. As you can see, Cyber Commander cannot fly. He also seems to have poor access to the rocket launcher on his back. http://www.youtube.com... See 7:25 in the second video. The Heart Ray looks pretty destructive, and a lot like a burst of fire. Not exactly a weak attack, is it? I think that it would pwn Cyber Commander, personally.
"Cyber Commander" should have a higher attack than "Happy Lover".

Please note that it is not merely a soldier, but a "strike force". http://dictionary.reference.com... Cherub does not imply magic at all. All it has is that Heart Ray, and all that does is make enemies happy. There is no implied teleportation into some happy death. Further, while cherubs fall into the Fairy category, this does not mean that they are magical, or have any further powers. My opponent has essentially made up powers for happy lover. "It it probably not very bright, and has very small weaponry." However, upon examining Cyber Commander's weaponry, one finds that it is actually rather large. http://yugioh.wikia.com... A strike force against a cherub. Bazookas and Rocket Launchers against a benign Heart Ray. Cyber Commander is clearly more powerul. Back to you.
"Cyber Commander" should have a higher attack than "Happy Lover".

. http://yugioh.wikia.com... . http://yugioh.wikia.com... "Happy lover [sic] has 800 attack points. " It is a magical fairy. It gets strength from things that you can't comprehend. They are overjoyed because they are sent to a different land when they die, or they are glad that they get to kill the little thing. "Cyber Commander has 750 attack points. " It is a robotic soldier. It it probably not very bright, and has very small weaponry. It is not magical.
"Cyber Commander" should have a higher attack than "Happy Lover".

That's right. This debate concerns 2 Yu Gi Oh cards. Higher attack means higher attack points. . http://yugioh.wikia.com... . http://yugioh.wikia.com... Happy lover has 800 attack points. Cyber Commander has 750 attack points. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Happy Lover: "Enemies become overjoyed when struck by the Heart Ray emitted from the forehead of this tiny cherub. " Cyber Commander: "A strike force equipped with rocket launchers and bazookas. " A "tiny cherub" with the power to make enemies overjoyed has more attack points than a strike force armed "with rocket launchers and bazookas"? I do hope someone accepts.
The game flapping bird is to hard

The game does offer help to players at the very beginning by telling the player "get ready" and "tap"- to go up. If you can't get your evidence straight then how are we to trust anything you say. The game also offers no real goal. Players play the game to pass the time and for pure entertainment. Again I state that the game has only one button, so one would not need a guide on how to tap the screen. And if you do need help there are some links here that will help out. . http://www.youtube.com... vic-frdnz. blogspot. com/2014/01/flappy-bird-cheats-and-tricks. htmlR06; gamewise.
The game flapping bird is to hard

I believe the game is hard, and as you stated in your rebuttal, the high score of 34 is "Impressive". Now, if 34 is an impressive score in ANY Game, then the game is obviously to hard. I also use the fact that there are no powerups at all in the game, and no guides to help you achieve your goal. It offers you no help at all, and for these reasons and many more I urge a Pro ballot in today's debate.
Dogs are better than cat's!

Technicly less than .01% of all dogs are "worked to death." Also you couldn't work a cat to death, because they won't and can't work. They have nothing to give to society. I would like you to name one thing that cats do to help other people other than their owners. Before you say that dogs dont help other people, in fact they do. Lots of cities in canada would not be there today if it were not for sled dogs who took food and supplies when there weren't any other forms of travel. Good Luck!
Write a fictional story about an obese girl/boy and their high school troubles.

In memory of Bethany the behemoth ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ It was no secret, Bethany was the largest girl in school, she knew this and it made her feel very self-conscious. Bethany sat at the school lunch table with her fat face stuffed full of food. She weighted roughly 400 pounds and towered a few feet above the rest of the children. After eating at a pace that was unmatched by any other child, Bethany began to lift her mass. As she got up, she let out a loud groan and the table began to reshape itself to its normal position. Bethany began her arduous waddle down the canteen isle. Before Bethany could reach the exit, a very loud and obnoxiously popular girl blocked Bethany's path. "Hey Bethany! We have children in Africa starving to death, and all you can do is stuff your fat f***ing face, you filthy glutton!" The whole canteen erupted into a cackling hysterical laughter. Bethany felt sadness unparalleled to anything she had ever felt before; a thick, greasy tear ran down her hamster like cheek. Suddenly, a sharp pain struck Bethany in her chest. " "THUD! THUD!" Bethany's eyes and mouth sprang wide. Like a felled tree, Bethany began to fall. As her mass made impact with the floor, a dull thumping sound was made, everyone's canteen trays jumped a couple of feet from the table and a small dust cloud was formed, making everyone cough. As the dust settled, everyone could see the lump of human mass lying motionless. It was so quiet, you could hear a pin drop. Suddenly, the whole canteen began to cheer. They cried, but with joy. "You did it! You killed her!" People jumped onto the tables and began to dance; the smiles on their faces were wide and overjoyed. It was a celebration and high fives were given all round. I was there, I witnessed this human being die, and I witnessed the pure joy, these children received from watching this poor girl die from her obese and stress induced heart attack! I cannot believe the lack of humanity that was shown. Even the teaching staffs were not concerned. Bethany's corpse lay there for three days; before they finally decided throw her into the dumpster. It took 12 men to heave her in. I can't help but blame myself for this. It was my fault! I was the one who took part in a debate titled "we should shame fat people" I was the one who persuaded society that fat people needed to be shamed......But not like this. Every day I visit Bethany's grave, she's buried behind KFC, her favourite place. Whenever I hear the name Bethany, I think of how lonely and outcast she was and I cry. I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU BETHANY YOU HEAR ME?! Vote for my story if you cry every time. =,( RIP Bethany.
Write a fictional story about an obese girl/boy and their high school troubles.

The idea of this debate is to write a fictional short story about an obese girl/guy and their high school troubles. The winner will be the one who writes the best story. I know there are some skilled writers on DDO, so this should be fun. -Don't accept if you suck.- Too many debates on this website are serious. Why can't people show creativity? Let's change the serious tone by adding some fun content. Round 1 acceptance. Round 2 your story. -NOTE TO VOTERS- Sources are obsolete. Vote for the story you like the most.
Death Penalty

This should be a good debate. As Con jumped right in to the debate, I will too. "I believe the death penalty should not be a punishment because I believe it's unnecessary because I believe a life sentence is already a good enough punishment."Not only is this a run-on sentence, but it is also an argument that is based off of the person belief system of Con. There are no facts in this. The average cost to incarcerate somebody for a full year is $28,893.40 [1]. The average United States citizen lives to be 80 [2]. The average age for a murderer in the United States is 29 years old [3]. If somebody is arrested for murder at 29, and lives 51 more years in prison, they will have cost taxpayers is $1,473,563.4 (28,893.40 x 51). I think that life imprisonment is a worse idea than the death penalty. Life imprisonment means that the criminal gets to live off of your money for the rest of his life. If a man kills your mother, you are now paying for his food/clothing/shelter. 16,238 homicides take place in the USA every year [4]. Using the same statistics as before, that is $23,927,722,489.2 every year (1,473,563.4 x 16,238). That's 30 billion dollars we could save every year by not giving criminals life imprisonment, and just executing them. I will admit that some homicides involve the death of multiple people, but a lot of homicides only have one victim. "Also, an innocent person who is believed to have committed murder could receive the death penalty even though they did not commit murder"Yes, and I agree that's a bad thing. However, if we only execute people that can be convicted without reasonable doubt, this won't be a problem. "I also believe that the death penalty might teach people that if somebody murders a loved one of theirs then they should murder them, and this will increase the amount of people committing murder."Nope. [5]. The number of murders in the USA has actually been on the decline since its peak in 1991. Who knows what was going on in 1991, but that's not important. I look forward to a response. [1] https://www.federalregister.gov...[2] http://en.wikipedia.org...[3] http://www.bjs.gov... (Page 5)[4] http://www.cdc.gov... [5] http://www.disastercenter.com...
why parents are nt trusting their children

Welcome to Debate.org! We're getting a lot of new arrival recently. Just a tip here; grammar is one of the standards that voters use, so I'd improve mine if I were you. Now, I'll accept burden of proof on this one, and begin; Children are often not trusted because they often lie or act without responsibility, and often cause harm to themselves or others without parental support. Children must earn the trust of their parents through acts of maturity and responsibility. Awaiting your response, Duncan.
DDO Worst NFL Plays Contest (No Butt Fumble Allowed)

Now youre getting it :D (Remember though to delete the 's' in the 'https://' to make the video appear in the debate itself rather than show up just as a link Final submission: Flacco runs 15 yards the wrong way, then throws a deep ball right to the 49ers. He plays for the Ravens: http://www.youtube.com...
DDO Worst NFL Plays Contest (No Butt Fumble Allowed)

The Immaculate Reception isn't a 'bad' play and certainly isn't considered one of the worst plays in the NFL.... In fact, its actually considered one of the BEST plays to ever happen since the Steelers managed to turn a well defended play into a touchdown through sheer dumb luck, not by any fail on part of the defending team (The Raiders) My Round 2 submission: http://www.youtube.com...
DDO Worst NFL Plays Contest (No Butt Fumble Allowed)

Remaking this debate since the last one was poorly made on my part and I didn't adequately explain how the debate would work Each side will post one video of an NFL failed play in each round. Whichever side posts videos of the funnier/bigger fails will win the debate. The voters themselves will decide for themselves who posted the funnier/bigger fails and vote accordingly. The only rules are you post 1 video per round, and you cannot use the 'Butt Fumble'/'Buttfumble' play as one of the bad plays. 24 hours between rounds, 1 video per round My round 1 submission: http://www.youtube.com...
Having a high opinion of yourself leads to arrogance

The title of this debate is "Having a high opinion of yourself leads to arrogance." While this is true by definition in huge amounts, you can still have a relatively high amount of self esteem and still not be arrogant. Having high self esteem is a good thing; you don't want to always look down on yourself. It can lead to arrogance, but in general, having self esteem will not lead to arrogance.
Resolved: In my opinion, green apples taste better than red apples.

I will now respond to my opponents argumentation: Logical- Master Insists that we have a cross examination in the next round. Thus, the only arguments I will provide in this round is how this is absolutely unfair. My main contention is that Logical- Master does not provide a detailed system of analysis as to how he would be using this data. For all I know, Logical- Master could take whatever answeres I give and draw a comletely invalid conclusion. People who are voting on the round would assume that Logical- Master's conclusion was true and I would lose the round. No matter what answers I provide, it is logically assumable that LM's conclusion would be that I think green apples are not as good as red apples leading to a clear and decisive loss. I cannot be expected to answere these questions without knowing the system in which Logical- Master will be using them. In this debate Logical- Master is being absolutely unfair and asking me to do something which would lead him to an easy victory. This is absolutely ridiculous and unfair and should be a reason why you vote against my opponent.
Resolved: In my opinion, green apples taste better than red apples.

Next, I would like to agree with him that voters should vote for whoever debated better this round. First, I would like to start off my defining words which I think will have a major impact on this debate. All oif these definitions are from Merriam Webster dictionary. Opinion- a view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter. From this definition you can clearly see that Logical- Masters argument, "Besides, another reason such evidence is faulty is that I could merely counter it by claiming that I've met my opponent in real life and know that he really prefers red apples to green apples in his own opinion. In both cases, you would have to take our words at face value. " is flawed. Because me and my opponent are not continuosly by each other, the last time he supposedly saw me would be a while back. From this time, my opinion could have easily change. Negative-to cause to be ineffective or invalid Affirmitive- asserting that the fact is so I will more thouroughly explain these definitions later in this round. The advocacy of Logical- Master can be summed up as such. "Essentially, what I'm saying is that we don't have valid evidence to make a conclusion. " I think everyone can agree that this round is going to come down to who has the burden of proof. I made a claim and logical- master said it's not true. Now we must see who's burden it is too prove their position. LOGICAL-MASTER SAYS THE BURDEN OF PROVE IS MY RESPONSIBILITY BUT GIVES ABSOLUTELY NO EVIDENCE. I will now show you how the burden of prove rests upon my opponents shoulders. In order for me to explain thuis, it is essential to look to three things. The resolution, my definition of affirmitive and my definition of negative. Resolution = Resolved: In my opinion, green apples taste better than red apples. Negative-to cause to be ineffective or invalid Affirmitive- asserting that the fact is so In this round I am the affirmitive and my opponent is the negative. Given the structure of my definitions, in a debate, we assume any given fact, or in this case a resolution to be true. The affirmitive's burden is as the definition states to assert the fact to be so. I have asserted in my original speech and now that in my opinion green apples are indeed better than red apples. Thus, my opponents burden is to prove the resolution, or my assertion (which are essentially the same thing) to be invalid. Thus, the burden of proof lies upon my opponent. Until he shows why this is untrue, I would win the round. My job then is to refute any arguments my opponent may come up with as to why the resolution is false. But until then, I urge you to see that the burden of proof lies upon my opponent. In this round I have shown that the burden of proof lies on my opponent. Until then, we still affirm the resolution because it is true until my opponent proves otherwise. Thus you must AFFIRM.