BeIR/webis-touche2020 huggingface dataset:
Same Sex Marriage Is Destructive To Society

Here a topic in Debate.org that you would love to go on: http://www.debate.org... Another showing that gays can adopt and should: http://www.adoptivefamilies.com... Text is taken straight out of article: Though I will be belittled of it, I just wanted to show that there is evidence. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New Research May Reinforce the Trend The sad fact is, the barriers remain even though research shows that sexual orientation does not impact one"s ability to be a good parent. Research findings provide favorable evidence to encourage the continued increase in adoptions by same-sex couples. In one recent study, psychologist Rachel Farr, from the University of Virginia, and her colleagues examined child development and parenting in over 100 families with adopted children, including 29 gay couples, 27 lesbian couples, and 59 heterosexual couples. The study found that children from all three groups were functioning well and had relatively few behavior problems, as reported by their parents and teachers. Family type was not a significant predictor of school outcomes. Krivickas and Lofquist's study of families consisting of unmarried couples and stepchildren or adopted children (the sampling was too small to draw conclusions in terms of either subgroup of children) found that the same-sex couples had higher education levels and greater economic status than the opposite-sex couples and that both partners in the same-sex couples were more likely to be employed. While it cannot be discerned from available data whether the increase in adoptions by gay and lesbian families is due primarily to private adoptions or to adoptions from foster care, researchers at the University of Maryland have found that in states with anti-gay policies, significantly fewer children were adopted from foster care. Same-sex couples may be more likely to adopt than heterosexual couples and more open to welcoming a "hard to place" child into their homes. Currently there are 107,011 children in the U.S. foster care system waiting for families. Total foster adoption numbers had been on the rise each year until 2010, when fewer than expected took place. But as the number of adoptions by gay and lesbian couples grows, there may be new hope for many of our nation"s waiting kids. Elisa Rosman, Ph.D., is a consultant on early childhood and adoption issues. She is a mother of four, including three children from China. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Calling black people the 'N' word is not just "Hate speach" it is also frowned down upon by most of the society. How does it destroy the rights of believeing in a religion anyways? Yes, religious folks can't complain about gays but that's the same case as abortion. What I say is to teach your kids not to do that kind of stuff and be done with it.
A Man Who Watches MLP: FIM *Should* Not be Immediately Considered Gay

Fellow debaters, I do not mean any offense to the Con, but I do think that that opening statement could have been a lot better. Anyway, back to the topic at hand. My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic was almost an immediate phenomenon, instantly winning the hearts of thousands and angering others. Many of these "brony-haters" hate on bronies whenever possible, isually with the overused accusation of calling them gay. As a brony, this thing usually happens to me, as an example, please read this statement from my previous argument: Lets say I joined a chat session. The people in the chat are taking turns telling about themselves, and it is eventually my turn. I tell the group right off the bat that I am a brony. Now, lets say that some of these people in the chat are brony-haters, and are immediately calling me gay. I didn't even have the time to explain anything about myself and they are already calling me gay. Please take this as evidence to support my claim and I pass the round over to the Con.
A Man Who Watches MLP: FIM *Should* Not be Immediately Considered Gay

Just because a brony (a man who watches MLP) doesn't mean that he is gay. Many people on the internet I like to call brony haters hate on bronies, usually with the overused accusation that they are gay. My argument in this debate is that a brony can be gay, but should not immediately be called gay until either he confesses or is proven.
Death Penalty

:: Moral :: "Treat others the way you want to be treated. " These words of wisdom, I believe, are what best represents and advocates justice, fairness, and equality. This doesn't mean I necessarily appeal to Hammurabi's code, but something remotely similar. I believe morality should work vice versa, those who do not respect one's human rights, does not deserve human rights themselves. Those who deny another person's right to life, does not deserve the right to live, respectively. :: Cost :: The costs to keep an individual imprisoned for life versus the cost to put someone to death, which is more expensive? Surprisingly, the cost to put someone to death is actually more costly than imprisoning them for life (In most cases). . http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org... However, this does not mean that putting someone imprisoned for life is more practical than to have them executed. This simply means that we need to amend the process, so that it does not cost millions of dollars to put a criminal on the death row. :: Life Imprisonment :: To both the innocent and the guilty, life imprisonment is something that is undesirable. However, how bad is it, really? For starters, prisoners get their 3 meals. These are 3 meals that could have been given to a starving child in Africa. Prisoners have a doctor, who maintains their health. They also can shower and maintain hygiene. They can watch TV, lift weights, and socialize. Of course, there are the cons, but for committing a crime, you are given all these pros until you die. What about those who are innocent, those that aren't given their 3 meals, their shower, and their doctor? If their crime is so severe that they are given life imprisonment, spending the rest of their life in a cage, wouldn't the resources be better spent on someone who is innocent and merely deprived? I would like to finish Round one with a quote by Immanuel Kant. "If an offender has committed murder, he must die. In this case, no possible substitute can satisfy justice. For there is no parallel between death and even the most miserable life, so that there is no equality of crime and retribution unless the perpetrator is judicially put to death. " I look forward to my opponent's response.
Death Penalty

To keep thing's balanced I will refute my opponent's claim's in the next round and put forward my argument. Good luck! Should be an interesting debate. I've been pondering this issue for quite some time, and have changed my mind on it recently, having been Pro before. I look forward to round 2. If there is any particular structure, or any key area's you wish to address, just state so when posting round 2. All the best.
Age shouldn't matter in a relationship

Thank you for taking the time to debate me but if its possible can you please finish until round 5, I really do need this for a class. Thank you for understanding my point of why it really shouldn't matter what age a person is in a relationship. I said, "If two people really love each other and are very compatible with each other than it shouldn't matter what age they are." Although most people do argue how can someone be 99 years old and date an 18 year old even though that's very unrealistic. A more realistic example would be a 24 year old dating a 44 year old. People can't pick and chose who they love, it is a feeling and something beyond our control. When arguing this topic, "Age shouldn't matter in a relationship" the common thing to think about is how can someone be so strong against it when someday like you said, it could be you. If you fell in love beyond your control with an older woman how can you tell me you wouldn't want to be with them because of a number? People commented on this debate rudely and it is funny because this shows none of them have ever dated younger or older then them. I am so strong to believe age shouldn't matter because my boyfriend is actually younger than me, just by a year, but I know I am going to spend the rest of my life with him. Therefore it is very easy for me to believe age is just a number. P.S: I didn't know you were an 8th grader but you do have good points and I do appreciate you seeing my side of the argument! Please continue the debate :)
Age shouldn't matter in a relationship

You know, I feel like this argument is very similar to many others I've heard. (Excuse me this is irrelevant) All of these debates have 2 people arguing about there spacific point of view. Now what if both the instigator and the contender where right? Honestly, before this debate i was disgusted by some relationships due to age, but now I think I have an understanding to what you mean. You believe that 2 people should live in harmony no matter their age, as long as they love each other, and I thank you for en-lighting me. I will always see it strange to have a large age difference in a relationship, but who knows? Maybe that will be me some day. I believe we should end this debate now, and let the people decide. Honestly, I have no further arguments than what I have previously stated. P.S. If you haven't noticed yet due to my limited writing skills and shorter responses, I'm an 8th grader.
Age shouldn't matter in a relationship

Thank you for challenging this debate For one thing thank you for agreeing with me that, "if you feel compatible with someone to go for it." but lets take a look at what con said.. "If a person is 20 years older than you, that's strange." - That is a matter of opinion and when your in love it won't matter what other people think or if its "strange" or not. You also said, "You see super old rich guys married to 20 year old models," but who are we to tell them that they are not allowed to be in that relationship because of age difference. Con also said, "Is that love or just power of money." It isn't our decision to determine that. If a 20 year old is dating a 40 year old they are clearly dating for a reason whether it is love or money. For one thing, love is definetely a factor in the relationship and if the woman or man has money its an advantage but what you are saying is stereotypical. Why does a young woman have to be a gold digger when dating an older man with money, can't it be just because she loves the guy? Secondly, you stated that you think that an older man married to a younger woman is a slight safety hazard when I disagree. Men as a whole are very strong and more dominant and are there to protect the woman regardless if a woman is older than the man. Today we have social media websites like eharmony or match.com that when you are signing up for those you put your likes and dislikes, what you like in a male or female, and when it comes down to matching you with the right person, it comes down to the compatibility you have with each other. Therefore I am pro for saying age does not matter in a relationship because age is just a number.
Age shouldn't matter in a relationship

I agree with part of what you are saying, however I still have my doubts about age differences in a relationship. First off, like you, I believe that if you feel a compatibility with someone, go for it! however if that person is 20 years older that you, that's a little strange. I mean you sea all of these super old rich guys married to 20 year old models. Now tell me, is that love? or is it just the power of money? And second off I am a male, and I know that males tend to have a more public and/or aggressive sexual life. Now, I'm not saying that every man in the world is a child molester, I just think that an older man married to a younger woman is a slight safety hazard.
Age shouldn't matter in a relationship

To start off this debate, please whoever is challenging me to continue the debate until the round is successfully over. I need to do this for a class. To start off I am pro at saying that it shouldn't matter what age difference there are in relationships. Whether it is a older woman dating a younger man or an older man dating a significantly younger woman it shouldn't matter as long as they both are of legal age. What matters is the feelings and love shared by the two companions and if they are compatible with each other. In other words, "It isn't about age, it's about maturity." As a person gets older, age tends to not matter so much. I remember in high school dating a boy just a year younger than me was crazy and the talk of the school. Once a person hits their 20's nobody will think twice. Relationships are not about age, but depends on how a person views their life, the situation they are in, and how willing they are to move forward with or without age being an influence on their decisions. If a woman is dating a younger man then the woman can show the man what she likes and mature him to her standards. He will become more likely to grow up. Age does not define whether or not the relationship will work or not. Age is just a number. Take a look at this article.. http://terrymarshworld.blogspot.com... In the article the writer states, "Based on these current trends, age does not matter when it comes to two consenting adults making a conscious decision to be together, regardless of the reasons why." This is true because if a woman and a man both love each other and age doesn't effect their moral decisions as to why they are together then why is it anyone's business as to how their age will effect their relationship? Who are we to decide their future just by a number. When your out on a date and the person you are dating seems a little bit older than you or maybe a bit younger than you, you can't ask their age because its rude to do so. Take a look at Hugh Hefner who dates younger woman all the time with no problem or how about Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon who are 12 years apart and just had twins together. Age shouldn't be a factor in love. Love just happens with no limits because you can't control who you love even if it is someone 10 years older or younger than you therefore I am pro for why age should not matter in a relationship.
Bottled Water is better than Tap Water

I assume this debate is from an American point of view of tap water, as apposed to say, a Somalian. It is regulatedTap water in the US is "federally regulated and screened for dangerous pollutants"[1] so you can be assured that your head growth claim will not be true. Nor do I beilive there have been any cases of Unicorn horns or Beiber Fever due to unregulated tap water, just going out on a limb here. Health BenefitFlouride, added to tap water to increase dental health. "fluoridation started in the late 1940's and over the years led to a reduction in cavities in children from 50-70%"[2]It is cheaperBottled water is up to 2000x higher in cost then regular water[3]. For the cost you would think that you are getting cleaner water right? WRONG. b"ottled water plants are exempt from standards for certain toxins and cancer-causing chemicals that tap water plants must meet."[3] Plus, E-Coli and many other viruses, regulated in tap water, aren't regulated in bottled water.Better for the enviromentMore than 80% of bottled water goes into landfills each year[4] and contributes to billions of bottles going into the landfill. Also transportation of these bottles realeases co2 into the atmosphere. They also take years upon years to decompoze. [1]http://news.nationalgeographic.com...[2]http://ezinearticles.com...[3]http://www.slate.com...[4]http://news.nationalgeographic.com...
The Constitution gives congress the the power of social welfare

I accept my opponent's definition of social welfare. As a side point, I note that he has not really distinguished between the terms "pwer" and "right" but since under Blackstonian phylogeny Congress would only have "powers" and not "rights" I consider the debate to be about congressional power under the constitution. From the our conversations on the forums, I know my opponent has thoroughly thought out arguments and is well read on the constitution, so I will simply say:The Constitution grants Congress has the power to spend money on social welfare programs. and. .. good luck
The Constitution gives congress the the power of social welfare

Resolved: The Constitution gives congress the right to social welfare Rules; 1.) No Supreme Court refrences 2.) first round acceptance only 3.) you must cite where in the constitution it grants congress the power of social welfare, and be able to argue that point without relying on an appeal to authority Definitions; social welfare: a governmental provision of economic assistance to persons in need; in other words redistribution of wealth. Such policies would include bail outs, federal unemployment benefits, and federal subsidization
Child Beauty Pageants should be illegal.

The pro will:-Explain the disadvantages of Child Beauty Pageants-Explain why making them illegal would be beneficualThe con will:-explain the advantages of Child Beauty Pageants-explain why making them illgegal would not be beneficial In this debate, a child beauty pageant is reffering to an official beauty pageant in which children under the age of 10 compete in a series of rounds, and are judged on looks (no questions are asked to the girls about world issues etc) It is not reffering to an all natural pageant where no make-up is used. Remember, first round is acceptance! I look forward to this debate.
Resolved: Abortion should stay legal in the U.S.

Defense 1My opponent says: 'Were you not you when you were in the womb? 'No I wasn't, I only became me when I became an individual and had a descent I. Q. size that may be called a 'person'. Until, the embilical cord is cut and I have been born that I may exist outside my mother's body I could not be called 'me'. Then he goes on to say: 'Potential' is the key-word. Are you really saying fetuses cant do things like someone who was just born? What made them human then when they were still in the womb a day before? And then he goes on to quote from Peter Singer's Practicle Ethics. However, he seems to think I am arguing against the humanity of the fetus when I have already made it clear that a fetus is a human, but this does not make it a person. I have already presented my case against the personhood of the fetus, in which my opponent has only addressed it with one sentence that I have already refuted. My opponent then addresses something I 'might' have said and then states a rather horrible example for it. In reality it is the fetus that is uninvited and unwelcomed in the woman's body. If someone comes into you body and causes you to lose your job, get sick, etc I am sure you would remove them. The same goes with a fetus who has invaded a woman's body. Defense 2My opponent has dropped my second contention. Defense 3As to my opponent's 'rebuttel' (I don't know if I should call it that or not), I will remind him that I have already said that it wouldn't be a solution, I only said that it would slow down the birth rate so that we as a society would be able to come up with a solution to the problem. RebuttelI will agree that adoption is indeed a choice. However, that is what it is, it's a choice. Abortion and adoption are both choices that are on women. However, for different circumstance abortion can be deemed by women as necessary. I will now await my opponent's next response. Thank You.
Resolved: Abortion should stay legal in the U.S.

I ask Pro to delay his next round as soon as he can. I am busy for the weekend. Contention 1 rebuttalI will argue that 'persons' are the ones who are the ones who should be given rights. I will define a person as an entity individual entity,morally conscious being capable of forming a complex thought and possessing the capacity (but not nessasarily the ability) to comunitcate their thoughts through language.Were you not you when you were in the womb?actual or potential ability to perform, yield, or withstand: He has a capacity for hard work. The capacity of the oil well was 150 barrels a day. She has the capacity to go two days without sleep.http://dictionary.reference.com......'Potential' is the key-word. Are you really saying fetuses cant do things like someone who was just born? What made them human then when they were still in the womb a day before?"It is possible to give ‘human being' a precise meaning. We can use it as equivalent to ‘member of the species Homo Sapiens'. Whether a being is a member of a given species is something that can be determined scientifically, by an examination of the nature of the chromosomes in the cells of living organisms. In this sense there is no doubt that from the first moments of its existence an embryo conceived from human sperm and eggs is a human being." Peter Singer,Practical Ethics, 2nd ed. (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1993), 85-86.Shall we equivalent humans to beings like us and damn to rest of the 'others' in the 'other pile'?This definition includes no animalsHumans are animals?Embryologists, consistently agree that life begins at fertilization. There, a fetus grows to a baby some 9 months later.I will provide infomation from 2008.http://www.cdc.gov......"In 2008, most (62.8%) abortions were performed at ≤8 weeks' gestation, and 91.4% were performed at ≤13 weeks' gestation. Few abortions (7.3%) were performed at 14--20 weeks' gestation, and even fewer (1.3%) were performed at ≥21 weeks' gestation. During 1999--2008, the percentage of abortions performed at ≤13 weeks' gestation remained stable, whereas abortions performed at ≥16 weeks' gestation decreased 13%--17%. Moreover, among the abortions performed at ≤13 weeks' gestation, the distribution shifted toward earlier gestational ages, with the percentage of abortions performed at ≤6 weeks' gestation increasing 53%."A small amount of fetuses that were aborted suffered as Pro might say, but I ask him of this:Lets say I go to your house and drug you. You did not notice. And I began to start cutting your organs. You still dont notice. Should you be glad you did not notice your death?Point is even if they suffer or not the act is still morally wrong and pointless.Contention point 3 rebuttal. Aborted babies are little use of the growing human race. The population would still suffer with the other born.My points Adoption works! I know not everyone can enjoy their own child to raise, which is why I am bringing up adoption. There is more then enough families to take one in ( like the gays.) and raise. Little chance that a kid will go untaken.I am running out of time so I will leave it at this.