Resolved: Patriotism should be taught to children in school.

Greetings ladies and gentlemen; hello to the distinguished judges, the audience and my opponent, herr Johnicle. In today's case, I shall uphold the position that patriotism should be taught in schools. TO MY OPPONENT: However, before I start, I request that my opponent allow cross examination in the comment section. Naturally, CON can question me after my first round and I will question CON after his first round. TO THE JUDGES: In addition, being that I am unsure of how to interpret the resolution (as this is the first time I have been engaged on a debate concerning this matter), I shall be providing two different interpretations of it via my contentions. Keep in mind: You only need to buy ONE of my interpretations in order to conclude that I have upheld my side of the resolution. With all formalities out of the way, let us proceed. ===================================================== CONTENTION #1: Knowledge is beneficial ===================================================== As the great Samuel Johnson put it,, "Knowledge is more than equivalent to force." In this interpretation, I am insisting that the resolution is referring to the act of informing students about the subject of patriotism as well as the history associated with it. In this interpretation, one can hardly find a problem given that patriotism is already covered in most history classes (i.e. classes that teach students about the American Revolution). Of course, I see no reason as to why this would exclude teaching students about the act of being patriotic alone. All of this would go about benefiting students and that they would know more about patriotism. In knowing more about patriotism, one of the many benefits would be that students would be able to better understand those who are patriotic (understanding others is highly beneficial in terms of promoting peace). In addition, through understanding the history of patriotism thoroughly, this will provide students the ability to accurately determine whether or not they feel they ought to be patriotic as well. All of this is merely the tip of the iceberg. The fact of the matter is that knowledge is power. :D ===================================================== CONTENTION #2: Patriotic classes could easily be mandatory ===================================================== This interpretation assumes that the resolution is referring to the act of encouraging students to be patriotic. I am well aware that there remain those who find the notion of being encouraged to act patriotic to be highly offensive just as I am well aware of those who find the notion of having to participate in a weight lifting or debate class to be intolerable. Thus, like most debate and weight lifting classes, I would propose that classes which encourage students to be patriotic only be issued as optional. This would uphold the concept of liberty and individuals would have no reason to be offended. It's a win/win scenario. :D ===================================================== CONCLUSION ===================================================== I have provided two interpretations which both demonstrate the act of patriotism being taught in schools to be harmless. The first deals with an interpretation which merely builds up students' knowledge on the matter of patriotism. The second points out that there is no reason for classes that may encourage patriotism to be mandatory, hence satisfying supporters on both sides while maintaining my stance. And that'll do it for now. I maintain the right introduce an additional interpretation of the resolution in the second round should I find such an act to be reasonable and/or necessary. Ciao.