topic argument label Health insurance mandates Insurance mandates violate the rights of employers. CON Health insurance mandates Mandatory insurance violates right to engage in contracts CON Health insurance mandates Mandate deters uninsured from going to hospital, receiving penalty CON More troops to Afghanistan under Obama More troops in Afg will inflame broader Muslim anger, terrorism CON More troops to Afghanistan under Obama More troops in Afghanistan perpetuates corrupt Afghan government CON More troops to Afghanistan under Obama The military industrial complex profits from escalation in Afg. CON More troops to Afghanistan under Obama W/o more troops, Afgh will become terrorist haven PRO More troops to Afghanistan under Obama Defeat in Afghanistan would embolden terrorists globally PRO Health insurance cooperatives Co-ops lack scale to negotiate prices of drugs, services CON Health insurance cooperatives Advocates of co-ops are really aiming for socialized medicine CON Health insurance cooperatives Co-ops compete with insurers like public option could PRO Public health insurance option Public insurance would stifle medical innovation and advancement CON Public health insurance option Public insurance inefficiencies can be hidden by taxpayer-funding CON Public health insurance option Public insurance option will increase taxes, drag-down economy CON Public health insurance option Public insurance will give doctors/hospitals millions of new patients. PRO Public health insurance option Public insurance delivers same quality insurance at a lower price PRO Mandatory calorie counts on menus Mandatory calorie counts infringe restaurants' freedom of speech CON Mandatory calorie counts on menus Calorie counts are ineffective at compelling healthier choices CON Mandatory calorie counts on menus Calorie counts on menus will turn-off customers. CON Mandatory calorie counts on menus Calorie counts eliminate ability of restaurants to be spontaneous. CON Mandatory calorie counts on menus Calories on menus empower consumers to make healthier choices PRO Mandatory calorie counts on menus Calorie counts will be ignored by some, but help others PRO Manned mission to Mars Weight of supplies for long Mars trip is impractical. CON Manned mission to Mars A manned mission to Mars would unify humankind PRO Manned mission to Mars Mars mission would inspire kids to become scientists PRO Colonization of the Moon Moon's gravity is too low for human health CON Colonization of the Moon Temperature extremes make colonizing the Moon very challenging. CON Colonization of the Moon Territorial claims on the Moon will become a source of conflict. CON Colonization of the Moon Moonbase would be ideal staging area for space exploration PRO Colonization of the Moon Moonbase advances knowledge of human viability on alien planets. PRO Colonization of the Moon Moonbase will help answer remaining scientific questions PRO Mandatory labeling of genetically modified foods Arbitrary labeling rules do not offer any real choice CON Mandatory labeling of genetically modified foods Labeling of genetically modified foods increases food prices. CON Mandatory labeling of genetically modified foods Different GM labeling standards across countries is a problem CON Mandatory labeling of genetically modified foods Labeling respects opinion of those not wanting to consume GM foods. PRO Mandatory labeling of genetically modified foods It is good for labeling to turn consumers off to GM foods. PRO Legality of coca production and consumption Coca chewing is bad for human health. CON Legality of coca production and consumption Allowing coca undermines successful eradication efforts. CON Filibuster Filibuster wrongly burdens majority party CON Filibuster During turmoil, filibusters impede government progress CON Filibuster The filibuster helps protect the will of the minority PRO Criminalization of Holocaust denial Outlawing Holocaust denial risks revisionists being called deniers CON Criminalization of Holocaust denial Holocaust denial psychologically harms Holocaust survivors PRO Criminalization of Holocaust denial Holocaust denial is inherently descriminatory and damaging PRO Criminalization of Holocaust denial Holocaust denial opens doors to harmful, non-factual views PRO Needle exchanges HIV transmission has increased despite needle exchanges CON Needle exchanges Needle exchanges don't save lives; cause drug-related deaths CON Needle exchanges Drug dealers sell drugs near needle exchanges CON Needle exchanges Needle exchanged increase discarded needles on streets CON Needle exchanges Needle exchanges generally degrade community cleanliness. CON Needle exchanges Needle exchanges rightly place harm reduction over all else PRO Needle exchanges Needle exchanges decrease infections and therefore costs PRO Election of judges Elected justices are corruptly influenced by campaign funders CON Election of judges Lawyers may fund judge campaigns to influence trials CON Election of judges Impossible to avoid big-money influence in judicial elections CON Election of judges Elections make judges more democratically accountable PRO Election of judges Elected judges are more in tune with public opinion PRO Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Test ban ties hands of good states, while rogue states ignore it CON Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Fear will cause nuclear proliferation, despite testing ban. CON Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Warheads and deterrence cannot be maintained without testing CON Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Test ban halts R&D and development of nuclear weapons PRO Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Test ban would help combat growing nuclear threats PRO Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Improved monitoring from test ban provides important information PRO Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Nuclear test ban reduces risks of nuclear fallout PRO Israeli settlements Israeli settlements impede creation of Palestinian state CON Israeli settlements Settlements create separate/unequal laws for Israelis/Palestinians CON Israeli settlements Settlements undercut Palestinian rights to land CON Israeli settlements Israeli settlements do not impede creation of Palestine PRO Two-state solution to Israeli-Palestinian conflict A two-state solution makes Israel too narrow, vulnerable. CON Two-state solution to Israeli-Palestinian conflict Israel loses strategic West Bank mountains in two-state solution CON Two-state solution to Israeli-Palestinian conflict Two-state solution offers peace, the most important factor PRO Two-state solution to Israeli-Palestinian conflict Two-state solution offers adequate territory to Palestinians PRO Two-state solution to Israeli-Palestinian conflict Two-state solution and peace is critical to regional stability. PRO Merit pay for teachers Merit pay focuses teachers on measures over their passion CON Merit pay for teachers Merit pay punishes teachers assigned to bad students CON Merit pay for teachers Past examples of merit pay for teachers have failed CON Merit pay for teachers Merit pay gives teachers an incentive to work harder PRO Merit pay for teachers Merit-pay helps attract teachers where there are shortages PRO Merit pay for teachers Merit pay works in markets, can work for teachers PRO Enhanced interrogation techniques Enhanced techniques hamper work with allies against terrorism. CON Is a nuclear Iran intolerable? Military strikes on Iran would invite painful retaliation CON Earmarks Earmarks are often unrelated to legislation; holds up bill. CON Earmarks Earmarks create unsustainable institutional dependencies CON Free public transportation Car sales would drop significantly. CON Free public transportation There are many people who would also lose their jobs. CON Free public transportation Some public transport cities are already terrible; this would just increase the strain. CON Free public transportation The government would be forced to improve public transport. PRO Free public transportation A lot of people would already be using it if it didn't cost so much. PRO Education vouchers Vouchers damage public schools that can't compete with private schools. CON Education vouchers Profit motive of private schools is costly, undermining vouchers. CON Education vouchers Vouchers drain talent from public schools, undermining competitiveness. CON Education vouchers Vouchers improve choice/access despite private school right to deny PRO Education vouchers Education vouchers improve minority academic achievement. PRO Education vouchers Vouchers promote innovation and specialisation. PRO No Child Left Behind Act NCLB sets overly restrictive qualifications for teaching. CON No Child Left Behind Act No Child Left Behind subjects disabled to same test standards. CON No Child Left Behind Act No Child Left Behind effectively penalizes diversity in schools. CON No Child Left Behind Act No Child Left Behind offers valuable measure of student progress PRO No Child Left Behind Act NCLB has succeeded in improving test scores PRO No Child Left Behind Act Standardized tests ensures students learn essential information. PRO No Child Left Behind Act No Child Left Behind encourages parents to engage more actively PRO No Child Left Behind Act Statewide standards are an improvement over major local failures: PRO 2009 US economic stimulus Stimulus increases debt, inflation, interest rates, harms economy CON 2009 US economic stimulus 2009 US stimulus won't generate consumer confidence CON 2009 US economic stimulus Funding government projects will stimulate jobs/economy PRO 2009 US economic stimulus Majority of US stimulus is immediate to fight recession now. PRO Legalization of adult incest Incest undermines the family and its nurturing relationships CON Legalization of adult incest Sending law-abiding incestuous couples to prison looks bad. PRO Legalization of adult incest Offspring of first-cousins have a low chance of defects PRO Charter schools Schools are not like businesses; can't just let bad ones die CON Charter schools Charter schools can destroy valuable neighborhood schools CON Charter schools Charter schools do not achieve economies of scale CON Charter schools Charter schools proliferated too quickly to monitor performance CON Charter schools Charter schools promote teacher independence and character PRO Charter schools Charter schools, free from regulation, are innovative PRO Charter schools Charter schools cut through red tape, quickly opening after Katrina PRO Crime cameras Crime cameras may help prosecutions, but don't reduce crime. CON Crime cameras Crime cameras lead to slippery slope of Big Brother surveillance. CON Crime cameras Crime cameras help restore a public sense of safety PRO Guantanamo Bay detention center Guantanamo violates habeas corpus, obstructs proof of innocence CON Guantanamo Bay detention center Conducting detainee trials in the US would endanger US citizens CON Guantanamo Bay detention center Guantanamo bay's existence fuels terrorist causes CON Guantanamo Bay detention center Conditions at Guantanamo Bay are harmful to detainee mental health CON Guantanamo Bay detention center Guantanamo Bay helps disrupt terrorist groups. PRO Israeli military assault in Gaza Israeli attacks embolden extremists on both sides in cycle of violence CON Israeli military assault in Gaza Israel's use of white phosphorous in Gaza was a humanitarian crime. CON Israeli military assault in Gaza Israel strikes were intended to further dispirit Palestinians CON Israeli military assault in Gaza Israel air strikes in November, 2008 unraveled the ceasefire CON Israeli military assault in Gaza Defeating Hamas is key to long-term Israeli/Palestinian solution PRO Israeli military assault in Gaza Israeli attacks may force Hamas to accept a more durable ceasefire PRO Israeli military assault in Gaza Israeli precision strikes sought to minimize civilian deaths PRO Republika Srpska secession from Bosnia and Herzegovina Serb Republic secession could spark regional war CON Republika Srpska secession from Bosnia and Herzegovina Russian backing of Republika Srpska ind. could spark global conflict CON Republika Srpska secession from Bosnia and Herzegovina Republika Srpska secession would incite Bosnian Croat secession CON International Criminal Court ICC puts national servicemen abroad at risk of prosecution CON International Criminal Court ICC causes tyrants to cling to power to avoid prosecution CON International Criminal Court The ICC risks heavy politicization of prosecution CON International Criminal Court ICC and rule of law help deter war crimes and genocide PRO International Criminal Court ICC advances universal rights and international law PRO Rebuilding New Orleans Global warming & stronger hurricanes will destroy new New Orleans CON Rebuilding New Orleans Louisiana politicians cannot be trusted with federal funding CON Rebuilding New Orleans Rebuilding New Orleans will not return it to economic vibrancy CON Rebuilding New Orleans Rebuilding New Orleans is key to improving US race relations PRO Bailout of US automakers Automaker bailout unfairly disadvantages competition CON Bailout of US automakers Low-interest loans to automakers will not solve their problems. CON Bailout of US automakers Bailout will preserve place of autos in American identity PRO Bailout of US automakers Bailout allows US autos to produce needed green cars PRO Bailout of US automakers Saving economy outweighs moral hazard of auto bailout PRO US and NATO intervention in Libya Libya war expands imperial presidency farther than ever CON Infant male circumcision Circumcision creates risk of infections in infants CON Infant male circumcision Pain of circumcision is traumatizing for infants CON Infant male circumcision Circumcision helps prevent phimosis PRO Infant male circumcision Circumcision helps protect against chlamydia PRO Infant male circumcision Circumcision reduces risk of urinary tract infections PRO Fairness Doctrine Fairness Doctrine would destroy viability of conservative radio CON Fairness Doctrine Fairness Doctrine would open costly political battle CON Fairness Doctrine Fairness Doctrine helps advance free speech values PRO Fairness Doctrine Free speech without Fairness Doctrine can harm policy-making PRO Fairness Doctrine Fairness Doctrine would counter conservative domination of radio PRO Fairness Doctrine The Fairness Doctrine improves the public discourse PRO Employee Free Choice Act Employee Free Choice Act eliminates workers' right to secret ballots CON Employee Free Choice Act Unions are dwindling because few workers care to join CON Employee Free Choice Act Employee Free Choice Act would not solve alleged employer abuses CON Employee Free Choice Act EFCA is biased toward punishing employers and not unions CON Employee Free Choice Act EFCA strengthens workers' ability and right to unionize PRO Employee Free Choice Act Employee Free Choice Act protects unionizing workers from intimidation PRO Pickens US energy plan It is relatively cheap to convert existing cars to natural gas. PRO Wave power Wave power systems can attract predatory fish, damaging ecosystems CON Wave power Oceans corrode wave power systems, which is costly CON Wave power Wave power diminishes wave quality for surfers CON Wave power Wave power provides clean renewable power. PRO Wave power Wave power will have a smaller impact than fossil fuel plants PRO Wave power Waves pack substantial energy; few wave generators are required PRO Wave power Under-water wave power systems avoid aesthetic concerns. PRO Vehicle fuel economy standards Fuel economy standards do not directly reduce emissions CON Vehicle fuel economy standards Fuel economy standards increase car manufacturing costs and prices CON Vehicle fuel economy standards Fuel standards impair individuals needing high-powered trucks CON Vehicle fuel economy standards Vehicle fuel economy standards can increase vehicle deaths CON Vehicle fuel economy standards Fuel economy standards reduce emissions, fight global warming PRO Vehicle fuel economy standards CAFE standards have strong history of reducing US emissions PRO Vehicle fuel economy standards Fuel economy standards do not increase the cost of making cars PRO Vehicle fuel economy standards Fuel economy standards foster innovation and jobs PRO Algae biofuel Algae pools can become contaminated and less efficient CON Algae biofuel Industrial algae biofuel requires too many nutrients CON Algae biofuel Algae biofuel is carbon neutral; only emits C02 that it absorbs. PRO Algae biofuel Algae can be produced locally for food and fuel PRO Kyoto Protocol Fighting climate change means cutting emissions with Kyoto Protocol PRO Year-round school Many school buildings are not built for summer use. CON Year-round school Changing to year-round schooling has significant costs. CON Year-round school Areas that depend heavily on summer tourism will suffer economically. CON Year-round school Studies find year-round schools improve student performance PRO $700 billion US economic bailout $700b plan and intervention in markets worsens problems CON $700 billion US economic bailout $700b plan would bail-out greedy capitalists that created crisis CON $700 billion US economic bailout $700b bailout saves Wallstreet by slamming taxpayers CON $700 billion US economic bailout Not passing $700b bailout risks sending economy into major recession PRO $700 billion US economic bailout $700b bailout is important to stabilize volatile global markets PRO $700 billion US economic bailout $700b plan may result in few losses or actually profit taxpayers PRO Reforestation as a solution to global warming Reforestation can result in release of greenhouse gas Methane CON Reforestation as a solution to global warming Increasing droughts impairs carbon sequestration by trees CON Reforestation as a solution to global warming Reforestation can increase Earth's Albedo and global warming CON Reforestation as a solution to global warming Insufficient nitrogen levels will limit plant growth CON Reforestation as a solution to global warming Reforestation can immediately reduce atmospheric greenhouse gases PRO Reforestation as a solution to global warming Reforestation, while not a silver bullet, can help solve global warming PRO Reforestation as a solution to global warming Aerial reforestation cuts costs of reforestation PRO Reforestation as a solution to global warming Reforestation creates financial interest in sustaining forests PRO Geoengineering, iron fertilization of algae blooms Global warming grows phytoplankton; growing more is reckless CON Geoengineering, iron fertilization of algae blooms Sinking organic blooms can render the deep sea anoxic. CON Geoengineering, iron fertilization of algae blooms A global iron fertilization plan would cost only around $20 billion. PRO Geoengineering, iron fertilization of algae blooms Global warming kills algae, worsens warming; iron fertilization helps PRO Geoengineering, solar shading Geoengineering concepts dampen public will to cut emissions CON Geoengineering, solar shading Solar shading reduces sunlight energy available to solar panels CON Geoengineering, solar shading Solar shading would reduce sunlight received by plants CON Geoengineering, solar shading Solar shading may warm the tropopause and lower stratosphere. CON Geoengineering, solar shading Solar shading can effectively and rapidly reverse global warming PRO Wind energy The installation of windmills can be relatively expensive. CON Wind energy Wind energy production is inconsistent relative to demand CON Wind energy Litigation to clear land (scenery) for windmills can be costly. CON Wind energy Wind energy surges can strain electricity grids CON Wind energy Heavy land-use of wind farms can jeopardize forests/ecosystems. CON Wind energy Negative effects of wind energy on birds can be minimized PRO Wind energy Carbon emission greater threat to birds than wind energy PRO Wind energy Wind fuel does not require transporting to the generator. PRO Carbon emissions trading Companies will pollute excessively before starting carbon trading. CON Carbon emissions trading Cap-and-trade schemes cause job loss CON Carbon emissions trading Cap-and-trade systems are susceptible to distortion by lobby groups CON Carbon emissions trading Carbon trading wrongly turns atmosphere into tradeable property CON Carbon emissions trading Cap-and-trade systems ensure emissions reductions to the set cap PRO Carbon emissions trading Carbon trading incentivizes companies to cut emissions PRO Carbon emissions trading Emissions trading encourages investments in best technologies PRO Natural gas vehicles Natural gas leaks are a fire and explosion risk CON Natural gas vehicles Odorless natural gas can escape detection risking fire/explosion. CON Natural gas vehicles Natural gas burns more cleanly than gasoline in general PRO Natural gas vehicles Natural gas is less flammable and explosive than other fuels PRO Random sobriety tests for drivers Random sobriety tests amount to unreasonable searches CON Random sobriety tests for drivers Random sobriety stops set-up unjust detection of other crimes CON Random sobriety tests for drivers Random breath tests create slippery slope to expanding police powers CON Random sobriety tests for drivers Police will use breath tests as excuse for unreasonable searches CON Random sobriety tests for drivers Random breath testing doesn't necessarily lower drunk driving CON Hybrid vehicles Hybrid cars are too mild a solution to global warming CON Hybrid vehicles Hybrids are more complicated, which has has costs CON Hybrid vehicles Electric vehicles combat global warming more aggressively than hybrids. CON Hybrid vehicles Hybrids significantly reduce emissions, fight global warming PRO Hybrid vehicles Hybrids increase efficiency by shutting engines down while idling. PRO Hybrid vehicles Higher gasoline prices favor fuel-efficient hybrids PRO Hybrid vehicles Hybrid vehicles reduce noise pollution PRO Hydrogen vehicles Too much energy is required in producing hydrogen fuel CON Hydrogen vehicles Hydrogen cars will help end foreign oil dependencies PRO Hydrogen vehicles Hydrogen can decrease tensions over oil and promote peace PRO Electric vehicles It takes too long to recharge electric vehicles. CON Electric vehicles Not safe to let citizens do electric car quick-charging CON Electric vehicles Electric vehicles would place great strain on electric grids. CON Electric vehicles Electric cars will get cleaner with more renewable sources PRO Tidal energy Tidal turbines can kill marine wildlife. CON Tidal energy Tidal energy disrupts marine ecosystems like a dam. CON Tidal energy Tidal energy can lead to prolonged and undesirable winter icing. CON Tidal energy Anchors of tidal energy systems can damage ecosystems CON Tidal energy Repairing tidal energy is difficult and expensive. CON Tidal energy Tidal energy burns no fossil fuels and releases no emissions. PRO Tidal energy Potential energy-production of tidal power is immense PRO Natural gas Natural gas drilling leaves a large environmental footprint CON Natural gas Natural gas can be harmful and even poisonous to ingest CON Natural gas NGV's may reduce emissions, but still contribute to global warming CON Natural gas Natural gas greenhouse emissions outweigh its utility at home. CON Natural gas Natural gas vehicles reduce emissions, fight global warming PRO Hydroelectric dams Dams eliminate forests that absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. CON Hydroelectric dams The world's rivers are covered with dams; room for expansion is limited. CON Hydroelectric dams Dams can destroy marine fisheries CON Hydroelectric dams Dams can burst at great cost to human life. CON Hydroelectric dams Many aquatic species have no problem adapting to impounded waters. PRO Hydroelectric dams Dams are economically viable and often highly profitable. PRO Hydroelectric dams Dams last over a hundred years; good return on investment PRO Solar energy Solar panels are hard to move when a person moves homes. CON Solar energy Solar panels contain cadmium, which is environmentally hazardous. CON Solar energy Solar energy does not damage air quality. PRO Solar energy Decentralized solar power does not take up much land. PRO Solar energy The recovery/payback period can be very short. PRO Obama, meeting with hostile foreign leaders without preconditions Unconditional meetings wrongly legitimize hostile leaders CON Obama, meeting with hostile foreign leaders without preconditions Talking with all Muslim leaders shows Muslims US is listening PRO EU constitution reform treaty (Lisbon Treaty) Lisbon Treaty will increase taxes for many EU citizens CON EU constitution reform treaty (Lisbon Treaty) Lisbon Treaty limits national economic sovereignty CON EU constitution reform treaty (Lisbon Treaty) Lisbon better reinforces EU sustainable development PRO EU constitution reform treaty (Lisbon Treaty) Opponents of the Lisbon Treaty often spread misinformation PRO EU constitution reform treaty (Lisbon Treaty) Lisbon strengthens EU diplomatic representation on the global stage PRO Cluster bomb ban Cluster bomb ban will put US soldiers at risk CON Cluster bomb ban Over-armament with cluster bombs is threat to peace PRO Cluster bomb ban Signing cluster bomb ban enhances international trust PRO Cluster bomb ban Dud cluster bombs effectively illegal landmines PRO Should Hugo Chávez focus on the private sector more than social spending? The increase in private sector in the economy causes instability. CON Should Hugo Chávez focus on the private sector more than social spending? Private farming will make the food problem even worse. CON Should Hugo Chávez focus on the private sector more than social spending? The lack of support to private sector makes Venezuela unattractive for investments. PRO Should Hugo Chávez focus on the private sector more than social spending? Private farming is more effective to deal with food problem. PRO Democratic peace theory Spreading democracy and peace is used as a pretext for war CON Democratic peace theory Democracy promotes harmonious and cooperative inter-state relations PRO Bombing Hiroshima and Nagasaki Conventional bombs would not kill so many people. CON Bombing Hiroshima and Nagasaki US flexibility on Japanese emperor could have produced surrender CON NATO expansion NATO expansion threatens and antagonizes Russia CON NATO expansion Russians are feeling betrayed by the expansion of NATO CON NATO expansion NATO expansion can only lead to the overstretching of the organisation and thus the undermining of stability for the entirety of Europe. CON NATO expansion The costs of NATO expansion are prohibitive at a time when the Western European members are scaling back their defence budgets and the reducing the size of their conventional forces. CON NATO expansion NATO expansion helps deter Russian expansionism. PRO NATO expansion NATO expansion will improve the operational capacity of NATO PRO NATO expansion Expansion will make more resources available to NATO PRO European missile defense A European missile defense system threatens and antagonizes Russia CON European missile defense US missile defense proposals in Europe violate Moscow Treaty CON European missile defense European missile defense would foster stability, not instability PRO European Union Expansion New entrants into EU suffer from increased tax burdens. CON European Union Expansion EU member states suffer from socialist economic environment CON European Union Expansion Richer EU states cannot afford to subsidize poorer states. CON European Union Expansion Drugs will flow more easily due to entry of new countries into the EU. CON European Union Expansion Admitting new members to the EU will increase transmission of diseases. CON European Union Expansion EU expansion will improve flow of knowledge and technology PRO European Union Expansion EU enlargement will improve foreign direct investment into eastern Europe. PRO European Union Expansion Integration is not prevented by EU expansion. PRO Banning cell phones in cars Cell phone ban in cars would simply be ignored CON Banning cell phones in cars Fumbling for ringing phone while driving is dangerous PRO Child beauty pageants Child beauty contests amount to child abuse. CON Child beauty pageants Parental ambitions can make kid queens mentally unwell. CON Child beauty pageants Beauty pageants are not good for a child's confidence. CON Child beauty pageants Beauty contests can boost a child's self-esteem. PRO Child beauty pageants Pageants teach kids to follow rules and play fair. PRO Death penalty Capital punishment wastes time and energy and burdens courts CON Death penalty Individuals are executed on murder charges whom deserved manslaughter CON Death penalty Capital punishment best prepares an evil soul for the after life PRO Death penalty Capital punishment has a deterrent effect on criminal activities PRO Death penalty The death penalty helps protect inmates and prison guards PRO Hunting for sport Hunting is dangerous, injuring and killing many humans. CON Hunting for sport Hunting is a good way of controlling widlife PRO Hunting for sport Proceeds of hunting industry go to wildlife sustainability PRO Prisoners right to vote Prisoner voting cheapens votes of citizens CON Prisoners right to vote Prisoner voting would demean the entire electoral system. CON Prisoners right to vote Prisoner voting undermines punishment and so rehabilitation. CON Prisoners right to vote Criminals, dangerous to society, are dangerous with vote CON Prisoners right to vote Rehabilitation is main goal (not punishment); voting helps PRO Lowering US drinking age from 21 to 18 21 drinking-age general lowers under-age drinking CON Lowering US drinking age from 21 to 18 Safer roads with 21 drinking laws outweighs all trade-offs CON Lowering US drinking age from 21 to 18 Lowering drinking age will undermine parental oversight CON Lowering US drinking age from 21 to 18 18-and-over law enables teaching of responsible drinking PRO Lowering US drinking age from 21 to 18 Introducing children to alcohol teaches responsible use PRO Lowering US drinking age from 21 to 18 Hang-overs teach responsibile drinking; laws unecessary PRO Ban on laser pointers Laser pointers have the capability to bring down aircraft and cause major accidents PRO Gay adoption Children do better with mother and father role models CON Gay adoption Children adopted by gays are subjected to homophobia/prejudices CON Funding for space exploration Space exploration is inspiring and pushes humans to advance PRO Funding for space exploration Public funding is necessary to achieve real results in space. PRO Funding for space exploration Humans could benefit from natural resources of other planets PRO Funding for space exploration Multinational space programs are good for international diplomacy. PRO Catholic Church contraception policy Undoing ban on condoms would prevent schisms in Church. CON Catholic Church contraception policy Removing Church objections to condoms would increase attendance at Church. CON Catholic Church contraception policy While not 100%-effective, condoms reduce risk of HIV-transmission CON Catholic Church contraception policy If people followed Christian principles; they would not contract HIV/AIDS. PRO Catholic Church contraception policy Contraception use leads to the degradation of women and their bodies PRO Turkey EU membership Admitting Turkey undermines European values. CON Turkey EU membership Turkish membership may cause a backlash among EU publics. CON Turkey EU membership Admitting Turkey leads to a slippery slope of non-European admissions CON Turkey EU membership EU membership would help strengthen democracy in Turkey PRO Turkey EU membership EU membership for Turkey would help liberalize the Middle East PRO Turkey EU membership Turkey's EU membership would help the fight against terrorism PRO Ban on human reproductive cloning Human clones will not reduce human biological diversity CON Ban on human reproductive cloning Reproductive cloning would entail dehumanizing experimentation PRO Ban on human reproductive cloning Cloning will lead to eugenics, or the artificial manipulation and control of the characteristics of people. PRO Trans fat ban Alternatives to trans fats aren't much healthier. CON Trans fat ban Trans fats extend shelf life of foods. CON Trans fat ban Trans fat ban will hurt small restaurants most. CON Trans fat ban Banning trans fats means saving thousands of lives PRO Trans fat ban Trans fats can be replaced w/o changing taste/price. PRO Trans fat ban Replacement fats will get cheaper with time. PRO Banning Muslim hijab Many Muslim women view the veil as a means to protect their modesty and privacy. CON Banning Muslim hijab The Muslim veil liberates women from sexual attention. CON Banning Muslim hijab Muslim head-coverings help keep women safe. CON Banning Muslim hijab Banning Muslim head scarves will not cause fundamentalist backlashes PRO Banning Muslim hijab Allowing head scarves would foster a greater clash of civilizations PRO Banning Muslim hijab Veil-wearing can make it very hard to identify individuals. PRO Assassination of a Dictator Assassinations breed destabilizing counter-assassination attempts CON Assassination of a Dictator Assassinations erode norms against assassination; jeopardizes leaders. CON Assassination of a Dictator Measures can reduce risk of collateral damage from assassinations PRO Assassination of a Dictator Assassinations protect publics from terrorism; even while it's hard to measure PRO Single-payer universal health care Universal health care is not free; people pay with their taxes. CON Single-payer universal health care US health care costs more because Americans pay to avoid waiting. CON Single-payer universal health care Universal health care creates dependencies on government CON Single-payer universal health care Universal health care lowers long-term health costs PRO Single-payer universal health care Universal health care systems incentivize improving patient health. PRO Single-payer universal health care Universal health care decreases the likelihood of health related problems. PRO Abortion Abortions encourage infanticide CON Abortion Abortions are emotionally and psychologically unsafe. CON Abortion If a fetus was defined as a person, the legal shifts would be too dramatic PRO Abortion Legal abortion protects women with serious illnesses that are vulnerable. PRO Vegetarianism Offering rights to animals based on evolution is a slippery slope. CON Vegetarianism Eating meat is bad for both animals and for humans; simple ethics PRO Libertarianism Free market economics fosters capitalist authoritarianism; undermines rights CON Libertarianism Libertarianism does not allow for essential public services (i.e. roads) CON Libertarianism People need government to prevent them from making mistakes. CON Libertarianism Libertarians would decriminalize many crimes, so reduce crime. PRO Animal testing Animals endure tremendous stress from being locked up. CON Animal testing Animal testing has significantly improved human welfare PRO Assisted suicide Euthanasia would not cut health care costs by very much CON Assisted suicide Assisted suicide makes everyone think they can do suicide on their own. CON Assisted suicide Right to die allows opponents to not participate. PRO Assisted suicide Most people that believe euthanasia is wrong never sat by a bed side. PRO Assisted suicide Third party euthanasia regulators can ensure against abuse (family, doctor...) PRO Polygamy Polygamy undermines the traditional institution of marriage. CON Polygamy Polygamy leaves some men with no women to marry; socially destabilizing CON Polygamy Polygamy is traumatizing and depressing for wives CON Polygamy Recognizing polygamy would cause a host of legal problems. CON Polygamy Polygamy reduces the impulse to adultery and resulting divorces PRO Polygamy Polygamous families are more dynamic and nurturing of diverse interests PRO Polygamy Polygamy provides wives with a sisterhood of life-long friends PRO Tibet independence The right to self-determination must be offered sparingly to avoid international instability. CON Withdrawing from Iraq An early US exit might cause Iraqi troops to defect to the insurgency CON Withdrawing from Iraq An early withdrawal from Iraq would embolden terrorists CON Withdrawing from Iraq Prolonging the Iraq War will permanently damaged the US military PRO Withdrawing from Iraq Torturous and brutal tactics in Iraq have only worsened US moral credibility. PRO Withdrawing from Iraq Mending relations with countries that opposed the war would make it easier to fight the war on terror. PRO Kangaroo culling in Australia Culling Kangaroo tarnishes the image of Australia around the world. CON Kangaroo culling in Australia Kangaroo destruction of habitats is causing soil erosion that damages crops. PRO Kangaroo culling in Australia Kangaroos are the cause of costly car accidents PRO Veal Loose housing for calves often subjects them to bullying and apprehension. CON Veal Calves are fed inhumane milk diets to keep them anemic and their meat pale CON Veal Veal farming is a good alternative to the slaughtering of unwanted calves PRO DC handgun ban A handgun ban deprives citizens of the most commonly used weapon for self defense CON DC handgun ban Worldwide the ownership of handguns has been correlated with higher homicide rates PRO Muhammad cartoons controversy The Jylands-Posten cartoons created an international impression of Denmark as Xenophobic. CON Muhammad cartoons controversy Images of Muhammad are forbidden because they lead to idolatry. CON Muhammad cartoons controversy Publishing images of Muhammad helps combat self-censorship. PRO Osama Bin Laden Sea Burial Giving Bin Laden religious respects degrades Islam. CON Michigan and Florida delegates in 2008 US elections Allotting Florida and Michigan delegates according to national will promotes a tyranny of the majority. CON Michigan and Florida delegates in 2008 US elections Seating Michigan and Florida delegates in 2008 gives a voice to voters there PRO Michigan and Florida delegates in 2008 US elections Splitting the delegates would give some voice to Michigan and Florida voters. PRO Dollarization Dollarization limits monetary policy flexibility CON Dollarization Dollarization undermines the sovereign symbolism of a national currency CON Dollarization Dollarization helps encourage foreign investment PRO Dollarization Dollarization can reduce the risk of inflation: PRO Ending US sanctions on Cuba Changing legally etched Cuban human rights violations requires sanctions CON Ending US sanctions on Cuba Lifting sanctions against Cuba will hardly benefit US businesses. CON Ending US sanctions on Cuba Sanctions hurt Cuban-Americans with relatives in Cuba. PRO Ending US sanctions on Cuba Sanctions against Cuba violated laws on the freedom of navigation. PRO Free trade Free trade and markets harm the environment CON Free trade Trade liberalization damages the growth of poor countries CON Free trade The current regional FTAs undermine poor countries' bargaining power CON Free trade Free trade sacrifices national unity to economics CON Free trade Free trade and investment risks rapid capital flight from developing countries. CON Free trade Free trade promotes peace and stability internationally PRO Free trade Free markets and trade benefit the environment PRO Free trade Free trade improves the economic growth of developing nations PRO Superdelegates Superdelegates often vote out of self-interest for likely winner CON Superdelegates Candidate solicitations of superdelegates damage the political process CON Superdelegates Superdelegates provide greater mainstream party representation PRO Superdelegates Superdelegates provide unifying margin of victory in tight race PRO Superdelegates Superdelegates help increase the likelihood of a Democratic presidency PRO Legalization of Marijuana Marijuana use can lead to cancer CON Legalization of Marijuana Marijuana use impairs hormone production. CON Legalization of Marijuana Some train and plane tragedies were connected with marijuana use. CON Legalization of Marijuana Increased legal marijuana consumption will decrease economic productivity CON Legalization of Marijuana If marijuana is harmful, isn't this sufficient punishment for users PRO Legalization of Marijuana Children have been brainwashed on high costs of marijuana. PRO Legalization of Marijuana Legalizing marijuana will reduce profits of traffickers and gangs PRO Prostitution Individuals must cede some rights for safety, including right to prostitute. CON Prostitution Legalizing prostitution won't substantially reduce HIV/AIDS risks CON Prostitution By worsening HIV/AIDS, prostitution will devastate societies CON Prostitution Legalization will increase prostitution and subsequently worsen public health. CON Abolition of nuclear weapons Nuclear weapons may protect humans from threats from space. CON Abolition of nuclear weapons Nuclear abolition could not prevent covert nuclear programs CON Abolition of nuclear weapons Nuclear weapons tests are a global hazard PRO Abolition of nuclear weapons Nuclear weapons are a drain on resources PRO Return of Israel to pre-1967 borders Pre-1967 borders would be too insecure and dangerous CON Return of Israel to pre-1967 borders Pre-1967 borders will not satisfy Islamic terrorists CON Return of Israel to pre-1967 borders Arabs seek pre-1967 borders to weaken and dissolve Israel. CON Return of Israel to pre-1967 borders Coordinated Arab attack unlikely; pre-1967 borders fine. PRO Return of Israel to pre-1967 borders With pre-1967 borders, PLO would recognize Israel, end conflict PRO Three Gorges Dam The hydroelectric TGD should not be considered renewable due to social, environmental costs. CON Three Gorges Dam Floating garbage is piling up behind the TGD CON Three Gorges Dam Three Gorges Dam damages water quality CON Three Gorges Dam The Three Gorges Dam has submerged mines, resulting in pollution CON Three Gorges Dam The Three Gorges Dam is a cause of corruption. CON Three Gorges Dam The TGD helps limit the risk of floods in the region. PRO Three Gorges Dam Three Gorges Dam gives China added respect in the world. PRO Three Gorges Dam The TGD helps to alleviate drought. PRO Primaries in US elections Superdelegates are not bound to represent the electorate CON Primaries in US elections Early emphasis on Iowa and New Hampshire disenfranchises minority voters CON Primaries in US elections Primaries help reveal candidates to the public PRO Hate crime laws Hate crime laws violate religious free speech CON Hate crime laws Hate crime laws are likely to be abused by accusers CON Hate crime laws Hate crime laws tie the hands of judges CON Hate crime laws Hate crime laws force false categorizations of minority groups CON Hate crime laws Hate crime laws violate religious free speech CON Hate crime laws Hate crimes terrorize communities and so deserve greater punishment PRO Hate crime laws Hate crime enhancements will not overwhelm reporting systems PRO Assault weapons ban in the United States The 1994 assault weapons ban did not decrease crime CON Assault weapons ban in the United States Banning semi-automatic weapons would harm small businesses. CON Assault weapons ban in the United States The 1994 US assault weapons ban significantly decreased use PRO Assault weapons ban in the United States Assault weapons are used by drug cartels, kill thousands PRO Kosovo independence An independent Kosovo would have to pay impossible debts to Serbia CON Kosovo independence Many EU foreign ministers fear violence following Kosovo independence CON Kosovo independence Kosovo independence would encourage other separatist movements CON Kosovo independence Kosovo independence will not inspire other separatist movements PRO Ecotourism Ecotourism can damage habitats CON Ecotourism Ecotourism does not preserve but damages local cultures CON Ecotourism Third world governments often seize local control to expand ecotourism CON Ecotourism Ecotourism favors corporate interests over democratic processes CON Ecotourism Ecotourism cultivates a conservation ethic PRO Ecotourism Ecotourism generates funds for conservation PRO Ecotourism Ecotourism builds cultural awareness and respect. PRO Ecotourism Ecotourism economically benefits local people PRO Ecotourism Ecotourism is good for the human soul and social health. PRO Corn ethanol Ethanol energy is a net CO2 polluter CON Corn ethanol Producing corn for ethanol requires too much water CON Corn ethanol Corn ethanol is less energy efficient than regular gasoline: CON Corn ethanol Ethanol is a means to reducing foreign oil dependencies PRO Corn ethanol Making ethanol from corn does not deprive the needy of food PRO Boycott of 2008 Olympics in China China's 2008 Olympics will accelerate its civil society CON Boycott of 2008 Olympics in China A boycott of the 2008 Olympics would antagonize the Chinese people CON Boycott of 2008 Olympics in China Only boycotting the Olympics sufficiently protests China's abuses PRO Fish farming ban Fish farming is economically beneficial CON Fish farming ban Fish feel pain and should not be made to suffer PRO Fish farming ban Fish farming squanders resources PRO Bush economic stimulus plan Tax rebates encourage irresponsible consumer spending habits CON Bush economic stimulus plan Increasing food stamp benefits will not stimulate the economy CON Bush economic stimulus plan A poorly timed economic stimulus can do harm CON Bush economic stimulus plan Tax rebates to the lower-middle classes quickly stimulate consumption PRO Bush economic stimulus plan Tax rebates can be good for businesses in the service industry PRO Bush economic stimulus plan Millions of low-income Americans face undernutrition. PRO Bush economic stimulus plan The effect of the 2008 stimulus package will be immediate PRO 700 mile US Mexico border fence A wall would force crossers to take more deadly routes CON 700 mile US Mexico border fence A border fence would not be as effective as other measures CON Waterboarding Water-boarding is drowning, not simulated drowning CON Waterboarding Information obtained through waterboarding is unreliable CON Waterboarding Waterboarding justly brings a terrorist face-to-face with death PRO Legalization of drugs In the short term it might eliminate drug dealers on our streets but do any of us really think that whatever multinational corporation ends of cornering the drug market will have a problem trading with the existing cartels CON Legalization of drugs Drugs can have a beneficial mind-expanding capacity PRO Legalization of drugs The state can tax the sale of legalized drugs and use the revenue for treatment programs PRO Drivers licenses for Illegal immigrants in the US Driver's licenses for illegal immigrants undermines legal immigration CON Drivers licenses for Illegal immigrants in the US The costs of providing driver's licenses to millions of illegal immigrants would be very high. CON Drivers licenses for Illegal immigrants in the US Illegal immigrants in America should be integrated into society PRO Drivers licenses for Illegal immigrants in the US Driver's licenses for illegal immigrants is economically beneficial PRO Drivers licenses for Illegal immigrants in the US Denying illegal immigrants driver's licenses forces DMV employees to become immigration experts. PRO Seattle deep-bore tunnel Good chance Seattle tunnel will go over budget CON Seattle deep-bore tunnel Tunnel will increase traffic in pioneer square. CON Seattle deep-bore tunnel Deep-bore tunnel draws funds away from other infrastructure. CON Seattle deep-bore tunnel Seattle's deep-bore tunnel creates jobs PRO Seattle deep-bore tunnel Seattle tunnel less disruptive than other options PRO High-speed rail High-speed rail allows people to see/visit new places. PRO High-speed rail High speed rail is a great tourist attraction. PRO High-speed rail High-speed rail decreases travel-time between cities. PRO High-speed rail High-speed rail frees up existing rail for other purposes. PRO High-speed rail Unlike automobiles, rail fosters a sense of community. PRO Mandatory military service Conscripts never as good as professional soldiers CON Mandatory military service Mandatory service fosters militarism CON Mandatory military service Military service diverts young from university. CON Mandatory military service National service produces valuable character traits: PRO Mandatory military service National service teaches skills valuable in marketplace. PRO Mandatory military service National service promotes patriotism. PRO Mandatory military service Military placement exams would encourage school-work. PRO No-fly zone over Libya Libyan rebels can succeed without no-fly zone. CON No-fly zone over Libya No-fly zone could increase support for Gaddafi CON No-fly zone over Libya No fly zone would create expectation of help elsewhere. CON No-fly zone over Libya Past No-fly zones have led to further military intervention CON No-fly zone over Libya No fly zone in Libya prevents a massacre PRO No-fly zone over Libya Doing nothing is to be complicit with Gaddafi regime. PRO Military recruiting in public schools Military recruiting wrongly makes violence appear cool. CON Military recruiting in public schools Young people aren't stupid, understand risk of joining military. PRO Military recruiting in public schools Recruiters raise general awareness about military. PRO Bullfighting Bulls can't reason, but they can suffer; bullfighting wrong. CON Bullfighting Bullfighting is too dangerous to humans to justify CON Bullfighting Bulls are celebrated and honored in bullfighting. PRO Bullfighting Risks of bullfighting brings out courage and bravery. PRO Was the War in Iraq worth it? Deposing Saddam was not worth immense costs of war. CON Was the War in Iraq worth it? War in Iraq has helped terrorist recruitment CON Was the War in Iraq worth it? War not worth roughly 100,000 Iraqi civilians killed. CON Was the War in Iraq worth it? Congress would have voted against Iraq War knowing costs now. CON Was the War in Iraq worth it? War in Iraq kept Saddam from acquiring nuclear weapons. PRO Was the War in Iraq worth it? Victory better than letting terrorists win in Iraq. PRO Was the War in Iraq worth it? War has given Iraqis a young democracy to grow. PRO Was the War in Iraq worth it? Iraq's democratic government is working reasonably well PRO Phasing out fossil fuel subsidies Ending oil subsidies is good for air quality, human health. PRO Phasing out fossil fuel subsidies Ending oil subsidies levels playing field for clean energy PRO Phasing out fossil fuel subsidies Subsidies are just generally inefficient. PRO Phasing out fossil fuel subsidies Oil subsidies better spent on education, health care, etc. PRO Castration of sex offenders Castrating sex offenders less effective than psychotheraphy. CON Castration of sex offenders Castration exposes sex offenders to side effects CON Castration of sex offenders Castrating sex offenders gives false sense of security on rape. CON Castration of sex offenders Castration subdues libido and psychological factors in predation. PRO Palestinian right of return Right of return jeopardizes Israeli welfare, so invalid CON Palestinian right of return A right of return wrongly makes Israel responsible for refugees. CON Compulsory voting Forcing a vote is as bad for democracy as poor turnout. CON Compulsory voting Mandatory voting would reduce polarization. PRO Compulsory voting Mandatory voting would compel broader campaign messaging. PRO Compulsory voting Mandatory voting compels voters to better educate themselves. PRO Puerto Rico statehood in America Puerto Rico would burden US welfare system CON Puerto Rico statehood in America Puerto Rico statehood is not economical for US CON Puerto Rico statehood in America Independence jeopardizes Puerto Rican economic gains. PRO DREAM Act DREAM Act encourages bringing kids across for citizenship CON DREAM Act DREAM Act is bad for American employment. CON DREAM Act DREAM Act is very expensive. CON DREAM Act DREAM Act relies on shrinking US financial resources. CON DREAM Act DREAM Act offers citizenship to youth already Americans. PRO DREAM Act Republican opposition alienates Latino vote. PRO Joint JD/MBA degree JD as credential has poor return on investment. CON Joint JD/MBA degree JD/MBA unlikely to get you higher salary than JD or MBA alone. CON Joint JD/MBA degree Join JD/MBA actually dilutes education in one or the other. CON Joint JD/MBA degree Usually one shot at advanced degree; JD/MBA gets both done. PRO Joint JD/MBA degree JD/MBA offers entrepreneurial skills and credibility. PRO New START Treaty New START reduces US deterrence in world that is arming, not disarming CON New START Treaty New START Treaty gives more to Russia than US CON New START Treaty Signing New START saves US-Russia relations for Iranian problem. PRO New START Treaty Reducing US-Russian nuclear weapons makes for a safer world. PRO New START Treaty Russia will build-up nuclear arms without New START. PRO Airport security profiling Terrorists can easily beat profiling systems. CON Airport security profiling Terrorists could dress and behave differently to avoid profiling. CON Airport security profiling Profiling counterproductively contributes to fear and insecurity. CON Airport security profiling Profiling is institutionalized racism. CON Privatizing social security Costly privatization of Soc Sec would dampen econ growth CON Privatizing social security Privatized social security will cut tax revenues and social services. CON Privatizing social security Private accounts prevent politicians taking from social security. PRO Privatizing social security Privatizing social security helps the poor. PRO Privatizing social security Privatizing social security offers ownership in economy. PRO Privatizing social security Private accounts can be transferred within family PRO Underground nuclear waste storage Nuclear waste storage requires huge state subsidies. CON Underground nuclear waste storage Underground storage important to safety across borders. PRO Funding transparency for TV issue ads in elections Anonymity ensures that arguments rise above identity attacks. CON US Renewable Electricity Standard A national renewable energy standard will increase electricity costs CON US Renewable Electricity Standard Renewable Energy Standard increases energy prices, kills jobs CON US Renewable Electricity Standard Renewable electricity standard increases energy prices - unpopular. CON US Renewable Electricity Standard Renewable energy standard ensures market certainty for clean energy PRO US Renewable Electricity Standard Renewable Energy Standard fosters clean energy economy and jobs PRO US Renewable Electricity Standard Renewable Electricity Standard is more consistent than tax credits PRO Cellulosic ethanol Cellulosic biofuel production emits significant greenhouse gases CON Cellulosic ethanol Cellulosic ethanol land-use harms forests, environment, climate CON Cellulosic ethanol Cellulosic ethanol start-ups are mostly failing CON Cellulosic ethanol Cellulosic ethanol can be 0 emissions. PRO Cellulosic ethanol Energy security: cellulosic ethanol reduces dependence on foreign oil. PRO Cellulosic ethanol Renewable energy mandates ensure market for cellulosic ethanol PRO Cellulosic ethanol Cellulosic ethanol can generate good-paying jobs PRO Carbon capture and storage CCS passes C02-leakage problem to our children CON Carbon capture and storage The transportation of captured carbon can be very expensive CON Carbon capture and storage CCS can dramatically slash emissions from fossil fuels PRO Carbon capture and storage CCS makes continued dependence on hydrocarbons cleaner PRO Carbon capture and storage Sequestered C02 can be injected into reservoirs to recover oil PRO Geoengineering Geoengineering may whiten skies, harm human psychology CON Geoengineering Geoengineering technologies may be used for military purposes CON Geoengineering Geoengineering is too costly CON Geoengineering Many geoengineering solutions cut atmospheric greenhouse gases. PRO Oil sands Tar sands can't enhance energy security; too expensive, not enough CON Oil sands Oil sands take more energy to extract, so emit more CON Oil sands Oil sands threaten down-river communities CON Oil sands Oilsands account for less than 1 percent of global emissions PRO Ground zero mosque Ban ground zero mosque on grounds it does more harm to victims. CON Ground zero mosque Name Cordoba House indicates nefarious intent of mosque CON Ground zero mosque Ground zero mosque has angered and offended many New Yorkers. CON Ground zero mosque Banning ground zero mosque would violate sep of church/state PRO Ground zero mosque Opposing ground zero mosque alienates/radicalizes American Muslims PRO Open primaries Open primaries disincentivize engagement by core party activists CON Open primaries Open primaries allow tactical manipulation CON Open primaries Open primaries favor voter wishes over party establishment's PRO Open primaries Open primaries produce competitive, substantive general elections PRO Open primaries Open primaries can be modified to limit costs PRO Law school Public interest legal jobs are underpaid CON Law school Law school teaches people to think like lawyers. PRO Law school Law school educates for wide-ranging careers. PRO Law school Law school aids in personal and professional decision-making PRO Deporting illegal immigrants in the US Mass deportation from US would be very expensive CON Deporting illegal immigrants in the US Path to citizenship forces illegals to pay back taxes. CON Deporting illegal immigrants in the US Costs of deportation made up for by savings to taxpayers PRO MBA Enrolling in MBA can break stride in career CON MBA Some employers see MBA grads as too expensive CON MBA MBAs get training in numbers, but not leadership CON MBA MBA teaches how to operate/lead organizations at scale PRO MBA MBA provides business competencies more quickly than on-job training PRO MBA MBA teaches essential business language PRO European Monetary Fund EMF would allow orderly sovereign default. PRO Breastfeeding in public Breastfeeding is best for the health and development of babies PRO Breastfeeding in public Breastfeeding can help new mothers lose weight PRO Banning vuvuzela horns at the 2010 World Cup Vuvuzela sales are economically beneficial in S. Africa. CON Banning vuvuzela horns at the 2010 World Cup Vuvuzelas disrupt player's and other's sleep at night PRO Banning vuvuzela horns at the 2010 World Cup They are a source of headaches. PRO Banning vuvuzela horns at the 2010 World Cup Vuvuzelas can disrupt national anthems and award ceremonies. PRO Banning vuvuzela horns at the 2010 World Cup Vuvuzelas can be used as weapons. PRO Medical marijuana dispensaries Marijuana smoke is highly damaging to the lungs CON Medical marijuana dispensaries Smoking marijuana impairs the immune system CON Medical marijuana dispensaries The State is justified in protecting individuals from themselves CON Medical marijuana dispensaries Marijuana is a gateway drug CON Medical marijuana dispensaries Due to low addiction rates, marijuana is good for medical use. PRO Medical marijuana dispensaries Legalizing medical marijuana does not increase use and abuse PRO Medical marijuana dispensaries More money for other sectors PRO Medical marijuana dispensaries Marijuana can curb psychotic symptoms in people with schizophrenia PRO Instant replay in baseball Fallible umpire calls are part of the drama of baseball CON Instant replay in baseball Instant replays can be exciting for fans. PRO Instant replay in baseball Instant replay would better legitimize MLB and game outcomes PRO Instant replay in baseball Instant replay ends umpire shame of making decisive, bad calls PRO Instant replay in baseball Instant replay would reduce fights between coaches and umpires. PRO Israeli raid on Gaza flotilla Gaza blockade causes economic and humanitarian suffering CON Israeli raid on Gaza flotilla Blockade is not causing a humanitarian crisis in Gaza PRO Balanced budget amendment to US Constitution Amend would create Const. crisis, court battle w/ each budget. CON Balanced budget amendment to US Constitution Politicians will favor corporate interests w/ balanced budget. CON Balanced budget amendment to US Constitution Balanced budget amendment will help solve fiscal crisis. PRO Balanced budget amendment to US Constitution Spending limits creates certainty for job creation. PRO Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010 Financial reform puts onerous regulations on free markets. CON Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010 2010 financial reform protects big banks, harms smallest. CON Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010 2010 financial regs won't end too big to fail and bailouts CON Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010 2010 banking reform perpetuates too big to fail policies CON Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010 2010 reform expands shock-absorbers for nex financial crisis PRO Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010 2010 financial reform increases transparency PRO Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010 Financial reform will make derivatives market transparent PRO Greece bailout Greece bailout adds to debt, does more harm than good CON Greece bailout Default would devastate Greek and global economies PRO Greece bailout Greek bailout avoids a second global economic crisis PRO Greece bailout Bailout of Greece will help prevent contagion PRO Mine Ban Treaty (Ottawa Treaty) Landmines can protect peacekeepers. CON Mine Ban Treaty (Ottawa Treaty) Landmines kill soldiers and limit mobility of military planting them PRO Mine Ban Treaty (Ottawa Treaty) Deploying smart mines encourages the use of all mines PRO Graduated response antipiracy laws Graduated response could shut down public Internet hubs CON Graduated response antipiracy laws Governments will use ISPs to catch more than pirates CON Graduated response antipiracy laws Three strikes has hard time determining offending user CON Graduated response antipiracy laws Enforcing graduated response will be very expensive CON Graduated response antipiracy laws Graduated response helps avoid litigating against consumers. PRO Graduated response antipiracy laws Graduated response helps maintain user privacy PRO Network neutrality Network neutrality damages competition and niche suppliers CON Network neutrality Net Neutrality may restrict value-added services CON Network neutrality W/o Net Neutrality, price discrimination risks stifling start-ups PRO Network neutrality Net neutrality may not be good for ISPs, but good overall. PRO Constitutionality of US health insurance mandates Mandates create cartel of govt-supported insurance companies CON Constitutionality of US health insurance mandates Enforcing mandates may intrude on Constitutional rights CON Constitutionality of US health insurance mandates Congress can't regulate behavior indirectly impacting commerce CON Constitutionality of US health insurance mandates Insurance mandates set dangerous precedent for federal power CON US debt ceiling deal Debt deal doesn't cut spending enough to solve deficit CON US debt ceiling deal Tax deal was win for wealthiest and their lobbyists. CON US debt ceiling deal Debt deal cuts spending too early for recovery CON US debt ceiling deal Debt deal avoids a disastrous default. PRO US debt ceiling deal Debt deal makes needed cuts to military budgets. PRO US offshore oil drilling US offshore drilling would hardly lower global oil prices CON US offshore oil drilling Greater conservation is more important than offshore oil drilling CON US offshore oil drilling Noise from offshore drilling can harm sea animals CON US offshore oil drilling Offshore oil exploration could result in a major find PRO US offshore oil drilling Offshore drilling is very valuable to the US economy PRO Google decision to stop censoring results in China Google out of China reduces access to free/fair info. CON Google decision to stop censoring results in China Google pressuring China on censorship emboldens hard-liners CON Google decision to stop censoring results in China Google's departure from China sends message for free speech PRO War on Drugs Costs of Drug War are greater than costs of legalization CON War on Drugs War on Drugs worsens cartel violence CON War on Drugs War on drugs keeps drug trade profitable, lures children in CON War on Drugs Legalizing drugs would improve quality control CON War on Drugs War on Drugs helps hold down usage PRO War on Drugs The state is justified in protecting society from drug-users PRO Gay marriage Gay marriage undercuts procreation at time of vulnerability CON Gay marriage Gay marriage threatens cultural tradition of marriage CON Gay marriage Benefits for gays are much better when in marriage PRO Corporate personhood Corporate personhood favors corporate interests CON Corporate personhood Corporate personhood enables multinational corporations, global stability. PRO Corporate personhood With rights companies can enter into contracts, lawsuits PRO Corporate personhood Corporate personhood protects businesses from discrimination PRO Corporate free speech More spending in elections undermines public confidence CON Corporate free speech Corp. spending limits infringe free speech in assoc. PRO Corporate free speech Unlimited spending lets candidates focus on message over fundraising. PRO Big government Small government encourages self-reliance CON Big government Big govt impedes on and weakens local associations CON Big government Govt bureaucrats pursue more power to advance careers. CON Big government Big government fosters harmful entitlement culture CON Big government Big government invites corporate special interests CON Big government Big govt is individuals working to meet collective needs PRO Big government Small government produces less healthy societies PRO Big government Big government helps stimulate economic growth PRO Big government European-style big governments foster more stable societies PRO College football playoffs Playoffs would be unfair to some college football teams CON College football playoffs Football playoffs would not make traveling fans happy CON College football playoffs Football players miss fewest classes; playoffs OK PRO College football playoffs Playoffs maintain importance of regular season PRO 2010 US bank tax 2010 bank tax will raise less revenue due to evasion CON 2010 US bank tax Bank tax is too small to impact deficit CON 2010 US bank tax 2010 US bank tax will kill jobs created/fostered by banks CON 2010 US bank tax Bank tax recoups taxpayer bailout of banks PRO 2010 US bank tax Bank tax compensates for damage done by banks PRO 2010 US bank tax Bank tax will help reduce large US deficit PRO Full-body scanners at airports Full-body scanners will slow airport security check-points. CON Full-body scanners at airports Body scans will make many children and parents uncomfortable. CON Full-body scanners at airports Scanners help reveal hidden weapons and bombs PRO Full-body scanners at airports Full-body scans more effectively reveal concealed weapons. PRO US health care reform Government-approved insurers of US health care law limits competition CON US health care reform 2009 US health care bill does not cut costs CON US health care reform Health care bill would insure 30m Americans PRO US health care reform US health care law ends pre-existing conditions discrimination PRO Direct democracy Direct democracy fosters emotional decision-making. CON Direct democracy Direct democracy lacks accountability of decision-making CON Direct democracy Direct democracy dulls politicians' sense of responsibility CON Direct democracy Direct democracy creates risk of corrupt recall efforts. CON Direct democracy Direct democracy avoids appointment of unaccountable officials. PRO Direct democracy Direct democracy generally reduces the risks of corruption. PRO Affirmative action Affirm action mismatches bad students with difficult classes CON Affirmative action Affirmative action promotes mediocrity by undermining meritocracy. CON Affirmative action Affirm action fills key jobs with less productive individuals. CON Affirmative action Affirmative action wrongly takes from one group to give to another CON Affirmative action Affirmative action is only way to level playing field PRO Affirmative action Affirmative action makes race only a small plus for candidates PRO EU elected president Electing a President increases the power a single individual can hold. CON EU elected president An EU president cannot hold such a complicated system to account. CON EU elected president Elections would force EU politicians to act as populists. CON EU elected president A government controlled by a single person would increase transparency. PRO EU elected president Electing an EU president directly will increase accountability. PRO EU elected president An elected president would make the EU more functional. PRO Trying 9/11 terror suspects in NYC courts Trying terrorists in NY requires costly security CON Trying 9/11 terror suspects in NYC courts Trying terrorists in NYC grants them their wish CON Trying 9/11 terror suspects in NYC courts Terrorist suspects are particularly dangerous to guards CON Trying 9/11 terror suspects in NYC courts Terrorist trial in NY gives appearance of US weakness CON Trying 9/11 terror suspects in NYC courts Trying and imprisoning terrorists can create US jobs PRO Trying 9/11 terror suspects in NYC courts Civilian trials avoid using evidence from coercive interrogations PRO Trying 9/11 terror suspects in NYC courts Civilian trials improve global opinion of US, fight on terrorism PRO Gene patents Patent licenses are very costly, impair R and D CON Gene patents Gene patents do not incentivize innovation CON Gene patents Gene patents and bio-engineering may harm environment/society. CON Gene patents Gene patents and research could do harm to the environment. CON Gene patents Gene patents help drive major economic breakthroughs. PRO Gays in the US military Minority of troop discomfort with gays is enough to damage cohesion. CON Gays in the US military It would strenghten relations PRO Gays in the US military Most gays will remain private after military ban is lifted PRO Nuclear energy Nuclear energy will compete with and squeeze out renewable energy. CON Nuclear energy Entire nuclear cycle may emit substantial greenhouse gases CON Nuclear energy Nuclear energy relies too heavily on subsidies/taxpayers CON Nuclear energy Nuclear energy can reduce materials available for weapons-use. PRO Nuclear energy Concentration of power in nuclear is economical. PRO Pornography Pornography encourages promiscuity and shallow relationships. CON Pornography Many rapists are obsessed with and encouraged by pornography CON Pornography Pornography further victimizes sexual abuse victims. CON Pornography Porn improves self-control with distance from sex. PRO Pornography Pornography lets women articulate femininity. PRO Pornography Porn watching may actually reduce rape rates PRO Health insurance mandates Mandatory health insurance cannot be effectively enforced CON Health insurance mandates MA insurance mandates are performing pretty well PRO Health insurance mandates The struggling can be exempted from insurance mandate. PRO Health insurance mandates Health insurance mandates need not be perfectly enforced to be effective. PRO More troops to Afghanistan under Obama Afg is backward, cannot be salvaged by US CON More troops to Afghanistan under Obama Afghanistan security forces can hardly be trained CON More troops to Afghanistan under Obama Counter-terrorism w/o troops did not work in 1990s PRO More troops to Afghanistan under Obama Afghanistan is more stable and governable than often assumed PRO More troops to Afghanistan under Obama Most Afghanis oppose Taliban, support US/NATO PRO Health insurance cooperatives Supporters of co-ops will never reduce government involvement. CON Health insurance cooperatives Co-ops are a great alternative to the public option PRO Health insurance cooperatives Non-profit co-ops are driven by health interests of members, not profits PRO Health insurance cooperatives Some government involvement in co-ops is justified. PRO Public health insurance option There are not enough votes to pass a public insurance plan. CON Public health insurance option US polls find a majority favor a public insurance option PRO Public health insurance option Public and private insurers can learn from each other PRO Public health insurance option Insurers should not be trusted with sole control of health insurance PRO Mandatory calorie counts on menus It is difficult for restaurants to keep calorie counts consistent. CON Mandatory calorie counts on menus Calorie counts make it easier to judge calories in foods PRO Mandatory calorie counts on menus Fear of government should not obstruct calorie counts on menus PRO Mandatory calorie counts on menus No restaurant will be disadvantaged if all are required to list calories. PRO Manned mission to Mars Cumulative challenges and risks of Mars mission are too great CON Manned mission to Mars There is little public support for a mission to Mars CON Manned mission to Mars Women are less supportive of Mars mission than men CON Manned mission to Mars Artificial gravity can overcome zero-gravity on Mars mission. PRO Manned mission to Mars We can commit to Mars mission before knowing how PRO Manned mission to Mars Committing to Mars will inspire NASA to make it happen PRO Colonization of the Moon Human survival is ensured by fighting global warming, not Moonbase. CON Colonization of the Moon Growing crops on the moon faces many difficult challenges. CON Colonization of the Moon A manned presence on the Moon is superior to a robotic one PRO Mandatory labeling of genetically modified foods Labeling is wrong when GM foods show no differences with other foods CON Mandatory labeling of genetically modified foods Labeling GM foods applies precautionary principle to unknown risks. PRO Legality of coca production and consumption Tradition of coca consumption is a poor argument. CON Legality of coca production and consumption Coca consumption is most akin to caffeine use. PRO Legality of coca production and consumption Coca has spiritual value to indigenous Andeans. PRO Legality of coca production and consumption All South American states support indigenous right to coca. PRO Legality of coca production and consumption Coca can be used in a variety of products PRO Legality of coca production and consumption Coca can be used as a local anesthetic. PRO Filibuster The filibuster is outdated and uncivilized in a modern democracy CON Filibuster General statements against the filibuster CON Filibuster Filibuster fits framers' distrust of govt, desire for checks PRO Filibuster Filibuster helps flag controversial issues for the public PRO Filibuster Filibuster provides important checks and balances PRO Criminalization of Holocaust denial Holocaust denial gets undue attention because it is illegal. CON Criminalization of Holocaust denial Holocaust deniers' claim of no major loss of Jewish lives is false PRO Needle exchanges Needle exchanges protect public, not just drug addicts. PRO Needle exchanges Needle exchanges help protect families of drug-abusers PRO Needle exchanges Needle exchanges benefit their areas of implementation. PRO Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Test ban, as a means to abolishing nuclear weapons, is unrealistic CON Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Enforcing a test ban, not detecting tests, is the issue CON Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty still relevant after Cold War PRO Israeli settlements Israel uses violence to unlawfully back settlements CON Israeli settlements Israel encourages settlements; they are not growing naturally. CON Israeli settlements Jewish settlements are not part of any illegal occupation PRO Israeli settlements Israeli settlements may be unfortunate, but are not illegal. PRO Israeli settlements Jews have historical right to return to West Bank PRO Israeli settlements Israelis have equal claim as Palestinians to settle in West Bank PRO Two-state solution to Israeli-Palestinian conflict Inclusive one-state solution adopts democratic principles CON Two-state solution to Israeli-Palestinian conflict Idea of Jewish state, in two-state solution, is undemocratic CON Two-state solution to Israeli-Palestinian conflict A two-state solution will not assuage Iran. CON Two-state solution to Israeli-Palestinian conflict Two-state plan respects democratic will for separate states PRO Two-state solution to Israeli-Palestinian conflict Palestinians want two-state solution, assuming settlements stop. PRO Merit pay for teachers Teacher merit is too hard to measure for merit-pay to be fair CON Merit pay for teachers Merit pay for teachers is tied to unreliable standardized tests CON Merit pay for teachers Better teachers should be paid more PRO Merit pay for teachers Teachers should be paid more; based on merit PRO Enhanced interrogation techniques US prosecuted foreign governments for waterboarding CON Enhanced interrogation techniques Sleep deprivation is a form of torture. CON Enhanced interrogation techniques Enhanced interrogations unnecessary; Army Field Manual is sufficient CON Enhanced interrogation techniques Enhanced interrogations were adapted from abusive foreign tactics. CON Enhanced interrogation techniques Torture to save lives has a substantial body of support among publics: PRO Enhanced interrogation techniques Majority of Americans believe harsh interrogations justified PRO Enhanced interrogation techniques Interrogations are not torture when no intent to torture. PRO Enhanced interrogation techniques Enhanced interrogation should not be condemned because of bad apples. PRO Is a nuclear Iran intolerable? Air strikes on Iran would be limited to self-defense PRO AIG bonuses AIG bonuses are an insult to suffering taxpayers CON AIG bonuses Justice of reneging AIG bonuses would be worth costs CON AIG bonuses AIG workers/execs that caused collapse won't help recovery CON AIG bonuses AIG did not file for bankruptcy; bonus contracts still valid PRO Earmarks Earmarks cannot be fully examined during short period of exposure CON Earmarks Earmarks are often unrelated to legislation; undemocratic. CON Earmarks Earmarks are more transparent than other spending programs PRO Free public transportation With the financial crisis, we can't afford to spend more money on something like this. CON Free public transportation The Government's job is to provide services. PRO Education vouchers Little evidence that vouchers improve academic achievement. CON Education vouchers Public schools are being improved without vouchers CON Education vouchers Vouchers comply with separation of church and state PRO No Child Left Behind Act No Child Left Behind does not inspire a love of learning. CON No Child Left Behind Act No Child Left Behind lacks non-English tests. CON 2009 US economic stimulus Economic stimulus by government intervention always fails CON 2009 US economic stimulus Stimulus is from taxes or debt; injects no new money CON 2009 US economic stimulus New Deal did little-to-nothing to end the Depression CON 2009 US economic stimulus Majority of economists believe government can stimulate economy PRO Legalization of adult incest Homosexuality is more benign than incest on the family. CON Legalization of adult incest Sex is for reproduction; incest cannot be only about sex. CON Legalization of adult incest Banning adult incest is analogous to banning homosexuality. PRO Legalization of adult incest Many things are bad for the family, but not banned like incest PRO Charter schools New Orleans should not be experimented on with charter schools CON Charter schools Adaptive charter schools can make necessary changes PRO Crime cameras Crime cameras are an intrusion on individual privacy rights CON Crime cameras Police should not waste time watching crime cameras CON Crime cameras Crime cameras often have no one watching due to limited resources. CON Crime cameras Crime cameras violate privacy no more than corner store cameras. PRO Crime cameras Cameras help protect citizens' liberties against crime. PRO Crime cameras If a person has nothing to hide, then there is no issue. PRO Guantanamo Bay detention center Guantanamo is inconsistent with American principles of justice CON Guantanamo Bay detention center Guantanamo detainees are not being tortured PRO Guantanamo Bay detention center Conditions at Guantanamo are very good for detainees PRO Israeli military assault in Gaza Israel's right to self-defense does not justify mass murder CON Republika Srpska secession from Bosnia and Herzegovina Republika Srpska cannot break Dayton, which created RS CON Republika Srpska secession from Bosnia and Herzegovina Republika Srpska founded on ethnic cleansing; no right to independence CON Republika Srpska secession from Bosnia and Herzegovina Republika Srpska has a right to self-determination by referendum PRO Republika Srpska secession from Bosnia and Herzegovina Republika Srpska has right to secede to protect right to exist PRO Republika Srpska secession from Bosnia and Herzegovina Dayton/Bosnia failures give cause to Republika Srpska secession PRO Republika Srpska secession from Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosnian Serbs fought legitimately in Bosnian civil war PRO International Criminal Court ICC lacks separation of powers and checks and balances CON International Criminal Court ICC adopts an unacceptably vague definition of aggression CON International Criminal Court UN Security Council can check/veto ICC prosecutions PRO International Criminal Court ICC has strong controls for politicization and abuse PRO Rebuilding New Orleans Government should fund residents, not rebuilding New Orleans CON Rebuilding New Orleans New Orleans has been on the economic decline for decades CON Rebuilding New Orleans New Orleans civilization should be maintained despite hurricane threat PRO Rebuilding New Orleans City location need not be logical to justify existence PRO Rebuilding New Orleans New Orleans should be rebuilt out of respect for tragedy. PRO Rebuilding New Orleans New Orleans can be rebuilt to address its social problems PRO Bailout of US automakers Blame for auto failures is on management, not outside factors CON Bailout of US automakers US has successfully aided autos before; can do it again PRO US and NATO intervention in Libya Libya didn't attack US; President not authorized for war CON US and NATO intervention in Libya Obama needed to consult all of Congress, not just leaders. CON US and NATO intervention in Libya President's action in Libya violates his campaign pledges. CON US and NATO intervention in Libya Pres has authority to commit to non-war military action. PRO US and NATO intervention in Libya US responded to Qadhafi loss of sovereign legitimacy PRO US and NATO intervention in Libya US action in Libya is morally legitimate PRO Infant male circumcision Neonatal circumcision violates right to avoid inflicted pain CON Infant male circumcision Circumcision is akin to vaccination of infants PRO Infant male circumcision Parents have a right to circumcise their children PRO Fairness Doctrine Balanced left/right broadcasting exist w/o Fairness Doctrine CON Fairness Doctrine Free speech requires boundaries, such as Fairness Doctrine PRO Employee Free Choice Act EFCA gives employees equal access to injunctive relief PRO Employee Free Choice Act There is significant public support for EFCA. PRO Pickens US energy plan Pickens Plan requires infeasible electric grid upgrades CON Pickens US energy plan Wind energy production is inconsistent relative to demand CON Pickens US energy plan Wind energy is non-dispatchable CON Pickens US energy plan The Pickens Plan is generally not viable. CON Pickens US energy plan Inconsistent wind energy in Pickens Plan can be accommodated PRO Pickens US energy plan Natural gas burns more cleanly than gasoline in general PRO Pickens US energy plan Natural gas is about half as expensive as gasoline. PRO Wave power Focus on energy conservation before wave power CON Wave power Wave energy more about profits than environment CON Vehicle fuel economy standards Fuel economy standards are a solution in search of a problem CON Algae biofuel Algae fuel ponds must be expensively covered CON Algae biofuel Algae biofuel is commercially viable on an industrial scale PRO Algae biofuel Algae biofuel is biodegradable. PRO Algae biofuel Algae biofuel is a renewable resource. PRO Kyoto Protocol It is unimportant for the US to join Kyoto now CON Kyoto Protocol Kyoto regulations on C02 emissions do not improve air-quality CON Kyoto Protocol The Kyoto Protocol's emissions targets are unrealistic CON Kyoto Protocol Humans are not causing global warming so Kyoto can't solve it CON Kyoto Protocol US cities are adopting Kyoto, the federal government should too PRO Kyoto Protocol Kyoto is an important first step in the right direction PRO Year-round school Year-round schools, with equal vacation time, is no better for learning CON Year-round school The studies on year-round schooling are inconclusive. CON Year-round school Year-round schools have same overall schooling and vacation time. PRO Year-round school Not-using schools in the summer is generally inefficient. PRO Year-round school Tradition and year-round schools can exist side-by-side PRO $700 billion US economic bailout $700b plan has been corruptly influenced by Wallstreet CON $700 billion US economic bailout Government should buy stock in banks, not just bail them out CON $700 billion US economic bailout Financial crisis requires and justifies strong executive powers. PRO Reforestation as a solution to global warming Trees only absorb C02 during their growth CON Reforestation as a solution to global warming Enough land for reforestation to be a viable solution PRO Geoengineering, iron fertilization of algae blooms Algae blooms do not sequester much carbon CON Geoengineering, iron fertilization of algae blooms Algae bloom solutions require fertilizing too much ocean area CON Geoengineering, iron fertilization of algae blooms Best practices in iron fertilization can ensure effectiveness PRO Geoengineering, iron fertilization of algae blooms If natural iron fertilization occurs, it is OK for humans to do it PRO Geoengineering, iron fertilization of algae blooms Humans are already changing Earth; how can geoengineering be wrong? PRO Geoengineering, solar shading Solar shading might cool tropics, but not high latitudes and poles CON Geoengineering, solar shading Arguments against geoengineering are too elusive PRO Geoengineering, solar shading Sunshield costs are reasonable in face of global warming PRO Geoengineering, solar shading Volcanoes perform solar shading; why is it wrong for humans to do so? PRO Geoengineering, solar shading Solar ring is cheapest solar shading solution PRO Wind energy Wind energy comes naturally from the environment. PRO Carbon emissions trading Emissions trading has govt not markets set cap CON Carbon emissions trading US cap-and-trade in sulfur dioxidew was succesful PRO Carbon emissions trading A cap-and-trade system is progressive PRO Natural gas vehicles Natural gas vehicles are not yet commercially viable. CON Natural gas vehicles The performance of natural gas vehicles is not notable. CON Natural gas vehicles Natural gas utilities have a long record of safety PRO Random sobriety tests for drivers Random sobriety tests are a just public safety intervention PRO Random sobriety tests for drivers RBT has been successfully implemented in many modern democracies PRO Random sobriety tests for drivers Good use of police to cultivate awareness on drunk driving. PRO Hybrid vehicles Power of hybrids is senseless in the face of global warming. CON Hybrid vehicles Hybrid cars are simply a way for oil companies to maintain profits. CON Hybrid vehicles Hybrids are more economical than electric cars. PRO Hydrogen vehicles Too much energy required to compress hydrogen for cars CON Hydrogen vehicles Hydrogen can't be compressed to give sufficient driving range CON Hydrogen vehicles Hydrogen is more challenging than alternatives CON Hydrogen vehicles It's OK to use more energy to make hydrogen than is obtained out PRO Hydrogen vehicles Hydrogen is non-toxic, unlike most fossil fuels. PRO Hydrogen vehicles Hydrogen cars are like high-performance electric cars PRO Electric vehicles Public transportation is a better idea than electric cars CON Electric vehicles Electric vehicles are more resilient to price pressures. PRO Electric vehicles Electric car battery technology and costs are improving rapidly PRO Electric vehicles Electric car power and speed can be precisely controlled. PRO Tidal energy Tidal barages produce more energy than other forms of tidal. PRO Tidal energy A tidal barrage can safeguard coastlines from storms. PRO Natural gas Natural gas vehicle fuel tanks are very strong and safe PRO Natural gas Natural gas engines are as efficient as gasoline engines. PRO Natural gas Liquefied natural gas can be a good fuel for vehicles. PRO Natural gas Natural gas has very diverse applications in the home. PRO Hydroelectric dams There are better ways to store water than dams. CON Hydroelectric dams Human displacement does not inherently accompany dams. PRO Solar energy Solar electricity cannot significantly reduce dependencies on oil. CON Solar energy Nuclear power is a more potent and efficient source of energy. CON Solar energy Clouds and smog undermine solar energy unlike other energy sources. CON Solar energy Producing solar cells need not use fossil fuel energy. PRO Solar energy Solar energy can be stored in ways other than batteries (i.e. hydrogen). PRO South Ossetia independence The world needs fewer borders; A S. Ossetian nation adds more. CON South Ossetia independence S. Ossetia has a definite territory. PRO South Ossetia independence S. Ossetia 2006 referendum should be recognized PRO South Ossetia independence Russia supports S. Ossetia's 2006 referendum and right to independence. PRO South Ossetia independence Modern Georgia never really controlled S. Ossetia. PRO South Ossetia independence Name Ossetia has history independent of Georgia PRO Falkland Islands, return of Relations with Argentina are not important to Britain. CON Falkland Islands, return of The Nookta Sound convention did not affect Britains rights to the islands as they already had an agreement with Spain where both nations rights were secured in 1771 CON Falkland Islands, return of Britain sent its soldiers to fight an unjust war in the Falkland Islands. PRO Home plate collision rule in baseball Home plate contact isn't an important part of game. CON Home plate collision rule in baseball Home base collisions are essential characteristic of hardball. PRO Obama, meeting with hostile foreign leaders without preconditions Iran sponsors terrorists; wrong to talk with them CON Obama, meeting with hostile foreign leaders without preconditions Iranian leaders are evil; wrong to meet with them CON Obama, meeting with hostile foreign leaders without preconditions It is irrational to meet unconditionally with irrational leaders. CON Obama, meeting with hostile foreign leaders without preconditions Obama's position on meeting hostile leaders is naive; poor judgement. CON Obama, meeting with hostile foreign leaders without preconditions Talking to your enemies is not a concession PRO EU constitution reform treaty (Lisbon Treaty) The Lisbon Treaty simply repackages the failed EU Constitution CON Cluster bomb ban Cluster bombs are usually used in uninhabited areas CON Cluster bomb ban Importance of cluster bombs against threats makes a ban infeasible CON Democratic peace theory Democracies mostly only engage in defensive wars with non-democracies. PRO Democratic peace theory Democracies are founded on similar principles so they should not go to war. PRO Bombing Hiroshima and Nagasaki The bombing of Japan was illegal under the international law of the time. CON Bombing Hiroshima and Nagasaki Bombing Japan was to take revenge on the civilians. CON Bombing Hiroshima and Nagasaki Soviet victories in Manchuria were core cause of Japanese surrender. CON Bombing Hiroshima and Nagasaki No international law forbade the bombing of Japanese civilians PRO Bombing Hiroshima and Nagasaki Bombing Japan was the lesser evil among the alternatives PRO Bombing Hiroshima and Nagasaki Bombing Japan was ethical in context of the horrors of WWII PRO Bombing Hiroshima and Nagasaki Bombing Japan was justified in the post-Okinawa context PRO Bombing Hiroshima and Nagasaki Hiroshima was a strategic military headquarters and target. PRO NATO expansion Croatia is doing well at securing stability PRO NATO expansion The expense of NATO expansion is marginal when compared to the defence budgets of the major NATO States. PRO European missile defense Both missile threat and missile defense do not exist CON European missile defense The majority of poles oppose missile defense on their territory CON European missile defense European missile defense is a necessary part of a layered defense PRO European missile defense Real threat of rogue states missile attacks PRO European missile defense Missile defense systems are becoming effective and reliable PRO European Union Expansion European Union should include all of Europe; it's in their name. PRO European Union Expansion Cheaper labour is good for the economies of richer European nations. PRO Banning cell phones in cars Many things in cars are just as distracting as cell phones CON Banning cell phones in cars If you can't ban sleep-driving, why ban talking on phone in car. CON Banning cell phones in cars Markets are better at regulating cell phone use in cars CON Banning cell phones in cars Cell phone use in cars is unnecessary; people went without them before. PRO Banning cell phones in cars Cell phones should only be used while driving in dire situations PRO Banning cell phones in cars Careless driving laws are inadequate; cell phone ban is necessary. PRO Banning cell phones in cars State has authority to regulate actions of drivers (by cell phone ban). PRO Child beauty pageants Pageants based on bad idea of children being better than others CON Child beauty pageants Parents should be trusted on entering kids in child beauty pageants. PRO Child beauty pageants Plenty of other activities are exclusive to boys/girls. PRO Death penalty Life in prison is a sufficient punishment; execution is excessive CON Death penalty The death penalty does not bring back a loved one CON Death penalty The death penalty is often motivated by discrimination CON Death penalty Capital punishment is compassionate to the victims PRO Hunting for sport Animals should be treated as we would want to be treated CON Hunting for sport Wrong to hunt harmless, defenseless animals CON Hunting for sport Modern humans have lost touch with animals and our likeness CON Hunting for sport Evolutionary science debunks the idea of human dominion over animals CON Hunting for sport There is an inherent human passion for hunting PRO Hunting for sport Exploiting animals is more dignified than their living in the wild PRO Hunting for sport Human life is of greater intrinsic value than animal life PRO Prisoners right to vote Unhelpful to ban voting by prisoners serving for 6 months PRO Prisoners right to vote Prisoners must be able to influence world they will re-enter. PRO Prisoners right to vote Depriving prisoners of a vote is simply mean spirited. PRO Lowering US drinking age from 21 to 18 Increase driving age to 18; reduce drinking age to 18 PRO Lowering US drinking age from 21 to 18 Drinking is healthy in moderation. PRO Ban on laser pointers Laser pointers are in popular demand. CON Ban on laser pointers Business people use lasers to give presentations. CON Ban on laser pointers Illegal use of lasers (like knives) does not justify ban CON Ban on laser pointers Laser pointers are a valuable tool for self-defense CON Ban on laser pointers The crime is very dangerous. PRO Ban on laser pointers There are enough alternatives to lasers for self defense. PRO Gay adoption Children should not be subjects of a gay adoption experiment CON Gay adoption Children do not need distinct male and female parental role-models PRO Gay adoption A changing society should not cling to traditional family models. PRO Gay adoption Homosexual parenting is just as good as heterosexual parenting PRO Gay adoption There is no scientific basis for concluding that gay and lesbian parents are any less fit or capable than heterosexual parents, or that their children are any less psychologically healthy and well adjusted. PRO Gay adoption Homophobia is wrong so should not be used against gay adoption PRO Funding for space exploration Going into space to discover the effects of space on humans is circular logic. CON Funding for space exploration The risk of us being wiped out by an asteroid like the dinosaurs is very very small. CON Funding for space exploration Humans should not bank on destroying the Earth and moving to another planet. CON Catholic Church contraception policy Catholic Church's natural family planning is ineffective CON Catholic Church contraception policy Natural methods of contraception can provide the solution to high population growth PRO Catholic Church contraception policy Evil (condoms) should not be used to fight evil (HIV/AIDS) PRO Catholic Church contraception policy Church contraception policy is supported by natural law: PRO Turkey EU membership EU states strongly opposed to Turkey's admission should not be dragged along CON Turkey EU membership That Turkey needs to reform should not block its admission to the EU. PRO Ban on human reproductive cloning Cloning is safe enough to perform on humans CON Ban on human reproductive cloning Opponents exaggerate the impact that cloning will have on the world CON Ban on human reproductive cloning If women have a right to reproduce, society can't say not by cloning CON Ban on human reproductive cloning Asexual reproduction is sub-optimal for the human species PRO Trans fat ban Other foods harmful, singling out trans fats is arbitrary. CON Trans fat ban People free to do things that hurt no one else (eat trans fats). CON Trans fat ban Trans fat ban needn't be whole solution to be good. PRO Trans fat ban Govt should protect consumers when consumers aren't fully informed. PRO Banning Muslim hijab Discriminating against Muslim forms of child-indoctrination is wrong CON Banning Muslim hijab Banning head scarves in school is an egregious state intrusion CON Banning Muslim hijab The idea that women must wear headscarves to be dignified is offensive PRO Banning Muslim hijab Headscarves falsely presume that men can't contain sexual impulses PRO Assassination of a Dictator To liberalize a regime, there are better ways than assassination. CON Assassination of a Dictator Moral absolutes exist; murder can never be justified. CON Assassination of a Dictator People would support Israel's assassinations if they lived in Israel PRO Assassination of a Dictator Targeted assassinations are consistent with international law PRO Is Wikipedia valuable? Many incomplete stub articles persist on Wikipedia.' CON Is Wikipedia valuable? Many vandalisms on Wikipedia are not corrected for months CON Is Wikipedia valuable? Wikipedia lacks the important process of peer-review CON Is Wikipedia valuable? Wikis need more users to help them grow PRO Is Wikipedia valuable? Wikipedia is not for individual prose, but superior collective knowledge. PRO Is Wikipedia valuable? Standards are always improving on Wikipedia. PRO Abortion The Hippocratic oath forbids doctors from performing abortions CON Abortion The right to choice/privacy (abortion) does not override the right to life CON Abortion Abortion advocates wrongly value quality of life over sanctity of life CON Abortion The fetus causes physical pain; the woman has a right to self-defense. PRO Vegetarianism Dominion and meat-eating can and should be excercised responsibly. CON Vegetarianism It is healthiest to eat a balanced diet with both meat and vegetable products. CON Vegetarianism Vegetarians are healthy due to their health-consciousness not vegetarianism. CON Vegetarianism Many special environments have been created by livestock farming CON Vegetarianism Human and animal differences do not justify speciism/discrimination PRO Vegetarianism Animals have rights and it is wrong to kill them needlessly. PRO Vegetarianism Humans have a choice and thus responsibility to do no harm to animals. PRO Libertarianism Society must collectively own many form of property through government CON Libertarianism Libertarian economics runs contrary to modern economic theory. CON Libertarianism People have full rights to their property that governments can't deprive PRO Libertarianism The benefits of government can be obtained by voluntary mechanisms. PRO Libertarianism Free-market economics is the ideal form of (non)governance PRO Animal testing The number of animals used in experiments should be reduced by. CON Animal testing Bible says harming animals is equivalent to harming humans CON Animal testing Animals would depict humans as the devil if they could CON Animal testing Adopting the philosophy of animal rights is individual fulfilling CON Animal testing Alternatives cannot replace animal testing for certain objectives PRO Animal testing Tested animals are treated humanely. PRO Animal testing Animals are good research subjects because they are similar to humans PRO Assisted suicide Pain can't justify euthanasia, it can be made tolerable with modern medicines CON Assisted suicide Physicians can never be obligated to facilitate euthanasia CON Assisted suicide When life can only continue unnaturally, unnatural euthanasia is OK PRO Assisted suicide Euthanasia is mainly utilized by non-vulnerable, well-educated groups PRO Polygamy Polygamy is common in some apes; from which humans descended PRO Polygamy Polygamous women can choose the right husband, even if he is married PRO Tibet independence Protecting Tibetan culture by opposing modernization is wrongheaded. CON Tibet independence The United Nations does charter discourages disruptions of national unity such as a move to Tibetan Independence. CON Tibet independence China violated Tibet autonomy as called for in Seventeen Point Agreement PRO Tibet independence Tibet can follow the East Timor model to achieving independence PRO Tibet independence China's militarization of Tibet is a regional risk PRO Withdrawing from Iraq That coalition troops are not the cause of violence is shown by the fact that most attacks are not against them CON Withdrawing from Iraq There is no military solution in Iraq PRO Kangaroo culling in Australia Kangaroos should just be moved, not culled. CON Kangaroo culling in Australia Translocating Kangaroos is not too difficult or impractical. CON Kangaroo culling in Australia Kangaroos are part of Australia's identity. CON Kangaroo culling in Australia Killing millions of kangaroos does not make it sustainable. CON Kangaroo culling in Australia The Code of Practice in the ACT helps ensures culls are humane. PRO Veal Anything which involves murdering animals is cruel . CON Veal Hutches can be more comfortable for veal calves. PRO Veal Milk-based diets are healthy and humane for veal PRO Right to bear arms in the US Bear arms means a military/militia, not individual right CON Right to bear arms in the US America's modern military makes the militia unnecessary for national security. CON Right to bear arms in the US If bear was commonly taken in a military sense, keep should also be considered in military, collective sense. CON Right to bear arms in the US If 2nd amendment applied only to militias it would be useless today PRO Right to bear arms in the US A well-regulated militia can apply to a state-run as well as an independent militia. PRO Right to bear arms in the US In order to form a militia, citizens require guns and a right to own them PRO DC handgun ban The implications of the DC handgun ban are not supported nationwide. CON DC handgun ban 2nd amendment combines right to militia and individual arms CON DC handgun ban A handgun is uniquely valuable in self defense in one's home CON DC handgun ban Alternative measures can be taken in place of a ban to stem crime and murder. CON DC handgun ban A strong majority of DC residence support the DC handgun ban. PRO DC handgun ban If the 2nd amendment was to protect an individual right it would have clearly expressed it PRO Muhammad cartoons controversy The cartoons were an exercise in hate, rather than free, speech. CON Muhammad cartoons controversy Hateful and harmful representations of Muhammad are illegal and should be censored. CON Muhammad cartoons controversy Because the cartoons were legal, they did not require a government response. PRO Osama Bin Laden Sea Burial Why give Osama Bin Laden a dignified religious burial? CON Osama Bin Laden Sea Burial Many Muslims would have preferred to see body, confirm death. CON Osama Bin Laden Sea Burial Sea burial doubts diminishes blow to terrorists. CON Osama Bin Laden Sea Burial Americans deserved to see Osama bin Laden's body. CON Osama Bin Laden Sea Burial Islamic law flexible to special burials such as Bin Laden's. PRO Osama Bin Laden Sea Burial No alternative to sea burial was available. PRO Osama Bin Laden Sea Burial Sea burial elegant solution to burying Bin Laden's corpse PRO Osama Bin Laden Sea Burial No country would accept his body; sea burial appropriate. PRO Michigan and Florida delegates in 2008 US elections Michigan and Florida knowingly violated the rules and so should be punished CON Dollarization Dollarization will not help nations with sound economic policies CON Dollarization Dollarization is a band-aid approach to poor economic policy CON Dollarization Overnight dollarization is not feasible CON Dollarization The UK would benefit from dollarization PRO Dollarization Dollarization can benefit nations suffering from hyperinflation PRO Ending US sanctions on Cuba Sanctioning Cuba is appropriate punishment for its flouting the UN CON Ending US sanctions on Cuba United Nations Resolutions condemning sanctions have never passed through the Security Council and therefore lack any authority. CON Ending US sanctions on Cuba Sanctions against Cuba have not worked at all in their long history. PRO Ending US sanctions on Cuba Sanctions violate the principle of just war PRO Ending US sanctions on Cuba Sanctions against Cuba violate United Nations resolutions since 1992. PRO Free trade Global governance will make governing free trade possible PRO Superdelegates The US superdelegate system is undemocratic CON Superdelegates Superdelegates represent old era of closed-door politics. CON Legalization of Marijuana There is no evidence that marijuana decreases cognitive functions PRO Legalization of Marijuana Marijuana prohibition is equally impossible as alcohol prohibition PRO Prostitution Prostitution is an inappropriate solution to poverty CON Prostitution Many libertarian feminists consider that prostitution reflects the independence and dominance of modern women. PRO Prostitution State resources should not be wasted fighting prostitution PRO Prostitution Common prostitution is not a biblical conflict PRO Prostitution Governments should not set moral standards on prostitution PRO UN Security Council veto Vietnam supports banning UN security council veto power PRO Abolition of nuclear weapons It's not possible to abolish nuclear weapons now that the are at large. CON Abolition of nuclear weapons Nuclear weapons can not just be simply destroyed or dismantled, CON Abolition of nuclear weapons A nuclear abolition treaty is feasible with worldwide unanimity PRO Abolition of nuclear weapons Israel could be compelled to sign a nuclear weapons ban PRO Return of Israel to pre-1967 borders Pre-1967 borders uphold legitimate Palestinian aspirations. PRO Three Gorges Dam The TGD taps China's underexploited hydroelectric potential PRO Primaries in US elections Well organized conventions have always been coronation events. PRO Hate crime laws Hate crime is a major problem, requiring a state response PRO Hate crime laws Hate crime laws provide special protections like other laws do PRO Assault weapons ban in the United States The Supreme Court has affirmed the individual right to bear arms. CON Assault weapons ban in the United States Semi-automatic weapons has not decimated animal populations. CON Assault weapons ban in the United States There are adequate alternatives to assault weapons for self-defense. PRO Assault weapons ban in the United States Semi-automatic weapons do not serve a sporting purpose PRO Kosovo independence Serbia's abuses in Kosovo are exaggerated CON Kosovo independence Kosovar Albanians have terrorized ethnic Serbs in Kosovo CON Kosovo independence An independent Kosovo is the least bad option now PRO Kosovo independence The potential of violence should not deter a principled move to an independent Kosovo PRO Kosovo independence Kosovo's autonomy within Yugoslavia supports moves to independence PRO Kosovo independence Serbian abuses invalidate their sovereignty over Kosovo PRO Driftnet ban By-catch doesn’t need to be a reason to ban driftnets. CON Driftnet ban The reports of extinction through over-fishing are inconclusive and based on anecdotal evidence. CON Driftnet ban Driftnet fishing is a form of subsistence living for many. CON Driftnet ban An effective driftnet ban must go beyond international waters into countries' Exclusive Economic Zones. PRO Ecotourism Ecotourism is just green-washing for profit CON Corn ethanol Corn ethanol is inferior to sugar ethanol CON Corn ethanol Corn feedstock is a beneficial byproduct of corn ethanol production PRO Corn ethanol Many race cars run on corn ethanol: PRO Boycott of 2008 Olympics in China Boycotting China will be against the spirit of the Olympics CON Boycott of 2008 Olympics in China Olympic boycotts have achieved nothing historically CON Boycott of 2008 Olympics in China China's unwillingness influence Burma's crisis justifies an Olympic Boycott PRO Boycott of 2008 Olympics in China Boycott Beijing Olympics PRO Fish farming ban Farmed fish is not healthy PRO Bush economic stimulus plan A tax rebate is not a sustained, long-term stimulus CON Bush economic stimulus plan Tax Rate Cuts, Not Tax Rebates, Stimulate the Economy CON 700 mile US Mexico border fence US education and health care are more important than building a border fence CON 700 mile US Mexico border fence Building a border fence is not racism PRO 700 mile US Mexico border fence San Diego is symbol of efficacy of fence PRO 700 mile US Mexico border fence The 700 mile fence is not relatively expensive PRO 700 mile US Mexico border fence Good fences make good neighbors PRO Waterboarding Torture violates the dignity of the human being CON Waterboarding Torture violates protections of the vulnerable CON Waterboarding Waterboarding is a mild interrogation technique PRO Waterboarding Torture is justified in saving lives. PRO Waterboarding Torture is justified in the ticking time-bomb scenario PRO Waterboarding Waterboarding is highly valuable in the war on terror PRO Legalization of drugs Forbidden fruit concept is nonsense. CON Legalization of drugs There is no such thing as a safe drug (regulated by the state). CON Legalization of drugs An immoral drug-trade should be confined to criminal-agents rather than governments. CON Legalization of drugs Individuals have the right to control their bodies and consume drugs PRO Legalization of drugs Drug-use does not directly harm others, so it should be legalized PRO Drivers licenses for Illegal immigrants in the US Offering illegal immigrants driver's licenses would violate the rule of law CON Seattle deep-bore tunnel Seattle doesn't need a tunnel highway CON Seattle deep-bore tunnel Environmental groups prefer surface route over tunnel. CON Seattle deep-bore tunnel Development after removing viaduct will pay for tunnel. PRO Seattle deep-bore tunnel Clean electric cars will use Seattle's tunnel. PRO Seattle deep-bore tunnel Tunnel works well with surface-street option. PRO High-speed rail High-speed rail can't work without subsidies. CON High-speed rail High speed rail not best way to create local jobs. CON High-speed rail High-speed trains: costly govt project in search of need CON Mandatory military service Impossible to mandate morality of state CON Mandatory military service Government better off running training schemes. CON Mandatory military service Mandatory military service popular where it exists. PRO No-fly zone over Libya No-fly zone does not constitute military intervention. PRO Military recruiting in public schools Military uses sophisticated persuasion techniques on kids. CON Military recruiting in public schools Recruiters there to persuade, not provide information. CON Military recruiting in public schools Military recruiting in high schools is not essential. CON Military recruiting in public schools Non-military recruiters lack similar resources for recruiting. CON Military recruiting in public schools The military actively strives for honesty among recruiters PRO Military recruiting in public schools The military has a compelling story to tell to youth. PRO Military recruiting in public schools Military recruiters are the nation's first line of defense PRO Bullfighting Unfair fight; bull is severely injured before matador CON Bullfighting Not a fair fight: gang of armed men against one bull. CON Bullfighting Bullfighting is not that big of a tourist draw. CON Bullfighting Majority on bullfighting shouldn't dictate end of tradition PRO Was the War in Iraq worth it? War in Iraq was not mainly against terrorists. CON Was the War in Iraq worth it? Number of US troops lost in Iraq is relatively small PRO Phasing out fossil fuel subsidies Appropriate that oil more heavily subsidized than renewables. CON Castration of sex offenders Castrating sex offenders violates right to deny treatment. CON Castration of sex offenders Innocent shouldn't face choice of more prison vs. castration. CON Castration of sex offenders Castration is better solution than temporary prison PRO Castration of sex offenders Sex predators are monsters who forgo most rights. PRO Castration of sex offenders Sexual assault is one of worst kinds; castration appropriate. PRO Castration of sex offenders Castration is about helping, not hating/hurting offender. PRO Palestinian right of return Palestinians never citizens of Israel, no right to return. CON Palestinian right of return Right of return based on claim of unprovoked victimhood. CON Palestinian right of return No formal international legal right of return for Palestinians CON Palestinian right of return Denationalization of Palestinians illegal; have right of return. PRO Palestinian right of return Israel has consistently dehumanized Palestinians and their rights. PRO Palestinian right of return Unjust for Jews to be able to emigrate, but not Palestinians return. PRO Palestinian right of return Plenty of room in Israel for Palestinians to return PRO Compulsory voting There are many reasons for not participating in elections. CON Compulsory voting Money spent on mandatory voting is better spent elsewhere. CON Compulsory voting Compulsory voting won't necessarily make sure the better and capable government comes into power. CON Compulsory voting Voting is more of a duty than a right. PRO Compulsory voting Voters could be given option to vote none of the above. PRO Puerto Rico statehood in America Puerto Ricans have rejected statehood many times now. CON Puerto Rico statehood in America Puerto Ricans deserve full political rights and citizenship. PRO Puerto Rico statehood in America Puerto Ricans have earned statehood through support of US. PRO Puerto Rico statehood in America Puerto Rico as colony is unacceptable. PRO Puerto Rico statehood in America Puerto Rico has waited for too long for full citizenship. PRO DREAM Act DREAM Act unsupported without comprehensive reform. CON DREAM Act Young illegal immigrants are US asset needing development PRO DREAM Act University leaders almost universally support DREAM Act. PRO Joint JD/MBA degree Law schools offer classes in business; don't need joint degree. CON Joint JD/MBA degree JD/MBA is well suited for a number of specialized fields. PRO Joint JD/MBA degree JD/MBA is great for mergers and acquisitions. PRO Joint JD/MBA degree Deeper knowledge of JD/MBA is always valuable. PRO New START Treaty US should not sign New START to bribe Russia on Iran. CON New START Treaty New START is not adequately verifiable. CON New START Treaty New START is important to medical health. PRO Airport security profiling Terrorists don't fit a neat profile CON Airport security profiling Profiling works well for Israel, can work well elsewhere PRO Airport security profiling Most people accept profiling as necessary for security. PRO Airport security profiling Profiling will help avoid invasive scanners and pat-downs. PRO Underground nuclear waste storage Nuclear energy requires harmful mining/milling of uranium. CON Underground nuclear waste storage Underground storage will never overcome societal fears. CON Underground nuclear waste storage Nuclear-intensive France does not use underground storage. CON Underground nuclear waste storage Scientific consensus supports nuclear waste underground storage PRO Underground nuclear waste storage Underground nuclear waste storage is safest option PRO Underground nuclear waste storage Underground nuclear waste storage far superior than status quo PRO Funding transparency for TV issue ads in elections Opponents of anonymous campaign ads are just clinging to power CON Funding transparency for TV issue ads in elections General statements against disclosing TV issue ad funding CON Funding transparency for TV issue ads in elections Anonymity is essential to free speech in modern democracy CON Funding transparency for TV issue ads in elections Anonymous funding of TV ads runs against principles of free speech PRO Funding transparency for TV issue ads in elections If you're going to attack a candidate, reveal your identity PRO Funding transparency for TV issue ads in elections Attack ads are a part of politics, but sources must be known PRO Funding transparency for TV issue ads in elections Foreign interests could be funding anonymous issue ads PRO Cellulosic ethanol There is not enough land too grow sufficient cellulosic ethanol CON Cellulosic ethanol Processing cellulose is more difficult than starches CON Cellulosic ethanol Cellulosic ethanol packs three-times the energy as corn ethanol. PRO Carbon capture and storage Climate change is best solved by energy efficiency, not CCS CON Carbon capture and storage Carbon capture and storage is smoke-and-mirrors tactic for big coal CON Carbon capture and storage Risks of stored C02 leaking is very low PRO Carbon capture and storage Algae CCS produces valuable bi-products. PRO Geoengineering Geoengineering comes from human hubris; let mother nature work CON Geoengineering Geoengineering risks can be tested, corrected, avoided. PRO Geoengineering Many geoengineering approaches are harmless like painting roofs. PRO Geoengineering Geoengineering solutions often mimic natural mechanisms. PRO Geoengineering Many green orgs and scientists support geoengineering option. PRO Oil sands Tar sands unnecessary if focus is placed on clean energy CON Oil sands Hydrocarbons required in forseeable future, including oil sands PRO Oil sands Better to import oil from Canadian sands than from corrupt regimes PRO Oil sands Oil sands will be used by some states no matter what PRO Oil sands Oil sands are too economically important to abandon PRO Ground zero mosque Developers have right to build ground zero mosque, but should not CON Ground zero mosque First amendment protects right to build ground zero mosque PRO Ground zero mosque Defending mosque honors constitution first responders were protecting. PRO Ground zero mosque Islam is a religion of peace. PRO Open primaries General election are open; primaries are OK to be closed. CON Open primaries Primaries too important in democracy to be internal to parties. PRO Law school Lawyers rarely engage in intellectual work CON Law school New lawyers can gain credibility/responsibility quickly. PRO Law school Practicing law is more art than science. PRO Deporting illegal immigrants in the US No past administration engaged in full deportation campaign CON Deporting illegal immigrants in the US Trail of Tears demonstrates injustice of mass deportation. CON Deporting illegal immigrants in the US Americans oppose the deportation of all illegal immigrants. CON Deporting illegal immigrants in the US General statements in favor of deporting illegals from the US PRO Deporting illegal immigrants in the US Mass deportation has been successful in the past PRO MBA Total cost of MBA (including opportunity costs) is high CON MBA MBA is a good way to get into inner circle of a business PRO MBA Corporate demand for MBA is strong PRO European Monetary Fund EMF will not solve EU structural fiscal problems CON European Monetary Fund Strictly enforcing budgets is better than creating EMF. CON European Monetary Fund EMF funded proportional to GDP unpopular among big states. CON European Monetary Fund European Monetary Fund creates global AND regional system PRO Breastfeeding in public Breasts are also for sex; public breastfeeding indecent CON Breastfeeding in public That breastfeeding is natural does not make it decent in public CON Banning vuvuzela horns at the 2010 World Cup Guests at World Cup should embrace S. African vuvuzela tradition. CON Banning vuvuzela horns at the 2010 World Cup Ear plugs can effectively limit any damage from vuvuzela. CON Banning vuvuzela horns at the 2010 World Cup Fans can be trusted to use vuvuzelas safely. CON Medical marijuana dispensaries That marijuana is herbal does not mean it is safe CON Medical marijuana dispensaries Marijuana is a safer alternative to many medications PRO Instant replay in baseball Machines shouldn't be determining calls in baseball CON Instant replay in baseball Instant replay should not exist for sake of personal achievements CON Instant replay in baseball Not enough important bad calls occur to justify instant replay CON Instant replay in baseball Instant replay does not diminish human element of baseball PRO Israeli raid on Gaza flotilla Israeli raid in international waters violates i-law CON Israeli raid on Gaza flotilla Israeli use of force on flotilla was disproportionate. CON Israeli raid on Gaza flotilla Israel issued warning to Gaza flotilla, which they ignored PRO Israeli raid on Gaza flotilla Israel miscalculated on flotilla, but acted in self-defense PRO Balanced budget amendment to US Constitution Unworkable to measure and define balanced budget CON Balanced budget amendment to US Constitution Congress shouldn't make Amend if it can't make good fiscal leg. CON Balanced budget amendment to US Constitution Balanced budget amend in states is often a bad thing. CON Balanced budget amendment to US Constitution Politicians can't make hard choices; BBA necessary PRO Balanced budget amendment to US Constitution General statements in favor of balanced budget amendment. PRO Balanced budget amendment to US Constitution Balanced budget will bring fed spending in line with states'. PRO Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010 Consumers can be protected w/o new financial bureaucracy CON Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010 Capitalism is wonderful, but requires regulations PRO Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010 Goldman Sachs fraud case highlighted need for financial reform PRO Greece bailout Public opinion does not support the Greece bailout CON Greece bailout Greek debt is too large for bailout to solve CON Greece bailout Bailout addresses wrong problem: liquidity not solvency CON Greece bailout Bailing out Greece is a necessary evil PRO Greece bailout Bailout of Greece provides long-term solution. PRO Mine Ban Treaty (Ottawa Treaty) Geneva Conventions regulates use of landmines; ban is excessive. CON Mine Ban Treaty (Ottawa Treaty) Mine Ban Treaty fails to distinguish between different kinds of mines. CON Mine Ban Treaty (Ottawa Treaty) Efforts to clear landmines should be improved, instead banning them. CON Mine Ban Treaty (Ottawa Treaty) The usefulness of landmines is significantly over-represented PRO Graduated response antipiracy laws Graduated response unnecessary; antipiracy laws already exist CON Graduated response antipiracy laws Graduated response is best compromise b/w stakeholders PRO Network neutrality Existing laws check unfair practices by broadband owners CON Network neutrality Net Neutrality is a solution in search of a problem CON Network neutrality ISPs have right to free speech, including right to limit access. CON Network neutrality Net neutrality regulates service providers, not Internet PRO Network neutrality Net neutrality has historical precedent PRO Constitutionality of US health insurance mandates Not buying insurance is no transaction; no commerce clause authority CON Constitutionality of US health insurance mandates There is no fundamental right to go without insurance PRO Constitutionality of US health insurance mandates Health insurance mandates fall under taxation powers PRO Constitutionality of US health insurance mandates Commerce clause gives power to mandate health insurance PRO US debt ceiling deal Sweeping statements against the debt deal. CON US debt ceiling deal Deal far less damaging than default. PRO US debt ceiling deal Deal's cuts more modest than GOP wanted; easier on econ. PRO US debt ceiling deal Debt ceiling helps Obama appeal to moderates. PRO US offshore oil drilling Allowing offshore drilling is all about oil company profits CON US offshore oil drilling Offshore oil still valuable, even if years away PRO US offshore oil drilling Offshore drilling has a very strong environmental record PRO US offshore oil drilling Offshore drilling rigs are resilient, withstanding even hurricanes PRO Google decision to stop censoring results in China Google should not politicize its commerce in China CON Google decision to stop censoring results in China Bad idea for Google to leave biggest search market CON Google decision to stop censoring results in China Google's decision in China was mostly ethics, not business PRO War on Drugs War on Drugs has been effective in many places PRO War on Drugs War on Drugs is a good idea even if not winnable PRO War on Drugs State justified in protecting individuals from own drug abuse. PRO Gay marriage Acceptance of gay marriage should not be imposed on citizens CON Gay marriage Marriage is mainly for reproduction; can't include gays CON Gay marriage Gay parenting is just as good as straight parenting PRO Gay marriage Marriage is about much more than kids; gays qualify PRO Gay marriage Gay marriage should not be banned for tradition PRO Gay marriage Gay marriage is a fundamental, equal right PRO Corporate personhood Corps. not full community-members, ineligible for personhood CON Corporate personhood Corporations are property; should have few rights CON Corporate personhood Corps focus on profits, not eligible for rights CON Corporate personhood Corporations have a right to defend their interests PRO Corporate free speech Free speech does not apply equally to companies CON Corporate free speech Wrong to fine/jail corporate citizens for speech PRO Corporate free speech Voters can be trusted to judge corporate speech/messages PRO Big government Government avoids pitfalls of focus on profits PRO College football playoffs College football can evolve to include a playoff PRO 2010 US bank tax 2010 bank tax is pure populism CON 2010 US bank tax Bailout benefited taxpayers; repayment unnecessary CON 2010 US bank tax Bank tax will not crimp lending to taxpayers PRO 2010 US bank tax Bank tax is not too great of a burden on banks PRO Full-body scanners at airports Scanners do not reveal things in body cavities CON Full-body scanners at airports There are better alternatives to body scanners at airports CON Full-body scanners at airports Full-body scanners are very expensive. CON Full-body scanners at airports Scanners can be modified to accommodate children. PRO US health care reform 2009 health bill rushed through for political reasons CON US health care reform 2009 health care reform bill can be improved over time PRO Direct democracy Being part of the process is a requirement in a democracy. PRO Direct democracy Direct democracy is relatively cheap PRO Affirmative action Minority schools disprove perceived value of diversity CON Affirmative action Affirm action justly asks whites to sacrifice for common good PRO Affirmative action Diversity is supplimentary to goal of fairness. PRO EU elected president Strong presidential state powers are unnecessary and uncalled for. CON EU elected president EU population not involved enough to elect president CON EU elected president Being a part of the process is an important requirement in any democracy. PRO Gene patents Genes cannot be owned practically, are part of commons CON Gene patents Isolated gene sequences are new, not part of nature PRO Gene patents Gene sequencing can be useful and thus can be patented. PRO Gene patents Little evidence exists that gene patents hurt research PRO Gays in the US military Most members of US military support ban on gays CON Gays in the US military Gay soldiers do not undermine unit morale and cohesion PRO Gays in the US military Privacy issues with gays in the military can be resolved PRO Nuclear energy Uranium is abundant and will last for hundreds of years PRO Nuclear energy Nuclear energy economies of scale are improving PRO Nuclear energy Nuclear waste radiation no worse than natural radiation PRO Pornography Pornography does not denigrate/harm women. PRO Pornography Pornography is an expression falling under freedom of speech. PRO