Middle School Public Debate Program

Source: http://www.middleschooldebate.com/topics/topicresearch.htm
Topic Research Guide
This page archives past and active debate topics, and includes links to resources on the World
Wide Web for successful and challenging middle school debate topics. f !ou are looking for
information on topics that will be debated at tournaments this month, look at our "upcoming
topics " page. This page contains research links to information about the following topics:
#$%& schools should ban 'unk food sales.
(edical testing on animals does more good than harm.
School vouchers should be allowed.
The ) S Government subsid! of the arts should end.
*orporal punishment of children should be illegal.
The )nited States should close its Guantanamo prison.
(iddle schools should have mandator! drug testing for participation in e+tracurricular
activities.
,ood aid does more harm than good.
*ell phones should be allowed in schools.
The )nited States of -merica should rel! on alternative energ! sources instead of fossil
fuels.
Television is a bad influence on children.
-ll schools should provide students with music and art education.
The federal government.s response to /urricane #atrina was appropriate.
-merican intervention in ra0 has done more good than harm.
Governor Schwar1enegger has been good for *alifornia.
*ongress should pass the "*lear Skies" initiative .
/omework should be banned.
*alifornia should raise the driving age to %2.
The legal s!stem should have the option to charge 'uveniles as adults in murder cases.
The )nited States should ban the death penalt!.
1
*lassrooms should have closed$circuit cameras.
Russia is more an enem! than an all! of the )nited States.
*alifornia should make it mandator! for citi1ens to vote in elections .
n this case, Grand Theft -uto is more responsible than 3evin (oore for the crime.
The )nited States should amend the *onstitution to allow foreign born citi1ens to serve
as 4resident.
The )nited States should have a draft for militar! service.
*alifornia high schools should substantiall! e+pand vocational training .
5eaut! pageants do more harm than good.
The )nited States should e+pand its use of nuclear power.
Stem cell research should be e+panded.
,ast food restaurants do more harm than good.
Schools should provide for single se+ instruction.
6unior high and high schools should randoml! test their athletes for drug use.
4h!sician$assisted suicide should be legali1ed.
The )nited States should sign and ratif! the #!oto 4rotocol.
The )S should eliminate farm subsidies.
7oos do more harm than good.
,ried foods should have warning labels.
The 3istrict of *olumbia *urfew law8The 6uvenile *urfew -ct of %99: 83* *ode ;$
&%2%<< does more harm than good.
4rofessional athletes should be role models.
The ,rench government should permit students to wear visible religious s!mbols in state
schools.
The atomic bombing of /iroshima was 'ustified.
Wal$(art is good for -merica.
-lgebra should not be re0uired for high school graduation.
5usinesses should not place advertisements in schools.
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t is unethical to eat meat.
n the case of student lockers, school safet! is more important than student privac!.
The =o *hild >eft 5ehind -ct has done more good than harm.
,ossil fuels are easil! replaced.
Single se+ schools are better for students than co$ed schools in grades #$%&.
Repeal the (ilitar! *ommissions -ct.
The 4resident of the )nited States should be elected b! the direct vote of the people.
The ). S. should end the embargo on *uba.
There should be !ear$round schooling for students in grades #$%&.
School vouchers should be allowed.
School Vouchers: The Wrong Choice for Public Education
http://www.adl.org/vouchers/vouchers_ain.asp
The opposition can use this site to understand arguments against vouchers. The -nti$3efamation
>eague e+plains their arguments about wh! vouchers are dangerous.
What Would ! School Voucher "u#$$The %eal Cost &f Private Schools
http://www.cato.org/pubs/briefs/bp'()*.htl
This paper is useful for the proposition. 3avid 5oa1 and R. (orris 5errett, of the *-T? institute,
e+plain wh! public schools are failing, how vouchers are cheaper for the government than public
education, and how vouchers empower families.
School Vouchers
http://www.asu.edu/educ/epsl/EP%+/docuents/cerai'((',-.ht
5oth sides will find arguments to create a case in this polic! brief. The *enter for @ducation
Research, -nal!sis, and nnovation uses research and statistical information to e+plain arguments
for and against vouchers.
Vouchers
http://www.nea.org/vouchers/inde..htl
This is useful to the opposition. The =ational @ducation -ssociation presents educational, social,
legal, and political arguments against vouchers.
School Vouchers
http://www.rdc.udel.edu/polic#_briefs/v-/_!pril.pdf
5oth sides can use this polic! brief. The *ollege of /uman Services, @dcation, and 4ublic 4olic!
of the )niversit! of 3elaware e+amines ke! issues behind the voucher debate using research
studies.
The U S Government subsidy of the arts should end.
3
C!T& 0andboo1 for Congress
http://www.cato.org/pubs/handboo1/hb-(*'-/.htl
This site provides ver! specific and detailed arguments for wh! art subsidies should be eliminated. The site additionall! e+plains wh! the
=ational @ndowment for the -rts 8=@-< and the =ational @ndowment for the /umanities 8=@/< should be privati1ed.
The Separation of !rt and State
http://www.cato.org/speeches/sp'as*,.htl
This article entitled, "The Separation of -rt and State" provides a variet! or arguments for the proposition. The author bases most of his
arguments on constitutional and legal reasoning. ,urthermore, the author points to historical e+amples and the intent of the founding fathers to
e+plain his arguments.
mportance of ,ederal ,unding for the 4erforming -rts
http://www.americanartsalliance.org/americanartsalliance/importanceAfeder
alAfundingAarts.html
The opposition would find this site ver! informative. This article provides various reasons for wh! government funding of the arts is
crucial and wh! the =@- is an important organi1ation.
2act Sheet: "enefits of the !rts
http://www.artspresenters.org/advocac#/grassroots/factsheet.cf
This fact sheet will help the opposition side. The authors, the -ssociation of 4erforming -rts 4resenters, show the benefits of the arts
and how =@- support enables these benefits.
Corporal punishment of children should be illegal.
The influence of corporal punishment on crime
http://www.naturalchild.com/research/corporalApunishment.html
The proposition can use this paper to create a case. -dah (aurer, 4h.3. and 6ames S. Wallerstein use research to e+plain how corporal
punishment is linked to violent behavior in children.
@+perts: Spanking /arms *hildren, @speciall! Girls
http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm/d!n/aid/;;&/conte+t/archive
This article is useful to the proposition. (elinda Rice e+plains the dangers of corporal punishment to women.s rights.
Boluntar! *orporal 4unishment Reduces Suspension Rates
http://www.secondar!english.com/voluntar!.html
The opposition can use this article to prepare arguments. Tim Cance! e+plains how a voluntar! corporal punishment program has
reduced tardiness in schools.
5anning *orporal 4unishment of *hildren: - 4osition 4aper
http://www.stophitting.com/disathome/sureshrani.php
The proposition can use this article to prepare a case. Sureshrani 4aintal outlines reasons wh! corporal punishment does more harm
than good. -lternative modes of punishment are e+plained.
The United States should close its Guantanamo prison.
*lose Guantanamo 4rison
http://www.truthout.org/docsA&DD:/D:&ED:5.shtml
>aw professor (ar'orie *ohn argues that the )nited States should close its Guantanamo prison in this editorial. The article is most
useful for the proposition side, as it la!s out the basic arguments for closing the prison.
3on.t *lose Guantanamo Without 4rotecting the Rights of the 3etainees
http://www.dukenews.duke.edu/&DD:/DF/guantanamooped.html
This article, which is primaril! for the opposition, argues that it is a bad idea to close the prison because the alternatives for prisoners
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will be worse. To read the article, it will be helpful to understand what the polic! of "rendition" is. To learn more about rendition, visit
this link: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/&DD:/DE/DG/;Dminutes/main;F2%::.shtml .
*lose *amp 3elta
http://www.alternet.org/rights/&&%2:/
(ichael 4osner, the e+ecutive director of /uman Rights ,irst, argues for closing the prison at Guantanamo. The article is mainl!
useful for the proposition side. The author argues that closing the prison would reduce torture b! the )nited States and other countries.
,act sheet on detainees at Guantanamo
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/&DD&/D&/&DD&D&DF$%E.html
This fact sheet, which will be helpful to both sides in the debate, is provided b! the White /ouse to show policies related to treatment
of detainees at Guantanamo.
Guantanamo regime defended b! )S
http://news.bbc.co.uk/&/hi/americas/EG2F:GE.stm
This article, from the 5ritish 5roadcasting *orporation, will primaril! help the opposition. t la!s out the case for keeping the prison,
and shows what the ma'or arguments are for the necessit! of the prison.
Middle schools should have mandatory drug testing for participation in
etracurricular activities.
"The @ffectiveness and >egalit! of Random 3rug Testing 4olicies"
http://www.sportsafe.com/=H&Dsurve!.43,
This article is for the proposition. -uthor 6oseph R. (c#inne! discusses the results of a stud! he conducted that revealed that random
drug testing was effective in reducing drug use in schools.
"Relationship 5etween Student llicit 3rug )se and School 3rug$Testing
4olicies"
http://www.monitoringthefuture.org/pubs/te+t/r!ld'pomDE.pdf
This article is for the opposition. t is a stud! that shows drug testing does not reduce drug use among students. The stud! is prett!
hard to read, but students can skip the data and e+amine the introduction and the conclusion carefull!.
"Wh! 3rug Tests ,lunk" b! 6anelle 5rown
http://archive.salon.com/mwt/feature/&DD&/DG/&&/drugAtesting/
This article is for the opposition. t argues that random drug testing does not keep students from using drugs. t simpl! causes them to
find wa!s to pass a drug test without actuall! giving up their drug habit.
"*ompensating 5ehavior and the 3rug Testing of /igh School -thletes"
http://www.cato.org/pubs/'ournal/c'%;nE$:.html
This article is for the opposition. t e+plains how onl! testing student athletes can actuall! lead to an increase in overall drug use.
Robert Ta!lor, the author, argues that these policies encourage athletes to 0uit sports for fear of being drug tested. This causes former
student athletes to hang around non$athletes who have higher rates of drug use than athletes, making them more likel! to use drugs.
3rug ,ree -merica: Reasons for Student 3rug Testing
http://www.dfaf.org/studentdrugtesting/
This site supports the proposition side. t outlines some basic advantages of drug testing in schools. t also answers fre0uentl! asked
0uestions about this topic. Some of the information here is also available on the ?ffice of =ational 3rug *ontrol 4olic!.s website:
http://www.whitehousedrugpolic!.gov/publications/drugAtesting/ .
!ood aid does more harm than good.
*an aid do more harm than goodI
http://news.bbc.co.uk/&/hi/africa/G%2:::D.stm
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This article from the 55* 85ritish 5roadcasting *orporation< website la!s out the basic arguments for the proposition side, including
e+amples from several -frican countries. =ote that "=G?" is an abbreviation for "=on$Governmental -genc!," which refers to
charities and other agencies distributing aid.
",or God.s Sake, 4lease Stop the -idJ"
http://service.spiegel.de/cache/international/spiegel/D,%:%2,E;E;;E,DD.html
This article, published in the German newspaper 3er Spiegel, is an interview with an economist from #en!a. The article is mainl!
useful for the proposition side, as it details the harms associated with food aid in #en!a and other poor countries.
/ow We )se ,ood -id
http://www.wfp.org/foodAaid/introduction/inde+.aspI
sectionK%&LsubAsectionK%
/ere the World ,ood 4rogramme 8W,4< details the benefits of the food aid it provides as part of the )nited =ations. This site will
primaril! benefit the opposition on this topic. ?ther parts of the W,4.s Web site will also be helpful, as the! contain interactive maps
and information about different countries.
,ift! Cears of ).S. ,ood -id and ts Role in Reducing World /unger
http://www.ers.usda.gov/-mberwaves/SeptemberDG/,eatures/usfoodaid.htm
This article, published in the 'ournal of the )nited States 3epartment of -griculture, will help the opposition prepare. n it, the authors
argue for the benefits of food aid to man! countries over :D !ears.
Cell phones should be allowed in schools.
Schools Tr! to 3raw the >ine for Wired #ids
http://www.chron.com/cs/*3-/ssistor!.mpl/topstor!/EED29DD
This article, from the /ouston *hronicle, is useful for both sides to prepare. t e+plains the arguments for both sides of the debate
about cell phones in schools.
/old the 4hone
http://www.electronic$school.com/&DDD/D9/D9DDsbot.html
This article will help both sides. The =ational School 5oards -ssociation weighs both sides in the debate about cell phones in schools
and shows e+amples of different policies in different districts regarding cell phone use in schools.
Schools (ake Rules for *ell 4hone =o$=os
http://www.fo+news.com/stor!/D,&9EE,%EE&D2,DD.html
This is another article that will help both sides in the debate. Reporter *atherine 3onaldson$@vans shows how schools are reacting to
cell phones in schools and what some of the conse0uences of restricting phones might be. She also shows that regulations ma! be
more effective than a simple ban on phones.
/igh$tech cheating comes to high schools
http://www.detnews.com/&DD:/schools/D:D9/&G/Dscho$E&:FF9.htm
This article will mostl! help the opposition. The author, reporting for The 3etroit =ews, shows that there is a concern that cell phones
will allow students to cheat more easil!.
The United States of "merica should rely on alternative energy sources
instead of fossil fuels.
,ossil ,uels
http://www.darvill.clara.net/altenerg/fossil.htm
5oth sides will find useful information on this page, designed b! a science teacher. The advantages and disadvantages of fossil fuels
are e+plained.
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*onsumer @nerg! *ouncil of -merica: ,ossil ,uel ,acts
http://www.cecarf.org/4rograms/,uels/,uelfacts/,ossil,uel,acts.html
This site is useful for the opposition. n a 0uestion and answer format, the council e+plains the pros and cons of different kinds of
fossil fuels.
=orth *arolina Sustainable @nerg! -ssociation: Renewable @nerg!
http://www.ncsustainableenerg!.org/renewable/renewablesAinde+.html
This site is especiall! helpful for the proposition. ,ive renewable energ! resources are e+plained and criti0ued.
-lternative @nerg!: 4roblems and Solutions
http://librar!.think0uest.org/%:;2G/main.html
The proposition can use this site to build a case for renewable energ!. -rguments against fossil fuels and information promoting
alternative energ! are present within the site.
Television is a bad influence on children.
55* =ews /ealth: Watching TB .is 5ad for *hildren.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/%/hi/health/E;DE&E:.stm
This article is especiall! helpful to the proposition. The article e+plains new research that suggests that TB has bad impacts on child
development. There are also additional links to other articles about how TB has been positivel! linked with learning disorders and
obesit!.
#ids /ealth: /ow TB -ffects Cour *hild
http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/famil!/tvAaffectsAchild.html
This website is helpful to the proposition. This article e+plains how TB affects development, obesit!, and other behaviors in children.
)niversit! of (ichigan: Cour *hild and Television
http://www.med.umich.edu/%libr/!ourchild/tv.htm
This )niversit! of (ichigan site is useful for the proposition. There are research and statistics given about how television impacts the
mental, ph!sical, and emotional health of children.
*hildren.s Television Shows /ave a =ew /ealth! (essage for #ids
http://kidstvmovies.about.com/od/childrenstvnewsinfo/a/tvhealth.htm
The opposition will find relevant information in this article. *are! 5r!son e+plains how television can help children learn health!
behaviors.
5rain *and!
http://www.new!orker.com/critics/books/articles/D:D:%;crboAbooks
n this article from the =ew Corker, author (alcolm Gladwell reviews Steven 6ohnson.s book @ver!thing 5ad is Good for Cou . This
article is helpful for the opposition, as it outlines the benefits of watching modern television.
"ll schools should provide students with music and art education.
(usic @ducation ,acts and ,igures
http://www.menc.org/information/advocate/facts.html
This site is useful for the proposition. Research and statistics are given to support arguments in favor of music education.
The federal government#s response to $urricane %atrina was appropriate.
-n -ppropriate and *alculated Response to /urricane #atrina
http://www.e1inearticles.com/I-n$-ppropriate$and$*alculated$Response$
to$/urricane$#atrinaLidKF&%EG
Teacher 8and firefighter< R!an (urph! argues that the federal government.s response was appropriate to its role, and that local and
state governments were mostl! responsible for the failed response. This article will primaril! help the proposition side.
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"merican intervention in &ra' has done more good than harm.
War in ra0: =ot a /umanitarian ntervention
http://hrw.org/wr&kG/E.htm
The opposition can use this report to prepare. The /uman Rights Watch e+plains wh! )S militar! intervention in ra0 is does more
harm than good in terms of humanitarian efforts.
5alanced 4olitics: War on ra0
http://www.balancedpolitics.org/ira0Awar.htm
5oth sides can use this site. 5alancedpolitics.org lists ma'or arguments for and against militar! intervention in ra0.
4ro*on.org: Should the )S -ttack ra0 With or Without the )=I
http://www.usira0procon.org/
5oth the proposition and opposition will find this site useful. )S/ra0 4ro*on goes into detail about issues surrounding the war
including histor!, oil, the cost of war, Saddam /ussein, global securit!, and terrorism.
- =ecessar! War
http://www.aei.org/publications/pub3.%GE2:,filter.foreign/pubAdetail.asp
This article is useful to the opposition. Reuel (arc Gerecht looks past obvious ob'ections about militar! intervention and anal!1es
how intervention make the world safer.
Congress should pass the (Clear S)ies( initiative.
*lear Skies nitiative *louds the ssue
http://www.alternet.org/stor!/%;F9:
This article is helpful to the opposition. #ari >!dersen e+plains wh! the "*lear Skies" nitiative does not help the environmental
problems that it sets out to solve.
*learing the -ir on *lear Skies
http://www.environmentaldefense.org/article.cfmI*ontent3K&%29
The opposition will find this useful. @nvironmental 3efense -ttourne! Bicki 4atton e+poses shortcomings of the initiative.
4artl! Sunn!: 5ush.s *lear Skies nitiative sn.t /alf 5ad
http://www.washingtonmonthl!.com/features/&DDG/DG%&.whitman.html
This article is helpful for the proposition. 3avid Whitman cuts through backlash against the initiative and e+plains wh! it is a step in
the right direction .
*lear Skies, =o >ies
http://www.brook.edu/views/op$ed/easterbrook/&DD:D&%;.htm
The proposition can use this article to prepare cases. Gregg @asterbrook e+plains wh! the initiative is better than man! environmental
groups, politicians, and the media would make it seem.
$omewor) should be banned.
/omework and ts Role in *onstructive 4edagog!
http://lrs.ed.uiuc.edu/students/plato%/constructhome/inde+.html
The proposition and opposition can browse this site for information. The site contains research and statistics on both sides of the
homework debate.
The /omework -te (! ,amil!
http://www.time.com/time/&DDE/kids/homework.html
The proposition can use this article to prepare. Time (aga1ine e+plains how homework is ebbing awa! at student health and famil!
life.
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California should raise the driving age to *+.
Raise the 3riving -ge to %2
http://www.post$ga1ette.com/pg/D:DED/GG9;%9.stm
5oth sides can use this article to prepare. Teenagers weigh in on the driving age debate.
s %; too Coung to 3rive a *arI
http://www.usatoda!.com/news/nation/&DD:$DE$D&$teens$cars$main$
usatA+.htm
The proposition can use this article to prepare. )S- Toda! tries to e+plain wh! %; !ear olds have a high driving fatalit! rate.
?fficials /ope to *urb -ccidents b! Raising 3riving -ge
http://www.ipromiseprogram.com/links/?fficialsH&DhopeH&DtoH&Dcurb
H&DaccidentsH&D$H&D/eraldH&D$H&DS*.htm
The proposition will find this useful. This brief article e+plains how South *arolina is dealing with teen driving fatalities.
The *enters for 3isease *ontrol ,actbook: Teens 5ehind the Wheel
http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factAbook/&FATeensA5ehindAWheel.htm
5oth sides can use this site to prepare. The *enters for 3isease *ontrol presents statistics about teenage driving.
4erple+ed, Be+ed b! Teen 3riving
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp$d!n/articles/-G9DF%$&DD:6an:.html
This site is helpful to the opposition. Readers of the Washington 4ost e+plain wh! raising the driving age will increase teen driving
fatalities.
The legal system should have the option to charge ,uveniles as adults in
murder cases.
Couth *rime/-dult Time: s 6ustice ServedI
http://www.buildingblocksfor!outh.org/!cat/!cat.html
The opposition can use this site to prepare. 6olanta 6us1kiewic1 uses statistics and research to highlight the problems with charging
'uveniles as adults.
The Wrong -nswer to >ittleton: - ,ew Teen *riminals 5elong in 4rison,
but (ost do =ot
http://www.washingtonmonthl!.com/features/%999/99D;.twohe!.littleton.ht
ml
This article is useful to the opposition. The Washington (onthl! e+plores wh! charging
'uveniles as adults is not the best remed! for 'uvenile crime.
4unishing Teen *riminals >ike *riminals
http://www.ncpa.org/Mncpa/hotlines/'uvcrm/solEa.html
The proposition can use this site to prepare. The =*4- uses a fact sheet format to e+plain the current status of the 'uvenile crime
issue.
The United States should ban the death penalty.
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3eath 4enalt! nformation *enter: ssues
http://www.deathpenalt!info.org/getcat.phpIcidKE
The proposition and opposition can use this site to prepare cases. (an! issues concerning the death penalt! are e+plained in depth.
6ustice ,or -ll: 4ro $ 3eath 4enalt!
http://www.prodeathpenalt!.com/
This site would be useful for the opposition. t provides answers to man! common arguments against the death penalt!, has an
e+tensive database of death penalt! cases, and contains statistical data.
The -merican *ivil >iberties )nion
http://www.aclu.org/3eath4enalt!/3eath4enalt!(ain.cfm
This site would be useful for the proposition. There are links to several articles and e+cerpts from anti$death penalt! publications.
Classrooms should have closed-circuit cameras.
Tro+ell /elps *losed$*ircuit TB Surveillance in Schools
http://www.infocomm.org/=ewsnetwork/inde+.cfmIob'ect3KD*5D92,&$
D3;E$GE2G$2392G;;-&-*9;9,*
-n article e+plaining how Tro+ell, a compan!, set up closed$circuit cameras in schools. (ostl! for the proposition side, this article is
also useful for e+plaining how such cameras work.
4rotests -gainst Surveillance *ameras
http://www.notbored.org/camera$protests.html
nformation for the opposition side, including man! do1ens of articles about protests against surveillance cameras all over the world.
-lso links to reports showing that cameras are abused and do not prevent crime.
.ussia is more an enemy than an ally of the United States.
).S. $ Russian Relations at the Turn of the *entur!: Report of the *arnegie
@ndowment for nternational 4eace
http://www.ceip.org/programs/ruseuras/usrus/usrepteng.htm
This report is useful for the opposition and proposition. The! sections entitled "?verview","Wh! Russia (atters", "Strategic and
Securit! ssues", and "Regional ssues" are paticularl! useful in understanding -merica.s relationship with Russia.
The =ew Russia: ,riend or ,oe
http://www.milnet.com/afi/new$russia.htm
This site is useful to the proposition. (>=@T provides an anal!sis of current Russian domestic and foreign polic! in order to gauge if
Russia is an all! or foe to the )nited States.
California should ma)e it mandatory for citi/ens to vote in elections.
s it Time to *onsider (andator! Boting >awsI
http://writ.news.findlaw.com/dean/&DDED&&2.html
,ormer 4residential *ounsel 6ohn 3ean argues that it ma! be time for mandator! voting. This article is useful and well written, and
mostl! supports the proposition side of the motion.
Boting should be mandator! for all citi1ens
http://badgerherald.com/oped/&DDG/%%/%&/votingAshouldAbeAman.php
n an article in the )niversit! of Wisconsin$(adison.s student newspaper, an editorial argues for compulsor! voting.
&n this case0 Grand Theft "uto is more responsible than Devin Moore for the
crime.
10
This last topic deals with a specific case featured on ;D (inutes this past
Sunda!. - link the stor! is here:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/&DD:/DE/DG/;Dminutes/main;F2&;%.shtml .
The stor!, "*an a video game lead to murderI" is about a lawsuit charging
that too much time pla!ing Grand Theft -uto led 3evin (oore to kill
several police officers in -labama. The issue for the debate is whether or not
this lawsuit is correct in alleging that the game is more responsible than
3evin (oore.
Bideo Game Biolence and 4ublic 4olic!
http://culturalpolic!.uchicago.edu/conf&DD%/papers/walsh.html
This research paper sponsored b! the =ational nstitute on (edia and the ,amil! is useful for the
proposition.
Written b! 3r. 3avid Walsh, this paper summari1es man! studies that have been done
over the !ears about violent behavior and video games.
Bideo Games and *hildren
http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content&/video.games.html
5oth sides can use this source to prepare for the debate. The article weighs different scientific
studies done about video games.
Biolent Bideo Games: (!ths, ,acts, and )nanswered Nuestions
http://www.apa.org/science/psa/sb$anderson.html
This article b! 3r. *raig -. -nderson is useful to the proposition. /e outlines man! m!ths about
children and video games that can be turned into arguments against violent video games.
5lame Game: Gamers Sa! Social 4roblems, =ot Bideo Games, *ause
Biolence
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi$bin/article.cgiI
fileK/gate/archive/&DD&/D%/%G/gameviol.3T>
The opposition can use this article to prepare their case. -nnalee =ewit1 reacts
to the wa! that people blame video games for violent act of children instead of social problems.
3oes 4la!ing Biolent Bideo Games *ause -ggressive 5ehaviorI
http://culturalpolic!.uchicago.edu/conf&DD%/papers/goldstein.html
This research paper is useful to the opposition. 3r. 6effre! Goldstein highlights flaws and
inconsistencies in most studies that identif! video games as the cause of aggressive behavior.
The United States should amend the Constitution to allow foreign born
citi/ens to serve as President.
)S- Toda! stor!: Should the *onstitution be amended for -rnoldI
Statement of ).S. Representative 6ohn *on!ers
nformation about how the *onstitution is amended and has been amended
11
-n article in the Washington Times about the issue
- professor at S!racuse )niversit! weighs in on allowing foreign$born
citi1ens to be 4resident
The United States should have a draft for military service.
-bout the Selective Service S!stem and the draft
Some basic information on the draft and some basic issue to consider and
discuss
5ruce *hapman, writing in the 5rookings Review, on the case against
universal militar! service
4ro and con on the need for a draft, from the -merican @nterprise ?nline
The case for a draft, from the Washington (onthl!
California high schools should substantially epand vocational training .
The web site of the *alifornia Regional ?ccupational 4rogram 8*-R?*4<
-n article about using vocational education to reduce the dropout rate
The argument against emphasi1ing computer skills in the classroom
The case for changing the wa! we do vocational education
1eauty pageants do more harm than good.
The /arvard )niversit! Ga1ette reports on beaut! pageants for children.
- research paper that is critical of beaut! pageants for children.
,rom the ,o+ =ews website, a defense of beaut! pageants. (ake sure to
look up the words !ou don.t knowJ
Time maga1ine e+plores the world of beaut! pageants
The United States should epand its use of nuclear power.
,rom /ow Stuff Works, information about how nuclear power works.
Wh! ,rance uses a lot of nuclear power.
4ublic *iti1en.s web page opposing the use of nuclear power.
The website of the World =uclear -ssociation, representing nuclear power
companies, on the case for nuclear power.
Stem cell research should be epanded.
12
Stem *ell Research ,oundation:
http://www.stemcellresearchfoundation.org/
This website provides several links that will assist !ou in preparing for the proposition side. t
includes links to important updates about the progress of stem cell research.
3o =o /arm: The *oalition of -mericans for Research @thics:
http://www.stemcellresearch.org/
This site will greatl! assist in opposition preparation. t provides a lot of information about
wh! e+panding stem cell research is unethical and unnecessar!. t also contains links to man!
relevant news articles. 5elow are descriptions and links to specific pages on the
site that students might find useful.
"@mbr!onic stem cell therap! .morall! unacceptable." 855* =ews<
http://news.bbc.co.uk/%/hi/programmes/if/GDE2&2%.stm
This article is useful in preparing for the opposition side. t e+plains wh! embr!onic stem
cell research is unethical and e+plores some of the alternatives to stem cell research.
"@mbr!onic stem cell therap! .best route." 855* =ews<
http://news.bbc.co.uk/%/hi/programmes/if/GD:GFEE.stm
This article can be used to prepare for the proposition side. 4rofessor /arr! (oore describes wh!
e+panding embr!onic
stem cell research is important. /e argues that embr!onic stem cells are the ke! to
fighting man! incurable medical conditions and diseases.
>ife ssues: "Stem *ell Research: Some 4ros and *ons"
http://www.lifeissues.net/writers/irv/irvA%9stemcellprocon.html
This article provides answers to some ke! 0uestions in the stem cell debateO it strives to be
informative, rather than persuasive. t also summari1es the positions of both sides on the various
positions 8although the author appears to support banning embr!onic stem cell research so the
article is not entirel! balanced<.
!ast food restaurants do more harm than good.
",ast$food restaurants face legal grilling" 8 *hristian Science (onitor <
http://www.csmonitor.com/&DD&/D2D2/p%GsD%$us'u.html
This article provides information about the law suits that various people have filed against fast
food restaurants for contributing to individuals. obesit!.
"/ouse bans fast$food lawsuits" 8*==.com<
http://www.cnn.com/&DDG/>-W/DE/%D/fat.lawsuits/
This article discusses the bill that the /ouse of Representatives passed to ban fast food lawsuits.
The representatives who supported the bill consider the piece of legislation an important step in
decreasing the nation.s "frivolous lawsuits."
"5urger #ing )ncowed"
http://www.informedeating.org/docs/burgerAkingAuncowed.html
This article discusses how, even though 5urger #ing has introduced a new vegetarian burger, this
vegetarian burger in addition to the other food is still e+tremel! unhealth!. -dditionall!, it
13
discusses some of the environmental impacts of this new product and e+amines issues of animal
welfare.
"The Super$si1ing of -merica: -re ,ast ,ood *hains to 5lame for the
=ation.s ?besit!I"
http://speakout.com/activism/issueAbriefs/%EEEb$%.html
This article briefl! discusses the growing problem of obesit! in -merica. t also provides reasons
both for and against blaming this problem on fast food chains.
Schools should provide for single se instruction.
*alifornia Stud!: Single$se+ no cure$all
http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm/d!n/aid/:F%/conte+t/cover/
- report on the *alifornia pro'ect several !ears ago to test single$se+ instruction. The program
was ended, and this article e+plores the reasons for that. - great resource for understanding the
opposition side of the topic.
"Separate $ 5ut Still Short$*hanged"
http://www.sadker.org/e0$sep.htm
-n interesting article, originall! published in the Washington 4ost, that e+plores the need to
further stud! the costs and benefits of separating girls and bo!s in the classroom. The authors
believe that single$se+ instruction can be valuable but also dangerous. -rguments for both sides
are in this article.
"Single$Se+ Schooling .5enefits Girls."
http://education.guardian.co.uk/publicschools/stor!/D,%&:D:,%E:%2:D,DD.ht
ml
,rom the 5ritish newspaper, the Guardian, a report that single$se+ education helps girls do better
in math and science.
"Single$Se+ *lasses Give Scores a 5oost"
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/sun/&DDG/mar/DG/:%;G;;;9E.ht
ml
-n article from the >as Begas Sun e+plores the reasons to prefer single$se+ education while
outlining current polic! towards single$se+ instruction.
2unior high and high schools should randomly test their athletes for drug use.
"The @ffectiveness and >egalit! of Random 3rug Testing 4olicies"
http://www.sportsafe.com/=H&Dsurve!.43,
This article b! 6oseph R. (c#inne! discusses the results of a stud! he conducted that revealed
that random drug testing was effective in reducing drug use in schools.
"Wh! 3rug Tests ,lunk" b! 6anelle 5rown
http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/&DD&/DG/&&/drugAtesting/
This article argues that random drug testing does not keep students from using drugs. t simpl!
causes them to find wa!s to pass a drug test without actuall! giving up their drug habit.
14
3rug Testing ,ails ?ur Couth: -n -ction 4rogram for *oncerned 4arents
and @ducators
http://www.drugtestingfails.org/
This site is dedicated to stopping drug testing programs from being implemented. t argues that
drug testing does not deter student drug use, is ver! costl!, and onl! creates a fearful environment
for students.
"*ompensating 5ehavior and the 3rug Testing of /igh School -thletes"
http://www.cato.org/pubs/'ournal/c'%;nE$:.html
This article e+plains how onl! testing student athletes can actuall! lead to an increase in overall
drug use. Robert Ta!lor, the author, argues that these policies encourage athletes to 0uit sports for
fear of being drug tested. This causes former student athletes to hang around non$athletes who
have higher rates of drug use than athletes, making them more likel! to use drugs.
3rug ,ree -merica: Reasons for Student 3rug Testing
http://www.dfaf.org/studentdrugtesting/
This site outlines some basic advantages of drug testing in schools. t also answers fre0uentl!
asked 0uestions about this topic.
Physician-assisted suicide should be legali/ed.
"@uthanasia and 4h!sician$-ssisted Suicide"
http://www.religioustolerance.org/euthanas.htm
This site provides a lot of information that supports legali1ing ph!sician$assisted suicide. t
provides an overview of the issue and provides information about various places that have
legali1ed ph!sician$assisted suicide 8such as ?regon<.
").S. Supreme *ourt Rules on 4h!sician$-ssisted Suicide *ases" 8)5
*enter for *linical @thics and /umanities in /ealth *are<
http://wings.buffalo.edu/facult!/research/bioethics/court.html
This site contains information about Supreme *ourt cases that are relevant to the issue of
ph!sician$assisted suicide. t also discusses links to the -micus briefs submitted b! various
people/organi1ations before the Supreme *ourt decisions were reached. These various briefs
contain several arguments in favor and against ph!sician$assisted suicide. Specificall!, the brief
submitted b! the nternational -nti$@uthanasia task force has several opposition arguments and
the brief submitted b! the -*>).
"4ractical ssues in 4h!sician$-ssisted Suicide"
http://www.annals.org/cgi/content/full/%&;/&/%G;
Rather than focusing on the ethical debate, this article focuses on what the author refers to as the
"practical issues" in ph!sician$assisted suicide. Specificall!, the article e+amines some of the
problems currentl! involved in the application of ph!sician$assisted suicide that need to be
considered b! polic! makers.
The -merican Geriatrics Societ!: "4h!sician -ssisted Suicide"
http://www.americangeriatrics.org/products/positionpapers/vae9G.shtml
This site e+plains the position of the -merican Geriatrics Societ! and provides several arguments
in favor of ph!sician$assisted suicide.
15
"4itfalls of 4h!sician$-ssisted Suicide" b! /ilar! @vans
http://www.ph!siciansnews.com/commentar!/99Fwp.html
This article provides information about the Supreme *ourt decisions regarding ph!sician$assisted
suicide. -dditionall!, it provides several arguments against legali1ing ph!sician$assisted suicide.
The United States should sign and ratify the %yoto Protocol.
The @nvironmental >iterac! *ouncil: The #!oto 4rotocol
http://www.enviroliterac!.org/article.php/&F2.html
This site provides e+cellent background information about the #!oto 4rotocol. t also discusses
what the aims of the #!oto 4rotocol are and e+plains how these goals cannot be achieved without
compliance from countries that have not ratified it, such as the ).S.
"The #!oto 4rotocol and the ).S.: nternational 4olitics in the =ational
Setting" b! 3an 7inder
http://inside.bard.edu/politicalstudies/student/4S&;DSpringDE/k!otocol.htm
This article provides detailed information about the )nited States. role in the #!oto 4rotocol. t
describes how *linton originall! threw support to the accord, but faced difficult! in the Senate. t
then discusses 5ush.s re'ection of the accord and what this means for #!oto and the future of
international agreements.
"The )nited States and the #!oto Treat!"
http://www$pub.na1.edu:9DDD/Mnanatoli/
This site outlines some of the reasons the )nited States has not ratified the #!oto 4rotocol.
Specificall!, it argues that the ).S. refuses to sign the treat! because developing countries have
refused to participate. The site also provides a list of alternatives that can solve for emissions
reduction better than #!oto.
")nited States )nilateralism and the #!oto 4rotocol, *T5T and -5(
Treaties:
The mplications under nternational >aw" 8Greenpeace<
http://archive.greenpeace.org/climate/climatecountdown/legalsum.htm
This article discusses how ).S. refusal to abide b! the stipulations of several international
agreements 8including #!oto< undermines international bodies and international law, and
decreases the possibilit! of future international cooperation.
"#!oto 4rotocol ,-Ns" 8*5S<
http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/k!oto/
This article provides detailed answers to man! fre0uentl! asked 0uestions about the #!oto
4rotocol. Specificall!, it discusses what the accord entails and what happens if countries do not
compl!. t also discusses the debate over climate change and discusses what factors are likel!
causing global warming.
The US should eliminate farm subsidies.
Teacher.s *orner: 4a!ing for ,arm Subsidies
http://www.econlib.org/librar!/*olumns/Teachers/subsidies.html
16
n this article, economist (organ Rose provides a clear and accessible e+planation af the basic
issues related to farm subsidies. 5oth sides will benefit from reading this article.
,inding the (oral ,iber: Wh! reform is urgentl! needed for a fair cotton
trade
http://www.o+fam.org.uk/whatAweAdo/issues/trade/bp;9Acotton.htm
This article, b! ?+fam, presents the case for eliminating farm subsidies, supporting the
proposition side. The authors argue that farm subsidies in rich nations contribute to povert! in the
developing world b! crowding out farmers there.
The >ittle ,ood 5ook
http://www.littleearth.co.uk/food/subsidies.html
This article is b! an economist and one of the founders of Whole ,oods. t is a good e+planation
of the problems with farm subsidies. t is especiall! useful for the proposition side.
- ,ive$4oint 3efense of ,arm Subsidies
http://www.alfafarmers.org/issues/farmAprograms.phtml
This is a good summar! article for the opposition side. 3r. Robert Goodman outlines five ma'or
arguments in defense of farm subsidies.
Rural -merica 4reservation -ct /elps ,armers /ere and -broad
http://www.o+famamerica.org/whatwedo/campaigns/agriculture/
newsApublications/rapa/featureAstor!.&DD:$D&$%;.:F%EEEEE2%
- good argument for the opposition side, these websites, both from ?+fam -merica, an
agricultural and human rights non$profit organi1ation, argue that it is better to reform agricultural
subsid! programs than to eliminate them. Reform will help need! farmers and save hundreds of
millions of dollars. n addition, mone! will still be available to go to farmers hurt b! /urricane
#atrina and other natural disasters.
?n a (ule$4ulled Wagon, 5o!d 4rotests 5ias -gainst 5lack ,armers
http://abcnews.go.com/W=T/4erson?fWeek/stor!IidK%E%2GGLpageK%
5lack ,armers 4ress for *ompensation
http://www.blackfarmers.org/usda/usdaD:$E$2.htm
-n effective opposition argument, these articles e+plain that black farmers, who were
discriminated against in the past, need and deserve agricultural subsidies to correct unfair
treatment toward them.
3oos do more harm than good.
-bout 7oos
http://www.good1oos.com/about.htm
This website contains useful information for the opposition. This article serves as an introduction.
f !ou go to the bottom of the page, there are also links to articles about how 1oos help
conservation, research, and recreation. There is also an article about whether 1oos are cruel.
The ,acts -bout 7oos
http://www.advocatesforanimals.org.uk/resources/captive/1oos.html
This site is most helpful for the proposition. The site provides background information about the
17
about the conservation of endangered species, alternative wa!s for children to learn about animals
8other than visiting 1oos<, and facts about how often 1oos release animals into the wild.
@ndangered Species
http://www.endangeredspecie.com/
This site is useful for both the proposition and the opposition. t provides information about the
causes of endangerment, reasons to save endangered species, laws that protect endangered
species, and more. This site is a good resource for background information on the topic.
!ried foods should have warning labels.
/ealth news $ ,ried food chemical is not cancer risk
http://www.bupa.co.uk/healthAinformation/html/healthAnews/&EDED:acr!la
mide.html
The opposition team can use this article to challenge popular claims about acr!lamide. The global
health information team e+amines new studies that show that acr!lamide, an element of fried
foods previousl! thought to cause breast cancer, does not cause breast cancer.
Trans$,at: What @+actl! is it, and Wh! is it so 3angerousI
http://healingh0.com/-rticleF;F.phtml
The proposition can use this article to advance a case about wh! fast foods should have labels.
The opposition can e+amine if the dangerous nature of trans$fats should mandate a ban. /ealing
head0uaters e+plains wh! trans$fats, a prevalent element of fried foods, are dangerous.
5read and crisps in cancer scare
http://news.bbc.co.uk/%/hi/health/%9G9G%E.stm
5oth sides can use this 55* article to learn about the dangers and prevalence of acr!lamide. The
article uses new research studies to investigate claims about the carcinogenic nature of
acr!lamide.
,ood e+pert sa!s more tests needed before fried foods are tabled
http://news.uns.purdue.edu/)=S/htmlGever/D&%D&G.Santerre.friedfoods.html
The opposition can use this article from 4urdue =ews to prepare a case e+plaining wh! fried
foods should not be labeled. The article e+plains how there is not enough factual information
about acr!lamide and trans$fats.
-lert issued on fried$food chemical
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp$d!n/articles/-2EG&$&DD:(arG.html
The proposition can use this article to prepare. The Washington 4ost e+plains the details of an
alert about fried$foods issued b! research groups.
The District of Columbia Curfew law4The 2uvenile Curfew "ct of *556 4DC
Code 7-8*+*99 does more harm than good.
4osition 4aper on *urfews
http://www.asfar.org/papers/curfews.phpIasfarst!leKprint
This paper, published b! -mericans for a Societ! ,ree ,rom -ge Restrictions, details the case
18
against curfew laws.
t will be useful for the proposition side.
3*.s *urfew >aw $$ #now the ,acts
http://mpdc.dc.gov/mpdc/cwp/view,a,%&EF,N,:GFEF:,mpdc=avAG3,%:G9,
mpdc=av,HF*,.asp
5oth sides should read this source. t is published b! the (etropolitan 4olice 3epartment,
and e+plains the 3istrict of *olumbia *urfew >aw in detail.
?ut of S!nc: - *urfew is no -nswer to Teenage *rime in 3.*.
http://www.n!ls.edu/pages/&2E%.asp
n this article, 4rofessor Sadi0 Re1a argues that the 3.*. curfew won.t solve problems of 'uvenile
crime in 3.*.
- Status Report on Couth *urfews in -merica.s *ities
http://www.usma!ors.org/uscm/news/publications/curfew.htm
This article reports on a EGF$cit! surve! b! the ).S. *ouncil of (a!ors. t will help the
opposition side, as it
shows that curfews help to reduce crime, gang violence, and other problems.
Professional athletes should be role models.
Sports media feeds on controversial athletes.
http://www.com.edu/intercom/oct&DDE/news.cfmInewsidK%E
This is an e+cellent article for the proposition side. The author argues that the ma'orit! of
professional athletes are
hard working and could be role models, but that these athletes are overlooked b! the
media to focus on athletes in trouble.
%-*8 schools should ban ,un) food sales.
"*hildhood obesit!: -re schools partl! to blameI"
http://www.ssww.com/pledge/images/paper.pdf
This article, b! two professors of health and ph!sical education, will be helpful to both sides in
this debate. The authors discuss the
causes of childhood obesit! and unhealth! eating and propose solutions. -lthough there are some
words that ma! be a bit advanced, it is worth reading this thorough e+amination of the problem
area.
"6unk$food fight on for schools"
http://www.a1central.com/ari1onarepublic/news/articles/%&&9'unkfood.html
This article, from the -ri1ona Republic, will be helpful to both sides in the debate. The author
discusses
the arguments for and against a 'unk food ban.
"-nother weight! burden"
http://www.aasa.org/publications/saarticledetail.cfmI
tem=umberKE%E;Lsntem=umberK9:DLtntem=umberK9:%
19
This article, from The School -dministrator , will help both sides in the debate. The author, a
reporter
in San 3iego, discusses the issue of 'unk food sales in school from a school administrator.s
perspective.
Medical testing on animals does more good than harm.
"-nimals in scientific research"
http://www.navs.org/site/4ageServerIpagenameKainAsciAmedicalresearch
This article is from the =ational -nti$Bivisection Societ!, an organi1ation devoted to ending
e+perimentation on animals.
t will be useful to the opposition. There are some tough scientific concepts in the article,
but most students should be able to figure them out. f !ou have trouble understanding what
parts of the article mean, ask a science teacher at !our school. ,or information about
drug testing, follow the link on the left side of the page.
"-nimals used in e+perimentation ,-N"
http://www.peta.org/about/fa0$viv.asp
This article is from 4eople for the @thical Treatment of -nimals 84@T-<, an organi1ation that
opposes animal testing.
t will be helpful for the opposition side of this motion. There is a lot of useful information on this
websiteO however, !ou should be aware that some of the videos contained on the site ma! be
disturbing.
"(!ths and ,acts"
http://www.rds$online.org.uk/pages/page.aspIiAToolbar3K&LiA4age3KG2
This website is run b! R3S 8an organi1ation in the )nited #ingdom< that advocates
for the use of animal testing and e+perimentation in medical research. The site will be
ver! helpful to the proposition side, as there are multiple pages with information and
e+amples. )sing the navigation bar at the top of the site, !ou can look at "animal research facts,"
"medical" benefits," "animal welfare," "hot topics," and more.
"The benefits of animal research"
http://www.simr.org.uk/pages/research/
This website will be helpful to the proposition side. The organi1ation Seriousl! ll for (edical
Research advocates for animal e+perimentation. This page gives e+amples of diseases for which
animal testing is helpful for research and treatment.
,ollow the links at the bottom of the page to get e+amples for different diseases.
The !rench government should permit students to wear visible religious
symbols in state schools.
NL-: (uslim /eadscarves
http://news.bbc.co.uk/&/hi/europe/EE&2&FF.stm
This article, from the 5ritish 5roadcasting Service, provides an outstanding introduction to the
basic issues surrounding the topic. t will be helpful to both sides.
20
Biewpoints: @urope and the /eadscarf
http://news.bbc.co.uk/&/hi/europe/EG:99;E.stm
This Web page from the 5ritish 5roadcasting *orporation 855*< provides thoughts from eight
e+perts
on both sides of the topic. t will be helpful to both sides in forming their arguments to debate this
issue.
,rench >aw on Secularit! and *onspicuous Religious S!mbols in Schools
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/,renchAlawAonAsecularit!AandA
conspicuousAreligiousAs!mbolsAinAschools
We don.t usuall! link to Wikipedia entries, as we think the! are generall! unreliable. /owever,
this entr! is worth reading on this issue $ it is e+haustive, well$written, and was mostl! produced
b! an e+pert on the sub'ect who speaks ,rench and
translated man! of the laws reprinted here.
Through the Beil, 3arkl!
http://writ.news.findlaw.com/commentar!/&DDGD&%;Ateitel.html
This article, from a professor of law at =ew Cork )niversit!, will be ver! helpful to the
proposition side. t is
full of arguments against the ban on religious s!mbols.
- =ation in 3iversit!: ,rance, (uslims, and the /eadscarf
http://www.opendemocrac!.net/debates/article$:$:F$%2%%.'sp
This article will mostl! help the opposition side. 4atrick Weil, one of the people who wrote the
polic!
on religious s!mbols, wrote this article to defend the polic! in ,rance.
The atomic bombing of $iroshima was ,ustified.
0iroshia: Was 3t 4ecessar#$
http://www.doug'long.co/hirosh).ht
This is a two$page account of the histor! of World War leading up to Truman.s decision to use the
atomic bomb against 6apan. t provides e+cellent histor! and concludes that the bombing was probabl!
not 'ustified. Thus, it is primaril! helpful for the opposition. ,or an easier version, tr! this web site:
http://www.socialstudieshelp.com/>essonA9:A=otes.htm.
Would 5ou 0ave 6ropped the "ob$
http://www.thebulletin.org/web_onl#_content/si.t#_#ears_later/
This page is an e+cerpt from the maga1ine 5ulletin of the -tomic Scientists . ?n the ;Dth anniversar! of
the bombing of /iroshima and =agasaki, the maga1ine asked several authors to sa! if the! would have
dropped the bomb. f !ou scroll down the page, !ou will see links to three essa!s that take different
positions on the topic. This page will be helpful for both sides.
!toic "ob ' Truan Press %elease
21
http://www.truanlibrar#.org/teacher/abob.ht
This Web page is from the Truman 4residential (useum and >ibrar!. t will be helpful to both sides, as
there is an introduction to the decision to drop the bomb as well as a cop! of Truman.s press release on
the decision. -fterwards, there are some discussion 0uestions that ma! help !ou shape !our arguments
about the topic.
:al-Mart is good for "merica.
,rontline: s Wal$(art Good for -mericaI
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/walmart/
The 45S documentar! series ,rontline aired a documentar! on Wal$(art in =ovember &DDG. ?n this
Web site, !ou can watch the documentar! 8with a high$speed connection<, read the transcript, and read
interviews with e+perts attempting to address this topic directl!. This site will help debaters prepare for
both sides of the topic, and contains a lot of helpful resources.
Wal$(art is Good for -merica
http://www.ncpa.org/edo/bb/&DDG/&DDG%%&&bb.htm
This article, b! 5ruce 5artlett of the =ational *enter for 4olic! -nal!sis, is a criticism of the ,rontline
documentar! listed above. t will be helpful for the proposition side. There are a few terms and concepts
that ma! be hard to understand in the article, but it is useful as a criticism of the views presented in the
,rontline Web site.
Wake )p Wal$(art: The Real Wal$(art ,acts
http://www.wakeupwalmart.com/facts/
This site is maintained b! the group Wake )p Wal$(art, an activist group working
to change Wal$(art. This page will be helpful to the opposition side, as it contains
man! facts and arguments about Wal$(art.s practices.
>ow 4rices at What *ostI
http://fivestones.sitestream.com/pdf/&DD:$annual$report.pdf
This document is saved in 43, form, so !ou can download it or read it online. The
report is b! Wal$(art Watch, a group working to reform Wal$(art. t will be
helpful for the opposition side.
Wal$(art: Greed! Billain or a Shopper.s 5est ,riendI
http://abcnews.go.com/&D&D/5usiness/stor!IidK%EDE:2F
This article is the transcript of a stor! that aired on -5* =ews last !ear. t will be
helpful for both sides, but primaril! for the proposition side. The authors interview
22
several guests who argue for the benefits of the low prices that Wal$(art offers to
consumers.
"lgebra should not be re'uired for high school graduation.
- ,ormula for ,ailure in >.-. Schools
http://www.latimes.com/news/education/la$me$
dropoutED'anED,D,GD:DGG,full.stor!IcollKla$news$learning
This stor!, which was published in the >os -ngeles Times in 6anuar! &DD;, is essential reading
for all students debating this topic. t will be helpful to both sides, as the authors look at the
arguments for and against re0uiring algebra for graduation in the >os -ngeles public schools. t is
an outstanding introduction to the issue, and will provoke lots of discussion.
3isregard for >aw Re0uiring -lgebra -dds )p to Trouble
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi$bin/article.cgiI
fileK/gate/archive/&DDG/D:/&G/'nelson.3T>
This article is from the San ,rancisco *hronicle, and will be helpful mostl! to the opposition
side. -lthough the author uses some words that students ma! have to look up 8"onerous," and
"ratcheting," for e+ample<, she makes good arguments in favor of the algebra re0uirement and
provides a few good e+amples of "real$world" applications of algebra.
/ow ?ften are Cou )sing -lgebraI
http://www.venturacount!star.com/vcs/opinionAcolumnists/article/D,%EF:,B
*SA&&EAG:%E2;&,DD.html
This is an opinion article that was published in the Bentura *ount! Star. The author, *huck
Thomas, argues that algebra re0uirements are not necessar!, and that the! trade off with other
essential elements of schooling. t will be most helpful for the proposition side.
P=ote: if !ou are still looking for information on this topic, we suggest that !ou go
and talk to math teachers in !our school and interview them about the need for
algebra.
1usinesses should not place advertisements in schools.
"dvertising to Children; &s it <thical=
http;>>www.apa.org>monitor>sep??>advertising.html
The -merican 4s!cholog! -ssociation e+plores the ethics of ps!chologistsQ involvement in child
advertising. The proposition can use this article to learn about the ethics of child advertising.
Mar)eting to Children;
http;>>www.uow.edu.au>arts>sts>sbeder>children.html@fnA5
The proposition team should pa! attention to the section of this article labeled RconcernsS. The
author summari1es arguments against advertising to children and provides references.
Corporate Classrooms and Commercialism;
http;>>'uery.nytimes.com>gst>fullpage.html=
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resB5D?C<DD"*!A<!5A7"A6C68C?"57*56+87?EsecBhealthEpagewan
tedBprint
This =ew Cork Times article e+plains the disadvantages of allowing advertising in the classroom.
This Fesson is 1rought to Gou 1y...
http;>>www.businesswee).com>*55C>87>bA6AA5.htm
The opposition can use this 5usiness Week article to e+plore wa!s in which businesses provide
useful services and materials to classrooms that increase learning.
"dvertising in the Schools;
http;>>www.)idsource.com>)idsource>contentD>ads.in.schools.html
This paper highlights a few e+amples of how advertising companies provide important services to
classrooms. The opposition can use these e+amples to talk about the advantages of advertising in
the classroom.
&t is unethical to eat meat.
The *ase -gainst (eat: http://www.emaga1ine.com/view/I%G&
This article, from @ (aga1ine, supports the proposition side. t is well researches, and anal!1es
the health, environmental, and economic disadvantages of the meat industr!.
(eat 3iet 5oosts #ids. Growth:
http://www.nature.com/news/&DD:/D:D&&%/full/D:D&&%$:.html
Teaching *hildren =ot to @at (eat: /ealth! or )nethicalI
http://www.health!livingn!c.com/article/%%F
These articles are mostl! helpful for the opposition. The authors e+plore the claim that it is
unethical for parents to withhold meat from their children because of the health benefits
associated with meat consumption.
&n the case of student loc)ers0 school safety is more important than student
privacy.
Surveillance in Schools: Safet# vs. Personal Privac#
http://students.ed.uiuc.edu/71else#/surveillance/loc1er.ht
This website will help both sides. t e+plores the locker issue and offers a
plan for Tsmart lockersQ. The proposition team should also pa! attention to
the information about the legalit! of lockers and school safet! statistics.
&pinon: Privac# and Public Propert#
http://teenin1.co/Past/8988/:arch/&pinion/privac#public.htl
This article gives arguments as to wh! safet! is more important than
privac!. The proposition should pa! attention to arguments about private
and public propert!.
6o School Children 0ave 2ourth !endent %ights$
http://forensic'evidence.co/site/Police/school_/th.htl
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This site is an overview of how the courts have applied the fourth
amendment to schoolchildren. t will help both sides.
The Ho Child Feft 1ehind "ct has done more good than harm.
=o *hild >eft 5ehindQs mpotence on the -chievement Gap
http://www.tcf.org/list.aspIt!peK=*LpubidK%GG;
This is an article that does an anala!sis of a =ew Cork Times article giving
evidence that the =*>5 does not succeed. -n opposition team should use
this and look at the Times article that is linked in the article.
)S 3epartment of @ducation site on =o *hild >eft 5ehind
http://www.ed.gov/nclb/landing.'html
This is a great site for the creation of a proposition case with lots of
statistics, including how =*>5 is affecting students in each individual state.
=o *hild >eft 5ehind -ct is Working
http://www.ed.gov/nclb/overview/importance/nclbworking.html
This a summar! of different studies that support the propisition case. t
comes from the 3epartment of @ducation
?nl! the bathwaterUor the bab! too
http://www.tc.columbia.edu/news/article.htmIidK:9:&
This is a stud! of how the =o *hild >eft 5ehind does not work for all states,
and that a national education reform needs to be smaller. This would be a
good argument for the opposition team
!ossil fuels are easily replaced.
Replacing ,ossil ,uels: The scale of the problem
http;>>www.abelard.org>briefings>replacingIfossilIfuels.htm
This is a briefing document that the opposition team could use to argue that
the onl! alternative is nuclear power, which is dangerous and bad for the
environment
-re there alternatives to fossil fuelsI
http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/gen99/gen99FFE.htm
This is an answer from a scientist to the 0uestion of alternatives to fossil
fuels. The opposition could use this to support several of their arguments
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(icroorganisms solution to fossil fuels
http://www.sciencedail!.com/releases/&DD;/%%/D;%%%FD&E9&%.htm
This is an article from Science 6ail#. t argues that fossil fuels can be
replaced b! microorganisms.
-lternatives to fossil fuels
http://www.csmonitor.com/&DD;/D2D%/csmimg/p%&bApopup.gif
This is a great graph from the *hristian Science (onitor that shows all the
alternatives to fossil fuels. t will be useful for the proposition team.
-lternative ,uel 3ata *enter
http://www.eere.energ!.gov/afdc/
This comes from the department of energ!. t has a lot of great facts on
alternative energ! that can be used for the creation of a proposition case.
Single se schools are better for students than co-ed schools in grades %-*8.
RSingle Gender *lasses: -re the! betterIS
http://www.education$world.com/aAcurr/curr&%:.shtml
This can be used b! either side and is a good introduction to the issue
RWh! Gender (attersS
http://privateschool.about.com/gi/d!namic/offsite.htmI
1iK%/V6LsdnKprivateschoolL1uKhttpHE-H&,
H&,www.wh!gendermatters.comH&, This is a book review b! >eonard
Sa+, a doctor and supporter of single se+ schools. This could be used for the
position in a case construction with good arguments and links to other
articles.
R#$%& Single$Se+ @ducation: What 3oes the Research Sa!IS
http://www.ericdigests.org/&DD%$&/se+.html
This provides good data that shows the beneficial affects of single se+
education on girls. This could be used b! the proposition team.
s Single Gender Schooling Biable in the 4ublic SectorI
http://www.oise.utoronto.ca/depts/tps/adatnow/final.pdf
This is an e+cellent resource for the opposition team. This a report that
shows that single se+ education in a *alifornia pilot program hurts gender
identit! and could not work as a public polic!.
RSingle Se+ schools fail to make senseS
http://www.m!sanantonio.com/opinion/stories/(CS-%%D&D;.&?.blancoco
mment.&D9f:;b.html
26
This provides the most popular arguments against single se+ schools that
could be used b! the opposition team.
.epeal the Military Commissions "ct.
RRushing off a *liffS
http://www.n!times.com/&DD;/D9/&2/opinion/&2thu%.htmlI
e+K%E%FD9;DDDLenKEebEbaEG%D9GGff9LeiK:D9DLpartnerKrssuserlandLe
mcKrss This is an editorial from the =C Times critici1ing the (ilitar!
*ommissions act. The proposition team could use this to create a case, since
it has a point b! point criticism of several parts of the militar! commission
act.
RSending a message: congress to courts get out of the warS
http://www.n!times.com/&DD;/D9/&2/opinion/&2thu%.htmlI
e+K%E%FD9;DDDLenKEebEbaEG%D9GGff9LeiK:D9DLpartnerKrssuserlandLe
mcKrss This article is b! 6ohn Coo, a former law!er for the 5ush
-dminstration. This article not onl! gives some arguments for the
opposition to answer the predictable proposition arguments, but gives the
opposition the idea to argue that the issue is a separation of powers between
the federal branches.
R(ilitar! *ommissions -ct shames the *onstitution and weakens -mericaS
http://tikkun.org/rabbiAlerner/milcommissionsA%DDF
This article is written b! the president of the -*>) of Southern *alifornia.
This argument focuses on the domestic aspects of the (*-, and would be
useful for the proposition to talk about the *onstitution or to talk about how
the (*- would affect war crimes trials for )S soldiers.
RThe (ilitar! *ommissions -ct: *ongress *ommits to the War on TerrorS
http://'urist.law.pitt.edu/forum!/&DD;/%D/militar!$commissions$act$
congress.php
This article is done b! an editor on an online law 'ournal. This article would
be a good foundation for an opposition team to make an argument about
how the (*- restores democrac! and participation to the War on Terror.
The President of the United States should be elected by the direct vote of the
people.
States passing legislation to stop electoral college
http://www.votetrustusa.org/inde+.phpI
optionKcomAcontentLtaskKblogcategor!LidK%G;LtemidK%DF:
27
This is an news article that a proposition team can use to state that there is a
movement alread! to end the electoral college.
=ational 3irect @lection is good for *alifornia
http://www.newamerica.net/publications/articles/&DD;/nationalAdirectAelecti
onAofAtheApresidentAisAgoodAforAcalifornia
- news article that the proposition team can use to argue against the
electoral college. t provides historical e+amples e+plaining how direct
election is better for -mericans.
Wh! keep the electoral collegeI
http://usgovinfo.about.com/librar!/weekl!/aa%D&&DDa.htm
This is a ).S. government site that provides several reasons for maintaining
the electoral college. -n opposition team could use the historical arguments
to e+plain that the current s!stem is ke! to democrac!.
@lectoral benefits misunderstood
http://www.toda!.ucla.edu/&DDD/DD%%&%electoral.html
This article is from a professor of law at )*>-. She makes several less
popular but still powerful arguments that the opposition team can use to
e+plain the benefits of the electoral college.
The U. S. should end the embargo on Cuba.
Econoic Ebargo Tieline
http://www.histor!ofcuba.com/histor!/funfacts/embargo.htm
This website serves as a brief introduction to the histor! of the relationship
between the )nited States and *uba, with a focus on the embargo of *uba.
6istant 4eighbors
http://www.pbs.org/now/transcript/transcriptAcuba.html
This outstanding article, from the program =?W with 5ill (o!ers, will help
both sides understand the ma'or issues related to lifting the *uban embargo.
Wh# Change +.S. Polic# Toward Cuba$
http://www.cubafoundation.org/wh!$&.html
This page is a summar! of arguments that will help the proposition side. The
site is maintained b! the *uba 4olic! ,oundation, an organi1ation that
advocates for lifting the *uban embargo.
;eep the Cuba Ebargo$ 5ES
http://www.house.gov/mariodia1$
balart/news/columns/DF%%DGAn!dail!newscuba.htm
This article e+presses the opinion of *ongressman (ario 3ia1$5alart. /e
28
supports the embargo of *uba, and e+plains wh!. t will help the opposition
side.
There should be year-round schooling for students in grades %-*8.
<oing to School 5ear'%ound
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/e+tra/features/'ul!$decD%/!ear$round.html
This article will be helpful to both sides in the debate about !ear$round
schooling. n clear language, the authors e+plain the pros and cons of !ear$
round schooling.
Teaching in 5ear'%ound Schools
http://www.kidsource.com/education/teach.!ear.round.html
This article, from the ).S. 3epartment of @ducation, will be useful for both
sides. The authors focus on the costs and benefits of !ear$round school from
the perspective of teachers.
Suer :atters
http://www.summermatters.com/
This website, from people who are opposed to !ear$round school, will be
helpful for the opposition side. t contains a variet! of links, arguments, and
articles.
4ational !ssociation for 5ear'%ound =earning
http://www.na!re.org/
This website will help the proposition side prepare. t is maintained b! an
organi1ation that advocates for !ear$round schooling.
$ugo Chave/ is not a friend to the United States.
>Chave?: Castro@s ini'eA
http://www.heritage.org/4ress/*ommentar!/edDGD:D:a.cfm
This article e+plains that *have1 is a direct threat to the )nited States. The
article highlights *have1Qs increase in creating Bene1uela into a militar!
power, is giving weapons to anti$Government drug selling armies, and uses
the nationQs suppl! of oil as a wa! to attack the ).S. Government. The
proposition could use this article to make several independent arguments
how *have1 is activel! tr!ing to limit the authorit! and power of the )nited
States.
>Chave? pushes Petro'6iploac#A
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp$
d!n/content/article/&DD:/%%/&%/-R&DD:%%&%D%2DD.html
29
This is an article for the opposition side. This article highlights that *have1
gave oil to poor income families in the )nited States, in states where citi1ens
where having trouble pa!ing increasingl! winter heat bills. *have1 was the
onl! individual to offer free oil to these communities. This could be used to
generate the argument that *have1 is more of a friend to the )nited States
then man! ).S. run corporations, which gave no oil.
>Progressive interview with 0ugo Chave?A
http://www.progressive.org/magAintvDFD;
@ither team could use this argument. The opposition could use this article to
make the point that *have1 wants to give the )nited States cheap oil which
we need for numerous reasons, like continued economic e+pansion, which is
important for the )nited States to prosper. The proposition team could use
this article to sa! that *have1 wants to get the )nited States addicted to
foreign oil, which is terrible because it makes the )nited States dependent
on another nation for energ!.
>Chave? cast hiself as anti'"ushA
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp$d!n/articles/-E:%9E$&DD:(ar%G.html
This is an article that could be used for the proposition team. The article
e+plains that /ugo *have1 is tr!ing to influence >atin -merican countries
to create an anti$-merican alliance. The article also states that *have1 will
tr! and use oil to influence -merican politics within the countr! and to limit
-merican foreign polic!.
RSigns of hope in -merican$Bene1uela tiesS
http://news.bbc.co.uk/%/hi/world/americas/;%2%F2:.stm
This is a news article from the middle of 3ecember &DD; that the opposition
team could use. t states that the )nited States and Bene1uela have started to
negotiate and have consultation and cooperation. The article also states that
the )nited States and Bene1uela have moved awa! from their hostilit! toward
new cooperation.
30