The State of Affairs
I found a statical chart from 2006, that shows the rising numbers of child abuse cases in America. Please take the time to view the chart. It is hard to fully grasp the truth of child abuse, with out first realizing the volume of victims who suffer under this horrific epidemic. Every 10 seconds in America, a child abuse incident is documented. The actual number of child abuse incidents is closer to 3 times that of the national statistic. That means for every child abuse case documented; the actual end results is that every 1.5 seconds, a child is abused.
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Understanding Child Abuse and Neglect (7th Edition) (MyHelpingKit Series)
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Why God – Why Me?
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One Child
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Protecting Children from Abuse and Neglect: Foundations for a New National Strategy
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America has a serious problem.
Where has all the GOOD Newscasters gone?
By RKHenry
Deem it Newsworthy or Not
The pairing of Putin as Prime Minister and Medvedev as President, has secured the fateful conclusion that Vladimeir Putin is the foremost significant player in Russian politics. Between them both, they have secured the United Russia political party positions, in smaller venues all over the Russian countryside. They just keep gaining higher ground in Russia, and the only step left is the dominance of the world, through oil production. Is nobody else worried about this?
Vladimir Putin is a fiercely devoted Russian. He has the tautening glare of Lennon and the defiant combative temperament of Joseph Stalin. Don Putin or Godfather, is how this man should be addressed. I can list many reasons, as to why the April 2, 2009 meeting in London, was dire and meaningful event, between our nations. Dialog, that went virtually unnoticed, because American media, was to wrapped up in gossip. It appears that the rumors of American Baseball players, tainting America’s favorite past time by using steroids, was more important. So players were doped. How can it not be justified, with the $100 of millions of dollars, baseball owners are paying a single player to play ball?
Is Russia, now an obscured obstacle to the American public and hence not news worthy? Or is the present day lackadaisical, duplicated broadcasting something Americans should grow to expect? Amazingly enough, the American mainstream media has kept its ubiquitous focus on doping in baseball, the next chairperson appointee by Obama, the self-indulgent comments made by an insufferable drug addict and the minute by minute whereabouts of a poor dead child’s grandparents in Florida. Russia and America are engaging in hand written notes and political discussion over America’s failed political world policies. Anytime two countries as divided as America and Russia engage in political communications, it should be news worthy. Vladimir Putin is a political powerhouse and someone to reckon with- despite Bush’s attempts to down play his power and senseless implications that Mr. Medvedev is somehow a new wooden Pinnocole puppet. It is a calculable fact that Vladimir Putin will go down in Russian/World history as a potent authoritarian. His Russian political eulogy will read like that of a God and his almighty dominance will be bigger and stronger than that of Joseph Stalin, Kathrine the Great or Ivan the Terrible. So why are American newscasters and cameramen bombarding grieving grandparents in Florida? Last night, CNN dedicated five different lawyer/correspondents and a host to a three hour television broadcast, where their single goal was to report the possible break up of the parental grandparents of this murdered little girl. CNN, FOX, nor CSNBC have made any mentioning remarks concerning this upcoming monumental meetings of minds. Engaging Presidents of Russia by letter or the hypothesize receptions of receiving phone calls from Russia with love gives weight over the issues of Caylee Anthony’s grandparents marital problems. It was not until four hours ago, today March 6, 2009 did CBS, CNN, Fox, etc., make mention of Hillary Clinton’s trip to Geneva and the ground work laid in preparation for the two Presidents scheduled meeting in London. The peripheral view of this event was marginalized to the bottom page and plainly noted as “news wire” storyline. Regardless to whom the invited guests are, the alternative counter measure of Putin’s protruding merit symbolizes the necessity to report such an event. Putin will have the finite voice spoken in the aftermath that unsolictly follows. Too many times, American Presidents dubbed W., have tried to discredit Russian authority and pone them off as some merger third-world country. Way too often, George W. Bush and his father, a former American president, have made there own idiotic personal thoughts of Russian political leaders known to the public. Putin has proven himself as an adversary in contention by the way he refuses to blink or bullied by American Politicians. As for concerning oneself with the political might and strong-hold of Putin’s Russia; the world needs to wake up. His meandering is a nothing short of a masterful directive to be marveled at. Look at how he has single handily position Russia as the needed Alli in the Middle East. It also appears, that Russia’s Putin is now the most powerful “Godfather” of that region. Russia is in firm control of the back alleyways, side streets and union halls of the world’s hot spots where definite countries refuse to give way too American Ambassadors and UN Advisers dictating nuclear weaponry. Russia’s presence in Iran and the willful, swayed influence over Iran’s dictator is relevant involvement and could effectively have a direct impact on America’s future prospects and movement. It is also note worthy commentary to mention that Putin, unlike some American Presidents, will not be remembered in flashbacks as a mere “junior” in status amongst the world’s politicians. Bush’s folly is now written and commiserated in history books. Will the American mainstream media now be apart of that disastrous history? Is there some unknown scheme to down play Putin and Medevev influence over Europe and the Middle East? Derelict reporting on the behalf of American newscasters, warrants for such judgment to be made concerning their foolishly ignored reporting on the substantive implied matters of state.
I am personally sick and tired of night after night, of CNN dedicating five different lawyer/correspondents to senseless information. CNN is not alone. All major news cast shows have fallen into the trap of dedicating three hour television broadcasts, on a single goal to report the possible break up of the Tiger Woods and his wife. CNN, FOX, nor CSNBC have lost their way of engaging in worthy new commentary, that has meaning and purpose. The peripheral view, of a news worthy events these day are marginalized to the bottom page, and plainly noted as a “news wire” storyline.
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Debate Wrangling Over the Centuries
by Julie Grimes
Emotionally Charged Debating Emotionally Charged Opponents
People are inclined to believe the world has never been in an uproar. They’re inclined to see the struggles of today, as more of a firm conviction to reason. Emotionally stimulated ideologists tend to broadcast their rhetoric without historical knowledge and affirmative evidence. Leaving helpless opponents astonished and fending off proposers fumbling in a haphazard display of rehearsed scripture. I have been guilty of this, have you?
In countries such as ours; why aren’t we in tuned with how a moral topic or perhaps, a political theory was presented and the historical reasoning given for the enacted conclusion? When I think of 18th and 19th century social debate forums; I envision starchy, prompt, brass and stern forthright debatable techniques being used. The reality is a vision of chaos and whirlwinds of emotions that are hovering over the heads of mad men. By gazing upon James Gillray’s (18th &19thcentury) Political Cartoons the truth shines through. In the above caption, one can clearly see the unrest and turmoil lurking amongst the people of that era. It is easy to stand as a witness and notice the same issues of today are the same debates we’ve been faced with for centuries.
James Gillray's New Morality
“New Morality”
Is James Gillray’s emotionally charged cartoon, the perfect example of how individuals of today, act in a controversial oratory? Just as it is shown here; everyone wants to have their ‘say’ and every ‘say’ wants words made into reality. The wonderfully animated cartoon, perfectly portrays a rambunctious mob carrying petitions and surveys filled with individual moralities. Despite sounding spiteful, I find the irony exploding out of the characters. As for myself, I don’t see a difference from their oratories to the emotionally charged forums of today. We, ourselves from time to time, pretend to be characters we are not. There is comparable cases at everyone fingertips available for observation and prep. This generation, is far from being the first to tackle social and moral issues such as Church and State, Abortion, plagues and famine, natural disasters, human rights and humanitarian efforts.
James Gillray's New Morality
Moral Issues and Basic Rights
The valuable freedom of religion has been an ageless worldly debate. The10th century BCE. story of David and Goliath’s single combat has been retold for an unprecedented number of years. Why has this ancient battle about, a giant named Goliath dying from a rock thrown from David’s slingshot, been so widely interpreted and retold? The answer is quite simple really, the battle was over territory, human rights and religion.
James Gillray's Smelling out a Rat.
I find America’s 1st Amendment, enacted in 1791, to be a pivotal point in history. America, has been an unexpected role model for the world to follow. Not until the founding of this nation, to which it proceeded in 1791 to amend their constitution, has such a freedom existed. A debate can take on many different shapes and sizes. Debate has found itself wearing the “Mask of War”; when it is in an emotionally-charged Political Arena. Take the French Revolution for an example. The French Revolution was a debate that started among peasants and hierarchy. With plenty of vigor, the peasants would not settle for unanswered comprises steeped in human rights demands from their economical hardships. The other engaging side refused to acknowledge the matters at hand and continued to contest from a materialistic viewpoint. The mismanaged discussions without consideration, gave way to an unbridled outcome, known as a Revolutionary War. The same can be said about the Civil War between the Northern and Southern States of America.
At the end of the day, history revealed that impetuous Politicians repulsion of one another, made a logical debate impossible. War was declared instead. Over a million Americans were dead because nobody bothered to listen during the earlier debates.
The definition of debate;
1: to discuss or examine a question by presenting and considering arguments on both sides.
I find that in many community forums on the world wide web contains people who lack the artist knowledge of debate. It is not hard to find, ignorant authors commenting on social topics. The first “dead-give-away” is their evidence is easily debunked. Leaving nothing more than emotionally charged opinions and YOU looking like a bad-guy out of a comic book. Why is this? Human beings see themselves differently than what they portray. There is an inner, personal, self that guides human beings. This self controls a humans inward personal reflection. When a person feels their inner-self’s integrity being compromised, the natural reaction is to lash out. People who are “full of themselves”, usually have low self-esteem inside their inner-self. They will bully, bash and miscue an argument to diverting the social issue and making it a mute point. They instead, make it more of a personal debate about you. John McCain is the perfect example of this type of individual. Barrack Obama, just happened to be, a much better debater than John. Barrack was able to rise to greatness, purely off of his refutes.
A Defense Lawyer will argue with factual artifacts, history and more. They are merciless at questioning reasoning. To undermine the opponents, a belittling mannerisms and style is used. Defense Lawyer’s are straight, forward speaking individuals. They’ll speak ‘directly’ to you and use a very forward style of approach. If you haven’t noticed before; a Defense Lawyer are always looking to push forward in conversation. Prosecuting Attorneys like to strike in a backwards manner. They in turn, carry on with their quarrels, from that point of view. Each type of lawyer is very good at personal attacks. How they are used, usually determines the outcome of a case. Both type of lawyers use the literal definition of a word. When paraphrasing an issue, the literal definition is always in use. Take the word ‘ignorant’ as a perfect example. When a person like myself, makes a claim on an individual for being ignorant. We are simply saying, that person is “uneducated” in that particular field of study. You can be the brightest person in the world; and yet be ignorant about cooking green beans. Still feel insulted? Generally not, when it is put like that. It is a technique taught to conversationalist in order to WIN a debate. Quite frankly, that is the reason for debating. It is, most certainly ABOUT winning.
RULES OF DEBATING AND JUDGING
1. Resolutions
A. A different resolution for each round will be presented to the debaters at a specified time prior to the beginning of each debate. The specified time will be determined by adding fifteen minutes to the amount of time needed to walk to the most distant building in which debates are to occur.
B. The topic of each round will be about current affairs or philosophy. The resolutions will be general enough that a well-educated college student can debate them. They may be phrased in literal or metaphorical language.
2. Objective of the debate The proposition team must affirm the resolution by presenting and defending a sufficient case for that resolution. The opposition team must oppose the resolution and/or the proposition team’s case. If, at the end of the debate, the judge believes that the proposition team has supported and successfully defended the resolution, they will be declared the winner, otherwise the opposition will be declared the winner.
3. Before the debate The proposition team, if they wish, may use the room assigned for debate for their preparation. If the proposition team uses the debating room for preparation, both the judge and the opposition must vacate the room until the time for the debate to begin.
4. During the debate
A. Any published information (dictionaries, magazines, etc.), which may have been consulted before the debate, cannot be brought into the debating chambers for use during the debate. Except for notes that the debaters themselves have prepared during preparation time and a copy of the NPDA “Rules of Debating and Judging,” no published materials, prepared arguments, or resources for the debaters’ use in the debate may be brought into the debating chambers.
B. Debaters may refer to any information that is within the realm of knowledge of liberally educated and informed citizens. If they believe some cited information to be too specific, debaters may request that their opponent explain specific information with which they are unfamiliar. In the event further explanation of specific information is requested, the debater should provide details sufficient to allow the debater to understand the connection between the information and the claim. Judges will disallow specific information only in the event that no reasonable person could have access to the information: e.g., information that is from the debater’s personal family history.
C. Format of the debate First Proposition Constructive Speaker: 7 minutes
First Opposition Constructive Speaker: 8 minutes
Second Proposition Constructive Speaker: 8 minutes
Second Opposition Constructive Speaker: 8 minutes
Opposition Rebuttal Speaker: 4 minutes
Proposition Rebuttal Speaker: 5 minutes
D. Constructive and Rebuttal Speeches Introduction of new arguments is appropriate during all constructive speeches. However, debaters may not introduce new arguments in rebuttal speeches except that the proposition rebuttal may introduce new arguments in his or her rebuttal to refute arguments that were first raised in the Second Opposition Constructive. New examples, analysis, analogies, etc. that support previously introduced arguments are permitted in rebuttal speeches.
E. Points of Information A debater may request a point of information—either verbally or by rising—at any time after the first minute and before the last minute of any constructive speech. The debater holding the floor has the discretion to accept or refuse points of information. If accepted, the debater requesting the point of information has a maximum of fifteen seconds to make a statement or ask a question. The speaking time of the debater with the floor continues during the point of information.
F. Points of Order Points of order can be raised for no reason other than those specified in these Rules of Debating and Judging. If at any time during the debate, a debater believes that his or her opponent has violated one of these Rules of Debating and Judging, he or she may address the Speaker of the House with a point of order. Once recognized by the Speaker of the House, the debater must state, but may not argue for, the point of order. At the discretion of the Speaker of the House, the accused may briefly respond to the point of order. The Speaker of the House will then rule immediately on the point of order in one of three ways: point well taken, point not well taken, or point taken under consideration. The time used to state and address a point of order will not be deducted from the speaking time of the debater with the floor. A point of order is a serious charge and should not be raised for minor violations.
G. Points of Personal Privilege At any time during the debate, a debater may rise to a point of personal privilege when he or she believes that an opponent has personally insulted one of the debaters, has made an offensive or tasteless comment, or has grievously misconstrued another’s words or arguments. The Speaker will then rule on whether or not the comments were acceptable. The time used to state and address a point of personal privilege will not be deducted from the speaking time of the debater with the floor. Like a point of order, a point of personal privilege is a serious charge and should not be raised for minor transgressions. Debaters may be penalized for raising spurious points of personal privilege.
5. After the debate
A. After the final rebuttal, the Speaker of the House will dismiss the teams, complete the ballot and return it to the ballot staff. The judge should not give oral comments before the ballot is completed and returned to the ballot staff.
B. A running update of all teams’ records will be publicly posted in a “warm room” or common area accessible to all tournament participants. After returning the ballot, the judge may, at his or her discretion, give brief constructive comments to the debaters. Such conversations should, if possible, take place in the established “warm room” area if one is designated by the tournament. No one may be required to enter the “warm room” or participate in discussions. Judges should refrain from checking the records of teams they are about to judge should such information be available.
C. Debaters or coaches will refrain from arguing with judges’ decisions or comments. Debaters or coaches who harass judges may be withdrawn from the tournament on a two-thirds vote of the Championship Tournament Committee.
‹Or maybe we could all call it quits and go back to debating 19th Century style›
The Home of the Brave- America
Social Debates and Engaging Topics
United States of America
Constitutional-Amendments
The Ultimate Topics For Debate
- Amendment I (1791) Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly, Petition
- Amendment II (1791) Right to Bear Arms
- Amendment III (1791) Quartering of Troops
- Amendment IV (1791) Search and Seizure
- Amendment V (1791) Grand Jury, Double Jeopardy, Self-Incrimination, Due Process
- Amendment VI (1791) Criminal Prosecutions – Jury Trial, Right to Confront and to Counsel
- Amendment VII (1791) Common Law Suits – Jury Trial
- Amendment VIII (1791) Excess Bail or Fines, Cruel and Unusual Punishment
- Amendment IX (1791) Non-Enumerated Rights
- Amendment X (1791) Rights Reserved to States
- Amendment XI (1795) Suits Against a State
- Amendment XII (1804) Election of President and Vice-President
- Amendment XIII (1865) Abolition of Slavery
- Amendment XIV (1868) Privileges and Immunities, Due Process, Equal Protection, Apportionment of Representatives, Civil War Disqualification and Debt
- Amendment XV (1870) Rights Not to Be Denied on Account of Race
- Amendment XVI (1913) Income Tax
- Amendment XVII (1913) Election of Senators
- Amendment XVIII (1919) Prohibition
- Amendment XIX (1920) Women’s Right to Vote
- Amendment XX (1933) Presidential Term and Succession
- Amendment XXI (1933) Repeal of Prohibition
- Amendment XXII (1951) Two Term Limit on President
- Amendment XXIII (1951) Presidential Vote in D.C.
- Amendment XXIV (1964) Poll Tax
- Amendment XXV (1967) Presidential Succession
- Amendment XXVI (1971) Right to Vote at Age 18
- Amendment XXVII (1992) Compensation of Members of Congress
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Peace by War Grenade
by RKHenry
A fellow freelance writer has a saying, IntimatEvolution writes, “People are inclined to believe the world has never been in an uproar.” I am inclined to think this is true. With that said, the notion that many people believe that the world has never been in the same predicaments, actually curtails the process of finding peace. History plays a pivotal role here, and to think otherwise, is irresponsible. Case in Point: George W. Bush.
The United States of America’s former presidential administration, under the command of George W. Bush, was one leadership that often left the world in mutiny against one another. Their narrow-minded foreign ambitions and brutal policing policies left the world completely defined by darkness. By not paying attention to history, the administrations good intentions, always did more harm than good. If for one minute, somebody in that administration department would have given the historical perspective a nod- the mess then and the mess America finds herself now, could have been avoidable.
It does not take a rocket scientist to know the responsibilities of governing a nation as powerful as the United States of America. To be elected to the office of presidency, one must gather a clear understanding of the sheer might and force that those responsibilities bear. It is not like being president of your local glee club chapter. This is the presidency of the United States. To undermine that fact, is comparable to driving a oil tanker straight into hell. It is beyond irresponsible, and most definitively maddening. The simple fact is, George W. Bush’s administration simply did not understand, what American leadership bestows upon the world. It is that primary level of understanding, which is not misrepresented when people declare war, to restore peace. It is insane to say the least, and stupid.
However, I am not an Isolationist. I actually believe that it is everyone’s responsibility to take notice to the world, around surrounding him or her. It is critical, that varying sides use what fundamental tools they have at their disposal, to work together. All too often, many of us are blind by our own personal interpretations, and what we want willed, than what is real. Sometimes we so blinded by our personal weaknesses, that the road map to peace is lost in the shuffle. Until there is a true source of joy for our enemies and real compassion established for them, peace is not an option. Be open minded enough to realize the most simplistic of details, understanding them and learning from them, are some the greatest tools to accomplishing any form peace.
The Global Solution News Reel
- Peace Lutheran blasts off Carver County News14 hours agoOver 80 people attended the first service of Peace Lutheran Church, which was held at the Watertown Community Center on Sunday, Aug. 1. Peace Lutheran formed earlier this year with a focus on being a Bible based and family-oriented church.
- Peace March Set For Crescent Soldier Near State Capitol Thursday News On 6 Tulsa36 hours agoA local peace group is holding a march to “show support and solidarity” for a soldier from Crescent accused of leaking classified documents to the whistleblower website Wikileaks.
- National Peace Corps Association Holds ‘My Piece of the Peace Corps’ YouTube Contest in Honor of 50thBusiness Wire38 hours agoWASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The National Peace Corps Association, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization supporting Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) and the Peace Corps community, announced today it has launched a contest for the best short video on YouTube to honor the Peace Corps’ upcoming 50th anniversary. Called “My Piece of the Peace Corps,” the contest invites entrants to …
