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RE: Speed

Unfortunately, just because it gives you an edge doesn't mean that it is 
a good thing.  To make an analogy to another game, the use of speed 
in debate is like the use of steroids in football.  While it does make 
you a little bit faster and stronger in the game, it can actually hurt 

you in the long run.  Not only does it hurt communiocation skills for the 
vast majority of us, but it also has physical effects.  I'm sure many 
CEDA debaters can remember Gina Davis's position that said that speed 
killed by increasing blood pressure when we spoke fast, but what I'm 
talking about is the funny taste of blood that develops in the backs of 
some of our throats when we go very fast.  As my partner Phil will tell 
you (if he remembers the tournament), after our second to last round at 
UCO, I told him that I could taste blood.  Debate is extremely 
competitive, but I think only gladiators should consider their activity 
to be a blood sport.  While this flavor of blood did last most of the 
night, it was gone until the next morning when I spoke again and reopened 
the wounds.  There has to be something wrong with a device that injures 
its users.  The NCAA and NFL have banned steroids because they end up 
hurting their users, perhaps CEDA should have some limits on the use of 
other destructive tactics.

Just exploring the physical damage of speed as I prep for the swing,
Benjamin R. Bates
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