Free Speach

[mlb11@cornell.edu (Mike Berman)]

Scott writes that objections to speach acts need to have the following criteria:

>the proponent of a position, etc). Proof of the ethical violation should
>require a) criteria for determining violation, b) proof that
>conduct/speech is unethical, c) proof that conduct/speech is intentional.
>
>Sanctions against debaters for the repugnance of ideas stated in a debate
>round should only be a possibility if the accusing/opposing debaters are
>willing to subject themselves to suffering sanctions if their claim of
>repugnance is unwarranted.

I agree with points a) and b). You have to have clear standards and proof
of a negative effect.

However, it does not have to be intentional. If the speech act was made
than the effects were felt by those in the round. The speakers ignorance
should offer no excuse for such action. Just because someone doesn't know
that it is against the law to kill someone, does NOT mean that they can
kill someone. This standard would be ridiculous. The party accused can
claim that the context in which the particular speach act was used may
represent a special circumstance that means your objection doesn't apply.
(kind of like a no link ans.)

This leads to another topic Scott metioned above, should it be a reverse
voter for the accusor. ABSOLUTELY NOT. It makes no sense. If I said that
you uttered sexist language, than it turns out that you actually were
refering to only men. Why should the accusor lose the debate round? That
makes no sense. The aff. team says no link, and the neg loses the debate
round because they ran the disad.

Futhermore, I think a team can straight turn a speach critique. The accused
may respond by claiming that their speach act was not harmful (no impact),
and then claim that the accusor is censoring freedom of speech.

Chat with you all later,

Mike Berman
Cornell Debate

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