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Activism, debate, Grant Denny

Interesting point.

In a message dated 5/3/97 7:29:17 PM, isaacw@ksu.edu (Isaac N West) wrote:

>Finally, Grant probably does a lot more than most of us do for civil 
>rights in the real world.  In fact, he quit debate so he could spend his 
>time doing more service work of which could fill anoother email this 
>length.  So while I miss having him around, Tuna, I think that his time 
>is being better spent than having the two of you conjure up "new" 
>positions.  Racism has been and will be discussed as long as debate is 
>around.  I think that the environmental racism aspects of the last topic 
>has given some a taste of this debate and that is why they like it.  
>China will also be around (if you think that it won't link, then just 
>wait).  Why don't you help me.....I'm going be around next year :).  

I think both Isaac and Grant know my position on this, since they have heard
my end-of-NDI speech. Activism during college years is excellent and not
inconsistent with debate. However, the true focus of the debate experience
(at least for me) is to prepare students to be more effective tools for
social change after they graduate. UVM is a very active campus, so I often
confront the notion that "I can't debate, I don't have time, I am working to
stop clear cutting (etc.)" I believe that debate involvement empowers
individuals with skills and attitudes which they can then take into the world
and off the campus to make some real, important changes. If Pam Peck had not
debated we might not have MLK day in Vermont. If Chuck Morton had quit debate
to go door to door for disarmament after Reagan was re-elected, he might not
have been able to establish the 24-hour toll free rape crisis phone line he
helped found recently. Always fight injustice, but during your college years
prepare to win that fight in a big way throughout your life. 

I said this at Nationals and I will say it here. We must never view each
other in debate as the enemy. The real enemy awaits us outside, and we need
to be ready. This does not mean we should accept injustice in debate, but
that we need to keep things in perspective.

I am ready to work with you, Isaac.

Tuna
Archive created by Jonathan Stanton (jonathan@cs.jhu.edu)
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