[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next]
[Date Index] [Thread Index] [Author Index]
Return to main CEDA-L Archive Page

Re: Topic Extension Ethics?

> On Wed, 29 Nov 1995, Michael Bryant wrote:
> 
> > While I have the deepest respect for the programs from both Chico St
> > and Gustavus Adolphus, I do not believe that their choice not to
> > debate for one semester should force the rest of the organization to
> > pick a new topic so as to treat them "ethically."
> 
> I agree.  My personal opinion is that whatever the topic happens to be it 
> will have little impact on me as a debater.  I will lose just as many 
> rounds at the beginning of the semester as I normally do.  And my 
> decision for eligibility reasons to sit out this semester brought with it 
> risks and I must live with them.
> 
> > 
> > If we want to turn this into an examination of "ethics," I urge Pat
> > to reflect on his rigorous academics rationale for why Chico St
> > didn't participate first semester. Gee, wasn't eligibility a part of
> > that decision? Didn't Chico State go to some tournaments? Was only
> > your top team concerned with rigorous academics?
> 
> Half of the team of Gina and myself was under great academic strain, 
> while I sat out due mainly to eligiblity questions.  I am not sure if 
> anyone really cares about this, I just thought I should say something 
> because of the discussion talking about me without mentioning my name.  
> It just felt wierd.
> 
> > The fact is that all of us would benefit from extra academic time. I
> > take offense at the implication that the academic standards at Chico
> > St are much more rigorous than the rest of the schools that managed
> > to compete in the fall. Participating in debate is about making
> > choices, so make them. Debate whatever semester you want, engage in
> > any academic pursuits you desire, but don't tell the rest of us to
> > question our "ethics" because we may choose a path that makes your
> > choice more difficult. That implied claim is too self-serving to be
> > left unchallenged.
> 
> I agree.
> 
> > I really haven't decided whether to support Mexico extension, but I
> > am left with very little sympathy for those that choose the easy path
> > of a single semester of competition. The activity should reward those
> > that have struggled to compete.
> 
> Bear, you make a wonderful point. The other side to this discussion is 
> the immense amount of work and education that occurs in the fall 
> semester.  As I offered above, myself and those that sit out a semester 
> run the risk of things changing before the spring.  Whether that be the 
> topic or whether we would have had a chance to debate Ashtar before the 
> all "precious" spring begins. 
> 
> I want to personally debate infotech in the fall, yet I don't believe my 
> attempts at persuasion will have the desired effect since I have ulterior 
> motives.  But I guess we all do.
> 
> Matt Siemens
> Cal State Chico
>
References:
Archive created by Jonathan Stanton (jonathan@cs.jhu.edu)
Return to main CEDA-L Archive Page