Debate

Last week, I went to see a Parliamentary debate between two guys from the Oxford University debate team and Northwest University. I've never seen a debate before (unless you consider the Presidential and Vice Presidential debates actual debates. Which they aren't.).

Parliamentary debate allows one team (of two people) to introduce their side for 7 minutes, the other team to rebut for 8 minutes, then back and forth one more time for 8 minutes each.

There was a woman who introduced the topic (American Foreign Aid) and we (as the British Parliament) were supposed to knock on the tables in front of us when we agreed with a point. We would also decide the winners based on who made the best argument - not who we agreed with.

It was fun in watching these guys go. First of all, thought there would be some sort of "Presentation Style", but they talk really fast trying to get all their points in. Apparently, they must be rated based on not only the quality of their arguments, but also the number of points they make supporting their argument. I found myself agreeing with both sides which is always good for me (I like to be reminded that very few issues are black and white). Ultimately, I voted from the British guys but GaryDev felt that the Americans answered the question - they focused on what aid has done up until now and Gary felt that the Brits talked more about what aid can do.

Free lunch, interesting discussion, good company, good times!