Debate resolution irresolute at PUC
Eric Roldan
Issue date: 11/23/09 Section: News
Dictionary.com defines meritocracy as, "an elite group of people whose progress is based on ability and talent rather than on class privilege or a wealthy system in which such persons are rewarded and advanced" and "leadership by able and talented persons."
One team, comprised of Hixon and Tuffin, argued the American dream is indeed a myth. Zagorski and Bradley advocated that it is not a myth.
Hixon spoke first on the issue. He brought up many points to ponder, saying freedom is just the government not telling you what to do and in America, the appearance of success replaces actual success. Hixon said people strive to look as if one has succeeded, giving the idea that this has replaced actual success in our capitalistic society.
In response to Hixon, Zagorski claimed the American dream includes the ability to move past your failures and barriers using the rights given to us by our forefathers to succeed in America.
He begged the question in British opposition, "What good is free healthcare if you are forced by your government to be complacent?"
After saying a few things to make the audience laugh, Tuffin retorted, "Now that I've been nice to you, let me tell you why you've been living a lie."
Tuffin expressed his belief-it's not that the people of America don't believe in the dream, but the actions to prove the dream true aren't there. Tuffin claimed that American consumerism has become the American dream.
In response, Bradley claimed that America is the greatest wealth-building machine in the world, because it rewards merit. Bradley's view on the issue was that the rights and laws of the United States give its citizens the freedom to work hard and to create considerable personal wealth.
A second round of arguments continued, with Zagorski using the election of President Obama as proof the American dream is not a myth. Hixon rebuked the fact a person must work past more-the "more" referring to social injustices such as racism and sexism-spits in the face of what the American dream claims to be.
One team, comprised of Hixon and Tuffin, argued the American dream is indeed a myth. Zagorski and Bradley advocated that it is not a myth.
Hixon spoke first on the issue. He brought up many points to ponder, saying freedom is just the government not telling you what to do and in America, the appearance of success replaces actual success. Hixon said people strive to look as if one has succeeded, giving the idea that this has replaced actual success in our capitalistic society.
In response to Hixon, Zagorski claimed the American dream includes the ability to move past your failures and barriers using the rights given to us by our forefathers to succeed in America.
He begged the question in British opposition, "What good is free healthcare if you are forced by your government to be complacent?"
After saying a few things to make the audience laugh, Tuffin retorted, "Now that I've been nice to you, let me tell you why you've been living a lie."
Tuffin expressed his belief-it's not that the people of America don't believe in the dream, but the actions to prove the dream true aren't there. Tuffin claimed that American consumerism has become the American dream.
In response, Bradley claimed that America is the greatest wealth-building machine in the world, because it rewards merit. Bradley's view on the issue was that the rights and laws of the United States give its citizens the freedom to work hard and to create considerable personal wealth.
A second round of arguments continued, with Zagorski using the election of President Obama as proof the American dream is not a myth. Hixon rebuked the fact a person must work past more-the "more" referring to social injustices such as racism and sexism-spits in the face of what the American dream claims to be.
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