Judgement Day
I spent a great Saturday going to support my youngest as a participant in an area Speech and Debate meet. As part of the lingering cast of characters - coaches, parents, support persons I found myself volunteering to judge the varsity level Congress panels one AM session and one PM session. During the time I witnessed high school students wrestling with some relevant ideas of stemming the occurrences of gun violence with Red Flag laws, lifting the trade embargo with Cuba, college student loan forgiveness, among others on the possible docket. They cajoled one another for affirmation or negation of the proposed resolutions, some had crafted arguments on both sides, ensuring there was a balance of position to consider. They managed time for presenting arguments, asking questions, making sure there was recognition of a diversity of speakers and participation through precedence who had priority to make sure voices around the room were heard. And after th...