2010-2011 Potential LD Topics Released

Ladies and gentlemen and Zhe’s, start your engines! Here are the topics to work on this summer:

Resolved: When forced to choose, a just government ought to prioritize universal human rights over its national interest.

Resolved: The abuse of illegal drugs ought to be treated as a matter of public health, not of criminal justice.

Resolved: In political campaigns within the United States, corporations ought to be afforded the same First Amendment free speech protections as individuals.

Resolved: The United States is justified in using private military firms abroad to pursue its military objectives.

Resolved: On balance, internet neutrality is desirable.

Resolved: Progressive income taxes are just.

Resolved: Justice requires the recognition of animal rights.

Resolved: In the United States, juveniles charged with violent felonies ought to be treated as adults in the criminal justice system.

Resolved: The constitutions of democratic governments ought to include procedures for secession.

Resolved: Secular ethics ought to be prioritized over religious ethics in the legislative process.

On the eve of the GDI: Camps are kicking off left and right!

The Cal debate camp has been going on for a week already! Tomorrow marks the first day of the always amazing Gonzaga Debate Institute! Looks like a busy schedule.

Has your camp started yet? Make sure to contribute lecture notes, lab pairings, and even evidence citations to the camp wiki and send us cards and stories to post at tips@infinitecamp.com!

Cheers.

Card of the Day – Kuwait relations democracy internal link

UNITED STATES COOPERATION AND CLOSE CONSULTATION WITH KUWAIT IS VITAL TO RELATIONS AND MAINTAINING STABILITY AND DEMOCRACY IN THE REGION

TERRILL 2007 – PROFESSOR NATIONAL SECURITY AFFAIRS STRATEGIC STUDIES INSTITUTE

KUWAITI NATIONAL SECURITY AND THE US KUWAITI STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIP, SEPTEMBER, http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pubs/summary.cfm?q=788

The United States also has a vested interest in regional political reform and ongoing democratization in Kuwait. Beyond being a valuable strategic ally, Ku- wait has also shown a commitment to expanding de- mocracy in an evolutionary way that supports U.S. aspirations for both stability and more inclusive government within the region. Kuwaitis have a long-standing democratic tradition that they have attempted to blend with the continued authority of a ruling monarchy that has been in power since the 1750s. The existence of this monarchy and the history of democratic expression are key components of the Kuwaiti national identity. Additionally, Kuwaitis may be especially concerned about maintaining their democratic image abroad because of their continuing need for international support against potential enemies. Kuwait is clearly the most democratic country among the Gulf Arab states, and the Kuwait democratization effort serves as an important if still incomplete example to the region. Kuwaiti democratization has shown particular vitality over the last year, and the United States needs to continue supporting such efforts to ensure that they are not ephemeral. The United States must also remain aware that democracy and moderation are not the same thing, and that elections in Kuwait have empowered a number of Islamists who appear deeply unsympathetic to U.S. goals for the region.

This monograph notes that the United States can, if insufficiently careful, neglect the Kuwaiti relationship and fail to adequately consult the leadership and take Kuwaiti interests into account. Kuwaitis have the potential to become more jaded and less cooperative in their relations with the United States if they view themselves as taken for granted or dealt with as subordinates. The United States has a long history of resentful allies carefully measuring the degree of cooperation they will give in return for security guarantees. There is no need for this to occur with Kuwait. Moves to strengthen U.S.-Kuwait relations thus become important and may become especially vital if setbacks in Iraq eventually prompt a U.S. withdrawal under less than optimal conditions. Strong efforts should be made to prevent sectarian warfare in Iraq from spreading to Kuwait under such scenarios. Such efforts may require a great deal of new and creative thinking by both Kuwaitis and Americans as the threat of a conventional Iraq attack has now been overshadowed by the dangers of spillover from an Iraqi civil war, new and deadlier terrorism, and large-scale subversion.