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Let's debate
 Scott Bushee
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Aristotle noted: “It is absurd to hold that a man ought to be ashamed of being unable to defend himself with his fists, but not of being unable to defend himself with speech and reason, when the use of rational speech is more distinctive of a human being than the use of his fists.”
With this in mind, I will be running a new feature here on the opinion page. I have long held that one of the purposes of columns and your letters is to help facilitate reasoned discourse on this campus. This new feature is designed to bring this to a higher level.
First of all, I will, from time to time, be featuring debates on political and social issues. This will work as follows: Initially, we will be supplying the debaters and the topics. I will give a statement detailing the topic a week before the paper hits the stands, and both sides will have a 500-word column to state their position.
I say “initially” because I would like to see this evolve over time. For example, although I am happy to supply the topics, I welcome any suggestions you have. This is, after all, your student paper.
Along that same line, after I get this rolling, I would like to feature guest debaters. For this, I will be printing the topic statement a week before I plan on running it. Anyone will be welcome to submit a 500-word essay stating his or her position. I will choose the best from those submitted. This is worthy of repeating: Anyone is welcome. Though certain topics seem tailor-made for certain groups on campus, those groups will not be given special consideration for submission. To get printed, they have to submit the best article. I am going on merit here, not group membership.
As noted, the goal of this feature is reasoned debate. The means to this end will be diversity. Because I strive to uphold the spirit of the First Amendment, I welcome a variety of viewpoints. This was best summed up by Voltaire when he said, “I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” All I ask of you is that you do the same. If someone writes something that you disagree with or find offensive, do not don black and brown shirts and steal newspapers. Do not attempt to use the government to induce silence.
Instead, write to me.
Your opinion will always be welcome here.
Scott Bushee can be reached at: [email protected]
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