The "Frenchbashers" are right

First proposing speech

Dear debaters and readers, in these times of global crisis, almost all countries in the world are having trouble maintaining their welfare system. It seems, however, that France and its new lefty regime are sending the message that "everything is alright" to its population. We, the French people, are the first ones to be brainwashed by Hollande's government since the voices of the opposition are being silenced. Therefore, French bashing is a good alternative to balance this inequality of opinions which has been inflicted on us by mass media. (continues below.)

By LM

First opposing speech

Ladies and Gentlemen, what is Frenchbashing? If I were to defend the motion, I would say it is nothing but pure analysis. It is helpfully holding up the mirror and, above all, it is true, fact-based journalism. The popularity of this art indicates that its practitioners must take great pleasure in the self-righteous act of dismantling France in every possible aspect, which makes us, members of the opposition, want to participate in the “bashing trend”. (Continues below.)

By GT

THW boycott the Sochi Olympics - moderator's introduction

Ladies and gentlemen, we are here to debate over the motion “This house would boycott the Sochi Olympics”. Indeed, the 2014 Winter Olympics will take place from 7 to 23 February in Sochi, Russia and the question of boycotting these games has been raised many times in the press. What motivates or not some people to refuse having their national team going to Russia? This is what one should learn by following this debate between the Government composed of YH, QM and GM and the Opposition whose team is JD, ET and GG. Both teams will try, thanks to striking arguments, deadly rhetoric and relentless persuasion to take their side and not the other. Let’s set the framework of this debate by looking at some recent facts. (Continues below fold.)

by NEK

Digital devices are good for children - poll result and moderator's report card

Dear readers, the motion was « This House believes that digital devices are good for children » and it appears that this topic is really controversial. The debaters provided us with a lot of interesting arguments; the two teams opposed on many points. I will now try to highlight the main clash points and show which team had the strongest arguments. (Continues below.)

by RD

Digital devices are good for children - closing speeches

Third proposing speech
Dear digital readers, let’s enter into the current world 2.0. :
Have you seen how difficult it is for your grandparents to write an email? This task seems to be so long and tedious. Now look at a “digital native” and this job suddenly becomes child’s play. Mastering digital devices demand specific skills and the sooner your child handles digital devices, the better he masters them, as for learning foreign language. (Continues below.)

by BH

Third proposing Speech

A retina burned, an eardrum was damaged, and families from all over the world collapsed. And this year, as many companies are selling more capable digital devices, our children will suffer silently even more. This situation has to change now. (Continues below.)

by AL

Digital devices are good for children - guest speaker

What an interesting debate so let's take a break! I will try to sum up in an non-partial way the arguments of both sides to make this debate clearer for all of us. I will begin with one of the most sensitive subject : digital devices among the family. (Continues below the fold.)

by FDB 

Digital devices are good for children - rebuttal speeches

Second proposing speech
Dear honorable judges, thanks to new technologies this debate will actually be available to the reading of any child willing to find arguments in favor of what they do best : using new devices. (Continues below.)

by MD

Second opposing speech
Dear readers, unlike what one could imagine, as the proposing team did, digital devices are an obstacle to children’s creativity, for the following reasons. The digital world is turning more and more into an imposition of situations rather than a solid base for imagination. (Continues below.)

by WEF

Digital devices are good for children - Opening speeches

First proposing speech
15^th century. Gutenberg has to face growing discontent about his invention: printing. Of course, the anticipation of such an impactful revolution in communication is frightening, and the idea of providing the population with unlimited access to information did not delight those in power. 21^th century. Some adults are deeply concerned about children using digital devices. Uncanny coincidence? I think not. (Continues below.)

by LI

First opposing speech

While technology will always continue to surprise us, new devices become part of our everyday life. As children today are brought up with Internet, mobile phones and now iPads, one can only wonder at the profound change undergone by this new generation and the dangers of overexposing it to this technology. Indeed, not only does this phenomenon deeply affect children’s social life and environment, but it seeps discreetly and dangerously into the family circle, eating it away slowly but surely. (Continues below.)

by CDB