- Statement of Significance:
- One of the greatest ills facing America today is an entrenchment of poverty. As the United States economy continues downwards, unemployment and poverty is likely to be the result. It is clear that an increase in poverty is an increase in crime, homelessness, and disease. While few would argue that the poverty that faces America is not an astronomical problem, a great deal of disagreement exists on how to combat the problem.
- Statement on Interest, Provocativeness, & Challenge:
- This topic is interesting, provocative and challenging. Politicians and leaders have been promising for years to fix the growing poverty problem. However, congress has often become embroiled in political debate about how to solve the issue. The result is a large gap between the classes in America. Today's debaters are tomorrow's leaders. This problem deserves are attention and thought. Furthermore, few in the community have debated a topic related to this issue. The topics of the past few years have not directly addressed a social welfare issue. Civil lawsuits, GMO's, electronically mediated communication, Taiwan and international terrorism have not addressed the hardships that exist for many American citizens today. It would seem then that it is time for NFA-LD to tackle the issue.
- Statement of the Educational Value:
- The topic provides debaters with a glimpse into the varying situations facing people in America today. Too often our community forgets that not everyone is able to pursue the academic and extracurricular activities we take for granted. Debating this topic will provide an education in our social welfare system and some of the most expensive and frequently debated policies of our politicians.
- Sample Bibliography:
- 1. Bounds, E. (1999). Welfare Policy: a Feminist Critique. Cleveland, Ohio
- 2. Neubeck, K. (2001). Welfare Racism: Playing the race card against America's poor. New York: Routledge.
- 3. Gaffaney, T. (2000). Freedom for the Poor: welfare and the foundations of democratic citizenship. Boulder: Westview Press.
- 4. http://www.jcpr.org/index.html Joint Center for Poverty Research, provides a list of links to congressional testimony, panel discussions, and papers related to reforms on the war on poverty.
- Sample Resolutions:
- Resolved: That the United States Federal Government should substantially alter its policy for reducing poverty.
- Resolved: That the USFG should significantly increase programs to assist citizens living below the poverty line.
- Resolved: That the USFG should substantially decrease its assistance for the poor.
- Resolved: The USFG should significantly alter its Social security or Medicare policies.
- Possible Affirmative Case Areas:
- Job Training for the poor
- Federalized health care
- Free college educations for those living below the poverty line
- Increase the social security age
- Universal preschool
- Low Income Housing
- Negative Areas:
- States CP
- Federalism DA
- Spending DA
- Increased Dependency DA
Submitted By: Theresa Cox, Central Michigan University