- Statement of Significance:
- The R-Word has been making rounds in almost every news piece on the economy. The consensus is pretty much in. Even if the US economy is not in recession, an economic slowdown is certain. The implications of an economic slowdown in the US are not limited to the American mainland but rather reverberate across the globe. The US economy is THE thing that keeps America alive. What went wrong with governmental policies? What are the consequences? What lies ahead?
- The topic is interesting, provocative and challenging because:
- Never before have economics and the state of the economy were the central focus of a debate resolution. Debating different solutions to the current economic crisis and long term economic stability will be a relatively new domain for the LD community, making it not just challenging but also interesting.
- The topic is educational because:
- The topic provides a new avenue for analysis and discussion. The simple deal is that economics affects everyone – from a Wall Street broker to a forensics coach. Therefore knowledge of dealing with economic slowdown and the general economic climate are key to a comprehensive education for members of the debate community.
- Potential Arguments:
- Affirmative
- Alter the FED interest rates
- Alter monetary policy targets
- Curb budget deficit
- Change taxation policy
- Provide incentives to small business
- Alter social security policy
- Negative
- Deficit spending DA
- Consumer spending DA
- Inflation DA
- Federal Reserve CP
- Private Sector CP
- States CP
- Possible Resolutions:
- Resolved: The USFG should substantially alter fiscal policy.
- Resolved: The USFG should substantially increase its assistance to small and medium scale businesses.
- Resolved: The Federal Reserve should substantially alter its monetary policy.
- Resolved: The USFG should substantially alter one or more of the following programs: Social Security, US tax code and medicare.
- Sources:
- The Economist: www.economist.com
- Social Security: www.socialsecurity.org
- Fiscal Reform: www.fiscalreform.net
- The American Monetary Institute: www.monetary.org
- The Committee on Monetary and Economic reform: www.comer.org
- Federal Budget: www.federalbudget.com
- Wall Street Journal: www.online.wsj.com
- The Financial Times: www.ft.com
Links to 2008-2009 Topic Papers
