illiland Debating Society

ome time ago Baron Von Lodge was the head of a small country near Switzerland known as Lilliland.

Everyone in Lilliland seemed to enjoy a good argument and debated on almost any topic. There were a few unwritten rules of conduct that were strictly adhered to in the contest.

The debaters must stick to the agreed topic, no loud talking or waving of arms, one person talking at a time without interruption, and when the debate was over, it was over.

A good debater had to research his topic and talk for or against that topic. Since there were two sides to every story, the debater had to recognize that the side he chose was not absolute.

Professor Hamblin, the Baron’s chief advisor, liked the idea of people joining the debating society. Greater understanding and harmony was promoted as a byproduct of a good debate.

Debating was the sign of an advanced civilization. In primitive societies the debates started with yelling but ended up with loud name-calling and participants waving their arms at each other.

Usually people with limited vocabulary skills were the first ones to become frustrated and broke the rules of good conduct and ended up in a public disturbance, which could end them up in jail.

The Professor recommended that when it appeared that a debate was getting out of hand and bystanders were starting to participate in the debate, although uninvited, that contest should be considered a draw and one or both parties should declare that the debate was ended. There was no winner, only a draw.

When tempers were raised, arms were waved, and people were pushed and shoved, the enjoyment of the contest was lost.

Debates should be entered in advance with the understanding of the rules of proper form.

Domestic debates fell into this category. Any interaction between two people who agree to disagree was a debate.

Debating is a normal part of everyday life.