Dec 25, 2008

Debate Topic #1: Is This Blog a Good Idea?


My Old Man and I love to discuss "issues". Whether the issue is taxes, gay marriage or the meaning of life, whether we're at the kitchen table or in a restaurant, there's no activity we enjoy more than a good ol' fashioned mind brawl.

Out of respect for our family and friends; and everyone within earshot of our endless back-and-forths; and public order--we have decided to take our mental sparring sessions to the lawless, virtual international waters called "the internet". Welcome to our blog.

I've taken the liberty of choosing our first topic: Is this blog a good idea? Here's a chance to agree on the format and introduce ourselves.

First, some ground rules. Here is what I propose:
  1. We will take turns choosing debate topics.
  2. The person whose turn it is to choose a topic can write an opening statement at his leisure.
  3. The other person can post a rebuttal, at his leisure. The rebuttal should be no longer than the opening statement.
  4. You may choose a topic that is identical to, or a continuation of, a previous topic.
  5. We are allowed to agree.
So, if the Old Man agrees to those rules (and he is allowed to--see rule #5), let's get to it. The first opening statement:

The biggest difference between me and my Old Man is that he has a lot more experience, what with being an old man and all. He knows a lot more about history because he was there for most of it, as radiocarbon dating has confirmed. "Yes, but what my son lacks in experience he makes up for in confidence," he will no doubt reply.

Though neither of us likes to be pigeonholed, he's something of a conservative traditionalist, and I'm something of a progressive secularist. For example, in 2008 he voted for John McCain; I voted for Barack Obama. He attends church; I started a club for secular students.

In spite of our differences, there is much common ground. We share the last name Frey, for starters (hence the name of this blog). We also share a love of knowledge, reading and independent thinking. We respect facts and calm reasoning more than hysterical rhetoric--and we're both fond of catching each other stooping to the latter. We would both like to see less entertainment in the news media and more rigorous, honest, and civil discourse.

This blog was the Old Man's idea, and it was a good one. Finally, we can settle our intellectual differences out loud and in public, without the embarassment of having the police show up, arrest us for disturbing the peace, and emphatically remind us of our right to remain silent. Let this blog be our ultimate decision to waive that right.

I'd just like to end with two quotes:

"Every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle"
~Thomas Jefferson

"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."
~Proverbs 27:17

Okay Old Man, the ball is in your proverbial court. En garde!
-Freyguy

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