Impulses
Verbal jousts 2
At the rate of political killings that we experience nowadays, one doesn't need to be a social scientist to predict that the upcoming 2007 polls would be grumpy, gory and goofy.
This goes to show that a great number of influential people now seem to settle more on guns and goons rather than mending disputes through gentlemanly (forgive me with the gender bias term) argumentation and debate.
I believe that through formal verbal jousts, a lot of things can be patched up without necessarily splashing blood and bullets to one another.
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Last week, I started to randomly discuss the different topics that may be recycled by folks to start a lively discussion, just for the heck of it. Call it verbal masturbation but the beauty and climax here is that we argue to develop one's ability to play from either position with equal ease.
To some inexperienced debaters, some propositions appear easier to defend or to destroy but to the experienced, any proposition can be defended or destroyed after the same amount of preparation time, sometimes with only human compulsion and intellectual instinct to bank on.
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Lawyers have perfected this craft. In fact they are making large amount of dough (in the guise of representation fees, among others) from it.
They argue forcefully on behalf of their client, even if the facts appear against them. And good lawyers win this way just like walking in the park.
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Now, let us go back to the main course. Here are the rest of the suggested topics (and wacky answers from yours truly) that you and your love ones may munch through just to eat time this holiday season. By the way, these issues are good substitutes to the costly popcorns on TV or hot pockets in the net.
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Q: Should we intervene in the genetic makeup of our children? Should genetic screening be used to produce genetically healthy or even "designer" babies?
A: Amorally speaking, we mustn't. It kills the element of surprise.
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Q: Are there environmental, moral, or health issues associated with genetically modified food? Should it be banned?
A: Banning GMO's means cutting almost a quarter of the food industry of the world. To add, there have been no enough tests that proved that genetic tinkering put any hazardous substances into food. Do I still need to answer the question?
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Q: Although still a controversial subject, there is a growing consensus that global climate changes are being caused by environmental pollution, especially by greenhouse gases. Do we need to take more urgent action to halt this trend?
A: So far, we only have the earth as our only home. I believe that to save this big blue planet straight away is plain common sense.
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Q: Should countries be allowed to buy greenhouse gas quotas from other countries and so, in effect, pay for the right to pollute more? Or should polluters simply be heavily taxed if they exceed their own quotas?
A: In the first place, there should be no such thing as the human right to pollute.
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Q: Should laws be passed to limit gun ownership further?
A: Are laws and regulations on gun manufacture and use being implemented in the first place?
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Q: Does Hollywood have a negative impact on the world?
A: It depends on what side of Hollywood are we talking about.
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Q: Should human cloning be banned? Should reproductive human cloning always be prohibited?
A: Yes, unless, we have the whole Army of Clones of Darth Vader to fight against.
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Q: Should everyone have to carry an identity card?
A: Not in motels, at least.
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Q: Should governments censor material on the World Wide Web?
A: Even If they should, they can't.
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Q: Should cannabis/marijuana be legalized?
A: Not like cigarettes and beers.
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Q: Has there ever been organic life on Mars?
A: There's ice at least.
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Q: Is marriage an outdated institution?
A: I hope the term "marriage" is not yet in archaic form in Webster's.
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Q: Is co-habitation replacing the institution of marriage, and will this affect the security and stability of children?
A: What matters most is how the wife and the husband (or the couple, including same sex partnerships) deals with each other and their children, right? It also has to do with how much financial leverage they have in their pockets.
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Q: Should the minimum voting age be reduced to 16, or remain at 18?
A: That would be a disaster if implemented in the Philippines. Political maturity may start at the age of 30 (or may never even be reached by some) here. Proof to this is our clowned electoral system. Need I say more?
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Q: Should sex offenders be named and shamed?
A: Yes, unless they are below 18.
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Q: Should Small Town Lottery be abolished?
A: Not just STL but also casinos and sweepstakes. I don't want to sound like a preacher but why can't we consistently fight against gambling? It's just like saying that we hate pollution but it is just okay for Japan to dump its wastes here.
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Q: Is the Olympic Dream dead?
A: No, it remains a dream, though.
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Q: Is it justifiable to force gay and lesbian celebrities out of the closet, in the interests of gay rights?
A: That would also be entertaining.
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Q: Is there a global crisis of overpopulation? If so, is increased use of contraception the solution?
A: There is a global crisis in over-ovulation nowadays. Since we can't stop people from copulating, we might perhaps use the different "prevention methods" to augment the glitch. I'm sure some people will suggest abstinence. But isn't it more cruel?
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That's all for today folks. I hope you find this article a little bit better than wasting your time.
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Greetings to the esteemed alumni of Ateneo de Iloilo -- Santa Maria Catholic School! My salutations to your Grand Alumni Homecoming held December 28 at Amigo Terrace Hotel.
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Happy holidays, everyone!
(Engr. Herman M. Lagon may be reached through h_lagon@yahoo.com.)