test-economy-beplcpdffe-con03a	Only regulation can mitigate harms  It is where the sites operate, not where they are set up that matters for regulation. It is in gambling sites interest to run a trustworthy, responsible business. Whatever they are looking for online, internet users choose trusted brands that have been around for a while. If a gambling site acts badly, for example by changing its odds unfairly, word will soon get around and no one will want to use it. Regulation will mean that sites will have to verify the age of their users and prevent problem gamblers from accessing their site. When there is regulation consumers will go to the sites that are verified by their government and are providing a legal, safe service [13]. regulation, harms, gambling sites, site operation, trustworthy, responsible business, online safety, trusted brands, reputation, unfair odds, word of mouth, verification, age verification, problem gamblers, legal services, safe gambling, government regulation regulation, gambling, online gambling, trusted brands, responsible gambling, verification, age verification, consumer protection, legal gambling, safe gambling, site reputation, trustworthiness, problem gamblers, government regulation regulation, gambling, online gambling, trust, responsible gambling, trustworthiness, site reputation, consumer protection, age verification, problem gambling, legal gambling, safe gambling, regulatory oversight, trust brands, unethical practices regulation, harm mitigation, online gambling, trustworthy businesses, responsible gambling, trusted brands, unfair odds, reputation, user verification, age verification, problem gamblers, legal services, safe gambling, government regulation regulation, harms, site operation, trustworthiness, responsible gambling, online safety, reputation, unfair practices, age verification, problem gambling, licensed sites, government oversight, legal gambling, consumer protection
test-science-sghwbdgmo-pro01a	Genetically modified food is too new and little researched to be allowed for public use.  There are two problems associated with scientifically testing the impact of genetically modifying food. The first is that 'Peer review' (the checking of scientific test results by fellow scientists) is often made impossible by the unwillingness of biotechnology companies to give up their results for review. [1]  Furthermore, government agencies are often unwilling to stop GM foodstuffs reaching the shelf because of the clout that the companies have with their government. So in regards to research, there have not yet been unbiased findings showing that GMO crops are safe.  It is true, that in the US, there have been no adverse consequences from over 500 field releases in the United States. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) evaluated in 1993 data on genetically modified organisms regarding safety claims. The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) believes that the USDA evaluation was too small scale, to actually asses the risks. Also many reports also failed to mention or even measure any environmental risks connected with GM food commercialisation. [2]  Also, there are a number of dangers associated with the food itself, even without scientific evaluations. For example, the addition of nut proteins to soybeans caused those with nut allergies to go into shock upon eating the soybeans. Although this was detected in testing, sooner or later a transferred gene will cause risk to human health because the scientists did not conceive it could be a problem. [3] This will become a greater problem as more modifications are introduced. There are also possible dangers associated with the scientific technique itself by which the DNA is modified, an example is the spread of antibiotic resistance.  [1] Pusztai A., Genetically modified foods: Are they a risk to Human/Animal Health ?, published June 2001,  , accessed 09/02/2011  [2] Shah A., Is GE food safe ?, Global Issues,  , accessed 09/02/2011  [3] European Federation of Biotechnology, Allergies from GM food, published September 2000,  , accessed 09/02/2011 genetically modified food, safety, research, peer review, biotechnology companies, government regulation, unbiased findings, environmental risks, GM crops, USDA, Union of Concerned Scientists, testing, allergenicity, nut proteins, health impacts, gene transfer, antibiotic resistance, scientific evaluation, potential hazards Genetically modified food, GMOs, safety, research, peer review, biotech companies, government regulation, unbiased studies, environmental risks, USDA evaluation, Union of Concerned Scientists, allergenicity, nut allergies, gene transfer, antibiotic resistance, health risks, food safety, scientific testing, regulatory challenges genetically modified food, GMOs, biotech, safety concerns, peer review, government regulation, research bias, environmental risks, allergenicity, nut proteins, gene transfer, antibiotic resistance, public health, regulatory agencies, USDA, UCS, testing, genetic modification techniques genetically modified food, GMOs, safety, research, peer review, biotech companies, government regulation, unbiased testing, environmental risks, health risks, allergenicity, gene transfer, antibiotic resistance, GMO safety assessment, USDA, UCS, risk evaluation genetically modified food, GMOs, safety, research, peer review, biotechnology companies, government regulation, unbiased testing, environmental risks, health risks, allergenicity, gene transfer, antibiotic resistance, USDA, Union of Concerned Scientists, European Federation of Biotechnology
test-politics-oeplhbuwhmi-pro02a	Britain will have greater ability to respond quickly  Whatever the EU is we can all agree it is not the fastest and most responsive of institutions. As a result of needing the input of 28 countries EU external policy is slow and faltering. Leaving will enable the UK greater freedom to create its own policies and to reframe them in response to changing circumstances and challenges. The UK will no longer need to take into consideration any other country’s views. Britain, response, EU, institutions, speed, responsiveness, external policy, multilateral cooperation, sovereignty, independence, policy flexibility, national interests, Brexit, UK autonomy, decision-making, global influence Britain, response, EU, institutions, speed, responsiveness, external policy, multilateral, international relations, sovereignty, independence, decision-making, flexibility, national policy, global influence Britain, responsiveness, EU, external policy, speed, decision-making, independence, national sovereignty, autonomy, policy flexibility, Brexit, international relations, multilateralism, global influence Britain, respond quickly, EU, responsiveness, institutions, 28 countries, external policy, slow, faltering, leaving, UK, freedom, create policies, reframe, changing circumstances, challenges, independent decision-making Britain, EU, response speed, institutional efficiency, external policy, policy independence, sovereignty, Brexit, national sovereignty, UK policies, institutional responsiveness, multilateralism, foreign policy, international relations, global influence, decision-making agility
test-science-wsihwclscaaw-pro01a	Cyber attacks are no different from traditional attacks  The world has developed along with the new digital medium. Lots of crucial business and government services have moved online. While the military modernised in relation to digital developments, a definition of an act of war has not caught up with it yet. It is now being suggested that the digital domain is the new realm of warfare for the 21st century. States have already been using cyber attacks in hostilities and as acts of aggression against each other. For instance, USA and Israel have released a virus Stuxnet that sabotaged parts of Iran's nuclear programme in 2010, followed by retaliatory cyber attacks by Iran on USA [7]. In the 1998 war over Kosovo the USA successfully hacked Serbia's air defence systems, which left Serbia vulnerable to air attacks [8] [9]. Cyber attacks are thus attacks that can be perpetrated by states against other states in an effort to weaken the other state, the same way armed attacks are used. Given these realities large scale cyber attacks should be considered acts of war. cyber attacks, traditional attacks, digital medium, online services, modernized military, act of war, digital warfare, cyber hostilities, state-sponsored cyber attacks, virus, Stuxnet, Iran nuclear program, retaliation, Kosovo war, hacking, air defense systems, military vulnerabilities, cyber warfare definition, international security cyber attacks, traditional attacks, digital medium, online services, military modernization, act of war, digital domain, 21st-century warfare, state cyber attacks, geopolitical conflict, Stuxnet, Iran nuclear program, cyber retaliation, Kosovo war, Serbia air defense, cyber warfare, acts of aggression, state sovereignty, cyber security, conflict escalation cyber attacks, traditional attacks, digital medium, online services, digital warfare, cyber acts of war, state-sponsored cyber attacks, cyber conflict, cyber espionage, Stuxnet, Iran nuclear program, cyber retaliation, Kosovo war, hacking, cyber warfare definition, cyber defense, cyber security, cyber threats, state sovereignty, cyber diplomacy cyber attacks, traditional attacks, digital medium, online services, cyber warfare, act of war, digital domain, 21st century warfare, state-sponsored cyber attacks, cyber hostility, Stuxnet, Iran nuclear program, Iran cyber retaliation, Kosovo war, USA hacking Serbia, cyber sabotage, state cybersecurity, cyber conflict, cyber escalation cyber attacks, traditional warfare, digital medium, online services, digital domain, acts of war, cyber warfare, state-sponsored cyber attacks, cyber security, Stuxnet, Iran nuclear program, cyber retaliation, Kosovo war, cyber sabotage, state conflict, cyber defense, 21st-century warfare
test-education-udfakusma-con01a	Universities deserve to profit from their work  Universities are providing a service just like almost any other business. They provide a service in terms of educating students who are enrolled with them and secondly they conduct research on a wide range of subjects. In both of these cases the university deserves to make a profit out of their work.  When acting as an educator universities are in an educational free market, this is the case even when the cost is provided by the state. All universities are aiming to attract as many students as possible and earn as much as possible from fees. If the university is successful it will be able to charge more as it will attract students from further afield.  While Universities may make a profit on research or even teaching this profit is for the benefit of society as a whole as the profits are usually simply reinvested in the University’s education and infrastructure. [1]  [1] Anon. “What does the money get spent on?” The University of Sheffield, 2013. universities, profit, education, research, service, business, free market, student enrollment, revenue, fees, infrastructure, societal benefits, reinvestment universities, profit, education, research, service, business, funding, free market, student enrollment, fees, reinvestment, infrastructure, societal benefit universities, profit, education, research, service, business, tuition, fees, free market, students, revenue, reinvestment, infrastructure, societal benefits universities, profit, education, research, service, free market, students, fees, income, reinvestment, infrastructure, societal benefit, funding, higher education universities, profit, education, research, services, free market, student fees, reinvestment, infrastructure, societal benefit
test-international-appghblsba-pro04a	South Africa will gain influence, stability and a better image on the international stage  Bringing South Africa and Lesotho will benefit SA on the global stage. The move would be one to provide aid to a smaller state and provide stability. The dire conditions for the Basotho people are acknowledged by the UN and the Africa Union. Firstly, SA, by the annexation of Lesotho, will prove good intentions in creating a sustainable Sub-Saharan Africa. This will ultimately create a better image and a greater influence in the region if they choose to respond positively to the People’s Charter Movement in Lesotho [1] , a social structure pleading for annexation. The movement, driven by trade unions, has collected 30,000 signatures in favor of their goal and is rising in popularity. Secondly the annexation will provide a boost for the South African Development Community and South African Customs Union by demonstrating the willingness of South Africa to integrate with poorer neighbours and take on some of the responsibility for them.  [1] Smith, 2010, South Africa, Lesotho, international influence, stability, global image, aid, sovereignty, annexation, Sub-Saharan Africa, regional influence, People’s Charter Movement, trade unions, social movement, support, UN, African Union, development, regional integration, South African Development Community, Customs Union, neighboring countries, responsibility, regional stability South Africa, Lesotho, influence, stability, international stage, aid, regional integration, Sub-Saharan Africa, image, annexation, People’s Charter Movement, trade unions, social movement, signatures, South African Development Community, Customs Union, regional influence, aid to small states, stability, Africa Union, UN, social movement, annexation benefits South Africa, Lesotho, influence, stability, international relations, Aid, regional integration, Sub-Saharan Africa, image, influence, annexation, People’s Charter Movement, trade unions, support, South African Development Community, Customs Union, regional responsibility, marginalized communities, Africa Union, UN, social movement, sovereignty, neighboring countries, economic development South Africa, Lesotho, influence, stability, international image, global stage, aid, sovereignty, annexation, regional integration, Sub-Saharan Africa, People’s Charter Movement, trade unions, social movement, signatures, South African Development Community, SADC, Customs Union, regional responsibility, neighboring countries, geopolitical strategy South Africa, Lesotho, influence, stability, international stage, annexation, aid, regional influence, Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, image, People’s Charter Movement, trade unions, social movement, signatures, integration, South African Development Community, Customs Union, regional stability, foreign policy, international relations, development, neighboring countries
test-health-hgwhwbjfs-pro02a	Schools are the best place to create lasting lifestyle changes.  Schools are playing an increasingly formative role, in the sense that they’re being tasked with not only knowledge transfer, but also the creation of behaviors and placing emphasis on teaching students how to apply their knowledge. [1]  Given this expanded mandate, the schools are not only obliged to therefore offer choices that would go hand in hand with healthier behavior, but also the perfect pressure point for lawmakers to go about introducing healthier lifestyles.  The simple reason is that our kids are increasingly looking not to their parents, but schools and the environments they provide, for advice on how to live their lives. They are also the traditional environments for youth to continuously invent and reinvent themselves and therefore hold immense potential for behavior modification.  [1] Fitzgerald, E., 'Some insights on new role of schools', New York Times, 21 January 2011,  , accessed 9/11/2011 schools, lifestyle changes, behavior modification, health education, youth development, behavior influence, school environment, health promotion, policymaking, adolescent behavior, educational role, lifestyle habits, behavioral interventions, school-based programs schools, lifestyle changes, behavior modification, health education, youth behavior, schools' role, healthy lifestyles, behavior change, education environment, youth development, lawmaker influence, health promotion, lifelong habits, student behavior, environment influence schools, lifestyle changes, behavior modification, education, health promotion, youth influence, behavior change, school environment, health education, policy, lawmaker influence, youth development, applied knowledge, healthy behaviors, social environment schools, lifestyle changes, behavior modification, education, health, youth, environment, policy, lawmaking, student development, lifelong habits, health education, behavior influence, societal role, youth empowerment schools, lifestyle changes, behavior modification, youth, healthy habits, education, environment, lawmaking, health promotion, student behavior, social influence, youth development, school environment, health education, behavior change, school role
test-education-tuhwastua-con01a	It is the only single standard that everyone ends up taking  All measures applied during University admissions processes are arbitrary to one extent or another. Grades depend on the whims on individual instructors, curriculum choices, and school quality. Every single one of the flaws the proposition applies to the SATs or other standardized tests may well be true, but the fact is that they are true for everyone who takes them. The SATs are the only part of the application to a university that every single applicant will likely have been taken, and therefore the only one where all applicants can be objectively compared. standardized tests, university admissions, SAT, meritocracy, evaluation fairness, academic measurement, college application, test validity, applicant comparison, education metrics standardization, university admissions, standardized tests, SATs, objective comparison, grades, arbitrary measures, curriculum, instructor influence, school quality, fairness, evaluation metrics standardized tests, university admissions, SAT, standardized testing, grades, objectivity, fairness, comparison, measures, curriculum, instructor influence, school quality, fairness in admissions standardized tests, university admissions, SAT, standardized testing, grading reliability, applicant comparison, curriculum variability, instructor influence, school quality, fairness in admissions, objective assessment, admissions process, test validity standardized tests, SATs, university admissions, fair comparison, application process, grading fairness, curriculum variability, instructor influence, standardized testing benefits, objective assessment, applicant evaluation
test-politics-grcrgshwbr-pro01a	Many symbols are seen as a symbol of oppression on women.  Religious symbols are seen to, in some cases, increase the equality divide between genders. As an example, the Muslim Hijab is considered by some as a very powerful symbol for the oppression of women, particularly in countries such as Saudi Arabia or Afghanistan where it is compulsory. Therefore, when it is worn in Western countries that encourage democracy and equality, the wearing of the Hijab is seen as almost counter-productive to the goals of democratic society. For this reason Belgium has recently banned the wearing of the full Muslim veil, much like France in 2010.1 Often Muslim dress rules for women are seen as more severe than those for men. Inequality between men and women is a form of discrimination and liberal societies should fight all forms of discrimination.  1 ' Belgian ban on full veils comes into force', BBC News Europe, 23rd July 2011, accessed on 23rd July 2011 symbols, oppression, women, religious symbols, gender equality, Hijab, Muslim veil, oppression, countries, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Western countries, democracy, equality, ban, full veil, France, dress codes, gender discrimination, liberal societies symbols, oppression, women, religious symbols, gender equality, Muslim Hijab, oppression, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, compulsory veil, Western countries, democracy, equality, cultural clash, bans, France, Belgium, discrimination, liberal societies, gender norms, secularism symbols, oppression, women, religious symbols, gender equality, Muslim Hijab, cultural symbols, women's rights, gender discrimination, liberal societies, Veil ban, religious dress code, societal norms, cultural integration, women's autonomy, gender debate, multiculturalism, religious freedom, secularism symbols, oppression, women, religious symbols, gender inequality, Muslim Hijab, oppression, countries, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, compulsory dress, Western countries, democracy, equality, Hijab ban, Belgium, France, full Muslim veil, Muslim dress rules, gender discrimination, liberal societies symbols, oppression, women, religious symbols, gender equality, Muslim Hijab, oppression, countries, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Western countries, democracy, equality, full Muslim veil, ban, France, Muslim dress rules, discrimination, liberal societies
test-international-aahwstdrtfm-pro01a	PRC is clearly the China that matters  The Chinese civil war is over, and it is clear that it is the People’s Republic that has won. The 1992 consensus (though the term was coined later) between Taiwan and the PRC is that there is “one China, Different Interpretations” about who controls that China. [1] If there is only one China then it is clear which of the two China’s that one is. The PRC is 266 times larger than RoC, has 58 times the population, and its economy is 13.7 times bigger (by purchasing power parity). [2] States should be recognising the PRC as the “one China”.  [1] Kan, Shirley A., ‘China/Taiwan: Evolution of the “One China” Policy – Key Statements from Washington, Beijing, and Taipei’, Congressional Research Service, 26 August 2013,  , p.47  [2] All figures from The World Factbook, China and Taiwan pages  , PRC, China, Chinese civil war, People’s Republic, Taiwan, 1992 consensus, one China, China control, Taiwan recognition, PRC size, population, economy, purchasing power parity, international recognition, China policy, cross-strait relations, sovereignty, diplomatic recognition PRC, China, Chinese civil war, People's Republic of China, Taiwan, 1992 consensus, one China, cross-strait relations, sovereignty, Taiwan independence, China-Taiwan dispute, PRC population, Taiwan population, China economy, Taiwan economy, international recognition, One China policy, China’s size, PRC vs ROC, geopolitics Asia PRC, China, Taiwan, ROC, one China, 1992 consensus, Chinese civil war, People's Republic, Republic of China, sovereignty, international recognition, cross-strait relations, China policy, demographic comparison, economic size, population, purchasing power parity, recognition, diplomatic relations, China's control PRC, China, Taiwan, People's Republic, civil war, one China, 1992 consensus, different interpretations, sovereignty, size comparison, population, economy, recognition, political status, cross-strait relations, international diplomacy PRC, China, Chinese civil war, People's Republic of China, Taiwan, 1992 consensus, one China, interpretations, sovereignty, comparison, population, economy, size, recognition, Taiwan Strait, cross-strait relations, geopolitical, China policy, international relations, status quo, Taiwan independence, China-Taiwan relations, economic disparity
test-politics-eppghwgpi-con03a	Immunity for politicians is an unjust double standard  Every victim deserves to have the perpetrator of their suffering answer for their misdeeds. It is unjust that certain offenders would avoid retribution, and certain victims would be denied their day in court, simply because of a factor external to the commission of the crime. Even if the crime is not external to the criminal’s political role, the foundation of a free and fair justice system is that all individuals are treated alike, regardless of perceived importance. Hence, a wealthy philanthropist will not be spared from prosecution simply because they are a pillar of the community. Politicians should receive no greater reprieve. immunity, politicians, injustice, double standard, victim rights, perpetrators, accountability, impunity, justice system, equality, fairness, legal accountability, criminal justice, legal exemptions, privilege, social justice, rule of law, political immunity, equal treatment, legal fairness immunity, politicians, injustice, double standard, victims, perpetrators, accountability, justice system, legal equality, retribution, prosecution, fairness, legal safeguards, political immunity, criminal justice, equality before law, accountability measures immunity, politicians, double standard, victims, perpetrators, justice, accountability, legal equality, prosecution, fairness, privilege, legal immunity, criminal justice, accountability, societal justice immunity, politicians, justice, fairness, accountability, double standard, victims, perpetrators, prosecution, legal system, equality, retribution, criminal accountability, privilege, legal fairness, social justice immunity, politicians, justice, double standard, victims, perpetrators, accountability, legal system, equality, fairness, prosecution, impunity, misconduct, legal immunity, political role, justice system, equal treatment
test-law-cpilhbishioe-pro04a	An ICC enforcement arm would make the ICC more credible as an organization  To its critics, the ICC is an organization that can be mocked with Stalin’s dismissal of the influence of the Pope: “how many divisions does he have?”  An ICC capable of arresting its own fugitives would become a more credible organization, not only due to the show of competence through the arrests – it would lead to more trials, and more convictions, that would help contribute to the acceptance of the ICC as a serious court that is effective at bringing international criminals to justice. A legal institution needs to be effective to remain credible. [1] This would make countries much more likely to cooperate because the ICC would be doing more to help them by providing some of the necessary resources.  Henry Kissinger apparently said “Who do I call if I want to speak to Europe?” (he is not sure he said it) because there is no single European leader, and if the US wants political or military cooperation it calls the UK or France. In much the same way if countries need help apprehending and convicting someone they are much more likely to call in the ICC if it can actually help them catch the wanted person. [2]  [1] Perritt, Henry H., ‘Policing International Peace and Security: International Police Forces’, Chicago-Kent College of Law, March 1999,  p.293  [2] Sobczyk, Marcin, ‘Kissinger Still Lacks a Number to Call Europe’, The Wall Street Journal, 27 June 2012, ICC, enforcement, credibility, arrest, fugitives, trials, convictions, international justice, effectiveness, cooperation, resources, international law, global security, police forces, international criminals, justice system, legitimacy, international relations, enforcement arm, international law enforcement ICC, enforcement, credibility, international justice, arrests, fugitives, trials, convictions, cooperation, resources, international law, effectiveness, legitimacy, international criminal court, enforcement arm, global justice, legal institution, compliance, international cooperation, law enforcement, criminal justice, justice effectiveness ICC, enforcement, credibility, arrest, fugitives, international criminal justice, trials, convictions, effectiveness, cooperation, resources, international law, legal institution, international cooperation, police forces, enforcement capability, international organizations ICC, enforcement arm, credibility, international justice, arrest authority, fugitives, trials, convictions, effectiveness, cooperation, international law, enforcement, legitimacy, international criminal justice, criminal investigation, international cooperation, legal capacity, enforcement mechanisms, global security, policing, international institutions ICC, enforcement arm, credibility, international justice, arrests, trials, convictions, effectiveness, cooperation, international criminals, legal institution, resources, apprehension, cooperation, international law, international police, global security, justice system, enforcement capabilities
test-politics-nlpdwhbusbuc-pro01a	Cluster Bombs Cause Unacceptable Harm to Civilians  In a modern warfare scenario, the vast majority of combat takes place in civilian areas, such as cities. Whilst cluster bombs are obviously not used for peacekeeping purposes they are used in initial assaults on these areas, particularly against larger formations of enemy troops. This means that due to the indiscriminate nature of cluster bombs, in the same way as with land mines, often both military and civilian targets are encompassed in the blast radius. This is what happened in Zagreb as Martic was targeting Croat forces but the attack due to the use of cluster weapons also killed civilians.  Further, cluster bombs often have a few bomblets which are duds and do not go on initial impact. The issue with bomblets is that they are often brightly coloured and when used in cities or populous areas they can often attract the attention of children who are very unlikely to know to be careful around them. This can result in significant harm to civilian populations well after the attack has been carried out.  Further, due to the sheer volume of duds that cluster bombs put out, attempts to demine cluster bomb bomblets is an incredibly dangerous process that in of itself costs lives.1,2,3 cluster bombs, civilian harm, modern warfare, urban combat, indiscriminate weapons, collateral damage, blast radius, land mines, Zagreb attack, civilian casualties, bomblets, duds, children safety, unexploded ordnance, mine clearance, post-conflict hazards cluster bombs, civilian harm, warfare, cities, indiscriminate weapons, collateral damage, urban combat, bomblets, duds, children safety, unexploded ordnance, land mines, collateral casualties, demining, urban warfare, civilian casualties, international law, humanitarian impact cluster bombs,civilians,indiscriminate weapons,urban warfare,civilian casualties,blast radius,land mines,duds,bomblets,child safety,urban combat,unexploded ordnance,demining,war crimes,collateral damage,cluster weapon harm cluster bombs, civilian harm, urban warfare, indiscriminate weapons, collateral damage, land mines, blast radius, civilian casualties, Zagreb attack, Martic, bomblets, duds, unexploded ordnance, urban casualties, child safety, post-war hazards, demining dangers, military targeting, international law, humanitarian impact cluster bombs, civilian harm, modern warfare, urban combat, indiscriminate weapons, collateral damage, city attacks, initial assaults, civilian casualties, bomblets, duds, unexploded ordnance, child safety, urban warfare, post-conflict danger, mine clearance, demining, explosive remnants, civilian protection, international humanitarian law
test-digital-freedoms-aihbiahr-con02a	Internet access is a commodity not a human right.  If a human right is inherent and inalienable then if something is to be a human right it has to be freely available for all rather than being much more available to those who are rich. The internet however is a commodity. We are charged for access to it and can be cut off for not paying our bills. We are charged more to be able to download more, in effect to have greater access to this human right. There has never been any suggestion that the equally great media advances of TV and telephones are technologies worthy of being considered a human right. As with the internet these increased the ability to express opinions to a wide audience, they helped democratise news and making it much more international. They meant that human rights violations could be much more easily told to the world in much the same way the internet does. internet access, human rights, commodity, inalienable rights, equitable access, digital divide, affordability, net neutrality, communication technologies, media advances, democratization, freedom of expression, access inequality, digital rights, global communication internet access, commodity, human rights, inalienable rights, digital divide, telecommunications, media, democratization, freedom of expression, access equality, technology rights, digital access, social justice, information rights, infrastructure, affordability, connectivity, communication technology Internet access, commodity, human right, inalienable rights, free access, digital divide, affordability, internet infrastructure, digital rights, media technology, democratization, communication, human rights violations, information accessibility, online freedom internet access, human right, commodity, inalienable rights, digital divide, access inequality, internet affordability, information freedom, media democratization, technology rights, free internet, digital rights, internet inequality, communication technologies, media access internet access, human right, commodity, digital divide, free access, inalienable rights, internet as a commodity, inequality, affordability, information access, media democratization, technological rights, communication technologies, digital rights, global communication, internet policy
test-politics-dhbanhrnw-pro01a	All countries have a right to defend themselves with nuclear weapons, even when they lack the capacity in conventional weapons  The nation-state is the fundamental building block of the international system, and is recognized as such in all international treaties and organizations. States are recognized as having the right to defend themselves, and this right must extend to the possession of nuclear deterrence. Often states lack the capacity to defend themselves with conventional weapons. This is particularly true of poor and small states. Even wealthy, small states are susceptible to foreign attack, since their wealth cannot make up for their lack of manpower. With a nuclear deterrent, all states become equal in terms of ability to do harm to one another. [1] If a large state attempts to intimidate, or even invade a smaller neighbour, it will be unable to effectively cow it, since the small state will have the power to grievously wound, or even destroy, the would-be invader with a few well-placed nuclear missiles. [2] For example, the Russian invasion of Georgia in 2008 would likely never have occurred, as Russia would have thought twice when considering the potential loss of several of its cities it would need to exchange for a small piece of Georgian territory. Clearly, nuclear weapons serve in many ways to equalize states irrespective of size, allowing them to more effectively defend themselves. Furthermore, countries will only use nuclear weapons in the vent of existential threat. This is why, for example, North Korea has not used nuclear weapons; for it, like all other states, survival is the order of the day, and using nuclear weapons aggressively would spell its certain destruction. Countries will behave rationally with regard to the use of nuclear weapons, as they have done since their invention and initial proliferation. Weapons in the hands of more people will thus not result in the greater risk of their use.  [1] Jervis, Robert. 2001. “Weapons Without Purpose? Nuclear Strategy in the Post-Cold War Era”. Foreign Affairs.  [2] Mearsheimer, John. 1993. “The Case for a Ukrainian Nuclear Deterrent”. Foreign Affairs. nuclear weapons, national defense, conventional weapons, sovereignty, international treaties, international organizations, nuclear deterrence, small states, poor states, wealth, manpower, nuclear equality, power balance, foreign attack, invasion, Georgia 2008, Russian invasion, deterrence theory, nuclear escalation, existential threat, rational actor, nuclear proliferation, strategic stability, North Korea, nuclear strategy, Cold War, arms control, nuclear risk nuclear weapons, international security, national defense, sovereignty, nuclear deterrence, state sovereignty, conventional weapons, nuclear proliferation, power balance, international treaties, nuclear strategy, small states, weak states, nuclear equality, deterrence theory, war prevention, security dilemma, existential threat, rational actor model, nuclear proliferation risks, Cold War, post-Cold War, proliferation consequences, nuclear deterrence effectiveness, Russian invasion Georgia, North Korea, nuclear policy, international relations, deterrence stability nuclear weapons, self-defense, international treaties, nation-state, deterrence, conventional weapons, small states, wealthy states, security, military capacity, nuclear deterrent, power balance, global security, deterrent effect, strategic stability, nuclear proliferation, international security, sovereignty, geopolitical stability, nuclear posture, nuclear diplomacy, conflict prevention, nuclear strategy, threat mitigation nuclear deterrence, international law, sovereignty, defense rights, conventional weapons, small states, nuclear proliferation, strategic stability, national security, power balance, nuclear arsenals, size and capability, national defense, nuclear diplomacy, threat perception, rational actor theory, Cold War, security dilemma, nuclear doctrine, geopolitical stability, nuclear strategy nuclear weapons, deterrence, international security, sovereignty, state rights, conventional weapons, nuclear proliferation, balance of power, small states, nuclear deterrent, nuclear escalation, strategic stability, security studies, Cold War, post-Cold War, foreign policy, international treaties, nuclear strategy, nuclear arsenal, nuclear proliferation risks, nuclear armament, great power politics, regional security, nuclear deterrence theory
test-politics-oglilpdwhsn-pro02a	"The New START treaty will help against Iran’s nuclear program.  New START will help bolster US-Russian cooperation, which is necessary for solving the problem of Iran’s nuclear proliferation. On Nov. 19, 2010, the Anti-Defamation League released a statement, which came from Robert G. Sugarman, ADL National Chair, and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director: ""The severe damage that could be inflicted on that relationship by failing to ratify the treaty would inevitably hamper effective American international leadership to stop the Iranian nuclear weapons program. The Iranian nuclear threat is the most serious national security issue facing the United States, Israel, and other allies in the Middle East. While some Senators may have legitimate reservations about the New START treaty or its protocol, we believe the interest of our greater and common goal of preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons must take precedence."" [1] New START is crucial in getting Russian support against Iran and other rogue nuclear states.  Although the United States needs a strong and reliable nuclear force, the chief nuclear danger today comes not from Russia but from rogue states such as Iran and North Korea and the potential for nuclear material to fall into the hands of terrorists. Given those pressing dangers, some question why an arms control treaty with Russia matters. It matters because it is in both parties' interest that there be transparency and stability in their strategic nuclear relationship. It also matters because Russia's cooperation will be needed if we are to make progress in rolling back the Iranian and North Korean programs. Russian help will be needed to continue our work to secure ""loose nukes"" in Russia and elsewhere. And Russian assistance is needed to improve the situation in Afghanistan, a breeding ground for international terrorism.  Obviously, the United States does not sign arms control agreements just to make friends. Any treaty must be considered on its merits. But the New START agreement is clearly in the US’ national interest, and the ramifications of not ratifying it could be significantly negative. [2] As US Vice President Joe Biden argued in 2010: ""New Start is also a cornerstone of our efforts to reset relations with Russia, which have improved significantly in the last two years. This has led to real benefits for U.S. and global security. Russian cooperation made it possible to secure strong sanctions against Iran over its nuclear ambitions, and Russia canceled a sale to Iran of an advanced anti-aircraft missile system that would have been dangerously destabilizing. Russia has permitted the flow of materiel through its territory for our troops in Afghanistan. And—as the NATO-Russia Council in Lisbon demonstrated—European security has been advanced by the pursuit of a more cooperative relationship with Russia. We should not jeopardize this progress."" [3] Therefore, because New START will have significant positive consequences in terms of aiding relations with Russia, and thus in dealing with rogue nuclear states like Iran, it should be supported.  [1] Weingarten, Elizabeth. “How did New START become a Jewish issue?”. The Atlantic. 1 Decemebr 2010.   [2] Kissinger, Henry A. ; Shultz, George P. ; Baker III, James A’ ; Eagleburger , Lawrence S. ; and Powell, Colin L. ""The Republican case for ratifying New START"". Washington Post. 2 December 2010.   [3] Biden, Joseph. ""The case for ratifying New START"". Wall Street Journal. 25 November 2010. New START, Iran nuclear program, US-Russia cooperation, nuclear proliferation, arms control treaty, ratification, nuclear security, rogue states, North Korea, nuclear weapons, nuclear material, terrorists, transparency, stability, strategic nuclear relationship, loose nukes, Afghanistan, international terrorism, national security, bilateral relations, arms control agreements, Russia sanctions, NATO-Russia Council, European security, nuclear diplomacy, US-Russian relations, nuclear non-proliferation New START, nuclear proliferation, Iran nuclear program, US-Russian cooperation, arms control treaty, nuclear weapons, international security, Iranian nuclear threat, rogue states, North Korea, nuclear material security, transparency, stability, strategic nuclear relationship, arms control agreements, Russian support, terrorism, loose nukes, Afghanistan, diplomacy, international relations, sanctions, missile system, NATO-Russia, European security, global security New START, Iran nuclear program, US-Russia cooperation, nuclear proliferation, arms control treaty, international security, North Korea, rogue nuclear states, nuclear disarmament, transparency, stability, nuclear weapons, Russian support, nuclear security, Middle East, Iran sanctions, missile systems, terrorism, Afghanistan, diplomatic relations, sanctions, NATO, security policy, international diplomacy START treaty, Iran nuclear program, US-Russia relations, nuclear proliferation, arms control, nuclear security, rogue states, North Korea, nuclear terrorists, transparency, strategic stability, verification, arms reduction, international security, diplomacy, sanctions, Russia cooperation, Middle East security, non-proliferation, nuclear missile systems, Afghanistan, terrorism, nuclear arms race, NATO-Russia, global stability New START, nuclear treaties, Iran nuclear program, US-Russian cooperation, nuclear proliferation, arms control, international security, Iran sanctions, rogue states, North Korea, nuclear weapons, nuclear material, terrorism, transparency, stability, strategic nuclear relationship, nuclear disarmament, Russian support, loose nukes, Afghanistan, international terrorism, diplomacy, treaty ratification, U.S.-Russia relations, sanctions, missile systems, NATO, European security"
test-society-cpisydfphwj-con03a	Facebook has a negative impact on learning  For many students, the constant flow of news, status updates, pictures and comments which comes through Facebook every single hour is proving to be a very distracting, which not surprisingly affects their educational progress. It negatively impacts learning. Studies show that students who checked in on social networks while studying had grades that were 20% lower than the grades of those who didn’t.(1)  A 20% difference in grades can be the difference from being awarded a scholarship at a prestigious university at being obliged to enrol in the community college, or very easily between passing and failing. Education is one of the most important things in anybody’s life as it greatly affects future prospects. Of course socialising is important as well but we should try to avoid one negatively affecting the other.  (1) Julie D. Andrews “Is Facebook Good Or Bad For Students? Debate Roils On” April 28, 2011   (2) Larry Rose ”Social Networking’s Good and Bad Impacts on Kids“ American Psychological Association August 6, 2011 Facebook, social media, learning, academic performance, distractibility, student grades, social networking, educational impact, study habits, student distraction, Facebook addiction, mental focus, academic achievement, study interruption, social media effects, educational success Facebook, social media, negative impact, learning, distraction, educational progress, students, grades, social networks, study habits, academic performance, online distraction, student success, screen time, social interaction, mental health, academic achievement, university prospects, scholarship, study habits, socialization, psychological effects, research studies, educational outcomes Facebook, social media, learning, academic performance, distractions, student grades, study habits, social networks, educational impact, attention span, grade difference, scholarship, university, community college, student productivity, mental health, focus, study interruptions, socialization, online distraction, education prospects Facebook, social media, learning, education, distraction, students, grades, academic performance, social networks, study habits, academic achievement, cognitive impact, screen time, mental health, online distractions, studies, research, psychological effects, impact on education, internet use, student performance Facebook, social media, learning, academic performance, distractions, study habits, grades, student productivity, online distractions, educational impact, social networking, student focus, study effectiveness, academic achievement, internet use, psychological effects, social media addiction, education prospects, motivation, student behavior
test-law-umtlilhotac-con01a	ICC does not have same problems as other legal systems  The ICC as a court does not have many of the things that a domestic criminal trial would have in terms of disadvantages of televising. Like all other international tribunals, there is no jury, only a panel of professional judges. Judges are going to be less intimidated by there being television broadcasts even if broadcasts of trials typically aim to obscure the identity of the jury. Similarly, there is a competent system of witness protection, and other safeguards. ICC, international tribunal, legal system, judiciary, judicial panel, professional judges, televised trials, witness protection, trial safeguards, jury elimination, trial transparency, courtroom broadcasting, criminal trials, legal disadvantages, international law ICC, legal systems, international tribunals, criminal trial, televising, disadvantages, jury, judges, television broadcasts, witness protection, safeguards ICC, legal systems, international tribunals, domestic criminal trial, televising, disadvantages, jury, judges, television broadcasts, witness protection, safeguards ICC, legal systems, domestic criminal trial, televising, international tribunals, jury, judges, television broadcasts, witness protection, safeguards ICC, international tribunal, legal systems, domestic criminal trial, televising, disadvantages, jury, professional judges, televised trial, witness protection, trial safeguards, courtroom broadcasting, judicial panel
test-free-speech-debate-radhbsshr-con03a	Public Decency  Freedom of Speech is something that is highly valued, particularly in a country such as South Africa, where it was in short supply for a large part of its history, but surely for such speech to be worthwhile, it has to be able to convey a message that actually enriches the public domain. Such messages can be critical of government, but it must be best if they do not cause widespread offence in the process.  The problem with ‘The Spear’ is that is causes widespread offence with the graphic depiction of the male genitalia. As a result, the underlying message that Brett Murray is trying to convey is lost in the offence image of the exposed penis, causing needless controversy in the process. [1]  The utilisation of an exposed penis in ‘The Spear’ breaches all notions of public decency, not only causing offence in the public domain, but also personal offence, by depicting President Zuma in such a lewd manner. As such, it is right to ask for the removal of the artwork from public display to prevent further offence from being caused.  [1] Robins. P, ‘The spear that divided the nation’, Amandla, 2012, public decency, freedom of speech, South Africa, censorship, public controversy, artistic expression, political satire, offensive art, public domain, government critique, artwork removal, graphic imagery, President Zuma, Brett Murray, The Spear, public offense, legal implications, freedom vs decency public decency, freedom of speech, South Africa, controversial art, The Spear, Brett Murray, public offence, graphic depiction, male genitalia, censorship, political satire, freedom of expression, public controversy, artwork removal, President Zuma, graphic art, offensive images public decency, freedom of speech, South Africa, censorship, art controversy, public offense, public domain, artistic expression, political satire, censorship debates, Brett Murray, The Spear, artwork removal, societal values, political criticism, graphic imagery, public morality, offensive art, President Zuma, visual art controversy public decency, freedom of speech, South Africa, artistic expression, controversial artwork, public offense, censorship, Brett Murray, The Spear, President Zuma, graphic art, public controversy, art censorship, political satire, artistic freedom, national discourse public decency, freedom of speech, South Africa, censorship, artwork controversy, public offense, graphic art, political satire, Brett Murray, The Spear, public message, government critique, offensive imagery, expressive rights, public domain, societal values
test-international-iighbopcc-pro01a	The hard part is the cutting of emissions  The problem with a non-binding agreement, even one where the targets have been submitted by the governments themselves is exactly that it is non-binding. If governments are not bound to cut emissions then there is a good chance that many of them wont. [1] The British government, which has binding targets, has been on course to miss its 2025 targets with reductions of only 23% against targets of 31% due to a decision to reduce subsidies for housing insulation. [2] If countries which have set targets for themselves in the past are missing them what hope do we have for these voluntary targets?  [1] Taylor, Lenore, ‘Paris climate talks: the real test is whether countries will keep their word’, The Guardian, 30 November 2015,   [2] Harvey, Fiona, ‘UK on track to miss carbon targets, climate change advisers warn’, The Guardian, 15 July 2014, emissions reduction, non-binding agreements, climate targets, government commitments, binding targets, carbon emissions, policy enforcement, climate change, international climate negotiations, Paris Agreement, voluntary targets, subsidy reduction, housing insulation, climate policy effectiveness, emissions tracking, governmental accountability emissions reduction, non-binding agreement, government targets, climate commitments, Paris climate talks, binding targets, voluntary targets, policy enforcement, climate policy, greenhouse gas cut, UK emissions, housing insulation subsidies, climate change, international climate negotiations climate change, emissions reduction, non-binding agreements, government targets, binding targets, Paris climate talks, subsidy reductions, housing insulation, voluntary commitments, climate policy, international climate negotiations, UK climate targets, carbon emission goals, climate commitments, global warming mitigation emissions reduction, non-binding agreement, climate targets, government commitments, voluntary targets, binding commitments, policy enforcement, climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, UK climate policy, Paris climate talks, international climate agreements, carbon reduction, subsidy policies, insulation projects emissions reduction, non-binding agreements, climate targets, government commitments, binding vs non-binding, international climate talks, Paris climate conference, subsidy cuts, housing insulation, carbon reduction, climate policy, voluntary targets, climate change commitments, UK climate targets, global emissions, climate negotiations
test-science-eassgbatj-con01a	Animals don’t have human rights  Humans have large brains, form social groups, communicate and are generally worthy of moral consideration. We also are aware of ourselves and of the nature of death. Some animals have some of these characteristics but not all so should not have the same rights. In harming animals to benefit humans, we enter in to a good moral trade-off to create a greater good. [11] animal rights, human rights, moral consideration, consciousness, self-awareness, social groups, communication, species comparison, ethical trade-offs, animal welfare, moral philosophy, rights debate animal rights,human rights,moral consideration,ethical debate,animal welfare,consciousness,self-awareness,death awareness,speciesism,moral trade-off,benefit humans,moral philosophy,ethical implications animal rights, human rights, moral consideration, consciousness, self-awareness, death awareness, social behavior, communication, ethical trade-offs, utilitarianism, animal welfare, moral philosophy, animal cognition, human superiority, ethical dilemmas animal rights, human rights, moral consideration, large brains, social groups, communication, self-awareness, awareness of death, moral trade-offs, ethical; animal cognition, animal welfare, human superiority, moral philosophy, utilitarianism, speciesism, ethical dilemmas animal rights, human rights, moral consideration, consciousness, social groups, communication, self-awareness, death awareness, moral trade-off, animal ethics, welfare, speciesism, utilitarianism, moral philosophy
test-free-speech-debate-nshbcsbawc-pro02a	Other religions have the right to wear prescribed clothing enshrined in British law, it is hypocritical not to offer Christianity the same protection.  Legislation should be consistent; otherwise it is, by definition, discriminatory. [i] If some faiths are allowed to show outward demonstrations of their faith in the workplace, then that should apply across the board.  Christianity is an established part of the state, as shown by the monarch being head of the Church of England. So it is perverse for two national brands to accept attire that demonstrates an employee’s profession of other faiths but to reject one that is universally recognised as a symbol of Christianity.  The very fact that both women were willing to risk, and lose, their jobs over the issue shows that they considered wearing the cross to be an important part of their faith. That should be enough to demonstrate that it is a matter of conscience. It is demonstrably true that allowing other religious symbols to be worn does not create immense difficulties, both the NHS and Heathrow airport allow sikh’s to wear a kirpan (small dagger). [ii] Their right to do so is respected because it is important to the individual concerned. The same is clearly true here.  Either legislation should respect that commitment in all faiths or it should not do so in any.  [i] The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 4th ed., Houghton Mifflin Company, 2000,   [ii] The Kirpan, A submission to the Department of Communities and Local Government (UK), British Sikh Consultative Forum, April 2009, P12 religion, clothing, legislation, discrimination, faith, workplace, Christianity, religious symbols, British law, UK, established church, Church of England, religious freedom, symbols in workplace, religious expression, employment rights, Sikh, Kirpan, religious rights, fair treatment, legal protection, religious equality, sensitive issues religious freedom, prescribed clothing, legal protection, discrimination, faith symbols, workplace diversity, Christianity, British law, state religion, Church of England, religious attire, symbolism, employment rights, conscience, religious expression, Sikhism, kirpan, religious symbols, legislation, equality, religious rights religious freedom, clothing, legislation, discrimination, faith representation, Christianity, established church, Church of England, religious symbols, workplace, uniform policy, religious expression, cross, faith, conscience, Sikh, kirpan, religious rights, UK law, equality, religious minorities religion, clothing, religious freedom, discrimination, legislation, equality, faith symbols, Christianity, British law, workplace attire, religious rights, cultural expression, religious symbols, state religion, Church of England, cross, conscience, faith tolerance, Sikh, kirpan, religious expression, employment rights, legal protection, religious attire, religious diversity religion, clothing, British law, Christianity, discrimination, workplace dress code, faith symbols, established church, Church of England, national brands, religious attire, conscience, religious symbols, Sikh, Kirpan, religious freedom, legislation, equal rights, religious expression, workplace policy, religious discrimination
test-culture-tlhrilsfhwr-con01a	Making children military targets  The purpose of the ban on the use of child soldiers is to prevent the normalisation of such tactics in conflict zones. It is not an inflexible implementation of a lofty European ideal. The ban, and the role of the ICC in enforcing it, is designed to reduce the likelihood that civilians will be deliberately targeted in developing world war zones. Why is this necessary?  If the defence set out in the motion is used to reduce the number of war crimes convictions attendant on the use of child soldiers, not only will numbers of child soldiers rise, but children themselves will become military targets. Communities ravaged and depleted by war, under the status quo, may be seen as minimally threatening. Armies are not likely to target them as strategic objectives if it is thought that they will offer no resistance. However, if there is no condemnation and investigation of the use of child soldiers, they will become a much more common feature of the battlefield. The increasing militarisation of children will make those children who do not wish to participate in armed conflict- children pursuing some alternate survival strategy- automatic targets. All children will be treated as potential soldiers. The communities that children live in will become military targets.  The resolution, although seeking to enable children to protect themselves, will simply make them targets of the massacres, organised displacement and surprise attacks that characterise warfare in Africa and central Asia. child soldiers, military targets, conflict zones, guerrilla warfare, ICC, war crimes, child rights, demilitarization, child protection, armed conflict, civilian casualties, societal impact, militarization, violence prevention, international law, community security child soldiers, violation, child rights, conflict zones, international law, ICC, war crimes, civilian protection, militarisation, child exploitation, armed conflict, European ideals, community impacts, strategic targets, violence, Africa, central Asia, mass killings, displacement, warfare, human rights child soldiers, military targets, conflict zones, war crimes, ICC, civilian protection, militarisation, children in war, armed conflict, community impact, violence, displacement, Africa, Central Asia, international law, human rights child soldiers, child militarization, war crimes, civilian targeting, ICC, conflict zones, child protection, armed conflict, humanitarian law, children as soldiers, war crimes convictions, community targeting, child vulnerability, military targets, warfare in Africa, warfare in Central Asia child soldiers, military targets, conflict zones, banning child soldiers, ICC, civilian protection, war crimes, international law, militarization, children in war, violence, Africa, Central Asia, community impact, armed conflict, battlefield, humanitarian law, child rights, protection, war escalation, displacement, massacre, organized violence
test-economy-thhghwhwift-con03a	It hits the most vulnerable part of society hardest  The practical consequence of an additional tax on what the government considers fatty unhealthy food will disproportionately affect the poorest part of the population, who often turn to such food due to economic constraints.  These were the concerns that stopped the Romanian government from introducing a fat tax in 2010. Experts there argued, that the countries people keep turning to junk food simply because they are poor and cannot afford the more expensive fresh produce. What such a fat tax would do is eliminate a very important source of calories from the society’s economic reach and replace the current diet with an even more nutritionally unbalanced one. Even the WHO described such policies as “regressive from an equity perspective.” [1]  Clearly, the government should be focusing its efforts on making healthy fresh produce more accessible and not on making food in general, regardless if it’s considered healthy or not, less accessible for the most vulnerable in our society.  [1] Stracansky, P., 'Fat Tax' May Hurt Poor, published 8/8/2011,  , accessed 9/12/2011 fat tax, vulnerable populations, economic inequality, unhealthy food, socioeconomic impact, poverty, nutrition, food policy, health equity, affordability, income disparity, public health, food accessibility, dietary habits, WHO, regressive policies, healthy eating, food security fat tax, vulnerable populations, socioeconomic impact, health inequalities, nutritional access, unhealthy food, economic constraints, social equity, government policy, food affordability, public health, regressive taxation, dietary disparities, income inequality, food insecurity fat tax, vulnerable populations, socioeconomic impact, health disparities, food accessibility, poverty, unhealthy food, nutritional balance, government policy, public health, economic constraints, food inequity, regressive taxes, dietary habits, health equity, policy analysis, food affordability fat tax, income inequality, food accessibility, nutrition, socioeconomic impact, public health, unhealthy food, fresh produce, poverty, economic constraints, government policies, WHO, regressive taxation, dietary habits, nutritional balance, food affordability, health equity, vulnerable populations fat tax, vulnerable populations, socioeconomic impact, unhealthy food, poverty, nutrition, health policy, food affordability, food insecurity, equity, regressive taxation, public health, dietary inequality, economic constraints, fresh produce, junk food, government policy, health disparities, nutritional balance
test-science-sghwbdgmo-pro02a	Genetically modified food is a danger to eco-systems.  GM foods also present a danger to the environment. The use of these crops is causing fewer strains to be planted. In a traditional ecosystem based on 100 varieties of rice, a disease wiping out one strain is not too much of a problem. However, if just two strains are planted (as now occurs) and one is wiped out the result is catastrophic. In addition, removing certain varieties of crops causes organisms, which feed on these crops, to be wiped out as well, such as the butterfly population decimated by a recent Monsanto field trial. [1] This supports the concerns that GM plants or transgenes can escape into the environment and that the impacts of broad-spectrum herbicides used with the herbicide tolerant GM crops on the countryside ecosystems have consequences. One of the impacts was that the Bacillus Thuringiensis toxin was produced by Bt crops (GMOs) on no-target species (butterflies), which lead to them dying. [2]  Another concern is also that pollen produced from GM crops can be blown into neighboring fields where it fertilizes unmodified crops. This process (cross-pollination) pollutes the natural gene pool. [3] This in turn makes labeling impossible which reduces consumer choice. This can be prevented with the terminator gene. However, use of this is immoral for reasons outlined below. Furthermore, not all companies have access to the terminator technology.  [1] Whitman D., Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful, published April 2000,  , accessed 09/02/2011  [2] WWF Switzerland, Genetically modified Organisms (GMOs): A danger to sustainable development of agriculture, published May 2005, www.panda.org/downloads/trash/gmosadangertosustainableagriculture.pdf , p.4 , accessed 09/02/2011  [3] Whitman D., Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful, published April 2000,  , accessed 09/02/2011 genetically modified food, GM crops, environment, ecosystems, biodiversity, crop varieties, disease resistance, monoculture, genetic diversity, ecological impact, non-target species, butterfly population, Monsanto, GM transgenes, gene flow, cross-pollination, pollen dispersal, natural gene pool, labeling, consumer choice, terminator gene, genetic containment, ethical concerns, seed patents, biotech companies, sustainable agriculture, herbicide tolerance, Bt toxin, broad-spectrum herbicides, ecological consequences genetically modified food, GMO, environmental impact, ecosystems, crop diversity, genetic variation, disease resistance, crop strains, biodiversity, ecological consequences, herbicides, broad-spectrum herbicides, transgenes, gene flow, cross-pollination, pollen dispersal, gene pool contamination, biodiversity loss, butterfly population, non-target species, Bacillus Thuringiensis, Bt crops, pesticide toxicity, pollination, gene transfer, genetic pollution, labeling issues, consumer choice, terminator gene, sterility, biotech ethics, corporate access, agricultural sustainability genetically modified food, GM crops, environment, biodiversity, crop varieties, ecological impact, monoculture, crop extinction, ecosystem disruption, pollinators, butterflies, GM transgenes, gene flow, cross-pollination, natural gene pool, herbicides, broad-spectrum herbicides, Bt crops, Bacillus thuringiensis, no-target species, pesticide impact, pollen dispersal, gene escape, gene contamination, seed purity, crop labeling, consumer choice, terminator gene, genetic sterilization, genetic pollution, GMO regulation, sustainability, agricultural biodiversity, ecological consequences genetically modified foods, GMOs, environmental impact, ecosystems, crop diversity, monoculture, disease vulnerability, extinction, biodiversity loss, pollination, cross-pollination, gene flow, gene pool pollution, herbicides, broad-spectrum, Bt crops, Bacillus thuringiensis, non-target species, butterflies, pesticide effects, crop escape, gene transfer, gene contamination, labeling, consumer choice, terminator technology, terminator gene, seed sterilization, seed saving, corporate control, Monsanto, environmental risks, ecological imbalance genetically modified food, GMOs, environmental impact, biodiversity loss, crop varieties, monoculture, ecological disruption, disease susceptibility, gene flow, cross-pollination, gene pool pollution, non-target species, pesticide use, herbicides, broad-spectrum herbicides, Bt crops, Bacillus thuringiensis, butterfly mortality, ecological balance, ecosystem health, crop resilience, terminator gene, seed sterility, genetic engineering ethics, gene escape, gene flow barriers, labeling issues, consumer choice, sustainable agriculture, environmental hazards, ecological consequences
test-law-ilppppghb-con02a	"The rise of universal human rights makes self-determination increasingly irrelevant.  Across the developed world, modern nation states are bound into a complex network of treaties and international organisations which together go a long way to guaranteeing citizens very similar rights wherever they live. These supra-national rules make it less and less important on what side of an international boundary you happen to live. What matters is not so much self-determination as whether or not an individual citizen is able to enjoy the same rights and privileges as those of the majority culture.  For example, EU citizens enjoy many common rights, common European citizenship, freedom of movement between member states and so on. Minorities who fifty years ago might have taken up arms to ""free"" themselves from an oppressive nation state – such as Catholics in Northern Ireland – don’t need to do this now, because they have new rights against discrimination, guaranteed and enforced by international treaty. universal human rights, self-determination, nation-states, treaties, international organisations, sovereignty, supra-national rules, citizens' rights, international boundaries, rights equality, minority rights, European Union, freedom of movement, discrimination, international treaties universal human rights, self-determination, nation states, treaties, international organizations, supra-national rules, citizens' rights, developed countries, rights equality, national boundaries, individual freedoms, European Union, European citizenship, freedom of movement, minority rights, discrimination, international treaties, human rights enforcement human rights, self-determination, nation states, treaties, international organizations, Supra-national rules, citizenship, rights, privileges, cultural majority, European Union, freedom of movement, minorities, discrimination, international treaties, sovereignty, conflict resolution universal human rights, self-determination, nation states, treaties, international organisations, citizens' rights, supra-national rules, international boundaries, individual rights, majority culture, EU citizenship, freedom of movement, minorities, discrimination, international treaties universal human rights, self-determination, nation-states, treaties, international organizations, rights, sovereignty, supranational rules, citizenship, EU, freedom of movement, minorities, discrimination, international treaties"
test-economy-beplcpdffe-con04a	Other forms of online gambling  What is the difference between gambling and playing the stock market? In each case people are putting money at risk in the hope of a particular outcome. Gambling on horse-racing or games involves knowledge and expertise that can improve your chances of success. In the same way, trading in bonds, shares, currency or derivatives is a bet that your understanding of the economy is better than that of other investors. Why should one kind of online risk-taking be legal and the other not? online gambling, stock market, risk, betting, investment, trading, horse racing, knowledge, expertise, economic understanding, legality, derivatives, bonds, shares, currency, betting strategies, financial markets, legal differences online gambling, stock market, risk-taking, gambling vs trading, financial markets, betting, derivatives, shares, bonds, currency trading, economic understanding, legality, gambling laws, investment risks, skill-based betting online gambling, stock market, gambling versus trading, risk-taking, financial markets, investment risk, betting, expertise, economic understanding, legality, derivatives, bonds, shares, currency, horse-racing, online gambling laws online gambling, stock market, risk, gambling vs trading, betting, financial markets, speculative investment, economic understanding, legality, gambling regulation, investment risk, horse-racing, games of chance, knowledge, expertise, bonds, shares, currency, derivatives, investor advantage online gambling, stock market, financial trading, risk-taking, investment, gambling laws, betting, stock trading, derivatives, economic understanding, legality, gambling vs investing, horse racing, knowledge, expertise, risk management
test-science-wsihwclscaaw-pro02a	Cyber attacks can do serious damage to the state  Large scale cyber attacks can result in substantial harms to the state equivalent to those of an armed attack. Many states are dependent on flawless functioning of government and financial services online, and attacking them would cause mass disruption. For example, massive cyber attacks can cause serious disruption to economy by targeting financial, banking and commercial services; they can target government websites and steal confidential information that would compromise country's security, as was the case with USA in 2007 [10]; they could target power grids and shut down infrastructure on a massive scale across the country. All these instances cause disruption and leave the targeted country vulnerable with the government unable to operate successfully. This way, for instance, a large scale cyber attack from Russia on Georgia 2008 caused massive disruption to government, banking services, and communication within and outside of the country [11]. For these reasons USA's Pentagon decided to consider a cyber attack that 'produces the death, damage, destruction or high-level disruption that a traditional military attack would cause' an act of war [12]. Given the damage of possible attacks to the state, large-scale cyber attacks should be considered an act of war. cyber attacks, cyber warfare, state security, national security, cyber terrorism, cyber defense, cyber vulnerabilities, infrastructure disruption, government websites, confidential information, financial services, banking sector, commercial services, power grids, infrastructure vulnerability, data theft, cyber risks, cyber threats, military response, act of war, large-scale cyber attack, cyber incident, cyber security, digital infrastructure, cyber conflict cyber attacks, cyber warfare, state security, national security, cyber crime, cyber terrorism, cyber defense, cyber threat, cyber resilience, cyber attack consequences, infrastructure disruption, financial sector, government websites, confidential data, power grid attack, infrastructure sabotage, international security, act of war, military response, cyber laws, cyber risk management cyber attacks, state security, large-scale cyber attacks, cyber warfare, cyber threat, cyber disruption, government cybersecurity, financial service attacks, infrastructure sabotage, power grid attacks, information theft, national security, cyber terrorism, cybersecurity policy, military cyber operations, act of war, international security, cyber defense cyber attacks, state security, large-scale cyber attacks, national damage, armed attack, government disruption, financial services, online dependency, cyber warfare, information theft, infrastructure collapse, power grid, cyber crime, cyber terrorism, cyber defense, cyber threat, cybersecurity, government websites, confidential information, national security, international relations, act of war, military response cyber attacks, national security, large scale cyber attack, government disruption, financial services, online banking, infrastructure targeted, power grid attack, confidential information, cyber warfare, cyber security, cyber espionage, cyber terrorism, critical infrastructure, state vulnerability, cyber attack consequences, act of war, cyber defense, cyber incident, cyber threat, cyber attack impact
test-politics-oeplhbuwhmi-pro03a	EU economic preference will no longer bind Britain  As a customs union the EU has a common external tariff set at the EU level meaning that the UK cannot tailor its external trade policy to its own needs. Instead the UK will be free to negotiate its own free trade agreements with any power it wishes. This may be individually or joining larger trade groupings such as the currently being negotiated Trans Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership deal between the USA, Canada, and the EU. it also means the UK is free to reject such joint agreements, as many campaigning groups would like with the Trans Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership deal. [1] Countries which are not in regional blocks have not suffered as a result, South Korea has 24 free trade agreements [2] and despite an economy that is just over half the size of the UK’s has trade in goods worth similar amounts;$1,098bln $1,190bln [3] but importantly gets to negotiate each one itself and to its own terms and conditions.  [1] See #noTTIP,   [2] ‘Free Trade Agreements’, Asia Regional Integration Centre, 2015,   [3] Adding exports and imports of merchandise, ‘Korea, Republic of and United Kingdom’, World Trade Organisation, EU, UK, trade policy, customs union, external tariff, free trade agreements, TTIP, Transatlantic Trade, trade groupings, regional blocks, trade negotiations, external trade, trade agreements negotiation, global trade, trade barriers, economic sovereignty, trade partners, WTO, Asia Regional Integration, trade statistics, international trade EU, UK, economic preference, customs union, external tariff, trade policy, free trade agreements, trade groups, Trans Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, TTIP, regional blocks, non-member countries, South Korea, trade agreements, trade in goods, WTO, international trade, trade negotiations, bilateral agreements, trade sovereignty EU, UK, economic preferences, customs union, common external tariff, trade policy, free trade agreements, regional trade groups, Trans Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, TTIP, international trade, trade negotiations, trade agreements, global trade, trade barriers, economic independence, trade negotiations, trade deals, WTO, Korea trade, international commerce, trade bloc, trade tariffs EU, UK, economic preferences, customs union, external tariff, trade policy, free trade agreements, FTAs, trade negotiations, Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, TTIP, regional trade blocks, multilateral trade, trade groups, trade negotiations, South Korea, trade agreements, international trade, WTO, trade barriers EU, UK, economic policy, customs union, common external tariff, trade agreements, free trade, trade negotiations, transatlantic trade, TTIP, regional trade blocks, bilateral agreements, international trade, trade policy, South Korea, trade volume, WTO
test-culture-thbcsbptwhht-pro04a	Compensation has the potential to reverse damaged caused by Cultural Appropriation.  Compensation is necessary in the case of cultural appropriation as it helps to provide victims with the resources they need or deserve as compensation for exploitative behaviour. Often it can be easily quantified as would be the case with the Navajo Urban Outfitters case. With stronger legislation and rulings on the provision for compensation for cultural appropriation, minority communities would be significantly better off. This would be a major step towards reversing the damage of said appropriation as it would allow the community to develop and gain recognition for traditional designs and ideas.  Compensation can bring back some justice to small, minority communities as they can gain the appropriate recognition they deserve as well as the benefits that come along with it. It was estimated in 2005 that nearly half of the US $1billion market from native American Arts and Crafts come from the sale of counterfeit goods [1]. Compensation would help protect sales from native American businesses as well as their culture.  [1] Padilla, Helen B., ‘Padilla: Combating fake Indian Arts and Crafts: a proposal for action’, Indian Country Today, 14 October 2008, compensation, cultural appropriation, reparations, victims, resources, exploitation, Navajo, Urban Outfitters, legislation, rulings, minority communities, cultural damage, recognition, traditional designs, justice, Native American arts, counterfeit goods, intellectual property, cultural protection, economic benefits, cultural commodification compensation, cultural appropriation, victims, resources, exploitative behavior, Navajo, Urban Outfitters, legislation, rulings, minority communities, justice, traditional designs, recognition, cultural damage, Native American, arts and crafts, counterfeit goods, sales protection, cultural protection cultural appropriation, compensation, cultural damage, reparations, exploitation, indigenous rights, minority communities, legal legislation, Native American, intellectual property, traditional designs, cultural recognition, counterfeit goods, Indian arts and crafts, cultural justice, cultural preservation, cultural rights, cultural recognition, indigenous ownership, cultural reparations, cultural theft compensation, cultural appropriation, cultural damage, reparations, minority communities, exploitation, legislation, legal rulings, Native American, indigenous rights, traditional designs, recognition, justice, counterfeit goods, native art, cultural protection, intellectual property, economic compensation, cultural ownership, cultural integrity Cultural appropriation, compensation, reparations, cultural damage, minority communities, exploitation, legislation, legal rulings, recognition, traditional designs, intellectual property, Native American art, counterfeit goods, Native American businesses, cultural protection, justice, cultural exploitation, cultural identity, cultural recognition, cultural rights
test-education-udfakusma-con02a	Making everything free to access will damage universities ability to tap private funding  For most universities even if the government is generous with funding it will still need for some projects require private funding. When providing money for research projects the government often requires cost sharing so the university needs to find other sources of funding. [1] Third parties however are unlikely to be willing to help provide funding for research if they know that all the results of that research will be made open to anyone and everyone. These businesses are funding specific research to solve a particular problem with the intention of profiting from the result. Even if universities themselves don’t want to profit from their research they cannot ignore the private funding as it is rapidly growing, up 250% in the U.S. from 1985-2005, while the government support is shrinking. [2]  [1] Anon. (November 2010), “Research & Sponsored Projects”, University of Michigan.   [2] Schindler, Adam, “Follow the Money Corporate funding of university research”, Berkley Science Review, Issue 13. open access, university funding, private funding, government funding, research collaboration, cost sharing, third-party funding, corporate research, profit motive, private investment, research sustainability, research funding trends, funding sources, university economics, research transparency open access, private funding, university research, government funding, cost sharing, third-party funding, research commercialization, private sector collaboration, research funding trends, university funding challenges, profit motive, research transparency, funding sources, private-public partnerships, research publications, funding growth, government support, research incentives open access, university funding, private funding, government funding, research projects, cost sharing, third-party funding, open research, commercial research, private sector, profit motives, research funding trends, university research, funding sources, corporate sponsorship, research dissemination open access, private funding, university research, government grants, cost sharing, private donors, research funding trends, university funding, corporate sponsorship, private sector, research transparency, funding challenges, research commercialization, public vs private funding, research profitability, funding growth, university finances, research policy, research funding impact, industry collaboration open access, private funding, government funding, research projects, cost sharing, third-party funding, university funding, corporate sponsorship, research profitability, private sector, research transparency, funding growth, public research, academic funding trends
test-education-tuhwastua-con02a	Alternative factors that can be considered in the admissions process  SATs are mathematical and it is therefore possible to objectively evaluate them. This is why they are so popular, they provide a benchmark of comparison across the whole education system in a way that any non-standardized assessment never could. This does not only benefit universities in providing an objective measure to compare admissions candidates but it also gives the government statistics with which to measure the progress of schools.  Any other form of assessment would mean switching to much more subjective factors. Traditionally such factors, such as extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and even access to references are all more easily available to high income students. Opportunities may not even be offered in poorer school districts. Complaining that poorer and minority students do less well on the SAT ignores the fact that the test provides one of their best opportunities to impress admissions officials. admissions process, standardized testing, SATs, mathematical assessment, objective evaluation, comparison benchmark, education system, non-standardized assessment, university admissions, government statistics, school progress, subjective factors, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, references, socioeconomic status, income inequality, educational opportunity, minority students, access disparities admissions, SATs, standardized testing, alternative factors, holistic review, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, references, socioeconomic status, access inequality, minority students, education equity, university admissions, assessment biases, education statistics admissions, standardized testing, SAT, objective assessment, evaluation, comparison, education system, university admissions, government statistics, school progress, subjective factors, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, references, socioeconomic status, income inequality, minority students, access to resources, educational opportunity admissions process, SATs, standardized testing, mathematical assessment, objective evaluation, benchmarking, comparison, education system, non-standardized assessments, university admissions, government statistics, school progress, subjective factors, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, references, socioeconomic status, income disparity, educational inequality, minority students, access to resources, opportunities admissions process, standardized testing, SATs, mathematical assessment, objective evaluation, education system, benchmarking, non-standardized assessment, university admissions, government statistics, school progress, subjective factors, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, references, socioeconomic disparities, income inequality, access to opportunities, minority students, educational equity
test-health-hgwhwbjfs-pro03a	Better nutrition leads to better students.  There is a growing body of evidence linking a healthy lifestyle, comprising of both adequate nutrition and physical exercise, with improved memory, concentration and general academic performance. [1] A study has shown that when primary school students consume three or more junk food meals a week literacy and numeracy scores dropped by up to 16% compared to the average. [2]  This is a clear incentive for governments to push forward for healthier meals in schools for two reasons. The first obvious benefit is to the student, whose better grades award her improved upward mobility – especially important for ethnic groups stuck worst by the obesity epidemic and a lower average socioeconomic status.  The second benefit is to the schools, who benefit on standardized testing scores and reduced absenteeism, as well as reduced staff time and attention devoted to students with low academic performance or behavior problems and other hidden costs of low concentration and performance of students. [3]  [1] CDC, 'Student Health and Academic Achievement', 19 October 2010,  , accessed 9/11/2011  [2] Paton, Graeme, ‘Too much fast food ‘harms children’s test scores’’, The Telegraph, 22 May 2009,  accessed 20 September 2011  [3] Society for the Advancement of Education, 'Overweight students cost schools plenty', December 2004,  , 9/11/2011 nutrition, students, healthy lifestyle, academic performance, memory, concentration, literacy, numeracy, junk food, school meals, students' grades, upward mobility, socioeconomic status, ethnic groups, obesity epidemic, standardized testing, absenteeism, staff workload, student behavior, hidden costs, health, education policy, public health nutrition, students, healthy lifestyle, physical exercise, memory, concentration, academic performance, junk food, literacy, numeracy, scores, government policy, healthy meals, schools, upward mobility, ethnic groups, obesity, socioeconomic status, standardized testing, absenteeism, staff time, student behavior, hidden costs nutrition, physical exercise, academic performance, memory, concentration, student health, healthy lifestyle, junk food, literacy scores, numeracy scores, socioeconomic status, ethnic groups, obesity epidemic, school meals, standardized testing, absenteeism, academic achievement, health benefits, educational outcomes, school costs nutrition, physical exercise, academic performance, memory, concentration, literacy, numeracy, junk food, school meals, health policy, socioeconomic status, obesity epidemic, standardized testing, absenteeism, educational costs, student achievement, health benefits, government policy nutrition, student performance, healthy lifestyle, physical exercise, memory, concentration, academic achievement, junk food, literacy, numeracy, school meals, government policy, socioeconomic status, ethnic groups, obesity epidemic, standardized testing, absenteeism, school costs, health education
test-international-aahwstdrtfm-pro02a	Economically beneficial  Switching diplomatic recognition to China can be economically beneficial. A country that changes recognition is both likely to be given a reward for the change and then be much capable of engaging in joint economic projects with the PRC. Malawi for example cut its ties with Taiwan at the end of 2007. PRC offered a $6billion financial package for the defection. [1] Malawi has since benefited from large amounts of Chinese investment; Chinese companies have been involved in building vital infrastructure such as schools and roads, and even a new parliament building. [2] And trade between China and Malawi has been booming with growth of 25% in 2010 alone. [3] Even the Chinese believe that recognition occurs as a result of the economic incentive the Chinese envoy to Malawi having been quoted calling Malawi beggars. [4]  [1] Hsu, Jenny W., ‘Malawi, Taiwan end 42-year relations’, Taipei Times, 15 January 2008,   [2] Ngozo, Claire, ‘China puts its mark on Malawi’, theguardian.com, 7 May 2011,   [3] Jomo, Frank, ‘Malawi, China Trade to Grow 25% on Cotton, Daily Times Reports’, Bloomberg, 15 December 2010,   [4] ‘Chinese Envoy's Remarks on Malawi Breed Resentment’, Voice of America, 1 November 2009, diplomatic recognition, China, economic benefits, financial package, Chinese investment, infrastructure development, trade growth, Malawi, Taiwan, international relations, economic incentives, foreign aid, China-Malawi relations, diplomatic switches, Chinese companies, infrastructure projects, trade statistics, political recognition, foreign policy, economic growth diplomatic recognition, China, economic benefits, foreign policy, Malawi, Taiwan, financial package, Chinese investment, infrastructure development, trade growth, economic incentives, international relations, diplomatic switch, foreign aid, Chinese companies, bilateral relations, economic projects, trade statistics, geopolitical strategy diplomatic recognition, China, economic benefits, joint economic projects, Malawi, Taiwan, financial package, Chinese investment, infrastructure, roads, schools, parliament building, trade growth, 25%, Chinese companies, Chinese envoy, recognition incentives diplomatic recognition, China, economic benefit, foreign policy, international relations, Malawi, Taiwan, Chinese investment, infrastructure development, trade growth, economic incentives, diplomatic defection, foreign aid, bilateral relations, Chinese companies, infrastructure projects, trade statistics, Chinese diplomatic strategy diplomatic recognition, China, economic benefits, joint economic projects, foreign investment, infrastructure, trade growth, China-Malawi relations, financial package, Chinese investment, infrastructure development, trade statistics, recognition incentives, international diplomacy, Taiwan, Malawi, Chinese diplomacy, economic incentives
test-health-hdond-pro01a	A Practical Solution  There are many mechanisms by which this policy could be implemented. The one common thread is that those hoping to receive organs would be divided into those registered as donors, and those who are non-donors. Potential recipients who are non-donors would only receive an organ if all requests by donors for such an organ are filled. For example, if there is a scarcity of donated kidneys with the B serotype, organ donors requiring a B kidney would all receive kidneys before any non-donors receive them. The existing metrics for deciding priority among recipients can still be applied within these lists – among both donors and non-donors, individuals could be ranked on who receives an organ first based on who has been on the waiting list longer, or who has more priority based on life expectancy; this policy simply adds the caveat that non-donors only access organs once all donors for their particular organ are satisfied. What defines a “donor” could vary; it could be that they must have been a donor for a certain number of years, or that they must have been a donor prior to needing a transplant, or even a pledge to become a donor henceforth (and indeed, even if they are terminally ill and for other reasons do not recover, some of their organs may still be usable). Finally this policy need not preclude private donations or swaps of organs, and instead can simply be applied to the public system. organ transplantation, organ allocation, donor status, non-donor recipients, organ scarcity, prioritization metrics, waiting list, blood type, organ matching, donation policies, organ equity, public healthcare, organ exchange, ethical considerations, life expectancy, pledge to donate organ transplantation, organ allocation, donor status, non-donor prioritization, organ scarcity, waiting list, priority ranking, serotype matching, organ donation policies, allocation strategy, public system, private donations, organ swaps, eligibility criteria, life expectancy, organ matching, transplant eligibility organ transplantation, organ allocation, donor vs non-donor, organ scarcity, waiting list, priority ranking, organ donation policies, serotype matching, organ sharing, private donations, organ swaps, allocation ethics, transplant criteria, life expectancy, organ eligibility, public health, transplant system organ donation, organ allocation, policies, non-donors, donors, waiting list, organ scarcity, serotype, organ priority, transplant ethics, organ matching, public health, private donations, swap programs, life expectancy, transplant criteria, ethical considerations organ transplantation, organ allocation, donor, non-donor, priority, waiting list, organ scarcity, organ types, serotype, life expectancy, donation policy, organ matching, transplant ethics, organ donation pledges, organ scarcity, organ swaps, public system, private donations
test-international-ghwcitca-pro01a	Arenas of potential conflict must be regulated  Conflict needs to be regulated, and something that can start conflicts even more so. Warfare and conflict is currently regulated by the Geneva Conventions that seek to limit the effects of armed conflict and regulate the conduct of the involved actors. [1] Just as importantly there are rules on what weapons can be used through various treaties that ban weapons such as the Land Mine Ban, [2] and on when a state can legally initiate conflict through the UN Charter.  In just the same way when a new area of potential conflict arises that too must be regulated by treaty. The internet and the threat of cyber-conflict is that new area at the moment. While cyber warfare is not currently a large scale threat it is still a form of conflict that could escalate just like any other - the Pentagon has explicitly stated it could respond militarily to a cyber-attack. [3] As a result it is most sensible to draw up the rules and regulations early, to ensure everyone knows the consequences and prevent damage by making sure that states agree not to engage in offence cyber-attacks against each other.  [1] ‘The Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols’, ICRC, 29 October 2010,   [2] ‘Convention on the prohibition of the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of anti-personnel mines and on their destruction’, un.org, 18 September 1997,   [3] Brookes, Adam, ‘US Pentagon to treat cyber-attacks as ‘acts of war’’, BBC News, 1 June 2011, conflict regulation, warfare, Geneva Conventions, armed conflict, conduct of war, weapons restrictions, treaties, Land Mine Ban, UN Charter, new conflict areas, regulation, internet security, cyber-conflict, cyber warfare, escalation, military response, rules, regulations, international law, cyber-attack, deterrence conflict regulation, armed conflicts, Geneva Conventions, international treaties, weapon bans, Land Mine Ban, UN Charter, cyber-conflict, cyber warfare, internet security, cyber-attack, military response, conflict escalation, international law, conflict prevention, offensive cyber operations conflict regulation, Geneva Conventions, armed conflict, warfare rules, weapons bans, Land Mine Ban, UN Charter, new conflict areas, treaties, cyberspace, cyber-conflict, cyber warfare, international law, military response, cyber-attacks, conflict escalation, conflict prevention, international treaties conflict regulation, armed conflict, Geneva Conventions, international treaties, weapons bans, Land Mine Ban, UN Charter, cyber-conflict, cyber warfare, internet security, international law, conflict escalation, military response, cyber-attacks, conflict rules, weapon regulation, emerging threats, cyber warfare regulations conflict regulation, armed conflict, Geneva Conventions, warfare rules, weapons bans, Land Mine Ban, UN Charter, treaty regulations, emerging conflicts, cyber-conflict, cyberspace law, cyber warfare, military response, international treaties, conflict escalation, cyber-attack prevention
test-law-cpilhbishioe-pro03a	An ICC Enforcement arm would bring in a higher proportion of defendants in to trial  Eight out of the thirty people indicted by the ICC (four in the Darfur situation, including Omar al-Bashir, three Lord’s Resistance Army leaders in Uganda and one in the DR Congo investigation) are still alive and avoiding justice. An in-house enforcement arm would be more effective at capturing indictees than many of the forces of the state parties, as it is likely to be more competent than many of the under-resourced or under-trained national forces. An in house force would be solely focused on capturing the wanted war criminals so would both be focusing resources and much less likely to be sidetracked by other priorities (many of which may be influenced by politics) than national forces. One of the suggested solutions to the failure to capture Joseph Kony and leaders of the LRA is to have greater involvement of peacekeepers; an ICC force would provide the same kind of help. [1]  [1] Van Woudenberg, Anneke, ‘How to Catch Joseph Kony’, Human Rights Watch, 9 March 2012, ICC enforcement, trial, indicted defendants, Darfur, Omar al-Bashir, Lord’s Resistance Army, Uganda, DR Congo, justice avoidance, enforcement arm, capture, indictees, national forces, resources, training, war criminals, peacekeepers, Joseph Kony, LRA, ICC force, Human Rights Watch ICC enforcement, international criminal court, war criminals, justice, in-house enforcement, defendant trial, ICC indictees, Darfur, Omar al-Bashir, Lord’s Resistance Army, LRA, Uganda, DR Congo, Joseph Kony, peacekeepers, enforcement arm, arrest operations, criminal justice, international law, military force, justice enforcement, resource allocation ICC enforcement, international criminal court, justice, indictments, war criminals, in-house enforcement, arrest, capture, Darfur, Omar al-Bashir, Lord's Resistance Army, LRA, Joseph Kony, peacekeepers, enforcement arm, jurisdiction, international law, war crimes, ICC reform, effective enforcement, resource allocation ICC enforcement, international justice, war criminals, arrest capture, ICC indictments, Darfur, Omar al-Bashir, Lord’s Resistance Army, Uganda, DR Congo, Joseph Kony, LRA, peacekeepers, enforcement arm, national forces, resource allocation, judicial enforcement, international tribunal, justice enforcement, war crimes, criminal capture, peacekeeping support ICC enforcement, international criminal court, war criminals, arrest, justice, Darfur, Omar al-Bashir, Lord’s Resistance Army, LRA, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Joseph Kony, peacekeepers, enforcement arm, capture, indictments, international law, criminal justice, enforcement efficiency, peacekeeping, political influence
test-politics-grcrgshwbr-pro02a	Religious symbols cause problems in schools.  As well as division in society in general, religious symbols are also a source of division within school environments. The Hijab causes schools many problems. It is potentially divisive in the classroom, marking some children out as different from the others and above the rules that the school enforces for everyone else. This may lead to alienation and bullying. Full headscarves may also be impractical or dangerous in some lessons, for example PE, swimming, or in technology and science lessons where machinery is being operated. In the same way, there have been discussions as to whether to ban the display of Crucifixes in public classrooms. Authorities in Italy have followed through with the ban saying that such a Christian symbol segregates those who are not Christian.1  1 'Decision due in Crucifix ban case', Times of Malta, March 17th 2011 , accessed on 24th July 2011 religious symbols, schools, division, society, Hijab, headscarves, bullying, practicality, safety, lessons, PE, swimming, technology, science, Crucifixes, public classrooms, banning, segregation, religious intolerance religious symbols, schools, division, society, Hijab, classroom, alienation, bullying, headscarves, practicality, safety, lessons, PPE, swimming, technology, machinery, Crucifixes, ban, public classrooms, segregation, Christianity religious symbols, school, division, society, Hijab, classroom, alienation, bullying, headscarves, practicality, safety, PE, swimming, technology, science, machinery, Crucifixes, public classrooms, ban, segregation, Italy religious symbols, schools, division, society, Hijab, headscarves, classroom, bullying, practicality, safety, PE, swimming, science, technology, crucifix, ban, segregation, public classrooms religious symbols, school problems, societal division, classroom division, Hijab, school enforcement, alienation, bullying, headscarves, practicality, safety, PE, swimming, science lessons, machinery, crucifixes, Christian symbols, public classrooms, bans, segregation, Italy
test-law-thgglcplgphw-con01a	Unrestricted Coca production would increase the availability of cocaine  Cocaine can be readily extracted from the coca leaf. In 1992 the World Health Organization’s Expert Committee on Drug Dependence (ECDD) undertook a ‘prereview’ of coca leaf at its 28th meeting. The 28th ECDD report concluded that, “the coca leaf is appropriately scheduled [as a narcotic] under the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961, since cocaine is readily extractable from the leaf.” [1] The active ingredient in coca leaf is the same as in cocaine, just more concentrated. Because the raw material of coca and its more potent relative cocaine are so closely aligned, it is impossible to disassociate the two, and so any attempt to consider cocaine a narcotic and stop its spread must also forbid coca. Globally, cocaine is also most produced where coca is legal, and this is a clear correlation. In Bolivia, coca eradication efforts in the 1980s and 90s helped reduce cocaine production. However, as Evo Morales took power and legalized coca production and consumption, cocaine production has shot up, despite his efforts to fight cocaine production. [2] Thus legalizing coca makes it easier for cocaine producers to operate. Legalizing the cultivation of the coca leaf would therefore simply make cocaine more readily available, thus increasing all the harms that come with widespread cocaine use in society.  [1] Jelsma, Martin. “Lifting the Ban on Coca Chewing”. Transnational Institute, Series on Legislative Reform of Drug Policies Nr. 11. March 2011.  [2] Forero, Juan. “Bolivia's Knot: No to Cocaine, but Yes to Coca”. New York Times. February 12, 2006. coca production, cocaine availability, coca leaf extraction, World Health Organization, ECDD, narcotic scheduling, Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961, cocaine concentration, coca leaf, coca and cocaine, drug policy, coca eradication, Bolivia coca laws, Evo Morales, cocaine production, drug prohibition, drug harms, drug legalization, coca cultivation, drug enforcement coca, cocaine, coca leaf, drug dependence, World Health Organization, ECDD, narcotic, Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961, extract, active ingredient, drug legality, coca eradication, Bolivia, drug policy, drug harm, drug enforcement, coca cultivation, drug production, drug legalization, drug prohibition coca production, cocaine availability, coca leaf, cocaine extraction, World Health Organization, ECDD, narcotic scheduling, Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, coca leaf active ingredient, coca, cocaine, raw material, drug policy, coca eradication, Bolivia, Evo Morales, coca legalization, cocaine trafficking, drug harms, drug enforcement coca, cocaine, coca leaf, drug policy, narcotic schedule, World Health Organization, ECDD, Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, drug dependence, coca eradication, Bolivia, coca legalization, drug production, drug availability, drug harm, drug regulation, drug enforcement, drug eradication efforts coca production, cocaine, coca leaf, World Health Organization, ECDD, narcotic scheduling, Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, drug dependence, coca extraction, cocaine potency, coca legalization, drug policy, Bolivia, coca eradication, illegal drug trade, drug harms, drug regulation, drug policy reform, drug enforcement, drug addiction, societal impact
test-digital-freedoms-aihbiahr-con03a	Internet access is an enabler of rights not a right in itself.  The internet is an enabler and so has little value on its own. [1] No one would consider the internet a human right if there was no content or information on the internet, what good would be a right to stare at a screen? It is not therefore access to the internet that is the human right it is access to information. The internet is obviously useful for this but it is not essential. If someone was denied access to the internet while being locked in a library would he or she really have had any right to information infringed? In such a case the only argument for a right to the internet is that it faster to access the information through the internet than it would be to look it up in the books that are all around. There cannot therefore be considered to be a right to the internet even as part of any right to information because the right to information would simply require that a government provides access to this information not that it has to be via the internet. Moreover as an enabling technology it is quite possible that the internet may at some point be out of date and replaces by some new method of storing information. As something that is transitory it does not make sense to consider there to be any kind of inalienable right to the internet.  [1] Cerf, Vinton G., ‘Internet Access Is Not a Human Right’, The New York Times, 4 January 2012. internet, access, rights, human rights, information, technology, enabler, content, content access, digital divide, censorship, infrastructure, communication, freedom of expression, privacy, online freedom, digital rights, technology dependency, transitory, internet evolution, government, accessibility, knowledge, information society, virtual access, human dignity internet, access, rights, human rights, information, technology, enabler, content, privacy, freedom, digital divide, communication, societal impact, policy, infrastructure, digital rights, internet regulation, freedom of expression, access to knowledge, connectivity, information society, internet dependence, digital inclusion internet, human rights, access, information, enabler, technology, digital rights, information access, rights debate, internet limitation, privacy, digital divide, information society, technology obsolescence internet, access, rights, human rights, information, technology, enabler, capacity, freedom, digital rights, communication, content, online, society, privacy, freedom of expression, data, infrastructure, connectivity, digital divide internet access, human right, access to information, enabling technology, rights, content, information retrieval, digital rights, internet utility, government access, information storage, technology evolution, transitory, digital rights debate
test-free-speech-debate-radhbsshr-con04a	Masculinity  The problem with leaving the painting, the spear, up is that to many young men President Zuma symbolises what excessive wealth can ‘buy’ you. He is the figure head of the nation, the pinnacle of capitalism and masculinity, of which the penis and sex are instrumental in this image. By leaving the painting up, it encourages hyper-masculinity (which is inherently violent), [1] because it assumes there is an inherent link between power and the penis. This is unhelpful, both for women and men who are trying to live in equity.  [1] Scheff, Thomas J., ‘Hypermasculinity and Violence as a Social System’, Universitas, Vol.2, Issue 2, Fall 2006, masculinity, hyper-masculinity, violence, symbolism, Zuma, capitalism, gender stereotypes, societal norms, power, sex, masculinity and violence, gender equity, social systems masculinity, hyper-masculinity, violence, power, wealth, symbolism, Zuma, capitalism, gender roles, gender stereotypes, gender inequality, patriarchy, masculinity stereotypes, masculinity and violence, social norms, gender equity, expressive masculinity masculinity, hyper-masculinity, violence, power, symbolism, Zuma, capitalism, gender roles, gender inequality, sexism, masculinity imagery, social system, gender stereotypes, societal norms masculinity, hypermasculinity, violence, symbolism, Zuma, wealth, capitalism, gender roles, power, masculinity stereotypes, gender equity, social system, male identity, masculinity and violence, symbolism in art, gender representation masculinity, representation, symbolism, President Zuma, wealth, capitalism, hyper-masculinity, violence, power, gender roles, gender equity, social systems, masculinity and violence, societal symbols, image analysis
test-international-iighbopcc-pro02a	Only an international treaty can create penalties for non-compliance  A non-binding agreement will not have any penalties for any countries that do not comply with it, this sets the agreement up for failure. Without a binding agreement a government will find it difficult to bind its successors who may back track in the decades that follow. Some states are backtracking even before the agreement is finalised; the UK has been abandoning its green policies – cutting subsidies for renewables, cancelling carbon capture and storage, reducing funding for domestic energy efficiency, and selling the green investment bank. [1] If governments will take such measures before the agreement is even finished then what hope does it have in the future if there is nothing to persuade sovereign governments to comply with their pledges?  [1] Monbiot, George, ‘On climate change this government is indifferent to life, in love with death’, The Guardian, 2 December 2015, international treaty, penalties, non-compliance, binding agreement, non-binding agreement, enforcement, government commitment, policy backtracking, climate policies, green policies, subsidies, carbon capture, energy efficiency, green investment bank, sovereign governments, compliance, climate change, policy enforcement, international law international treaty, penalties, non-compliance, binding agreement, non-binding agreement, compliance, enforceability, government, green policies, subsidies, renewable energy, carbon capture, energy efficiency, green investment bank, sovereign governments, climate change, policy backtracking international treaty, penalties, non-compliance, binding agreement, international law, climate policy, government commitment, green policies, renewable energy, subsidies, carbon capture, energy efficiency, green investment bank, sovereign states, policy backtracking, climate change, governmental compliance, pledges, climate agreements international treaty, penalties, non-compliance, binding agreement, non-binding agreement, international law, government commitment, successor governments, green policies, renewable energy, subsidies, carbon capture, energy efficiency, green investment bank, climate change, sovereign compliance, pledges, policy backtracking international treaty, penalties, non-compliance, binding agreement, non-binding agreement, government, policy backtracking, green policies, subsidies, renewable energy, carbon capture, energy efficiency, green investment bank, sovereign governments, climate change, policy enforcement, international cooperation
test-politics-eppghwgpi-con02a	Politicians who commit crimes are likely unfit to serve.  The sort of person who commits an offense has demonstrated irresponsibility and so is unworthy of the public trust. Would any reasonable citizen wanted to be represented by a domestic abuser, or have a fraudster manage the public treasury? While almost all people are capable of atonement and redemption, someone who commits crimes worthy of prosecution while in office ought to be immediately removed for the betterment of the state. politicians, crimes, unfitness, public trust, irresponsibility, domestic abuse, fraud, accountability, redemption, removal, public office, political ethics, lawbreaking, governance, integrity politicians, crimes, unfit, public trust, irresponsibility, domestic abuse, fraud, accountability, prosecution, removal, redemption, governance politicians, crimes, unfit, public trust, irresponsibility, misconduct, domestic abuse, fraud, accountability, redemption, removal, ethics, governance, political integrity politicians, crimes, unfit, public trust, irresponsibility, domestic abuse, fraud, accountability, redemption, removal, governance, ethics politicians, crimes, unfit, public trust, irresponsibility, misconduct, domestic abuse, fraud, accountability, removal, ethics, public office, redemption, prosecution
test-politics-oglilpdwhsn-pro01a	"The New START treaty will make for a safer world.  Reducing US and Russian nuclear weapons stockpiles makes for a safer world, as Dr. David Gushee states: ""The issue on the table is a nuclear arms reduction and verification treaty between the United States and Russia. The treaty, called New START, would reduce Russian and American deployed nuclear weapons to 1,550 and delivery vehicles to 700 each. This would be a 33 percent reduction in the existing arsenals, which is worth achieving and celebrating even as we know that countless cities and millions of precious human beings could be destroyed by the use of even part of the remaining arsenals. Still, these reductions would be a great step on the way to a safer world, as would the re-establishment of bilateral, intrusive verification measures for both sides, also part of the treaty."" [1]  The world is simply a much less secure place without New Start, and not just because New START means there are physically fewer nuclear weapons and thus a lesser chance of nuclear disasters (although this in itself is compelling). Rather, New START also has immense symbolic value, in demonstrating that the two greatest powers have enough in common and are interested enough in their mutual security that they can agree to deduce nuclear weapons together. It shows that these nations regard each other as partners for world peace, not as enemies.  The alternative world, without New START, would be one in which the mutual suspicion and animosity of the Cold War might continue. It is notable that Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said in an interview released in early December 2010 that Russia might be forced to build up its nuclear forces against the West if the United States fails to ratify the New START treaty. [2] The threat of Russia, or even the US, resuming nuclear build-ups is a frightening thought for both nations, for the world and for peace.  On top of its other benefits, New START is key to opening Russian nuclear weapons up for verification, which contributes to trust and peace. As former Secretaries of State Kissinger, Shultz, Eagleburger, Baker and Powell argue “the agreement emphasizes verification, providing a valuable window into Russia's nuclear arsenal. Since the original START expired last December, Russia has not been required to provide notifications about changes in its strategic nuclear arsenal, and the United States has been unable to conduct on-site inspections. Each day, America's understanding of Russia's arsenal has been degraded, and resources have been diverted from national security tasks to try to fill the gaps. Our military planners increasingly lack the best possible insight into Russia's activity with its strategic nuclear arsenal, making it more difficult to carry out their nuclear deterrent mission.” [3] Therefore New START should be supported as it represents a positive step for peace and cooperation in the world.  [1] Gushee, Dr David P. ""Security, Sin and Nuclear Weapons: A Christian Plea for the New START Treaty"". Huffington Post. 4 December 2010.   [2] Abdullaev, Nabi. “Putin Issues Warning on New START”. The Moscow Times. 2 December 2010.   [3] Kissinger, Henry A. ; Shultz, George P. ; Baker III, James A’ ; Eagleburger , Lawrence S. ; and Powell, Colin L. ""The Republican case for ratifying New START"". Washington Post. 2 December 2010. New START, treaty, nuclear weapons, US, Russia, arms reduction, verification, nuclear arsenals, disarmament, mutual security, Cold War, trust, peace, nuclear build-up, inspections, strategic nuclear arsenal, deterrence, arms control, nuclear deterrence, ratification, bilateral agreement, international security, diplomacy, arms treaties New START, nuclear treaty, arms reduction, verification, US, Russia, nuclear weapons, disarmament, strategic arms, nuclear arsenal, international security, peace, mutual trust, Cold War, nuclear build-up, strategic stability, compliance, inspections, nuclear threat, deterrence, geopolitics, arms control agreements New START, nuclear arms reduction, US Russia, nuclear verification, nuclear weapons, disarmament, arms control, strategic stability, mutual trust, nuclear deterrence, verification measures, verification inspections, nuclear arsenal, international security, Cold War, nuclear war risk, global peace, treaties, diplomatic cooperation, nuclear buildup, nuclear non-proliferation, arms reduction treaty, international verification, nuclear disarmament monitoring New START, nuclear arms reduction, US Russia, nuclear weapons, verification, disarmament, peace, strategic stability, arms control, mutual trust, nuclear deterrence, international security, inspection, nuclear arsenal, Cold War, diplomacy, arms treaty, nuclear build-up, mutual suspicion, verification measures, global security. New START, nuclear arms reduction, US-Russia treaty, nuclear weapons, verification, disarmament, nuclear arsenals, global security, Cold War, mutual trust, nuclear deterrence, verification measures, on-site inspections, strategic nuclear arsenal, Russian nuclear forces, international security, peace, nuclear disarmament, arms control, diplomacy, geopolitical stability"
test-international-aghbfcpspr-pro05a	Reparations demonstrate a true concern for the developing world.  Even alongside the colonial justifications for providing reparations, there are also many other strong reasons why former colonial powers should grant reparations. Former colonial powers tend to be economically developed, like America, Britain and France. The developed world should recognise the dire poverty and social challenges fed by the developing world today. Giving aid as an act of charity can sometimes be seen as derogatory [1] , and is even rejected by the potential recipients [2] [3] [4] . However, reparations allows a transfer of wealth between these countries in a way which is sensitive to the history between them, and which also demonstrates a desire to improve their relationship. It allows aid to be given to the developing world in a means which is dignified but not spurious.  [1] Accessed from  on 12/09/11  [2] Accessed from  on 12/09/11  [3] Accessed from  on 12/09/11  [4] Accessed from  on 12/09/11 reparations, colonial history, developing world, colonial powers, economic development, social challenges, poverty, aid, charity, wealth transfer, international relations, dignity, post-colonial justice reparations, colonialism, developing world, developed countries, economic development, colonial justification, wealth transfer, social challenges, poverty, aid, charity, dignity, international relations, post-colonial justice reparations, colonialism, developing world, colonial powers, economic development, aid, charity, historical justice, wealth transfer, social challenges, poverty, international relations, dignity, reparations arguments, post-colonialism reparations, colonialism, developing world, colonial powers, economic development, poverty, social challenges, aid, charity, wealth transfer, historical relationships, dignity, international justice, post-colonial reparations, reparative justice reparations, developing world, colonial justifications, former colonial powers, economic development, aid, charity, wealth transfer, history, relationships, dignity, social challenges, poverty, colonial legacy, global inequality
test-free-speech-debate-nshbcsbawc-pro01a	Declaration of the faith is a key part of Christianity and that should be respected.  The UK is a nation that claims to be tolerant of all faiths and to respect religious beliefs. If that is the case then it must be accepted that the law should respect actions in accordance with those beliefs insofar as they do not harm or infringe on the rights of others. Demonstrating one’s commitment to the cross is part of that faith [i] and should, therefore be shown some respect in a religiously diverse and tolerant society.  There may be more militant forms of religious profession that would be inappropriate in a workplace but wearing a simple piece of jewellery causes no harm or offence to others.  Both women have stated that they felt that wearing the cross was an important part of their faith [ii] and respect for those beliefs should be shown if society’s claims of tolerance and diversity are to have credibility.  As with the demonstration of any right, the fact that its exercise may not be convenient does not supersede its validity. Indeed the only way of demonstrating that a society is, in fact, a tolerant one is, by definition, when it tolerates the exercise of legitimate practices which are inconvenient.  [i] Galatians 6:14 among others  [ii] BBC News Website. “Shirley Chaplin and Nadia Eweida Take Cross Fight to Europe.” 12 March 2012. faith, Christianity, religious expression, tolerance, religious beliefs, UK law, religious rights, religious jewellery, cross, religious diversity, religious practice, workplace, religious freedom, religious tolerance, faith expression, religious symbols, legal rights, religious demonstrations, societal tolerance, religious convictions, respect for beliefs faith, Christianity, declaration, respect, law, religious beliefs, actions, rights, harm, infringe, cross, symbol, faith-based, tolerance, diversity, religious expression, jewellery, workplace, gender, societal norms, religious practice, legitimacy, freedom of religion, rights exercise, inconvenience, societal tolerance, religious symbols, Christian faith, Galatians 6:14, Nadia Eweida, Shirley Chaplin, legal case, UK law, religious freedom faith, declaration, Christianity, religious beliefs, tolerance, diversity, law, rights, religious expression, cross, symbolism, religious clothing, workplace, religious practice, religious symbols, religious freedom, societal values, UK, legal case, discrimination, human rights, religious tolerance faith, Christianity, declaration, religious beliefs, tolerance, diversity, UK, law, religious rights, religious expression, cross, jewellery, religious practice, workplace, religious tolerance, rights, societal values, legal rights, religious symbols, religious freedom, faith demonstration, controversy, equality, religious expression in workplaces Declaration, faith, Christianity, religious beliefs, tolerance, diversity, law, rights, actions, harm, infringement, cross, jewellery, religious profession, workplace, faith, respect, society, tolerance, diversity, demonstration, rights, validity, societal tolerance, practices, inconvenience, legitimate, Galatians 6:14, BBC News, Shirley Chaplin, Nadia Eweida, cross fight, Europe
test-science-sghwbdgmo-pro03a	"GMOs would create too much dependency on biotechnology companies  The legislative framework and historical behavior governing and guiding the operation of big business is geared towards maximizing shareholder returns. This propensity has been demonstrated time and again and might suggest that the GM companies are not modifying the food in the interests of better health, but of better profit. This is reinforced by the nature of many of the GM modifications, including terminator seeds (infertile seed requiring a re-purchase of seed stock each season), various forms of pest and herbicide resistance potentially leading to pests (and weeds) resistant to the current crop of chemical defenses. One of the more disturbing manifestations of this is the licensing of genes that are naturally occurring and suing those who dare to grow them, even if they are there because of cross contamination by wind-blown seeds or some other mechanism. [1] One has only to look at the history of corporations under North American and similar corporations’ law to see the effect of this pressure to perform on behalf of the shareholder. The pollution of water supplies, the continued sale of tobacco, dioxins, asbestos, and the list goes on. Most of those anti-social examples are done with the full knowledge of the corporation involved. [2]  The example of potato farmers in the US illustrates big company dependence: ""By ''opening and using this product,'' it is stated, that farmers only have the license to grow these potatoes for a single generation. The problem is that the genes remain the intellectual property of Monsanto, protected under numerous United States patents (Nos. 5,196,525, 5,164,316, 5,322,938 and 5,352,605), under these patents, people are not allowed to save even crop for next year, because with this they would break Federal law of intellectual property. [3]  [1] Barlett D., Monsanto’s Harvest of Fear, published May 2008,  , accessed 08/27/2011  [2] Hurt H., The Toxic Ten, published 02/19/2008,  , accessed 09/05/2011  [3] Pollan M., Playing God in the Garden, published 10/25/1998,  , accessed 09/02/2011 GMOs, dependency, biotechnology companies, legislation, corporate behavior, shareholder profit, seed patents, terminator seeds, pest resistance, herbicide resistance, gene licensing, cross contamination, North American law, corporate pollution, water pollution, tobacco, dioxins, asbestos, corporate ethics, Monsanto, patent law, genetically modified crops, seed saving, intellectual property, agricultural law, farmer dependence GMOs, dependency, biotechnology, corporations, shareholder interest, profit-driven, food modification, health, seed terminator, pest resistance, herbicide resistance, gene licensing, cross contamination, North American law, corporate pollution, water pollution, tobacco, dioxins, asbestos, Monsanto, patents, intellectual property, seed saving, farmers, genetic modification, agricultural law, corporate responsibility GMOs, dependency, biotechnology companies, legislative framework, corporate behavior, shareholder profit, genetic modification, terminator seeds, pest resistance, herbicide resistance, gene licensing, patent law, intellectual property, corporate influence, environmental pollution, water contamination, tobacco products, dioxins, asbestos, corporate ethics, agricultural patents, Monsanto, seed saving, legal restrictions, biotechnology regulation GMOs, biotechnology, dependency, corporations, shareholder interests, profit motive, food modification, health, terminator seeds, seed patenting, pesticide resistance, weed resistance, gene licensing, gene contamination, corporate law, pollution, water pollution, tobacco, dioxins, asbestos, corporate responsibility, Monsanto, intellectual property, seed saving, patent law, agricultural patents GMOs, dependency, biotechnology companies, legislative framework, corporate behavior, shareholder returns, profit motive, seed patents, terminator seeds, pest resistance, herbicide resistance, gene licensing, cross contamination, corporate legalism, pollution, environmental impact, water pollution, tobacco, dioxins, asbestos, corporate responsibility, intellectual property, seed saving, Monsanto, patents, legal restrictions, farmer dependence, monoculture, genetic modification, agricultural law, corporate influence"
test-law-ilppppghb-con03a	Self-determination can destabilise nation states, sometimes with very destructive consequences.  If we accept self-determination as such an important principle that it trumps all others, this will encourage people to self-identify along nationalistic, racial or religious lines, at a time in human development when we are moving away from racist and nationalist ideologies. Nationalism is about difference, which flies in the face of the idea of the global citizen. Taken to its extremes, it encourages increased conflict, separatist terrorism. For example, the ethnic conflicts that led to the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s were fuelled by nationalist ideologies and the stressing of the differences between ethnic and religious groups that made up that country. self-determination, nation-states, nationalism, ethnic conflicts, separatism, terrorism, Yugoslavia, racial ideologies, religious differences, global citizenship, conflict, human development self-determination, nation-states, destabilization, consequences, principle, self-identification, nationalism, racial, religious, global citizen, conflict, separatism, terrorism, ethnic conflicts, Yugoslavia, 1990s, ethnic groups, religious groups self-determination, nation-states, destabilization, nationalism, ethnic conflicts, separatism, terrorism, racial ideologies, religious identities, Yugoslavia breakup, global citizen, human development, ideological extremes self-determination, nation-states, nationalism, racial, religious, identity, conflicts, separatism, terrorism, Yugoslavia, ethnic conflict, ideology, global citizenship, nationalism dangers self-determination, nation-states, destabilization, nationalism, ethnonationalism, racial identity, religious identity, conflict, separatism, terrorism, Yugoslavia, ethnic conflicts, global citizenship, ideological polarization, human development
test-culture-tlhrilsfhwr-con02a	Punishing objectively harmful conduct  Of the tens of thousands of children exposed to armed conflict throughout the world, most are recruited into armed political groups. Quite contrary to the image of child soldiers constructed by the proposition, these youngsters are not de-facto adults, nor are they seeking to defend communities who will be in some way grateful for their contributions and sacrifices. Child soldiers join groups with defined political and military objectives.  Children may volunteer for military units after encountering propaganda. Many children join up to escape social disintegration within their communities. Several female child soldiers have revealed that they joined because to escape domestic violence or forced marriage. Many children who do not volunteer can be forcibly abducted by military organisations. One former child soldier from Congo reported that “they gave me a uniform and told me that now I was in the army. They said that they would come back and kill my parents if I didn’t do as they said.” [i]  Once inducted into the army, children are vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. They are usually viewed as expendable, employed as minesweepers or spies. The inexperience and gullibility of children is used to convince them that they are immune to bullets, or will be financially rewarded for committing atrocities. Many children are controlled through the use of drugs, to which they inevitably become addicted [ii] .  For every account the proposition can provide of a child who took up arms to defend his family, there are many more children who were coerced or threatened into becoming soldiers. Whatever standard of relativist morality side proposition may choose to employ, actions and abuses of the type described above are object4ively harmful to children.  Moreover, the process of turning a child into a soldier is irreversible and often more brutal and dehumanising than combat itself. Proposition concedes that child soldiers will be in need of care and treatment after demobilising, but they underestimate the difficulty of healing damage this horrific.  The use of child soldiers is an unpardonable crime, which creates suffering of a type universally understood to be unnecessary and destructive. It should not be diluted or justified by relativist arguments.  It would undermine the ICC’s role in promoting universal values if officers and politicians complicit in the abuses described above were allowed to publicly argue cultural relativism as their defence. Moreover, it would give an unacceptable air of legitimacy to warlords and brigands seeking to operate under the pretence of leading legitimate resistance movements  [i] Child Soldiers International,   [ii] “Child Soldiers: Global Report 2008”, Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers, 2007, p299, child soldiers, armed conflict, child exploitation, forced recruitment, voluntary enlistment, propaganda, domestic violence, forced marriage, abduction, military coercion, child abuse, child exploitation, vulnerable children, drug addiction, operational brutality, irreversible damage, trauma, demobilization, psychological harm, international criminal law, ICC, universal human rights, cultural relativism, war crimes, child protection, humanitarian law, child rights, armed groups, military recruitment, child abuse prevention child soldiers, armed conflict, child exploitation, recruitment, abduction, forced labor, military indoctrination, propaganda, domestic violence, forced marriage, abuse, exploitation, drug control, mutilation, violence, trauma, victimization, human rights, international law, ICC, crimes against children, child rights, child abuse, humanitarian law, child protection, moral relativism, universal values, accountability, justice, demobilization, rehabilitation, trauma recovery, social disintegration, combat, violence, child welfare child soldiers, armed conflict, punishment, harmful conduct, recruitment, political groups, propaganda, social disintegration, domestic violence, forced marriage, abduction, military organizations, abuse, exploitation, expendable, minesweepers, spies, indoctrination, drug use, addiction, coercion, threats, objectivism, harm, irreversible damage, care, treatment, demobilization, brutality, dehumanization, crime, suffering, universal values, ICC, cultural relativism, warlords, resistance movements child soldiers, armed conflict, recruitment, voluntary, coercion, abduction, abuse, exploitation, child rights, international law, ICC, war crimes, human rights, violence, psychological trauma, physical harm, drug use, demobilization, rehabilitation, trauma healing, humanitarian intervention, child abuse, gender-based violence, domestic violence, forced marriage, militant groups, propaganda, social disintegration, child protection, violations, crimes against children, humanitarian law, ethical considerations child soldiers, armed conflict, child recruitment, child exploitation, forced abduction, military groups, child abuse, drug use, sexual violence, mental health, rehabilitation, child rights, international law, ICC, war crimes, humanitarian law, cultural relativism, morality, violence, trauma, victimization
test-economy-thhghwhwift-con02a	A tax is not an effective instrument to fight obesity  There are very legitimate concerns whether artificially increasing the cost of fatty food by specifically targeting it with a tax would have a significant effect on the obesity trend.  In fact, research shows that a fat tax would produce only a marginal change in consumption – not the dramatic shift in public awareness the proponents of the fat tax are hoping for. The reason, LSE researchers believe, is simple: “those on the very poorest diets will continue to eat badly.” [1]  Other than the economic reasons for such behavior, it could be argued that is also a thing of habit and culture: fast fatty food is quick, accessible and tasty. [2] Thus while a tax might be useful in reducing things such as the use of cigarettes – which are at heart an unnecessary “luxury” and thus more easily affected by the price – eating food, whether junk or not, is necessary. It also seems that the fast fatty kind of food is fulfilling a specific need, a need for a quick, tasty and filling meal, something people consider worth paying good money for.  The fight against obesity ought to be multifaceted, complex and well thought out – and a fat tax is none of those things. We should approach the issue with more cunning and introduce other programs: such as increasing the availability of healthy food by introducing healthy vending machines; [3] increasing the amount of physics exercise by requiring it in school, improving possibilities for recreation and access to public transportation thus encouraging people to burn more calories [4] and, most importantly, proper education on the topic if we want to create lasting change. [5]  [1] Tiffin, R., Salois, M., A fat tax is a double whammy for the poor – it will do little to prevent obesity in those on lower incomes, and will hurt them financially, published 9/2/2011,  , accessed 9/12/2011  [2] Hitti, M., Top 11 Reasons For Fast Food's Popularity, published 12/3/2008,  , accessed 9/14/2011  [3] Yara, S., Best And Worst Vending Machine Snacks, published 10/6/2005,  , accessed 9/14/2011  [4] CDC, Recommended Community Strategies and Measurements to Prevent Obesity in the United States, published 7/24/2009,  , accessed 9/14/2011  [5] Bunce, L., ‘Fat tax’ solutions ignore wider social factors driving junk food habits, published 8/16/2010,  , accessed 9/12/2011 obesity, fat tax, food consumption, public health, dietary habits, unhealthy eating, food prices, socioeconomic factors, fast food, cultural habits, health education, prevention strategies, physical activity, recreation, public transportation, healthier food options, childhood obesity, lifestyle change, health policy, government intervention obesity, fat tax, junk food, public health, food consumption, health policy, taxation, socioeconomic factors, fast food, cultural habits, healthy eating, physical activity, education, public transportation, recreation, calorie expenditure, health interventions, food accessibility, nutritional awareness, social determinants obesity, fat tax, food consumption, public health, nutrition, dietary habits, socioeconomic factors, fast food, unhealthy eating, health policies, obesity prevention, food pricing, behavioral change, healthy eating, physical activity, public transportation, education, access to healthy foods, recreation, social determinants, economic impact obesity, fat tax, public health, food policy, consumption behavior, food affordability, unhealthy eating, fast food culture, socioeconomic factors, nutrition education, healthy food access, physical activity, exercise in schools, public transportation, lifestyle habits, social determinants, food affordability, health promotion, obesity prevention, policy effectiveness, health disparities tax, obesity, fat tax, food pricing, consumption, public awareness, income disparity, cultural habits, fast food, junk food, health policy, nutrition education, healthy food accessibility, exercise, physical activity, public transportation, prevention strategies, socioeconomic factors, dietary habits, health interventions, dietary behavior, lifestyle changes
test-economy-beplcpdffe-con05a	Government only objects to online gambling because they dont benefit  Governments are hypocritical about gambling. They say they don’t like it but they often use it for their own purposes. Sometimes they only allow gambling in certain places in order to boost a local economy. Sometimes they profit themselves by running the only legal gambling business, such as a National Lottery [15] or public racecourse betting. This is bad for the public who want to gamble. Online gambling firms can break through government control by offering better odds and attractive new games. government, online gambling, regulation, hypocrisy, economic impact, legal gambling, National Lottery, public racecourses, public interest, government control, gambling regulations, online betting, gambling industry, profit motives, public access, gambling legality government, online gambling, hypocrisy, regulation, legal gambling, economic impact, national lottery, public racecourses, private betting firms, government control, gambling regulation, technology, illegal gambling, public interests, gambling profits government, online gambling, regulation, hypocrisy, legal gambling, national lottery, public racecourses, local economy, government profits, gambling industry, public interests, gambling regulation, online gambling firms, better odds, new games government, online gambling, hypocrisy, regulation, government control, legal gambling, national lottery, public racecourse betting, local economy, profit, private gambling firms, better odds, new games government, online gambling, regulation, hypocrisy, economic impact, legal gambling, national lottery, public betting, government profit, gambling control, online gambling firms, better odds, new games
test-education-udfakusma-con03a	Less incentive to study at university  If everything that University provides is open to all then there is less incentive to study at university. Anyone who is studying in order to learn about a subject rather than achieve a particular qualification will no longer need to attend the university in order to fulfil their aim. The actual benefit of university education is less in learning content per se than engaging with new ideas critically, something that is frequently more difficult in an online environment.  Moreover if only some countries or institutions were to implement such open access then it makes more sense for any students who are intending to study internationally to go elsewhere as they will still be able to use the resources made available by that university. Open access if not implemented universally is therefore damaging to universities attempts to attract lucrative international students who often pay high tuition fees. university, open access, incentive, studying, education, learning, online environment, international students, tuition fees, open resources, motivation, qualifications, critical engagement, online learning, educational value open access, university education, incentives, online learning, international students, quality of education, open resources, higher education, online environment, global access, tuition fees university, open access, incentives, studying, education, online learning, learning, qualifications, international students, resources, access, tuition fees, global education university, open access, incentives, studying, learning, education, online environment, international students, qualification, research, academic engagement, tuition fees incentive, study, university, open access, online learning, motivation, education, qualifications, learning, critical engagement, international students, resources, tuition fees, university reputation
test-sport-otshwbe2uuyt-con05a	Europe needs to prevent Russian influence in Ukraine  If Europe shuns Ukraine then Yanukovych has an obvious alternative he can turn to; Russia. Putin, the newly re-elected President of Russia, is holding out the option of a customs union with Ukraine which Yanukovych despite initially rejecting [1] is now showing more interest in joining. [2] Only a few years ago Ukraine was being touted for possible NATO membership and Vice President Biden called Ukraine a “European country where democracy rules”. [3] A turn towards Russia therefore represents a failure of the European Union and NATO’s policy towards its eastern neighbours where the aim is to promote democracy and human rights.  [1] Interfax-Ukraine, ‘Putin: Yanukovych statement Ukraine will not join Customs Union conveys political emotions’, Kyiv Post, 16 September 2011 .  [2] Interfax-Ukraine, ‘Official: Ukraine shows keen interest in Customs Union’, Kyiv Post, 15 March 2012 .  [3] ‘Biden: U.S. supports Ukraine’s NATO bid’, USA Today, 21 July 2009 . Europe, Russian influence, Ukraine, NATO, democracy, human rights, EU, Russia, Yanukovych, Putin, Customs Union, Ukraine NATO membership, Biden, eastern neighbors, political policy, international relations Europe, Russian influence, Ukraine, NATO, democracy, human rights, EU policy, eastern neighbors, customs union, Yanukovych, Russia, Vladimir Putin, Ukraine NATO membership, Biden, geopolitics, foreign policy Europe, Russian influence, Ukraine, European Union, NATO, democracy, human rights, Yanukovych, Russia, Putin, customs union, NATO membership, Ukraine democracy, Biden, Ukraine politics, eastern Europe, EU policies, Russian-Ukraine relations, Ukraine-Russia tensions Europe, Russia, Ukraine, influence, NATO, democracy, European Union, human rights, Yanukovych, Putin, customs union, political alignment, eastern neighbours, policy, international relations, geopolitics Europe, Russian influence, Ukraine, Yanukovych, Russia, Putin, customs union, NATO, democracy, European Union, human rights, Ukraine NATO membership, Biden, European countries, eastern neighbors, foreign policy, democracy promotion, geopolitics
test-health-hdond-pro02a	Prioritizing donors creates an incentive to become a donor  The greatest argument for this policy is also the simplest: it will save thousands, perhaps millions of lives. A policy of prioritizing transplants for donors would massively increase the proportion of donors from the status quo of (at best) just over 30% {Confirmed Organ Donors}. Given the number of people who die under circumstances that render many of their organs useless, the rate of donor registration must be as high as possible. The overwhelming incentive that this policy would create to register may well eliminate the scarcity for certain organs altogether; a bonus benefit of this would mean that for organs where the scarcity was eliminated, this policy would not even need to make good on its threat of denial of organs to non-donors (and even if this happened for every organ and thus reduced the incentive to register as a donor, the number of donors could only fall as far as until there was a scarcity again, thus reviving the incentive to donate until the rate of donation reaches an equilibrium with demand.) organ donation, donor prioritization, transplant policy, donor registration, organ scarcity, life-saving, organ transplantation, incentive to donate, donor rates, organ supply, organ shortage, donation policy, health policy, ethical considerations, mortality, organ allocation, policy impact, donor activation, health outcomes, medical ethics donor prioritization, organ donation, transplantation policy, donor registration, life-saving, organ scarcity, donor incentives, organ transplants, donation rates, donor registration policies, organ demand, organ supply, public health, ethical considerations, healthcare policy organ donation, donor prioritization, transplant policy, donor registration, life-saving policy, organ scarcity, donor incentives, donor registration rate, organ demand, death circumstances, organ utility, registration incentives, donation equilibrium, organ supply, policy impact donor prioritization, organ donation, transplant policy, donor registration, life-saving, organ scarcity, donor incentives, organ transplantation, donor registration rate, organ demand, organ supply, donor registration policy, organ scarcity elimination, donation incentives, organ donation policy organ donors, organ transplantation, donor registration, prioritization policy, life-saving, organ scarcity, donor incentives, organ donation rates, deceased donors, transplant policy, organ demand, donor eligibility, registration impact, healthcare policy, organ shortage, medical ethics, transplant mortality, public health, organ revival, donor recognition
test-philosophy-ippelhbcp-pro01a	Encourages a culture of respect for human rights  Capital punishment is, in general seen as a significant human rights violation by the international community - not only most liberal democracies, but much of international civil society.  Abolition will help lead to the development of a culture of human rights and the rule of law by acting as a benchmark of progress, and a symbol of a commitment to these principles. It is notable that Guinea Bissau is the only abolitionist nation in the bottom ten countries in Africa for the rule of law – according to the Ibrahim Index of African Governance’s safety and rule of law category, compared to six abolitionist countries in the top ten [1] .  [1] Mo Ibrahim Foundation, “Ibrahim Index of African Governance”, Mo Ibrahim Foundation, 2013, human rights, capital punishment, abolition, international community, liberal democracies, civil society, culture of respect, rule of law, progress, symbolism, Guinea Bissau, African Governance, Ibrahim Index, governance, justice, human rights violation, legal system, democracy human rights, respect, culture, capital punishment, abolition, rule of law, international community, civil society, progress, human rights violation, democracy, civil liberties, Guinea Bissau, Ibrahim Index, African Governance, governance, safety, abolitionist nations, development human rights, capital punishment, abolition, rule of law, international community, civil society, cultural change, human rights violation, liberal democracies, progress, Guinea Bissau, Ibrahim Index, African governance, safety, governance, international standards human rights, capital punishment, abolition, rule of law, international community, civil society, cultural change, progress, governance, Ibrahim Index, Guinea Bissau, Africa, human rights violation, legal reform, democracy, social justice human rights, capital punishment, abolition, rule of law, international community, human rights violation, liberal democracies, civil society, culture of respect, progress, Guinea Bissau, Ibrahim Index, African Governance, governance, civil rights, legal system, justice, international standards
test-politics-grcrgshwbr-pro03a	Religious symbols cause division within Western society.  Religious symbols can be seen as possible tools for fuelling division within society. When some women wear the Hijab it creates pressure on other Muslim women to also cover their heads. Pressure comes both socially from wanting to look like other women in their community and religiously from imams and family leaders pressing for observance. As such, Muslims themselves are divided and religious oppression against women is internalized.1 Approving of Muslim head coverings in society cements the Hijab as an essential tenet of Islam, in the minds of non-Muslims as well as believers. However, many different schools of Islam exist and as on other issues, they often disagree how to interpret the Koran's dress prescriptions. Moderate interpretations accept modest forms of modern dress while severe interpretations require full covering with the Burka or similar veil. Banning the veil furthers the cause of moderate interpretations and prevents the entrenchment of severe interpretations.  1 Rumy Hassan, 'Banning the hijab', Workers Power 283 February 2004, accessed on 24th July 2011 religious symbols, division, Western society, societal tools, Hijab, Muslim women, social pressure, religious pressure, family influence, internalized oppression, Muslim dress, Islam, head coverings, Koran, dress prescriptions, moderate interpretations, severe interpretations, Burka, veil, banning, religious conflicts, gender equality, cultural integration, religious identity, social cohesion, religious orthodoxy, human rights religious symbols, societal division, hijab, women’s attire, Muslim women, social pressure, religious pressure, community conformity, religious internalization, Islam, head coverings, Islamic schools, dress prescriptions, hijab interpretations, moderate Islam, severe Islam, burka, veil ban, religious oppression, cultural clash, religious identity, Islam diversity religious symbols, societal division, Islam, Hijab, Muslim women, religious pressure, Imam influence, family influence, internalized oppression, head coverings, societal acceptance, Muslim identity, religious interpretations, Islamic schools, modest dress, full covering, Burka, veil, banning, moderate Islam, severe Islam, dress prescriptions, Koran, religious oppression, cultural conflict religious symbols, societal division, Western society, religious tools, hijab, women’s pressure, Muslim women, social pressure, religious pressure, imams, family leaders, religious oppression, internalized oppression, head coverings, societal acceptance, Islam, Koran, dress prescriptions, Islamic schools, moderate interpretations, severe interpretations, full covering, burka, veil, ban, fashion, cultural identity, religious identity, gender roles, religious freedom, religious intolerance religious symbols, societal division, Western society, hijab, Muslim women, religious pressure, social pressure, community norms, religious hierarchy, internalized oppression, Muslim head coverings, Islam, dress prescriptions, Koran, modest dress, severe interpretations, moderate interpretations, burka, veil, banning, religious interpretation, internal conflict, religious oppression, cultural integration
test-health-hpehwadvoee-pro01a	It is a natural thing to do  We are biologically programmed to want to preserve our species. As such, our offspring will often be more important to ourselves than our own persons. Many doctors hear parents tell them how they wish that they could “take over” their child’s terminal illness rather than have the child suffer. [1] It is therefore natural and right for the older generation to sacrifice itself where possible to save the younger generation. As crass as this might seem, they are statistically more likely to die earlier than their offspring in any event and stand to lose less. They have had the chance to experience more of a life than their child. They are furthermore the cause of the child’s existence, and owe it to the child to protect it at any cost.  [1] Monforte-Royo, C. and M.V. Roqué. “The organ donation process: A humanist perspective based on the experience of nursing care.” Nursing Philosophy 13.4 (2012): 295-301. biological programming, species preservation, parent-child relationship, terminal illness, sacrifice, intergenerational altruism, life expectancy, family bonds, organ donation, nursing care, humanist perspective, ethical considerations biological programming, species preservation, parental sacrifice, terminal illness, child welfare, elder sacrifice, survival instinct, intergenerational responsibility, life experience, organ donation, nursing care, humanist perspective, ethical considerations, family bonds, life preservation biological programming, species preservation, parental sacrifice, child health, terminal illness, intergenerational duty, ethical dilemma, organ donation, nursing ethics, humanist perspective, life expectancy, family responsibility, medical ethics, caring profession biological programming, offspring, parent sacrifice, terminal illness, child protection, longevity, reproductive instinct, life preservation, organ donation, nursing care, humanist perspective, ethical considerations, family values, mortality, life course, reproductive rights biological programming, species preservation, parental sacrifice, offspring prioritization, terminal illness, children’s welfare, intergenerational sacrifice, survival instinct, family ethics, organ donation, nursing care, humanist perspective, medical ethics, end-of-life decisions, life value comparison
test-digital-freedoms-aihbiahr-con04a	Internet access cannot be a human right when it is not available to all.  If human rights are inalienable and inherent in humans then no technology can be a human right as not everyone can ever expect access all of the time. Certainly at the moment huge swathes of the world have no internet access and this does not mean that their governments are violating their human rights.  The analogy might be given to freedom of movement. Freedom of movement is a human right however we don’t need the aid of a car to be able to exercise this right the technology itself is unnecessary as we have an inherent ability to move just as we do to communicate. internet access, human rights, technology, accessibility, inalienable rights, universal access, digital divide, freedom of movement, human dignity, societal inequality, rights interpretation, inherent rights, government responsibility, digital equity internet access, human rights, inalienable rights, availability, technology, equality, access disparities, freedom of movement, inherent rights, digital divide, human rights violation, access rights, societal inequality internet access, human rights, accessibility, inalienable rights, technology, freedom of movement, global inequality, digital divide, human dignity, rights interpretation internet access, human rights, inalienable rights, technological rights, access inequality, global digital divide, freedom of movement, inherent rights, digital access, rights discussion, human rights debate internet access, human rights, inalienable rights, access disparity, technology rights, freedom of movement, digital inequality, human rights enforcement, digital divide, intrinsic rights
test-law-thgglcplgphw-con02a	Legalising coca production would undemine the wider war on the drugs economy  The UN International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) said in 2011 that exceptions for Bolivia would undermine international narcotics control efforts: “[Allowing coca] would undermine the integrity of the global drug control system, undoing the good work of governments over many years.” [1] A US official said in January of 2011: “there is evidence to suggest that a substantial percentage” of the increased coca production in Bolivia over the past several years, registered in U.N. surveys, “has indeed gone into the network and the marketplace for cocaine.” [2] These examples thus show that legalizing coca cultivation would undermine the wider war on drugs, because it shifts the policy away from one of eradicating crops which could be turned into narcotics and instead turns towards making them acceptable on the global market. It encourages countries to take eradication efforts less seriously, and seemingly undermines the commitment of the international community to the war on drugs, once it gives in on this narcotic. This will make not just cocaine but many other drugs more widely available, leading to even more ruined lives through drug abuse.  [1] M&C News. “Bolivia undermines global anti-drug efforts, UN warns”. M&C News. Jul 5, 2011.   [2] Associated Press. “U.S. to fight Bolivia on allowing coca-leaf chewing”. The Portland Press Herald. January 19 2011. coca production, drug economy, UN INCB, Bolivia, narcotics control, global drug control, coca legalization, drug policy, cocaine supply, drug eradication, international drug efforts, drug trade, drug abuse, drug market, war on drugs, drug enforcement, coca cultivation, drug regulation, international narcotics, United Nations coca production, drug policy, global drug control, UN INCB, Bolivia coca cultivation, international narcotics, drug eradication, cocaine market, drug legalization, drug war, drug economy, drug enforcement, global drug policy, cocaine trafficking, drug abuse, international cooperation, illegal drug trade coca, legalization, drug policy, drug control, UN, INCB, Bolivia, coca cultivation, narcotics, cocaine, drug market, eradication efforts, international community, drug economics, US, drug enforcement, drug abuse, global drug efforts, coca leaf, drug trafficking, drug war legalising, coca, production, drug war, international narcotics control, UN, INCB, Bolivia, coca cultivation, drug policy, drug market, eradication, narcotics, global drug control, cocaine, drug abuse, drug networks, drug enforcement, international community, drug eradication efforts coca production, drug war, international narcotics control, UN INCB, Bolivia coca cultivation, drug policy, global drug control, drug eradication, cocaine market, drug legalization, drug enforcement, international drug efforts, coca leaf chewing, U.S. government, drug availability, drug abuse, harm reduction, drug policy debate, UN warnings, Bolivia drug law, narcotics trade
test-politics-eppghwgpi-con01a	The ability to prosecute politicians is the ultimate protection against the abuse of power.  It is impossible to overstate the power that the threat of prosecution has to stay the hand of anyone, including a politician, from transgressing the laws of the state. In fact, we need more aggressive prosecution of politicians. Not a single person has been prosecuted for approval illegal torture or wiretapping. These are illegal actions actually happening which the populace, with only the blunt instrument of voting for or against a politician on the sum total of their policies, is unable to effectively influence. There is no greater deterrent that could be used against politicians. political prosecution, abuse of power, legal accountability, political corruption, legal deterrence, government oversight, illegal surveillance, wiretapping, torture, political accountability, law enforcement, anti-corruption measures, judicial system, political transparency, deterrent strategies politicians, prosecution, abuse of power, legal protection, legal accountability, political corruption, legal enforcement, whistleblowers, illegal activities, torture, wiretapping, law enforcement, deterrence, judicial process, political accountability, legal system, governance, rule of law politicians, prosecution, abuse of power, legal accountability, corruption, legal enforcement, political corruption, legal system, deterrence, criminal justice, illegal activities, wiretapping, torture, political accountability, rule of law, government oversight prosecution, politicians, abuse of power, legal accountability, political corruption, legal deterrent, illegal activities, torture, wiretapping, legal system, political accountability, law enforcement, political reform, justice, governance, abuse prevention prosecution, politicians, abuse of power, legal accountability, political corruption, law enforcement, legal consequences, deterrence, illegal activities, torture, wiretapping, criminal justice, government oversight, political accountability, legal enforcement, public trust
test-free-speech-debate-nshbcsbawc-pro04a	Freedom of expression, like any right is fairly meaningless if it’s only respected when it’s convenient.  Recognising rights when there is no inconvenience to anybody involved is verging on the irrelevant. This is, perhaps, especially true, with freedom of expression. If I recognise your right to express yourself freely - so long as I never have to see, hear or be aware of you doing – rather misses the point.  Likewise if the individual is free only so long as there aren’t any rules saying they shouldn’t be, goes somewhat against the grain of defending liberties. Indeed the history of the idea that people can exercise all the freedom they like as long as it’s out of sight, out of mind and doesn’t break any rules is not a noble one; among other absurd forms of “freedom”, it was used to justify both segregation and apartheid.  Although the effect and extent of the prejudice is clearly different here, the logic is the same: you are completely free to do whatever I think you should do.  Having a right to freely express oneself means to do so when it is inconvenient, challenging or offensive to others [i] . The rules being broken here were, as has already been mentioned, fairly petty and the sanctions comparatively minor – although the loss of someone’s livelihood should not be understated. The case is important because of the precedent it sets; what if the two women were risking not just their jobs but their liberty?  The UK considers itself to be a tolerant country. Tolerance means accepting those declarations and statements that are inconvenient. If the law is incapable of defending a statement as benign as wearing a small piece of jewellery, it is worrying to think how it would cope with something more forthright.  [i] UN Declaration of Human Rights. Articles 18, 19 and 23. freedom of expression, rights, convenience, fairness, relevance, liberties, rules, segregation, apartheid, prejudice, freedoms, expression, challenges, offense, sanctions, livelihood, precedent, tolerance, law, UN Declaration, human rights freedom of expression, rights, inconvenience, liberties, discrimination, segregation, apartheid, prejudice, free speech, legality, sanctions, livelihood, precedent, tolerance, UK law, human rights, UN Declaration, Articles 18, 19, 23 freedom, expression, rights, inconvenience, liberty, segregation, apartheid, prejudice, censorship, tolerance, legal, sanctions, livelihood, human rights, UN, Articles 18, 19, 23 freedom of expression, rights, inconvenience, liberties, segregation, apartheid, prejudice, free speech, rules, sanctions, livelihood, precedent, tolerance, UN Declaration, human rights, articles 18 19 23 freedom of expression, rights, liberty, censorship, tolerance, law, human rights, prejudice, segregation, apartheid, free speech, inconvenient expression, social norms, sanctions, livelihood, precedent, UK, tolerance, declarations, statements, UN Declaration, articles
test-free-speech-debate-radhbsshr-con01a	Defamation  While South African Law does allow for freedom of speech, and the constitution is one of the most liberal in the world for protecting such freedoms, it must be measured against the need for responsibility in the use of such freedoms to prevent offence.  Whatever one believes about ‘The Spear’ it is clear that Murray attacked President Zuma based upon his personal life rather than any critique of policy. The depiction of the President with his penis exposed is a reminder of the accusations of rape against him, of which he was acquitted in 2007.  To remind those who view the painting of the accusation is to hint at Zuma’s guilt in the case despite it being proved otherwise in a court of law. This is effectively libel and as such defames Zuma’s character. As such, Zuma was right to sue for defamation and it was right for the artwork to be removed as it implied and spread a falsehood in the public domain that is damaging to Zuma. defamation, South African law, freedom of speech, responsibility, offence, The Spear, Murray, President Zuma, personal life, critique, policy, nudity, depiction, rape accusations, legal acquittal, libel, character, court ruling, falsehood, public domain, damage, removal defamation, South African law, freedom of speech, constitution, responsibility, offence, The Spear, Murray, President Zuma, personal attack, policy critique, nudity, explicit depiction, rape accusations, legal acquittal, libel, character defamation, lawsuit, artwork removal, falsehood, reputation, public domain defamation, South African law, freedom of speech, personal responsibility, artistic expression, The Spear, Jacob Zuma, political satire, libel, reputation, court case, falsehood, character assassination, legal rights, censorship, public figure, legal precedent defamation, South African law, freedom of speech, responsibility, offence, The Spear, Murray, President Zuma, personal life, critique, policy, depiction, nudity, rape accusations, acquittal, libel, character, lawsuit, artwork removal, falsehood, public domain defamation, South African law, freedom of speech, responsibility, offence, The Spear, Murray, President Zuma, personal life, critique, policy, depiction, penis, rape accusations, acquittal, libel, character, lawsuit, artwork removal, falsehood, public domain
test-education-usuprmhbu-pro02a	"Affirmative action removes the cyclical disadvantages of discrimination  Affirmative action evens the playing field for those who have suffered past discrimination.  Discrimination in the past not only leaves a feeling of rejection by one’s community, but also a legacy of disadvantage and perpetual poverty. Discrimination is not only psychologically damaging, but tangibly. The denial of opportunities for education and employment in the past has left families in situations where they are stuck in a poverty trap and cannot afford to achieve the basic opportunities that others can as they are stuck in a cycle of poverty [1] .  A good example of this can be seen in the example of Brazil, where poverty is much more wide-spread in African communities who were previously used as slaves [2] .  There is no equality of opportunity in cases of past discrimination. Affirmative action helps level the playing field for selection by assisting those who are held back from a continual historical denial of opportunity and providing them the equality of opportunity everyone deserves.  [1] Aka, Philip. ""Affirmative Action and the Black Experience in America."" American Bar Association. 36.4 (2009): Print.  [2] Telles, Edward. ""Discrimination and Affirmative Action in Brazil."" PBS Wide Angle. N.p., 01 Jun 2009. Web. 23 Aug 2011. <  . affirmative action, discrimination, cyclical disadvantages, historical denial, opportunity gap, social justice, equality of opportunity, poverty trap, systemic racism, legacy of discrimination, economic disadvantage, marginalized communities, educational inequality, employment disparities, social mobility, historical oppression, racial inequality, poverty in Brazil, African communities, slavery legacy, social equity affirmative action, discrimination, historical disadvantages, equality of opportunity, poverty trap, cyclical poverty, social justice, educational disparities, employment disparities, legacy of discrimination, psychological impact, economic marginalization, Brazil, African communities, slavery, racial inequality, opportunity denial, social mobility, poverty, systemic racism affirmative action, discrimination, cyclical disadvantages, social justice, equality of opportunity, legacy of discrimination, poverty trap, historical discrimination, opportunity denial, social inequality, racial disparities, educational disparities, employment disparities, systemic racism, socio-economic mobility, legacy of slavery, Brazil, African communities, poverty prevalence, social reparations, social inclusion affirmative action, discrimination, past discrimination, equality of opportunity, poverty trap, legacy disadvantages, psychological damage, employment opportunities, educational opportunities, social inequality, historical denial, cycle of poverty, racial disparities, social justice, affirmative action benefits, Brazil, African communities, slavery legacy, marginalization, systemic racism affirmative action, discrimination, historical inequality, social justice, opportunity gap, poverty cycle, legacy of discrimination, inequality of opportunity, reparative justice, social mobility, economic disparity, racial disparities, affirmative action policies, social inclusion, marginalization, systemic racism, educational inequality, employment discrimination, social equity, historical oppression"
test-environment-assgbatj-con02a	People will die if we don’t do animal testing  Every year, 23 new drugs are introduced in the UK alone.[13] Almost all will be tested on animals. A new drug will be used for a long time. Think of all the people saved by the use of penicillin. If drugs cost more to test, that means drug companies will develop less. This means more people suffering and dying animal testing, drug development, FDA, ethics, alternatives, public health, animal rights, medical research, safety testing, pharmaceutical industry animal testing, drug development, pharmaceuticals, medical research, drug safety, animal rights, ethics, life-saving drugs, drug testing FDA, drug costs, public health, medical ethics, drug regulation animal testing, drug development, drug safety, medicine, pharmaceutical industry, animal welfare, ethical concerns, public health, drug costs, medical advancements, animal rights animal testing, drug development, medical research, pharmaceuticals, drug safety, human health, ethical considerations, animal rights, drug approval, public health, medical breakthroughs animal testing, drugs, development, safety, ethics, healthcare, medicine, animal cruelty, pharmaceutical research, public health, legislation, alternative testing methods, drug approval, patient safety
test-economy-thsptr-con01a	Individuals’ property and income are an index of deserving achievement, and of value contributed in the market place to society  A progressive taxation system essentially assumes that the property rights of the poor are more sacred than those of the wealthy. Somehow the wealthy have a less proportionate ownership right than do the less well-off simply by dint of their greater wealth. [1] This is the height of injustice. An individual’s income is a measure of his overarching societal worth, by reflecting his ability to produce goods and services people find socially desirable and to signify his level of competence and desirability by his employer. The state should not punish people for this greater social worth by taxing them disproportionally to others. When it does so it expects people to work for the sake of others to an extent that is not fair, effectively consigning them to a kind of forced labor, by which parts of the wealth they work to acquire is appropriated by the state to a degree beyond which it is willing to do to others. [2] Such a regime is manifestly unjust.  [1] Seligman, Edwin. “Progressive Taxation in Theory and Practice”. Publications of the American Economic Association 9(1): 7-222. 1894.  [2] Nozick, R. Anarchy, State and Utopia. New York: Basic Books. 1974. property rights, income inequality, progressive taxation, social justice, wealth distribution, property ownership, societal worth, fairness, economic disparity, income measurement, social desirability, meritocracy, economic inequality, taxation policy, state intervention, justice theory property, income, deserving, achievement, societal value, market contribution, progressive taxation, property rights, wealth, injustice, social worth, income inequality, taxation fairness, social desirability, competence, labor, wealth redistribution, state, justice, property rights, economic inequality, political philosophy property rights, income inequality, societal worth, progressive taxation, wealth distribution, social justice, economic fairness, property rights debate, income measurement, taxation policies, wealth redistribution, societal contribution, economic theory, justice in taxation, market society property rights, income equality, progressive taxation, social justice, wealth distribution, economic inequality, social worth, taxation policy, inequality debate, market society, distributive justice, wealth aristocracy, meritocracy, individual achievement, societal contribution property rights, income inequality, progressive taxation, social justice, wealth distribution, economic fairness, societal worth, tax policy, wealth hierarchy, justice theory, property ownership, social desirability, economic merit, taxation fairness, inequality critique, property rights sacred, wealth proportionality, state taxation, income measurement, societal contribution
test-education-udfakusma-con04a	Who will write and edit the work?  You can’t take the end result out of the system and assume all the rest of it will continue as usual. Journal articles don’t write themselves; there will still be costs for editors, typesetters, reviewing etc., as well as the time and cost of the writer. The average cost of publishing an article is about £4000. [1]  There have been two suggested forms of open access ‘Gold’ in which authors pay publishers article publication charges and ‘Green’ under which the author self-archives their papers in open access repositories. The gold option that the UK intends to implement could mean universities having to find an extra £60million a year. [2] In either case the cost is being put on the author.  This is exactly the same when asking academics to put their lectures, lecture notes, bibliographies etc online. They are being asked to put in more hours grappling with technology without being paid for it.  [1] Moghaddam, Golnessa Galyani, “Why Are Scholarly Journals Costly even with Electronic Publishing?”  p.9  [2] Ayris, Paul, “Why panning for gold may be detrimental to open access research”, Guardian Professional, 23 July 2012. publication costs, editorial process, peer review, typesetting, journal articles, open access, Gold open access, Green open access, article processing charges, publishers, self-archiving, repositories, university funding, scholarly publishing, academic workload, technological challenges, publishing economics, research dissemination academic publishing, open access, gold open access, green open access, article costs, publishing costs, peer review, editing, typesetting, author fees, university funding, electronic publishing, scholarly journals, research dissemination, technology in education, self-archiving, open repositories, publishing economy, academic workload, lecture materials, open access debate academic publishing, open access, gold open access, green open access, publication costs, article processing charges, university funding, scholarly journals, editing, typesetting, peer review, author fees, self-archiving, open access repositories, digital publishing, technology in education, lecture materials, academic workload, publishing economics, research funding, scholarly communication research, publication, open access, gold, green, costs, publishing, article, peer review, editing, typesetting, authors, universities, funding, scholarly journals, electronic publishing, academic workload, self-archiving, open repositories, article processing charges, UK, academic publishing, technology, online content academic publishing, journal articles, editing costs, typesetting, peer review, publication fees, open access, gold open access, green open access, article processing charges, university funding, research dissemination, scholarly communication, academic workload, electronic publishing, cost analysis, open access repositories, copyright, publication economics
test-politics-oeplhbuwhmi-pro01a	The UK would have a completely independent foreign policy  Britain’s is not completely sovereign within the European Union with the EU having a common foreign and security policy and all economic negotiations taking place under the auspices of the EU trade commissioner, it is what the EU refers to as an ‘exclusive power’, rather than the Foreign Office. [1] Exiting would give these powers back to the UK. Regardless of how these powers are used this will mean the UK has more influence and freedom to manoeuvre as it will have more options with which it can negotiate with other powers.  [1] ‘Policy making: What is trade policy’, European Commission, UK, foreign policy, sovereignty, European Union, EU, common foreign policy, security policy, economic negotiations, EU trade commissioner, exclusive power, Foreign Office, Brexit, independence, international relations, negotiation options, influence, freedom, policy making, trade policy, European Commission UK, independent foreign policy, sovereignty, European Union, EU, common foreign and security policy, economic negotiations, EU trade commissioner, exclusive power, Foreign Office, Brexit, UK influence, negotiation options, global diplomacy UK, foreign policy, sovereignty, European Union, EU, common foreign policy, security policy, economic negotiations, trade commissioner, exclusive powers, Foreign Office, Brexit, independence, influence, diplomatic maneuvering, international negotiations, EU trade policy UK, foreign policy, sovereignty, European Union, EU, common foreign policy, security policy, economic negotiations, EU trade commissioner, exclusive power, Foreign Office, Brexit, independence, influence, diplomatic sovereignty, trade negotiations, international relations, EU exit, negotiation options UK, foreign policy, sovereignty, European Union, EU, common foreign security policy, economic negotiations, trade commissioner, exclusive power, UK exit, influence, negotiation, foreign relations, international policy
test-health-dhiacihwph-con01a	Dominance of generic drugs will reduce reinvestment and innovation in donating countries  The production of high quality generic drugs endangers pharmaceutical progress. In order to export high quality generic drugs, some countries have suggested allowing generic drug manufacturers access to patented drugs. In Canada, amendments to Canada’s Access to Medicine Regime (CAMR) would have forced pharmaceutical research companies to give up their patents [1] . This is problematic however as research based companies invest a large proportion of their profits back in to the industry. The requirements proposed for some Western countries for obligatory quantities of generic drugs to be given to Africa have been accused to removing any incentive to invest in research to combat disease [2] .  [1] Taylor,D. ‘Generic-drug “solution” for Africa not needed’  [2] ibid generic drugs, pharmaceutical innovation, patent access, CAMR, patent rights, research investment, drug reimportation, high-quality generics, pharmaceutical progress, Western countries, Africa, research incentives generic drugs, pharmaceutical progress, innovation, patent access, Canada, Access to Medicine Regime, CAMR, patent rights, research investment, Western countries, Africa, drug production, high-quality drugs, pharmaceutical industry, incentives, disease research generic drugs, pharmaceutical innovation, patent access, CAMR, intellectual property, drug patents, research incentives, pharmaceutical industry, Africa, medicine export, drug quality, patent law, drug production, research investment generic drugs, pharmaceutical research, innovation, high quality drugs, patent access, CAMR, patent restrictions, investment incentives, drug patents, Africa, drug exports, research-based companies, pharmaceutical progress, generic drug production, incentives, research funding generic drugs, pharmaceutical progress, reinvestment, innovation, patented drugs, access to medicine, CAMR, Canada, pharmaceutical industry, research investment, drug patents, Western countries, Africa, incentives, disease research
test-health-hgwhwbjfs-pro01a	Schools need to practice what they preach  Under the pressure of increasing media coverage and civil society initiatives, schools are being called upon to “take up arms” against childhood obesity, both by introducing more nutritional and physical education classes, as well as transforming the meals they are offering in their cafeterias. [1]  Never before has school been so central to a child’s personal and social education. According to a study conducted by the University of Michigan, American children and teenagers spend in school about 32.5 hours per week homework a week – 7.5 hours more, than 20 years ago [2] . School curricula now cover topics such as personal finance, sex and relationships and citizenship. A precedent for teaching pupils about living well and living responsibly has already been established. Some schools, under national health programs, have given out free milk and fruit to try and make sure that children get enough calcium and vitamins, in case they are not getting enough at home [3] .  While we are seeing various nutritional and health food curricula cropping up [4] , revamping the school lunch is proving to be a more challenging task. “Limited resources and budget cuts hamper schools from offering both healthful, good-tasting alternatives and physical education programs,“ says Sanchez-Vaznaugh, a San Francisco State University researcher. [5]  With expert groups such as the Obesity Society urging policy makers to take into account the complex nature of the obesity epidemic [6] , especially the interplay of biological and social factors that lead to individuals developing the disease, it has become time for governments to urge schools to put their education into practice and give students an environment that allows them to make the healthy choices they learn about in class.  [1] Stolberg, S. G., 'Michelle Obama Leads Campaign Against Obesity', New York Times, 9 February 2010,  , accessed 9/11/2011  [2] University of Michigan, 'U.S. children and teens spend more time on academics', 17 November 2004,  , accessed 09/08/2011  [3] Kent County Council, Nutritional Standards, published September 2007  , accessed 09/08/2011  [4] Veggiecation, 'The Veggiecation Program Announced as First Educational Partner of New York Coalition for Healthy School Food',18 May 2011,  , accessed 9/11/2011  [5] ScienceDaily, 'Eliminating Junk Foods at Schools May Help Prevent Childhood Obesity', 7 March 2010,  , accessed 9/11/2011  [6] Kushner, R. F., et al., 'SOLUTIONS: Eradicating America’s obesity epidemic', Washington Times, 16 August 2009,  , accessed 9/11/2011 school curricula, childhood obesity, nutrition education, physical education, school meals, health programs, government policy, health promotion, obesity prevention, school food reform, media influence, civil society, health standards, food choices, resource limitations, policy advocacy, health education, school health initiatives, student well-being, diet, physical activity school nutrition, physical education, childhood obesity, school curricula, health education, school meals, policy, government, food standards, health programs, dietary habits, nutrition standards, health initiatives, obesity prevention, school resources, curriculum topics, health promotion, student well-being, healthy lifestyle, media influence schools, childhood obesity, nutrition, physical education, school meals, health education, school curricula, health programs, healthy choices, diet, physical activity, policy, government, health standards, nutrition standards, school health initiatives, obesity prevention, school environment, education practice, resource constraints schools, childhood obesity, nutrition, physical education, school lunch, health curriculum, media coverage, civil society, school meals, health programs, government policy, social factors, biological factors, healthy choices, school environment, resource limitations, nutritional standards school health programs, childhood obesity, nutrition education, physical education, school lunches, curriculum reform, health initiatives, government policy, student wellness, childhood nutrition, health standards, nutrition standards, school meals, health promotion, obesity prevention, school resources, diet education, responsible living, media influence, societal responsibility, health policies
test-health-hpehwadvoee-pro02a	The guilt may be too heavy a burden for the relative who could have saved a life  It is not fair to ask of a parent to live with the guilt of having been able to save their child and not doing so. Believing that they are guilty of their child’s death can cause Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome, which in turn is a major cause of suicides. [1]  [1] Monforte-Royo, C., et al. “The wish to hasten death: a review of clinical studies.” Psycho-Oncology 20.8 (2011): 795-804. guilt, burden, relative, save, life, parent, guilt, child's death, Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome, suicides, clinical studies, Psycho-Oncology guilt, burden, relative, save, life, parent, guilt, child, Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome, PTSD, suicide, clinical studies, psycho-oncology guilt, burden, relative, save a life, parental guilt, child death, post-traumatic stress syndrome, PTSD, suicide, psycho-oncology, euthanasia, mental health, grief, trauma, clinical studies guilt, burden, relative, saved a life, parent, live with guilt, child's death, Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome, PTSD, suicides, clinical studies, Psycho-Oncology guilt, burden, relative, save, life, parent, guilt, child, post-traumatic stress syndrome, suicides, trauma, grief, bereavement, psychological impact, mourning, mental health, hasten death, clinical studies, psycho-oncology
test-politics-oglilpdwhsn-pro03a	"The New START treaty maintains US nuclear and missile defence.  The US’ Nuclear armament will be modernized along with New START. “The Obama administration has agreed to provide for modernization of the infrastructure essential to maintaining our nuclear arsenal. Funding these efforts has become part of the negotiations in the ratification process. The administration has put forth a 10-year plan to spend $84 billion on the Energy Department's nuclear weapons complex. Much of the credit for getting the administration to add $14 billion to the originally proposed $70 billion for modernization goes to Sen. Jon Kyl, the Arizona Republican who has been vigilant in this effort. Implementing this modernization program in a timely fashion would be important in ensuring that our nuclear arsenal is maintained appropriately over the next decade and beyond.” [1]  Both US Military and civilian leaders insist that the new START treaty will still allow the US to deploy effective missile defenses, something which Russia was opposed to, and so will not affect US missile defense plans. The main limit on missile defense is that the treaty prevents the conversion of existing launchers for this purpose this would be more expensive than building new missiles specifically for defense purposes. [2]  Furthermore, as Joe Biden argues, New START is important to Russian cooperation on missile defense: ""This [missile defense] system demonstrates America's enduring commitment to Article 5 of the Washington Treaty—that an attack on one is an attack on all. NATO missile defense also provides the opportunity for further improvements in both NATO-Russian and U.S.-Russian relations. NATO and Russia agreed at Lisbon to carry out a joint ballistic missile threat assessment, to resume theater missile-defense exercises, and to explore further cooperation on territorial missile defense—things that were nearly unimaginable two years ago. These agreements underscore the strategic importance the alliance attaches to improving its relationship with Russia. But trust and confidence in our relationship with Russia would be undermined without Senate approval of the New Start Treaty, which reduces strategic nuclear forces to levels not seen since the 1950s, and restores important verification mechanisms that ceased when the first Start Treaty expired last December."" [3]  In many ways, in the 21st Century having an abundance of nuclear weapons, particularly having too many, is more of a liability than an advantage. The United States will be far safer with fewer nuclear weapons in the world and a stronger, more stable relationship with Russia under New START, and this is desirable. Therefore it is clear that New START maintains the important parts of US nuclear capabilities while removing the over-abundance which may become a liability due to security and medical concerns, and so New START should be supported.  [1] Kissinger, Henry A. ; Shultz, George P. ; Baker III, James A’ ; Eagleburger , Lawrence S. ; and Powell, Colin L. ""The Republican case for ratifying New START"". Washington Post. 2 December 2010.   [2] ibid  [3] Biden, Joseph. ""The case for ratifying New START"". Wall Street Journal. 25 November 2010. New START, nuclear arms, missile defense, modernization, infrastructure, nuclear arsenal, funding, Energy Department, nuclear complex, Senate ratification, US military, civilian leaders, missile deployment, Russia, treaty limits, launcher conversion, missile costs, Joe Biden, Article 5, NATO, missile defense cooperation, ballistic missile, Russian relations, verification mechanisms, nuclear forces, nuclear reduction, security concerns, international relations, arms control, nuclear liability New START, nuclear weapons, missile defense, arms modernization, nuclear arsenal, treaty ratification, US Russia relations, missile defense plans, nuclear infrastructure, defense spending, strategic stability, nuclear disarmament, verification mechanisms, NATO missile defense, ballistic missile, missile threat assessment, nuclear arms reduction, international security, arms control treaties, nuclear policy New START, treaty, nuclear weapons, missile defense, US, Russia, modernization, infrastructure, nuclear arsenal, funding, Energy Department, arms control, missile launchers, NATO, missile defense cooperation, Article 5, Washington Treaty, NATO-Russia, missile threat assessment, nuclear forces, verification mechanisms, nuclear proliferation, strategic stability, arms reduction, international security, diplomacy, U.S.-Russian relations New START, nuclear weapons, missile defense, US-Russia relations, arms control, modernization, infrastructure, nuclear arsenal, funding, energy department, strategic nuclear forces, verification mechanisms, missile systems, NATO, missile threat assessment, cooperation, trust, disarmament, security, international treaties, non-proliferation, Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty New START, nuclear arms, missile defense, treaty, modernization, infrastructure, nuclear arsenal, funding, energy department, nuclear weapons, missile launchers, Russia, US, NATO, missile defense cooperation, verification, strategic nuclear forces, arms reduction, nuclear stability, security, international relations, arms control, verification mechanisms, nuclear threat, military strategy, congressional approval"
test-law-thgglcplgphw-con03a	"Coca chewing is harmful and should be proscribed  The original decision to ban coca chewing was based on evidence that this was indeed harmful to human health. A 1950 report elaborated by the UN Commission of Inquiry on the Coca Leaf with a mandate from ECOSOC states that: ""We believe that the daily, inveterate use of coca leaves by chewing ... is thoroughly noxious and therefore detrimental."" [1] Therefore the risk of health harms should not be dismissed or undermined. Coca is also different to caffeine and other similar products in in its capacity to be diverted to highly potent, dangerous, and damaging use in cocaine. Therefore it has unique health considerations which make its prohibition acceptable.  [1] Jelsma, Martin. “Lifting the Ban on Coca Chewing”. Transnational Institute, Series on Legislative Reform of Drug Policies Nr. 11. March 2011. coca, chewing, health hazards, prohibition, ban, Coca Leaf, UN Commission, ECOSOC, detrimental, noxious, health risks, drug diversion, cocaine, legislative reform, drug policies coca chewing, health risks, prohibition, harm, cocaine, UN Commission, ECOSOC, coca leaf, drug policy, legislation, prohibition effects, health harms, drug diversion, caffeine comparison, legislation, drug ban coca chewing, health risks, prohibition, cocaine diversion, UN Commission of Inquiry, ECOSOC, coca leaf, harmful effects, drug policy, legislative reform, substance abuse, drug regulation coca, chewing, harmful, proscribed, ban, health risks, detrimental, UN Commission, Coca Leaf, ECOSOC, noxious, health harms, caffeine, diversion, cocaine, health considerations, prohibition coca chewing, health harms, prohibition, cocaine, UN report, ECOSOC, coca leaf, drug policy, health risks, drug diversion, prohibition rationale, cocaine use, legislative reform"
test-health-hdond-pro03a	Organ donors are more deserving of organs  Reciprocity is a basic moral principle: afford others the good treatment you yourself would like to receive. In most cases, it is a hypothetical; one must place oneself in the other person’s position even though one will never actually be in their place. However, how donor and non-donors are treated when they themselves are in need is a situation in which reciprocity becomes a practical reality. This principle of reciprocity suggests that people who are willing to donate their organs more deserve to receive organs when they need them. And there is good reason to believe in reciprocity. Those who would flaunt this principle are basically stating that they expect something of other people that they themselves are unwilling to do; this is a position that is either incoherent, or based on the unjustified premise that oneself is more objectively valuable than other people. The concept of desert has a foundational role in our society. For example, innocent people deserve not to be put in prison, even if it would be useful to frame and make an example of an innocent person in order to quell a period of civil unrest. organ donors, deserving, organs, reciprocity, moral principle, good treatment, hypothetical, empathy, fairness, justice, altruism, societal values, moral obligation, reciprocity in healthcare, ethical principles, desert, justice system, societal morality organ donors, deserving, organs, reciprocity, moral principle, good treatment, hypothetical, empathy, fairness, fairness in organ allocation, justice, altruism, social justice, moral ethics, societal values, desert, justice system, civil unrest organ donors, deserving, organs, reciprocity, moral principle, good treatment, empathy, donation ethics, fairness, moral reciprocity, altruism, justice, social justice, desert, societal values, altruistic behavior, moral obligations, fairness, moral consistency, societal fairness organ donors, deserving, organs, reciprocity, moral principle, good treatment, altruism, fairness, justice, ethical theory, societal values, merit, fairness in healthcare, moral obligation, justice system, societal justice organ donors, deserving, organs, reciprocity, moral principle, good treatment, altruism, fairness, justice, ethical principles, society, desert, fairness in healthcare, moral ethics, reciprocity in healthcare, justice in organ allocation
test-free-speech-debate-nshbcsbawc-pro03a	The confession of religious faith is far more important than the rather petty rules that banned the wearing of the cross.  People of faith attest that those beliefs determine the nature of their own identity and their place in the Universe. In the case of Nadia Eweida, at least, the employer’s case was based on the idea that wearing a symbol of that faith might not enhance their uniform. The difference between the significance of the claims could not be greater.  Indeed, British Airways, Eweida’s employer, has since changed their policy to permit staff to wear religious or charitable imagery [i] in large part because of the absurdity of the position.  The case against Chaplin was based on health and safety legislation - but not because the cross and chain posed a risk to others but to herself [ii] ; a risk she was, presumably, prepared to accept.  On one hand there are individuals protecting their sincere beliefs in the most profound of issues and, on the other, managers applying what the Archbishop of Canterbury described as “wooden-headed bureaucratic silliness”. [iii] There is no suggestion that harm to another could have been caused here and, therefore, no reason not to respect the heartfelt beliefs of the individuals involved.  [i] BBC News Website. “Christian Airline Employee Loses Cross ban Appeal”. 12 February 2010.  [ii] Daily Mail. “It's a very bad day for Christianity: Nurse's verdict after tribunal rules she can't wear crucifix at work”  [iii] The Telegraph, ‘Archbishop of Canterbury hits out at cross ban’, 4 April 2010, religious faith, cross, religious symbols, workplace policies, faith identity, Nadia Eweida, British Airways, religious attire, religious expression, health and safety, legislation, employer policies, symbolic expression, religious freedom, workplace discrimination, bureaucratic silliness religious faith, cross, religious symbols, Nadia Eweida, British Airways, religious attire, workplace policy, freedom of religion, religious expression, faith validation, safety legislation, health and safety, workplace freedom, religious discrimination, symbolic religious clothing, employer policies, legal case, religious identity, beliefs, religious rights, bureaucratic policies religious faith, cross ban, Nadia Eweida, workplace policy, religious symbols, employer policy change, health and safety, symbolic expression, belief rights, workplace discrimination, safety legislation, religious attire, cultural respect, religious freedoms, bureaucratic policies, personal beliefs, faith and identity, legal cases, workplace regulations, religious expression, UK law religious faith, cross ban, identity, belief importance, Nadia Eweida, employer policy, religious symbolism, British Airways, health and safety, religious attire, safety legislation, sincerity, bureaucratic silliness, free expression, religious rights, workplace policies, tribunal decisions, Christianity, religious freedom, workplace discrimination religious faith, cross, symbols, religious expression, workplace policies, garment regulations, Nadia Eweida, British Airways, religious attire, charity imagery, health and safety, safety legislation, personal beliefs, religious freedom, employer policies, bureaucratic silliness, identity, universal beliefs, faith claims, tribunal rulings, workplace discrimination
test-free-speech-debate-radhbsshr-con02a	Infantilisation and Prejudice  Those who dismiss the reaction to ‘The Spear’ forget the historical context which may trigger the sorts of responses seen to the artwork. [1]  South Africa’s past problems can be seen to derive from the gross caricaturing of Black people and Black Men in particular as lascivious, overtly sexual and threatening, playing into a narrative of Blacks as ‘inferior beings’ justifying inhumane treatment over a number of centuries.  Portraying the President with his genitals exposed could also be seen to pass negative comment upon his polygamy, which is permitted in his Zulu culture. Such comment upon something which can determine social standing can also be viewed as offensive by many, triggering such reactions. [2]  With this in mind then the right action for both The Goodman Gallery and City Press to take would be to remove such offensive art to avoid any hurt caused and to quell the protest which were borne out of genuine offence, not political grandstanding as opposition seem to imply.  [1] Hlongwane, Sipho, ‘The Spear: Millions of people were insulted’, Daily Maverick, 28 May 2012,   [2] Dana, Simphiwe, ‘The 'Sarah Baartmanisation' of the black body’, Mail & Guardian, 12 June 2012, Infantilisation, prejudice, South Africa, historical context, caricaturing, Black people, Black men, stereotypes, inhumane treatment, The Spear, artwork controversy, nudity, racial caricatures, cultural sensitivity, political protest, offensive art, social commentary, racial stereotypes, Black body, Sarah Baartman, public reaction, artistic expression, racial prejudices, cultural stereotypes Infantilisation, Prejudice, Reaction, The Spear, Historical context, South Africa, Caricaturing, Black people, Black men, Lascivious, Sexual, Threatening, Inferior beings, Inhumane treatment, President, Genitals, Polygamy, Zulu culture, Social standing, Offensive art, Hurt, Protest, Offence, Political grandstanding, Goodman Gallery, City Press, Removal, Insult, Sarah Baartman Infantilisation, prejudice, South Africa, historical context, caricaturing, Black people, Black men, stereotypes, inhumane treatment, The Spear, artwork, offensive art, protest, racial caricature, sexualization, threat perception, cultural sensitivity, social standing, polygamy, Zulu culture, reactions, social commentary, racial prejudice, dehumanization, racial stereotypes, censorship, art controversy, racial imagery, racial relations infantilisation, prejudice, response, historical context, South Africa, caricaturing, Black people, Black men, stereotypical portrayal, racial discrimination, inhumane treatment, polygamy, Zulu culture, offensive art, social standing, protest, censorship, racial stereotypes, offensive images, cultural sensitivity, racial history, political commentary, art controversy Infantilisation, prejudice, South Africa, historical context, caricaturing, Black people, Black men, stereotypes, lascivious, sexual, threatening, inferiority, inhumane treatment, The Spear, artwork, President, polygamy, cultural portrayal, social standing, offense, protest, removal, offensive art, public reaction, racial caricature, body politics, cultural sensitivity, art censorship, racial stereotypes, social commentary
test-politics-grcrgshwbr-pro04a	A ban would be simple to enforce.  A ban would be simple to create and enforce. Religious symbols are for the most part meant to be shown therefore it is simple for police or authorities to check that someone is not wearing them. There are many societies that have had bans on a religious symbol in public buildings, for example in France where there is a ban on religious symbols in schools has been in force since 2004. In France the ban is made even easier to enforce by restricting it to 'conspicuous' religious apparel.1 Moreover when the ban is only when entering public buildings it can be enforced by the teacher, or the building's security guards rather than being an issue for the police to deal with.  1 BBC News, 'French scarf ban comes into force', 2 September 2004 , accessed 28/8/11 religious symbols, ban enforcement, public buildings, France, religious apparel, school ban, conspicuous clothing, security guards, police, enforcement ease, religious attire, public policy, secularism ban, enforce, religious symbols, visibility, public buildings, France, religious apparel, dress code, security, enforcement, legislation, policy, regulation, public policy, religious freedom ban, enforce, religious symbols, public buildings, France, religious apparel, schools, conspicuous, security, police, enforcement, regulations, legislation, dress code, religious attire religious symbols, ban enforcement, public buildings, France, religious apparel, school ban, conspicuous clothing, security checks, police enforcement, legal restrictions, religious expression, secular policies religious symbols, ban enforcement, public buildings, France, religious attire, school ban, conspicuous apparel, police enforcement, security guards, legal restrictions, religious expression, policy implementation
test-education-usuprmhbu-pro01a	"There is a moral obligation to provide affirmative action programs  Society has a moral obligation to right its wrongs and compensate those they have treated unjustly.  Discrimination, whether overt or convert, is an unacceptable practice that arbitrarily disadvantages certain people on grounds that they have no control over. Discrimination not only is theoretically a bad thing to do to people, but also has tangible negative impacts. Discrimination against groups such as the African American community in the USA has left them without the education or employment opportunities to even have a chance at achieving the success and happiness they deserve [1] . Discrimination is unacceptable practice for any society to engage in and victims of discrimination deserve compensation for the physical and psychological harms they suffered from being rejected by their very own community [2] .  Past discrimination has left communities without the physical goods and psychological feelings of acceptance and safety all individuals deserve from their country and thus there is a moral obligation of society to take steps to offer the physical and symbolic advantages they have been denied through affirmative action.  [1] Aka, Philip. ""Affirmative Action and the Black Experience in America."" American Bar Association. 36.4 (2009): Print.  [2] Aka, Philip. ""Affirmative Action and the Black Experience in America."" American Bar Association. 36.4 (2009): Print. moral obligation, affirmative action, discrimination, injustice, social justice, equality, systemic racism, racial inequality, compensation, reparations, civil rights, societal responsibility, minority rights, historical injustice, social reform, discrimination impacts, social equity, racial discrimination, community healing, social reconciliation moral obligation, affirmative action, societal responsibility, discrimination, racial injustice, inequality, social justice, compensation, historical discrimination, systemic bias, African American, opportunities, education, employment, physical harms, psychological harms, community acceptance, safety, symbolic advantages, reparations, social remedies moral obligation, affirmative action, society, discrimination, justice, reparations, equality, civil rights, racial inequality, compensation, social justice, historical injustice, discrimination effects, marginalized groups, African American community, access to education, employment opportunities, psychological harm, physical harm, societal fairness, inequality remedies moral obligation, affirmative action, discrimination, social justice, equality, compensation, historical wrongs, racial discrimination, African American, social injustice, societal responsibility, psychological harm, physical harm, opportunities, reparations, social inequality, marginalized groups, systemic racism, societal reform moral obligation, affirmative action, discrimination, social justice, racial inequality, affirmative action programs, compensatory justice, social discrimination, historical injustice, African American community, social equality, opportunity disparity, societal responsibility, victim reparations, psychological harm, physical harm, social integration, racial discrimination, equal opportunity, societal correction"
test-environment-assgbatj-con01a	Animals don’t have human rights  Humans have large brains, form social groups, communicate and are generally worthy of moral consideration. We also are aware of ourselves and of the nature of death. Some animals have some of these characteristics but not all so should not have the same rights. In harming animals to benefit humans, we enter in to a good moral trade-off to create a greater good. [11] animal rights, human rights, moral consideration, large brains, social groups, communication, self-awareness, mortality, animal cognition, ethical trade-offs, animal welfare, speciesism, moral hierarchy, human-animal relationship, utilitarianism animal rights, human rights, morality, intelligence, social groups, communication, self-awareness, death awareness, moral consideration, ethical trade-off, animal welfare, species differences, ethical philosophy, anthropocentrism, utilitarianism animal rights, human rights, moral consideration, large brains, social groups, communication, self-awareness, death awareness, animal capabilities, moral trade-off, ethics, animal welfare, human-animal relationship, utilitarianism animal rights, human rights, moral consideration, animal cognition, moral trade-off, animal welfare, anthropocentrism, ethical debate, speciesism, animal consciousness, moral philosophy, human superiority, animal suffering, ethical issues animal rights, human rights, moral consideration, cognitive abilities, social groups, communication, self-awareness, death awareness, moral trade-off, animal welfare, ethical dilemma, speciesism, human supremacy, moral justification
test-law-cppshbcjsfm-con04a	Rehabilitation Constitutes an Unjustifiable Further Expense  The evidence from all over the world suggests that recidivism rates are difficult to reduce and that some offenders just can’t be rehabilitated. It therefore makes economic sense to cut all rehabilitation programs and concentrate on ensuring that prisoners serve the time they deserve for their crimes and are kept off the streets where they are bound to re-offend. As it can be seen that some deserving of a longer sentence only receive short sentences due to lack of time and space and some who have committed shorter sentences are given long sentences aimed at making a point or sending a message.  Currently, the government will continue to be gambling tax payers’ money on programs that will not give anything back into the society that it took from. Britain spends £45,000 a year on each of its prisoners and yet 50% will go on to re-offend, ‘which translates into a dead investment of £2 billion annually. [1] Rehabilitation programs should be scrapped and taxpayers asked only to pay the bare minimum to keep offenders off the streets. They can’t harm society if they are behind bars.  [1] Bois, N. D., ‘Retribution and Rehabilitation: A Modern Conservative Justice Policy’. Dale & Co. 20 July 2011. rehabilitation, recidivism, offenders, economic cost, prison, sentencing, re-offending, criminal justice, societal safety, government spending, criminal rehabilitation, correctional programs, prison reform, public safety, punishment, justice policy rehabilitation, criminal justice, recidivism, prison reform, sentencing, incarceration, criminal behavior, cost-effectiveness, public safety, punishment, criminal policy, re-offending, prison costs, retribution, justice system rehabilitation, recidivism, offender, crime, prison, sentence, re-offend, costs, taxpayers, justice, punishment, criminal justice, retribution, rehabilitation programs, prison costs, social safety, public safety, crime policy, criminal reform, criminal expenditure, investment, prison system rehabilitation, recidivism, offender, criminal justice, prison costs, re-offending, sentencing, criminal behavior, criminal policy, criminal reform, justice system, incarceration, reentry, punishment, policy analysis rehabilitation, costs, recidivism, offenders, punishment, prison sentences, justice policy, crime deterrence, societal safety, criminal justice system, re-offending, government expenditure, taxpayer funding, sentencing disparities, prison reform
test-sport-otshwbe2uuyt-con03a	"The boycott would affect Poland and the Ukrainian people as well as Yanukovych  A boycott of Euro 2012 even if it was meant to be limited to Ukraine would negatively impact on the whole tournament. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tust argued ""It is in Poland's undisputed interest to hold the games in Poland and Ukraine without a hitch and to prevent politics from ruining the great effort"", [1] any boycott would unnecessarily move the attention away from the games itself towards politics.  It should also be remembered that Viktor Yanukovych does not represent the whole of Ukraine and only won by a narrow margin with 48.95% of the vote compared to Yulia Timoshenko’s 45.47% in the second round. [2] Arseniy Yatsenyuk leader of the Front for Change has urged leaders not to boycott ""The best scenario would be if the European leaders attended the championship, but did not meet President Yanukovych. It's supposed to be a visit to Ukrainians, not to Yanukovych"". [3] This would show that European countries support the Ukrainian people and their democratic aspirations and even hope they may be eventually will join the European Union while showing displeasure at Yanukovych’s policies and lack of support for democracy.  [1] ‘ Poland slams calls for Ukraine Euro 2012 boycott’, The Warsaw Voice online, 4 May 2012.  [2] Nesterov, Andrei, ‘How the News is Reported in Russia’, School of Russian and Asian, 19 February 2010.  [3] Dorosh, Svitlana, ‘Ukraine fights Euro 2012 boycott’, BBC Ukrainian, 9 May 2012. Euro 2012, Poland, Ukraine, boycott, Viktor Yanukovych, Ukrainian democracy, European Union, political influence, Ukraine politics, international relations, sports diplomacy, political stability, Yulia Timoshenko, Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Ukrainian protests, European support, tournament impact, Ukraine-Russia relations Euro 2012, Poland, Ukraine, boycott, Yanukovych, Ukrainian people, political influence, tournament impact, Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, politics, European leaders, democratic aspirations, European Union, Ukraine politics, Viktor Yanukovych, Yulia Timoshenko, Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Ukrainian democracy, international response, sports diplomacy Euro 2012, Poland, Ukraine, boycott, Viktor Yanukovych, political influence, Ukrainian democracy, European Union, Yulia Timoshenko, Arseniy Yatsenyuk, European leaders, international sports events, political interference, Ukraine protests, national unity, tournament impact Euro 2012, Poland, Ukraine, boycott, Viktor Yanukovych, Ukrainian democracy, European Union, political influence, tournament impact, Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, Yulia Timoshenko, Arseniy Yatsenyuk, European leaders, Ukraine protests, democracy support, international relations, sports diplomacy boycott, Euro 2012, Poland, Ukraine, Yanukovych, Ukrainian democracy, European Union, international relations, political influence, Ukrainian politics, Yulia Timoshenko, Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Warsaw Voice, BBC Ukrainian, political protests, sports diplomacy, Ukraine-EU relations, political opposition, democratic aspirations"
test-international-apwhbaucmip-con02a	Africa is the most warlike continent  In 2012 Africa had the most distinct conflicts of any region with 13 ongoing conflicts. [1] While Africa and Asia have throughout most of the last fifty years had roughly similar numbers of conflicts – approximately 10 per year [2] - Africa has had many more non state conflicts and the number has not declined since 2004 when there were 20 non-state conflicts; in 2011 there were 22. [3] All in all there is little hope of managing to end all these conflicts by 2020.  [1] ‘Armed Conflicts 2012’, Uppsala Conflict Data Program, 2013,   [2] ‘Armed Conflict by Region’, UCDP, 2013,   [3] ‘Non-state Conflicts by Region, 1989-2011’, UCDP, 2012, Africa, conflicts, war, non-state conflicts, violence, 2012, 2011, 2004, Uppsala Conflict Data Program, UCDP, regions, Asia, conflict trends, armed conflicts, conflict management, conflict decline Africa, conflicts, war, violence, non-state conflicts, armed conflicts, region, 2012, 2011, conflict data, Uppsala Conflict Data Program, Asia, conflict trends, conflict management, 2004, 2020, international conflict, regional comparisons Africa, conflicts, war, non-state conflicts, regional conflicts, armed conflicts, Uppsala Conflict Data Program, 2012, 2011, conflict data, conflict statistics, conflict trends, conflict management, conflict resolution, Asia, conflict comparison, conflict history Africa, conflicts, war, non-state conflicts, regional conflicts, armed conflicts, Uppsala Conflict Data Program, Asia, conflict trends, conflict data, 2012, 2011, conflict management, conflict resolution, conflict statistics, conflict regions Africa, conflicts, war, violence, non-state conflicts, regional conflicts, armed conflict, Uppsala Conflict Data Program, conflict data, conflict trends, 2012, 2011, 2004, conflict management, conflict escalation, conflict resolution, regional stability
test-health-dhiacihwph-con02a	Cheaper drugs aren’t trusted by consumers  The differences in price between generic and patented drugs can be disconcerting to those wishing to buy pharmaceuticals. As with other product, logic generally follows the rule that the more expensive option is the most effective. There are reports from the USA of generic drugs causing suicidal tendencies [1] . These factors, combined with the lower levels of screening for drugs in Africa, mean that cheaper drugs are generally distrusted [2] .  [1] Childs,D. ‘Generic Drugs: Dangerous Differences?’  [2] Mercurio,B. ‘Resolving the Public Health Crisis in the Developing World: Problems and Barriers of Access to Essential Medicines’ generic drugs, patented drugs, drug pricing, consumer trust, drug efficacy, drug safety, pharmaceutical industry, healthcare affordability, drug regulation, public health, developing countries, Africa, drug screening, medication safety, health disparities generic drugs, patented drugs, drug prices, consumer trust, pharmaceutical quality, drug safety, efficacy, drug regulation, public health, developing countries, Africa, drug screening, medication safety, health barriers, essential medicines, drug reports, mental health, suicidal tendencies generic drugs, patented drugs, drug trust, pharmaceutical prices, drug efficacy, consumer perception, drug safety, public health, developing countries, drug regulation, drug screening, Africa, essential medicines, medication safety, healthcare barriers generic drugs, patented drugs, price comparison, consumer trust, drug effectiveness, pharmaceutical safety, drug regulation, lower screening, developing countries, Africa, public health, access to medicine, drug safety concerns, suicidal tendencies, health crises, essential medicines generic drugs, patented drugs, drug prices, consumer trust, drug efficacy, drug safety, side effects, suicidal tendencies, drug regulation, screening, Africa, developing countries, public health, essential medicines, access barriers
test-international-iwiaghbss-pro01a	Moving is an imperative  It is clear that if the Seychelles wishes to remain as a sovereign nation it will have to relocate almost all of its population and it makes sense for this to be in one place so keeping the nation together. The way to do this is through purchasing land and sovereignty from another country that has land to spare. There is clearly little other choice and some of the small island states have already accepted this. Kiribati for example has already bought land from Fiji with the intent of using it as a last resort for its people. [1]  [1] Yu, Bobby, ‘The Sinking Nation of Kiribati: The Lonely Stand Against Statelessness And Displacement from Rising Oceans’, The Arizona Journal of Environmental Law & Policy, 11 January 2013, moving, sovereignty, relocation, population transfer, land purchase, island nations, climate change, sea level rise, displacement, Kiribati, Fiji, maritime sovereignty, environmental policy, statelessness moving, sovereignty, relocation, population transfer, land purchase, island nations, small island states, climate change, rising sea levels, displacement, Kiribati, Fiji, territorial sovereignty, environmental law, national sovereignty, statelessness moving, sovereignty, land purchase, relocation, island nations, Seychelles, population movement, Fiji, Kiribati, climate change, rising sea levels, displacement, statelessness, environmental law, land sovereignty moving, sovereignty, relocation, land purchase, island nations, Seychelles, population transfer, territorial sovereignty, land acquisition, island displacement, climate change, sea level rise, Kiribati, Fiji, statelessness, environmental displacement, rising oceans relocation, sovereignty, land purchasing, island states, climate change, sea level rise, displacement, Kiribati, Fiji, sovereignty transfer, last resort, population migration, coastal erosion, environmental displacement, sovereign nation, island nation, land acquisition, environmental migration
test-law-hrpepthwuto-con01a	Allowing torture under any circumstances will allow the prospect of its routine use  The advantage of a complete ban on torture is that it leaves no room for doubt, no possibility for confusion, no need to apply personal judgement. Under the status quo, it is simply illegal to use force or the threat of force to solicit information from a suspect, regardless of the charge.  The moment that becomes something other than a complete ban then it puts an intolerable pressure on security officials to decide when it is justified and when it is not.  The experience of Abu Grahib demonstrates how the use of abusive treatment can become routine, even trivial, all too quickly. If it is acceptable to use torture to prevent mass-murder, then why not murder? If for murder than why not rape? And so on. torture, complete ban, routine use, legality, personal judgment, security officials, Abu Ghraib, abusive treatment, mass murder, moral justification, ethics, human rights, legal restrictions, oppressive practices torture, ban, prohibition, routine use, personal judgment, legality, force, threat, information gathering, security, Abu Ghraib, abuse, ethical implications, moral boundaries, justification, mass murder, escalation, human rights torture, ban, routine use, ethical implications, security, detainee treatment, Abu Ghraib, abuse, legality, moral dilemma, human rights, justification, coercion, interrogation techniques, legal restrictions, moral hazards, societal impact torture, prohibition, legality, abuse, Abu Ghraib, security, ethics, human rights, violence, interrogation, justification, moral dilemma, use of force, criminal justice, detainee treatment torture, ban, routine, legality, ethical dilemma, Abu Ghraib, abuse, security officials, justification, moral implications, human rights, prohibition, coercion, morality, interrogation, law enforcement, abuse prevention, justification dilemma
test-economy-fiahwpamu-pro01a	A livelihoods approach  The livelihoods approach provides a useful model to understand how poor people live [1] ; and remains important to recognising the benefits of microfinance.  The provision of microfinance reduces vulnerability to shocks and changes such as losing a job; enhances people’s access to assets that they use and need (such as finance, friend networks, and land); and this fundamentally acts to change the lives of the poor. Microfinance provides social protection through tapping into social capital. Further, microfinance means aid is not simply provided, but the individual is taught valuable financial skills and given the means to sustain themselves for their lifetime.  [1] See further readings: IFAD, 2013. livelihoods, microfinance, poverty, vulnerability, social capital, assets, financial skills, social protection, microfinance benefits, poor communities, asset access, social networks, financial independence, aid, sustainable livelihoods, IFAD livelihoods, microfinance, poverty, social protection, financial inclusion, asset access, social capital, vulnerability, poverty alleviation, financial skills, livelihoods model, poverty reduction, aid, sustainable livelihoods livelihoods approach, microfinance, poverty alleviation, social protection, resilience, assets, financial skills, social capital, vulnerability, microcredit, asset access, poverty reduction, financial empowerment, livelihood strategies livelihoods approach, poor communities, microfinance, social protection, vulnerability, assets, financial skills, social capital, aid, financial sustainability livelihoods approach, microfinance, poverty alleviation, social protection, social capital, asset access, financial skills, vulnerability reduction, poverty reduction, informal networks, asset building, aid sustainability, IFAD, 2013
test-international-ghwcitca-pro04a	A cyber treaty benefits everyone  A treaty that bans, or sharply curtails cyber-attacks would benefit every state. Even those who may currently benefit from cyber espionage would be better off signing up to the treaty.  First most cyber-attacks are not carried out by the state even in countries like China where the state is using the internet as an offensive tool. In its annual report to congress the Department of Defence stated some cyber-attacks “appear to be attributable directly to the Chinese government and military” but this does not sound like a majority. [1]  Secondly no state wants a risk of conflict as a result of an unregulated new field of potential conflict. Or even to risk relations with other nations; cyber-attacks in large part go on because they are cost free.  And finally all nations are the victims of cyber-attacks. The United States has repeatedly condemned cyber-attacks against it but China also claims that it is the victim of cyber-attacks. China’s Minister of National Defense General Chang Wanquan says “China is one of the primary victims of hacker attacks in the world.” [2] Having a treaty against cyber attacks would not only make business easier for all countries but it would build up trust between nations where it is currently being eroded.  [1] Office of the Secretary of Defense, ‘Annual; Report to Congress Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China 2013’, Department of Defense,  p.36  [2] Brook, Tom Vanden, ‘Cyber attack? What cyber attack?’, USA Today, 19 August 2013, cyber treaty, cyber-attacks, cybersecurity, international law, cyber espionage, cyber warfare, cyber conflict, cyber norms, global security, cyberspace regulation, cyber diplomacy, cyber threats, cyber security treaty, nation-state cyber attacks, cyber attack prevention, cyber incident, cyber defense, cyber attack attribution, cyber risk, cyber attack costs, cyber attack victims, US China cyber relations, cyber attack trust, cyber attack regulation cyber treaty, cyber-attacks, cybersecurity, international security, cyber espionage, state actors, cyber conflict, cyber norms, cyber diplomacy, cyber warfare, cyber regulations, global cybersecurity, cyber defense, cyber threats, cyber vulnerabilities, international treaties, cyber cooperation, cyber risks, nation-state attacks, cyber laws cyber treaty, cyber-attacks, international security, cyber espionage, cyber warfare, cyber conflict, cyber norms, cybersecurity, cyber diplomacy, state-sponsored cyber attacks, cyber deterrence, international law, cyber stability, cross-border cyber threats, cyberspace regulation, digital conflict, cyber resilience, cyber-attack victims, global cybersecurity, trust-building, cyber arms control cyber treaty, cyber-attacks, international security, cyber espionage, cyber conflict, cyber warfare, cyber regulations, cyber laws, global cybersecurity, state-sponsored cyber attacks, cyber diplomacy, internet security, cyber risk, cyber deterrence, cyber threats, cyber defense, cyberspace governance, trust between nations, cyber escalation, cybersecurity agreements cyber treaty, cyber-attacks, international security, cyber espionage, cyber warfare, cyber conflict, cyber diplomacy, cyber defense, cyber law, cyber regulations, global cybersecurity, cyber norms, state-sponsored hacking, cyber threat prevention, trust between nations, cyber cooperation, cyber vulnerabilities, cyber incident response, cyber attack attribution, US-China cyber relations, international law, conflict prevention, cyber peace, cyber arms control, cyber resilience
test-health-dhgsshbesbc-pro02a	It’s in the interests of employees  It’s in the interests of the HIV positive employee. Right now, although in many countries it is illegal to fire someone for having HIV [1] prejudiced employers can claim that they didn’t know their employer had HIV when they fired him, so they must have been acting on other grounds. The employee then has to try and prove that they did know, which can be very hard. Furthermore, once informed the employer can reasonably be expected to display a minimum level of understanding and compassion to the employee.  [1] Civil Rights Division, Ouestions and Answers: The Americans with Disabilities Act and Persons with HIV/AIDS’, U.S. Department of Justice, HIV, employee rights, workplace discrimination, employment law, HIV awareness, legal protections, HIV confidentiality, civil rights, Americans with Disabilities Act, employer responsibilities, HIV stigma, employment rights, discrimination law, HIV discrimination, workplace accommodations HIV, employee rights, discrimination, employment law, HIV disclosure, workplace rights, Americans with Disabilities Act, legal protections, employer obligations, stigma, HIV discrimination, employee protection, prejudice, legal challenges, employer awareness HIV, employee rights, anti-discrimination, employment law, HIV disclosure, workplace discrimination, legal protections, Americans with Disabilities Act, HIV stigma, employment rights, HR policies, employer responsibilities, HIV awareness, disability rights, legal challenges HIV, employee rights, workplace discrimination, HIV-positive, legal protections, employers, United States, Americans with Disabilities Act, disability rights, employment law, anti-discrimination laws, HIV awareness, workplace policies, civil rights, compassion, HIV disclosure, fired laws, legal challenges, HIV stigma HIV, employment, discrimination, rights, accommodations, legal protections, disability, AIDS, employer responsibilities, prejudice, unlawful termination, awareness, understanding, compassion, Americans with Disabilities Act, civil rights
test-digital-freedoms-piidfaihbg-pro01a	Not censoring its search results is a victory for human rights  The problem with Google censoring its results, is that in doing so, it is complicit in China’s repression of free speech: it adapts its own search engine to display only the results the Chinese government wants, thereby limiting its citizens’ basic human right to free access to information (a corollary to free speech). By avoiding this complicity, Google is taking a bold, praiseworthy step towards enhancing respect for human rights in China and with it, Google can set an important example for other businesses with dealings in China. [1]  [1] Human Rights Watch, ‘China: Google Challenges Censorship’, January 12, 2010. URL: search results, human rights, censorship, Google, free speech, China, repression, information access, free access, government censorship, corporate responsibility, digital rights, freedom of expression, online speech, human rights advocacy, corporate ethics, China internet, freedom of information Google, censorship, human rights, free speech, China, information access, government control, internet freedom, free expression, repression, corporate responsibility, human rights advocacy, search engine, digital rights, free access Google, censorship, human rights, free speech, China, information access, repression, free expression, corporate responsibility, internet freedom, human rights violations, ethical business, free access, government control, media freedom, human rights advocacy Google, censorship, human rights, free speech, China, free access to information, government restrictions, internet freedom, corporate responsibility, human rights violations, free expression, human rights advocacy, online censorship, business ethics, global human rights censorship, human rights, free speech, Google, China, information access, repression, freedom of expression, corporate responsibility, human rights advocacy, internet freedom, online censorship, business ethics, global tech companies
test-international-aghbfcpspr-pro02a	Reparations would be a step towards closing colonial scars.  It is difficult for former colonies to feel as if they can move on and develop a wholly independent identity when their ties to the past, and to their former colonisers, have not been definitively ended. For example, while it is important to remember those who suffered under slavery, the overwhelming memory of it [1] overpowers the history of those countries and innately links them back to former colonial powers. Furthermore, many of the problems now faced by former colonies can be traced back to the actions of colonial-era masters, for example the birth of ethnic tensions between minorities in Rwanda [2] and Burundi [3] . In order to move on from that damaging legacy, and to conclusively prove that such prejudices are always wrong, it is necessary for former colonial powers to show a tangible move towards closing that colonial chapter of their history. In this way they can begin to move towards a fresh, equal and co-operative relationship with the developing countries which were their former colonies, without the background of history which currently warps such relationships. Italy’s payment of reparations to Libya [4] allowed Libya to ‘mend fences with the West’ [5] and to improve international relationships. This is a step to recognise developing countries as a nation, rather than an economic opportunity. In this way, reparations would be an effective way of demonstrating a global community and spirit.  [1] Accessed from  on 12/09/11  [2] Accessed from  on 12/09/11  [3] Accessed from  on 12/09/11.  [4] Time. ‘Italy Pays Reparations to Libya’. Published 02/09/2008. Accessed from  on 12/09/11.  [5] Accessed from  on 12/09/11 reparations, colonialism, post-colonial relations, colonial scars, independence, colonial legacy, slavery, ethnic tensions, Rwanda, Burundi, colonial powers, reparations payments, Libya, Italy, international relationships, decolonization, historical justice, colonial history, global community, reconciliation reparations, colonial scars, decolonization, independence, colonial legacy, colonial powers, former colonies, historical memory, slavery, ethnic tensions, Rwanda, Burundi, post-colonial relations, colonial history, reparations payments, Libya, international relationships, reparations impact, global community, economic opportunity, reconciliation, historical justice, colonial repercussions, inter-country relations Reparations, colonial scars, post-colonial independence, colonial legacy, colonial history, slavery memory, ethnic tensions, Rwanda, Burundi, colonial powers, colonial history closure, reparations benefits, Libya, Italy, international relationships, decolonization, colonial past, post-colonial relations, reparative justice, global community, development, historical grievances, colonial impact, ethnic conflicts, reparations effects reparations, colonialism, decolonization, colonial scars, independence, colonial ties, slavery, colonial legacy, ethnic tensions, Rwanda, Burundi, colonial history, colonial powers, post-colonial relations, historical justice, reconciliation, reparations Italy Libya, international relationships, global community, development, colonial legacy closure, former colonies, colonial era, prejudices, reparations effectiveness reparations, colonial scars, post-colonial identity, colonial legacy, former colonies, colonial powers, slavery memory, ethnic tensions, Rwanda, Burundi, colonial history, reparations effects, Libya, Italy, international relations, post-colonial relationship, economic independence, global community, reconciliation, historical justice
test-philosophy-apessghwba-pro03a	Research can be done effectively without experimenting on living creature  As experimenting on animals is immoral we should stop using animals for experiments. But apart from it being morally wrong practically we will never know how much we will be able to advance without animal experimentation if we never stop experimenting on animals. Animal research has been the historical gold standard, and in the case of some chemical screening tests, was for many years, by many western states, required by law before a compound could be released on sale. Science and technology has moved faster than research protocols however, and so there is no longer a need for animals to be experimented on. We now know the chemical properties of most substances, and powerful computers allow us to predict the outcome of chemical interactions. Experimenting on live tissue culture also allows us to gain insight as to how living cells react when exposed to different substances, with no animals required. Even human skin leftover from operations provides an effective medium for experimentation, and being human, provides a more reliable guide to the likely impact on a human subject. The previous necessity of the use of animals is no longer a good excuse for continued use of animals for research. We would still retain all the benefits that previous animal research has brought us but should not engage in any more. Thus modern research has no excuse for using animals. [1]  [1] PETA. 2011. Alternatives: Testing Without Torture. animal testing, animal experimentation, alternatives to animal testing, non-animal research methods, ethical research, cruelty-free science, computer modeling, chemical property prediction, tissue culture, human tissue testing, in vitro methods, animal cruelty, scientific advancements, research protocols, historical animal use, chemical screening tests, science technology, research ethics, PETA, testing alternatives animal experimentation, research ethics, animal rights, in vitro testing, alternative testing methods, tissue culture, computer modeling, chemical properties, scientific advancement, animal welfare, moral considerations, historical research standards, human tissue testing, 3D cell cultures, scientific protocols, technological progress, cruelty-free research, regulatory requirements, PETA guidelines animal experimentation, ethics, cruelty-free research, alternatives to animal testing, in vitro testing, tissue culture, computer modeling, chemical screening, human tissue research, privacy, Morality, scientific advancement, research protocols, animal welfare, regulatory requirements, modern methods, technological progress, 3D cell culture, human-based models, PETA, cruelty-free chemicals animal experimentation, ethical concerns, alternatives to animal testing, computer modeling, tissue culture, human skin testing, chemical testing, research protocols, scientific advancement, animal rights, cruelty-free testing, in vitro testing, historical standards, chemical interactions, modern research, lack of necessity animal experimentation, ethical concerns, alternatives, non-animal testing, research methods, computer modeling, tissue culture, human skin testing, chemical screening, historical standards, scientific advancements, legal requirements, animal rights, morality, 3Rs, in vitro, in silico, reduction, refinement, replacement
test-politics-ypppgvhwmv-pro03a	It will cause more people to become interested in politics  Compulsory voting increases the number of people who cast their vote 1. People who know they will have to vote will take politics more seriously and start to take a more active role. Compulsory voting will potentially encourage voters to research the candidates' political positions more thoroughly. This may force candidates to be more open and transparent about their positions on many complex and controversial issues. Citizens will be willing to inform themselves even about unpopular policies and burning issues that need to be tackled. Better-informed voters will, therefore, oppose a plan that is unrealistic or would present an unnecessary budget-drain. This means that such a system could produce better political decisions that are not contradicting each other, quite upon the contrary.  1 Peter Tucker, The median Australian voter and the values that influence their vote choice presented by the author at the 3rd European Consortium for Political Research Conference in Budapest, September 10, 2005. compulsory voting, political engagement, voter turnout, voter research, transparency, informed voters, political decision-making, voter education, political participation, election turnout, political transparency, voter behavior, controversial issues, voter knowledge, policy understanding compulsory voting, political interest, voter participation, political knowledge, voter research, candidate transparency, political engagement, informed voters, political decisions, voting behavior, election turnout, voter education, controversial issues, policy understanding, political system compulsory voting, political interest, voter participation, political engagement, voter research, candidate transparency, political knowledge, voter education, informed voting, policy understanding, voter turnout, political accountability, electorial system, voter motivation, political discourse, democratic participation compulsory voting, political interest, voting participation, voter research, candidate transparency, political knowledge, voter engagement, informed electorate, political debate, policy understanding, voter motivation, electoral system, decision quality, civic responsibility compulsory voting, political engagement, voter turnout, political knowledge, candidate transparency, informed voting, political interest, voter research, political issues, voter participation, election quality, decision-making, political education, voter behavior, democracy
test-health-hdond-pro04a	People ought to donate their organs anyway  Organ donation, in all its forms, saves lives. More to the point, it saves lives with almost no loss to the donor. One obviously has no material need for one’s organs after death, and thus it does not meaningfully inhibit bodily integrity to incentivize people to give up their organs at this time. If one is registered as an organ donor, every attempt is still made to save their life {Organ Donation FAQ}. The state is always more justified in demanding beneficial acts of citizens if the cost to the citizen is minimal. This is why the state can demand that people wear seatbelts, but cannot conscript citizens for use as research subjects. Because there is no good reason not to become an organ donor, the state ought to do everything in its power to ensure that people do so. organ donation, life-saving, bodily integrity, donor registration, state policy, ethical justification, minimal cost, civic duty, societal benefit, bioethics, consent, public health, organ transplantation, policy advocacy organ donation, life-saving, bodily integrity, voluntary donation, altruism, state intervention, public health, ethical considerations, consent, registration, incentives, bodily autonomy, distribution justice, research subjects, legal mandates, societal benefit organ donation, life-saving, bodily integrity, organ donor registration, state authority, civic duty, minimal cost, ethical considerations, public health policy, incentivization, bodily autonomy organ donation, life-saving, bodily integrity, consent, state obligation, altruism, ethics, civil duty, mandatory donation, donor registration, minimal risk, public health, legislation, moral obligation, healthcare policy organ donation, life-saving, bodily integrity, organ donor registration, state responsibility, ethical considerations, bodily autonomy, altruism, public health, legislation, incentives, registration process, donor benefits, societal good
test-politics-cpegiepgh-pro01a	"Britain will lose economically if she stays out of the Euro over the long term.  Joining the European single currency (the Euro) may appear unfavourable to Britain, but the negative effect of not joining would be more unfavourable. As explained by Anthony Browne in The Euro: Should Britain join?, ""Euroland businesses are now…able to raise money for investment across the entire single currency zone, making it easier and cheaper. British companies, on the other hand, are still largely constrained to drumming up money from within Britain if they want to expand.”1Eurozone businesses find it easy to raise money, for they are spared currency conversion charges. The carmaker Nissan has previously told the British government that eliminating exchange rate risk by siting production in the same currency zone as its sales market will be its preferred option’2.  1Browne, A., ""The Euro: Should Britain Join?"", Page 89  2Morgan, O. ""Nissan tells Blair 'join Euro'"", 27 May 2011, The Guardian Britain, Euro, European currency, economic impact, eurozone, currency exchange, investment, British companies, currency conversion, Nissan, exchange rate risk, single currency zone, economic consequences, currency zone, European integration, financial markets, economic growth, trade, currency constraints Britain, Euro, European single currency, economic impact, Eurozone, currency zone, currency conversion, investment, British companies, Nissan, exchange rate risk, economic consequences, currency constraints, Euro benefits, Euro disadvantages, economic integration Britain, Euro, European Union, currency, economic impact, currency union, Eurozone, monetary policy, Brexit, financial markets, exchange rates, investment, business, Nissan, currency conversion, economic stability, economic growth, trade, financial integration, currency restrictions Britain, Euro, European single currency, economic impact, Eurozone, currency zone, investment, British companies, exchange rate, currency conversion, Nissan, production, currency risk, economic benefits, globalization, monetary union, financial integration, trade, economic growth European Union, Eurozone, currency union, economic impact, Britain's economy, monetary policy, currency exchange, investment, financial markets, business expansion, cost of currency conversion, exchange rate risk, Nissan, Euro benefits, currency zone, European single currency, economic disadvantages, Euro adoption, economic integration, fiscal policy"
test-environment-assgbatj-con04a	Animal research is only used when it’s needed  EU member states and the US have laws to stop animals being used for research if there is any alternative. The 3Rs principles are commonly used. Animal testing is being Refined for better results and less suffering, Replaced, and Reduced in terms of the number of animals used. This means that less animals have to suffer, and the research is better. animal research, EU laws, US laws, alternatives, 3Rs principles, refinement, reduction, replacement, animal suffering, ethical research, animal testing, research improvement animal research, EU laws, US laws, alternatives, 3Rs principles, refinement, replacement, reduction, animal suffering, ethical research, legislative regulations, research ethics animal research, 3Rs principles, animal testing, refinement, replacement, reduction, ethical research, animal welfare, EU laws, US laws, alternatives, scientific testing, animal suffering animal research, EU laws, US laws, 3Rs principles, animal testing, refinement, replacement, reduction, animal welfare, research ethics, alternatives to animal testing animal research, EU laws, US laws, 3Rs principles, refining, replacing, reducing, animal testing, animal welfare, alternatives to animal testing, ethical research, research regulations, animal suffering, scientific advancement
test-digital-freedoms-piidfiphwu-con01a	The graduate response policy constitutes an invasion of privacy by the state  Graduated response would require huge amounts of monitoring and logging of all internet traffic using technical systems called ‘deep packet inspection’ (DPI) equipment. This means that a computer program will look in close detail at all of the information someone sends over the internet in order to check whether it violates some protocol, for example a ‘fingerprint’ of copyrighted data that the content creator put in.  This means a copyright holder, or a third party paid by the copyright holder to monitor internet traffic, suddenly has access to everything every consumer sends over the internet. This is a massive violation of privacy. Given the fact that advertising companies are already using DPI illegitimately for targeted advertising, it is obvious that content companies will also feel tempted to ‘do more’ with all that data they suddenly have access to. [1]  [1] Angela Daly, ‘The Legality of Deep Packet Inspection’, 2010. Presented at the First Interdisciplinary Workshop on Communications Policy and Regulation 'Communications and Competition Law and Policy – Challenges of the New Decade', University of Glasgow 17 June 2010. URL for download: graduate response policy, privacy invasion, state surveillance, internet monitoring, deep packet inspection, DPI, internet traffic, data logging, content filtering, copyright fingerprinting, data privacy, surveillance legality, targeted advertising, data access, communication regulation, digital rights, internet privacy, digital copyright, monitoring systems, law and technology graduate response policy, invasion of privacy, internet monitoring, deep packet inspection, DPI, data logging, internet traffic, content monitoring, copyright infringement, privacy violation, targeted advertising, data access, surveillance, content monitoring legality, communications policy, regulation, privacy rights, data security, legal implications graduate response policy, invasion of privacy, internet monitoring, deep packet inspection, DPI, internet traffic analysis, content fingerprinting, copyright enforcement, third-party monitoring, privacy violation, targeted advertising, data access, surveillance, internet security, digital rights, communication policy, legal implications graduate response policy, invasion of privacy, internet monitoring, deep packet inspection, DPI, data logging, internet traffic analysis, copyright infringement, content fingerprinting, third-party monitoring, privacy violation, targeted advertising, data access, content monitoring, legality, communications policy, regulation, privacy concerns, internet surveillance, digital rights graduate response policy, invasion of privacy, deep packet inspection, DPI, internet monitoring, internet traffic, data logging, privacy violation, copyright inspection, content fingerprinting, third-party monitoring, targeted advertising, data access, privacy concerns, telecommunications regulation, legal challenges, Angela Daly
test-international-glilpdwhsn-pro02a	"The New START treaty will help against Iran’s nuclear program.  New START will help bolster US-Russian cooperation, which is necessary for solving the problem of Iran’s nuclear proliferation. On Nov. 19, 2010, the Anti-Defamation League released a statement, which came from Robert G. Sugarman, ADL National Chair, and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director: ""The severe damage that could be inflicted on that relationship by failing to ratify the treaty would inevitably hamper effective American international leadership to stop the Iranian nuclear weapons program. The Iranian nuclear threat is the most serious national security issue facing the United States, Israel, and other allies in the Middle East. While some Senators may have legitimate reservations about the New START treaty or its protocol, we believe the interest of our greater and common goal of preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons must take precedence."" [1] New START is crucial in getting Russian support against Iran and other rogue nuclear states.  Although the United States needs a strong and reliable nuclear force, the chief nuclear danger today comes not from Russia but from rogue states such as Iran and North Korea and the potential for nuclear material to fall into the hands of terrorists. Given those pressing dangers, some question why an arms control treaty with Russia matters. It matters because it is in both parties' interest that there be transparency and stability in their strategic nuclear relationship. It also matters because Russia's cooperation will be needed if we are to make progress in rolling back the Iranian and North Korean programs. Russian help will be needed to continue our work to secure ""loose nukes"" in Russia and elsewhere. And Russian assistance is needed to improve the situation in Afghanistan, a breeding ground for international terrorism.  Obviously, the United States does not sign arms control agreements just to make friends. Any treaty must be considered on its merits. But the New START agreement is clearly in the US’ national interest, and the ramifications of not ratifying it could be significantly negative. [2] As US Vice President Joe Biden argued in 2010: ""New Start is also a cornerstone of our efforts to reset relations with Russia, which have improved significantly in the last two years. This has led to real benefits for U.S. and global security. Russian cooperation made it possible to secure strong sanctions against Iran over its nuclear ambitions, and Russia canceled a sale to Iran of an advanced anti-aircraft missile system that would have been dangerously destabilizing. Russia has permitted the flow of materiel through its territory for our troops in Afghanistan. And—as the NATO-Russia Council in Lisbon demonstrated—European security has been advanced by the pursuit of a more cooperative relationship with Russia. We should not jeopardize this progress."" [3] Therefore, because New START will have significant positive consequences in terms of aiding relations with Russia, and thus in dealing with rogue nuclear states like Iran, it should be supported.  [1] Weingarten, Elizabeth. “How did New START become a Jewish issue?”. The Atlantic. 1 Decemebr 2010.   [2] Kissinger, Henry A. ; Shultz, George P. ; Baker III, James A’ ; Eagleburger , Lawrence S. ; and Powell, Colin L. ""The Republican case for ratifying New START"". Washington Post. 2 December 2010.   [3] Biden, Joseph. ""The case for ratifying New START"". Wall Street Journal. 25 November 2010. New START, Iran, nuclear program, US-Russian relations, nuclear proliferation, arms control, nonproliferation, nuclear weapons, Russian support, rogue states, nuclear security, transparency, strategic stability, Iran sanctions, North Korea, nuclear material security, terrorism, arms treaty, international relations, US-Russia cooperation, Afghanistan security, nuclear threat, global security, nuclear diplomacy New START, Iran, nuclear proliferation, US-Russian cooperation, arms control, nuclear weapons, national security, rogue states, Iran nuclear program, North Korea, terrorism, nuclear transparency, strategic stability, arms reduction, Russia, international security, Iran sanctions, missile systems, Afghanistan, NATO-Russia relations, nuclear de-escalation, ratification, global security, diplomatic collaboration New START, nuclear arms control, Iran nuclear program, US-Russia relations, nuclear proliferation, treaty ratification, international security, nuclear weapons, rogue states, North Korea, nuclear transparency, nuclear stability, global security, arms reduction, nuclear verification, terrorism, loose nukes, nuclear materials, Afghanistan security, sanctions Iran, missile systems, NATO-Russia, diplomatic cooperation, national security New START, nuclear treaty, Iran, nuclear proliferation, Russia, US-Russia cooperation, arms control, nuclear weapons, Iran sanctions, rogue states, North Korea, nuclear material security, terrorism, transparency, stability, strategic nuclear relationship, loose nukes, Afghanistan, international security, nuclear negotiations, arms reduction, diplomatic relations, global security New START, nuclear treaty, Iran, nuclear proliferation, US-Russian cooperation, arms control, nuclear security, rogue states, North Korea, terrorism, Russian support, strategic stability, transparency, international relations, disarmament, sanctions, Afghanistan, nuclear weapons, nuclear material, deterrence, diplomatic efforts, Middle East security, NATO, bilateral agreement"
test-international-gpsmhbsosb-pro01a	"South Ossetia has a right to self-determination  The 1993 Vienna Declaration, which reaffirmed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the UN Charter (and so sets the standard in current international law), unequivocally gives all peoples the right to self-determination: ""All people have the right to self-determination. Owing to this right they freely establish their political status and freely provide their economic, social and cultural development...World Conference on Human Rights considers refusal of the right to self-determination as a violation of human rights and emphasizes the necessity of effective realization of this right"". [1]  By this measure, South Ossetia has the right to self-determination (by democratic processes), and any suppression of that right should be seen as a human rights violation. In 2006, South Ossetia held a referendum that found over 99% of its population of over 100,000 desire independence from Georgia. 95% of the population turned out to vote. The referendum was monitored by a team of 34 international observers. [2] These facts are the core of the case for South Ossetian independence. It demonstrates that South Ossetians are entirely unified and enthusiastic in their desire for independence. The strength and unity of these calls for independence are almost unprecedented and cannot be ignored by the international community. And, certainly, the percentage of a population that desires independence is of relevance to assessing the legitimacy of the call and a country's right to self-determination. By this standard, South Ossetia's right to self-determination is highly legitimate.  [1] United Nations World Conference on Human Rights. “VIENNA DECLARATION AND PROGRAMME OF ACTION”. United Nations. 14-25 June 1993.   [2] BBC News. “S Ossetia votes for independence”. BBC News. 13 November 2006. South Ossetia, self-determination, Vienna Declaration, human rights, UN Charter, international law, independence, referendum, Georgia, international observers, sovereignty, ethnic identity, legitimacy, UN recognition, secession, democratic process, human rights violation, international community, national self-determination, territorial integrity, referendum results South Ossetia, self-determination, Vienna Declaration, human rights, UN Charter, international law, right to self-determination, political status, economic development, social development, cultural development, World Conference on Human Rights, violation, effective realization, referendum, independence, Georgia, international observers, legitimacy, population desire, unity, independence calls, international community, assessment, legitimacy criteria South Ossetia, self-determination, Vienna Declaration, Human Rights, UN Charter, international law, indigenous rights, referendum, independence, Georgia, UN, international observers, legitimacy, sovereignty, secession, self-governance, political rights, cultural development, human rights violation, Ukraine, separatism South Ossetia, self-determination, independence, Vienna Declaration, human rights, UN Charter, international law, referendum, Georgia, ethnic self-determination, world conference, human rights violation, democratic processes, international observers, legitimacy, unity, separatism, sovereignty, UN resolution, territorial integrity South Ossetia, self-determination, Vienna Declaration, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, UN Charter, international law, independence, referendum, Georgia, human rights, sovereignty, democracy, international observers, UN, legitimacy, ethnic conflict, secession, self-governance, conflict resolution, international community"
test-economy-fiahwpamu-pro02a	Small is beautiful: community empowerment  Microfinance is empowering the communities that are using it - showing in development, small is beautiful. Communities are empowered to change their conditions. For example taking the case of savings - microfinance allows for savings. Half of the adults that saved in Sub-Saharan Africa, during 2013, used an informal, community-based approach (CARE, 2014). First, having savings reduces household risk. CARE is one of many organisations working in innovations for microfinance. At CARE savings have been mobilised across Africa by working with Village Savings and Loans Associations. Overtime, CARE has targeted over 30,000,000 poor people in Africa, to provide necessary finance. Savings ensures households have financial capital, can invest resources in education, health, and the future. Savings is security in livelihoods.  Second, microfinance is providing key skills. Oxfam’s Savings for Change Initiative provides training on savings, and lending, to women in communities in Senegal and Mali. Evidence from Mali indicates startup capital provided has ensured better food security, women’s empowerment in the financial decision-making of households, and crucially, a sense of community bond among the women (Oxfam, 2013). Gender based violence within households may also be reduced [1] .  [1] See further readings: Kim et al, 2007. small, beautiful, community empowerment, microfinance, development, savings, informal finance, community-based approach, risk reduction, Village Savings and Loans Associations, financial capital, investment, education, health, livelihoods, security, skills training, women empowerment, food security, gender-based violence, Senegal, Mali, Oxfam, microfinance innovations, social bonds small, community empowerment, microfinance, development, savings, informal savings, household risk, Village Savings and Loans Associations, Africa, financial capital, investments, education, health, livelihoods, security, skills, women, community, Senegal, Mali, gender-based violence, women's empowerment, community bonds microfinance, community empowerment, small is beautiful, development, savings, informal finance, Sub-Saharan Africa, CARE, Village Savings and Loans Associations, financial inclusion, household risk, financial capital, education, health, livelihoods, Oxfam, savings for change, women empowerment, community bonds, gender-based violence microfinance, community empowerment, small is beautiful, savings, informal savings, community-based approach, household risk, Village Savings and Loans Associations, financial capital, investment, education, health, livelihoods, security, skills training, women empowerment, Senegal, Mali, food security, gender-based violence, community bonds, Oxfam, CARE community empowerment, microfinance, small is beautiful, development, savings, informal savings, community-based approach, household risk, Village Savings and Loans Associations, Africa, financial capital, investment, education, health, livelihoods, security, skills training, Oxfam, Savings for Change, women empowerment, food security, household decision-making, gender-based violence
test-international-apwhbaucmip-con01a	War is in human nature  War and conflict between groups is in human nature. As Hobbes famously wrote “the life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short… Nature should thus dissociate and render men apt to invade and destroy one another”. [1] Although the motives have changed, conflict has been a constant throughout human history. The first militaries were created around 2700 BC but conflict between societies almost certainly occurred before this. [2] Pledging to end all war is high minded, but it is unlikely to actually succeed in overturning human nature.  [1] Hobbes, Thomas, ‘Chapter XIII of the Natural Condition of Mankind as concerning their felicity and misery’, Leviathan,   [2] Gabriel, Richard A., and Metz, Karen S., A Short History of War, 1992, war, human nature, conflict, groups, Hobbes, Leviathan, violence, history, militaries, motives, human behavior, society, warfare, aggression, destruction, conflict theory war, human nature, conflict, group violence, Hobbes, Leviathan, human history, militaries, violence, psychology of conflict, human instincts, societal conflict, warfare history, innate aggression, human behavior, conflict motives war, human nature, conflict, groups, Hobbes, Leviathan, human history, militaries, motives, innate aggression, violence, societal conflict, human instincts, natural condition, warfare history human nature, war, conflict, Hobbes, Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan, human conflict, military history, origins of war, human aggression, societal conflict, natural human tendencies, history of warfare, conflict motives, violence, social evolution war, human nature, conflict, groups, Hobbes, Leviathan, human history, militaries, violence, natural condition, human conflict, societal violence, conflict motives, conflict prevention, human aggression, violence theories
test-health-dhiacihwph-con03a	Most vital drugs are already generic  Many drugs which are used in the treatment of HIV, malaria and cancer are already generic drugs which are produced in their millions [1] . This removes the necessity to provide further high quality generic drugs as there is already an easily accessible source of pharmaceuticals. Effective treatments for Malaria, in conjunction with prevention methods, have resulted in a 33% decrease in African deaths from the disease since 2000 [2] . The drugs responsible for this have been readily available to Africa, demonstrating a lack of any further need to produce pharmaceuticals for the continent.  [1] Taylor,D. ‘Generic-drug “solution” for Africa not needed’  [2] World Health Organisation ’10 facts on malaria’, March 2013 generic drugs, HIV treatment, malaria, cancer, pharmaceuticals, access, African healthcare, disease prevention, drug production, affordable medication generic drugs, vital medications, HIV treatment, malaria, cancer, pharmaceutical production, accessible medicines, disease prevention, African health, drug availability, public health, medicine accessibility, health interventions generic drugs, HIV, malaria, cancer, pharmaceuticals, access, treatments, prevention, African deaths, disease reduction, drug production, global health, medication availability generic drugs, HIV treatment, malaria, cancer, pharmaceuticals, accessible medication, health outcomes, disease prevention, African health, medicine availability, drug production, pharmaceutical access, public health, disease mortality generic drugs, HIV treatment, malaria treatment, cancer drugs, pharmaceutical production, drug accessibility, Africa healthcare, malaria prevention, disease mortality, generic drug availability, pharmaceutical supply, health policy
test-philosophy-apessghwba-pro01a	Animals have a right not to be harmed  The differences between us and other vertebrates are a matter of degree rather than kind. [1] Not only do they closely resemble us anatomically and physiologically, but so too do they behave in ways which seem to convey meaning. They recoil from pain, appear to express fear of a tormentor, and appear to take pleasure in activities; a point clear to anyone who has observed the behaviour of a pet dog on hearing the word “walk”. Our reasons for believing that our fellow humans are capable of experiencing feelings like ourselves can surely only be that they resemble us both in appearance and behaviour (we cannot read their minds). Thus any animal sharing our anatomical, physiological, and behavioural characteristics is surely likely to have feelings like us. If we accept as true for sake of argument, that all humans have a right not to be harmed, simply by virtue of existing as a being of moral worth, then we must ask what makes animals so different. If animals can feel what we feel, and suffer as we suffer, then to discriminate merely on the arbitrary difference of belonging to a different species, is analogous to discriminating on the basis of any other morally arbitrary characteristic, such as race or sex. If sexual and racial moral discrimination is wrong, then so too is specieism. [2]  [1] Clark, S., The Nature of the Beast: are animals moral?, (Oxford : Oxford University Press, 1982)  [2] Singer, P., “All Animals are Equal”, in La Follette (ed.), Ethics in Practice, (Malden, Mass; Oxford : Blackwell Pub, 2007) animal rights, moral worth, speciesism, animal suffering, animal consciousness, ethical treatment, animal behavior, pain perception, anthropomorphism, moral discrimination, human-animal similarities, animal empathy, animal welfare, rights ethics, discrimination, moral equality animal rights, speciesism, moral worth, animal pain, animal behavior, vertebrates, anthropomorphism, animal consciousness, ethical treatment, discrimination, species equality, animal morality, sentience, animal emotions, moral discrimination animal rights, speciesism, moral worth, sentience, animal suffering, discrimination, moral equality, physiological resemblance, behavioral observation, pain and fear, ethical treatment, animals and morality, rights of animals, anthropomorphism, animal cognition, moral consideration animal rights, speciesism, moral worth, animal suffering, moral discrimination, sentience, ethical treatment, human-animal comparison, animal behavior, physiological similarity, moral equality, pain perception, animal consciousness, ethical philosophy, discrimination, race, sex, moral consideration, animal ethics, moral rights animal rights, vertebrates, anatomical similarities, physiological similarities, animal behavior, pain, fear, pleasure, pet behavior, sentience, moral worth, discrimination, speciesism, suffering, feelings, moral rights, ethical considerations, animal sentience, moral equality, species difference, moral discrimination
test-sport-otshwbe2uuyt-con04a	Boycotts did not take place for the 2008 Olympics despite the far worst human rights background  It would be hypocritical for European leaders to boycott the Euro 2012 finals because of Ukraine’s recent human rights record. It an absurd overreaction when the focus is on the poor treatment of one woman, Timoshenko. Countries with poor human rights records have hosted major sporting events before without there being boycotts. President Bush was urged by some in the US such as former president Clinton to boycott the Beijing Olympics and only a few countries boycotted on human rights grounds. This was despite China having a considerably worse human rights record than Ukraine and engaged in a violent crackdown in Tibet in the run up to the games. [1] Similarly Russia will be hosting the next Winter Olympics in 2014 should leaders essentially commit to boycotting these games too?  [1] ‘Bush will attend opening of Beijing Olympics’ CNN, 3 July 2008. boycotts, 2008 Olympics, human rights, Ukraine, Euro 2012, Timoshenko, sporting events, President Bush, Clinton, Beijing Olympics, China, Tibet, Russia, Winter Olympics, 2014, human rights record boycotts, 2008 Olympics, human rights, European leaders, Euro 2012, Ukraine, Timoshenko, countries, sporting events, President Bush, Clinton, Beijing Olympics, China, Tibet, Russia, Winter Olympics, 2014 boycotts, 2008 Olympics, human rights, Ukraine, Euro 2012, Timoshenko, sporting events, President Bush, Clinton, Beijing Olympics, China, Tibet, Russia, Winter Olympics, 2014, human rights record, diplomatic response boycotts, 2008 Olympics, human rights, Ukraine, Euro 2012, Timoshenko, sporting events, President Bush, Clinton, Beijing Olympics, China, Tibet, Russia, Winter Olympics, 2014 boycotts, 2008 Olympics, human rights, European leaders, Euro 2012, Ukraine, Timoshenko, sporting events, President Bush, Clinton, Beijing Olympics, China, Tibet, Russia, Winter Olympics, 2014
test-education-usuprmhbu-pro03a	Affirmative action reduces social prejudice  Past discrimination lingers on in society through subtle prejudice that must be righted.  Past discrimination against particular groups lingers today through the perception of those groups and how they perceive themselves. By using affirmative action, a demonstration effect is created where individuals are previously discriminated groups prove to society and other members of their racial or gender group that they are capable of gaining power and functioning in the same positions of power, responsibility and success as those of other groups in society.  This challenges society’s perception of these groups as the poor people in society and proves to them that the individuals of this race/gender are equally capable and deserving members of society and can and should function in the same positions of society as them. affirmative action, social prejudice, discrimination, societal perception, marginalized groups, equality, representation, diversity, stereotype change, social justice, power dynamics, racial equality, gender equality, societal bias, inclusion, systemic discrimination affirmative action, social prejudice, discrimination, perception, societal impact, racial equality, gender equality, demonstration effect, social stereotypes, inclusive society, power dynamics, societal perceptions, minority empowerment, social change affirmative action, social prejudice, discrimination, subtle prejudice, societal perception, group perception, perceived capability, demonstration effect, power, responsibility, success, racial equality, gender equality, societal stereotypes, discrimination legacy affirmative action, social prejudice, discrimination, societal perception, representation, marginalized groups, stereotype challenge, racial equality, gender equality, social justice, perception change, affirmative discrimination, societal bias, empowerment, equality, minority groups affirmative action, social prejudice, discrimination, societal perception, racial equality, gender equality, marginalized groups, systemic bias, social justice, perception change, racial stereotypes, empowerment, societal integration
test-digital-freedoms-piidfaihbg-pro02a	Not censoring helps Google’s business proposition and corporate identity  Google’s corporate motto is ‘don’t be evil’. This is partly an issue of corporate identity, and partly a clever business proposition. In both cases, complying with Chinese censorship rules damages Google as a company.  The key to Google’s dominance in the search market is that users know Google will always deliver the search results most relevant to them. By adhering to censorship laws, users will trust the relevance of Google’s search results less, which hence erodes Google’s business position as users will be more likely to try alternative search engines. [1]  [1] Rebecca Blood, ‘Google's China decision is pragmatic, not idealistic’, January 2010. URL: Google, censorship, corporate identity, business proposition, don’t be evil, Chinese censorship, market dominance, search results, user trust, relevance, alternative search engines Google, censorship, corporate identity, business proposition, don’t be evil, Chinese censorship, search relevance, user trust, market dominance, alternative search engines Google, censorship, corporate identity, business proposition, don’t be evil, Chinese censorship, search relevance, user trust, market dominance, search engines, corporate reputation, compliance, competition Google, censorship, corporate identity, business proposition, don’t be evil, Chinese censorship, search relevance, user trust, market dominance, alternative search engines, Google’s branding, corporate ethics, censorship laws, search results, user satisfaction Google, censorship, corporate identity, business proposition, don’t be evil, Chinese censorship, search relevance, user trust, search engine market, competitive advantage, corporate ethics, user trust erosion, search results integrity, Chinese internet policies, market dominance
test-health-dhgsshbesbc-pro01a	It’s in the interests of employers  It’s in the interests of employers. A long, incurable and debilitating condition has stricken one of their employees. They will have to make provision for possible sickness cover and replacement workers, potentially for medical and/or retirement costs. HIV can make people tired and can lead to being sick more often as it means the immune system will not be able to fight off infections as well as it normally would. [1] The employee’s productivity might be reduced to the point at which their continued employment is no longer viable. If things are made difficult for employers with HIV positive workers, then they are less likely in the future to employ people who (they suspect) are HIV positive. Employers must be listened to in this debate – in many HIV-stricken countries, they’re the last thing between a semi-functioning society and complete economic and social collapse. Traditional rights ideas such as concerns about privacy of medical records are less important than the benefit to society of being able to cope with the unique problem of HIV more effectively.  [1] Dickens, Carol, ‘Signs of HIV, AIDS symptoms’, AIDS Symptoms, HIV, AIDS, workplace, employment, sick leave, disability, medical costs, retirement costs, immune system, infections, productivity, employer responsibilities, social impact, privacy, medical records, HIV-positive workers, societal benefits, economic stability employers, HIV, workplace, employee health, sickness cover, replacement workers, medical costs, retirement costs, immune system, infections, productivity, employment, HIV-positive workers, societal impact, privacy, medical records, economic collapse, social stability HIV, employment, workplace, employee health, sickness cover, workplace productivity, HIV positive workers, employer costs, medical costs, retirement costs, immune system, infections, employment viability, HIV stigma, societal impact, economic impact, social collapse, privacy, medical records, HIV symptoms HIV, employee health, workplace policies, sickness cover, replacement workers, medical costs, retirement costs, immune system, infection risk, employee productivity, employment viability, employer concerns, HIV-positive workers, social impact, privacy rights, medical records, societal benefits, AIDS symptoms HIV, AIDS, employer interests, workplace health, employee benefits, sickness cover, replacement workers, medical costs, retirement costs, immune system, infections, productivity, employment, HIV-positive workers, employment rights, medical privacy, societal impact, economic stability, health policy, HIV stigma, workplace discrimination
test-international-aghbfcpspr-pro01a	What happened during the colonial era was morally wrong.  The entire basis for colonisation was predicated on an innate ‘understanding’ and judgment of one superior culture and race [1] . This ethnocentric approach idolised western traditions while simultaneously undermining the traditions of the countries which were colonised. For example, during the colonisation of America, colonists imposed a Westernised school system on Native American children. This denied their right to wear traditional clothing [2] or to speak their native language [3] , and the children were often subject to physical and sexual abuse and forced labour [4] . The cause of this was simply ignorance of culture differences on behalf of the colonists, which was idyllically labelled and disguised as ‘The White Man’s Burden’ [5] . Colonial powers undermined the social and property rights [6] of the colonies, using military force to rule if civilians should rebel against colonisation in countries such as India [7] . After Indian fighters rebelled against British colonial force in the Indian Mutiny of 1857-58 [8] , the British struck back with terrible force, and forced the rebels to ‘lick up part of the blood’ from the floors of the houses [9] . The actions which occurred during colonisation are considered completely inappropriate and undesirable behaviour in a modern world, and in terms of indigenous rights to culture and to property, as well as human rights more generally. Reparations would be a meaningful act of apology for the wrongs which were committed during the past.  [1] Accessed from  on 11/09/11  [2] Accessed from  on 11/09/11  [3] Accessed from  on 11/09/11  [4] Accessed from  on 11/09/11  [5] Accessed from  on 11/09/11  [6] Accessed from  on 11/09/11  [7] Accessed from  on 11/09/11.  [8] Accessed from  on 11/09/11  [9] Accessed from  on 11/09/11 colonialism, morality, ethnocentrism, cultural imposition, westernization, indigenous rights, cultural suppression, language loss, traditional clothing, abuse, forced labor, ignorance, White Man’s Burden, social rights, property rights, colonial violence, Indian Mutiny, rebellion, colonial repression, reparations, human rights, cultural genocide, colonial history, colonial critique colonial era, colonisation, ethnocentrism, western traditions, indigenous rights, cultural suppression, Native American, traditional clothing, native language, physical abuse, sexual abuse, forced labour, White Man’s Burden, social rights, property rights, military force, rebellion, Indian Mutiny, British colonialism, human rights, reparations, cultural imperialism, colonial violence, colonial history, colonial abuse, colonial resistance colonialism, ethnocentrism, cultural imperialism, Westernization, Native American, cultural erasure, language suppression, traditional clothing, abuse, forced labor, ignorance, White Man’s Burden, social rights, property rights, military force, rebellion, Indian Mutiny, colonial violence, indigenous rights, reparations, apology, human rights colonialism, ethnocentrism, cultural suppression, indigenous rights, cultural appropriation, native American, Westernisation, colonial education, cultural genocide, racial superiority, imperialism, colonial violence, human rights, reparations, colonial history, colonial resistance, Indian Mutiny, cultural identity, colonial abuse, forced labour, colonial powers, colonial rebellion, colonial legacy colonialism, ethics, cultural preservation, indigenous rights, ethnocentrism, western imperialism, cultural assimilation, colonial violence, native traditions, racial superiority, education suppression, cultural genocide, social property rights, military oppression, Indian Mutiny, colonial rebellion, reparations, historical injustice, human rights violations, colonial violence consequences
test-philosophy-apessghwba-pro02a	Animal research necessitates significant harm to the animals involved  Animal research, by its very nature necessitates harm to the animals. Even if they are not made to suffer as part of the experiment, the vast majority of animals used, must be killed at the conclusion of the experiment. With 115 million animals being used in the status quo this is no small issue. Even if we were to vastly reduce animal experimentation, releasing domesticated animals into the wild, would be a death sentence, and it hardly seems realistic to think that many behaviourally abnormal animals, often mice or rats, might be readily moveable into the pet trade. [1] It is prima fasciae obvious, that it is not in the interest of the animals involved to be killed, or harmed to such an extent that such killing might seem merciful. Even if the opposition counterargument, that animals lack the capacity to truly suffer, is believed, research should none the less be banned in order to prevent the death of millions of animals.  [1] European Commission, 1997. Euthanasia of experimental animals. Luxembourg: Office for official publications animal research, animal harm, animal suffering, animal experimentation, animal death, animal welfare, ethical concerns, sterilization, euthanasia, animal rights, animal cruelty, experimental animals, domesticated animals, wild release, behaviorally abnormal animals, mice, rats, death sentence, multi-millions, opposition counterarguments, policy bans, European Commission animal research, animal harm, animal suffering, animal killing, animal experimentation, animal welfare, ethical concerns, animal rights, laboratory animals, animal euthanasia, alternatives to animal testing, minimize animal suffering, animal welfare legislation, animal protection, scientific research ethics animal research, harm, suffering, killing, euthanasia, experimental animals, animal welfare, ethics, cruelty, animal rights, suffering capacity, ban, alternative methods, domesticated animals, wild release, mortality, animal use statistics, European Commission animal research, animal harm, animal experimentation, animal suffering, animal killing, animal welfare, ethical concerns, animal rights, laboratory animals, animal experimentation statistics, experimental animals, animal euthanasia, European Commission, animal cruelty, animal testing alternatives, animal ethics, humane treatment, scientific research, animal suffering prevention, animal rights movement animal research, animal harm, animal ethics, animal suffering, animal killing, animal experimentation, animal welfare, animal rights, euthanasia, experimental animals, animal cruelty, research ethics, animal welfare legislation, domesticated animals, wild animals, lab animals, mice, rats, speciesism, harm reduction, animal protection
test-politics-ypppgvhwmv-pro04a	Compulsory voting has been implemented successfully.  Australia is one of the most notable examples of compulsory voting and shows how it can be implemented. In Australia Compulsory voting was introduced at federal elections in 1924 1. Every Australian citizen who is over eighteen has to vote unless they have a ‘valid and sufficient reason for failing to vote’ which is decided by the electoral commission whether a reason is sufficient 2. If the elector who fails to vote does not provide such a reason they pay a penalty and if (s)he does not pay then the matter is dealt with in court 3. There is little reason to believe that this would be more difficult to implement in any other country. 1 Evans, Tim, 'Compulsory voting in Australia', Australian Electoral Commission, (January 2006), (accessed 4/8/11) 2 Harrison, Brianna, and Lynch, Philip. Votes for the Homeless, (March 2003), (accessed 4/8/11) 3 Voter Turnout for Referendums and Elections 1901 , Australian Electoral Commission, 2010 compulsory voting, Australia, electoral system, voter turnout, federal elections, voting laws, electoral penalties, voting compliance, Australian Electoral Commission, voting enforcement, voting history, voter eligibility, voting regulations, election law, civic participation compulsory voting, Australia, federal elections, electoral law, voter turnout, voting compliance, penalties, voting law implementation, electoral commission, voting eligibility, voter participation, electoral system, democratic voting, voting enforcement, election laws compulsory voting, Australia, federal elections, voter turnout, electoral law, voting penalty, electoral commission, voting compliance, election law enforcement, voter participation, electoral system, history, legal framework, voter obligations, penalties, court cases compulsory voting, Australia, electoral system, federal elections, voter turnout, voting compliance, electoral law, penalties, voting enforcement, electoral commission, voting history, voter registration, court proceedings, voting reasons, electoral reforms compulsory voting, Australia, electoral system, voter turnout, federal elections, voting laws, electoral commission, voting penalties, election participation, voter compliance, election law implementation, voting eligibility, electoral process
test-economy-egecegphw-con01a	The third run-way would cause noise and pollution problems  The high population density of the area around Heathrow means it is not an ideal location for a bigger airport. It makes sense to increase capacity in an area with lower population density instead of trying to do so within a location that is constrained by adjacent urbanized areas. Expanding Heathrow airport would mean increasing the problem of noise for the about 700,000 people living under the flight path. According to the HACAN report the Department for Transport only accepts that noise is a problem if a community is subjected to over 57 decibels of noise over the course of a year according to a 1985 Government study. In which case only the boroughs of Richmond and Hounslow would be affected. However this does not tie in with Londoner’s experiences. BAA says that 258,000 people are currently affected by high noise levels but the local community believes the real number is more like 1 million people affected. [1] Any argument that states that noise levels will not increase is flawed at best and outright fraudulent at worst, clearly a large expansion in the number of flights will increase the amount of noise and possibly the numbers affected.  [1] Johnson, Tim, ‘Approach Noise at Heathrow: Concentrating the Problem’, HACAN, March 2010,  p.12 Heathrow, expanded airport, third runway, noise pollution, population density, urban areas, flight path, HACAN, Department for Transport, noise levels, decibels, government study, Richmond, Hounslow, affected communities, local residents, community impact, flight increase, noise impact, environmental concerns Heathrow airport, runway extension, noise pollution, urban density, air traffic capacity, community impact, flight paths, decibel levels, noise thresholds, government standards, public health, environmental impact, urban planning, noise mitigation, community opposition, HACAN report, BAA, flight increase, noise affected population, London noise levels Heathrow, third runway, noise pollution, urban density, airport expansion, flight path, decibel levels, community impact, HACAN report, Department for Transport, noise standards, Richmond, Hounslow, affected population, local community, noise levels, Flight increase, urban planning, environmental impact, airport capacity, London, community concerns airport expansion, Heathrow, noise pollution, population density, urbanized areas, flight path, environmental impact, decibel levels, community impact, HACAN report, Department for Transport, noise complaints, affected population, community protests, noise levels, flight increase, urban planning, environmental concerns, local communities, Heathrow capacity Heathrow airport, runway expansion, noise pollution, population density, urbanization, airport capacity, flight paths, community impact, noise levels, decibels, HACAN, Department for Transport, London boroughs, Richmond, Hounslow, affected populations, government studies, community perception, noise complaints, environmental impact, urban planning, aviation expansion
test-politics-cpegiepgh-pro02a	"Britain may not like losing the Queen's head on banknotes but London will be at a huge economic disadvantage if Britain stays out.  London will further lose its position as Europe’s financial centre, and the financial influence this brings with it. Britain’s staying out of the Euro has already depleted London’s status as the European financial centre. As explained by Anthony Browne in The Euro: Should Britain join?, “The European Central Bank – the second most powerful in the world – had a natural home in London, but ended up in Frankfurt because of our indecision over the Euro.”1 Germany used this to her advantage, for it “reinvigorated Germany’s bid to ensure that Frankfurt becomes Europe’s financial centre, with a massive office-building programme to rival London’s Docklands.”1Germany seizing London’s sphere of influence will only increase if Britain stays out of the Euro. Moreover, if Britain’s indecision over the Euro continues, “it would lead to a serious rethink by foreign owners of many of the City’s financial institutions about where their core activities should be located.”1 If Britain does not join the Euro, her economic activity both at home and between fellow Member States will be badly affected.  1Browne, A., 2001, ""The Euro: Should Britain Join?"", page 92 Britain, Queen's head, banknotes, London, economic disadvantage, Europe’s financial centre, financial influence, Euro, London status, European Central Bank, Frankfurt, indecision, Germany, Frankfurt financial hub, London’s sphere of influence, foreign investment, City’s financial institutions, economic activity, Member States, Britain membership, currency, financial services, economic integration, European Union Britain, Queen's head, banknotes, London, economic disadvantage, Europe, financial centre, Euro, London status, European Central Bank, Frankfurt, Germany, influence, indecision, City financial institutions, foreign owners, economic activity, Member States Britain, Queen's head, banknotes, London, economic disadvantage, Euro, financial centre, Europe, influence, Euro membership, European Central Bank, Frankfurt, indecision, Germany, financial institutions, City of London, Docklands, foreign investment, economic activity, Member States, Browne, Euro debate Britain, Queen's head, banknotes, London, economic disadvantage, Euroscepticism, financial centre, Europe, Euro, currency integration, European Central Bank, Frankfurt, Germany, London Docklands, financial influence, foreign investment, City of London, economic activity, economic impact, Member States, economic competition, currency policy, international finance, financial institutions Britain, Queen's head, banknotes, London, economic disadvantage, Euroscepticism, financial centre, Europe, financial influence, London status, Euro, European Central Bank, Frankfurt, Germany, office-building, Docklands, sphere of influence, foreign ownership, financial institutions, economic activity, European Union, membership, Brexit"
test-digital-freedoms-piidfiphwu-con02a	ISP will not cooperate with a graduated response policy  The graduated response model requires cooperation from all Internet Service Providers. If just one ISP refuses, users will flock towards that ISP to be able to keep on downloading. Therefore there will always be an incentive to be the ISP that refuses so as to gain custom from others who have agreed to cooperate. ISPs will also have an incentive to not cooperate because the cost of monitoring and identifying is large, and significantly more so for smaller ISPs: initial estimates of the cost of graduated response for ISPs were around 500 million pounds over a period of ten years. [1]  [1] Michael Geist, ‘Estimating the cost of a three strikes and you’re out system’, January 26, 2010. URL: ISP, cooperation, graduated response, policy, internet service providers, refusal, incentives, user behavior, monitoring costs, identifying costs, small ISPs, implementation costs, three strikes, legal enforcement, digital rights, copyright enforcement, Michael Geist ISP, cooperation, graduated response, policy, Internet Service Providers, refusal, incentives, monitoring, cost, identification, small ISPs, expenditure, three strikes system, Michael Geist ISP, cooperation, graduated response, policy, internet service providers, non-cooperation, incentives, download, refusal, customer migration, monitoring costs, identification costs, small ISPs, implementation costs, three strikes, cost estimate, Michael Geist ISP, cooperation, graduated response, policy, internet service providers, non-cooperation, incentives, user behavior, monitoring costs, identification costs, small ISPs, cost estimates, three strikes, copyright enforcement, digital rights management, unauthorized downloading, copyright infringement, Michael Geist ISP, cooperation, graduated response, policy, internet service providers, refusal, incentives, monitoring, identification, costs, small ISPs, three strikes, copyright enforcement, piracy, user behavior, compliance costs, implementation, policy effectiveness
test-environment-assgbatj-con03a	Testing is needed for really new drugs  The real benefit of animal testing is making totally new drugs, which is about a quarter of them. After non-animal and then animal tests, it will be tested on humans. The reason why the risk is low (but not non-existent) for these brave volunteers, is because of the animal tests.  These new chemicals are the ones most likely to produce improvements to people’s lives, because they are new. You couldn’t do research on these new drugs without either animal testing or putting humans at a much higher risk. drug testing, animal testing, new drugs, clinical trials, human trials, pharmaceutical research, chemical safety, drug development, medical research, testing methods, human health, experimental drugs, volunteer safety drug testing, animal testing, new drugs, human trials, medical research, chemical safety, drug development, clinical trials, volunteer risk, pharmaceutical testing, animal experimentation, drug safety, innovation, biomedical research drug testing, animal testing, new drugs, human trials, chemical safety, pharmaceutical research, medical safety, drug development, clinical trials, research ethics, experimental testing, drug efficacy, testing methods drug testing, animal testing, new drugs, pharmaceutical research, clinical trials, human testing, drug safety, chemical testing, medical research, drug development, animal model, human volunteers, risk assessment, drug innovation drug testing, animal testing, new drugs, human trials, drug development, medical research, chemical safety, pharmaceutical innovation, clinical trials, testing methods, research ethics
test-international-glilpdwhsn-pro03a	"The New START treaty maintains US nuclear and missile defence.  The US’ Nuclear armament will be modernized along with New START. “The Obama administration has agreed to provide for modernization of the infrastructure essential to maintaining our nuclear arsenal. Funding these efforts has become part of the negotiations in the ratification process. The administration has put forth a 10-year plan to spend $84 billion on the Energy Department's nuclear weapons complex. Much of the credit for getting the administration to add $14 billion to the originally proposed $70 billion for modernization goes to Sen. Jon Kyl, the Arizona Republican who has been vigilant in this effort. Implementing this modernization program in a timely fashion would be important in ensuring that our nuclear arsenal is maintained appropriately over the next decade and beyond.” [1]  Both US Military and civilian leaders insist that the new START treaty will still allow the US to deploy effective missile defenses, something which Russia was opposed to, and so will not affect US missile defense plans. The main limit on missile defense is that the treaty prevents the conversion of existing launchers for this purpose this would be more expensive than building new missiles specifically for defense purposes. [2]  Furthermore, as Joe Biden argues, New START is important to Russian cooperation on missile defense: ""This [missile defense] system demonstrates America's enduring commitment to Article 5 of the Washington Treaty—that an attack on one is an attack on all. NATO missile defense also provides the opportunity for further improvements in both NATO-Russian and U.S.-Russian relations. NATO and Russia agreed at Lisbon to carry out a joint ballistic missile threat assessment, to resume theater missile-defense exercises, and to explore further cooperation on territorial missile defense—things that were nearly unimaginable two years ago. These agreements underscore the strategic importance the alliance attaches to improving its relationship with Russia. But trust and confidence in our relationship with Russia would be undermined without Senate approval of the New Start Treaty, which reduces strategic nuclear forces to levels not seen since the 1950s, and restores important verification mechanisms that ceased when the first Start Treaty expired last December."" [3]  In many ways, in the 21st Century having an abundance of nuclear weapons, particularly having too many, is more of a liability than an advantage. The United States will be far safer with fewer nuclear weapons in the world and a stronger, more stable relationship with Russia under New START, and this is desirable. Therefore it is clear that New START maintains the important parts of US nuclear capabilities while removing the over-abundance which may become a liability due to security and medical concerns, and so New START should be supported.  [1] Kissinger, Henry A. ; Shultz, George P. ; Baker III, James A’ ; Eagleburger , Lawrence S. ; and Powell, Colin L. ""The Republican case for ratifying New START"". Washington Post. 2 December 2010.   [2] ibid  [3] Biden, Joseph. ""The case for ratifying New START"". Wall Street Journal. 25 November 2010. New START, nuclear arms, missile defense, treaty modernization, US-Russia relations, nuclear arsenal, arms control, verification mechanisms, missile threat assessment, NATO cooperation, strategic nuclear forces, nuclear reduction, arms race, nuclear security, treaty ratification, arms negotiation, nuclear infrastructure, missile launchers, defense spending, international security New START, treaty, US nuclear, missile defense, modernization, infrastructure, nuclear arsenal, funding, Energy Department, nuclear weapons complex, Senate ratification, missile deployment, missile launchers, Russia, NATO, missile defense system, Article 5, Lisbon Summit, ballistic missile threat, cooperation, verification, nuclear reduction, security, stability, US-Russia relations, nuclear proliferation, security concerns, treaty support New START, nuclear arms, missile defense, missile modernization, US-Russia relations, nuclear treaty, verification mechanisms, arms reduction, nuclear arsenal, military strategy, NATO, missile threat assessment, strategic stability, nuclear proliferation, arms control, treaty ratification, missile launcher conversion, nuclear modernization funding, US nuclear policy, international security, multilateral cooperation New START, nuclear arsenal, missile defense, modernization, treaty ratification, US-Russia relations, nuclear arms control, verification mechanisms, NATO, missile threat assessment, nuclear non-proliferation, nuclear disarmament, strategic stability, nuclear weapons levels, security concerns, arms reduction START treaty, nuclear modernization, missile defense, US-Russia relations, verification mechanisms, nuclear arsenal, arms control, strategic nuclear forces, treaty ratification, NATO missile defense, missile threat assessment, nuclear weapons, non-proliferation, security, military modernization, Washington Treaty, Article 5, nuclear liability, political cooperation, nuclear stability, nuclear reduction, military funding, nuclear infrastructure"
test-international-miasimyhw-con03a	Who is left behind?  In promoting a free labour market, we need to ask: who is left behind? To understand the developmental nature of migration investigation is needed into who doesn’t migrate - the non-migrant’s lifestyles raise key concerns.  Data from the EAC indicates the EAC labour market remains popular among over 65's and in favour of men; and further, a majority of employment occurs within agriculture [1] . The labour market remains inadequate in providing jobs for women and youths. Women and youths reflect disproportionate numbers of those forced to adapt, and create, new livelihoods following migration. Further, migrants are returning home, retiring, and therefore with limited effect on productivity.  The impact of migration is distributed unequally. In a previous study by Brown (1983) the detrimental effect of male out-migration from rural areas in Botswana was indicated. Family units were altered, changing to being predominantly female-headed households, the lack of human capital resulted in sustaining the agrarian crisis, and women were forced to cope with the burden of care. Little assurance was found as to whether the men would return, or remit resources.  [1] EAC, 2012. migration, development, non-migrants, labour market, rural areas, gender disparities, youth employment, agriculture, retirement, remittance, family structure, female-headed households, human capital, rural development, demographic shifts migration, left behind, free labor market, development, non-migrants, lifestyles, EAC, labor market, demographics, agriculture, women, youths, adaptation, livelihoods, return migration, productivity, male out-migration, rural areas, family units, female-headed households, human capital, agrarian crisis, remittances migration, left behind, development, non-migrant lifestyles, labour market, EAC, seniors, gender disparities, agriculture, youth, women, livelihoods, return migration, retirement, productivity, migration impact, rural areas, male out-migration, family units, female-headed households, human capital, agrarian crisis, remittances migration, non-migrants, labor market, development, rural, urban, gender disparities, youth, agriculture, employment, aging population, gender inequality, remittances, household structure, family dynamics, productivity, socio-economic impact, rural-urban migration, out-migration, female-headed households, human capital migration, labor market, inequality, gender disparities, rural areas, non-migrants, agriculture, youth employment, women, returning migrants, remittances, household dynamics, out-migration, rural development, rural households, female-headed households, human capital, productivity, migration impact
test-law-cppshbcjsfm-con02a	Rehabilitation Doesn’t Actually Work  While some rehabilitative programmes work with some offenders (those who would probably change by themselves anyway), most do not. Many programs cannot overcome, or even appreciably reduce, the powerful tendency for offenders to continue in criminal behaviour. In Britain, where rehabilitation has long been purported to stop re-offending, 58 per cent of those over-21 find themselves in trouble with the law within two years of release. [1] The rehabilitation programs simply do not work. ‘Rehabilitation’ is therefore a false promise – and the danger with such an illusory and impossible goal is that it is used as a front to justify keeping offenders locked up for longer than they deserve and sometimes even indefinitely (‘if we keep him here longer maybe he might change’). We cannot justify passing any heavier or more onerous a sentence on a person in the name of “rehabilitation” if “rehabilitation” does not work.  [1] Stanford, P., ‘The road to redemption: Does the rehabilitation of prisoners work?’, The Independent, 23 August 2007. rehabilitation, criminal behavior, re-offending, effectiveness, recidivism, offender programs, Britain, prison sentencing, rehabilitation myths, criminal justice, rehabilitation failure, prison reform, offender recidivism rates, punitive justice, prison policy rehabilitation, effectiveness, recidivism, criminal behavior, offender programs, Britain, re-offending, prison sentences, false promise, criminal justice, rehabilitation efficacy, punishment, re-entry, incarceration, crime prevention rehabilitation, effectiveness, recidivism, criminal behavior, offender, prison, re-offending, Britain, sentencing, criminal justice, criminal rehabilitation, prisoner, rehabilitation programs, justice system, prison reform rehabilitation, effectiveness, recidivism, offenders, criminal behavior, re-offending, prison sentences, British justice system, rehabilitation programs, criminal justice, criminal reform, prison policy, inmate rehabilitation, rehabilitation success rate, criminal rehabilitation research rehabilitation, offender, recidivism, re-offending, correctional programs, effectiveness, criminal behavior, criminal justice, imprisonment, punishment, recidivism rate, rehabilitation programs, Britain, legal system, prison reform, sentencing, criminal rehabilitation, rehabilitation failure, criminality, prison policy
test-science-wsihwclscaaw-pro03a	Currently there is no way to legally respond to cyber attacks by other states  Currently international law on how a state can respond to cyber attacks by another state is lacking: it only covers cyber attacks during armed conflicts or those are tantamount to an armed conflict [15]. An attacked state thus has no legitimate means to respond to cyber attacks. This leaves them no option of self-defence, which is an important element in international law. Moreover, without international law regulating cyber warfare between states, there is no actual illegitimacy for cyber attacks. Despite their far-reaching and grave consequences, cyber attacks by other states do not feature heavily in the news. Few people actually know about cyber attacks between USA and Iran, which would be an unimaginable situation should these states resorted to military attacks. This apparent lack of condemnation and attention in the wider society to cyber attacks further decreases ability of the state to defend themselves or even call out an aggressor publically as there is little to fear from global opinion for such actions cyber attacks, international law, state response, cyber warfare, armed conflict, self-defense, illegitimacy, sovereignty, legal response, attribution, cyber security, state sovereignty, cyber conflict, cyber diplomacy, global opinion, military response, cyber attack consequences, Iran, USA, international regulations, accountability cyber attacks, international law, state response, cyber warfare, armed conflict, self-defense, illegitimacy, global society, condemnation, international legal framework, state sovereignty, cyber security, cyber conflict, international norms, military response, USA Iran, cyber diplomacy cyber attacks, international law, state response, legal response, cyber warfare, armed conflict, self-defense, illegitimacy, state sovereignty, cyber conflict regulation, global norm, military retaliation, cyber espionage, cyber security, international security, cyber diplomacy, USA, Iran, military response, global opinion, public awareness cyber attacks, international law, state response, cyber warfare, self-defense, legality, armed conflict, cyber security, international norms, state sovereignty, cyber attack legitimacy, global response, military retaliation, cyber conflict, international regulation cyber attacks, international law, state response, cyber warfare, self-defense, legal response, armed conflict, cyber security, sovereignty, cyber conflict, international norms, cyber attacks legality, state sovereignty, cyber attack consequences, global opinion, state defense, cyber attack regulation
test-economy-beplcpdffe-con01a	Personal freedom  Gambling is a leisure activity enjoyed by many millions of people. Governments should not tell people what they can do with their own money. Those who don’t like gambling should be free to buy adverts warning people against it, but they should not be able to use the law to impose their own beliefs. Online gambling has got rid of the rules that in the past made it hard to gamble for pleasure and allowed many more ordinary people to enjoy a bet from time to time. It provides the freedom to gamble, whenever and wherever and with whatever method the individual prefers. personal freedom, gambling, leisure activity, government regulation, individual rights, advertising warnings, legal restrictions, online gambling, gambling laws, personal choice, gambling enjoyment, gambling accessibility, freedom of choice, gambling methods personal freedom, gambling, leisure activity, government regulation, individual rights, advertising warnings, legal restrictions, online gambling, gambling rules, gambling accessibility, personal choice personal freedom, gambling, leisure activity, government control, individual liberty, advertising warnings, legal restrictions, online gambling, regulations, personal choice, gambling enjoyment, betting, individual preferences, freedom of expression personal freedom, gambling, leisure activity, government regulation, individual rights, online gambling, advertising warnings, legal restrictions, personal choice, responsible gambling, gambling laws, remote betting, gambling accessibility, liberty, gambling enjoyment personal freedom, gambling, leisure activity, government regulation, individual rights, advertising warnings, legal restrictions, online gambling, gambling laws, personal choice, regulation, liberty, online betting, gambling enjoyment, personal autonomy
test-sport-otshwbe2uuyt-con01a	This is a sports event not a political event  Sport and politics are separate and should be kept separate. This is the position of the organisers “Uefa has no position and will not take any regarding the political situation in Ukraine, and will not interfere with internal government matters.” [1] Euro 2012 is a football tournament that is about entertainment and bringing nations together in a common love of a game in a non-political sphere. Even pro-democracy activists such as Vatali Klitschko are “against the politicization of sports”. [2] Politicization would be exactly what politicians are doing by engaging in cheap political stunts, such as a boycott, to promote their own human rights agendas.  [1] Scott, Matt, ‘Sports minister Hugh Robertson could boycott Ukraine during Euro 2012’, The Telegraph, 2 May 2012.  [2] Keating, Joshua, ‘European leaders consider Euro Cup boycott over Tymoshenko’, Passport Foreignpolicy.com, 1 May 2012. sports, politics, separation, UEFA, Ukraine, Euro 2012, football, entertainment, unity, non-political, advocacy, pro-democracy, politicization, boycott, human rights, events, organizing bodies sports, politics, separation, UEFA, Ukraine, Euro 2012, football, entertainment, unity, non-political, pro-democracy, Vatali Klitschko, politicization, political stunts, boycott, human rights, sports organizers, internal affairs, international event sports, politics, separation, UEFA, Ukraine, Euro 2012, football, entertainment, unity, non-political, pro-democracy, Vatali Klitschko, politicization, political stunts, boycott, human rights, international relations, sports diplomacy, political interference, organizers sports, politics, separation, UEFA, Ukraine, Euro 2012, football, entertainment, unity, non-political, pro-democracy, Vatali Klitschko, politicization, political stunts, boycott, human rights, sports events, organizers, internal government, conflicting interests sports, politics, separation, UEFA, Ukraine, Euro 2012, football, entertainment, unity, non-political, activism, politicization, boycott, human rights, international sports, political stunts
test-economy-fiahwpamu-pro03a	Ending poverty through entrepreneurialism  Introducing finance provides communities with access to startup capital. Access to financial capital is vital in several respects for initiating capitalism. Firstly, access to capital enables entrepreneurialism. The poor have business ideas that would benefit both themselves and their community they just require access to capital to invest in such ideas. The Initiative ‘Lend with Care’ is providing access to capital to empower entrepreneurs [1] .  Secondly, the cumulative effect of small-scale savings and borrowing, enabled through microfinance enables individuals, families and communities, to enter markets - of land and property. Being able to buy property and land can enable personal security, dignity, and increasing returns.  [1] See further readings: Lend with Care, 2013. poverty, entrepreneurialism, finance, startup capital, community development, access to capital, capitalism, microfinance, small-scale savings, borrowing, land, property, personal security, dignity, economic empowerment, microcredit, financial inclusion, community entrepreneurship, poverty alleviation, social impact poverty reduction, entrepreneurialism, microfinance, access to capital, startup capital, community development, small-scale savings, borrowing, land ownership, property acquisition, financial inclusion, empowerment, Dignity, Market entry, small business, economic growth, poverty alleviation poverty, entrepreneurialism, finance, startup capital, community, access to capital, capitalism, business ideas, microfinance, savings, borrowing, markets, land, property, personal security, dignity, returns, Lend with Care poverty, entrepreneurship, finance, startup capital, community development, financial access, microfinance, small-scale savings, borrowing, market entry, land, property, social security, dignity, economic empowerment poverty, entrepreneurialism, finance, startup capital, financial access, capitalism, microfinance, community development, small-scale savings, borrowing, land, property, economic empowerment, microcredit, financial inclusion, social entrepreneurship
test-free-speech-debate-ldhwprhs-pro02a	Because religion promotes certainty of belief, divinely inspired hatred is easy to use to justify and promote violent actions and discriminatory practices.  Free speech must come second when there is the potential for that speech to cause harm. The mantra of “With God on our side” has been used, and continues to be used, to justify massacre and barbarity throughout history. Although it is rarely the prelates and preachers who do the killing the certainty they promote gives surety to those who do.  The purpose of the Act [1] used in this particular case was an entirely practical one. It’s main role was to tidy up existing legislation on rioting and public disorder but one section recognised that homophobic and racist language do lead to violence. It is all well and good to talk of freedom of speech but the reality is that homophobic speeches, particularly those of a religious nature, may well lead to violence. For example in New York there were a series of homophobic attacks after anti-gay statements by republican politicians. [2] Preventing hate speech helps prevent that violence from occurring so justifying restrictions on freedom of speech.  [1] Legislation.gov.uk, ‘Public Order Act 1986’, The National Archives, 1986 c.64.  [2] Harris, Paul, ‘US shaken by sudden surge of violence against gay people’, The Observer, 17 October 2010 . religion, belief, divinely inspired hatred, violence, discrimination, free speech, harm, justification, history, massacres, barbarity, prelates, preachers, legislation, rioting, public disorder, homophobic language, racist language, violence prevention, anti-gay statements, hate speech, restrictions, public order religion, belief, hatred, violence, discrimination, free speech, harm, justification, massacres, barbarity, morality, legislation, rioting, public disorder, homophobia, racism, hate speech, anti-gay, violence prevention, restrictions, legal legislation religion, belief, hatred, violence, discrimination, free speech, harm, justification, massacre, barbarity, certainty, religious influence, legislation, public disorder, hate speech, homophobia, racism, anti-gay, violence prevention, legal restrictions, legislation, public order, hate crimes, political speeches religion, belief, hatred, violence, discrimination, free speech, harm, justification, massacre, barbarity, history, preachers, legislation, rioting, disorder, homophobia, racism, hate speech, violence prevention, restrictions, public order, legislation, anti-gay, political speech religion, belief, hatred, violence, discrimination, free speech, harm, justification, history, massacre, barbarity, preachers, legislation, rioting, public disorder, homophobia, racist language, violence prevention, hate speech, anti-gay statements, political speech, restrictions
test-politics-ypppgvhwmv-pro01a	Voting is a civic duty  Other civic duties also exist “which are recognised as necessary in order to live in a better, more cohesive, stable society” 1 like paying taxes, attending school, obeying road rules and, in some countries, military conscription and jury duty. All of these obligatory activities require far more time and effort than voting does, thus compulsory voting can be seen as constituting a much smaller intrusion of freedom than any of these other activities.  The right to vote in a democracy has been fought for throughout modern history . In the last century alone the soldiers of numerous wars and the suffragettes of many countries fought and died for enfranchisement. It is our duty to respect their sacrifice by voting.  1. Liberal Democrat Voice , 2006 voting, civic duty, civic responsibilities, societal stability, taxes, education, road rules, military conscription, jury duty, compulsory voting, freedom, democracy, suffrage, enfranchisement, civic participation, civic rights, societal duties, democratic rights voting, civic duty, civic responsibilities, societal stability, taxes, education, road rules, military conscription, jury duty, compulsory voting, freedom, democracy, enfranchisement, suffragettes, sacrifice, modern history voting, civic duty, civic responsibilities, societal cohesion, civic obligations, taxes, education, road rules, military conscription, jury duty, compulsory voting, freedom, democracy, suffrage, enfranchisement, civic participation voting, civic duty, civic responsibilities, societal cohesion, stability, taxes, education, road rules, military conscription, jury duty, obligatory activities, freedom, democracy, enfranchisement, suffragettes, sacrifices, modern history voting, civic duty, civic responsibilities, society, taxes, education, road rules, military conscription, jury duty, compulsory voting, freedom, democracy, enfranchisement, suffrage, modern history, sacrifices, democratic rights
test-international-ghwcitca-pro02a	States will monitor each other, and an international body could be set up  Once a treaty is set up to limit or eliminate cyber-attacks monitoring is unlikely to be a problem because states will be willing to monitor each other. States in order to defend themselves from cyber-attacks already monitor the cyber-attacks that occur – the United States for example already has several cyber defense forces. [1] If that is not enough then there are numerous private groups that will be monitoring cyber-attacks as most are made against corporate rather than government targets. For example private company Mandiant exposed a unit of the People’s Liberation Army for its cyber-attacks in February 2013. [2] Once a cyber-attack has been traced and evidence gathered if the appropriate domestic authorities won’t deal with the culprit then an independent international institution can decide on the punishment for the government that is not living up to its treaty commitments.  If there is a need for international monitoring rather than simply a dispute settlement mechanism then there are models available through current treaties; a UN organisation similar to the International Atomic Energy Agency or International Criminal Court could be set up that can investigate incidents when asked.  [1] US Department of Defense, ‘The Cyber Domain Security and Operations’   [2] Mandiant, ‘Exposing One of China’s Cyber Espionage Units’, mandiant.com, February 2013, cyber-attacks, international monitoring, treaty enforcement, cybersecurity, cyber defense forces, private cybersecurity groups, Mandiant, People's Liberation Army, cyber-espionage, international organization, dispute settlement, UN organization, International Atomic Energy Agency, International Criminal Court, cyber incident investigation cyber-security, international treaty, cyber-attacks, monitoring, international body, dispute settlement, cyber defense, private cybersecurity firms, Mandiant, People’s Liberation Army, evidence gathering, international institution, treaty commitments, UN organization, International Atomic Energy Agency, International Criminal Court, cyber espionage, cyber domain, defense forces cyber-attacks, international monitoring, treaty, cyber defense, private groups, Mandiant, cyber-espionage, UN organization, International Atomic Energy Agency, International Criminal Court, dispute settlement, cybersecurity, national security, cyber diplomacy, incident investigation cyber-attacks, international monitoring, treaties, cyber defense, private cybersecurity, Mandiant, People’s Liberation Army, evidence gathering, dispute settlement, international organization, UN, International Atomic Energy Agency, International Criminal Court, cyber espionage, cyber security, cybersecurity treaties, cyber conflict, cyber diplomacy, state sovereignty cyber-security, international treaty, cyber-attacks, monitoring, international body, cyber defense, private cyber groups, cyber espionage, evidence gathering, dispute resolution, international organization, UN, International Atomic Energy Agency, International Criminal Court, cyber-attack investigation, treaty enforcement
test-law-hrpepthwuto-con03a	If legal principles are abandoned then there is little point in defending the liberties that democratic governments say they are so keen to defend  If we accept that this is a war, then its focus is not so much political control of territory as the preservation of a way of life. It is ridiculous to fight to defend principles of equality and decency using the tool of abandoning them the moment they become inconvenient.  The forces of religious extremism wish to undo 1,400 years of democratic development. We should not assist them in that process by allowing the major powers of the West throw out the most basic principles of the rule of law. Such a move, ultimately, has the potential to be vastly more destructive than the actions of a few fanatics legal principles, democracy, liberties, rule of law, religious extremism, democratic development, political control, way of life, equality, decency, Western powers, fundamental rights, extremism, civil liberties, legal integrity legal principles, democratic liberties, rule of law, religious extremism, political control, preservation of way of life, equality, decency, democratic development, Western powers, fundamental rights, legal principles abandonment, extremism opposition, societal stability legal principles, liberties, democracy, war, political control, territory, way of life, equality, decency, religious extremism, democratic development, rule of law, Western powers, fundamental principles, extremism, destruction, rights, freedoms legal principles, democratic liberties, rule of law, political control, way of life, religious extremism, democratic development, Western powers, rule of law, principles of equality, decency, constitutional rights, social justice, legal abandonment, extremism countermeasures legal principles, democratic liberties, rule of law, religious extremism, democratic development, political control, war metaphor, preservation of lifestyle, equality, decency, Western powers, authoritarianism, human rights, political justice, fundamental principles
test-law-cpilhbishioe-pro02a	An ICC enforcement arm would be quicker  If international criminals are to be caught it needs to be clear that there is an organisation with the responsibility and authority to catch them. This is especially important when the criminal in question is able to slip across borders to avoid the national authorities in one state as Joseph Kony has done as the ICC would be able to cross borders itself and coordinate the response from multiple countries. The importance of an organisation that is able to catch international criminals can be highlighted by the experience of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia where despite a Memorandum of Understanding relating to the detention of war criminals in Bosnia NATO denied it had the power to make arrests so leading to patrols actively avoiding wanted men to avoid a situation in which they might have to engage in arrests. [1] A lack of clarity over whether an organisation can enforce its warrants for arrest results in arrests not being made. Ultimately the ICTY was successful because this situation was resolved with the creation of multinational police forces backed up with traditional NATO military power if necessary leading to the arrest of 126 individuals. [2]  [1] Zhou, Han-Ru, ‘The Enforcement of Arrest Warrants by International Forces From the ICTY to the ICC’, Journal of International Criminal Justice, Vol.4, 2006, pp.202-18,  pp214-6  [2] Ibid, p.203 ICC, enforcement, international criminals, organization, responsibility, authority, border-crossing, coordination, Kony, cross-border, multinational cooperation, International Criminal Tribunal, ICTY, Yugoslavia, arrest warrants, NATO, multinational police, military force, detention, war criminals, Bosnia ICC, enforcement, international criminals, border crossing, jurisdiction, organization, responsibility, authority, cross-border cooperation, Joseph Kony, International Criminal Tribunal, ICTY, warrants, arrests, multinational police, NATO, military power, detention, war criminals, Bosnia, enforcement challenges, arrest warrants, international justice, cooperation, extradition ICC, enforcement, international criminals, organization, authority, cross borders, coordination, Joseph Kony, International Criminal Tribunal, ICTY, NATO, arrests, warrants, multinational police, military power, enforcement arm, jurisdiction, operational clarity ICC, enforcement, international criminals, cross-border operations, jurisdiction, coordination, multinational police, arrest warrants, NATO, ICTY, Yugoslavia, war crimes, jurisdictional authority, international justice, law enforcement, multinational cooperation ICC, enforcement, international criminals, border-crossing, jurisdiction, organization, responsibility, authority, coordination, multinational police, arrest warrants, ICTY, Yugoslavia, NATO, military power, arrests, jurisdictional clarity, international law, extradition, cross-border cooperation
test-law-umtlilhotac-con03a	Broadcasting provides a public record  Unlike many other criminal trials, since Nuremberg a key principle of International Criminal Law is that it aims to set a historical record. The events that it deals with are important as they are heinous crimes that change regions forever. A trial helps to get to the bottom of events that happened preventing there being multiple conflicting versions of events. This record also can help to act as a deterrent to others considering similar measures.  Broadcasting the trial will bolster this record by providing footage of the trial itself (which may reduce myths about it being unfair, for example) and providing a voice to the victims through their evidence, in their own words, being recorded for posterity and future study. broadcasting, public record, criminal trials, Nuremberg, international criminal law, historical record, heinous crimes, regional impact, trial, event documentation, conflicting versions, deterrence, trial footage, fairness, victim evidence, posterity, future study broadcasting, public record, criminal trials, Nuremberg, international criminal law, historical record, heinous crimes, regional impact, legal transparency, trial footage, deterrence, victim testimony, recorded evidence, justice, fairness, myth reduction, posterity, legal documentation Broadcasting, Public Record, International Criminal Law, Nuremberg Trials, Historical Record, Heinous Crimes, Regional Impact, Trial Transparency, Conflicting Narratives, Deterrence, Trial Footage, Myth Busting, Victims' Testimony, Posterity, Criminal Justice, Legal Documentation, Evidence Recording, Trial Accessibility, Justice Transparency, Legal History broadcasting, public record, international criminal law, Nuremberg, historical record, criminal trials, heinous crimes, regional impact, conflict resolution, trial footage, deterrence, victim testimony, documentary evidence, legal transparency, justice, historical documentation, trial fairness, public awareness broadcasting, public record, criminal trials, Nuremberg, international criminal law, historical record, heinous crimes, regional impact, trial transparency, conflicting narratives, deterrence, trial footage, myths, fairness, victims' voices, evidence, posterity, future study
test-politics-eppghwgpi-con05a	Immunity creates a perverse incentive to hang on to their office as long as possible.  Prosecutorial immunity brings about a massive side-benefit to being in office. It is easy to get used to a life where minor indiscretions go regularly unpunished, as has happened with dignitaries holding diplomatic immunity. [1] Immunity from prosecution may spur a politician to seek reelection into their old age when they are significantly less effective at performing their duties. This is one reason why in the vast majority of democracies elected representatives, while far from poor, are not paid massive salaries; we don’t want people getting into politics for the wrong reasons.  [1] Uhlig, Mark A., ‘Court Won’t Bar Return of Boy in Abuse Case to Zimbabwe’, The New York Times, 1 January 1988,  [Accessed September 9, 2011] immunity, prosecutorial immunity, incentive, office tenure, political immunity, diplomatic immunity, accountability, political corruption, reelection, political effectiveness, democratic representation, politician behavior, political incentives, legal immunity, public service, political ethics, governance immunity, prosecutorial immunity, diplomatic immunity, political incentives, office holding, reelection, political corruption, democratic representation, political ethics, immunity abuses, legal protections, political tenure, accountability, misconduct, political stability immunity, prosecutorial immunity, office tenure, political incentives, diplomatic immunity, prosecution, reelection, political effectiveness, democracy, elected representatives, political motivation, salary, public service, legal immunity, misconduct, accountability, political tenure, immunity laws, judicial immunity, political ethics immunity, prosecutorial immunity, political immunity, diplomatic immunity, office tenure, reelection, political incentives, political accountability, democratic systems, politician behavior, public service ethics, legal protection, accountability, judicial immunity, political ethics, officeholder incentives immunity, prosecutorial immunity, political incentives, office tenure, diplomatic immunity, accountability, political corruption, reelection, democratic governance, politician behavior, immunity laws, public trust, legal protections, political motivation, office maintenance
test-politics-nlpdwhbusbuc-pro03a	Rejecting the Ban on Cluster Bombs Hurts the international image of the U.S.  The U.S. is one of the only remaining Western Liberal democracies to allow the U.S. of cluster bombs. The continued refusal of the U.S. to tow the same line as fellow liberal democracies makes it look bad internationally; especially considering that one of the main instigators behind the cluster bomb ban is the U.K. traditionally a great ally of the U.S. politically.  The U.S. is often seen as the greatest representative of Western liberal democracy as it is the most economically powerful. Part of this political clout however, comes from the continued cooperation of other Western Liberal democracies with the U.S. in failing to the sign the cluster bomb treaty despite pressure from other countries, the U.S. fails in this capacity and loses the support of the countries that it relies on to maintain its political status.  Moreover, given that the U.S. currently does not help with demining work, this further worsens relationships with other countries.6 cluster bombs, U.S. foreign policy, international image, Western liberal democracies, treaty, arms control, disarmament, U.K., alliance, diplomatic relations, military cooperation, demining, international reputation, global diplomacy, military ethics cluster bombs, U.S. foreign policy, international image, Western liberal democracies, disarmament, arms treaty, U.K., military cooperation, global security, international relations, demining, weapons ban, diplomatic relations, military ethics cluster bombs, U.S. foreign policy, international relations, Western liberal democracies, arms treaties, U.K., military cooperation, disarmament, global perception, demining, diplomatic relations, arms control, international image, treaty compliance, military ethics rejecting, ban, cluster bombs, international image, U.S., Western liberal democracies, treaty, cooperation, diplomatic relations, demining, foreign policy, international pressure, allies, political clout, global image, disarmament cluster bombs, U.S., international image, Western liberal democracies, ban, treaty, demining, international relations, foreign policy, alliance, diplomacy, military conventions, human rights, public opinion, international support, policy inconsistency
test-digital-freedoms-piidfaihbg-pro03a	Not censoring puts global pressure on China to change its free speech policies  Google’s decision to stop censoring was world news, and has put internet freedom on everyone’s agenda – even so much so, that U.S. Secretary of State mentioned internet companies ganging up to censor the Chinese corner of the internet specifically as a threat to freedom worldwide in a recent speech. [1] This helps to inform ordinary citizens of other countries who may not know about the ‘great firewall’ what the Chinese government is doing. By making a high-profile decision like this, and by engaging and informing the governments and publics of free and democratic countries like this, Google increases the public and political pressure on China to change its ways.  [1] Hillary Clinton, ‘Conference on Internet Freedom’, December 8, 2011. URL: censorship, internet freedom, China, free speech policies, Google, global pressure, censorship policies, world news, internet companies, Chinese internet, great firewall, government censorship, free democracies, public awareness, political pressure, Hillary Clinton, internet freedom conference censorship, global pressure, China, free speech, internet freedom, Google, censorship policy, world news, US Secretary of State, internet companies, Chinese internet, freedom worldwide, Great Firewall, Chinese government, high-profile decision, public awareness, democratic countries, political pressure, China change, internet censorship, international relations censorship,China,free speech,Google,Internet freedom,world news,U.S. Secretary of State,Internet companies,gaming up,censorship threat,global pressure,Chinese government,Great Firewall,public awareness,democratic countries,political pressure,freedom,government policies,Internet policy,international relations,worldwide censorship censorship, free speech, China, internet freedom, Google, world news, censorship policies, global pressure, great firewall, Chinese government, democracy, internet companies, free expression, Hillary Clinton, conference, Internet Freedom, international relations censorship, China, free speech policies, Google, internet freedom, censorship decision, world news, global pressure, U.S. Secretary of State, internet companies, Chinese internet, freedom worldwide, great firewall, Chinese government, high-profile decision, public awareness, democratic countries, political pressure, internet censorship, Hillary Clinton, internet freedom conference
test-economy-egecegphw-con02a	Expanding Heathrow would be at the expense of the environment  Expanding Heathrow will directly contribute to climate change and make it impossible for the UK to stay within the EU legal limits. The EU has established limits on the levels of harmful pollution and the UK has signed a commitment to reduce Green House Gases by 80% by 2050 and also to emit no more CO2 in 2050 than it did in 2005. However, building a third runway would be enabling and encouraging greater number of flights which would result in Heathrow becoming the biggest emitter of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the country. [1] Attempts by the government to weaken pollution laws by lobbying Brussels would enable the third runway but at a deeply nefarious price, that of human health, currently fifty deaths a year are linked to Heathrow but with expansion this would go up to 150. [2]  [1] Stewart, John, ‘A briefing on Heathrow from HACAN: June 2012’   [2] Wilcockm David, and Harrism Dominic, ‘Heathrow third runway ‘would triple pollution deaths’’, The Independent, 13 October 2012, Heathrow expansion, environment, climate change, EU limits, pollution, greenhouse gases, CO2 emissions, third runway, air travel, carbon footprint, global warming, EU regulations, UK climate commitments, Heathrow emissions, environmental impact, pollution deaths, lobbying, human health, Heathrow pollution, aviation emissions, Heathrow expansion debate Heathrow expansion, environmental impact, climate change, EU legal limits, pollution, Greenhouse Gases, CO2 emissions, third runway, aviation emissions, carbon footprint, UK climate commitments, EU pollution standards, Heathrow environmental concerns, pollution laws, health impacts, pollution deaths, Heathrow third runway, atmospheric pollution, lobbying Brussels, emissions targets, carbon dioxide, aviation pollution, Heathrow airport, environmental policy Heathrow expansion, climate change, environment, EU legal limits, pollution, greenhouse gases, CO2 emissions, third runway, carbon dioxide, emissions, UK pollution laws, lobbying, human health, pollution deaths, Heathrow pollution, environmental impact, Heathrow airport, aviation emissions, carbon footprint Heathrow expansion, climate change, EU legal limits, pollution, greenhouse gases, CO2 emissions, UK environmental commitments, third runway, carbon emissions, Heathrow pollution, human health, pollution laws, Heathrow environmental impact, airport expansion, Heathrow emissions, Heathrow environmental concerns, Heathrow third runway, environmental policy, pollution deaths, airport pollution, Heathrow climate impact Heathrow expansion, environmental impact, climate change, EU legal limits, pollution levels, greenhouse gases, 2050 targets, CO2 emissions, third runway, air pollution, carbon footprint, legal regulations, health consequences, pollution deaths, lobbying, environmental policy, Heathrow emissions, EU commitments, air quality, environmental law
test-international-aghbfcpspr-pro04a	Reparations would effectively right the economic imbalance caused by colonialism.  Given that much of the motive for colonisation was economic, many former colonies have suffered damage to their natural resources [1] or human resources, [2] which has left them less able to sustain a healthy economy. Colonists targeted countries with rich natural resources and little ability to defend themselves from invasion and manipulation. By this method, they could supply their own markets with the natural resources which they had already exploited at home [3] , and find cheap (or free) human labour for their markets [4] . Given that powerful countries such as Britain [5] and France [6] gained their own economic prosperity through the exploitation of the economic potential of the colonies, it is entirely appropriate and logical that they should pay reparations as compensation. In this way, the economic disparity between former colonies and colonists would be equalised.  [1] Accessed from  on12/09/11  [2] Accessed from  on 12/09/11  [3] Accessed from  12/09/11  [4] Accessed from  on 12/09/11  [5] Accessed from  on 12/09/11  [6] ‘The Haitian Revolution and its Effects’. Patrick E. Bryan. Accessed from  on 12/09/11. reparations, colonialism, economic imbalance, natural resources, human resources, colonisation, exploitation, economic disparity, former colonies, colonists, Britain, France, reparations justification, economic prosperity, development compensation, resource depletion, colonial exploitation, post-colonial justice, economic disparity reduction reparations, colonialism, economic imbalance, natural resources, human resources, colonization, exploitation, colonist, economic prosperity, disparity, former colonies, colonizers, compensation, resource depletion, labor exploitation, economic recovery, colonial legacy, economic justice Reparations, colonialism, economic imbalance, natural resources, human resources, exploitation, colonization, colonists, economic prosperity, colonized nations, wealth redistribution, colonial exploitation, post-colonial justice, economic disparity, reparative justice, historical injustice, colonial legacy, resource extraction, economic reparations, global inequality, colonial history Reparations, colonialism, economic imbalance, natural resources, human resources, colonisation, exploitation, economic disparity, former colonies, colonial powers, Britain, France, economic prosperity, resource exploitation, labor, compensation, reparations discussion reparations, colonialism, economic imbalance, natural resources, human resources, colonization, exploitation, economic disparity, former colonies, colonists, wealth redistribution, colonial exploitation, resource depletion, labor exploitation, historical justice, post-colonial reparations, economic inequality, colonial legacy, reparations debate, colonial history
test-philosophy-apessghwba-pro05a	Would send a positive social message, increasing animal welfare rights more generally in society  Most countries have laws restricting the ways in which animals can be treated. These would ordinarily prohibit treating animals in the manner that animal research laboratories claim is necessary for their research. Thus legal exceptions such as the 1986 Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act in the UK exist to protect these organisations, from what would otherwise be a criminal offense. This creates a clear moral tension, as one group within society is able to inflect what to any other group would be illegal suffering and cruelty toward animals. If states are serious about persuading people against cock fighting, dancing bears, and the simple maltreatment of pets and farm animals, then such goals would be enhanced by a more consistent legal position about the treatment of animals by everyone in society. animal welfare, animal rights, legal protection, animal research, scientific procedures, moral tension, animal cruelty, animal law, legislation, societal attitudes, animal treatment, animal abuse, ethical considerations, legal exceptions, 1986 Animals Act, pet welfare, farm animal treatment, cultural practices, welfare laws, animal protection, society norms animal welfare, animal rights, societal messages, legal protections, animal research ethics, legal exceptions, moral tension, animal cruelty laws, animal research regulation, ethical treatment, animal protection laws, societal attitudes, animal rights advocacy, animal cruelty prevention animal welfare, animal rights, social message, legal restrictions, animal research, scientific procedures, moral tension, animal cruelty, legal exceptions, animal protection laws, society, animal treatment, ethical considerations, animal legislation, public awareness animal welfare, animal rights, animal legislation, animal research, ethical treatment, legal exceptions, moral tension, animal cruelty, animal protection laws, 1986 Animals Act, criminal offenses, societal attitudes, animal cruelty laws, cultural practices, animal research ethics, public awareness, animal abuse prevention animal welfare, animal rights, legal protections, animal research, scientific procedures act, ethical considerations, animal cruelty, moral tension, legal exceptions, societal attitudes, animal treatment laws, public awareness, animal advocacy, animal cruelty laws, society norms
test-politics-cpegiepgh-pro03a	"Amid all the Euroscepticism (sic) and xenophobic scaremongering so typical of the British tabloids, Britain forgets the advantage of cheaper goods would come with her entry into the European single currency.  There will be initial conversion costs and inflation, but this will be short lived. If Britain accepts the Euro, “There will be far more powerful forces – price transparency and economies of scale in a massive single market – that will continuously push the price of British goods down to European levels [resulting in] massive savings.”1. The end of cheaper goods justifies the means of attaining them.  1Browne, A., 2001, ""The Euro: Should Britain Join"", Page 91 Euro, British tabloids, Euroscepticism, xenophobia, currency, cheaper goods, European single currency, conversion costs, inflation, price transparency, economies of scale, single market, British goods, price reduction, market integration, savings, economic benefits Euroscepticism, xenophobia, British tabloids, trade, cheaper goods, European single currency, conversion costs, inflation, price transparency, economies of scale, European market, savings, UK Euro entry, economic benefits, currency integration Euroscepticism, xenophobia, British tabloids, cheaper goods, European single currency, Euro, conversion costs, inflation, price transparency, economies of scale, single market, British goods, price savings, Britain's entry, European levels Euro, British tabloids, Euroscepticism, xenophobia, currency conversion, inflation, price transparency, economies of scale, single market, British goods, price reduction, cost savings, European Union, currency entry, economic benefits Euroscepticism, xenophobia, British tabloids, British goods, European single currency, Euro adoption, conversion costs, inflation, price transparency, economies of scale, European market, price reduction, cost savings, Euro benefits"
test-digital-freedoms-piidfiphwu-con03a	The graduated response is a violation of the basic right to due process  Detection of copyright infringement isn’t usually done by a detective sitting behind a computer. It relies on software like automated crawlers and fingerprinting, often created by commercial vendors and hired by the copyright holders. This software automatically sends detected infringements to the ISP, without someone actually checking if this allegation is correct. This means many consumers can be unjustly accused of copyright infringement.  Moreover, most graduated response policies proposed require no judicial intervention at all for the sanction to be invoked. This means private organisations get to decide who has committed a crime and deserves the punishment. The ISPs and copyright holders therefore act as accuser, prosecution, judge and executioner. On top of this if a consumer would go to court, he would also face a reversal of the burden of proof: since he is suing against being fined, he has to prove that he is not guilty, a reversal of the presumption of innocence. [1]  [1] Peter K. Yu, ‘The Graduated Response’. 2010. Florida Law Review, Volume 62. Available for download (PDF) at: graduated response, copyright infringement, due process, automated crawlers, fingerprinting, software detection, commercial vendors, copyright holders, ISP, allegations, consumer rights, judicial intervention, private organizations, sanctions, prosecution, burden of proof, presumption of innocence, legal rights, violation, digital rights, copyright law graduated response, due process, copyright infringement detection, automated crawlers, fingerprinting, commercial vendors, ISP, infringement detection software, judicial intervention, private organizations, punishment, ISPs, copyright holders, accusation, prosecution, judgment, sentencing, reversal of burden of proof, presumption of innocence, unjust accusations, legal rights graduated response, due process, copyright infringement, automated crawlers, fingerprinting, commercial vendors, copyright holders, ISP, automated detection, unjust accusations, judicial intervention, private organizations, ISPs, copyright holders, prosecution, judge, executioner, burden of proof, presumption of innocence, legal rights, digital copyright, enforcement policies graduated response, due process, copyright infringement, automated crawlers, fingerprinting, commercial vendors, copyright holders, software detection, ISP notifications, unjust accusations, judicial intervention, private organizations, ISP, copyright holder, legal rights, burden of proof, presumption of innocence, digital rights, infringement detection, legal issues graduated response, due process, copyright infringement, automated crawlers, fingerprinting, software detection, copyright holders, ISPs, private enforcement, judicial intervention, sanction, private organizations, accusations, prosecution, judgment, punishment, burden of proof, presumption of innocence, legal rights, digital rights, copyright law
test-culture-tlhrilsfhwr-con03a	Universal rights and collective compromises  Cultural relativism is the philosophical belief that all cultures and cultural beliefs are of equal value and that right and wrong are relative and dependant on cultural contexts. Accordingly, relativists hold that universal human rights cannot exist, as there are no truly universal human values. If rights are relative, the laws that protect them must also be relative.  If we accept proposition’s contention that culturally relative values can evolve in response to conflicts and crises, then any perverse or destructive behaviour given the force of ritual and regularity by a group’s conduct can be taken to be relative. If the group believes that a practice is right, if it ties into that group’s conception of what is just and good or beneficial to their survival, then there can be no counter argument against it – whether that practice has been continuous for a hundred years or a hundred days.  Systems of law, however, reflect the opinions, practices and values of everyone within a state’s territory, no matter how plural its population may be. Similarly, objections to specific aspects of the universal human rights doctrine are fragmentary, not collective. While a handful of communities in Yemen may object to a ban on the use of child soldiers, many more throughout the world would find this a sensible and morally valuable principle. It is necessary for both the international community and individual nation states to adjust their laws to reconcile the competing demands of plural value systems. Occasionally, a value common among a majority of cultures must overrule the objections of the minority.  It is perverse to give charismatic leaders who convince impoverished communities to send their sons and daughters into combat an opportunity to use cultural relativism to excuse their culpability for what would otherwise be a war crime. Officers, politicians or dissident commanders are much more likely than Yemeni tribesmen or orphaned Sudanese boys to understand the intricacies of such a defence, and much more likely to abuse it. The commanders of child soldiers are the only class of individuals who should fear the ICC. universal rights, cultural relativism, cultural values, human rights, relativism, legal systems, societal norms, moral relativism, cultural practices, law, pluralism, minority rights, majority rule, war crimes, child soldiers, international law, ICC, human dignity, cultural conflicts, moral debates Universal rights, cultural relativism, cultural beliefs, moral relativism, human rights, legal systems, pluralism, cultural norms, ethical conflicts, minority rights, majority rule, international law, law conflicts, war crimes, child soldiers, ICC, moral values, societal norms, cultural evolution, legal relativism, human dignity universal rights, cultural relativism, cultural values, moral relativism, human rights, cultural context, legal systems, pluralism, conflicting values, traditional practices, law, morality, universal principles, minority rights, majority rule, international law, war crimes, child soldiers, ICC, moral debate, cultural diversity Universal rights, cultural relativism, cultural beliefs, moral relativism, human rights, legal systems, cultural practices, morality, legal pluralism, cultural conflicts, human values, social norms, minority rights, majority rule, war crimes, child soldiers, international law, ICC, cultural diversity, moral debates universal rights, cultural relativism, cultural values, human rights, legal systems, moral relativism, cultural practices, pluralism, conflict, tradition, sovereignty, law, ethics, morality, minority rights, majority rule, international law, human dignity, justice, war crimes, child soldiers, accountability, ICC
test-economy-thhghwhwift-con01a	A fat tax infringes on individual choice  Introducing such a tax would constitute an overstepping of the government’s authority. The role of government in a society should not expand further than providing basic services such as education, legal protection, i.e. only the services necessary for a society to function and for the individual’s rights to be protected.  Such a specific tax is completely uncalled for and very unreasonable in the context of a fair society with a government that knows its place in it.  Protecting the individual should go no further than the protection against the actions of a third person. For instance: we can all agree that governments should put measures in place to protect us from thieves, scammers, etc. But should it also protect us from frivolous spending? Limit us in the number of credit cards we can own? Tell us how we can invest our money?  Of course not. But what this tax does is exactly that – it is punishing the citizens for a specific choice they are making by artificially inflating its cost.  Thus it is clear that levying such a tax against a specific choice an individual should be able to legitimately make is a clear overstepping of the government’s authority. [1]  [1] Wilkinson, W., Tax the fat, not their food, published 7/26/2011,  , accessed 12/9/2011 fat tax, individual choice, government authority, societal role, basic services, education, legal protection, rights, fairness, personal responsibility, government overreach, civil liberties, personal freedoms, economic policy, taxation, public health, obesity, government intervention, individual rights fat tax, individual choice, government authority, government role, basic services, society, rights, fairness, personal freedom, social responsibility, taxation, government overreach, personal spending, economic freedom, regulation, personal rights, government intervention, infringing rights, societal values, liberty, government limits fat tax, government authority, individual choice, personal freedom, societal role, basic services, legal protection, government intervention, fairness, personal responsibility, economic freedom, taxation, personal rights, government overreach, behavioral taxes, public health, personal autonomy, government limits, liberty, taxation policy fat tax, individual choice, government authority, minimal government, personal freedom, taxation, personal responsibility, government role, social policy, public health, economic freedom, fairness, government overreach, liberty, health policy, personal rights, social justice fat tax, individual choice, government authority, role of government, basic services, society, individual rights, unfair taxation, personal freedom, governmental overreach, regulation, personal responsibility, economic freedom, taxation policy, societal values
test-health-dhgsshbesbc-pro04a	Tackling HIV requires a responsible and active position by everyone  Businesses ought to take a responsible and active position on HIV. The issue isn’t going to go away. Successful programs designed to help HIV-positive employees remain in the workplace for as long as they want to do so should be developed. Procedures for treating personnel with fairness and dignity must be put in place. The potential fears and prejudices of other employees must be combated. The beginning of that process is ensuring they know about the problem and, crucially, the scale of it. Without knowledge of the numbers involved, employers may put in place inadequate medical and pensions arrangements that will ultimately prove inadequate. HIV, workplace, employee welfare, HIV awareness, HIV prevention, stigma, discrimination, HIV programs, healthcare policies, employee rights, confidentiality, HIV testing, workplace policies, social responsibility, employer duties, health education, HIV statistics, medical arrangements, pensions, workplace inclusion HIV, workplace, employee support, stigma, education, awareness, prevention, treatment, workplace policies, HIV-positive employees, confidentiality, diversity, inclusion, health programs, medical arrangements, pensions, employer responsibilities, training, prejudice, discrimination, HIV statistics, workplace health HIV, workplace, responsibility, employee support, HIV-positive, workplace policies, health programs, fairness, dignity, prejudice, awareness, education, HIV statistics, medical arrangements, pension plans, employee rights, stigma reduction HIV, workplace, employee support, HIV awareness, stigma reduction, medical treatment, pensions, HIV prevention, employer responsibilities, employee rights, HIV programs, workplace policies, health education, discrimination, HIV statistics HIV, workplace, employee support, HIV-positive employees, workplace programs, anti-discrimination, employee education, HIV awareness, health policies, medical arrangements, pensions, workplace fairness, stigma reduction, HIV prevention, employee rights
test-economy-beplcpdffe-con02a	Cant enforce an online gambling ban  Governments can’t actually do anything to enforce a ban on the world wide web. Domestic laws can only stop internet companies using servers and offices in their own country. They cannot stop their citizens going online to gamble using sites based elsewhere. Governments can try to block sites they disapprove of, but new ones will keep springing up and their citizens will find ways around the ban. So practically there is little the government can do to stop people gambling online. Despite it being illegal the American Gambling Association has found that 4% of Americans already engage in online gambling [11]. online gambling, enforcement, internet ban, government regulation, cross-border gambling, legal barriers, gambling sites, internet censorship, gambling addiction, online gambling statistics, cross-national laws, online betting, illegal gambling, gambling legislation online gambling, enforcement, government restrictions, international websites, online gambling ban, internet regulation, cross-border gambling, illegal gambling, internet censorship, gambling laws, online gambling statistics, American Gambling Association online gambling, enforcement, government ban, internet regulation, cross-border gambling, legal restrictions, online gambling sites, internet censorship, online gambling prevalence, gambling laws, borderless gambling, illegal online betting, gambling addiction, gambling statistics online gambling, enforcement, government regulation, international websites, legal restrictions, internet blocking, cross-border gambling, illegal online betting, online gambling prevalence, American Gambling Association online gambling, enforcement challenges, internet regulation, cross-border gambling, legal restrictions, online gambling ban, jurisdiction issues, internet censorship, gambling laws, online betting, US gambling statistics, illegal online gambling, gambling sites, gambling behavior
test-law-cppshbcjsfm-con03a	How Would One Know a System of Rehabilitation Is Really Working  The question “does it work” must be joined by the second question: “even if it does work, how can you tell, with each individual offender, when it has worked?” How would we check if this system is really working? Tagging prisoners? Free counselling for the prisoner for the rest of their life? These measures would require huge administration costs and then the question follows would it even be feasible to enforce such a system?  The root of criminality exists before exposure to the prison system; otherwise criminals would have no reason to be there in the first place. What may be more sensible is to analyse the root causes of what makes criminals offend in the first instance and introduce reform to counteract it, for example the economic crisis. [1]  Some have cited the education system as failing to instil a sense of morality in people. Others suggest that a lack of welfare leads individuals to lose faith in society and therefore be unwilling to follow the law. Assuming that the right time to change people’s outlook on society is after they have offended is naïve – criminal urges are better ‘nipped in the bud’.  It could be argued that criminal mentalities are inherent within certain individuals, either due to their inborn psyche or their upbringing. If one accepts this, then basic rehabilitation into society is going to do little to stop re-offending, whereas incarceration will keep them in a position where they cannot offend. Allowing them easy passage back into the world, with minimal supervision, could provide a gateway for them to commit more serious crimes.  [1] Dodd, Vikram, ‘Police face years of public disorder, former Met chief warns’, guardian.co.uk, 6 December 2011. rehabilitation, system effectiveness, offender assessment, tagging, counseling, administration costs, feasibility, root causes, criminality, prison system, economic crisis, education, morality, welfare, societal outlook, criminal urges, inherent tendencies, upbringing, re-offending, incarceration, supervision, recidivism, societal reintegration rehabilitation, effectiveness, offender, assessment, metrics, cost, feasibility, root causes, criminality, prevention, education, morality, welfare, societal influence, criminal mentality, inherent traits, upbringing, recidivism, incarceration, re-offending, supervision, public disorder rehabilitation, effectiveness, offender, assessment, tagging, counseling, costs, feasibility, root causes, criminality, prevention, economic crisis, education, morality, welfare, societal influence, preemptive, criminal mentalities, innate traits, upbringing, integration, recidivism, incarceration, supervision, re-offending, crime prevention rehabilitation, effectiveness, offender tracking, prison tagging, lifelong counseling, administrative costs, system feasibility, root causes, criminality, economic factors, education, morality, welfare, societal trust, early intervention, criminal psychology, innate tendencies, upbringing, recidivism, incarceration, reintegration, supervision, re-offending, societal reform rehabilitation, effectiveness, recidivism, prisoner tagging, counseling, administrative costs, feasibility, root causes, criminality, economic crisis, education system, morality, welfare, law, criminal urges, innate criminality, upbringing, societal reintegration, re-offending, incarceration, supervision, relapse, criminal psychology, criminal justice
test-sport-otshwbe2uuyt-con02a	A boycott won’t help resolve the issues at question  European leaders need to consider whether their methods are likely to achieve the result they want. What Europe’s leaders want is first of all Yulia Timoshenko released and secondly improvements in Ukrainian human rights. Timoshenko is unlikely to be released as she has been convicted on charges of abuse of office and sentenced to seven years in prison; the best that could be hoped for is an improvement in her treatment. Similarly the result is not likely to be positive for human rights and democracy. There might be an improvement during the games while the eyes of the world are on Ukraine but long term there will be no impact unless Yanukovych is persuaded that improvements are in his benefit. This would require more concrete and long term actions than one off boycotts.  Past boycotts have demonstrated a lack of success in changing the situation on the ground. In the 1980 Olympics held in Moscow during the Cold War the USA boycotted in response to the 1979 invasion by the USSR of Afghanistan. The result was that the Soviet Union stayed in Afghanistan, won most medals in the Olympics and retaliated by boycotting the 1984 games held in Los Angeles. [1]  [1] Gera, Vanessa, ‘Boycott of Ukraine During Euro 2012 Carries Risk’, Associated Press, 11 May 2012. boycott, European leaders, Ukraine, Yulia Timoshenko, human rights, democracy, convictions, prison, treatment, long-term actions, Cold War, Olympics, USSR, Afghanistan, US boycott, 1980, 1984, international relations, sanctions, political impact, strategic interests boycott, European leaders, Ukraine, Yulia Timoshenko, human rights, democracy, prisoner release, political pressure, long-term strategies, international relations, Cold War, Olympic boycotts, USSR, Afghanistan, Iran, strategic sanctions boycott, European leaders, Ukraine, Yulia Timoshenko, human rights, democracy, political prisoners, international diplomacy, long-term strategy, short-term actions, Cold War, 1980 Moscow Olympics, USA boycott, Soviet Union, Afghanistan, 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, diplomatic impact, sanctions, international relations, geopolitical strategy boycott, European leaders, Ukraine, Yulia Timoshenko, human rights, democracy, prison, abuse of office, international relations, diplomacy, sanctions, political prisoners, long-term strategy, Cold War, Olympic boycotts, effectiveness, Ukraine crisis, Yanukovych, international pressure boycott, European leaders, Ukraine, Yulia Timoshenko, human rights, democracy, political prisoners, Ukraine crisis, international relations, diplomatic strategies, refugee treatment, sanctions, long-term solutions, Cold War, Olympic boycotts, Moscow Olympics, Los Angeles Olympics, geopolitical impact, foreign policy
test-economy-fiahwpamu-pro04a	Rebuilding agricultural systems  Africa is faced with an agrarian crisis. Microfinance is providing rural communities a chance to gain food security and reduce vulnerability to risks such as climate change, unstable demand, and political tensions. Microfinance supports small scale agriculture – which is more sustainable, effective for growth, and beneficial for communities than larger scale agriculture. In Zimbabwe, small scale farming has the capability to improve production, benefiting households, communities, and the Nation (IRIN, 2013; Morrison, 2012).  Kiva, a microfinance NGO, is providing affordable capital to remote communities. Loans have been provided to small-scale farmers and a rental system has been set-up enabling farmers to borrow tools and resources needed. agricultural systems, Africa, agrarian crisis, microfinance, rural communities, food security, climate change, vulnerability, political tensions, small-scale agriculture, sustainability, growth, communities, Zimbabwe, small-scale farming, production, households, nations, IRIN, Morrison, Kiva, microfinance NGO, affordable capital, remote communities, loans, small-scale farmers, rental system, tools, resources agricultural systems, Africa, agrarian crisis, microfinance, rural communities, food security, climate change, demand risk, political tension, small-scale agriculture, sustainability, growth, community benefit, Zimbabwe, small-scale farming, crop production, household benefit, community development, national growth, IRIN, Morrison, Kiva, microfinance NGO, affordable capital, remote communities, loans, small-scale farmers, rental system, tools, resources agricultural systems, Africa, agrarian crisis, microfinance, rural communities, food security, climate change, risk reduction, small-scale agriculture, sustainability, community development, Zimbabwe, smallholder farmers, production improvement, Kiva, microfinance NGO, affordable capital, loans, rental system, farming tools, remote communities agriculture, Africa, agrarian crisis, microfinance, rural communities, food security, climate change, demand instability, political tensions, small-scale agriculture, sustainability, growth, community benefits, Zimbabwe, small-scale farming, production, households, communities, nation, IRIN, Morrison, Kiva, microfinance NGO, affordable capital, remote communities, farmer loans, rental system, tools, resources agricultural systems, Africa, agrarian crisis, microfinance, rural communities, food security, vulnerability, climate change, demand instability, political tensions, small-scale agriculture, sustainability, growth, community benefits, Zimbabwe, small-scale farming, production, households, communities, nation, Kiva, NGO, affordable capital, remote communities, loans, rental system, tools, resources
test-politics-ypppgvhwmv-pro02a	Compulsory voting broadens representation of disadvantaged groups  Voter apathy is highest among the poorest and most excluded sectors of society. As the Institute for Public Policy Research highlight, “the higher the income a citizen enjoys, and the higher the educational qualifications attained, the more likely it is that he or she will turn out to vote”. Since they do not vote, the political parties do not create policies for their needs, which leads to a vicious circle of increasing isolation. By making the most disenfranchised vote the major political parties are forced to take notice of them and this would reduce political polarisation 1. An example of this is in the UK where the Labour party abandoned its core supporters to pursue ‘middle England’. Political parties are drawn towards those groups to whom favourable policies will be rewarded in the form of vote. Compulsory voting ensures that all stakeholders in society are proportionally considered in governmental policy.  1 William Galston, 'Mandatory Voting Would Loosen Partisan Gridlock' US News and World Report, July 8th 2010 compulsory voting, political representation, disadvantaged groups, voter apathy, low-income voters, educational attainment, political exclusion, voter turnout, policy inclusivity, political polarisation, disenfranchisement, voter behaviour, UK politics, Labour party, voter engagement, electoral participation, inclusivity in politics, voter turnout increase, voter mobilization, electoral reform compulsory voting, disadvantaged groups, voter apathy, low-income voters, educational attainment, political representation, voter turnout, political polarization, disenfranchisement, policy development, voter inclusion, voter turnout, political parties, voter behavior, voter engagement, electoral reform, voter participation, social inequality, voter turnout disparity, UK politics, Labour party, voter influence, democratic participation compulsory voting, electoral participation, disadvantaged groups, voter apathy, political representation, socioeconomic disparities, voting behavior, political polarization, voter turnout, policy inclusivity, marginalized communities, voter engagement, political motivation, electoral reform, voting laws compulsory voting, disadvantaged groups, voter apathy, income inequality, educational attainment, political inclusivity, electoral participation, voter turnout, political polarization, disenfranchisement, representation, policy-making, voter turnout, electoral reform, voter engagement compulsory voting, representation, disadvantaged groups, voter apathy, socio-economic inequality, political participation, political polarization, voter turnout, disenfranchisement, electoral reform, political engagement, voting behavior, policy inclusivity, voter suppression, social equity, electoral policies, political parties, voter turnout disparity, marginalization
test-international-ghwcitca-pro03a	The use of the internet undermines the state by demonopolizing the use of force  Ever since the state rose to ascendancy over powerful internal actors, such as the nobility in a feudal system, the state has had a monopoly on the use of force. The state quickly became the only institution with the resources to maintain military forces and has become the only legitimate wielder of force. The internet however changes this. Cyber-attacks are often by individuals or groups who can carry out a cross border attack without the aid of their home country.  In 2011 CIA director Leon Panetta told Congress “when it comes to national security, I think this represents the battleground for the future. I've often said that I think the potential for the next Pearl Harbor could very well be a cyber-attack.” [1] If cyber-attacks are so important it stands to reason that the groups who are able to engage in such activities should be as limited as possible. While it is not always possible states try to make sure that the weapons of war for the most part remain in the hands of responsible actors. This should apply as much in cyberspace as elsewhere. While terrorist groups do exist – and are occasionally armed by states – for the most part they are seen by every government as being illegitimate.  [1] Serrano, Richard A., ‘U.S. intelligence officials concerned about cyber attack’, Los Angeles Times, 11 February 2011, internet, state, monopoly, use of force, cyber-attack, sovereignty, national security, cyber warfare, non-state actors, legitimacy, terrorism, cross-border attack, cyber security, powerm dynamics, digital warfare, state sovereignty, cyber threat, military force, cyber diplomacy internet, state, monopoly, use of force, cyber-attacks, sovereignty, national security, cyber warfare, non-state actors, terrorist groups, legitimacy, cross-border attacks, cyber security, military resources, power dynamics, cyber threats, international relations, emerging warfare internet, state, monopoly, use of force, cyber-attacks, sovereignty, national security, cybersecurity, non-state actors, terrorism, cyber warfare, cross-border attacks, legitimacy, military power, cyber threats, digital sovereignty, cyber security policy internet, state, monopoly of force, sovereignty, cyber-attacks, cyber warfare, actors, non-state, terrorism, national security, cyber-security, cybersecurity, cross-border attacks, digital warfare, cyber threat, military, legitimacy, power dynamics, sovereignty erosion, digital insurgency internet, state, monopoly, use of force, cyber-attacks, sovereignty, digital warfare, national security, cyberspace, power, legitimacy, non-state actors, cyber security, military, terrorism, cross-border attacks, threats, governance, digital sovereignty, asymmetric warfare
test-law-hrpepthwuto-con02a	Introducing the use of violence into the justice system means that liberties that have taken centuries to secure are lost  The principle that all people are presumed innocent and, as a result, should not be abused either physically or mentally by officers of the state is one that took centuries- not to mention a great deal of blood and sweat- to establish. In the words of British Chief Justice Phillips this respect for human rights is, in and of itself, “a vital part in the fight against terror”, as if terrorism is to be defeated states that ascribe to such principles must show that they remain true to them in order to win the ideological battle.  Using torture on suspected terrorist would be to tear apart that basic principle in response to crimes, which, it has been noted, are on nothing like the scale of the industrialised warfare of the twentieth century, would be a massively damaging step. Regardless of the scale of the crime the individual must have protections against false accusation and punishment, this means that a fair trial is necessary in order to determine innocence or guilt. violence, justice system, liberties, human rights, presumption of innocence, abuse, state officers, Chief Justice Phillips, fight against terror, terrorism, torture, suspected terrorists, basic principles, crimes, industrialized warfare, protections, false accusations, fair trial, guilt, innocence violence, justice system, liberties, human rights, presumption of innocence, abuse, police brutality, torture, terrorism, human rights defense, legal principles, fair trial, false accusations, criminal justice, civil liberties, constitutional rights violence, justice system, liberties, human rights, presumed innocent, abuse, state officers, Chief Justice Phillips, fight against terror, terrorism, torture, suspected terrorists, basic principles, crimes, industrialized warfare, protections, false accusation, punishment, fair trial, innocence, guilt violence, justice system, liberties, human rights, presumption of innocence, abuse, state officials, torture, terrorism, legal principles, fair trial, legal protections, human dignity, civil liberties, rule of law, counter-terrorism, ethical considerations, due process, international law, civil rights violence, justice system, liberties, human rights, presumption of innocence, abuse, state officers, torture, terrorism, ideology, protections, fair trial, false accusations, punishment, legal principles
test-free-speech-debate-ldhwprhs-pro03a	Ill-informed prejudice has no place in society. The veneer of religion has been used to justify hatred, prejudice and division and should be confronted.  Homophobia is the last respectable prejudice [1] and should be tackled with the same passion and force that others have been, and continue to be, confronted. If the speaker had been condemning black people or women they would have been arrested for public disorder if they represented an organisation that was overtly racist, it would be quite likely to be banned.  For some reason Churches that hold views on homosexuality that are comparable in their vitriol to those on race held by neo-Nazi groups are not only tolerated but frequently supported by the state.  Hatred is hatred and there is no reason why homophobia should be given a free pass that would not be given to racism or sexism.  All of the Abrahamic faiths have, at their core, an authority focussed on maintaining ‘the natural order’. From the fourteenth century on – although interestingly less so before that point – homosexuality has been singled out as one of the gravest of sins [2] , with the Catechism identifying it as one of four sins that “calls out to Heaven for vengeance”. That is not merely offensive but dangerous in a modern society.  [1] Maguire, Daniel C., ‘Heterosexism in Contemporary World Religion’, The Religious Consultation.  [2] Boswell, John, The Marriage of Likeness, Harper Collins, Chapter Eight. prejudice, society, religion, hatred, division, homophobia, racism, sexism, Churches, neo-Nazi, tolerance, state, hatred, Abrahamic faiths, natural order, homosexuality, sins, Catechism, vengeance, discrimination, social justice, religious authority, moral values prejudice, society, religion, hatred, division, homophobia, racism, sexism, churches, neo-Nazi, state support, natural order, Abrahamic faiths, sins, Catechism, vengeance, discrimination, intolerance, LGBTQ+, religious authority, moral values, social justice prejudice, society, religion, hatred, division, homophobia, racism, sexism, churches, neo-Nazi, intolerance, state support, Abrahamic faiths, natural order, homosexuality, sins, Catechism, vengeance, discrimination, free pass, social justice prejudice, society, religion, hatred, division, homophobia, discrimination, racism, sexism, churches, neo-Nazi, tolerance, state support, natural order, homosexuality, sins, Catechism, vengeance, religious authority, Abrahamic faiths, modern society prejudice, society, religion, hatred, division, homophobia, racism, sexism, churches, neo-Nazi, state support, hatred, natural order, homosexuality, sins, catechism, vengeance, modern society
test-education-ughbuesbf-con05a	State control of acceptance/curriculum criteria has negative effects  When the state has control of the purse strings, it wields a great deal of power over universities. In the case of Ireland, for example, the government has so much influence over higher education that it altered the governing structures of the major universities in 2000 through legislation and has representation on the Boards of each university. This degree of control is negative to the academic independence of universities.1 Universities operate best when they are independent of outside control and agendas. For the sake of free scholarship, free university education should not be instituted.  1 Government of Ireland. 1997. “Universities Act, 1997”. Available: state control, university governance, academic independence, curriculum criteria, government influence, higher education, Ireland, legislation, university boards, autonomy, academic freedom, curriculum regulation, educational policy, university legislation, governance structures state control, curriculum criteria, academic independence, university governance, government influence, legislation, university autonomy, higher education policy, financial dependency, university boards state control, curriculum criteria, university independence, government influence, higher education, Ireland, university governance, academic freedom, legislation, university autonomy, public funding, university boards, educational policy, free scholarship, university autonomy, government legislation state control, curriculum criteria, government influence, university independence, academic freedom, higher education, Ireland, legislation, university governance, funding, autonomy, educational policy, university boards, academic autonomy state control, university independence, curriculum criteria, government influence, higher education, Ireland, university governance, legislation, academic independence, funding, university autonomy, education policy, external influence, university boards, legislation impacts
test-politics-eppghwgpi-con04a	Immunity for politicians hurts the image of their office  Far from the worst PR for an office being that a holder of it is on trial, the worst possible public perception of a political institution is that it is wracked with corruption, with it not even theoretically possible to hold its members to account. Prosecuting politicians makes it clear that their office is not a den of impunity, and in the wake of a scandal, restoring public confidence in politicians to come. The public wants their politicians to be accountable and granting immunity harms accountability by denying an option. political immunity, public trust, political accountability, corruption, reputation, political scandals, legal accountability, political office, impunity, public perception immunity, politicians, public perception, corruption, accountability, political office, PR, scandal, public trust, prosecution, impunity, political institution, legal accountability politicians, immunity, public perception, political office, corruption, accountability, prosecution, public trust, political scandal, impunity, political accountability, public confidence, political institution, criminal justice, political integrity politicians, immunity, public perception, political accountability, corruption, trial, public confidence, political office, impunity, scandal, governance, political integrity politicians, immunity, public perception, political office, corruption, accountability, prosecutors, public trust, political scandals, impunity, political institution, legal consequences, political accountability, public confidence
test-health-dhgsshbesbc-pro03a	It’s in the interests of co-workers  It’s in the interests of other workers. The possibility of transmission, while very unlikely, is real and one they have a right to know about so as to be able to guard against it. While most of the time it will not be problem as transmission requires a transfer of bodily fluids this may occasionally happen in a workplace. [1] This is particularly true of healthworkers (e.g. doctors, nurses, dentists, midwives, paramedics, etc) who should have both a moral and a legal obligation to disclose if they are HIV-positive. Even outside the medical field industrial accidents may expose employees to risk. Employers have a duty to protect their workforce.  [1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ‘HIV Transmission’, Department of Health and Human Services, HIV, transmission, workplace, health workers, disclosure, legal obligation, risk, occupational safety, bodily fluids, CDC, health and safety, infection control, employee rights HIV, transmission, workplace, health workers, medical personnel, occupational risk, disclosure, confidentiality, duty of care, CDC, infection control, bodily fluids, legal obligation, health and safety, workplace safety, industrial accidents HIV, transmission, workplace, health workers, disclosure, risk, occupational safety, legal obligation, health hazards, disease prevention, CDC, Department of Health, worker safety, bodily fluids, industrial accidents, employee protection HIV, transmission, workplace, health workers, disclosure, legal obligation, bodily fluids, occupational risk, industrial accidents, employee safety, CDC, health and human services HIV, transmission, health workers, medical professionals, workplace safety, bodily fluids, disclosure, legal obligation, employer duty, infection control, occupational health, risk prevention, CDC, Department of Health and Human Services
test-law-cpilhbishioe-pro01a	An ICC enforcement is a necessity if there is to be international criminal justice  The remit of the ICC is unlike the remit of any national court. It deals exclusively in crimes so unacceptable there is an international consensus behind their illegality and the need for prosecutions. The parties that signed up to the Rome Statute’s reason for the creation of the ICC was “that such grave crimes threaten the peace, security and well-being of the world” the perpetrators of such crimes clearly need to be brought to book, and to do that they need to be apprehended. The same agreement said the signatories were “Resolved to guarantee lasting respect for and the enforcement of international justice” if this is the case then there should be agreement on enabling that enforcement by creating an ICC enforcement arm. Again the Rome statute makes clear that the agreement “shall not be taken as authorizing” intervention by another state. This is why the enforcement needs to be done by a separate international force who could not be considered a threat to any state. [1] Quite simply there is little point in international criminal justice if there is no force to bring the criminals to the court.  [1] ‘Preamble’ Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, 1 July 2002, ICC, international criminal justice, enforcement, Rome Statute, crimes, international consensus, prosecutions, apprehension, enforcement arm, international force, sovereignty, legal jurisdiction, international law, criminal accountability, international cooperation, enforcement mechanism ICC, international criminal justice, enforcement, Rome Statute, crimes, international consensus, prosecution, apprehension, international force, enforcement arm, sovereignty, international law, justice, crimes against peace, security, well-being, global enforcement, international cooperation ICC, international criminal justice, enforcement, Rome Statute, international crimes, prosecution, signatories, international consensus, grave crimes, peace security, perpetrators, apprehension, enforcement arm, international force, sovereignty, intervention, international law, criminal accountability International Criminal Court, ICC, enforcement, international criminal justice, Rome Statute, crimes, international consensus, prosecutions, international law, justice, enforcement arm, international force, sovereignty, international cooperation, crimes against humanity, war crimes, peace, security, prosecution, arrest, international law enforcement, international system International Criminal Court, ICC, enforcement, international justice, Rome Statute, international crimes, international consensus, prosecution, apprehension, international law, international force, sovereignty, global security, international cooperation, criminal accountability
test-environment-assgbatj-con05a	Research animals are well treated  Animals used in research generally don’t suffer. While they may be in pain, they are generally given pain killers, and when they are put down this is done humanely. [16] They are looked after, as healthy animals mean better experimental results. These animals live better lives than they would in the wild.  As long as animals are treated well there shouldn’t be a moral objection to animal research. This is exactly the same as with raising animals that will be used for meat. animal research, animal welfare, humane treatment, animal suffering, pain management, ethical treatment, laboratory animals, animal rights, research ethics, animal care, animal treatment, research animals, humane euthanasia, laboratory research, animal wellbeing animal research, animal welfare, humane treatment, pain management, ethical research, laboratory animals, animal rights, animal suffering, animal care, research ethics, animal confinement, invasive procedures, animal testing, ethical dilemmas, animal husbandry animal welfare, research animals, humane treatment, pain management, ethical animal research, animal care, laboratory animals, animal suffering, animal rights, animal ethics, animal experimentation, animal cruelty prevention, animal husbandry, research ethics, humane euthanasia animal research, animal welfare, humane treatment, pain management, ethical research, laboratory animals, animal suffering, animal care, experimental animals, animal ethics, animal cruelty, research animal housing, animal welfare standards, research ethics animal welfare, research animals, humane treatment, pain management, ethical animal research, animal pain relief, animal husbandry, laboratory animals, animal experimentation, ethical considerations, animal pain mitigation, animal care standards, research ethics, animal suffering, animal rights
test-digital-freedoms-aihbiahr-con01a	Human rights are dependent upon the state  There is clearly not universal or even widespread acceptance of the idea that internet access should be a human right. Human rights are dependent upon the state, the desires of the community, and that depends upon the state’s socio economic context. [1] The internet cannot therefore be considered a universal human right because not all states are advanced enough to take responsibility for this right.  International law is based upon several sources; state practice, customary law, treaties and judicial decisions. [2] None of these sources yet recognise internet access as a human right, indeed if state practice is taken as deciding if human rights exist then the whole concept of human rights is open to question. [3]  [1] Turkin, G., Theory of International Law, 1974, p.81  [2] Shaw, Malcolm N., International Law 4th ed., Cambridge University press, 1997, Chapter 3.  [3] Watson, J.S., Legal theory, efficacy and validity in the development of human rights norms in international law, University of Illinois law forum, 1979, p.609 human rights, internet access, universal rights, state sovereignty, socio-economic context, international law, state practice, customary law, treaties, judicial decisions, legal recognition, human rights norms, legal theory, international norms human rights, internet access, universal human rights, state sovereignty, socio economic context, international law, state practice, customary law, treaties, judicial decisions, recognition, legal sources, human rights norms human rights, state, internet access, universal human right, socio-economic context, international law, state practice, customary law, treaties, judicial decisions, recognition, legality, international norms, development, legal theory human rights, state sovereignty, internet access, digital rights, universal human rights, international law, customary law, treaties, judicial decisions, socio-economic context, state practice, legal recognition, human rights norms, international law sources human rights, state dependency, internet access, universal human right, international law, state practice, customary law, treaties, judicial decisions, recognition, socio-economic context, legal sources, legal theory, human rights norms
test-religion-yercfrggms-con01a	In the absence of positive evidence for the existence of God the rational position is agnosticism, not atheism:  In a situation where there is an absence of either positive evidence for a claim or definite negative evidence for it, the natural response is not rejection of the claim, but rather skepticism and admission of lack of knowledge one way or the other. [1] In the case of religion and God, this position is agnosticism. Humans are fallible organisms, and thus all statements about truth and about the Universe must be qualified by some degree of doubt. Positively rejecting the existence of God, as atheism does, ignores this requisite doubt even though it cannot prove that there is no God. Rather, in the absence of evidence for or against the existence of God, the most the atheist can say honestly is that he does not know. The claims of atheism are positive ones and thus require evidence; an atheist position is thus faith-based in the same way a theist one is.  [1] Hume, David. 1748. An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding. New York: Oxford University Press (2008). agnosticism, atheism, evidence, evidence-based belief, doubt, skepticism, faith, Hume, human understanding, religious claims, belief systems, philosophy of religion, scientific inquiry, fallibility, knowledge, universe, theism, atheistic position agnosticism, atheism, belief, doubt, evidence, faith, knowledge, skepticism, religion, God, truth, philosophy, Hume, absence of evidence, negative evidence, positive evidence, certainty, fallibility, claim, universe agnosticism, atheism, evidence, doubt, belief, God, religion, fallibility, skepticism, knowledge, claims, universe, proof, false dichotomy, evidentialism, epistemology, philosophy, Hume agnosticism, atheism, evidence, belief, doubt, faith, knowledge, skepticism, fallibility, claims, religion, God, existence, negative evidence, positive evidence, proving, certainty, epistemology, philosophy, Hume, inquiry agnosticism, atheism, evidence, belief, faith, skepticism, knowledge, doubt, religion, God, existence, nonexistence, Hume, David, philosophy, theology, argument, fallibility, truth, Universe
test-international-aghbfcpspr-pro03a	There is already a precedent for paying reparations to such states.  In the past, dominating global powers have paid reparations and compensation for historical wrongs. For example, Germany pays an annual amount of money to Israel to recognise wrongs committed against Jews during the Holocaust, and to recognise the theft of Jewish property at this time [1] . These reparations have helped Israeli infrastructure enormously, providing ‘railways and telephones, dock installations and irrigation plants, whole areas of industry and agriculture’ [2] and contributing to Israeli economic security. Japan also paid reparations to Korea after World War II as the Koreans were ‘deprived of their nation and their identity’ [4] . Britain has paid compensation to the New Zealand Maoris for the damage done during colonial times and the seizure of their land [5] , and Iraq pays compensation to Kuwait for damage done during the invasion and occupation of 1990-91 [6] . There is little reason why other nations should not be paid for the grievances caused to them by domination countries. There is support for the notion that colonial powers should pay for free universal education in Africa [7] ; this would be an entirely appropriate and desirable measure.  [1] 'Holocaust Restitution: German Reparations', Jewish Virtual Library, accessed 16/1/2014,   [2] 'Holocaust Restitution: German Reparations', Jewish Virtual Library, accessed 16/1/2014,   [4] Accessed from  on 12/09/11  [5] Accessed from  on 12/09/11  [6] Accessed from  on 12/09/11  [7] Accessed from  on 12/09/11 reparations, compensation, historical wrongs, global powers, Germany, Israel, Holocaust, Jewish property, infrastructure, economic security, Japan, Korea, post-WWII, colonial restitution, New Zealand Maoris, land seizure, Iraq, Kuwait, invasion, occupation, grievances, colonial powers, education, Africa, reparations support reparations, compensation, historical wrongs, domination countries, Germany, Israel, Holocaust, Jewish property, Japan, Korea, World War II, Britain, New Zealand Maoris, colonial times, Iraq, Kuwait, invasion, occupation, grievances, colonial powers, universal education, Africa reparations, compensation, historical wrongs, colonial reparations, Germany, Israel, Holocaust, Jewish property, infrastructure, economic security, Japan, Korea, World War II, British, Maori, land seizure, Iraq, Kuwait, invasion, occupation, colonial powers, education, Africa reparations, compensation, historical wrongs, global powers, Germany, Israel, Holocaust, Jewish property, infrastructure, Israeli economy, Japan, Korea, World War II, colonialism, Maori, land seizure, Iraq, Kuwait, invasion, occupation, grievances, colonial powers, universal education, Africa, restitution, reparative justice reparations, compensation, historical wrongs, Holocaust, Jewish property, Israeli infrastructure, Japan, Korea, World War II, colonial times, New Zealand Maoris, land seizure, Iraq, Kuwait, invasion, occupation, colonial powers, universal education, Africa, reparations history, restitution, foreign aid, international justice
test-politics-nlpdwhbusbuc-pro02a	Cluster Bombs Are Inconsistent With International Law  The international legal system is dependent on being robust and transparent in order for it to be respected by countries and states that accept it. The refusal by the U.S. to ban cluster bombs prevents the international community from doing the same within international law as the U.S. has enough political power that should it choose to ignore the law, the law itself is considered to be irrelevant.  In failing to ban cluster bombs the U.S. maintains an inconsistency within international law. Since dud cluster bombs effectively act as land mines for all intents and purposes, they are well hidden and cause indiscriminate damage, the fact that they aren’t banned is inconsistent with existing bans on land mines already. This inconsistency within international law makes the international legal system seem less credible, owing to contradictions as well as illustrating its weakness to the influence of the U.S. This makes it more difficult for countries to enforce the rules of the international legal system, such as preventing human rights violations because fewer countries will accept international law as being legitimate and will not agree to subject themselves to those rules.5 cluster bombs, international law, international legal system, transparency, credibility, legal inconsistency, U.S. policy, land mines, human rights violations, global security, disarmament, international community, legal enforcement, political power, diplomatic relations cluster bombs, international law, legality, inconsistency, U.S. policy, prohibition, land mines, international legal system, credibility, enforcement, human rights, political power, legality violations, international community, transparency, legitimacy, compliance cluster bombs, international law, international legal system, transparency, enforcement, credibility, land mines, human rights, U.S. policy, global security, legal inconsistencies, international community, legality, legitimacy, political power cluster bombs, international law, legal system, inconsistency, legitimacy, U.S. policy, land mines, humanitarian law, disarmament, international community, enforcement, credibility, violations, international treaties, transparency, political power, landmine ban, human rights cluster bombs, international law, legal system, U.S. policy, treaty violations, disarmament, land mines, humanitarian law, conflict, weapons regulation, international credibility, sovereignty, enforcement challenges, human rights violations, global security, military ethics
test-economy-egecegphw-con03a	The economic case for expansion does not add up  A study conducted by the NEF revealed that the cost of expansion will outweigh the benefits by at least £5billion. [1] London has six airports and seven runways meaning that London already has the best connections globally. Together, London airports have a greater number of flights to the world’s main business destinations than other European cities, despite serving less ‘leisure’ destinations than Paris’s airports. [2] The solution to making air travel efficient lies in increasing the size of planes and filling them up rather than running half empty flights on small planes, something which is particularly prevalent on short haul flights. Short haul flights could also be re-directed to alternative airports such as Gatwick, City airport, Luton and Stansted so as to free up more space at Heathrow.  The expansion case also assumes ever increasing numbers flying, yet passenger numbers dropped for the first time in the wake of the recession, [3] and eventually technology may reduce demand for business travel. There are also other restrictions aside from runway capacity that prevents more flights, for example the UK has an agreement with China that restricts the UK to 62 flights to China per week. [4]  [1] New Economics Foundation, ‘A new approach to re-evaluating Runway 3’, 19 April 2010,   [2] Stewart, John, ‘No economic case for expansion’, November 2011,   [3] Rutherford, Tom, “Air transport statistics’, House of Commons Library, 4 July 2011, SN/SG/3760, p.4 www.parliament.uk/briefing-papers/SN03760.pdf  [4] HACAN, ‘BAA challenged on claim that it is lack of runway capacity at Heathrow that is limiting flights to China’, airportwatch, 14 November 2012, economic, expansion, NEF, costs, benefits, London airports, flight connectivity, European cities, leisure destinations, air travel efficiency, increasing plane size, filling planes, short haul flights, alternative airports, Gatwick, City airport, Luton, Stansted, Heathrow, passenger numbers, recession, technology, demand, business travel, runway capacity, restrictions, UK-China flights, air transport statistics economic, expansion, NEF, cost, benefits, London airports, flights, destinations, efficiency, plane size, flight fill, short haul, alternative airports, Heathrow, passenger numbers, recession, technology, demand, business travel, runway capacity, restrictions, China flights, air transport statistics, economic impact, airport congestion airports, Heathrow, expansion, economic, costs, benefits, NEF, London, flights, runways, connections, European cities, leisure destinations, short haul, airline capacity, aircraft size, fill rate, alternative airports, Gatwick, City, Luton, Stansted, passenger numbers, recession, demand, technology, business travel, restrictions, China flights, runway capacity, policy, aviation, environmental impact, infrastructure economic, expansion, NEF, costs, benefits, London airports, flights, connections, European cities, leisure destinations, aviation efficiency, plane size, fill rate, short haul flights, alternative airports, Heathrow, passenger demand, recession, technology, business travel, international restrictions, UK-China flights, runway capacity economic, expansion, NEF, costs, benefits, £5billion, London airports, flights, connections, European cities, leisure destinations, Paris, travel efficiency, aircraft size, flight occupancy, short haul flights, alternative airports, Gatwick, City airport, Luton, Stansted, Heathrow, passenger numbers, recession, technology, business travel, flight restrictions, UK-China agreement, runway capacity, flight limits, aviation policy, transportation economics
test-law-umtlilhotac-con02a	Open justice – crimes with large numbers of victims  The principle of open justice, including the right to a public trial [1] , is enshrined in many legal systems. The best show of commitment to open justice is to allow everyone to watch it, the best method of doing so is for the trial to be televised. This is all the more the case when the victims can't all be in court, either because of the numbers or because of the distance.  Television coverage will help bring the trial closer to the victims. International criminal trials regularly take place outside the location of the offences, either in The Netherlands such as the ICTY, ICC and Charles Taylor trial, or elsewhere, such as the ICTR sitting in Arusha, Tanzania. It would be helpful in terms of providing closure to the victims, who should be witnessing proceedings.  [1] See the 6th Amendment to the US Constitution, Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights open justice, victims, televised trials, public trial, legal systems, international criminal trials, ICTY, ICC, Charles Taylor trial, ICTR, Arusha, Tanzania, trial transparency, victims' closure, legal rights, European Convention on Human Rights, US Constitution open justice, public trial, televised trials, victims, courtroom access, international criminal trials, ICTY, ICC, Charles Taylor, ICTR, Arusha, Tanzania, legal systems, criminal justice, victim closure, human rights, 6th Amendment, European Convention on Human Rights open justice, public trial, televised trials, victims, massive crimes, courtroom transparency, international criminal justice, ICTY, ICC, ICTR, trial broadcasting, victim closure, legal rights, legal systems, human rights, court accessibility open justice, public trial, televised trial, victims' rights, international criminal trials, ICTY, ICC, ICTR, televised proceedings, victims' closure, legal systems, human rights, legal transparency, courtroom broadcasting, trial accessibility, international law open justice, public trial, televised trial, victims, large numbers of victims, legal systems, international criminal trials, ICTY, ICC, Charles Taylor trial, ICTR, Arusha, Tanzania, closure, witness proceedings, 6th Amendment, European Convention on Human Rights
test-philosophy-apessghwba-pro04a	Some groups of people have less capacity for suffering than most animals  It is possible to conceive of human persons almost totally lacking in a capacity for suffering, or indeed a capacity to develop and possess interests. Take for example a person in a persistent vegetative state, or a person born with the most severe of cognitive impairments.  We can take three possible stances toward such persons within this debate. Firstly we could experiment on animals, but not such persons. This would be a morally inconsistent and specieist stance to adopt, and as such unsatisfactory. We could be morally consistent, and experiment on both animals and such persons. Common morality suggests that it would be abhorrent to conduct potentially painful medical research on the severely disabled, and so this stance seems equally unsatisfactory. Finally we could maintain moral consistency and avoid experimenting on the disabled, by adopting the stance of experimenting on neither group, thus prohibiting experimentation upon animals. [1]  [1] Fox, M. A., “The Moral Community”, in La Follette (ed.), Ethics in Practice, (Malden, Mass; Oxford : Blackwell Pub, 2007) capacity for suffering, moral consistency, animal experimentation, disabled persons, morally inconsistent, speciesism, ethical debate, cognitive impairment, vegetative state, moral community capacity for suffering, humans, animals, persistent vegetative state, severe cognitive impairments, moral inconsistency, speciesism, medical experimentation, ethical debate, moral community, ethics, animal rights, disability ethics, research ethics, moral consistency, experimentation limitations capacity for suffering, humans, animals, moral consistency, experimentation, disabled persons, cognitive impairments, moral community, ethical debate, speciesism, medical research, moral implications capacity for suffering, moral consistency, speciesism, animal experimentation, disabled persons, ethical implications, medical research, cognitive impairments, moral debate, moral community capacity for suffering, moral consistency, speciesism, animal experimentation, disabled persons, cognitive impairments, moral community, ethical debate, medical research ethics, moral inconsistency, normative ethics
test-politics-cpegiepgh-pro04a	"Joining the Euro would reduce the cost of travel in Europe.  Before the arrival of the single currency, holiday makers would spend much money on preparing for the trip, before they had even bought a single souvenir or postcard; “travellers touring this fragmented continent could spend large amounts of their money simply changing it from one currency to another.”1 The loss incurred by currency conversion would be eliminated and accommodation abroad will also be cheaper and easier to book; “Joining the Euro will also make it cheaper to send money around Europe. Sending money to book a holiday cottage in another country with another currency can cost £40. Within Euroland, it would cost less than one Euro - much less than one pound.”2  1Browne, A., 2001, ""The Euro: Should Britain Join"". page 102  2Browne, A., 2001, ""The Euro: Should Britain Join"". page 103 Euro, currency, travel costs, Europe, single currency, currency exchange, currency conversion, travel preparations, holiday makers, souvenir, postcard, fragmented continent, travel expenses, accommodation abroad, booking, sending money, Euroland, currency conversion fees, cross-border travel, cost savings, financial transactions, currency abolition Euro, currency, travel, Europe, currency conversion, cost reduction, single currency, holiday, tourism, accommodation, money transfer, Euroland, currency exchange, travel expenses, cross-border payments Euro, currency, travel, Europe, cost reduction, single currency, currency exchange, travel expenses, holiday planning, cross-border payments, booking accommodation, currency conversion, Euroland, money transfer, cost savings, Britain, European Union Euro, European Union, currency union, single currency, travel costs, currency exchange, currency conversion, travel preparation, holiday expenses, international travel, accommodation costs, money transfer, intra-Euro transactions, Eurozone, economic integration, travel savings, currency simplification, economic benefits, cost reduction Euro, European Union, currency, travel costs, eurozone, currency exchange, cost reduction, financial transactions, travel expenses, vacation planning, currency conversion, accommodation costs, international money transfer, booking holidays, travel affordability, economic integration, European travel, monetary union"
test-international-glilpdwhsn-pro01a	"The New START treaty will make for a safer world.  Reducing US and Russian nuclear weapons stockpiles makes for a safer world, as Dr. David Gushee states: ""The issue on the table is a nuclear arms reduction and verification treaty between the United States and Russia. The treaty, called New START, would reduce Russian and American deployed nuclear weapons to 1,550 and delivery vehicles to 700 each. This would be a 33 percent reduction in the existing arsenals, which is worth achieving and celebrating even as we know that countless cities and millions of precious human beings could be destroyed by the use of even part of the remaining arsenals. Still, these reductions would be a great step on the way to a safer world, as would the re-establishment of bilateral, intrusive verification measures for both sides, also part of the treaty."" [1]  The world is simply a much less secure place without New Start, and not just because New START means there are physically fewer nuclear weapons and thus a lesser chance of nuclear disasters (although this in itself is compelling). Rather, New START also has immense symbolic value, in demonstrating that the two greatest powers have enough in common and are interested enough in their mutual security that they can agree to deduce nuclear weapons together. It shows that these nations regard each other as partners for world peace, not as enemies.  The alternative world, without New START, would be one in which the mutual suspicion and animosity of the Cold War might continue. It is notable that Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said in an interview released in early December 2010 that Russia might be forced to build up its nuclear forces against the West if the United States fails to ratify the New START treaty. [2] The threat of Russia, or even the US, resuming nuclear build-ups is a frightening thought for both nations, for the world and for peace.  On top of its other benefits, New START is key to opening Russian nuclear weapons up for verification, which contributes to trust and peace. As former Secretaries of State Kissinger, Shultz, Eagleburger, Baker and Powell argue “the agreement emphasizes verification, providing a valuable window into Russia's nuclear arsenal. Since the original START expired last December, Russia has not been required to provide notifications about changes in its strategic nuclear arsenal, and the United States has been unable to conduct on-site inspections. Each day, America's understanding of Russia's arsenal has been degraded, and resources have been diverted from national security tasks to try to fill the gaps. Our military planners increasingly lack the best possible insight into Russia's activity with its strategic nuclear arsenal, making it more difficult to carry out their nuclear deterrent mission.” [3] Therefore New START should be supported as it represents a positive step for peace and cooperation in the world.  [1] Gushee, Dr David P. ""Security, Sin and Nuclear Weapons: A Christian Plea for the New START Treaty"". Huffington Post. 4 December 2010.   [2] Abdullaev, Nabi. “Putin Issues Warning on New START”. The Moscow Times. 2 December 2010.   [3] Kissinger, Henry A. ; Shultz, George P. ; Baker III, James A’ ; Eagleburger , Lawrence S. ; and Powell, Colin L. ""The Republican case for ratifying New START"". Washington Post. 2 December 2010. new start, treaty, nuclear weapons, US, Russia, arms reduction, verification, nuclear arsenal, disarmament, bilateral agreements, mutual security, Cold War, nuclear build-up, trust, peace, non-proliferation, strategic stability, on-site inspections, nuclear deterrence, nuclear safety, international security, diplomacy, arms control, strategic arms reduction New START, nuclear arms reduction, verification, US, Russia, nuclear weapons, arms control, strategic arms treaty, nuclear arsenal, nuclear disarmament, Cold War, mutual security, trust, peace, bilateral agreement, nuclear build-up, nuclear deterrence, inspections, nuclear verification, international security, arms reduction treaty New START, nuclear arms reduction, US Russia, nuclear weapons, verification, disarmament, bilateral treaty, strategic stability, nuclear arsenal, inspection, mutual trust, Cold War, nuclear deterrence, global peace, military planning, arms control, nuclear security, international relations, diplomat, treaty ratification New START, treaty, nuclear weapons, US, Russia, disarmament, verification, arms reduction, strategic arsenal, nuclear deterrence, peace, mutual security, bilateral agreement, Cold War, nuclear buildup, trust, inspection, arms control, deterrent mission, strategic stability, international security, arms race, global security, diplomacy, military planning, nuclear arsenal, inspection measures, international cooperation New START, nuclear arms reduction, US Russia, nuclear weapons, verification measures, disarmament, nuclear arsenal, strategic arms treaty, Cold War, international security, trust, peace, nuclear disarmament, verification, inspections, arms control, bilateral agreement, mutual security, global stability, nuclear build-up, ratification, nuclear deterrence, arms reduction treaty, diplomatic negotiations"
test-law-ilppppghb-con01a	"What matters are individual democratic rights, not necessarily collective self-determination.  Simply being a minority in a nation should not be enough to claim the right to self-determination. As long as people have democratic rights, such as the right to protest, to lobby and to vote , they enjoy the same rights and protections as those of the majority community in that country; there should be no obligation on the state to go further in granting them self-determination. For example, during the Franco era in Spain, minority nationalities such as Basques and Catalans were for a long time discriminated against and excluded from real political power, and backed political parties that explicitly represented their community. As their position in society has improved, however, so the hold of identity-based politics has loosened, and the pull of secession has weakened1.  1 Macko, Kalyna: ""The Effect of Franco in the Basque Nation"", Salve Regina University, July 2011. democratic rights, collective self-determination, minority rights, voting rights, protest rights, lobbying rights, political power, identity politics, secession, discrimination, Franco era, Basques, Catalans, political representation, social integration democratic rights, collective self-determination, minority rights, political power, identity politics, secession, discrimination, Basques, Catalans, Franco era, political representation, societal integration democraticrights, individualrights, minorityrights, selfdetermination, collectiveautonomy, politicalpower, inclusion, discrimination, identitypolitics, secession, protections, voting, protest, lobbying, minoritycommunities, Basques, Catalans, Franco-era, politicalrepresentation, societalimprovement democratic rights, minority rights, self-determination, collective identity, political power, discrimination, secession, Basques, Catalans, Franco era, identity politics, political representation, social integration democratic rights, collective self-determination, minority rights, political power, discrimination, identity politics, secession, Basques, Catalans, Spain, Franco era, political representation, societal integration"
test-economy-epegiahsc-pro01a	Free trade is good for development and growth.  Free trade essentially removes barriers for companies to do business across countries and regions. This leads to competition between countries in those regions, and between companies and industries in those countries. It leads to the sharing of innovation, drives down the cost of production, and allows workers to move freely where their labour and skills are needed. This is good for all those involved in the transaction. It is good for companies, because they have more resources and markets at their disposal, good for consumers, because competition between companies drives down prices and drives the innovation that improves products, and it is good for workers, because they have greater opportunities to find employment for their labour and skills [1] .  [1] DanBen-David, Håkan Nordström, LAlanWinters. “Trade, Income Disparity and Poverty”. World Trade Organization. 1999. free trade, development, economic growth, trade barriers, international commerce, regional markets, competition, innovation sharing, production costs, labor mobility, workforce, multinational companies, global markets, consumer benefits, price competition, product innovation, employment opportunities, income disparity, poverty reduction, World Trade Organization free trade, economic development, economic growth, trade barriers, international business, cross-border trade, global competition, innovation sharing, production costs, labor mobility, workforce opportunities, market expansion, consumer benefits, price reduction, product innovation, employment opportunities, income disparity, poverty reduction, WTO, international trade policy free trade, economic development, economic growth, trade barriers, cross-border business, international competition, innovation sharing, production costs, labor mobility, global markets, business resources, consumer prices, product innovation, employment opportunities, labor skills, income disparity, poverty reduction, World Trade Organization free trade, economic development, economic growth, trade barriers, international trade, global commerce, market competition, innovation sharing, production costs, labor mobility, workforce opportunities, consumer benefits, price competition, product innovation, employment opportunities, globalization, economic integration, trade policy, income disparity, poverty reduction, WTO free trade, development, economic growth, trade barriers, cross-border business, regional competition, innovation sharing, production costs, labor mobility, job opportunities, market expansion, consumer benefits, price reduction, product innovation, employment opportunities, global trade, international markets, economic integration
test-environment-chbwtlgcc-pro03a	Failure to reach global accord  The Kyoto Protocol failed to reduce global GHG emissions and in the midst of an economic crisis, world leaders were unable to even agree to a replacement treaty when it expired. There is no meaningful global emissions reduction treaty ready for ratification and no reason to be optimistic that one is forthcoming. The developing world believes it has a legitimate right to expand economically without emissions caps because the rich world is responsible for the vast majority of emissions over the last 200 years and per capita emissions in developing countries are still far lower than in the developed world. As such, developing countries will only agree to a global accord that pays for their emissions reductions/abatement. However, the developed world is unwilling to transfer wealth in exchange for a right to emit, particularly at a time when so many have large budget deficits 1. Given that the growth of annual emissions is being driven by developing countries, many developed countries (like the US) believe that any treaty that does not include developing countries (particularly China) would be fruitless.  1. The Economist, 'A bad climate for development', 17th September 2009. Kyoto Protocol, global GHG emissions, international climate negotiations, emissions reduction, climate change treaties, economic crisis, developing countries, developed countries, emissions rights, climate finance, emissions caps, global accord, climate agreement, climate policy, emission abatement, wealth transfer, per capita emissions, US, China, climate diplomacy Kyoto Protocol, global emissions, greenhouse gases, international climate agreements, economic crisis, treaty negotiations, emissions reduction, ratification, developing countries, developed countries, income inequality, per capita emissions, climate justice, emissions caps, wealth transfer, global warming, climate policy, United States, China, economic growth, climate negotiations Kyoto Protocol, global greenhouse gas emissions, international climate agreements, economic crisis, emissions reduction, treaty negotiations, developing countries, developed countries, emissions caps, economic growth, emissions blame, wealth transfer, climate finance, per capita emissions, US, China, global warming, international cooperation, climate policy, climate diplomacy, emissions growth Kyoto Protocol, global GHG emissions, international climate agreements, economic crisis, emission reduction treaties, ratification, global emissions, developing countries, climate justice, emissions caps, economic growth, developed world, per capita emissions, wealth transfer, emissions abatement, US climate policy, China emissions, global climate negotiations, treaty effectiveness, climate change commitments Kyoto Protocol, global greenhouse gas emissions, international climate agreements, economic crisis, treaty negotiations, emissions reduction, global treaty, ratification, developing countries, economic growth, emissions caps, responsibility, historical emissions, per capita emissions, wealth transfer, climate justice, developed countries, developing countries, emissions abatement, US climate policy, China emissions, global cooperation, climate change negotiations
test-international-ehbfe-pro04a	The federal model has proved to be a success previously  The success of federal states elsewhere in providing peace and prosperity for their citizens, alongside democratic safeguards, point to the advantages of pursuing this model in Europe. The USA, Australia and Canada provide standards of living for their citizens which most Europeans would envy, while federal India is the best example of a long-term democratic success in the developing world.  The application of the principles of federalism to the European social and environmental policy s the key to European success. The creation of the single market meant that much national regulation of social and environmental issues ceased to be effective: only a European approach at the same level as the regulation of business would be able to work. Otherwise, companies might simply transfer from one member state with a great deal of regulation in these areas to another member state with less. If what economists call “externalities” were not to go unaddressed altogether, European social and environmental policies became necessary. Therefore only federal unity can bring EU states closer together in order for them to work as successfully as others federal countries. federal model, success, peace, prosperity, democratic safeguards, European federalism, social policy, environmental policy, single market, regulation, externalities, economic integration, federal states, national regulation, European Union, member states, federal unity federal model, success, peace, prosperity, democratic safeguards, advantages, Europe, USA, Australia, Canada, standards of living, Europeans, federal India, democratic success, developing world, federalism, social policy, environmental policy, European success, single market, regulation, externalities, European approach, social issues, environmental issues, companies, member states, regulation transfer, externalities, federal unity, EU, federal countries federalism, success, peace, prosperity, democratic safeguards, advantages, Europe, USA, Australia, Canada, standards of living, long-term democracy, developing world, European social policy, environmental policy, single market, regulation, externalities, EU integration, federal unity federalism, success, peace, prosperity, democratic safeguards, European policies, single market, regulation, externalities, federal unity, EU integration, social policy, environmental policy, economic development, member states federalism, success, peace, prosperity, democracy, European integration, standards of living, social policy, environmental policy, single market, regulation, externalities, federal unity, European Union, member states, interstate cooperation
test-digital-freedoms-phwnaccpdt-con02a	The sort of information being kept and sold is legitimate for firms to utilize in this fashion  Personal information given to companies is dispersed into the public sphere in a limited fashion. Once placed into the hands of a firm it ceases to be any sort of absolutely protected private right (if it ever was), and is instead now within the sphere of the company with which the individual has opted to interact. It is the natural evolution of how people’s information informs the economic sphere. [1] With regard to selling that information on, it is clearly information the individual is willing to disclose in the realm of commerce so it should make little difference what commercial entity is in possession of the data, especially considering that the information is then only utilized to make their experience online more efficient and valuable. It is also important to consider the exact kinds of information conventionally revealed through the personal data mining efforts of firms. They rarely even access the true identity of the user, but rather make use of second-hand information gathered from search histories, cookies, etc. to generate a consumer profile the firm hopes reflects the preference map of the user. The individual's identity is not revealed in these most frequent cases and the information is usable through the impermeable intermediary of security settings, etc. Thus firms get information about users without ever being able to ascertain the actual identity of those individuals, protecting their individual privacy, if such is a concern. [2] For this reason it cannot be said that there is any true violation of privacy. All of these data-gathering efforts of companies reflect the continuation of firms’ age-old effort to better understand their clients in order to best cater to their desires.  [1] Acquisti, A. “The Economics of Personal Data and the Economics of Privacy”. OECD. 2010,   [2] Story, L. “AOL Brings Out the Penguins to Explain Ad Targeting”. New York Times. 3 September 2008, personal data, data privacy, information security, consumer profiling, online privacy, data mining, cookies, search history, user anonymity, privacy protection, data regulation, commercial information, data monetization, personal information management, privacy rights, data collection, digital identity, user profiling, privacy law, data protection personal information, data privacy, data security, data mining, consumer profiling, online privacy, cookies, search histories, anonymization, identity protection, privacy rights, commercial data use, data sales, privacy debate, information disclosure, user anonymity, privacy regulations, data collection methods, online behavior, targeted advertising personal data, privacy, data mining, consumer profiles, online security, user anonymity, data collection, targeted advertising, cookies, search history, confidentiality, information security, data protection, economic sphere, privacy rights, digital footprint, consumer behavior, data dissemination, data ownership, information ethics personal data, privacy, data mining, consumer profiles, information security, online privacy, data sale, user anonymity, cookies, search history, targeted advertising, identity protection, data protection, privacy violation, economic data, consumer behavior, online experience, data collection, privacy settings, data transparency, data economy, information disclosure, data confidentiality information, privacy, data collection, consumer data, personal data, data mining, online privacy, data security, consumer profiling, data protection, data sharing, privacy rights, digital privacy, targeted advertising, anonymization, identity protection, data economy, commercial data, user profiling, privacy legislation
test-politics-cpecfiepg-con03a	A Greek default would have a negative domino-effect on other Eurozone countries.  A Greek default will leave tremendous shockwaves across the Eurozone. Investors will instantly become wary of default in Portugal, Spain, Italy or Ireland, particularly given the sudden nature of the Greek default. Consequently, huge volumes of capital will flow out of these countries and into other more secure ones like Germany and the Netherlands. [1] This will, in turn, heighten speculation about the danger of default of other Eurozone nations. Speculation of default is particularly dangerous because it drives demand for government bonds down. This leads to the interest payments on government bonds rising which in turn raises the interest rates governments need to pay on their outstanding debt. The new, higher payments governments must make on their debt increases their budget deficit % GDP ratio, thus making it more likely that the country will actually default. We thus see how increased fears about the future of Italy, Portugal, Spain and Ireland that will arise from a Greek default, will cause big problems and will put even more strain on the ECB and primarily Germany in providing financial support.  [1] Kapoor, Sony, “Viewpoints: What if Greece exits euro?”, BBC News, 13 July 2012, Greek default, Eurozone, domino effect, financial shockwaves, investor sentiment, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Ireland, capital flight, safe haven, Germany, Netherlands, default speculation, government bonds, bond yields, interest rates, debt sustainability, budget deficit, GDP ratio, default risk, market panic, ECB support, financial stability, euro crisis Greek default, Eurozone crisis, domino effect, investor confidence, sovereign debt, government bonds, bond yields, interest rates, fiscal deficit, GDP ratio, financial contagion, bond market, capital flight, economic instability, ECB, European Central Bank, Germany, financial support, contagion risk, default risk, market speculation, euro currency, eurozone countries, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Ireland. Greek default, Eurozone, contagion, financial crisis, investor sentiment, capital flight, sovereign debt, bond yields, interest rates, budget deficit, default risk, economic stability, fiscal policy, ECB, European Central Bank, Germany, market volatility, financial support, Greece exit, Euro currency, economic repercussions Greek default, Eurozone, domino effect, financial shockwaves, investor sentiment, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Ireland, capital flight, secure countries, Germany, Netherlands, default rumors, bond demand, interest rates, government bonds, budget deficit, GDP ratio, debt sustainability, market panic, euro exit, ECB, financial support, sovereign risk, fiscal stability, Euro crisis, contagion, economic stability, government finances Greek default, Eurozone crisis, financial contagion, sovereign debt, banking system, investor confidence, bond yields, interest rates, government debt, fiscal policy, bailout, Eurozone stability, market volatility, capital flight, credit risk, economic shock, ECB, austerity measures, default risk, debt sustainability, fiscal deficit, IMF, financial support, currency risk
test-economy-eptpghdtre-con03a	“After three years, it is clear that President Obama’s budget-busting policies have not created jobs and have only added to our debt,”  The Obama administration has been profligate with taxpayers’ money, has failed to deal with the economic crisis and has increased the debt. His policies on health care show that he is more interested in controlling people’s lives than he is in encouraging enterprise and industry. It’s the same story that is always heard from Democrats; they say that they’re interested in encouraging business but instead all they really want to focus on is getting the government involved in as many areas of life as possible – especially in the running of the market. After three years in office Obama has done nothing to improve the life chances of the American people, growth and employment have stagnated, GDP growth has been under 1% per year while unemployment is up to 9.1% from 7.8%, [i] while regulation and taxation have blossomed.  [i] Kristol, William, ‘Weekly Standard: Obama No FDR ON Unemployment’, npr, 2 September 2011, Obama, budget policies, job creation, national debt, economic crisis, healthcare, government control, enterprise, industry, Democratic policies, government involvement, market regulation, economic stagnation, GDP growth, unemployment rate, taxation, regulation, fiscal policy Obama, presidency, policies, economy, debt, tax, government, regulation, healthcare, enterprise, industry, economic crisis, job creation, GDP, unemployment, growth, taxation, market regulation, Democratic policies, fiscal policy, government involvement Obama, budget policies, jobs, debt, taxpayers, economic crisis, healthcare, government control, enterprise, industry, Democratic policies, market regulation, employment, GDP growth, unemployment, taxation, regulation, economic stagnation Obama, Barack, policies, economy, debt, budget, jobs, unemployment, economic crisis, healthcare, government involvement, regulation, taxation, growth, GDP, industry, enterprise, market, Democrats, economic stagnation, fiscal policy, fiscal responsibility Obama, presidency, economic policies, job creation, national debt, government spending, economic crisis, healthcare, regulation, taxation, market intervention, economic growth, unemployment, GDP growth, Democrats, government involvement, enterprise, industry, economic stagnation
test-education-xeegshwfeu-pro01a	Equality of opportunity between richer and poorer children  State education in some areas of the UK is continuing to fail, despite increased investment. This will allow those pupils who are currently locked into sub-standard state education access to the private schools enjoyed by their more privileged peers (because you can spend the vouchers anywhere). Even if private school fees can only be subsidised by the voucher scheme, most private schools are charitable organisations that do not run a profit, and so in the vast majority of circumstances the voucher will make private schools accessible to poorer families. education inequality, opportunity gap, private schools, state education, voucher scheme, socio-economic disparity, UK education system, educational access, subsidised private schooling, social mobility, educational funding, inequality reduction, privileged vs disadvantaged, charitable schools equality, opportunity, wealth disparity, education access, state education, UK, investment, private schools, vouchers, subsidisation, charitable organisations, socioeconomic inequality, educational funding, social mobility educational opportunity, socioeconomic inequality, private schools, public education, educational vouchers, UK education system, school funding, educational access, social mobility, disadvantaged pupils, private school subsidies, charitable organizations, educational reform, equity in education educational inequality, opportunity gap, social mobility, private school vouchers, state education, UK education system, socio-economic disparities, subsidized private schooling, educational funding, equity in education, school funding, educational access, privilege, socioeconomic status, educational reform educational inequality, opportunity gap, socio-economic disparity, private schools, state education, UK education system, vouchers, educational funding, socio-economic barriers, private school subsidies, privileged students, disadvantaged pupils, education access, charitable organizations, educational reform
test-religion-msgfhwbamec-con03a	The state should not be allowed to intrude in such personal matters  Matters relating to how individuals conduct themselves in a private and consensual environment are arguably not the concern of the state. This extends to how people get married and within which tradition, religion or denomination. European states are increasingly allowing non-traditional marriages such as gay marriages [1] so not allowing arranged marriages for those who want them would be a perverse step backwards. Given that arranged marriages in themselves do not have any proven harms, and that, as it has already been asserted, the harmful side of arranged marriages, like forced marriages have already been outlawed, the state cannot keep regulating something with such an arbitrary and wide-ranging definition that includes so many consenting adults.  Were EU states to do this, the harm caused would risk infringing on the very rights of the people the proposition claims they are meant to be protecting in the first place.  [1] ‘Countries Where Gay Marriage Is Legal: Netherlands, Argentina & More, The Daily Beast, 9 May 2012, personal matters, state interference, privacy, consensual relationships, marriage rights, non-traditional marriages, gay marriage, arranged marriage, forced marriage, individual rights, legal regulation, EU laws, personal freedom, human rights, marriage traditions, social acceptance, legal reforms privacy, personal matters, state intervention, individual conduct, private environment, consensual relationships, marriage rights, traditional marriage, non-traditional marriage, gay marriage, legal recognition, societal norms, cultural traditions, religious influence, human rights, personal freedom, marriage legislation, forced marriage, voluntary marriage, EU laws, legal rights, marriage equality, social acceptance government, privacy, personal matters, individual rights, marriage, law, regulation, non-traditional marriage, gay marriage, same-sex marriage, arranged marriage, forced marriage, consent, civil liberties, human rights, EU, legal reforms, social traditions, religious freedom, marriage equality privacy, personal matters, state intervention, individual conduct, private environment, consensual behavior, marriage rights, religious tradition, non-traditional marriage, gay marriage, legal recognition, marriage equality, arranged marriages, forced marriages, legal regulation, individual rights, EU legislation, human rights, personal autonomy privacy, personal matters, state intervention, individual rights, consensual relationships, marriage laws, non-traditional marriages, gay marriage, same-sex marriage, religious freedom, cultural traditions, arranged marriages, forced marriages, legal regulation, EU legislation, human rights
test-environment-ehwsnwu-con03a	Nuclear waste should be reused to create more electricity.  There are new kinds of nuclear reactor such as ‘Integral Fast Reactors’, which can be powered by the waste from normal nuclear reactors (or from uranium the same as any other nuclear reactor). This means that the waste from other reactors or dismantled nuclear weapons could be used to power these new reactors. The Integral Fast Reactor extends the ability to produce energy roughly by a factor of 100. This would therefore be a very long term energy source. [1]  The waste at the end of the process is not nearly as much of a problem, as it is from current reactors. Because the IFR recycles the waste hundreds of times there is very much less waste remaining and what there is has a much shorter half-life, only tens of years rather than thousands. This makes storage for the remainder much more feasible, as there would be much less space required. [2]  [1] Till, Charles, ‘Nuclear Reaction Why DO Americans Fear Nuclear Power’, PBS,   [2] Monbiot, George, ‘We need to talk about Sellafield, and a nuclear solution that ticks all our boxes’, guardian.co.uk, 5 December 2011, nuclear waste, recycling, electricity, Integral Fast Reactors, IFR, nuclear reactors, uranium, waste reuse, nuclear weapons, energy production, long-term energy, waste management, waste half-life, nuclear fuel cycle, waste reduction, nuclear power, nuclear future, sustainable energy, nuclear reactor types, waste storage, nuclear safety nuclear waste, reuse, electricity, Integral Fast Reactors, fast reactors, nuclear fuel recycling, waste management, long-term energy, nuclear proliferation, waste half-life, nuclear storage, nuclear power, nuclear technology, nuclear weapons, fuel cycle, reactor efficiency, nuclear safety, energy sustainability, nuclear energy history, waste reduction, nuclear reactor types nuclear waste, reuse, electricity, Integral Fast Reactors, IFRA, fast breeder reactors, nuclear reactors, nuclear weapons, uranium, energy production, long-term energy, waste recycling, waste reduction, half-life, waste storage, nuclear power, nuclear energy, nuclear proliferation, waste management, renewable energy, nuclear technology, nuclear fuel cycle, environmental impact nuclear waste, recycling, Integral Fast Reactor, IFR, nuclear reactors, nuclear fuel, waste reuse, nuclear power, long-term energy, waste management, waste reduction, nuclear proliferation, nuclear dismantling, reactor technology, nuclear proliferation, nuclear safety, nuclear storage, waste half-life, nuclear energy, nuclear innovation nuclear waste, reprocessing, electricity, integral fast reactors, IFR, reactor fuel cycle, waste recycling, nuclear energy, nuclear proliferation, waste reduction, long-term energy, nuclear reactor technology, waste management, nuclear proliferation, nuclear weapons, waste half-life, radioactive waste, nuclear safety, sustainable energy, nuclear power, waste storage
test-economy-bepiehbesa-pro03a	It harms the economies of developing world  The current model of CAP results in major oversupply of food and beverages. In 2008 the stockpiles of cereals rising to 717 810 tons while the surplus of wine was about 2.3 million hectolitres. [1] This excess of supply is then often sold to developing countries for prices so low that the local producers cannot cope with them. The low prices of European food can be attributed to the higher efficiency of producing food because of use of advanced technologies as well as the CAP. Agriculture makes a small fraction of GDP in Europe, but in developing countries of Africa or Asia it is entirely different with large numbers dependent on much smaller plots of land. Hence, the consequences of CAP and high production in the EU can be the rise of unemployment and decline of self-sufficiency of these affected countries.  [1] Castle, Stephen, ‘EU’s butter mountain is back’, The New York Times, 2 February 2009, CAP, developing countries, food oversupply, agricultural surplus, cereal stockpiles, wine surplus, low food prices, European agriculture, advanced technologies, food efficiency, GDP, smallholder farmers, Africa, Asia, unemployment, self-sufficiency, EU food policies, agricultural exports, trade imbalance, market distortions, farm subsidies CAP, developing countries, food oversupply, food surplus, cereal stockpiles, wine surplus, low food prices, European agriculture, agricultural efficiency, advanced technologies, EU food exports, developing economies, African agriculture, Asian agriculture, unemployment, food self-sufficiency, trade imbalance, agricultural subsidies, EU food policy, global food security CAP, developing countries, food oversupply, global food surplus, cereal stockpiles, wine surplus, low food prices, European agriculture, advanced technology, agricultural efficiency, EU agriculture, developing economies, land size, unemployment, food self-sufficiency, food export, market distortion, international trade, food prices, African agriculture, Asian agriculture CAP, developing countries, food oversupply, European agriculture, food prices, agricultural subsidies, global food trade, stockpiles, cereals surplus, wine surplus, food security, agricultural efficiency, rural economies, unemployment, self-sufficiency, Africa, Asia, European Union agriculture, agricultural imports, food exports, trade imbalance, land dependence, technology in agriculture CAP, developing countries, food oversupply, food stockpiles, cereal surplus, wine surplus, low food prices, European agriculture, advanced farming technology, agriculture GDP, developing economies, Africa, Asia, land plots, unemployment, self-sufficiency, food imports, food dumping, EU agricultural policy
test-economy-egppphbcb-con01a	Socialism leads to a more humane equal society  The gap between poor and rich countries has never been as great as it is today, Warren Buffet's wealth was estimated to be a net worth of approximately US$62 billion in 20081, this while one in seven people on earth goes to bed hungry every night and 6.54 million children die of starvation and malnutrition every year2. The absurd inequality between people's wages is because of the capitalist system, since the capitalist's only aim is to generate profit there is no reason to keep anything other than a minimum wage for the workers. In a globalized world, rich countries can outsource industries to poorer countries where workers will not expect so high a wage. The lower the wages a capitalist can pay to the labourers, the more profit he can generate. A capitalist does not care whether his labourers' living standards are good, acceptable or bad (although he does want to maintain a level where the labourers will not die or rebel), as long as they deliver the work for the lowest wage possible3. Therefore a company CEO can gain an absurd amount of money since he will reap all the profit made from all the labourers in his company while the lowest worker in the hierarchy will only earn enough to survive. The ordinary worker does not have a free choice whether he wants to work or not since he is at such an inferior bargaining position that he has to accept the capitalist's offer in order to survive. According to socialism this inequality is atrocious, it can by no means be justifiable that an ordinary labourer who works equally as hard, or harder than a CEO should struggle for his survival while the CEO lives in unimaginable luxury. In socialism, production and wages are directed to human needs, there is consequently no need to maximise profit and thus this gross inequality would be evened.4  1 The World?s Billionaires: #1 Warren Buffett. (2008, March). Forbes.  2 Hunger. (2011). World Food Programme. Retrieved June 7, 2011  3 Engels, Frederick. (2005). The principles of Communism. Marxist Internet Archive. Retrieved June 7, 2011  4 Marx, K. (n.d.). Critique of the Gotha Programme: I. Marxist Internet Archive. socialism, income inequality, wealth disparity, capitalism, profit motive, wage gap, globalization, outsourcing, worker rights, living standards, poverty, hunger, malnutrition, social justice, wealth distribution, economic inequality, labor rights, minimum wage, CEO compensation, social system, human needs Socialism, inequality, wealth distribution, capitalism, wealth gap, poverty, hunger, malnutrition, wages, globalization, outsourcing, worker rights, profit motive, CEO income, labor conditions, social justice, human needs, economic disparity, class struggle, Marxism, communism, wealth redistribution socialism, inequality, wealth disparity, poverty, rich countries, poor countries, globalization, outsourcing, wages, labor rights, capitalism, profit motive, worker exploitation, living standards, wage gap, CEO income, worker bargaining power, survival wages, social equality, human needs, income redistribution, class struggle, economic justice, capitalism critique, Marxism, communism Socialism, inequality, wealth distribution, capitalism, profit motivation, globalization, outsourcing, wages, workers' rights, living standards, poverty, hunger, malnutrition, CEO earnings, worker bargaining power, social justice, human needs, wealth gap, income disparity, class struggle, economic system socialism, inequality, wealth gap, capitalism, profit, wage disparity, globalization, outsourcing, low wages, workers, living standards, CEO, income distribution, human needs, social justice, wealth redistribution, labour rights, economic inequality, class struggle, proletariat, bourgeoisie, fair wages, worker exploitation, economic justice
test-economy-fiahwpamu-pro05a	Microfinance and protection  Access to a small loan provides benefits for the poor’s ability to access high quality health care. A lack of access to banking facilities - loans and credit - may mean the poor are left excluded from health care services as these are usually not free. Microfinance institutions accept the irregularities of the poor’s income, so enabling health care to be affordable to the poor by providing access to finance. As Ofori-Adjei (2007) shows the integration of microfinance institutions within healthcare systems in Ghana is required to resolve the issue of inaccessibility. Ill health should not put a household into a state of poverty - microfinance provides this protection.  Microfinance schemes not only provide loans to access health care but are now integrating non-financial services, such as health education, within their finance schemes. microfinance, healthcare access, poor, small loans, credit, banking facilities, health services, affordability, health education, Ghana, financial inclusion, health protection, microfinance institutions, non-financial services, health system, income irregularities microfinance, health care access, poverty alleviation, small loans, financial inclusion, healthcare financing, microfinance institutions, health education, Ghana healthcare, social protection, financial services, health equity, healthcare affordability, health system integration, income irregularities microfinance, health care access, financial inclusion, poverty alleviation, small loans, credit access, healthcare financing, microfinance institutions, health education, Ghana, healthcare affordability, financial protection, health services, social protection, non-financial services microfinance, health care access, financial inclusion, small loans, poverty alleviation, healthcare financing, microfinance institutions, health education, Ghana, healthcare affordability, financial services, social protection, poverty prevention microfinance, healthcare, access, loans, credit, poor, health protection, financial inclusion, health services, microfinance institutions, Ghana, health education, poverty alleviation, healthcare systems, non-financial services
test-international-gmehbisrip1b-con02a	"Returning to the 1967 borders would make war more likely.  The Foreign Minister of Israel, Avigdor Lieberman, said in 2009: “A return to the pre-1967 lines, with a Palestinian state in Judea and Samaria, would bring the conflict into Israel's borders. Establishing a Palestinian state will not bring an end to the conflict.” [1] This is why the American ambassador to the UN at the time of the 1967 war pointed out that “Israel's prior frontiers had proved to be notably insecure”, and American President Lyndon Johnson, shortly after the war, declared that Israel's return to its former lines would be “not a prescription for peace but for renewed hostilities.” Johnson advocated new 'recognized boundaries' that would provide ""security against terror, destruction, and war.” [2] An Israel that withdrew completely to the 1967 borders would offer a very tempting target, since it would be a narrow country with no strategic depth whose main population centres and strategic infrastructure would be within tactical range of forces deployed along the commanding heights of the West Bank. This would hurt Israel's ability to deter future attacks and thus make conflict in the region even more likely. This ability of Israel to deter aggressors is particularly important not only due to the region's history of aggression against Israel, but also due to the unpredictable future events in the highly volatile Middle East. There is no way, for example, to guarantee that Iraq will not evolve into a radical Shi'ite state that is dependent on Iran and hostile to Israel (indeed, King Abdullah of Jordan has warned of a hostile Shi'ite axis that could include Iran, Iraq, and Syria), nor that a Jordan's Palestinian majority might seize power in the state (leaving Israel to defend itself against a Palestinian state that stretches from Iraq to Kalkilya), nor that in the future, militant Islamic elements will not succeed in gaining control of the Egyptian regime. [3]  Given its narrow geographical dimensions, a future attack launched from the pre-1967 borders against Israel's nine-mile-wide waist could easily split the country in two. Especially seeing as Islamic militants throughout the Middle East are unlikely to be reconciled to Israel even by a withdrawal to the 1967 borders, such a withdrawal therefore would actually make peace in the region less likely and encourage war against Israel. [4]  [1] Lazaroff, Tovah. “Lieberman warns against '67 borders”. Jerusalem Post. 27 November 2009.   [2] Levin, Kenneth. “Peace Now: A 30-Year Fraud”. FrontPageMag.com. 5 September 2008.   [3] Amidror, Maj.-Gen. (res.) Yaakov. “Israel's Requirement for Defensible Borders”. Defensible Borders for a Lasting Peace. 2005.   [4] El-Khodary, Taghreed and Bronner, Ethan. “Hamas Fights Over Gaza’s Islamist Identity”. New York Times. 5 September 2009. 1967 borders, Israel, Palestinian state, conflict, security, borders, region, Middle East, war, deterrence, aggression, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Palestine, Islamic militants, peace, negotiations 1967 borders, Israel, Palestinian state, Middle East, security, borders, conflict, war, region, deterrence, border security, strategic depth, violence, terrorism, fragile peace, military strategy, sovereignty, territorial disputes, Israeli policy, regional instability 1967 borders, Israel, Palestinian state, Judea, Samaria, conflict, security, borders, war, deterrence, Middle East, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Islamic militants, peace, hostilities, borders security, regional stability, strategic infrastructure, military range, territorial disputes 1967 borders, Israel, Palestinian state, Judea Samaria, conflict, security, borders, war, deterrence, Middle East, aggression, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Palestinian majority, militant Islamic, Egypt, peace, geographical dimensions, militants, retreat, strategy, warfare, borders security, regional instability 1967 borders, Israel, Palestinian state, Judea and Samaria, conflict, security, borders, war, deterrence, Middle East, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, radical Shi'ite, militant Islamic, regional stability, strategic depth, borders security, hostilities, Islamic militants, peace process, military strategy"
test-politics-cdmaggpdgdf-pro04a	Transparency prevents, or corrects, mistakes  Transparency is fundamental in making sure that mistakes don’t happen, or when they do that they are found and corrected quickly with appropriate accountability. This applies as much, if not more, to the security apparatus than other walks of life. In security mistakes are much more likely to be a matter of life and death than in most other walks of life. They are also likely to be costly; something the military and national security apparatus is particularly known for. [1] An audit of the Pentagon in 2011 found that the US Department of Defense wasted $70 billion over two years. [2] This kind of waste can only be corrected if it is found out about, and for that transparency is necessary.  [1] Schneier, Bruce, ‘Transparency and Accountability Don’t Hurt Security – They’re Crucial to It’, The Atlantic, 8 May 2012  [2] Schweizer, Peter, ‘Crony Capitalism Creeps Into the Defense Budget’, The Daily Beast, 22 May 2012 transparency, accountability, security, mistakes, error correction, security apparatus, military, national security, Pentagon, defense budget, waste, audit, Bruce Schneier, Bruce Schneier transparency, Bruce Schneier accountability, security mistakes, accountability in security, security error correction transparency, accountability, security, mistakes, military, defense spending, audit, Pentagon, waste, government accountability, national security, security apparatus, life and death, cost, military budget, oversight, Bruce Schneier, The Atlantic, Peter Schweizer, The Daily Beast transparency, accountability, security, mistakes, correction, military, national security, Pentagon, waste, audit, defense budget, Bruce Schneier, Bruce, Schneier, The Atlantic, Peter Schweizer, The Daily Beast transparency, accountability, security, mistakes, security apparatus, life and death, military, national security, audit, Pentagon, US Department of Defense, waste, Bruce Schneier, Bruce Schneier security, defense budget, The Atlantic, The Daily Beast transparency, accountability, security, mistakes, correction, defense, military, national security, audit, Pentagon, waste, spending, Bruce Schneier, Bruce Schneier Atlantic, Peter Schweizer, crony capitalism, defense budget, costs, security apparatus
test-law-tahglcphsld-con02a	More people will take drugs if they are legal  Considering that drug use has so many negative consequences, it would be disastrous to have it increase. However, the free availability of drugs once they are legal will make it far easier for individuals to buy and use them. In most cases, under 1% of the population of OECD countries regularly use illegal drugs; many more drink alcohol or smoke tobacco. [1] This must at least partly to do with the illegality. Indeed, in an Australian survey, 29% of those who had never used cannabis cited the illegality of the substance as their reason for never using the drug, while 19% of those who had ceased use of cannabis cited its illegality as their reason. [2]  [1] UN Office on Drugs and Crime, World Drug Report 2009,   [2] NSW Bureau of Crime and Statistics, ‘Does Prohibition Deter Cannabis use?’, 23 August 2001,  $file/mr_cjb58.pdf drug legalization, drug use, negative consequences, drug accessibility, illegal drugs, alcohol, tobacco, drug prohibition, substance abuse, drug policy, OECD countries, cannabis, drug consumption, drug legislation, crime rates, drug availability, public health, drug statistics drug legalization, drug use, illegal drugs, legal drugs, drug accessibility, drug consumption, public health, substance abuse, OECD countries, alcohol, tobacco, drug prohibition, drug policy, drug legislation, drug prevalence, drug deterrence, illegality, survey studies, drug consequences, drug availability drug legalization, drug use, negative consequences, drug availability, illegal drugs, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, drug prohibition, OECD countries, cannabis, drug policy, drug regulation, drug consumption barriers drug legalization, illegal drugs, drug use, drug policy, drug availability, substance abuse, drug consumption, OECD countries, alcohol, tobacco, illegal drug deterrence, cannabis, prohibition effects, drug crime statistics, UNODC report, Australian survey, drug harm, drug control, drug legislation drug legalization, drug use, negative consequences, drug availability, illegal drugs, drug consumption, OECD countries, alcohol, tobacco, illegality, cannabis, drug prohibition, drug policy, drug prevalence, drug access, drug regulation, drug control, substance abuse, crime rates
test-digital-freedoms-dfiphbgs-pro01a	Open source software is more adaptable to government needs.  Open source software starts from a completely different viewpoint of how products should be created. Rather than resembling a traditional hierarchical organisation (such as an early twentieth century business, an army or a monastic order) where everyone has their own clearly defined role and are told how to proceed by a top-down central authority, open-source software development is more like an open market where everyone is engaged in the same activity but come at it from different directions. [i]  Out of this cacophonous market, a more fluid product emerges. The basic advantage of open source software is that, as users can read, redistribute, and modify the source code for a piece of software, it evolves. This means that users and programmers can improve, adapt and fix the software at a much faster pace than Microsoft or another closed source developer can match. The highly collegiate culture in which contemporary approaches to coding evolved continues to create programmers who are naturally curious about the functions and features of new software. Open source software harnesses the wide range of ideas and methodologies that different coders use to writer software to refine and improve existing programmes. Open source software solicits a wide variety of solutions to particular coding problems; the more solutions that coders generate, the more likely it is that an optimal solution will be discovered.  Not only does the approach described above result in the creation of higher quality programmes, it also allows businesses and individual coders to easily adapt existing programmes to their needs. Monopolistic producers like Microsoft have an incentive to slow the pace of change, whereas the open source community will simply choose the best solution. In this way, open source software is more robust and more responsive to governments’ changing needs than closed source alternatives.  [i] Raymond, Eric. “The Cathedral and the Bazaar.” Cunningham & Cunningham. 18 February 2010. open source software, adaptability, government needs, development methodology, collaborative development, source code, modification, evolution, fast-paced improvement, programmer culture, coding methodologies, diverse solutions, quality software, customization, competition, robustness, responsiveness, open market, innovation, peer review, community-driven, decentralization open source software, adaptability, government needs, development methodology, hierarchical organization, open market, collaboration, code sharing, customization, software evolution, programmer community, collective intelligence, solution diversity, quality improvement, competitive advantage, innovation, technological responsiveness, market dynamics, open collaboration, coding culture open source software, adaptability, government needs, collaboration, open market, software development, hierarchical organization, decentralized, source code, modification, evolution, innovation, programmers, open collaboration, diversity, solutions, quality, customization, responsiveness, robustness, monopoly, Microsoft, community, agile development open source software, government needs, software development, collaborative, open market, adaptability, source code, modification, software evolution, user participation, coding methodologies, problem-solving, quality programs, customization, innovation, competition, robustness, responsiveness, open community, open collaboration open source software, adaptability, government needs, collaborative development, source code, modification, software evolution, competitive advantage, peer review, open market, innovation, quality improvement, programming culture, methodologies, problem-solving, solutions, robustness, responsiveness, closed source alternatives, market competition
test-international-segiahbarr-con02a	Majority of states are still undemocratic  While there is a lot of contention over government type, democracy is seen as an aspiration in Western eyes, and African dictators have a history of running brutal and corrupt regimes. In Africa the majority of states are still dictatorships. Only 25 of the 55 states are democratic, whilst the rest are authoritarian or hybrid regimes. These dictators are commonly associated with poor governance, which in turn can affect economic growth. Recent pictures of Robert Mugabe and his team of ministers asleep at an African-Arab economic summit demonstrate how little enthusiasm some of these leaders have for the progress of their country [1] .  [1] Moyo, ‘Mugabe and his ministers sleep through economic summit’, 2013 democracy, authoritarianism, hybrid regimes, dictatorships, governance, political regimes, African politics, democratic aspiration, regime types, economic growth, African leaders, Robert Mugabe, political instability, government collapse, authoritarian regimes, political corruption, leadership, democratization, political contention democracy, dictatorship, authoritarian regime, hybrid regime, African politics, good governance, economic growth, Robert Mugabe, African leaders, political stability, governance, regime type, corruption, African regime, political contention, African development democracy, undemocratic, regime types, authoritarian, hybrid regimes, dictatorships, governance, African dictators, political systems, Western perspective, African leadership, economic growth, Robert Mugabe, political enthusiasm, regime corruption, totalitarian, political contention, African politics, African development democracy, authoritarian regimes, hybrid regimes, African dictators, oppressive regimes, governance, economic growth, Mugabe, dictatorship, political contention, regime types, undemocratic states, African politics, corrupt regimes, leadership, political stability, governance impact, despotic regimes democracy, autocracy, dictatorship, hybrid regimes, governance, African politics, regime types, economic growth, political stability, leadership, Robert Mugabe, authoritarian regimes, corruption, political contention, Western perceptions, African leadership, political regimes, power, governance challenges
test-politics-lghwdecm-con04a	Mayors could split economic regions  The value of a mayor is dependent upon that mayor having a distinct area of control. However often this area is set too small. Cities are the hubs for neighbouring towns and countryside as well as the inner city. This could then end up splitting up economic regions. Birmingham and Coventry are very close to each other but at some point in the future could potentially have different city mayors. There would then be confusion; who runs regional transport policy or the West Midlands police that affects both cities? [1]  [1] McCabe, Steve, ‘An executive mayor – can we afford it?, Birmingham Mail, 17 April 2012. mayors, economic regions, local control, city boundaries, regional governance, transportation policy, policing, city rivalry, metropolitan areas, regional planning, administrative divisions, local government, city collaboration, urban areas, local authority, regional conflicts mayors, economic regions, city control, regional governance, city boundaries, urban planning, metropolitan areas, regional transport, police jurisdiction, Birmingham, Coventry, West Midlands, local government, administrative boundaries, regional division mayors, economic regions, local governance, city control, regional administration, city boundaries, urban planning, city separation, metropolitan areas, city mergers, regional policy, intercity relations, transportation policy, police jurisdiction, regional identity, metropolitan governance mayors, economic regions, administrative control, city boundaries, urban planning, regional governance, city governance, multiple city mayors, regional coordination, transport policy, police jurisdiction, Birmingham, Coventry, West Midlands, regional fragmentation, local government mayors, economic regions, local governance, city control, regional planning, city boundaries, metropolitan areas, regional policy, local authorities, transportation policy, police jurisdiction, urban development, municipal governance, city regions, governance challenges
test-culture-cgeeghwmeo-con03a	Even within the United States people speak English differently  Even within the United States people speak many different dialects. From Boston to New York to the rural South, accents and diversity within the English language express the exact same types of historical, cultural, and even political traditions that those pushing English find so horrifying if made in another language.  It would be hard to set a standard for what is English, and ignore the fact that Americans have long used linguistic differences as a sign of identity. It therefore makes no sense to try to paper over these linguistic differences by imposing English as an official language; rather the diversity of languages and dialects should be celebrated. English language, dialects, accents, linguistic diversity, American English, regional differences, language identity, cultural traditions, language standardization, linguistic variation, language policies, language diversity, historical linguistics, cultural expression English dialects, American accents, regional language differences, linguistic diversity, American identity, language standards, cultural traditions, political history, language preservation, dialect diversity, linguistic variation, language policy English dialects, American accents, linguistic diversity, cultural identity, regional language differences, English standardization, language variation, dialect recognition, linguistic traditions, English language history English dialects, American accents, linguistic diversity, regional language differences, cultural identity, language standardization, linguistic variation, historical language development, regional accents, language policy, cultural expression, language as identity, language preservation, language diversity, language standardization challenges English, dialects, accents, linguistic diversity, American English, regional differences, cultural identity, language standards, linguistic variation, language politics, language standardization, regional accents, dialectology, linguistic evolution, language diversity
test-law-tahglcphsld-con03a	Drugs will either be too cheap or too expensive  Low prices for drugs will hugely increase consumption of drugs, amongst all groups - addicts, previously casual users, and those who were not previously users. If drug provision is strictly regulated, an illegal black market may remain. drug pricing, affordability, drug consumption, drug regulation, illegal black market, drug accessibility, drug addiction, casual drug use, drug market, supply and demand, drug policy, drug availability drugs, pricing, affordability, consumption, addiction, casual users, black market, regulation, illegal trade, drug policy drug pricing, drug consumption, drug regulation, black market, drug accessibility, drug affordability, drug addiction, casual drug use, illegal drug trade, drug policy, supply and demand, drug market dynamics drug prices, drug consumption, drug regulation, black market, drug accessibility, drug affordability, drug policy, drug use escalation, addiction rates, illicit drug trade drug prices, drug consumption, price regulation, black market, drug policy, addiction, casual drug use, illegal markets, drug affordability, supply and demand, drug regulation impact
test-international-sepiahbaaw-con01a	Source of trade  Natural resources are a source of economic revenue for Africa. If managed well then this can become a genuine source of prosperity. Africa does not currently have developed secondary and tertiary sectors yet [1] , most of the continent’s economics surrounds primary sector activity such as resource extraction and farming. The high commodity price of items such as gold, diamonds and uranium is therefore valuable for Africa’s trade. Profits from this trade have allowed countries to strengthen their economic position by reducing debt and accumulating external reserves, a prime example of this being Nigeria.  [1] Maritz,J. ‘Manufacturing: Can Africa become the next China?’ How We Made Africa 24 May 2011 trade, natural resources, Africa, economic revenue, prosperity, secondary sector, tertiary sector, primary sector, resource extraction, farming, commodity prices, gold, diamonds, uranium, trade profits, economic growth, debt reduction, external reserves, Nigeria, manufacturing, Africa economy natural resources, economic revenue, Africa, trade, prosperity, primary sector, resource extraction, farming, commodity prices, gold, diamonds, uranium, trade profits, economic strength, debt reduction, external reserves, Nigeria, manufacturing, Africa economy trade, natural resources, economic revenue, Africa, prosperity, primary sector, resource extraction, farming, commodity prices, gold, diamonds, uranium, trade profits, economic development, debt reduction, external reserves, Nigeria, secondary sector, tertiary sector, manufacturing, Africa economy natural resources, economic revenue, Africa, trade, resource management, prosperity, primary sector, resource extraction, farming, commodities, gold, diamonds, uranium, trade profits, economic growth, debt reduction, external reserves, Nigeria, manufacturing, industrialization, secondary sector, tertiary sector trade, natural resources, Africa, economic revenue, prosperity, primary sector, resource extraction, farming, commodity prices, gold, diamonds, uranium, trade profits, economic growth, debt reduction, external reserves, Nigeria, manufacturing, secondary sector, tertiary sector, Africa economy
test-culture-mmctghwbsa-con03a	"Any changes in advertising should come from businesses themselves rather than through banning.  Banning requires a legal framework and enforcement mechanism. External organizations interfere with the ability of business to conduct business. Should the social cultural environment change, businesses are likely to respond to the attitudes of their consumers. A recent change in the California Milk Board's website occurred due to public pressure.1 Social corporate responsibility is another possibility which business could embrace if changing social attitudes develop.2Banning is a repressive method which interferes with competition. Self determined methods should be allowed to competitors in the economic marketplace. Therefore, any changes in advertising should come from the business community rather than through banning. 1 Kumar, Sheila. ""Milk Board Alters Sexist PMS-Themed Ad Campaign."" The Huffington Post. 2011/July 22. 2 Skibola, Nicole. ""Gender and Ethics in Advertising: The New CSR."" Forbes.com. 2011/August 4 advertising, businesses, banning, legal framework, enforcement, external organizations, social cultural environment, consumer attitudes, corporate social responsibility, public pressure, social change, competition, self-regulation, economic marketplace, ethical advertising advertising, businesses, banning, legal framework, enforcement, external organizations, social cultural environment, consumer attitudes, public pressure, corporate social responsibility, social change, competition, self-regulation, marketplace, ethical advertising, social attitudes advertising, business self-regulation, banning, legal framework, enforcement, external organizations, social cultural environment, consumer attitudes, social responsibility, corporate responsibility, public pressure, competition, economic marketplace, social attitudes, ethical advertising, CSR, gender, ethics advertising, business responsibility, banning, legal framework, enforcement, external interference, consumer attitudes, social cultural environment, public pressure, social corporate responsibility, competition, self-regulation, economic marketplace, advertising regulation, ethical advertising advertising, businesses, banning, legal framework, enforcement, external organizations, social cultural environment, consumer attitudes, social pressure, corporate social responsibility, social attitudes, competition, self-regulation, economic marketplace, advertising regulation"
test-politics-epvhbfsmsaop-pro01a	Personality politics is harmful to the democratic process  Celebrity involvement in the political process may increase the extent to which politicians need to court media attention in order to promote their policies.  Many people get their political information from ‘soft-news’ outlets [1] , i.e. entertainment channels and magazines that often focus on ‘celebrity gossip’. Shows such as Oprah Winfrey get millions of viewers many of whom don’t get news through other mediums and although soft news is the preferred format for a minority (10.2%) for a great many more it is in their top three. [2] The involvement of celebrities in the political sphere increases the power of “soft-news” over the political process: due to the wide reach of “soft-news” it is not possible to counter its effects using narrow-reach opinion pieces and policy analysis. Rather, politicians are forced either to package their ideas in a way acceptable to these magazines and talk shows (i.e. reduce the analysis; ‘dumb down’), for example Obama in 2009 became the first sitting president to appear on a late night comedy show; Tonight Show with Jay Leno, [3] or to counter attack by seeking celebrity endorsement of their own.  This makes political debate increasingly shallow, and voters’ decisions correspondingly less well-informed. The harmful impacts upon our democratic process are two-fold: first, voters being less informed means they are less likely to truly be voting in a way that is aligned with their best interests or political beliefs; second, the debate is skewed towards ideas that can be conveyed in short ‘sound-bites’ and away from ideas that require more complicated discussion.  [1] Drezner, Daniel W., ‘Foreign Policy Goes Glam’, The National Interest, Nov./Dec. 2007,   [2] Prior, Markus, ‘Any Good News in Soft News? The Impact of Soft News Preferences on Political Knowledge’, Political Communication, Vol. 20, 2003, pp.149-171, p.151   [3] Baum, Matthew A., and Jamison, Angela, ‘Soft News and the four Oprah effects’, November 2011, personality politics, celebrity involvement, democratic process, soft-news, media attention, political information, entertainment channels, celebrity gossip, political coverage, public opinion, media influence, political communication, political debate, voter knowledge, media effects, celebrity endorsement, political polarization, media literacy, information dissemination, political agenda, public persuasion, political socialization, media landscape, political engagement, political discourse, policy analysis, political decision-making personality politics, celebrity involvement, democratic process, media influence, soft news, entertainment media, celebrity gossip, political communication, political information, media attention, political policies, news consumption, voter behavior, political debate, political knowledge, celebrity endorsements, media reach, political discourse, public opinion, political engagement personality politics, democratic process, celebrity involvement, media attention, soft-news, entertainment channels, celebrity gossip, political information, public opinion, political communication, media influence, celebrity endorsements, political debate, voter knowledge, media consumption, political polarization, political discourse, influence of celebrities, media effects on politics, political engagement Personality politics, democratic process, celebrity involvement, media attention, soft-news, entertainment channels, celebrity gossip, political information, public opinion, media influence, celebrities in politics, political communication, political debate, voter knowledge, political polarization, media bias, political marketing, public persuasion, political campaigns, news consumption, political literacy, media effects, campaign strategies personality politics, democratic process, celebrity involvement, soft-news, media influence, political information, entertainment media, celebrity gossip, political campaigning, media attention, public opinion, political debate, voter awareness, political communication, media effects, celebrity endorsements, political literacy, news consumption, political knowledge, policy analysis, political discourse
test-international-gsciidffe-con01a	"The international system is based on equality and non-interference  Relations between states are based upon “the principle of the sovereign equality of all its Members.” The UN Charter emphasises “Nothing contained in the present Charter shall authorize the United Nations to intervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state”. [1] Within a state only the government is legitimate as the supreme authority within its territory. [2] Without such rules the bigger, richer, states would be able to pray on the weaker ones. This cannot simply be put aside because one state does not like how the other state runs its own internal affairs. The United Nations has gone so far as to explicitly state “all peoples have the right, freely and without external interference, to determine their political status and to pursue their economic, social and cultural development.” [3] Circumventing censorship would clearly be another power attempting to impose its own ideas of political cultural and social development.  [1] UN General Assembly, Article 2, Charter of the United Nations, 26 June 1945,   [2] Philpott, Dan, ""Sovereignty"", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Summer 2010 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.),   [3] UN General Assembly, “Respect for the principles of national sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of States in their electoral processes”, 18 December 1990, A/RES/45/151 international system, equality, non-interference, state relations, sovereignty, UN Charter, domestic jurisdiction, government legitimacy, territorial authority, power imbalance, sovereignty rights, internal affairs, external interference, self-determination, political status, development rights, censorship, cultural development, social development international system, equality, non-interference, state relations, sovereignty, UN Charter, domestic jurisdiction, government legitimacy, internal affairs, sovereign equality, UN principles, non-intervention, political status, cultural development, social development, external interference, censorship, power dynamics, international law, state sovereignty, self-determination international system, equality, non-interference, sovereignty, state relations, UN Charter, domestic jurisdiction, government legitimacy, territorial authority, power imbalance, internal affairs, United Nations, self-determination, political status, social development, cultural development, censorship, external influence, national sovereignty, international law, state independence sovereignty, non-interference, international relations, state sovereignty, UN Charter, domestic jurisdiction, sovereign equality, internal affairs, state legitimacy, external intervention, territorial integrity, political independence, people's rights, self-determination, cultural development, social development, censorship, international law, UN resolutions international system, equality, non-interference, state relations, sovereignty, UN Charter, domestic jurisdiction, government legitimacy, internal affairs, power balance, international law, political status, cultural development, social development, censorship, external interference, state sovereignty, UN General Assembly, non-interference principles, national sovereignty"
test-free-speech-debate-magghbcrg-con01a	Community radio just gives a megaphone to extremists.  Experience suggests that the airwaves, unregulated, tend to attract pedagogues seeking followers more than democrats seeking the views of others. Particularly in areas of high sectarian divisions, technologies that propagate the views of every mullah with a mic are unlikely to help democracy in the middle east. Indeed the experience with the nearest equivalent in the US, talk radio, shows how fantastically divisive it can be. [i]  Community radio in areas that do not have a history of plurality and diversity of opinion would be likely to see the spread of radio stations pandering to the specific views of every shard and splinter of opinion, reinforcing that particular set of beliefs while ignoring all others – it is difficult to imagine a more toxic – and less democratic – option to encourage in the Arab world [ii] .  The difficulty, as shown in the reference given in the previous paragraph, is that exactly the same ease of access applies to fanatics as to democrats – who may, frequently, be the same people. In the instance of Rwanda, extremists inciting violence (almost entirely Hutus) had acquired small scale radio equipment. The government couldn’t afford the jamming equipment (the US jamming flights would cost $8500 per hour) and sought assistance from the Americans. The UN objected as such actions were clearly sectarian. However, the wide use of Radio – initially funded by the West – which, in part at least had lead to the genocide then left a toxic legacy of fanatics dominating the airwaves, those involved were eventually convicted in 2003. [iii]  [i] Noriega, Chin A, and Iribarren, Francisco Javier, ‘Quantifying Hate Speech on Commercial Talk Radio’, Chicano Studies Research Center, November 2011.  [ii] Wisner, Frank G., ‘Memorandum for deputy assistant to the president for national security affairs, national security council, Department of Defense, 5 May 1994.  [iii] Smith, Russell, ‘The impact of hate media in Rwanda’, BBC News, 3 December 2003.  Dale, Alexander C., ‘Countering hate messages that lead to violence: The United Nations’s chapter VII authority to use radio jamming to halt incendiary broadcasts’, Duke Journal of Comparative & International Law, Vol 11. 2001. community radio, extremism, unregulated broadcasting, sectarian divisions, democracy, Middle East, talk radio, divisiveness, plurality, diversity, opinion, splinter groups, toxic environment, Arab world, fanaticism, access, Rwanda, violence, incitement, Hutus, radio equipment, government, jamming, US, aid, sectarianism, hate speech, commercial talk radio, hate media, genocide, UN, radio jamming, incendiary broadcasts community radio, extremism, unregulated airwaves, democracy, sectarian divisions, media influence, talk radio, divisiveness, plurality, diversity, opinion, fanatics, violence, Rwanda, hate speech, hate media, radio jamming, sectarianism, genocide, West-funded radio, toxic legacy community radio, extremism, unregulated broadcast, pedagogy, democracy, sectarian divisions, Middle East, talk radio, divisiveness, plurality, diversity of opinion, belief reinforcement, toxicity, Arab world, fanatics, democracy, Rwanda, violence incitement, Hutus, radio equipment, government, jamming, US, funding, Western influence, genocide, hate speech, hate media, radio jamming, incendiary broadcasts, UN, international law community radio, extremism, unregulated media, sectarian divisions, democracy, talk radio, divisiveness, plurality, diversity, opinion, Arab world, fanatics, violence, Rwanda, hate speech, hate media, incitement, genocide, radio jamming, international law, United Nations community radio, extremism, unregulated media, political polarization, sectarian divisions, democracy, talk radio, hate speech, propaganda, media influence, Middle East, US radio, Rwanda genocide, hate media, broadcast regulation, radio jamming, violence incitement, misinformation, hate speech quantification, media legacy
test-philosophy-pppthbtcb-con03a	Exacerbation of poor conditions  Terrorism creates a perpetual situation of poverty and anxiety within the community. Terrorism creates an unsafe situation for the local community, which has several consequences: firstly, people are less able to continue their daily actions, such as going to work or school of they are afraid of attacks. Secondly, people are less likely to save or to take risks such as setting up a business when they are uncertain about the their future. Thirdly, international companies are less likely to set up business in a location which is seen as unstable, and with the local market which has little to spend. This all lead to a continuation of poor conditions where many people live in poverty and anxiety, and see little opportunity than continuing the violence themselves. In Northern Ireland, the political violence which is present, combined with the high rates of poverty, creates a vicious circle where the unstable situation is continued. [1]  [1] Horgan, G. (2011, July 12). Equality of misery? Poverty and political violence in Northern Ireland. Retrieved August 3, 2011, from Politico: terrorism, poverty, anxiety, community safety, daily actions, fear, risk-taking, economic impact, instability, international investment, local market, living conditions, violence cycle, Northern Ireland, political violence, socio-economic factors terrorism, poverty, anxiety, community, insecurity, daily life, work, school, risk, business, stability, violence, political violence, Northern Ireland, economic impact, international companies, investment, unemployment, social instability, Vicious circle terrorism, poverty, community, insecurity, violence, economic impact, social instability, risk aversion, business reluctance, international investment, unemployment, social unrest, political violence, Northern Ireland, vicious cycle, poverty escalation, uncertainty, market decline, community anxiety terrorism, poverty, community, violence, insecurity, economic impact, social consequences, risk aversion, business environment, instability, Northern Ireland, political violence, social conditions, economic development, safety concerns terrorism, poverty, insecurity, community, violence, economic impact, social stability, risk aversion, business environment, foreign investment, unemployment, social unrest, Northern Ireland, political violence, societal impact, community anxiety, economic development
test-health-dhghhbampt-con03a	Alternative medical practitioners tend to spend more time with their patients and get a better understanding of them as a whole, as a result they are more likely to treat the person than the symptom  Modern medicine tends to treat an individual symptom without putting it in the context of the whole person and so will often fail to see it as part of a wider pathology.  Alternative practitioners tend to spend more time with their patients and so are better placed to asses individual symptoms as a part of the person as a whole rather than just dealing with symptoms one as a time as the crop up. alternative medicine, holistic approach, patient-centered care, symptom treatment, modern medicine, individualized treatment, holistic health, practitioner-patient interaction, health assessment, comprehensive care, whole-person health, medical practitioners, patient understanding, time spent with patients alternative medicine, holistic health, patient-centered care, preventive medicine, personalized treatment, symptom assessment, traditional medicine, integrative medicine, healthcare approach, medical practitioners, patient engagement, health disparity, disease prevention, holistic diagnosis, medical philosophy alternative medicine, medical practitioners, patient-centered care, holistic health, symptom treatment, modern medicine, whole person, individualized assessment, health pathology, patient-practitioner relationship, treatment approach, symptom management alternative medicine, holistic treatment, patient-centered care, personalized medicine, time with patients, whole person approach, symptom treatment, modern medicine limitations, integrated healthcare, health assessment, comprehensive diagnosis, health psychology, preventive medicine, wellness, patient-practitioner relationship alternative medicine, medical practitioners, patient-centered care, holistic treatment, symptom assessment, whole person approach, modern medicine, symptom-focused treatment, healthcare, patient engagement, medical consultation, diagnostic approaches, holistic health, medical practice, healthcare effectiveness
test-economy-bepighbdb-con01a	Democracy acts in the interest of the general population, which is good for development  It can be argued that a good economic policy, such as China’s economic policies, have helped development. But a free market policy can be done with any form of government, and cannot be exclusively attached to a dictatorship or a democracy. Any political system can use it. Although it has been noted that South Korea was an autocracy during economic ‘takeoff’ its economy has also grown significantly since democratization with GNI per capita growing from $3,320 in 1987 to $22,670 in 2012. [1]  Another example is that Spanish economic growth in the 1950-2000 period. The 1960s economic miracle in Spain was not necessarily caused by Franco’s regime – he controlled the country in the 1950s, when the country did not have such economic success. In 1959, Franco opened up the Spanish economy internationally, ending the isolationist economic policies established following the Civil War so making the country free market bringing dividends. As a result Spain also grew economically after the collapse of the Franco government, continuing on following on from EU membership.  [1] The World Bank, ‘GNI per capita, Atlas method (current US$)’, data.worldbank.org, democracy, economic development, economic policies, free market, government systems, dictatorship, autocracy, democratization, South Korea, GNI per capita, economic growth, Spain, Franco regime, open economy, international trade, economic miracle, EU membership, World Bank, Atlas method democracy, economic development, good governance, economic policy, China, free market, political system, dictatorship, autocracy, democratization, South Korea, GNI per capita, economic growth, Spain, Franco, economic miracle, economic liberalization, international trade, EU membership, World Bank democracy, economic policy, development, free market, government systems, autocracy, democratization, South Korea, GNI per capita, economic growth, economic miracle, Spain, Franco regime, economic opening, international trade, EU membership, World Bank democracy, economic development, good governance, economic policy, China, free market, government systems, dictatorship, democracy, South Korea, autocracy, democratization, GNI per capita, economic growth, Spain, Franco regime, economic miracle, international trade, economic liberalization, EU membership, World Bank democracy, economic development, political systems, free market, dictatorship, autocracy, democratization, South Korea, Spain, economic growth, GNI per capita, economic policies, Franco regime, Spain economic miracle, EU membership, World Bank
test-law-sdiflhrdffe-con02a	The liberal democratic paradigm is not the only legitimate model of government, a fact that democracies should accept and embrace  Ultimately, states’ laws have to be respected. Liberal democracy has not proven to be the end of history as Fukuyama suggested, but is rather one robust system of government among many. China has become the example of a state-led capitalist model that relies on a covenant with the people fundamentally different from that between democratic governments and their citizens. [1] Chinas ruling communist party has legitimacy as a result of its performance and its role in modernising the country. [2] China’s people have accepted a trade-off; economic growth and prosperity in exchange for their liberties. When dissidents challenge this paradigm, the government becomes aggrieved and seeks to re-establish its power and authority. If the dissidents are breaking that country’s laws then the state has every right to punish them. Singapore similarly has an authoritarian version of democracy that delivers an efficient, peaceful state at the expense of constraints on the ability to criticise the government. [3] This collective model of rights has no inherent value that is lesser to that of the civil liberties-centric model of liberal democracy. In the end, as the geopolitical map becomes complicated with different versions of governance, states must learn to live with one another. The problem of offering amnesty to bloggers is that democracies and the West seek to enforce their paradigm onto that of states that differ. This will engender resentment and conflict. The world economy and social system relies on cooperation, trade, and peace. The difference between systems and cultures should be celebrated rather than simply assuming that there is only one true model and all others are somehow inferior.  [1] Acemoglu, D. and Robinson, J. “Is State Capitalism Winning?”. Project Syndicate. 31 December 2012.   [2] Li, Eric X, “The Life of the Party”, Foreign Affairs, January/February 2013,   [3] Henderson, Drew, “Singapore suppresses dissident” Yale Daily News, 5 November 2010, liberal democracy, government models, sovereignty, law respect, Fukuyama, end of history, state-led capitalism, China, communist party, legitimacy, modernization, trade-off, liberties, dissidents, government power, law enforcement, Singapore, authoritarian democracy, rights, civil liberties, geopolitics, governance diversity, cultural differences, international relations, amnesty, bloggers, democratization, Western influence, resentment, conflict, global cooperation, trade, peace, governance comparisons liberal democracy, government models, legitimacy, sovereignty, state laws, Fukuyama, end of history, China, state-led capitalism, covenant, legitimacy, modernization, dissidents, legal enforcement, authoritarian democracy, collective rights, civil liberties, governance diversity, international relations, conflict, cooperation, trade, peace, cultural differences, paradigms, state sovereignty, amnesty, dissent, Western influence, global politics liberal democracy, government models, legitimacy, democracy, China, state-led capitalism, covenant with people, communist party, legitimacy, modernization, economic growth, liberties, dissidents, laws, punishment, authoritarian democracy, collective rights, civil liberties, geopolitical stability, governance diversity, cultural differences, interstate relations, enforcement, resentment, conflict, cooperation, trade, peace, cultural relativism, state sovereignty liberal democracy, governance, legitimacy, China, state-led capitalism, communist party, modernization, trade-off, liberties, dissidents, law enforcement, authoritarian democracy, collective rights, civil liberties, geopolitical diversity, cultural differences, amnesty, bloggers, Western influence, paradigm enforcement, conflict, cooperation, trade, peace, cultural relativism, governance models liberal democracy, government models, democratic legitimacy, state sovereignty, China, state-led capitalism, communist party, political legitimacy, economic development, social contrast, civil liberties, authoritarianism, governance diversity, international relations, cultural diversity, geopolitical complexity, state laws, dissident rights, social stability, authoritarian democracy, civil rights, global cooperation, trade, peace, cultural differences, paradigm enforcement
test-politics-cdfsaphgiap-pro04a	A lack of transparency can endanger the leader  A person is most likely to survive when they have an accident, a heart attack, or some other condition if they get prompt treatment and doctors are aware of any underlying conditions. Mills may well have lived, or lived longer if there had been more transparency about his death. There had been no prior warning that the president might be rushed to hospital despite the doctors having been called in the previous day. For the same reason his outriders were not available leading to indecision over whether to send off the ambulance. And finally he was initially turned away from the emergency ward because they did not know it was the President they were being asked to treat. 1 Transparency would allow procedures to be in place and advance notice given possibly gaining a few minutes and enabling survival.  1 Daily Guide, ‘How Mills died: Sister tells it all’, My Joy Online, 31 August 2012, transparency, leadership, emergency response, medical treatment, prompt care, healthcare communication, hospital procedures, medical awareness, crisis management, government transparency, hospital warning signs, emergency admission, patient identification, medical protocols, health information sharing transparency, leader, survival, medical treatment, emergency response, doctor awareness, underlying conditions, hospital procedures, advance notice, presidential health, communication, emergency ward, medical protocol, crisis management, Ghana, Mills transparency, leadership, survival, medical emergencies, emergency response, doctor awareness, precursors, hospital procedures, medical warning, communication, decision making, patient care, emergency preparedness, health transparency, medical history, policy, incident management, health info access, hospital protocols transparency, leadership, emergency response, medical awareness, communication, hospital procedures, health emergencies, presidential health, medical protocol, timely treatment, warning signs, nursing protocols, hospital awareness, health crisis management, medical transparency transparency, leadership, survival, medical emergency, prompt treatment, medical awareness, underlying conditions, hospital procedures, communication, emergency response, healthcare transparency, medical negligence, accident response, decision making, government accountability, health crisis, terrorist attack, health information, crisis management
test-law-hrilpgwhwr-con03a	The ICC has too much authority.  The ICC will lead to political prosecution. American service members and senior military and political strategists will be subject to charges for legitimate military action. Any State has the power to refer an issue for investigation to the Prosecutor and the Prosecutor also has the power to commence an investigation ex proprio motu. There is no UN Security Council veto over the discretion of the Prosecutor. Moreover, the phantom of political prosecution has already materialised in the preliminary investigation mounted by the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICTY into the NATO bombing of Kosovo and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in the course of 'Operation Allied Force'. The Prosecutor chose to investigate a campaign that had been undertaken with clinical precision, that had received the ex post facto support of the Security Council, and that had been directed against a military infrastructure effecting a brutal policy of ethnic cleansing. This grim precedent suggests that a Prosecutor will not hesitate to investigate any other good faith and successful military actions across the globe. ICC, authority, political prosecution, military action, state referral, prosecutor, investigation, ex proprio motu, UN Security Council, veto, NATO bombing, Kosovo, Yugoslavia, Operation Allied Force, ethnic cleansing, precedent, military investigation, international law, sovereignty, geopolitics ICC, authority, political prosecution, military action, US service members, strategists, investigation, Prosecutor, UN Security Council, veto, ICTY, NATO bombing, Kosovo, Yugoslavia, Operation Allied Force, ethnic cleansing, legal precedent, international law, sovereignty, jurisdiction ICC, authority, political prosecution, international law, United Nations, UN Security Council, prosecutor, investigation, ex proprio motu, NATO bombing, Kosovo, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Operation Allied Force, military action, ethnic cleansing, precedent, sovereignty, jurisdiction, accountability ICC, authority, political prosecution, military action, sovereignty, investigation, Prosecutor, UN Security Council, veto, ICTY, NATO bombing, Kosovo, Yugoslavia, Operation Allied Force, ethnic cleansing, legal jurisdiction, international law, accountability, military ethics, geopolitical implications ICC, authority, political prosecution, military action, UN Security Council, prosecutor, investigation, ex proprio motu, veto, ICTY, Kosovo bombing, NATO, Operation Allied Force, ethnic cleansing, geopolitical implications
test-economy-epegiahsc-pro02a	Multilateralism is preferable to bilateralism.  It is preferable for Latin American countries to band together when negotiating trade deals with the US and Canada, to better protect their interests. After FTAA negotiations failed, the US focused on bilateral strategies and trade deals where the imbalance of power was much greater in favour of the US, and it therefore could more easily dictate terms of the agreement that were detrimental to the interests of the developing country. For example, El Salvador, who is a member of CAFTA (Central America Free Trade Agreement), together with only five other Central American countries, has found itself under legal attacks by foreign investors when it refused to lower its environmental standards in the gold mining industry [1] . Having an emerging global power, like Brazil, be part of the agreement, would counterbalance US influence over the terms.  [1] Gallager, Kevin. “Stop private firms exploiting poor states.” The Guardian. 5 February 2010. multilateralism, bilateralism, Latin America, trade negotiations, US, Canada, FTAA, power imbalance, trade deals, developing countries, CAFTA, Central America, foreign investment, environmental standards, gold mining, Brazil, global influence multilateralism, bilateralism, Latin America, trade negotiations, US, Canada, trade deals, FTAA, US dominance, power imbalance, developing countries, El Salvador, CAFTA, Central America, foreign investment, environmental standards, gold mining, Brazil, global power, US influence, private firms, exploitation, developing nations multilateralism, bilateralism, Latin America, trade negotiations, US, Canada, FTAA, bilateral strategies, trade deals, power imbalance, developing countries, El Salvador, CAFTA, Central America, foreign investment, environmental standards, gold mining, Brazil, global power, US influence, negotiation strategies multilateralism, bilateralism, Latin America, trade negotiations, US, Canada, FTAA, trade deals, power imbalance, developing countries, El Salvador, CAFTA, Central America, foreign investment, environmental standards, gold mining, emerging global power, Brazil, US influence multilateralism, bilateralism, Latin America, trade negotiations, US, Canada, FTAA, power imbalance, bilateral strategies, trade deals, developing countries, CAFTA, Central America, El Salvador, foreign investment, environmental standards, gold mining, Brazil, global power, US influence
test-digital-freedoms-phwnaccpdt-con03a	The storing and sale of personal data aids companies by making marketing more efficient and allows niche markets to thrive  Businesses have been able to use consumers’ personal information to produce far better, more efficient, and more targeted advertising. Traditionally advertisement has been used to reach mass markets and has thus been used mostly as a blunt instrument, targeting the largest and wealthiest demographics in order to get the most efficient use of scarce advertising budgets. The focus on large markets has often left smaller, more niche, markets by the wayside. [1] Yet with the advent of the internet, targeted marketing, and data collection services, firms have been able to create whole new markets that cater to less homogenous needs and wants. The result has been a Renaissance of specialty manufacturers and service providers that could never arise if it were not for the collection of personal consumer data. By targeting their advertising, firms have been able to scale back on the broader advertising, making the whole endeavour less costly and more efficient. On the broader level, companies are able to utilize the vast amounts of individual data compiled to allow them to determine broader changes in society’s consumer desires, to establish aggregate trends. [2] E-commerce accounts for more than $300 billion in the US. This information gathering makes all businesses more responsive to consumer demands and to cause them to change their offered services and products far more swiftly, to the benefit of all consumers. Businesses have thus been able to flourish that might once have languished without access to a means of accessing their market or been unable to change with changing tastes. Because of the proliferation of personal information aggregation we can enjoy a far more efficient business world, with lots of producers that can compete with the larger mainstream on a more even footing, and a mainstream that is more able to meet the ever-changing demand structure of consumers.  [1] Columbus Metropolitan Library. “Using Demographics to Target Your Market”. 2012. personal data, targeted marketing, data collection, niche markets, advertising efficiency, consumer information, specialty manufacturers, internet, e-commerce, societal trends, consumer demands, market responsiveness, data aggregation, business competition, mainstream market, consumer preferences personal data, data collection, targeted marketing, niche markets, advertising efficiency, consumer personalization, internet marketing, specialty products, market segmentation, demographic targeting, consumer behavior, data-driven advertising, e-commerce, consumer trends, market responsiveness, small-scale businesses, advertising costs, consumer demand, market innovation, consumer data privacy personal data, data collection, targeted marketing, niche markets, consumer information, advertising efficiency, internet marketing, specialty manufacturers, data-driven marketing, consumer trends, e-commerce, market segmentation, demographic targeting, personalized advertising, consumer behavior, market responsiveness, speciality markets, information aggregation, digital marketing, consumer demands personal data, data collection, targeted marketing, niche markets, consumer information, advertising efficiency, internet marketing, specialty manufacturers, service providers, consumer trends, e-commerce, market segmentation, personalized advertising, data-driven marketing, consumer demand, market responsiveness, demographic targeting, market growth, advertising budgets, consumer preferences personal data, targeted marketing, data collection, niche markets, consumer information, advertising efficiency, specialty manufacturers, internet, market segmentation, consumer trends, e-commerce, data aggregation, market responsiveness, consumer demands, small businesses, demographic targeting, advertising budgets, societal change, market competition, consumer behavior, trends analysis
test-environment-chbwtlgcc-pro02a	"Developing world  Developing countries such as China and India are growing rapidly and causing massive increases in global GHG emissions through fossil fuel use and deforestation. It took developed countries 100s of years to create a standard of living high enough for an environmental movement to develop. It is more likely than not that developing countries will continue to increase their annual emissions for decades, greatly eclipsing any potential reductions in the developed world. According to Joseph Romm, former US assistant secretary for energy efficiency and renewable energy, ""China's growth in emissions could erode all other countries' efforts to stabilize the world's temperature"" 1. As a result, atmospheric GHGs will continue to increase, causing greater climate change.  1. Romm, Joseph, 'How Copenhagen can succeed where Kyoto failed', Foreign Policy, June 18, 2009. developing countries, China, India, greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuels, deforestation, global warming, climate change, emissions growth, environmental movement, developed countries, standards of living, Romm, energy efficiency, renewable energy, Copenhagen, Kyoto, temperature stabilization developing countries, developing world, China, India, greenhouse gases, GHG emissions, fossil fuels, deforestation, developing countries growth, global emissions, environmental movement, standard of living, emissions increase, climate change, atmospheric GHGs, Romm, Joseph, international climate policy, Copenhagen, Kyoto, global temperature, sustainable development developing countries, GHG emissions, fossil fuels, deforestation, climate change, China, India, global warming, environmental movement, emissions growth, developed countries, emissions reduction, Joseph Romm, energy efficiency, renewable energy, Copenhagen, Kyoto Protocol, atmospheric gases, temperature stabilization developing countries, China, India, greenhouse gases, fossil fuels, deforestation, climate change, global emissions, environmental movement, economic growth, emissions increase, developed countries, Romm, energy efficiency, renewable energy, international climate policy, Copenhagen, Kyoto, temperature stabilization developing countries, global GHG emissions, fossil fuel use, deforestation, economic growth, environmental impact, climate change, developed countries, emissions increase, mitigation, renewable energy, carbon footprint, international policy, climate agreements, Romm, China, India, sustainability"
test-international-ehbfe-pro05a	A federal Europe will ensure that large, multinational businesses remain accountable for their actions  In a globalised economy, there is a need to tame multinational corporations, which would be otherwise capable of playing national governments off against each other in search for low wages, social costs and state protection. A federal Europe would be powerful enough to demand high standards of behaviour from such companies, because only a powerful and economically significant player can dictate restricting conditions. This would ensure fair wages, safe working conditions and - additionally - Europe would be able to force the multinational companies to implement correct and holistic policies and would also be in a position to make a greater difference on environmental issues such as global warming. Sovereignty becomes less relevant when effective independence is lost anyway as the economy and the problems faced by all nations are increasingly globalised. federal Europe, multinational corporations, accountability, globalized economy, regulation, social standards, wages, working conditions, environmental policies, global warming, sovereignty, economic power, corporate responsibility federal Europe, multinational corporations, accountability, global economy, regulation, social standards, wages, working conditions, environmental policy, global warming, sovereignty, economic power, corporate responsibility, international cooperation, regulation enforcement, global governance federal Europe, multinational corporations, accountability, globalized economy, regulation, high standards, fair wages, safe working conditions, environmental policies, global warming, sovereignty, economic power, corporate responsibility federal Europe, multinational corporations, accountability, globalized economy, regulation, social standards, wages, working conditions, corporate responsibility, environmental policy, global warming, sovereignty, economic power, international cooperation, global issues federal Europe, multinational corporations, accountability, globalized economy, corporate regulation, social standards, fair wages, working conditions, environmental policies, global warming, sovereignty, economic power, international cooperation
test-politics-cpecfiepg-con04a	Leaving the Eurozone would be detrimental for Greece in the long-run.  Even if the proposition are correct in claiming defaulting and leaving the Eurozone would stimulate growth in the Greek economy, such benefits are transitory whereas the benefits of remaining in the Eurozone are permanent. [1] Having the Euro provides stability for the Greek economy – investors know that the currency will not collapse, making their invested capital worthless. The gravity of the outcomes of a Greek default cannot be known for sure, however some economists have even suggested that hyperinflation could occur – leading to disastrous consequences for Greece. [2] Moreover, in the long term, a single currency makes investment and transactions with other Eurozone members much more efficient and profitable. This is particularly important given that the vast majority of Greek trade is carried out with other European members. In light of these benefits, a short term cost that comes with the austerity measures enforced under the status quo, would be worthwhile in the long term.  [1] Barrell, Ray: “Eurozone crisis: what if… Greece leaves the single currency”, 14 May 2012, The Guardian,   [2] Ruparel, Raoul and Persson, Mats: “Better off Out? The short-term options for Greece inside and outside of the euro”, June 2012, Open Europe, 2012 Eurozone, Greece, currency stability, economic growth, default, leaving Eurozone, benefits, transitory, permanent, hyperinflation, investment, transactions, trade, European Union, austerity measures, economic integration, euro currency, economic stability, Eurozone crisis Eurozone, Greece, currency stability, economic growth, default, leaving the Euro, transitory benefits, permanent benefits, hyperinflation, investment, trade, efficiency, austerity measures, long-term effects, economic stability, European integration, currency collapse, financial risks, euro currency, monetary policy, economic consequences Eurozone, Greece, euro, economic stability, default, exit, hyperinflation, investment, trade, currency, austerity, benefits, costs, long-term, short-term, monetary policy, economic growth, economic integration, currency union, financial risk, European Union, economic consequences, economic prospects Eurozone, Greece, economic stability, currency, default, growth, benefits, transitory, permanent, hyperinflation, investors, investment, trade, austerity, single currency, Euro, Eurozone crisis, exit, consequences, economic integration, European Union, fiscal policy, monetary policy, currency collapse, economic risks Eurozone, Greece, economic stability, currency, default, growth, benefits, transitory, permanent, investor confidence, hyperinflation, single currency, investment, transactions, trade, European Union, austerity, economic impact, currency collapse, euro membership, economic consequences, financial crisis
test-economy-eptpghdtre-con02a	Republicans more enthusiastically support market capitalism  A free market is at the core of many of the other freedoms we enjoy. When government gets too involved in the running of commerce – whether through taxation, regulation or the state ownership of companies, history has shown us that they start controlling other aspects of citizens lives in an effort to get the economic outcomes that they want. Corporations – along with organised religion – provide useful counter-balance to too much government power. As nice as it sounds that we should divert the wages of the rich to bring the poor up to middle class standards of living, it just doesn’t work [i] .  [i] “Why am I a Republican?” Early Riser. 7 February 2006. Republicans, market capitalism, free market, government involvement, taxation, regulation, state ownership, economic freedom, corporate power, organized religion, government control, economic policy, wealth redistribution, social mobility Republicans, support, market capitalism, free market, economic freedom, government involvement, taxation, regulation, state ownership, corporate power, organized religion, balance, government control, wealth redistribution Republicans, market capitalism, free market, economic freedom, government intervention, taxation, regulation, state ownership, corporate influence, organized religion, government power, wealth redistribution, middle class, economic policy, political ideology Republicans, market capitalism, free market, government involvement, taxation, regulation, state ownership, economic freedom, corporate power, organized religion, government control, economic outcomes, wealth redistribution, middle class, political ideology, conservatism Republicans, market capitalism, free market, government intervention, taxation, regulation, state ownership, economic freedom, corporate power, organized religion, government control, wealth redistribution, income inequality, fiscal policy, political ideology
test-law-ralhrilglv-con01a	Criminal defendants don’t get to pick and choose trial dates  Irrespective of who they are, Kenyatta and Ruto are nothing special – they’re just another two criminal defendants.  A person who is on trial murder or any other offence, whoever they are, can’t pick and choose their trial date for their own convenience or for their own business interests – why should these two particular defendants get a special privilege? Silvio Berlusconi was prosecuted by the Italian courts; the slow speed was due to the glacial pace of the Italian legal system rather than him particularly agitating for a special hold-up. The court cases were not done at his convenience. criminal defendants, trial dates, legal proceedings, court schedule, fairness, trial rights, judicial system, Kenyatta, Ruto, special privileges, Italian courts, Silvio Berlusconi, legal delays, court pace, prosecution, legal fairness criminal defendants, trial dates, legal rights, court proceedings, Kenyatta, Ruto, privilege, Italian legal system, case delays, justice, criminal prosecution, court pace, legal fairness, trial scheduling criminal defendants, trial dates, legal rights, court scheduling, justice, trial delays, Kenyatta, Ruto, privileges, legal system, case precedence, court procedures, Italian legal system, Silvio Berlusconi, prosecution, judicial process, trial fairness criminal defendants, trial dates, legal process, justice system, fairness, defendants rights, court scheduling, legal privileges, judiciary, trial delays, case management, legal fairness, criminal justice, legal precedents criminal defendants, trial dates, legal system, Kenyatta, Ruto, privileges, justice, court proceedings, trial scheduling, legal rights, delays, Italy, Silvio Berlusconi, judicial process
test-society-tlhrilsfhwr-con01a	Making children military targets  The purpose of the ban on the use of child soldiers is to prevent the normalisation of such tactics in conflict zones. It is not an inflexible implementation of a lofty European ideal. The ban, and the role of the ICC in enforcing it, is designed to reduce the likelihood that civilians will be deliberately targeted in developing world war zones. Why is this necessary?  If the defence set out in the motion is used to reduce the number of war crimes convictions attendant on the use of child soldiers, not only will numbers of child soldiers rise, but children themselves will become military targets. Communities ravaged and depleted by war, under the status quo, may be seen as minimally threatening. Armies are not likely to target them as strategic objectives if it is thought that they will offer no resistance. However, if there is no condemnation and investigation of the use of child soldiers, they will become a much more common feature of the battlefield. The increasing militarisation of children will make those children who do not wish to participate in armed conflict- children pursuing some alternate survival strategy- automatic targets. All children will be treated as potential soldiers. The communities that children live in will become military targets.  The resolution, although seeking to enable children to protect themselves, will simply make them targets of the massacres, organised displacement and surprise attacks that characterise warfare in Africa and central Asia. child soldiers, military targets, conflict zones, international law, ICC, war crimes, civilian protection, militarization, children in war, violence, Africa, central Asia, displacement, mass killings, community targeting, armed conflict, morality, legal enforcement child soldiers, military targets, conflict zones, normalization, ICC enforcement, war crimes, civilian targeting, children in war, militarization, battlefield, armed conflict, community safety, violence in Africa, violence in Central Asia child soldiers, military targets, war crimes, ICC, conflict zones, child militarization, civilian targeting, war prevention, children in conflict, community safety, armed conflict, international law, human rights child soldiers, military targets, conflict zones, international law, ICC, war crimes, child militarization, civilian targeting, community security, armed conflict, child protection, warfare, Africa, Central Asia, humanitarian law, displacement, massacres, survival strategies child soldiers, military targets, conflict zones, ICC, war crimes, civilian targeting, child militarization, community impact, armed conflict, child protection, violence, warfare, Africa, Central Asia, displacement, survival strategies
test-religion-msgfhwbamec-con02a	It will cause resentment and make certain communities feel targeted.  Arranged marriages are seen as a very important aspect of the identity of lots of Euro-Asian communities. At a time when tensions between non-Muslims and Muslims in Europe are high enough, for example there were protests in London against the film innocence of Muslims, [1] targeting a practice carried out by many Muslim families could help extremist tendencies to flare up. It is important not try and cloak laws that are little more than blind intolerance with terms that make them seem like secular liberalism. Attempting to ban practices like wearing the veil in the name of inclusion have been proven to only inflame tensions, not improve integration. [2] Banning arranged marriages outright would therefore not only be intolerant, but potentially dangerous.  [1] Walker, Paul, ‘Anti-US protesters in London condemn controversial film’, guardian.co.uk, 16 September 2012,   [2] Younge, Gary, ‘Europe: Hotbed of Islampobic Extremism,’ 14 June 2012 - resentment, communities, targeted, arranged marriages, cultural identity, Euro-Asian communities, Muslim, non-Muslim, tensions, protests, London, extremist tendencies, secular liberalism, laws, intolerance, veil, inclusion, banning, integration, extremism, multiculturalism, religious practices resentment, targeted communities, arranged marriages, Euro-Asian communities, Muslim families, tensions, non-Muslims, Muslims, Europe, protests, films, extremists, intolerance, secular liberalism, banning practices, wearing veil, inclusion, tensions, integration, banned practices, dangerous, Islamophobia, extremism resentment, targeted communities, arranged marriages, Euro-Asian communities, Muslim families, tensions, non-Muslims, Muslims, Europe, protests, innocence of Muslims, extremist tendencies, laws, secular liberalism, veil, inclusion, banning practices, integration, intolerance, dangerous, extremism, Islamophobia resentment, targeted communities, arranged marriages, Euro-Asian communities, Muslim families, tensions, non-Muslims, Muslims, Europe, protests, violence, Islamophobia, extremism, intolerance, secular liberalism, banning practices, wearing the veil, inclusion, integration, laws, cultural practices resentment, targeted communities, arranged marriages, Euro-Asian communities, Muslim families, tensions, non-Muslims, Muslims, Europe, protests, film, innocence of Muslims, extremism, laws, intolerance, secular liberalism, banning veil, inclusion, tensions, integration, banning arranged marriages, intolerance, danger, extremism, anti-US protests, London, controversial film, Islamophobia
test-economy-bepiehbesa-pro02a	It is unfair to new members of EU  Not only are the largest recipients of CAP western countries – France, Spain and Germany - also the payments per hectare of arable lands differ significantly between new and old members of EU. The new members of EU with their economies often struggling and more dependent on agriculture (as is the case of Poland, Bulgaria or Romania) need more monetary support compared to their western counterparts to produce food of same quality and be competitive in EU market. However, the payments for hectare of land vary from 500€ in Greece to less than 100 € in Latvia. [1] These different conditions undermine the EU’s ethos of fairness and equality of countries.  [1] EurActive, ‘Eastern EU states call for ‘bolder, speedier’ farm reforms’, 14 July 2011, EU, CAP, subsidies, agricultural support, new members, old members, fairness, equality, land payments, arable land, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Western countries, France, Spain, Germany, Greece, Latvia, agricultural policy, agricultural funding, EU reform EU, agricultural subsidies, CAP, fairness, inequality, new member states, old member states, land payments, arable land, economic disparity, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, western countries, France, Spain, Germany, eastern Europe, agricultural support, market competitiveness, land payments variation, EU reforms EU, fairness, CAP, agricultural payments, new members, old members, Western countries, land subsidies, economic disparity, agricultural support, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, land prices, Greece, Latvia, EU reforms, agricultural policy, regional inequality EU agriculture, CAP payments, new member countries, old member countries, fairness, equality, regional disparities, arable land payments, economic dependency, competitiveness, rural development, agricultural subsidies, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, farm reform, EU policy, land support disparities EU, European Union, CAP, Common Agricultural Policy, new members, old members, fairness, subsidies, agricultural payments, land support, disparities, agricultural subsidies, economic disparities, rural development, food production, competitiveness, eastern Europe, western Europe, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, Latvia, agricultural policy, regional inequality
test-free-speech-debate-ldhwprhs-pro01a	Religion simply justifies reactionary views which many find offensive. There is no reason for vitriol to be tolerated just because it presents a mask of religion.  Views on issues such as abortion, women, and what constitutes an acceptable family expressed by those who are extremely religious are simply bigoted views which are given credibility by being wrapped in a cassock.  It is in the nature of religious belief that any set of views can adopt a religious justification and there is no objective measure against which to hold the views. For example the homophobic views which have common currency in many churches can be contrasted with a gay liberation trend discernible in others. In the light of this, it makes sense to judge the views on their own basis, regardless of the religiosity surrounding them.  The views expressed by Harry Hammond, and others [1] , need to be stripped of their religious veneer and shown that at their heart they are simply offensive. There is absolutely no reason why LGBT people should have to endure vitriol and condemnation as they go about their daily lives. It is a useful exercise to consider how we would respond to a secular speaker saying that the actions of two people who were in love with each other should condemn them to torment and suffering. Oddly however, the moment this is done in the name of God, it somehow becomes acceptable.  [1] Blake, Heidi. “Christian Preacher Arrested for Saying Homosexuality is a Sin”. The Daily Telegraph, 2 May 2010. religion,reactionary,offensive,vitriol,bigotry,credibility,cassock,religious,belief,objective,homophobia,churches,gay,liberation,judgment,secular,offense,LGBT,condemnation,preacher,homosexuality religion, reactionary views, offensive, vitriol, faith, bigotry, religious justification, objectivity, homophobia, LGBT, religious veneer, secularism, condemn, acceptance, intolerance, discrimination, religious influence, social justice, religious hypocrisy religion, reactionary, offensive, vitriol, bigoted, religious justification, no objective measure, homophobia, gay liberation, secular critique, LGBT rights, religious veneer, hate speech, religious nationalism, moral judgment, societal acceptance religion, reactionary views, offense, vitriol, religious masking, bigotry, religious justification, objective measures, homophobia, gay liberation, secular analysis, religious veneer, offensive views, LGBT, condemnation, secular speech, religious prejudice religion, reactionary, offensive, vitriol, mask, views, abortion, women, family, bigoted, cassock, religious justification, objectivity, homophobia, gay liberation, secular, religious veneer, LGBT, condemnation, secular speech, morality, religious influence, prejudice, religious fundamentalism
test-environment-ehwsnwu-con02a	There Are Better Alternatives to Underground Nuclear Waste Storage  France is the largest nuclear energy producer in the world. It generates 80% of its electricity from nuclear power. [1] It is very important to note, therefore, that it does not rely on underground nuclear waste storage. Instead, it relies on above ground, on-site storage. This kind of storage combined with heavy reprocessing and recycling of nuclear waste, makes underground storage unnecessary. [2]  As such it seems logical that in most western liberal democracies that are able to reach the same level of technological progress as France, it makes more sense to store nuclear waste above ground. Above ground, checks and balances can be put into place that allow the maintenance of these nuclear storage facilities to be monitored more closely. Furthermore, reprocessing and recycling leads to less wasted Uranium overall. This is important as Uranium, whilst being plentiful in the earth, is often difficult to mine and mill. As such, savings here often significantly benefit things such as the environment and lower the economic cost of the entire operation.  [1] BBC News, ‘France nuclear power funding gets 1bn euro boost’, 27 June 2011,   [2] Palfreman, Jon. “Why the French Like Nuclear Energy.” PBS. nuclear waste storage, above ground storage, underground storage, recycling, reprocessing, nuclear energy, France, nuclear power, waste management, environmental impact, economic cost, uranium, mining, safety, monitoring, liberal democracies, technological progress nuclear waste storage, above ground storage, underground storage, France, nuclear energy, on-site storage, waste reprocessing, recycling, uranium, environmental impact, costs, safety, monitoring, technology, waste management, liberal democracies nuclear waste storage, underground storage, above ground storage, nuclear energy, France, radioactive waste, recycling, reprocessing, safety, environmental impact, costs, monitoring, nuclear power, technology, liberal democracies, uranium, mining, environmental benefits, economic costs nuclear waste, underground storage, above ground storage, on-site storage, reprocessing, recycling, uranium, waste management, nuclear energy, France, safety, environmental impact, technological progress, western democracies, monitoring, costs nuclear waste storage, underground storage, above ground storage, France, nuclear energy, nuclear reprocessing, recycling, waste management, environmental impact, uranium, nuclear power, safety, storage facilities, technology, western democracies, monitoring, costs
test-international-gmehbisrip1b-con03a	Many Israelis now live in the occupied territories.  Israel has more than just national security at stake in the occupied territory of the West Bank -hundreds of thousands of Israeli citizens now live there, many in areas which are not strategically essential (the areas described above). Between the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights (all outside of Israel's 1967 borders), over 400,000 Israelis live in settlements in the occupied territories. [1] These ever-expanding settlements represent a barrier to Israeli withdrawing to its 1967 borders. In 1993, when Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestine Liberation Organization leader Yasser Arafat famously shook hands on the White House lawn, there were only 109,000 Israelis living in settlements across the West Bank (not including Jerusalem). Today there are more than 230 settlements and strategically placed 'outposts' designed to cement a permanent Jewish presence on Palestinian land. [2] Forcibly removing these settlers would be too difficult, could foment a kind of Jewish civil war, and would create a level of resentment among fundamentalist Jews that would likely inflame the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Furthermore it should be remembered that these settlers are Israeli citizens, with families, who moved to these areas because the Israeli government told them it was safe and that they would be allowed to stay, and thus Israel has a moral duty to live up to these promises by not withdrawing. Israel cannot afford this sort of internal turmoil, and should not neglect its duty to protect the rights of these citizens, and so it should not withdraw to its 1967 borders.  [1] Levinson, Chaim. “IDF: More than 300,000 settlers live in West Bank”. Haaretz.com. 27 July 2009.   [2] Tolan, Sandy. “George Mitchell and the end of the two-state solution”. The Christian Science Monitor. 4 February 2009. Israel, Palestinian territories, West Bank, East Jerusalem, Golan Heights, settlements, Israeli citizens, occupation, borders, 1967, Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Jewish settlements, outposts, Israeli security, territorial expansion, Gaza, West Bank geography, land rights, Israeli government, settlement removals, internal conflict, Palestinian land, Israeli military, peace process, two-state solution, Israeli laws, settlement policies Israel, occupied territories, West Bank, East Jerusalem, Golan Heights, settlements, Israeli citizens, outposts, 1967 borders, Jewish presence, Palestinian land, Israeli-Palestinian conflict, settlement expansion, Israeli security, sovereignty, internal turmoil, religious fundamentalism, Israeli government, withdrawal, land rights, border disputes, peace process, Middle East, settler movement, political conflict Israeli settlers, occupied territories, West Bank, East Jerusalem, Golan Heights, Israeli-Palestinian conflict, settlements, outposts, 1967 borders, Israeli citizens, land disputes, Israeli government, security, borders, settlements expansion, Jewish presence, Palestinian land, Israeli withdrawal, moral duty, internal turmoil, civil war, fundamentalist Jews, rights, territorial sovereignty Israel, West Bank, East Jerusalem, Golan Heights, settlements, Israeli citizens, occupied territories, 1967 borders, Israeli-Palestinian conflict, settlers, outposts, territorial expansion, Jerusalem, Jewish presence, Palestinian land, Jewish civil war, Israeli government, internal turmoil, rights, morality, security, land claims, diplomacy, peace process Israeli settlers, West Bank settlements, occupied territories, Golan Heights, East Jerusalem, 1967 borders, Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Israeli citizens, settlement expansion, Jewish presence, Israeli security, Israeli government, settlement outposts, Palestinian land, Israeli internal politics, Middle East peace, Israeli withdrawal, settlement legality, settlement controversy, Jewish Neighbors, Israel security, settlement demographics, Palestinian territories, peace negotiations, historical borders
test-politics-cdmaggpdgdf-pro03a	Transparency helps reduce international tension  Transparency is necessary in international relations. States need to know what each other are doing to assess their actions. Without any transparency the hole is filled by suspicion and threat inflation that can easily lead to miscalculation and even war.  The Cuban missile crisis is a clear example where a lack of transparency on either side about what they were willing to accept and what they were doing almost lead to nuclear war. [1] It is notable that one of the responses to prevent a similar crisis was to install a hotline between the White House and Kremlin. A very small, but vital, step in terms of openness.  Today this is still a problem; China currently worries about the US ‘pivot’ towards Asia complaining it “has aroused a great deal of suspicion in China.” “A huge deficit of strategic trust lies at the bottom of all problems between China and the United States.” The result would be an inevitable arms race and possible conflict. [2]  [1] Frohwein, Ashley, ‘Embassy Moscow: A Diplomatic Perspective of the Cuban Missile Crisis’, Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, 7 May 2013  [2] Yafei, He, ‘The Trust Deficit’, Foreign Policy, 13 May 2013 transparency, international relations, suspicion, threat inflation, miscalculation, war, Cuban missile crisis, nuclear war, openness, hotline, White House, Kremlin, strategic trust, US China relations, Asia pivot, arms race, conflict, diplomacy transparency, international relations, diplomacy, suspicion, threat inflation, miscalculation, nuclear war, Cuban missile crisis, Cold War, US-USSR relations, hotline, openness, strategic trust, arms race, conflict, China-US tensions, pivot towards Asia, trust deficit, diplomatic communication transparency, international relations, suspicion, threat inflation, miscalculation, war, Cuban missile crisis, nuclear conflict, hotline, White House, Kremlin, openness, China, US, Pivot, strategic trust, arms race, conflict prevention transparency, international relations, trust, suspicion, miscalculation, conflict, arms race, Cuban missile crisis, hotline, openness, US-China relations, strategic trust, diplomacy, nuclear deterrence transparency, international relations, suspicion, threat inflation, miscalculation, war, Cuban missile crisis, nuclear arms race, diplomacy, crisis management, US-China relations, strategic trust, arms control, diplomatic communication, crisis prevention, security negotiations, international stability
test-law-cppshbcjsfm-con01a	Rehabilitation Does Not Serve The Needs of Society  The primary goal of our criminal justice system is to remove offenders from general society and protect law abiding citizens. Many criminals are repeat offenders and rehabilitation can be a long and expensive process. In Jamaica, police claim repeat offenders are responsible for over 80% of local crime despite rehabilitation programmes in prisons. [1] Ideally therefore, retribution and rehabilitation should work hand in hand to protect citizens in the short and long term. There are some successful examples of this happening, where prisons encourage inmates to take part in group activities such as football. Some prisons have started cooking programmes where inmates learn to cook in a professional environment and leave with a qualification. However the first priority is the removal of the convicted criminal from society in order to protect the innocent. Rehabilitation should be a secondary concern. The primary concern of the criminal justice system should be the protection of the non-guilty parties. The needs of society are therefore met by the immediate removal of the offender.  In addition a more retributive approach serves society through the message it conveys. Most modern defences of retribution would emphasize its role in reinforcing the moral values of society and expressing the public's outrage at certain crimes. Rehabilitation therefore weakens the strong message of disgust as to the offender’s actions that a traditional prison sentence symbolises and the deterrent that it thus provides.  [1] Chang, K. O. ‘Lock up repeat offenders for life’. Jamaica Gleaner, 17 September 2006 . rehabilitation, criminal justice, society, offenders, repeat offenders, crime, Jamaica, prison programs, retribution, victim protection, recidivism, prisoner rehabilitation, crime deterrence, social safety, public safety, punishment, moral values, deterrence, incarceration, prison alternatives criminal justice, rehabilitation, society needs, repeat offenders, crime reduction, prison programs, deterrence, retribution, punishment, incarceration, public safety, moral values, prison activities, Jamaica, law enforcement, offender removal, societal protection, criminal behavior, rehabilitation effectiveness, prison qualification, social reintegration rehabilitation, criminal justice system, repeat offenders, society needs, incarceration, retribution, protection of citizens, prison programs, moral values, deterrence, crime reduction, punishment, public safety, offender removal, rehabilitation effectiveness, Jamaica crime, prison activities, criminal behavior, societal protection rehabilitation, criminal justice, society, repeat offenders, prison programs, retribution, punishment, deterrence, public safety, crime prevention, incarceration, moral values, justice system, offender removal, rehabilitation programs, crime rates, security, crime control criminal justice, rehabilitation, society needs, repeat offenders, crime, Jamaica, prison programs, recidivism, retribution, offender removal, incarceration, deterrence, moral values, public outrage, prison sentence, protective measures, criminal rehabilitation, societal protection, criminal behavior, correctional programs
test-international-segiahbarr-con01a	Millennium Development Goals have not yet been reached  While the majority of African governments have made efforts to reach the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), the deadlines for achieving them are fast approaching with little sign of complete success. The MDGs were established in 2000, and laid out a set of criteria which each country should aspire to in order to become developed. These development goals are essential for Africa to be able to effectively grow. The United Nations Development Programme readily recognises that the eradication of hunger, reduction of child mortality, improvement of maternal health and ensuring environmental sustainability are all off track in Africa [1] . Observing the causes of this failure, the inequality existing in Africa is blamed as a fundamental roadblock.  [1] UNDP, ‘MDG Progress Reports – Africa’, 2013 Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, Africa, UNDP, development, progress, deadlines, success, hunger, child mortality, maternal health, environmental sustainability, inequality, obstacles, 2000 Millennium Development Goals, MDG, Africa, UNDP, development, progress, goals, inequality, hunger, child mortality, maternal health, environmental sustainability, Africa development, global deadlines, achievement, development challenges Millennium Development Goals, MDG, Africa, development, United Nations, UNDP, progress report, poverty, hunger, child mortality, maternal health, environmental sustainability, inequality, progress, achievement, deadlines, development criteria Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, Africa, development, United Nations, UNDP, progress, hunger, child mortality, maternal health, environmental sustainability, inequality, challenges, deadlines, successful implementation Millennium Development Goals, MDG, Africa, UNDP, development, progress, unmet targets, hunger, child mortality, maternal health, environmental sustainability, inequality, development challenges, achievement deadlines, progress report
test-politics-lghwdecm-con03a	Mayors will come at a cost  Having Mayors is costly. First of all there is the referendum and the election of the Mayor himself which Bristol council has said could cost up to £400,000. [1] This is then followed by the extra administrative cost created by having a Mayor who will of course have to have deputies, staff, offices, cars and a publicity budget, which could mean up to £3 million a year. [2] This is money that at a time where councils are facing budget cuts could be better spent on shoring up the services councils provide.  [1] The Economist, ‘Why elected mayors matter’, 19 April 2012.  [2] McCabe, Steve, ‘An executive mayor – can we afford it?, Birmingham Mail, 17 April 2012. mayors, cost, referendum, election, Bristol council, administrative costs, deputies, staff, offices, cars, publicity budget, budget cuts, public services, local government, financial impact, elected mayors, governance, municipal expenses mayors, costs, referendum, election, Bristol council, administrative costs, deputies, staff, offices, cars, publicity budget, budget cuts, service funding, local government, elected mayors, financial impact, city administration mayors, cost, referendum, election, expenses, administrative costs, deputies, staff, offices, vehicles, publicity budget, budget cuts, council services, financial impact, elected mayors, local government, public expenditure mayors, cost, referendum, election, Bristol council, administrative costs, deputies, staff, offices, cars, publicity budget, budget cuts, local government, administrative expenses, municipal governance, public administration, urban politics, government expenditure, elected officials, local council, mayoral office, fiscal impact mayors, costs, referendum, election, Bristol council, administrative costs, deputies, staff, offices, cars, publicity budget, budget cuts, council services, financial impact, elected mayors, urban governance, local government expenses
test-culture-cgeeghwmeo-con04a	The US has a long tradition of multiple languages  There is a long historical tradition in the United States to which different languages contributed. Most Americans do not have ancestors who arrived from England prior to 1776, and even among the colonists before independence there were Frenchman, Dutch, Swedes, Scots and Irish. [1] The languages of these early immigrants remain, for example Cajun, an offshoot of French remains a de facto official language in Louisiana. [2]  The historical importance of Native American languages or of the immigrants who came in and contributed so much is also ignored. All of these groups are stigmatized and their contributions ignored.  The descendants of most of the groups listed above speak English today, so the issue is not an ease of access one. It is however one of historical justice and giving full recognition to the full-range of contributors to American history.  [1] ‘Ethnic Composition of the Thirteen Colonies, 1750’, teacher’s Brunch,   [2] Melancon, Megan, ‘Cajun English’, PBS, United States, multilingualism, language history, immigrant languages, colonial languages, French, Dutch, Swedish, Scottish, Irish, Cajun, Louisiana, Native American languages, linguistic diversity, language contributions, historical justice, ethnic groups, language stigmatization, cultural recognition, American history, linguistic heritage US, multilingualism, linguistic history, language diversity, immigration, colonial America, French language, Cajun, Native American languages, linguistic contributions, ethnic groups, language preservation, cultural heritage, linguistic justice, immigrant languages, American history, language policy, linguistic stigmatization, language recognition multilingualism, US history, immigrant languages, cultural diversity, linguistic heritage, Native American languages, colonial America, linguistic contributions, ethnic groups, language recognition, historical justice, Cajun language, French influence, multilingual traditions United States, multilingualism, linguistic history, immigrant languages, colonial history, French language, Cajun, Native American languages, linguistic diversity, cultural contributions, historical justice, ethnic groups, language preservation, Louisiana, early settlers, multiculturalism, language stigmatization, linguistic recognition, colonial demographics multilingualism, American history, immigrant languages, colonial America, Native American languages, ethnic diversity, linguistic heritage, language preservation, cultural contributions, linguistic justice, French language, Cajun language, Louisiana, immigrant communities, historical linguistics
test-culture-mmctghwbsa-con02a	Sexist advertising is subjective so would be too difficult to codify.  Effective advertising appeals to the social, cultural, and personal values of consumers. Through the connection of values to products, services and ideas, advertising is able to accomplish its goal of adoption. Failure to make meaningful appeals to audience members seriously diminishes the outcomes of marketing. Since differing beliefs about beauty, body types, sexuality, and gender roles exist across societies and cultures, universal definitions of sexist advertising are too difficult to determine. As an example, biological differences exist between women and what may be considered excessively thin in one society may not be so in another. Any type of censoring calls into questions such as who will censor and how will such censorship be applied. The development of standards could favour cultural imperialism. Therefore, sexist advertising is too difficult to codify. sexist advertising, subjectivity, codification, consumer values, social values, cultural values, personal values, product connection, marketing outcomes, audience appeal, beauty standards, body image, sexuality, gender roles, cultural differences, biological differences, societal norms, censorship, standards development, cultural imperialism sexist advertising, subjectivity, codification, social values, cultural values, personal values, consumer psychology, marketing effectiveness, cultural differences, beauty standards, body image, sexuality, gender roles, cultural diversity, cultural imperialism, censorship, advertising standards sexist advertising, subjectivity, social values, cultural values, personal values, consumer appeal, product connection, marketing outcomes, cultural differences, beauty standards, body image, sexuality, gender roles, censorship, cultural imperialism, standards development sexist advertising, subjective, codify, consumer values, social values, cultural values, personal values, effective advertising, audience connection, marketing outcomes, beauty standards, body image, sexuality, gender roles, cultural differences, societal norms, universal standards, censorship, cultural imperialism sexist advertising, cultural values, social values, personal values, consumer behavior, marketing effectiveness, cultural differences, beauty standards, body types, sexuality, gender roles, cultural relativism, censorship, cultural imperialism, standards development, subjective perceptions
test-philosophy-pppthbtcb-con04a	Corrupt states  States or institutions created in concession to terror are often corrupt, dominated by men of violence with links to organised crime. Nothing is achieved to improve the lives of the people in whose name terror has been used. Terrorist organisations have often a military and violent character. The sort of people who attracted to committing acts of terror often glorify illegitimate acts of violence and justify the possible harm done to civilians by proving their complicity or the outcome of the actions. More precisely, they have only the interest of their ideology or the minority they are supporting. When these people are put in a position of power, they are likely to follow the same lines as before, especially when they do not have a political background. They are likely to be ignorant of how political processes work, and will appoint people that have the ideology in other powerful positions. This will make the whole political system inefficient and biased towards a minority or a fringe interest. As a result, level of corruption could rise, and in extreme cases people with other opinions can be persecuted. Iran went from a Westernizing state to an Islamic one, and is now hostile to dissidents. [1]  [1] BBC News. (2012). Iran Profile, Retrieved 17 February 2012 from BBC News: corruption, terrorist organizations, violence, organized crime, political instability, illegitimate acts, civilian harm, ideology, minorities, power, political process, inefficiency, bias, persecution, Iran, Islamic state, dissidents, governance, state institutions corrupt states, institutions, terror, violence, organized crime, terrorism, military, illegitimate acts, civilian harm, ideology, minority, power, political processes, ignorance, political bias, corruption, persecution, Iran, Westernization, Islamic state, dissidents corruption, states, institutions, terror, violence, organised crime, terrorism, military, illegitimate acts, civilians, ideology, minority, power, political process, inefficiency, bias, persecution, Iran, Westernization, Islamic state, dissidents corruption, states, institutions, terror, violence, organized crime, terrorist organizations, military, illegitimate acts, civilian harm, ideology, minority groups, power, political processes, ignorance, political system, bias, persecution, Iran, Westernization, Islamic state, dissidents corruption, state institutions, terrorism, violence, organized crime, civilian harm, terrorist organizations, military, illegitimate acts, ideology, minority support, political power, political ignorance, appointing, biased politics, minority interests, persecution, Iran, Westernization, Islamic state, dissent, hostility, BBC
test-international-aghwrem-con04a	Vested international interest are harming Myanmar  Certain members of the international community, especially regional players like China and India, have tended to ignore questions of legitimacy of the regime for economic and political benefits. While this may be beneficial to them in the short term, it is very harmful for Myanmar as a democracy in the future. Politically, a blind eye is being turned to a culture of violating human rights. If and when Myanmar becomes a real democracy, it is unlikely that it will magically transform into a model democratic state, unless enough emphasis is provided to fundamental principles of good governance at the outset. Economically, investment is being provided in a highly monopolistic and imperfect environment, without addressing problems of corruption and inadequacy of legal processes. In the long run, even if a democratic constitutional framework exists, the country is likely to continue to have high economic disparity and corrupt markets due to these reasons (in a manner comparable to how Russian markets have evolved since the 1990s). Reengagement should not be setting the stage for a shift from a military-controlled government to a poor democracy, which would also be harmful for stability in the region as a whole. Myanmar, international interests, legitimacy, regime, democracy, human rights, governance, foreign investment, monopoly, corruption, legal processes, economic disparity, regional stability Myanmar, international interest, legitimacy, regime, democracy, human rights, governance, foreign investment, corruption, legal system, economic disparity, regional stability, China, India, military government, political benefits, economic benefits, monopolistic markets, Russian markets, long-term consequences Myanmar, international interest, legitimacy, regime, democracy, human rights, governance, foreign investment, corruption, legal processes, economic disparity, monopolistic markets, regional stability, military government, political benefits, regional players, China, India, long-term effects, economic environment, Russian markets, reengagement Myanmar, international interests, legitimacy, regime, democracy, human rights, governance, foreign investment, corruption, legal systems, economic disparity, monopolistic markets, regional stability, military government, political influence Myanmar, international interests, legitimacy, regime, democracy, human rights, governance, corruption, legal processes, economic disparity, monopolistic markets, regional stability, foreign investment, political legitimacy, military government, reengagement, regional players, China, India, economic benefits, political benefits, long-term implications
test-international-gsciidffe-con02a	Governments enable censorship to protect their citizens  What censorship is it legitimate to undermine? Censorship is often created in order to protect the people not to strip them of freedoms. This is most obvious when we consider that filters to prevent hate speech or child pornography are forms of censorship that may be enabled with the intention of protecting citizens not repressing them. Iceland for example has recently decided to ban pornography and it would be enabled in a similar way to censorship by regimes like China or Iran. [1] Even harsher censorship that naturally looks more repressive to us may be considered a legitimate means of protecting the people and their values. When a government is using censorship to ensure stability is that censorship not justified when compared to the alternative? While there may be divisions internally about the legitimacy of this censorship it is certainly not legitimate for outside actors to impose their own idea of how much censorship there should be.  [1] Kiss, Jemima, “Iceland’s porn ban ‘conflicts with the idea of a free society’, say critics”, guardian.co.uk, 28 February 2013, government, censorship, legitimacy, citizens, free society, freedom, filters, hate speech, child pornography, protection, repression, Iceland, porn ban, regime, China, Iran, stability, values, internal division, external actors government, censorship, legitimacy, citizens, freedom, hate speech, child pornography, protection, repression, regulation, Iceland, porn ban, regime comparison, stability, internal divisions, external actors, free society government censorship, citizen protection, legitimate censorship, freedom, hate speech, child pornography, societal stability, regime comparison, Iceland pornography ban, freedom of speech, state repression, internet filtering, moral values, legal boundaries, institutional authority, external influence government, censorship, legitimacy, freedom, citizens, protection, hate speech, child pornography, filters, restrictions, regime practices, Iceland, pornography ban, regime comparison, China, Iran, repression, stability, internal divisions, external influence, free society government, censorship, liberties, free speech, hate speech, child pornography, protection, restrictions, legitimacy, regime comparison, Iceland, porn ban, repression, stability, internal divisions, external imposition, values
test-international-amehbuaisji-con01a	Ratification of the International Criminal Court would be a violation of national sovereignty  Any state ratifying the Rome Statute, is placing its citizens at the mercy of a court that operates outside of national control. This is an unacceptable ceding of national sovereignty – thus no state other than the US has the power to deal with American criminals, and no one but Israel should deal with Israeli criminals. International criminal law and national sovereignty are inevitably enemies  Not only does the ICC threaten American sovereignty, it threatens the sovereignty of all nations – the ICC can, in some cases, prosecute citizens of nations that are not state parties. Authority for justice within one’s territory is however at the heart of the concept of sovereignty. As a matter of principle the US should not be supporting measures that affect the sovereignty of any nation, let alone the US itself. international criminal court, ICC, sovereignty, national sovereignty, Rome Statute, state ratification, international law, criminal justice, sovereignty violation, judicial authority, jurisdiction, legal sovereignty, US sovereignty, Israeli criminals, enforcement, state independence, international jurisdiction, sovereignty debate, legal sovereignty, international justice International Criminal Court, ICC, sovereignty, national sovereignty, Rome Statute, court jurisdiction, legal sovereignty, international law, criminal law, state sovereignty, jurisdiction, national control, sovereignty conflicts, US sovereignty, Israeli criminals, American criminals, international justice, global governance, legal authority, sovereign rights international criminal court, ICC, sovereignty, national sovereignty, Rome Statute, international law, jurisdiction, legal sovereignty, US, United States, US sovereignty, American criminals, Israeli criminals, international justice, national control, legal authority, extraterritorial jurisdiction International Criminal Court, ICC, sovereignty, ratification, Rome Statute, national control, criminal jurisdiction, international law, national sovereignty, US sovereignty, Israeli criminals, American criminals, jurisdiction, enforcement, legal sovereignty, international justice, state sovereignty, prosecution, legal authority, global justice International Criminal Court, ICC, sovereignty, ratification, Rome Statute, national control, international criminal law, national sovereignty, jurisdiction, prosecution, state sovereignty, judicial authority, sovereignty breach, legal sovereignty, international law, global justice, US, American criminals, Israeli criminals, enforcement, judicial independence
test-health-dhghhbampt-con02a	The pharmaceutical and medical industries are worth billions of dollars annually. They have an interest in ignoring the efficacy of remedies that are, for the most part, free or considerably cheaper  It’s understandable that the medical establishment has an interest in ignoring treatments that are freely available. Pharmaceutical companies make billions each year selling drugs that cost pennies to manufacture.  There is an enormous vested interest in insuring that the world in general- and the West in particular-remain tied to the idea that the only solution to disease is to swallow a pill provided by a man in a white coat. There are other solutions that have been used for thousands of years before anybody worked out how to make a buck out of it. For much of the world these therapies continue to be the ones people rely on and the rush of pharmaceutical companies to issue patents on genes of some of these traditional remedies suggests that there must be at least some truth in them. pharmaceutical industry, medical industry, drug efficacy, traditional remedies, herbal medicine, alternative medicine, natural therapies, cost-effective treatments, patenting genes, historical healing practices, medical establishment, profit motive, healthcare costs, natural healing, cultural medicine pharmaceutical industry, medical industry, remedies, traditional medicine, alternative therapies, drug patents, efficacy, healthcare, herbal remedies, natural treatments, cost-effective medicine, vested interests, pharmaceutical profits, medical establishment, history of medicine, global health, ancient therapies pharmaceutical industry, medical industry, drug efficacy, traditional remedies, alternative medicine, natural treatments, herbal medicine, medical establishment, pharmaceutical profits, patenting remedies, gene patents, affordable healthcare, ancient therapies, medical skepticism, industry vested interests pharmaceutical industry, medical industry, remedies, efficacy, traditional medicine, natural remedies, cost-effective treatments, alternatives, herbal medicine, healing therapies, healthcare, patenting, gene patents, traditional therapies, medicine history, healthcare economics, drug industry, profit motives, medical establishment pharmaceutical industry, medical industry, remedies, efficacy, traditional medicine, herbal treatments, alternative therapies, healthcare cost, drug patents, natural remedies, historical medicine, healthcare economics, medical establishment, drug manufacturing, vested interests, ancient practices, global health, wellness, medical suppression
test-law-hrilpgwhwr-con02a	It may be in the best interests of victims and their state for war criminals not to be brought to trial.  The ICC may well lead to the political prosecution of war criminals, but that is not necessarily the most effective means to peace, or lasting peace for victims. As U.S. policy papers have pointed out, despots like Pol Pot and Saddam Hussein did not consult lawyers over potential legal ramifications before they committed their respective human rights violations1. Furthermore, the impact on an oppressed population of a long, protracted trial of their fallen dictator is not always therapeutic for it can dredge up events of particularly melancholic qualities and grants the dictator a platform to continue his psychological control over his population.  1 Elsea, J. K. (2006). U.S. Policy Regarding the International Criminal Court. Congressional Research Service, p. 22. war criminals, victims, state interests, international criminal court, ICC, political prosecution, peace, lasting peace, justice, human rights violations, legal ramifications, despots, Pol Pot, Saddam Hussein, trials, psychological impact, oppression, dictatorship, legal process, reconciliation, justice system, therapeutic effects war crimes, victims, prosecution, International Criminal Court, political prosecution, peace, justice, legal ramifications, human rights violations, oppressive populations, dictator trials, psychological control, Melancholic memories, U.S. policy war crimes, victims, immunity, justice, ICC, political prosecution, peace, law, human rights, dictators, trial impact, psychological control, U.S. policy, international law, Amnesty war criminals, victims, state interests, ICC, political prosecution, peace, lasting peace, legal ramifications, human rights violations, despots, Pol Pot, Saddam Hussein, legal process, oppressed populations, long trial, psychological control, international criminal court war crimes, victims, state interests, International Criminal Court, ICC, political prosecution, peace, lasting peace, war criminals, legal ramifications, despots, human rights violations, prolonged trials, psychological impact, oppressed populations, Melancholia, dictators, justice, reconciliation, political consequences
test-philosophy-elhbrd-con01a	It is impossible to frame a structure which respects the right to die for the individual but that cannot be abused by others.  In terms of moral absolutes, killing people is wrong sets the bar fairly low. Pretty much all societies have accepted this as a line that cannot be crossed without the explicit and specific agreement of the state which only happens in very rare circumstances such as in times of war.  There is a simple reason for a blanket ban. It allows for no caveats, no misunderstandings, no fudging of the issue, and no shades of grey. Again, the reason for this approach is equally simple; anything other than such a clear cut approach will inevitably be abused [i] . As things stand guilt in the case of murder is determined entirely on the basis that it is proven that someone took another life. Their reasons for doing so may be reflected in sentencing but the court is not required to consider whether someone was justified in killing another.  It is in the nature of a court case that it happens after the event and nobody other than the murderer and the deceased know what actually took place between them. If we take shaken baby syndrome cases as an example the parent still loves the child, they have acted in the madness of a moment out of frustration. It’s still murder. Supporting a dying relative can be no less frustrating but killing them would still be murder, even where that comes after a prolonged period of coercion to fill in forms and achieve the appearance of consent. It would, however, be very hard to prove. At least with a baby we can assume consent was not given, that would not be the case here.  [i] Stephen Drake and Diane Coleman. ‘Second Thoughts’ Grow on Assisted Suicide. The Wall Street Journal. 5 August 2012. right to die, euthanasia, assisted suicide, moral absolutes, murder, legal ethics, abuse prevention, court cases, consent, coercion, moral dilemmas, legislation, human rights, societal norms, legal barriers, ethical debates, moral lines, abuse safeguards right to die, moral absolutes, euthanasia, assisted suicide, murder, legal ethics, abuse prevention, societal norms, legal standards, court proceedings, consent, coercion, family dynamics, law and morality, slippery slope, grey areas, legal proofs, moral dilemmas, bioethics right to die, moral absolutes, killing, society, blanket ban, abuse prevention, murder, justification, court cases, consent, coercion, assisted suicide, ethical dilemma, legal framework, homicide, euthanasia right to die, moral absolutes, euthanasia, assisted suicide, blanket ban, abuse prevention, murder, law, court, guilt, justification, consent, coercion, society, morality, legal framework, ethical dilemmas, family, healthcare, legal cases, moral ambiguity right to die, moral absolutes, murder, assisted suicide, euthanasia, legal ethics, homicide, abuse prevention, court proceedings, justification of killing, consent, coercion, legal boundaries, societal norms, moral dilemma, legal prosecution, harm, discussions on death, legal consent, court evidence
test-law-sdiflhrdffe-con03a	The offer of amnesty allows home governments to discredit bloggers and paint them as foreign agents of disruption  When Western states and democracies offer amnesty to bloggers under threat from their home governments, the blogger’s views and comments immediately become coloured in the eyes of the public. The government is able to point to the Western powers offering this amnesty and can easily claim that their offers are the result of collusion between bloggers and their foreign patrons to spread propaganda, so the blogger is therefore guilty of treason. As unfortunate as it may be in individual cases, the result is that offering amnesty will only weaken the cause of democracy. Being sent to prison for their beliefs will do far more to serve their cause than seeking succour in the arms of another state, one that has demonstrated antagonism toward their homeland. The ability for governments to stoke nationalist fires has been thoroughly demonstrated in recent months by China’s reaction toward territorial disputes with Japan. [1] It is very easy to rile the public against a perceived external aggressor, especially given that these states often control much of the mainstream media outlets, and those who offer amnesty give themselves up on a platter as an adversary to be exploited in the public consciousness. The better plan for democracies in pursuit of their goals is to condemn acts of oppression and to seek diplomatic redress, but direct interference in the course of states’ justice will doing nothing but harm relations with regimes and turn the people against the proponents of reform.  [1] The Economist. “Barren Rocks, Barren Nationalism”. 25 August 2012. amnesty, bloggers, foreign agents, discreditment, propaganda, treason, democracy, imprisonment, nationalism, external aggressor, media control, diplomatic redress, regime relations, political oppression, public perception amnesty, bloggers, foreign agents, discredit, propaganda, treason, democracy, human rights, repression, government, media control, nationalism, territorial disputes, external aggression, diplomatic redress, regime relations, media influence, censorship, political activism, public opinion amnesty, bloggers, foreign agents, propaganda, treason, democracy, government discrediting, public perception, foreign patrons, collusion, nationalism, media control, territorial disputes, China, Japan, external aggressor, media outlets, oppression, diplomatic redress, regime relations, reform amnesty, bloggers, foreign agents, discredit, propaganda, treason, democracy, government, nationalism, media, public opinion, diplomacy, international relations, oppression, territorial disputes, China, Japan amnesty, bloggers, foreign agents, discredit, propaganda, treason, democracy, government, nationalism, public perception, media control, territorial disputes, China, Japan, international relations, diplomatic redress, oppression, regime, reform, propaganda, foreign influence
test-society-tlhrilsfhwr-con02a	Punishing objectively harmful conduct  Of the tens of thousands of children exposed to armed conflict throughout the world, most are recruited into armed political groups. Quite contrary to the image of child soldiers constructed by the proposition, these youngsters are not de-facto adults, nor are they seeking to defend communities who will be in some way grateful for their contributions and sacrifices. Child soldiers join groups with defined political and military objectives.  Children may volunteer for military units after encountering propaganda. Many children join up to escape social disintegration within their communities. Several female child soldiers have revealed that they joined because to escape domestic violence or forced marriage. Many children who do not volunteer can be forcibly abducted by military organisations. One former child soldier from Congo reported that “they gave me a uniform and told me that now I was in the army. They said that they would come back and kill my parents if I didn’t do as they said.” [i]  Once inducted into the army, children are vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. They are usually viewed as expendable, employed as minesweepers or spies. The inexperience and gullibility of children is used to convince them that they are immune to bullets, or will be financially rewarded for committing atrocities. Many children are controlled through the use of drugs, to which they inevitably become addicted [ii] .  For every account the proposition can provide of a child who took up arms to defend his family, there are many more children who were coerced or threatened into becoming soldiers. Whatever standard of relativist morality side proposition may choose to employ, actions and abuses of the type described above are object4ively harmful to children.  Moreover, the process of turning a child into a soldier is irreversible and often more brutal and dehumanising than combat itself. Proposition concedes that child soldiers will be in need of care and treatment after demobilising, but they underestimate the difficulty of healing damage this horrific.  The use of child soldiers is an unpardonable crime, which creates suffering of a type universally understood to be unnecessary and destructive. It should not be diluted or justified by relativist arguments.  It would undermine the ICC’s role in promoting universal values if officers and politicians complicit in the abuses described above were allowed to publicly argue cultural relativism as their defence. Moreover, it would give an unacceptable air of legitimacy to warlords and brigands seeking to operate under the pretence of leading legitimate resistance movements  [i] Child Soldiers International,   [ii] “Child Soldiers: Global Report 2008”, Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers, 2007, p299, child soldiers, armed conflict, child abuse, recruitment, abduction, exposure, exploitation, violence, trauma, drugs, coercion, forced enlistment, international law, human rights, ICC, accountability, trauma recovery, cultural relativism, moral violations, warfare, child protection child soldiers, armed conflict, child abuse, recruitment, voluntary, forced abduction, military groups, political objectives, social disintegration, domestic violence, forced marriage, exploitation, use of drugs, addiction, coercion, harm, irreversible damage, trauma, demobilization, care, treatment, criminality, universal values, international law, ICC, cultural relativism, warlords, brigands, legitimacy, violence, children’s rights child soldiers, armed conflict, recruitment, abduction, forced conscription, child abuse, exploitation, violence, indoctrination, propaganda, gender, domestic violence, forced marriage, military groups, coercion, drug use, addiction, victimization, trauma, demobilization, rehabilitation, crime, international law, ICC, human rights, morality, cultural relativism, universal values, accountability, warlords, resistance movements child soldiers, armed conflict, child exploitation, child abuse, forced recruitment, volunteer recruitment, child abduction, gender-specific reasons, domestic violence, forced marriage, military indoctrination, propaganda, vulnerability, abuse, exploitation, expendable, minesweeping, spying, indoctrination, drug control, addiction, coercion, threats, harm, dehumanization, trauma, rehabilitation, demobilization, post-traumatic stress, international law, crime, ICC, universal values, cultural relativism, accountability, warlords, resistance movements child soldiers, armed conflict, recruitment, child exploitation, forced abduction, military indoctrination, propaganda, social disintegration, domestic violence, forced marriage, abuse, exploitation, expendable, minesweepers, spies, vulnerability, gullibility, immunity, financial rewards, atrocities, drug control, addiction, coercion, threats, irreversible harm, trauma, demobilization, rehabilitation, psychological damage, brutality, dehumanization, international law, crime, suffering, universal values, responsibility, cultural relativism, ICC, war crimes, accountability, human rights, violence, children, conflict, warlords, resistance movements
test-politics-eppghwlrba-con01a	Gun ownership is an integral aspect of the right to self defence  Law-abiding citizens deserve the right to protect their families in their own homes, especially if the police are judged incapable of dealing with the threat of attack. Would-be rapists and armed burglars will think twice before attempting to break into any house where the owners may keep firearms for self-defence. (This can also be applied to the right to carry concealed weapons, deterring potential rapists, muggers, etc.) gun ownership, self-defense, firearm rights, lawful gun owners, home security, concealed carry, personal protection, crime deterrence, self-defense laws, firearm legislation, safety measures, illegal intrusion, criminal deterrence, armed defense, police limitations gun ownership, self-defense, right to bear arms, home protection, firearm rights, law-abiding citizens, concealed carry, burglary deterrence, violent crime prevention, personal security, Second Amendment, firearm legislation, crime deterrence, self-defense weapons, property protection gun ownership, self-defense, firearm rights, home protection, law-abiding citizens, concealed carry, crime deterrence, self-defense laws, firearm rights advocacy, personal safety, crime prevention, defensive firearms, burglary prevention, armed self-defense, gun legality gun ownership, self-defense, firearm rights, private security, home protection, concealed carry, crime deterrence, lawful firearm possession, burglar prevention, personal safety, Second Amendment, armed defense, crime deterrence, law enforcement limitations, criminal deterrence gun ownership, self-defense, firearm rights, home protection, concealed carry, crime deterrence, personal safety, second amendment, lawful gun owners, burglary prevention, assault deterrence, firearm laws, criminal justice, citizen protection
test-environment-chbwtlgcc-pro01a	"450 PPM  The IPCC's Fourth Assessment Report determined that atmospheric GHG emissions needed to stabilize at 450ppm in order to avoid a temperature rise of more than 2-2.4C. Atmospheric ppm are currently at 393 and are rising at a rate of about 2 ppm per year. In order to stabilize at 450 ppm, the developed world would need to reduce its emissions by 25-40% by 2020 and 80-90% by 2050 along with significant reductions in the emissions growth rate of developing countries 1. Only a handful of countries (all of them in Europe) have achieved any reduction in annual GHG emissions despite promises to do so going back to the 1997 Kyoto Protocol.2 As a result, there is no evidence on which to reasonably conclude that atmospheric GHGs will be stabilized at 450ppm.  1. IPCC (2007). ""IPCC Fourth Assessment Report: Climate Change 2007 (AR4)"". Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA.: Cambridge University Press.  2 The Guardian, World carbon dioxide emissions data by country: China speeds ahead of the rest. (31/1/11). IPCC, Fourth Assessment Report, GHG emissions, 450ppm, climate change, global warming, CO2 emissions, temperature rise, stabilization, atmospheric carbon, Kyoto Protocol, developed countries, developing countries, emission reductions, European countries, climate policy, emissions targets, global temperature, climate mitigation, carbon dioxide, environmental policy, emission growth rate, climate commitments, international agreements, climate targets PPM, IPCC, Fourth Assessment Report, greenhouse gases, atmospheric emissions, climate change, global warming, temperature rise, stabilization, emissions reduction, Kyoto Protocol, developed countries, developing countries, Europe, carbon dioxide, China, emissions data, climate policy, global emissions, climate targets, climate mitigation IPCC, Fourth Assessment Report, atmospheric GHG emissions, 450 ppm, climate change, temperature rise, global warming, stabilization, ppm levels, emission reduction targets, developed countries, developing countries, Kyoto Protocol, Europe, greenhouse gases, carbon emissions, emission trends, climate policy, environmental targets, emission growth rate, international agreements IPCC, Fourth Assessment Report, GHG emissions, 450ppm, climate change, temperature rise, global warming, carbon dioxide, atmospheric concentration, ppm, emission reduction, developed countries, developing countries, Kyoto Protocol, emissions growth rate, Europe, CO2 emissions, global temperature, climate stabilization, environmental policy, climate targets, emissions trends, climate mitigation, climate goals IPCC, Fourth Assessment Report, atmospheric GHG, 450ppm, climate change, global warming, temperature rise, ppm, emissions reduction, developed countries, developing countries, Kyoto Protocol, Europe, CO2 emissions, emission targets, climate policy, global emissions, stabilization, mitigation, international agreements"
test-politics-cdfsaphgiap-pro03a	Transparency allows citizens to choose for a healthy leader as to ensure proper functioning  The health and fitness of a leader is a vital issue when choosing a leader; the electorate deserves to know if they are likely to serve out their term. When health conditions are hidden from the people they may mistakenly elect a leader who is unable to serve a full term or is at times not in control of the country. There would be little point in voting for a leader who will often not truely be in charge of the country, if voters are told it becomes their choice whether this is a problem. Transparency in terms of clear, accurate and up-to-date information is necessary for the electorate to judge the fitness of a leader which is a necessary precondition for election. In a democracy a leader needs to be accountable, he can only be accountable if the elctorate knows such vital information. transparency, citizens, healthy leader, leadership fitness, election, health disclosure, voter information, accountability, democracy, political transparency, leadership health, informed voting, voter rights, full term, country governance transparency, leadership, health, fitness, electorate, election, accountability, information, democracy, voter rights, leadership assessment, health disclosure, governing, election integrity, political transparency transparency, citizen choice, leadership health, election integrity, voter information, accountability, political transparency, leadership fitness, health disclosure, electoral process, democratic values, political accountability transparency, leadership, voter rights, health disclosure, election integrity, accountability, democracy, political transparency, leader fitness, information transparency, voter awareness, governance, electorate, political disclosure, health privacy transparency, citizens, leadership, health, fitness, election, accountability, electorate, information, democracy, voter knowledge, leadership health, full term, decision-making, political transparency
test-science-ciidfaihwc-pro04a	As an extensive form of media, the Internet should be subject to regulation just as other forms of media are.  Under the status quo, states already regulate other forms of media that could be used malevolently. Newspapers and books are subject to censorship [1] , and mediums such as television, film and video receive a higher degree of regulation [2] because it is widely recognised that moving pictures and sound can be more emotive and powerful than text and photographs or illustrations. The internet has many means of portraying information and opinion, including film clips and sound, and almost all the information found on television or in newspapers can be found somewhere on the internet [3] , alongside the millions of uploads from internet users themselves [4] .  [1] Foerstel, Herbert N., ‘Banned in the Media’, Publishing Central,  on 09/09/11  [2] CityTVweb.com, ‘Television censorship’, 27 August 2007,  on 09/09/11.  [3] Online Newspapers Directory for the World, ‘Thousands of Newspapers Listed by Country & Region’,  on 09/09/11  [4] Boris, Cynthia, ’17 Percent of Photobucket Users Upload Video’s Once a Day’, Marketing Pilgrim, 9 September 2011,  on 09/09/11 Internet, media, regulation, censorship, newspapers, books, television, film, video, moving pictures, sound, emotive, powerful, information, opinion, uploads, users, online newspapers, media regulation, censorship laws, content regulation, digital media internet regulation, media censorship, online content control, film and video regulation, internet information, media regulation comparison, traditional media censorship, internet uploads, emotive media, media regulation laws Internet, media, regulation, censorship, newspapers, books, television, film, video, moving pictures, sound, information, opinion, uploads, internet users, emotive, powerful, regulation comparison, media forms internet, media, regulation, censorship, newspapers, books, television, film, video, sound, information, opinion, uploads, internet users, emotive, powerful, content, media regulation internet, media regulation, censorship, newspapers, books, television, film, video, moving pictures, emotive power, sound, information, opinion, uploads, user-generated content, multimedia, online news, digital media, free speech, content regulation, media control
test-politics-oapghwliva-con02a	"The constitution should not be amended  We should always be cautious of altering the United States’ Constitution. Once an amendment is passed, it is extremely hard to overturn, even if its consequences are clearly negative (as the experience of constitutionally-mandated prohibition of alcohol should make clear). It would be both difficult and unnecessary. There are problems of wording and interpretation. The 1996 Act covered 22 pages and went into great detail to define the extent and limits of Presidential authority under the legislation, including the exact meanings of “single item of appropriation”, ''direct spending'' and ''limited tax benefit'', as well as the means by which Congress could override his decisions.1 It is hard to believe that a one-paragraph amendment to the Constitution could achieve such precision, opening the budgetary process up to confusion, shifting interpretation and constant legal challenge. It is also unnecessary. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia argues ""The short of the matter is this: Had the Line Item Veto Act authorized the president to 'decline to spend' any item of spending ... there is not the slightest doubt that authorization would have been constitutional… What the Line Item Veto Act does instead -- authorizing the president to 'cancel' an item of spending -- is technically different.""2 Thus the act could simply have been worded differently in order to make it constitutional. This would not change the substance of the ability of the ‘veto’ to cut spending.  1 One hundred fourth Congress of the United States of America at the second session, “Line Item Veto Act”, 3/1/1996, The Library of Congress, accessed 6/5/11  2 Supreme Court Justice Scalia quoted in Michael Kirkland, ‘Under the U.S. Supreme Court: Like the South, will line item veto rise again?’, upi.com, 17/4/11 accessed 6/5/11  improve this  COUNTERPOINT  ""I do not take these matters lightly in amending the Constitution. However, I am convinced in this case it is the only way to provide the President with the same authority that 44 Governors already have to influence spending.""1It would in general be preferable to make such a change through normal legislation, but that was attempted in 1996 and found unconstitutional. Supreme Court Justice Stevens in his majority opinion for the Supreme Court argued that it was necessary for there to be an amendment to make it constitutional, ""If there is to be a new procedure in which the president will play a different role in determining the text of what may ""become a law"", such change must come not by legislation but through the amendment procedures set forth in Article V of the Constitution.""2  1 Item veto constitutional amendment hearing before the subcommittee on the constitution of the Committee on the Judiciary House of Representatives, 23/3/00, accessed 5/5/11  2 Clinton, President of the United States, et al. v. City of New York et al. No.97-1374, United States Supreme Court, 1998,accessed 5/5/11  improve this  APPENDIX constitution, amendment, US Constitution, constitutional change, amendment process, legal interpretation, constitutional authority, legislative process, constitutional legality, constitutional debate, Supreme Court, judicial review, legal challenge, line item veto, presidential authority, spending authority, budgetary process, constitutional provisions, legal analysis, constitutional amendment necessity, legislative attempts, amendment procedures, constitutional interpretation, constitutional limits, legal precedent, constitutional challenge Constitutional amendment, US Constitution, legal challenge, interpretation, wording, constitutionality, legislative process, Supreme Court, line-item veto, presidential authority, budget process, legal terminology, constitutional change, constitutional procedure, Article V, judicial review, veto power, spending authority, legal debate, constitutional rigidity, constitutional amendments, legal interpretation, constitutional law Constitution, amendment, U.S. Constitution, constitutional amendment, legal challenges, interpretation, legislative process, legislative wording, legal interpretation, Supreme Court, judicial review, constitutional change, political process, constitutional authority, legislative authority, executive power, presidential authority, veto power, line item veto, budgetary process, legal precedent, constitutional convention, Article V, constitutional law, judicial opinion, legal constitutionalism Constitution, amendment, U.S. Constitution, constitutionality, legal interpretation, legislative process, Supreme Court, legal challenge, constitutional change, amendment procedures, Article V, legislative authority, presidential veto, line item veto, statutory law, constitutional law, legal precedent, judicial review, legal argument, constitutional flexibility, legislative process, public policy constitution, amendment, U.S. Constitution, amendments, legal challenges, constitutional process, legislative process, constitutional validity, Supreme Court, judicial review, interpretation, legal language, legislative authority, presidential veto, line item veto, legislative override, constitutional debate, constitutional change, constitutional procedures, Article V, constitutional necessity, legal interpretation, constitutional limits"
test-religion-msgfhwbamec-con01a	It’s impossible to police such a law.  There is simply no feasible way of enforcing laws against arranged marriages, particularly as it is almost guaranteed that many communities will continue to practice them regardless. It will be impossible to tell whether a marriage has been started by arrangement if the community and the couple are unwilling to go to the police and most will be unwilling to report their own families when practicing a cultural tradition. Those who are deeply dissatisfied and beaten may do so but in this instance the law already allows divorce and abuse is punishable by the full force of the law.  Given that forced marriages have already been outlawed and that it has been established that arranged marriages in themselves cause few provable harms, the resources of any police force would arguably be wasted on enforcing such a law; investigations would be very intrusive and labour intensive.  Furthermore, given the continuation of practices like honour killings, [1] as well as rape and domestic violence, law enforcement personnel would be better placed targeting far more heinous crimes than arranged marriages. A tangible harm could arise from the police being made to direct their energies towards such minor misdemeanours, in that there could be fewer resources available for more serious crimes.  [1] ‘Europe Grapples with “Honour Killings,” DW.de -  (accessed 17 September 2012) policing, enforcement, arranged marriages, community practices, cultural traditions, reporting, family secrecy, divorce, abuse, legality, resources, law enforcement, investigations, privacy, intrusive, labor intensive, honor killings, domestic violence, heinous crimes, resource allocation, minor misdemeanors, serious crimes enforcement, arranged marriages, cultural practices, community resistance, legal challenges, police resource allocation, honor killings, domestic violence, rape, minor misdemeanors, prioritization, human rights, cultural sensitivity policing, enforcement, arranged marriages, community practices, cultural traditions, reporting, family secrecy, divorce, abuse laws, illegal practices, investigation, resource allocation, honor killings, domestic violence, rape, minor misdemeanours, law enforcement priorities, heinous crimes enforcement, arranged marriages, cultural practices, reporting, community resistance, legitimacy, legal challenges, police resources, heinous crimes, domestic violence, honour killings, resource allocation, crime prioritization policing, law enforcement, enforcement challenges, arranged marriages, cultural practices, community resistance, reporting barriers, domestic violence, honor killings, rape, resource allocation, legal enforcement, human rights, crime prevention, criminal investigation, social customs, family privacy, intrusive investigations, harm assessment
test-international-gpsmhbsosb-pro02a	Georgian rule in South Ossetia is historically illegitimate and oppressive  Modern Georgia never really controlled S. Ossetia. South Ossetia declared independence from Georgia shortly after Georgia gained independence from the disintegrating USSR in 1991. South Ossetia has maintained de facto independence ever since. [1] Georgia, therefore, cannot really claim to have had sustained, legitimate sovereign control over South Ossetia in modern times. Even the USSR recognised S. Ossetia as distinct from Georgia, with the Kremlin stating in 1920 that “we consider that Ossetia should have the power it prefers. Georgian intrusion into affairs of Ossetia would be an unjustified intervention into foreign internal affairs”. [2] S. Ossetia was an autonomous region within the USSR. It was not considered part of the same region that is now Georgia, and thus during its years under the USSR, S. Ossetia built up a significant degree of autonomy and independence in its internal functioning. Therefore, Georgia's only real claim to South Ossetia must extend back nearly a century, before the time of the Soviet Union.  This significantly weakens Georgia's claim over South Ossetia, but moreover Georgia's historical claim on South Ossetia is quite weak even in isolation. This is because S. Ossetia has its own distinct language and history to that of Georgia. Ossetian or Ossetic is a member of the Northeastern Iranian branch of Indo-European languages. About 500,000 people speak Ossetian in Ossetia. [3] , [4] That Ossetia has this distinct language is an important fact in favour of its status as a nation-state and in favor of its independence. Georgia, however, has been accused of committing genocide against the South Ossetians in 1920, 1993, and 2008, with tens of thousands of S. Ossetians dying over the course of these conflicts. [5] The Georgian government has also attempted to suppress S. Ossetian culture and identity, for example banning the use of the Ossetian language in official documents and abolishing S. Ossetian autonomy within Georgia. [6] Georgian rule in S. Ossetia is therefore both ahistorical, due to S. Ossetia's long and recognised history of independence and cultural and linguistic distinctness, and illegitimate, as the Georgian government has waged war upon the very lives and identity of the S. Ossetian people.  [1] BBC News. “S Ossetia votes for independence”. BBC News. 13 November 2006.   [2] Bzarov, Ruslan. “Independence of the Republic of South Ossetia – a guarantee of safety and reliable future of the Ossetian people”. Speech of Doctor of historical sciences, Professor Ruslan Bzarov at the VI congress of the Ossetian people. September 2007.   [3] BBC News. “S Ossetia votes for independence”. BBC News. 13 November 2006.   [4] Omniglot. “Ossetian”. Omniglot.   [5] Portyakova, Natalya and Sysoyev, Gennady. “Measuring South Ossetia by Kosovo”. Kommersant. 15 November 2006.   [6] Makarkin, Alexei. “How is South Ossetia different from Kosovo?”. RIA Novosti. 9 March 2006. South Ossetia, Georgia, sovereignty, independence, autonomy, Soviet Union, USSR, historical claim, illegitimacy, oppression, cultural suppression, language, Ossetian, Ossetic, Iranian language, ethnicity, nation-state, conflict, genocide, war, separatism, self-determination, recognition, de facto independence, international law, territorial dispute South Ossetia, Georgia, independence, legitimacy, sovereignty, USSR, autonomy, history, language, Ossetic, nation-state, conflict, genocide, culture, identity, autonomy abolishment, illegitimacy, separatism, regional conflict South Ossetia, Georgian rule, independence, sovereignty, autonomy, Soviet Union, USSR recognition, nationalism, language, Ossetian, culture, identity, genocide, conflict, territory, international recognition, separatism, de facto independence, legitimacy, Georgia, history, ethnicity, conflict, autonomy abolished, legal claims, regional dispute, border, separatism, independence movements South Ossetia, Georgia, independence, legitimacy, control, sovereignty, USSR, autonomy, history, language, Ossetian, Ossetia, ethnicity, nation-state, culture, genocide, conflicts, autonomy abolition, Illegitimacy, oppression, separatism, recognition, international law, self-determination, de facto independence, Georgian rule, ethnic identity, linguistic distinction South Ossetia, Georgian rule, independence, sovereignty, legitimacy, autonomy, USSR, history, culture, language, Ossetian, Ossetic, Iranic, ethnic identity, conflict, genocide, suppression, de facto independence, international recognition, secession, regional conflict, post-Soviet territory, separatism, autonomy abolition, cultural suppression, historical claims, legal claims, dispute, international law, territorial integrity
test-economy-epegiahsc-pro03a	Trade is good for democracy.  Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez has been making sustained efforts to boost his influence in Latin America, with regional tours and substantial investments in neighbouring economies, fuelled by Venezuela’s oil money [1] . He is staunchly anti-American and a supporter of Iran. Meanwhile, he has been restricting freedom of speech in his own country, has done away with presidential term limits, and has essentially proven himself as yet another Latin American dictator in the making. If the US hopes to counterbalance his influence, it needs to become more economically connected to Latin America. Showing that the United States is willing to trade fairly with Latin America would undermine his message. This would not only be the case for the United States as it would also allow Brazil and other successful democratic Latin American states to boost their influence.  [1] Carroll, Rory. “Chavez Opens His Wallet Wider to Boost Latin American Influence.” The Guardian. 9 August 2007. Trade, democracy, Venezuela, Hugo Chavez, Latin America, regional influence, investments, oil money, anti-American, Iran, freedom of speech, presidential term limits, dictatorship, US foreign policy, economic connection, fair trade, democratic states, Latin American influence Trade, democracy, Venezuela, Hugo Chavez, Latin America, regional influence, investments, oil money, anti-American, Iran, freedom of speech, presidential term limits, dictatorship, US, economic connection, fair trade, Brazil, democratic states Trade, democracy, Venezuela, Hugo Chavez, Latin America, influence, regional tours, investments, oil money, anti-American, Iran, freedom of speech, presidential term limits, dictatorship, US, economic connection, trade, Latin American democracy, US-Latin America relations, regional influence Trade, democracy, Venezuela, Hugo Chavez, Latin America, regional influence, investments, oil money, anti-American, Iran, freedom of speech, presidential term limits, dictatorship, US influence, economic connections, fair trade, Brazil, democratic states Trade, democracy, Venezuela, Hugo Chavez, Latin America, regional influence, investments, oil money, anti-American, Iran, freedom of speech, presidential term limits, dictatorship, US, economic connection, fair trade, Brazil, democratic states
test-law-ralhrilglv-con02a	Kenya needs the trial now  Without justice, there cannot be peace. Following the total failure of the Kenyan justice system to take action, exemplified by the Parliament’s complete and utter rejection of the Waki Commission, the ICC, which Kenya voluntarily signed up to, has to step in.  Ethnic violence still goes on in Kenya [1] , and if there is impunity in this case, no message will be sent out: justice must be done and seen to be done to prevent similar abuses and prevent justice being taken outside of the courts.  [1] Wachira, Muchemi, “Cattle raids and tribal rivalries to blame for perennial conflict”, Daily Nation, November 18 2012, Kenya, justice, peace, Waki Commission, ICC, impunity, ethnic violence, tribal conflicts, cattle raids, national reconciliation, legal accountability, Kenyan justice system, political rejection, transitional justice, conflict prevention Kenya, justice, peace, Waki Commission, ICC, impunity, ethnic violence, tribal conflicts, cattle raids, Kenyan justice system, government failure, national reconciliation, transitional justice, accountability, human rights, Kenya crisis, internal conflict, legal reform, conflict prevention, justice delay Kenya, justice, trial, peace, justice system, Parliament, Waki Commission, ICC, ethnic violence, impunity, accountability, conflict, tribal rivalries, cattle raids, Muchemi Wachira, Daily Nation Kenya, justice, peace, ICC, Waki Commission, Kenyan justice system, ethnic violence, impunity, accountability, tribal conflicts, cattle raids, Muchemi Wachira, Daily Nation, 2012, conflict resolution Kenya, justice, peace, justice system failure, Waki Commission, ICC, ethnic violence, impunity, justice enforcement, tribal conflicts, cattle raids, Kenya Parliament, accountability, Kenya violence, ethnic tensions, post-election violence, judicial reform, conflict prevention
test-economy-eptpghdtre-con01a	Republicans are the best at stimulating economic growth  The tax cuts proposed by President Bush and passed by a Republican Congress ensured that real, after-tax income was up 15% by 2006. The Dow Jones hit record Highs during his time in office.  These tax cuts were responsible for the creation of 6.6 million jobs, primarily in the private sector – real jobs producing real goods and providing real services not tax-payer funded sinecures to mask the reality of the economic situation. [i]  [i] The White House, “Fact Sheet: Job Creation Continues – More than 6.6 Million Jobs Created Since August 2003”, 6 October 2006, Republicans, economic growth, tax cuts, President Bush, Republican Congress, after-tax income, 2006, Dow Jones, record highs, job creation, private sector, real jobs, goods, services, White House, fact sheet, job creation Republicans, economic growth, tax cuts, President Bush, Republican Congress, after-tax income, 2006, Dow Jones, record highs, job creation, private sector, real jobs, goods, services, White House, fact sheet Republicans, economic growth, tax cuts, President Bush, Republican Congress, real income, after-tax income, 2006, Dow Jones, record highs, job creation, private sector, real jobs, goods, services, White House, fact sheet, job creation Republicans, economic growth, tax cuts, President Bush, Republican Congress, post-tax income, 15%, 2006, Dow Jones, record highs, job creation, 6.6 million jobs, private sector, real jobs, goods, services, White House, fact sheet Republicans, economic growth, tax cuts, President Bush, Republican Congress, after-tax income, 2006, Dow Jones, record highs, job creation, private sector, real jobs, goods, services, White House, Fact Sheet, job creation
test-international-apwhbaucmip-con04a	No mechanism to prevent crises and war exists  Within countries it is the state that ensures that conflict does not occur: the state has a monopoly on the use of force so ensures law and order. There is no such hierarchy between states. African nations, as with most other states in the world, believe in the sovereign right of states to manage their own affairs. In the same document as there is a pledge to end war “respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each of its [AU’s] Member States” is reaffirmed. [1] While states are considered sovereign there is no possible way to create a mechanism to ensure that conflicts do not happen. The AU cannot dictate to its members to ensure they avoid internal conflicts even if the AU knows a conflict is coming as those members are the stakeholders. [2] All that the AU can do is react to ongoing conflicts when it is already spilling out of control and encourage good practice.  [1] African Union, 2013, p.1  [2] Williams, 2011, p.9 conflict prevention, war, sovereignty, state monopoly on force, law and order, interstate relations, international conflict management, African Union, territorial integrity, internal conflicts, conflict escalation, conflict mitigation, diplomatic intervention, global peace, conflict resolution mechanisms conflicts, war, prevention, sovereignty, state monopoly, law and order, international relations, AU, African Union, territorial integrity, internal conflicts, conflict management, conflict resolution, overlapping sovereignty, international mechanism, conflict escalation, stakeholder interests, Good Practice conflicts, war, crises, state, sovereignty, law and order, use of force, hierarchy, African Union, AU, member states, territorial integrity, internal conflicts, conflict prevention, conflict management, international relations, sovereignty rights, conflict escalation, conflict resolution, good practice, stakeholder mitigation conflict prevention, war, state monopoly, law and order, sovereignty, territorial integrity, African Union, internal conflict, conflict management, international relations, diplomatic mechanisms, conflict spillover, conflict mitigation, member states, conflict resolution, sovereignty rights conflict prevention, war prevention, state sovereignty, monopoly on force, law and order, international hierarchy, African Union, AU, territorial integrity, internal conflicts, conflict management, conflict resolution, conflict spillover, reactive diplomacy, good practice, stakeholder interests, sovereign rights, conflict mechanisms, peacekeeping, conflict escalation
test-education-pteuhwfphe-con02a	Alternative- and more efficient- methods of funding universities are available  There are a number of viable alternatives to a graduate tax as a means of paying for Higher Education: Full state funding operates in many EU countries as part of an extensive and popular welfare state paid for out of general taxation; the value the state clearly places upon Higher Education has made it a common aspiration across all social classes. Other countries make individual students pay for all or most of the cost of their university education, which is widely seen as an investment in increased future earning potential. In the USA this has produced very high levels of enrollment and broad access to higher education as motivated students readily work to pay their way through college. Most also take out commercial loans, which are later paid off once the student is in employment; unlike a graduate tax these repayments are not open-ended and will one day be completed. The cost of educating a student to degree level varies widely both between and within countries, showing clear room for efficiency savings to be made in many institutions, perhaps through some focusing solely upon teaching rather than research, or by academic specialization. alternative funding, university funding, graduate tax, full state funding, welfare state, general taxation, higher education, social classes, student payments, investment, future earnings, enrollment, college access, commercial loans, repayment, education costs, cost efficiency, teaching focus, research, academic specialization alternative funding methods, university funding, graduate tax alternatives, full state funding, welfare state, higher education, general taxation, social classes, individual student payments, investment, future earnings, USA, college enrollment, access to higher education, commercial loans, repayment, education costs, efficiency savings, teaching focus, academic specialization alternative funding methods, university funding, graduate tax, full state funding, welfare state, taxation, social classes, individual student payments, investment in education, earning potential, high enrollment, access to higher education, commercial loans, repayment, education costs, efficiency savings, teaching focus, academic specialization alternative funding, university funding, higher education financing, graduate tax alternatives, state funding, welfare state, social classes, individual student payments, investment in education, USA higher education, enrollment rates, access to college, student loans, commercial loans, repayment plans, education costs, efficiency savings, institutional focus, academic specialization alternative funding, efficient university funding, graduate tax alternatives, state funding, welfare state, higher education financing, student payment, investment in education, USA higher education, college loans, repayment methods, education cost, cost efficiency, teaching focus, academic specialization
test-digital-freedoms-dfiphbgs-pro03a	Governments can re-define industry standards by choosing open source software.  Economists use the term ‘network effect’ to describe the phenomenon whereby, as several people use the same communication platform (be it a specific device, such as a telephone, or a complicated service, such as Facebook), it becomes more valuable for others to use because they can share and collaborate on work with a wider range of individuals.  Network effects explain why Microsoft’s monopoly of around 90% of the desktop market with its Windows and Office software has been so hard to challenge [i] .  Governments are one of the few organisations which can define industry standards because citizens and businesses increasingly have to interact with governments electronically. Brazil’s Digital Inclusion Program, for example, has selected open source software for 58 government units rather than Windows or Microsoft Office [ii] . The result is that businesses and Brazilian citizens can use the same open source software at home, knowing they will be able to interact with their government. As open source software is often either free or cheaper than closed source alternatives, this approach enables local authorities, private businesses and individual citizens to interact more easily with the state, removing many of the obstacles and objections to the wider adoption of information technology.  [i] Lie, Hakon Wium. “Microsoft’s forgotten monopoly.” CNET News. 19 June 2006.  [ii] Fried, Ina. “Brazil: Digital inclusion, but how?” CNET News. 27 August 2008. governments, open source software, industry standards, network effect, communication platform, monopoly, Microsoft, desktop market, software adoption, digital inclusion, Brazil, government digital programs, citizen interaction, software interoperability, open source benefits, software cost, information technology adoption government, industry standards, open source software, network effect, communication platforms, Microsoft monopoly, desktop market, Windows, Office, digital inclusion, Brazil, e-government, interaction, collaboration, cost reduction, digital literacy, technology adoption, public policy, digital divide governments, industry standards, open source software, network effect, communication platform, Microsoft monopoly, desktop market, Linux, interoperability, digital inclusion, Brazil, government digital programs, software adoption, collaboration, public sector technology, technology accessibility, software costs, open source advantages, citizen interaction, private sector, technology policy governments, industry standards, open source software, network effects, communication platforms, digital inclusion, monopoly, Microsoft, Windows, Office, Brazil, government digital programs, collaboration, technology adoption, cost reduction, public sector, private sector, interoperability, electronic interaction, information technology governments, industry standards, open source software, network effect, communication platforms, Microsoft monopoly, digital inclusion, Brazil, open source adoption, information technology, public sector, collaboration, digital government, software interoperability, cost-effectiveness, citizen engagement
test-international-gsciidffe-con03a	This policy is not necessary and may be counterproductive  Unless a state wishes to pull the plug on the internet entirely state censorship on the internet is never complete. Dissidents and those who are interested in getting around censorship will manage with or without help from other governments, they will use privately developed software, or proxies to get around censors and protect themselves. Having help from foreign governments to bypass censorship may even put the people this policy is trying to empower in an even worse position. The use of software that is meant to undermine censorship helps to prove that the dissident’s intent is hostile towards the government and the state’s policies – otherwise they would not need to software, and would not resort to using methods developed by foreign countries. Russia is increasingly cracking down on those who have contact or receive help from ‘foreign agents’ particularly foreign NGOs, such a policy could be as easily applied to online help as financial aid. [1]  [1] Earle, Jonathan, “Hundreds of NGOs Checked for Foreign Agents, Extremism”, The Moscow Times, 19 March 2013, internet censorship, dissidents, proxies, bypassing censorship, foreign governments, private software, online help, foreign agents, NGOs, government policy, digital rights, information freedom, surveillance, foreign influence, national security, digital activism internet censorship, dissidents, online privacy, proxies, bypass software, foreign influence, government policy, digital rights, cybersecurity, foreign NGOs, foreign agents, repression, censorship circumvention, online activism, digital suppression, Russia, government monitoring internet censorship, digital privacy, online suppression, dissidents, proxy servers, circumvention tools, software, foreign assistance, government surveillance, opposition tactics, cyber resistance, foreign intervention, NGO regulation, foreign agents, information freedom, online activism, digital rights, state control, internet governance, censorship resistance internet censorship, dissidents, bypass software, proxies, foreign governments, online privacy, digital rights, government surveillance, foreign agents, NGOs, online activism, censorship circumvention, digital security, political opposition, foreign assistance internet censorship, dissidents, software, proxies, bypass censorship, foreign governments, privacy, online help, foreign agents, NGOs, state policies, digital rights, information freedom, government crackdowns
test-international-sepiahbaaw-con03a	Natural resources create employment  The extraction of natural resources creates the possibility of job creation which can strengthen African economies. Both domestic and foreign firms require man power for their operations, and they will often draw from the local labour force. Employment ensures a better standard of living for the workers and injects money in to the home economy leading to greater regional economic stability. In Nigeria, for example, the company Shell hires 6000 employees and contractors, with 90% being Nigerian and at higher wages than the GDP per capita [1] . This would indicate that the presence of natural resources is economically strengthening Africa.  [1] Shell Nigeria ‘Shell at a glance’ date accessed 16 December 2013 natural resources, employment, job creation, African economies, natural resource extraction, local labor force, economic stability, Nigeria, Shell Nigeria, wages, economic development, regional economy, foreign firms, domestic firms natural resources, employment, job creation, African economies, resource extraction, local labor force, economic stability, Nigeria, Shell Nigeria, employment statistics, wage levels, regional development, economic growth, domestic firms, foreign investment natural resources, employment, job creation, African economies, resource extraction, local labor force, economic development, regional stability, standard of living, foreign firms, domestic firms, Nigeria, Shell Nigeria, economic impact, labor wages natural resources, employment, job creation, African economies, resource extraction, domestic firms, foreign firms, labor force, economic development, standard of living, regional stability, Nigeria, Shell Nigeria, wages, economic impact natural resources, employment, job creation, African economies, extraction, domestic firms, foreign firms, labor force, regional stability, economic development, Nigeria, Shell, wages, local employment, economic growth
test-education-pteuhwfphe-con03a	A graduate tax would reduce teh autonomy of universities  If a graduate tax were introduced the money would go to the national treasury which would result in universities competing for the same money as colleges. At the moment the money generated from tuition fees goes straight to where it should go, straight to the universities bank accounts who provide the education. Under graduate tax proposals from the UK’s National Union of Students, raised revenue from the tax would go into a centralized higher education fund which could be distributed by the government through various means which could result in some universities getting unfair levels of funding relative to both their standing and student bodies. (Barr, N. 2009) This is impractical for universities to plan investments as they will never be entirely sure what funding they will have and furthermore and for many arguably most importantly universities will ultimately lose their independence from the state. graduate tax, university autonomy, national treasury, funding distribution, tuition fees, higher education fund, government allocation, university independence, UK, National Union of Students, education funding, university funding fairness, policy impact, university planning, state influence graduate tax, university autonomy, national treasury, funding distribution, tuition fees, higher education funding, UK students, NUS proposals, centralized fund, government allocation, university independence, financial planning, education funding inequality graduate tax, university autonomy, national treasury, government funding, tuition fees, higher education funding, Centralized education fund, university independence, funding allocation, UK education, student Union, university finance, investment planning, state control graduate tax, university autonomy, national treasury, funding distribution, tuition fees, centralized higher education fund, government funding, university independence, funding inequality, university planning, state influence, education finance, NUS proposals graduate tax, university autonomy, national treasury, education funding, tuition fees, government funding, higher education, funding distribution, university independence, Student Union, UK, NUS, central fund, resource allocation, university planning, financial planning, education policy, state control, funding fairness, university competition
test-international-segiahbarr-con04a	War and Civil unrest disrupt development and economic growth  Another major barrier to economic development in Africa is the regional instability caused by the 23 wars and episodes of civil unrest. War is naturally a costly affair; the 2001 conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea cost the former $2.9 billion with extensive damage to its economic and social infrastructure. A BBC report noted that extra funding had to be diverted away from development in order to meet the rising demands of the war [1] . What makes Africa’s situation far worse is the tendency of many armed groups to become bandits rather than armies with political objectives [2] . The inclination for these armed groups to forsake any ideal of governing in favour of banditry and rape makes them harder to negotiate as ‘legitimate grievances in these failed or failing African states deteriorate into rapacious, profit-orientated bloodshed’ [3] . The constant disruption to the lives of civilians in these 23 wars has led to poor levels of human development, which has further destabilised the region.  [1] Bhalla, ‘War ‘devastated’ Ethiopian economy’, 2001  [2] Gettleman, ‘Africa’s Forever Wars’, 2010  [3] Gettleman, ‘Africa’s Forever Wars’, 2010 war, civil unrest, development disruption, economic growth, Africa, regional instability, armed conflicts, infrastructure damage, Ethiopia, Eritrea, war costs, diversion of funds, armed groups, banditry, political objectives, non-state armed groups, insecurity, human development, civilian impact, failed states, conflict zones, violence, social destabilization war, civil unrest, development, economic growth, Africa, regional instability, conflicts, Ethiopia, Eritrea, infrastructure damage, development funding, armed groups, bandits, political objectives, violence, governance failure, human development, civilian disruption, regional destabilization war, civil unrest, development, economic growth, regional instability, African conflicts, Ethiopia-Eritrea conflict, infrastructure damage, economic cost, diverted funding, armed groups, banditry, political objectives, governance failure, human development, regional destabilization, violence, civilian impact, failed states war, civil unrest, development, economic growth, regional instability, Africa, conflicts, Ethiopia, Eritrea, infrastructure damage, military spending, armed groups, banditry, political objectives, lawlessness, governance failure, violence, civilian displacement, human development, regional destabilization war, civil unrest, development, economic growth, Africa, regional instability, conflict, Ethiopia, Eritrea, infrastructure damage, military spending, armed groups, banditry, political objectives, lawlessness, human development, instability, armed conflict, social disruption, failed states, social infrastructure, violence, civilian suffering
test-philosophy-pppthbtcb-con01a	Harm to others is never legitimate  Even in cases of suppression and deprivation of human rights, it is not justified to harm others outside the law. Considering acts of terror, there are three possible targets: civilians, political, military or other powerful authorities and their representatives, and structures such as (government) buildings, cars etc. without any causalities. In the case of the first, it is illegitimate to kill innocent civilians because not only have these people not contributed to the terrorists' marginalization, which means that hurting them will not undo the cause of harm, but this also perpetuates the harm that was the cause for violence in the first place. In the case of the second target, the attack on authorities responsible for the marginalization might be removed in some cases (if there is one), but it more often results in backlash where supporters of the authorities act against the insurgents, resulting in more harm. This happened with the Kurdish revolt against the Turkish authorities, which led to a guerilla war with over 30.000 causalities. [1] Thirdly, attacking the infrastructure of a country means disabling the population for accessing their basic capacities such as accessing healthcare by destroying roads or hospitals. Regarding the fact that the population is innocent in the crimes of the government, this is unnecessary and harmful for the whole population.  [1] Washington Post. (1999). Who Are the Kurds? Retrieved August 3, 2011, from Washington Post: harm, others, legitimate, human rights, violence, terror, targets, civilians, authorities, government buildings, infrastructure, collateral damage, insurgency, collateral casualties, ethical considerations, proportionality, political violence, Kurdish revolt, guerilla war, backlash, moral justification harm, others, legitimacy, human rights, suppression, deprivation, acts of terror, targets, civilians, political authorities, military, structures, government buildings, cars, causalities, innocent civilians, marginalization, violence, backlash, insurgents, Kurdish revolt, guerilla war, casualties, infrastructure, healthcare, roads, hospitals, population, harm harm, others, legitimacy, human rights, suppression, deprivation, law, acts of terror, targets, civilians, authorities, structures, government buildings, cars, causalities, innocent civilians, marginalization, violence, backlash, Kurdish revolt, Turkish authorities, guerilla war, casualties, infrastructure, healthcare, roads, hospitals, population, government crimes harm, legitimacy, human rights, terrorism, targets, civilians, authorities, government buildings, infrastructure, collateral damage, violence, casualties, Kurdish revolt, guerilla war, backlash, moral justification, violence justification, collateral harm harm, legitimacy, human rights, violence, terrorism, targets, civilians, authorities, infrastructure, collateral damage, collateral casualties, political violence, military targets, government buildings, strategic attacks, ethical considerations, casualties, collateral harm, insurgency, Kurdish revolt, Turkish authorities, guerilla war, backlash, suffering, harm justification
test-politics-lghwdecm-con02a	Directly elected mayors provide opportunities for populists.  The position of elected mayor is likely to attract populist and maverick candidates, who will seek to capitalise on the unpopularity of party politics with “single issue sloganising, glib promises and headline grabbing” (Ken Walker, Labour leader of Middlesbrough council). [1] A good example is Paul Massey, who has had 25 convictions in the past and yet is running to be Mayor of Salford and could even have a chance of winning. [2] In office such candidates are likely to alienate elected councillors and other crucial local partners, to disappoint voters as their promises run up against the actual limitations of their power, and to neglect many aspects of local government in favour of their own pet issue. This danger is even greater if a far-right candidate were to exploit local concerns about immigration and asylum-seekers to inflame racial tensions. Again Lutfur Rahman of Tower Hamlets is a good example of how this could happen, he has links to a Muslim extremist group, and only needed a mere 23,000 votes, 13% of the electorate because there was such low turnout. [3]  [1] Hetherington, Peter, ‘Vote for US-style mayors exposes deep Labour rifts’, The Guardian, 20 October 2001.  [2] Gilligan, Andrew, ;The town hall dictator taking over near you’, The Telegraph, 22 April 2012.  [3] ibid elected mayors, populism, maverick candidates, party politics, campaign promises, headline grabbing, Paul Massey, criminal record, Salford, local government, unpopularity, far-right, immigration, asylum-seekers, racial tensions, Lutfur Rahman, Tower Hamlets, extremist links, voter turnout elected mayors,populists,maverick candidates,party politics,single issue slogans,glib promises,headline grabbing,Paul Massey,convictions,Salford,local government,local partners,disappointed voters,promise limitations,local concerns,immigration,asylum-seekers,racial tensions,Lutfur Rahman,Tower Hamlets,Muslim extremist,low turnout,political instability,far-right,populist exploitation,race relations,local elections,political polarization directly elected mayors, populists, maverick candidates, party politics, single issue slogans, election promises, local government, political populism, far-right candidates, immigration, asylum-seekers, racial tensions, extremism, voter turnout, electoral manipulation mayors, populists, maverick candidates, party politics, slogans, promises, political scandals, electoral campaigns, far-right, racial tensions, immigration, asylum-seekers, extremism, local government, voter turnout, political corruption, right-wing, alienation, local politics, electoral influence, political promises mayors, populists, elections, maverick candidates, party politics, campaign promises, electoral strategy, criminal records, local government, political alienation, voter disillusionment, far-right, racial tensions, immigration, asylum-seekers, extremism, low turnout, political corruption, demographic factors, coalition politics
test-economy-bepahbtsnrt-pro04a	Tourism causes pollution  The tourism industry in Tunisia results in notable damage to the environment. Without sustainability, economic growth will only last in the short term. This is especially pertinent for tourism, where environmental beauty is of particular importance. From the construction of infrastructure and travel, to the general waste produced, tourism is problematic in the sense that it can often cause pollution; which in turn damages the country’s reputation1. Most tourists to the region are from Europe, although there are an increasing number of Russians which means travel becomes a major source of pollution. A return journey via plane from London to Tunis creates around 310 kg of CO2 (standard passenger jets create around 0.17kg of CO2 per km) 2. This is disproportionately damaging compared to other vehicles, but is the most practical way of reaching Tunisia. Other impacts such as overuse of water, land degradation and littering can all cause problems as well3.  1) United Nations Environment Programme ‘Environmental Impacts’ data accessed 28 January 2014  2) BBC, ‘Pollution warning on holiday flights’, 1 May 2000  3) United Nations Environment Programme ‘Tourism’s Three Main Impact Areas’ data accessed 28 January 2014 tourism, pollution, environmental damage, sustainability, economic growth, environmental beauty, infrastructure, waste, carbon emissions, CO2, aviation, water overuse, land degradation, littering, environmental impact, Tunisia, European tourists, Russian tourists, travel emissions, environmental preservation tourism, pollution, environmental damage, sustainability, economic growth, environmental beauty, infrastructure, waste, CO2 emissions, travel, transportation, aircraft, water usage, land degradation, littering, environmental impacts, Tunisia, European tourists, Russian tourists, carbon footprint tourism, pollution, environmental damage, sustainability, economic growth, environmental beauty, infrastructure, travel, waste, reputation, European tourists, Russian tourists, CO2 emissions, air travel, jet emissions, vehicle pollution, overuse of water, land degradation, littering, environmental impacts, United Nations Environment Programme tourism, pollution, environmental damage, sustainability, economic growth, environmental beauty, infrastructure, travel, waste, pollution sources, European tourists, Russian tourists, CO2 emissions, air travel, transportation, land degradation, water overuse, littering, environmental impact, carbon footprint, Tunisia, tourism industry tourism, pollution, environment, sustainability, economic growth, environmental damage, infrastructure, waste, travel, CO2 emissions, aviation, land degradation, water overuse, littering, reputation, Tunisia, European tourists, Russian tourists, carbon footprint, eco-tourism, environmental impact, tourism industry
test-law-sdiflhrdffe-con04a	Democracies should be wary of meddling in the internal affairs of other countries  Authoritarian countries tend to guard their sovereignty jealously and will not take kindly to what they would consider to be interference in their internal affairs. In many cases this is exactly what the government offering an amnesty would be doing. Should foreign countries really be deciding that the justice system of a country was wrong in this or that case so amnesty should be provided? Where there are legal proceedings against a blogger that end up with the blogger being sent to jail those outside the country may think the sentences unjust but as countries that publically support the rule of law they should accept the result. It may well be the case that sometimes the judicial system has been used to persecute a blogger but it is difficult to see why an outside power with little interest in the case should believe they have the right to provide an alternative verdict through an amnesty. Where a country disapproves of the treatment of an individual this should be done by negotiating with the government in question and providing any alternative evidence they have. Cuba for example has released dissidents before as a result of negotiations with outside actors; the release 80 dissidents for the visit by Pope John Paul II in 1998 being merely the most successful example. [1]  [1] Human Rights Watch, “Cuba: Release of Dissidents Still Leaves Scores in Prison”, 8 July 2012, democracies, authoritarian, sovereignty, interference, internal affairs, amnesty, justice system, legal proceedings, blogger, imprisonment, rule of law, external influence, judicial system, persecution, diplomatic negotiations, human rights, dissidents, Cuba, political prisoners, international relations, outside actors democracies, authoritarian countries, sovereignty, interference, internal affairs, amnesty, justice system, legal proceedings, blogger, sentencing, rule of law, external influence, judicial system, persecution, diplomatic negotiation, human rights, dissidents, Cuba, international relations, sovereignty respect democracies, authoritarian states, sovereignty, interference, internal affairs, amnesty, justice system, foreign intervention, legal proceedings, bloggers, judicial system, persecution, external influence, diplomatic negotiations, human rights, dissidents, Cuba, Pope John Paul II, international law, rule of law democracies, authoritarianism, sovereignty, interference, internal affairs, amnesty, justice system, legal proceedings, bloggers, sentences, rule of law, judicial system, persecution, outside influence, alternative verdict, diplomatic negotiation, human rights, dissidents, Cuba, Pope John Paul II, Human Rights Watch democracies, meddling, internal affairs, authoritarian countries, sovereignty, interference, amnesty, justice system, foreign countries, legal proceedings, blogger, jail, rule of law, judicial system, persecution, outside power, alternative verdict, negotiations, evidence, Cuba, dissidents, human rights, diplomacy
test-health-dhghhbampt-con01a	A huge number of fully accepted medical practices started being seen as something a bit off the wall, it’s wrong to deny sick people access to a treatment that may be mainstream in 20 years  There is a fine line between what is considered alternative and what is thought of as mainstream. Techniques do move across that line and when they do so, they are seen as mainstream. However, this process of reform, refinement and acceptance takes time.  In the meantime it is simply unfair to deny treatment to patients who want it because the medical establishment is beholden to a conservative academic orthodoxy and drug and treatment providers with vested interests in ensuring that particular cures and techniques will continue to be purchased and utilised. medical practices, alternative medicine, mainstream treatments, medical reform, treatment acceptance, medical orthodoxy, healthcare reform, medical skepticism, treatment access, medical innovation, progressive medicine, orthodox medicine, medical acceptance timeline, healthcare ethics, vested interests, treatment controversy medical practices, alternative medicine, mainstream treatments, medical reform, treatment acceptance, healthcare innovation, orthodox medicine, medical orthodoxy, treatment access, medical skepticism, healthcare policy, evolving medicine, medical controversy, healthcare ethics, patient rights medical practices, alternative medicine, mainstream medicine, treatment acceptance, medical reform, orthodox medicine, healthcare providers, treatment access, medical orthodoxy, therapeutic techniques, medical innovation, patient rights, drug industry, medical skepticism, healthcare reform medical practices, acceptance, mainstream, alternative medicine, treatment, reform, refinement, medical establishment, conservative orthodoxy, vested interests, healthcare, innovative therapies, medical skepticism, treatment access, healthcare policy medical practices, alternative medicine, mainstream medicine, healthcare reform, treatment acceptance, medical orthodoxy, treatment access, medical innovation, healthcare evolution, orthodox medicine, medical skepticism, treatment controversy, medical opinions, healthcare vested interests
test-society-tlhrilsfhwr-con03a	Universal rights and collective compromises  Cultural relativism is the philosophical belief that all cultures and cultural beliefs are of equal value and that right and wrong are relative and dependant on cultural contexts. Accordingly, relativists hold that universal human rights cannot exist, as there are no truly universal human values. If rights are relative, the laws that protect them must also be relative.  If we accept proposition’s contention that culturally relative values can evolve in response to conflicts and crises, then any perverse or destructive behaviour given the force of ritual and regularity by a group’s conduct can be taken to be relative. If the group believes that a practice is right, if it ties into that group’s conception of what is just and good or beneficial to their survival, then there can be no counter argument against it – whether that practice has been continuous for a hundred years or a hundred days.  Systems of law, however, reflect the opinions, practices and values of everyone within a state’s territory, no matter how plural its population may be. Similarly, objections to specific aspects of the universal human rights doctrine are fragmentary, not collective. While a handful of communities in Yemen may object to a ban on the use of child soldiers, many more throughout the world would find this a sensible and morally valuable principle. It is necessary for both the international community and individual nation states to adjust their laws to reconcile the competing demands of plural value systems. Occasionally, a value common among a majority of cultures must overrule the objections of the minority.  It is perverse to give charismatic leaders who convince impoverished communities to send their sons and daughters into combat an opportunity to use cultural relativism to excuse their culpability for what would otherwise be a war crime. Officers, politicians or dissident commanders are much more likely than Yemeni tribesmen or orphaned Sudanese boys to understand the intricacies of such a defence, and much more likely to abuse it. The commanders of child soldiers are the only class of individuals who should fear the ICC. universal rights, cultural relativism, cultural beliefs, moral relativism, human rights, legal systems, cultural practices, societal values, moral debates, human rights law, cultural conflicts, pluralism, international law, national sovereignty, minority rights, majority rule, ethical dilemmas, war crimes, child soldiers, justice, ICC, accountability universal rights, cultural relativism, cultural values, moral relativism, human rights, legal systems, cultural conflicts, societal norms, ethical debate, international law, child soldiers, war crimes, ICC, legal pluralism, moral objectivism, societal consensus universal rights, cultural relativism, cultural values, moral relativism, human rights, legal systems, cultural practices, pluralism, conflict resolution, international law, human rights objections, child soldiers, war crimes, ICC, cultural conflicts, moral philosophy, societal norms universal rights, cultural relativism, cultural values, human rights, relativism, cultural practices, laws, cultural evolution, morality, justice, pluralism, legal systems, community objections, international community, nation states, value systems, majority rule, minority rights, war crime, child soldiers, ICC, human rights law, moral relativism Universal rights, cultural relativism, cultural values, human rights, moral relativism, legal systems, cultural conflicts, pluralism, minority rights, majority rule, international law, state laws, cultural practices, social norms, war crimes, child soldiers, human rights violations, justice, ICC, accountability, morality, ethics, cultural diversity
test-law-hrilpgwhwr-con05a	The ICC fails to prevent atrocities.  The ICC will not deter the commission of war crimes or genocide. The Third Reich augmented the crimes of the Holocaust when it became clear that the Allies would defeat them in Europe. The only expectation of the Nazi leadership was immediate execution, rather than trial in a judicial forum. Similarly, Slobodan Milosevic and the Bosnian Serb army conducted a campaign of ethnic cleansing in Kosovo whilst the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) was sitting in the Hague. The calculation of whether to commit gross human rights violations is not that of the reasonable and rational individual. The existence of a court, however well intentioned, will have no effect on the commission of these crimes. International Criminal Court, ICC, atrocities, war crimes, genocide, Third Reich, Holocaust, Nazi leadership, execution, judicial trial, Slobodan Milosevic, Bosnian Serb army, ethnic cleansing, Kosovo, International Criminal Tribunal, ICTY, Hague, human rights violations, court effectiveness International Criminal Court, ICC, atrocities, war crimes, genocide, Third Reich, Holocaust, Allies, Nazi leadership, execution, trial, judicial forum, Slobodan Milosevic, Bosnian Serb army, ethnic cleansing, Kosovo, International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, ICTY, Hague, human rights violations, deterrence, justice, accountability, international justice ICC, atrocities, war crimes, genocide, Third Reich, Holocaust, Allies, Nazis, trial, judicial forum, Slobodan Milosevic, Bosnian Serb army, ethnic cleansing, Kosovo, ICTY, International Criminal Tribunal, Hague, human rights violations, court, deterrence International Criminal Court, ICC, atrocities prevention, war crimes, genocide, Holocaust, Third Reich, Nazi leadership, immediate execution, judicial forum, Slobodan Milosevic, Bosnian Serb army, ethnic cleansing, Kosovo, International Criminal Tribunal, ICTY, Hague, human rights violations, rational individual, court effectiveness ICC, atrocities, war crimes, genocide, Third Reich, Holocaust, Allies, Nazi leadership, execution, judicial forum, Slobodan Milosevic, Bosnian Serb army, ethnic cleansing, Kosovo, ICTY, Hague, human rights violations, court effectiveness
test-science-ciidfaihwc-pro03a	Even sites that appeared innocent have had a devastating effect on society.  Some governments, such as the Vietnamese government [1] , have already seen sufficient cause to ban social networking sites such as Facebook. Recently in the UK, many major cities witnessed devastation and destruction as social networking sites were used to co-ordinate wide-scale riots which rampaged over London, Manchester, Birmingham, Worcestershire, Gloucester, Croydon, Bristol, Liverpool and Nottingham [2] . Rioters contacted each other through Facebook and blackberry instant messenger to ensure that they could cause maximum damage [3] , which resulted in the destruction of property [4] , physical violence towards others [5] , and even the deaths of three young men [6] . These events prove that seemingly innocent Internet sites can be used by anybody, even apparently normal citizens, to a devastating effect which has caused harm to thousands [7] . To protect the population and maintain order, it is essential that the government is able to act to censor sites that can be used as a forum and a tool for this kind of behaviour when such disruption is occurring.  [1] AsiaNews.it, ‘Internet censorship tightening in Vietnam’, 22 June 2010,  09/09/11  [2] BBC News, ‘England Riots’, 8 February 2012,  on 09/09/11  [3] BBC News, ‘England riots: Two jailed for using Facebook to incite disorder’, 16 August 2011,  on 09/09/11  [4] Hawkes, Alex, Garside, Juliette and Kollewe, Julia, ‘UK riots could cost taxpayer £100m’, guardian.co.uk, 9 August 2011,  on 09/09/11.  [5] Allen, Emily, ‘We will use water cannons on them: At last Cameron orders police to come down hard on the looters (some aged as young as NINE)’, Mail Online, 11 August 2011,  on 09/09/11.  [6] Orr, James, ‘Birmingham riots: three men killed ‘protecting homes’’, The Telegraph, 10 August 2011,  on 09/09/11.  [7] Huffington Post, ‘UK Riots: What Long-Term Effects Could They Have?’, 10 August 2011,  on 09/09/11. social networking, internet censorship, online riots, social media, internet security, government regulation, digital violence, misinformation, online activism, cyber law, social media manipulation, online safety, public order, social media protests, surveillance, digital disruption social media, riots, censorship, Facebook, Twitter, instant messaging, online violence, online coordination, social unrest, internet regulation, violence prevention, government intervention, internet security, digital activism, social networking sites, societal impact, civil disorder, youth violence, property damage, law enforcement social media, online riots, internet censorship, public safety, social unrest, digital communication, government regulation, privacy issues, online activism, cyber security, youth violence, social networks, protest coordination, internet monitoring, online incitement, civil disorder, law enforcement, social impact, technology and society, digital protests social media, internet censorship, online riots, social networking sites, Facebook, Blackberry Messenger, social unrest, urban violence, government response, internet regulation, online incitement, digital activism, civil disorder, public safety, police crackdown, cyber incitement, protest coordination, online harm, societal impact, multimedia communication social media, internet censorship, online riots, social networking sites, Facebook, Blackberry Messenger, social unrest, civil disorder, online incitement, digital activism, government regulation, online safety, cyber security, social platform impact, digital communication, public safety, social media influence, law enforcement, internet restriction, online violence, societal harm
test-international-epdlhfcefp-con03a	"There have been tests on the EU's ability to create a common foreign policy that it has failed.  The War in Iraq, along with previous notable failures to deal with the breakup of former Yugoslavia, has been an excellent test for the extent to which the EU can claim to have a common approach to world politics and foreign policy in particular. It has clearly pointed out a whole range of diverse and often opposed national interests, and national publics that were unwilling to make compromises along EU lines of commitment. It has also showed that the economic power of the EU is not enough to turn it into a major player on the international scene: the lack in military power and presence speaks for itself. The EU still lies very much under the umbrella of NATO and US military power and as long as this military dependency continues, the EU will not be able to have its own independent voice in world politics. 1  1.  ""> European Union, foreign policy, common foreign policy, EU failure, Iraq War, Yugoslavia breakup, international relations, foreign policy challenges, national interests, public opinion, EU military power, NATO, US military influence, EU independence, international diplomacy European Union, foreign policy, common foreign policy, EU capabilities, international relations, NATO, US military power, Iraq War, Yugoslavia breakup, diplomatic failures, military power, EU independence, global diplomacy, international security, EU abroad, EU-United States relations, regional conflicts, international influence, military dependency, European integration European Union, foreign policy, common foreign policy, EU foreign policy, EU international relations, EU geopolitical influence, EU military power, EU security, NATO, US military dependency, Iraq War, Yugoslavia breakup, EU nationalism, international diplomacy, EU geopolitical challenges, EU soft power, EU hard power, EU strategic autonomy European Union, foreign policy, international relations, EU failure, common foreign policy, EU capabilities, EU military power, NATO, US dependence, Iraq War, Yugoslavia breakup, international diplomacy, EU sovereignty, global influence, military presence, EU national interests, public opinion, geopolitical strategy European Union, foreign policy, EU, international relations, NATO, military power, US influence, global politics, Iraq war, Yugoslavia breakup, national interests, EU integration, international diplomacy, EU independence, military dependence, EU capabilities, foreign policy failures"
test-environment-chbwtlgcc-pro04a	"Consequences of increased GHGs  Increased GHGs in the atmosphere have numerous significant consequences:  -glaciers, ice sheets, and perma frost will continue to melt. This will increase water levels, release more GHGs (methane, which is twenty times more powerful as a greenhouse gas than CO2 and CO2), and reflect less heat back into the atmosphere exacerbating climate change1.  -the oceans (which are a natural carbon sink) are becoming increasingly acidic which will significantly damage ecosystems such as coral reefs. Additionally, changes in the chemistry of the ocean could affect the amount of CO2 it can absorb and process annually.  -there will be increasing incidents of extreme weather such as hurricanes, floods, and record high/low temperatures. Extreme weather can destroy ecosystems that capture CO2 such as forests and peat bogs leading to less natural CO2 absorption.  These events will accelerate climate change making it more difficult for humans to reduce GHG ppms to a sustainable level. Once average temperatures are above 2.5C, events will be triggered that will be irreversible and it will take 1000s of years of lower GHG emissions for the earth to return to normal 2.  1. Connor, Steve, 'Exclusive: The methane time bomb', The Independent, 23rd September 2008,  2. Wikipedia, ""Climate Change Feedback"". Retrieved 2011-08-08. greenhouse gases, GHG emissions, climate change, glaciers, ice sheets, permafrost, melting, sea level rise, methane, carbon dioxide, CO2, global warming, heat reflection, ocean acidity, ocean chemistry, carbon sink, coral reefs, ecosystems, carbon sequestration, extreme weather, hurricanes, floods, temperature extremes, forest loss, peat bogs, natural absorption, climate feedback, irreversible change, long-term impacts, emission reductions greenhouse gases, GHGs, climate change, melting glaciers, ice sheets, permafrost, sea level rise, methane, CO2, greenhouse effect, heat reflection, ocean acidity, carbon sink, coral reefs, ocean chemistry, CO2 absorption, extreme weather, hurricanes, floods, temperature extremes, ecosystems, forests, peat bogs, carbon sequestration, global warming, irreversible changes, temperature threshold, climate feedbacks, methane time bomb greenhouse gases, GHGs, climate change, glaciers, ice sheets, permafrost, water levels, methane, CO2, heat reflection, global warming, ocean acidity, carbon sink, coral reefs, ocean chemistry, extreme weather, hurricanes, floods, temperatures, ecosystems, forests, peat bogs, carbon absorption, irreversible climate change, temperature thresholds, emission reduction, long-term impact greenhouse gases, global warming, climate change, ice melt, sea level rise, methane, carbon dioxide, albedo effect, ocean acidification, coral reefs, carbon sink, ecosystem damage, extreme weather, hurricanes, floods, temperature anomalies, deforestation, peat bogs, greenhouse gas feedback, irreversible climate effects, long-term climate impact, GHG emissions, temperature threshold, climate feedback loops greenhouse gases, GHGs, climate change, melting glaciers, ice sheets, permafrost, water levels, methane, CO2, heat reflection, global warming, ocean acidity, carbon sink, coral reefs, ocean chemistry, CO2 absorption, extreme weather, hurricanes, floods, temperature records, ecosystem destruction, forest loss, peat bogs, carbon sequestration, feedback loops, irreversible climate effects, emission reductions, global temperature rise, climate resilience, climate feedbacks"
test-international-gpsmhbsosb-pro03a	South Ossetian independence will help prevent future conflict  The status quo in the region is one of militarized clashes and tensions. It is important to recognize that South Ossetia has been de facto independent for some time. If it does not achieve independence, the proposed alternative is that it re-integrate into Georgia. Yet, of South Ossetians have made it clear that they will not accept this. The only possible course of action, therefore, would be to force over 100,000 South Ossetians to live under the tyranny of the majority of the Georgian state. This would not only be a clear violation of self-determination and basic democratic principles, but it would also risk a protracted war or insurgency in S. Ossetia against any re-assertion of Georgian authority. S. Ossetia and Georgia have been battling each other for over a century. Georgia has been accused of ethnic cleansing there, and of launching a 'war of aggression' which killed a large number of S. Ossetian civilians in 2008. [1] This war, as the culmination of Georgian aggression against S. Osstia, has made finally made any sort of reconciliation between the two impossible, and hardened S. Ossetian desires for independence. Keeping S. Ossetia within Georgia will simply prolong this ethic struggle, which has demonstrated itself to be irreconcilable in the foreseeable future. This conflict could easily draw in other powers (such as Russia) and cause a wider war once again. Granting S. Ossetian independence, therefore, would help avoid future conflicts and their awful humanitarian consequences.  [1] Walker, Shaun. “South Ossetia: Russian, Georgian...independent?”. Open Democracy. 15 November 2006. South Ossetia, independence, conflict prevention, militarized clashes, self-determination, de facto independence, Georgia, ethnic tensions, secession, sovereignty, rebellion, regional instability, Russia, conflict resolution, autonomy, war risks, humanitarian consequences South Ossetia, independence, conflict prevention, militarized clashes, tensions, de facto independence, re-integration, Georgia, self-determination, democratic principles, war, insurgency, ethnic cleansing, Georgian aggression, 2008 war, reconciliation, ethnic struggle, irreconcilable, wider war, Russia, humanitarian consequences South Ossetia, independence, conflict prevention, militarized clashes, tensions, de facto independence, reintegration, Georgia, self-determination, democracy, war, insurgency, ethnic cleansing, Georgian aggression, 2008 war, reconciliation, ethnic struggle, international involvement, Russia, humanitarian consequences South Ossetia, independence, conflict prevention, Georgia, militarized clashes, tensions, de facto independence, reintegration, self-determination, democratic principles, war, insurgency, ethnic cleansing, Georgian aggression, 2008 war, reconciliation, ethnic struggle, wider war, Russia, humanitarian consequences South Ossetia, independence, conflict prevention, militarized clashes, tensions, de facto independence, Georgia, reintegration, self-determination, democratic principles, insurgency, ethnic cleansing, war of aggression, 2008 conflict, reconciliation, ethnic struggle, irreconcilable, wider war, Russia, humanitarian consequences
test-politics-oapghwliva-con01a	"A President would be able to abuse the power given to them in a line-item veto authority, leveraging it into undue influence over other elements of the legislative process. By threatening to veto items dear to particular Congressmen, they could obtain assent to bills, treaties and appointments that otherwise would not be forthcoming. Such intimidation would be subtle and hard to prove, but it would erode checks on the executive and fundamentally alter the balance of power within the constitution. This means that budgets are politicised even more than is currently the case. When the line item veto was previously used by Clinton republicans such as Rick Santorum argued that every decision ""has political overtones, but that's fine, it comes with the territory,"" Senator Ted Stevens went further ""We're dealing with a raw abuse of political power by a president who doesn't have to run again"".1  1 Hugliotta, Guy and Pianin, Eric, 'Line-Item Veto Tips Traditional Balance of Power', Washington Post, 24/10/97,accessed 5/5/11 president, abuse, power, line-item veto, legislative process, influence, veto threats, bills, treaties, appointments, intimidation, checks, executive, balance of power, constitution, politicization, Clinton, republicans, Rick Santorum, political overtones, Ted Stevens, abuse, political power, presidential authority president, abuse, line-item veto, legislative process, undue influence, threats, veto, bills, treaties, appointments, intimidation, checks, executive, balance of power, constitution, budgets, politicisation, Clinton, republicans, Rick Santorum, political overtones, political power, Ted Stevens president, abuse of power, line-item veto, legislative process, undue influence, veto threats, congressional approval, bills, treaties, appointments, intimidation, checks and balances, executive power, constitutional balance, politicization, Clinton, Republicans, Rick Santorum, political influence, Senator Ted Stevens, political abuse, budget politics President, abuse of power, line-item veto, legislative process, executive influence, threats, veto, bills, treaties, appointments, intimidation, checks and balances, constitutional balance, politicization, budget, Clinton, Republicans, Rick Santorum, political overtones, power abuse, Ted Stevens president, line-item veto, abuse of power, legislative process, political influence, veto threat, Congressional bargaining, intimidation, checks and balances, constitution, budget politicization, Clinton, Rick Santorum, Ted Stevens, political power, executive branch, legislative authorization, executive influence, political overtures"
test-law-ralhrilglv-con03a	Kenya would be better off without them  Kenya does not need or want government by those who hand out illegal title deeds [1] and threaten the freedom of the press [2] as Kenyatta’s government does.  In addition to that, the allegations that the president used a banned occult gang, the Mungiki, in order to perform acts of mass murder is enough to end his credibility as a leader in the country – the best interests of good governance in Kenya mean that Kenyatta should go.  [1] Chanji, Tobias, “Raila Odinga says title deeds issued by President Uhuru Kenyatta illegal”, Standard Digital, November 25th 2013,   [2] Shiundu, Alphonce, “President retains punitive fines against media in new law”, Standard Digital, November 27th 2013, Kenya, government, illegal title deeds, press freedom, Kenyatta, Mungiki, occult gang, mass murder, credibility, governance, opposition, illegal land titles, media law, political corruption Kenya, government, illegal title deeds, press freedom, Kenyatta, Mungiki, mass murder, credibility, good governance, leadership, opposition, political corruption, land disputes, media rights, Uhuru Kenyatta, political allegations Kenya, government, illegal title deeds, press freedom, Kenyatta, Mungiki, mass murder, credibility, good governance, political corruption, land disputes, political unrest, media restrictions, leadership, illegal activities, political allegations, human rights Kenya, government, illegal deeds, press freedom, Kenyatta, Mungiki, mass murder, leadership credibility, good governance, protests, political corruption, illegal title deeds, media law, political unrest Kenya, government, illegal title deeds, press freedom, Kenyatta, Mungiki, occult gang, mass murder, credibility, leadership, governance, political corruption, title deed legality, media laws, police, political unrest
test-politics-cdmaggpdgdf-pro05a	Transparency prevents public relations disasters  Transparency is necessary to avoid public relations disasters; particularly in countries where the media has some freedom to investigate for themselves. It is clearly the best policy for the military to make sure all the information is released along with the reasons behind actions rather than having the media finding individual pieces of a whole and speculating to fill the gaps.  A good example would be a collision on 16th January 1966 between a B-52 bomber and a KC-135 tanker while attempting to refuel that destroyed both planes. Accidents happen, and this one cost 11 lives, but could have been much worse as the B-52 had four nuclear bombs on board were not armed and did not detonate. In this case an initial lack of information rapidly turned into a public relations disaster that was stemmed by much more openness by the military and the US Ambassador in Spain. The release of the information reduces the room for the press to fill in the gaps with harmful speculation. [1] In this case there was never much chance of national security implications or a break with Spain as the country was ruled by the dictator Franco, someone who would hardly pay attention to public opinion. But in a democracy a slow and closed response could seriously damage relations.  [1] Stiles, David, ‘A Fusion Bomb over Andalucia: U.S. Information Policy and the 1966 Palomares Incident’, Journal of War Studies, Vol.8, No.1, Winter 2006, pp.49-67, p.65 transparency, public relations, media investigation, information disclosure, military transparency, communication, accidents, nuclear weapons, public opinion, government openness, diplomatic relations, information policy, media speculation, Palomares incident, 1966 collision, US-Spain relations, national security, openness, transparency benefits transparency, public relations, media investigation, information disclosure, government communication, military transparency, accident management, nuclear safety, nuclear bombs, Palomares incident, 1966 collision, public opinion, democracy, Spain, Franco, national security, openness, media speculation, diplomatic relations transparency, public relations, media investigation, military information, information disclosure, accidents, nuclear bombs, public trust, government openness, crisis management, media speculation, national security, diplomacy, Spain, Palomares incident, US military, information policy, 1966 accident transparency, public relations, media, information release, government communication, military, accidents, nuclear weapons, 1966 Palomares incident, open policy, risk management, public trust, diplomacy, national security, media investigation, Spain, Franco, US military transparency, public relations, media investigation, information disclosure, military policy,事故 management, nuclear safety, information release, government transparency, press speculation, national security, diplomatic relations, Palomares incident, U.S. military, Spain relations, open communication, crisis management
test-international-apwhbaucmip-con03a	Gains may be reversed; events can’t be foreseen  Africa still has many fragile states. The Institute of Strategic Studies Africa identified 26 ‘fragile’ states (meaning they have weak governance, conflict and violence, inequality and poverty) including DR Congo and Ethiopia and forecasts that there will still be 11 fragile states by 2050. [1] This rather implies that war will not be ended by 2050, let alone 2020.  Even in countries that are considered stable events can quickly spiral into conflict. Mali was considered to be democratic and reasonably stable before a coup in 2012: there were multiparty elections in 1992, it held regular elections that passed international inspections, its first president Konaré willingly stood down, there was comparatively good freedom of speech and media. [2] Yet after a coup in 2012 it went downhill to the point of requiring intervention by French troops in early 2013.  [1] Cilliers, Jakkie, and Sick, Timothy D., ‘Prospects for Africa’s 26 fragile countries’, ISS Africa, p.7,   [2] Whitehouse, Bruce, ‘What went wrong in Mali?’, London Review of Books, Vol.34, No.16, 20 August 2012,  , p.17 fragile states, Africa, governance, conflict, violence, inequality, poverty, DR Congo, Ethiopia, destabilization, war, stability, coup, Mali, democracy, elections, media freedom, intervention, French troops, ISS Africa, international inspections fragile states, Africa, governance, conflict, violence, inequality, poverty, DR Congo, Ethiopia, stability, war, coup, Mali, democracy, elections, international intervention, French troops, political stability, risk assessment, security, development, governance weaknesses fragile states, Africa, governance, conflict, violence, inequality, poverty, DR Congo, Ethiopia, stability, coup, Mali, democracy, elections, media freedom, French intervention, international inspection, political instability fragile states, Africa, governance, conflict, violence, inequality, poverty, DR Congo, Ethiopia, stabilization, war, 2050, 2020, political stability, coup, Mali, democracy, elections, media freedom, French intervention, ISS Africa, international inspections fragile states, Africa, governance, conflict, violence, inequality, poverty, DR Congo, Ethiopia, stability, coups, democratic transitions, multiparty elections, international intervention, French troops, Mali, political instability, conflict escalation, governance weakness, political turmoil, security challenges
test-education-pteuhwfphe-con01a	Setting up a graduate tax system would be damagingly expensive  A graduate tax would be a very expensive scheme to put into effect, as it would require high levels of government spending on student grants before the first graduates began to repay anything through taxation. If all the 2011 English applications for university we’re accepted at the new top price of £9,000 it would cost the Government in the first year just over £3 million, and this figure does not take into account all the other grants universities receive and as time goes on and more years enter the system the figure will grow greatly. (Guardian, 2011.) It is likely then to be two decades of investment or more before the system begins properly to pay for itself. Furthermore a costly increase in government bureaucracy would be necessitated by the need to keep track of so many graduates and by the complications the system introduces to the general taxation system. With many Governments taking up austerity measures it is simply impractical to setup a new funding system which is not needed. graduate tax, government expenditure, student grants, university applications, cost analysis, taxation system, government bureaucracy, funding system, austerity measures, financial sustainability, education funding, fiscal policy, economic impact graduate tax, government spending, student grants, university applications, tuition fees, cost analysis, taxation system, government bureaucracy, education funding, austerity measures, fiscal impact, investment cost, system sustainability graduate tax, student grants, government spending, university applications, £9,000 fee, costs, taxation, government bureaucracy, austerity measures, funding system, investment, repayment graduate tax, cost, government spending, student grants, university applications, tuition fees, £9,000, initial investment, taxation, grants, government bureaucracy, taxation system, austerity, funding system graduate tax, government spending, student grants, university applications, cost, taxation, government bureaucracy, austerity measures, funding system, public finance, education funding, cost analysis
test-economy-bepiehbesa-pro04a	It doesn’t serve its purpose (subsidies to larger farmers)  The CAP as originally proposed was aimed to support small, local, family farmers which have difficulties with sustaining their business in competitive environment. The conference in Stresa in 1958 that helped define CAP’s objectives stated “Given the importance of family structures in European agriculture… all means should be taken in order to strengthen the economic and competitive capacity of the family enterprise.” [1] However, the current model of CAP gives direct payments to farmers according to area of their farms. That means that the major recipients of CAP are actually the biggest players in agricultural industry. According to Economist, 80 % of the subsidies go to 20 % of the richest farmers. [2] Therefore, the money is spent to support large companies and wealthy landowners who could easily compete in EU market even without such abhorrent support from EU taxpayers.  [1] Knudsen, Ann-Christina, ‘Romanticising Europe? Rural Images in European Union Policies’, Kontur, no.12, 2005,  p.52  [2] The Economist, ‘Europe’s farm follies’, 8 December 2005, Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, subsidies, small farmers, family farms, large farmers, direct payments, farm size, agricultural subsidies, European Union agriculture, market competition, landowners, wealth distribution, subsidy distribution, farm support, EU policies, rural development, agricultural industry, subsidy reform, economic sustainability CAP, subsidies, small farmers, family farms, agricultural policy, direct payments, landownership, large farmers, income inequality, rural development, European Union, agricultural support, market competitiveness, farm size, subsidy distribution, land subsidies, farm industry, policy critique, rural economies, revenue inequality Common agricultural policy, CAP, subsidies, family farmers, large farmers, rural development, agricultural support, farm payments, European Union, EU agriculture, farm size, wealth distribution, landownership, subsidy distribution, farm subsidies, agricultural economics, European policies, rural poverty, food production, farm industry, economic support, subsidy reform, agricultural competitiveness CAP, subsidies, small farmers, family farmers, agricultural support, direct payments, large farmers, landowners, EU subsidies, agricultural policy, economic support, rural development, farm size, market competitiveness, subsidy distribution, policy critique CAP, subsidies, small farmers, family farms, agriculture policy, EU, direct payments, land ownership, large farmers, landowners, economic support, agricultural industry, subsidy distribution, rural development, market competition, farm size, policy critique, EU taxpayers, agricultural subsidies, farm size disparity, economic capacity
test-digital-freedoms-dfiphbgs-pro02a	Government contracts can change the software industry for the better.  Even when governments do not ultimately select an open source program, by simply including them in the competitive bidding process, they have been able to radically change the approach that Microsoft and other closed source companies take to producing IT solutions.  Under threat from Linux, Microsoft has launched the Open Source Initiative through which it shares elements of some of its programs’ source code with key partners to enable the development of software for platforms like Windows Mobile [i] . More dramatically, in 2002, Real Networks opened up the source code for its world renowned RealPlayer media and music software package and, in 2005, IBM offered 500 key patents (out of 40,000) to the open source community. Sun Microsystems released its Solaris server operating system to the open source community under the Common Development and Distribution licence in 2005. If you accept that the open source software industry is a positive force, then simply by considering open source software, governments are doing well.  [i] Ed Hansberry. “Open Source WebOS: A Win For Windows Phone?” Information Week. 12 December 2011. government contracts, software industry, open source software, competitive bidding, Microsoft, closed source, IT solutions, Linux, Open Source Initiative, source code sharing, Windows Mobile, Real Networks, RealPlayer, patents, IBM, open source community, Sun Microsystems, Solaris, Common Development and Distribution license, open source benefits, government procurement, software development, technology policy government contracts, software industry, open source, competitive bidding, Microsoft, closed source, IT solutions, Linux, Open Source Initiative, source code sharing, Windows Mobile, Real Networks, RealPlayer, open source community, patents, IBM, Solaris, Common Development and Distribution license, open source software, government procurement, software development, proprietary software, technology innovation, open source advocacy government, contracts, software industry, open source, competitive bidding, Microsoft, Linux, Open Source Initiative, source code sharing, Windows Mobile, Real Networks, RealPlayer, IBM patents, open source community, Sun Microsystems, Solaris, licensing, CDD, open source software, government policy, IT solutions, software development, open source impact government contracts, open source software, software industry, competitive bidding, Microsoft, Linux, Open Source Initiative, source code sharing, Windows Mobile, RealNetworks, RealPlayer, IBM patents, Solaris, Common Development and Distribution license, open source community, IT solutions, software development, government procurement, open source impact, software innovation government contracts, software industry, open source, competitive bidding, Microsoft, closed source, IT solutions, Linux, Open Source Initiative, source code sharing, Windows Mobile, RealNetworks, RealPlayer, open source community, IBM, patents, Solaris, Common Development and Distribution licence, open source software, government procurement
test-international-gsciidffe-con04a	Aggressive foreign policy is not legitimate foreign policy  Foreign policy is legitimate when it is peaceful and based upon mutual respect. It is no surprise that the most controversial foreign policy actions are those that are aggressive whether this is invading another state such as the Iraq war, attempting humanitarian intervention as in Kosovo, or engaging in clandestine actions such as Iran-Contra. This is because there is a powerful norm against aggressive action in international relations in order to maintain stability.  Undermining states by circumventing censorship is simply a new method of engaging in aggressive actions against another state. NATO has accepted that cyber operations can be considered to constitute an armed conflict, [1] so it is increasingly accepted that actions on the internet can be aggressive action. Indeed “If such cyber operations are intended to coerce the government… the operation may constitute a prohibited ‘intervention’”. [2] While no one would argue that this policy will create a war it is not a very big step from considering cyber attacks to be armed conflict to considering undermining states through circumventing censorship to be an aggressive action.  [1] Bowcott, Owen, “Rules of cyberwar: don't target nuclear plants or hospitals, says Nato manual”, The Guardian, 18 March 2013,   [2] Schmitt, Michael N., ed., “The Tallinn Manual on the International Law Applicable to Cyber Warfare”, Cambridge University Press, 2013, p.17. foreign policy, aggression, legitimacy, peace, mutual respect, international relations, norms, stability, cyber operations, armed conflict, censorship, undermining states, NATO, cyberwar, intervention, legality, international law, Tallinn Manual, cyber warfare aggressive foreign policy, legitimacy, peace, mutual respect, controversial actions, invasion, humanitarian intervention, clandestine operations, Iran-Contra, international norms, stability, censorship, cyber operations, armed conflict, cyber attacks, international law, cyber warfare, NATO, Tallinn Manual foreign policy, aggression, legitimacy, peace, mutual respect, controversial actions, invasion, humanitarian intervention, clandestine operations, Iran-Contra, norms, international relations, stability, censorship, cyber operations, armed conflict, international law, cyberwarfare, NATO, cyber attacks, state sovereignty aggressive foreign policy, legitimacy, peaceful, mutual respect, controversial actions, invasion, humanitarian intervention, Kosovo, clandestine actions, Iran-Contra, norm, international relations, stability, undermining states, censorship, cyber operations, armed conflict, internet, coercion, intervention, cyber attacks, undermining, treaty, NATO, cyberwar, Tallinn Manual, cyber warfare aggressive foreign policy, legitimacy, peace, mutual respect, controversial actions, invasion, Iraq war, humanitarian intervention, Kosovo, clandestine operations, Iran-Contra, international norms, stability, circumvention, censorship, cyber operations, armed conflict, internet, coercion, intervention, cyberwar, NATO, cyber attacks, state undermining
test-international-sepiahbaaw-con02a	Bring Africa out of poverty  The African continent has the highest rate of poverty in the world, with 40% of sub-Saharan Africans living below the poverty line. Natural resources are a means of increasing the quality of life and the standard of living as long as revenues are reinvested into the poorest areas of society. There are 35 countries in Africa which already conduct direct transfers of resource dividends to the poor through technology or in person [1] . In Malawi, £650,192.22 was given out in dividends to the poorest in society ensuring that they were given $14 a month in 2013 [2] . This ensures that there is a large base of citizens profiting from natural resources which increases their income and, in turn, their Human Development Index scores [3] .  [1] Devarajan, S. ‘How Africa can extract big benefits for everyone from natural resources’ in The Guardian 29/06/13   [2] Dzuwa,J. ‘Malawi: Zomba Rolls out Scial Cash Transfer Programme’ Malawi News Agency 11 June 2013   [3] Ibid Africa, poverty reduction, natural resources, resource revenues, social transfers, direct cash transfers, sub-Saharan Africa, human development index, poverty alleviation, social welfare, resource dividend, Malawi, income inequality, economic development, sustainable growth Africa, poverty, sub-Saharan Africa, natural resources, income inequality, resource dividends, direct transfers, social cash transfer, Malawi, human development index, economic growth, resource revenues, poverty alleviation, wealth redistribution, social welfare programs, economic empowerment, sustainable development, resource management, government policy, social safety nets Africa, poverty, sub-Saharan Africa, natural resources, wealth distribution, income inequality, social transfers, resource dividends, human development index, poverty alleviation, economic growth, social welfare, cash transfer programs, resource management, sustainable development, poverty reduction, economic policies, resource revenues, social impact, inclusive growth Africa, poverty reduction, sub-Saharan Africa, natural resources, resource revenue, poverty alleviation, direct transfers, cash transfer programs, human development index, social welfare, resource dividends, economic development, Malawi, social safety nets, income inequality, resource management, wealth redistribution, public policy, sustainable development, economic growth Africa, poverty alleviation, natural resources, economic development, human development index, resource dividends, social cash transfer, sub-Saharan Africa, poverty reduction, government programs, income redistribution, innovative financing, sustainable development, poverty statistics, resource management
test-international-segiahbarr-con03a	The Continent is still vulnerable to natural disasters  A major road block to development and economic growth in Africa is the prevalence of natural disasters. These disasters commonly affect the poorest and most vulnerable in society, as they are often the ones living in the ‘most exposed areas’, thus preventing development [1] . In Somalia, for example, the 2013 cyclone left tens of thousands homeless in an already impoverished area, worsening their economic situation [2] . Dr Tom Mitchell from the Overseas Development Institute has claimed that economic growth cannot occur until disaster risk management becomes central to social and economic policy [3] . Disaster management could cost too much however. In November 2013, a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report demonstrated that 2070 a total $350 billion per annum would be required to deal with the threats presented by clime change such as increased Arid areas and higher risks of flooding [4] .  [1] Decapua, ‘Natural Disasters Worsen Poverty’, 2013  [2] Migiro, ‘Somalia Reels From Cyclone, Floods and Hunger – ICRC’, 2013  [3] Decapua, ‘Natural Disasters Worsen Poverty’, 2013  [4] Rowling, ‘Africa Faces Sharp Rise in Climate Adaption Costs – Unep’, 2013 natural disasters, Africa, development, economic growth, vulnerability, poverty, disaster risk management, climate change, flooding, arid areas, Somalia, cyclone, homelessness, economic impact, policy, climate adaptation costs, United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP, disaster prevention, poverty alleviation natural disasters, Africa, development, economic growth, vulnerable populations, exposed areas, Somalia, cyclone, homelessness, poverty, disaster risk management, social policy, economic policy, climate change, flooding, arid regions, UNEP, adaptation costs, disaster mitigation, impoverished communities natural disasters, Africa, development, economic growth, vulnerability, poverty, exposed areas, disaster risk management, climate change, floods, cyclones, Somalia, homelessness, economic impact, disaster costs, climate adaptation, UNEP, risk assessment, poverty alleviation, resilience, funding, infrastructure, climate resilience natural disasters, Africa, development, economic growth, vulnerability, poverty, exposure, disaster risk management, climate change, flooding, arid areas, homelessness, Somalia, cyclone, floods, hunger, United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP, climate adaptation costs, disaster preparedness, socio-economic policy, international aid, environmental risks natural disasters, Africa, development, economic growth, vulnerability, poverty, disaster risk management, social policy, economic policy, climate change, flooding, drought, cyclone, Somalia, homelessness, climate adaptation costs, UNEP, disaster impact
test-culture-mmctghwbsa-con04a	"Individuals have a choice and right to respond to ads and their meaning.  Consumers have a choice to expose themselves to advertising through their own personal behaviour. Advertisements can be ignored by the consumer and deleted at will. Interpretation of the ad depends on the attitudes of the receiver. The purchase and consumption of beauty products is the personal choice of a buyer. How ads attract and influence is determined by individual beliefs and values of the audience member. Some feminists believe that institutional power structures set up a ""victim"" mentality in women and fail to empower them by placing dependence upon power structures to make choices for women.1 If consumers wish to embrace the ideals or values represented in ads, this should be their choice. Therefore the right to self determine one's consumer behaviour should be left to the individual. 1 Thomas, Christine. ""The New Sexism."" Socialism Today, Issue #77. 2003/September consumer rights, advertising influence, personal choice, consumer behavior, advertisement interpretation, aesthetic products, feminist critique, institutional power, victim mentality, empowerment, individual beliefs, values, media literacy, autonomy, gender roles, societal norms, consumer autonomy, advertising ethics advertising, consumer choice, personal responsibility, ad interpretation, audience attitudes, beauty products, consumer behavior, influence, beliefs, values, feminism, power structures, empowerment, independence, self-determination, consumer rights consumerchoice, advertisinginterpretation, personalbehavior, adignoring, viewerattitudes, beautyproducts, individualbeliefs, audiencevalues, feministtheories, powerstructures, victimmentality, empowerment, consumerautonomy, selfdetermination, advertisinginfluence consumer rights, advertising response, personal choice, ad interpretation, consumer behavior, advertising influence, attitudes, beliefs, values, feminist perspective, power structures, victim mentality, empowerment, individual agency, self-determination, consumption, beauty products, media literacy, critical thinking consumer autonomy, advertising perception, personal choice, consumer behavior, ad influence, individual beliefs, values, feminist theory, power structures, empowerment, victim mentality, self-determination, consumer rights, advertising influence, gender roles"
test-philosophy-pppthbtcb-con02a	Terrorism creates a negative abusable portrayal  Acts of terror will not lead to a deeper mutual understanding, but to alienation from the international community. People see acts of violence as a threat, and especially in the context of international terrorists attacks, the fear of escalation prevails. Even more, acts of violence are open to multiple interpretations, which can be used in favour of the oppressing state, that has much more resources to spread its message. Not only can it say it uses violence against these terrorists groups to defend itself, but it can also paint an image of the terrorists as irrational, violent creatures. This plays easily into existing stereotypes of non-Westeners as being violent. In order to counter this scenario, it is wiser to resort to non-violent actions. This has the benefit of conveying a very clear message to the outside world that the people protesting are the victims, and not the perpetrators. For instance, the actions of Mahatma Ghandi were known for their civil disobedience and their political messages that went against the norm, but because of the peaceful nature of his protest, he was able to attract a lot of positive attention and followers. [1]  [1] BBC News. (1998, January 29). The life and death of Mahatma Gandhi. Retrieved August 3, 2011, from BBC News: terrorism, negative portrayal, violence, international community, mutual understanding, alienation, terrorism, stereotypes, non-violent actions, civil disobedience, Mahatma Gandhi, peaceful protest, political messaging, media influence, stereotypes, counter-terrorism, propaganda, international perceptions terrorism, negative portrayal, acts of terror, international community, violence, fear, escalation, interpretation, oppression, message dissemination, stereotypes, non-Western violence, non-violent resistance, civil disobedience, Mahatma Gandhi, peaceful protest, positive attention Terrorism, negative portrayal, violence, international community, alienation, fear, escalation, interpretation, propaganda, stereotypes, non-violent resistance, civil disobedience, Mahatma Gandhi, peaceful protest, political message, media influence terrorism, negative portrayal, acts of terror, international community, alienation, violence, stereotype, non-violence, civil disobedience, Mahatma Gandhi, peaceful protest, political message, media influence, stereotypes, international terrorism, counter-terrorism, messaging, propaganda, stereotype amplification, non-violent resistance terrorism, negative portrayal, acts of terror, international community, alienation, violence, fear, escalation, interpretation, propaganda, stereotypes, non-violent actions, civil disobedience, Mahatma Gandhi, peaceful protest, political messaging, media, perception, stereotypes, counterterrorism, non-violence
test-politics-lghwdecm-con01a	Mayors would result in too much centralisation of power.  An elected mayor would have too much power, making the prospect of its misuse alarming. If the mayor has the power to choose their own cabinet of councillors, this could be as small as three members, all of whom could be sacked at will for opposing the wishes of the mayor. If the mayor has the right to delegate powers to his cabinet members, they equally have the authority to reserve all the real powers to themselves. And those councillors outside the cabinet would have little to do other than to monitor broken streetlights and the standard of refuse collection in their ward. Why would talented and ambitious people stand for council in these circumstances, and what would the absence of such people do for the council’s oversight of the mayor? mayors, centralisation, power, elected mayor, misuse, cabinet, councillors, delegation, authority, oversight, governance, municipal leadership, local government, political responsibility, accountability mayors, centralisation, power, elected mayor, misuse, cabinet, councillors, authority, delegation, oversight, governance, political structure, local government, accountability, decision-making, political power, governance risks mayors, centralisation, power, elected mayor, misuse, cabinet, councillors, delegation, authority, oversight, governance, local government, political structure, accountability, decision-making mayors, centralisation, power, elected mayor, misuse, cabinet, councillors, delegation, authority, governance, oversight, local government, political power, council composition, accountability, decentralisation, leadership, political risks mayors, centralisation, power, election, misuse, cabinet, councillors, delegation, authority, oversight, governance, local government, political power, accountability
test-science-ciidfaihwc-pro02a	The government here may legitimately limit ‘free speech’.  We already set boundaries on what constitutes ‘free speech’ within our society. For example, we often endorse a ‘balancing act’ [1] an individual may express their beliefs or opinions, but only up to the point where it does not impede the ‘protection of other human rights’ [2] – other peoples’ right not to be abused. In this case, if an individual expresses abuse towards another – especially racism - they may be deemed to be outside of the boundaries or free speech and can be punished for it. This motion is simply an extension of this principle; the kinds of sites which would be banned are those which perpetuate hatred or attack other groups in society, an so already fall outside of the protection of free speech. The harms that stem from these kinds of sites outweigh any potential harm from limiting speech in a small number of cases.  [1] Hera.org, ‘Freedom of Expression’, Human Rights Education Association,  on 09/09/11  [2] Hera.org, ‘Freedom of Expression’, Human Rights Education Association,  on 09/09/11 government, free speech, boundaries, societal rights, balancing act, beliefs, opinions, human rights, abuse, racism, free speech limits, hate sites, hate speech, societal harm, legal restrictions, human rights education free speech, government regulation, boundaries, human rights, abuse, racism, hate speech, online sites, hate groups, societal harm, freedom of expression, legal limits, speech restrictions, societal boundaries, free speech debate, online hate sites, human rights protection free speech, government limitation, societal boundaries, balancing act, human rights, abuse, racism, free speech boundaries, punishment, site banning, hatred, societal attack, harm, expression limits, human rights education free speech, government, boundaries, human rights, abuse, racism, censorship, hate speech, site banning, societal harm, rights protection, freedom of expression, regulation, speech limits, societal safety government, free speech, boundaries, societal norms, balancing act, human rights, abuse, racism, speech regulation, hate sites, hate crime, online censorship, freedom of expression, harm assessment, rights protection
test-international-epdlhfcefp-con02a	The previous arrangement of having two foreign policy centers (in the Commission and in the Council) was arguably inefficient, but consolidating these into a single office-holder has created more complexity and at significantly greater expense.  Creating a position of EU High Representative is not objectionable in itself. Previously the EU was in the ludicrous situation of having two foreign affairs spokesmen, one from the Council and the other from the Commission. Rivalry and duplication of efforts, staffs and resources results, and so focusing all the EU’s external affairs work around one person makes some sense. What it does not mean is that the High Representative should lead a drive for a stronger common foreign policy position. Only when member states agree (which may not be often) will he or she have a role. In fact, by weakening the foreign affairs role within the Commission, this development may actually limit the pretensions of Brussels to develop its own agenda and dictate foreign policy to the member states. European Union, foreign policy, EU High Representative, Commission, Council, foreign affairs, policy coordination, external relations, institutional structure, resource allocation, foreign policy rivalry, diplomatic efficiency, governance, member states, policy influence European Union, foreign policy, EU foreign affairs, High Representative, EU external relations, Commission, Council, foreign policy centers, policy coordination, resource allocation, EU diplomacy, member states, foreign policy rivalry, foreign policy efficiency, institutional structure, EU governance European Union, foreign policy, EU High Representative, Commission, Council, foreign affairs, policy coordination, institutional restructuring, resource allocation, foreign policy complexity, Brussels foreign policy, member states, diplomatic efforts, foreign policy efficiency, external relations, foreign policy leadership EU foreign policy, High Representative, Commission, Council, foreign affairs, policy coordination, resource efficiency, diplomatic efforts, multilateralism, EU external relations, policy integration, institutional reform, member state consensus, foreign policy leadership European Union, foreign policy, High Representative, EU external affairs, Commission, Council, foreign policy centers, policy coordination, diplomatic strategy, member state cooperation, foreign policy governance, institutional structure, resource allocation, policy rivalry, foreign policy effectiveness, EU foreign relations, policy duplication
test-law-hrilpgwhwr-con04a	The novel crime of aggression leads to the prosecution of those seeking to protect human rights.  The likelihood of political prosecution is only augmented by the creation of the novel crime of 'aggression' under the Rome Statute. Any intervention in a State for the protection of human rights of some or all of its people might constitute a crime. The US or any NATO State could be prosecuted, at the request of the genocidaires, for successfully preventing genocide. Moreover, by a quirk of the drafting of the Statute, States that refuse to accept the jurisdiction of the ICC can nevertheless request the prosecution of individuals of other States for crimes alleged committed on its territory. Thus Milosevic could have demanded the investigation of NATO forces for the events of Operation Allied Force, but have precluded any investigation of the actions of the Bosnian Serb army on the same territory. crime of aggression, prosecution, human rights, Rome Statute, political prosecution, intervention, sovereignty, ICC jurisdiction, NATO, genocide, Milosevic, Operation Allied Force, Bosnian Serb army crime of aggression, prosecution, human rights, political prosecution, Rome Statute, intervention, State sovereignty, ICC jurisdiction, NATO, genocide prevention, Milosevic, Operation Allied Force, Bosnian Serb army crime of aggression, prosecution, human rights, Rome Statute, political prosecution, intervention, State sovereignty, ICC jurisdiction, NATO, genocide, Milosevic, Operation Allied Force, Bosnian Serb army crime of aggression, prosecution, human rights, political prosecution, Rome Statute, intervention, State sovereignty, ICC jurisdiction, NATO, genocide, Milosevic, Operation Allied Force, Bosnian Serb army crime of aggression, prosecution, human rights, political prosecution, Rome Statute, intervention, state sovereignty, genocide, NATO, ICC jurisdiction, Milosevic, Operation Allied Force, Bosnian Serb army
test-law-ralhrilglv-con04a	Just hold the trial by videolink  It has already been agreed that defendants can appear at the court by videolink [1] for parts of the trial. This is not problematic, unless the defendants want to start representing themselves.  Bearing in mind that Ruto and Kenyatta have been continuing to co-operate with the trial throughout the process, there is no reason to think that they would flee the international criminal court. Either way, if they change their mind, they could simply not travel to The Hague for the trial.  [1] Corder, Mike, “International court changes trial attendance rule”, The Wichita Eagle, November 28th 2013, trial, videolink, court appearance, defendants, self-representation, international criminal court, Ruto, Kenyatta, trial attendance, Hague, witness testimony, remote hearings, court procedures, legal proceeding trial, videolink, court appearance, defendants, self-representation, international criminal court, Ruto, Kenyatta, cooperation, travel, The Hague, trial attendance, legal process, court rules, remote testimony trial, videolink, court appearance, defendants, self-representation, international criminal court, Ruto, Kenyatta, cooperation, trial attendance, Hague, trial rules, remote testimony, legal proceedings trial, videolink, court attendance, defendants, self-representation, Ruto, Kenyatta, cooperation, fleeing, international criminal court, Hague, trial rules, remote appearance, legal proceedings trial, videolink, court appearance, defendants, self-representation, international criminal court, Ruto, Kenyatta, cooperation, trial attendance, Hague, travel, legal proceedings
test-economy-thsptr-con02a	Progressive taxes place an unfair and disproportionate burden on the wealthy  The revenues the state acquires through taxation are used to pay for various services and benefices. Lower income individuals consume these services to a disproportionate degree. It is they who require income supplements and child benefits when they lack the wherewithal to provide for themselves, and they avail more readily than the wealthy of such things as public healthcare and transport services. There is thus clearly no correlation between the amount people pays in taxes and amount of benefits they receive from them. [1] The rich make less use of such services, often preferring to use of privately provided services, yet they are expected to pay a greater proportion of their wealth to the public services they do not use under a progressive system of taxation. As a matter of fairness it is only just that everyone contribute to the provision of public services equally, in accordance with their wherewithal to do so. Wealthier people thus can pay more units of wealth to the system than poor people justly, but when they are expected to pay a disproportionate percentage of wealth, through a system that levies contributions according to a progressive rather than proportional scale, they are being used unfairly and being stripped of their rightful possessions to the use of others.  [1] Mayer, David. “Wealthy Americans Deserve Real Tax Relief”. On Principle 7(5). 1999. Available: progressive taxes, wealth burden, tax fairness, public services, income inequality, social benefits, income supplements, child benefits, healthcare, transportation, tax contribution, wealthier taxpayers, private services, proportional taxation, tax system, economic disparity, tax policy, social equity progressive taxes, wealth inequality, tax fairness, public services, income inequality, tax burden, wealthy, low-income, redistribution, taxation system, benefits, public healthcare, transport, income supplements, child benefits, proportional taxation, private services, wealth contributions, fairness, tax system, wealth redistribution progressive taxes, wealth, taxation, public services, income inequality, burden, fairness, tax burden, revenue, benefits, low-income, high-income, public healthcare, transport, private services, tax proportionality, wealth redistribution progressive taxes, wealth inequality, tax burden, public services, income inequality, tax fairness, wealth redistribution, tax system, progressive taxation, social benefits, tax policy, income supplements, child benefits, healthcare, transport services, private vs public services, tax contribution, economic justice, tax burden on wealthy, tax system critique progressive taxes, wealth inequality, tax fairness, public services, taxpayer burden, income distribution, social benefits, taxation system, income supplements, child benefits, public healthcare, transportation, wealthier individuals, private services, proportional taxation, tax revenue, economic justice, tax system fairness
test-philosophy-npegiepp-con04a	The international system is characterised by anarchy and the distribution of economic and military capabilities  Stanley Hoffman used a Neo-Realist view of International relations to build the theory of intergovernmentalism. In a neo-realist understanding the international system is characterised by anarchy and the distribution of economic and military capabilities is of primary importance. States will not trust each other but can still reach agreement, but the agreement will be characterised by bargaining and negotiation (not an automatic process!) ‘Nations prefer the certainty, or the self-controlled uncertainty, of national self-reliance, to the uncontrolled uncertainty of the untested blender’. [1]  [1] Wikipedia, ‘Intergovernmentalism’, en.wikipedia.org, international system, anarchy, neo-realism, international relations, intergovernmentalism, economic capabilities, military capabilities, state sovereignty, bargaining, negotiation, self-reliance, uncertainty, Stanley Hoffman, geopolitical theories international system, anarchy, economic capabilities, military capabilities, Stanley Hoffman, Neo-Realism, international relations, intergovernmentalism, sovereignty, state behavior, bargaining, negotiation, self-reliance, uncertainty, nation-states international system, anarchy, economic capabilities, military capabilities, Stanley Hoffman, Neo-Realism, International relations, intergovernmentalism, state behavior, trust, bargaining, negotiation, self-reliance, uncertainty, global politics, nation-states international system, anarchy, economic capabilities, military capabilities, Stanley Hoffman, Neo-Realism, international relations, intergovernmentalism, sovereignty, bargaining, negotiation, states, self-reliance, uncertainty, globalization, power distribution international system, anarchy, economic capabilities, military capabilities, Stanley Hoffman, Neo-Realism, international relations, intergovernmentalism, distribution of power, state behavior, bargaining, negotiation, sovereignty, self-reliance, international cooperation, uncertainty, trust, global politics
test-politics-dhbanhrnw-pro05a	Public acknowledgement of the right to nuclear deterrence will benefit the public regulation of nuclear weapons generally  When nuclear deterrence is an acknowledged right of states, they will necessarily be less concealing of their capability, as the deterrent effect works only because it is visible and widely known. Knowledge of states’ nuclear capability allows greater regulation and cooperation in development of nuclear programs from developed countries with more advanced nuclear programs. [1] Developed countries can help construct and maintain the nuclear weapons of other countries, helping to guarantee the safety protocols of countries’ programs are suitably robust. This will cause a diminution in clandestine nuclear weapons programs, and will reduce the chances of weapons-grade material falling into the hands of terrorists. Thus, greater openness and freedom in the development of nuclear weapons will increase the security of nuclear stockpiles.  [1] Sagan, Scott D. 1993. The Limits of Safety: Organizations, Accidents, and Nuclear Weapons. Princeton: Princeton University Press. public acknowledgement, nuclear deterrence, public regulation, nuclear weapons, transparency, nuclear capability, international cooperation, nuclear programs, safety protocols, clandestine programs, terrorism risk, openness, security, nuclear stockpiles nuclear deterrence, public acknowledgement, nuclear weapons regulation, transparency, international cooperation, nuclear capability, security protocols, proliferation prevention, nuclear safety, arms control, nuclear transparency, nuclear security, clandestine programs, terrorism, arms development public acknowledgment, nuclear deterrence, nuclear weapons, public regulation, transparency, nuclear capability, international cooperation, nuclear programs, security protocols, clandestine programs, terrorism, nuclear safety, arms control, non-proliferation, nuclear stockpiles, global security, nuclear policy nuclear deterrence, public acknowledgment, nuclear weapons regulation, transparency, nuclear capability, international cooperation, nuclear programs, safety protocols, clandestine programs, nonproliferation, nuclear security, weapons-grade material, terrorism, openness, nuclear stockpiles nuclear deterrence, public acknowledgement, nuclear regulation, transparency, nuclear capabilities, international cooperation, nuclear proliferation, security protocols, nuclear safety, non-proliferation, transparency benefits, nuclear arms control, deterrent effect, nuclear weapons programs, clandestine programs, terrorism security, nuclear safety organizations
test-politics-ypppdghwid-pro03a	"Promoting democracy promotes peace.  By most accounts, there has not been a war between two democracies in the past 200 years. Immanuel Kant argued in Perpetual Peace (1795) that a) democratic governments are more constrained by their people's opposition to war and b) that a democratic culture of negotiation, as well as the checks and balances inherent in such a system, make war less likely. Thus by promoting democracy through imposing it, we increase the chance of a peaceful world. Furthermore, terrorism may be less likely to arise in democratic countries, where people are allowed to air their views and human rights norms prevent feelings of marginalization. This is good for human rights worldwide, including the rights and safety of individuals in our own country.1  1 ""Do Democracies Fight Each Other?"" BBC. democracy, peace, democratic governments, war, Kant, Perpetual Peace, democratic culture, negotiation, checks and balances, democracy promotion, terrorism, human rights, conflict resolution, international relations, peace research democracy, peace, war, democracies, Kant, Perpetual Peace, democratic governments, negotiation, checks and balances, democratic culture, terrorism, human rights, marginalization, international relations, conflict prevention, political stability democracy, peace, democratic governments, war prevention, Kant, Perpetual Peace, conflict resolution, democratic culture, negotiation, checks and balances, terrorism, human rights, marginalization, international relations, democratic peace theory democracy, peace, democratic governments, war, Kant, Perpetual Peace, negotiation, checks and balances, democratic culture, terrorism, human rights, marginalization, diplomatic relations, conflict prevention, international relations democracy, peace, democratic governments, war, Immanuel Kant, Perpetual Peace, negotiation, checks and balances, peace promotion, terrorism, human rights, political stability, democratic culture, conflict reduction, international relations"
test-sport-ybfgsohbhog-con02a	The bidding process is too long, tying up funds and land  The bidding process takes too long. Bidding officially takes only two years (unless a city fails to make the shortlist), but most cities spend nearly a decade working on their bids. Obviously the bidding process costs money but it also ties up the land needed for any future Olympic Village or stadia from being developed until the bid outcome is known, as well as diverting government funds away from other sporting events and activities. Furthermore, the way the IOC works with each member deciding which city they wish to vote for means that personal relationships and international tension can count for more than the quality of the bid. For example, American foreign policy is thought to be disadvantaging New York in the 2012 bidding process. Given that the Olympics are 'rotated' between continents, if a city fails to be selected it will be 12 years before it has another chance. Olympic bidding, bidding process, duration, costs, land use, Olympic Village, stadium development, government funding, bid outcome, IOC voting, international relationships, political influence, foreign policy, bidding timeline, bid competitiveness, bid fairness, geographic rotation, Olympic cycle, hosting rights Olympic bidding, process duration, land reservation, funding, bid costs, Olympic Village, stadium development, international relations, IOC voting, city qualification, geopolitical influence, bid delays, bidding timeline, hosting rights, Olympic rotation, city selection, bid competitiveness Olympic bidding, process duration, fund allocation, land use, bid costs, Olympic Village, stadia development, bid timeline, IOC voting, international relations, city selection, political influence, bid competitiveness, Olympic rotation, bidding delay, government funding, sports event planning Olympic bidding, process duration, land use, funding, Olympic Village, stadia, bid costs, government funding, urban development, IOC voting, international relations, political influence, bid qualification, Olympic rotation, sports events, bid delays Olympic bidding, bid process duration, funding investment, land development, Olympic Village, stadium construction, bid costs, bidding timeline, IOC voting process, international relations, geopolitical influence, city selection, Olympic rotation, bid disadvantages, sports event funding, bid competition, candidate cities, bidding delays
test-health-hpehwadvoee-pro03a	The right to individual self determination is a fundamental human right, equal to that of life itself  It is a fundamental principle of the human being is that every human is born autonomous. Therefore, we believe that every person has a right to his or her own body and is thus competent to make decisions about it. This is because we recognise that whatever decisions we might make about our bodies, stem from the knowledge that we have about our own preferences. Nobody can tell us how to value different goods and therefore what matters to one person might matter less to another. If we were to undermine this right, nobody would be able to live their life to its fullest as they would be living their life to someone else’s fullest. The extension of this right is that if someone values another person’s life over their own it is their informed decision to sacrifice themselves for that person. It is not for others to decide, and in particular not for the State. self-determination, human rights, autonomy, bodily sovereignty, decision-making, individual rights, personal freedom, informed consent, autonomy of choice, personal preferences, fundamental freedoms, bodily integrity, liberty, ethical autonomy, state authority, self-ownership self-determination, human rights, autonomy, bodily rights, decision-making, personal liberty, individual rights, human dignity, informed consent, autonomy rights, moral agency, personal choice, sovereignty, self-governance, bodily integrity individual self-determination, human rights, autonomy, bodily rights, decision-making, personal preferences, self-ownership, personal freedom, respect for autonomy, informed consent, ethical autonomy, liberty, self-governance, human dignity, personal agency, sovereignty self-determination, human rights, autonomy, bodily rights, decision-making, individual liberty, personal choice, informed consent, moral autonomy, bodily autonomy, privacy, self-governance, human dignity, state interference, personal values, life rights self-determination, human rights, autonomy, bodily rights, decision-making, individual liberty, personal choice, bodily autonomy, informed consent, autonomy rights, human dignity, personal freedom, ethical principles, state interference, sovereignty, self-ownership
test-international-epvhwhranet-con03a	Referendums are more about PR than politics.  Referendum votes always end up being about something other than the issue on the ballot paper. In many referendum campaigns the real issue becomes one of confidence in the government of the day and its management of the economy, law and order, public scandals, etc. So when people vote they are expressing their unhappiness at their national government rather than making a considered judgment about the future of the EU. This is exactly what happened in the French and Dutch votes on the EU Constitution in 2005. When asked what influenced their decision, most voters said that they disliked aspects of EU enlargement, especially the arrival of Eastern European workers who might take local jobs, and the proposed entry negotiations with Turkey – but none of this was anything to do with the Constitution [1]. Furthermore a referendum would be pray to media distortion, which could have swayed the votes with biased coverage. Referendums are too often about government confidence rather than the issue at hand, people may have voted to express other grievances with their current government and not the future of the EU.  [1] The Further Enlargement of the EU: threat or opportunity?’ House of Lords European Union Committee (23 November 2006) viewed on 13 June 2011  , p.10 referendums, public opinion, political motives, government confidence, EU, European Union, referendum campaigns, voter behavior, media influence, political issues, electoral behavior, EU enlargement, Brexit, voter dissatisfaction, political scandals, ballot issues, referendum outcomes, electoral analysis, political psychology, referendum psychology referendums, public opinion, political campaigns, government confidence, EU, European Union, referendum influence, voting behavior, media bias, electoral manipulation, EU enlargement, Eastern European workers, Turkey accession, political dissatisfaction, issue aggregation, voter psychology, referendum outcomes, political scandals, government management, election analysis referendums, public opinion, political campaigns, government confidence, media influence, EU referenda, voter behavior, political dissatisfaction, EU enlargement, Turkey accession, media bias, political issue, election motivation, referendum outcomes, public grievances referendums, public opinion, political perception, government confidence, EU membership, voter behavior, media influence, election campaigns, political scandals, economic management, law and order, public sentiment, EU enlargement, Turkey negotiations, Eastern European workers, voter motivation, referendum bias, political dissatisfaction, European Union, electorate, referendum outcomes referendums, public opinion, political influence, government confidence, EU referendums, media bias, voter behavior, election campaigns, EU enlargement, voter motivations, referendum issue perception, political scandals, government dissatisfaction, Turkey accession, Eastern European migration, referendum distortions, electoral influence, referendum outcomes
test-law-sdfclhrppph-pro02a	Protection of Minors  We need to protect minors (those under the age of majority) from exposure to obscene, offensive or potentially damaging materials. While this would be a restriction on the freedom of speech it should be something that the government is responsible for and we would all agree needs some kind of restriction or regulation. minor protection, minors, age restriction, obscene materials, offensive content, damaging materials, freedom of speech, government regulation, content filtering, age verification, child safety, online protection, censorship, legal restrictions, minors' rights minors, protection, minors' rights, obscenity, offensive materials, damaging content, free speech, government regulation, child safety, age restrictions, online safety, content moderation, legal protections, minors' welfare minor protection, underage safety, obscene content, offensive materials, damaging materials, free speech, government regulation, age restrictions, minors' rights, internet safety, censorship, legal restrictions, youth protection, content filtering minors, protection, minors protection, youth safety, age restrictions, obscenity, offensive materials, damaging content, freedom of speech, government regulation, content restriction, minors safety, online safety, child protection, censorship, legal age, age-appropriate content minors, protection, juvenile safety, age restrictions, obscenity, offensive content, damaging materials, freedom of speech, government regulation, minors safety, content filtering, age-appropriate, internet safety, content regulation
test-politics-gvhbhlsbr-pro02a	The House of Lords has an inbuilt conservative majority.  The traditional provenance of the House of Lords translates to an in-built Conservative majority. Even so called Liberal and Labour peers are usually conservative in their opinions. They represent a social and economic elite and seem to flaunt diversity monitoring in a house with only 181 female peers and a staggeringly low 31 peers from ethnic minorities. [1] This unfair skew in the favour of the conservative has the power to slow down and revise legislation and is a gross misrepresentation of the British population. The House of Lords should be reformed in order to better reflect the British people so that their actions and decisions benefit the whole of society and not just their own.  [1] Smith, Ben, ‘Ethnic Minorities in Politics, Government and Public Life’, House of Commons Library (18 November 2008) and see  viewed 1 June 2011 House of Lords, conservative majority, traditional provenance, Liberal peers, Labour peers, social elite, economic elite, diversity monitoring, female peers, ethnic minority peers, legislative influence, political reform, representation, British society, social imbalance, constitutional reform, political diversity, minority representation, legislative process, social justice House of Lords, Conservative majority, Liberal peers, Labour peers, social elite, economic elite, diversity monitoring, gender representation, ethnic minorities, legislative influence, political reform, British population, societal representation, House of Lords reform, ethnic diversity, gender diversity, British politics, legislative process House of Lords, conservative majority, traditional provenance, Liberal peers, Labour peers, social elite, economic elite, diversity monitoring, female peers, ethnic minorities, legislative influence, unrepresentative, political reform, British population, societal representation, reform proposals House of Lords, conservative majority, traditional provenance, Liberal peers, Labour peers, social elite, economic elite, diversity monitoring, female peers, ethnic minority peers, legislative influence, political reform, representation, British population, social inequality, house reform, societal benefit, ethnicity, gender, political diversity, legislative slowdown House of Lords, conservative majority, traditional provenance, Liberal peers, Labour peers, social elite, economic elite, diversity monitoring, female peers, ethnic minorities, legislative power, reform, representation, British population, social justice, diversity, inequality, political reform
test-free-speech-debate-yfsdfkhbwu-con03a	Universities should exchange ideas not impose them  Of all possible institutions, for a university to suggest that it is not open to defending its ideas rather than insisting that they be artificially imported seems counter-intuitive. As Asian and European intellectual traditions increasingly interact as a result of economic interaction there are going to be clashes between and attempts to integrate the Confucian and Socratic approaches [i] . Part of that is the relationship between academia and the state. Western institutions seeking to establish themselves as a presence in Asia should at least be open to the idea that a different approach may have something to offer. After all a willingness to accept new ideas and attitudes is key to the ethic of any university – the assumption that such an exchange would only flow in one direction is astonishingly arrogant.  [i] This is true at every level, including simple things such as the approach taken by students to their studies. Inevitably, universities have responded to these in different ways in the two traditions.  Paton, Michael, ‘Asian Students, Critical Thinking and English as an Academic Lingua Franca’, Analytic teaching and philosophical praxis, Vol.32, No.1, pp.27-39 p.28 universities, idea exchange, openness, academic traditions, Asian, European, intellectual interaction, economic interaction, cultural clash, integration, Confucian, Socratic, academia, state, Western institutions, approach, new ideas, attitudes, academic exchange, arrogance, student approach, cultural differences, critical thinking, linguistic diversity, Mandarin, English, lingua franca universities, idea exchange, intellectual traditions, Asian, European, Confucian, Socratic, academia, state, Western institutions, cultural interaction, educational approaches, critical thinking, language, academic lingua franca, cross-cultural dialogue, pedagogical methods, cultural integration, international education universities, idea exchange, open-mindedness, academic traditions, Confucian, Socratic, Asian, European, intellectual interaction, cultural clashes, knowledge integration, academia, state, Western institutions, cross-cultural dialogue, Asian schools, educational approaches, student attitudes, critical thinking, linguistic diversity universities, exchange of ideas, openness, intellectual traditions, Asian, European, Confucian, Socratic, academia, state, cultural interaction, integration, approach, acceptance, new ideas, attitudes, ethic, university, arrogance, student approaches, critical thinking, lingua franca universities, exchange ideas, openness, intellectual traditions, Asian, European, Confucian, Socratic, academia, state, cross-cultural, intercultural dialogue, Asia, Western institutions, new ideas, attitude, academic practices, cultural integration, critical thinking, linguistic diversity, English, academic lingua franca
test-economy-egiahbwaka-pro02a	Women provide a platform for economic development  Where women in Africa are treated more as equals and are being given political power there are benefits for the economy. Africa is already surging economically with 6 out of the world’s ten fastest growing economies in the past decade being a part of sub-Saharan Africa [1] .  While some of the fastest growing economies are simply as a result of natural resource exploitation some are also countries that have given much more influence to women. 56% of Rwanda’s parliamentarians are women. The country’s economy is growing; its poverty rate has dropped from 59% to 45% in 2011 and economic growth is expected to reach up to 10% by 2018. Women become the driving force of the socio-economic development after the 1994 genocide with many taking on leadership roles in their communities. [2]  In Liberia, since Ellen Johnson Sirleaf took the presidency seat on January 2006, notable reforms have been implemented in the country to boot the economy, and with visible results. Liberia’s GDP has grown from 4.6% in 2009 to 7.7% by the end of 2013.  Men in Africa on the other hand have often lead their countries into war, conflict, discord, and the resulting slower economic growth. Men fight leaving women behind to tend the household and care for the family. Giving women a greater voice helps encourage longer term thinking and discourages conflict, one of the main reasons for Africa’s plight in the second half of the 20th century. The feminisation of politics has been identified by Stephen Pinker as one of the causes for a decline in conflict. [3] When peace brings economic growth women will deserve an outsize share of the credit.  [1] Baobab, ‘Growth and other things’, The Economist, May 1st 2013   [2] Izabiliza, Jeanne, ‘The role of women in reconstruction: Experience of Rwanda’, UNESCO,   [3] Pinker, S., The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined, 2011 Women, economic development, Africa, gender equality, political power, empowerment, socio-economic development, women in politics, female leadership, gender roles, economic growth, sub-Saharan Africa, natural resource exploitation, women parliamentarians, Rwanda, poverty reduction, post-genocide recovery, women’s influence, Liberia, women leaders, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, GDP growth, conflict resolution, feminization of politics, peace-building, violence decline, conflict prevention women, economic development, gender equality, political power, Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, economic growth, natural resources, women in politics, Rwanda, female parliamentarians, poverty reduction, socioeconomic development, women leadership, post-genocide recovery, Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, GDP growth, conflict resolution, feminisation of politics, peace building, conflict reduction, violence decline, gender empowerment women, economic development, gender equality, political representation, Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, economic growth, natural resources, women's influence, women's leadership, Rwanda, parliament, poverty reduction, post-genocide recovery, Liberia, female presidents, reforms, GDP growth, conflict prevention, peacebuilding, feminism, politics, violence reduction women, economic development, gender equality, political power, Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, economic growth, natural resources, women's influence, Rwanda, parliament, poverty reduction, post-genocide recovery, female leadership, Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, reforms, GDP growth, conflict prevention, feminization of politics, peacebuilding, women's empowerment, socio-economic progress women, economic development, Africa, gender equality, political power, women's representation, socio-economic development, gender empowerment, women's leadership, female parliamentarians, Rwanda, poverty reduction, economic growth, natural resources, women's role, post-genocide recovery, Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, governance reforms, GDP growth, conflict, war, gender influence, peacebuilding, feminization of politics, conflict reduction, violence decline
test-education-egtuscpih-con03a	Online courses undermine live communication with professors and other students  Online courses impair live communication between students and professors and among students. For instance, Coursera professors ask students not to email them because due to high numbers of students taking the course meaning they cannot reply [22]. Moreover, due to pre-recorded lectures, there is no option of asking professors questions. There are no live class discussions. Sure students could email each other, but it is more difficult to freely communicate with people you do not know and never met. It is also difficult to imagine that, given their numbers, students could get personal feedback on their progress from professors themselves, and not, say, teaching assistants (as Coursera does) or even from computers. Lack of personal feedback and engagement with professors and other students in discussions of the material decreases the quality of education. online courses, live communication, professors, students, email communication, pre-recorded lectures, live class discussions, student interaction, personal feedback, engagement, distance learning, educational quality, Coursera, teaching assistants, communication barriers online courses, live communication, professors, students, email, pre-recorded lectures, live class discussions, student interaction, personal feedback, engagement, online education, Coursera, communication barriers, course delivery, teaching assistants, remote learning, educational quality online courses, live communication, professors, students, email, pre-recorded lectures, class discussions, student engagement, feedback, teaching assistants, communication barriers, online education, course interaction, student-teacher interaction, remote learning, educational quality online courses, live communication, professors, students, email, pre-recorded lectures, lack of interaction, class discussions, feedback, engagement, education quality, Coursera, teaching assistants online courses, live communication, professors, students, email, pre-recorded lectures, class discussions, feedback, engagement, education quality, Coursera, teaching assistants
test-economy-bepahbtsnrt-pro02a	Profit margins are too small  A major problem for Tunisia’s tourism sector is the small profit margin. The industry’s main targets are European, middle class income visitors on package holidays to sea-side resorts. This has resulted in a low per-capita spending rate as food, drink and travel are all usually included in sea-side holiday resorts. Average per-capita spending for tourists in Tunisia amounted to around $385 in 2012 which is low when compared to Egypt’s $890 and Greece’s $10001. This reliance on a low-profit niche in the tourism industry is a systematic flaw which will not provide the economic growth which the country needs.  1) Achy,L. ‘The Tourism Crisis in Tunisia Goes Beyond Security Issues’, Al Monitor, 26 June 2012 tourism, profit margins, Tunisia, economic growth, tourist spending, Europe, middle class, package holidays, sea-side resorts, per-capita spending, food, drink, travel, low profit niche, systematic flaw tourism, profit margins, Tunisia, tourism sector, European tourists, middle class, package holidays, sea-side resorts, per-capita spending, low income, food, drink, travel, economic growth, systematic flaw, industry target, tourist spending, regional comparison profit margins, Tunisia, tourism sector, low profit, European visitors, middle class, package holidays, seaside resorts, per-capita spending, tourism revenue, food, drink, travel, tourist spending, Egypt, Greece, low-profit niche, economic growth, systematic flaw, tourism crisis profit margins, Tunisia, tourism sector, low profit, European tourists, middle class, package holidays, sea-side resorts, per-capita spending, food, drink, travel, tourist expenditure, economic growth, systematic flaw tourism, profit margins, Tunisia, tourism sector, European visitors, middle class, package holidays, seaside resorts, per-capita spending, food, drink, travel, low profit, niche market, economic growth, systematic flaw, tourism crisis
test-philosophy-elhbrd-con04a	"The death of one individual has implications for others, which by definition, do not affect the suicide herself.  Even setting aside the religious concerns of many in this situation [i] , there are solid secular reasons for accepting the sanctity of life. First among them is the impact it has on the survivors. The relative who does not want a loved one to take their own life, or to die in the case of euthanasia. It is simply untrue that others are not affect by the death of the individual – someone needs to support that person emotionally and someone has to administer the injection. Because of the ties of love involved for relatives, they are, in effect, left with no choice but to agree regardless of their own views, the law should respect their position as well.  It further gives protection to doctors and others who would be involved in the procedure. Campaigners are keen to stress that doctors should be involved in the process whilst ignoring that, pretty much whenever they’re asked doctors say they have no desire to have any part of it [ii] . Indeed it would be against the Hippocratic oath which while it is no longer always taken still sums up the duties of a doctor which includes doing no harm and includes ""And I will not give a drug that is deadly to anyone if asked, nor will I suggest the way to such a counsel."" So ruling out euthanasia. [iii] Presumably, the very case that is so keen on the voluntary principle would also observe this compelling rejection by a group critical to the plan.  [i] Joint letter to the Telegraph. The terminally ill need care and protection – not help in committing suicide. The Most Rev Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury. The Most Rev Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster. Sir Jonathan Sacks, Chief Rabbi.  [ii] Ella Pickover. Doctors Reject Assisted Suicide. The Independent. 28 June 2012 .  [iii] Sokol, Dr Daniel, ‘A guide to the Hippocratic Oath’, BBC News, 26 October 2008 , euthanasia, assisted suicide, sanctity of life, suicide, mortality, law, religious concerns, secular reasons, survivors, emotional support, law protection, medical ethics, Hippocratic oath, doctors, harm, arguments, campaigners, terminal illness, care, protection, legal implications suicide, euthanasia, sanctity of life, death implications, survivors, emotional support, law, medical involvement, Hippocratic oath, do no harm, assisted suicide, religious concerns, secular reasons, legal protection, doctor’s duties, voluntary euthanasia, terminal illness, ethical principles, medical ethics, religious leaders, campaigners death, individuals, implications, survivors, love, euthanasia, sanctity of life, law, protection, doctors, assisted suicide, Hippocratic oath, ethics, law, morality, religious concerns, secular reasons, emotional support, law, medical ethics euthanasia, assisted suicide, sanctity of life, suicide, death, survivors, emotional support, law, doctors, Hippocratic oath, harm, euthanasia legislation, religious concerns, secular reasons, protection, medical ethics, voluntary euthanasia, end-of-life care, legal considerations, societal impact death, individual, implications, others, suicide, religious concerns, sanctity of life, survivors, euthanasia, emotional support, law, protection, doctors, procedure, campaigners, Hippocratic oath, do no harm, assisted suicide, legal ethics, medical ethics, terminal illness, care, protection, voluntary euthanasia, religious leaders, medical professionals, ethical debate"
test-politics-grcrgshwbr-pro05a	Western societies are secularly focused  Many societies are founded on secular values that do not permit the sponsorship of any religion by the state. British society aspires to this and has consciously acted to separate religion from state authority with many organisations such as the National Secular Society encouraging the suppression of any religious expression in public places.1 In this climate it is important that all citizens of the state are seen as equal. If some dress differently to others, deliberately identifying themselves as members of one religion, this can harm the unity and ethos of the state. This holds particularly true for institutions of the state like schools and government offices. In this way, it is possible to deduce that religious symbols are detrimental to the secular and equality focused identity of Western society.  1 'UK: One Law for all and the National Secular Society Back Bill that Aims to Curb Sharia Courts', 11th June 2011 , accessed on 23rd July 2011 secularism, Western societies, secular values, religion, state, separation of church and state, National Secular Society, religious expression, public places, equality, religious symbols, societal unity, religious dress, state institutions, secular identity, religious minorities, religious conformity, social cohesion, religious freedom secularism, Western societies, religion, state separation, national secular society, religious expression, public places, equality, religious dress, religious symbols, social cohesion, state institutions, secular values, religious diversity, social integration, freedom of religion secular society, religious neutrality, state separation, religious expression, public places, equality, religious dress, religious symbols, Western society, secular values, national secular society, religious identity, religious symbols impact, state institutions, religious diversity, societal cohesion, secularism, religious symbols controversy secularism, Western societies, state neutrality, religious expression, religious symbols, secular values, equality, national secular society, religious attire, public places, separation of church and state, religious freedom, multiculturalism, social cohesion, UK law, religious tolerance secularism, Western societies, religion, state, secular values, government, national secular society, religious expression, public places, equality, religious symbols, religious dress, multiculturalism, social cohesion, secular identity, religious tolerance, religious neutrality, public policy, religious freedom, cultural diversity
test-economy-thsptr-con03a	The ability to orchestrate a progressive taxation regime gives undue and dangerous power to the state  The power to tax is power to destroy. A state with power over a progressive taxation system can put the wealthy in effective thrall, and use them to benefit its own ends. This is exacerbated by such phenomena as the tyranny of the majority which can lead the majority of less wealthy and have-nots to demand more and more services and paying for them by inflicting ever more onerous taxes on the wealthy while diminishing their own burdens. Furthermore, so long as the tax burden is disproportionately leveled on the few, no one can see the growing size of the state. [1] With flat or regressive consumption tax everyone can feel the growth of the state. They can also understand the costs associated with it, driving them to have more realistic preferences and to make more rational demands of the state rather than treating the rich as a perpetual piggy bank.  [1] Dorn, James. “Ending Tax Socialism”. Cato Institute. 1996. Available: progressive taxation, tax power, state power, wealth inequality, taxation system, economic control, tyranny of majority, government spending, tax burden, flat tax, regressive tax, consumption tax, public finance, fiscal policy, taxpayer awareness, economic transparency progressive taxation, state power, taxation, wealth redistribution, economic inequality, tyranny of the majority, tax burden, flat tax, regressive tax, consumption tax, government size, fiscal policy, tax burden transparency, tax policy, social justice, government accountability progressive taxation, state power, taxation, wealth, wealth inequality, sovereign authority, taxation system, taxation policy, economic power, state control, taxation impact, fiscal policy, tax burden, flat tax, regressive tax, consumption tax, public goods, political economy, government size, taxation debates, societal fairness progressive taxation, state power, taxation regime, wealth redistribution, government influence, economic inequality, tax burden, flat tax, regressive tax, consumption tax, political economy, taxpayers awareness, fiscal policy, social justice, public finance, government growth, taxation debate progressive taxation, taxation power, state control, wealth inequality, regressive taxes, consumption tax, tax burden, tyranny of majority, government size, fiscal policy, tax transparency, economic inequality, tax reform, wealth redistribution, government accountability
test-economy-bepighbdb-con04a	Democratic rule of law is the best ground for political stability and growth  In order for a society to develop economically, it needs a stable political framework and dictatorships are often less stable. A dictator will have to prioritize the retention of power. As repression is inevitable, a dictator will not necessarily be entirely popular. There will regularly be a doubt about the future and sustainability of a dictatorship. Bearing in mind the messy collapses of some dictatorships, a democracy may be a more stable form of government over the long term [1] .  Only democracies can create a stable legal framework. The rule of law ensures all of society has access to justice and the government acts within the law. Free and fair elections act as a bulwark against social unrest and violence. Economic freedoms and human rights protection also have positive effects on economies. Private property rights, for example, encourage productivity and innovation so that one has control of the fruits of their labour.  It has been argued by Acemolgu and Robinson in their book Why Nations Fail? The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty that inclusive political institutions and pluralistic systems that protect individual rights are necessary preconditions for economic development [2] . If these political institutions exist then the economic institutions necessary for growth will be created, as a result economic growth will be more likely.  [1] See for example the work of Huntington, S, P., (1991), The third wave: democratization in the late twentieth century, University of Oklahoma Press,   [2] Acemolgu, D., and Robinson, J. (2012). Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty. London: Profile Books. democracy, rule of law, political stability, economic growth, dictatorship, authoritarianism, legal framework, free elections, social unrest, political institutions, economic institutions, human rights, property rights, innovation, inclusive institutions, pluralism, political development, societal stability, governance democratic rule of law, political stability, economic growth, society development, stable political framework, dictatorships stability, power retention, repression, dictatorship sustainability, societal collapse, democracy stability, legal framework, rule of law, justice, government legality, free elections, social unrest, violence prevention, economic freedoms, human rights, private property rights, productivity, innovation, Acemoglu Robinson, inclusive institutions, pluralism, individual rights, economic development, political institutions, economic institutions democracy, rule of law, political stability, economic growth, dictatorships, stability, legal framework, justice, free elections, social unrest, violence, economic freedoms, human rights, property rights, productivity, innovation, inclusive institutions, political institutions, economic institutions, development, prosperity, inequality, democratization, third wave, Huntington, Acemolu, Robinson democratic rule of law, political stability, economic development, dictatorship, stability, legal framework, justice, government legality, elections, social unrest, violence, economic freedoms, human rights, private property rights, productivity, innovation, inclusive political institutions, pluralism, individual rights, economic growth, Huntington, democratization, Acemoglu, Robinson, nations fail, power, prosperity, poverty democracy, rule of law, political stability, economic growth, dictatorship, social unrest, legal framework, free elections, human rights, economic freedoms, private property, innovation, inclusive institutions, political systems, economic institutions, development, prosperity, poverty, democratization, third wave, Huntington
test-international-ehbfe-pro01a	"A federal Europe will benefit the citizens of its member states  A federal Europe would build upon the success of the EU and its predecessors in taming the nationalism that caused so much conflict in the twentieth century. The EU is drawing nearer to realising the vision of its founders for an “ever-closer union”. Despite the EU’s relative success in this regard, while national governments still exist they will regard policy-making within Europe as a competitive business, abusing vetoes and damaging the potential prosperity of all of Europe’s citizens. Such is the case with Britain's veto over the carbon tax, which the EU wants to implement - “The British government is ""highly likely"" to block European Commission proposals for a carbon tax contained in a widely-circulated draft version of the Energy Taxation Directive, EU diplomatic sources said yesterday”. [1]  A federal European state can build on the shared history and culture of its members to further the common good, while accommodating regional differences.  [1] EurActiv.com, ‘Britain set to veto EU carbon tax plans’ federal Europe, citizen benefits, EU success, nationalism, conflict, twentieth century, ever-closer union, EU founders, policy-making, veto, prosperity, Britain veto, carbon tax, Energy Taxation Directive, European Commission, shared history, culture, regional differences, common good federal Europe, EU, member states, nationalism, twentieth century conflict, ever-closer union, national governments, policy-making, vetoes, prosperity, Britain veto, carbon tax, Energy Taxation Directive, European Commission, shared history, regional differences, common good, EurActiv federal Europe, EU integration, nationalism, European Union, member states, sovereignty, policy-making, veto power, carbon tax, Europe prosperity, European history, cultural diversity, regional differences, European commission, energy taxation, EurActiv, UK veto, EU success federal Europe, EU, European Union, nationalism, conflict, twentieth century, European integration, ever-closer union, national governments, policy-making, vetoes, prosperity, citizens, Britain, veto, carbon tax, Energy Taxation Directive, shared history, culture, regional differences, European Commission, EurActiv federal Europe, citizens, member states, EU, nationalism, conflict, twentieth century, union, founding fathers, policy-making, vetoes, prosperity, Britain, carbon tax, Energy Taxation Directive, European Commission, European state, shared history, culture, regional differences"
test-science-dssghsdmd-con01a	Mutually Assured Destruction breaks down when national missile defense systems are introduced, destabilizing world security:  Nuclear weapons create stability, as described in the doctrine of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD). Countries with nuclear weapons have no incentive to engage in open military conflict with one another; all recognize that they will suffer destruction if they choose the path of war (Waltz, 1981). If countries have nuclear weapons, fighting simply becomes too costly. This serves to defuse conflicts, and reduce the likelihood of the outbreak of war. When states have nuclear weapons they cannot fight, making the world a more peaceful place. Furthermore, armed with a nuclear deterrent, all states become equal in terms of ability to do harm to one another (Jervis, 2001). If a large state attempts to intimidate or to invade a smaller neighbor, it will be unable to effectively subdue it, since the small state will have the power to seriously injure, or even destroy, the would-be invader with a few well-placed nuclear missiles (Mearsheimer, 1993). The dynamics created by MAD are entirely lost when national missile defense systems are brought into the equation. Anti-ballistic missile missiles effectively eliminate the surety of MAD; it becomes a gamble of whether one’s nuclear arsenal will be able to penetrate the missile shield of the enemy. This increases the chance of a nuclear war, since an aggressor state can count on its missile shield to deflect the second-strike attempted by its opponent. Furthermore, in the case where both states in a conflict have missile defense arrays, as will likely occur as the technology is disseminated, the outbreak of war is also more likely, since each will try to race the other to the ability to counter each other’s offensive and defensive missiles. Clearly, the technology will only destabilize world relations, not offer greater security. Mutually Assured Destruction, missile defense systems, world security, nuclear weapons, stability, deterrence, conflict prevention, peace, nuclear deterrent, power balance, nuclear arms race, anti-ballistic missiles, missile shield, second-strike capability, nuclear war, proliferation, military strategy, global stability, technological dissemination, escalation, disarmament Mutually Assured Destruction, MAD, missile defense, national missile defense, world security, nuclear weapons, stability, military conflict, deterrence, escalation, nuclear deterrent, peace, balance of power, nuclear arming, conflict prevention, missile shield, anti-ballistic missiles, second-strike capability, nuclear war, arms race, security dilemma, destabilization, missile proliferation, conflict escalation, technology dissemination Mutually Assured Destruction, MAD, nuclear weapons, missile defense, stability, deterrence, conflict prevention, world security, nuclear deterrence, arms race, offensive missiles, defensive systems, missile shields, escalation, nuclear war, geopolitical stability, security dilemma, military balance, strategic stability, nuclear proliferation, deterrent effect, escalation risk Mutually Assured Destruction, MAD, missile defense, national missile defense, world security, nuclear weapons, stability, deterrence, conflict prevention, war, peace, nuclear deterrent, power balance, military conflict, nuclear arsenal, missile shields, anti-ballistic missiles, second-strike capability, escalation, instability, security dilemma, arms race, nuclear war, technological proliferation, strategic stability Mutually Assured Destruction, nuclear weapons, missile defense, deterrence, world security, stability, military conflict, nuclear deterrent, power balance, nuclear arsenal, missile shield, anti-ballistic missiles, second-strike capability, nuclear proliferation, destabilization, international relations, arms race, strategic stability, escalation, security dilemma
test-politics-ypppdghwid-pro04a	"Because democracy is the best form of government, it is not wrong-- and indeed may even be our obligation-- to bring it to those who do not have it.  Democratic regimes are the best form of government, and it is our obligation to try and provide that to others. Democracy is the only form of government which upholds the value of political self-determination: that each individual has a right to form his/her government, and to vote out governments s/he does not like. To deny this right is to deny the inherent worth and freedom of the individual. Political autonomy also has instrumental value insofar as it allows individuals to check abusive governments which may seek to violate other human rights. Thus it is certainly not wrong -- and may even be our humanitarian obligation -- to bring democracy to those who do not have it, just as we would intervene in other situations in which serious rights were being abused1.  1 Fish, Stanley. ""Why Democracy?"" The New York Times. democracy, government, political self-determination, individual rights, political autonomy, human rights, humanitarian obligation, regime change, political freedom, government accountability, human rights protection democracy, government, political self-determination, individual rights, political autonomy, human rights, intervention, rights abuse, humanitarian obligation, political freedom, democratic regimes democracy, government, political self-determination, individual rights, political autonomy, human rights, intervention, humanitarian obligation, democratic regimes, political freedom, voting rights, abusive governments, rights violations, Stanley Fish democracy, government, political self-determination, individual rights, human rights, political autonomy, intervention, humanitarian obligation, political freedom, abuse prevention, regime change, universal values, individual sovereignty, political participation, rights protection democracy, government, political self-determination, individual rights, political autonomy, human rights, intervention, humanitarian obligation, political freedom, regime change, democracy promotion, political freedom, rights violation, human dignity, self-governance"
test-free-speech-debate-ldhwbmclg-pro03a	Defending hip hop artists’ right to free speech  The intervention of the state is necessary in order to ensure that aggressive forms of hip hop remain accessible only to adults, especially in neighbourhoods and home environments that are not part of a cohesive, caring community. Some degree of public control over the content of hip hop will also help to preserve the diversity, accessibility of the genre in the face of commercial dominance by violent forms of rap.  Mainstream success in hip hop has become synonymous with gangsta rap, and with artists who have backgrounds that lend veracity to their lurid verses. However, many of these supposedly “authentic” experiences consist of little more than exaggeration and invented personas. When being interviewed about the controversial content of her son’s single “Fuck tha’ police”, the mother of rapper Ice Cube commented that “I don’t see [him] saying those curse words. I see him like an actor.”  The existence of pornography attests to the market for forms of media that fulfil base and simplistic human fantasies. Much the same can be said for the violent and cynical content of rap singles. Unlike the relationship between cinema and pornography, however, many commentators appear to regard gangsta rap as being synonymous with hip hop – a position as deceptive as a film critic claiming that all movies are inevitably tied to pornography.  The significant public profile and poor regulation of hip hop have meant that gangsta rap fans have become the genre’s dominant class of consumer. The amount of money that fans are willing to spend on singles, albums, concert tickets and associated branded goods means that labels that cultivate relationships with gangsta rappers have become the gatekeepers of the hip hop genre in general. “Conscious” rappers, who do not glorify violence, along with musicians working in other hip hop genres must work with labels that promote acts containing violent lyrics in order to publish their own music.  Either consciously, or by design, the terrain of contemporary hip hop is hostile to musicians who are not prepared to discuss “guns, bitches and bling” in their work. This constitutes a significant barrier to rappers ability to communicate novel messages and listeners’ ability to receive them. It could be called a market failure – the pervasive public presence of gangsta rap has effectively denied an audience to other rappers.  Classification has the potential to maximise the freedom and effectiveness of musical expression by hip hop artists who choose not to trade in brutality and misogyny.  The alternative is to allow hip hop to continue to be dominated by businesses such as Death Row Records, Low Life Records and Machete Music. This will lead to hip hop as a medium becoming inextricably linked with violent lyrics and the dubious businesses practices of gangsta labels’ bosses. Popular disengagement is much more likely under these circumstances, and will actively deny a voice, and opportunities, to musicians with a different perspective on hip hop. hip hop, free speech, state intervention, content regulation, accessibility, community, commercial dominance, violent rap, gangsta rap, authenticity, personas, censorship, pornography, media, content analysis, consumer behavior, market, genre diversity, music industry, record labels, conscious rap, violence, censorship, barriers, communication, audience, market failure, musical expression, classification, business practices, labels, violence, misogyny, cultural diversity hip hop, free speech, censorship, public control, diversity, accessibility, commercial dominance, gangsta rap, authenticity, violence, censorship, media regulation, genre classifications, market failure, artistic expression, racial bias, societal impact, music industry, record labels, artist freedom, public policy hip hop, free speech, censorship, public control, content regulation, diversity, commercial dominance, gangsta rap, authenticity, media violence, genre accessibility, mainstream success, artist background, lyrical content, provocative content, societal impact, market failure, consumer behavior, label influence, genre gatekeepers, conscious rap, violence glorification, artistic expression, market regulation, class divide, audience access, classification, musical diversity, content standardization, business practices, cultural impact, social commentary, censorship debate, artistic freedom hip hop, free speech, state intervention, content regulation, audience access, genre diversity, commercial dominance, gangsta rap, authentic experience, exaggeration, media influence, pornography, violent content, censorship, genre perception, mainstream success, consumer behavior, record labels, market failure, musical expression, social impact, artistic integrity, music industry, cultural diversity, public policy, censorship debates hip hop, free speech, censorship, public control, content regulation, genre diversity, commercial dominance, gangsta rap, authenticity, exaggeration, personas, media controversy, pornography analogy, violent content, censorship impact, audience segmentation, label influence, market failure, conscious rap, violence, misogyny, musical freedom, genre classification, business practices, cultural identity, artistic expression, listener reception, media influence
test-sport-ybfgsohbhog-con01a	Hosting only affects one city  In large countries like the United States or China, the benefits of the Olympics are almost entirely focused on the host city. Even in smaller countries, the benefits of a event played outside the host city or a training camp are negligible. Capital cities are often chosen (after failed bids from Birmingham in 1992 and Manchester in 1996 and 2000 the IOC told the United Kingdom that only a bid from London was likely to win), which concentrates growth and development where it is least needed. 90% of the economic impact of London 2012 is expected to come to London1; not surprising given that 'seventy-five pence in every pound on the Games is going towards the regeneration of East London.'2Furthermore, house prices have been seen to rise in host cities like Barcelona and Sydney around the time of their Olympics, without comparable rises elsewhere in Spain and Australia respectively2. As such, hosting only serves to entrench geographical economic divides.  1 Grobel, W. (2010, April 15). What are the London 2012 Olympics 2012 worth? Retrieved May 13, 2011, from Intangible Business:  2 Ormsby, A. (2010, May 21). Benefits of hosting Olympics unproven. Retrieved June 29, 2011 from Reuters: Olympics, host cities, economic impact, regional development, urban regeneration, geographic inequality, city growth, infrastructure, real estate prices, London 2012, bid process, capital cities, large countries, small countries, local benefits, economic divides, host city effects, bid history, city-focused benefits, regeneration funding, housing prices Olympics, host city, economic impact, geographic disparity, urban development, regeneration, house prices, city growth, regional inequality, bid process, capital cities, large countries, small countries, economic benefits, infrastructure, regeneration funds, housing market, urban inequality, Olympic bidding Olympics, host city, economic impact, geographic concentration, urban development, infrastructure, regional inequality, capital cities, bid process, city benefits, house prices, regeneration, East London, urban growth, large countries, small countries, training camps, event location, economic divides, London 2012, Olympics effects, city hosting, infrastructure investment Olympics, host city, economic impact, urban development, regional disparities, capital cities, bid process, sports events, city regeneration, house prices, economic divides, infrastructure, mega-events, London 2012, Barcelona Olympics, Sydney Olympics, geographical inequality, urban growth, bid history, sports hosting benefits Olympics, host city, economic impact, geographic inequality, urban development, regeneration, house prices, capital cities, bid history, regional growth, infrastructure, urban regeneration, economic divides, city focus, benefits, large countries, small countries, bidding process
test-international-epvhwhranet-con04a	Voters do not understand or care about EU reforms.  They would have found the legal jargon off-putting and a detailed knowledge of the existing EU Treaties is necessary to understand the amendments proposed 1. They have limited understanding of the current system and therefore cannot evaluate how reform treaties would benefit or harm the EU and their nation's interest. Due to this lack of understanding citizens are too likely to be swayed by media bias and anti Europe campaigners. All this is shown by the low turnout in European parliament elections. Elected representatives on the other hand, do understand the impact of the treaties and therefore can make an informed decision on the behalf of their people and in the nation's interest.  1 'An unloved Parliament', The Economist (7 May 2009), viewed on 13 June 2011 'Elections 2009', eu4journalists viewed on 13 June 2011 EU reforms, voter understanding, legal jargon, EU Treaties, EU amendments, public awareness, media influence, anti-Europe campaigns, voter turnout, European Parliament elections, political knowledge, civic engagement, voter education, EU citizen awareness, decision-making, elected representatives, European elections, governance, EU integration EU reforms, voter understanding, legal jargon, EU treaties, amendments, public perception, media bias, anti-Europe campaigns, voter turnout, European parliament, elected representatives, informed decisions, citizen awareness, political engagement voters, EU reforms, legal jargon, EU treaties, public understanding, EU system, reform treaties, media bias, anti-Europe campaign, voter turnout, European parliament elections, elected representatives, informed decision, national interest EU reforms, voter understanding, legal jargon, EU treaties, citizen awareness, media influence, anti-Europe campaigns, voter turnout, European Parliament, elected representatives, public opinion, political literacy, EU governance, electoral behavior, democracy, citizens' knowledge EU reforms, voter understanding, legal jargon, EU treaties, treaty amendments, public awareness, media bias, anti-Europe campaigns, voter turnout, European Parliament, elected representatives, informed decision, national interest, public opinion, EU knowledge, political participation, election behavior
test-law-sdfclhrppph-pro03a	It may be necessary in the interests of national security  The Government must protect its citizens from foreign enemies and internal enemies - thus freedom of speech can be acceptably curtailed during times of war in order to prevent propaganda and spying which might undermine the national interest. This has happened in almost all states during times of war, during the second world war the United States even had a government department dedicated to it; The Office of Censorship. [1]  [1] Hanyok, Robert J., ‘Secrets of Victory: The Office of Censorship and The American Press and Radio in World War II’, Studies in Intelligence, Vol 46, No. 3, national security, censorship, freedom of speech, wartime restrictions, propaganda, espionage, internal enemies, foreign enemies, government agencies, Office of Censorship, World War II, government oversight, press control, radio censorship, security measures, civil liberties, wartime policies national security, censorship, freedom of speech, wartime restrictions, propaganda control, espionage prevention, government regulation, war history, World War II, Office of Censorship, US government, intelligence agencies, press censorship, radio censorship, internal security, civil liberties, wartime measures, government oversight national security, freedom of speech, censorship, propaganda, spying, espionage, wartime restrictions, government surveillance, Office of Censorship, World War II, government policy, internal threats, foreign enemies, civil liberties, national interests national security, freedom of speech, censorship, propaganda, spying, internal enemies, foreign enemies, government censorship, World War II, Office of Censorship, United States, wartime restrictions, espionage, internal security, press control, wartime propaganda national security, government, citizens, foreign enemies, internal enemies, freedom of speech, censorship, wartime, propaganda, spying, national interest, World War II, Office of Censorship, American press, radio, intelligence
test-politics-gvhbhlsbr-pro01a	The House of Lords is out of touch with the electorate.  The 19th century US President Abraham Lincoln stated that democracy should be ‘Government of the people, by the people, for the people’ [1] Therefore peers who sit in the house based on noble birth right or their membership of the Church of England, that is itself largely ignored by the people, do not represent the people of Britain.  [1] A' Short Definition of Democracy’, Democracy-building.info, 2005, viewed on 1 June 2011 House of Lords, British Parliament, democracy, electorate, representation, peerage, noble birth, Church of England, political legitimacy, Lincoln, government of the people, democratic ideals, political disparity, 19th century politics House of Lords, electorate, democracy, Abraham Lincoln, government of the people, peerage, noble birthright, Church of England, representation, British politics, suffrage, political legitimacy House of Lords, democracy, electorate, representation, noble birthright, Church of England, British politics, reform, public opinion, aristocracy, political legitimacy, democratic principles, Lincoln, government of the people House of Lords, electorate, democracy, Abraham Lincoln, government of the people, peerage, noble birthright, Church of England, representation, British politics, democratic legitimacy House of Lords, electorate, democracy, representation, noble birthright, Church of England, peerage, British politics, Abraham Lincoln, government of the people
test-health-hpehwadvoee-pro04a	We should preserve the person with greater quality of life  We have to be able to measure quality of life relatively. There might be many cases where a relative is terminally ill, yet not dead yet. This person, with a survival prospect of maybe half a year of suffering and medication, might have a perfectly functional organ. [1] It is very rational, both for this person and for society as a whole to allow him or her to undergo euthanasia at an early stage to save the other person. [2]  Furthermore, a person might sacrifice his or her life to provide an organ for a specific individual, yet their other organs can still be used to save others, of whom the donor might not have been aware. It is sad that a person has to die, but as this is the only option [3] , it is a good thing that several people might live when one sacrifices their life.  [1] Monforte-Royo, C. and M.V. Roqué. “The organ donation process: A humanist perspective based on the experience of nursing care.” Nursing Philosophy 13.4 (2012): 295-301.  [2] Wilkinson, Dominc and Julian Savalescu. “SHOULD WE ALLOW ORGAN DONATION EUTHANASIA? ALTERNATIVES FOR MAXIMIZING THE NUMBER AND QUALITY OF ORGANS FOR TRANSPLANTATION.” Bioethics 26.1 (2012): 32-48.  [3] ibid quality of life, relative measurement, euthanasia, terminal illness, organ donation, survival prospects, humanist perspective, nursing care, bioethics, organ transplantation, life sacrifice, ethical considerations, societal benefit quality of life, euthanasia, organ donation, life preservation, death, terminal illness, relative terminality, survival prospects, organ functionality, societal ethics, rational decision-making, sacrifice, organ transplantation, humanist perspective, nursing ethics, maximizing transplants, bioethics quality of life, euthanasia, organ donation, relative survival prospects, terminal illness, organ donation ethics, life sacrifice, medical ethics, humanist perspective, transplant maximization, saving lives, organ utilization, bioethics quality of life, euthanasia, organ donation, relative survival, terminal illness, medical ethics, life preservation, organ transplantation, altruism, end-of-life decision, resource allocation, societal benefit, ethical considerations, bioethics, humanist perspective quality of life, euthanasia, organ donation, relative survival, terminal illness, medical ethics, life preservation, organ transplantation, sacrifice, humanist perspective, bioethics, societal benefits, medical decision-making, humanitarian considerations
test-international-gpdwhwcusa-pro01a	A UN Standing Army would solve the problem of American military hegemony.  A strong, effective and impartial United Nations standing army would deny powerful military states the right to bully and blackmail rivals into submission with the threat of military force. A UN army would be able to balance that threat with their own willingness to come to the aid of states under military duress. The United States, unwilling to risk a protracted conflict against a respected, well-trained multi-national force would have to fall back. To use an example, American military intervention in Vietnam, against the wishes of the majority of the population, could have been prevented had a U.N. standing army existed to respond to the wishes of the Vietnamese people and stand against the United States’ intervention. The existence of such a military rival would therefore force the United States to increase its investment in its State Department and diplomatic solutions to political crises. Ultimately, peace would be more effectively maintained. United Nations, standing army, military hegemony, international security, global peace, multinational force, diplomatic solutions, conflict prevention, military balance, US foreign policy, Vietnam War, US intervention, international cooperation, peacekeeping, military deterrence UN, standing army, American military hegemony, international security, multinational force, military balance, global peace, diplomacy, conflict prevention, military intervention, US foreign policy, peacekeeping, international law, sovereignty, deterrence, conflict resolution, global governance, military alliances, diplomacy, peace maintenance UN, standing army, American military hegemony, global security, multinational force, conflict prevention, diplomacy, peacekeeping, international law, military balance, global power, US intervention, Vietnam, diplomacy, peace maintenance UN Standing Army, military hegemony, international security, United Nations defense, multinational military force, global peace, military diplomacy, conflict prevention, military balance, international relations, peacekeeping, global conflict resolution, US military intervention, diplomatic solutions, peace maintenance UN, standing army, American military hegemony, international security, global peace, military balance, multinational force, conflict prevention, diplomacy, US foreign policy, military intervention, Vietnam, peacekeeping, international cooperation, deterrence, conflict resolution
test-politics-dhbanhrnw-pro04a	Nuclear weapons serve to defuse international conflicts and force compromise  Nuclear weapons create stability, described in the doctrine of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD). Countries with nuclear weapons have no incentive to engage in open military conflict with one another; all recognize that they will suffer destruction if they choose the path of war. [1] If countries have nuclear weapons, fighting simply becomes too costly. This serves to defuse conflicts, and reduce the likelihood of the outbreak of war. For example, the conflict between India and Pakistan was defused by the acquisition of nuclear weapons by both sides. Before they obtained nuclear weapons, they fought three wars that claimed millions of lives. Relations between the two states, while still far from cordial, have never descended into open war. The defusing of the immediate tension of war, has given the chance for potential dialogue. [2] A similar dynamic has been played out a number of times in the past, and as of yet there has never been a war between two nuclear powers. When states have nuclear weapons they cannot fight, making the world a more peaceful place.  [1] Waltz, Kenneth. 1981. “The Spread of Nuclear Weapons: More May Better”. Adelphi Papers 171. London: International Institute for Strategic Studies.  [2] Nizamani, Haider K. 2000. The Roots of Rhetoric: Politics of Nuclear weapons in India and Pakistan. Westport: Praeger. nuclear weapons, conflict resolution, deterrence, Mutually Assured Destruction, MAD, international stability, military conflict, war prevention, nuclear deterrence, India, Pakistan, peace, geopolitics, nuclear proliferation, strategic stability, nuclear diplomacy, conflict management, nuclear arms race Nuclear weapons, international conflicts, deterrence, stability, Mutually Assured Destruction, MAD, war prevention, nuclear deterrence, conflict resolution, India, Pakistan, nuclear proliferation, nuclear disarmament, nuclear diplomacy, strategic stability, nuclear policy, war costs, international security, arms control, nuclear arms race, global peace nuclear weapons, international conflicts, deterrence, Mutually Assured Destruction, MAD, stability, conflict resolution, war prevention, nuclear proliferation, India Pakistan war, nuclear diplomacy, nuclear deterrence theory, nuclear arms race, nuclear peace, strategic stability, global security nuclear weapons, international conflicts, deterrence, Mutually Assured Destruction, MAD, stability, nuclear deterrence, war prevention, India, Pakistan, nuclear proliferation, peace, conflict resolution, nuclear diplomacy, strategic stability, deterrence theory, nuclear arms race, international security, nuclear doctrine nuclear weapons, conflict resolution, nuclear deterrence, Mutually Assured Destruction, MAD, strategic stability, nuclear proliferation, India Pakistan, nuclear peace, global security, military conflict prevention, war costs, nuclear arms race, nuclear diplomacy, geopolitical stability, nuclear deterrent effects
test-economy-epehwmrbals-con01a	Universal standards of labour and business are not suited to the race for development  Developing countries are in a race to develop their economies. The prioritisation of countries that are not currently developed is different to the priorities of developed countries as a result of their circumstances and they must be allowed to temporarily push back standards of labour and business until they achieve a level playing field with the rest of the world. This is because economic development is a necessary precondition for many of the kinds of labour standards enjoyed in the west. For there to be high labour standards there clearly needs to be employment to have those standards. Undeveloped countries are reliant upon cheap, flexible, labour to work in factories to create economic growth as happened in China. In such cases the comparative advantage is through their cheap labour. If there had been high levels of government imposed labour standards and working conditions then multinational firms would never have located their factories in the country as the cost of running them would have been too high. [1] Malaysia for example has struggled to contain activity from the Malaysian Trades Union Congress to prevent their jobs moving to China [2] as the competition does not have labour standards so helping keep employment cheap. [3]  [1] Fang, Cai, and Wang, Dewen, ‘Employment growth, labour scarcity and the nature of China’s trade expansion’,  , p.145, 154  [2] Rasiah, Rajah, ‘The Competitive Impact of China on Southeast Asia’s Labor Markets’, Development Research Series, Research Center on Development and International Relations, Working Paper No.114, 2002,  P.32  [3] Bildner, Eli, ‘China’s Uneven Labor Revolution’, The Atlantic, 11 January 2013, labor standards, economic development, developing countries, global race, labour rights, business regulations, development policies, labour costs, comparative advantage, multinational corporations, factory relocation, trade expansion, labour market, international trade, income inequality, globalization, regional competition, economic growth, labour exploitation, working conditions labour standards, economic development, developing countries, developed countries, race for development, standards flexibililty, global labour market, comparative advantage, cheap labour, labour conditions, multinational firms, foreign direct investment, factory relocation, Southeast Asia, China, trade expansion, labour surplus, employment growth, labour migration, trade competition, labour regulations, economic inequality labour standards, economic development, developing countries, developed countries, race for development, labour standards, global inequality, economic growth, trade expansion, comparative advantage, cheap labour, multinational firms, foreign direct investment, labour costs, manufacturing, employment, trade policies, labour market competition, labor migration, Southeast Asia, China, Malaysia, labor revolution labour standards, economic development, developing countries, developed countries, trade, labour market, economic growth, comparative advantage, cheap labour, manufacturing, multinational corporations, labor costs, industrialization, international trade, labor conditions, global competition, employment, labor reform, trade policies, Southeast Asia, China, Malaysia labour standards, economic development, developing countries, developed countries, race for development, standards relaxation, employment, cheap labour, comparative advantage, multinational firms, factory relocation, labour market, trade expansion, China, Southeast Asia, Malaysia, labour costs, labour laws, labour protection, economic growth, global competition, labour reform
test-free-speech-debate-yfsdfkhbwu-con02a	‘Separation of town and gown’  There are two parties involved in this interaction, the state and the university. To pretend that is an entirely one way process is to ignore reality. Contrary to the belief of many Senior Common Rooms, states do not exist for the convenience of universities. Indeed universities quite happily accept the political and economic stability provided by states at exactly the same time as criticising the methods they need to use to maintain it.  However, ultimately universities are service providers from the point of view of the state, training and skilling the workforce. The university provides its expertise in exchange for funding and student fees. Where, exactly, the opinions of the faculty enter into such an equation is not clear and appears to have been assumed by proposition. Of course individual academics and students have the right to their own political views but the idea that a university as an institution has rights distinct from, say, a supermarket chain is impossible to justify. If a supermarket announced that it should be free to ignore local laws and adopt those of its base state instead, that would clearly be rejected. Just as when a food chain invests in a country for, say, beef, the arrangement is predicated on the understanding that both parties benefit and each has a little room for negotiation. [i] The same should apply here. If prop were to argue that Asian nations should relax there approach to cannabis so that it students could enjoy a more genuine ‘Western student experience’ the statement would be the subject of ridicule, so should this be.  [i] Smith, David, ‘Tesco should give us some of these billions’, guardian.co.uk, 15 May 2009, separation, town and gown, university, state, interaction, political influence, economic stability, service provision, funding, student fees, academic rights, faculty opinions, institutional rights, commercial parallels, supermarkets, local laws, international agreements, investment, cross-national relations, globalization, cultural exchange, policy, negotiation Town and gown, university-state relations, higher education, political influence, academic freedom, institutional rights, funding, student fees, university autonomy, service provision, legal compliance, economic stability, negotiation, international relations, policy critique, societal roles, university policy, commercial comparison, global education, law and ethics Separation, town, gown, university, state, interaction, politics, economics, service provider, funding, student fees, faculty, academic rights, institutional rights, legal compliance, corporate analogy, supermarket, law, localization, international relations, student experience, policy, negotiation, economic interests town and gown, university, state, political influence, economic stability, service provider, funding, student fees, academic freedom, institutional rights, legal compliance, corporate analogy, market regulation, international relations, higher education, policy, student experience, negotiation separation, town, gown, university, state, political, economic stability, relationship, higher education, public funding, service provider, faculty, students, political views, institutional rights, legal compliance, corporate analogy, negotiation, international relations, cultural differences, student experience, policy, governance, sovereignty
test-economy-bepahbtsnrt-pro03a	Overseas competition  Tunisia’s tourism industry is at risk from overseas competition. International tourism is a very competitive market, relying on the industry is therefore an illogical policy. Tunisia is already being undercut on prices by other countries despite its low fees. Morocco, Spain and Turkey can afford to charge a lower price for package tours than Tunisia due to better air transportation links1. Even before the Jasmine revolution, Tunisia was starting to lose ground to these countries. The ten years before the removal of Ben Ali saw the number of tourists to Tunisia rise from five to seven million, whilst Morocco rose from five to nine million2. Outside of the Mediterranean, Tunisia must compete with popular tourist destinations such as the Far East, North America and Australasia.  1) African Manager, ‘Tunisia-Tourism: Clear Improvement, but a timid pace!’, data accessed 24 January 2014  2) Achy,L. ‘The Tourism Crisis in Tunisia Goes Beyond Security Issues’, Al Monitor, 26 June 2012 Overseas competition, Tunisia, tourism industry, international tourism, competitive market, price undercutting, package tours, air transportation links, Jasmine revolution, tourist numbers, Morocco, Spain, Turkey, Far East, North America, Australasia, tourism crisis Overseas competition, Tunisia tourism, international tourism, tourism market, pricing, low fees, Morocco, Spain, Turkey, air transportation links, Jasmine revolution, tourist numbers, Ben Ali, Mediterranean, Far East, North America, Australasia, tourism crisis, security issues Tunisia, tourism industry, overseas competition, international tourism, market competitiveness, pricing, low fees, air transportation links, Morocco, Spain, Turkey, package tours, Jasmine revolution, Ben Ali, tourist numbers, Mediterranean, Far East, North America, Australasia, tourism crisis, security issues Overseas competition, Tunisia tourism, international tourism, pricing strategies, package tours, air transportation links, Mediterranean tourism, Morocco tourism, Spain tourism, Turkey tourism, competitive market, tourism industry challenges, tourism growth, tourism decline, Jasmine revolution, tourist arrivals, regional competitors, global tourism destinations, Far East, North America, Australasia, tourism policy Overseas competition, Tunisia tourism industry, international tourism, competitive market, tourism policy, price competition, package tours, air transportation links, tourist arrivals, Mediterranean, Morocco, Spain, Turkey, Far East, North America, Australasia, tourism decline, Jasmine revolution, Ben Ali, tourism growth, tourism crisis, security issues
test-education-egtuscpih-con04a	Online courses undermine society life of the university  University is not just a place for learning. A big part of student life is participating in societies and other activities, such as sports, debating, political, philosophical or other interest groups. These provide them with opportunity to explore their talents, do the things they like and also build connections that could be useful after the university. But you cannot do most of these things online as they, unlike studying, are not based on studying materials you can upload. This is why students with online courses would be deprived of these opportunities to develop themselves, build useful connections and get ideas for their further life. This is important for society too as students historically have often been an important political and social actor (e.g. see 1968 France, Athens Polytechnic uprising etc.). online courses, university life, student society, extracurricular activities, social interaction, in-person activities, student development, networking, student engagement, campus participation, societies, student connections, social capital, political activism, community involvement, university experience, student opportunities, online education limitations, societal impact, historical protests online courses, university life, student societies, extracurricular activities, student engagement, social connections, university community, physical activities, student development, extracurricular participation, political activism, societal impact, student networks, campus life, in-person interaction, social skills, student opportunities, historical protests, student activism online courses, university life, student activities, student societies, extracurricular activities, sports, debating, political groups, philosophical groups, talent development, social connections, in-person engagement, university community, student development, societal impact, political activism, social movements, historical protests, online education drawbacks, student opportunities online courses, society, university life, student activities, extracurricular, sports, debating, political groups, philosophical groups, student development, social connections, networking, in-person engagement, campus life, student participation, societal impact, student activism, university community, traditional learning, online education, educational experience online courses, university society, student life, extracurricular activities, campus experiences, student engagement, social connections, university community, student development, online education, physical participation, societal impact, political activism, student organizations, campus events, social skills, traditional learning, university culture, student representation
test-economy-egiahbwaka-pro01a	Women are the backbone of Africa’s agriculture  It sounds dramatic, but when more than 70% percent of the agricultural labor force of Africa is represented by women, and that sector is a third of GDP, one can say that women really are the backbone of Africa’s economy. But the sector does not reach its full potential. Women do most of the work but hold none of the profit; they cannot innovate and receive salaries up to 50% less than men. This is because they cannot own land [1] , they cannot take loans, and therefore cannot invest to increase profits. [2]  The way to make women key to Africa’s future therefore is to provide them with rights to their land. This will provide women with an asset that can be used to obtain loans to increase productivity. The Food and Agriculture organisation argues “if women had the same access to productive resources as men, they could increase yields on their farms by 20–30 percent. This could raise total agricultural output in developing countries by 2.5–4 percent, which could in turn reduce the number of hungry people in the world by 12–17 percent.” [3]  The bottom line is that women work hard but their work is not recognised and potential not realised. What is true in agriculture is even truer in other sectors where women do not make up the majority of workers where the simple lack of female workers demonstrates wasted potential. The inefficient use of resources reduces the growth of the economy.  [1] Oppong-Ansah, Albert, ‘Ghana’s Small Women’s Savings Groups Have Big Impact’, Inter Press Service, 28 February 2014,   [2] Mucavele, Saquina, ‘The Role of Rural Women in Africa’, World Farmers Organisation,   [3] FAO, ‘Gender Equality and Food Security’, fao.org, 2013,  , p.19 Women, Africa, agriculture, female labor force, gender equality, land rights, land ownership, women’s economic empowerment, productivity, farm yields, access to credit, loans, wealth gap, economic growth, gender disparities, food security, rural women, women’s work, women’s contribution, gender gap, women’s rights, economic potential, resource utilization, development, gender inequality, women’s entrepreneurship Women, Africa, agriculture, economic contribution, female labor force, GDP, gender inequality, land ownership, access to loans, productivity, farm yields, food security, gender rights, women's empowerment, resource utilization, economic growth, rural women, poverty reduction, female entrepreneurship, gender-based disparities, agricultural innovation Women, Africa, agriculture, gender equality, women's rights, land ownership, agricultural productivity, rural women, economic impact, gender gap, food security, access to resources, loans, land tenure, female labor, female empowerment, economic growth, resource utilization, hunger reduction, women's contribution, sector productivity, gender-based disparities, women's potential Women, Africa, agriculture, female labor force, gender inequality, land rights, access to land, agricultural productivity, food security, women's empowerment, economic growth, gender gap, rural women, financial inclusion, loans, women entrepreneurs, gender equality, productivity increase, developing countries, food output, hunger reduction, resource utilization, female workforce, sector participation women, Africa, agriculture, gender equality, land rights, rural women, agricultural labor force, gender gap, women empowerment, land ownership, access to credit, productivity, farm yields, food security, economic growth, gender disparity, women’s contribution, female workers, women's rights, women’s potential, agricultural output, hunger reduction, resource utilization, women's economic participation
test-international-ehbfe-pro02a	A federal Europe will protect the cultural diversity of its member states  A federal Europe will be more advantageous for individual citizens, since they will be living in a powerful state, yet with respect of their cultural and local situation  Subsidiarity combines maximum effectiveness with maximum accountability, with decisions being made at the lowest appropriate level. Citizens gain the advantages of living in a large, powerful state in terms of international economic, military and political power, all available more cheaply in a state of 450 million people, and through their increased opportunities for work, study, etc. Yet the advantages of living in a smaller state are preserved in terms of connection to the political process, respect for local cultural traditions and responsiveness to differing economic and physical situations. Such checks and balances prevent tyranny and increase willing obedience to laws.  Overall, we now have something resembling parliamentary democracy at the European level. EU political institutions now look more like those of a member state than they do those of an international organisation. The challenge facing the European Union in the future is to fill the gap between itself and the citizen, providing a political connection equal to the social, cultural and sporting connections that the single market has already provided.  Federalism and subsidiarity can allow for regional identities in a way national states cannot – e.g. for Northern Ireland, Corsica, Basque Region, Lombardy. In a Federal Europe such peoples would not feel under threat from a dominant culture and long-running conflicts could be resolved, as issues of sovereignty become less relevant within the new political structures. federal Europe, cultural diversity, subsidiarity, effectiveness, accountability, decision-making, citizen rights, economic power, military power, political power, large state, small state, local traditions, responsiveness, checks and balances, tyranny prevention, democracy, EU institutions, citizen connection, social connections, cultural identity, regional identities, sovereignty, conflicts resolution, minority rights, regional autonomy federal Europe,cultural diversity, subsidiarity, citizen participation, regional identities, local governments, parliamentary democracy, European Union, political institutions, sovereignty, regional conflicts, cultural traditions, national states, economic power, military power, political connection, social cohesion, regional autonomy, identity politics federal Europe, cultural diversity, subsidiarity, local decision-making, citizens, large state, economic power, military power, political power, cultural traditions, responsiveness, checks and balances, tyranny prevention, parliamentary democracy, EU institutions, citizen connection, regional identities, Northern Ireland, Corsica, Basque, Lombardy, sovereignty, conflict resolution, cultural preservation federal Europe, cultural diversity, subsidiarity, local autonomy, decision-making, citizen rights, large state advantages, smaller state benefits, political process, cultural traditions, economic responsiveness, checks and balances, parliamentary democracy, EU institutions, citizen connection, regional identities, minority rights, regional conflicts, sovereignty, federalism federal europe, cultural diversity, subsidiarity, local decision-making, citizen rights, economic power, military strength, political representation, parliamentary democracy, european institutions, regional identities, sovereignty, conflict resolution, cultural traditions, governance, accountability, social connections, regional autonomy
test-education-xeegshwfeu-pro03a	Increasing parents' freedom of choice  Different parents have different values and priorities, and it is entirely legitimate for them to wish to pass these on to their children. The state does not know any better than them with which values the ideal life can be lived.  Further, children are individuals who respond in very different ways to different styles of teaching. Parents know their children better than central government possibly could, and so are the best placed to decide what sort of school their child should go to. Currently, there is very little state provision for non-mainstream styles of learning, whereas in the private sector there is a big incentive for educational innovation. parents' freedom, parental choice, educational values, individual differences, student preferences, teaching styles, family decision-making, private education sector, educational innovation, state provision, non-mainstream education parents' freedom of choice, parental rights, values, priorities, child education, individualized learning, teaching styles, private education, educational innovation, non-mainstream education, government regulation, parent decision-making, school selection parents' rights, educational choice, individual values, parenting autonomy, personalized education, parental influence, schooling diversity, private education, educational innovation, non-mainstream learning, state education provision, child development, government vs parental control parents' choice, educational freedom, parental values, individualized education, parental rights, school selection, private education, educational innovation, non-mainstream learning, state provision, family autonomy, diverse learning styles parents' choice, educational freedom, individual values, parenting priorities, educational autonomy, child-centered learning, private education, non-mainstream education, parental decision-making, educational innovation
test-politics-oeplhbuwhmi-pro04a	UK will be disentangled from EU affairs  Leaving the EU would mean that Britain is no longer entangled in foreign policy issues that are of little interest to it and instead could devote itself to other more productive issues. The two main foreign policy crises for the EU at the moment are Ukraine and migration, neither of which concern the UK when not a member of the EU. Migration would be stopped at the channel while Ukraine is at the opposite end of the EU. The EU would essentially become a buffer for the UK. UK, EU, disentanglement, Brexit, foreign policy, migration, Ukraine, EU crises, Channel, buffer zone, sovereignty, EU membership, international relations, border control, geopolitical, Brexit consequences UK, European Union, EU, Brexit, disentanglement, foreign policy, Ukraine, migration, Channel, buffer zone, international relations, UK sovereignty, EU crises, border control, Brexit implications UK, EU, disentanglement, Brexit, foreign policy, migration, Ukraine, EU crises, Brexit impact, Channel migration, EU buffer, UK sovereignty, EU membership, UK foreign affairs, EU crisis response UK, Brexit, EU, disentanglement, foreign policy, migration, Ukraine, EU crises, Britain, EU membership, channel migration, EU buffer, international relations, sovereignty, UK independence, EU relations UK, Brexit, EU, disconnection, foreign policy, migration, Ukraine, EU crises, Channel migration, EU buffer, international relations, sovereignty, European Union disassociation, Brexit implications, UK foreign affairs
test-culture-thbcsbptwhht-pro03a	Compensation is important to give the communities credit they deserve.  Compensation can be used to level out the playing field of inequality to those who have been oppressed. They help to give communities the recognition they deserve and help to reverse intuitionally reinforced negative stereotypes. The reparations can be used to benefit the community; for example, within the community and externally in order to educate people appropriately about the struggles of a repressed community. It would help fund efforts based on the model of the US Governments of Education and State Boards of Education to develop a 'robust curriculum' involving greater accuracy in black history as well as the involvement of African American figures in history on local, national and global scales [1].  This inequality is why the reform has to be state led; it is up to the state to protect minorities. Professor Matthew Rimmer from the Queensland University of Technology believes that ''At an international level, more should be done to implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in respect of Indigenous intellectual property''. This was said after Chanel made a A$2,000 boomerang [2] which would seem to be in opposition to the declaration which Australia has endorsed.  [1] Humphries, Arielle, and Stahly-Butts, Marbre, ‘A Vision for Black Lives’, Centre for Popular Democracy, July 2016,   [2] ‘Chanel’s $2,000 boomerang sparks complaints and confusion from Indigenous Australians’, ABC News, 17th May 2017, compensation, communities, credit, inequality, oppression, recognition, stereotypes, reparations, community benefits, education, curricula, black history, African American figures, state-led reform, minority protection, UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous rights, intellectual property, Chanel boomerang, Indigenous Australians compensation, communities, credit, inequality, oppression, recognition, stereotypes, reparations, community benefit, education, curriculum, black history, African American figures, local, national, global, reform, state-led, minorities, indigenous rights, indigenous peoples, intellectual property, UN Declaration, Chanel, boomerang, Australian indigenous, racial justice, reparations policy compensation, communities, credit, inequality, oppression, recognition, stereotypes, reparations, community benefits, education, curriculum, Black history, African American figures, state-led reform, minority protection, UN Declaration, Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous rights, intellectual property, Chanel, boomerang, Australian Indigenous, reparations debate compensation, communities, credit, inequality, oppression, recognition, stereotypes, reparations, community benefits, education, curriculum, black history, African American, minority rights, state-led reform, indigenous peoples, intellectual property, UN Declaration, Indigenous Australians, reparations, cultural recognition compensation, communities, credit, inequality, oppressed, recognition, stereotypes, reparations, community benefit, education, curriculum, black history, African American figures, state-led reform, minorities protection, UN Declaration, Indigenous Peoples, indigenous rights, intellectual property, Australia, Chanel, boomerang, Indigenous Australians
test-politics-cpecfiepg-con01a	Defaulting would cause chaos in Greece  There is no good solution for the crisis Greece finds itself in, only less bad ones. Austerity measures imposed on Greece may currently be causing suffering, but austerity is the least bad option available for the Greek people: default would be considerably worse. Here is what would most likely happen:  The Greek banking sector would collapse [1]. A large portion of the Greek debt is owed to Greek banks and companies, many of which would quickly go bankrupt when the Government defaults. This is also because Greek banks are almost totally reliant on the ECB for liquidity. [2] People would consequently lose their savings, and credit would be close to impossible to find.  The Government would quickly devalue the Drachma by at least 50%. This will lead to imported goods being more expensive and consequently to a huge rise in inflation with the living costs increasing tremendously.[3]  These two events would lead to a severe shortage of credit, making it almost impossible for struggling companies to survive. Unemployment would soar as a result. It will become increasingly difficult to secure supplies of oil, medicine, foodstuffs and other goods. Naturally, those hit worst would be the poor. The Government, in this respect, would be failing on an enormous scale in providing many citizens with the basic needs. [4]  [1] Brzeski, Carsten: “Viewpoints: What if Greece exits euro?”, BBC News, 13 July 2012,   [2] Ruparel, Raoul and Persson, Mats: “Better off Out? The short-term options for Greece inside and outside of the euro”, June 2012, Open Europe, 2012   [3] ibid  [4] Arghyrou, Michael: “Viewpoints: What if Greece exits euro?”, BBC News, 13 July 2012, Greece, default, chaos, crisis, austerity, Greek banking sector, Greek debt, Greek banks, Greek companies, Bank of Greece, ECB, bank collapse, savings loss, credit shortage, devaluation, Drachma, inflation, living costs, imports, oil shortage, medicine shortage, food shortage, poverty, government failure, basic needs, unemployment, economic collapse, euro exit, short-term options Greece, default, chaos, crisis, austerity, euro, eurozone, bankruptcy, Greek banks, ECB, liquidity, Drachma, currency devaluation, inflation, living costs, credit shortage, unemployment, supplies, oil, medicine, food, poverty, government failure, basic needs, economic collapse, financial crisis Greece, default, chaos, euro, austerity, crisis, banking collapse, Greek debt, Greek banks, liquidity, ECB, savings, credit shortage, devaluation, Drachma, inflation, living costs, shortage of supplies, unemployment, poverty, basic needs, economic collapse, currency devaluation, imported goods, inflation, living costs, food shortages, healthcare, oil, medicine, economic impact, euro exit, financial crisis Greece, default, chaos, crisis, austerity, bankruptcy, Greek banks, ECB, liquidity, Greek debt, government default, devaluation, Drachma, inflation, rising costs, credit shortage, unemployment, shortages, poverty, basic needs, economic collapse, euro exit, financial crisis, banking sector, living costs, import prices, currency devaluation, economic instability, social impact, austerity measures Greece, default, chaos, crisis, austerity, Greek debt, banking sector, Greek banks, ECB, liquidity, savings, credit crunch, devaluation, Drachma, inflation, living costs, shortages, unemployment, imports, oil, medicine, food, poverty, government failure, basic needs
test-economy-beghwbh-pro02a	The Hyperloop is comparatively cheap  The Hyperloop would be cheap to build. The pods themselves would only cost $1.35million each, the pressurised tube just $650million (or double if wanting vehicles), with only two stations their cost would only be $250million. The biggest cost would be the construction of the pylons carrying the tube which is estimated at $2.55 or $3.15billion. There is an estimated total cost of $4.06billion for the passenger only version or $5.31billion for the vehicle version. [1] This should be compared to the current cost for California’s high speed rail project which is estimated to be $68billion while covering much the same ground. [2]  [1] Musk, Elon, ‘Hyperloop Alpha’, SpaceX, 12 August 2013,  pp.23, 27, 32, 28, 32  [2] Slosson, Mary, ‘California moves forward on $68 billion high-speed rail project’, Reuters, 18 July 2012, Hyperloop, cost, construction, pods, pressurized tube, stations, pylons, budget, comparison, high-speed rail, Elon Musk, SpaceX, project cost, transportation technology, infrastructure Hyperloop, cost, construction, pods, pressurized tube, stations, pylons, budget, infrastructure, high-speed rail, comparison, Elon Musk, SpaceX, transportation, transportation costs Hyperloop, cost, budget, construction, pods, pressurized tube, stations, pylons, infrastructure, project comparison, high-speed rail, Elon Musk, SpaceX, Hyperloop Alpha, project costs, transportation, engineering, infrastructure costs Hyperloop, cost, construction, pods, pressurized tube, stations, pylons, budget, comparison, high-speed rail, Elon Musk, SpaceX, infrastructure, transportation, travel costs Hyperloop, cost, comparison, build cost, pods, pressurized tube, stations, pylons, total cost, passenger version, vehicle version, high-speed rail, California, Elon Musk, SpaceX, infrastructure, transportation, vacuum tube, travel speed, engineering, transportation infrastructure
test-economy-egppphbcb-con03a	Socialism is a more secure system than the free market in Capitalism  'Credit bubbles' and resultant credit crunches (financial crisis) are inherent in the capitalist system. The economy undergoes a crisis whenever productive economic sectors begin to undergo a slowdown resulting in falls in profits. The recent crisis was caused due to the fact that there was an inflated investment in real estates. It was invested in with the purpose of keeping up profits which lead to a rise in the price of properties. Because of the increased price in property many people took out loans on their house and bought goods for the credit, thinking they could easily pay back their loans since their house would be more valuable at sale. However, since the rise of price was fabricated and not corresponding to an actual need (it was a bubble), house prices had to invariably go down at some point. When the prices eventually went down people could no longer afford to pay back what they had bought on their loaned houses and the installed payments were the trigger of the financial crisis. It could perhaps be said that the economy was surviving on money which did not exist (thereof the name 'credit bubble'). The result was that there were countless goods which no one could buy because no one could afford to pay for them, in turn this lead to a stagnation in the economy and hence to a crisis. A socialist system would not produce overconsumption since its aim is not profit but human needs, it would not have a reason to fabricate an investment for the sake of keeping up the profits and would therefore not cause a capitalist crisis1.  1 Roberts, M. (2008). The credit crunch - one year on. In Defence of Marxism. Retrieved June 7, 2011 Socialism, capitalism, free market, credit bubbles, financial crisis, economic slowdown, profit, real estate, inflated investment, housing prices, loans, credit, economic bubble, property market, loan repayment, financial instability, credit crunch, economic stagnation, overconsumption, human needs, profit motive, economic crisis, Marxism socialism, capitalism, free market, credit bubbles, financial crises, economic slowdown, real estate bubble, housing market, loans, credit, property prices, economic crisis, economic stagnation, human needs, overconsumption, profit motive, investment, market regulation, government intervention, economic stability, Marxism socialism, capitalism, financial crisis, credit bubbles, credit crunches, economic crises, market regulation, real estate, property prices, loans, mortgage crisis, economic slowdown, profit-driven economy, speculative investment, market instability, economic stagnation, human needs, overconsumption, profit motive, Marxism socialism, capitalism, credit bubbles, financial crisis, economic crisis, real estate, speculative investment, housing bubble, loan default, economic slowdown, recession, overconsumption, profit motive, human needs, market regulation, financial instability, economic collapse, Marxism, credit crunch socialism, capitalism, credit bubbles, financial crisis, economic slowdown, real estate bubble, housing market, loans, asset inflation, credit crunch, economic stagnation, profit motive, human needs, economic stability, market speculation, financial system, investment, economic cycles, demand, overconsumption, Marxism
test-philosophy-npegiepp-con02a	The Founder of Neo-functionalism abandoned his own Theory (Haas).  The Founder of Neo-functionalist theory Ernst B. Haas later abandoned his own theory; According to Tranholm-Mikkelsen (1991)- “By the mid-1970 s, Ernst Haas had effectively abandoned the neo-functionalist theory by assimilating it within general interdependence theories of international relations”. [1] The theory proved a success in the economic realm but a fiasco in high politics; “…at the time of the ‘empty chair’ crisis [see next point] neo-functionalism was considered too incapable of describing the process of integration in general because of its extreme Eurocentric nature. Rosamond states that it is emerged from the process of complex web of actors pursuing their interests within a pluralist political environment.” [2] Neo-functionalism remained a partial theory, good at explaining particular parts of integration but required supplanting by other theories to keep it relevant.  [1] Tranholm-Mikkelsen, Jeppe, ‘Neo-functionalism: Obstinate or Obsolete? A Reappraisal in the Light of the New Dynamism of the EC’, Millennium - Journal of International Studies, Vol. 20, No. 1, pp.1-22,   [2] ‘European Political Theories: Neo – functionalism’, May 2011, Neo-functionalism, Haas, theory abandonment, Ernst B. Haas, interdependence theories, international relations, economic integration, high politics, Eurocentrism, 'empty chair' crisis, complex actor web, plurist political environment, partial theory, integration, theory evolution, European integration, transnational actors, theory obsolescence Neo-functionalism, Haas, theory abandonment, Ernst B. Haas, Tranholm-Mikkelsen, interdependence theories, international relations, economic integration, high politics, Eurocentric, ‘empty chair’ crisis, political environment, actor interests, pluralism, partial theory, integration, theory evolution, European integration, EC, European Union, political theories Neo-functionalism, Ernst B. Haas, theory abandonment, interdependence theories, international relations, European integration, Eurocentrism, 'empty chair' crisis, web of actors, pluralist politics, partial theory, theory evolution, European Community, political science, integration theories, Tranholm-Mikkelsen, Rosamond Neo-functionalism, Ernst B. Haas, theory abandonment, interdependence theories, international relations, economic success, high politics, empty chair crisis, Eurocentrism, actors, interest, pluralist environment, partial theory, integration, superseding, relevance, Jeppe Tranholm-Mikkelsen, theory reevaluation, EC dynamics, European integration, political theories Neo-functionalism, Haas, theory abandonment, interdependence theories, international relations, economic integration, high politics, Eurocentric, 'empty chair' crisis, complex web, actors, pluralist environment, partial theory, relevance, theory evolution, European integration, political theories, Mikkelsen, Millennium journal
test-economy-epehwmrbals-con03a	Development has many facets of which pure economic growth is a priority, especially in the context of a developing nation  It is a nation’s own sovereign decision to decide its own standards and pace itself. It is a sovereign right of self-determination of a nation to freely comply or refuse to comply with international standards. It is unfair to back a developing nation up against a wall and force them to ratify higher standards in return for aid.  It is notable that the countries that have developed fastest have often been those that have ignored the whims of the aid donors. The Asian tigers (Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, later followed by South East Asia and China) did not receive aid, but preserved authority over their developmental policies. Their success story does not involve the international labour standards and goes against many of the policy prescriptions, such as free trade, of international institutions, such as the World Bank and the ILO [1] . This shows that nations that follow their national interest rather than bending to the whims of donors are the ones that ultimately do best economically. These states only implement labour standards when they become beneficial; when it is necessary to build and maintain an educated labour force.  [1] Chang, Ha-Joon, “Infant Industry Promotion in Historical Perspective – A Rope to Hang Oneself or a Ladder to Climb With?”, a paper for the conference “Development Theory at the Threshold of the Twenty-first Century”, 2001, development, economic growth, sovereignty, international standards, aid, developing nations, aid policies, Asian Tigers, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, China, national interest, foreign aid, international institutions, World Bank, ILO, labour standards, economic development, policy independence, infant industry, Chang Ha-Joon, development theory, growth strategies economic growth, development, sovereign decision, international standards, developing nations, aid dependency, economic independence, Asian tigers, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, China, development policies, aid opposition, free trade, international institutions, World Bank, ILO, labor standards, national interest, economic success, imported standards, labor force, infant industry, development strategies development, economic growth, developing nation, sovereignty, self-determination, international standards, aid, aid dependency, Asian Tigers, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, East Asia, China, development policies, international labour standards, free trade, World Bank, ILO, national interest, economic success, labour standards, educated workforce, development strategy, aid conditionality, development models, policy independence, economic development, aid resistance development, sovereign decision, international standards, aid, developing nations, economic growth, countries' sovereignty, aid dependency, development policies, Asian tigers, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, China, international labour standards, free trade, World Bank, ILO, national interest, economic success, labour force, infant industry, development theory economic growth, development, sovereignty, international standards, aid dependency, self-determination, developing nations, Asia Tigers, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, economic policies, globalization, free trade, international institutions, World Bank, ILO, labour standards, national interest, economic success, development policies, aid conditionality, infant industry, development theory, Ha-Joon Chang
test-economy-bepiehbesa-pro01a	CAP is costly and unfair to other industries  Currently CAP costs the European Union approx. 40% of its whole budget. However, this money is used to provide subsidies for industry that only employs less than 5 % of workforce and creates less than 2 % of GDP. [1] We can easily assume that nearly half of EU’s budget can be used more effectively and can, instead, be used to support other, more potential industries which can boost the currently sluggish economic growth. Moreover, the subsidies for European farmers are so high they can contribute up to 90 % of farmers’ pre-tax income. [2] No other industry has such privileges – when European coal and iron industry became uncompetitive and needed to be slimmed down, the European union did not subsidise the industry to such degree even though such action could have saved thousands of jobs.  [1] Charlemagne, ‘Milking the budget’, The Economist, 22 November 2012,   [2] The Economist, ‘Europe’s farm follies’, 8 December 2005, CAP, cost, fairness, industries, European Union, subsidies, budget, employment, GDP, efficiency, potential industries, economic growth, farming subsidies, privileges, uncompetitiveness, coal industry, iron industry, job preservation, budget allocation, economic policy CAP, costs, unfair, industries, European Union, budget, subsidies, workforce, GDP, economic growth, farmers, subsidies, privileges, coal industry, iron industry, job loss, economic policy, budget allocation, industry subsidies, economic efficiency CAP, costs, European Union, budget, subsidies, industries, workforce, GDP, potential industries, economic growth, European farmers, subsidies, privileges, coal industry, iron industry, uncompetitive, jobs, government spending, resource allocation, economic policy, agricultural subsidies CAP, costs, EU budget, subsidies, industries, workforce, GDP, economic growth, European farmers, subsidies, privileges, coal industry, iron industry, European union, job protection, budget allocation, resource efficiency CAP, European Union, subsidies, industry, budget, economic growth, agriculture, farmers, competitiveness, industrial policy, government spending, resource allocation, economic reform, subsidy reform, industry competitiveness, EU budget, agricultural subsidies, economic balance, resource distribution
test-free-speech-debate-ldhwbmclg-pro02a	Hate speech  The enforcement of the laws proposed in this article will be fraught, complex and difficult. However, the difficulty of administering a law is never a good argument for refusing to enforce it.  The censorship of the written word ended in England with the Lady Chatterley and Oz obscenity trials, but this liberalisation of publication standards has not prevented the state from prosecuting hate speech when it appears in print. It is clear that, although we have more latitude than ever to say or write what we want (no matter how objectionable), standards and taboos continue to exist. We can take it that these taboos are especially important and valuable to the running of a stable society, as they have persisted despite the legal and cultural changes that have taken place over the last fifty years.  Hate speech is prosecuted and censored because of its power to intrude into the lives of individuals who have not consented to receive it. As pointed out in Jeremy Waldron’s response [1] to Timothy Garton Ash’s piece [2] on hate speech, hateful comments are not dangerous because they insight gullible individuals to abandon their inhibitions and engage in race riots. Hate speech is harmful because it recreates- cheaply and in front of a very large audience- an atmosphere in which vulnerable minorities are put in fear of becoming the targets of violence and prejudice. Additionally, hate speech harms by defaming groups, by propagating lies and half-truths about practices and beliefs, with the objective of socially isolating those groups.  Gangsta rap does all of these things, yet legal responses to the publication of songs containing such lyrics as “Rape a pregnant bitch and tell my friends I had a threesome,” have been timid at best. Even if we maintain our liberal approach to taboo breaking forms of expression, we can still link hip hop to many of the harms that hate speech produces.  Gangsta rap gives the impression that African-American and Latin-American neighbourhoods throughout the USA are violent, lawless places. Even if the pronouncements of rappers such as 50 cent and NWA are overblown or fictitious they enforce social division by vividly discouraging people from entering or interacting with poor minority communities. They damage those communities directly by creating a fear of criminality that serves to limit trust and cohesion among individual community members. Finally, violent hip hop is also defamatory. It propagates an image of minority communities that emphasises violence, poverty and nihilism, whilst loudly proclaiming its authenticity. It is completely irrelevant that these images of minority communities are produced by members of those communities.  It is on this basis, however protracted the process of classification must become, that the content of hip hop songs should be assessed and censored. Liberal democracies are prepared to go to great lengths to adjudicate on speech that could potentially promote racial or religious hatred. The same standards should be applied to hip hop music, because it is capable of producing identical harms.  [1] Waldron, J. “The harm of hate speech”. FreeSpeechDebate, 20 March 2012.  [2] Garton-Ash, T. “Living with difference”. FreeSpeechDebate, 22 January 2012. hate speech, censorship, free speech, legal enforcement, societal taboos, minority rights, racial hatred, religious hatred, discrimination, social cohesion, defamation, stereotypes, minority communities, gangsta rap, hip hop, violence, poverty, nihilism, racial stereotypes, cultural expression, regulation, content classification, free speech debate, social harm, legal standards hate speech, censorship, laws, free speech, obscenity trials, publication standards, societal taboos, legal enforcement, cultural change, minority groups, discrimination, defamation, stereotypes, violence, prejudice, racial hatred, religious hatred, social cohesion, community trust, hip hop, gangsta rap, lyric analysis, cultural impact, media influence, racial stereotypes, violence portrayal, social division, minority communities, classification, content regulation, harm assessment hate speech, censorship, free speech, legal enforcement, societal taboos, minority groups, racial prejudice, defamation, social division, gangsta rap, hip hop, violent lyrics, community impact, racial stereotypes, racial violence, harmful speech, minority portrayal, freedom of expression, legal classification, societal stability hate speech, censorship, free speech, hate crimes, minority groups, social division, defamation, stereotypes, racial prejudice, religious hatred, cultural taboos, legal enforcement, content regulation, hip hop, gangsta rap, violence portrayal, racial stereotypes, minority communities, social cohesion, speech harms, freedom of expression, legal standards hate speech, law enforcement, censorship, obscenity trials, publication standards, legal challenges, standards, taboos, societal stability, free speech, content regulation, minority groups, propagandistic speech, violence, prejudice, defamation, social division, gangsta rap, explicit lyrics, racial stereotypes, social cohesion, community trust, violence portrayal, nihilism, authenticity, cultural critique, classification, censorship, democratic standards, racial hate, religious hate, harm assessment
test-society-cpisydfphwj-con01a	Facebook is bad for life satisfaction  Every single day, there are millions of users sharing photographs, messages and comments across Facebook. Unfortunately, this type of “online socialization” that Facebook has initiated is nothing but detrimental to the teenagers, the most frequent users of the platform. The emotion which is most common when staying online is envy. “Endlessly comparing themselves with peers who have doctored their photographs, amplified their achievements and plagiarised their bons mots can leave Facebook’s users more than a little green-eyed.”(1)  Not only do they get envious, but they also lose their self esteem. As a result, they have the tendency to be isolated and find it harder to socialize and make new friends due to the bad impression they have for themselves. In a poll, 53 per cent of the respondents said the launch of social networking sites had changed their behaviour - and of those, 51 per cent said the impact had been negative.(2 ) One study also backs this statistics up by finding that the more the participants used the site, the more their life satisfaction levels declined.(3)  In conclusion, daily use of social networks has a negative effect on the health of all children and teenagers by making them more prone to anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders.(4)  (1) “Facebook is bad for you”, The Economist, Aug 17th 2013   (2) Laura Donnelly “Facebook and Twitter feed anxiety, study finds” The Telegraph, 08 Jul 2012   (3) “Facebook use 'makes people feel worse about themselves' “, BBC News, 15 August 2013   (4) Larry Rose ”Social Networking’s Good and Bad Impacts on Kids“ American Psychological Association August 6, 2011 Facebook, life satisfaction, teenagers, online socialization, envy, self-esteem, social media impact, mental health, anxiety, depression, psychological disorders, social networking, comparison, peer comparison, self-image, social media effects, negative impact, psychological well-being, platform usage, emotional well-being Facebook, life satisfaction, teenagers, social media, envy, self-esteem, social comparison, mental health, anxiety, depression, psychological impact, social networking, online socialization, peer comparison, emotional well-being, social isolation, platforms, psychological disorders, social media use, mental health effects, online behavior Facebook, social media, life satisfaction, teenagers, online socialization, envy, self-esteem, social comparison, peer comparison, photo alteration, achievement amplification, social media impact, mental health, anxiety, depression, psychological disorders, social network effects, negative effects, psychological impact, wellbeing, teenagers' mental health Facebook, life satisfaction, teenagers, social media, online socialization, envy, self-esteem, social comparison, photo manipulation, achievement, plagiarism, social behavior, mental health, anxiety, depression, psychological disorders, social networking, health, impact, study, research Facebook, life satisfaction, teenagers, social media, online socialization, envy, self-esteem, social comparison, photo editing, achievement amplification, plagiarism, social isolation, social behavior, negative impact, mental health, anxiety, depression, psychological disorders, social networking, health effects, survey, study
test-society-tsmihwurpp-con03a	Profiling exacerbates terrorism as it reinforces the perception that Muslims and marginalised ethnic groups face prejudice.  The reality is that if a plane can be held up with a box-cutter, a broken glass bottle from duty free or flammable alcohol from the same source could be just as threatening.  However, increased use of air marshals- armed plainclothes police officers who travel secretly on certain flights- means that even these desperate tactics are likely to be ineffectual.  Institutionalising prejudice and assumption will add legitimacy and grativas to terrorist propaganda that seeks to radicalise curious or confused young people.  Not only is profiling ineffectual, it is likely to exacerbate the situation. profiling, terrorism, prejudice, Muslims, ethnic groups, marginalization, airport security, air marshals, radicalization, terrorist propaganda, prejudice institutionalization, security tactics, flight safety, threat perception, counterterrorism, law enforcement profiling, terrorism, prejudice, Muslims, ethnic groups, stereotyping, air marshals, security measures, radicalization, terrorist propaganda, marginalization, security tactics, counterterrorism, immigration, law enforcement, bias, security policy, effectiveness, radicalization strategies profiling, terrorism, prejudice, Muslims, ethnic groups, marginalization, security, threat assessment, air marshals, law enforcement, radicalization, terrorist propaganda, counterterrorism, security policies, societal impact profiling, terrorism, prejudice, Muslims, ethnic groups, stereotypes, airport security, air marshals, security measures, radicalisation, terrorist propaganda, prejudice reinforcement, ineffective security, marginalised communities, radicalisation prevention profiling, terrorism, prejudice, Muslims, ethnic groups, marginalised communities, security, threats, air marshals, plainclothes police, radicalisation, terrorist propaganda, counterterrorism, security measures, societal impact
test-international-aghwrem-con03a	Re-engagement will weaken the reform movement  International and domestic pressure has forced the military junta to set up a nominal civilian government. It is important to make sure that change goes further and becomes meaningful. This will involve bringing into force a fair constitution, curbing human rights violations and bringing its perpetrators to justice, and creating conditions for legitimate democratic elections to take place. By reengaging at this juncture, the signal the ruling elite in Myanmar will get is that this piecemeal, nominal change is sufficient to hold them in good stead in the international political arena for a longer period. It would also be a betrayal of the pro-democracy supporters in Myanmar, who continue to be cast out of the constitutional process and have little actual political influence under the existing system.1  1 Thanegi, Ma, ‘Burma sanctions: The case against’, BBC news, ‘4 March 2002’. Myanmar, military junta, civilian government, reforms, human rights violations, justice, democratic elections, international pressure, domestic pressure, re-engagement, constitutional change, political influence, pro-democracy, sanctions, BBC re-engagement, reform movement, military junta, civilian government, constitutional change, human rights violations, justice, democratic elections, Myanmar, international pressure, domestic pressure, political reform, legitimacy, pro-democracy, constitutional process, political influence, Myanmar sanctions Re-engagement, reform movement, Myanmar, military junta, civilian government, political change, human rights violations, justice, democratic elections, international pressure, domestic pressure, legitimacy, constitution, pro-democracy, political influence, sanctions Myanmar, military junta, civilian government, reform movement, human rights, justice, democratic elections, international pressure, domestic pressure, constitutional change, pro-democracy, political influence, legitimacy, governance, sanctions re-engagement, reform movement, international pressure, domestic pressure, military junta, civilian government, constitutional reform, human rights violations, justice, democratization, elections, Myanmar, political influence, pro-democracy, sanctions, BBC
test-economy-epehwmrbals-con02a	There is nothing wrong with individualised standards. It is the question on implementing them better and not raising standards  The chances that these international labour standards are even relevant to these developing nations are low. For example, India need not ratify the two core conventions on protecting trade union rights because these are rights that pertain to workers in formal employment. A majority of India’s workforce is not in formal employment, and hence not covered by any legal provisions. Similarly in many developing economies a large portion of the workforce is engaged in subsistence farming, something that labour standards are never going to apply to as those involved will do whatever they need to in order to get by. Therefore, there needs to be a different standard applied to the situation specific problems. What needs to be recognised is how no to low labour standards in developing countries can be a significant improvement over the only alternative that was previously available; subsistence farming. One size fits all does not work in such a diverse global economy and donors should recognise the benefits of helping development to bring people out of subsistence farming. individualised standards, implementing standards, raising standards, international labour standards, developing nations, relevance, India, ratification, core conventions, trade union rights, formal employment, informal employment, legal provisions, workforce, subsistence farming, labour standards, context-specific standards, low labour standards, development, global economy, donors, development aid labour standards, developing nations, international labour standards, formal employment, informal employment, subsistence farming, tailoring standards, national context, economic diversity, labour rights, core conventions, worker protections, legal provisions, developing economies, employment types, sustainable development, donor support, economic development, standard implementation individualised standards, implementation, relevance, developing nations, international labour standards, ratification, core conventions, trade union rights, formal employment, informal employment, workforce, subsistence farming, labour standards, context-specific standards, low labour standards, global economy, development, subsistence farming, donor support individualised standards, implementing standards, raising standards, international labour standards, developing nations, relevance, India, ratification, core conventions, trade union rights, formal employment, informal employment, legal provisions, workforce, subsistence farming, labour standards, context-specific standards, low labour standards, development, global economy, donors, development aid, subsistence farming, tailored standards individualised standards, international labour standards, developing nations, implementing standards, relevance, formal employment, subsistence farming, labour rights, ratification, core conventions, workers, legal provisions, developing economies, workforce, standard adaptation, context-specific standards, low labour standards, development aid, poverty alleviation, economic diversity, global economy
test-culture-cgeeghwmeo-con01a	In the current environment, moves to make English the official language are specifically targeted at Hispanic immigrants  Historically, efforts to declare English the official language tend to come up when certain elements in the American body politic become threatened. It became an issue in the First World War, when resentment rose against German immigrants, and the present movement, though nominally not signalling anyone out, is clearly aimed at Hispanics.  This can be inferred from the fact that they are by far the largest non-English linguistic group in the country, and on occasion such views have been let slip, as the leader of one of the largest lobbying groups for a National Language did.[1]  Even if such legislation is not aimed specifically at Hispanics, everyone will assume that it is, and many Hispanics will nevertheless believe that they are the intended targets.  The practical result of this will be the alienation of the Hispanic population as many Hispanics see themselves under attack, which will cause many Hispanics to concentrate together, undermining many of the arguments for assimilation the government has made.  Furthermore, to the extent it stigmatizes Spanish speakers as the ‘other’, it may well encourage bullying against Hispanic students, and discrimination against those who can’t speak English, who are a far larger group than those who chose not to speak it.  [1] ‘English Only Movement FAQ File’, Mass. English Plus, English language, official language, Hispanic immigrants, language policy, linguistic discrimination, cultural assimilation, bilingualism, language legislation, social integration, ethnic tensions, language movement, immigrant communities, language rights, language barriers, linguistic minorities, racial and ethnic identity, social cohesion English language policy, Hispanic immigrants, official language movement, language legislation, language prejudice, American politics, linguistic groups, assimilation, bilingualism, discrimination, multilingualism, cultural integration, social alienation, language identity, ethnic discrimination, immigration, language rights, social cohesion, discrimination against Spanish speakers, educational impact English language policy, Hispanic immigrants, linguistic integration, language legislation, American politics, cultural assimilation, bilingualism, language discrimination, immigration, linguistic groups, social alienation, xenophobia, language debates, language legislation history, language stigma, language movement, racial tensions, minority rights, education, language minority students English language legislation, Hispanic immigrants, language policy, assimilation, bilingualism, linguistic discrimination, language rights, cultural integration, immigration policy, anti-immigrant sentiment, language movement, linguistic groups, educational impact, social exclusion, xenophobia, language stigma, language legislation history English, official language, Hispanic immigrants, language legislation, discrimination, assimilation, Spanish speakers, linguistic identity, immigration, multiculturalism, language policy, American politics, social integration, cultural identity, language groups, xenophobia, bullying, ethnic communities
test-health-hpehwadvoee-pro05a	Greater awareness will increase donations  There is a clear need around the world for more donors of organs. In the UK there are about 4000 transplants a year but there are always more waiting, in November 2012 there were 7593 people waiting so on average each will be waiting for almost two years. [1] In Germany there are over 12,000 waiting but only 2777 donations in 2012. [2] The sacrifice of individual relatives who willingly choose death to save their loved ones therefore brings the need for donations into focus. The media are likely to present heart-breaking stories about loving people who made the ultimate sacrifice. As a consequence, more people will be aware of the issue and wish to fill in donor cards so that they might be able to minimise the number of voluntary donations in the event of their death. Thus there will be more naturally donated organs available and more lives will be saved.  [1] NHS Choices, “Introduction”, 19 October 2012,   [2] Lütticke, Marcus, “Germany lags behind in organ donations”, Deutsche Welle, 4 January 2013, organ donations, organ transplants, awareness, donor cards, voluntary donation, public awareness campaigns, organ donation statistics, waiting list, transplant waiting time, donor registration, media influence, societal attitudes, death sacrifice, organ shortage, UK organ donation, German organ donation, lifesaving, donation increase, donor motivation, organ transplant success organ donations, organ transplantation, donor awareness, donor registration, organ waiting list, organ shortage, UK transplants, Germany transplants, voluntary donation, family sacrifice, media influence, public awareness, donor cards, organ allocation, life-saving surgeries organ donations, organ transplants, donor awareness, organ shortage, waiting list, UK, Germany, public perception, media influence, altruism, voluntary donations, donor cards, organ supply, lifesaving, healthcare policy, organ donation rates organ donation, awareness, transplantation, UK, Germany, waiting list, deceased donors, voluntary donation, organ transplant, donor cards, public awareness, media influence, organ shortage, life-saving, donor registration, organ transplant statistics, organ availability organ donation, organ transplants, awareness, UK, Germany, waiting list, altruism, donor cards, voluntary donation, saving lives, media influence, public awareness, organ shortage, donor sacrifice, death, loved ones, organ scarcity, transplant statistics
test-international-aahwstdrtfm-pro03a	Should not ignore the will of 1.3billion  A small African country should not ignore one sixth of the world’s population. To recognise a tiny country of 23million over one of 1.3billion is being unjust to a huge portion of humanity. When there is such an imbalance in population it is clear that the democratic path is to recognise the side with the greater population. When all the states that have recognised Taiwan finally transfer recognition to the PRC Taiwan may finally recognise that it would be best off returning to China. By changing its recognition São Tomé and other small countries can do their bit to ensure peace in East Asia. recognition, Taiwan, China, PRC, São Tomé, small countries, population, democracy, international relations, diplomatic recognition, East Asia, global population, sovereignty, recognition balance, diplomatic diplomacy population, sovereignty, international recognition, Taiwan, China, São Tomé, diplomatic relations, East Asia, democracy, global balance, geopolitical, recognition policy, tiny country, population disparity, peaceful coexistence population, recognition, Taiwan, China, São Tomé, democracy, international relations, geopolitics, East Asia, global population, sovereignty, diplomatic recognition, small countries, imbalance, justice, peace population, recognition, Taiwan, PRC, São Tomé, democracy, East Asia, international relations, geopolitical balance, diplomatic recognition, global population, sovereignty, conflict resolution population, recognition, Taiwan, PRC, São Tomé, democracy, international relations, sovereignty, East Asia, global politics
test-international-epvhwhranet-con01a	Significant changes in the past have not been put to popular vote.  In the past treaties with more far reaching consequences have been ratified by ruling parliaments without ever going to popular vote. For example the 1986 Act establishing a Single Market and the 1996 Maastricht Treaty. These treaties gave the EU power in economic regulation, immigration and monetary policy and yet were not put to majority voting. It was understood that progress was important and popular voting could halt progress. If these changes were made it is nonsensical that treaties with less significance should use a referendum. EU treaties, ratification, public referendum, parliamentary approval, Single Market, Maastricht Treaty, EU powers, economic regulation, immigration policy, monetary policy, constitutional changes, democratic legitimacy, treaty ratification processes, historical treaties EU treaties, ratification, popular vote, referendums, Maastricht Treaty, Single Market, parliamentary approval, constitutional changes, democratic legitimacy, treaty significance, European Union law, decision-making, political process, economic regulation, sovereignty historical constitutional changes, treaties, ratification, parliament, popular vote, EU treaties, Single Market, Maastricht Treaty, economic regulation, immigration policy, monetary policy, referendum, democratic process, legislative authority, treaty significance, political decision-making EU, treaties, ratification, popular vote, referendum, single market, Maastricht Treaty, legislative process, decision-making, democracy, governance, economic regulation, sovereignty, voter participation, political legitimacy, EU integration, policy change, international agreements, parliamentary approval treaties, ratification, popular vote, referendum, EU, Single Market, Maastricht Treaty, economic regulation, immigration policy, monetary policy, parliament, government decision-making, legislative process, democratic legitimacy, constitutional change
test-international-iighbopcc-pro03a	It is too late for half measures  Two degrees Celsius has generally been regarded as that safe level which agreements should be aiming for. This agreement does not go so far with it expected to keep the temperature increase to around 2.7 degrees if everyone sticks to their commitments and makes deeper ones after 2030. [1] Unfortunately however the world will still most likely be heading towards a 3.5 degrees rise if no further cuts are made later. [2] Now is the time to be much more ambitious and part of that means binding cuts to prevent backsliding or those agreeing carrying on as usual.  [1] Nuttall, Nick, ‘Global Response to Climate Change Keeps Door Open to 2 Degree C Temperature Limit’, UNFCCC Press Office, 30 October 2015,   [2] Romm, Joe, ‘Misleading U.N. Report Confuses Media on Paris Climate Talks’, thinkprogress.org, 3 November 2015, climate change, global warming, temperature rise, 2 degrees Celsius, 1.5 degrees Celsius, emissions reduction, greenhouse gases, climate agreements, Paris Agreement, UNFCCC, carbon cuts, commitments, climate targets, temperature increase, climate policy, international cooperation, backsliding, ambitious goals, climate mitigation climate change, global warming, temperature increase, 2 degrees Celsius, 1.5 degrees Celsius, climate agreements, emissions reductions, Paris Agreement, greenhouse gases, climate mitigation, climate targets, international climate policy, ambition, commitment, climate modeling, backsliding, climate negotiations, UNFCCC, temperature projections, climate consensus, climate action climate change, global warming, temperature rise, 2 degrees Celsius, Paris Agreement, emission cuts, climate commitments, temperature targets, climate mitigation, international cooperation, UNFCCC, climate policy, greenhouse gases, climate goals, climate negotiations climate change, global warming, temperature rise, carbon emissions, emissions reduction, Paris Agreement, climate commitments, temperature targets, greenhouse gases, climate policy, international cooperation, climate goals, climate negotiations, emission cuts, climate safety, climate ambition, climate modeling, global temperatures, climate action, climate reporting climate change, global warming, temperature rise, Paris Agreement, 2 degrees Celsius, 1.5 degrees Celsius, emission cuts, climate commitments, greenhouse gases, backsliding, ambitious goals, UNFCCC, climate policy, temperature thresholds, climate negotiations
test-law-sdfclhrppph-pro04a	Holocaust Denial  Speech acts lead to physical acts. Thus pornography, hate speech and political polemic are causally linked to rape, hate crimes, and insurrection.  Both scientific creationism and Holocaust denial have serious, and dangerous, hidden agendas. Deniers of the Nanjing Massacre believe that the Japanese did nothing wrong in the Second World War and continue to claim that it was a war of liberation against western colonialism - feeding Japanese militarism today. Holocaust deniers, in claiming that a Jewish conspiracy is responsible for the widespread belief that six million Jews were murdered by the Nazis, are closely allied to anti-Semitism and neo-Nazism. We should not allow such views the legitimacy which being debated gives them. Holocaust denial, speech acts, physical acts, pornography, hate speech, political polemic, rape, hate crimes, insurrection, scientific creationism, hidden agendas, Nanjing Massacre, Japanese militarism, WWII, Jewish conspiracy, Nazi atrocities, anti-Semitism, neo-Nazism, legitimacy, dangerous beliefs Holocaust denial, speech acts, physical acts, pornography, hate speech, political polemic, hate crimes, insurrection, scientific creationism, hidden agendas, Nanjing Massacre, Japanese militarism, WWII, Jewish conspiracy, six million, Nazi, anti-Semitism, neo-Nazism Holocaust denial, speech acts, physical acts, pornography, hate speech, political polemic, rape, hate crimes, insurrection, scientific creationism, hidden agendas, Nanjing Massacre, Japanese militarism, Jewish conspiracy, six million Jews, Nazis, anti-Semitism, neo-Nazism, legitimacy, dangerous ideas Holocaust denial, speech acts, physical acts, pornography, hate speech, political polemic, causality, rape, hate crimes, insurrection, scientific creationism, hidden agendas, Nanjing Massacre, Japanese militarism, World War II, Jewish conspiracy, six million Jews, Nazi Holocaust, anti-Semitism, neo-Nazism, legitimacy, dangerous ideas Holocaust Denial, Speech acts, violence, pornography, hate speech, political polemic, rape, hate crimes, insurrection, scientific creationism, hidden agendas, Nanjing Massacre, Japanese militarism, WWII, Jewish conspiracy, six million Jews, Nazis, anti-Semitism, neo-Nazism, legitimacy
test-politics-dhbanhrnw-pro03a	Nuclear weapons give states valuable agenda-setting power on the international stage  The issues discussed in international forums are largely set by nuclear powers. The permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council, for example, is composed only of nuclear powers, the same states that had nuclear weapons at the end of World War II. If all countries possess nuclear weapons, they redress the imbalance with regard to international clout, at least to the extent to which military capacity shapes states’ interactions with each other. [1] Furthermore, the current world order is grossly unfair, based on the historical anachronism of the post-World War II era. The nuclear powers, wanting to retain their position of dominance in the wake of the post-war chaos, sought to entrench their position, convincing smaller nations to sign up to non-proliferation agreements and trying to keep the nuclear club exclusive. It is only right, in terms of fairness that states not allow themselves the ability to possess certain arms while denying that right to others. Likewise, it is unfair in that it denies states, particularly those incapable of building large conventional militaries, the ability to defend themselves, relegating them to an inferior status on the world stage. [2] To finally level the international playing field and allow equal treatment to all members of the congress of nations, states must have the right to develop nuclear weapons.  [1] Fearon, James D. 1994. “Signaling Versus the Balance of Power and Interests: An Empirical Test of a Crisis Bargaining Model”. Journal of Conflict Resolution 38(2).  [2] Betts, Richard K. 1987. Nuclear blackmail and nuclear balance. Washington, D.C.: Brookings Institution. nuclear weapons, international power, United Nations, Security Council, nuclear proliferation, global order, post-World War II, military capacity, international fairness, nuclear club, non-proliferation, defense rights, conventional military, global influence, international equality, crisis bargaining, balance of power, conflict resolution nuclear weapons, international power, agenda-setting, international forums, UN Security Council, nuclear powers, world order, post-World War II, global power imbalance, non-proliferation, nuclear club, fairness, military capacity, sovereignty, defense, international relations, strategic stability, nuclear proliferation, global security, power dynamics nuclear weapons, international power, agenda-setting, international forums, UN Security Council, nuclear states, post-World War II, world order, global imbalance, nuclear proliferation, non-proliferation, military capacity, international influence, global fairness, military equality, sovereignty, defense rights, global security, power dynamics, international law nuclear weapons, international power, global influence, United Nations Security Council, nuclear proliferation, world order, post-World War II, military capacity, fairness, non-proliferation, nuclear club, national sovereignty, defense, power imbalance, international equality, sovereignty rights, military development, global security, balance of power, crisis bargaining nuclear weapons, international power, United Nations Security Council, nuclear proliferation, world order, military capacity, international fairness, power imbalance, sovereignty, defense rights, non-proliferation agreements, global security, balance of power, diplomacy, global justice
test-economy-bepighbdb-con03a	Political regime has a limited impact on development  It can be argued that a good economic policy, such as China’s economic policies, have helped development. But a free market policy can be done with any form of government, and cannot be exclusively attached to a dictatorship or a democracy. Any political system can use it. Although it has been noted that South Korea was an autocracy during economic ‘takeoff’ its economy has also grown significantly since democratization with GNI per capita growing from $3,320 in 1987 to $22,670 in 2012. [1]  Another example is that Spanish economic growth in the 1950-2000 period. The 1960s economic miracle in Spain was not necessarily caused by Franco’s regime – he controlled the country in the 1950s, when the country did not have such economic success. In 1959, Franco opened up the Spanish economy internationally, ending the isolationist economic policies established following the Civil War so making the country free market bringing dividends. As a result Spain also grew economically after the collapse of the Franco government, continuing on following on from EU membership.  [1] The World Bank, ‘GNI per capita, Atlas method (current US$)’, data.worldbank.org, political regime, economic development, good economic policy, China, free market, government systems, dictatorship, democracy, South Korea, autocracy, democratization, GNI per capita, economic growth, Spain, Franco regime, economic miracle, international trade, economic liberalization, Civil War, EU membership, World Bank political regime, economic development, economic policy, free market, dictatorship, democracy, South Korea, autocracy, democratization, GNI per capita, economic growth, Spain, Franco, economic miracle, open economy, isolationist policies, EU membership, World Bank political regime, economic development, economic policy, free market, dictatorship, democracy, autocracy, South Korea, democratization, GNI per capita, Spain, economic miracle, Franco, economic growth, international trade, EU membership, World Bank political regime, economic development, economic policy, China, free market, government systems, autocracy, democracy, South Korea, economic growth, GNI per capita, democratization, Spanish economy, economic miracle, Franco regime, economic opening, globalization, EU membership, World Bank political regime, economic development, good economic policy, China, free market, government types, autocracy, democracy, South Korea, GNI per capita, economic growth, democratization, Spanish economy, 1950s, Franco, economic miracle, international trade, economic policies, EU membership, World Bank
test-philosophy-elhbrd-con02a	Once the moral absolute is broken, there is no other credible point before the right to use becomes standardised.  It is easy to say that this social move would not lead to healthy thirty year olds walking into emergency rooms and asking to end it all because they had just broken up with their partner or been sacked. However, it’s rather difficult to see why it should not. Proposition says that all this would do is extend the right to commit suicide to those currently incapable of performing the act themselves but that isn’t so. It also extends the surety of success and of a medically painless procedure that is not available to the teenager with a razorblade or the bankrupt with a bottle of pills and another of vodka. For the sake of exactly the equality of approach, it seems only fair to do so. Proposition are attempting to pick the easy bits of the case but, by doing so, they leave contradictions in their case, why shouldn’t the right to die be universal? They know the reason; society would reject the idea out of hand, regardless of its merits. As a result they draw an arbitrary line simply because it is difficult to argue this right as a response to poverty or grief or addiction. They could argue that all of those things “might” get better. Well similarly a cure for cancer “might” be invented. The only consistent argument is either a universal ban or a universal acceptance. Anything else is an argument about where to draw the line; such approaches tend to lead to a gradual, slippery descent away from the original intentions of legislators. Whatever the initial legislation, it would likely be a matter of days before the court cases started. moral absolutes, euthanasia, assisted suicide, ethical debates, social policies, legal rights, equal access, medical procedure, societal rejection, policy contradictions, universality, legal lines, moral boundaries, legislation, court cases, slippery slope moral absolutes, right to die, euthanasia, physician-assisted suicide, social norms, mental health, legality, societal acceptance, equality, legal boundaries, slippery slope, ethics, legislation, consent, autonomy, medical ethics, government policy, societal values, moral dilemma, legal precedent moral absolutes, euthanasia, suicide rights, social movement, healthcare, legality, ethical dilemmas, equality, societal rejection, taboo, legislation, court cases, slippery slope, universal acceptance, universal ban, societal values, rights issues, moral philosophy, healthcare ethics moral absolute, right to use, credibility, social move, mental health, suicide, legal rights, equality, medical procedures, teenagers, addiction, poverty, grief, euthanasia, universal ban, universal acceptance, slippery slope, legislation, court cases moral absolutes, ethical boundaries, assisted suicide, right to die, euthanasia, legalization, social implications, medical procedure, mental health, autonomy, morality, legislation, societal norms, equality, legal limits, slippery slope, court cases, ethical debate, legal framework, societal rejection, fairness, human rights, end-of-life, morality vs legality
test-culture-thbcsbptwhht-pro02a	Cultural appropriation is parallel to stolen intellectual property and should be treated in the same way.  There are high standards of global intellectual property laws such as copyright and patenting for things such as medicines, and creative designs. However, these laws only apply to a few areas so this proposal would effectively widen its remit by taking intellectual property as a template for what might be considered ‘cultural property’. Many minority communities, including the Native American Navajo tribe have had their names, designs, and culture stolen or misused and have not received compensation. This highlights the embedded systematic inequalities where justice may not be brought to those of minority cultures. Reparations, monetary or otherwise, should be paid in these cases as other case studies [1].  The closest this has actually come to happening is with the Native American Navajo community. They had their name printed and used on products such as underwear, dresses and hipflasks at the popular retail store Urban Outfitters [2]. There was outrage in the community and a 'cease and desist' notice was filed in court for the products to be recalled. In addition to this the Navajo tribe called for monetary reparations to compensate for the damage done in the name of their community however, this was not granted. As the Navajo name was copyrighted this case was made much simpler before the law – as we propose cultural property theft should be.  It is important to point out that many other communities which have been exploited previously have not copyrighted their name and so do not have this same opportunity [3]. This is important as with many cases, the outcome may have not resulted in anything further.  The practise of reparations should be used universally as it is disrespectful to misuse the names, symbols and property of other cultures without consent.  In a democracy where everybody is equal before the law, communities and individuals should be able to sue those for not giving recognition, or misusing cultural practises that have historic meaning and importance. Culture is embedded in communities with long standing traditions, theories and practises. This is evident as we do not (yet) have a single global culture, even though one might argue there is one slowly emerging.  [1] Schutte, Shane, ‘6 famous copyright cases’, realbusiness, 11th August 2014,   [2] Siek, Stephanie, ‘Navajo Nation sues Urban Outfitters for alleged trademark infringement’, CNN, 2nd March 2012,   [3] Johnson, Maisha J., ‘What is wrong with cultural appropriation; These 9 Answers Reveal Its Harm’, everydayfeminism, 14th June 2015, cultural appropriation, intellectual property, copyright, patent, cultural property, minority communities, Native American, Navajo, cultural theft, reparations, trademark infringement, Urban Outfitters, cultural misappropriation, legal recourse, cultural identity, cultural recognition, cultural harm, cultural exploitation, cultural laws, cultural justice, cultural traditions, cultural symbols cultural appropriation, intellectual property, copyright, patent, cultural property, minority communities, Native American, Navajo tribe, cultural theft, misappropriation, cultural misuses, cultural designs, reparations, compensation, rights, community justice, legal cases, Urban Outfitters, trademark infringement, cultural symbols, cultural recognition, cultural traditions, cultural significance, cultural justice, cultural exploitation, legal remedies, cultural ownership cultural appropriation, intellectual property, cultural property, legal standards, copyright, patent, minority communities, Native American, Navajo, cultural theft, misappropriation, reparations, justice, systemic inequality, trademark infringement, Urban Outfitters, cultural exploitation, cultural recognition, cultural traditions, cultural symbols, long-standing practices, cultural rights, cultural justice, community sovereignty, cultural heritage, global law, cultural sovereignty, cultural exploitation, cultural ownership cultural appropriation, intellectual property, cultural property, copyright, patent, minority communities, Native American, Navajo tribe, cultural theft, cultural misuse, reparations, justice, systemic inequalities, cultural exploitation, community rights, trademark infringement, cultural symbols, cultural traditions, cultural recognition, cultural sovereignty, cultural rights, cultural justice, cultural identity, cultural harm, cultural respect, cultural acknowledgment cultural appropriation, intellectual property, copyright, patent, cultural property, minority communities, Native American, Navajo, cultural theft, misappropriation, cultural symbols, community rights, reparations, legal cases, trademark infringement, cultural heritage, injustice, cultural rights, cultural exploitation, cultural misusing, cultural identity, cultural diversity, cultural laws, systemic inequality, cultural protections, cultural ownership
test-free-speech-debate-magghbcrg-con03a	Community radio is just a platform, there is nothing innately democratic about it.  To associate a medium with a particular virtue is missing the point. Radio has been used for atrocity and tyranny (Rwanda would be an obvious example) just as much as the promotion and development of democracy. Equally the suggestion that community radio has a more significant role to play in this regard as opposed to, say, the BBC world Service, is ignoring the facts.  Particular media cannot be said to support democratic renewal any more than particular languages can. Equally, the revolutions of 1989 demonstrated the reality that taking control of the national radio station is, in some situations, more important than seizing the Presidential Palace. Neither the ‘community’ element nor the ‘radio’ aspect are innately democratic.  Different media have, undeniably, produced different types of social change – but they all have possibilities for democratic progress [i] .  [i] Sedra, Mark, Revolution 2.0: democracy promotion in the age of social media. The Globe and Mail. 2 February 2011. community radio, democracy, media, tyranny, atrocity, Rwanda, development, BBC World Service, media influence, democratic renewal, language, 1989 revolutions, national radio, social change, democratic progress, social media, revolution, media bias, communication, political power community radio, democracy, media, tyranny, atrocity, Rwanda, development, BBC World Service, communication, social change, social media, democratic renewal, media role, revolutionary history, political control, media influence community radio, democracy, media, tyranny, atrocity, Rwanda, democratic renewal, BBC World Service, media influence, revolutionary media, social change, social media, democratic progress, media role, language, media control, social revolutions community radio, democracy, media influence, tyranny, atrocity, Rwanda, media role, BBC World Service, democratic renewal, language, social change, revolution, 1989, media power, social media, democracy promotion community radio, democracy, media, propaganda, tyranny, atrocity, Rwanda, development, propagation, BBC World Service, media influence, revolutionary change, 1989 protests, control of media, social change, democratic progress, social media, revolution, media neutrality
test-free-speech-debate-yfsdfkhbwu-con01a	Argument One: Contact leads to the dissemination of values  There is certainly some evidence to suggest the view that trade with a country can benefit human rights as increased wealth provides many with more choice and better standards of living. [i] Certainly that argument has been made by governments and multi-nationals based in the West. It is not unreasonable to suspect that this may relate to academic cooperation as well, as Richard Levin suggests in the introduction. However it seems likely that in this latter case, as in the former, that a gradualist approach is the sensible one to take. We build on existing strengths while agreeing to differ in certain areas. To extend the trade example, China, the US and the EU all manage to trade with each other despite differing approaches to the death penalty. They trust that through cooperation over time, changes can be achieved. This will happen slowly in some instances – as with the ‘drip, drip’ affect in China - or quickly in others as has been the case in Burma [ii] .  On key difference to note with the shift towards establishing elite universities around the world rather than shipping the world’s elite in to attend them in the UK and the US is that it opens opportunities to a much wider social group. For decades a small handful – children of the wealthy and political elite - have had the opportunity to have a Western education before returning home as well-educated tyrants and sycophants. Expanding the learning opportunities to the rest of the nation seems both just and reasonable.  [i] Sirico, Robert A., ‘Free Trade and Human Rights: The Moral Case for Engagement’, CATO Institute, Trade Briefing Paper no.2, 17 July 1998  [ii] Education has long been seen as a critical starting point for the development of human rights in any country as is examined in this UNESCO report . contact, leads, dissemination, values, trade, human rights, wealth, standards of living, governments, multinational corporations, academic cooperation, gradualist approach, strengthening, differences, China, US, EU, death penalty, trust, cooperation, change, drip effect, Burma, elite universities, global education, social opportunities, wealthy elites, Western education, justice, development, UNESCO, education, human rights trade, human rights, values dissemination, globalization, economic growth, social development, international cooperation, diplomatic relations, gradual change, cultural exchange, elite education, access to education, social inequality, inequality reduction, Western influence, government policies, multinational corporations, academic cooperation, ethical considerations, moral implications, development strategies, social mobility contact, leads, dissemination, values, trade, human rights, wealth, choice, standards of living, governments, multi-nationals, academic cooperation, Richard Levin, gradualist approach, strengths, differences, China, US, EU, death penalty, cooperation, change, drip effect, Burma, elite universities, global education, social opportunity, wealthy, political elite, Western education, social justice, expanding education, human rights development, UNESCO contact, trade, human rights, values, economic development, multi-national corporations, government, academic cooperation, gradualist approach, China, United States, European Union, death penalty, international trade, diplomacy, cooperation, social mobility, education, elite universities, global education, social inequality, Western education, development, reform, UNESCO, human rights education contact, leads, dissemination, values, trade, human rights, wealth, standards of living, academic cooperation, gradualist approach, existing strengths, differences, China, US, EU, death penalty, cooperation, elite universities, social opportunity, Western education, wealthy, political elite, expanding education, justice, morality, international relations, development, UNESCO, education, human rights, globalization
test-politics-cdfsaphgiap-pro02a	The people are interested in the health of their leader  The health of the leader of the state is an issue that the people and the media inevitably want to know about. There will always be a lot of interest in it. Occasionally this can be played by the administration as with Kissinger saying he was ill and using time to fly to Beijing to arrange for Nixon’s visit without press attention. But most of the time keeping things from the press is purely negative; it drives rumors.  This was the case of John Atta Mills, people were not allowed to know about his health. The presidential staff and communication members constantly lied about his health but there were two reports that he had died. Mills spent time in a US hospital, on returning to Ghana, he was made to jog around the airport to show the media that he was healthy. 1  1 Committee for Social Advocacy, 'Who and what killed President John Evans Atta Mills?', Modern Ghana, 13 August 2012, leader health, public interest, media coverage, government secrecy, rumors, presidential health, health communication, political transparency, Kenneth Kissinger, Nixon, Ghana President Mills, media manipulation, health rumors, health reporting, hospital, public image, political communication leader health, political transparency, media coverage, rumors, government secrecy, presidential health, health disclosure, public interest, political rumors, health management, Ghana politics, John Atta Mills, presidential communication, health reports, media strategy leader health, political secrecy, media coverage, rumors, presidential health, government transparency, health disinformation, Ghana politics, John Atta Mills, presidential illness, media manipulation, health rumors, political communication, crisis management leader health, public interest, media coverage, government secrecy, rumors, presidential health, communication, misinformation, health disclosure, political transparency, Ghana politics, John Atta Mills, presidential illness, media manipulation leader health, public interest, media coverage, secrecy, rumors, presidential health, political transparency, health disclosure, government communication, misinformation, Ghana, John Atta Mills, presidential illness, hospital treatment, political rumors
test-digital-freedoms-efsappgdfp-con05a	Loss of Privacy  It is wrong to state that we only have anything to ‘fear’ if we have done something wrong; a great many people want to keep things private where what they have done is morally perfectly right and justifiable. It is perfectly justified for a married couple to want to keep a video of them having sex private – even if it is sent from one partner to the other by email, or for someone to keep his/her sexual orientation secret even if they have told someone about it. [1] If we want such information to be kept private does the state have any business picking that information up from our emails? It may not go any further than the intelligence agency, it is possible no one there will look at it but it is still an invasion of privacy.  [1] Phillipson, Gavin, ‘Q&A: The right to privacy’, BBC Religion, 14 June 2013, privacy, surveillance, privacy rights, personal information, confidentiality, moral right, privacy invasion, state authority, email privacy, intelligence agencies, privacy justification, sexual privacy, privacy vs security, data protection privacy, invasion, morality, confidentiality, personal rights, surveillance, email, data protection, sexual privacy, state authority, confidentiality, justifiable secrecy, intelligence agencies, moral justification, privacy rights privacy, invasion, confidentiality, morality, secrecy, personal information, surveillance, emailing, sexual orientation, state, intelligence agency, rights, ethical, data protection, privacy rights privacy, privacy rights, moral privacy, personal privacy, invasion of privacy, confidentiality, confidentiality in relationships, sexual privacy, email privacy, surveillance, government surveillance, intelligence agencies, privacy laws, right to privacy, privacy invasion, moral justification, personal information, privacy debates privacy, confidentiality, personal data, surveillance, invasion of privacy, morality, secrecy, sexual privacy, email privacy, state surveillance, intelligence agencies, personal rights, moral justification, privacy rights
test-education-egtuscpih-con05a	Traditional universities are a rite of passage to independent life  For many students leaving for a university is a passage to an independent life, as they often move out out of their parents’ home and even their countries. This means they have to start learning or practically using lots of skills of independent adults, such as financial management, cooking, being crime-aware, networking, and solving communication problems on their own. With online courses students do not leave homes, and essentially do not start using these skills. This takes away an important practice in being an independent adult before the real life, which might leave students less equipped for the real life. traditional universities, independent life, students, education, online courses, life skills, financial management, cooking, crime awareness, networking, communication skills, independence, practice, real life, student preparedness traditional universities, independent life, student independence, moving out, international students, life skills, financial management, cooking, crime awareness, networking, communication skills, online courses, remote learning, life preparation, student development, real-world readiness traditional universities, independent life, student independence, moving out, financial management, cooking skills, crime awareness, networking, communication skills, online courses, remote learning, adult skills development, practical skills, life readiness, student preparedness, digital education, experiential learning, life skills training traditional universities, independent life, student independence, moving out, life skills, financial management, cooking, crime awareness, networking, communication skills, online courses, remote learning, practical skills, adult readiness, life preparation traditional universities, independent life, university passage, student independence, moving out, life skills, financial management, cooking, crime awareness, networking, communication skills, online courses, remote learning, adult independence, life preparation
test-economy-thsptr-con04a	Progressive systems are invariably highly complex and inefficient in implementation, breeding the knock-on inefficiencies of evasion and avoidance  The modern progressive tax system has created whole industries of firms and specialists geared toward helping people file their taxes and to ensure the system runs smoothly. It has also bred armies of officials who oversee and audit tax issues, costing the United States for example more than $11 billion a year to operate its tax collection and verification systems. [1] People are forced under the progressive system to waste hours filling out returns, to hoard and sift through receipts to be accurate and to maximize their rebates. There is thus a huge efficiency loss in terms of people’s time as they are forced to dedicate effort and resources to the often arduous task of filing taxes in an ever more complicated system, arising from a progressive regime. The extreme complexity of the system has generated further negative incentives, encouraging the wealthy to seek ways around the system, to exploit loopholes in the bloated system for their personal benefit. [2] The very wealthy can thus evade obligations through the manipulation of complex tax codes and loopholes, and can sometimes even lead less scrupulous people to pay less than less wealthy people. Flat and regressive consumption taxes, on the other hand, offer an easier mechanism of taxation that is easier to understand, less time consuming to deal with, and harder to manipulate.  [1] White, James. “Internal Revenue Service: Assessment of the 2008 Budget Request and an Update of 2007 Performance”. United States Government Accountability Office. Available:   [2] Wolk, Martin. “Why the Tax System Keeps Getting More Complex”. MSNBC. 2006. Available: progressive tax system, complexity, inefficiency, evasion, avoidance, tax industries, tax specialists, tax administration, tax compliance, tax auditing, cost, time consumption, receipts, rebates, loopholes, tax manipulation, wealthy taxpayers, tax avoidance, regressive taxes, flat taxes, consumption taxes, tax reform, tax policy, unintended consequences, tax evasion, tax loopholes, tax reform, government costs progressive systems, complexity, inefficiency, tax evasion, avoidance, industries, tax filing, regulation, government officials, auditing, costs, time waste, receipts, rebates, efficiency loss, loopholes, wealthy, manipulation, tax codes, tax compliance, flat taxes, regressive taxes, consumption taxes, simplicity, ease of compliance, tax manipulation, revenue, taxation regimes, tax policy progressive tax system, complexity, inefficiency, evasion, avoidance, tax filers, tax industry, tax officials, auditing, cost, revenue collection, tax returns, receipts, rebates, efficiency loss, time waste, loopholes, wealthiest, tax manipulation, tax codes, tax avoidance, flat tax, regressive tax, consumption tax, simplicity, tax compliance, tax loopholes, tax manipulation, government, accountability progressive systems, complexity, inefficiency, evasion, avoidance, tax industry, tax filing, tax audits, government costs, time waste, receipts, rebates, loopholes, tax manipulation, wealthy tax strategies, flat tax, regressive tax, consumption taxes, tax simplification, tax compliance, tax loopholes, tax policy, income inequality, tax evasion, tax avoidance, tax system reform progressive tax system, complexity, inefficiency, evasion, avoidance, tax industry, tax preparation, tax officials, auditing, resource expenditure, tax returns, receipts, deductions, loopholes, tax avoidance, wealth inequality, tax codes, flat tax, regressive taxes, consumption taxes, loophole exploitation, tax compliance, tax reform, administrative costs, taxpayer effort, tax policy
test-international-ehbfe-pro03a	A federal Europe will be a stronger international actor  A federal Europe will be better equipped to promote the interests of its citizens in the world, carrying more influence in the UN, WTO, IMF and other intergovernmental and treaty organisations than its individual states do now. Furthermore, Europe has a lot to contribute to the world in terms of its liberal traditions and political culture, providing both a partner and a necessary balance to the USA in global affairs.  Once unified, Europe will become an (even more) important negotiating and trading partner – one of the biggest economies in the world. It will have a population of 450 million – more than the United States and Russia combined. It will be the world’s biggest trader and generate one quarter of global wealth. It presently gives more aid to poor countries than any other donor. Its currency, the euro, comes second only to the US dollar in international financial markets. France, Germany, Poland - these countries can hardly ever negotiate something with giants such as the US or China. Europe as one country stands a better chance of putting its message across effectively. federal Europe, international influence, UN, WTO, IMF, global organizations, European integration, political culture, liberal traditions, global diplomacy, US-Europe balance, negotiating power, trade partner, European economy, population, global wealth, international aid, euro currency, international markets, negotiation, global diplomacy federal Europe, international actor, global influence, United Nations, World Trade Organization, International Monetary Fund, intergovernmental organizations, treaty organizations, European Union, liberal traditions, political culture, global affairs, USA, balance of power, global economy, international trade, population, global wealth, foreign aid, international finance, euro, US dollar, France, Germany, Poland, negotiations, global diplomacy federal Europe, international actor, global influence, United Nations, WTO, IMF, intergovernmental organizations, treaty organizations, European Union, global trade, economic power, population, global wealth, aid, foreign aid, euro, currency, international finance, diplomacy, negotiation, global governance, political culture, liberal traditions, USA, China, France, Germany, Poland, international cooperation, global affairs federal Europe, international actor, global influence, United Nations, WTO, IMF, intergovernmental organizations, treaty organizations, European Union, liberal traditions, political culture, global affairs, negotiating power, trading partner, largest economy, population, global wealth, international aid, Euro currency, financial markets, France, Germany, Poland, negotiation, global diplomacy federal Europe, international actor, global influence, United Nations, WTO, IMF, intergovernmental organizations, citizen interests, global affairs, liberal traditions, political culture, global partner, balance to USA, unified Europe, negotiating power, trading partner, global economy, population, world trade, global wealth, foreign aid, international donors, euro, currency, financial markets, France, Germany, Poland, negotiation, global diplomacy
test-education-xeegshwfeu-pro02a	Improving the quality of state managed education  State schools will, like the private schools, have to offer a high quality service in order that parents do not take their children elsewhere. This incentivises in particular high level management, who, if the school fails, will be out of a job with a blot on their record. education quality, state schools, private schools, school management, parent choice, educational standards, school reputation, accountability, staff incentives, performance evaluation, school improvement, public education, educational policy education, quality, state schools, private schools, management, incentives, school failure, parental choice, accountability, education policy education quality, state schools, private schools, high quality service, parental choice, school management, incentives, school performance, accountability, teacher quality, student outcomes, educational standards, public education, private schooling, school leadership education quality, state schools, private schools, high quality service, parent satisfaction, school management, incentives, accountability, school performance, educational standards, student outcomes, management accountability, school improvement, competitive education, job security, performance incentives education quality, state schools, private schools, service standards, parental choice, management incentives, school accountability, school performance, education reform, leadership, school funding, student outcomes, education policy, administrative accountability
test-politics-cpecfiepg-con02a	Defaulting would not solve Greece’s problems  The proposition argue that the hardship endured by the default would only be temporary, but an analysis at the particular situation facing Greece indicates the opposite. Greece’s problems arose from a horrifically inefficient public sector embedded within a mentality of corruption and tax evasion. Even if we assume that defaulting would eventually boost Greek exports and help the economy recover, this would not solve the underlying problems that caused the crisis in the first place. By leaving the Eurozone and defaulting, Greece would lose easy access to borrowing, meaning that taxpayers would soon have to face the reality that they would have to pay for the inefficiencies within the public sector and support all the other structures that need reform. [1] Greece must, therefore, address these underlying issues or face the exact same problems in the future. Given that solving these problems necessarily involve austerity measures and job cuts, it makes most sense for Greece to undergo these changes now (as it is with the current austerity measures), under the framework of IMF, ECB and European Commission funding and supervision.  [1] Barrell, Ray: “Eurozone crisis: what if… Greece leaves the single currency”, 14 May 2012, The Guardian, Greece, default, Eurozone, economic crisis, public sector, corruption, tax evasion, exports, austerity, IMF, ECB, European Commission, reform, borrowing, taxpayers, unemployment, economic recovery, crisis causes, fiscal policy Greece, default, Eurozone, public sector, corruption, tax evasion, economic recovery, exports, borrowing, taxpayers, inefficiencies, reforms, austerity, job cuts, IMF, ECB, European Commission, Euro, crisis, currency, bailout Greece, default, Eurozone, economy, public sector, corruption, tax evasion, exports, austerity, reforms, IMF, ECB, European Commission, crisis, borrowing, taxpayers, inefficiencies, job cuts, supervision Greece, default, Eurozone, public sector, corruption, tax evasion, economic recovery, exports, austerity, job cuts, IMF, ECB, European Commission, borrowing, reforms, crisis, Greece exit, monetary union Greece, default, Eurozone, economic crisis, public sector inefficiency, corruption, tax evasion, exports, austerity, job cuts, IMF, ECB, European Commission, reforms, borrowing, crisis resolution, sovereignty, economic recovery, fiscal policy
test-economy-epehwmrbals-con04a	"There is uneven implementation of labour standards even in western countries  Western countries often do embrace high levels of labour standards or do not follow their labour regulations. Germany for example has no minimum wage [1] while the USA has no legal or contractual requirement to provide minimum amounts of leave. [2] Moreover it is the demand for the cheapest possible products that drives down labour standards worldwide. If western nations truly want to change labour standards then the way to do it is with the consumer’s wallet not the aid chequebook. British clothing retailers such as Primark are often shown to be buying their products from sweatshops that use illegal workers, and exploit their labour [3] . If there is to be real lasting change in labour standards western firms need to be the ones pushing high labour standards and consumers would need to not automatically go for the cheapest product available.  [1] Schuseil, Philine, ‘A review on Germany’s minimum wage debate’, bruegel, 7 March 2013,   [2] Stephenson, Wesley, ‘Who works the longest hours?’, BBC News, 23 May 2012,   [3] Dhariwal, Navdip. ""Primark Linked to UK Sweatshops."" BBC News. BBC, 01 Dec. 2009. Web. labour standards, implementation, western countries, minimum wage, labour regulations, consumer influence, global labor standards, sweatshops, exploitation, corporate responsibility, low-cost products, labor rights, multinational corporations, ethical sourcing, supply chain ethics labour standards, western countries, implementation, minimum wage, labour regulations, global labor, consumer influence, fair trade, sweatshops, labour exploitation, corporate responsibility, supply chain ethics, international labor laws, retail sector, low-cost products, labor rights, ethical consumption, multinational corporations, working conditions, labor standards enforcement labour standards, western countries, minimum wage, labour regulations, consumer behavior, global supply chains, sweatshops, exploitation, corporate responsibility, labour laws, international standards, workers' rights, fashion industry, ethical sourcing, cost-driven production labour standards, western countries, minimum wage, labour regulations, global labor, consumer influence, sweatshops, exploitative labor, supply chain, corporate responsibility, fair wages, labor enforcement, consumer choices, low-cost products, clothing retailers, international labor standards labour standards, western countries, minimum wage, labour regulations, global labor, consumer influence, sweatshops, labour exploitation, labor laws, international trade, supply chain, corporate responsibility, fair labor practices, labor rights, consumer purchasing power"
test-economy-egppphbcb-con02a	Socialism provides a more sustainable way of living  Capitalism always acts on the cost of nature and its ecological balance. With its imperative to constantly expand profitability, it exposes ecosystems to destabilizing pollutants, fragments habitats that have evolved over time to allow the flourishing of organisms, squanders resources, and reduces nature to the exchangeability required for the accumulation of capital. Socialism requires self-determination, community, and a meaningful existence. Capital reduces the majority of the world's people to a mere reservoir of labor power while discarding much of the remainder as useless. The present capitalist system cannot regulate, much less overcome, the crises it has set going. It cannot solve the ecological crisis (e.g. global warming) because to do so requires setting limits upon accumulation socialism, capitalism, sustainability, ecological balance, environmental impact, pollution, habitat destruction, resource depletion, community, self-determination, labor, inequality, ecological crisis, global warming, limits, capital accumulation socialism, capitalism, sustainability, ecological balance, environmental impact, pollution, habitat fragmentation, resource depletion, ecological crises, global warming, economic systems, social justice, community, self-determination, profit, capital accumulation, environmental regulation socialism, capitalism, sustainability, ecology, ecological balance, pollution, habitat fragmentation, resource depletion, environmental crisis, global warming, economic system, self-determination, community, meaningful existence, labor, resource management, environmental regulation, ecological crisis, limits on growth socialism, capitalism, sustainability, ecological balance, environmental degradation, pollution, habitat fragmentation, resource depletion, ecological crisis, global warming, self-determination, community, meaningful existence, labor, capitalism critique, economic systems, environmental regulation, ecological limits socialism, capitalism, sustainability, ecological balance, environmental degradation, pollution, habitat destruction, resource depletion, economic system, self-determination, community, meaningful existence, labor, global warming, ecological crisis, limits on accumulation
test-international-gmehbisrip1b-con01a	Israel has the right to claim minimal territory to ensure security  Israel has been the victim of multiple major illegal wars of aggression on the part of the Arab world, most notably in 1948 and 1967. These wars invalidate any special claim made by Arabs and Palestinians to pre-1967 territory, and justify Israel in keeping as much territory as is necessary to secure itself against these hostile states. Israel could have gone much further and taken more territory than it did in 1967 (as it was easily winning the war), but instead it restricted itself to only taking the territory that was necessary for it to create security buffer. [1] When peace deals have allowed Israel to improve its security through giving up land historically, it has done so, for example when it returned the Sinai peninsula to Egypt in 1982 in exchange for a peace treaty with Egypt, or when Israel returned the small swath of Jordanian territory it held when King Hussain of Jordan wanted to make peace. To date, Israel has withdrawn from approximately 93 percent of the territories it captured. In return for peace with Syria and an end to Palestinian terror, it is prepared to withdraw from most of the remaining 7% in dispute, although not all. Israel remains committed to trading land for peace, and never annexed the West Bank or Gaza Strip because it expected to return part of these territories in negotiations. When the Palestinians finally declared that they would recognize Israel and renounce terrorism, Israel agreed to begin to withdraw. Since 1993, Israel has turned over approximately 80% of the Gaza Strip and more than 40% of the West Bank to the Palestinian Authority. Thus, Israel's objection is not so much against returning any of the land captured in 1967, but against returning absolutely all of it and going back completely to the 1967 borders, as this would mean giving up territories vital for Israel's security. The minimal slivers of territory that Israel it seeks to maintain through a peace settlement (after returning 90% of the pre-1967 territory), is very important to its national security as it offers a buffer against future Arab wars of aggression. This why Ehud Olmert stressed that only most of the occupied territory could be returned. He still argued that some had to be kept for security reasons: “We can never totally return to the indefensible pre-1967 borders, ... We simply cannot afford to make Israel [9 miles] wide again at its center. We can't allow the Palestinians to be a couple [miles] from [Tel Aviv's] Ben Gurion Airport in the age of shoulder-fire missiles with the capacity to shoot down jumbo jets.” [2] Moreover, Israel is in an anomalous situation: It is an embattled democracy that historically has had to defend itself repeatedly against the armies of neighbouring Arab states whose declared goal was nothing less than Israel's eradication. The Israel Defense Forces could not afford to miscalculate. While other nations, like France or Kuwait, have been overrun, occupied, and nonetheless have survived to reconstitute themselves, Israel, in contrast, cannot depend on obtaining a second chance. Miscalculation on its part could have had devastating consequences and, thus, its situation is unique. [3] For this critical purpose of national survival, therefore, the annexed land serves a legally legitimate purpose, especially considering that the Arab wars of aggression were what caused the annexation of the land in the first place. In such circumstances, a nation that won a defensive war has a right to set terms to ensure against future wars of aggression.  [1] Johnson, Paul. “A History of the Jews”. Weidenfeld and Nicolson. 1987.  [2] Thinkexist.com. “Ehud Olmert Quotes”. Thinkexist.com   [3] Amidror, Maj.-Gen. (res.) Yaakov. “Israel's Requirement for Defensible Borders”. Defensible Borders for a Lasting Peace. 2005. Israel, territorial claims, security, borders, 1967, Arab wars, Gaza Strip, West Bank, peace treaties, land exchanges, negotiations, territory withdrawal, Palestinian Authority, territorial sovereignty, defensible borders, national security, Arab-Israeli conflict, territorial disputes, Israel Defense Forces, pre-1967 borders, buffer zone, military security, threats, threats from Arab states Israel, territory, security, borders, 1967, Arab wars, aggression, Palestinian, West Bank, Gaza Strip, peace negotiations, land return, borders dispute, territorial sovereignty, military security, buffer zone, defense, Israel-Palestine conflict, Arab-Israeli wars, defensive war, annexation, Israel Defense Forces Israel, territory, security, Arab wars, 1948, 1967, pre-1967 borders, buffer zone, territorial concessions, peace treaties, Sinai, Egypt, Jordan, West Bank, Gaza Strip, Palestinian Authority, land for peace, borders, security buffer, annexation, defense, Arab aggression, national security, defensive war, annexed land, border security, threats, military, peace process, negotiations, sovereignty, territorial disputes Israel, territorial claims, security, borders, Israel-Palestine, 1967 borders, West Bank, Gaza Strip, territorial withdrawal, land for peace, Arab wars of aggression, 1948, 1967, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt, Jordan, Palestinian Authority, ceasefire, defense, buffer zone, sovereignty, borders dispute, security buffer, Israel Defense Forces, territorial integrity, peace treaties, national security, occupation, annexation, defensible borders, Arab-Israeli conflict Israel, territory, security, borders, wars, aggression, 1948, 1967, Arab world, Palestinians, pre-1967, buffer zone, peace treaties, Sinai, Egypt, Jordan, territory withdrawal, Gaza Strip, West Bank, Palestinian Authority, land exchange, peace negotiation, borders adjustment, national security, defense, military, annexation, Arab-Israeli conflict, border disputes, strategic depth, international law, self-defense, sovereignty, conflict resolution
test-philosophy-npegiepp-con03a	The Empty Chair Crisis 1965  In 1965 during the Empty Chair Crisis brought integration came to a halt and shifted the institutional balance of power away from the commission to the Council of Ministers, it shows that spillover will not always occur. [1] It was caused by President de Gaulle of France being in conflict with other member states, specifically Germany and Italy. France wanted a deal on the Common Agricultural Policy but was unwilling to agree to further integration through creating majority voting in the Council of Ministers. When France took on the Presidency the normal system of mediation was lost. Bonn and Rome were unwilling to give way. [2] De Gaulle pulled his ministers out of the Council of Ministers thus reasserting the power of national governments. This showed that states would not automatically be prepared to give up their national sovereignty and might of helped lead to the abandonment of Neo-functionalism in the 1970s.  [1] Moga, Teodor Lucian, ‘The Contribution of the Neofunctionalist and Intergovernmentalist Theories to the Evolution of the European Integration Process’, Journal of Alternative Perspectives in the Social Sciences, Vol. 1, No. 3, 2009 pp.796-807,  , p.799  [2] Ludlow, N. Piers, ‘De-commissioning the Empty Chair Crisis : the Community institutions and the crisis of 1965-6’, LSE Research Online, 2007, Empty Chair Crisis, 1965, European integration, Council of Ministers, European Community, de Gaulle, France, Germany, Italy, institutional balance, sovereignty, negotiation, Common Agricultural Policy, majority voting, mediation, national governments, Neo-functionalism, intergovernmentalism, European Union, European institutions, crises, political conflict Empty Chair Crisis, 1965, European integration, Council of Ministers, French President de Gaulle, institutional balance of power, sovereignty, intergovernmentalism, neo-functionalism, Common Agricultural Policy, European Community, member states, mediation, national governments, European Union, spillover effect Empty Chair Crisis, 1965, European integration, Council of Ministers, Commission power, spillover, President de Gaulle, France, Germany, Italy, Common Agricultural Policy, majority voting, Presidency, mediation, national sovereignty, neo-functionalism, intergovernmentalism, European Union, institutional balance, power shift Empty Chair Crisis, 1965, European integration, Council of Ministers, Commission, spillover, President de Gaulle, France, Germany, Italy, Common Agricultural Policy, majority voting, mediation, national sovereignty, Neo-functionalism, intergovernmentalism, European Union history, institutional balance Empty Chair Crisis, 1965, European integration, Council of Ministers, France, President de Gaulle, national sovereignty, majoritarian voting, agricultural policy, crisis resolution, institutional balance, spillover effect, Neo-functionalism, intergovernmentalism, European Community, member states, France veto, political conflict, community institutions, European Union history
test-international-aghwrem-con01a	Liberal democracies have a moral obligation to denounce illegitimate regimes  The new civilian government in Myanmar is as illegitimate as the rule of the military junta which led to its creation. The military junta itself was guilty of overruling the democratic verdict in 1990 that gave power to the NLD. Under the new constitution, 25% of all seats in parliament and the most influential governmental posts are reserved for the military, and more than 75% majority is required for amending the constitution. Political prisoners (including Aung San Suu Kyi) were not permitted to participate in the elections. Further, the election process itself has been described as a sham, involving violence and intimidation of democratic activists. The current government is only a tool for the preceding military junta to consolidate its power and provide a safety valve for its leaders through apparently legitimate means. It attempts to use the false democratic process as a veil to resist international criticism. Widespread human rights violations, ethnic violence, and undemocratic curtailment of the freedom of speech have characterised the period of rule of the military junta. By engaging with it at the political or economic level, other countries provide it with a false sense of legitimacy. This is morally at odds with established standards in of human rights and international relations, especially where other illegitimate governments (Syria, Iraq, and North Korea for instance) across the world continually face censure and isolation. liberal democracies, moral obligation, illegitimate regimes, Myanmar, military junta, civilian government, legitimacy, democratic verdict, 1990, NLD, constitution, parliament, military reservations, constitutional amendment, political prisoners, Aung San Suu Kyi, election process, violence, intimidation, democratic activists, power consolidation, international criticism, human rights violations, ethnic violence, freedom of speech, undemocratic, legitimacy, international relations, human rights standards, Syria, Iraq, North Korea, censure, isolation liberal democracies, moral obligation, illegitimate regimes, Myanmar, civilian government, military junta, democratic verdict, 1990 election, NLD, constitution, parliamentary seats, military reserving, constitutional amendments, political prisoners, Aung San Suu Kyi, election legitimacy, violence, intimidation, democratic activists, power consolidation, international criticism, human rights violations, ethnic violence, freedom of speech, military rule, international relations, legitimacy, Syria, Iraq, North Korea, censure, isolation liberal democracies, moral obligation, illegitimate regimes, Myanmar, civilian government, military junta, democracy, 1990 election, NLD, constitution, parliament, military seats, constitutional amendment, political prisoners, Aung San Suu Kyi, election legitimacy, violence, intimidation, democratic activists, power consolidation, international criticism, human rights violations, ethnic violence, freedom of speech, legitimacy, international relations, illegitimate governments, censure, isolation liberal democracies, moral obligation, illegitimate regimes, Myanmar, civilian government, military junta, democratic verdict, 1990, NLD, constitution, parliamentary seats, military influence, constitutional amendment, political prisoners, Aung San Suu Kyi, election sham, violence, intimidation, democratic activists, military power, legitimacy, international criticism, human rights violations, ethnic violence, censorship, freedom of speech, international relations, illegitimate governments, Syria, Iraq, North Korea, censure, isolation liberal democracies, moral obligation, illegitimate regimes, Myanmar, civilian government, military junta, democratic verdict, 1990, NLD, constitution, parliamentary seats, military influence, constitutional amendment, political prisoners, Aung San Suu Kyi, election sham, violence, intimidation, democratic activists, power consolidation, international criticism, false democratic process, human rights violations, ethnic violence, freedom of speech, military rule, international relations, legitimacy, global censure, isolation, Syria, Iraq, North Korea
test-free-speech-debate-ldhwbmclg-pro01a	Classification, not censorship  We should expect fans of an art form that is subjected to public criticism and vilification to leap to its defence. Some of these aficionados- whether the medium in question is cinema, fine art or pop music- make the case for the value of their favourite mode of expression by overstating its positive effects.  Hip hop has long been the focus of controversies surrounding violent music. Hip hop is closely associated with low-level criminality, as noted above. A number of highly successful hip hop artists have been attacked or killed as a result of feuds within the industry and links between managers, promoters and criminal gangs.  As the academic John McWhorter has pointed out in numerous [1] publications [2] , the positive political and social impact of rap music has been massively overstated, as a result of highly charged media coverage of hip hop-linked violence. As a result, attempts to address some of the hips hops most objectionable content- lyrics that are misogynist and blankly and uncritically violent- have been condemned as unjust assaults on the right to free expression. Attacks on negative content in hip hop have been made all the more emotive, because they appear to be an attempt to restrict the speech of members of vulnerable and marginalised communities.  Side proposition agrees with McWhorter that listening to music that contains violent themes will not, in the absence of other factors, cause individuals to behave in a violent way. However, the content of rap, and its strong links with the youngest inhabitants of marginalised, stigmatised urban areas mean that it damages the developmental opportunities of teenagers and young people, and harms others’ perceptions of the communities they live in.  Hip hop trades on its authenticity – the extent to which it faithfully portrays the lived experience of the inhabitants of deprived inner city areas. The greater the veracity of a hip hop track, the greater its popularity and cache among fans. Musicians have gained public recognition as a result of being directly involved in street crime and gang activities. 50 Cent, a high profile “gansta” artist owes his popularity, in part, to a shooting in 2000 that left him with 9 bullet wounds [3] . This supposed link to reality is the most dangerous aspect of contemporary hip hop culture. Unlike the simplistic make-believe of, say, action films, the “experiences” related by rappers are also their public personas and become the rationale for their success.  Rap, through materialist boasting and sexualised music videos tells vulnerable young men and women from isolated neighbourhoods that their problems can be solved by adopting similarly nihilistic personas. The poverty that affects many of the communities that hip hop artists identify with does more than separate individuals from economic opportunity. It also confines the inhabitants of these communities geographically, politically and culturally. It prevents young men and women from becoming aware of perspectives on the world and society that run contrary to the violence of main stream rap. With television dominated by the gangsta motif, marginalised youngsters are left with little in the way of dissenting voices to convince them that hip hop takes a subjective and commercialised approach to the lives and communities that rappers claim to represent.  In effect, controversial hip hop is capable of sponsoring violent behaviour, when it is marketed as an accurate portrayal of relationships, values and principles. Under these circumstances, adolescents, whose own identity is nascent and malleable can easily be misled into emulating the exploits and attitudes of rappers [4] .  Side proposition advocates the control and classification of controversial forms of music, including but not limited to hip hop. Consistent with principles 1 and 10, classification of this type will follow similar schemes applied to movies and videogames. Assessments of the content of music will be conducted by a politically independent organisation; musicians and record companies will have the ability to appeal the decisions of this body. Crucially, the “ban” on music containing violent lyrics will take the form of a categorisation scheme. Content will not be blocked from sale or censored. Instead, as with the sale of pornographic material in many liberal democratic states, music found to contain especially violent lyrics will be confined to closed off areas in shops, to which only adults (as defined in law) will be admitted. Its performance on television, radio and in cinemas will be banned. Live performances of restricted music will be obliged to enforce strict age monitoring policies. Online distributors of music will be compelled to comply with similar age restrictions and intentionally exposing minors to violent music will be punishable under child protection laws.  This approach has the advantage of limiting access to violent content only to consumers who are judged, in general, to be mature enough to understand that its “message” and the posturing of singers does not equate to permission to engage in deviant behaviour.  [1] McWhorter, J. “How Hip-Hop Holds Blacks Back.” City Journal, Summer 2003. The Manhattan Institute.  [2] McWhorter, J. “All about the Beat: Why Hip-Hop Can’t Save Black America.”  [3] “What’s In a name?” The Economist, 24 November 2005.  [4] Bindel, J. “Who you calling bitch, ho?” Mail & Guardian online, 08 February 2008. classification, censorship, art, public criticism, fan defense, medium, controversy, violence, hip hop, criminality, industry, media coverage, free expression, offensive content, misogyny, youth, marginalization, authenticity, urban communities, street crime, gang culture, fame, violence portrayal, materialism, nihilism, poverty, community, media influence, violent behaviour, regulation, content classification, independent organization, appeals process, categorization scheme, age restrictions, online distribution, child protection laws, responsible consumption classification, censorship, hip hop, violence, media, freedom of expression, marginalized communities, urban areas, authenticity, street crime, gang culture, social impact, political impact, media portrayal, youth development, street identity, moral regulation, content classification, age restrictions, music regulation, media influence, societal perceptions, violent lyrics, media influence, cultural harm, legal restrictions, content restriction, online distribution, child protection, media literacy classification, censorship, hip-hop, violence, music, free expression, marginalised communities, social impact, media coverage, lyrics, misogyny, urban communities, authenticity, street crime, gang culture, violence portrayal, juvenile influence, content regulation, age restrictions, media bans, independent assessment, public perception, cultural influence, artistic expression, community development, media influence, content classification, public debate hip hop, censorship, classification, violence, free expression, media coverage, misogyny, urban communities, authenticity, street crime, gang culture, materialism, nihilism, marginalization, stereotypes, media influence, social impact, public perception, community development, youth violence, content regulation, age restrictions, media policy, legal classification, musical content, violence prevention, societal influence, cultural representation classification, censorship, hip hop, violence, free expression, media coverage, marginalised communities, street crime, gang activity, authenticity, urban areas, media influence, content regulation, age restrictions, music classification, political independence, social impact, juvenile violence, social perception, cultural confinement, media portrayal, violent lyrics, public personas, gender issues, sexualisation, urban poverty, social marginalisation, community perception, content censorship, music regulation, consumer protection, child laws
test-sport-ybfgsohbhog-con03a	Hosting is very expensive  Hosting is very expensive. In recent times the Olympics have never made a direct profit. The bidding process alone for 2012 will cost each bidding city around £20m and whichever is selected will expect to pay at least £6.5bn (Paris). With increased security fears Athens spent $1.5bn on security out of a total of $12bn on the 2004 games. The burden of this cost falls on government (and therefore the taxpayer), companies and individuals. Both Paris and London’s local governments have put aside around £2.4bn which will mean £20 per year extra in tax for every household in the cities. Big projects are notoriously hard to budget for (so much so that London is estimating the total cost may go up by up to 50%) and residents in Los Angeles have only just stopped paying for the over-budget 1984 Olympics through their local taxes. If cities want to regenerate or improve their infrastructure then they should use this money directly on those projects rather than wasting it on subsidising a sporting event. Olympics, hosting costs, bidding process, security costs, government expenditure, taxpayer burden, local government funding, infrastructure investment, budget overruns, cost estimation, urban regeneration, public funding, event subsidies, Olympic budgeting, city finances Olympics, hosting costs, bidding process, security expenses, government funding, taxpayer burden, infrastructure spending, event budgeting, over-budget projects, city regeneration, Olympic costs, stadium investments, event subsidies, government finance, urban development, economic impact Olympics, hosting costs, bidding process, security expenses, government funding, taxpayer burden, infrastructure investment, event budgeting, over-budget expenses, city regeneration, sports event financing, local taxes, economic impact, international bidding, cost overruns Olympics, hosting costs, bidding process, infrastructure investment, security expenses, government expenditure, taxpayer burden, over-budget projects, urban regeneration, sports event funding, city development, event costs, tax implications, sports infrastructure, budget overruns Olympics, hosting costs, bid process, security expenses, government funding, taxpayer burden, city budgets, infrastructure investment, event expenses, over-budget costs, bid costs, event funding, regeneration, urban development, public expenditure, event profitability
test-law-tahglcphsld-con01a	Drugs are dangerous, and the governement should discourage its use  The government has a responsibility to protect its citizens; if a substance will do people and society significant harm, then that substance should be banned. There is no such thing as a safe form of a drug. Legalization can only make drugs purer, and therefore perhaps more deadly and addictive. Many illegal drugs are closely related to potentially dangerous medicines, whose prescription is tightly restricted to trained professionals, but the proposition would effectively be allowing anyone to take anything they wished regardless of the known medical dangers.  However entrenched in modern culture drugs may be, legalising them will only make them appear more acceptable. The state has a duty to send out the right message, and its health campaigns will be fundamentally undermined by the suggestion that drugs are harmless, which is what will be understood from their legalisation – just like when cannabis was downgraded in the UK. drugs, danger, government, regulation, prohibition, safety, legalization, harm, society, addiction, drug purity, illegal drugs, medicines, prescription, medical risks, cultural acceptance, health campaigns, public safety, drug policy, cannabis drug safety, drug legalization, drug prohibition, government responsibility, drug harm, drug addiction, drug regulation, drug dangers, drug control, drug policy, public health, drug risks, drug enforcement, drug legislation, drug safety messages drugs, danger, government, discourage, prohibition, citizen safety, substance harm, banning, drug safety, legalization, drug purity, addiction, illegal drugs, dangerous medicines, prescription restrictions, medical dangers, drug cultural acceptance, health campaigns, drug harm perception, cannabis, UK drugs, danger, government, discourage, protect, citizens, harm, ban, safety, legalization, purity, addiction, illegal drugs, medicines, prescription, professionals, dangers, culture, acceptability, messaging, health campaigns, harmless, cannabis, UK drugs, danger, government, discourage, prohibition, safety, harm, drug ban, legalization, purity, addiction, illegal drugs, dangerous medicines, prescription restrictions, health campaigns, cultural acceptance, legalisation, cannabis, UK
test-culture-cgeeghwmeo-con02a	It specifically denies a rich cultural heritage which is uniquely American of groups that spoke English but not as a first language  Almost no one in the United States knows English, but then chooses not to use it to make some sort of political statement. The language is far too omnipresent in the economy, culture, and everyday life to make such a choice attractive or even sane.  Nor do people generally choose not to learn English. The advantages and opportunities it opens up, and the stigmas and discrimination facing non-English speakers mean that learning English is one of the first things any immigrant is going to try and do.  In reality therefore we are going to be talking about people who can’t speak English, either because they have not learned it yet, or because they can’t learn it. Perhaps they don’t have the time between working two jobs, or perhaps they find it difficult.  In any case, if this policy is simply symbolic it will stigmatize these people. If it goes further, it will actively make their lives worse, and perhaps make it even harder for them to learn English. cultural heritage, American, non-native English speakers, language policy, English learning, immigrant challenges, language discrimination, multilingualism, language accessibility, immigration, socio-economic factors, language stigma, policy impact, language barriers, language education cultural heritage, American groups, non-native English speakers, language policy, linguistic discrimination, immigrant challenges, English learning barriers, symbolic policy, socio-economic factors, language accessibility, multiculturalism, language stigma, integration barriers, bilingualism, linguistic diversity English language, cultural heritage, American identity, non-English speakers, linguistic assimilation, immigrant integration, language policy, language discrimination, language learning barriers, bilingualism, language coverage, socio-economic factors, marginalization, policy impact English language, cultural heritage, American groups, non-native speakers, language policy, linguistic diversity, immigration, bilingualism, language learning, discrimination, stigmatization, language proficiency, language barriers, immigrant challenges, language education, social inclusion cultural heritage, American groups, non-native English speakers, language policy, English language learning, immigration, discrimination, language barrier, bilingualism, cultural identity, socioeconomic factors, language acquisition, social stigma, policy impact, integration
test-society-tsmihwurpp-con02a	Randomly checking passengers’ identities is much safer than allowing terrorists to know in advance who the authorities are seeking.  Making statements in advance as to who is likely to be stopped at airports is the most dangerous action any government could take. There are innumerable ways in which it would be possible to perform a terrorist act, and random checks mean that all possible routes are equally likely to be apprehended.  By contrast, actively and visibly subjecting members of particular ethnic groups to stricter security checks will enable terrorists to determine where surveillance in airports is at its most lax. The most dangerous terrorist groups operate on an international level, recruiting attackers from a wide range of backgrounds and ethnic groups. It would therefore be comparatively easy for an organisation such as al Qaeda to mount an attack using only individuals who do not conform to the authorities’ profile of a potential terrorist.  More importantly random checks mean that all people, regardless of the background, age or appearance are equally deterred from considering criminal or terrorist acts.  On the basis that it would be impossible to search everyone at a major international airport, the deterrence factor offered by random stops is far more effective than searching a tiny proportion of a designated group. random checks, passenger screening, airport security, terrorism prevention, ethnic profiling, surveillance, counterterrorism, security measures, terrorist tactics, international threats, risk mitigation, law enforcement, profiling dangers, security strategy, threat detection random checks, passenger security, terrorism, airport security, identity verification, ethnic profiling, security procedures, terrorist tactics, surveillance, border control, threat detection, preventative security, international terrorism, profiling disadvantages, random screening, security measures, threat deterrence, operational secrecy, counter-terrorism, security assessment random checks, passenger identification, airport security, terrorism prevention, profiling, ethnic profiling, surveillance, security measures, international terrorism, al Qaeda, counterterrorism, security protocols, risk management, security strategy, deterrence, threat detection random checks, passenger identification, airport security, terrorism prevention, profiling, ethnic groups, security measures, surveillance, al Qaeda, international terrorism, deterrence, random screening, security protocols, threat detection, counterterrorism, security effectiveness random checks, passenger identification, airport security, terrorist prevention, profiling, ethnic groups, surveillance, international terrorism, al Qaeda, deterrence, security measures, randomization, threat detection, counterterrorism, security protocols
test-law-sdiflhrdffe-con01a	An amnesty policy will serve only to alienate regimes, shutting down the possibility of discourse or reform  It is a natural conclusion that a repressive regime, which operates largely by force and the control of its population, will react rather negatively to an action by the West that appears to be a calculated, public, and on-going subversion of their power in favour of criminal dissidents. The result of such action by Western democracies will not be any positive discourse between the targeted regime and the West, but will rather cause a breakdown in communication. They will be reticent to engage for the very reason that the states seeking to influence them are clearly not interested in dealing on an equal footing, but rather wish to undermine their way of life in favour of asserting their own superiority. The best way to actually get talks about reform started, and to empower those who wish for more democracy and press freedom, is to patiently engage with these regimes, to coax them peaceably toward reform without threatening their core aims. [1] Aggression toward them will generate aggression in return as is shown again and again by North Korea and the responses to its actions by the United States. While incremental change may feel glacial, the long game is the only way to get changes without letting blood flow through the streets. The only possible outcome of this policy would be a harsher crackdown on bloggers by these governments.  [1] Larison, D. “Engagement is Not Appeasement”. The American Conservative. 17 December 2012. amnesty policy, regimes, discourse, reform, repressive regimes, force, population control, Western democracies, subversion, criminal dissidents, communication breakdown, engagement, reform, press freedom, democracy, diplomacy, negotiation, patience, peaceful engagement, regime change, North Korea, US responses, incremental change, long-term strategy, bloodshed, crackdown, bloggers, authoritarian regimes, international relations, foreign policy, diplomatic strategy, regime stability amnesty, regime alienation, discourse, reform, repression, force, population control, Western influence, subversion, criminal dissidents, communication breakdown, diplomatic engagement, democratization, press freedom, incremental change, patience, non-confrontational diplomacy, North Korea, US responses, peaceful reform, regime stability, crackdown, bloggers, international relations, foreign policy, negotiation, long-term strategy amnesty policy, regimes, discourse, reform, repression, force, population control, Western policy, subversion, criminal dissidents, communication breakdown, engagement, negotiations, democracy, press freedom, patience, peaceful reform, mutual respect, conflict escalation, North Korea, US response, incremental change, long-term strategy, peaceful transition, government crackdown, bloggers, authoritarian regimes amnesty, regimes, diplomacy, discourse, reform, repression, force, power, confrontation, Western democracies, communication breakdown, influence, sovereignty, sovereignty violation, negotiation, engagement, patience, peaceful reform, core aims, aggression, North Korea, US, incremental change, long-term strategy, regime change, citizen repression, press freedom, bloggers, crackdown, foreign policy, international relations, strategy, conflict, diplomacy tactics amnesty policy, regimes, discourse, reform, repression, force, control, Western democracies, subversion, criminal dissidents, communication breakdown, threat, influence, inequality, undermining, sovereignty, peaceable engagement, democracy, press freedom, diplomacy, incremental change, long-term strategy, North Korea, US responses, escalation, crackdown, bloggers, regime stability, foreign policy, international relations
test-politics-dhbanhrnw-pro02a	Nuclear weapons give states valuable agenda-setting power on the international stage  The issues discussed in international forums are largely set by nuclear powers. The permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council, for example, is composed only of nuclear powers, the same states that had nuclear weapons at the end of World War II. If all countries possess nuclear weapons, they redress the imbalance with regard to international clout, at least to the extent to which military capacity shapes states’ interactions with each other. [1] Furthermore, the current world order is grossly unfair, based on the historical anachronism of the post-World War II era. The nuclear powers, wanting to retain their position of dominance in the wake of the post-war chaos, sought to entrench their position, convincing smaller nations to sign up to non-proliferation agreements and trying to keep the nuclear club exclusive. It is only right, in terms of fairness that states not allow themselves the ability to possess certain arms while denying that right to others. Likewise, it is unfair in that it denies states, particularly those incapable of building large conventional militaries, the ability to defend themselves, relegating them to an inferior status on the world stage. [2] To finally level the international playing field and allow equal treatment to all members of the congress of nations, states must have the right to develop nuclear weapons.  [1] Fearon, James D. 1994. “Signaling Versus the Balance of Power and Interests: An Empirical Test of a Crisis Bargaining Model”. Journal of Conflict Resolution 38(2).  [2] Betts, Richard K. 1987. Nuclear blackmail and nuclear balance. Washington, D.C.: Brookings Institution. nuclear weapons, international power, agenda-setting, UN Security Council, nuclear powers, global influence, post-World War II order, nuclear proliferation, military capacity, international fairness, sovereignty, defense, global justice, international relations, security, non-proliferation, balance of power, military strength, fairness, equality, sovereignty rights nuclear weapons, international influence, agenda-setting, United Nations Security Council, nuclear powers, global power balance, post-World War II, non-proliferation, nuclear club, fairness, military capacity, international order, sovereignty, defense rights, power imbalance, global security, nuclear proliferation, strategic stability, international diplomacy, power politics nuclear weapons, international power, agenda-setting, international forums, UN Security Council, nuclear states, post-World War II, world order, global imbalance, military capacity, non-proliferation, nuclear club, fairness, sovereignty, defense, conventional military, international equality, power dynamics, security, nuclear proliferation, global security, fairness in arms, defense rights, sovereignty, international relations nuclear weapons, international power, agenda-setting, United Nations Security Council, nuclear proliferation, world order, post-World War II, global fairness, military capacity, international influence, sovereign rights, non-proliferation agreements, nuclear club, defense rights, power imbalance, conventional military, international equality, global security, military deterrence, nuclear deterrence, international diplomacy Nuclear weapons, international power, agenda-setting, United Nations Security Council, nuclear proliferation, global order, post-World War II, military capacity, fairness, non-proliferation, nuclear club, sovereignty, defense, international equality, nuclear deterrence, balance of power, crisis bargaining, blackmail, national security
test-religion-cmrsgfhbr-con03a	Any body of values that claims to respect the rights of the individual must recognise the right of a woman to choose  Even the doctrines of the Church accepts that pregnancy is not, in and of itself, a virtue – there is no compulsion to maximise the number of pregnancies; there is simply a disagreement about how they should be avoided. The Church recommends that couples may minimise the chance without ever making it impossible through a chemical or physical barrier.  In some parts of the world a pregnancy, even one that is not planned, is seen as a time for joy – a blessing for the family that will lead to a new and happy life bringing pleasure to both parents, their society and the child. That ideal is very far from the experience of much of the world where a child is another mouth to feed on impossibly little income. For all too much of the world, that life will be cruel, nasty and short. In slums, favellas and barren wastes that life is likely to be one marked more by dysentery or diarrhea, malnutrition and misery than by the sanitised, idealised image promoted in the West. That is, of course, not to say that children everywhere cannot be a cause for joy, of course they can. Indeed even within the poorest of situations, a new child can be the focus of great joy in an otherwise hard life.  However, if that is to be the case, that child must be planned and prepared for. Overwhelmingly, the mother is likely to have paramount responsibility for the child; so that planning and preparation needs to be theirs. It is difficult to imagine the scenario that would reach the objective observer to reach the conclusion that the right group of individuals to reach that decision were a group of celibate men who had never met the parents and would take to role in the care or support of the child. Yet that, astonishingly, is what Proposition would like us to believe. rights, individual, woman's choice, pregnancy, doctrines, Church, contraception, family planning, joy, life, poverty, malnutrition, child welfare, motherhood, planning, preparation, responsibility, societal values, moral debate rights, individual, woman, choice, doctrines, Church, pregnancy, virtue, avoidance, contraception, family, joy, blessing, society, children, poverty, malnutrition, misery, planning, preparation, motherhood, responsibility, decision-making, authority, ethics, reproductive rights rights, individual, woman, choice, church, pregnancy, virtue, contraception, family, joy, life, poverty, malnutrition, misery, children, planning, preparation, motherhood, responsibility, decision-making, societal values, reproductive rights, population, ethics, gender, morality individual rights, women's rights, pregnancy, reproductive rights, church doctrines, family planning, contraception, unplanned pregnancy, societal views, joy of children, poverty, malnutrition, sanitation, child mortality, planning, maternal responsibility, societal roles, contraceptive methods, ethical debates, reproductive autonomy, pro-choice, moral philosophy, gender roles, societal impact rights, individual, women's rights, pregnancy, Church doctrine, family planning, contraception, pregnancy prevention, societal attitudes, cultural beliefs, child welfare, family planning, reproductive rights, poverty, child mortality, maternal responsibility, societal norms, moral dilemmas, religious views, pro-choice, pro-life, population control, global health, ethics, fertility, pregnancy planning
test-society-cpisydfphwj-con02a	Facebook has some dangerous consequences  Facebook is becoming more and more integrated into our lives, but unfortunately the uncertainty of who is at the other end of the computer is proving to be a massive threat to our mental and physical safety.  First of all, undoubtedly, rape is one of the most serious and unforgiveable crimes anyone can commit, as it leaves permanent physical and mental scars on women. Unfortunately, Facebook is used by troubled men to take advantage of naive women. They use Facebook in order to get in touch with their victims (often posing as someone who he is not), and after they get to know each other, after he gained the victims trust he deceives her into meeting him, a mistake she’ll regret forever. As physical integrity is one of the rights most fundamental rights, and as Facebook is facilitating the violation of this right, it is absolutely clear that these social networks are detrimental to the society.(1)(2)  Secondly, another level on which Facebook is harmful is cyber bullying. It affects many adolescents and teens on a daily basis. Cyber bullying involves using technology to bully or harass another person. Sending mean Facebook messages or threats to a person, spreading rumours online or posting hurtful or threatening messages on social networking sites are just a few of the ways in which a lot of children get bullied every single day.  “Despite the potential damage of cyber bullying, it is alarmingly common among adolescents and teens. According to Cyber bullying statistics from the i-SAFE foundation:  Over half of adolescents and teens have been bullied online, and about the same number have engaged in cyber bullying. More than 1 in 3 young people have experienced cyberthreats online.”(3)  (1) Justin Davenport “Hunt for ‘Facebook rapists’ before they can strike again” London Evening Standard, 15 November 2012   (2) “Two men gang-rape girl in Kota after befriending her on Facebook”, Times of India, Aug 21, 2013   (3) Bullying Statistics Facebook, social media, online safety, cybercrime, online predators, mental health, physical safety, cyberbullying, adolescents, teens, online harassment, cyber threats, privacy violations, online grooming, data privacy, digital safety, mental scars, physical assault, harmful content, online threats, cyber harassment, victim protection, cyber laws, social network dangers Facebook, social media, online safety, cybercrime, sexual assault, rape, online predators, identity deception, physical safety, mental health, cyber bullying, adolescents, teenagers, harassment, threats, rumors, harmful messages, digital harassment, online threats, cyber threats, vulnerability, privacy violations, societal impact, digital safety, youth, mental scars, physical scars, social networks Facebook, dangers, online safety, mental health, physical safety, cybercrime, sexual assault, grooming, online predators, social media risks, privacy, trust deception, meeting strangers, rape prevention, cyber bullying, adolescents, teenagers, harassment, online threats, rumours, hurtful messages, social network abuse, cyber threats, statistics, cyber harassment, youth safety Facebook, social media, online safety, cybercrime, cyber harassment, cyberbullying, mental health, physical safety, online predators, sextortion, trust deception, gender violence, rape, sexual assault, internet safety, privacy issues, online grooming, adolescent safety, teens, cyber threats, hate speech, online harassment, social networks, digital safety, bullying statistics Facebook, social media, dangers, mental health, physical safety, online predators, grooming, deception, trust, rape, sexual assault, cyberbullying, harassment, adolescents, teens, threats, rumors, hurtful messages, online abuse, statistics, i-SAFE, victimization, cyberthreats, mental scars, physical scars, societal impact
test-international-aghwrem-con02a	The international community and political legitimacy  The military-controlled government in Myanmar clearly does not have popular domestic support - otherwise the artificial election process would not have been necessary. Therefore, it derives its strength from the fact that many international players other than the US and the EU have continued to recognise it, while there is historic precedent for concerted international opinion having influenced illegitimate regimes (Haiti and South Africa, for instance). Having a nationalised economy increases the control the military has over trade and investment, while a majority of the country finds itself in poverty. The choice for the international community is between continuing to strengthen the military by engaging with it, or by disengaging (like the EU and the US) until the ruling elite runs out of resources and options. The former option does not give hope to any real democratic reform, while the latter option would take away the legitimacy of the government in the international arena. international community, political legitimacy, Myanmar, military-controlled government, domestic support, election process, international recognition, US, EU, international opinion, illegitimate regimes, Haiti, South Africa, nationalised economy, military control, trade, investment, poverty, international engagement, sanctions, democratic reform, legitimacy international community, political legitimacy, Myanmar, military-controlled government, domestic support, artificial election, international recognition, US, EU, historic precedent, illegitimate regimes, Haiti, South Africa, nationalised economy, military control, trade, investment, poverty, international engagement, disengagement, EU, US, democratic reform, government legitimacy international community, political legitimacy, Myanmar, military-controlled government, domestic support, artificial election, international recognition, US, EU, historic precedent, international opinion, illegitimate regimes, Haiti, South Africa, nationalised economy, military control, trade, investment, poverty, disengagement, engagement, democratic reform, legitimacy international community, political legitimacy, Myanmar, military-controlled government, domestic support, artificial election, international recognition, US, EU, historic precedent, illegitimate regimes, Haiti, South Africa, nationalised economy, trade, investment, poverty, international engagement, disengagement, democratic reform, government legitimacy international community, political legitimacy, Myanmar, military-controlled government, popular support, election process, international recognition, US, EU, international opinion, illegitimate regimes, Haiti, South Africa, nationalised economy, military control, trade, investment, poverty, disengagement, engagement, democratic reform, legitimacy
test-international-aahwstdrtfm-pro04a	Cannot avoid dealing with a UNSC member  The PRC is a member of the United Nations Security Council and as such is one of the key members of the UN. It is therefore difficult for countries to avoid dealing with it. The Pacific island of Tonga’s switched recognition because it feared the PRC would veto its membership of the UN. [1] São Tomé is already a member but that does not mean the PRC can’t cause problems in the international body; it clearly has the ability to scupper any initiative São Tomé wishes to pursue. Similarly in other international institutions while the PRC does not wield as much power as it does in the UN it still has considerably more influence than Taiwan; this includes over some organisations that provide aid such as the World Bank and IMF. São Tomé therefore must deal with the PRC, this being the case it should not let recognition get in the way.  [1] Fossen, Anthony Van, ‘The Struggle for Recognition: Diplomatic Competition between China and Taiwan in Oceania’, The Journal of Chinese Political Science, Col.12, No.2, 2007,  , p.4 UNSC, PRC, China, United Nations, Security Council, international relations, diplomatic recognition, Tonga, São Tomé, international institutions, World Bank, IMF, influence, veto, membership, recognition, diplomatic competition, China-Taiwan, Oceania, aid organizations UNSC, China, PRC, United Nations, Security Council, international relations, Tonga, recognition, veto, São Tomé, international organizations, influence, Taiwan, aid organizations, World Bank, IMF, diplomatic recognition, diplomatic competition, Oceania, international diplomacy United Nations Security Council, PRC, China, international relations, UN membership, diplomatic recognition, Tonga, São Tomé, veto power, international organizations, influence, Taiwan, aid organizations, World Bank, IMF, diplomatic competition, Oceania, recognition struggle UNSC, PRC, United Nations, Security Council, international relations, diplomacy, recognition, Tonga, São Tomé, Taiwan, international organizations, influence, veto power, aid organizations, World Bank, IMF, diplomatic competition, Chinese politics, Oceania, diplomatic recognition, international diplomacy United Nations Security Council, UNSC, China, PRC, People's Republic of China, Taiwan, international recognition, diplomacy, veto power, member states, Tonga, São Tomé, international institutions, influence, aid organizations, World Bank, IMF, diplomatic competition, recognition struggles, Oceania, international diplomacy, geopolitical influence
test-international-epvhwhranet-con02a	If all member states held a referendum on all EU treaties nothing would get passed.  The pure size and logistics of the European Union is such that if every member state had to hold a referendum on all EU Treaties, no EU Treaties would get enacted. It is too likely that one of the member states will vote against a motion. The EU should be able to vote on issues without consulting the citizens of all member states, in the UK legislation is voted on in parliament which is made of constituency representatives. The concept for government's voting in representation of their countries within the EU is the same. Furthermore the UK did not hold a referendum on the war with Iraq, so why should a referendum be held for issues of lesser importance. EU treaties, member states, referendums, EU legislation, voting, representation, logistics, decision-making, sovereignty, UK Parliament, Iraq war, referendum necessity, EU governance, democratic processes, citizen participation EU treaties, referendums, member states, EU legislation, voting, representation, government, UK Parliament, citizen consultation, EU decision-making, treaty ratification, national sovereignty, EU accession, public opinion, parliamentary voting, Iraq war, referendum policy EU treaties, referendums, member states, voting, legislation, representation, European Union, UK Parliament, consensus, decision-making, governance, sovereignty, referendum necessity, EU enlargement, policy approval, political legitimacy, national sovereignty, EU decision process EU treaties, referendums, member states, European Union, legislation, voting, representation, UK parliament, sovereignty, decision-making, EU enlargement, democratic process, referendum logic, policy approval, international treaties EU treaties, referendums, member states, EU legislation, voting process, representation, UK parliament, decision-making, referendum debates, sovereignty, EU enlargement, democratic legitimacy, European Union governance, member state approval, decision approval process
test-economy-beghwbh-pro03a	The Hyperloop will be a low cost system for the user  The Hyperloop would be the cheapest mode of intercity transport possible. “Transporting 7.4million people each way and amortizing the cost of $6 billion over 20 years gives a ticket price of $20 for a one-way trip for the passenger version of Hyperloop.” [1] There are very few additional costs. Usually the main cost for transportation beyond the infrastructure is the energy but the Hyperloop produces more energy than it uses so would make a profit here. There would be additional maintenance costs and some minor staff costs but this is unlikely to add too much to the ticket price. The Hyperloop would therefore be very price competitive compared to the $100 and up for flights.  [1] Musk, Elon, ‘Hyperloop Alpha’, SpaceX, 12 August 2013,  p.56 Hyperloop, low cost, intercity transport, passenger transportation, cost analysis, infrastructure, ticket price, amortization, energy efficiency, profit, maintenance costs, staff costs, price competitiveness, flights, Elon Musk, SpaceX Hyperloop, low cost, intercity transport, infrastructure, ticket price, amortization, energy efficiency, maintenance costs, staff costs, price competitiveness, Elon Musk, SpaceX Hyperloop, intercity transport, low cost, ticket price, infrastructure costs, energy efficiency, maintenance costs, staff costs, profitability, competition, Elon Musk, Hyperloop Alpha, SpaceX Hyperloop, low cost, intercity transportation, ticket price, infrastructure, energy efficiency, maintenance costs, staff costs, profit, competition, Elon Musk, SpaceX, Hyperloop Alpha Hyperloop, low cost, intercity transport, ticket price, infrastructure costs, energy efficiency, maintenance costs, staff costs, profit, competition, Elon Musk, Hyperloop Alpha, SpaceX
test-culture-thbcsbptwhht-pro01a	Compensation rights a wrong  Compensation is a basic principle of justice in any legal system. By definition it can be given to those who have had harm to reputation or dignity, emotional distress and loss of opportunities, including potential earnings. It is important to give compensation as it provides something for those who have suffered from disadvantages as a result of someone else’s actions, and it therefore helps to level out the playing field. Cultural appropriation causes clear harms – lost business, less awareness of that culture, and a feeling of inferiority. Theoretically, compensation is also beneficial as Rawls believes that it achieves 'some of the intent' of the principle of redress. This is in line with an egalitarian point of view [1]. While individual cases of cultural appropriation may not intend to harm they have an externality of harm by damaging the culture and identity as a while. This is in much the same way that those polluting often don’t intend harm, just to make a profit.  [1] Gaus, Gerald F., ‘Does Compensation Restore Equality’, Compensatory Justice, Vol.33, 1991, pp.45-81, compensation, justice, legal system, harm, reputation, dignity, emotional distress, opportunities, earnings, disadvantages, actions, leveling, cultural appropriation, harms, lost business, cultural awareness, inferiority, Redress, Rawls, egalitarian, externality, damage, culture, identity, external harm, profit, compensatory justice compensation, rights, justice, legal system, harm, reputation, dignity, emotional distress, opportunity loss, earnings, redress, cultural appropriation, harms, economic impact, cultural identity, externalities, egalitarianism, Rawls, Gaus, reparations, cultural justice, social equity, external harm, distributive justice compensation, justice, legal system, harm, reputation, dignity, emotional distress, opportunities, earnings, disadvantages, actions, leveling, cultural appropriation, harms, lost business, cultural awareness, inferiority, Rawls, redress, egalitarian, externality, culture, identity, pollution, profit, compensatory justice compensation, justice, legal system, harm, reputation, dignity, emotional distress, opportunities, earnings, disadvantages, actions, leveling, cultural appropriation, harms, lost business, cultural awareness, inferiority, redress, Rawls, egalitarian, externality, culture, identity, pollution, profit, compensatory justice Compensation, justice, legal system, harm, reputation, dignity, emotional distress, opportunities, earnings, disadvantages, actions, leveling, cultural appropriation, harms, lost business, cultural awareness, inferiority, redress, Rawls, egalitarianism, externality, culture, identity, pollution, profit, Gaus
test-free-speech-debate-magghbcrg-con02a	Radio is yesterday’s technology.  Proposition is right to point out the role that has traditionally been filled by relatively small scale radio – providing a relatively cheap method of getting in touch with anybody willing to listen. However, that has, effectively, been rendered redundant by Internet technology. The power of Facebook, Youtube and other sites to disseminate ideas and information as well as phone texting has not only matched that role but surpassed it.  With no capital costs in an era of internet cafes and omnipresent cell phones, the free exchange of information through digital and portable technology has met exactly the needs and concerns Proposition highlights. [i]  Suggesting that community radio will somehow supplement or enhance that process it taking a step backwards; support for the relatively monolithic radio model runs all of the risks of empowering extremists already mentioned without even equalling the benefits of texting and social media [ii] .  [i] Helling, Alex, ‘This House would use foreign aid funds to research and distribute software that allows bloggers and journalists in non democratic countries to evade censorship and conceal their online activities’, freespeechdebate.idebate.org, 18 May 2012.  [ii] Hood, Michael, NPR CEO: Internet will replace broadcast radio in 5-10 years. Blatherwatch, 3 June 2010. radio, internet, social media, Facebook, Youtube, digital communication, portable technology, community radio, broadcast radio, censorship, bloggers, journalists, encryption, online activism, information dissemination, mobile phones, internet cafes, communication technology, media evolution, digital democracy radio, internet, social media, Facebook, YouTube, digital technology, portable technology, texting, community radio, censorship, online activities, non-democratic countries, broadcasting, technology evolution, communication, media channels, digital communication, social networking, media transformation, information dissemination radio, technology, internet, social media, Facebook, YouTube, texting, digital communication, portable devices, community radio, censorship, online privacy, digital activism, information dissemination, democratic countries, media evolution, broadcast radio, extremist influence, internet cafes, capital costs radio, internet, social media, Facebook, YouTube, texting, digital technology, portable technology, community radio, censorship, online censorship, mobile phones, information dissemination, media evolution, technological redundancy, democratization of information, media models, extremist risks, non-democratic countries, software, blogging, journalism, foreign aid, communication tools radio, internet, social media, Facebook, YouTube, texting, community radio, digital technology, portable devices, communication, information dissemination, censorship, online privacy, non-democratic countries, independent journalism, broadcast replacement, technology evolution, media democratization
test-economy-bepighbdb-con02a	Development is about more than economic growth  Amartya Sen has argued that “the removal of substantial unfreedoms […] is constitutive of development [in so far as give people] the opportunity of exercising their reasoned agency [1] ”. In a broader sense, democracy is necessary for a developed society because a precondition of a developed society is for that society to be able to decide for itself what its objectives are. It is society as a whole that needs to define what it considers to be development. The Myanmar under the junta may have considered its goals to be a strong military showing that Burma was developed. But without the citizenry agreeing this would not make Burma a strong state. Quite the opposite the lack of freedoms would show the country is not actually developed. Development means more than economic growth, it has to include other indicators as in the Human Development Index, but also things that are not even captured by that measurement such as freedom of speech.  Economic growth and GDP are even worse at demonstrating which countries are developed. Development only occurs when the wealth, and the choices it brings, reaches the people which is why Equatorial Guinea is not a developed nation despite its high income. Even in the economic realm therefore it is not just the absolute growth that matters but how it is distributed. Przeworski and Limongi show that from 1951-1990 dictatorships had higher growth rates than democracies (4.42% against 3.95%) yet the growth rate in GDP per capita was higher in democracies (2.46% against 2%). [2]  [1] Sen, A. (1999). Development as Freedom. Oxford: Oxfor University Press. p. xii  [2] Przeworski, Adam and Fernando Limongi, 1997a; in M. ANTIĆ: “Democracy versus Dictatorship: The Influence of Political Regime on GDP Per Capita Growth”. EKONOMSKI PREGLED, 55 (9-10) pp. 773-803 (2004) development, economic growth, Amartya Sen, unfreedoms, reasoned agency, democracy, society, objectives, Myanmar, junta, military, freedoms, development indicators, Human Development Index, freedom of speech, GDP, wealth, choices, inequality, Equatorial Guinea, income, distribution, dictatorships, democracies, GDP per capita, political regime development, economic growth, Amartya Sen, freedoms, agency, democracy, society, objectives, citizenry, development indicators, human development index, freedom of speech, GDP, income distribution, wealth, choices, Equatorial Guinea, dictatorship, democracy, GDP per capita, political regime development, economic growth, Amartya Sen, freedoms, agency, democracy, society, objectives, country, junta, Burma, citizenry, freedoms, development indicators, Human Development Index, freedom of speech, GDP, economic measurements, wealth distribution, Equatorial Guinea, income, growth rate, GDP per capita, dictatorships, democracies, political regime development, economic growth, Amartya Sen, unfreedoms, reasoned agency, democracy, societal self-determination, citizenry, freedoms, Myanmar, junta, Burma, military, development indicators, Human Development Index, freedom of speech, GDP, wealth distribution, inequality, Equatorial Guinea, democracy, dictatorship, growth rates, income, political regime development, economic growth, Amartya Sen, freedoms, agency, democracy, societal objectives, citizenry, human development index, freedom of speech, GDP, wealth distribution, development indicators, dictatorship, democracy, GDP per capita, political regime
test-economy-egiahbwaka-pro03a	There is greater potential for African women  There is great potential in educating African women. Two out of three illiterate Africans are women. In 1996 the countries with the highest illiteracy rates in women are Burkina Faso with a staggering 91.1%, Sierra Leone with 88.7%, Guinea with 86.6% and Chad with 82.1% of women illiterate [1] . The situation is however improving. Women are starting to reach their educational potential: by 2011 the illiteracy rate among female youth (15-24) had dropped to 52% in Sierra Leone, 22% in Guinea and 42% in Chad. [2]  Women in Africa are becoming much better educated. This means they are much more likely to be able to reach their full potential in the economy. Education provides opportunities as educated women will be better able to work in the manufacturing or services sectors. They will also be much more capable of setting up and running their own businesses or organisations. As a more educated cohort of women enters the workforce they will have a much greater effect on the economy than women have had in the past.  [1] ‘The role of Women in Post-independent Africa’, African Women Culture, 29 April 2011,   [2] UNESCO Institute of Statistics, ‘Literacy rate, youth female (% of females ages 15-24)’, data.worldbank.org, 2009-2013, African women, female literacy, gender equality, education, economic empowerment, illiteracy rates, youth literacy, women's education, female workforce, economic development, female entrepreneurship, post-independence Africa, UNESCO statistics, literacy improvement, gender gaps, educational potential African women, women's literacy, female education, gender inequality, illiteracy rates, educational potential, economic empowerment, female youth literacy, Africa education statistics, gender gap, workforce participation, women entrepreneurship, development, literacy improvement, gender equality, economic impact, post-independence Africa, UNESCO data, regional disparities African women, women's education, female literacy, illiteracy rates, gender gap, economic empowerment, female workforce, female entrepreneurship, youth literacy, education statistics, gender equality, economic development, post-independence Africa, UNESCO data, literacy improvement, developing countries, women's potential African women, female literacy, gender gap, educational potential, illiteracy rates, youth literacy, Africa education, women's empowerment, economic impact, gender equality, developing countries, literacy statistics, educational attainment, female workforce, entrepreneurship, youth education, UNESCO statistics, gender disparity, African development, women's rights, socio-economic factors African women, female literacy, illiteracy rates, education, economic empowerment, women's education, gender equality, youth literacy, Africa, women's potential, economic development, female workforce, female entrepreneurship, education progress, literacy improvement, African countries, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Chad, Burkina Faso, gender disparity, workforce participation
test-politics-cdfsaphgiap-pro01a	The head of state/government must be accountable to the people  Secrecy in relation to the leader’s health shows a distrust or distain of the electorate. Not being open about health issues almost invariably means that the administration is lying to those who elected them, those who they are accountable to. A couple of days before John Atta Mills died Nii Lantey Vanderpuye a candidate for Mills’ party stated “He [Mills] is stronger and healthier than any presidential candidate”, information that in retrospect was clearly untrue. 1  1 Takyi-Boadu, Charles, ‘Confusion Hits Mills’, Modern Ghana, 21 July 2012, accountability, transparency, secrecy, leadership, trust, health, electorate, government, honesty, political integrity, public trust, misinformation, political accountability, public health, political communication head of state, government accountability, electorate trust, secrecy, leader’s health, transparency, distrust, administration honesty, electoral integrity, political transparency, leadership trust, health disclosures, political deception, duty to the people, political honesty accountability, transparency, secrecy, leadership, health, trust, electorate, governance, honesty, political integrity, misinformation, political accountability, public trust, political communication accountability, transparency, secrecy, leadership, trust, electorate, health, governance, honesty, political integrity, political accountability, political transparency, lie, political disclosure, public trust head of state, government accountability, secrecy, transparency, health disclosure, electorate trust, political deception, leadership integrity, election honesty, political communication, Ghana politics, John Atta Mills, Nii Lantey Vanderpuye
test-economy-bepahbtsnrt-pro01a	Vulnerable to unrest  Relying on tourism ensures that the economy is at the mercy of unrest. The violence and break down in law and order following the Tunisian revolution resulted in a notable decrease in tourists as tourists were unwilling to visit an area which they view as dangerous. This is demonstrated by the footfall of tourists which declined from 6,487,000 in 2010 to 4,456,000 in 2011 1. The increase in attacks by Salafists, a conservative sect of Islam which promotes Sharia law and has attacked tourist destinations, has dissuaded many potential visitors2. This has been exacerbated by government travel information which generally advises against visiting regions during periods of unrest, especially for Westerners who are perceived as profitable targets for ransom3. The resultant decrease in tourists reduces revenue, making tourism an unreliable industry for Tunisia.  1) African Manager, ‘Tunisia-Tourism: Clear Improvement, but a timid pace!’, data accessed 24 January 2014  2) Whewell,T. ‘Justice kiosk: Tunisia’s alternative law enforces’, BBC, 30 July 2013  3) Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade ‘Kidnapping threat worldwide’ Vulnerability, unrest, tourism dependence, economic impact, law and order, Tunisian revolution, tourist decline, violence, security, Salafists, Sharia law, attacks, tourist destinations, travel advisory, Western tourists, ransom, revenue loss, tourism industry, Tunisia vulnerability, unrest, tourism, economic reliance, violence, law and order, Tunisian revolution, tourist decline, tourists, attacks, Salafists, Sharia law, terrorism, security threats, government travel advisories, Western tourists, ransom, revenue loss, unreliable industry, Tunisia, tourist destinations, violent incidents, social stability, political instability vulnerability, unrest, tourism, economic reliance, violence, law enforcement, Tunisian revolution, tourist decline, tourist footfall, attacks, Salafists, Sharia law, tourist destinations, government travel advisories, Westerners, ransom, revenue, unreliable industry Vulnerability, unrest, tourism dependency, economic risk, law and order, Tunisian revolution, tourist decline, violence, safety concerns, terrorist attacks, Salafists, Sharia law, targeted tourists, government travel advisories, Western tourists, ransom threats, tourist revenue, industry unreliability, Tunisia economy unrest, tourism, economy, Tunisia, violence, law and order, Tunisian revolution, tourist decline, attacks, Salafists, Sharia law, tourism destinations, government travel advisory, Western tourists, ransom, tourism revenue, unreliable industry
test-philosophy-elhbrd-con03a	There is a risk that even a free choice may have some coercion involved.  By far the biggest worry is that a right to die will create a silent form of coercion that cannot be detected. In the West’s increasingly elderly society the role of older people in that society, their value and their continuing contribution is all too likely to be masked by the issue of the cost placed on those of working age. Even where older people do not face pressure from their families, society needs to be aware of this wider narrative. Such a narrative will slowly create a norm where the elderly feel that they are a burden and it is expected that they will exercise their right to die. The ‘choice’ will remain and they will even think it a choice free of coercion but will exercise their right not because they really want to die but because they feel it is what they ought to do, once the right to die is completely normalised those exercising it may not even consider that what they are doing is not really of their free will. Perceiving oneself as a burden is already a common cause of suicide [i] and would certainly increase if it were to no longer be considered taboo. Not having a right to die will not stop arguments about the burden placed on the working members of society by the elderly but it will stop this going any further towards the creation of a culture where individuals consider it normal that they should die when they feel they are a burden.  [i] Joiner, Thomas E. et al., ‘The Psychology and Neurobiology of Suicidal Behaviour’, Annual Review of Psychology, 10 September 2004, p.304 . right to die, coercion, elderly society, aging population, societal norms, social pressure, burden on society, euthanasia, autonomy, free will, societal value, demographic shifts, cultural taboos, suicide risk, social narratives, ageism, mental health, social expectations right to die, coercion, elderly society, social pressure, normative aging, elder burden, euthanasia, autonomy, societal values, societal norms, ageism, suicidal behavior, free will, societal impact, ethical considerations right to die, coercion, elderly, societal values, aging population, societal burden, voluntary euthanasia, social pressure, autonomy, death normalization, social norms, elder abuse, mental health, suicide, societal cost, cultural attitudes, bioethics, decision-making, taboo, societal narrative right to die, coercion, elderly society, societal norms, ageism, burden perception, assisted dying, euthanasia, social influence, societal pressure, suicide, mental health, social norms, taboo, free will, autonomous choice, societal costs, elder rights, societal narrative risk, coercion, right to die, elderly, societal values, societal pressure, cultural norms, autonomy, freedom of choice, societal burden, mental health, elder care, societal narratives, taboo, suicide, social perception, ethical issues, normalization, psychological factors
test-economy-thsptr-con05a	The aim of taxation should be to provide equality of opportunity, not of outcom  Taxation should not be about trying to engineer a more equal society. The purpose of taxes is to furnish necessary services people need to become competitive free agents in the economy. Progressive taxes take unduly from some to give to others in the hope of fostering social equality. Yet such efforts can only be harmful, as they breed resentment from rich toward the poor for taking undue amounts of their wealth for their consumption, and feelings of entitlement from poor who feel the wealthy owe them the money they pay, and thus feel happy to levy ever more odious taxes from them. [1] Society is best served by promoting a system of taxation that fosters equality of opportunity, by providing essential services to which everyone contributes in accordance with their ability to pay. This is better serviced through a system of flat-taxes, such as in Russia where there is a flat tax of 13%, [2] that promote a system of proportionality in taxation, rather than progressive taxes that focus unduly upon the contributions of the few to the many.  [1] The Frugal Libertarian. “Immorality of Progressive Income Tax”. Nolan Chart. 2008. Available:   [2] Mardell, Mark, ‘Pros and cons of Rick Perry’s flat tax plan’, BBC News, 26 October 2011, taxation, equality of opportunity, social equality, progressive taxes, flat tax, proportionality, society, economic fairness, wealth redistribution, income tax, tax policy, taxation system, social justice, economic efficiency, tax contribution, fiscal policy, wealth, taxation debate taxation, equality of opportunity, inequality, social equality, progressive taxes, flat taxes, proportional taxation, economic fairness, social justice, taxation system, wealth redistribution, income tax, tax policy, fiscal equality, public services, economic opportunity, tax resentment, flat tax Russia, flat tax benefits taxation, equality of opportunity, social equality, progressive taxes, flat tax, proportionality, economic fairness, tax system, redistribution, wealth inequality, social cohesion, taxation policy, economic competitiveness taxation, equality of opportunity, social equality, progressive taxes, flat tax, proportionality, economic efficiency, social justice, income redistribution, wealth, income taxes, fairness, taxation policy, economic freedom, social resentment, income inequality, flat tax systems, taxation debate, government services, ability to pay taxation, equality of opportunity, societal equality, economic services, free agency, progressive taxes, social inequality, resentment, wealth redistribution, entitlement, flat tax, proportionality, flat-tax systems, tax fairness, economic contributions, taxation policy, social justice, economic mobility, flat tax Russia, tax debate
test-society-asfhwapg-pro01a	Genes are intellectual property thus patentable  The patenting office stipulates that a successful patent applicant must have found something in nature, isolated it, and found a way to make something useful with it.The genome research of companies satisfies these criteria, so why should it be any different? The genome companies have invested resources to create intellectual property (patents), which refers to “creations of the mind.” Under US law includes intellectual property inventions, literary and artistic works, symbols, names, images, designs, and trade secrets. The law states, that any person who “invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof, may obtain a patent.” In biomedicine the patentable inventions include materials, such as new drugs or new cell lines, and methods for deriving or growing them, such as extraction or cloning techniques.1  1. Merz J., Mildred K., What are gene patents and Why are people worried about them ?, Community Genetics 2005 genes, intellectual property, patentability, patent law, genome research, genome companies, inventions, discoveries, isolated substances, useful processes, biomedicine, materials, drugs, cell lines, cloning techniques, extraction, new methods, patent criteria, trade secrets, legal definitions, biological inventions, genome patents genes, intellectual property, patentability, patent laws, genome research, biotech patents, invention, discovery, useful process, genome companies, resources, intangible assets, statutory law, patent criteria, biomedicine, patentable inventions, materials, drugs, cell lines, extraction methods, cloning techniques genes, intellectual property, patentability, patenting office, natural discoveries, gene isolation, useful inventions, genome research, genome companies, patents, creations of the mind, US law, inventions, discoveries, process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, biomedicine, patentable inventions, materials, drugs, cell lines, extraction, cloning techniques, gene patents genes, intellectual property, patent, patenting office, natural discovery, isolation, usefulness, genome research, patents, law, inventions, literary works, artistic works, symbols, names, images, designs, trade secrets, invention, discovery, process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, improvement, biomedicine, materials, drugs, cell lines, derivation methods, cloning techniques genes, intellectual property, patentable, patenting, genome research, patent criteria, genome companies, creations of the mind, US law, inventions, discoveries, processes, machines, compositions of matter, improvements, biomedicine, patentable inventions, materials, drugs, cell lines, extraction, cloning techniques
test-international-siacphbnt-con03a	Technology remains insecure and a security risk.  The internet remains at risk. Cybersecurity is a key concern, and the prevalence of hacking events across Africa identifies the need to promote security for the new digital users. Cyber-crime costs the Kenyan government around Ksh.2 billion (Mutegi, 2013); and affects around 70% of South Africans. In order to encourage more users in technology their safety, against fraud, hacking, and identity theft, needs to be prioritised. Without security technology can’t help entrepreneurs as customer details, business plans etc can’t be kept private. cybersecurity, internet security, hacking, cybercrime, digital safety, Africa, Kenya, South Africa, fraud prevention, identity theft, security technology, digital users, online safety, data privacy, cybersecurity threats, cyber attacks, entrepreneurship, business security cybersecurity, internet security, hacking, cybercrime, digital safety, Africa, Kenya, South Africa, identity theft, fraud prevention, security technology, entrepreneurship, data privacy, cyber threats, online safety, digital users, security risks cybersecurity, internet security, hacking, cybercrime, digital safety, Kenya, South Africa, fraud prevention, identity theft, security technology, digital users, business privacy, cyber threat, online safety, security risks, digital entrepreneurship cybersecurity, internet security, hacking, cybercrime, digital safety, Africa, Kenya, South Africa, identity theft, privacy, security technology, digital users, fraud prevention, data protection, online safety, entrepreneurial security technology, cybersecurity, internet security, hacking, cybercrime, Africa, Kenya, South Africa, digital safety, fraud, identity theft, security technology, entrepreneurs, data privacy, digital users
test-law-ralhrilglv-pro03a	Interferes with a democratic mandate  Unlike many of the other ICC defendants, Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto have a democratic mandate from elections that “represented the will of the voters” [1] – electoral mandates given to them after their indictment by the International Criminal Court.  This must be respected by the ICC and the international community as a whole: even though they are suspected of crimes against humanity by a foreign court.  [1] European Union Election Observation Mission To Kenya, General Elections 2013 :Final Report, democratic mandate, ICC defendants, Uhuru Kenyatta, William Ruto, electoral mandate, elections, voters, indictment, International Criminal Court, respect, international community, crimes against humanity, foreign court, election observation, Kenya 2013 democratic mandate, ICC defendants, Uhuru Kenyatta, William Ruto, electoral mandate, voter will, international criminal court, crimes against humanity, international community, election observation, Kenya elections, European Union Election Observation Mission Interferes, democratic mandate, ICC defendants, Uhuru Kenyatta, William Ruto, elections, electoral mandate, voters, indictment, International Criminal Court, respect, international community, crimes against humanity, foreign court, election observation, Kenya, 2013, European Union Interferes, democratic mandate, ICC defendants, Uhuru Kenyatta, William Ruto, electoral mandates, elections, voters, indictment, International Criminal Court, respect, international community, crimes against humanity, foreign court, election observation, Kenya, 2013 Interferes, democratic mandate, ICC defendants, Uhuru Kenyatta, William Ruto, elections, electoral mandate, voters, International Criminal Court, indictment, respect, international community, crimes against humanity, foreign court, European Union Election Observation Mission, Kenya, 2013, election report
test-health-ppelfhwbpba-pro04a	Banning partial birth abortions is in line with popular and accepted moral standards  here is a vast amount of support in the United States for a ban on partial-birth abortion. Opinion polls have shown a consistent increase in support for a ban: as high as 70% in favour to 25% against in January 2003. [1] Furthermore, in 1997 the House of Representatives voted 295-136, and the Senate 64-36, in favour of a ban. For President Clinton to veto it was undemocratic; [2] for President Bush not to pass it would have been to break a campaign promise.  [1] Gallup, ‘Abortion’, 30 November 2011,   [2] Craig, Larry E., ‘Clinton Claims on Partial-Birth Abortion Still Not True -- Not Even 'Legally Accurate'’, United States Senate Republican Policy Committee, 15 September 1998, partial-birth abortion, banning, moral standards, public support, opinion polls, legislation, United States, Congressional votes, presidential veto, campaign promises, Gallup, political debate, legality, abortion rights, public opinion partial-birth abortion, ban, moral standards, public opinion, support, opinion polls, legislative votes, United States, political figures, campaign promises, public support, legislation, veto, Congress, Senate partial birth abortion, banning, moral standards, public support, opinion polls, legislation, Congress, Senate, presidential veto, campaign promises, political debate, abortion laws partial-birth abortion, ban, moral standards, public support, opinion polls, United States, legislative vote, House of Representatives, Senate, presidential veto, campaign promises, Gallup, public opinion, political stance partial birth abortion, moral standards, public support, opinion polls, ban, United States, legislative votes, Clinton veto, Bush campaign promises, Gallup, polling data, legislative history, moral debate, abortion policy
test-international-ghbunhf-pro02a	UN ignores or enables human rights abuses.  Despite the development of the concept of human rights in the post-war world, the UN has totally failed to protect the rights of citizens, ethnic minorities, women and children. It has stood by during episodes of genocide in Cambodia, Rwanda, Congo and Yugoslavia among many others [1] , tolerates some of the world’s worst dictatorships as members, and does nothing to improve the situation of women in developing nations. Indeed, where UN peacekeepers have been sent into war-torn countries, they have sometimes been guilty of the most horrendous human rights abuses themselves. [2]  As of 2011, the UN’s Human Rights Council itself is comprised of members such as Saudi Arabia, Cuba and China. [3]  [1] “UN admits Rwanda genocide failure”. BBC website, 15th April 2000.   [2] MacFarquhar, Neil. “Peacekeepers’ Sex Scandals Linger, On-Screen and Off”. New York Times, 7th September 2011.   [3] “Membership of the Human Rights Council”. United Nations website, 2011. United Nations, human rights, violations, abuses, genocide, ethnic minorities, women, children, peacekeepers, dictatorships, war crimes, Human Rights Council, international law, accountability, Rwanda, Cambodia, Yugoslavia, Congo, peacekeeping scandals, sovereignty, global governance, international intervention United Nations, human rights, violations, genocide, Cambodia, Rwanda, Congo, Yugoslavia, dictatorships, minorities, women, children, peacekeepers, abuses, Human Rights Council, membership, international law, accountability, peacekeeping scandals, international organizations, post-war, development, failure, criticism United Nations, human rights, violations, protections, ethnic minorities, women, children, genocide, Cambodia, Rwanda, Congo, Yugoslavia, dictatorships, peacekeepers, abuses, Human Rights Council, Saudi Arabia, Cuba, China, international law, international relations, genocide prevention, peacekeeping scandals United Nations, human rights, abuses, genocide, Cambodia, Rwanda, Congo, Yugoslavia, dictatorships, women rights, children rights, peacekeepers, human rights violations, Human Rights Council, member countries, Saudi Arabia, Cuba, China, post-war, citizen protections, ethnic minorities, international interventions United Nations, human rights, genocide, ethnic minorities, women, children, peacekeepers, human rights violations, dictatorship, international law, humanitarian aid, UN Security Council, Human Rights Council, Rwanda genocide, Cambodia genocide, Yugoslavia, Congo, dictatorships, peacekeeping scandals, gender inequality, war crimes, international justice
test-politics-oepdlhfcefp-con01a	The post of a High Representative is merely a shadow of what it should have been, and its failure shows the EU's inability to consolidate foreign policy.  While seemingly groundbreaking, the current agreement on the EU reform treaty was nothing but a lame attempt to salvage a much bolder initiative: an EU Constitution. The rejection of the EU Constitution in the Dutch and French referendums, as well as the extreme difficulty in getting even its watered-down version accepted, shows the extent to which the member states of the EU are not yet ready to think and act in unison. The UK representatives successfully insisted that the language of the reform treaty clearly states that major foreign policy decisions will continue to be taken at the state level. EU, High Representative, foreign policy, EU reform treaty, EU Constitution, Dutch referendum, French referendum, member states, EU unification, UK, foreign policy decisions, EU integration, EU governance High Representative, EU reform treaty, EU Constitution, foreign policy, EU integration, member states, Dutch referendum, French referendum, EU decision-making, UK representatives, EU sovereignty, EU unity, EU reforms, EU diplomacy, EU governance High Representative, EU reform treaty, EU Constitution, European Union, foreign policy, EU integration, EU member states, Dutch referendum, French referendum, EU unification, EU decision-making, UK position, EU foreign policy, EU reforms, EU sovereignty High Representative, EU reform treaty, EU Constitution, foreign policy, EU integration, member states, Dutch referendum, French referendum, UK foreign policy, EU sovereignty, EU decision-making, EU foreign policy challenges High Representative, EU foreign policy, EU reform treaty, EU Constitution, EU member states, Dutch referendum, French referendum, EU unity, foreign policy decision-making, UK influence, EU reform, European Union, international relations, EU sovereignty, EU integration
test-international-emephsate-con03a	Turkey must recognize Cyprus.  The biggest problem facing Turkey that will prevent its entry to the European Union is that it does not recognize Cyprus, a state that is already an EU member. It is clear that Cyprus and relations with it are the main sticking point as the EU President Van Rompuy has admitted “Were it not for some challenges from one of the members of the European Union, Cyprus, we would have made more progress when it comes to Turkey, I acknowledge that negotiations on enlargement are stalled for the time being because one of the members of the club has problems with the process.” [1] Negotiations towards reunification of the island have stalled since the EU backed UN peace plan was rejected by the Greek Cypriots in 2004 just before they joined the EU. Neither Cyprus nor Turkey are willing to take any possible steps that would help build confidence and break down the barriers to agreement such as reopening ports and airports. [2]  [1] Neuger, James G., ‘Turkey’s EU Bid Is ‘Stalled,’ Cyprus to Blame, Van Rompuy Says’, Bloomberg, 5 September 2012,   [2] ‘Cyprus: Six Steps towards a Settlement’, International Crisis Group, Europe Briefing No.61, 22 February 2011, Turkey, Cyprus, EU recognition, EU accession, Turkey Cyprus relations, EU enlargement, Cyprus dispute, UN peace plan, Cyprus reunification, Greek Cypriots, Turkey EU negotiations, Cyprus ports, Cyprus airports, Cyprus conflict, EU member states, Van Rompuy, stalled negotiations, Cyprus barrier, confidence-building measures, Cyprus peace process, International Crisis Group Turkey, Cyprus, EU recognition, EU accession, Cyprus dispute, EU enlargement, Turkish-Cypriot relations, Greek Cypriots, Cyprus reunification, UN peace plan, Cyprus negotiations, EU member states, Cyprus ports, Cyprus airports, Turkey EU negotiations, Cyprus conflict, EU membership hurdles, Cyprus barrier, confidence-building measures, Mediterranean politics, regional stability Turkey, Cyprus, EU recognition, EU accession, Turkey-EU relations, Cyprus conflict, EU enlargement, Greek Cypriots, UN peace plan, Cyprus reunification, negotiations, ports, airports, confidence-building, EU members, Van Rompuy, Cyprus issue, EU politics, Cyprus dispute, Greece, peace process, Lisbon Treaty, EU membership, international diplomacy Turkey, Cyprus, EU recognition, EU membership, Turkish Cypriot relations, Greek Cypriots, Cyprus reunification, UN peace plan, Cyprus negotiations, EU enlargement, Cyprus conflict, Port and airport reopening, EU Turkey accession, Cyprus blockade, Van Rompuy, EU negotiations, EU Cyprus relations, Cyprus dispute, Cyprus settlement, Cyprus barrier, Cyprus peace process Turkey, Cyprus, EU recognition, EU accession, EU negotiations, Cyprus dispute, Turkish relations, Greek Cypriots, UN peace plan, Cyprus reunification, Cyprus ports, Cyprus airports, EU enlargement, EU member, Cyprus conflict, Cyprus stability, EU-Turkey relations, Van Rompuy, Cyprus negotiations, Cyprus barriers, Cyprus confidence building
test-politics-mtpghwaacb-con01a	Collective bargaining is a necessary aspect of democracy  Collective bargaining is needed by people in any job. Within any firm there exist feedback structures that enable workers to communicate with managers and executive decision makers. However, there are some issues which affect workers significantly, but run against the principles of profit, or in this case the overall public good that the state seeks to serve.  In this situation, a collection of workers are required. This is primarily because if suggested changes go against public interest then a single worker requesting such a change is likely to be rejected. However, it is the indirect benefit to public interest through a workforce that is treated better that must also be considered. But indirect benefit can only truly occur if there are a large number of workers where said indirect benefit can accrue.  Specifically, indirect benefit includes the happiness of the workforce and thus the creation of a harder working workforce, as well as the prevention of brain drain of the workforce to other professions. When a single person is unhappy for example, the effect is minimal, however if this effect can be proved for a large number of people then an adjustment must be made.  In order for these ideas to be expressed, workers can either engage in a collective bargaining process with their employer, or take more drastic action such as strikes or protests to raise awareness of the problem. Given that the alternate option is vastly more disruptive, it seems prudent to allow people to do collectively bargain.1  “Importance of Collective Bargaining.” Industrial relations. collective bargaining, democracy, worker rights, feedback structures, management communication, public interest, workforce, indirect benefits, public good, employee happiness, work environment, brain drain, collective action, strikes, protests, labor relations, employee morale, industrial relations collective bargaining, democracy, workers, feedback structures, communication, managers, decision makers, public interest, workers' rights, public good, collective action, strikes, protests, workforce happiness, brain drain, employee well-being, labor relations, industrial relations, workplace negotiation, worker protections collective bargaining, democracy, workers, feedback structures, management, public interest, workforce, indirect benefit, happiness, productivity, brain drain, protests, strikes, industrial relations, worker rights, employee voice, social dialogue, labor rights, workplace democracy collective bargaining, democracy, workers, feedback structures, communication, managers, decision makers, public interest, workers' rights, workforce happiness, indirect benefits, brain drain, employee satisfaction, strikes, protests, industrial relations collective bargaining, democracy, workers, feedback structures, communication, managers, decision makers, public interest, workers' rights, collective action, strikes, protests, workforce happiness, brain drain, indirect benefits, public good, employee rights, industrial relations, labor negotiations, workplace democracy
test-science-ciidfaihwc-con02a	The Internet is a free domain and cannot becontrolled by the government.  Given that the Internet is used as an international [1] and public space [2] , the government has no right over the information which may be presented via the Internet. In Western liberal democracies, governments are elected on the basis by which they can serve their own country – how they will create or maintain laws that pertain specifically to that nation, and how they will govern the population. The Internet is not country-specific, but international and free. As such, no individual government should have a right to the information on it. Asserting false authority over the internet would paint the government as dictatorial and a ‘nanny state’ [3] , demonstrating a lack of respect for its citizens by assuming that they cannot protect themselves or recognise the nature of extremist or potentially harmful sites and take the individual decision to distance themselves from such sites.  [1] Babel, ‘Towards communicating on the Internet in any language’,   [2] Papacharissi, Zizi, ‘The virtual sphere’, New Media & Society, Vol. 4 No. 1, pp 9-27, February 2002,  on 09/09/11  [3] BBC. ‘A Point of View: In defence of the nanny state’. Published 04/02/2011. Accessed from  on Internet, free domain, government control, international space, public space, information rights, sovereignty, liberal democracy, laws, governance, country-specific, global communication, digital rights, censorship, privacy, digital citizenship, freedom of speech, internet governance, authority, nanny state, authoritarianism, censorship, extremist sites, digital sovereignty, digital law, citizen rights Internet, free domain, government control, international space, public space, information rights, sovereignty, liberal democracies, laws, national governance, global internet, authority, censorship, digital sovereignty, digital rights, privacy, freedom of expression, digital governance, nanny state, authoritarianism, extremism, self-regulation Internet, free domain, government control, international space, public sphere, information freedom, liberal democracies, national laws, sovereignty, global internet, censorship, digital rights, online freedom, government authority, privacy, digital sovereignty, free speech, digital democracy, internet governance, extremism, online safety, citizen autonomy, nanny state, digital regulation Internet, free domain, government control, international, public space, information rights, liberal democracies, laws, governance, national sovereignty, free speech, digital rights, global internet, censorship, authority, nanny state, extremism, online safety, citizen rights, digital sovereignty, information freedom Internet, free domain, government control, international space, public space, freedom, information rights, sovereignty, liberal democracies, national laws, governance, global network, international law, digital rights, sovereignty, censorship, privacy, digital governance, free speech, digital independence, Nanny State, authoritarianism, citizens' rights, extremist sites, self-regulation
test-health-dhghwapgd-pro01a	"The current patent system is unjust and creates perverse incentives that benefit large pharmaceutical companies at the expense of ordinary citizens  The current drug patent regime is largely designed to benefit and shield the profits of large pharmaceutical companies. This is due to the fact that most of the laws on drug patents were written by lobbyists and voted upon by politicians in the pay of those firms. The pharmaceutical industry is simply massive and has one of the most powerful lobbies in most democratic states, particularly the United States. The laws are orchestrated to contain special loopholes, which these firms can exploit in order to maximize profits at the expense of the taxpayer and of justice. For example, through a process called ""evergreening"", drug firms essentially re-patent drugs when they near expiration by patenting certain compounds or variations of the drug1. This can extend the life of some patents indefinitely ensuring firms can milk customers at monopoly prices long after any possible costs of research or discovery are recouped. A harm that arises from this is the enervating effect that patents can generate in firms. When the incentive is to simply rest on one's patents, waiting for them to expire before doing anything else, societal progress is slowed. In the absence of such patents, firms are necessarily forced to keep innovating to stay ahead, to keep looking for profitable products and ideas. The free flow of ideas generated by the abolition of drug patents will invigorate economic dynamism.  1 Faunce, Thomas. 2004. ""The Awful Truth About Evergreening"". The Age. Available: patent system, pharmaceutical patents, drug patents, patent laws, lobbyists, political influence, pharmaceutical industry, patent loopholes, evergreening, patent延长, monopoly pricing, innovation disincentive, societal progress, economic dynamism, patent reform, drug pricing, patent law loopholes, patent extensions, research and development, market monopoly, intellectual property, patent system critique patent system, pharmaceutical industry, drug patents, patent laws, lobbyists, political influence, evergreening, patent extension, monopoly pricing, profit maximization, innovation, societal progress, legal loopholes, economic dynamism, public health, patent reform, patent law, drug development, intellectual property, research incentives patent system, pharmaceutical industry, drug patents, monopoly, evergreening, patent law, lobbyists, political influence, intellectual property, innovation, healthcare costs, profit maximization, patent loopholes, societal impact, economic dynamism, patent reform, drug pricing, research and development, market competition, legal framework patent system, drug patents, pharmaceutical companies, patent laws, lobbyists, political influence, patent loopholes, evergreening, monopoly pricing, patent extension, innovation disincentive, societal progress, economic dynamism, intellectual property, drug pricing, patent reform, monopoly rights, research and development, legal loopholes, public health patent system, pharmaceutical companies, drug patents, lobbyists, politicians, laws, loopholes, evergreening, patent extension, monopoly pricing, research costs, societal progress, innovation, economic dynamism, justice, taxpayer, profits, drug industry, patent law, policy, monopoly, market control"
test-politics-eppghwlrba-pro04a	Gun ownership increases the risk of suicide  There is a correlation between the laxity of a country’s gun laws and its suicide rate – not because gun owners are more depressive, but because the means of quick and effective suicide is easily to hand. As many unsuccessful suicides are later glad that they failed in their attempt, the state should discourage and restrict the ownership of something that wastes so many human lives. gun ownership, suicide risk, gun laws, mental health, firearm regulations, suicide prevention, firearm accessibility, public health, mental health correlation, firearm safety, military firearm policy, suicide statistics, mental health awareness, gun control, suicide methods, impulsive behavior, resource restriction gun ownership, suicide risk, gun laws, country laxity, suicide rates, mental health, firearm access, euthanasia, public safety, mental health policy, suicide prevention, firearm regulation, mental health correlation, lethal means, suicide statistics gun ownership, suicide risk, gun laws, suicide rate, mental health, firearm regulation, self-harm, suicide prevention, mental health outcomes, lethal means, suicide attempts, firearm accessibility, public health, policy implications, mental health awareness gun ownership, suicide risk, gun laws, country gun laws, suicide rate, firearm accessibility, mental health, suicide prevention, lethal means restriction, firearm legislation, public health, mental health awareness, lethal tools, suicide methods, policy implications gun ownership, suicide risk, gun laws, suicide rate, mental health, firearm accessibility, suicide prevention, public health, laws regulation, mental health correlation, firearm safety, suicide methods, policy measures, human lives preservation
test-culture-ahrtsdlgra-pro02a	We have a duty to protect individuals from the worst reactions to art  Those who see the artwork, or hear of it, must be considered. Often, social disgust stems from the violation of those values that are most central to an individual.  An individual’s right not to have their most central values abused or ridiculed is surely of more importance than the desire of an artist to be entirely unrestricted in their work: the harm caused to individuals by the continuing acceptance by society, (and consequent exposure) of art they find disgusting, can be great, and the reasonable modern society recognises such harms and does not impose them unnecessarily.  For example, the case of the Chapman brothers’ repeated use of Hitler and Nazi imagery: for the Chapmans the horror of WW2 might be distant and historical, and therefore for them the time may have come for Hitler to simply be mocked; however, for others that horror is altogether more current. Other people may feel a greater connection, for example, because of the impact on their close family, which cannot simply be ignored. In a situation like this, clearly the impact is infinitely more negative for that individual whose trauma is, in effect, being highlighted as now acceptable for comic material, than the positive gain is for the Chapmans: if restricted, they are simply caused to move on to other subjects. art, censorship, free expression, societal harm, individual rights, cultural sensitivity, controversial art, values, social disgust, trauma, harm reduction, artistic freedom, Nazi imagery, Holocaust, offense, societal impact, ethical considerations, cultural values, speech restrictions art, societal responsibility, censorship, individual rights, values, social disgust, harm, freedom of expression, artistic freedom, provocation, Nazi imagery, Holocaust, trauma, sensitivity, emotional impact, cultural values, legal restrictions, moral considerations, artistic expression, societal harms art, social reactions, individual values, offense, harm, censorship, freedom of expression, societal protection, moral boundaries, Nazi imagery, Holocaust, trauma, artistic freedom, social disgust, cultural sensitivity, personal impact, controversial art, ethical considerations art, social reaction, individual rights, values, harm, society, censorship, freedom of expression, controversy, offensive art, sensitivities, trauma, Nazi imagery, Holocaust, historical trauma, free speech, artistic expression, social disgust, moral boundaries art, free speech, censorship, harm, societal values, individual rights, trauma, offensive content, social disgust, ethical considerations, artistic freedom, Nazi imagery, Holocaust, historical sensitivity, mental health, trauma impact, societal harm, responsible art, expressive liberty, cultural sensitivity
test-law-cplglghwbhwd-pro01a	Individuals Should Not Have the Right to Bear Arms in DC  Under the status quo the state exists to protect the security of its citizens. It does so by maintaining a monopoly of violence with the consent of its citizens. US citizens have been allowed to bear small arms as a symbolic representation of their ability to rise up against state oppression should it ever occur. That is, to keep a check and balance upon the monopoly of violence that the state has.  It is important to note that the state has the monopoly of violence such that it can protect its citizens in the best possible way. In the same way, the right to bear arms exists such that citizens can protect themselves and prevent harm. This means that should the state visit harm upon the citizens of the state then its right to claim a monopoly on violence is revoked and the citizens can fight against the state.  In a similar fashion to the above, should the citizens of the state use their right to bear arms to visit harm upon one another, it seems reasonable that in the same way that the state’s monopoly on violence is revoked, the citizens should have their right to bear arms revoked.  Given that this does not occur in every single part of the U.S. it also seems reasonable to isolate the ban to areas where the spirit of the right to bear arms is being significantly violated. In this case the ban is limited to DC however it could potentially extend to other areas in the U.S. which suffer similar problems.2 right to bear arms, DC, monopoly of violence, citizens' security, state oppression, self-defense, gun control, firearm rights, rights limitations, violence prevention, state sovereignty, citizen protection, legal restrictions, Second Amendment, local gun laws, constitutional rights, civil liberties, state authority, firearm regulation right to bear arms, DC, gun control, monopoly of violence, state security, citizens' rights, self-defense, state oppression, violence regulation, gun ban, citizens' defense, harm prevention, firearm rights, constitutional rights, territory restrictions, U.S. states, gun laws, civil liberties, law enforcement, public safety individual rights, second amendment, gun control, DC firearm laws, monopoly of violence, citizen protection, state authority, self-defense, gun ban, constitutional rights, local gun regulation, violence prevention, rights restriction, security, political sovereignty, civil liberties, firearm regulations rights, second amendment, gun control, gun rights, DC, constitutional rights, violence monopoly, state sovereignty, citizens' self-defense, firearm legislation, arms regulation, civil rights, state oppression, citizens' security, legality, firearm access, public safety, gun restriction, rights infringement, regional regulation gun control, Second Amendment, right to bear arms, DC, gun ban, monopoly of violence, state sovereignty, self-defense, citizen rights, state oppression, firearms regulation, gun laws, local restrictions, civil liberties, public safety, state security, arms legislation, constitutional rights
test-free-speech-debate-nshbbsbfb-pro02a	Many people find the views expressed by much of the church offensive, those views are given airtime, a public service broadcaster should provide a level playing field for ideas.  The role of a public service broadcaster, especially one of the stature of the BBC, is to provide a portal for ideas from all perspectives. There are many who take either irritation or offence at the idea that the Corporation devotes a disproportionate time and resources to what, in modern Britain, is a strictly minority interest [i] with fewer than seven per cent of people regularly attending religious worship.  Many perceive commonly held positions in the mainstream churches – let alone more extreme sects – to be offensive or reactionary and, in some cases, a cover for homophobic, illiberal or sexist opinions.  If religious opinion is to be granted this airtime for the benefit of a small, if vocal, minority then it seems both unfair and unprofessional for that broadcaster to be constrained by that groups views in relation to the rest of its output.  The BBC, like most major broadcasters, meets the challenge of divergent or conflicting views by providing some output that is considered likely to be of interest to each viewpoint.  [i] National Secular Society. Press Release: “BBC Must Not Become the Evangelical Wing of the Church of England.” 9 February 2010. public service broadcasting, BBC, media impartiality, freedom of expression, religious views, minority interests, secularism, religious discourse, media bias, diversity of opinions, church representation, religious offends, cultural diversity, public interest, media regulation, societal values public service broadcasting, BBC, diversity of ideas, religious views, minority interests, secularism, content balancing, media bias, religious minorities, mainstream churches, extreme sects, offensive opinions, homophobia, sexism, religious airtime, media professionalism, divergent views public service broadcasting, BBC, religious views, free speech, minority interests, media representation, religious diversity, secularism, religious discrimination, media bias, public interest, religious minorities, religious content, social inclusion, religious tolerance, media regulation, societal values, belief systems, religious influence, controversy public service broadcaster, BBC, media diversity, free speech, religious views, minority interests, secularism, religious bias, airing religious content, societal division, public interest, editorial balance, religious groups, social impact, media regulation public service broadcaster, BBC, religious views, minority interest, freedom of speech, airtime fairness, diversity of opinions, secularism, religious attendance, mainstream churches, extreme sects, homophobia, sexism, religious controversy, media bias, diversity of perspectives
test-culture-mmctyshwbcp-pro01a	Being a performer limits a child’s formal education  Spending so much time either performing or training limits the amount of formal education the child can receive. For example, in the UK and other countries, child performers are only required to be educated for three hours each day. [1]  Additionally, the focus on the specialised skill of the child (e.g., acting, dancing, etc.) may detract from their family’s or their own interest in formal education.  [1] The Children’s Legal Centre, ‘What are the hours that a child performer may work?’ child performers, formal education, training, working hours, UK regulations, specialized skills, acting, dancing, education limitations, legal restrictions, child labor laws, performance schedule, education impact, child rights child performer, formal education, performance hours, child labor laws, specialized skills, acting, dancing, UK regulation, educational limitations, training versus education, child employment regulations, children's rights, legal requirements, occupational restrictions, performer training child performer, formal education, training, education hours, UK child performers, specialisation, acting, dancing, education limitations, child work regulations, legal restrictions, children's rights, education compromise, performance schedule, child labor laws child performer, formal education, performance training, education limitations, child labor laws, UK regulations, performance hours, specialized skills, acting, dancing, education distraction, family interests, Children’s Legal Centre child performer, formal education, training hours, education limitations, UK child labor laws, specialized skills, acting, dancing, education compromise, child labor regulations, legal restrictions, education hours, performance schedule, child performer rights, balancing education and training
test-economy-egiahbwaka-con03a	Africa's greatest needs are for infrastructure and education  Africa’s greatest needs for development are infrastructure and education. Neither of these needs implies that women are about to become key to the African economy.  Africa is severely deficient in infrastructure; Sub Saharan Africa generates the same amount of electricity as Spain, a country with one seventeenth the population. The World Bank suggests “if all African countries were to catch up with Mauritius in infrastructure, per capita economic growth in the region could increase by 2.2 percentage points. Catching up with Korea’s level would increase economic growth per capita by up to 2.6 percent per year.” [1]  There are numerous projects to alleviate this deficit such as immense projects like the Grand Inga Dam in the Democratic Republic of Congo which could power not just the country but its neighbours too. [2] However if construction is the key to the future then this implies men are going to continue to have more impact as the construction industry is traditionally dominated by men.  Africa has been making strides in education for women. Yet there still remains a gap. To take a few examples the youth female literacy rates in Angola 66%, Central African Republic 59%, Ghana 83% and Sierra Leone 52% is still lower than youth male literacy rates or 80%, 72%, 88%, and 70%. [3] And the gap often increases with further education. To take Senegal as an example there are actually more girls than boys enrolled in primary education, a ratio of 1.06 but for secondary this drops to 0.77 and to 0.6 for tertiary. The situation is the same in other countries; Mauritania 1.06, 0.86, 0.42, Mozambique, 0.95, 0.96, 0.63, and Ghana 0.98, 0.92, 0.63. [4]  With women not breaking through to the highest level in education it is unlikely that they will be the main driver of the economy in the future. Their influence may increase as a result of increasing education at lower levels but without equality at the highest level they are unlikely to become key to their countries economic future as the highest skilled jobs and the roles of directing the economy will still be carried out primarily by men.  [1] ‘Fact Sheet: Infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa’, The World Bank,   [2] See the Debatabase debate ‘ This House would build the Grand Inga Dam’  [3] UNESCO Institute for Statistics, ‘Literacy rate, youth male (% of males ages 15-24)’, data.worldbank.org, 2009-2013,   [4] Schwab Klaus et al., The Global Gender Gap Report 2013, World Economic Forum, 2013,  , pp.328, 276, 288, 208 (in order of mentioning, examples taken pretty much at random – though there are one or two where the ratios actually don’t change much such as Mauritius, but that is against the trend) Africa, infrastructure, education, development, gender gap, women, economy, electricity, sub-Saharan Africa, economic growth, Grand Inga Dam, Democratic Republic of Congo, construction industry, male dominance, female literacy, youth literacy rates, primary education, secondary education, tertiary education, gender equality, skilled jobs, economic influence, UNESCO, World Bank, gender gap report Africa, infrastructure, education, development, women, gender gap, economic growth, Sub-Saharan Africa, electricity, Grand Inga Dam, Democratic Republic of Congo, construction industry, employment, female literacy, youth literacy, primary education, secondary education, tertiary education, gender disparity, skill gap, high-skilled jobs, economic participation, gender equality, UNESCO, World Bank, data, ratios Africa, infrastructure, education, economic development, gender gap, women empowerment, literacy rates, secondary education, tertiary education, labor market, skilled jobs, gender equality, infrastructure projects, Grand Inga Dam, renewable energy, electricity, energy access, Sub-Saharan Africa, World Bank, Mauritius, Korea, economic growth, gender disparities, female education, youth literacy, primary education, secondary education, tertiary education, gender roles, economic future Africa, infrastructure, education, development, women, gender gap, economic growth, sub-Saharan Africa, electricity, Grand Inga Dam, Democratic Republic of Congo, construction industry, male dominance, female literacy, youth literacy, primary education, secondary education, tertiary education, gender inequality, skilled jobs, economic influence, global gender gap, UNESCO, World Bank Africa, infrastructure, education, development, women, economy, electricity, Sub-Saharan Africa, World Bank, economic growth, projects, Inga Dam, Democratic Republic of Congo, construction industry, gender gap, female literacy, youth literacy, primary education, secondary education, tertiary education, gender inequality, skill gap, economic participation, highest level education, skilled jobs, gender equality, UNESCO, World Economic Forum
test-international-gmehwasr-con04a	Possibility of being drawn into a long drawn out conflict  Even just providing the rebels with arms risks drawing the powers that supply those arms into the conflict. [1] This is because it gives the intervening power a stake in the conflict. Once weapons have been supplied allowing the Syrian government to reassert control would be a large foreign policy reversal and would damage relations with the Syrian government for years to come.  We need only look at the Vietnam conflict to know that what starts out as a very small commitment can rapidly escalate when the government decides it cannot afford to back down. What starts as just arming the rebels could quickly lead to troops on the ground. Indeed it might require men on the ground right from the start as if we were to be providing heavy weapons the rebels would need training in how to use those weapons if they are to seriously be considered an equaliser.  [1] Byman, Daniel, in ‘Roundtable: arming the Syrian rebels’, Foreign Policy, 21 February 2013 conflict escalation, arms proliferation, foreign intervention, rebel support, Syrian civil war, proxy war, foreign policy, military escalation, international intervention, weapons supply, Vietnam analogy, escalation risk, confrontation, foreign relations, ground troops, rebel training, heavy weapons, diplomatic repercussions, military engagement conflict escalation, foreign intervention, arms supply, rebel support, foreign policy, Vietnam War, military escalation, troop deployment, weapon training, international relations, Syrian conflict, proxy war, foreign policy reversal, arms escalation conflict escalation, foreign policy, arms supply, rebel support, Syria, Vietnam conflict, military intervention, foreign relations, escalation risk, weapons training, ground troops, international involvement, proxy war, conflict proliferation long conflict, rebel arms, foreign powers, escalation, foreign policy, Syrian conflict, Vietnam analogy, military intervention, arming rebels, escalation risk, troop deployment, heavy weapons, rebel training, foreign relations conflict escalation, foreign intervention, arms supply, rebel support, foreign policy risks, regional stability, foreign relations, Vietnam analogy, military escalation, ground troops, weapons training, Syrian civil war, proxy conflicts, international security, escalation risk, foreign policy reversal
test-politics-oapdhwinkp-pro02a	Providing attention simply encourages the regime  North Korea has an attention seeking cycle on the go that was used by Kim Jong Il and now seems to be used by his son Kim Jong Un. Essentially North Korea takes a provocative action (as big or small as it thinks necessary – this may be a missile launch, right up to some kind of military attack) in order to grab the world’s attention. There is then a period where there are condemnations and threats to increase sanctions that usually don’t get anywhere as they are blocked by China. The North Korean regime will then proclaim a willingness to do business and negotiate giving minor concessions on the issue of the provocation in return for aid or whatever the regime happens to want at the time. Of course whatever concession it gives is easily reversible so setting up another round. [1] This is a good deal for North Korea as it essentially gets aid in return for bad behaviour, it is therefore not surprising that the North is willing to continue engaging in bad behaviour.  [1] Hong, Adrian, ‘How to Free North Korea’, Foreign Policy, 19 December 2011, North Korea, attention seeking, provocative actions, missile launch, military attack, regime behavior, Kim Jong Il, Kim Jong Un, provocative gestures, condemnations, sanctions, China, negotiations, concessions, aid, regime cycle, foreign policy, international relations, coercive diplomacy, strategic behavior, nuclear tests, geopolitical strategy, provocative diplomacy North Korea, attention seeking, Kim Jong Il, Kim Jong Un, provocative actions, missile launches, military attacks, international response, condemnations, sanctions, China, regime cycles, negotiations, concessions, aid, provocation, bad behavior, diplomacy, foreign policy North Korea, attention-seeking cycle, Kim Jong Il, Kim Jong Un, provocative actions, missile launches, military attacks, international response, condemnations, sanctions, China, regime negotiations, concessions, aid, bad behavior, diplomatic strategy, geopolitical tensions, North Korea diplomacy, foreign policy North Korea, attention-seeking cycle, Kim Jong Il, Kim Jong Un, provocative actions, missile launches, military attacks, international response, condemnations, sanctions, China, diplomacy, negotiations, concessions, aid, regime behavior, bad behavior, negotiation tactics, foreign policy North Korea, attention seeking, Kim Jong Il, Kim Jong Un, provocative actions, missile launches, military attacks, international response, condemnations, sanctions, China, negotiations, concessions, aid, regime behavior, cycle, provocation, diplomacy, foreign policy, North Korean regime, international relations, strategic behavior
test-digital-freedoms-eifdfaihs-pro02a	Risk of a two-tier Internet  As things stand there are relatively flat rate services. The concern is that ISP would charge higher rates for full Internet access or act to ensure that their own content arrived seamlessly and smoothly, while that of competitors was delayed or poorer quality or that higher bandwidth applications end up with a higher price-tag [i] .  This is of concern both to end users and to the producers of content. There are very real concerns here, as a result, about the impact this has on freedom of expression. The best way to avoid censorship – either commercial or political – is to ensure that it remains impossible to achieve in the first place.  Once it becomes possible to give preference to some forms of content or points of origin, then commercial censorship at least becomes a great deal easier.  [i] BBC News Website. “BT Content Connect service faces ‘two-tier net’ claims. 4 January 2011. Internet, two-tier, net neutrality, ISP, bandwidth, high-speed access, content delivery, Censorship, freedom of expression, quality of service, discrimination, tiered pricing, content providers,net regulation, internet access, commercial censorship, political censorship, online equality, internet infrastructure, bandwidth pricing risk, two-tier Internet, net neutrality, ISP pricing, Internet access, quality of service, bandwidth, content delivery, censorship, free expression, commercial censorship, net discrimination, bandwidth pricing, content providers, regulatory concerns two-tier internet, net neutrality, internet access, ISP pricing, bandwidth, quality of service, content delivery, censorship, content discrimination, digital rights, access equality, commercial censorship, political censorship, internet freedom, broadband rates, content providers, innovation, online competition two-tier internet, net neutrality, ISP pricing, internet access, bandwidth, content delivery, censorship, freedom of expression, higher rates, content quality, commercial censorship, political censorship, content providers, internet service providers, regulatory concerns two-tier Internet, net neutrality, internet access, ISP discrimination, bandwidth pricing, content discrimination, internet censorship, quality of service, higher bandwidth applications, commercial censorship, political censorship, digital rights, open internet, internet regulation, broadband pricing, internet traffic management
test-politics-pgsimhwoia-con03a	Migrants will simply return to the countries they have been sent from  Moving migrants to developing countries in return for quantities of aid is simply not a sustainable policy. Migrants fleeing conflict looking for safety may accept any safe country but the migrant problems affecting rich countries are in large part economic migration. These people are looking to get to a developed country to earn more and have better prospects than they could at home so are unlikely to accept a country at a similar (or potentially lower) level of development as a good alternative. They are therefore likely to simply tray again to make their way to a developed country when they can. There have been examples of migrants such as Rachid from Algeria who has tried to get into Europe three times already and is waiting for a ship to try again, [1] it is unclear how this proposal would alter this problem.  [1] Ash, Lucy, ‘Risking death at sea to escape boredom’, BBC News, 20 August 2015, migration, refugees, economic migration, developing countries, aid, sustainability, conflict, safety, developed countries, prospects, migrant behavior, return migration, European migration, illegal immigration, migrant routes, maritime migration, Algeria, Rachid, sea crossing, refugee policy migration, refugees, economic migration, developing countries, aid, sustainability, conflict, safety, developed countries, prospects, migration patterns, border policy, migration challenges, migration attempts, migration examples migration, refugees, economic migration, developed countries, developing countries, migrant return, asylum seekers, migration policy, migration challenges, migrant resettlement, migration routes, migrant desperation, international migration, border security, refugee safety, migration trends, migrant reintegration, migration statistics, migration causes migration, refugees, economic migration, developing countries, aid, sustainability, conflict, safety, developed countries, prospects, return, asylum, border crossings, migrant attempting, Algeria, Europe, migration policy, sea migration, migrant resettlement, migration challenges migration, migrants, developing countries, aid, sustainability, conflict, safety, economic migration, developed countries, prospects, return, resettlement, European migration, migration policies, border security, illegal migration, migrant routes, refugee crisis, migration challenges, migration policies, migration risks
test-science-ciidfaihwc-con01a	Censorship is fundamentally incompatible with the notion of free speech.  Censoring particular material essentially blinds the public to a complete world view by asserting the patronising view that ordinary citizens simply cannot read extreme material without recognising the flaws in it. This motion assumes that those who have access to material such as religious opinion sites will be influenced by it, rather than realising that it is morally dubious and denouncing it. The best way to combat prejudice is to expose it as a farce; this cannot be done if it is automatically and unthinkingly censored. Meanwhile, it is paradoxical for a government to assert the general benefits of free speech and then act in a contradictory and hypocritical manner by banning certain areas of the Internet. Free speech should not be limited; even if it is an expression of negativity, it should be publicly debated and logically criticised, rather than hidden altogether. censorship, free speech, censorship consequences, public awareness, information access, worldview, extreme material, moral objection, prejudice, exposure, government policies, internet censorship, free expression, controversial opinions, public debate, logical criticism censorship, free speech, censorship opposition, public awareness, world view, information access, religious opinion, exposure, prejudice, morality, morality debate, internet censorship, government hypocrisy, free expression, public debate, logical criticism censorship, free speech, censorship effects, world view, public perception, extreme material, religious sites, moral judgment, prejudice, exposure, government censorship, internet freedom, freedom of expression, debate, criticism, hypocrisy censorship, free speech, expression, public debate, moral judgment, internet censorship, free expression, societal values, information access, moral dubiousness, prejudice, viewpoint diversity, censorship consequences, free speech limitations, free internet, censorship hypocrisy censorship, free speech, censorship effects, public awareness, media literacy, extremism, moral judgments, prejudice, internet regulation, government policies, free expression, free speech debate, censorship consequences, societal values, open discourse
test-society-tsmihwurpp-con01a	Profiling is simply institutionalizing racism an reduces minorities to the status of second class citizens  Profiling is, in the end, simply wrong. Britain suffered for decades from the ‘innocent until proven Irish’ attitude of their security forces, which did nothing but engender resentment among Irish individuals who were trying to live and work in the United Kingdom. For western nations to make the same mistake in their approach to Muslims would be the gravest folly.  Aviation authorities are, ultimately, under the control of the state, and if a government announces that they consider all members of a group to be potential criminals, it sends out a very provocative message. profiling, racism, minorities, discrimination, institutionalized bias, second-class citizens, security forces, Irish, UK, resentment, Muslims, Western nations, government, civil rights, discrimination, human rights, law enforcement, stereotypes, public safety, social justice racial profiling, institutional racism, minorities, second-class citizens, discrimination, UK, Ireland, Irish, security forces, resentment, integration, Muslim communities, counterterrorism, civil rights, state control, government policies, law enforcement, prejudiced attitudes, human rights, social justice profiling, racism, minorities, second-class citizens, discrimination, institutional racism, biases, ethnic profiling, Irish, security forces, resentment, immigration, Muslims, government policy, state control, civil rights, stereotyping, social justice, law enforcement, human rights profiling, racism, minorities, discrimination, second-class citizens, institutional racism, Irish, UK, security forces, resentment, Muslims, Western nations, government, criminal suspicion, civil rights, discrimination, societal impact profiling, racism, minorities, second class citizens, institutionalized racism, discrimination, Britain, Irish, security forces, resentment, living, working, United Kingdom, Muslims, Western nations, government, stereotype, profiling dangers, aviation authorities, state control, criminalization, social justice
test-politics-cdmaggpdgdf-con01a	Transparency can result in normalisation  While something is secret it is clearly not a normal every day part of government, it is deniable and the assumption is that when it comes to light it has probably been wound up long ago. However making something transparent without winding it up can be a bad thing as it makes it normal which ultimately makes a bad policy much harder to end.  The use of drones by the CIA may turn out to be an example of this. At the moment we are told almost nothing about drones, not even how many strikes there are or how many are killed. There have however been recent suggestions that the drone program could be transferred to the Department of Defence. This would then make the targeted killing that is carried out seem a normal part of military conflict, somehting it clearly is not. [1] And the public reacts differently to covert and military action; already more Americans support military drones doing targeted killing (75%) than CIA ones (65%). [2]  [1] Waxman, Matthew, ‘Going Clear’, Foreign Policy, 20 March 2013  [2] Zenko, Micah, ‘U.S. Public Opinion on Drone Strikes’, Council on Foreign Relations, 18 March 2013 transparency, normalization, secrecy, government, deniability, policy, drones, CIA, military, targeted killing, public opinion, covert operations, Department of Defense, strikes, public support transparency, normalisation, secrecy, government, deniability, public perception, drone program, CIA, military conflict, targeted killing, Department of Defence, public opinion, drone strikes, covert operations, accountability, transparency effects transparency, normalization, secrecy, government, deniability, policy, drone programs, CIA, military conflict, targeted killing, public opinion, drone strikes, Department of Defense transparency, normalisation, secrecy, government, deniability, public perception, drones, CIA, military conflict, targeted killing, covert operations, Department of Defense, public opinion, drone strikes, policy, accountability, transparency risks, ethical considerations transparency, normalization, secrecy, government, deniability, policy, drone program, CIA, Department of Defense, targeted killing, military conflict, covert operations, public opinion, drone strikes, foreign policy
test-economy-epiasghbf-con03a	Who are the women?  Women are a diverse group, and the feminisation of labour has incorporated a range of women of different ages, race, socioeconomic backgrounds and education. Such intersectionalities are important to recognise, as not all women are empowered and the empowerment is not equal.  For example, a study by Atieno (2006) revealed female participation in the labour market was influenced by education. Human capital influenced the transition into work: who was able to access labour opportunities, and which ones. Therefore inequalities among women determine the degrees, and capability, of empowerment it is therefore not labour force participation that empowers but education. women, gender diversity, feminisation of labour, intersectionality, socioeconomic backgrounds, age, race, education, empowerment, labour market, human capital, labour opportunities, inequalities, gender empowerment, labour force participation women, gender, diversity, feminisation, labour, intersectionality, empowerment, socioeconomic backgrounds, race, age, education, human capital, labour market, inequalities, gender empowerment, participation, opportunity women, feminism, gender diversity, labor market, intersectionality, socioeconomic backgrounds, education, empowerment, female participation, human capital, inequality, labor opportunities, social disparities women, diversity, feminisation, labour, intersectionality, empowerment, age, race, socioeconomic status, education, human capital, labor market, participation, inequalities, capability women, diversity, feminisation of labour, intersectionality, empowerment, age, race, socioeconomic background, education, human capital, labour market, participation, inequalities, opportunity, transition, empowerment factors
test-politics-ypppdghwid-con04a	The imposition of democracy violates national sovereignty  Countries have a right to choose the form of government they want, and we do not have the right to violate this right by imposing the form of government we think is best. Nations may want to be ruled by, for example, religious or tribal law, or a Communist system which aims to remove government altogether. We can encourage nations to adopt democracy if we think it is better, but ultimately nations are self-directing entities which can only be interfered with in extreme situations. The United Nations has states as equals no matter their government and only authorises force in the case of an act of aggression towards another state1.  1 United Nations, Charter of the United Nations, 1945, democracy, sovereignty, national sovereignty, government autonomy, non-intervention, self-determination, international law, United Nations, state sovereignty, foreign interference, political systems, sovereignty rights, sovereignty violation, non-imposition, sovereignty principles democracy, sovereignty, national sovereignty, government rights, non-interference, self-determination, state sovereignty, international law, United Nations, sovereignty rights, political systems, cultural autonomy, non-intervention, domestic governance, global governance democracy, sovereignty, national sovereignty, government autonomy, non-interference, self-determination, international law, United Nations, state equality, non-intervention, foreign policy, sovereignty rights, forms of government, cultural sovereignty, global governance democracy, sovereignty, national sovereignty, government choice, imposed democracy, religious law, tribal law, communist system, self-determination, non-interference, United Nations, international law, state sovereignty, force authorization, acts of aggression democracy, sovereignty, national sovereignty, rights of nations, government choice, imposed government, self-determination, cultural sovereignty, legal sovereignty, political independence, UN, United Nations, non-interference, respect for sovereignty, state sovereignty, international law, intervention, sovereignty violation, global governance
test-society-mmcpsgfhbf-con03a	Attempting to ban it would only cause further problems  There is no guarantee that a ban on pornography would improve gender stereotypes: in fact, it seems to be quite the opposite. Pornography is a flourishing industry with incredibly high demand, and much like with prohibition in the past, it is naïve to believe a ban can make a difference. It is actually even harder with pornography, because of the ease through which it can be distributed through the net. Rather, a ban would expand the black market with all the problems that come with it today: child and non-consensual pornography, violence, unhealthy conditions, and a general lack of regulations. Furthermore, the extent that a ban could ever limit pornography, this would lead to further problems. On one hand, the feminist movement sends a worrying message that sex is harmful to women, and by extension that sex is for the benefit of men. Restoring a taboo on sexuality actively confines women to being dominated in bed, and in society in general.  Secondly, if pornography is limited, the vessels through which men can satisfy their sexual urges are also restricted. This can lead, at best, to greater sexual harassment, greater pressure on women to provide sexual services, and to more infidelity. At worst, and most probably, it leads to higher levels of rape. pornography, ban, restrictions, gender stereotypes, black market, illegal distribution, child exploitation, non-consensual content, violence, regulation, feminism, sexuality, gender roles, societal impact, sex industry, taboo, sexual harassment, infidelity, rape pornography, ban, gender stereotypes, industry, demand, prohibition, black market, distribution, internet, child pornography, non-consensual, violence, unhealthy conditions, regulations, feminist movement, sex, women, taboo, sexuality, oppression, sexual urges, harassment, infidelity, rape pornography, ban, effects, gender stereotypes, industry, demand, prohibition, distribution, internet, black market, child pornography, non-consensual porn, violence, regulation, consequences, feminism, sexuality, taboo, women, society, male dominance, sexual urges, harassment, women’s rights, infidelity, rape pornography, ban, gender stereotypes, industry, demand, prohibition, distribution, internet, black market, child pornography, non-consensual, violence, regulations, feminism, sexuality, taboo, women, male dominance, sexual urges, harassment, infidelity, rape pornography, ban, gender stereotypes, industry, demand, prohibition, distribution, internet, black market, child pornography, non-consensual, violence, unhealthy conditions, regulations, feminism, sex, women, societal impacts, taboo, sexuality, sexual urges, harassment, infidelity, rape
test-digital-freedoms-efsappgdfp-con03a	Abuse of information and power by intelligence agencies  Even when the government does not intend harm there are still cases where direct harms can occur as a result of surveillance. The most worrying are where the state abuses the information it holds. Abuse of power and of the information held by government is perhaps the main reason why it is difficult to trust in intelligence agencies. In one historical example from the 1950s FBI agents interviewed a Brooklyn liquor importer for repeating a rumor that the FBI Director J Edgar Hoover might be a “queer”. This clearly necessitated a reminder through questioning that Hoover’s “personal conduct is beyond reproach,” leading to the man quickly agreeing that “he thinks Mr. Hoover has done a wonderful job.” [1] Did this have anything to do with national security? No. Was it an abuse of power and surveillance? Yes. So far as we are aware the intelligence agencies don’t do things quite like this anymore but the revelations like PRISM, or the waterboarding a decade ago, show they are still happy to abuse their position from time to time. This is hardly a good way to build trust.  [1] Gage, Beverly, ‘It’s Not About Your Cat Photos’, Slate, 10 June 2013, abuse, information, power, intelligence agencies, government, surveillance, harm, trust, historical example, FBI, J Edgar Hoover, personal conduct, national security, PRISM, waterboarding, privacy, oversight, accountability, civil liberties, human rights, covert operations, whistleblower, secrecy, transparency, law enforcement, military excellence information abuse, power abuse, intelligence agencies, surveillance, government misconduct, national security, FBI, J Edgar Hoover, privacy violations, government transparency, PRISM, waterboarding, misconduct revelations, trust erosion, civil liberties, intelligence oversight abuse, information, power, intelligence agencies, government, surveillance, harms, state abuse, trust, FBI, J Edgar Hoover, personal conduct, national security, PRISM, waterboarding, revelations, privacy, civil liberties, misconduct, oversight, accountability abuse, power, intelligence agencies, surveillance, government, information, trust, accountability, FBI, J Edgar Hoover, national security, PRISM, waterboarding, privacy, civil liberties, secrecy, misconduct, human rights, transparency, ethics, misconduct, oversight information abuse, power abuse, intelligence agencies, surveillance, government trust, state misconduct, privacy violations, PRISM, waterboarding, FBI, J Edgar Hoover, national security, government surveillance, abuse of authority, oversight, civil liberties, accountability, secret surveillance programs, intelligence history, wrongdoing, human rights
test-international-eghrhbeusli-con05a	"Lifting the ban will damage relations with the U.S.  Even if it was in Europe's interest to sell arms to China, the damage from upsetting the United States by lifting the arms ban would be much greater. This is partly because America takes the human rights situation in China more seriously, but mostly because the USA has a major commitment to the freedom of Taiwan. If China did attack the island, America would almost certainly intervene. As the US State Department has said in relation to lifting the ban, ""We don't want to see a situation where American forces face European technologies."" [1] Congress has already threatened to restrict technology transfers to Europe if the ban is removed. [2] For fear of this, BAE Systems, one of Europe's largest defence firms, has said that it would not sell to China even if the ban was lifted. [3]  [1] Brinkley, Joel, ‘Rice Sounds a Theme in Visit to Beijing Protestant Church’, 2005.   [2] Archick, Kristin, et al., ‘European Union’s Arms Embargo on China’, 2005, p34-5.   [3] Evans, Michael et al., ‘British arms firms will spurn China if embargo ends’, 2005. arms ban, U.S.-Europe relations, China, human rights, Taiwan, American intervention, technology transfer, European defense firms, BAE Systems, arms embargo, China arms sales, Congress, European Union, defense industry arms ban, U.S.-Europe relations, China, human rights, Taiwan, U.S. intervention, European technology, technology transfer, BAE Systems, European arms firms, China arms embargo, U.S. foreign policy, defense industry, international relations, trade restrictions arms embargo, US-China relations, Europe-US relations, human rights China, Taiwan, US intervention, technology transfer, European defense firms, BAE Systems, China arms sales, Congress restrictions, European Union, arms trade, diplomatic relations, US military commitments, China-Europe relations arms embargo, US relations, Europe-China relations, human rights China, Taiwan, US intervention, technology transfer, defense industry, BAE Systems, European Union, arms sales, China, geopolitical tensions, US congressional threats, military technology, international sanctions, foreign policy, US-Europe tensions arms embargo, U.S.-Europe relations, China, human rights, Taiwan, military intervention, technology transfer, defense industry, BAE Systems, European Union, arms sales, national security, diplomatic relations"
test-society-ghbgqeaaems-pro03a	"Quotas encourage women to pursue education and professional job positions  Quotas attempting to maximise the number of educated and skilled women in executive positions could improve corporate performance and help raise national productivity. But doing so will depend on keeping ambitious, well-qualified women moving up the management ranks. Gender quotas will encourage more women to pursue education and career options leading to the top of executive positions. Quotas create incentives for women to adapt their job preferences to the more accessible boardroom positions and develop necessary skills which would reduce the need for positive discrimination in the future. Encouraged to develop relevant skills, women will contribute to the long-term talent pool and the economy. According to McKinsey report, women’s interest in being leaders increases as they progress from entry level to middle management [1] which is exactly what the principle behind quotas aims to encourage - more women following professional career development. This is very important in the short run during which, according to research, women who have high position stimulate other women’s interest in traditionally male-dominated sectors and encourage them to pursue similar career paths. [2]  [1] Barsh, Joanna, and Lareina Yee. ""Unlocking the Full Potential of Women in the US Economy."" McKinsey & Company. N.p., 2011. Web .  [2] Australian Human Rights Commission, “Women in leadership” women, quotas, education, professional, employment, gender equality, executive positions, corporate performance, national productivity, management, career development, skills, positive discrimination, talent pool, economy, leadership, career advancement, gender diversity, male-dominated sectors gender quotas, women education, women professional, executive positions, corporate performance, national productivity, management ranks, career development, skills development, positive discrimination, talent pool, economy, women leadership, career advancement, gender diversity, women empowerment, male-dominated sectors, structural barriers, leadership representation quotas, women, education, professional, employment, executive positions, corporate performance, national productivity, management ranks, gender quotas, career development, skill development, positive discrimination, talent pool, economy, leadership, entry level, middle management, career advancement, traditionally male sectors, female-dominated sectors quotas, women, education, professional development, executive positions, corporate performance, national productivity, management ranks, gender quotas, career options, boardroom, skills development, positive discrimination, talent pool, economy, leadership interest, career progression, traditionally male-dominated sectors quotas, women, education, professional, employment, executive positions, corporate performance, national productivity, management ranks, gender quotas, career options, top positions, incentives, skills development, positive discrimination, talent pool, economy, women's leadership, career advancement, gender representation, traditionally male sectors"
test-politics-ghbgussbsbt-pro04a	Effect on the structure of the main political parties  Divided Government creates an imperative for compromise, encouraging the parties to work together for the best outcomes. This can help to undermine the more visceral aspects of debate, with the contest for election being left behind in order to focus on governing for the good of all Americans. As a result the greatest American achievements have come when there has been broad bipartisan consensus. [1]  There is also a Partisan consideration to seeking divided Government. The more successful two-term Presidents of recent times, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton, governed with Congress partly or completely controlled by the opposition party. [2] They were able to work with the opposition to pursue the best policy, aiding their re-election hopes by pitching themselves as seeking to compromise, in line with the aspirations of voters, who on the whole prefer divided government in order to promote mature co-operation between the parties.  [1] McCarty, Nolan, ‘The Policy Consequences of Partisan Polarization in the United States’, bcep.haas.berkeley.edu/papers/McCarty.doc  [2] ‘Divided Government’ Wikipedia,  accessed 30/1/12 divided government, political parties, bipartisan consensus, compromise, cooperation, partisanship, election, governance, American politics, bipartisan cooperation, presidential governance, congressional control, policy outcomes, bipartisan benefits, partisan polarization, political stability divided government, political parties, bipartisanship, compromise, legislative cooperation, bipartisan consensus, partisan polarization, American politics, presidential governance, congressional control, bipartisan policy, political debate, election strategies, bipartisanship benefits, political stability divided government, political parties, bipartisan consensus, partisan polarization, compromise, governability, bipartisan cooperation, American politics, legislative process, electoral strategy, bipartisan achievements, political stability, Congressional control, presidential governance, policy outcomes, party competition divided government, political parties, bipartisan cooperation, political polarization, compromising, governance, American politics, policy outcomes, Congressional control, presidential cooperation, bipartisan consensus, political debate, electoral politics, presidential success, partisanship divided government, political parties, bipartisan consensus, compromise, governance, American politics, partisan polarization, Congress, presidential leadership, bipartisan cooperation, election strategy, policy outcomes, political debate, party control, American achievements
test-international-siacphbnt-con02a	The technological revolution has been hyped.  Debates may be raised as to whether the technological revolution is actually a reality across Africa [1] . Have expectations been too high; the benefits exclusive; and the reality over-exaggerated?  On the one hand, the type of technology raises significant questions. Although the population with access to a mobile phone has risen, the quality of the phones indicates a hyped-reality. Although technology has become easily accessible, the quality of such technologies puts constraints on what it can be used for. A vast majority of mobile phones are imported from China - at low-cost but also poor quality. Quality testing on imports, and locally produced products, is needed to approve market devices.  On another hand, the reality of internet connectivity is not high-speed, and therefore of limited use. Better connectivity emerges in certain geographical locations, to those who can afford higher prices, and within temporary fluxes.  [1] See further readings: BBC World Service, 2013. technological revolution, Africa, digital access, mobile phones, technology quality, imported devices, China, quality testing, local production, internet connectivity, high-speed internet, geographical disparities, affordability, temporary connectivity, digital divide, technological expectations, hype, reality, technological benefits technological revolution, Africa, technology access, mobile phones, quality, imported devices, China, internet connectivity, high-speed internet, affordability, geographical variation, market testing, technology benefits, hype, reality, digital divide technological revolution, Africa, technology hype, mobile phones, access, quality, imports, China, low-cost devices, quality testing, market approval, internet connectivity, high-speed internet, geographic disparities, affordability, temporary connectivity, digital divide, technology benefits, technology limitations technological revolution, Africa, technology access, mobile phones, quality of technology, imported devices, China, quality testing, local production, internet connectivity, high-speed internet, geographical disparities, affordability, temporary connectivity, digital divide technological revolution, Africa, technology access, mobile phones, phone quality, import quality, China imports, internet connectivity, high-speed internet, geographical disparities, affordability, temporary connectivity, expectations, benefits, hype, technology quality, market regulation, digital divide, infrastructure, connectivity disparities
test-politics-glghssi-con01a	Deliberately turning away from the international clout the UK brings to play on the global scene is simply odd  The UK acts as a big player on the international scene sitting at the top table of most international institutions. It is questionable as to whether the remaining part of the UK would continue to sit on the UN Security Council; one thing that is certain is that Scotland would not. Equally they would have little clout on European bodies, damaging their influence on key Scottish interests such as fisheries policy.  It would also lose the advantage that many companies see Edinburgh as a convenient base within the UK but would be unlikely to see much benefit to it as a base in an independent Scotland [i] .  [i] David Sinclair. “Issues surrounding Scottish independence.” September 1999. Published by the Constitution Unit, Tavistock House. UK, international influence, global scene, international institutions, United Nations, Security Council, Scotland, European bodies, fisheries policy, Edinburgh, Scottish independence, independence referendum, UK sovereignty, Scottish interests, constitutional change, international diplomacy, political clout, UK domestic policy, independence debate UK, international influence, global scene, big player, international institutions, UN Security Council, Scotland, Scottish independence, European bodies, fisheries policy, Edinburgh, independent Scotland, international clout, global influence, UK sovereignty, Scottish interests, international diplomacy, UK foreign policy UK, international influence, global scene, international institutions, UN Security Council, Scotland, European bodies, fisheries policy, Edinburgh, Scottish independence, foreign policy, sovereignty, diplomacy, international clout, political influence, independence movement, constitutional change, UK government, Scottish interests, international relations UK, international influence, global scene, international institutions, UN Security Council, Scotland, European bodies, fisheries policy, Edinburgh, Scottish independence, influence, foreign policy, international clout, UK sovereignty, independence debate, Scottish interests, global diplomacy, international policy UK, international influence, global scene, international institutions, UN Security Council, Scotland, European bodies, fisheries policy, influence, Edinburgh, Scottish independence, Constitution Unit
test-health-ppelfhwbpba-pro03a	Abortion is wrong per se when there are alternatives such as adoption  Tragically, some babies are unwanted, but this does not mean that we should kill them. There are plenty of other options, notably adoption. If anything, the case for adoption is more compelling in the third trimester, because the pregnancy is nearer to its natural end and there is less time, only about ten weeks, for the mother to have to put up with it. [1] Unwanted pregnancy and adoption may be psychologically harmful, but in many cases so is abortion, particularly at a late stage of pregnancy when the mother can see that the dead foetus is recognisably a baby - the guilt feelings associated with feeling that one is responsible for murdering a child can be unbearable.  [1] Bupa, ‘Stages of pregnancy’, April 2010, abortion, alternatives, adoption, unwanted pregnancy, late-stage pregnancy, third trimester, psychological impact, moral considerations, fetal development, guilt feelings, responsibility, child recognition, pregnancy stages abortion, opposition, adoption, unwanted pregnancy, third trimester, late pregnancy, moral arguments, pregnancy alternatives, psychological harm, fetal development, guilt, maternal health, ethical considerations, fetal recognition, pregnancy stages abortion, alternatives, adoption, unwanted pregnancy, third trimester, late-stage pregnancy, maternal guilt, psychological harm, fetal development, ethical considerations, reproductive choices, pregnancy stages abortion, alternatives, adoption, unwanted pregnancy, late-stage pregnancy, fetus, ethical considerations, psychological harm, guilt, maternal health, pregnancy stages, fetal development, moral debates abortion, alternatives, adoption, unwanted pregnancy, late pregnancy, third trimester, psychological harm, guilt, fetus, motherhood, pregnancy stages, ethical debate, reproductive choices
test-international-ghbunhf-pro03a	UN decision-making procedures are very inefficient.  The UN displays all the worst traits of bureaucracies the world over. The General Assembly is little more than a forum for world leaders and ambassadors to lambast each other. The Security Council is systemically unable to take decisive action in many of the world’s trouble-spots due to its outdated permanent membership structure, which gives five nations a totally disproportionate power to prevent the world body from acting against their interests. In the UN’s 65 years, the veto has been used nearly 300 times. [1]  [1] “General Analysis on the Security Council Veto”, Global Policy Forum website. UN, decision-making, inefficiency, bureaucracy, General Assembly, Security Council, reform, veto, permanent members, power imbalance, international politics, global governance, international organizations, UN reform, decision paralysis, global security, diplomatic procedures UN, decision-making, efficiency, bureaucracy, General Assembly, Security Council, world leaders, ambassadors, international cooperation, veto, permanent members, power imbalance, reform, global governance, international security, peacekeeping, geopolitical interests, global policy UN, decision-making, inefficiency, bureaucracy, General Assembly, Security Council, permanent membership, veto, global conflict, world politics, international relations, reform, power dynamics UN, decision-making, inefficiency, bureaucracy, General Assembly, Security Council, world leaders, ambassadors, veto, permanent membership, geopolitical power, international relations, global governance, United Nations reform, diplomatic stalemate UN, decision-making, efficiency, bureaucracy, General Assembly, Security Council, world leaders, ambassadors, veto, permanent membership, power imbalance, international relations, global governance, reform, decision paralysis
test-law-ralhrilglv-pro02a	Head of state immunity  Traditionally, heads of state have had immunity in foreign courts. This is for the normal functioning of diplomacy – so heads of state can engage in business at other states and travel to summits without the risk of harassment by vexatious claims in foreign courts, or foreign governments trying to attack the decisions of other governments in their own courts.  The ICC trying sitting heads of state would set a terrible precedent of a method of regime change – not even by foreign militaries, but by the ICC prosecutor. Regimes should change according to democratic mandate not foreign courts. head of state, immunity, foreign courts, diplomacy, international law, sovereignty, legal protection, regime change, ICC, International Criminal Court, jurisdiction, diplomatic immunity, diplomatic relations, sovereignty violations, legal precedent, human rights, international justice, diplomatic immunity laws, political immunity, regime accountability head of state, immunity, diplomacy, foreign courts, sovereignty, international law, ICC, regime change, diplomatic immunity, legal sovereignty, international justice, immunities, diplomatic relations, foreign policy, legal protections head of state, immunity, foreign courts, diplomacy, diplomatic immunity, international law, sovereignty, jurisdiction, ICC, international criminal court, regime change, sovereignty, diplomatic relations, legal immunities, international justice, political immunity head of state, immunity, foreign courts, diplomacy, diplomatic immunity, international law, sovereignty, ICC, International Criminal Court, regime change, diplomatic relations, international justice, legal immunity, sovereign immunity, foreign policymakers, international treaties, diplomatic protection, legal precedent, democratic mandate, regime transition head of state, immunity, foreign courts, diplomacy, sovereign immunity, international law, jurisdiction, ICC, International Criminal Court, regime change, diplomatic immunity, legal sovereignty, head of state trials, international diplomacy, foreign relations, legal precedent
test-science-cpisydfphwj-con03a	Facebook has a negative impact on learning  For many students, the constant flow of news, status updates, pictures and comments which comes through Facebook every single hour is proving to be a very distracting, which not surprisingly affects their educational progress. It negatively impacts learning. Studies show that students who checked in on social networks while studying had grades that were 20% lower than the grades of those who didn’t.(1)  A 20% difference in grades can be the difference from being awarded a scholarship at a prestigious university at being obliged to enrol in the community college, or very easily between passing and failing. Education is one of the most important things in anybody’s life as it greatly affects future prospects. Of course socialising is important as well but we should try to avoid one negatively affecting the other.  (1) Julie D. Andrews “Is Facebook Good Or Bad For Students? Debate Roils On” April 28, 2011   (2) Larry Rose ”Social Networking’s Good and Bad Impacts on Kids“ American Psychological Association August 6, 2011 Facebook, social media, negative impact, learning, distraction, educational progress, grades, academic performance, social networking, students, study habits, screen time, mental health, focus, educational outcomes, scholarship, university, community college, future prospects, socializing, digital distraction, online activity, study interruptions Facebook, social media, learning, educational progress, distraction, grades, academic performance, study habits, social networking, student focus, mental health, psychological impact, impact on students, educational outcomes, studies, research, growth, attention span, academic achievement, student behavior Facebook, negative impact, learning, students, distractions, social media, educational progress, grades, study habits, social networks, academic performance, scholarship, community college, future prospects, socialising, attention span, mental health, study interruptions, online distractions, student achievement, social media effects Facebook, social media, negative impact, learning, distraction, student grades, academic performance, social networks, educational progress, study habits, mental health, college admission, scholarship, student productivity, online distractions, academic success, socialization, study interruptions, psychological effects, educational outcomes Facebook, social media, learning, educational impact, distraction, student grades, social networks, study habits, academic performance, procrastination, attention span, academic achievement, mental health, socialization, psychological effects, research studies, educational outcomes
test-international-gsciidffe-pro04a	It is legitimate to enable freedom  Circumventing censorship is a cost effective method of promoting freedom. When a country has refused to recognise the right to freedom of expression of its own people and indeed is actively stopping them from exercising this right then it is legitimate for other countries to step in to act as an enabler of those rights. By circumventing censorship so the freedom of expression is returned to those that have had their voice stripped from them. Doing this costs the state that is acting almost nothing; thus Britain’s Foreign Office is devoting a mere £1.5million to promoting expression online, [1] and yet the benefits for those who it helps can be considerable by helping them to publicise and organise themselves by providing a platform. The small cost should be compared to the benefit of keeping activists one step ahead of the authorities by, for example providing software that helps make sure online communication is anonymous, which can save lives.  [1] “William Hague promises £1.5m to promote freedom of expression online”, BBC News, 30 April 2012, freedom, censorship, free expression, circumventing censorship, human rights, online freedom, internet freedom, digital rights, activism, government suppression, freedom of speech, online activism, digital censorship, anonymity tools, political repression, human rights promotion, freedom advocacy, online privacy, state control, international intervention, free speech online, freedom of expression legislation freedom, censorship, free speech, human rights, online expression, digital rights, internet freedom, activism, government suppression, freedom of speech, anonymous communication, online privacy, digital activism, freedom promotion, foreign policy, international support, digital rights advocacy, cost-effective solutions, censorship circumvention, activist safety freedom, censorship, free expression, human rights, online activism, digital rights, circumventing censorship, internet freedom, free speech, government suppression, activism tools, anonymous communication, international intervention, digital oppression, free speech promotion, activism costs, online privacy, human rights advocacy, censorship bypass, information freedom freedom, censorship, free speech, human rights, online expression, digital rights, extraterritorial intervention, internet freedom, anonymity, online activism, government restriction, social media, digital democracy, cyber activism, digital liberties, international aid, free speech technology, human rights advocacy, online censorship, freedom promotion, activists, digital security freedom of expression, censorship, circumventing censorship, online freedom, digital rights, human rights, freedom promotion, governmental intervention, extraterritorial rights, online anonymity, activists protection, suppression resistance, international support, free speech, digital activism, human rights advocacy, online privacy, technological solutions, life-saving software
test-politics-oapdhwinkp-pro01a	South Korea can handle the situation itself  The two Koreas should be able to solve the situation themselves without recourse to all the neighbouring powers – whose interest does not seem to have spurred a solution to the frozen conflict anyway. With the Cold War over South Korea is more than capable of handling its own security. South Korea is economically far ahead of the North with its economy thirty seven times bigger. [1] Its military is also more capable than the North’s as the International Institute for Strategic Studies argues “As measured by static equipment indices, South Korea’s conventional forces would appear superior to North Korea’s. When morale, training, equipment maintenance, logistics, and reconnaissance and communications capabilities are factored in, this qualitative advantage increases.” [2] So should be able to deter aggression on its own and pull its own weight in negotiations without the need of a multilateral process. Moreover no one would argue that an invasion should be ignored however the South should be the one who responds to North Korean actions on its own.  [1] Oh Young-Jin, ‘South Korean economy 37 times bigger than NK’s’, The Korea Times, 5 January 2011,   [2] ‘The Conventional Military Balance on the Korean Peninsula’, The International Institute for Strategic Studies, 2012, South Korea, North Korea, sovereignty, self-reliance, security, military strength, economic disparity, non-interference, regional stability, Cold War, frozen conflict, deterrence, negotiations, multilateral process, military capabilities, training, logistics, reconnaissance, communications South Korea, North Korea, conflict resolution, security, economic disparity, military strength, deterrence, negotiation, independence, Cold War, neighboring powers, regional stability, military capability, economic comparison, strategic balance, unilateral action South Korea, North Korea, security, conflict, Cold War, economic disparity, military strength, deterrence, negotiations, sovereignty, regional stability, military capabilities, conventional forces, strategic capabilities, defense, diplomacy, cross-border tension, escalation, inter-Korean relations, military balance, influence, regional security South Korea, North Korea, self-reliance, frozen conflict, neighboring powers, Cold War, security, economy, military capabilities, strategic advantage, deterrence, negotiations, multilateral process, invasion, response, South Korean economy, military balance, International Institute for Strategic Studies, The Korea Times South Korea, North Korea, self-reliance, conflict resolution, neighboring powers, Cold War, security, economy, military, conventional forces, morale, training, logistics, reconnaissance, communications, deterrence, negotiation, multilateral process, invasion response, military balance, Korean Peninsula
test-science-ciidfaihwc-con03a	People often react poorly to being censored by their governments.  In countries that do currently practice censorship of Internet information, their citizens often interpret this as suspicious and dictatorial behaviour. For example, in China growing discontent with the government’s constant censorship has led to public outrage [1] , and political satire which heavily criticises the government [2] . Censorship can easily be used malevolently and is not always in public interest; this motion supports the ignorance of the population by hiding information and the reality of the situation. Therefore the cost of suspicion by the population of the state makes censorship of any kind less than worthwhile and it is better to allow individuals to make their own choices.  [1] Bennett, Isabella, ‘Media Censorship in China’, Council on Foreign Relations, 7 March 2011,  on 09/09/11  [2] Bennett, Isabella, ‘Media Censorship in China’, Council on Foreign Relations, 7 March 2011,  on 09/09/11. censorship, government, Internet censorship, public outrage, political satire, China, public discontent, government critique, information control, suspicion, sovereignty, censorship consequences, freedom of information, government transparency, media suppression, citizens' rights, state control, censorship drawbacks censorship, government censorship, internet censorship, public outrage, political satire, surveillance, freedom of speech, government control, information suppression, censorship consequences, societal impact, media control, political dissent, citizen response, authoritarianism, transparency censorship, internet, government, citizens, China, public outrage, political satire, criticism, malevolence, public interest, ignorance, information suppression, suspicion, individual choice, media censorship, freedom of expression censorship, government, internet, China, public outrage, political satire, surveillance, freedom of expression, government control, public interest, information suppression, political dissent, authoritarianism, censorship impact, citizen reaction censorship, government, internet, citizens, suspicion, dictatorship, China, discontent, outrage, political satire, criticism, malevolence, public interest, information, awareness, individual choice, outward transparency, media control, public opinion
test-politics-eppghwlrba-pro03a	Sports shooting desensitizes people to the lethal nature of firearms  Shooting as a sport desensitises people to the lethal nature of all firearms, creating a gun culture that glamorises and legitimises unnecessary gun ownership. It remains the interest of a minority, who should not be allowed to block the interests of society as a whole in gun control. Compensation can be given to individual gun owners, gun clubs and the retail firearms trade, in recognition of their economic loss if a ban is implemented. sports shooting, firearm desensitization, gun culture, gun ownership, gun control, firearm safety, gun legislation, shooting sports, gun violence, firearm regulation, gun ban, gun trade, firearm economy, firearm harm, gun rights, gun safety education sports shooting, firearm desensitization, gun culture, gun ownership, gun control, lethal firearms, gun ban, gun trade, gun clubs, firearm compensation, societal interests, gun violence, firearm regulation sports shooting, firearm desensitization, gun culture, gun ownership, firearm lethalness, gun control, gun lobby, gun ban, firearm compensation, gun trade, shooting sports, firearm safety, gun legislation, weapon normalization, gun rights sports shooting, firearm desensitization, gun culture, gun ownership, gun control, firearm safety, lethal firearms, gun regulation, gun ban, economic compensation, gun rights, firearm legislation, shooting sports, firearm education, gun violence, firearm responsibility sports shooting, gun culture, firearm desensitization, gun ownership, firearm danger, gun control, gun violence, gun legislation, gun ban, gun rights, firearm safety, gun industry, recreational shooting, gun policies, firearm regulation, economic impact, gun clubs, firearms trade, societal safety, gun lobby
test-free-speech-debate-nshbbsbfb-pro01a	This was a piece of art, advertised and described as such, those likely to be offended were quite welcome not to watch it.  The allegation made by those who objected to the airing of this show was that it was blasphemous. There were also objections to the graphic nature of the language and sexual reference. It seems staggeringly unlikely that 55,000 [i] people had accidently been watching opera on BBC 2 having failed to watch any of the warnings in advance or the fairly extensive media discussion in advance of the broadcast.  Therefore, those who watched it made a choice to do so – and it seems reasonable to consider that an informed choice. A free society is predicated on the fact that adults have the right to make choices. In turn that is based on the shared understanding that those choices have consequences; which may, potentially, cause some degree of harm to the person making that choice. Having been warned that watching the broadcast may cause them offence, viewers still chose to and some, it seems, were duly offended.  It seems reasonable, therefore, to assume that the shock was either feigned or a matter of pretence. Which leaves the matter of blasphemy; an offence against a belief system. There was no secret that religious issues were likely to feature in the broadcast and no secret was made of the fact that those views were likely to be both critical and forthright. Tuning in, specifically to be offended by something that the viewer had been warned they might find offensive seems perverse.  By contrast, art lovers who wished to see the production - which had received four Lawrence Olivier Awards among other tributes – had the opportunity to experience a theatrical work they would have had a limited opportunity to witness had it not been broadcast nationally.  It would be bizarre to disadvantage those who wanted to – and actually did – see the performance (about 1.7 million [ii] )because of the views of those who neither wanted to see it or refused to do so  [i] Wikipedia entry: “Jerry Springer: The Opera”  [ii] BBC News Website. “Group to Act Over singer Opera.” 10 January 2005. art, advertisement, blasphemy, offense, viewers, media, warnings, free society, choice, harm, consequence, offence, shock, pretence, religious issues, critical views, art lovers, Olivier Awards, theatrical work, broadcast, performance, audience, controversy art, advertising, offense, viewers, blasphemy, media, warning, choice, free society, harm, offence, shock, pretence, religious issues, critical views, art lovers, production, awards, theatrical work, broadcast, attendance art, advertisement, description, offense, viewer choice, blasphemy, media discussion, warnings, audience, consent, freedom, society, harm, offence, offence threshold, shock, feigned offense, religious issues, belief system, critical views, artistic expression, theatrical work, awards, broadcast, accessibility, audience reception, controversy, censorship, free speech, media regulation art, advertisement, controversy, offensive, viewer choice, free society, consequences, harm, offence, shock, blasphemy, religious issues, critical, forthright, warned, art lovers, production, awards, theatrical work, national broadcast, witness, audience, Jerry Springer: The Opera, controversy, censorship, media discussion, TV broadcast, audience reception art, offense, blasphemy, media, censorship, viewers, choice, informed consent, harm, offense warning, religious issues, critical view, art awards, legal controversy, public debate, television broadcast, cultural expression, freedom of expression, art performance, moral objections, media discussion
test-culture-ahrtsdlgra-pro03a	The power of the visual  Art differs from other forms of media with regard to the expression of ideas. Unlike other methods of conveying ideas, art has a visceral impact that is instant and has a lasting effect.  In a discussion, for example, there are often clues that ideas that might make people feel uncomfortable are about to arise. Thus, people are in a better position to consent to the sorts of challenges controversy within a conversation may pose (similarly, we tend to look more positively on taboo subjects raised within a conversational context than we do when they are, for example, shouted about in the street).  In the case of art, particularly that which is displayed in public spaces (like squares, parks and museums) people are unable to consent in this way, but rather, may be confronted suddenly by something that they find disgusting, because it has forced them to confront something they find horrific or traumatic, in a manner which has a great impact, and that, because of the power of the visual, they find difficult to forget. visual art, media, expression of ideas, visceral impact, lasting effect, controversy, taboo subjects, public art, emotional response, aesthetic experience, confrontation, shock factor, memory, public spaces, trauma, art perception visual art, media, expression, ideas, visceral impact, conversation, controversy, taboo subjects, public art, visual influence, emotional response, trauma, confrontational art, public spaces, memory, sensory impact visual art, media, idea expression, visceral impact, instant perception, lasting effect, controversy, taboo subjects, public art, societal reflection, emotional response, traumatic confrontation, visual power, memory, public space, moral challenge, cultural critique visual art, media, expression, ideas, visceral impact, communication, controversy, taboo subjects, public art, confrontational art, trauma, public spaces, visual power, memory, emotional reaction visual art, media, idea expression, visceral impact, art controversy, public art, taboo subjects, visual confrontation, public spaces, art perception, emotional response, trauma, cultural impact, memory, visual stimuli
test-law-cplglghwbhwd-pro02a	Handguns are uniquely dangerous when compared with other weapons  Handguns are specifically worse than most other weapons. They are weapons which are both concealable and portable. Shotguns and Rifles can easily be identified from a long distance making it easier to avoid those who are carrying them or conversely for the authorities check their motives for carrying arms. Handguns, being ranged weapons (as opposed to knives), prevent people from opting to run away if they are confronted by an attacker and being concealable prevent any attempt at avoiding those carrying them.  Because of these unique capabilities they make excellent weapons for gang members who wish to remain inconspicuous to avoid being searched by the police. Further, they are also uniquely useful for other criminal actors such as drug dealers who need to be able to protect themselves, but also need to appear unassuming for clients.  As such, handguns, where they are freely available, are often used by most criminals for these purposes. Given that handguns are also more likely to cause accidental injuries- as a result of incompetence or recklessness- than a knife, it seems logical that handguns cause a much larger harm to citizens in places where they are freely available.4 handguns, weapons, concealability, portability, danger, comparison, shotguns, rifles, identification, range, concealment, criminal use, gang members, police, drug dealers, criminal activity, accidental injuries, harm, availability handguns, weapons, danger, concealability, portability, shotguns, rifles, identification, range, concealment, security, criminal activity, gang members, police searches, drug dealers, self-defense, criminal use, accidental injuries, harm, availability handguns, weapons, danger, concealability, portability, shotguns, rifles, identification, range, concealment, evasion, criminal activity, gang members, police, drug dealers, self-defense, criminal usage, accidental injuries, harm, availability handguns, weapons, concealability, portability, crime, criminal actors, gang members, drug dealers, law enforcement, identification, range, accidental injuries, harm, availability, prevention, concealment, armed conflict, self-defense handguns, weapons, danger, concealability, portability, shotguns, rifles, identification, range, concealment, criminal activity, gang members, criminal actors, police search, drug dealers, criminal use, accidental injuries, harm, availability
test-politics-cdmaggpdgdf-con02a	Provides information to competitors  Where there is international competition transparency can be a problem if there is not transparency on both sides as one side is essentially giving its opponent an advantage. This is ultimately why countries keep national security secrets; they are in competition with other nations and the best way to ensure an advantage over those states is to keep capabilities secret. One side having information while the other does not allows the actor that has the information to act differently in response to that knowledge. Keeping things secret can therefore provide an advantage when making a decision, as the one with most information is most likely to react best. [1] Currently there is information asymmetry between the United States and China to the point where some analysts consider that the United States provides more authoritative information on China’s military than China itself does. [2]  [1] National Security Forum, No More Secrets, American Bar Association, March 2011, p.7  [2] Erickson, Andrew S., ‘Pentagon Report Reveals Chinese Military Developments’, The Diplomat, 8 May 2013 confidentiality, transparency, international competition, national security, secrecy, information asymmetry, military intelligence, strategic advantage, information security, opacity, national security secrets, geopolitical competition, intelligence gathering, US-China relations, military developments, strategic information information asymmetry, national security, secrecy, transparency, competition, intelligence, strategy, military development, countries, international relations, security secrets, advantage, decision-making, US, China, military intelligence transparency, competition, national security, secrets, information asymmetry, military intelligence, international relations, state secrecy, strategic advantage, defense strategy, US China relations, intelligence gathering, information control, security secrets, military developments competition, transparency, national security, secrecy, information asymmetry, intelligence, military, international relations, strategic advantage, security secrets, rivals, information control, U.S.-China relations, military developments, strategic secrecy international competition, transparency, secrecy, national security, information asymmetry, military intelligence, strategic advantage, China, United States, military capabilities, security secrets, information sharing, defense intelligence, geopolitical competition
test-culture-mmctyshwbcp-pro02a	performers are at risk of exploitation  Children are generally considered to be too young to make important decisions for themselves, and so decision-making falls to parents, teachers, etc. For child performers, there are additional decision-makers: their agents. Since agents benefit financially from the child’s getting a role or doing well in a sporting event, there is a definite risk of exploitation. Exploitation can also come from parents, as in the famous case of American television child stars Jackie Coogan and Gary Coleman, who both sued their parents for spending the money they had earned as children [1] [2] or of Macaulay Culkin, who blocked his parents from having access to his earnings.  [1] AP, ‘The Kid’ To Get $126,000 For His Share’  [2] The Deseret News, ‘Former Child Star Wins $1.3 Million Judgment’ performers, child exploitation, decision-making, parents, teachers, agents, financial exploitation, child actors, child athletes, legal cases, Jackie Coogan, Gary Coleman, Macaulay Culkin, earnings, child stars child performers, exploitation, decision-making, parents, teachers, agents, financial gain, child labor, child stars, legal cases, earnings, parental control, child rights, youth athletes, child actors, child athletes, legal disputes child performers, exploitation, decision-making, parents, teachers, agents, financial abuse, child stars, legal cases, earnings, child rights, child labor, celebrity exploitation, child actor lawsuits, monetary disputes, parental control child performers, exploitation, decision-making, parents, teachers, agents, financial benefit, legal cases, child stars, earnings, abuse, child labor, labor laws, child rights, financial control, legal disputes performers, child exploitation, decision-making, parents, teachers, agents, financial benefit, child actors, child athletes, legal cases, Jackie Coogan, Gary Coleman, Macaulay Culkin, child earnings, legal disputes, child rights
test-society-epiasghbf-con01a	The double burden  Despite a feminising labour market there has been no convergence, or equalisation, in unpaid domestic and care work. Women still play key roles in working the reproductive sphere and family care; therefore labour-force participation increases the overall burden placed on women. The burden is placed on time, physical, and mental demands.  We need to recognise the anxieties and burdens women face of being the bread-winner, as survival is becoming ‘feminised’ (Sassen, 2002). Additionally, women have always accounted for a significant proportion of the labour market - although their work has not been recognised. Therefore to what extent can we claim increased labour force participation is empowering when it is only just being recognised? double burden,feminising labor market,unpaid domestic work,women's roles,reproductive labor,family care,labour-force participation,gender inequality,care work,mental demands,physical demands,survival gendered,recognition of women's work,women's empowerment,gendered burdens,work-life balance,feminization of labor,gender roles,care economy,gender disparities double burden,feminising labour market,unpaid domestic work,gender inequality,gender roles,women’s labour,care work,workload,gendered burden,mental health,physical health,women’s empowerment,labour-force participation,feminisation,recognition of women’s work,gender disparities,care economy,gender equalisation,gendered expectations,gender division,work-life balance,gendered stress,gender stereotypes double burden, feminising labour market, unpaid domestic work, care work, gender inequality, reproductive labor, family care, women's labor participation, gendered workload, time burden, physical demands, mental demands, breadwinner role, survival, feminization, labor recognition, women's empowerment, gender roles, labor policy, gendered division of labor double burden, feminising labour market, unpaid domestic work, care work, gender inequality, reproductive work, family care, labour-force participation, women's burden, time demands, physical demands, mental demands, gender roles, emotional labor, women's empowerment, labor market recognition, gendered labor, work-life balance, gender socialization, societal expectations double burden, feminising labour market, unpaid domestic work, gender equality, reproductive labour, family care, women’s labour, labour-force participation, gendered burden, time demands, physical demands, mental demands, women’s anxieties, breadwinner, feminised survival, women’s labour recognition, gender inequality, empowerment, unpaid work recognition
test-international-gmehwasr-con05a	"Would it work?  The most fundamental question for any policy is whether it would actually work if implemented? In this case it seems to be doubtful that in practice arming the rebels would be enough to allow them to prevail. It will simply be helping to even the odds; providing enough arms to prevail over a fully equipped army that is supplied by Iran and Russia would require a truly colossal effort. No one is seriously going to consider providing M1 Abrams tanks to overcome Syrian armour when there are even concerns about providing anti-aircraft missiles. Even supporters of arming the rebels such as Senator John McCain say ""this alone will not be decisive"". All arming the rebels does then is make the government appear to be doing something (in a bad way since it is an unpopular policy), and stick a toe in the water (also bad as that may lead to escalating commitments), and another decision point six months down the line. [1]  [1] Lynch, Marc, ‘Shopping Option C for Syria’, Foreign Policy, 14 February 2013 policy effectiveness, rebel arming, military support, Syria, arms supplies, Iran, Russia, weaponry, military escalation, victory feasibility, military aid, anti-aircraft missiles, M1 Abrams tanks, conflict resolution, strategic ineffective, political implications, escalation risks policy effectiveness, rebel arms, military support, intervention feasibility, Syrian conflict, arming rebels, regional involvement, Iran support, Russia support, military escalation, military capabilities, weapons delivery, conflict resolution, foreign policy, strategic outcomes policy effectiveness, rebel arming, military support, Syrian conflict, weapons supplies, Iran, Russia, military balance, anti-aircraft missiles, M1 Abrams tanks, escalation, foreign policy, decision-making, supporting rebels, conflict escalation, military logistics policy effectiveness, rebel arms supply, military intervention, rebel victory, foreign aid, Iran support, Russia support, military logistics, weaponry, anti-aircraft missiles, M1 Abrams tanks, Syrian government, escalation, policy analysis, foreign policy debate policy effectiveness, arming rebels, military support, opposition strength, international aid, Syria conflict, weapons logistics, rebel capabilities, Iran involvement, Russia support, military escalation, arms supplies, strategic effectiveness, combat readiness, military resources, foreign policy, military intervention, escalation risks, government legitimacy, military balance"
test-digital-freedoms-eifdfaihs-pro01a	Privacy  This was the clinching argument in the Dutch example. Labour MP Martijn van Dam, one of the bill’s co-authors said that Dutch ISP KPN was similar to “a postal worker who delivers a letter, looks to see what’s in it and then claims he hasn’t read it. It is simply a basic principle of the Internet that for it to continue working as it does now, all data needs to be treated the same otherwise judgements will be formed on ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ data [i] .  The principle here is that the data being used is simply none of the ISPs business. Their job is simply to provide an agreed bandwidth, at an agreed price to the end user. How the end user makes use of that band width is up to them. If, for example, they’re choosing to Skype from a mobile device – one of the points of contention – it’s hard to see what that has to do with the ISP.  [i] PCWorld. Matthew Honan, MacWorld. “Inside Net Neutrality: Privacy and BitTorrent. 14 February 2008. privacy, net neutrality, internet data, ISP, KPN, Dutch law, data privacy, bandwidth, user rights, data fairness, internet principles, data usage, ISP responsibility, digital rights, online privacy, mobile devices, Skype, net neutrality debate privacy, net neutrality, internet data, ISP, KPN, data privacy, bandwidth, user rights, data censorship, digital rights, mobile data, Skype, internet principle, data equality, ISP monitoring privacy, net neutrality, ISP, KPN, data privacy, internet principles, bandwidth, user rights, data segregation, surveillance, internet freedom, data usage, legal framework, digital rights, mobile devices, Skype, content neutrality privacy, net neutrality, data privacy, ISP, internet principles, data treatment, user privacy, bandwidth, data usage, internet regulation, digital rights, privacy argument, Dutch legislation, KPN, ISP transparency, data management Privacy, net neutrality, ISP, data privacy, Dutch legislation, KPN, internet principles, data management, bandwidth, user autonomy, digital rights, online privacy, Internet regulation, surveillance, data discrimination
test-international-gsciidffe-pro03a	It is domestic not international legitimacy that matters  What matters for a state when it comes to foreign policy, and therefore with helping to circumvent censorship, is whether the policy is considered legitimate domestically. Since a government's legitimacy is domestically derived from the support of its people if they support the policy then it is legitimate. While it is often not considered a top priority people in democracies usually support promoting human rights and spreading democracy around the world. [1]  [1] Stevenson, Kirsten, “Strong support for democracy promotion in national opinion ballot”, Foreign Policy Association, 23 October 2012, domestic legitimacy, international legitimacy, foreign policy, censorship, governmental support, democratic support, human rights, democracy promotion, public opinion, government legitimacy, support base, political support, legitimacy theories domestic legitimacy, international legitimacy, foreign policy, censorship, government support, public opinion, democracy promotion, human rights, state authority, political support, democratic societies, legitimacy sources domestic legitimacy, international legitimacy, foreign policy, censorship, government support, public opinion, democracy promotion, human rights, state sovereignty, legitimacy theory, government support, democratic support domestic legitimacy, international legitimacy, foreign policy, censorship, government support, democratic support, human rights, democracy promotion, public opinion, national support, legitimacy factors domestic legitimacy, foreign policy, government support, censorship, democratic support, human rights, democracy promotion, public opinion, national support, legitimacy sources
test-culture-ascidfakhba-pro04a	The costs of monitoring copyright by states, artists, and lawyers far outweigh the benefits, and is often simply ineffective  The state incurs huge costs in monitoring for copyright infringement, in arresting suspected perpetrators, in imprisonment of those found guilty, even though in reality nothing was stolen but an idea that, once released to it, belonged to the public domain more or less. [1] Furthermore, the deterrent effect to copyright piracy generated by all the efforts of the state and firms has proven generally minimal. In fact, the level of internet piracy of books, music, and films has increased dramatically year on year for several years, increasing by 30% in 2011 alone. [2] This is because in many cases copyright laws are next to unenforceable, as the music and movie industries have learned to their annoyance in recent years, for example ninety percent of DVDs sold in China are bootlegs while even western consumers are increasingly bypassing copyright by using peer to peer networks. [3] Only a tiny fraction of perpetrators are ever caught, and though they are often punished severely in an attempt to deter future crime, it has done little to stop their incidence. Copyright, in many cases, does not work in practice plain and simple. Releasing works under a creative commons licensing scheme does a great deal to cope with these pressures. In the first instance it is a less draconian regime, so individuals are more willing to buy into it as a legitimate claim by artists rather than an onerous stranglehold on work. This increases compliance with the relaxed law. Secondly, the compliance means that artists are given the vocal crediting under the license rules that gives them more public exposure than clandestine copying could not. Ultimately this adaptation of current copyright law would benefit the artist and the consumer mutually.  [1] World Intellectual Property Organization. “Emerging Issues in Intellectual Property”. 2011   [2] Hartopo, A. “The Past, Present and Future of Internet Piracy”. Jakarta Globe. 26 July 2011.   [3] Quirk, M., “The Movie Pirates”, The Atlantic, 19 November 2009, copyright enforcement, copyright costs, piracy, internet piracy, copyright infringement, copyright laws, digital piracy, unauthorized copying, bootleg DVDs, peer-to-peer networks, copyright enforcement costs, deterrence failure, copyright compliance, Creative Commons, public domain, copyright law reform, piracy statistics, illegal copying, copyright penalties, industry impact, copyright enforcement challenges copyright enforcement, monitoring costs, copyright infringement, legal enforcement, piracy, internet piracy, copyright laws, bootlegs, peer-to-peer networks, enforcement effectiveness, legal penalties, creative commons, licensing, public domain, copyright compliance, artist exposure, piracy statistics, intellectual property, copyright deterrence, enforcement challenges copyright enforcement, copyright costs, piracy, internet piracy, copyright law enforcement, copyright infringement, legal enforcement costs, copyright deterrence, piracy statistics, piracy growth, bootlegging, peer-to-peer networks, creative commons licensing, copyright compliance, public domain, legal penalties, copyright industry, illegal downloads, copyright challenges, intellectual property, law enforcement effectiveness copyright, monitoring, enforcement, costs, effectiveness, piracy, internet piracy, infringement, copyright laws, bootlegs, peer-to-peer networks, deterrence, penalties, creative commons, licensing, compliance, public domain, copyright industry, legal challenges, enforcement costs, piracy statistics, law reform, digital piracy, enforcement agencies copyright, monitoring, enforcement, costs, effectiveness, piracy, infringement, legal compliance, internet piracy, bootlegs, peer-to-peer networks, legal deterrents, punishment, creative commons, licensing, public domain, intellectual property, laws, enforcement challenges, unauthorized copying, digital piracy, piracy statistics, legal reform, artists, consumers, law enforcement
test-international-emephsate-con02a	Turkey is not yet up to European standards of human rights.  Turkey is a democracy but it is not yet up to the standards necessary for membership in the European Union. Turkey has numerous problems with the autocracy of its leaders, the suppressed human rights of the Kurdish and the other minorities. The State Department Human Rights Report condemns for example arbitrary arrest and says “Police detained more than 1,000 members of the pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) on various occasions” during 2011. Kurds and other minorities are “prohibited from fully exercising their linguistic, religious, and cultural rights” and are harassed when attempting to assert their identity. [1] There is little freedom of the press in Turkey, most of the media are state-controlled resulting in turkey ranking 148th on Reporters without borders press freedom index whereas the lowest EU country is Greece ranked 70th. [2] While some countries in the EU, such as France, have criminalized the denial of the Armenian genocide [3] Turkey on the other hand hasn’t even recognized that it ever happened. It is clear that while this disparity exists and human rights violations continue Turkey cannot join the EU.  [1] Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, ‘Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2011 Turkey’, U.S. Department of State,   [2] ‘Press Freedom Index 2011-2012’, Reporters Without Borders,   [3] De Montjoye, Clementine, ‘France’s Armenian genocide law’, Free SpeechDebate, 29 June 2012, Turkey, human rights, European Union, democracy, autocracy, minorities, Kurdish, cultural rights, religious rights, linguistic rights, freedom of press, media control, Reporters Without Borders, press freedom index, Armenia genocide, recognition, violations, EU membership, political repression, minority rights, civil liberties Turkey, European standards, human rights, democracy, EU membership, autocracy, minorities, Kurdish, human rights violations, arbitrary arrest, police, Peace and Democracy Party, BDP, linguistic rights, religious rights, cultural rights, harassment, freedom of press, state-controlled media, press freedom index, Reporters Without Borders, Armenia genocide recognition, human rights reports Turkey, European standards, human rights, democracy, EU membership, autocracy, minorities, Kurdish, minorities rights, arbitrary arrest, State Department, Human Rights Report, police detention, Peace and Democracy Party, BDP, linguistic rights, religious rights, cultural rights, harassment, press freedom, media control, Reporters Without Borders, press freedom index, Greece, Armenia genocide, recognition, violations Turkey, human rights, European standards, democracy, EU membership, autocracy, minorities, Kurdish, cultural rights, linguistic rights, religious rights, press freedom, media control, Reporters Without Borders, Armenian genocide, recognition, violations, democracy index, press freedom index Turkey, European standards, human rights, democracy, EU membership, autocracy, minorities, Kurdish rights, suppressed human rights, State Department, arbitrary arrest, police, peace and democracy party, BDP, linguistic rights, religious rights, cultural rights, harassment, press freedom, media control, Reporters Without Borders, press freedom index, Greece, Armenian genocide, genocide recognition, human rights violations, EU accession
test-politics-oepdlhfcefp-con02a	The previous arrangement of having two foreign policy centers (in the Commission and in the Council) was arguably inefficient, but consolidating these into a single office-holder has created more complexity and at significantly greater expense.  Creating a position of EU High Representative is not objectionable in itself. Previously the EU was in the ludicrous situation of having two foreign affairs spokesmen, one from the Council and the other from the Commission. Rivalry and duplication of efforts, staffs and resources results, and so focusing all the EU’s external affairs work around one person makes some sense. What it does not mean is that the High Representative should lead a drive for a stronger common foreign policy position. Only when member states agree (which may not be often) will he or she have a role. In fact, by weakening the foreign affairs role within the Commission, this development may actually limit the pretensions of Brussels to develop its own agenda and dictate foreign policy to the member states. European Union, foreign policy, EU High Representative, Commission, Council, foreign affairs, foreign policy centers, foreign relations, external affairs, European Commission, European Council, policy consolidation, foreign policy coordination, EU external relations, EU foreign policy development, EU foreign policy inefficiency, EU diplomatic strategy, EU institutional structure EU foreign policy, High Representative, Commission, Council, foreign affairs, policy coordination, institutional structure, EU external relations, foreign policy duplication, EU governance, member states, Brussels, foreign policy aggressiveness, institutional reform, EU bureaucracy, foreign policy effectiveness European Union, foreign policy, EU High Representative, Commission, Council, foreign affairs, policy coordination, resource allocation, decision-making, external relations, institutional reform, foreign policy efficiency, Brussels, member states, policy rivalry, diplomatic efforts European Union, foreign policy, EU High Representative, Commission, Council, external affairs, foreign policy coordination, EU diplomacy, institutional reform, foreign policy duplication, EU external relations, EU foreign policy roles, member states, Brussels, foreign affairs officials EU, foreign policy, High Representative, Commission, Council, foreign affairs, external relations, EU governance, policy coordination, resource allocation, member states, foreign policy integration, institutional structure, EU diplomacy, internal EU rivalry, policy effectiveness, EU external action, foreign policy efficiency, Brussels, EU institutions
test-international-atiahblit-pro04a	Social Policy for satisfied teachers  The creation of national social policies which provide secure, and stable, wages for teachers is fundamental. Social policy can make satisfied teachers. A key concern amongst teachers is finance - inadequate wages and insurance. Teacher wages is considerably lower than other formal professions - combining to enforce low morale and occupational motivation as pay is too low to sustain individuals and households (Bennell, 2004). In South Africa an average teaching salary is 19,535 ZAR in contrast to the 28,235 ZAR average granted in all jobs in South Africa (Salary Explorer, 2013).  Further, social policy is required to introduce teacher pension schemes. Pension schemes are provided for workers within the formal employment sector, by various public organisations - including the government and GEPF [1] . However, some national pension schemes are more developed than others and teachers need to be ensured the profession can provide investments for future security. An ageing population only reinforces its importance.  [1] See further readings: GEPF, 2013. social policy, teacher satisfaction, wages, salary comparison, occupational motivation, financial security, insurance, pension schemes, formal employment, public organizations, government, GEPF, retirement benefits, pension development, workforce aging, South Africa, salary disparity, teacher morale, job security social policy, teacher satisfaction, wages, income security, occupational motivation, teacher pay, salary comparison, South Africa, pension schemes, pension investment, formal employment, government, GEPF, retirement security, ageing population, public organizations social policy, teacher satisfaction, wages, income security, occupational motivation, pension schemes, teacher salaries, informal employment, public organizations, retirement benefits, demographic changes, workforce stability, job morale, South Africa, GEPF, pension investment, aging population social policy, teacher satisfaction, wages, salary, social security, pension schemes, occupational motivation, low morale, South Africa, income, formal employment, public organizations, government, GEPF, pension investment, retirement benefits, workforce stability, financial security, job security, teacher remuneration social policy, teacher satisfaction, wages, salary equity, teacher pay, occupational motivation, teacher morale, insurance, pension schemes, public employment, formal sector, government, GEPF, retirement security, pension development, ageing population, South Africa, salary comparison, financial stability, job security
test-international-ghbunhf-pro04a	Many UN bodies are corrupt or compromised.  As mentioned above, the Human Rights Council consists of some the worst human rights abusers in the world. The NGO UN Watch has accused the HRC focusing almost exclusively on alleged human rights abuses by Israel to the exclusion of almost every other country. [1]  There have been widespread allegations of corruption in UN bodies. [2] It is for these reasons that the US long refused to pay its full dues to the United Nations and threatens to do so again in future, as well as withholding funding from UNESCO in 2011 after it voted to recognise Palestine as an independent state. [3]  [1] “Anti-Israel Resolutions at the HRC”, UN Watch 2011.   [2] “Corruption at the Heart of the United Nations”, The Economist, 9th August 2005.   [3] “US cuts UNESCO funds over vote for Palestinian seat“. BBC website. 31st October 2011. UN, corruption, Human Rights Council, HR, abuses, Israel, NGOs, UN Watch, UN bodies, allegations, US, dues, funding, UNESCO, Palestine, international organizations, human rights, political bias, international law UN Bodies, corruption, human rights abuses, Human Rights Council, NGO UN Watch, Israel, human rights violations, bias, UN corruption allegations, US funding, dues, UNESCO, Palestine recognition, international organizations, governance, transparency, accountability, diplomatic conflicts UN, Human Rights Council, corruption, human rights abuses, NGO UN Watch, Israel, discrimination, international organizations, United Nations, US, dues, funding cuts, UNESCO, Palestine, bias, allegations UN bodies, corruption, Human Rights Council, HRC, human rights abuses, Israel, UN Watch, NGO, allegations, corruption in UN, United Nations, US, dues, funding, UNESCO, Palestine, anti-Israel, UN resolutions, UN corruption, international organizations UN, United Nations, corruption, human rights, Human Rights Council, NGOs, UN Watch, Israel, human rights abuses, UN bodies, US, dues, funding, UNESCO, Palestine, international organizations, accountability, bias, anti-Israel resolutions, UN reform
test-society-mmcpsgfhbf-con04a	The feminist movement cannot afford to alienate itself from society  The term ‘feminism’ is often associated with men-hating and the radical view that women are superior to men as opposed to gender equality. This happens because extreme feminists who uphold such opinions are consistently given greater media coverage by virtue of having the loudest voices and creating headlines that sell. As a result, the feminist movement is currently lacking the support it deserves and even those who take feminist positions often don’t want to call themselves feminists. (Scharff) [1]  It would be a bad move for it to further radicalise itself and attempt to ban something as present in society as pornography. It will never work, and it will merely make women and men more reluctant to espouse feminist ideologies for fear of being associated with a ‘hate group’.  [1] Scharff, Christina, “Myths of man-hating feminists make feminism unpopular”, Economic & Social Research Council, 7 March 2013, feminist movement, gender equality, radical feminism, media coverage, public perception, feminism stereotypes, societal support, feminism debates, radical feminism risks, pornography ban, feminist stereotypes, gender rights, feminist public image, feminist support, feminist activism feminist movement, gender equality, feminism, radical feminism, media coverage, public perception, societal support, feminist stereotypes, man-hating, radical views, misinformation, feminism support, feminist backlash, societal integration, pornography ban, feminist reputation, gender politics, feminist activism, public opinion, gender discourse feminist movement, gender equality, radical feminism, media coverage, public perception, societal support, feminism stereotypes, man-hating, radical views, feminism controversy, pornography ban, social acceptance, feminist ideology, public opinion, feminism reputation feminist movement, societal perception, feminism stereotypes, gender equality, radical feminism, media coverage, extreme feminism, public support, feminism misconceptions, feminism reputation, feminist ideology, feminism backlash, pornography ban, societal impact, feminist support, gender rights, feminist support decline, media influence, feminism criticism feminism, gender equality, media coverage, radical feminism, public perception, feminism stereotypes, societal support, feminist movement, feminism misconceptions, feminism debates, radicalization, pornography ban, public opinion, feminist image
test-society-simhbrasnba-pro01a	The Whole System is broken  It is not clear that the system works at all. The majority of those who apply for asylum are working-age males, [1] which implies that there is a strong economic angle. And worse still, even if countries decide that an applicant has no basis to their claim they are frequently unable to deport them because they often go missing, as 75,000 in Britain have, [2] or because, perversely, they may be punished on return to their country for having sought refuge. So essentially the asylum system provides a loophole for unrestricted immigration, which is both expensive, and dangerous for states. In the age of global terrorism it is a huge risk to allow undocumented individuals to enter and roam freely within any country.  [1] Blinder, Scott, ‘Migration to the UK: Asylum’, The Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, 23 March 2011.  [2] Whitehead, Tom, ’75,000 asylum seekers have gone missing in past 20 years’, The Telegraph, 6 April 2011. asylum, immigration, system failure, deportation, undocumented migrants, loophole, economic migrants, asylum seekers, international law, border security, global terrorism, policy critique, migration statistics, UK migration, refugee policy asylum system, immigration loopholes, undocumented migration, deportation challenges, asylum claims, economic migration, border security, missing asylum seekers, global terrorism, refugee policies, UK migration statistics, asylum process flaws, refugee return risks, asylum application compliance, immigration enforcement asylum system, immigration loopholes, border control, deportation challenges, undocumented migration, asylum seekers, economic factors, global terrorism, refugee policies, asylum fraud, missing asylum seekers, immigration risks, policy critique, asylum process failures asylum system, immigration, deportation, missing asylum seekers, economic factors, global terrorism, undocumented immigrants, policy, border control, refugee claims, loopholes, costs, safety, asylum application, UK, international law, refugee policy, migration trends, security risks asylum system, immigration loopholes, deportation challenges, undocumented migrants, asylum seekers, economic factors, migration policy, border security, global terrorism, refugee policy, asylum fraud, immigration enforcement, UK migration, asylum process flaws, refugee enforcement issues
test-economy-epiasghbf-con04a	Where are the men?  Is the feminisation of labour emerging with a de-masculinisation of jobs? If so, how do women cope in the work environment? Are methods being integrated to ensure a just work environment is maintained?  Overa’s (2007) study on gender relations within the informal economy indicates how tensions emerge with women and men being forced into similar occupations. The informal economy of retail trade in Ghana is becoming overcrowded as men enter into female jobs; competition is causing reductions in returns, and further, frustrations are rising against the state. Therefore if more women are entering male jobs, what are the reactions? gender relations, feminisation, de-masculinisation, labour, women in work, gender equality, informal economy, retail trade, Ghana, occupational gender shifts, workplace tensions, gender dynamics, gender roles, gender discrimination, workforce participation, job competition, workplace frustrations gender, feminization, de-masculinization, labor, gender roles, women, men, work environment, gender relations, informal economy, occupational segregation, Ghana, retail trade, competition, gender tensions, job transitions, workplace inclusion, gender dynamics, economic inequality, workplace frustrations gender, feminization, de-masculinization, labor, work environment, women, men, gender relations, informal economy, Ghana, retail trade, occupational competition, gender tensions, workforce integration, gender equality, job polymerization, occupational shifts, gender roles, employment policy, workplace dynamics gender relations, feminisation, labour market, de-masculinisation, women in the workplace, gender equity, informal economy, Ghana, retail trade, gender competition, occupational gender shifts, gender tensions, work environment, gender integration, gender roles, employment disparity, workforce dynamics gender, masculinisation, feminisation, labour, employment, gender relations, informal economy, gender roles, workplace gender dynamics, gendered occupations, gender tensions, women in work, men in female jobs, occupational segregation, work environment, job competition, gender equality, gender pay gap, Ghana economy, retail trade, informal sector, gender-based discrimination, labor market shifts, gender stereotypes, workplace frustrations
test-education-egscphsrdt-pro03a	No harm to non-drug users  Random drug tests will pose no harm to students who do not use illegal drugs, as they have nothing to fear from this fact being certified. If anything it serves as a vindication of their law-abidance and good character.  Random drug tests will only catch those who are actively taking drugs, as tests can be used which are unlikely to make a 'positive' reading from secondary exposure (for example, being near someone else smoking cannabis).  Those actively taking drugs need help in getting off drugs far more urgently than they need their right to 'privacy', as addiction at a young age could have a significant negative impact upon the remainder of their time in education. Therefore, non-drug users have nothing to fear from testing. As a result random checks are in the best interests of drug users. drug testing, non-drug users, student privacy, illegal drugs, law-abidance, drug addiction, harm prevention, secondary exposure, marijuana, privacy rights, drug policy, youth addiction, education, drug detection, drug prevention drug tests, non-drug users, student privacy, illegal drugs, drug testing, secondary exposure, drug addiction, young students, school policies, drug prevention, law-abidance, student safety, drug detection methods, drug use impact, education, drug policy drug tests, non-drug users, student safety, privacy, drug prevention, illegal drugs, drug testing accuracy, secondary exposure, addiction support, youth education, law-abidance, drug policy, drug detection methods, privacy rights drug tests, non-drug users, harm prevention, student safety, illegal drugs, privacy rights, drug testing accuracy, secondary exposure, cannabis, drug addiction, adolescent health, school policies, drug use detection, law-abidance, student health non-drug users, random drug tests, student privacy, illegal drugs, drug testing accuracy, secondary exposure, drug addiction, youth education, drug policy, law-abidance, drug prevention, drug detection, test reliability
test-digital-freedoms-efsappgdfp-con04a	The use of meta data causes unintentional harm  The other possible harm is unintentional. The amount of data involved is huge and too much even for a vast organization like the NSA to actually physically look at. Instead it uses data mining. This is why the NSA wants data that may seem useless to others. The records of which phone numbers are phoning who, as the NSA was obtaining of Verizon, might seem useless but can tell them who you are contacting, and how much contact time they have. In turn they could look at who your contacts have been talking to and if it turns out that several of them talk regularly to suspected terrorists then even if you are innocent a finger of suspicion might be pointed. There has even been a study showing that individuals can be identified from just the time of call and nearest cell phone tower after just four calls. [1] PRISM gives the NSA even more ‘useless’ data to play with. The results of this data mining may usually be accurate but will not always be so and the result of being flagged like this can be problematic for individuals. It may mean additional airport security, having problems getting a visa, [2] or in the worst case finding its way onto a no fly list.  [1] De Montjoye, Yves-Alexandre, et al., ‘Unique in the Crowd: The privacy bounds of human mobility’, Scientific Reports, 3, 25 March 2013,   [2] Brown, Ian, ‘Yes, NSA surveillance should worry the law-abiding’, guardian.co.uk, 10 June 2013, metadata, data harm, unintentional harm, data mining, NSA, large data, privacy, surveillance, phone records, phone metadata, contact analysis, suspicion, identification, call patterns, cell tower, PRISM, data accuracy, false positives, individual privacy, airport security, visa issues, no-fly list, human mobility, privacy bounds metadata, data mining, privacy, surveillance, NSA, PRISM, data analysis, individual identification, contact records, call metadata, phone records, privacy breach, security, law enforcement, suspicion, terrorism, data accuracy, false positives, civil liberties, data volume, big data, data security, social graph, privacy risks, human mobility, security measures, law abidance meta data, unintentional harm, data mining, NSA, surveillance, privacy, data collection, phone records, user identification, contact tracing, terrorism suspicion, data accuracy, PRISM program, individual security, privacy breach, mobile phone data, call data, cell tower location, data analysis, privacy bounds, human mobility, security clearance, no fly list metadata, data mining, NSA, privacy, surveillance, telephone records, call data, contact tracing, data analysis, privacy violations, identity detection, cell tower data, US government, PRISM program, data security, privacy concerns, innocent individuals, suspicion, security, no-fly list, terrorist suspicion, human mobility, privacy bounds, data accuracy, privacy implications meta data, unintentional harm, data mining, NSA, surveillance, privacy, personal data, phone records, call metadata, contact tracing, suspicious activity, terrorism, privacy breach, data analysis, mass surveillance, PRISM, individual identification, privacy risks, data security, government spying, cell tower data, anomaly detection, false positives, privacy offsets, civil liberties
test-politics-ypppdghwid-con03a	"The desire for, and fight for, democracy must come from within or else democratic government will not be sustainable.  Unless the people within a country want democracy, they will not respect it. Unlike military dictatorships, democratic governments do not rely solely -- or even mainly-- on force to enforce the law. Rather, most people obey the law at least in part because they believe those laws are legitimate, as the result of free and fair elections. If citizens do not want such an electoral system, then there is no reason for them to obey the law, pay taxes etc. and the government will be unable to maintain order. Indeed, foreign-imposed democracies often slide back into authoritarian regimes because they find that they cannot uphold the law (at least without foreign support). Enterline and Greig found in a 2007 empirical study that half of imposed democracies fail within 30 years, and that this failure reduces the likelihood of democracy being successfully established in the future1/2.  1 Enterline, Andrew J. and Greig, J. Michael. ""Against All Odds? Historical Trends in Imposed Democracy & the Future of Iraq &Afghanistan.""  2 Doyle, Michael. ""Promoting Democracy is Not Imposing Democracy."" The Huffington Post. democracy, legitimacy, free elections, citizens, law obedience, government stability, foreign-imposed democracy, authoritarian regimes, electoral system, regime failure, democratic sustainability, law enforcement, cultural acceptance, political legitimacy, regime change, democracy promotion, empirical studies, Iraq, Afghanistan, regime resilience democracy, legitimacy, free elections, obedience, rule of law, authoritarian regimes, foreign-imposed democracy, sustainability, citizen participation, regime stability, democratic failure, democratic transition, empirical studies, democracy promotion, electoral systems, government legitimacy, political legitimacy democracy, democratic government, legitimacy, free elections, citizens, law obedience, electoral system, foreign-imposed democracy, authoritarian regimes, government stability, rule of law, regime failure, democracy promotion, Iraq, Afghanistan, Enterline, Greig, Doyle democracy, legitimacy, free elections, citizen compliance, rule of law, authoritarian regimes, foreign-imposed democracy, regime stability, democratic failure, empirical studies, political legitimacy, government authority, electoral systems, regime change, international influence, democracy sustainability democracy, legitimacy, free elections, foreign-imposed democracies, authoritarian regimes, law enforcement, government stability, obedience, political legitimacy, democratic sustainability, electoral systems, foreign support, democracy failure, historical trends, Iraq, Afghanistan, democracy promotion"
test-society-ghbgqeaaems-pro02a	More women in the labour market leads to higher GDP  By introducing gender quotas to ensure gender equality, one could not only increase the labour force by bringing more women but also enhance the labour productivity and the available talent pool in a country. This would stimulate businesses to expand, innovate, and compete. This process has an effect of raising tax revenue and social security payments. The overall effect is the positive growth of the economy.  Therefore, addressing social injustice and higher economic returns are mutually supportive goals.  This argument is particularly relevant for qualified women who could be hired at executive positions, but are prevented from doing so due to cultural beliefs, societal practices, and lack of economic and institutional support. A study by Asa Löfström on the links between economic growth and productivity in the labour market argues that if women’s productivity level rises to the level of men’s, Europe’s GDP could grow 27% which makes women’s participation is of crucial importance to Europe’s economy. [1] Quotas would allow for a better utilisation of the talent pool; as currently, 59% of the students graduating from Europe’s higher educational institutes are women. [2] With the current access to education and the introduction of quotas against barriers of existing prejudices, women will have incentives and support to increase their productivity  In the case of Norway, the quota law requires all public, state-owned , municipal, inter-municipal and cooperative companies to appoint at least 40% women on their boards per 2008. The law led to a fast increase from 6% women on boards of public limited companies in 2002 to  36% in 2008. [3]  [1] Löfström, Asa. Gender Equality, Economic Growth and Employment. Swedish Presidency of the European Union, 2009. Web.  [2] European Parliament, “Gender Quotas in Management Boards”, 2012  [3] Working Paper: “The Quota-instrument: Different Approaches across Europe”. N.p.: European Commission’s Network to Promote Women in Decision-making in Politics and the Economy, 2011. Web. women, labour market, gender quotas, gender equality, labour force, productivity, talent pool, economic growth, GDP, social injustice, cultural beliefs, societal practices, institutional support, qualified women, executive positions, education, barriers, prejudices, incentives, support, Norway, quota law, board diversity, gender representation, public companies, policy, legislation, employment, employment gap, female participation, economic returns, social impact, workplace diversity women, labor market, gender quotas, gender equality, labor force, labor productivity, talent pool, economic growth, GDP, social justice, cultural beliefs, societal practices, economic support, institutional support, women's productivity, employment, Europe, educational attainment, barriers, prejudices, incentives, Norway, quota law, women on boards, corporate governance, gender representation, decision-making women, labour market, GDP, gender quotas, gender equality, labour force, productivity, talent pool, economic growth, social injustice, cultural beliefs, societal practices, institutional support, qualified women, executive positions, barriers, prejudices, educational institutions, incentives, support, Norway, quota law, women on boards, public companies, women representation, legislation, economic impact women, labour market, gender quotas, gender equality, labour force, labour productivity, talent pool, economic growth, GDP, social justice, societal practices, cultural beliefs, institutional support, women's productivity, executive positions, education, prejudice, incentives, Norway, board diversity, policy, legislation, gender representation, employment, economic returns, European Union women, labour market, gender quotas, gender equality, labor force, labor productivity, talent pool, economic growth, GDP, social injustice, societal practices, cultural beliefs, institutional support, qualified women, executive positions, women’s productivity, Europe, educational attainment, barriers, prejudices, incentives, support, Norway, quota law, women on boards, corporate governance, gender representation, board diversity, economic returns, social security, tax revenue, innovation, competition, employment, gender disparities
test-politics-glghssi-con02a	The union has worked for over three hundred years and most people feel comfortable with the joint Scots/British identity  For over three centuries the two nations have cooperated much to their mutual advantage. The majority of Scots are happy with their British-ness.  In terms of culture and art the two nations have maintained distinctive traditions but ones which have been enhanced by their interaction. There are many people who have relatives from Scotland and another of the Home Nations for whom British is the more obvious identity. [i]  After centuries of fighting with each other the Union brought peace and mutual benefit.  [i] Mitchell, David, ‘If Scotland does secede, I won’t be alone in mourning for my country’, The Observer, 15 May 2011, Union, Scotland, Britain, identity, cooperation, culture, traditions, mutual benefit, peace, Scottish-British relations, secession, heritage, social cohesion, national unity Union, Scotland, Britain, British identity, Scottish culture, British culture, cooperation, mutual benefit, history, Scottish-British relations, heritage, national identity, secession, peace, tradition, interaction, Scotland, Home Nations, cultural exchange, historical unity Union, Scotland, Britain, identity, cooperation, culture, art, traditions, mutual benefit, Scottish-British relations, history, secession, peace, heritage, nationality union, Scotland, Britain, identity, cooperation, culture, traditions, history, peace, mutual benefit, secession, Scotland independence, British-ness, Home Nations, relationship, nationalism, societal integration, historical alliance Union, Scottish identity, British identity, Scotland, Home Nations, cultural traditions, mutual cooperation, historical peace, national identity, secession, Scottish-British relations, cultural interaction, national unity, historical alliance, Scotland's independence, Irish-British relations
test-science-dssghsdmd-con02a	The political consequences of the system make the world less safe  Many countries look upon the national missile defense program of the United States as a serious threat to their security. Russia stands at the forefront of this group, and has for several years actively opposed the development of an anti-ballistic missile technology. If the program is a success and only the United States and its close strategic allies possess the ability to develop such defenses, they will have a marked advantage over all other countries in terms of fighting ability, as the United States would be able to use its own ballistic missiles to intimidate and attack its opponents while being effectively immune to retaliation. Fears over the development of the system have led Russia to make extremely threatening postures on its European border; when the United States planned to deploy a battery of interceptor missiles in Poland in 2008, Russia responded by increasing troop numbers along its European borders and even threatened to deploy its own battery of short-range nuclear missiles on the border (Harding, 2007). This sort of conflict is extremely dangerous, and raises the chance of international conflict escalating into war. Such an outcome is extremely undesirable, and the defensive capabilities of a missile shield are not enough to warrant such risks. Furthermore, the United Nations has sought to end research into anti-ballistic missile technology, and has on several occasions called on the United States to stop its testing (Reuters, 1999). Much of the international community fears the instability that might arise from the breaking down of the current world order of nuclear deterrence between states. political consequences, global security, missile defense, United States, strategic stability, threat perception, Russia, anti-ballistic missile technology, militarization, deterrence, escalation, international conflict, escalation risk, nuclear deterrence, missile shield, deployment, European border security, troop mobilization, nuclear missiles, international relations, UN, arms control, disarmament, strategic imbalance political consequences, global security, missile defense, United States, anti-ballistic missile, strategic stability, international conflict, Russia, NATO, European borders, nuclear deterrence, global power, military technology, arms race, international diplomacy, threat perception, escalation, arms control, United Nations, global security threats political consequences, world security, missile defense, US missile program, national missile defense, international security, Russia opposition, anti-ballistic missile technology, strategic advantage, ballistic missiles, deterrence, military escalation, European borders, US deployment Poland, Russian response, nuclear threats, international conflict, war risk, missile shield, UN calls, nuclear deterrence, global stability political consequences, world security, missile defense, US missile program, international threat, Russia opposition, anti-ballistic missile technology, strategic advantage, deterrence, missile retaliation, US-Russia relations, missile deployment, European border tensions, military postures, nuclear missile threats, international conflict, escalation, war risk, missile shield, United Nations, disarmament, nuclear deterrence, global stability, international security, arms race political consequences, global security, missile defense, national missile defense, US, Russia, anti-ballistic missile technology, strategic advantage, ballistic missiles, deterrence, international conflict, escalation, war, NATO, European borders, nuclear threats, deployment, troop movements, military postures, nuclear arms race, escalation risks, international security, UN, missile testing, stability, world order
test-law-ralhrilglv-pro01a	A delay is necessary for national security  Kenya is at risk of terrorist attack. Al-Shabab, a group linked to Al Qaeda have launched a number of attacks against Kenya. In addition to the Westgate massacre, there have been grenade attacks on bus terminals [1] and suicide bombings in refugee camps [2] .  Kenya’s waters are also used by Somali based pirates as a ground for attacks on international shipping, including possibly targeting ships travelling towards the port of Mombasa.  It is more important to the international community to have credible action taken in order to protect the Kenyan people from terrorism. This needs a strong Kenyan government – which means that there cannot be a change due to an international trial.  [1] Associated Press, “Two grenade blasts rattle Nairobi; 1 dead”, USA Today, 25/10/2011   [2] Ombati, Cyrus, “Terror suspects die after bombs explode on them”, Standard Digital News, Kenya, national security, terrorism, Al-Shabab, Al Qaeda, attacks, Westgate massacre, grenade attacks, bus terminals, suicide bombings, refugee camps, Somali pirates, international shipping, Mombasa, international community, credible action, Kenyan government, terrorism threats, political stability Kenya, national security, terrorist attacks, Al-Shabab, Al Qaeda, Westgate massacre, grenade attacks, bus terminals, suicide bombings, refugee camps, Somali pirates, international shipping, Mombasa, terrorism, Kenyan government, international community, credible action Kenya, national security, terrorist attacks, Al-Shabab, Al Qaeda, Westgate massacre, grenade attacks, bus terminals, suicide bombings, refugee camps, Somali pirates, international shipping, Mombasa, terrorism, Kenyan government, international community, credible action, terrorism threats, terrorism prevention Kenya, national security, terrorism, Al-Shabab, Al Qaeda, attacks, Westgate massacre, grenade attacks, bus terminals, suicide bombings, refugee camps, Somali pirates, international shipping, Mombasa, terrorism threat, Kenyan government, international community, credible action, security measures Kenya, national security, terrorist attacks, Al-Shabab, Al Qaeda, Westgate massacre, grenade attacks, bus terminals, suicide bombings, refugee camps, Somali pirates, international shipping, Mombasa port, terrorism, Kenyan government, international community, credible action, security threats, terrorism prevention
test-science-dssghsdmd-pro01a	As a matter of principle, every country, including the United States, has the right to defend itself to the best of its technological and economic ability  The nation-state is the fundamental building block of the international system, and is recognized as such in all international treaties and organizations (Mearsheimer, 1993). States are recognized as having the right to defend themselves, and this right must extend to the possession of a strategic national missile defense system. The United States has every right to develop such a system if it will furnish a greater measure of defense for its citizens and interests. US military technology is the most advanced and prodigiously financed in the world, which is why it is generally the United States that stands at the forefront of new defense and combat systems. The National Missile Defense program is simply the newest tool in the arsenal of the world’s greatest military, whose purpose is entirely defensive. To shield itself from potential ballistic missile, and even nuclear, attack the United States has the right to build a missile shield to defend itself and its allies under its aegis. There is no principled justification for a country to not pursue defense initiatives that benefit itself and that it wishes to pursue. national defense, missile defense, strategic missile system, international treaties, sovereignty, nation-state, US military technology, national security, ballistic missile defense, nuclear threat, military advancements, defense initiatives, US interests, global security, defense rights, military funding national defense, missile defense, international law, sovereignty, strategic stability, missile shield, US military technology, national security, defense policies, military technology, nuclear deterrence, global security, US interests, defense initiatives, geopolitics principle, country, United States, right, defend, technological, economic, nation-state, international system, treaties, organizations, defense, missile defense, national missile defense, US military technology, advanced technology, defense systems, missile shield, ballistic missile, nuclear attack, military, defense initiatives, allies, self-defense national defense, missile defense, sovereignty, international treaties, state sovereignty, military technology, US military, national security, defense systems, strategic defense, ballistic missile, nuclear attack, US patriotism, military innovation, international law, defense rights, military alliances, national interest, defensive capabilities, global security national sovereignty, missile defense, strategic defense, international law, state sovereignty, military technology, defense systems, US military, national security, ballistic missile shield, nuclear deterrence, international treaties, defense initiatives, US interests, global security, military innovation
test-politics-ypppdghwid-pro01a	"Interventions can be successful given the right conditions.  Certain factors may increase the chance of success: for example imposing democracy on a nation with which there were once colonial relationships increases the expected lifespan of the democracy. Democratic transitions in general also tend to be more successful if economic conditions are better. Obviously we are not advocating imposing democracy on every country which does not have it, but if there are strong enough institutions and conditions, imposition can work and there have been past successes like Germany and Japan post WWII that show the worth of imposing democracy1/2.  1 Enterline, Andrew J. and Greig, J. Michael.""Against All Odds? Historical Trends in Imposed Democracy & the Future of Iraq & Afghanistan.""  2 Przeworski et al ""What Makes Democracies Endure?"" Journal of Democracy. democracy, intervention, success factors, colonial relationships, democratic transition, economic conditions, imposed democracy, institutional strength, historical trends, post-WWII, Iraq, Afghanistan, democracy endurance, Przeworski, Enterline, Greig democracy, interventions, success factors, colonial history, economic conditions, democratic transitions, institutional strength, historical case studies, post-WWII democratization, imposed democracy, Iraq, Afghanistan, Germany, Japan democracy, intervention, success factors, colonial relationships, democratization, economic conditions, institutional strength, historical examples, post WWII, Iraq, Afghanistan, longevity, imposed democracy, transition, geopolitical context democracy, interventions, success factors, colonial relationships, democratic transitions, economic conditions, institutions, regime stability, historical examples, post-war democracy, imposed democracy, Iraq, Afghanistan, Germany, Japan, durability of democracy interventions, success, conditions, factors, democracy, colonial relationships, lifespan, democratic transitions, economic conditions, institutions, imposition, historical trends, imposed democracy, Iraq, Afghanistan, WWII, Germany, Japan, Przeworski"
test-science-cpisydfphwj-con02a	Facebook has some dangerous consequences  Facebook is becoming more and more integrated into our lives, but unfortunately the uncertainty of who is at the other end of the computer is proving to be a massive threat to our mental and physical safety.  First of all, undoubtedly, rape is one of the most serious and unforgiveable crimes anyone can commit, as it leaves permanent physical and mental scars on women. Unfortunately, Facebook is used by troubled men to take advantage of naive women. They use Facebook in order to get in touch with their victims (often posing as someone who he is not), and after they get to know each other, after he gained the victims trust he deceives her into meeting him, a mistake she’ll regret forever. As physical integrity is one of the rights most fundamental rights, and as Facebook is facilitating the violation of this right, it is absolutely clear that these social networks are detrimental to the society.(1)(2)  Secondly, another level on which Facebook is harmful is cyber bullying. It affects many adolescents and teens on a daily basis. Cyber bullying involves using technology to bully or harass another person. Sending mean Facebook messages or threats to a person, spreading rumours online or posting hurtful or threatening messages on social networking sites are just a few of the ways in which a lot of children get bullied every single day.  “Despite the potential damage of cyber bullying, it is alarmingly common among adolescents and teens. According to Cyber bullying statistics from the i-SAFE foundation:  Over half of adolescents and teens have been bullied online, and about the same number have engaged in cyber bullying. More than 1 in 3 young people have experienced cyberthreats online.”(3)  (1) Justin Davenport “Hunt for ‘Facebook rapists’ before they can strike again” London Evening Standard, 15 November 2012   (2) “Two men gang-rape girl in Kota after befriending her on Facebook”, Times of India, Aug 21, 2013   (3) Bullying Statistics Facebook, dangers, mental health, physical safety, online predators, sex crimes, rape, deception, trust, victimization, personal security, privacy breaches, social media abuse, cyberbullying, adolescents, teenagers, harassment, online threats, rumors, digital harassment, cyberthreats, statistics, societal impact Facebook, social media, online safety, cyberbullying, mental health, physical safety, online predators, victim exploitation, trust deception, gender violence, cyber harassment, adolescent bullying, teens, online threats, rumours, hurtful messages, social networking, crime, rape, gang rape, safety risks, social harm, digital safety, internet abuse Facebook, social media, mental health, physical safety, online predators, cybercrime, rape, sexual assault, online harassment, cyber bullying, adolescents, teens, harassment, threats, rumors, victim trust, privacy, online safety, exploitation, cyber threats, social networking, mental scars, physical scars, legal issues, safety concerns Facebook, dangers, mental health, physical safety, online predators, grooming, deception, trust, meeting strangers, rights violation, society, cyberbullying, adolescents, teens, harassment, threats, rumors, hurtful messages, online threats, statistics, victims, perpetrator, gender-based violence, online safety, social networks Facebook, social media, dangers, mental health, physical safety, online harassment, cyberbullying, sexting, exploitation, stalking, trust deception, gender violence, rights violation, adolescent safety, teen bullying, online threats, rumors, harm, abuse, privacy, safety risks, cybercrime, social network security
test-health-dhpelhbass-con02a	"If someone is threatening to kill themselves it is your moral duty to try to stop them  Those who commit suicide are not evil, and those who attempt to take their own lives are not prosecuted. However, it is your moral duty to try and prevent people from committing suicide. You would not, for example, simply ignore a man standing on a ledge and threatening to jump simply because it is his choice; and you would definitely not assist in his suicide by pushing him. In the same way, you should try to help a person with a terminal illness, not help them to die. With the exception of the libertarian position that each person has a right against others that they not interfere with her suicidal intentions. Little justification is necessary for actions that aim to prevent another's suicide but are non-coercive. Pleading with a suicidal individual, trying to convince her of the value of continued life, recommending counseling, etc. are morally unproblematic, since they do not interfere with the individual's conduct or plans except by engaging her rational capacities (Cosculluela 1994, 35; Cholbi 2002, 252). [1] The impulse toward suicide is often short-lived, ambivalent, and influenced by mental illnesses such as depression. While these facts together do not appear to justify intervening in others' suicidal intentions, they are indicators that the suicide may be undertaken with less than full rationality. Yet given the added fact that death is irreversible, when these factors are present, they justify intervention in others' suicidal plans on the grounds that suicide is not in the individual's interests as they would rationally conceive those interests. We might call this the ‘no regrets' or ‘err on the side of life’ approach to suicide intervention (Martin 1980; Pabst Battin 1996, 141; Cholbi 2002). [2]  [1] Cholbi, Michael, ""Suicide"", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2009 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.),  #DutTowSui (accessed 7/6/2011)  [2] Cholbi, Michael, ""Suicide"", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2009 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.),  #DutTowSui (accessed 7/6/2011) suicide, prevention, moral duty, intervention, rationality, mental health, depression, ethical considerations, libertarianism, autonomy, assisted suicide, terminal illness, coercion, rational capacity, life preservation, ethical debate, safeguard, mental illness, impulsivity, irreversible death, ethical justification, counseling, intervention strategies suicide, prevention, moral duty, ethics, mental health, intervention, autonomy, rationality, life preservation, terminal illness, libertarianism, non-coercive actions, counseling, mental illness, depression, ethical considerations, harm reduction, suicide intervention, right to die, irreversible death, philosophical perspectives suicide, prevention, moral duty, mental health, ethical considerations, mental illness, rationality, intervention, autonomy, rights, terminal illness, coercion, counseling, ethical debate, moral responsibility, irreversible death, ambivalence, depression, autonomy, libertarianism, ethical principles suicide, prevention, moral duty, ethics, mental health, rationality, intervention, autonomy, suicide attempt, terminal illness, libertarianism, non-coercive, counseling, depression, irreversible, ethical guidelines, intervention rationale, rational interests, moral obligation suicide, mental health, moral duty, intervention, prevention, ethics, right to die, assisted suicide, terminal illness, rationality, mental illness, depression, autonomy, coercion, counseling, ethical responsibilities, life preservation, involuntary intervention, rational capacity, justifications, autonomy rights, moral obligations"
test-health-dhpelhbass-con03a	Only God can give and take away life  Life is Sacred so no one has the right to take a life, this includes ones own. As a result both suicide and assisted suicide are wrong. There are many passages within the bible that speak of the idea that God has appointed a time for all to die, 'Hebrews 9:27, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement:” Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;” Ecclesiastes 7:17, “Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?” [1] In addition to this, physicians are nowhere in Scripture given authority to take someone's life. Apart from the government in the case of capital punishment, all other human beings are given the commandment “Thou shalt not kill,” Exodus 20:13 and “Thou shalt do no murder,” Matthew 19:18. [2]  [1] Pastor Art Kohl, 'The Bible Speaks on Euthanasia', Political Science and the Bible, 2002  (accessed 6/6/2011)  [2] Pastor Art Kohl, 'The Bible Speaks on Euthanasia', Political Science and the Bible, 2002  (accessed 6/6/2011) God, life, sacred, euthanasia, suicide, assisted suicide, biblical passages, death, appointed time, Hebrews 9:27, Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, Ecclesiastes 7:17, divine authority, human life, killing, murder, commandments, Exodus 20:13, Matthew 19:18, capital punishment, morality, religious ethics God, life, sacred, euthanasia, suicide, assisted suicide, biblical passages, death, divine appointment, Hebrews 9:27, Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, Ecclesiastes 7:17, sovereignty, divine authority, commandments, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt do no murder, Exodus 20:13, Matthew 19:18, capital punishment, morality, biblical ethics, Christian teachings God, life, sacred, euthanasia, suicide, assisted suicide, biblical passages, divine will, appointed death, Hebrews 9:27, Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, Ecclesiastes 7:17, biblical authority, commandment, thou shalt not kill, thou shalt do no murder, capital punishment, biblical principles, life preservation, morality, euthanasia debate, religious views God, life, sacredness, euthanasia, suicide, assisted suicide, biblical passages, timing of death, appointment to die, Hebrews 9:27, Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, Ecclesiastes 7:17, divine authority, human authority, medicine, physicians, killing, murder, commandments, Exodus 20:13, Matthew 19:18, biblical teachings, capital punishment, morality, ethics God, life, sacred, euthanasia, suicide, assisted suicide, biblical passages, death, judgment, seasons, divine sovereignty, human authority, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt do no murder, Exodus 20:13, Matthew 19:18, capital punishment, morality, ethics, biblical teachings
test-politics-gvhbhlsbr-pro04a	The current House of Lords is undemocratic  The House of Lords is undemocratic. Currently the members of the House of Lords consist of hereditary peers, senior members of the Church of England and those appointed by political parties. Whether or not there is an abuse of power or the outcome of the House of Lords is beside the point – its very existence in its current state is undemocratic and as such it should be reformed. It seems nonsensical that a country that lectures to the rest of the world the importance of democracy, to the point of war, should overlook such a grievance in their own society. House of Lords, undemocratic, reform, hereditary peers, Church of England, appointed members, political appointments, democratic principles, governance, monarchy, political system, legislative reform, power abuse, parliamentary system, constitutional reform House of Lords, undemocratic, reform, hereditary peers, Church of England, appointed members, political parties, abuse of power, democracy, governance, parliamentary reform, UK politics, political accountability, constitutional reform House of Lords, undemocratic, reform, democracy, hereditary peers, appointed members, political appointments, power abuse, parliamentary reform, UK politics, constitutional issues, House of Lords criticism, democratic legitimacy, governance, reform proposals House of Lords, undemocratic, reforms, hereditary peers, Church of England, appointed members, political parties, power abuse, democracy, governance, constitutional reform, parliamentary system, legitimacy, accountability, statutory reform House of Lords, undemocratic, reform, hereditary peers, Church of England, appointed members, political appointments, abuse of power, democracy, government reform, British Parliament, legislative reform, democratic legitimacy, political accountability, elitism, constitutional reform
test-society-epiasghbf-con02a	Women need alternatives for empowerment  Empowerment cannot be gained for women through employment, alternatives are required. A gender lens needs to be applied to women’s life course from the start. To tackle the discriminatory causes of gender inequality access to sexual and reproductive health rights is required for women. Access to such rights ensures women in Africa will be able to control their body, go to school, and choose the type of employment they wish to enter into.  The importance of enabling sexual and reproductive health rights for women is being put on the agenda for Africa [1] . There is a lot to be done beyond workforce participation - ending violence against women, promoting equal access to resources, opportunities and participation. Such features will reinforce women’s labour market participation, but in the jobs they want.  [1] See further readings: Chissano, 2013; Puri, 2013. women, empowerment, gender equality, reproductive health, sexual rights, gender lens, Africa, discrimination, access, education, employment, violence against women, resources, opportunities, labor market, agency, rights, socio-cultural, gender inequality women, empowerment, alternatives, gender lens, life course, gender inequality, sexual health, reproductive health, rights, control, education, employment, Africa, violence prevention, resource access, opportunities, participation, workforce, labor market, gender equality women, empowerment, alternatives, gender lens, life course, gender inequality, sexual health, reproductive health, rights, Africa, body autonomy, education, employment, violence against women, resource access, opportunities, participation, labour market, workforce, gender equality, social justice, policy, gender-based violence, women’s rights women empowerment, gender equality, reproductive health rights, gender lens, women’s life course, sexual health rights, gender discrimination, Africa, women’s rights, reproductive rights, violence against women, resource access, employment opportunities, labour market participation, gender inequality, women’s autonomy, education, gender-based violence, social inclusion, gender-sensitive policies women empowerment, gender equality, sexual and reproductive health rights, Africa, women's rights, gender lens, life course, discrimination, access to resources, violence against women, labor market participation, employment alternatives, gender inequality, opportunities, participation, education, body autonomy
test-economy-egiahbwaka-con01a	Natural resources are key  Africa has a very significant amount of resources that have not yet been exploited and put to good use. The continent has 12% of the world's oil reserves, 40% of its gold, and 80% to 90% of its chromium and platinum. Moreover, it is home to 60% of the world’s underutilized arable land and has vast timber resources. [1]  Given the economic changes, and the recent continent’s economical upraise, Africa has now a real opportunity to capitalize on their resource endowments and high international commodity prices. [2] The major point is that Africa’s resources fuel the world. Commodities from laptops to cell phones, cars or airplanes, all are made from using minerals that come from Africa. For example, catalytic converters are fitted to cars in order to reduce air pollution. Platinum and rhodium are the key components, both resources found in abundance in Africa. Cell phones or laptops use parts made out of tantalum, which is exported from African countries such as Mozambique or Rwanda, and so on. [3]  Africa is also the continent, excluding Antarctica, which is least explored so has most potential growth in raw materials. New explorations reveal much larger reserves than previously known. If these resources and wealth are well managed, in an efficient and equitable way, it could boost Africa’s economy, helping all categories of people, from women to children, offering jobs and generally raising the level of life on the continent.  [1] Lopes, Carlos, and Tony Elumelu, ‘How Africa’s natural resources can drive industrial revolution’, CNN, 20 November 2013,   [2] Economic Commission for Africa, ‘Making the Most of Africa’s Commodities: Industrializing for Growth, Jobs and Economic Transformation’, uneca.org, 2013,   [3] Tutton, Mark, and Milena Veselinovic, ‘How Africa’s resources fuel the world’, CNN, 25 July 2013, natural resources, Africa, resource endowments, underutilized land, oil reserves, gold, chromium, platinum, timber, commodity prices, mineral resources, raw materials, exploration, reserves, economic growth, industrialization, employment, sustainable development, resource management, wealth, export, global supply chain Natural Resources, Africa, Untapped Resources, Oil Reserves, Gold, Chromium, Platinum, Arable Land, Timber, Commodity Prices, Raw Materials, Mineral Resources, Mineral Reserves, Resource Management, Economic Growth, Industrialization, Exploration, Reserves, Sustainable Development, Economic Impact, Job Creation, Wealth Distribution, Resource Dependency, Raw Material Export, Resource Potential natural resources, Africa, resource exploitation, mineral reserves, oil reserves, gold, chromium, platinum, arable land, timber, economic growth, commodity prices, global commodities, minerals, manufacturing, electronics, automotive, pollution control, platinum, rhodium, tantalum, African countries, resource exploration, raw materials, economic development, resource management, industrial revolution, job creation, economic transformation Natural resources, Africa, resource endowments, mineral reserves, oil reserves, gold, chromium, platinum, arable land, timber resources, underutilized land, resource exploitation, economic growth, commodity prices, raw materials, mineral exports, underexplored regions, resource management, industrialization, economic transformation, global commodities, mineral exports, resource-driven growth, sustainable development, resource governance, economic uplift, wealth distribution, raw material reserves, exploration, mineral industries, resource potential Africa, natural resources, oil reserves, gold, chromium, platinum, arable land, timber, resource exploitation, commodity prices, economic growth, raw materials, minerals, exploration, reserves, resource management, industrialization, economic development, underutilized land, resource wealth, global supply, commodities, mineral exports, resource-rich, resource potential
test-international-eghrhbeusli-con03a	China is a threat to regional stability  China poses a threat to regional and international peace and should not be encouraged and helped by European arms sales. It has territorial disputes with most of its neighbours, particularly over oil and gas reserves in the South China Sea. The regime has also encouraged an assertive nationalism, damaging relations with Japan, for example with protests over the Japanese detention of a Chinese fisherman who rammed a Japanese coast guard boat. [1] Most seriously, China claims ownership over Taiwan, [2] a pro-Western Chinese democracy, and is rapidly building up the kinds of military forces it would need for an assault on that island, which it is now believed could be taken in as little as three days, [3] as well as staging exercises designed to intimidate its people. In 2005 the Chinese parliament passed a law that force should be used against Taiwan if it declared formal independence. [4] Quite apart from the principle of backing a repressive state against a democratic one, it is not in the EU's interests to make a war between two of its major trading partners more likely, especially as other powers such as the USA, as has happened in the past in 1995-6, [5] and perhaps Japan are then very likely to be drawn into the conflict.  [1] Banyan, ‘Doth we protest too much’, 2010.   [2] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, ‘What is meant by the Taiwan question?’, 2000.   [3] Miks, Jason, ‘Taiwan War Games’, 2010.   [4] People Daily, ‘China’s parliament adopts Anti-Secession Law’, 2005.   [5] Ross, Robert S., ‘The 1995-1996 Taiwan Strait Confrontation’, 2000. China, regional stability, international peace, European arms sales, territorial disputes, South China Sea, oil reserves, gas reserves, nationalism, Japan, Chinese fisherman, Japanese coast guard, Taiwan, democracy, military buildup, military force, invasion, staging exercises, Chinese parliament, anti-secession law, independence, EU interests, trade partners, USA, Japan, conflict, Taiwan Strait, military confrontation China, regional stability, international peace, European arms sales, territorial disputes, South China Sea, oil reserves, gas reserves, nationalism, Japan, protests, fishermen, coast guard, ownership, Taiwan, democracy, military forces, invasion, staging exercises, intimidation, Chinese parliament, law, use of force, independence, EU, trade partners, USA, Japan, conflict, diplomatic relations China, regional stability, international peace, European arms sales, territorial disputes, South China Sea, oil reserves, gas reserves, nationalism, Japan, protests, fisherman, detention, Taiwan, democracy, military buildup, assault, exercises, intimidation, law, independence, EU interests, war, trading partners, USA, Japan, conflict China, regional stability, international peace, European arms sales, territorial disputes, South China Sea, oil reserves, gas reserves, nationalism, Japan, protests, fishermen, coast guard, ownership, Taiwan, pro-Western democracy, military build-up, assault, exercises, intimidation, legislation, use of force, independence, EU interests, trade partners, United States, Japan, conflict, geopolitics China, regional stability, international peace, European arms sales, territorial disputes, South China Sea, oil reserves, gas reserves, nationalism, Japan relations, Chinese fisherman, Japanese coast guard, Taiwan, Chinese democracy, military buildup, attacks, exercises, intimidation, 2005 law, use of force, independence, EU interests, trade partners, war, conflict, US, Japan, 1995-1996, Taiwan Strait, Anti-Secession Law
test-law-rmelhrilhbiw-con01a	The Settlements are justified based on the expulsion of Jews from Arab lands after 1967  Settlement construction, and in fact the whole settlement of Jews in the West Bank has to be viewed in the wider context of the Middle East conflict as a whole.  Jews lived in the West Bank for thousands of years before the creation of Israel, and it was only after the 1948 war when Jews were fully ethnically cleansed from the region. While a Diaspora took place among the Arabs of Israel it was neither as deliberate nor as thorough – a large Arab population remained. No Jews remained in the West Bank under Jordanian rule.  As such many of these settlements are not artificial constructions but built on the ruins of pre-1948 Jewish communities.  Furthermore, the same 1967 War that brought on the Israeli conquest of the West Bank was also followed by a new round of pogroms against the nearly 800,000 Jews living in Arab countries more than 95% of which were driven into exile in Israel. [1] Israel has not responded by expelling or compensating them at the expense of their own Arabs, as they would be morally justified in doing, but rather has settled them on empty land in the West Bank. Any claim that the Palestinians have an inherent right to property which they do not explicitly own must also take into account Israel’s need to compensate these refugees.  [1] Aharoni, Ada, ‘The Forced Migration of Jews From Arab Countries and Peace’, August 2002, Historical Society of Jews from Egypt, Settlements, expulsion, Jews, Arab lands, 1967, settlement construction, West Bank, Middle East conflict, Jewish history, Israel, 1948 war, ethnic cleansing, Diaspora, Arab population, Jordanian rule, Jewish communities, 1967 War, pogroms, Arab countries, Israeli exile, compensation, property rights, refugees, Israel-Arab conflict, Jewish refugees, Palestinian rights Settlements, Jewish expulsions, Arab lands, 1967, West Bank, Middle East conflict, Jewish history, 1948 war, ethnic cleansing, Diaspora, Arab population, Jordanian rule, Jewish communities, 1967 war, pogroms, Arab countries, Jewish exodus, Israel, Arab refugees, property rights, Palestinian rights, land settlement, Israel compensation Settlements, Jewish expulsion, Arab lands, 1967, West Bank, Middle East conflict, Jewish history, Israel, 1948 war, Jewish communities, Jordanian rule, Zionist settlement, displacement, Arab population, Jewish diaspora, pogroms, Arab countries, Jewish exile, Israel Arab conflict, refugee compensation, property rights Settlements, Jewish expulsion, Arab lands, 1967, West Bank, Israel, Middle East conflict, Jewish history, 1948 war, ethnic cleansing, Diaspora, Arab population, Jordanian rule, pre-1948 Jewish communities, 1967 war, pogroms, Arab countries, Jewish exile, Israel, Arab refugees, property rights, compensation, Palestinian claims Settlements, Jewish expulsion, Arab lands, 1967, West Bank, Middle East conflict, Jewish history, 1948 war, ethnic cleansing, Diaspora, Arab population, Jordanian rule, Jewish communities, 1967 conquest, pogroms, Arab countries, Jewish exodus, Israel, Arab refugees, property rights, compensation, Palestinian claims
test-science-cpisydfphwj-con01a	Facebook is bad for life satisfaction  Every single day, there are millions of users sharing photographs, messages and comments across Facebook. Unfortunately, this type of “online socialization” that Facebook has initiated is nothing but detrimental to the teenagers, the most frequent users of the platform. The emotion which is most common when staying online is envy. “Endlessly comparing themselves with peers who have doctored their photographs, amplified their achievements and plagiarised their bons mots can leave Facebook’s users more than a little green-eyed.”(1)  Not only do they get envious, but they also lose their self esteem. As a result, they have the tendency to be isolated and find it harder to socialize and make new friends due to the bad impression they have for themselves. In a poll, 53 per cent of the respondents said the launch of social networking sites had changed their behaviour - and of those, 51 per cent said the impact had been negative.(2 ) One study also backs this statistics up by finding that the more the participants used the site, the more their life satisfaction levels declined.(3)  In conclusion, daily use of social networks has a negative effect on the health of all children and teenagers by making them more prone to anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders.(4)  (1) “Facebook is bad for you”, The Economist, Aug 17th 2013   (2) Laura Donnelly “Facebook and Twitter feed anxiety, study finds” The Telegraph, 08 Jul 2012   (3) “Facebook use 'makes people feel worse about themselves' “, BBC News, 15 August 2013   (4) Larry Rose ”Social Networking’s Good and Bad Impacts on Kids“ American Psychological Association August 6, 2011 Facebook, life satisfaction, teenagers, online socialization, envy, self-esteem, social comparison, mental health, anxiety, depression, psychological impact, social media, negative effects, youth, psychological disorders, social networking, behavioral change, psychological wellbeing, platform use, online behavior Facebook, life satisfaction, teenagers, social media, online socialization, envy, self-esteem, social comparison, photoshopped images, achievements, social media impact, mental health, anxiety, depression, psychological disorders, social networking sites, teenagers' well-being, emotional well-being, social comparison theory, online behavior, social media effects, psychological effects, social media research Facebook, life satisfaction, teenagers, social media, online socialization, envy, self-esteem, social comparison, mental health, anxiety, depression, psychological disorders, social networking, peer comparison, photo manipulation, online behavior, negative impact, emotional wellbeing, social isolation, digital addiction, youth mental health Facebook, life satisfaction, teenagers, online socialization, envy, self-esteem, social comparison, images, achievements, plagiarism, social media impact, negative effects, mental health, anxiety, depression, psychological disorders, social networking sites, behavioral change, psychological impact, online activity, emotional well-being, peer comparison Facebook, social media, life satisfaction, teenagers, online socialization, envy, self-esteem, isolation, social comparison, photo manipulation, peer comparison, negative impact, mental health, anxiety, depression, psychological disorders, social networking sites, behavior change, psychological effects, teenagers mental health, social media addiction
test-international-gsciidffe-pro02a	It is legitimate to undermine illegitimate governments to promote human rights  Autocratic governments that breach their people’s human rights have no legitimacy domestically as they do not represent the people or protect their interests. They also have no international legitimacy, as they are violating their obligations that they have signed up to through various international agreements such as the universal declaration of human rights [1] and the international covenant on civil and political rights [2] which oblige states to respect their citizen’s human rights. Other states therefore are legitimate in acting for the people of the repressed state to undermine their government and take up their cause. By imposing censorship the government is violating its people's freedom of expression which that government has promised to uphold therefore it is right that other governments should endeavour to uphold that standard. It was therefore right for the west to undermine the USSR and the communist governments of Eastern Europe through radio broadcasts such as Voice of America and Radio Free Europe, they gained immense audiences, a third of urban adults in the USSR and almost half of East Europeans with these sources often being considered more credible. [3]  [1] UN General Assembly, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 10 December 1948, 217 A (III),   [2] UN General Assembly, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 16 December 1966, United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 999, p. 171,   [3] Johnson, A. Ross, and Parta, R. Eugene, “Cold War International Broadcasting: Lessons Learned”, Briefing to the Rancho Mirage Seminar,  p.54 legitimacy, illegitimate governments, human rights, autocratic regimes, domestic legitimacy, international law, international agreements, universal declaration of human rights, international covenant on civil and political rights, state sovereignty, government censorship, freedom of expression, regime change, foreign intervention, political legitimacy, moral justification, Cold War, propaganda, voice of America, Radio Free Europe, western intervention, USSR, Eastern Europe, human rights violations, international law violations legitimacy, illegitimate governments, human rights, autocratic governments, domestic legitimacy, international legitimacy, international agreements, universal declaration of human rights, international covenant on civil and political rights, sovereignty, state sovereignty, foreign intervention, regime change, censorship, freedom of expression, international law, sovereignty violations, Cold War, propaganda, international broadcasting, Voice of America, Radio Free Europe, geopolitical strategy, regime legitimacy, human rights violation, transnational activism, cross-border influence human rights, illegitimate governments, legitimacy, autocratic governments, international agreements, universal declaration of human rights, international covenant, civil rights, political rights, sovereignty, government legitimacy, censorship, freedom of expression, international intervention, regime change, democracy promotion, Cold War, broadcasting, Voice of America, Radio Free Europe, USSR, Eastern Europe, propaganda, West, political dissent, human rights violations legitimacy, illegitimate governments, human rights, autocratic regimes, domestic legitimacy, international legitimacy, international agreements, universal declaration of human rights, civil and political rights, state sovereignty, sovereignty breach, human rights violations, repressive governments, censorship, freedom of expression, intervention, legitimacy of regime change, Western intervention, Cold War, propaganda, Radio Free Europe, Voice of America, USSR, Eastern Europe, ideological struggle, international law, human rights advocacy legitimacy, undermining, illegitimate governments, human rights, autocratic regimes, international law, sovereignty, international agreements, universal declaration of human rights, international covenant, civil rights, political rights, censorship, freedom of expression, regime change, intervention, state sovereignty, international law violations, Cold War, propaganda, broadcasting, Voice of America, Radio Free Europe, information warfare, legitimacy of regimes, human rights violations, western intervention
test-culture-ascidfakhba-pro03a	The creative commons is a more effective means for artists to build and expand their reach and markets than traditional copyright licensing arrangements  The nature of the internet and mass media on the 21st century is such that many artists can benefit from the freedom and flexibility that creative commons licenses furnish to them. Wider use by other artists and laymen alike helps artistic works “go viral” and to gain major impact that allow the artist to generate a name for his or herself and to attain the levels of earnings conventional copyrights are meant to help artists generate but that ultimately hamstring them. A major example of this is the band Nine Inch Nails, which opted in 2008 to begin releasing its albums through the creative commons. [1] Creative commons licenses are so remarkable because they can be deployed by artists to expand their markets, and to profit even more from their greater recognition. After all, the artists still retain control of the commercial uses of their work and are guaranteed under creative commons licensing regulations to be credited by users of their content. [2] Giving undue artistic and distribution control to the artists through constricting and outmoded copyright may mean less significant reach and impact of the work. The state should thus facilitate the sharing by mandating the distribution of art of all kinds under creative commons licenses.  [1] Anderson, N., “Free Nine Inch Nails albums top 2008 Amazon MP3 sales charts”, arstechnica, 7 January 2009,   [2] Creative Commons. “About the Licenses”. 2010. Creative Commons, copyright licensing, artists, internet, mass media, freedom, flexibility, viral, recognition, earnings, Nine Inch Nails, market expansion, profit, control, credit, distribution, sharing, licensing regulations creative commons, copyright licensing, artists, internet, mass media, viral, artistic works, recognition, earnings, Nine Inch Nails, licensing regulations, market expansion, profits, control, distribution, copyright, sharing, regulation creative commons, traditional copyright, artists, internet, mass media, licensing, freedom, flexibility, viral, artistic works, recognition, earnings, Nine Inch Nails, album release, market expansion, profit, control, credit, distribution, sharing, regulation Creative commons, copyright licensing, artists, internet, mass media, viral, artistic works, recognition, earnings, Nine Inch Nails, market expansion, copyright control, distribution, sharing, licensing regulations, creative control Creative Commons, copyright, artists, internet, mass media, legal licensing, viral, recognition, market expansion, earnings, Nine Inch Nails, album release, licensing regulations, control, distribution, impact, sharing, inspiration, creative freedom
test-international-gmehwasr-con02a	Arming the rebels would be unpopular  Ten years after the Iraq war interventions in the Middle East are no more popular than they were back in 2003. Getting involved in Syria would not be popular no matter how small the commitment. In the United States voters oppose the idea of supplying arms to Syrian rebels by 45% against to only 16% in favour, in the United Kingdom opinion is even more opposed; while there are still 16% in favour there are 57% opposed. [1] Clearly arming the rebels would not be popular with voters - there can therefore be no domestic reason for this policy.  [1] Clark, Tom, ‘US and UK public reject stronger military support for Syrian rebels’, guardian.co.uk, 22 March 2013 Arming rebels, Iraq war, Middle East, Syria, US public opinion, UK public opinion, military support, voter opposition, foreign policy, public opinion polls, military intervention, political unpopularity Arming rebels, Iraq war, Middle East, Syria, public opinion, US voters, UK voters, military support, Syrian rebels, international intervention, public opposition arming, rebels, unpopular, Iraq war, Middle East, Syria, US voters, UK opinion, arms supply, Syrian rebels, public opinion, military support, domestic policy, opposition, 2013 arming, rebels, unpopular, Iraq war, Middle East, Syria, US public opinion, UK public opinion, military support, Syrian rebels, voter opposition, foreign policy, public opinion poll, military intervention, political unpopular, military aid arming, rebels, unpopular, Iraq war, Middle East, Syria, US, UK, public opinion, military support, voter opposition, foreign policy, intervention, public sentiment, government policy
test-international-gmehwasr-pro01a	Syria clearly meets the standards for intervention  The Assad regime has clearly lost its legitimacy and has precipitated a humanitarian crisis in Syria. The February estimate of 70000 killed [1] is up from an estimate of 60000 only a month before, [2] so clearly the violence is escalating. The conflict is also affecting neighbours; refugees have flooded into Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey, and Israel is already believed to have attacked a convoy or research facility involved in chemical and biological weapons development. [3] Clearly the presence of these weapons show how much worse the situation could get if Assad is not overthrown. Not intervening risks the whole region being slowly destabilised and drawn in to the conflict. [4]  [1] Nichols, Michelle, ‘Syria death toll likely near 70,000, says U.N. rights chief’, Reuters, 12 Feb 2012  [2] ‘Data suggests Syria death toll could be more than 60,000, says UN human rights office’, UN News Centre, 2 January 2013  [3] ‘Q&A: Israeli ‘strike’ on Syria’, BBC News, 3 February 2013  [4] Byman, Daniel, in ‘Roundtable: arming the Syrian rebels’, Foreign Policy, 21 February 2013 Syria, intervention, Assad regime, legitimacy, humanitarian crisis, violence escalation, death toll, refugees, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Israel, chemical weapons, biological weapons, regional destabilization, conflict, international response Syria, intervention, Assad regime, legitimacy, humanitarian crisis, death toll, violence escalation, refugees, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Israel, chemical weapons, biological weapons, regional destabilization, conflict, international response, United Nations, human rights, military strike, foreign policy Syria, Assad regime, intervention, legitimacy, humanitarian crisis, death toll, violence escalation, refugees, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Israel, chemical weapons, biological weapons, regional destabilization, conflict, foreign intervention, UN, human rights, military strikes, regional conflict, Syria civil war Syria, intervention, Assad regime, legitimacy, humanitarian crisis, death toll, violence escalation, refugees, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Israel, attack, chemical weapons, biological weapons, regional destabilization, conflict, regional impact, foreign intervention, Syrian rebels Syria, intervention, Assad regime, legitimacy, humanitarian crisis, violence escalation, death toll, refugees, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Israel, chemical weapons, biological weapons, regional destabilization, conflict, regional security, foreign policy, international intervention, peacekeeping, military conflict, human rights, United Nations
test-law-cplglghwbhwd-pro03a	A handgun ban reduces crime and deaths  Aside from the fact that handguns are uniquely dangerous weapons, when the handgun ban was in place in DC, there was a reported decrease in crime in the area. In 1977 the year immediately following the ban the U.S. Conference of Mayors reported robberies, assaults and homicides using handguns had fallen in DC sharply. Further, in 1991 the University of Maryland published a study in the New England journal of Medicine suggesting the gun ban had saved lives in the decade before 1991, claiming that the ban had prevented 47 deaths in DC per year.5  It is theorised that the handgun ban does this because it makes other police tactics, such as stop and search, significantly more effective. If criminals wish to get the tactical advantage of power that opposition mention then they have to carry hand guns in order to do it. However, it means that if they are caught with a gun they become very easily identifiable and can easily be arrested to prevent harm coming to the populace of large. Specifically, the handgun ban means that the police have a much lower burden required in order to arrest suspects and given that a lot of the time the police have a strong idea of who the criminals are, but simply can’t pin them for arrest, such a tactical advantage helps them get dangerous people off the street. handgun ban, crime reduction, gun deaths, firearm restrictions, DC gun laws, firearm violence, crime statistics, law enforcement, police tactics, stop and search, criminal behavior, public safety, gun control effectiveness, homicide rates, assault reduction, robbery statistics, firearm confiscation, crime prevention, police arrest, criminal identification, gun-related fatalities handgun ban, crime reduction, firearm restrictions, gun control, gun violence, homicide rates, assault rates, robbery statistics, policing tactics, stop and search, criminal disarmament, public safety, crime prevention, DC gun laws, gun-related deaths, criminal apprehension, law enforcement, firearm confiscation, gun violence research, public health, crime statistics handgun ban, crime reduction, gun violence, firearm restrictions, handgun legislation, crime statistics, police tactics, stop and search, firearm confiscation, public safety, homicide rates, assault reduction, crime prevention, gun control policy, criminal behavior, law enforcement, firearm legislation impact, community safety handgun ban, crime reduction, firearm restrictions, gun control, violence prevention, police tactics, stop and search, firearm-related deaths, crime statistics, public safety, gun laws, criminal behavior, firearm confiscation, law enforcement, homicide rates, assault reduction, robbery decrease, policy impact, gun violence, urban safety, firearm legislation handgun ban, crime reduction, firearm restrictions, gun control, public safety, homicide decrease, assault reduction, robbery statistics, police tactics, stop and search, criminal apprehension, firearm legislation, gun-related deaths, urban violence, Maryland study, firearm regulation, crime prevention, criminal justice
test-free-speech-debate-fchbjaj-con03a	Wikileaks is not a news organisation, it exists exclusively to disseminate classified information, no genuine news organisation has such an agenda.  News organisations provide a variety of functions, from reporting the weather to breaking news. Even the most hardened investigative outlet does not dedicate itself exclusively to revealing classified information. It appears to have no interest in what that information is or whether its disclosure causes more harm than good, the sole interest is that it is classified.  That isn’t journalism, at best it’s prurience and, at worst, egocentricity – ‘I know something you don’t know’. The fallout for people’s jobs, liberty and safety appears not to interest those involved.  Their own ‘About Us’ section makes a point of stating that “We accept (but do not solicit) anonymous sources of information [1] .” Interestingly, the whole of the rest of the page talks about maintaining anonymity for both readers and sources and little else. It provides screeds of text about themselves, a free press and the importance of releasing classified information. Unusually for a media organisation, there are no details about how to complain if a reader feels they or someone else has been misrepresented. This means that Wikileaks is denying someone’s freedom of speech by not giving them a right to reply and have corrections published.  In an age where even the most stentorian paper of record enshrines such rights, one might assume that such devout proclaimers of free speech would shout it from their mast head. Instead, their Chat page is mostly full of dire warnings that security forces are watching the reader’s every keystroke. Hardly encouraging for the little guy wishing to clear their name.  [1] The link to the page is here . Wikileaks, classified information, news organisation, journalism, investigative journalism, transparency, confidentiality, free press, anonymous sources, freedom of speech, censorship, whistleblowing, media ethics, publishing, information disclosure, reputation management, security surveillance Wikileaks, classified information, journalism, news organization, investigative reporting, free press, transparency, anonymous sources, freedom of speech, media ethics, information security, whistleblowing, press rights, censorship, source anonymity, media accountability Wikileaks, classified information, journalism, news organizations, investigative reporting, free press, transparency, anonymous sources, freedom of speech, press ethics, information disclosure, media critique, government transparency, whistleblowing, censorship, anonymity, security concerns, First Amendment, media freedom, public interest Wikileaks, classified information, journalism, news organization, investigative journalism, free press, anonymous sources, whistleblowing, censorship, press freedom, transparency, leaks, information disclosure, media ethics, free speech, anonymity, source protection, secret documents, government accountability, security risks Wikileaks, classified information, journalism, news organizations, investigative journalism, free press, anonymity, whistleblowing, censorship, freedom of speech, media ethics, transparency, leaks, confidential sources, security concerns, information dissemination, media criticism, press rights, journalists’ rights, online security
test-politics-pgsimhwoia-con01a	Developed countries have a greater responsibility to take in migrants  Developed countries have a responsibility to take in large numbers of migrants. There are several reasons for this. First they have a historical responsibility resulting from a legacy of colonialism, imperialism, and industrialisation that benefited the developed world at the expense of the developing world. This helped create the inequalities in the world that drive migration so developed countries should accept that a greater responsibility for migrants is the price.  Second developed countries have a much greater capacity to absorb migrants than developing countries. Developed countries have more jobs, and the ability to create more through using the state’s financial resources to increase investment. They already have the legal framework for large numbers of migrants; laws that ensure equality and fair treatment regardless of religion or ethnicity. And in many cases they already have sizeable migrant communities (with some exceptions such as Japan) that help create a culture of tolerance that embraces the diversity migrants bring. developed countries, responsibility, migrants, colonialism, imperialism, industrialization, inequalities, migration, capacity, jobs, investment, legal framework, equality, fair treatment, migrant communities, diversity, tolerance developed countries, responsibility, migrants, colonialism, imperialism, industrialisation, inequalities, migration drivers, capacity, jobs, investment, legal framework, equality, fair treatment, migrant communities, cultural diversity, tolerance developed countries, migrant responsibility, colonialism, imperialism, industrialisation, global inequality, migration drivers, migrant capacity, economic resources, legal framework, migrant communities, cultural diversity, tolerance, globalization, migration policy developed countries, responsibility, migrants, colonialism, imperialism, industrialisation, inequalities, migration, capacity, jobs, investment, legal framework, equality, fair treatment, migrant communities, cultural tolerance, diversity developed countries, migrants, responsibility, colonialism, imperialism, industrialisation, inequalities, migration, capacity, jobs, investment, legal frameworks, equality, fair treatment, migrant communities, cultural diversity, tolerance
test-politics-pgsimhwoia-pro01a	It is just to redistribute migrants  It is an accident of geography, or history, simple bad luck that has resulted in some countries getting large numbers of immigrants while many others get none. The first developed country on migrant routes get large numbers as those wishing to seek asylum have to apply in the first safe country. Similarly those countries next to conflict zones, or places affected by natural disasters, get very large influxes of migrants who hope to return home as soon as possible; there are more than 1.1 million refugees from Syria in Lebanon [1] a country of less than 6million. It is right that there should be a mechanism to help even out the burden of migrants and that rich developed countries should be those who pay that cost.  [1] ‘Syria Regional Refugee Response’, data.unhcr.org,  , accessed 19th August 2015 migration, refugees, asylum, geographic distribution, history, natural disasters, conflict zones, developed countries, migrant routes, burden sharing, Lebanon, Syria, displacement, humanitarian aid, international response migration, refugee, asylum, geographic disparities, developed countries, migrant routes, natural disasters, conflict zones, burden sharing, international aid, Syria refugees, Lebanon, immigration policies, refugee resettlement, migration routes, refugee crisis migration, refugees, asylum, distribution, geographic, history, natural disasters, conflict zones, developed countries, migrant routes, burden sharing, international aid, Syria refugees, Lebanon, refugee response, migrant influx, migration policy migration, refugee, asylum, redistribution, geography, history, natural disaster, conflict zone, migrant routes, burden sharing, developed countries, influx, Lebanon, Syria, UNHCR, refugee response migration, refugee, asylum, redistribution, border, conflict, natural disaster, Lebanon, Syria, humanitarian aid, developing countries, developed countries, migration routes, refugee crisis, international responsibility, burden-sharing
test-digital-freedoms-efsappgdfp-con01a	A threat to democracy  Yes the NSA is unlikely to look at individual’s personal information if the person in question is nobody of interest yet there are people who may be of interest to the state who are essentially innocent of anything except annoying the state. The ability for almost anyone in the intelligence apparatus to look up personal information has to worry anyone who might otherwise dissent, investigate the government, or turn whistleblower. Intelligence officials can hold the information as a weapon to ensure compliance and ruin careers if they don’t get their way. [1] This has happened before. In the US when diplomat Joseph C. Wilson published about the manipulation of intelligence on uranium from Niger being used as part of the justification for the invasion of Iraq his wife had her cover blown and career destroyed by people within the Department of Defense. [2] When we know that the Obama administration has been more determined than ever to prevent leaks and prosecute perpetrators can it really be said there is no damage to democracy if these courageous people are not coming forward?  [1] Walt, Stephen M., ‘The real threat behind the NSA surveillance programs’, Foreign Policy, 10 June 2013,   [2] Wilson, Joseph C., ‘What I Didn’t Find in Africa’, The New York Times, 6 July 2003,   Lewis, Neil A., ‘Source of C.I.A. Leak Said to Admit Role’, The New York Times, 30 August 2006, democracy, NSA, privacy, surveillance, intelligence, personal information, dissent, whistleblower, government accountability, political repression, career damage, intelligence weapon, information misuse, whistleblower protection, government leaks, Iraq invasion, uranium Niger, diplomatic cover, privilege, leak prosecution, Obama administration, national security, civil liberties, government transparency, source protection, intelligence agency misconduct, investigative journalism democracy, NSA, surveillance, personal information, intelligence, dissent, whistleblower, government oversight, privacy, careers, information warfare, uranium, Niger, Iraq, leak, prosecution, Department of Defense, Obama administration, national security, civil liberties, government abuse, whistleblower protection, covert operations democracy, NSA, surveillance, privacy, personal information, intelligence apparatus, dissent, whistleblower, government oversight, information weapon, career destruction, Iraq invasion, uranium Niger, diplomatic cover, government leaks, prosecution, whistleblower protection, intelligence abuse, civil liberties, government transparency, national security, secrecy, political persecution, information control democracy, NSA, surveillance, personal information, intelligence, dissent, whistleblower, government accountability, information weapon, career destruction, government manipulation, uranium, Niger, Iraq, leak prosecution, Freedom of Information, classified information, whistleblower protection, government transparency, political repression threat, democracy, NSA, surveillance, personal information, privacy, dissent, whistleblower, intelligence, government, manipulation, uranium, Niger, Iraq, diplomatic cover, career destruction, leaks, prosecution, freedom, civil liberties, accountability, national security, leaks, whistleblowing, government misconduct
test-education-egtuscpih-con01a	Financial model of online courses is unsustainable  At the moment some MOOC platforms are non-profit, while even for-profit ones do not pay universities, nor do universities pay MOOC platforms, they might only divide revenue if a revenue stream appears [18]. This essentially means that MOOCs have to rely on traditional financial models of universities to survive – they need the universities to provide materials and the academics and traditional models that are based on the fact that lots of students do not take online courses. However, MOOCs might undermine traditional university funding. For instance, Princeton professor Mitchell Duneier withdrew from Coursera claiming that states use MOOCs as a justification to withdraw state funding from universities [19]. Moreover, some MOOCs consider providing chargeable courses for credit but for a substantially lower price (around 100 dollars for a course), which might draw students away from traditional universities further undermining their existence [20]. This means a depletion of universities financial sources that MOOCs themselves rely on. At the moment there is no way for MOOCs to replace traditional university learning. MOOCs, online courses, financial model, sustainability, revenue sharing, non-profit, for-profit, university funding, revenue streams, traditional university models, online education, university costs, academic materials, student enrollment, state funding, charging for credit, lower course prices, university sustainability, disruption, education finance online courses, financial sustainability, MOOC platforms, non-profit, for-profit, university funding, revenue sharing, traditional financial models, university materials, academic workforce, online education, funding challenges, Princeton Mitchell Duneier, state funding, chargeable courses, credit courses, price competition, student enrollment, university finances, impact on higher education financial model, online courses, MOOC platforms, non-profit, for-profit, universities, revenue sharing, sustainability, traditional funding, university materials, academic impact, online education economics, financial sustainability, revenue streams, university funding, impact on university revenue, pricing strategies, credit courses, competition, higher education finance financial model, online courses, MOOC platforms, non-profit, for-profit, university payments, revenue sharing, financial sustainability, traditional university funding, online education, revenue streams, academic institutions, university funding, online course charges, cost-cutting, online learning, higher education, educational finance, market competition MOOCs, online courses, financial sustainability, revenue model, non-profit platforms, for-profit platforms, university funding, revenue sharing, traditional financial models, university resources, online education, academic costs, student enrollment, revenue streams, university funding cuts, chargeable courses, credit courses, competition, university independence, educational funding, online learning challenges
test-free-speech-debate-nshbbsbfb-pro04a	It is simply impractical for a major international broadcaster to hand out powers of veto to small sectional interests.  The BBC would quickly be left with a content either devoid of interest or of content were it to allow such a veto to become normative. Especially were it, as appears to be the case here, to offer such a veto to people who didn’t watch the programme.  As a result, although some of the responsibility for avoiding offence lies with the broadcaster at least an equal share must lie with the viewer. Even at the more basic level of ‘will I like this’, responsibility lies with both parties. The BBC undertakes to provide a diverse range of programming so that there is a reasonable chance that the overwhelming majority should be able to find something of interest but does so on the assumption that people will watch what they find interesting.  Likewise, it is reasonable to assume that people will not go out of their way to watch things that they already expect to find offensive. BBC, content moderation, veto power, viewer responsibility, programming diversity, audience preferences, offensive content, viewer engagement, broadcast policy, viewer interests BBC, veto, broadcasting, content diversity, viewer responsibility, programming, interest, audience engagement, offensive content, viewer preferences, media regulation, content censorship, viewer rights, media ethics broadcaster, veto, sectional interests, BBC, content, interest, audience responsibility, viewer preferences, diversity, programming, offensive content, viewer engagement international broadcaster, veto powers, sectional interests, BBC, content interest, normative veto, viewer responsibility, programming diversity, audience preferences, offensive content, viewer expectations broadcasting, veto, sectional interests, content diversity, viewer responsibility, programme interest, offensive content, audience engagement, content regulation, media ethics
test-politics-cpecfiepg-pro03a	A Greek default would increase stability for the rest of the Eurozone  A Greek exit from the ‘Eurozone does not mean the end of the euro. It will, instead, mark a new beginning. Germany has a long and proud tradition of currency strength, but it could not cope with going back to the deutschmark because it would rocket in value and destroy the country's competitiveness. Some 97% of the Eurozone's population will continue to use the single currency and their leaders will circle the policy wagons to protect what is left.’ [`] A Greek default and departure from the Eurozone would decrease uncertainty and fear within the rest of the Eurozone. This, in turn is likely to attract higher levels of investment and transactions across Eurozone members.  [1] Parsons, Nick: “Eurozone crisis: what if… Greece leaves the single currency”, 14 May 2012, The Guardian, Greek default, Eurozone stability, Greek exit, euro, euro, deutschmark, currency strength, competitiveness, Eurozone population, single currency, policy response, uncertainty, fear, investment, transactions, Eurozone crisis, Greece exit Greek default, Eurozone stability, Greek exit, euro currency, euro crisis, currency strength, deutschmark, currency devaluation, Eurozone population, monetary policy, economic uncertainty, investment, financial transactions, Eurozone cohesion, Greece debt crisis, currency union, policy response, financial markets, economic growth Greek default, Eurozone stability, Greek exit, euro, currency, deutschmark, euro strength, competitiveness, Eurozone population, currency union, monetary policy, economic uncertainty, investment, transactions, Eurozone crisis, Greece, currency withdrawal, financial markets, economic impact, regional stability Greece, Eurozone, default, exit, euro, stability, currency, deutschmark, competitiveness, uncertainty, investment, transactions, Eurozone crisis, Greece departure, currency strength, economic impact, monetary policy, financial stability Greek default, Eurozone stability, Greek exit, euro, eurozone, currency, deutschmark, Germany, competitiveness, single currency, Eurozone population, uncertainty, fear, investment, transactions, Eurozone crisis
test-international-ghbunhf-pro01a	: Main purpose of UN, to prevent war, has clearly not been achieved.  The UN was set up with the express purpose of preventing global wars, yet it has done absolutely nothing to prevent them. Indeed, the UN has often served merely as a forum for countries to abuse and criticise each other, rather than resolve disputes peacefully.  In some cases, such as the 2003 invasion of Iraq, UN resolutions have arguably been used as a justification for wars, rather than to prevent them. Research shows that the number of armed conflicts in the world rose steadily in the years after 1945 and has only begun to plateau or fall since the end of the Cold War. [1]  [1] Harrison, Mark & Wolf, Nikolaus. “The Frequency of Wars”. University of Warwick, 10th March 2011. United Nations, purpose, global wars, prevention, effectiveness, conflict resolution, international diplomacy, Cold War, armed conflicts, UN resolutions, Iraq invasion, international peace, peacekeeping, global security, criticism, diplomatic forums United Nations, purpose, preventing war, effectiveness, global conflicts, peacekeeping, Cold War, UN resolutions, Iraq invasion, dispute resolution, international relations, armed conflicts, war criticism, peace forums United Nations, UN, purpose, prevent war, peacekeeping, global conflicts, international relations, peace enforcement, dispute resolution, Iraq invasion, UN resolutions, armed conflicts, Cold War, war frequency, global peace, international conflicts, UN effectiveness, peace efforts United Nations, purpose, peacekeeping, global conflicts, war prevention, international diplomacy, UN resolutions, Iraq invasion, Cold War, armed conflicts, international relations, conflict resolution, peacekeeping failures, global peace, war analysis United Nations, UN, war prevention, international conflict, peacekeeping, diplomacy, global security, dispute resolution, Cold War, conflicts, international relations, Iraq invasion, UN resolutions, criticisms, peace forum
test-international-siacphbnt-con04a	Technology has only benefited private companies.  Ultimately, technology, its provision, distribution, and function, is based on a business model. Profits are sought and losers emerge. The technology hype has attracted global technology giants, ranging from IBM to Google – a key issue as to whether entrepreneurialism can emerge amongst youths and technology used sustainably. The monopolisation of technology markets by multinational companies puts constraints on the ability for small businesses to break through. Any profits created are not recirculated in their locality, or Africa, but return to the country of origin.  For entrepreneurialism to be gained, and youth jobs emerge, the technological giants investing in Africa’s rising future need to partner with communities and small businesses. technology, private companies, business model, profits, global technology giants, IBM, Google, entrepreneurialism, youths, sustainable technology, market monopolization, multinational companies, small businesses, local recirculation, Africa, community partnership, youth employment technology, private companies, business model, profits, technology hype, global technology giants, IBM, Google, entrepreneurialism, youth, sustainability, monopolisation, technology markets, multinational companies, small businesses, local recirculation, Africa, community partnership, youth jobs, technological giants, investment technology, private companies, business model, profits, technological giants, IBM, Google, entrepreneurialism, youth, sustainability, market monopolisation, multinational companies, small businesses, local recirculation, Africa, community partnerships, youth employment technology, private companies, business model, profits, technology hype, global technology giants, IBM, Google, entrepreneurialism, youth, sustainability, monopolisation, technology markets, multinational companies, small businesses, profits recirculation, Africa, local development, community partnership, youth jobs technology, private companies, business model, profits, technology hype, global technology giants, entrepreneurialism, youth, sustainability, monopolisation, market constraints, small businesses, profits recirculation, Africa, multinational companies, community partnership, youth jobs
test-science-dssghsdmd-con03a	The system is an incredibly expensive venture that may not even work  Research and development of effective strategic defense systems has been ongoing since the Reagan administration, to little lasting benefit. The US government has spent hundreds of billions of dollars in the past two decades on developing missile defense technology, including nearly $60 billion in the past five years, and still it is incomplete and its effectiveness questionable. Many scientists have attested to the ineffectiveness of missile defense, as it currently stands. It is very difficult to hit a flying missile with another missile, and test-runs of the technology have been patchy at best (Sessler et. al., 2000). The dream of an effective missile defense shield that can successfully intercept enemy intercontinental ballistic missiles has yet to come to fruition. It would be better to stop throwing good money after bad and to fold up the project entirely. missile defense, strategic defense systems, research and development, US government, missile technology, defense spending, effectiveness, intercontinental ballistic missiles, missile interception, missile defense testing, military technology, defense budget, project evaluation, defense effectiveness, scientific assessment missile defense, strategic defense systems, research and development, Reagan administration, US government, missile technology, defense expenditure, effectiveness, missile interception, test-runs, intercontinental ballistic missiles, defense technology, scientific skepticism, defense system efficacy, project costs missile defense, strategic defense systems, research and development, effectiveness, US government spending, missile technology, intercepting missiles, intercontinental ballistic missiles, testing, technological challenges, defense shield, project cost, military technology, defense effectiveness, missile interception, defense expenditure, missile defense skepticism missile defense, strategic defense systems, Reagan administration, US government, technology development, military expenditure, missile interception, test failures, effectiveness, research and development, ballistic missiles, defense technology, military spending, project viability, technological challenges, defense shield missile defense, strategic defense systems, R&D, Reagan administration, US government, missile technology, defense investment, effectiveness, testing, missile interception, intercontinental ballistic missiles, technological challenges, military spending, defense effectiveness, project failure
test-politics-ypppdghwid-pro02a	"Imposing democracy can be a way to support individuals unable to fight for democracy themselves.  If the people within a nation want democracy, it is not wrong -- indeed it may even be morally required -- for us to assist them by imposing democracy against the will of the governing class. Often internal movements lack resources, weapons, or organization, making the fight for democracy very difficult. When individuals seek to defend their rights against an oppressive regime, other nations do them a disservice by allowing evil to win out. Thus NATO's intervention in Libya was in support of rebels often seen as part of the 'Arab spring' wave of democratization but the internal movement even if it had large amounts of support was being suppressed and would have been destroyed without outside intervention1.  1 Traub, James. ""Stepping In"", Foreign Policy democracy, intervention, sovereignty, human rights, support, international aid, regime change, NATO, Libya, Arab Spring, resistance, oppression, democratization, external support, internal movement, resources, weapons, organization, moral obligation, regime suppression democracy, intervention, support, sovereignty, human rights, regime change, foreign policy, NATO, Libya, Arab Spring, democratization, internal movements, resistance, oppressive regimes, external support, morality, intervention ethics, resource scarcity, rebel support democracy, intervention, sovereignty, human rights, NATO, Libya, Arab Spring, democratization, regime change, international support, oppression, rebels, internal movements, resources, weapons, organization, moral obligation, regime suppression, foreign policy democracy, intervention, sovereignty, human rights, NATO, Libya, Arab spring, regime change, support, internal movements, democratization, external assistance, moral obligation, oppressive regimes, conflict, resource support democracy, intervention, sovereignty, human rights, regime change, international support, NATO, Libya, Arab Spring, democratization, regime suppression, rebels, foreign policy, moral responsibility, internal movements, resources, weapons, organization, oppression"
test-science-dssghsdmd-pro02a	A strategic missile defense shield will be an effective defense against ballistic missile attacks targeted at the United States and its allies  The missile defense shield the United States intends to build is the most effective and complete ballistic missile shield ever devised. When fully armed with a complement of anti-ballistic missiles both within the United States itself, and in allied nations in Europe, the shield will be virtually impregnable to external missile attack. This means the chance of a nuclear attack succeeding against it will be very unlikely, reducing the chance not only of a full-scale nuclear war between the United States and another nuclear power, but also against missiles fired by rogue states or terrorists, the biggest threats in terms of actual use of nuclear weapons (The Economist, 2009). Technologically speaking, anti-ballistic missile missiles have developed by leaps and bounds in recent years. The current system being put into operation by the United States is the Aegis combat system, designed for deployment on US Naval vessels. This new development has served to sidestep the problems associated with ground and space-based missile defense arrays, due to the slow response time of ground missiles, and the still unfeasible orbital deployment. The sea-based defense array, furthermore, lacks the problem of the land-based system in that it does not need to be placed in countries other than the United States in order to be effective (thus avoiding the political problems of the past). Technology and diplomacy have clearly made a national missile defense system highly desirable. missile defense, ballistic missile, United States, allies, anti-ballistic missiles, shield, impregnable, nuclear attack, rogue states, terrorists, nuclear weapons, technological development, Aegis combat system, naval vessels, sea-based defense, ground-based missile defense, space-based systems, orbital deployment, international politics, diplomacy, national security missile defense, ballistic missiles, United States, allies, missile shield, anti-ballistic missiles, nuclear attack, rogue states, terrorists, missile technology, Aegis combat system, naval vessels, sea-based defense, ground-based defense, space-based arrays, response time, orbital deployment, political issues, national security, missile defense systems, technological advancements, diplomatic considerations missile defense, ballistic missile, United States, allies, shield, anti-ballistic missiles, European countries, impregnable, nuclear attack, rogue states, terrorists, missile threats, Aegis combat system, naval vessels, sea-based defense, ground-based systems, space-based arrays, response time, orbital deployment, political issues, national security, missile technology missile defense, ballistic missiles, United States, allies, anti-ballistic missiles, Aegis system, sea-based defense, ground-based system, space-based deployment, nuclear attack, rogue states, terrorists, national security, missile technology, diplomacy, threat reduction missile defense, ballistic missile, United States, allies, missile shield, anti-ballistic missiles, nuclear attack, rogue states, terrorists, Aegis system, naval vessels, sea-based defense, ground-based missile defense, space-based arrays, response time, orbital deployment, political considerations, national security, missile threats, technological advancement
test-international-siacphbnt-pro01a	Technology will lead job growth for youths.  The rate of unemployment in Sub-Saharan Africa remains above the global average, at 7.55% in 2011, with 77% of the population in vulnerable employment [1] . Economic growth has not been inclusive and jobs are scarce. In particular, rates of youth unemployment, and underemployment, remain a concern [2] . On average, the underutilisation of youths in the labour market across Sub-Saharan Africa stood at 67% in 2012 (Work4Youth, 2013). Therefore 67% of youths are either unemployed, inactive, or in irregular employment. The rate of unemployment varies geographically and across gender [3] .  There remains a high percentage of youths within informal employment. Technology can introduce a new dynamic within the job market and access to safer employment.  Secure, high quality jobs, and more jobs, are essential for youths. Access to technology is the only way to meet such demands. Technology will enable youths to create new employment opportunities and markets; but also employment through managing, and selling, the technology available.  [1] ILO, 2013.  [2] Definitions: Unemployment is defined as the amount of people who are out of work despite being available, and seeking, work. Underemployment defines a situation whereby the productive capacity of an employed person is underutilised. Informal employment defines individuals working in waged and/or self employment informally (see further readings).  [3] Work4Youth (2013) show, on average, Madagascar has the lowest rate of unemployment (2.2%) while Tanzania has the highest (42%); and the average rate of female unemployment stands higher at 25.3%, in contrast to men (20.2%). technology, youth employment, unemployment, underemployment, informal employment, job growth, Sub-Saharan Africa, economic growth, inclusive development, gender disparities, regional differences, socio-economic factors, digital divide, access to technology, market access, digital economy, entrepreneurship, youth empowerment, employment opportunities, job creation, remote work, skills development, innovation, digital tools, employment statistics technology, youth employment, unemployment, underemployment, informal employment, job growth, sub-Saharan Africa, economic growth, inclusive growth, gender disparities, geographic disparities, digital access, employment opportunities, informal sector, market access, job creation, digital technology, safer employment, high-quality jobs, youth unemployment rates, employment management, youth markets, gender gap, regional variation technology, youth employment, unemployment, underemployment, informal employment, Sub-Saharan Africa, economic growth, inclusive growth, job creation, digital access, employment opportunities, gender disparity, regional variation, market access, technology-driven job market, digital economy, secure jobs, youth unemployment rates, employment statistics, vulnerable employment, high-quality jobs, gender differences, geographic disparities technology, youth employment, unemployment, underemployment, informal employment, Sub-Saharan Africa, job growth, inclusive growth, demographic trends, gender disparities, geographic variation, market access, digital divide, internet penetration, job creation, digital skills, entrepreneurship, economic development, social inclusion, labor market, employment insecurity Youth unemployment, employment, underemployment, informal employment, technological innovation, job growth, Sub-Saharan Africa, economic growth, inclusive development, gender disparities, geographical variation, digital access, online job platforms, skills development, technology-driven markets, digital literacy, youth empowerment, employment opportunities, safety employment, market access, high-quality jobs, digital economy, mobile technology, employment policies, demographic trends, labor market reform
test-culture-cgeeghwmeo-pro04a	Bilingual education hurts students  Bilingual education segregates students in its system from those outside it. This limits the opportunities for interaction.  This is harmful in a number of ways. For one thing, it limits their interaction with peers who will speak English. While it’s possible they may practice English with their friends in a bilingual school, it seems unlikely, as it would be easier to talk in the existing language.  Furthermore, it also limits the exposure of English-speaking students to immigrants who don’t speak English, allowing negative stereotypes to arise out of ignorance that then can influence governmental policy through the ballot box.  Finally, this segregation may extend to within bilingual schools themselves, since not everyone seeking bilingual education has the same non-English language. The result might well be that students would group socially into groups based on country of origin, and due to simple demographics this would place the Spanish-speaking students at a significant advantage as there are nearly 30 million of them in the country. This polarization in turn could lead to splits between minority language groups that could reduce their overall social capital. bilingual education, segregation, student interaction, peer communication, language barriers, English practice, immigrant integration, stereotypes, governmental policy, social polarization, language groups, social capital, bilingual schools, demographic disparities bilingual education, student segregation, peer interaction, English speaking students, immigrant exposure, negative stereotypes, government policy, bilingual schools, social grouping, language barriers, demographic disparities, social capital, polarization, minority language groups bilingual education, student segregation, language interaction, peer communication, English practice, immigrant exposure, stereotypes, government policy, social segregation, bilingual schools, language groups, demographic distribution, social capital, language polarization bilingual education, student segregation, peer interaction, language practice, English exposure, stereotypes, immigrant integration, social groups, demographic divides, social capital, polarization, minority language speakers bilingual education, segregation, peer interaction, language barriers, English exposure, stereotypes, immigration, bilingual schools, social grouping, demographic disparities, social polarization, social capital
test-politics-glghssi-con03a	Scotland needs English economic muscle as through the Barnett formula England, especially the Southeast effectively subsidizes the rest of the UK in general and Scotland in particular  The Barnett established the model by which money is divided up within the regions and nations of the UK. The formula works greatly to Scotland’s advantage with a net flow of funding heading north.  The English taxpayer subsidizes Scots to the tune of £19bn a year (2009-10). [i] Without that subsidy The Scottish government would not have been able to give away the many benefits that have been handed out by the devolved authorities.  Scotland needs English support financially just as she does in terms of diplomatic representation or political muscle.  [i] McLaren, John et al., ‘Financial Implications of Different Fiscal Arrangements For Scotland’, CPPR Centre for Public Policy for Regions, June 2011, Scotland, English economic support, Barnett formula, regional funding, UK regions, subsidy, financial arrangements, fiscal policy, Scottish government, public funding, devolved authorities, UK subsidy, financial disparity, regional economics, fiscal transfer, public policy Scotland, England, economic support, Barnett formula, UK regions, regional funding, subsidy, financial arrangements, devolved government, fiscal policy, public funding, English taxpayer, Scottish government, political influence, bilateral relations, fiscal transfers, public policy Scotland, England, economic support, Barnett formula, UK regions, regional funding, fiscal arrangements, public policy, devolution, subsidy, financial implications, Scottish government, English taxpayer, regional disparities, fiscal policy Scotland, English economic support, Barnett formula, UK regions, regional funding, fiscal arrangements, fiscal policy, devolved government, public subsidies, UK finance, regional disparities, fiscal transfer, London subsidy, regional economics, political influence, diplomatic representation, Scottish economy, UK resource distribution Scotland, England, economic support, Barnett formula, regional funding, UK subsidy, fiscal arrangements, financial flow, Scottish government, devolved authorities, regional disparities, fiscal policy, public finance, UK regions, subsidies, political support
test-health-dhpelhbass-con01a	It is vital that a doctor's role not be confused  The guiding principle of medical ethics is to do no harm: a physician must not be involved in deliberately harming their patient. Without this principle, the medical profession would lose a great deal of trust; and admitting that killing is an acceptable part of a doctor’s role would likely increase the danger of involuntary euthanasia, not reduce it. Legalising assisted suicide also places an unreasonable burden on doctors. The daily decisions made in order to preserve life can be difficult enough; to require them to also carry the immense moral responsibility of deciding who can and cannot die, and the further responsibility of actually killing patients, is unacceptable. This is why the vast majority of medical professionals oppose the legalisation of assisted suicide: ending the life of a patient goes against all they stand for. The Hippocratic Oath that doctors use as a guide states 'I will neither give a deadly drug to anybody if asked for it, nor will I make a suggestion to this effect.' [1]  [1] Medical Opinion, religiouseducation.co.uk  (accessed on 4/6/2011) medical ethics, do no harm, doctor’s role, medical profession, trust, involuntary euthanasia, assisted suicide, moral responsibility, legalisation, end of life, physician, Hippocratic Oath, killing, patient care, medical professionals, ethical principles medical ethics, doctor’s role, do no harm, patient safety, involuntary euthanasia, assisted suicide, legalisation, medical profession, trust, moral responsibility, Hippocratic Oath, ending life, ethical principles, medical decision-making, healthcare ethics medical ethics, doctor role, do no harm, patient safety, medical profession, trust, involuntary euthanasia, legalising assisted suicide, moral responsibility, ending life, physicians' opposition, Hippocratic Oath, deadly drug, medical morality medical ethics, doctor role, do no harm, patient safety, involuntary euthanasia, assisted suicide, legalisation, moral responsibility, end of life, Hippocratic Oath, medical profession, euthanasia debate, physician ethics, killing patients, medical trust medical ethics, doctor’s role, do no harm, medical profession, trust, involuntary euthanasia, assisted suicide, legalisation, doctor’s moral responsibility, end of life, killing patients, Hippocratic Oath, medical professionals, opposition, moral dilemma
test-politics-gvhbhlsbr-pro03a	Reform would strengthen the House of Lords  Reform of the House of Lords would strengthen the legitimacy of the house and therefore improve its functions. By electing the second chamber they would gain the legitimacy to not simply stall bills but reject them all together or drafts bills of their own, thus facilitating a more dynamic government, able to change. Using a different electoral technique, for example Proportional Representation with members sitting for longer periods would allow them to still be of a different composition to the House of Commons and not sway to short-term political popularity. Electing different portions at different times would also guard against a freak landslide result affecting the house’s balance. By creating a worthy opposition to the House of Commons all issues would be debated and decided upon more fairly and government would be more closely monitored. Reform, House of Lords, legitimacy, election, second chamber, bills, rejection, draft bills, dynamic government, electoral techniques, proportional representation, term length, composition, political stability, election cycle, opposition, debate, fair decision-making, government oversight Reform, House of Lords, legitimacy, second chamber, election, rejection of bills, bill drafts, dynamic government, electoral techniques, proportional representation, longer terms, chamber composition, political stability, staggered elections, opposition, debate, accountability, government monitoring Reform, House of Lords, legitimacy, election, second chamber, reject bills, draft bills, dynamic government, electoral technique, proportional representation, longer terms, composition, political stability, staggered elections, opposition, debates, accountability Reform, House of Lords, legitimacy, electing, second chamber, rejection, drafts, dynamic government, electoral technique, proportional representation, term length, composition, balance, opposition, debate, oversight Reform, House of Lords, legitimacy, election, second chamber, bill rejection, bill drafts, government, electoral techniques, proportional representation, terms length, chamber composition, political stability, electoral cycle, opposition, debates, fairness, government oversight
test-society-epiasghbf-con03a	Who are the women?  Women are a diverse group, and the feminisation of labour has incorporated a range of women of different ages, race, socioeconomic backgrounds and education. Such intersectionalities are important to recognise, as not all women are empowered and the empowerment is not equal.  For example, a study by Atieno (2006) revealed female participation in the labour market was influenced by education. Human capital influenced the transition into work: who was able to access labour opportunities, and which ones. Therefore inequalities among women determine the degrees, and capability, of empowerment it is therefore not labour force participation that empowers but education. women, gender, diversity, feminisation of labour, intersectionality, empowerment, socioeconomic backgrounds, race, age, education, human capital, labour market, inequalities, female participation, labour opportunities, labor force participation women, feminism, gender, labor, diversity, intersectionality, empowerment, race, socioeconomic status, education, human capital, labor market, inequalities, opportunity, participation women, feminisation of labour, diversity, intersectionality, empowerment, socioeconomic backgrounds, race, age, education, human capital, labour market, inequalities, labour force participation women, gender, feminisation, labour, diversity, ages, race, socioeconomic, education, intersectionality, empowerment, inequalities, human capital, labour market, participation, opportunities, capability women, diversity, feminisation, labour, intersectionality, empowerment, ages, race, socioeconomic backgrounds, education, human capital, labour market, participation, inequalities, capability
test-international-gpdwhwcusa-con05a	A UN standing army is unnecessary  A UN standing army is unnecessary; in many cases UN missions are very successful. In Guatemala for example, a UN peacekeeping mission was essential in enabling the conclusion of a decades-long civil war in 1997. When there are problems these are more to do with lengthy and difficult Security Council deliberations, inadequate mandates, etc. rather than how long it took to gather a force together. In Srebrenica for example, where thousands of Bosnian men and boys were slaughtered by Serbian troops, the problem was not the absence of peacekeepers on the ground, but an inadequate mandate to use force. The UN would be much better spending its efforts on setting up a proper peacekeeping department, and streamlining the UN as a whole. UN, standing army, peacekeeping, missions, success, Guatemala, civil war, Security Council, mandates, Srebrenica, Bosnia, Serbian troops, force, peacekeepers, peacekeeping department, UN reform UN, standing army, peacekeeping, effectiveness, Security Council, mandates, Guatemala, civil war, Srebrenica, Bosnia, Serbia, force, peacekeeping department, streamlining, international security UN, standing army, peacekeeping, effectiveness, Guatemala, civil war, Security Council, mandates, deployment, Srebrenica, Bosnia, Serbian troops, peace enforcement, peacekeeping reforms, international security UN, standing army, peacekeeping, security council, mandates, effectiveness, Guatemala, Srebrenica, civil war, peace enforcement, peace operations, military intervention, UN reforms, peacekeeping capacity, international security UN, standing army, peacekeeping, missions, success, Guatemala, civil war, Security Council, mandates, force, Srebrenica, Bosnian, peacekeepers, mandate, force, peacekeeping department, UN reform
test-international-eghrhbeusli-con04a	"There is no reason to strengthen China militarily  Lifting the arms ban will strengthen China militarily. The US fears less the Chinese purchase of EU weaponry and armour, than that the regime will get hold of advanced communications and control systems, as well as high-technology guidance systems, night-vision equipment, etc. [1] - all of which would make its existing military far more effective. Even if the EU is reluctant to sell such material to China, the possibility will give the Chinese leverage in negotiations with existing suppliers like Israel and Russia, who will feel under more pressure to sell China their most modern technology. In time, China's ability to ""reverse engineer"" high-technology equipment will also boost their own military research and development programmes. [2]  [1] Archick, Kristin, et al., ‘European Union’s Arms Embargo on China’, 2005, p16.   [2] Page, Jeremy, ‘China Clones, Sells Russian Fighter Jets’, 2010. China, militarily, arms ban, EU weaponry, communication systems, control systems, high-technology, guidance systems, night-vision, reverse engineering, military R&D, technology transfer, international negotiations, arms embargo, military effectiveness, foreign tech, military modernization China, military, arms ban, EU weaponry, advanced systems, communications, control systems, high-technology, guidance systems, night-vision, reverse engineering, military R&D, Russia, Israel, technology transfer, weapon sales, negotiations, military effectiveness China, military, arms ban, EU weaponry, communications systems, control systems, high-technology, guidance systems, night-vision, military research, reverse engineering, military R&D, European Union, arms embargo, technology transfer, military leverage, international arms trade, missile technology, advanced weaponry, geopolitical implications China, military, arms ban, EU weaponry, advanced communications, control systems, high-technology guidance, night-vision equipment, military effectiveness, technology transfer, negotiations, Israel, Russia, reverse engineering, military R&D, arms embargo, Chinese military development China, military, arms ban, EU weaponry, advanced communications, control systems, high-technology guidance, night-vision, reverse engineering, military R&D, international negotiations, technology transfer, weapon sales, Russian fighter jets, Israeli technology, military effectiveness, defense embargo"
test-culture-ahrtsdlgra-pro01a	Just shock-tactics, at the cost of better art  Sometimes artists go too far in a bid to get their message across. Simply grabbing the headlines with shock tactics does not constitute art of the sort that should be receiving either public support or attention. It is important to recognise that public displays and funding of art are limited commodities, so every time one piece is chosen for an exhibition, or an artist is given money, this comes at the cost of other possible pieces of art. It is surely better to support those artists who have chosen to express their ideas and messages in a way that does not rely on simple attention-grabbing horror: it is surely more artistically meritorious to create a work that conveys its message in a way that rewards close attention and careful study, with layers of meaning and technique. shock-tactics, art, public support, artistic merit, message, exhibition, funding, attention-grabbing, horror, artistic expression, meaning, technique, art selection, message delivery, attention, depth, artistic value, artistic integrity shock tactics, art, public support, attention, art exhibitions, art funding, artistic merit, message, expression, layers of meaning, technique, attention to detail, controversy, public perception, art criticism shock-tactics, art, public support, attention-grabbing, controversy, artistic merit, message, technique, exhibitions, funding, meaningful art, artistic integrity, public funding, artistic expression, message depth shock tactics, art quality, public support, artistic integrity, attention-grabbing, horror, artistic merit, layered meaning, technique, exhibition selection, funding allocation, message delivery, artistic expression, message complexity shock tactics, art quality, artistic integrity, public support, art funding, art exhibitions, artistic merit, meaningful art, message delivery, artistic techniques, attention to detail, layered meaning, controversial art, public opinion, art criticism
test-culture-mmctyshwbcp-con03a	The government has no right to prevent children from doing what they enjoy and are good at  Many child performers would undoubtedly protest if their right to perform were taken away from them, and justly so. This can be seen in quotes from the likes of Roddy McDowall, who said in an interview in 1963 that he “had a particularly wonderful time” as a child actor, [1] and would presumably have been quite upset had a ban been enforced in his lifetime. It is beyond the rights of the government to make illegal an opportunity that allows those talented on the stage, in front of a camera, on the pitch, etc. (who might well not be so strong in other, e.g., academic, areas) to make a living from doing what they do best.  Some child performers have also proved to be extremely business savvy – the ‘Olsen Twins’ have built a massive industry off of their Disney stardom.  [1] BBC News. ‘Actor McDowall dies aged 7 0 government, children's rights, child performers, child actors, right to perform, freedom, entertainment industry, child talents, early career, child labor, child stars, child rights, child performers protests, speech, legislation, child exploitation, performing arts, regulation, freedom of expression, child industry, Olsen Twins, Disney, fame, media, child contribution government, children's rights, child performers, child actors, child athletes, freedom to perform, entertainment industry, youth rights, child labor, child welfare, talent exploitation, child stars, child performances, child labor laws, child rights advocacy, conduct regulations, Disney, Olsen Twins, Roddy McDowall government, children's rights, child performers, child actors, performance rights, child labor, talent development, child entertainment, child unemployment, legal restrictions, child stars, child performance industry, Disney stars, Olsen Twins, child rights advocacy, performance bans, child rights debate, child empowerment, child labor laws, childhood experiences, child performance protests child performers, children’s rights, government restrictions, child actors, free expression, child entertainers, child talent, minors in entertainment, child labor laws, performer rights, famous child actors, child success stories, Olsen Twins, child labor regulation, performance opportunities, child industry, entertainment law, child rights advocacy government, children's rights, child performers, child actors, performing arts, freedom of expression, child labor laws, child entertainment, talent rights, child industry, child star, child's right to perform, child performance ban, famous child actors, entertainment industry, child performance opportunities, BBC News
test-economy-egiahbwaka-con02a	Women are not the future for Africa’s economy  In the short to medium term women are unlikely to be the key to Africa’s economic future. Even in western economies, there is still a gap between genders at the workplace. Women are still paid less than men, there are more men CEO’s than women and so forth. This is likely to remain replicated in Africa for decades after there has been full acceptance that women should be treated equally as has happened in the west.  In some parts of Africa there are cultural reasons why women are unlikely to obtain a key role in the near future. In Egypt for example, where 90% of the populations is Muslim, women account for 24% of the labour force, even though they have the right to education. This is true across North Africa where women amount for less than 25% of the work force. [1] Just because there is clearly a large amount of potential being wasted here does not mean that is going to change. Women often have few political or legal rights and so are unlikely to be able to work as equals except in a very few professions such as nursing or teaching.  [1] International Labour Organisation, ‘Labour force, female (% of total labor force)’, data.worldbank.org, 2009-2013, Women, Africa, economy, gender gap, workplace inequality, gender pay gap, women CEOs, cultural barriers, Muslim countries, North Africa, labor force, women's rights, political rights, legal rights, female employment, women's potential, gender equality, women's education, labor statistics, International Labour Organization Women, Africa, economy, gender gap, workplace, pay gap, gender inequality, female workforce, cultural barriers, Muslim countries, North Africa, labor force, political rights, legal rights, professions, gender roles, economic development, women's rights, gender equality, employment, social norms Women, Africa, economy, gender gap, workplace equality, pay disparity, women CEOs, cultural barriers, Muslim women, labor force, political rights, legal rights, gender equality, Nigeria, Egypt, North Africa, women's employment, women's potential, social barriers, economic development Women, Africa, economy, gender gap, workplace inequality, Western economies, pay disparity, gender roles, cultural barriers, Muslim society, North Africa, labor force, political rights, legal rights, female labor participation, labor statistics, gender stereotypes, economic development, social change Women, Africa, economy, gender gap, workplace inequality, wage gap, female leadership, cultural barriers, Muslim women, North Africa, labor force, political rights, legal rights, gender equality, economic potential, societal norms, employment rates, gender discrimination, women’s rights, education, labor statistics
test-politics-pgsimhwoia-con02a	Large influxes of migrants will create conflict in unprepared countries  It is regrettable that difference is a major source of conflict among humans with differences in religion and ethnicity having regularly been the source of conflicts household human history. While many countries have traditions of accepting migrants others don't and even those that are tolerant may not be prepared for a large influx of migrants.  This policy would bring about such an influx in those countries that take up the offer of aid for taking in migrants. A new community is likely to be labelled the ‘other’ by the natives of that country and be blamed for taking jobs and putting pressure on services. This happens because the newcomers are easy to blame and have few influential voices in the country to speak out in their defence.  Places with existing large migrant communities are less likely to experience anti immigrant hostility. Thus in India Delhi with 38.4% of the population immigrants (not just international) has less conflict thant Mumbai with 26.5%, and in the US New Mexico with a 45% Hispanic population has less anti-Hispanic sentiment than Florida with 21%. [1]  [1] ‘Causes of Conflict’, University of North Carolina, accessed 20 August 2015, migration, refugee influx, conflict, cultural differences, ethnicity, religion, history, integration, tolerance, societal impact, social tension, community response, xenophobia, anti-immigrant sentiment, immigrant communities, social cohesion, immigration policy, employment competition, public services, social integration, demographic change, regional variation, conflict resolution migrants, conflict, unprepared countries, diversity, religion, ethnicity, history, migration policies, social integration, xenophobia, anti-immigrant hostility, community acceptance, economic impact, social tension, immigration influx, migrant communities, social cohesion, discrimination, societal tension, minority groups, cultural differences migration, conflict, refugees, intolerance, multiculturalism, integration, xenophobia, ethnicity, religion, societal tension, assimilation, prejudice, social cohesion, community, host countries, migrant policies, social integration, anti-immigrant sentiment, demographic change, social tension migration, refugee influx, conflict, immigration, ethnicity, religion, cultural differences, integration, social tension, xenophobia, prejudice, community resilience, national identity, social services, job competition, social cohesion, demographic change, multiculturalism, intercultural relations, social hostility migration, refugee, conflict, ethnicity, religion, immigration policy, social integration, cultural tensions, societal acceptance, xenophobia, social cohesion, community relations, migrant influx, discrimination, societal impact, resource pressure, social conflict, ethnic diversity, immigrant communities, host countries
test-culture-ascidfakhba-pro02a	The default of total copyright is harmful to the spreading of information and experience  Current copyright law assigns too many rights, automatically, to the creator. Law gives the generator of a work full copyright protection that is extremely restrictive of that works reuse, except when strictly agreed in contracts and agreements. Making Creative Commons licenses the standard for publicly-funded works generates a powerful normalizing force toward a general alteration of people’s defaults on what copyright and creator protections should actually be like. The creative commons guarantees attribution to the creator and they retain the power to set up other for-profit deals with distributors. [1] At base the default setting of somehow having absolute control means creators of work often do not even consider the reuse by others in the commons. The result is creation and then stagnation, as others do not expend the time and energy to seek special permissions from the creator. Mandating that art in all its forms be released under a creative commons licensing scheme means greater access to more works, for the enrichment of all. This is particular true in the case of “orphan works”, works of unknown ownership. Fears over copyright infringement has led these works, which by some estimates account for 40% of all books, have led to huge amounts of knowledge and creative output languishing beyond anyone’s reach. A mix of confusion over copyright ownership and unwillingness of owners to release their works, often because it would not be commercially viable to do so, means that only 2% of all works currently protected by copyright are commercially available. [2] Releasing these works under creative commons licenses will spawn a deluge of enriching knowledge and creative output spilling onto the market of ideas. It would mark a critical advancement in the democratization and globalization of knowledge akin to the invention of the printing press.  [1] Creative Commons. “About the Licenses”. 2010.   [2] Keegan, V. “Shorter Copyright Would Free Creativity”. The Guardian. 7 October 2009. copyright, Creative Commons, licensing, copyright law, information dissemination, creator rights, reuse, public domain, orphan works, knowledge access, creative output, copyright infringement, open access, licensing schemes, knowledge democratization, globalization, intellectual property, copyright reform, knowledge sharing copyright, intellectual property, creative commons, licensing, access, open access, knowledge dissemination, information sharing, orphan works, copyright reform, creative commons licenses, copyright extension, public domain, copyright ownership, knowledge democratization, globalization of knowledge, copyright restrictions, copyright infringement, copyright law, copyright protection, creator rights, reuse, remixing, knowledge economy, cultural heritage copyright, creation, creative commons, licensing, intellectual property, access, reuse, orphan works, knowledge sharing, open access, copyright reform, public domain, information dissemination, innovation, digital rights, copyright law, copyright restrictions, licensing agreements, knowledge democratization, globalization, creativity, copyright infringement copyright, creative commons, intellectual property, licensing, public access, knowledge dissemination, open access, orphan works, copyright reform, information sharing, knowledge democratization, copyright reform, creative rights, licensing schemes, copyright restrictions, knowledge economy, creative output, copyright infringement, copyright limitations, open licensing copyright, creative commons, intellectual property, licensing, public access, open licensing, knowledge sharing, reuse, orphan works, copyright reform, copyright law, digital rights, copyright infringement, copyright ownership, cultural commons, open access, democratization, globalization of knowledge, information dissemination, creative output, copyright restrictions
test-international-gmehwasr-con03a	Unforeseeable consequences  We do not know where arming the rebels will lead. The most obvious parallel has to be Afghanistan in the 1980s where the United States armed the mujahideen and succeeded in their objective of damaging the USSR through a war of attrition much as the US had suffered in Vietnam. Afghanistan became an albatross around the Soviet Union’s neck. [1] But the US did not win the peace, Afghanistan descended into civil conflict which had a Taliban victory that sheltered Osama bin Laden; US arms in Afghanistan unintentionally lead more than a decade later to September 11. In this case we would be arming a movement that has many jihadi elements that could end up with the weaponry. Other countries such as Turkey are also worried about where powerful weapons such as anti aircraft missiles could end up if provided to the rebels. They fear they could easily find their way across the border to militant Kurds. [2] Other paths that this could lead to are just as bad; for example helping the Libyan rebels lead to the conflict in Mali. [3] In this case the short term consequences could be just as bad. Arming the Sunnis could provoke retaliation from either Iran or Hezbollah who could feel undermined by the move, in the worst case scenario they could even attack western assets in the area. [4]  [1] Hoffman, David E., The Dead Hand: Reagan, Gorbachev and the Untold Story of the Cold War Arms Race, Icon Books Ltd, 2011, p.211  [2] Hokayem, Emile, in ‘Roundtable: arming the Syrian rebels’, Foreign Policy, 21 February 2013  [3] Jones, Owen, ‘The war in Libya was seen as a success, now here we are engaging with the blowback in Mali’, The Independent, 13 January 2013  [4] Yacoubian, Mona, in ‘Roundtable: arming the Syrian rebels’, Foreign Policy, 21 February 2013 unforeseeable consequences, arming rebels, Afghanistan, 1980s, mujahideen, US foreign policy, USSR, Vietnam, civil conflict, Taliban, Osama bin Laden, September 11, jihadi elements, weapon proliferation, Turkey, anti-aircraft missiles, militant Kurds, Libya, Mali, Sunnis, Iran, Hezbollah, Western assets, Cold War, arms race, Syrian rebels, blowback unforeseeable consequences, arming rebels, Afghanistan, mujahideen, Soviet Union, Vietnam, civil conflict, Taliban, Osama bin Laden, September 11, jihadi elements, weapon proliferation, Turkey, anti aircraft missiles, militant Kurds, Libya, Mali, Sunni, Iran, Hezbollah, retaliation, western assets, Cold War, arms race, Syrian rebels, blowback unforeseeable consequences, armament, rebels, Afghanistan, Soviet Union, mujahideen, Vietnam, civil conflict, Taliban, Osama bin Laden, 9/11, jihadi elements, weapons proliferation, Turkey, anti-aircraft missiles, Kurds, Libya, Mali, Sunni-Shia tensions, Iran, Hezbollah, retaliation, foreign policy, unintended consequences, geopolitics unforeseeable consequences, arming rebels, Afghanistan, 1980s, mujahideen, USSR, Vietnam, civil conflict, Taliban, Osama bin Laden, September 11, jihadi elements, weapons, Turkey, anti-aircraft missiles, militants, Kurds, Libya, Mali, short-term effects, Sunnis, Iran, Hezbollah, retaliation, western assets, Cold War, arms race, Syrian rebels, blowback unforeseeable consequences, arming rebels, Afghanistan, Mujahideen, US foreign policy, Cold War, Soviet Union, civil conflict, Taliban, Osama bin Laden, September 11, jihadi elements, weapon proliferation, Turkey, anti-aircraft missiles, Kurds, Libya, Mali, Sunni, Iran, Hezbollah, retaliation, regional conflict, unintended consequences, foreign interventions, geopolitical risks
test-free-speech-debate-fchbjaj-con02a	"It is a basic principle of journalism that sources should be checked and verified by another, independent, source.  British Foreign Secretary William Hague has pointed out that the actions of Wikileaks put British lives at risk. [1] Congressman Peter King described the mass leaking of documents as “Worse even than a physical attack” on America and Assange as “an enemy combatant”. [2] Vice-President Joe Biden refers to him as a “High-tech terrorist.” [3]  He has condemned governments, endangered operations and undermined diplomatic activities, all without knowing the identity or motives of his sources. For all we know the information could be quite false or released only in part by someone with an axe to grind. Those parties who are damned by the revelations are hardly in a position to say, “No that isn’t one of our cables and here’s the real one to prove it.""  Furthermore, as the site itself proudly proclaims, it has no way of knowing who the source is and, therefore, no way of knowing the accuracy of the information published beyond the educated guesswork of their editorial staff [4] . Who is it making these guesses? It is impossible to say as only Assange’s name is associated with the site.  It’s an interesting exercise – how many other Editors-in-Chief could you name? How many star reporters can you name? Wikileaks must be the only media organisation – or such is its claim – where the only name that is widely known is that of the publisher.  It is a fairly basic principle of journalism that not only should more than one person know the identity of the source but that the information should be possible to ratify. To prove the confidence that journalist has in the source, they are prepared to put their name to it.  Assange cannot say whether he has confidence in the sources because he has no way of telling whether that is really a person with access to information or whether it is the agent of and unfriendly power, a disaffected employee or is simply making the whole thing up  [1] BBC News, 'Julian Assange ready to meet police says his lawyer', 7 December 2010,   [2] James, Frank, 'Wikileaks Is A Terror Outfit: Rep. Peter King', NPR, 29 November 2010,   [3] The Sydney Morning Herald, 'Joe Biden calls Julian Assange a 'hi-tech terrorist', 20 December 2010,   [4] The Slate. “The Wikileaks Paradox: Is Radical Transparency Compatible with Total Anonymity?” Farhad Manjoo. 28 July 2010, journalism, verification, sources, Wikileaks, Julian Assange, leaks, diplomatic impact, information accuracy, source reliability, whistleblowing, media ethics, source anonymity, freedom of press, national security, leaks consequences, whistleblower protection journalism principles, source verification, Wikileaks, British Foreign Secretary, William Hague, document leaks, national security, diplomatic risk, Assange, source anonymity, information accuracy, media integrity, whistleblowing, transparency, journalism ethics, source identification, false information, source reliability, censorship, leaks impact journalism, source verification, whistleblowing, transparency, confidentiality, Assange, Wikileaks, information reliability, media ethics, source anonymity, diplomatic risk, leak, classified documents, journalist integrity, source identification, media accountability journalism, sources, verification, Wikileaks, Julian Assange, leaks, diplomatic security, media ethics, source anonymity, information accuracy, whistleblowing, transparency, disclosure, confidential sources, media responsibility, national security, free speech, press freedom, misinformation, source credibility journalism, source verification, Wikileaks, Julian Assange, leaks, secrecy, source anonymity, credibility, misinformation, diplomatic risk, government, national security, whistleblowing, media ethics, journalist principles, whistleblower protection, transparency, information security, source confidence, editorial process, information accuracy, political controversy"
test-international-gsciidffe-pro01a	Advancing national interests  A nation’s foreign policy should be primarily concerned with advancing the national interest. By the national interest we mean promoting the interest of the nation as a whole rather than any of its subnational groups; whether this is building up the state's military power to protect its citizens through alliances or military bases, benefiting the nation's economy through trade deals, or encouraging the creation of friendly governments around the globe. [1] Circumventing censorship helps obtain this last objective for democracies by encouraging peoples in autocracies to find their own voice and push for democracy; a system of government that is more compatible to other democracies. Ultimately this will also provide other benefits; friendly governments with similar political systems are more likely to create trade agreements with each other so providing economic benefits, in the 1990s the volume of trade between a democracy and autocracy was on average 40% less than two democracies. [2] Equally importantly democracies do not fight other democracies so helping to create stability. [3]  [1] Realism emphasises the alliances bit, Liberalism the economic self interest, and constructivists spreading values. Walt, Stephen M, “International Relations: One World, Many Theories”, Foreign Policy, Spring 1998,   [2] Mansfield, Edward D., et al., “Free to Trade: Democracies, Autocracies, and International Trade”, The American Political Science Review, Vol. 94, No. 2,  p.318  [3] Rousseau, David L., et al., “Assessing the Dayadic Nature of the Democratic Peace, 1918-88”, The American Political Science Review, Vol.90, No.3,  p.515 national interests, foreign policy, democracy, autocracies, civil liberties, international relations, alliances, military power, trade agreements, political systems, democratic peace, liberalism, realism, constructivism, economic benefits, stability, global diplomacy, government types, mutual interests national interests, foreign policy, subnational groups, military power, alliances, military bases, trade deals, economy, friendly governments, democracy, censorship, autocracies, voice, political systems, economic benefits, trade volume, democracy, autocracy, stability, realism, liberalism, constructivism, international relations, peace, diplomatic relations national interests, foreign policy, military power, alliances, trade deals, economic benefits, democratic governments, autocracies, censorship, democracy promotion, international relations, realism, liberalism, constructivism, democratic peace, stability, international trade, political systems, geopolitical strategy national interests, foreign policy, subnational groups, military power, alliances, military bases, trade deals, economic benefits, friendly governments, democracy, censorship, autocracies, democratic peace, international relations, realism, liberalism, constructivism, political systems, stability national interests, foreign policy, security, military power, alliances, autocracies, democracies, censorship, democracy promotion, political systems, trade agreements, economic benefits, international trade, stability, realism, liberalism, constructivism, democratic peace, global relations
test-digital-freedoms-efsappgdfp-con02a	Lack of trust  The problem is that when it comes to privacy it is not really our personal physical security that we are worried about. Part of the problem is that we value our right to a private life and that we should have control over that to the extent of being able to decide how much information others know about us. To a large extent this is an issue of trust; we (sometimes wrongly) trust our friends and others with information about us. We often trust faceless entities; companies and governments too though usually to less of an extent. But a lot of that trust is as a result of their willingness to tell us what they know about us, to provide information in return, or to provide methods for us to restrict what they know. In cases like this that trust has not been earned; we were not asked, and not obviously given anything back, and there seems little change of us changing the terms of the relationship. trust, privacy, personal security, privacy rights, control over information, trustworthiness, data sharing, confidentiality, information disclosure, data control, privacy concerns, facial trust, corporate trust, government trust, transparency, information asymmetry, privacy management trust, privacy, personal security, private life, information control, data sharing, confidentiality, trustworthiness, data transparency, data security, privacy rights, trust issues, data collection, consent, data breach, information rights trust, privacy, personal security, private life, information control, data sharing, trustworthiness, confidentiality, data privacy, reputation, transparency, consent, data management, data rights, trust deficit, facial recognition, government surveillance, corporate data collection, privacy rights, information disclosure trust, privacy, personal security, private life, information control, data sharing, data privacy, trustworthiness, confidentiality, data transparency, government surveillance, corporate data collection, privacy rights, data management, user consent, information asymmetry trust, privacy, personal security, control, information, confidentiality, relationships, trustworthiness, transparency, data sharing, consent, boundaries, right to privacy, data collection, data security, accountability, social trust, institutional trust, privacy rights, information control
test-education-egtuscpih-con02a	Online courses make it impossible to ensure academic honesty  With online courses, unlike with actual tests and lectures, there is no way to ensure the person is not cheating on the other side of the screen. There is no way to ensure that essays and papers are written by people who will be getting degrees, and especially that tests and examinations are taken by the people who will be getting the degrees. But even if they are the same people, there is no way to prevent cheating during tests and examinations, as people can just have the cheat sheets in front of them and there are no supervisors to stop them from doing so. The crucial point about university degrees is that they ensure that the person is the professional. With online courses, that is not possible, which undermines the whole idea of the university degree. online courses, academic honesty, cheating, remote examinations, online tests, essays, plagiarism, supervision, degree integrity, university accreditation, exam security, remote proctoring, credential verification online courses, academic honesty, cheating, exams, tests, essays, plagiarism, supervision, degree integrity, online education, assessment integrity, academic misconduct, remote proctoring online courses, academic honesty, cheating, exams, assessments, plagiarism, integrity, supervision, university degrees, degree validity, remote learning, online education, exam security, proctoring online courses, academic honesty, cheating, plagiarism, online exams, supervision, remote assessments, degree validity, academic integrity, online learning challenges, test security, remote proctoring, student authentication, credential verification online courses, academic honesty, cheating, supervision, university degrees, remote examinations, online assessments, exam integrity, plagiarism, online learning challenges
test-politics-ypppdghwid-con05a	"Attempting to impose democracy may escalate conflict.  Intervening in a country, and attempting to impose a different government, is likely to a) result in backlash and b) destabilize the country by destroying infrastructure and disrupting services. Both these things make it far more likely that violent conflict will emerge, either between the country and the imposers, or within the country, as rival factions are forced to compete for scarce resources and rights protection. Iraq is a prime example of intervention causing a civil war. The previous gulf war combined with sanctions and weeks of bombing destroyed Iraq's infrastructure resulting in what General Odierno called 'societal devastation'1 and the disbanding of the army and debaathification forced the experienced administrators who ran the country out of their jobs.(Kane, 'Don't repeat the mistakes of Iraq in Libya', 2011) The result was the attempt to impose democracy was bloody and only partially successful.  1 Parrish, Karen, ""Odierno, Crocker: Iraq's Future Still Hinges on U.S. Support"", American Forces Press Service, November 15, 2010,  2 Kane, Sean., 'Don't repeat the mistakes of Iraq in Libya', ForeignPolicy.com, April 27, 2011, democracy, conflict escalation, intervention, government imposition, backlash, stabilization, infrastructure destruction, disrupted services, violence, civil war, Iraq, Gulf War, sanctions, bombing, societal devastation, disbanding army, debaathification, resource competition, rights protection, intervention consequences, U.S. support, Libya, Iraq crisis, military intervention, regime change, post-conflict rebuilding democracy, conflict, intervention, government, backlash, destabilization, infrastructure, services, violent conflict, civil war, Iraq, sanctions, bombing, societal devastation, disbanding, debaathification, resources, rights, United States, Libya, mistakes democracy, conflict, intervention, government, backlash, destabilization, infrastructure destruction, services disruption, violent conflict, civil war, Iraq, Gulf War, sanctions, bombing, societal devastation, army disbandment, debaathification, resource competition, rights protection, U.S. support, Iraq Libya comparison democracy, conflict escalation, intervention, government change, backlash, destabilization, infrastructure destruction, service disruption, violent conflict, civil war, Iraq, Gulf War, sanctions, bombing, societal devastation, army disbandment, debaathification, resource scarcity, rights protection, U.S. support, Libya, mistakes democracy, conflict escalation, intervention, government imposition, backlash, destabilization, infrastructure destruction, service disruption, violent conflict, civil war, Iraq, Gulf War, sanctions, bombing, societal devastation, debaathification, army disbandment, resource scarcity, faction rivalry, U.S. foreign policy, Iraq-Libya comparison, intervention consequences"
test-free-speech-debate-nshbbsbfb-pro03a	There is a duty for a broadcaster that is not dependent on either commercial or state funding to give a platform to controversial works of art.  The BBC is in an unusual position, simply because of its funding structure, to promote new or challenging works of art. The licence fee means that it is freed of many of the pressures brought to bear by either commercial or political masters. Although it has never taken that to mean it has a carte blanche, it does allow for opportunities simply not available to many broadcasters in terms showcasing new works of art and encouraging creative development.  The BBC’s global audience in 2007 was 233 million [i] . That audience provides some context for the 1,500 who actively protested this particular broadcast.  It seems reasonable to suggest that many of those millions follow the BBC because they trust the Corporation’s approach of providing the widest possible range of output and opinion. For such an organisation to capitulate to a prudish group – who were outside BBC venues at the time so couldn’t have seen the broadcast – would be a huge betrayal of that trust.  [i] BBC News Website. “BBC Global Audience Hits New High”. 21 May 2007. public broadcasting, BBC, funding structure, licence fee, controversial art, creative freedom, artistic challenge, media ethics, audience trust, censorship, free speech, cultural diversity, media responsibility, global audience, protests, broadcasting regulations, artistic expression duty, broadcaster, independent funding, controversial works, art, BBC, funding structure, promote, challenging works, license fee, freedom, creative development, global audience, protest, trust, diversity of content, censorship, public broadcasting, artistic freedom, audience engagement public broadcasting, BBC, funding structure, license fee, controversial art, creative freedom, artistic challenge, audience trust, global reach, censorship, free speech, media ethics, content diversity, protest, audience opinion, media responsibility broadcaster, public service broadcasting, controversial art, creative freedom, BBC, license fee, funding structure, independent media, artistic expression, creative development, audience trust, censorship, media accountability, free speech, cultural diversity, global audience, protest, institutional independence broadcaster, funding, controversy, art, BBC, license fee, independence, creative freedom, challenging works, public trust, censorship, media responsibility, cultural development, audience, protest, free speech, broadcasting ethics, global reach
test-society-ghbgqeaaems-pro04a	"Quota-led gender equality in executive boards will help shape a gender sensitive and highly performing business environment.  There are many reports showing that there is a positive correlation between the number of women on high positions and the companies’ performance. A report from The McKinsey Organizational Health Index (OHI) argues that companies with three or more women in top positions (executive committee and higher) scored higher than their peers. Companies that score highly on all the OHI measures have also shown superior financial performance. [1]  This is often related to the high overall education level of women on boards. In Norway, there has been some advancement in firms’ human capital as a result of the quotas, [2] which may result in increased profits in the future due to the increasing number of well educated women.  Female managers tend to promote a communal and collaborative style of leadership that can improve a company’s performance and work culture. Organizations with women in top leadership positions are also more likely to provide work-life assistance to all employees. [3] Norwegian scholars have found that the increased number of women on boards has led to more focused and strategic decision-making, increased communication, and decreased conflict. [4] In fact, many successful business women, such as Sheryl Sandberg, also argue that more women in business could change business ethics and the male-associated image of successful business model that will bring competitive advantages to companies and thus, to the EU economies. [5]  [1] Barsh, Joanna, and Lareina Yee. ""Unlocking the Full Potential of Women in the US Economy."" McKinsey & Company. N.p., 2011. Web .  [2] Sandberg, Sheryl, Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, New York, 2013  [3] Matos, Kenneth, and Galinsky, Ellen, “2012 National Study of Employers”, Families and Work Institute, 2012, p.45  [4] Sweigart, Anne. ""Women on Board for Change: The Norway Model of Boardroom Quotas As a Tool For Progress in the United States and Canada."" Northwestern Journal of International Law & Business 32.4, 2012  [5] Sandberg, Sheryl, Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, New York, 2013 gender equality, executive boards, women leadership, business performance, corporate governance, quotas, Norway, female managers, leadership styles, work culture, decision-making, communication, conflict reduction, business ethics, competitive advantage, gender diversity, organizational health, education level, human capital, work-life balance, female empowerment, boardroom quotas, corporate performance, EU economies gender equality, executive boards, women leaders, corporate performance, gender diversity, female representation, board quotas, organizational health, business ethics, leadership styles, work culture, decision-making, strategic communication, conflict reduction, women in management, business competitiveness, EU economy, Norway, education level, work-life balance, collaborative leadership gender equality, executive boards, women leadership, corporate performance, organizational health index, company profits, women education, board diversity, women managers, leadership styles, work culture, work-life balance, strategic decision-making, communication, corporate ethics, business models, competitive advantage, Norway quotas, female representation, gender diversity, business environment, female empowerment, EU economies, gender-sensitive workplaces, boardroom quotas, women in business gender equality, executive boards, women in leadership, gender diversity, corporate performance, board quotas, Norway, women on boards, women managers, leadership styles, organizational culture, work-life balance, decision-making, strategic planning, business ethics, competitive advantage, EU economies, women's education, work culture gender equality, executive boards, women in leadership, corporate performance, gender diversity, board quotas, Norway, business ethics, work culture, leadership styles, female managers, organizational performance, educational attainment, work-life balance, strategic decision-making, company profits, female empowerment, EU economies, gender-sensitive workplaces, women’s influence, gender representation"
test-politics-cpecfiepg-pro02a	Defaulting would be the quickest route to economic recovery  Under the status quo, the Greek economy is only headed in one direction: deeper recession. There are no signs of the situation changing any time soon. Were the Greek Government to default on its debts, after a period of recession, conditions would quickly be favourable for economic growth once more. This is what was observed when Argentina and other nations [1] recently defaulted and can be explained by many factors. Firstly, defaulting and exiting the Eurozone would allow Greece to conduct monetary policy more freely: they would be able to quickly devalue their currency in order to make Greek goods and services more competitive on the international market. This would increase exports and attract investment, as well as tourists looking for cheaper holidays – all of which would contribute towards the rebuilding of the Greek economy. [2] Moreover, were Greece to default, it would put an end to the huge degree of unpredictability and uncertainty about the Greek economy. At the moment, nobody knows if the banks are safe, if the government will default etc. The constant chopping and changing of current austerity measures such as increases in varieties of corporate tax and changes in regulations also contribute to the huge degree of uncertainty in the Greek economy. Uncertainty breeds risk and risk breeds fear: a recipe that drives away foreign investors and makes it difficult for local businesses to start up. Were Greece to default, however, such elements of uncertainty would be seriously diminished, and conditions would be ripe for investment from abroad and locally. Greek would be able to start afresh.  [1] Pettifor, Ann: “Greece: The upside of default”, 23 May 2012, BBC News,   [2] Lapavitsas, Costas: “Eurozone crisis: what if… Greece leaves the single currency”, 14 May 2012, The Guardian, Greece, default, economic recovery, recession, Eurozone, monetary policy, currency devaluation, exports, investment, tourism, economy stabilization, austerity measures, regulatory changes, financial instability, bank safety, uncertainty, risk, foreign investment, domestic businesses, economic growth, currency exit, debt crisis, economic reform default, economic recovery, Greece, recession, Eurozone, debt default, monetary policy, currency devaluation, exports, investment, tourism, economic uncertainty, austerity measures, tax, regulations, risk, foreign investment, local businesses, economic growth, financial crisis Greece, default, economic recovery, recession, Eurozone exit, monetary policy, currency devaluation, exports, investment, tourism, economic uncertainty, austerity measures, banking stability, fiscal policy, foreign investment, domestic businesses, currency fluctuation, competitiveness, economic growth, debt crisis, fiscal austerity, financial stability, euro exit, risk, confidence, economic reform Greece, default, economic recovery, recession, Eurozone, monetary policy, currency devaluation, exports, investment, tourism, austerity measures, tax, regulations, economic uncertainty, banks, foreign investment, risk, fear, austerity, savings, economic growth, financial crisis, debt crisis, currency, competitiveness economic recovery, default, Greece, Eurozone, recession, monetary policy, currency devaluation, exports, investment, tourism, economic stability, uncertainty, austerity measures, banking security, fiscal policy, inflation, economic growth, foreign investment, financial crisis, sovereignty, competitiveness, recession consequences, currency crisis
test-health-dhghwapgd-pro05a	You cannot own an idea, and thus cannot hold patents, especially to vital drugs  An individual's idea, so long as it rests solely in his mind or is kept safely hidden, belongs to him. When he disseminates it to everyone and makes it public, it becomes part of the public domain, and belongs to anyone who can use it. If individuals or firms want to keep something a secret, like a production method, then they should keep it to themselves and be careful with how they disseminate their product. One should not, however, expect some sort of ownership to inhere in an idea one has, since no such ownership right exists1. No one can own an idea. Thus recognizing something like a property right over something like a drug formula is contrary to reason, since doing so gives monopoly power to individuals who may not make efficient or equitable use of their asset. Physical property is a tangible asset, and thus can be protected by tangible safeguards. Ideas do not share this right to protection, because an idea, once spoken, enters the public domain and belongs to everyone. This should apply all the more with vital drugs that are fundamentally for the public good by improving health.  1Fitzgerald, Brian and Anne Fitzgerald. 2004. Intellectual Property: In Principle. Melbourne: Lawbook Company. intellectual property, patents, ideas, public domain, secrecy, production methods, ownership rights, drug formulas, monopoly power, tangible assets, public good, health, patent law, innovation, pharmaceutical industry ownership, patents, ideas, intellectual property, public domain, confidentiality, secrecy, production methods, drug formulas, monopoly power, tangible assets, intangible assets, public good, health, legal rights, property rights, efficient use, equitable use ownership, patents, ideas, intellectual property, public domain, innovation, secrecy, production methods, drug formulas, monopoly, tangible assets, public health, vital drugs, property rights, efficiency, equity, benefit, health improvement intellectual property, ideas, patents, public domain, ownership rights, secrecy, dissemination, production methods, tangible assets, intangible assets, drug patents, pharmaceuticals, monopoly power, innovation, public good, health, legal protection, property rights, intellectual property law property rights, patents, intellectual property, ideas, public domain, secrecy, production methods, drug formulas, monopoly, tangible assets, innovation, public health, knowledge sharing, ownership rights, confidentiality
test-law-cplgpshwdp-pro03a	Jurors are already aware of information which might ‘bias’ their verdict.  Jurors are frequently affected by media coverage of particular cases, which makes it almost impossible for them to remain impartial in the idealistic way which opposition naively believes possible. This creates a situation where the jury may be more affected by information which they have found out elsewhere – for example on the news or in newspapers – than the information which is presented to them in court. There have been some cases where jurors search the internet to find the backgrounds to their cases, despite the fact that this is not allowed [1] . This evidently reflects that jurors feel that they have not been adequately informed and so seek facts elsewhere. Given that this need has been reflected by the jurors themselves, the court should give jurors all possible information and bring previous convictions into the open to ensure that they can base their verdict on reliable fact presented in court rather than resorting to sensationalist media.  [1] Attorney General’s Office, ‘Juror convicted for internet research’, 23 January 2012. jurors, biases, media coverage, impartiality, court cases, public perception, information sources, internet research, previous convictions, fair trial, juror behavior, media influence, court transparency, factual evidence, legal proceedings jurors, bias, media coverage, impartiality, court proceedings, internet research, information disclosure, previous convictions, media influence, juror fairness, courtroom information, verdict accuracy, sensationalism, legal guidelines, juror misconduct jurors, bias, media coverage, impartiality, courtroom information, internet research, background checks, previous convictions, media influence, jury impartiality, news influence, juror information needs, sensationalism, legal transparency, court proceedings, juror research, jury integrity jurors, bias, media coverage, impartiality, courtroom information, public opinion, internet research, background checks, previous convictions, trial fairness, media influence, jury misconduct, legal process, courtroom evidence, juror behavior jurors, bias, media coverage, impartiality, verdict, court information, internet research, juror awareness, fair trial, background checks, previous convictions, media influence, juror misconduct, judicial process, trial fairness
test-politics-gvhwhnerse-pro02a	Avoids the costs and uncertainty of elections  It is hard to see what the benefit of an election that can change nothing is, but there are certainly all the costs associated with a normal election. Elections can be costly in financial terms, the United States elections cost several billion dollars but even much smaller and less extravagant elections need financing. Zimbabwe’s elections in 2013 forced the government to ask its neighbours for $85 million to carry out the polls, for a nation that is essentially bankrupt this is a lot of money. [1]  Another cost is uncertainty. In fully democratic elections the uncertainty is with what the policies will be when the government changes. With sham elections the uncertainty is whether the elections will be a focus for violence. Sometimes this is during campaigning itself as with Zimbabwe in 2008 where up to 200 people were killed. [2] Otherwise violence occurs when there is a perception that an election has been stolen so the Green Movement in Iran took to the streets and was met with a violent crackdown in 2009. [3]  [1] VOA News, ‘Zimbabwe Seeks Help to Cover Election Costs’, Voice of America, 10 July 2013,   [2] ‘Zimbabwe: No Justice for Rampant Killings, Torture’, Human Rights Watch, 8 March 2011,   [3] AFP, ‘Iran opposition says 72 killed in vote protests’, Google, 3 September 2009, elections, costs, uncertainty, democratic elections, sham elections, violence, election costs, Zimbabwe, election funding, election violence, election legitimacy, election protests, political stability, election fraud, electoral process, election security elections, costs, uncertainty, democracy, violence, political violence, election costs, Zimbabwe elections, election financing, election-related violence, election security, election funding, election costs Zimbabwe, election costs US, election violence Iran, election violence Zimbabwe, election costs developing countries, election costs Africa, election costs crisis, election costs blueprints elections, costs, uncertainty, democratic elections, sham elections, violence, political violence, election costs, election funding, election-related violence, electoral fraud, Zimbabwe elections, election violence, election costs Zimbabwe, Iranian protests, election legitimacy, election disputes, election impact, political stability elections, costs, uncertainty, election costs, election financing, election violence, democratic elections, sham elections, election theft, election-related violence, political costs, election protests, foreign aid, Zimbabwe elections, Iran protests, election legitimacy, election violence consequences, election expenditures, election impact, election perception elections, costs, uncertainty, financial costs, election funding, election violence, electoral fraud, political stability, democratic processes, election-related violence, election costs Zimbabwe, election costs US, election costs Iran, election costs Africa, election expenses, election impact, election legitimacy, election analysis, election reform, election law
test-economy-epehwmrbals-pro04a	Historically the donor of Foreign Aid has always set down pre-requisites  When a donor nation parts with foreign aid for development to a nation, it must always choose who it prefers to give it to as there is a limited pot of money to donate there needs to be a way of allocating it. It is not surprising therefore that countries with shared colonial histories tend to dominate aid flows, thus Britain has historically given most aid to countries that were its colonies; in 1960 Malta and Cyprus received most, while India was the biggest recipient for much of the rest of the 20th Century. [1] Further, often countries offering aid, such as the US, the UK, and the EU, require the pre-requisite of democracy or the start of a democratisation process. Therefore, it is justified to add a pre-requisite for better standards of business and labour as it helps implementation, and principally meets the goals of the developmental aid itself. [2]  [1] Provost, Claire, ‘UK aid: where does it o and how has it changed since 1960?’, Datablog guardian.co.uk, 14 April 2011,   [2] Dollar, David and Alesina, Alberto. “Who Gives Foreign Aid to Whom and Why?” Journal of Economic Growth, Volume 5, No. 1(Mar., 2000). foreign aid, donor nations, pre-requisites, aid allocation, colonial history, aid flows, recipient countries, Britain, India, Malta, Cyprus, US, UK, EU, democracy, democratization, development goals, business standards, labor standards, aid implementation, economic growth, aid recipients, aid criteria foreign aid, donor nations, aid prerequisites, aid allocation, colonial history, aid flow, recipient countries, Britain, Malta, Cyprus, India, US aid, EU aid, democracy requirement, democratization, business standards, labor standards, aid implementation, development goals foreign aid, donor nations, pre-requisites, allocation, aid distribution, colonial history, aid flows, Britain, Malta, Cyprus, India, recipient countries, aid donors, US, UK, EU, democracy, democratization, development, business standards, labor standards, aid implementation, developmental goals foreign aid, donor nations, aid allocation, colonial history, aid recipients, development aid, aid prerequisites, democracy, democratization, aid standards, business standards, labor standards, aid flows, UK aid, US aid, EU aid, aid criteria, aid justification, economic growth, aid effectiveness, aid recipients, aid policy foreign aid, donor nations, pre-requisites, aid allocation, colonial histories, aid flows, United Kingdom, United States, European Union, democracy, democratization, development goals, aid recipients, aid policies, institutional prerequisites, aid effectiveness, aid distribution, aid agencies, economic growth, aid criteria, aid prerequisites
test-politics-ghbgussbsbt-pro01a	Checks and balances  By having both parties in charge of different parts of the Government, there can be a greater degree of scrutiny over policy as the opposition party will force the president to justify his policies.  Under single-party rule, there is a risk of a President being able to push through his/her agenda with little oversight from a legislative branch that is largely in agreement with the policy. One need only look to authoritarian governments the world over to see that governments with too much power are likely to abuse that power.  Divided Government provides a check on the executive, preventing agendas to be pushed through, allowing for compromise to be made between the two major parties, ensuring that the best possible policy for Americans is enacted. As Benjamin Franklin wrote “It is not enough that your Legislature should be numerous; it should also be divided.” [1]  [1] Franklin, Benjamin, Writings, ‘III. On the Legislative Branch.’ 10:55 – 60, 1789, checks, balances, government, party, oversight, policy, opposition, president, single-party rule, authoritarian, power, abuse, divided government, executive, compromise, legislation, Benjamin Franklin checks and balances, government, separation of powers, oversight, legislative branch, executive branch, political parties, bipartisanship, single-party rule, authoritarian governments, power abuse, divided government, policy, governance, oversight, democracy, Benjamin Franklin, legislative division checks and balances, divided government, legislative oversight, separation of powers, government scrutiny, bipartisan cooperation, political accountability, executive check, legislative branch, policy oversight, partisan politics, government moderation, constitutional principles, American government, Benjamin Franklin checks, balances, divided government, separation of powers, oversight, legislative branch, executive branch, opposition party, single-party rule, authoritarian governments, power abuse, government accountability, political compromise, Benjamin Franklin, legislative division, governance, policy scrutiny, bipartisan, governmental checks checks and balances, government, political parties, oversight, policy, opposition, executive branch, legislative branch, single-party rule, authoritarian governments, power abuse, divided government, oversight, compromise, bipartisanship, governance, American politics, Benjamin Franklin, legislative division
test-society-mmcpsgfhbf-pro03a	Pornography fuels unreachable ideals  Pornography presents a distorted perception of people, sexuality, and relationships, which has a further effect on a broader societal level. It promotes unreachable ideals of how both women and men should be in bed, and pushes both in the direction of what is idealised in pornography. This may push men to be more dominating than otherwise and women to suffer from anorexia, low self-esteem, and promiscuity. We can expect women to be the most affected by this, simply because the porn industry is owned almost entirely by men, and because there are pre-existing patriarchal structures in society ready to promote the idea that women are there to serve men.  Altogether, pornography merely promotes a new stereotype: that women are generally happy to have sex at any time, that they will respond positively to any man’s advances, and if a woman does not, there is something wrong with her. pornography, societal impact, gender stereotypes, body image, self-esteem, unrealistic ideals, gender roles, patriarchal structures, objectification, female sexuality, male dominance, reproductive health, sexual violence, media influence, cultural norms pornography, societal impact, distorted perception, sexuality, relationships, gender roles, gender stereotypes, patriarchy, women's self-esteem, anorexia, promiscuity, male dominance, societal norms, gender expectations, objectification, stereotypes, cultural influence, gender inequality pornography, societal impact, gender stereotypes, distorted perception, sexuality, relationships, unrealistic standards, male dominance, female objectification, self-esteem, anorexia, promiscuity, patriarchy, gender roles, societal norms, media influence pornography, ideals, distorted perception, sexuality, relationships, societal impact, gender roles, gender stereotypes, female self-esteem, body image, anorexia, promiscuity, patriarchy, gender dynamics, male dominance, female objectification, societal influence, gender expectations pornography, ideals, perception, sexuality, relationships, societal impact, gender stereotypes, gender roles, body image, self-esteem, anorexia, promiscuity, patriarchy, gender power dynamics, objectification, media influence, gender norms, gender inequality
test-international-siacphbnt-pro02a	Technology has driven youths to identify new markets  A key technology for youths are mobile phones and devices. Across West and East Africa the possession of mobile phones has enabled citizens to network and form solutions to social problems. By 2015, there are expected to be 1 billion mobile cellular subscriptions in Sub-Saharan Africa (Sambira, 2013). This is the first African generation directly accessing high-technology, although uncertainty remains in the amount of youths having access to technology. Through mobile phones new business opportunities, and flows of money, are being created. Furthermore, mobile phones are providing innovative solutions to health care treatment, ensuring better health for future entrepreneurs and youths.  SlimTrader is a positive example [1] . SlimTrader uses mobile phones to provide a range of vital services - from airplane and bus tickets to medicine. The innovative e-commerce provides a space to advertise skills, products, and opportunities - to, on the one hand, identify new consumer demands; and on another hand, create notices to exchange goods.  Mobile technology is making it faster, quicker, and simpler to tap into new markets [2] .  [1] See further readings: SlimTrader, 2013; Ummeli, 2013.  [2] See further readings: Nsehe, 2013. Inspite of challenges Patrick Ngowi has earned millions through the construction of Helvetic Solar Contractors. technology, youths, mobile phones, devices, West Africa, East Africa, networking, social problems, mobile subscriptions, Sub-Saharan Africa, high-technology, access, business opportunities, flows of money, healthcare, solutions, SlimTrader, e-commerce, skills, products, opportunities, consumer demands, markets, innovation, entrepreneurship, challenges, solar energy, construction technology, youths, mobile phones, devices, West Africa, East Africa, network, social problems, mobile subscriptions, Sub-Saharan Africa, high-technology, access, business opportunities, flows of money, healthcare, innovative solutions, SlimTrader, e-commerce, advertising, skills, products, consumer demands, markets, entrepreneurship, challenges, solar energy Technology, youths, mobile phones, devices, markets, West Africa, East Africa, mobile ownership, social networking, solutions, social problems, mobile subscriptions, Sub-Saharan Africa, high-technology, access, business opportunities, flows of money, healthcare, innovative solutions, health, entrepreneurs, SlimTrader, e-commerce, advertising, skills, products, opportunities, consumer demand, goods exchange, mobile technology, market access, challenges, successes, investment technology, youth, mobile phones, devices, Africa, network, social problems, mobile subscriptions, Sub-Saharan Africa, high-technology, access, business opportunities, flows of money, healthcare, innovative solutions, SlimTrader, e-commerce, market access, consumer demands, goods exchange, mobile technology benefits, challenges, entrepreneurship technology, youths, mobile phones, devices, West Africa, East Africa, networking, social problems, mobile subscriptions, Sub-Saharan Africa, high-technology, access, business opportunities, flows of money, health care, solutions, innovations, SlimTrader, e-commerce, advertising, skills, products, consumer demands, markets, entrepreneurial, challenges, construction, Helvetic Solar
test-culture-cgeeghwmeo-pro03a	Avoids self-segregation  In a time when the US has begun to overcome racial segregation, and legal discrimination in other fields, one of the great challenges it faces is self-segregation.  Linguistic diversity worsens these problems because it inevitably leads to self-segregation. All things being equal, and even if they are not, people like to be around people they can communicate with.  This was not a huge problem in years past when most immigrant groups were small enough to be easily swallowed, and too small to maintain their linguistic unity, but the Hispanic population in the United States has grown at such a rate, that it is possible to get by with Spanish in many major US cities. Restaurants, businesses and services all exist which cater to it, and there is an entire industry of Spanish language television available.  This in turn makes the risk of social balkanization much stronger. While a small minority of people may learn new languages because they want to, the vast majority learn them when they have to – and if individuals can get by without doing so, it’s likely that they will not. Rather than assimilation, you will have a divergence between the linguistic minority and the majority. self-segregation, linguistic diversity, racial segregation, social cohesion, immigrant communities, bilingualism, Spanish language, linguistic unity, social balkanization, cultural integration, language barrier, social fragmentation, minority languages, social cohesion, US diversity, immigrant assimilation self-segregation, racial segregation, linguistic diversity, social division, multiculturalism, assimilation, bilingualism, language barriers, social cohesion, demographic shifts, immigrant integration, language industry, cultural identity, social balkanization, minority languages, language policy, social fragmentation racial segregation, self-segregation, linguistic diversity, social balkanization, immigration, Spanish language, US demographics, cultural integration, minority languages, social cohesion, language barriers, immigration trends, bilingualism, linguistic unity, social segregation, community division, language industry, cultural identity self-segregation, racial segregation, linguistic diversity, social balkanization, immigration, language barriers, multiculturalism, social integration, language learning, Hispanic population, language industry, Spanish language, immigrant communities, social cohesion, diversity challenges self-segregation, racial segregation, linguistic diversity, social division, cultural assimilation, social balkanization, immigration, language barrier, multilingualism, U.S. demographics, Hispanic population, Spanish language, social cohesion, integration challenges, diversity impact, immigrant communities
test-law-lghwpcctcc-con03a	Televising court cases undermines the right to privacy for the victim and the defendant’s family  Court proceedings can be extremely stressful for the families of the accused, and publicising them in this way only makes this worse. Again, a good example of this is the Milly Dowler case, when her father’s pornographic magazines were used as evidence against him [1] . Not only did he then have to try and come to terms with his daughter’s disappearance, but also the knowledge that the media – and his family – now knew intensely personal details about him which were not even relevant to the case, but used to try and condemn him anyway. Meanwhile, although the family members have done nothing wrong, they are forced to listen to critical evidence of another family member which is suddenly now broadcast into peoples’ homes directly from the court. Their public and private lives would be irrevocably transformed by this experience. Secondly, because the defence must try to protect the defendant, these vilifying tactics can also be used against the victim – which could then lead to fewer people being prepared to testify. There is already a problem in society where not all crimes are even reported, sometimes because the victims are afraid of how people will then think of them [2] [3] . The knowledge that the defence will try to expose them as a fraud, or deny that the offence took place – in front of millions of people watching the case on television – suddenly becomes a much bigger obstacle for victims, especially if they are emotionally shaken by their experience [4] , to come forward and help a criminal to be convicted.  [1]  , accessed 19/08/11  [2]  , accessed 19/08/11  [3]  , accessed 19/08/11  [4] Support group for women who have been victims of rape; helping them to testify in court  , accessed 19/08/11 televising court cases, privacy, victims, families, media, public exposure, court proceedings, stress, Milly Dowler case, personal details, evidence, legal ethics, media scrutiny, victim testimony, witness protection, societal impact, crime reporting, victim intimidation, emotional trauma, court transparency, legal rights, privacy laws televising court cases, privacy rights, victim privacy, defendant family, court proceedings, media exposure, publicising court cases, Milly Dowler case, personal information, family impact, media scrutiny, victims’ rights, privacy invasion, public broadcasting, courtroom cameras, defense tactics, victim intimidation, testimony deterrence, crime reporting, victims’ fear, emotional trauma, witness protection, legal ethics, media influence, courtroom transparency televising, court cases, privacy, victims, families, publicising, stress, Milly Dowler, evidence, personal details, media, broadcast, public life, private life, defence, vilifying tactics, victims' testimony, societal issues, crime reporting, victim fear, emotional impact, witness protection, courtroom media, legal ethics, privacy rights, media coverage, victim support televising court cases, privacy rights, victim protection, defendant's family, court proceedings, media exposure, public broadcasting, Milly Dowler case, personal information, media intrusion, family trauma, evidence privacy, witness intimidation, victim testimony, social impact, crime reporting, victim silence, emotional trauma, courtroom broadcasting, legal ethics, media morals televising court cases, privacy, victims, families, media, court proceedings, stress, Milly Dowler case, evidence, personal details, media exposure, private lives, vilifying tactics, victim testimony, societal impact, crime reporting, victim intimidation, emotional trauma, witness protection, criminal justice, courtroom broadcasting
test-international-segiahbarr-pro01a	Africa’s Economies are growing rapidly  Africa has recently experienced some of the most significant economic growth in the world. Amongst the top ten growing economies in the world are five African countries; The Gambia, Libya, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and South Sudan [1] . The latter, South Sudan, witnessed GDP growth of 32% in 2013. Other economies in Africa are also doing exceptionally well, such as Ethiopia and Ghana. As ever, natural resources are a key export for these countries. Recent investments from China in exchange for Africa’s abundant natural resources have enabled many African countries to develop at a significantly faster rate, with trade between the continent and China increasing by $155 billion [2] . All of this has contributed to an average GDP growth of 4.8% in the past ten years. There is a rapidly expanding middle-class and it is predicted that by 2015 there will be over 100 million Africans living on $3,000 a year [3] , showing an increasingly positive future for Africa.  [1] Maps of World, ‘Top Ten Countries with Fastest Growing Economies’, 2013  [2] The Economist, ‘Africa Rising’, 2013  [3] The Economist, ‘The hopeful continent’, 2011 Africa, economic growth, GDP, emerging markets, natural resources, trade, China, investment, middle class, development, African economies, top growing countries, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Ghana, resource exports, economic expansion, trade volume, GDP increase, economic prospects Africa, economic growth, GDP, developing countries, natural resources, China investments, trade, middle-class, emerging economies, economic development, African countries, global economy, investment, resource exports, economic indicators Africa, economic growth, emerging economies, top growing countries, South Sudan, GDP growth, natural resources, Chinese investment, trade increase, GDP statistics, middle class expansion, African countries, economic development, resource exports, economic predictions, Africa rising, economic indicators, global economy, developing nations, economic progress Africa, economic growth, developing economies, GDP growth, natural resources, exports, China investments, trade, middle class, economic development, Africa rising, emerging markets, Africa economy, GDP increase, Africa’s future, high growth countries, economic statistics, African countries, economic prospects Africa, economic growth, GDP, natural resources, China investment, trade, middle class, Africa rising, developing economies, rapid growth, Africa development, economic statistics, Africa countries, emerging markets
test-health-dhghhbampt-pro03a	Overwhelmingly alternative therapies are used in conjunction with established remedies - oddly the latter tends not to get the credit for the miracle cure  Thankfully only 4.4% of the 60million or so Americans who say they use alternative therapies rely on them exclusively. It is odd that in the cases of anecdotal accounts of the success of alternative medicines this statistic is rarely mentioned [i] .  Equally, the impact of other treatment which may have been used by patients eager to credit complementary and alternative medicines with curing their conditions, tend not to get a look in, neither do the relative successes of conventional medicine.  This is probably why in every trial alternative medicine has a success rate of between 0% and 0%. By contrast there needs only be one instance of harm caused to demonstrate that this motion must stand. Interestingly, although conventional medicine publishes its mistakes in an effort to correct them, nothing similar exists for alternatives. Moreover, there are many accounts of fatalities caused by alternatives – both directly and indirectly through delaying accurate diagnosis as seen above (Oh, the same applies to animals too [ii] ).  The food supplements industry alone is worth $250 a year worldwide, with little examination of the medical impact of merrily shoving things into your system that were bought at WalMart or Tesco.  [i] JA Astin “Why patients use alternative medicine: results of a national survey” Journal of the American Medical Association 279 (19) 1548-53. May 1998.  [ii] alternative therapies, conventional medicine, success rate, anecdotal accounts, miracle cure, treatment efficacy, medical harm, patient safety, fatalities, delayed diagnosis, supplement industry, health risks, medical literature, trial outcomes, medical errors, public perception, supplement safety, health industry, regulatory oversight alternative medicine, conventional medicine, efficacy, success rate, anecdotal evidence, treatment outcomes, harm, safety, fatalities, side effects, clinical trials, public perception, scientific validation, misinformation, health practices, supplements, dietary supplements, industry, regulation, medical errors, research, healthcare, diagnostics, case studies alternative medicine, conventional medicine, efficacy, success rates, anecdotal evidence, treatment outcomes, placebo effect, harm, fatalities, side effects, research bias, clinical trials, medical errors, diagnostics, herbal supplements, dietary supplements, industry valuation, public perception, medical transparency, safety concerns, regulatory oversight, medical malpractice, patient trust, healthcare costs alternative medicine, conventional medicine, efficacy, success rates, anecdotal evidence, harm, fatalities, treatment comparison, medical trials, placebo effect, healthcare statistics, patient behavior, supplement industry, regulatory oversight, medical errors, diagnostic delays, therapy effectiveness, medical safety, scientific research, public perception, health outcomes alternative medicine, conventional medicine, efficacy, success rate, anecdotal evidence, treatment outcomes, harm, fatalities, adverse effects, delays in diagnosis, regulatory oversight, medical research, clinical trials, placebo effect, supplement industry, health risks, safety concerns, public perception, usage statistics, medical mistakes, literature bias, evidence-based medicine
test-international-gmehwasr-pro03a	The Free Syrian Army is outgunned  The Syrian army is one of the biggest armies in the world; it is nothing like the poorly equipped Libyan army that was beaten by western backed rebels in 2011. The government has aircraft, and helicopters that are used to bomb the rebels, and heavy Russian built tanks that are impervious to most of the small arms the free Syrian army has. Providing arms would quickly even the odds; light anti-tank weapons would be effective against Syrian armoured vehicles repeating the success with which Hezbollah employed them when they knocked out sixty Israeli armoured vehicles in 2006, [1] while man portable air defence systems would quickly make the skies too dangerous for the Syrian airforce so protecting free Syrian controlled areas from the threat of attack from the air. [2]  [1] Cordesman, Anthony H., ‘Preliminary “Lessons” of the Israeli-Hezbollah War’, Center for Strategic and International Studies, 17 August 2006, P.18  [2] Doran, Michael, and Shaikh, Salman, ‘Arm the Syrian Rebels. Now’. Foreign Policy, 8 February 2013 Free Syrian Army, Syrian government, military strength, weaponry, airpower, tanks, Russian military hardware, countermeasures, anti-tank weapons, anti-aircraft systems, Hezbollah, Israeli armored vehicles, air defense, rebel forces, weapons supply, military aid, conflict, Syria, Libyan army, western-backed rebels Free Syrian Army, Syrian army, military, weapons, equipment, aircraft, helicopters, bombings, tanks, Russian-built tanks, small arms, anti-tank weapons, Hezbollah, Israeli vehicles, man-portable air defense systems, air force, air defense, arms supply, conflict, military balance, rebel forces, regime, warfare Free Syrian Army, Syrian army, military capabilities, weapons supply, anti-tank weapons, small arms, Russian tanks, Syrian aircraft, helicopters, bombing, rebel forces, Libyan army, Western-backed rebels, Israeli armored vehicles, Hezbollah, man-portable air defense systems, air defense, Syrian air force, military imbalance, armament, conflict, strategic aid Free Syrian Army, Syrian army, weapons, equipment, military disparity, aircraft, helicopters, bombing, Russian tanks, small arms, anti-tank weapons, Hezbollah, Israeli vehicles, man-portable air defense systems, Syrian air force, arms supplies, rebel groups, military aid, conflict, military technology, strategic balance, foreign intervention Free Syrian Army, Syrian army, military equipment, weapons, anti-tank weapons, small arms, tanks, aircraft, helicopters, bombing, Russian tanks, rebel armed forces, Libyan army, Western-backed rebels, 2011 conflict, Hezbollah, Israeli armored vehicles, man-portable air defense systems, air force, air defense, military aid, arms supply, military tactics, armed conflict, Syria, Middle East, foreign aid, military strategy
test-international-gpdwhwcusa-con04a	A U.N. standing army renders the United Nations a de facto state, but without a territory or a population.  Essentially only governments have standing armies, so this plan would inevitably make the UN more like a world government – and one which is not democratic and where, in China, a totalitarian state has veto power over key decision-making. This means a standing army may actually be counter-productive, impairing current perceptions of the UN’s selfless neutrality, undermining its moral authority and its ability to broker peace agreements. If the UN becomes an institution with its own voice, the fears that the UN would lose its role as the honest broker in international affairs would come to fruition 1.  1.Miller, 1992-3, p.787 United Nations, standing army, world government, neutrality, moral authority, peace negotiations, international law, sovereignty, global governance, U.N. reforms, veto power, totalitarianism, democracy, international security, peacekeeping, legitimacy U.N., standing army, United Nations, de facto state, sovereignty, global governance, world government, democracy, totalitarianism, China, veto power, decision-making, neutrality, moral authority, peace agreements, international relations, global security, UN reform, international organization, legitimacy United Nations, standing army, world government, sovereignty, neutrality, moral authority, peace agreements, international relations, governance, democracy, totalitarianism, China, veto power, legitimacy, international peacekeeping, institutional design United Nations, standing army, world government, sovereignty, neutrality, moral authority, peace negotiations, totalitarian states, veto power, international relations, democratic deficit, global governance, UN reform, international security U.N. standing army, United Nations, de facto state, sovereignty, world government, democracy, totalitarianism, China, veto power, neutrality, moral authority, peace negotiations, international organizations, global governance, legitimacy
test-international-eghrhbeusli-con01a	The arms ban is still necessary  The European Union should stick to its principles. The arms ban was imposed for a reason - the massacre of students demonstrating for democracy and openness in 1989. Nothing China has done since shows it regrets its savage actions in Tiananmen Square - indeed many of the demonstrators are still in prison today. [1] If the ban is lifted, the EU will be implying that it should never have placed the ban on arms sales in the first place, and signalling that China can do what it likes to its own people without fear of EU objections. Indeed if there is an end to the arms ban, the next time that peaceful demonstrators are attacked by the armed forces in China, they may be able to do it with European weapons. Overall, China's human rights record is still very bad. It still hasn't ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and is regularly criticised by Amnesty International [2] and Human Rights Watch [3] for imprisoning political and religious activists without trial. This is not a state that should be rewarded with EU favours.  [1] Jiang, Shao, ‘List of “June Fourth Tiananmen Prisoners” still held in custody and their backgrounds’, 2010.   [2] Amnesty International, ‘Annual Report 2011 China’, 2011.   [3] Human Rights Watch, ‘China’ arms ban, European Union, principles, democracy, Tiananmen Square, human rights, China, arms sales, international law, civil liberties, political prisoners, religious activists, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, prison, political repression arms ban, European Union, principles, Tiananmen Square, democracy, openness, China, human rights, international covenant, civil rights, political prisoners, religious activists, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, sanctions, arms sales, human rights record, prison, crackdown, military force arms ban, European Union, principles, Tiananmen Square, democracy, openness, Chinese government, human rights, international covenant, civil rights, political prisoners, religious activists, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, arms sales, China, prisoners, repression, political freedom arms ban, European Union, principles, Tiananmen Square, democracy, human rights, China, arms sales, repression, political prisoners, June Fourth, international sanctions, Civil and Political Rights, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, prison, freedom, religious activists arms ban, European Union, principles, Tiananmen Square, democracy, human rights, China, arms sales, sanctions, demonstration, prisoners, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, political prisoners, religious activists, EU policies, China human rights record, peaceful protests, weapons proliferation, international sanctions
test-law-rmelhrilhbiw-con03a	The Palestinians were full participants in the 1948 War against Israel  Before the discussion of the Palestinians as the innocent victims of Israeli oppression can be established, it should be noted that the Palestinian leadership were full participants in rejecting the 1948 partition plan and the war that followed. The Grand Mufti of Jerusalem rejected any form of compromise, and urged the removal of the region’s Jewish population, while massacres of Jewish settlers at Palestinian hands and the complete elimination of the Jewish presence in the areas of Palestine that the Israelis did not secure in 1948 speaks to a certain degree of popular enthusiasm. [1]  Following 1948, Israeli law provided for compensation or the return of land for any exiled Palestinians who returned to Israel proper and took an oath to the state.  This does not justify the actions of Israel in their entirety, but the tragedy of the Palestinian people is partially of their own making, and if one accepts the principles of the right of return, then the creation of Israeli settlements furthers this on the Israeli side.  Furthermore, it calls into question what, if any legal claim the Palestinians can have to any land on the basis of a UN partition plan they rejected, and on the basis of principles and practices they themselves have subverted.  [1] Dershowitz, Alan, ‘Has Israel’s Victimization of the Palestinians Been the Primary Cause of the Arab-Israeli Conflict?’, The Case for Israel, Chapter 10, 2003, Palestinians, 1948 War, Israeli occupation, partition plan, Palestinian leadership, rejection, Grand Mufti, Jerusalem, Jewish population, massacres, Jewish settlers, Palestinian land, 1948, Israeli law, compensation, land return, exile, right of return, Israeli settlements, legal claims, UN partition, conflict, Arab-Israeli Palestinians, 1948 war, Israeli oppression, Palestinian leadership, partition plan, Grand Mufti, Jerusalem, Jewish population, massacres, Palestinian resistance, Israeli law, land compensation, right of return, Israeli settlements, UN partition plan, land claims, Dershowitz, Arab-Israeli conflict Palestinians, 1948 War, Israel, Palestinian leadership, partition plan, Grand Mufti, Jerusalem, Jewish population, massacres, Palestinian resistance, Israeli law, compensation, land return, exile, right of return, Israeli settlements, legal claims, UN partition, rejection, principles, practices, Arab-Israeli conflict Palestinians, 1948 War, Israeli oppression, Palestinian leadership, partition plan, Mufti of Jerusalem, Jewish population, massacres, Jewish settlers, Palestinian land, Israeli law, compensation, right of return, Israeli settlements, legal claims, UN partition plan, Palestinian rejection, Arab-Israeli conflict Palestinians, 1948 War, Israeli oppression, Palestinian leadership, partition plan, rejection, Grand Mufti, Jerusalem, Jewish population, massacres, Palestinian actions, Israeli law, compensation, land return, exile, right of return, Israeli settlements, land claims, UN partition, rejection, subversion, Dershowitz, Israel, Arab-Israeli conflict
test-philosophy-pphbclsbs-con01a	The threat of terrorism and security risks are overstated.  The threat of terrorism is greatly over exaggerated. Western governments all over the world are effectively selling the threat of terrorism to their citizens in order to increase their powers of control. The threat, however, has to be exaggerated in order for the electorate to believe that the security measures are needed. The motives of governments doing this vary; some just want the new security measures to make their jobs easier; others however, see it as an opportunity to increase state control and power over the average citizen. There is not enough evidence to show that terrorism has evolved into something more threatening since than it had been for several decades. For example there was the bombing of Pan Am 103 in 1988 killing 270 people or the 1983 bombing of the US embassy in Beirut which killed 63. [1] While the scale is smaller than the 9/11 attacks they are just as terrible and were met with a much more measured response that did not involve infringing civil liberties. Governments are likely to take advantage of anti-terrorist mania and seize the moment to strengthen their regimes. Modern government bodies fighting terrorism are sophisticated enough to counteract terrorism with little use of 'draconian' measures. It is not acceptable to curb citizen rights because of isolated events.  [1] PBS Frontline, ‘terrorist attacks on americans, 1979-1988’,  , accessed 9 September 2011 terrorism, security risks, overstated, exaggerated, governments, propaganda, control, civil liberties, state power, threats, threats evolution, terrorist attacks, historical incidents, Pan Am 103, US embassy Beirut, 1980s, 9/11, anti-terrorism, civil rights, government response, security measures, government motives, civil liberties infringement, anti-terrorist measures, power expansion, citizen rights terrorism, security risks, overstatement, government motives, state control, civil liberties, anti-terrorism measures, government power, public perception, threat exaggeration, historical attacks, civil rights, security policies terrorism, security risks, overstatement, government propaganda, public perception, civil liberties, state control, government motives, security measures, terrorism evolution, historical attacks, Pan Am 103, Beirut embassy bombing, 9/11, anti-terrorism, civil rights, government power, terrorism threats, response measures, civil liberties infringement, anti-terrorist policies, government surveillance, crisis exploitation, democratic rights, counter-terrorism, regime strengthening terrorism, security risks, overstatement, government power, public perception, threat exaggeration, civil liberties, government motives, anti-terrorism, regime strengthening, civil rights, terrorism evolution, historical attacks, 9/11, Pan Am 103, US embassy Beirut, anti-terrorism measures, government control, citizen rights, security measures terrorism, security risks, overstatement, government motives, public perception, civil liberties, government control, anti-terrorism measures, civil rights, state power, threat exaggeration, historical attacks, terrorism evolution, government surveillance, security measures, civil liberties infringement
test-religion-cmrsgfhbr-pro01a	The appropriate setting for sexual relations is within marriage, contraception encourages pre-marital sex  The population of the Philippines are overwhelmingly Catholic, it seems reasonable to accept that many, if not most, accept the teaching of the Church that safe sex is married sex. Appropriate sexual relations between husband and wife can lead to a fulfilling family life including children.  However, freely available contraception leads to a rise in premarital sex with the rises in unwanted pregnancies that go along with that. In the US, women having premarital sex increased from 2% in 1920 to 75% in 1999, a period that saw a massive increase in the availability of contraception [i] .. This runs against the teaching of the Church, which, itself, is one of the cornerstones of Filipino culture.  The first Mass was celebrated in 1521 and by the early 1600s, Catholicism was unquestionably the countries’ dominant creed [ii] . The teaching of the Church on this issue is absolutely clear – and for four centuries those have been the values of the Filipino people. This bill undermines that understanding, it will lead to an increase in pre-marital sex with devastating consequences for, particularly, the young people of the archipelago [iii] . There is a reason why the Church argues against contraception and those values – that sex should take place within marriage, are deeply ingrained in the Filipino way of life.  [i] Greenwood, Jeremy and Nezih Guner “Social Change: The Sexual Revolution.” Population Studies Center PSC Working Paper Series University of Pennsylvania.2009   [ii] Wikipedia. Roman Catholicism in the Philippines.  [iii] Bishop Filomeno Bactol, ‘Naval diocese continues fight against RH’,. CBCP News., 23 December 2012, sexual relations, marriage, contraception, premarital sex, Filipino culture, Catholicism, Church teaching, family life, unwanted pregnancies, contraception availability, sexual revolution, Catholic influence, Filipino values, religious teachings, reproductive health, societal impact sexual relations, marriage, contraception, premarital sex, Catholicism, Filipino culture, safe sex, family life, unwanted pregnancies, church teachings, religious values, sexual revolution, population studies, Church opposition, reproductive health, Philippine history, societal impact, youth, cultural traditions, moral values sexual relations, marriage, contraception, premarital sex, Filipino culture, Catholicism, Catholic teachings, safe sex, family life, unwanted pregnancies, societal impact, reproductive rights, church opposition, social change, sexual revolution, population studies sexual relations, marriage, contraception, pre-marital sex, Catholicism, Philippines, church teachings, family life, reproductive health, unwanted pregnancies, cultural values, Filipino culture, religious influence, sexual revolution, gender norms, church opposition, reproductive rights, societal impact, youth, moral values sexual relations, marriage, contraception, pre-marital sex, Philippine population, Catholic Church, Filipino culture, family life, unwanted pregnancies, premarital sex increase, contraception availability, US sex statistics, Catholic teachings, Filipino values, religious influence, social change, sexual revolution, demographic trends, moral values, church opposition
test-culture-mmctyshwbcp-con02a	If child performers were banned, many children would find a way to perform illegally, now without legal protection.  While being a child performer is legal, these children’s working circumstances are under the protection of the law and monitored by government departments such as the Inland Revenue, Health and Safety, etc. Were child performers to be banned, it is certain that some children would still perform, but would not be thus protected. This has already happened in certain professional sports where athletes can benefit by lying about their age. For example, it is easier for Latin American baseball players to sign with U.S. Major League teams if the teams think they are young. As a result, countless players have lied about their age, including a number of high-profile cases, such as Miguel Tejada who was named Most Valuable Player in 2002. [1] Many of these young players, however, have been less successful. There are too many unfortunate examples of players who came to the United States at a young age and, under the increased pressure, fell victim to serious drug problems, often resulting in overdose and death. [2] [3] A ban would not prevent children from performing; it would actually further expose them to whatever risks may be involved.  [1] Schmidt and Schwartz. “Baseball’s Use of DNA Raises Questions.”  [2] Zirin, “Can’t Knock the Hassle: Chavez Challenges Baseball.”  [3] Helfgott, “The international game.” child performers, illegal performance, legal protection, working conditions, government regulation, monitoring, age fraud, sports doping, professional sports, baseball, Major League Baseball, age falsification, youth athletes, drug abuse, overdose, child exploitation, performance ban, risks, protection, illegal activities child performers, illegal performance, legal protection, working conditions, government regulation, age fraud, professional sports, athletes, age lie, Latin American players, U.S. Major League Baseball, drug problems, overdose, death, child exploitation, performance risks, illegal activity, sports regulation child performers, illegal performance, legal protection, working conditions, government regulation, law enforcement, age misrepresentation, professional sports, athlete age falsification, baseball players, Major League Baseball, Latin American athletes, youth performance, illegal performance risks, child labor laws, child abuse, exploitation, doping, drug overdose, youth sports, sports regulation, international sports, athlete honesty, performance bans child performers, illegal performance, legal protection, working conditions, government regulation, child labor laws, sports age fraud, underage athletes, baseball, Major League Baseball, age falsification, doping, drug abuse, youth athlete risks, child safeguarding, legal loopholes child performers, illegal performance, legal protection, working conditions, government regulation, age falsification, sports, child athletes, baseball, Major League Baseball, drug abuse, overdose, youth protection, sports ethics, age verification, child labor laws, doping, youth athletes, international sports, health risks
test-international-ipecfiepg-pro02a	Defaulting would be the quickest route to economic recovery  Under the status quo, the Greek economy is only headed in one direction: deeper recession. There are no signs of the situation changing any time soon. Were the Greek Government to default on its debts, after a period of recession, conditions would quickly be favourable for economic growth once more. This is what was observed when Argentina and other nations [1] recently defaulted and can be explained by many factors. Firstly, defaulting and exiting the Eurozone would allow Greece to conduct monetary policy more freely: they would be able to quickly devalue their currency in order to make Greek goods and services more competitive on the international market. This would increase exports and attract investment, as well as tourists looking for cheaper holidays – all of which would contribute towards the rebuilding of the Greek economy. [2] Moreover, were Greece to default, it would put an end to the huge degree of unpredictability and uncertainty about the Greek economy. At the moment, nobody knows if the banks are safe, if the government will default etc. The constant chopping and changing of current austerity measures such as increases in varieties of corporate tax and changes in regulations also contribute to the huge degree of uncertainty in the Greek economy. Uncertainty breeds risk and risk breeds fear: a recipe that drives away foreign investors and makes it difficult for local businesses to start up. Were Greece to default, however, such elements of uncertainty would be seriously diminished, and conditions would be ripe for investment from abroad and locally. Greek would be able to start afresh.  [1] Pettifor, Ann: “Greece: The upside of default”, 23 May 2012, BBC News,   [2] Lapavitsas, Costas: “Eurozone crisis: what if… Greece leaves the single currency”, 14 May 2012, The Guardian, economic recovery, Greek economy, default, Eurozone, monetary policy, currency devaluation, exports, investment, tourism, economic growth, recession, uncertainty, austerity measures, bank stability, foreign investment, domestic businesses, default consequences, economic reforms, financial stability Greece, economic recovery, default, Eurozone, recession, monetary policy, currency devaluation, exports, foreign investment, tourism, austerity measures, economic stability, uncertainty, banking safety, corporate tax, regulations, financial risk, investor confidence, economic growth, currency competitiveness default, Greek economy, economic recovery, recession, Greece, debt default, Eurozone, monetary policy, currency devaluation, exports, investment, tourism, economic growth, financial stability, uncertainty, austerity, taxes, regulations, foreign investment, domestic business, risk, confidence, economic reform Greece, default, economic recovery, recession, Eurozone, monetary policy, currency devaluation, exports, investment, tourism, austerity measures, tax, regulations, uncertainty, risk, foreign investors, local businesses, economic growth, debt, financial stability default, economic recovery, Greece, recession, debt default, eurozone exit, monetary policy, currency devaluation, exports, foreign investment, tourism, economic uncertainty, austerity measures, regulatory changes, risk, investor confidence, local businesses, economic growth, financial stability
test-culture-ascidfakhba-pro01a	Intellectual property is a legal fiction created for convenience in some instances, but copyright should cease to be protected under this doctrine  An individual’s idea only truly belongs solely to them so long as it rests in their mind alone. When they disseminate their ideas to the world they put them in the public domain, and should become the purview of everyone to use. Artists and creators more generally, should not expect some sort of ownership to inhere in an idea they happen to have, since no such ownership right exists in reality. [1] No one can own an idea. Thus recognizing something like a property right over intangible assets is contrary to reason, since doing so gives monopoly power to individuals who may not make efficient or equitable use of their inventions or products. Physical property is a tangible asset, and thus can be protected by tangible safeguards. Ideas do not share the same order of protection even now because they exist in a different order to physical reality. However, some intellectual property is useful in encouraging investment and invention, allowing people to engage their profit motives to the betterment of society as a whole. To an extent one can also sympathize with the notion that creators deserve to accrue some additional profit for the labour of the creative process, but this can be catered for through Creative Commons non-commercial licenses which reserve commercial rights. [2] These protections should not extend to non-commercial use of the various forms of arts. This is because art is a social good of a unique order, with its purpose not purely functional, but creative. It only has value in being experienced, and thus releasing these works through creative commons licenses allows the process of artistic experience and sharing proceeds unhindered by outmoded notions of copyright. The right to reap some financial gain still remains for the artists, as their rights still hold over all commercial use of their work. This seems like a fair compromise of the artist’s right to profit from their work and society right to experience and grow from those works.  [1] Fitzgerald, Brian and Anne Fitzgerald. Intellectual Property: In Principle. Melbourne: Lawbook Company. 2004.  [2] Walsh, K., “Commercial Rights Reserved proposal outcome: no change”, Creative Commons, 14 February 2013, IntellectualProperty, copyright, legalFiction, ideaOwnership, publicDomain, creatorsRights, intangibleAssets, propertyRights, physicalProperty, protectedAssets, innovationIncentives, profitMotives, CreativeCommons, nonCommercialLicenses, artsProtection, artisticExperience, copyrightReform, socialGood, artisticSharing, commercialUse, creativeExpression, legalArguments intellectual property, legal fiction, copyright, ideas, public domain, ownership rights, creativity, intangible assets, physical property, protection, innovation, profit motives, Creative Commons, non-commercial licenses, artistic expression, copyright reform, societal benefit, artistic experience intellectual property, legal fiction, copyright, ideas, public domain, ownership, intangible assets, property rights, physical property, protection, invention, innovation, profit motives, creative commons, non-commercial licenses, artistic works, social good, artistic experience, sharing, copyright reform intellectual property, legal fiction, copyright, idea ownership, public domain, creative commons, intangible assets, physical property, protection, innovation, profit motives, artistic rights, non-commercial licenses, art, social good, creative process, copyright reform, intellectual property law, monopoly power, societal benefit intellectual property, copyright, legal fiction, ideas, public domain, ownership rights, intangible assets, physical property, safeguards, protection, innovation, invention, profit motives, creative commons, licenses, non-commercial use, art, social good, creativity, artistic experience, sharing, copyright reform, fair use, licensing, intellectual rights, legal principles
test-international-atiahblit-pro01a	Social Policy: encouraging teaching careers  UNESCO (2013) report the need for 6.8mn teachers by 2015 for the right to primary education to be achieved. The teaching workforce requires includes both replacements and additional teachers. Africa has a reality of low teacher-student ratios. In 2012, 80 students were reported per teacher in the Central African Republic (World Bank, 2013). Positive schemes are needed to incentivise potential teachers to enter the profession and meet demand.  Careers can be encouraged through multiple paths. For example, providing incentives to study teaching as a profession. Tanzania’s Ministry of Education provides grants to students entering University to study teaching. social policy, teaching careers, UNESCO, teacher shortage, primary education, teacher workforce, teacher-student ratio, Africa, Central African Republic, teacher incentives, recruitment strategies, teacher training, education funding, scholarships, incentives for teaching, career pathways, teacher recruitment programs, education policy social policy, teaching careers, UNESCO, teacher shortage, primary education, teacher workforce, replacements, additional teachers, Africa, teacher-student ratio, Central African Republic, incentives, teaching profession, career pathways, grants, tertiary education, teacher recruitment social policy, teaching careers, UNESCO, global education goals, teacher shortage, primary education, teacher workforce, replacements, additional teachers, Africa, teacher-student ratio, Central African Republic, World Bank, incentives, recruitment, motivation, teaching profession, grants, university, Tanzania, education policies social policy, teaching careers, UNESCO report, teacher shortage, primary education, teacher workforce, replacements, additional teachers, Africa, teacher-student ratio, Central African Republic, incentives, teaching profession, career pathways, grants, university, Tanzania, education funding social policy, teaching careers, UNESCO, teacher shortage, primary education, teacher workforce, Africa, teacher-student ratio, Central African Republic, incentives, teacher recruitment, education grants, Tanzania, teacher training, education policy
test-culture-cgeeghwmeo-pro02a	Bilingual Education is expensive and encourages balkanization  One of the goals of the government in providing education is to prepare students for success in the work place, and therefore the government has an obligation to spend its money in the most efficient way possible to accomplish this.  This is relevant because Bilingual education is expensive, requiring the hiring of bilingual teachers, the organization of bilingual classes, and the acquisition of bilingual curriculum materials. [1]  These costs might be justified if they actually helped students. But the reality is that they do not. For one thing, they allow students to get by without learning English. One of the great obstacles to learning a new language is the fact that parents of students may well speak another language at home. If students suddenly use that language at school as well, they will spend the vast majority of their day speaking a language other than English, with the consequence that they may not pick it up at all, and find themselves at a large disadvantage when they attempt to join the workforce.  As a consequence, it seems likely that the money could be better used subsidizing tutoring for students learning English than running an entirely separate and parallel educational system.  [1] Rossell, Christine, ‘Does Bilingual Education Work? The Case of Texas’, Texas Public Policy Foundation, September 2009, bilingual education, cost, expenses, bilingual teachers, bilingual classes, bilingual curriculum, effectiveness, language acquisition, English learning, language barrier, bilingualism, socio-economic factors, educational policy, workforce readiness, language balkanization, allocation of resources, English proficiency, supplemental tutoring, language retention, academic achievement, public funding bilingual education, costs, efficiency, balkanization, language learning, English proficiency, bilingual teachers, bilingual curriculum, educational outcomes, workforce readiness, language barriers, social integration, resource allocation, language policies, immigrant education, parental influence, language retention bilingual education, cost, efficiency, balkanization, language acquisition, English learning, bilingual teachers, bilingual curriculum, language barriers, parental influence, language at home, workforce readiness, educational funding, language policy, bilingual programs, English proficiency, tutoring, educational outcomes, language retention bilingual education, bilingual teachers, bilingual curriculum, language learning, English proficiency, educational costs, language balkanization, bilingual classes, language acquisition, workforce readiness, educational efficiency, language barrier, bilingualism, language policy, curriculum materials, language preservation, English learning, parental influence, language at home, educational funding, tutoring, language proficiency, parallel education bilingual education, costs, efficiency, language learning, English proficiency, bilingual teachers, curriculum materials, balkanization, educational outcomes, language acquisition, parental influence, workforce readiness, funding allocation, English language learning, separate educational systems, tutoring, language barriers
test-free-speech-debate-fchbjaj-con01a	Assange is mostly interested in self-promotion, not being a serious journalist.  Journalists are judged by far more than their ability to acquire and disseminate knowledge or information. The quality of their writing, the skills and contacts developed to acquire it, the training used to enter the trade (which incidentally would have included the difference between the legitimate use of privileged information and espionage) and many other characteristics.  Assange doesn’t seem to have taken any interest in any of this. He undertook no formal training – he studied but did not graduate in Physics – and worked as a computer programmer and hacker before founding Wikileaks. His interest in data seems to do with the technological side of the process rather than the ideas.  Were a printer in the same situation to attempt the same defence, it would be ignored. Assange is an irresponsible geek, self-proclaimed hacker and someone who clearly has no interest in, or understanding of, the notion that there are occasions when a responsible journalist does not release information, frequently out of concern for those whose lives it might engender.  His entire background has been in hacking, he is described as a cryptographer in articles written by or about him before the launch of Wikileaks. This sudden commitment to journalism seems awfully convenient in the event of the threat of a trial. Julian Assange, Wikileaks, journalism, self-promotion, information dissemination, journalism skills, training, privileged information, espionage, physics, computer programming, hacking, data, technology, responsible journalism, information release, cryptography, hacking, responsible reporting, trial Julian Assange, self-promotion, journalism, media ethics, information dissemination, journalistic skills, training, education, hacking, computer programming, data analysis, Wikileaks, cryptography, responsible journalism, information security, whistleblowing, legal issues, trial, technology, information ethics Julian Assange, self-promotion, journalism, journalistic standards, information dissemination, writing quality, professional skills, contacts, training, privileged information, espionage, education, physics, computer programming, hacking, WikiLeaks, data analysis, technology, encryption, cryptography, responsible journalism, ethical considerations, information security, legal issues, trial, reputation. Julian Assange, journalism, self-promotion, media, information dissemination, writing skills, contacts, training, espionage, hacking, programmer, computer science, physics, data analysis, technology, hacking culture, cryptography, whistleblowing, journalism ethics, responsible journalism, leaks, Wikileaks, legal issues, trial, credibility, media ethics, information security, digital activism Assange, self-promotion, journalism, credibility, writing skills, contacts, training, privileged information, espionage, physics, computer programming, hacking, Wikileaks, data focus, technological expertise, responsible journalism, information withholding, confidentiality, hacking background, cryptography, legal threat
test-culture-mmctyshwbcp-pro05a	Allowing children to perform pushes them to grow up too soon  Child performers are exposed to a much higher level of responsibility than their peers, without the maturity to deal with it. They may be exposed to sex, drugs, or alcohol, in a context too far removed from a normal life that they don’t learn adequate coping mechanisms. It is no surprise that many child performers “burn out” by the time they reach adulthood, often experiencing problems long before, as in the case of actress Drew Barrymore, who entered rehab at the age of 13. [1] Children should not be encouraged to enter into these adult worlds of acting, modeling, dancing, etc. Michael Jackson attributed his obsession with children and childhood as a consequence of having missed out on a childhood himself.  [1] Barrymore, Little Girl Lost child performers, childhood, responsibility, maturity, exposure, sex, drugs, alcohol, coping mechanisms, burnout, adult problems, Drew Barrymore, rehab, childhood loss, acting, modeling, dancing, adult worlds, Michael Jackson children, child performers, responsibility, maturity, sex, drugs, alcohol, coping mechanisms, burnout, adulthood, Drew Barrymore, rehab, childhood, acting, modeling, dancing, Michael Jackson, childhood loss child performers, childhood, responsibility, maturity, exploitation, sex, drugs, alcohol, coping mechanisms, burnout, mental health, Drew Barrymore, parenting, entertainment industry, childhood deprivation, adult responsibilities, psychological effects, childhood trauma child performers, childhood, responsibility, maturity, exposure, sex, drugs, alcohol, coping mechanisms, burnout, Drew Barrymore, rehab, acting, modeling, dancing, adult worlds, Michael Jackson, childhood deprivation child performers, childhood, responsibility, maturity, exposure, sex, drugs, alcohol, coping mechanisms, burnout, adulthood, Drew Barrymore, rehab, early fame, modeling, dancing, childhood deprivation, Michael Jackson, childhood loss
test-society-epiasghbf-con04a	Where are the men?  Is the feminisation of labour emerging with a de-masculinisation of jobs? If so, how do women cope in the work environment? Are methods being integrated to ensure a just work environment is maintained?  Overa’s (2007) study on gender relations within the informal economy indicates how tensions emerge with women and men being forced into similar occupations. The informal economy of retail trade in Ghana is becoming overcrowded as men enter into female jobs; competition is causing reductions in returns, and further, frustrations are rising against the state. Therefore if more women are entering male jobs, what are the reactions? gender relations, feminisation of labour, de-masculinisation, women in the workplace, work environment, gender integration, informal economy, retail trade Ghana, occupational gender shifts, gender tensions, employment competition, gender roles, job segregation, gender inequality, labour market, gender dynamics, informal sector, occupational gender changes, gender-based tensions, gender workforce imbalance gender, feminisation, de-masculinisation, labour, gender relations, informal economy, women, men, occupational segregation, work environment, gender tensions, Ghana, retail trade, overcrowding, competition, labor market, gender dynamics, workforce participation, gender roles, economic informal sector men, feminisation, labour, de-masculinisation, jobs, women, work environment, gender relations, informal economy, retail trade, Ghana, competition, gender roles, occupational segregation, gender tensions, workforce dynamics, gender equality, employment, gender-based discrimination gender, masculinity, feminization, labor, gender roles, work environment, gender equality, informal economy, gender relations, gender tensions, occupational segregation, gender dynamics, workforce composition, gender-based discrimination, job competition, Ghana economy, retail trade, gender shifts, male jobs, female employment, workforce diversity gender, feminisation, de-masculinisation, labour, gender relations, informal economy, gender roles, women in workforce, men's occupations, occupational shift, gender integration, work environment, gender tensions, Ghana, retail trade, informal sector, gender competition, employment, occupational inequality, gender dynamics
test-science-ciidfaihwc-pro01a	Governments have a moral duty to protect its citizens from harmful sites.  In recent years, supposedly innocent sites such as social networking sites have been purposely used to harm others. Victims of cyber bullying have even led victims to commit suicide in extreme cases [1] [2] . Given that both physical [3] and psychological [4] damage have occurred through the use of social networking sites, such sites represent a danger to society as a whole. They have become a medium through which others express prejudice, including racism, towards groups and towards individuals [5] . Similarly, if a particularly country has a clear religious or cultural majority, it is fair to censor those sites which seek to undermine these principles and can be damaging to a large portion of the population. If we fail to take the measures required to remove these sites, which would be achieved through censorship, the government essentially fails to act on its principles by allowing such sites to exist. The government has a duty of care to its citizens [6] and must ensure their safety; censoring such sites is the best way to achieve this.  [1] Moore, Victoria, ‘The fake world of Facebook and Bebo: How suicide and cyber bullying lurk behind the facade of “harmless fun”’, MailOnline, 4 August 2009,  on 16/09/11  [2] Good Morning America, ‘Parents: Cyber Bullying Led to Teen’s Suicide’, ABC News, 19 November 2007,  on 16/09/11  [3] BBC News, ‘England riots: Two jailed for using Facebook to incite disorder’, 16 August 2011,  on 16/09/11.  [4] Good Morning America, ‘Parents: Cyber Bullying Led to Teen’s Suicide’, ABC News, 19 November 2007,  on 16/09/11  [5] Counihan, Bella, ‘White power likes this – racist Facebook groups’, The Age, 3 February 2010,  on 16/09/11  [6] Brownejacobson, ‘Councils owe vulnerable citizens duty of care’, 18 June 2008,  09/09/11 government, moral duty, citizen protection, harmful websites, social networking sites, cyberbullying, online harassment, mental health, suicide, physical damage, psychological damage, societal danger, prejudice, racism, cultural majority, censorship, internet regulation, online hate speech, religious principles, social harm, government responsibility, online safety, legal measures, online incitement, cybercrime, internet censorship, digital rights, online security government, morality, citizen protection, harmful sites, social networking, cyberbullying, suicide, physical damage, psychological damage, online prejudice, racism, cultural majority, censorship, freedom of speech, internet regulation, online safety, societal harm, government duty, internet censorship, online harm prevention, social media, hate groups, online incitement, digital safety, online harm, legal responsibilities government, moral duty, protect citizens, harmful sites, social networking, cyber bullying, victim suicide, psychological damage, physical damage, societal danger, prejudice, racism, cultural majority, censorship, internet regulation, government responsibility, online safety, societal harm, social media abuse, hate groups, religious values, cultural principles, online censorship, legal measures, duty of care, online safety policies government, moral duty, citizen protection, harmful sites, social networking, cyberbullying, online harassment, mental health, suicide, physical harm, psychological harm, prejudice, racism, censorship, free speech, digital safety, online safety, government responsibility, societal harm, cultural values, religious principles, online incitement, social media regulation government, moral duty, citizen protection, harmful sites, social networking sites, cyberbullying, victim harm, physical damage, psychological damage, societal danger, prejudice, racism, cultural majority, censorship, internet regulation, online safety, mental health, youth suicide, online incitement, social media, hate speech, religious principles, cultural values, government responsibility, legal measures, content moderation, digital rights, free speech, privacy, social harm, online censorship, legal framework
test-politics-eppghwlrba-con04a	Effective gun control is not achievable in democratic states with a tradition of civilian gun ownership  Much like the failure of the prohibition era to stop alcohol consumption, trying to restrict the use of guns that are already widely owned and prevalent in a society is an impossible task. [1]  The people who intend to use guns for illegitimate purposes are obviously unconcerned with the fact that it is illegal to acquire the guns in the first place in countries where this is already the case such as in the UK . [2] [3]  [1] Kates, Don B. ‘Why a Civil Libertarian Opposes Gun Control’. The Civil Liberties Review. June/July 1976   [2] The Independent. ‘Up to 4m guns in UK and police are losing the battle’. 4th September 2005.   [3] The Guardian. ‘Firearms: cheap, easy to get and on a street near you’ 30th August 2008. gun control, civilian gun ownership, democratic states, prohibition era, alcohol prohibition, gun restrictions, widespread gun ownership, illegal gun use, UK gun laws, firearms legality, gun violence, firearm prevalence, illegal firearms, gun legislation, public safety, gun policy effectiveness gun control, civilian gun ownership, democratic states, prohibition, gun restrictions, illegal firearms, societal prevalence, firearm laws, UK, gun violence, alcohol prohibition, illegal firearm acquisition, civil liberties, firearm legislation, law enforcement, gun crime, civil liberties opposition, firearm accessibility gun control, democratic states, civilian gun ownership, prohibition era, alcohol prohibition, gun restrictions, illegal gun use, firearms legality, UK gun laws, gun prevalence, firearm legislation, gun crime, gun policy, Second Amendment, gun rights, firearm regulation gun control, democratic states, civilian gun ownership, prohibition era, gun restrictions, illegal gun use, firearm legislation, UK gun laws, gun prevalence, illegal firearm acquisition, gun violence, firearms policy gun control, civilian gun ownership, prohibition era, illegal gun use, societal prevalence, UK gun laws, firearm legality, illegal firearm acquisition, gun violence, civil liberties, gun proliferation, law enforcement, gun legislation, firearm regulation
test-health-dhghwapgd-pro04a	"When generic drugs are legalized firms and individuals no longer feel the incentive to misallocate resources to the race to patent new drugs and to monitor existing patents, or to spend resources stealing from one another  Patent regimes cause firms to inefficiently allocate resources. One such inefficiency arises from the duplication of effort by firms seeking to develop the same or very similar drugs, though only the first to do so may profit from it due to the winner-takes-all patent system. This leads to brutal races and excessive expenditure of resources to be first over the line and to monopolize the production, at least for a time. These races can thus lead to efforts by firms to steal research from one another, thus resulting in further wastes of resources in engaging and attempting to prevent corporate espionage. Another serious inefficiency arises in the production of similar products to existing ones, seeking to get around existing patents. Such has been the case for years in the pharmaceutical industry, which has succeeded, for example, in curing erectile dysfunction dozens of times. An overemphasis on such spinning off of similar products is the result of patent-generated inefficiency 1. The inefficiency does not end with production, however, as firms likewise devote great amounts of resources and effort to the development of non-duplicable products, in monitoring for infringement, and in prosecuting offenders, all of which generates huge costs and little or no return 2. Furthermore, the deterrent effect to patent piracy generated by all the efforts of the state and firms has proven generally minimal. Clearly, in the absence of patent protection for pharmaceuticals, markets and firms will behave more efficiently. This is shown by the introduction of generic antiretroviral drugs for treating AIDS where the introduction of generic drugs forced the price of the branded drugs down from $10439 to $931 in September/October 2000 3.  1 Gabb, Sean. 2005. ""Market Failure and the Pharmaceutical Industry: A Proposal for Reform"". National Health Federation. Available: 2 World Intellectual Property Organization. 2011. ""Emerging Issues in Intellectual Property"". Available: 3 Avert.org, ""AIDS, Drug Prices and Generic Drugs"", generic drugs, patent system, resource allocation, patent infringement, pharmaceutical industry, drug development, patent racing, corporate espionage, product duplication, patent piracy, market inefficiency, drug prices, generic drugs impact, patent reform, intellectual property, research and development costs, innovation, drug curing, antiretroviral drugs, public health generic drugs, patent system, resource allocation, patent enforcement, pharmaceutical industry, drug development, innovation, patent infringement, corporate espionage, patent piracy, product duplication, drug prices, market efficiency, drug curing, antiretroviral drugs, AIDS treatment, patent reform, intellectual property, market failure, cost reduction generic drugs, patent system, resource allocation, patent races, pharmaceutical industry, research duplication, corporate espionage, patent infringement, drug patents, market efficiency, drug prices, generic antiretroviral, pharmaceutical reform, intellectual property, patent piracy, innovation incentives, drug development, market failure, patent monitoring, legal costs, drug competition generic drugs, patent system, resource misallocation, innovation, research, pharmaceutical industry, patent trolling, patent infringement, patent enforcement, market efficiency, drug development, drug pricing, market failure, intellectual property, patent races, corporate espionage, drug duplication, patent monopoly, patent reform, affordable medicines generic drugs, patent regimes, resource allocation, patent system, drug development, pharmaceutical industry, patent infringement, corporate espionage, product duplication, drug manufacturing, patent litigation, market inefficiency, pharmaceutical patents, drug prices, drug innovation, generic pharmaceuticals, monopoly, research theft, resource wastage, patent law, market failure"
test-law-cplgpshwdp-pro02a	Juries need to have all the information possible in order to reach a fair verdict.  It is nonsensical to withhold evidence from a jury that might be necessary for them to reach an accurate verdict. Just because their verdict might be more prone to conviction rather than acquittal does not necessarily mean that this is an unfair or even inaccurate conclusion; given that violent offenders are likely to re-offend [1] , it may illuminate the truth rather than confuse it. Jurors should be allowed to weigh the relevance of previous convictions and compare them with the accusations of the trail at hand. A criminal justice system which currently relies on the ability of the jury to make a decision [2] cannot legitimately choose to withhold evidence from them without innately biasing the trial itself. As the UK Government’s White Paper states, ‘we want less evidence to be withheld from the courts, on the principle that relevant evidence should be admissible . . . magistrates, judges and juries have the common sense to evaluate relevant evidence and should be trusted to do so’ [3] . If we cannot trust juries to decide which evidence is relevant to the verdict and which is not, then the entire use of juries in the criminal justice system should be reconsidered.  [1] CBC News, ‘Getting out of prison’, March 2008.  [2] Direct Gov, ‘Jury service – what happens in court and after the trial’, 10 October 2011.  [3] CPS, ‘Justice for all’, The Stationary Office, July 2002. jury, evidence, fair verdict, withholding, criminal justice, admissible evidence, relevant evidence, trial, reoffending, impartiality, justice system, UK Government, White Paper, credibility, decision-making, transparency, trial fairness, bias jury, evidence, fair verdict, withholding evidence, criminal justice, previous convictions, relevance, trial accuracy, bias, admissible evidence, UK government, justice system, juror decision-making, re-offense, trial process jury, evidence, fair verdict, criminal justice, relevance, admissibility, re–offend, bias, trial, courtroom, jurors, convictions, trial fairness, transparency, legal system, UK judiciary, truth, decision-making, justice, legal principles jury, evidence, verdict, fairness, fairness in trials, withholding evidence, justice system, criminal justice, relevance, prior convictions, re-offending, trial transparency, legal procedure, admissible evidence, jury decision-making, trial fairness, UK courts, judicial trust, trial process, legal integrity jury, evidence, withholding, fairness, verdict, justice, trials, relevance, convictions, bias, criminal justice, admissible evidence, decision-making, UK government, white paper, legal system, re-offending, re-evaluate, trust, legal fairness
test-politics-cpecfiepg-pro01a	The current austerity measures are not working  The Austerity measures put in place by the ECB, IMF and European Commission have led to nothing but misery for the Greek people. They have failed to cut down the total debt % GDP ratio and have also failed to increase the competitiveness of the Greek economy. This is because raising taxes and slashing the minimum wage has sent the economy deeper and deeper into recession. Unemployment is at a record high of 21% and there is a severe shortage of credit leading to severe difficulties in companies financing their day to day projects. What’s more, the country itself is plunged into depression. Escalated (inevitably) by the local and international media, the climate is one of despair and investment is at the bottom of anyone’s priorities. This further perpetuates the cycles of recession and prevents any of the austerity measures having their desired effect. Additionally, the drastic fall in GDP every quarter means that cuts in government spending are also not having their desired effect on reducing the budget deficit % GDP ratio. Worst of all, the economic hardships have drawn many people to despair and the suicide rates in Greece have dramatically risen over the last year and access to healthcare has drastically declined. [1] In this manner, the government is failing in fulfilling its most basic duties of safeguarding the lives and wellbeing of its citizens. If the current measures are not working then a new approach is needed. A default would alleviate much of the suffering caused by austerity.  [1] Armitsead, Louise: “Why Greece should default and exit the euro” 23 February 2012, The Telegraph, austerity measures, Greece economy, ECB, IMF, European Commission, debt, GDP ratio, competitiveness, taxes, minimum wage, recession, unemployment, credit shortage, business financing, depression, media, despair, investment, GDP decline, government spending, budget deficit, socioeconomic impact, suicide rates, healthcare decline, government failure, social welfare, default, euro exit austerity measures, Greece, ECB, IMF, European Commission, debt, GDP ratio, competitiveness, taxes, minimum wage, recession, unemployment, credit shortages, economic depression, media, despair, investment, GDP decline, government spending, budget deficit, suicides, healthcare, government duties, social wellbeing, default, euro exit Austerity, Greece, IMF, ECB, European Commission, debt, GDP, competitiveness, taxes, minimum wage, recession, unemployment, credit shortage, business financing, depression, media, despair, investment, GDP decline, government spending, budget deficit, suicide rates, healthcare, government duties, citizen welfare, default, euro exit austerity measures, Greece, ECB, IMF, European Commission, debt, GDP, economy, recession, unemployment, credit shortage, depression, media, despair, investment, GDP decline, government spending, budget deficit, suicides, healthcare, government responsibilities, default, euro exit Austerity measures, Greek economy, debt ratio, GDP, IMF, ECB, European Commission, tax hikes, minimum wage cuts, recession, unemployment, credit shortage, company financing, depression, media coverage, despair, investment decline, GDP decline, government spending, budget deficit, suicide rates, healthcare access, social welfare, default, euro exit, economic crisis
test-politics-gvhwhnerse-pro03a	Allows the ruler to make necessary but unpopular decisions  Democracy and elections are about popularity but popular decisions are not always the right ones. Even mature democracies have sometimes seen their government’s make use of the levers of government to boost their electoral chances; for example Margaret Thatcher’s government stoked the economy in the Lawson boom in 1987 which just happened to be an election year. [1] Governments without elections can engage in long term planning and make unpopular decisions without fear of the consequences. Thus for example Saudi Arabia is willing to pump less oil (and so get less money in the short term at least) in order to create stability in the oil market by having enough excess capacity to prevent price spikes.  [1] Congdon, Tim, Keynes, the Keynesians and Monetarism, 2007, p.73 authoritarian decision-making, unpopular policies, democratic elections, political popularity, election-year strategies, long-term planning, government leverage, economic stoking, market stability, oil production, strategic decision-making decision-making, unpopular decisions, democracy, elections, popularity, government strategies, electoral tactics, long-term planning, political stability, economic policy, Margaret Thatcher, Lawson boom, Saudi Arabia, oil market, market stability, short-term sacrifices, political decision, economic strategies, political risk, electoral advantage unpopular decisions, democracy, elections, popularity, long-term planning, government leverage, electoral strategy, economic policy, political decision-making, stability, market intervention, governmental accountability, electoral consequences, policy trade-offs unpopular decisions, democracy, elections, popularity, government leverage, electoral chances, mature democracies, long-term planning, unpopularity, stability, Saudi Arabia, oil market, economic policy, government decision-making authoritarian decision-making, unpopular policies, democratic elections, electoral strategies, government influence, long-term planning, economic stability, market regulation, Saudi Arabia oil policy, political risk, policymaking, political science, government leverage
test-economy-epehwmrbals-pro03a	Increasing a standard, even if not as high as the donor would want, increases the standard of the present situation  Increasing the required standard of business and labour will result in increases to the current standard labour and business standards even before aid is entirely tied as countries implement changes to ensure they get the most possible aid. Simply setting an expected level of labour and business standards will therefore create improvement in those standards. In the case of the Decent Work Country Programme for Bangladesh 2006-2009 Bangladesh has been implementing the program due to its positive benefit towards achieving the millennium development goals. This is despite challenges such as the lack of employment opportunities in the country. The programme has been successful in improving social protection, working conditions and rights for female, male, and children workers in a few sectors and areas [1] .  [1] International Labour Organization, Bangladesh: Decent Work Country Programme 2012-2015, 2012 standard improvement, labour standards, business standards, aid, development programs, Decent Work, Bangladesh, International Labour Organization, social protection, employment opportunities, working conditions, workers' rights, Millennium Development Goals, economic standards standard, labour standards, business standards, aid, country programs, Bangladesh, Decent Work Country Programme, international labour organization, social protection, working conditions, workers rights, employment opportunities, millennium development goals, development programs standard improvement, aid dependency, labor standards, business standards, labour policy, development programs, Bangladesh, Decent Work Programme, Millennium Development Goals, employment opportunities, social protection, working conditions, workers rights, gender equality, international labor standards standard improvement, aid influence, labour standards, business standards, Decent Work Programme, Bangladesh, development goals, employment opportunities, social protection, working conditions, workers’ rights, gender equality, international labour standards, economic development, policy implementation standard improvement, labour standards, business standards, aid effectiveness, economic development, Decent Work Country Programme, Bangladesh, employment opportunities, social protection, working conditions, workers' rights, gender equality, international aid, development goals, Millennium Development Goals, International Labour Organization
test-international-siacphbnt-pro03a	Technology is building a platform for sharing ideas.  Entrepreneurialism can be encouraged through an awareness, and sharing, of new ideas. The technological revolution has provided a platform for personal expression, delivery of up-to-date news, and the vital sharing of local ideas and thoughts. In Nigeria the Co-Creation Hub has emerged, encouraging an entrepreneurial spirit. Further, Umuntu and Mimiboards’ are connecting individual communities to the web by encouraging local content creation [1] .  Such platforms are enabling the transfer of knowledge and innovative ideas. Innovative solutions are being introduced to routine problems, such as ‘Mafuta Go’ an app to find the best price for petrol (Christine Ampaire).  [1] See further readings: Co-Creation Hub Nigeria, 2013 technology, platform, idea sharing, entrepreneurialism, technological revolution, personal expression, news delivery, local ideas, Co-Creation Hub, Nigeria, Umuntu, Mimiboards, community connection, local content, knowledge transfer, innovative solutions, routine problems, apps, petrol prices technology, idea sharing, entrepreneurialism, technological revolution, personal expression, news delivery, local ideas, community sharing, Nigeria, Co-Creation Hub, Umuntu, Mimiboards, online communities, local content, knowledge transfer, innovation, problem-solving, mobile apps, Mfuta Go technology, platform, sharing, ideas, entrepreneurialism, awareness, technological revolution, personal expression, news, local ideas, Co-Creation Hub, Nigeria, Umuntu, Mimiboards, community connection, local content, knowledge transfer, innovation, solutions, apps, petrol prices technology, sharing, ideas, entrepreneurialism, awareness, technological revolution, personal expression, news, local ideas, Co-Creation Hub, Nigeria, Umuntu, Mimiboards, communities, content creation, knowledge transfer, innovation, solutions, apps, petrol prices technology, platform, idea sharing, entrepreneurialism, awareness, technological revolution, personal expression, news delivery, local ideas, community, Nigeria, Co-Creation Hub, Umuntu, Mimiboards, web connectivity, local content, knowledge transfer, innovation, solutions, applications, Mafuta Go, petrol prices
test-law-lghwpcctcc-con02a	Invoking public reaction can damage the lives of those concerned in the court case.  Proposition may well argue that televising court cases gains a sense of ‘sympathy’ and justice for the victims of the case. However, this is double-edged. Firstly, particularly emotive and controversial court cases concerning crimes such as sexual assault could blind the public (or ‘audience’) to any untruthfulness from the ‘victim’, by virtue of being perceived as vulnerable and wronged. Secondly, any sympathy which is gained for one person often arises out of increased hatred or outrage against another – namely the defendant. This could lead to public condemnation of an individual who is never actually convicted of a crime; they will be exposed to public reaction that might be wholly unjustified if he is subsequently acquitted. One example of this is when Milly Dowler’s father was questioned in court as a suspect of his daughter’s death and his personal, pornographic magazines were used as evidence against him [1] . Although he was completely innocent, the prosecution’s job was to explore any possibility of perversion or dangerous character. This is an infringement upon that individual’s rights, as being publicly portrayed as a villain could go on to affect their future private life, such as their chances of future employment or anonymity.  [1]  , accessed 19/08/11 public reaction, court case, televising, sympathy, justice, victims, emotional bias, controversial cases, sexual assault, public perception, victim credibility, defendant, public condemnation, wrongful accusation, Milly Dowler, evidence, privacy rights, reputation, personal life, anonymity, legal rights public reaction, court case, televising, sympathy, justice, victims, emotive, controversial, sexual assault, public perception, victim credibility, defendant, public condemnation, wrongful accusation, Milly Dowler, court evidence, privacy rights, personal reputation, legal rights, media influence, public opinion, criminal justice, media ethics public reaction, court cases, televising, sympathy, justice, victims, emotive, controversial, sexual assault, public perception, victim credibility, defendant, public condemnation, acquittal, Milly Dowler, court evidence, personal privacy, rights infringement, anonymity, reputation, media influence, legal process public reaction, court case, televising, sympathy, justice, victims, emotive, controversial, sexual assault, public perception, untruthfulness, vulnerability, victim, outrage, defendant, public condemnation, false accusations, acquittal, Milly Dowler, court testimony, evidence, personal privacy, individual rights, defamation, media influence, legal rights, privacy infringement, public opinion public reaction, court case, televising, sympathy, justice, victims, emotive, controversial, sexual assault, public perception, victim, vulnerability, defendant, public condemnation, false accusations, acquittal, Milly Dowler, court evidence, personal privacy, rights infringement, media portrayal, personal life, anonymity
test-society-mmcpsgfhbf-pro02a	Porn is inherently dehumanising  Pornography necessarily objectifies people: it presents a sexual desire, an urge, which is immediately attended by another person, often performing acts which we would find demeaning, until the original urge is satisfied. The use of others for pleasure treats them as means to one’s own ends, and denies them any value as rational subjects with a will of their own. This affects, naturally, the participants in pornography, but also their viewers who adopt corrupted notions of what to value in others, and furthermore other women who are later affected by men using the same metric to interact with them. pornography, dehumanisation, objectification, sexual desire, exploitation, consent, human dignity, moral implications, societal impact, gender roles, objectifying behavior, sexual ethics, normalization, societal values, violence against women, gender inequality, masculinity, sexual morality, media influence pornography, dehumanisation, objectification, sexual desire, morality, ethics, human dignity, consent, exploitation, gender issues, misogyny, media influence, social impact, relational dynamics, objectifying gaze, sexual consent, human rights, societal norms, psychological effects, gender violence pornography, dehumanisation, objectification, sexual desire, consent, ethics, morality, exploitation, gender, consent, morality, societal impact, gender roles, violence, objectification theory, human dignity, objectification effects pornography, dehumanisation, objectification, sexual desire, human dignity, ethical implications, consent, exploitation, gender roles, media influence, societal impact, moral philosophy, rational subjects, human rights, objectification theory pornography, dehumanising, objectification, sexual desire, exploitation, consent, agency, morality, ethics, gender bias, violence, misogyny, psychological impact, societal norms, violence against women, objectification theory, human dignity, sexual violence, media influence, gender equality
test-international-segiahbarr-pro02a	Human development indicators have significantly improved in recent years.  Human development index (HDI) indicators are used to assess levels of life expectancy, education and income indices throughout the world. The majority of African states have seen an improvement in these scores since 2001, and are predicted to continue this trend. Some African states, such Seychelles, Libya and Tunisia, are in the ‘High Human Development’ category and are positioned in the top 100 for HDI indicators, an improvement from 1990 [1] . Life expectancy has increased by 10% on the continent and infant mortality has decreased as well, thanks to the greater availability of mosquito nets and the attention given to HIV/AIDS [2] . Education is seen as a cornerstone to growth as it allows the quicker attainment of the skills required for knowledge-intensive industries (such as agriculture and services), which will in turn lead to greater development [3] . The level of literacy in Africa has seen an increase in reports on human development from 2001 [4] and 2011 [5] . Finally, levels of poverty throughout Africa have generally decreased, including in notable countries such as Ghana and Zimbabwe.  [1] Watkins, ‘Human Development Report’, 2005, p.219  [2] The Economist, ‘Africa Rising’, 2013  [3] Haddad, ‘Education and Development’, 1990  [4] Fukuda-Parr, ‘Human Development Report’, 2011  [5] ‘United Nations Human Development statistical annex’, 2011, pp.159-161 Human development, HDI, life expectancy, education, income, Africa, African states, development indicators, infant mortality, mosquito nets, HIV/AIDS, literacy, poverty, growth, knowledge industries, agriculture, services, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Seychelles, Libya, Tunisia Human development, HDI, life expectancy, education, income, African countries, development indicators, poverty reduction, infant mortality, literacy, health, HIV/AIDS, mosquito nets, education levels, growth, knowledge industries, agriculture, services, country comparisons, high human development, Africa statistics human development, indicators, HDI, life expectancy, education, income, African states, growth, progress, mortality, HIV/AIDS, mosquito nets, literacy, poverty reduction, development, Africa, top HDI rankings, health improvements, education levels, economic development, poverty, Ghana, Zimbabwe human development indicators, human development index, HDI, life expectancy, education, income, African states, development trend, high human development, HDI rankings, infant mortality, mosquito nets, HIV/AIDS, literacy, education growth, poverty reduction, Africa, economic growth, knowledge industries, agriculture, services, development factors Human development, HDI, life expectancy, education, income, Africa, African states, development indicators, sustainable development, infant mortality, HIV/AIDS, mosquito nets, literacy, poverty reduction, economic growth, skills development, knowledge industries, Ghana, Zimbabwe, top HDI rankings, high human development, development trend
test-culture-mmctyshwbcp-con01a	Child performers are necessary for roles in some films, television shows, etc., and for the survival of some sports  In some films or television shows, child actors are absolutely necessary in order to realistically portray society and the roles children play. The incredibly popular Harry Potter films, for example, would not have been half as convincing without the large cast of actors under the age of 18 playing the schoolchildren. Child actors are also necessary in the advertising industry, in order to make products appealing to a younger audience. Some sports, too, would be endangered if children were not allowed to compete. Ice skaters and dancers, for example, benefit greatly from training starting at an early age. [1]  [1] Sagolla, ‘Dance Training for Children and Teens’ child performers, child actors, films, television shows, society portrayal, children's roles, Harry Potter, young cast, child actors necessity, advertising industry, children's appeal, youth sports, child athletes, early training, ice skating, dance training child performers, child actors, film roles, television shows, society portrayal, Harry Potter, young actors, advertising industry, child athletes, sports participation, young competitors, dance training, ice skating, childhood development child performers, child actors, film roles, television shows, sports, society portrayal, Harry Potter, young actors, advertising industry, child athletes, training, early age, ice skating, dance training child performers, child actors, film, television, society portrayal, children's roles, Harry Potter, young cast, child athletes, advertising, youth appeal, children in sports, early training, ice skating, dance training child performers, child actors, film roles, television shows, sports, society portrayal, convincing acting, Harry Potter, youth cast, advertising industry, product appeal, youth sports, children training, early age training, dance training
test-international-eghrhbeusli-con02a	Prevents a competitor from building a high tech military  The arms ban is very effective in preventing the Chinese military gaining access to the best modern technologies. A convincing code of conduct has yet to be drawn up, but even if it looks very tight, it has a major flaw. Individual EU member states will be able to judge for themselves whether a proposed arms sale breaks the code. Past experience suggests that when exports are at stake, perhaps with the risk of job losses in an election year, then politicians interpret codes like this very loosely, so for example despite this code UK arms exports may have been used in the conflict against the Tamils in Sri Lanka. [1] This will be made worse by the thought of an EU state that if it refuses a particular military sale to China, then another member state will be more flexible. This means that each individual member will make decisions based upon what is best for it individually and not think of what is best for the Union as a whole – such as providing high tech weapons that bring in export dollars but helps undermine security.  [1] Prince, Rosa, ‘UK arms used against civilians in Sri Lanka and Gaza’, 2009. arms ban, military technology, China, EU, arms exports, code of conduct, member states, export regulations, political influence, military sales, conflict, Sri Lanka, Tamils, UK arms exports, international security, arms trade, security policy, export controls, compliance, diplomatic relations arms ban, military technology, high tech weapons, EU member states, arms exports, China, military sale, code of conduct, export regulations, political influence, national interests, security, conflict, Sri Lanka, Tamil, Gaza, civilian casualties, export laws, union cohesion, international security, export dollars arms ban, military technology, China, arms exports, EU members, arms sale regulation, code of conduct, international security, export policy, military conflicts, UK arms exports, Sri Lanka, Gaza, arms trade, national interests, collective security, arms control, export dollars, political influence arms ban, military technology, Chinese military, export control, EU member states, arms sale regulation, code of conduct, political influence, arms exports, Sri Lanka conflict, EU security, national interests, export policies, military trade, international arms regulation arms ban, military technology, China, EU arms sales, code of conduct, export policies, individual member states, political influence, military conflicts, Sri Lanka, Gaza, arms exports, security, high tech weapons, international diplomacy, export regulation, national interests
test-law-rmelhrilhbiw-con02a	Settlements provide economic investment in the Occupied Territories  The fundamental fact is that the West Bank, whatever its status, is not an economically viable entity on its own. It produces few goods, while Gaza produces next to none, and independence without a major influx of capital will not change this situation.  The best source for a supply of capitol in the region lies in Israel, which has an enormous demand for a low-wage work-force. Millions of Palestinians worked in Israel until after 2000, and with travel into Israel proper restricted, settlement construction and cultivation provide economic development opportunities for the region and create jobs for Palestinians. [1] This is an important prospect when the unemployment figures for the Palestinians are at nearly 30%. [2]  Furthermore the very need for such labor is likely to further incentivise Israel to loosen restrictions on Palestinian workers in the West Bank and Gaza.  [1] Hass, Amira, ‘Israel to lift restrictions on Palestinian Jordan Valley travel’, Haaretz.com, 26 April 2007,   [2] ‘Palestinian unemployment shows gradual decline’, Jmcc, 21 February 2010, Settlements, economic investment, Occupied Territories, West Bank, Gaza, economic viability, goods production, independence, capital influx, Israel, low-wage workforce, Palestinian labor, employment, unemployment, construction, cultivation, economic development, Palestinian workers, travel restrictions, Jordan Valley, unemployment decline Settlements, economic investment, Occupied Territories, West Bank, Gaza, economic viability, goods production, independence, capital influx, Israel, low-wage workforce, Palestinian workers, employment, construction, cultivation, economic development, job creation, unemployment, labor restrictions, Jordan Valley, Palestinian economy Settlements, economic investment, Occupied Territories, West Bank, Gaza, economic viability, Palestinian economy, capital inflow, Israel, low-wage workforce, Palestinian labor, settlement construction, economic development, unemployment, job creation, labor restrictions, Palestinian workers, Jordan Valley, economic growth Settlements, economic investment, Occupied Territories, West Bank, Gaza, economic viability, goods production, independence, capital influx, Israel, low-wage workforce, Palestinian workers, settlement construction, economic development, employment, unemployment, labor restrictions, Palestinian labor, Jordan Valley, travel restrictions Settlements, economic investment, Occupied Territories, West Bank, Gaza, economic viability, goods production, independence, capital influx, Israel, low-wage workforce, Palestinian employment, travel restrictions, settlement construction, economic development, job creation, unemployment, Palestinian workers, labor restrictions, Jordan Valley, unemployment decline
test-religion-cmrsgfhbr-pro02a	Poor families would be helped far more by investment in education and healthcare  This has been an urban and political obsession from the outset. The idea that the hungry and homeless need condoms more than food and shelter is clearly absurd. The poor would be better helped through “accessible education, better hospitals and lesser government corruption.” [i] Rather than interfering in the moral life of the nation, parliamentarians would be better exercised in tackling these concerns.  This issue has consumed political energy for over a decade and received massive national and international attention and yet there are far more pressing concerns for the nation – and its political leaders.  Instead this bill, which carries the marks of both political and moral corruption has been the main focus of the president and congress. At the very least this suggests a questionable sense of priority, at worst a gross lack of interest in the welfare of the Filipino people.  [i] Villegas, Socrates B., ‘Contraception is Corruption!’, CBCP News, 15 December 2012, poverty, education, healthcare, urban, political obsession, social welfare, food, shelter, accessible education, hospitals, government corruption, moral issues, legislation, political priorities, societal concerns, national welfare, governance, Filipino people, contraception, social justice poor families, education, healthcare, urban, political obsession, hunger, homelessness, condoms, food, shelter, accessible education, hospitals, government corruption, moral life, parliamentarians, national concerns, international attention, political energy, priority, welfare, Filipino people, bill, political and moral corruption, President, Congress, Socrates Villegas, contraception, CBCP News poverty, education, healthcare, urban issues, political obsession, food, shelter, government corruption, morality, parliamentary focus, national concerns, international attention, political priorities, Filipino welfare, contraception, moral corruption poverty, education, healthcare, urban, politics, government corruption, social welfare, poverty alleviation, national priorities, political distraction, moral issues, poverty reduction, public health, social services, legislative focus poverty,Education,Healthcare,Urban,Political,Aid,Food,Shelter,Corruption,Government,Parliament,Morality,Resources,National,International,Priorities,Philippines,Public welfare,Social issues,Political energy
test-digital-freedoms-eifdfaihs-con03a	Realistic costs for users and providers of bandwidth and phones  The example of mobile devices is, perhaps the most clear-cut. Manufacturers of mobile devices expect to make their money back and make a profit. They need to do this to pay salaries, invest in the next project and keep their shareholders happy. To do that they make a calculation based on the price of the original product and what additional revenue they are likely to make over the lifetime of that product’s use.  Phone companies in particular have complained that major content providers are simply not paying a fair share of the costs with the VP of Verizon, for example, accusing Google of getting “a free lunch” at the expense of network providers [i] .  Net neutrality compels some companies to ignore basic financial realities [ii] . For all that Proposition – and others such as politicians in Amsterdam and Santiago – may think that changing the basic rules of economics is a good idea, they have yet to explain how this Socialist utopia will work.  [i] Washington Post. Ashad Mohammed. “Verizon Executive Calls for End to Google’s ‘Free Lunch”. 7 February 2006.  [ii] The Economist. “The Difference Engine: Download Dilemma”. 6 May 2011. bandwidth costs, mobile devices, cost calculation, revenue streams, phone companies, content providers, network costs, net neutrality, economic models, telecom industry, company profits, shareholder expectations, telecommunications costs, content monetization, free lunch, regulatory policies, propositions, economic fairness, political influence bandwidth, mobile devices, costs, users, providers, smartphones, mobile industry, revenue, profit, investment, salaries, content providers, network operators, net neutrality, pricing, finance, economics, regulation, telecom, telecommunications, propositions, political debate bandwidth, mobile devices, costs, users, providers, mobile phones, manufacturing, profit, lifetime value, revenue, content providers, net neutrality, financial realities, economics, regulations, Proposition, politicians, network costs, fair share, free lunch, Verizon, Google, Washington Post, The Economist bandwidth, mobile devices, costs, users, providers, manufacturers, profit, revenue, lifetime value, phone companies, content providers, net neutrality, financial realities, economics, subsidies, telcos, technology, regulation, spectrum, data plans, pricing, market competition, internet economics bandwidth, mobile devices, costs, users, providers, manufacturers, profit, revenue, lifetime, content providers, net neutrality, financial realities, economics, regulation, telecommunications, pricing, sharing costs, telecom industry, mobile industry, network infrastructure
test-health-dhpelhbass-con04a	It would have a damaging effect on society  Some people who do not agree with voluntary euthanasia argue that if it was legalised, it would damage the moral and social foundation of society by removing the traditional principle that man should not kill, and reduce the respect for human life. It might also be the case that once voluntary euthanasia has been legalised, this might lead to cases of involuntary euthanasia being carried out. With people deciding that someone else's life such as the elderly or the terminally ill is not worth living and therefore performing euthanasia without their consent. [1] A recent study discovered that some sufferers of locked-in syndrome – as many as three out of four of the main sample – were happy and did not want to die. [2]  [1] The case against, religiouseducation.co.uik  (accessed 4/6/2011).  [2] Barbara Ellen, Who is to judge which lives are worth living?, guardian.co.uk, 17 April 2011  (accessed 6/6/2011) euthanasia, voluntary euthanasia, involuntary euthanasia, societal impact, moral values, social ethics, human rights, respect for life, legalisation, society, morality, traditional principles, killing, elder rights, terminally ill, consent, involuntary euthanasia risks, locked-in syndrome, quality of life, ethical debates, religious perspectives euthanasia, voluntary, involuntary, societal impact, morality, human life, legalisation, family, ethics, terminal illness, elderly, consent, respect, social values, potential abuse, risk, locked-in syndrome, quality of life, autonomy, legal issues euthanasia, voluntary euthanasia, involuntary euthanasia, societal impact, morality, social values, human life, euthanasia legalization, ethical debates, elderly rights, terminal illness, consent, locked-in syndrome, quality of life, moral principles, societal morals, life valuation, ethical concerns, public opinion, religious perspectives euthanasia, society, moral foundation, social impact, traditional principles, human life, involuntary euthanasia, consent, elderly, terminally ill, locked-in syndrome, quality of life, ethical debate, legalisation, societal values, bioethics, religious views, life worth, autonomy, human rights voluntary euthanasia, societal impact, moral values, social stability, human life respect, legality, involuntary euthanasia, ethical concerns, elderly, terminal illness, patient consent, locked-in syndrome, quality of life, life worth, moral debate, religious perspectives
test-international-gmehwasr-pro02a	It is in the national interest for democracies to support those seeking to oust dictators  Democracies should support moderate groups seeking to oust dictators because the result will hopefully be a moderate, democratic state. This would then be a reliable partner for the future that would be more willing to help engage and resolve the region's problems. But this is not all about being high minded and wanting to promote democracy in the Middle East, arms need to be provided in order to ensure future influence in Syria. We already know that there are jihadis operating in Syria so it is plain that this is a conflict that will eventually have wider implications for the west. If we want to have influence in Syria after Assad is overthrown then we need to begin helping opposition groups. It is in our interest to build up the moderate groups so as to deny support to the extremists; once this is over we would be in a much better position if we have grateful friends on the ground rather than groups who are resentful that we provided fine words but no real help. We don't want to find ourselves having to root out terrorists from the air using UAVs. [1]  [1] Hokayem, Emile, in ‘Roundtable: arming the Syrian rebels’, Foreign Policy, 21 February 2013 democracies, support, oust, dictators, moderate groups, democratic state, regional stability, Middle East, arms supply, influence, Syria, jihadis, conflict, western interests, opposition groups, extremists, build-up, ground support, gratitude, terrorism, UAVs, foreign policy democracies, support, oust dictators, moderate groups, democratic state, regional stability, Syria, influence, regional conflict, jihadis, Middle East, arms supply, opposition groups, extremist groups, regional problems, foreign policy, terrorism, UAVs, international relations, foreign aid democracies, support, oust dictators, moderate groups, democratic state, reliable partner, engagement, regional problems, Middle East, arms, influence, Syria, jihadis, conflict, west, opposition groups, extremism, build-up, influence, Assad, terrorists, UAVs, foreign policy democracies, support, oust, dictators, moderate groups, democratic state, regional stability, Middle East, arms provision, Syria, jihadis, conflict, western influence, opposition groups, extremist denial, ground support, terrorists, UAVs, foreign policy, Syrian rebels. democracies, support, oust dictators, moderate groups, democratic state, regional stability, Middle East, arms provision, Syria, jihadis, conflict, western influence, opposition groups, extremists, moderate influence, ground support, terrorism, UAVs, foreign policy, Syrian rebels
test-international-ipecfiepg-pro01a	The current austerity measures are not working  The Austerity measures put in place by the ECB, IMF and European Commission have led to nothing but misery for the Greek people. They have failed to cut down the total debt % GDP ratio and have also failed to increase the competitiveness of the Greek economy. This is because raising taxes and slashing the minimum wage has sent the economy deeper and deeper into recession. Unemployment is at a record high of 21% and there is a severe shortage of credit leading to severe difficulties in companies financing their day to day projects. What’s more, the country itself is plunged into depression. Escalated (inevitably) by the local and international media, the climate is one of despair and investment is at the bottom of anyone’s priorities. This further perpetuates the cycles of recession and prevents any of the austerity measures having their desired effect. Additionally, the drastic fall in GDP every quarter means that cuts in government spending are also not having their desired effect on reducing the budget deficit % GDP ratio. Worst of all, the economic hardships have drawn many people to despair and the suicide rates in Greece have dramatically risen over the last year and access to healthcare has drastically declined. [1] In this manner, the government is failing in fulfilling its most basic duties of safeguarding the lives and wellbeing of its citizens. If the current measures are not working then a new approach is needed. A default would alleviate much of the suffering caused by austerity.  [1] Armitsead, Louise: “Why Greece should default and exit the euro” 23 February 2012, The Telegraph, austerity measures, Greece economy, debt ratio, GDP, competitiveness, tax policy, minimum wage, recession, unemployment, credit shortage, business financing, depression, media influence, economic cycle, investment, GDP decline, government spending, budget deficit, social impact, suicide rates, healthcare access, government duties, austerity failure, default, euro exit Austerity measures, Greece economic crisis, debt ratio, GDP, competitiveness, taxes, minimum wage, recession, unemployment, credit shortage, business financing, depression, media influence, investment decline, economic recession, government spending, budget deficit, GDP, healthcare decline, suicide rates, social impact, default, euro exit austerity measures, Greece, European Central Bank, IMF, European Commission, debt, GDP ratio, competitiveness, taxes, minimum wage, recession, unemployment, credit shortage, business financing, depression, media influence, economic cycle, investment, GDP decline, government spending, budget deficit, social impact, suicide rates, healthcare access, government duties, citizen wellbeing, default, euro exit austerity measures, Greece, ECB, IMF, European Commission, debt, GDP ratio, competitiveness, taxes, wages, recession, unemployment, credit shortage, economic depression, media influence, investment decline, GDP contraction, government spending, budget deficit, social impact, suicide rates, healthcare, government failure, default, euro exit austerity measures, Greece, debt, GDP ratio, economic recession, unemployment, credit shortages, depression, media influence, investment decline, GDP fall, government spending cuts, budget deficit, social hardship, suicide rates, healthcare decline, government failure, default, euro exit
test-culture-cgeeghwmeo-pro01a	"The Identity and History of the United States are intrinsically linked to the English Language  From its very founding, English was the common language of the United States, and full participation in the national life was dependent on the ability to speak it. Theodore Roosevelt himself once noted that ""We have one language here, and that is the English language, and we intend to see that the [assimilation] crucible turns our people out as Americans ” [1]  Declaring English as the official language will give legal force to this history, and help provide unity to Americans at a time when many come from different backgrounds and hold different political views.  Furthermore, it will help immigrants with the process of assimilation. Rather than simply learning English for pragmatic reasons, the act of learning English will tie immigrants into a political and historical tradition going back to Thomas Jefferson.  [1] Opposing Views, ‘Linguistic Unity Is Critical in an Increasingly Diverse Society’, 2010, United States, English language, history, identity, linguistic unity, assimilation, American culture, founding, Theodore Roosevelt, official language, national unity, diversity, immigration, Thomas Jefferson, political tradition English language, United States history, cultural assimilation, linguistic unity, national identity, American democracy, immigration, language policy, historical tradition, Thomas Jefferson, multicultural society, language legislation, American society, language and politics United States, English language, history, identity, assimilation, linguistic unity, multiculturalism, political tradition, American culture, language policy, immigration, national unity, diversity, language education, historical context United States, English language, history, identity, cultural unity, assimilation, linguistic unity, national language, diversity, immigration, American heritage, political tradition, Thomas Jefferson, linguistic policy, diversity management English language, United States history, linguistic unity, assimilation, national identity, American nationalism, official language, cultural integration, immigration, language policy, multicultural society, language and politics, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt"
test-culture-mmctyshwbcp-pro06a	Just as the state creates laws to protect child performers it could ban child performers  Child performers are currently protected by laws about all sorts of things from the minimum amount of education they may get to their pay and how many hours they can work. Many of these laws would be much more difficult to enforce than a blanket ban. It would be simple to enforce as child performers would in most cases be easy to spot – as they are performing for the public. The government could then bring charges against those who are employing the child and fine them. child performers, laws, ban, child labor, enforcement, regulation, protection, education, working hours, legal liability, government regulation, child actor regulations, labor laws, privacy, child rights, child protection laws child performers, laws, protection, ban, enforceability, regulations, child labor, education, working hours, penalties, government intervention, child rights, legal enforcement, child labor laws, industry regulation child performers, laws, child labor, enforcement, ban, regulations, government, child protection, employment, legal restrictions, identify, fines child performers, laws, banning, protection, enforcement, government regulation, child labor laws, education requirements, working hours, fines, legal enforcement, child performer identification, employment regulations child performers, laws, regulations, child labor, enforcement, protection, banning, legality, education, working hours, fines, government, child exploitation, child labor laws, compliance
test-international-gmehwasr-con01a	"Sovereignty and non intervention in internal affairs  It is a clear international rule that nations are sovereign and other states are simply not allowed to be making interventions into another country’s domestic affairs. The UN Charter emphasises “Nothing contained in the present Charter shall authorize the United Nations to intervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state”. [1] Within a state only the government is legitimate as the supreme authority within its territory. [2] This is to prevent the bigger and richer powers from doing exactly this sort of thing to obtain the result they want inside another country. This is why Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated ""International law does not permit the supply of arms to non-governmental actors and our point of view is that it is a violation of international law,"" in response to suggestions that the UK would arm the Syrian rebels. [3]  [1] UN General Assembly, Article 2, Charter of the United Nations, 26 June 1945  [2] Philpott, Dan, ""Sovereignty"", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Summer 2010 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.)  [3] Abbas, Mohammed, ‘Russia says arming Syrian opposition would be illegal’, Reuters, 13 March 2013 sovereignty, non-intervention, domestic affairs, international law, UN Charter, international sovereignty, state sovereignty, intervention law, UN principles, internal affairs, international norms, sovereignty violation, intervention prohibition, sovereignty rights, law enforcement, government legitimacy, external influence, armed conflict, non-governmental actors, arms supply, Syria, Russian Foreign Minister, international regulations, geopolitical issues sovereignty, non-intervention, internal affairs, international law, UN Charter, domestic jurisdiction, sovereignty of states, international relations, state sovereignty, intervention restrictions, United Nations, sovereignty principles, territorial integrity, foreign intervention, legal norms, global governance, armed support, non-governmental actors, Syria conflict, Russian foreign policy, law violations sovereignty, non-intervention, internal affairs, international law, UN Charter, domestic jurisdiction, sovereignty of states, legitimacy of government, intervention rights, international relations, Russian Foreign Minister, Syrian rebels, arms supply, non-governmental actors, violations of international law, state sovereignty, foreign policy, legal constraints, UN principles, international norms sovereignty, non-intervention, internal affairs, international law, UN Charter, domestic jurisdiction, state sovereignty, government legitimacy, intervention, foreign intervention, United Nations, Russian foreign policy, arms supply, non-governmental actors, Syrian conflict, international law violation, state sovereignty rights sovereignty, non-intervention, internal affairs, international law, UN Charter, domestic jurisdiction, sovereignty principles, state sovereignty, intervention limits, nation sovereignty, legal restrictions, UN principles, non-interference, diplomatic sovereignty, international norms, global governance, international conflict, armed intervention, Syria, Russian foreign policy, arms trade, non-governmental actors, sovereignty enforcement, international law violations"
test-international-gpdwhwcusa-con03a	There are better alternatives to solving the problems of contemporary warfare.  If it is granted that the UN currently reacts too slowly to crises, alternatives for an improved response could be implemented without resorting to a standing army. A Rapid Reaction Force made up of fast-response units from member states with elite military capability, pledged in advance for UN operations, would build upon the best features of the current system. Security Council reform to remove the veto powers from the Permanent 5 members would allow deadlocks in decision-making to be rapidly broken and avoid the compromises which produce weak mission mandates. An improved prediction capability through better intelligence and analysis, and central logistical planning at UN headquarters would allow forces to be assembled and mandates drafted before problems became full-blown crises. Security Council rules could be changed so that resolutions requiring force could not be passed until troops have been pledged in advance. United Nations, contemporary warfare, crisis response, rapid reaction force, fast-response units, member states, elite military, UN operations, Security Council reform, veto powers, P5, decision-making, deadlock, mission mandates, prediction capability, intelligence, analysis, logistical planning, UN headquarters, crisis prevention, force pledging, resolutions, troop commitment UN, alternatives, contemporary warfare, rapid response, standing army, Rapid Reaction Force, elite military units, member states, Security Council reform, veto powers, P5, decision-making, deadlocks, mission mandates, prediction capabilities, intelligence, analysis, logistical planning, UN headquarters, crisis prevention, crisis management, force pledge, resolutions alternative, warfare, UN response, rapid reaction force, elite military units, member states, security council reform, veto powers, decision-making, mission mandates, prediction capability, intelligence, logistical planning, crisis prevention, resolutions, troop pledges UN, alternative, contemporary warfare, crisis response, rapid reaction force, fast-response units, member states, elite military, standing army, Security Council reform, veto powers, Permanent 5, decision-making, deadlocks, mission mandates, prediction capability, intelligence, analysis, logistical planning, UN headquarters, crisis preparedness, force pledges, resolution rules alternative, contemporary warfare, UN response, rapid reaction force, elite military units, member states, security council reform, veto powers, decision-making, deadlocks, mission mandates, prediction capability, intelligence, logistical planning, UN headquarters, crisis management, troop pledging
test-international-siacphbnt-pro04a	Changing education systems and democracy.  Technology has enabled access to e-books and resources for students and teachers [1] . Such changes have enabled improved efficiency in teaching, with the availability of up-to-date resources and awareness of relevant theories. Furthermore, the ease by which students are able to access multiple resources and buy books online is expanding their intellectual curiosity and library.  In addition to raising new students, technology can be seen as a tool for democracy. Technology provides a tool for government accountability, transparency in information, and for good governance. Organisations, such as Ushahidi (Crowdmapping) following Kenya’s 2007 post-election violence; and mySociety which updates citizens on parliamentary proceedings in South Africa, show how technology is feeding democratisation for youths [2] .  [1] See further readings: Turcano, 2013.  [2] See further readings: Treisman, 2013; Usahidi, 2013. education systems, democracy, technology, access, e-books, resources, students, teachers, efficiency, teaching, up-to-date, theories, online shopping, intellectual curiosity, library, government accountability, transparency, good governance, Ushahidi, crowdmapping, post-election violence, citizen engagement, parliamentary proceedings, democratization, youth, digital tools education systems, democracy, technology, e-books, educational resources, teaching efficiency, up-to-date resources, relevant theories, online book purchasing, intellectual curiosity, digital libraries, government accountability, transparency, good governance, crowdmapping, Ushahidi, post-election violence, citizen engagement, parliamentary proceedings, democratization, youth empowerment, digital democracy education systems, democracy, technology, e-books, educational resources, teaching efficiency, access to information, student engagement, online books, intellectual curiosity, digital libraries, government accountability, transparency, good governance, crowdmapping, Ushahidi, post-election violence, civic participation, citizen engagement, digital democracy, youth empowerment, parliamentary proceedings, South Africa, information dissemination education systems, democracy, technology, e-books, online resources, teaching efficiency, educational resources, intellectual curiosity, digital libraries, government accountability, transparency, good governance, Ushahidi, crowdmapping, post-election violence, civic engagement, youth participation, digital democracy education systems, democracy, technology, e-books, digital resources, teaching efficiency, up-to-date resources, educational theories, online bookstores, intellectual curiosity, digital library, government accountability, transparency, good governance, Ushahidi, crowdmapping, post-election violence, citizen engagement, digital democracy, youth empowerment, parliamentary proceedings
test-international-apwhbaucmip-pro03a	The increasing effectiveness of the African Union  The African Union has been taking a much more active stance in preventing and resolving conflict. Since 2003 responsibility for peace in Africa has been with the Peace and Security Council. This body has authorised AU interventions in Somalia, Sudan, Burundi, and the Central African Republic. [1] The African Union is not the only organisation engaged in peacekeeping; the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has also been actively engaged in peacekeeping, having been deployed in numerous conflicts since the 1990s, most recently in Mali where they took part alongside French forces in defeating an Islamist insurgency. [2]  The AU is also boosting its collective capacity to respond to crises creating the African Standby Force made up of five regional brigades of 4000 soldiers. This force, when complete, will enable rapid deployment anywhere in Africa so helping to prevent crises becoming full scale wars. [3]  [1] ‘Peace and Security Council’, peaceau.org, 23 July 2013,   [2] News24, ‘Ecowas urges members to send troops to Mail’, 23 October 2013,   [3] Cilliers, Jakkie, ‘The African Standby Force An update on progress’, Institute of Strategic Studies, March 2008, African Union, peacekeeping, conflict resolution, Peace and Security Council, AU interventions, Somalia, Sudan, Burundi, Central African Republic, ECOWAS, West Africa, peacekeeping missions, Mali, Islamist insurgency, collective capacity, African Standby Force, regional brigades, rapid deployment, crisis prevention, Africa, peacekeeping forces, regional peace initiatives African Union, peacekeeping, conflict resolution, Peace and Security Council, AU interventions, Somalia, Sudan, Burundi, Central African Republic, ECOWAS, West Africa, peacekeeping missions, Mali, Islamist insurgency, African Standby Force, regional brigades, rapid deployment, crisis response, peace enforcement African Union, peace, security, conflict resolution, Peace and Security Council, AU interventions, Somalia, Sudan, Burundi, Central African Republic, peacekeeping, Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, Mali, Islamist insurgency, African Standby Force, rapid deployment, regional brigades, crisis response, conflict prevention, peacekeeping operations, African conflicts African Union, peacekeeping, conflict resolution, Peace and Security Council, military interventions, Somalia, Sudan, Burundi, Central African Republic, ECOWAS, West Africa, Mali, Islamist insurgency, African Standby Force, regional brigades, crisis response, peace enforcement, military deployment, rapid response, African conflicts, peace operations African Union, peacekeeping, conflict resolution, Peace and Security Council, AU interventions, Somalia, Sudan, Burundi, Central African Republic, ECOWAS, West Africa, peacekeeping missions, Mali, Islamist insurgency, African Standby Force, regional brigades, crisis response, rapid deployment, African crises, peace enforcement, regional security, military cooperation, peace operations
test-politics-gvhwhnerse-pro04a	Forces the ruler to find another way to placate the people  Not having any elections – or only elections for a powerless advisory parliament – may actually have a benefit in putting responsibility squarely on the shoulders of the rulers. Only a country that is comparatively well governed, or successful, can manage without a democratic safety valve. It is notable that the remaining absolute monarchies or those where the King rules as well as reigns are mostly very wealthy petro states. Several of the remaining communist regimes, China and Vietnam, rely on rapid economic growth to cement their legitimacy combined with meritocracy in their selection of leaders. In both cases there is an incentive for good governance by those in power as they are in for the long term. The leaders know they are not going to be elected out of office so have the motivation to reduce corruption and create long term growth through investment in infrastructure because this will benefit them in the future. [1]  [1] Feldman, Noah, ‘Feldman examines corruption and political legitimacy in China’, Harvard Law School, 11 March 2013, legitimacy, governance, authoritarianism, elections, power, monarchy, petrostates, communist regimes, economic growth, meritocracy, corruption, infrastructure, long-term stability political legitimacy, governance, absolute monarchies, petro states, communist regimes, economic growth, meritocracy, leadership selection, corruption, infrastructure investment, long-term stability authoritarian regimes, political legitimacy, elections, governance, absolute monarchy, petro states, communist regimes, economic growth, meritocracy, corruption, long-term planning, infrastructure investment, political stability political legitimacy, governance, authoritarian regimes, elections, absolute monarchy, petro states, communist regimes, economic growth, meritocracy, leadership selection, corruption, infrastructure investment, political stability, legitimacy strategy, long-term governance, inequality, political accountability political legitimacy, governance, elections, absolute monarchy, petro states, communist regimes, economic growth, meritocracy, corruption, infrastructure investment, long-term stability, authoritarianism, legitimacy, leadership selection
test-politics-ghbgussbsbt-pro03a	How Congress Works  Congress is a bicameral body, with its constituent parts, the House of Representatives and Senate, working largely independent of each other to create bills. However necessary for both the house and Senate to pass laws in identical form in order for it to become law. [1] A period of ‘Reconciliation’ is usually required to find a compromise between two different versions of the same bill in order to maintain and improve what is best about proposed reforms and eliminate flaws before it becomes law. [2]  This independence between the two chambers, with Reconciliation being one of the few areas where the two meet can allow for division in Congress between the two major parties. Indeed this can be seen as beneficial, as the broadest ideological range will be considered when making a policy work by reconciling two bills, making sure that centrist policy is enacted, preventing an ideological swing against the wishes of the people.  [1] Goldman et al., The Challenge of Democracy, Brief ed., Fourth ed., New York 2001, p.196  [2] United States Senate, ‘reconciliation process’, Congress, bicameral, House of Representatives, Senate, legislation, bills, law, reconciliation, compromise, legislative process, lawmaking, partisanship, political parties, policy, legislation process, ideology, centrism, reform, government, United States, democracy Congress, bicameral, House of Representatives, Senate, legislation, bills, law, Reconciliation, compromise, reforms, law-making, independence, chambers, political parties, ideological range, policy, centrism, democracy, legislative process, bill reconciliation, legislative cooperation Congress, bicameral, House of Representatives, Senate, legislation, law, bill, reconciliation, compromise, legislative process, party division, policymaking, ideological range, centrist policy, lawmaking, legislative reform, legislative procedures Congress, bicameral, House of Representatives, Senate, bills, law, reconciliation, compromise, legislation, passing laws, legislative process, bills comparison, policy making, bipartisan, legislative division, political parties, ideological range, centrist policy, law making process Congress, bicameral, House of Representatives, Senate, legislation, law, reconciliation, compromise, bills, lawmaking, legislation process, bipartisan, party division, policy, reforms, ideological range, centrism, government, legislation passage
test-international-siacphbnt-con01a	Technology will not result in entrepreneurialism without providing a foundational basis.  The key constraint for entrepreneurship is the lack of access to finance, credit, and basic infrastructure - whether a computer or technical skills on how to use different systems. Limited accessibility acts as an obstacle to entrepreneurialism.  In order to encourage an inclusive capability for youths to get involved in entrepreneurial ideas, technology training and equal start-up credit is required. Furthermore, dangers arise where credit has become easily accessible - putting individuals at risk of debt where a lack of protection and payment planning is provided.  Kenya’s Uwezo Fund provides a positive example, whereby action has been taken to provide youths with safe credit. The government collaboration is calling for youths to apply for grants and loans in a bid to encourage entrepreneurial activity for all. Loans are interest-free. entrepreneurialism, technology, access, finance, credit, infrastructure, technical skills, barriers, inclusivity, youth, training, startup funding, digital literacy, financial inclusion, credit risk, debt, protection, payment planning, Uwezo Fund, government support, grants, loans, interest-free technology, entrepreneurialism, access, finance, credit, infrastructure, digital skills, inclusivity, youth empowerment, technology training, start-up funding, credit risk, debt protection, government intervention, grants, loans, interest-free, Kenya, Uwezo Fund entrepreneurship, technology, access, finance, credit, infrastructure, digital skills, inclusivity, youth, training, startup funding, digital divide, financial inclusion, risk, debt, protection, payment planning, government support, grants, loans, interest-free, Kenya, Uwezo Fund entrepreneurialism, access to finance, credit, infrastructure, technology training, inclusivity, youth entrepreneurship, startup funding, digital skills, financial barriers, debt risk, payment planning, Kenya, Uwezo Fund, government support, grants, interest-free loans technology, entrepreneurialism, access, finance, credit, infrastructure, technical skills, inclusivity, youth, entrepreneurship, technology training, start-up credit, accessibility, obstacles, digital skills, youth empowerment, credit risk, debt, financial protection, payment planning, Kenya, Uwezo Fund, government, grants, interest-free loans
test-health-dhghwapgd-pro03a	"Production of generic drugs reduce medical costs by allowing increased production and the development of superior production methods, increasing market efficiency  The sale of generic drugs invariably reduces costs to consumers. This is due to two reasons. It may be the case that an individual or firm with a patent, essentially a monopoly right to the production of something, may not have the ability to efficiently go about meeting demand for it. Patents slow, or even stop the dissemination of the production methods, especially when a patent-holder is unwilling to license production to others1. Such an outcome is deleterious to society, as with no restrictions on drug production an efficient producer, or producers, will emerge to meet the needs of the public, producing an amount of drugs commensurate with demand, and thus equilibrating market price with that demand2. This market equilibration is impossible under conventional patent laws, as it is in the interest of firms to withhold production and to engage in monopolist rent-seeking from consumers3. This leads firms to deliberately under-produce, which they have been shown to do in many cases, as for example the case of Miacalcic, a drug used to treat Paget's Disease, in which its producer deliberately kept production down in order to keep prices high4. When a firm is given monopoly power over a drug it has the ability to abuse it, and history shows that is what they are wont to do. By allowing the production of generic drugs, this monopoly power is broken and people can get the drugs they need at costs that are not marked far above their free market value.  1 Kinsella, Stephan. 2010. ""Patents Kill: Compulsory Licenses and Genzyme's Life-Saving Drug"". Mises Institute. Available: 2Stim, Rishand. 2006. Profit from Your Idea: How to Make Smart Licensing Decisions. Berkeley: Nolo. 3 Lee, Timothy. 2007. ""Patent Rent-Seeking"". Cato at Liberty. Available: 4 Flanders Today. 2010. ""Big Pharma Denies Strategic Shortages"". Flanders Today. generic drugs, medical costs, drug production, patent laws, market efficiency, monopoly power, drug pricing, patent licensing, market equilibrium, drug shortages, pharmaceutical industry, drug patenting, competitive markets, monopolist rent-seeking, drug availability, licensing practices, drug development, drug supply, healthcare costs, patent infringement, pharmaceutical patents generic drugs, medical costs, production methods, market efficiency, patent laws, monopolies, drug pricing, licensing, market demand, supply, market equilibrium, monopolist rent-seeking, under-production, drug patents, patent infringement, competitive production, pharmaceutical industry, price regulation, consumer costs generic drugs, medical costs, production methods, market efficiency, patent laws, monopoly power, drug prices, market demand, licensing, patent licensing, monopolist rent-seeking, drug shortage, production under-provision, market equilibrium, drug affordability, patent infringement, pharmaceutical industry, drug supply, consumer costs, intellectual property, drug market, competition, drug development, patent rights, drug manufacturing, market regulation generic drugs, medical costs, production methods, market efficiency, patent laws, monopoly power, drug pricing, market demand, drug production, licensing, patent infringement, consumer costs, pharmaceutical industry, rent-seeking, competition, patent monopolies, drug shortage, patent litigation, innovation, drug accessibility, health economics generic drugs, medical costs, production efficiency, market competition, patents, monopoly rights, drug pricing, licensing, demand, market equilibrium, monopolist rent-seeking, underproduction, drug shortages, patent laws, public health, drug access, pharmaceutical industry"
test-law-cplgpshwdp-pro05a	Occasional disclosure of convictions leads to an inconsistent justice system.  At present in Britain, some previous convictions may be disclosed if they bear a striking resemblance to the case at trial, if the defendant falsely claims to be of good character, or if they attack the character of a prosecution witness [1] . However, different judges invariable interpret these criteria in different ways, which leads to a wavering standard of trail where previous convictions may or may not be revealed. It would be much more efficient and transparent to allow this motion and make court procedures more accessible.  [1] The Economist, ‘Tilting the balance’, 2 January 2003. disclosure, convictions, justice system, Britain, legal criteria, court procedures, transparency, inconsistency, witness character, trial standards, judge discretion, legal reforms, disclosure policy, trial fairness convictions, disclosure, justice system, Britain, legal criteria, judicial interpretation, transparency, court procedures, trial standards, previous convictions, character assessment, witness credibility, legal inconsistencies, case resemblance, defendant honesty, judicial discretion, procedural fairness disclosure, convictions, justice system, Britain, previous convictions, legal standards, inconsistency, court procedures, transparency, defendant character, witness attack, judicial interpretation, legal criteria, trial fairness disclosure, convictions, justice system, Britain, previous convictions, court procedures, transparency, legal standards, trial fairness, judicial interpretation, character evidence, legal consistency disclosure, convictions, justice system, Britain, previous convictions, trial, character, witness, judicial interpretation, standardization, transparency, court procedures, legal process, inconsistency, offender records, legal criteria
test-environment-aiahwagit-pro01a	Natural habitats being are destroyed  A tougher approach to the protection of animals is needed to prevent their natural habitats from being destroyed by locals. As humans expand their agricultural activity in Africa they are destroying the environments of endangered animals and pushing others towards being endangered. Due to an increase in large scale cotton plantations and food crops, the West African lion has seen a marked decrease in population; numbering less than 400 in early 2014 [1] . Tougher protection, such as fencing off areas from human activity, has been suggested and has seen success in South Africa [2] .  [1] BBC, “Lions ‘facing extinction in West Africa’”  [2] Morelle,R. “Fencing off wild lions from humans ‘could save them’” natural habitats, habitat destruction, animal protection, human activity, conservation, Africa, endangered species, habitat loss, agriculture expansion, deforestation, lion population, fencing, wildlife conservation, protected areas, environmental impact natural habitats, habitat destruction, animal protection, human encroachment, agriculture impact, endangered species, African wildlife, lion population decline, conservation strategies, fencing wildlife areas, protected habitats, West African lions, environmental conservation, human-wildlife conflict, biodiversity loss natural habitats, habitat destruction, animal protection, human expansion, agricultural activity, Africa, endangered animals, environmental destruction, cotton plantations, food crops, lion population, conservation strategies, fencing, South Africa, wildlife preservation natural habitats, habitat destruction, animal protection, human expansion, agricultural activity, endangered animals, habitat loss, conservation measures, fencing, wildlife preservation, Africa, West African lion, population decline, environmental impact, conservation strategies, human-wildlife conflict natural habitats, habitat destruction, animal protection, human expansion, agriculture, Africa, endangered animals, environmental impact, cotton plantations, food crops, West African lion, population decline, conservation strategies, fencing, wildlife preservation, South Africa, human-wildlife conflict
test-economy-epehwmrbals-pro02a	International labour and business standards go hand in hand with development standards and will de facto increase implementation levels  What are international labour and business standards? They are globally acceptable methods of doing business and employing labour. These include Conventions Against Forced Labour [1] , Discrimination [2] and Child Labour [3] . These also form guideline structures for social policy such as labour dispute resolution bodies, employment services and good industrial relations. Therefore, this goes hand in hand with reducing poverty and increasing the standard of living of the employees, and hence the standard is a facet of development in itself. This helps in achieving the goals of a stable long term plan for economic growth as well paid workers are necessary for consumer spending. Employing higher standards would be a way to tackle the problems with distribution of aid at the grassroots and increase efficiency within the system organically. [4]  The poorest countries invariably have the lowest standards of labour and business. It is essential to raise these standards to an international level, implementing standards against practices like child labour. If this is done then the purpose of development aid, which is to increase the day to day standard of living of the people, will improve. In an absence of such a pre-requisite, a developing country will be free to employ standards that do not reflect the same principles of the donor nation. Thus, to avoid a hypocritical scenario, this pre-requisite is necessary.  [1] C029 - Forced Labour Convention, Adoption: Geneva, 14th ILC session, 28 June 1930,   [2] International Labour Office, ‘Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention’, International Labour Organisation, 1958 No.111,   [3] ‘ILO Conventions and Recommendations on child labour’, International Labour Organisation,   [4] ‘How International Labour Standards are used’, International Labour Organisation, international labour standards, business standards, development standards, implementation levels, globally accepted methods, employment practices, forced labour convention, discrimination convention, child labour, social policy, labour dispute resolution, employment services, industrial relations, poverty reduction, standard of living, economic growth, consumer spending, aid distribution, grassroots development, labour standards in developing countries, international cooperation, development aid, living standards, hypocritical practices, International Labour Organisation, ILO conventions international labor standards, business standards, development standards, globalization, employment practices, labor conventions, forced labor, discrimination, child labor, social policy, dispute resolution, industrial relations, poverty reduction, living standards, economic growth, consumer spending, aid distribution, grassroots development, labor standards, international cooperation, development aid, standard of living, developing countries, ethical employment practices, international organizations, International Labour Organization, ILO conventions international labour standards, business standards, development standards, global business practices, employment methods, forced labour, discrimination, child labour, social policy, labour dispute resolution, employment services, industrial relations, poverty reduction, standard of living, economic growth, consumer spending, aid effectiveness, grassroots development, systemic efficiency, poorest countries, international standards, development aid, living standards, donor nations, hypocritical practices, ILO conventions, labour law, social justice international labour standards, business standards, development standards, employment rights, forced labour, discrimination, child labour, social policy, labour dispute resolution, employment services, industrial relations, poverty reduction, standard of living, economic growth, consumer spending, aid distribution, grassroots development, labour standards, international cooperation, developing countries, development aid, global standards, fair employment practices, labour conventions, ILO conventions, social justice, economic development international labour standards, business standards, development standards, global employment methods, forced labour conventions, discrimination conventions, child labour conventions, social policy, labour dispute resolution, employment services, industrial relations, poverty reduction, living standards, economic growth, consumer spending, aid distribution, grassroots development, systemic efficiency, low-income countries, international standards, development aid, living conditions, hypocritical scenarios, international labour organization, ILO conventions, labour rights
test-philosophy-npegiepp-pro01a	"Neo-functionalism explains the cause of integration  Spill-over is the following concept – in order to enjoy the full benefits of integration of the first sector you need to integrate the related sectors. An example of this is the ECSC (European Coal and Steel Community) evolving into other energy sectors and forming Euratom. There are three types of spill-over – functional spill-over, political spill-over and cultivated spill-over. Firstly, functional spill-over, which regards spill-over in an economic context. For example, this might involve integrating coal and steel, then integrating transport systems so that coal and steel are moved around more easily. Secondly, there is Political spill-over, where political actors shift their allegiance to a new centre, for example from the national parliament to Brussels. Thirdly, there is cultivated spill-over, which is the idea that institutions drive further integration by being in practice; for example the European Commission’s growing autonomy. [1]  [1] Tranholm-Mikkelsen, Jeppe ""Neo-functionalism: Obstinate or Obsolete? A Reappraisal in the Light of the New Dynamism of the EC Millennium - Journal of International Studies, Vol. 20, No. 1, pp.1-22, Neo-functionalism, European integration, spill-over, functional spill-over, political spill-over, cultivated spill-over, ECSC, Euratom, energy sectors, integration process, economic integration, political integration, institutional dynamics, European Commission, sovereignty transfer, Brussels, autonomy, international cooperation Neo-functionalism, integration, spill-over, functional spill-over, political spill-over, cultivated spill-over, ECSC, Euratom, European Union, European Commission, economic integration, political integration, institutional autonomy, European integration theories Neo-functionalism, European integration, spill-over, functional spill-over, political spill-over, cultivated spill-over, ECSC, Euratom, economic integration, institutional dynamics, European Commission, integration theory, regional integration, sovereignty transfer, European Union, supranationalism neo-functionalism, regional integration, spill-over, functional spill-over, political spill-over, cultivated spill-over, European Coal and Steel Community, Euratom, economic integration, political integration, institutional autonomy, European Commission, integration theory, European Union Neo-functionalism, integration, spill-over, functional spill-over, political spill-over, cultivated spill-over, European Coal and Steel Community, ECSC, Euratom, energy sectors, economic integration, political actors, European Commission, autonomy, Jeppe Tranholm-Mikkelsen"
test-health-ppelfhwbpba-pro02a	If personhood accrues at birth, then abortion after inducing birth is wrong  If birth is the crucial dividing-line we use to decide when legal personhood begins, then we should not be allowed to induce birth and then deliberately kill a foetus during that process - this is different from early abortion in which birth is induced and the foetus dies naturally. Partial-birth abortion is murder, even on the pro-choice understanding of personhood. personhood, birth, abortion, induced birth, legal personhood, partial-birth abortion, murder, pro-choice, foetus, killing, legality, morality personhood, birth, abortion, induced birth, legal personhood, foetus, partial-birth abortion, murder, pro-choice, morality, ethics, reproductive rights, legal boundaries, moral distinction personhood, birth, abortion, induced birth, foetus, legal personhood, partial-birth abortion, murder, pro-choice, ethics, morality, reproductive rights, legal debates personhood, birth, abortion, induced birth, foetus, legality, murder, partial-birth abortion, pro-choice, natural death, ethical debate personhood, birth, abortion, induced birth, partial-birth abortion, murder, pro-choice, legal personhood, foetus, killing, morality, ethics, reproductive rights
test-society-mmcpsgfhbf-pro01a	The feminist movement should not allow women to sell themselves  In most cases, pornography is not entered into willingly. Similarly to prostitution, the sale of one’s own body and one’s dignity is so drastic that consent is often not sufficiently informed to be legitimate. There are patriarchal structures in society that force women into these industries, particularly when they are vulnerable and this seems to be a good last resort. This leads to a loss of integrity, a strong stigma in society, and most importantly, abusive conditions in the production process. As well as high risks of unwanted pregnancies or sexually transmitted diseases, violent sex practices and abusive conditions after filming often occur (Lubben). [1]  Furthermore, the harms of pornography do not exclusively affect the consenting participants. Other women across the world who are not supporting this industry are equal victims of society and the norms promoted by pornography of how women should be, and how it is acceptable to treat them. These people have not consented.  [1] Lubben, Shelley. “Ex-Porn Star Tells the Truth About the Porn Industry.” Covenant Eyes. 28 October 2008. feminist movement, women, sell themselves, pornography, consent, prostitution, body autonomy, dignity, patriarchal structures, vulnerability, exploitation, stigma, abusive conditions, production risks, pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, violence, gender inequality, societal norms, victimization, rights, activism feminist movement, women, sell themselves, pornography, consent, prostitution, body autonomy, patriarchal structures, vulnerability, dignity, societal stigma, abusive conditions, production risks, unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, violent sex, exploitation, gender norms, societal impact, non-consenting women, industry harms, Shelley Lubben feminist movement, women, sell themselves, pornography, consent, prostitution, body autonomy, patriarchal structures, vulnerability, social stigma, abuse, production conditions, reproductive health, sexually transmitted diseases, violent sex, societal norms, women's rights, exploitation, gender inequality, violence against women, human trafficking feminist movement, women, selling themselves, pornography, consent, prostitution, body autonomy, patriarchal structures, vulnerability, exploitation, integrity, social stigma, abusive conditions, production risks, unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, violence, abuse, societal impact, gender norms, women rights, industry critique feminist movement, women, selling themselves, pornography, consent, prostitution, body autonomy, dignity, patriarchal structures, vulnerability, exploitation, integrity, societal stigma, abusive conditions, production risks, unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, violent sex, socio-cultural norms, gender inequality, victimization, ethical concerns, industry critique
test-law-lghwpcctcc-con01a	This turns court cases into entertainment, rather than legitimate legal proceedings.  Several television shows, such as ‘Judge Judy’, assert the style of a legal courtroom [1] . These shows are based on entertainment value from scrutinising the accused and defendant; it would be dangerous to remove a barrier which currently separates genuine legal proceedings from entertainment by televising them. The risk that the public would see them as one and the same is increased by an incident where a man really did believe that the Judge Judy trial was a real trial [2] . The trial of Casey Anthony in Florida, where cameras are allowed, escalated into a media frenzy where legal justice became unimportant in comparison to television ratings [3] . Court cases, then, are at risk of not being taken seriously and used instead for the public to satisfy their curiosity into other peoples’ lives. Televising court cases also immediately undermines some fundamental principles of the justice system, such as rehabilitation. If somebody is convicted of a crime on national television, his or her anonymity or chance of future employment is severely compromised. The rights of the victims, their families, and the defendants should be placed ahead society’s assumed ‘right’ to sensationalist portrayals of the courtroom.  [1]  , accessed 18/08/11  [2]  , accessed 18/08/11  [3]  , accessed 19/08/11 court cases, entertainment, legal proceedings, television shows, Judge Judy, legal courtroom, entertainment value, scrutinising accused, televising trials, public perception, media frenzy, legal justice, televised court cases, justice principles, rehabilitation, anonymity, employment, victims, families, defendants, sensationalism court cases, entertainment, legal proceedings, television shows, Judge Judy, legal courtroom, entertainment value, judiciary, televised court proceedings, public perception, media frenzy, justice system, rehabilitation, defendant rights, victim rights, media sensationalism, courtroom transparency, public curiosity, legal integrity, televised trials, courtroom privacy court cases, entertainment, legal proceedings, television shows, Judge Judy, legal courtroom, entertainment value, scrutinising accused, genuine legal proceedings, televised court cases, public perception, media frenzy, legal justice, television ratings, seriousness of court, public curiosity, constitutional principles, judicial process, rehabilitation, conviction, national television, anonymity, future employment, victim rights, defendant rights, sensationalism, courtroom portrayal court cases, entertainment, legal proceedings, television shows, Judge Judy, legal courtroom, entertainment value, scrutinising accused, televised court trials, public perception, media frenzy, legal justice, television ratings, public curiosity, justice system, rehabilitation, conviction, anonymity, employment, victims, defendants, sensationalism, courtroom, legal rights, media coverage court cases, entertainment, legal proceedings, television shows, Judge Judy, legal courtroom, entertainment value, scrutinising accused, legal justice, media frenzy, television ratings, public perception, courtroom televised, judicial principles, rehabilitation, anonymity, future employment, victims rights, defendants rights, sensationalism
test-education-pshhghwpba0-con01a	Nutrition is the parents responsibility  Parents are responsible for their children, and this includes responsibility for their meals. The parent has had to provide meals up until the start of school. They know their own child’s preferences there is little reason for this to change. Splitting responsibility between parents and schools means the burden of responsibility will no longer be clearly don't placed. nutrition, parental responsibility, children's meals, school nutrition, meal responsibility, parental influence, shared responsibility, school meals, nutrition policy, parent-school collaboration nutrition, parents, responsibility, children, meals, school, parental responsibilities, child preferences, shared responsibility, burden, parents and schools nutrition, parents responsible, children, meals, parental responsibility, school meals, child preferences, shared responsibility, parental duties, school responsibilities, meal provision, responsibility distribution, nutrition policy nutrition, parents, responsibility, children, meals, school, parental duties, meal preferences, shared responsibility, burden, parental influence, educational institutions nutrition, parents, responsibility, children, meals, school, parental responsibilities, meal provision, child preferences, shared responsibility, school responsibility, parental role, burden of responsibility, child nutrition, parental influence
test-international-segiahbarr-pro03a	Foreign Direct Investment to the continent has increased  Foreign investment into Africa has seen a large increase in recent years, which has enabled Africa to invest significant amounts of funding in to infrastructure, jobs creation and acquisition of technology [1] . In Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, foreign businesses account for a much larger percentage of employment than any domestic firm, hence increasing the standard of living for a greater number of people [2] . FDI has gone from $15 billion in 2002 to $37 billion in 2006 and $46 billion in 2012. The vast majority of this investment is based on extractive industries such as agriculture and raw resources. However, Africa has recently seen an increase in FDI for manufacturing and services as well [3] . Central Africa alone received $10 billion in 2012-3, due to an increased interest in the DRC’s copper-cobalt mines. The sources of this FDI vary, but China has become the major investor in the region, with investment rising from $11 billion to $166 billion in the past decade. China has helped build vast infrastructure projects in return for natural resources and food for its growing population.  [1] Moss, ‘Is Africa’s Skepticism of Foreign Capital Justified?’, 2004, p.2  [2] Moss, ‘Is Africa’s Skepticism of Foreign Capital Justified?’, 2004, p.19  [3] UNCTAD, ‘Foreign Direct Investment to Africa increases’, 2013 Foreign Direct Investment, Africa, infrastructure, jobs creation, technology, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, employment, domestic firms, investment growth, extractive industries, agriculture, raw resources, manufacturing, services, Central Africa, DRC, copper, cobalt, China, investment trends, natural resources, infrastructure projects, economic development, foreign investment sources Foreign Direct Investment, Africa, infrastructure, job creation, technology, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, employment, domestic firms, investment growth, extractive industries, agriculture, raw resources, manufacturing, services, Central Africa, DRC, copper, cobalt, China, infrastructure projects, natural resources, food security, FDI sources, regional investment, economic development Foreign Direct Investment, Africa, infrastructure, job creation, technology acquisition, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, employment, domestic firms, investment growth, extractive industries, agriculture, raw resources, manufacturing, services, Central Africa, DRC, copper-cobalt mines, China, infrastructure projects, natural resources, food security, FDI sources, investment trends Foreign Direct Investment, Africa, infrastructure development, job creation, technology acquisition, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, employment, domestic firms, investment growth, extractive industries, agriculture, raw resources, manufacturing, services, Central Africa, DRC, copper-cobalt mines, China, natural resources, infrastructure projects, foreign investment sources, investment trends, economic development, resource extraction, China-Africa relations Foreign Direct Investment, Africa, foreign investment, infrastructure, jobs creation, technology, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, employment, domestic firms, investment trends, extractive industries, agriculture, raw resources, manufacturing, services, Central Africa, DRC, copper, cobalt, investment sources, China, infrastructure projects, natural resources, food security, economic growth, investment statistics, regional development
test-health-dhghhbampt-pro01a	Many alternative remedies, such as homeopathy, offer nothing but a false hope and can discourage patients from consulting a doctor with what may be serious symptoms  There are good reasons why new therapies are tested in scientific trials first, rather than just released on the public that it might work. The first is to weed out side-effects but the other is that if you give most people a medicine they will, not unreasonably, expect it to make them better.  An entire industry has grown out of alternative medicines. No doubt many alternative practitioners are well meaning, but this does not change the fact that people are making money out of something that, as far as anyone can determine, is basically snake oil.  Although many people take both alternative and established treatments, there are a growing number of patients who reject conventional medical wisdom ( there’s an account of one such case here [i] ) in cases that prove fatal the availability of alternative medicines raises serious ethical and legal concerns, and also undermines the stringent regimes of monitoring and supervision that qualified medical professionals are subjected to..  [i] David Gorski. “Death by ‘Alternative Medicine”: Who’s to blame?”. Science-Based Medicine 2008. alternative remedies, homeopathy, false hope, patient consultation, serious symptoms, scientific trials, side-effects, placebo effect, new therapies, medical testing, public health, industry, practitioners, snake oil, conventional medicine, alternative treatments, patient rejection, medical ethics, legal concerns, monitoring, supervision, qualified professionals alternative medicine, homeopathy, false hope, patient dissuasion, serious symptoms, scientific trials, therapies testing, side-effects, placebo effect, drug efficacy, medical industry, snake oil, false claims, public health, complementary medicine, conventional medicine, patient safety, ethical concerns, legal issues, medical supervision, regulation, medical professionals, health industry, patient outcomes alternative remedies, homeopathy, false hope, patient consultation, serious symptoms, scientific trials, therapy testing, side-effects, placebo effect, public release, medicine effectiveness, industry, alternative practitioners, profit, snake oil, conventional medicine, treatment rejection, patient safety, ethical concerns, legal concerns, medical supervision, monitoring, medical regulation, unproven treatments alternative medicine, homeopathy, false hope, patient safety, medical consultation, serious symptoms, scientific trials, drug testing, side-effects, placebo effect, regulated medicine, industry, snake oil, medical ethics, legal concerns, patient autonomy, pseudoscience, unproven therapies, medical supervision, healthcare regulation, ethical issues alternative remedies, homeopathy, false hope, patient consultation, serious symptoms, scientific trials, new therapies, side-effects, medication, public health, industry, practitioners, snake oil, conventional medicine, patient rejection, ethical concerns, legal concerns, monitoring, supervision, medical professionals
test-international-ssiarcmhb-con05a	Birth control within monogamous relationships.  Contraception is not just used in casual sex but within monogamous couples who want to control when they have children. The reason for this could be so they ensure that they don’t have more children than they can afford to reasonably look after.  Contraception can help monogamous couples to give more to the children they do decide to have and to the community, since less of their time and money will be used in maintaining a family which is larger than they can reasonably afford to control. The current cost of raising a child in Britain is calculated to be over £210,000, a very substantial sum that any responsible parent must think about before having more children 1.  Since, in this case, contraception promotes a good in the community, as well as more responsible reproduction, the Catholic Church is unjustified in its blanket ban over barrier contraception.  1. Insley 2011 birth control, monogamous relationships, contraception, family planning, child-rearing costs, responsible reproduction, community welfare, family size, pregnancy prevention, Catholic Church, barrier contraception, reproductive health, population control, fertility management, child affordability birth control, monogamous relationships, contraception, family planning, reproductive choices, responsible parenthood, child-rearing costs, population control, community welfare, Catholic Church, barrier contraception, responsible reproduction, Britain, child expenses birth control, monogamous relationships, contraception, family planning, responsible reproduction, child-rearing costs, community impact, population control, family size, parental responsibility, socioeconomic factors, Britain, Catholic Church, barrier contraception, reproductive rights birth control, contraception, monogamous relationships, family planning, responsible parenthood, reproductive health, population control, child-rearing costs, community welfare, Catholic Church, barrier contraception, family size, financial planning, Britain, social responsibility birth control, monogamous relationships, contraception, family planning, reproductive rights, responsible parenthood, population control, community welfare, child-rearing costs, contraception controversy, Catholic Church, barrier contraception, family size, socioeconomic factors, reproductive health
test-culture-mmctghwbsa-con01a	Sexist advertising is profitable  Business has a compelling self interest to make a profit and advertising is integral to that endeavour. The profit from business allows for economic growth without which individual states and the world's economy could not survive. Competition drives the marketplace of products and ideas. And, advertising is the primary method through which those products, services and ideas are made known to the public. When banning is placed upon advertising, the ability to compete and survive in the economic marketplace is threatened. Therefore, the compelling need to make a profit is legitimizes the need for advertising. sexist advertising, profitability, business interest, advertising, economic growth, competition, marketplace, products, services, ideas, public awareness, banning advertising, market competition, economic survival, legitimacy, profit motive sexist advertising, profitability, business incentives, economic growth, competition, marketing, advertising impact, free market, commercial speech, economic survival, marketplace dynamics, regulation, free enterprise, advertising regulation sexist advertising, profitability, business self-interest, advertising, economic growth, competition, marketplace, products, services, ideas, public awareness, banning advertising, competition threat, economic survival, profit legitimacy sexist advertising, profitability, business self-interest, advertising, economic growth, competition, marketplace, products, services, ideas, public awareness, banning advertising, market competition, survival, economy sexist advertising, profitability, business interests, advertising, economic growth, competition, marketplace, products, services, ideas, public awareness, banning, economic survival, market competition, advertising regulation
test-international-gmehwasr-pro05a	Diplomacy is not going anywhere  The best solution would be a ceasefire between the two sides in the Syrian civil war and a negotiated settlement, but it is clear we are long past the point where this approach stood a chance of success. The United Nations peace effort under Kofi Annan failed in the middle of last year [1] and there has been no progress since. Similarly all attempts to bring pressure to bear throughout the security council have failed as a result of Russia supporting Assad's regime. This leaves the unilateral initiatives to help the rebels. No state wants full intervention as France did in Mali [2] so the only alternative is simply to help the Free Syrian Army. To do so means providing what they need to win the conflict; primarily arms that can defeat the Syrian army. This need not be considered to be exclusive with diplomacy; the intervening state should continue to try to find a diplomatic solution just as before the Dayton accords NATO helped the Croats militarily while at the same time looking to diplomacy to provide an overall solution to the conflict. [3]  [1] Plett, Barbara, ‘Syria crisis: Kofi Annan quits as UN-Arab League envoy’, BBC News, 2 August 2012  [2] See the debatabase debate ‘ This House believes France is right to intervene in Mali ’.  [3] Hokayem, Emile, in ‘Roundtable: arming the Syrian rebels’, Foreign Policy, 21 February 2013 Syrian civil war, ceasefire, diplomatic solution, UN peace effort, Kofi Annan, Security Council, Russia support, Assad regime, unilateral initiatives, rebel support, Free Syrian Army, arms supply, military intervention, diplomacy, Dayton accords, NATO, military aid, France Mali intervention, international conflict, peace negotiations Diplomacy, ceasefire, Syrian civil war, negotiated settlement, UN peace effort, Kofi Annan, security council, Russia, Assad, unilateral initiatives, rebels, Free Syrian Army, arms, military support, diplomacy, Dayton accords, NATO, intervention, France, Mali, diplomatic solution, conflict resolution Syrian civil war, diplomacy, ceasefire, negotiated settlement, UN peace effort, Kofi Annan, Security Council, Russia, Assad, unilateral initiatives, Syrian rebels, Free Syrian Army, arms, military aid, intervention, France, Mali, NATO, Dayton accords, diplomatic solution, conflict resolution diplomacy, ceasefire, Syrian civil war, negotiated settlement, UN peace effort, Kofi Annan, Security Council, Russia, Assad regime, unilateral initiatives, rebels, Free Syrian Army, arms, military援助, intervention, diplomacy, Dayton accords, NATO, Bosnia, conflict resolution Syrian civil war, ceasefire, negotiated settlement, diplomacy, UN peace effort, Kofi Annan, Security Council, Russia, Assad, unilateral initiatives, rebels, Free Syrian Army, arms, military aid, NATO, Dayton accords, France, Mali, intervention, diplomacy, conflict resolution
test-politics-cdmaggpdgdf-pro02a	Citizens have a right to know what is done in their name  The nation exits for its citizens; it depends on their consent to maintain order and to raise finances. The main purpose of the state is law and order, and national defence, both of which are covered by security. As an area that is so central to the role of the government it is vital that the stakeholders in that government, its citizens, know what it is the state is doing in their name for their security.  The Obama administration for example refuses to acknowledge that it is carrying out a campaign using drones while at the same time saying it is “the only game in town in terms of confronting and trying to disrupt the al-Qaeda leadership.” [1] If the US government is bombing another country then the US people have a right to know with much less ambiguity what exactly is being done, who is being hit, when and where. They also need to be informed of any possible consequences.  [1] Kaufman, Brett, ‘In Court Today: Fighting the CIA’s Secrecy Claims on Drones’, ACLU, 20 September 2012 citizenship, government transparency, right to know, state functions, consent, order, finance, law enforcement, national defense, security, public awareness, government accountability, drone warfare, military operations, government secrecy, presidential administration, policy disclosure, armed conflicts, civilian impact, legal rights, citizen oversight, transparency in warfare, surveillance, intelligence operations, privacy rights, public debate citizenship, right to know, government transparency, state accountability, national security, law and order, national defense, government secrecy, drone warfare, military operations, transparency in military actions, public awareness, citizen rights, government accountability, covert operations, drone strikes, covert military operations, congressional oversight, privacy rights, international law, military ethics citizens' rights, transparency, government accountability, state secrecy, national security, drone strikes, civil liberties, government actions, public oversight, privacy, transparency in warfare, military operations, government transparency, privacy rights, citizens' consent, law and order, national defense, security policy, transparency, government secrecy, drone campaign, al-Qaeda, US government, public awareness, government information citizenship, government transparency, right to know, state activities, national security, law and order, national defense, stakeholder awareness, drone campaigns, government secrecy, military operations, covert actions, public accountability, human rights, civil liberties, drone strikes, covert military, government accountability, public information, transparency, citizens’ rights, US government, Obama administration, secret operations citizenship, right to know, government transparency, state functions, law and order, national defense, security, public accountability, government secrecy, drone strikes, transparency in military operations, citizens' rights, government actions, accountability, privacy, civil liberties, US government, drones, al-Qaeda, foreign policy, public awareness
test-culture-mmctyshwbcp-pro03a	It is unethical to expose children to the pressures of performing  Even experienced adults can find it difficult to deal with stage fright or performance anxiety. Children, more emotionally vulnerable than adults by nature, should not be exposed to this sort of pressure. This is especially true in situations where the child is being paid for their performance, since the added necessity to perform well can lead to even more pressure. Although suicide among children is rare, it is believed often to occur as a result of the child feeling like she is under too much pressure, or failing to meet the expectations of others. [1]  There are also consequences that continue long past the child has stopped performing; former child actors often have the problem as young adults as feeling as having already ‘peaked’ and find themselves without a sense of drive or ambition or a coherent adult identity, consequentially they often suffer from substance abuse and addiction  [1] Lipsett, ‘Stress driving pupils to suicide, says union’ ethics, children, performance pressure, stage fright, performance anxiety, emotional vulnerability, paid performances, performance pressure, childhood stress, suicide risk, adult identity, substance abuse, addiction, psychological effects, mental health, child actors, long-term consequences child performance pressure, stage fright, performance anxiety, childhood vulnerability, child performers, paid performances, child suicide risk, emotional vulnerability, long-term effects, child actor consequences, substance abuse, addiction, childhood stress, mental health, adult identity, ambition, psychological impact child performance pressure, stage fright, performance anxiety, child emotional vulnerability, paid child performances, performance expectations, child suicide risk, long-term effects, child actor identity, substance abuse, addiction, mental health, psychological impact, ethical considerations, childhood development child psychology, performance anxiety, stage fright, childhood vulnerability, performance pressure, child actors, occupational stress, emotional development, mental health, suicide risk, adult identity, substance abuse, addiction, psychological impact, ethical concerns, child performance, teenager mental health childhood, performance pressure, stage fright, performance anxiety, emotional vulnerability, child actors, paid performances, performance expectations, child suicide, mental health, adult identity, substance abuse, addiction, long-term effects, emotional health, performance stress
test-international-emephsate-con01a	Turkey is not enough economically developed to join the EU.  Turkey has many economic problems ranging from high inflation, high regional disparities, high wealth disparity, unemployment, bad infrastructure and poverty among others. The country must solely focus itself onto improving those problems, before obtaining EU-membership. Not resolving economic problems before joining the EU can lead to problems as exemplified by Greece, Portugal and Italy, countries which had their big economic problems that were overlooked upon joining the Eurozone. Turkey’s GDP per capita is less than half the average of the EU [1] and as a large country with more than seventy million people it would pose an immense strain on the rest of the Union.  The effect of this economic disparity is likely to lead to a massive influx of immigrants from Turkey to the rest of the EU, because they will take advantage of free movement of people in the European Union and these immigrants. This immigration is likely to have the effect of forcing down the wages of workers in the existing EU nations as the Turks will be willing to work for less. [2]  [1] ‘Turkey’, The World Factbook, 24 August 2012,  ‘European Union’, The World Factbook, 24 August 2012,   [2] Turkey is part of Europe. Fear keeps it out of the EU. The Guardian. August 6 2009.  Accessed on: September 3, 2012. Turkey, European Union, EU membership, economic development, economic problems, high inflation, regional disparities, wealth disparity, unemployment, infrastructure, poverty, economic stability, Greece, Portugal, Italy, Eurozone, GDP per capita, economic disparity, immigration, free movement, labor market, wages, migrant influx, economic integration, economic criteria, accession conditions Turkey, EU, economic development, membership, inflation, regional disparities, wealth disparity, unemployment, infrastructure, poverty, economic problems, Greece, Portugal, Italy, Eurozone, GDP per capita, economic disparity, immigration, free movement, wages, labor market, economic strain, union expansion, development, economic convergence, migration, economic crisis, integration Turkey, EU, economic development, economic problems, inflation, regional disparities, wealth disparity, unemployment, infrastructure, poverty, economic reforms, European Union, GDP per capita, economic disparity, Eurozone, Greece, Portugal, Italy, economic crises, immigration, free movement, labor market, wages, migration, economic integration, accession criteria, economic convergence Turkey, economic development, EU membership, economic problems, inflation, regional disparities, wealth disparity, unemployment, infrastructure, poverty, Greece, Portugal, Italy, Eurozone, GDP per capita, economic disparity, immigration, free movement, wages, labor market, EU integration, economic strain, migrant influx, European Union, economic growth, economic challenges Turkey, economic development, EU membership, economic problems, inflation, regional disparities, wealth disparity, unemployment, infrastructure, poverty, economic reform, Eurozone, GDP per capita, population, immigration, free movement, labor market, wages, economic disparity, European Union, Greece, Portugal, Italy, economic crisis, economic integration, economic strain
test-international-gpdwhwcusa-con02a	A UN standing army is simply impossible to form.  A standing army for the United Nations has an existing legal framework; it has never been attempted in practice because it would be impossible to create. Article 43 of the original UN Charter specifies that all member states are expected, upon the signing of a future UN agreement, to provide ‘forces, assistance and facilities’ for the maintenance of international peace and security 1. That it is has never been attempted is the direct result of its sheer impracticality; who would contribute the troops? How would they be trained, and ensure that troops trained in one state would not be asked to thereafter fire on their own colleagues? Furthermore, where would the U.N. standing army be located, for the United Nations has no land, and the United States would not take kindly to a reprisal attack on the UN Army at the United Nations Headquarters. And who would fund this army? The United States hasn’t paid its bills to the United Nations in years due to their opposition to some of its actions/ What is there in place to prevent that continuing? Lastly, and most importantly, whose will would they be implementing, for the United Nations is not a single voice but the aggregated noise of its member states? The Security Council, which currently dictates the form that U.N. peacekeeping operations take, are not a group to whom impartiality can be attributed. A U.N standing army at the behest of the Security Council would be used sparingly at best and only in regions and conflicts for whom all the P5 had a vested interest in the maintenance of peace. Any impartiality that the U.N. standing army had in theory would be lost in practice.  1. U.N. Charter, (1945) UN, standing army, international security, legal framework, Article 43, member states, troop contribution, troop training, troop location, funding, US, UN headquarters, sovereignty, Security Council, peacekeeping operations, impartiality, P5, conflicts, international law UN, standing army, legal framework, Article 43, member states, international peace, security, troops, training, sovereignty, location, funding, US, UN headquarters, member contributions, implementation, Security Council, peacekeeping, impartiality, P5, conflicts, international law, practical challenges UN, standing army, legality, feasibility, international peace, security, UN Charter, military contribution, troop training, neutrality, location, funding, US, UN Headquarters, member states, Security Council, peacekeeping, impartiality, P5, conflicts UN standing army, UN Charter, international peace, military forces, member states, legal framework, security council, peacekeeping operations, troop contributions, training, sovereignty, land occupation, funding, US opposition, impartiality, conflicts, P5, international security, enforcement, multinational cooperation United Nations, standing army, legal framework, feasibility, International peace, Security Council, member states, Article 43, military contribution, troop training, neutrality, location, headquarters, funding, United States, sovereignty, impartiality, peacekeeping operations, P5, conflicts, international security
test-international-siacphbnt-pro05a	Technology has enabled Africa’s cultural industries to grow.  Technology has enabled the development of entrepreneurial ideas for business, but also within Africa’s cultural industry. Access to video recording mobile phones, the internet, and televised publications has created a new culture of expression for African youths. Cultural industries are raising critical questions for politics, and empowering youth to tell their stories. The use of journalism has become mobilised by youths - as seen in initiatives such as, African Slum Voices, of which are encouraging youths to pro-actively raise their opinions and voices on issues occurring within their communities.  Furthermore, the music and film industry in Africa has arisen as a result of access to new technologies at a lower-cost. Two key components responsible for the growth of Nollywood (Nigeria’s Film Industry) include access to digital technology and entrepreneurship. Youths have become vital within Nollywood, as actors, producers and editors. Today Nollywood’s low-budget films have inspired the growth of regional film industries across Africa and contributed to its status as the third largest film industry. Nollywood’s revenue stand’s at around $200mn a year [1] .  [1] See further readings: ABN, 2013. Technology, Africa, cultural industries, entrepreneurial ideas, video recording, mobile phones, internet, televised publications, youth expression, cultural industries, politics, youth empowerment, journalism, African Slum Voices, community voices, music industry, film industry, Nollywood, digital technology, low-cost technology, youth involvement, actors, producers, editors, regional film industries, revenue, African media, digital entrepreneurship Technology, Africa, cultural industries, entrepreneurial ideas, video recording, mobile phones, internet, televised publications, expression, African youths, cultural industries, politics, youth empowerment, storytelling, journalism, African Slum Voices, community voices, music industry, film industry, digital technology, entrepreneurship, Nollywood, Nigeria, low-budget films, regional film industries, African cinema, revenue, cultural growth Technology, Africa, cultural industries, entrepreneurship, video recording, mobile phones, internet, television, expression, youth, politics, journalism, African Slum Voices, community voices, music industry, film industry, Nollywood, digital technology, low-budget films, regional film industries, revenue, media, empowerment, storytelling, social change Technology, Africa, cultural industries, entrepreneurship, video recording, mobile phones, internet, televised publications, expression, African youths, cultural questions, politics, youth empowerment, journalism, African Slum Voices, community voices, music, film industry, Nollywood, digital technology, low-cost production, youth participation, regional film industries, revenue, African media technology, Africa, cultural industries, entrepreneurship, video recording, mobile phones, internet, televised publications, expression, African youth, cultural industries, politics, youth empowerment, journalism, African Slum Voices, community issues, music industry, film industry, Nollywood, Nigeria, digital technology, low-cost access, youth participation, regional film industries, revenue, digital filmmaking, media, storytelling
test-international-ghbunhf-pro05a	Most international co-operation can takes place outside UN framework.  The major economic, political and trade issues around the world are almost all dealt with either through bilateral agreements between nations or by specialised bodies set up for that purpose – the World Bank, IMF, EU, ASEAN, NATO, WTO and so on. In all of these fields the UN is little more than an irrelevance. Even where the UN does get involved in international affairs – such as in the Libyan crisis of 2011 – it is other bodies, in that case NATO, which serve as the vehicle for international cooperation. [1]  [1] . Bolopion, Philippe. “After Libya, the question: To Protect or Depose?”. Los Angeles Times.25th August 2011. international cooperation, UN framework, bilateral agreements, World Bank, IMF, European Union, ASEAN, NATO, WTO, global issues, Libyan crisis, international organizations, bilateral diplomacy, specialized bodies, global governance, multilateral agreements international cooperation, UN framework, bilateral agreements, World Bank, IMF, European Union, ASEAN, NATO, WTO, Libyan crisis 2011, international organizations, diplomacy, global governance, international affairs international cooperation, UN, bilateral agreements, World Bank, IMF, European Union, ASEAN, NATO, WTO, Libyan crisis, international affairs, global governance, international organizations, diplomatic agreements, multilateral cooperation international cooperation, UN framework, bilateral agreements, World Bank, IMF, European Union, ASEAN, NATO, WTO, Libyan crisis, international affairs, multilateral organizations, global governance, international institutions international cooperation, UN, bilateral agreements, World Bank, IMF, European Union, ASEAN, NATO, WTO, Libya crisis, international affairs, geopolitics, global governance, multilateral organizations, international relations, diplomacy
test-law-hrilpgwhwr-con01a	The ICC generates crippling expenses.  Cautious estimates suggest an operating budget of $100 million per year1. The costs of the ICTY and ICTR have already spiralled out of control, and the latter tribunal has a legacy of maladministration and internal corruption. The US contributes 25% of the budget for both the tribunals, which amounted to $58 million in the fiscal year 20002. It is dubious whether the ICC could survive without US financial support. The UN as a whole is obligated only to fund investigations and prosecutions initiated at the request of the Security Council. Every other investigation must be funded by assessed contributions from the States that have ratified the Rome Statute. Although the UN could authorise the transfer of additional funds, the procedure would require a UN Security Council resolution that would of course be subject to the US veto. Alternatively, it is accepted that State Parties to the Statute could directly contribute funds or personnel to the ICC. However, the possibility of partiality or even corruption is manifest where States with their individual political interests are deploying and directing their own staff within the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC.  1 Irwin, R. (2010, January 8). ICC Trials Hit by Budget Cuts. Retrieved May 11, 2011, from Institute for War & Peace Reporting:  2 Scharf, M. P. (2000, October). The Special Court for Sierra Leone. Retrieved May 11, 2011, from American Society of International Law: ICC, expenses, operating budget, ICTY, ICTR, maladministration, corruption, US contribution, UN funding, Security Council, assessments, State Parties, Rome Statute, funding, personnel, impartiality, political interests, Office of the Prosecutor ICC, expenses, budget, ICTY, ICTR, corruption, US contribution, financial support, UN, Security Council, Rome Statute, assessed contributions, investigations, prosecutions, funding, political interests, staff deployment, Office of the Prosecutor ICC, expenses, operating budget, ICTY, ICTR, maladministration, corruption, US contribution, UN funding, Security Council, assessed contributions, Rome Statute, partiality, political interests, Office of the Prosecutor ICC, expenses, budget, ICTY, ICTR, corruption, US contribution, UN funding, Security Council, Rome Statute, assessed contributions, political interests, staff deployment, Prosecutor, international law, tribunal costs, financial support, UN veto, state contributions, internal maladministration ICC, expenses, budget, ICTY, ICTR, cost escalation, corruption, US funding, UN contributions, Security Council, Rome Statute, state contributions, political interests, staffing, prosecutor, International Law, judicial expenses, tribunal finances
test-politics-oepdlhfcefp-con03a	"There have been tests on the EU's ability to create a common foreign policy that it has failed.  The War in Iraq, along with previous notable failures to deal with the breakup of former Yugoslavia, has been an excellent test for the extent to which the EU can claim to have a common approach to world politics and foreign policy in particular. It has clearly pointed out a whole range of diverse and often opposed national interests, and national publics that were unwilling to make compromises along EU lines of commitment. It has also showed that the economic power of the EU is not enough to turn it into a major player on the international scene: the lack in military power and presence speaks for itself. The EU still lies very much under the umbrella of NATO and US military power and as long as this military dependency continues, the EU will not be able to have its own independent voice in world politics. 1  1.  ""> European Union, foreign policy, EU, common foreign policy, international diplomacy, NATO, US military power, military dependence, European security, Iraq War, Yugoslavia breakup, global politics, EU independence, international influence, military strength, European integration, EU sovereignty, global hegemony, EU-US relations EU, foreign policy, international relations, common foreign policy, EU failures, Iraq war, Yugoslavia breakup, EU national interests, public opinion, EU military power, NATO, US military influence, EU independence, global influence, EU power, international security, EU diplomacy, EU NATO dependency European Union, foreign policy, common foreign policy, EU foreign policy, EU international relations, EU military power, NATO, US military influence, EU independence, international diplomacy, Iraq war, Yugoslavia breakup, EU global influence, EU power, military dependency, EU effectiveness, EU foreign relations, international security European Union, foreign policy, common foreign policy, EU external relations, EU foreign affairs, EU diplomatic capability, EU military power, EU strategic autonomy, EU international influence, Iraq war, Yugoslavia breakup, EU NATO dependency, EU US relations, military power gap, EU global presence, international security, EU nationalism, EU policy failures, EU political cohesion EU, foreign policy, common foreign policy, EU failures, Iraq War, Yugoslavia breakup, international relations, EU nationalism, EU foreign policy challenges, military power, NATO, US military, EU independence, European Union, global politics, international military influence"
test-international-atiahblit-pro03a	Incentivising movement so there are teachers where they are needed  Although the extent of rural-urban disparities remains debatable, geographical disparities in living standards and education are articulated across Africa. The location, and provision, of teachers does not always match need.  In Uganda, the universalisation of education has been met with inequities, regionally and across socioeconomic groups, in the quality of education (Hedger et al, 2010). Incentives are required to deploy teachers to districts according to need; and encourage teachers to relocate. For example, awards need to be provided for teachers to move to rural areas, and the development of teacher housing schemes - providing teachers with houses in new locations. teacher incentives, rural-urban disparities, geographic disparities, education equity, teacher deployment, relocation incentives, rural education, teacher housing schemes, Uganda education, regional inequalities, socioeconomic disparities, universal education, incentive programs, teacher retention teacher incentives, rural-urban disparities, geographical disparities, teacher deployment, rural education, urban education, teacher relocation, housing schemes, teacher distribution, educational equity, Uganda, regional inequality, socioeconomic factors, teacher retention, rural areas, new locations teacher incentives, rural education, urban-rural disparity, geographical distribution, teacher deployment, relocation incentives, rural teaching rewards, teacher housing schemes, education equity, Uganda, socioeconomic disparities, regional disparities teacher deployment, rural-urban disparities, geographical inequalities, education access, teacher incentives, relocation programs, teacher housing schemes, rural education, socioeconomic disparities, Africa education, Uganda, universal education, teacher retention, incentive policies, educational equity teacher incentives, rural-urban disparities, geographic inequity, teacher deployment, relocation policies, rural education, teacher housing, education equity, Sub-Saharan Africa, Uganda, socioeconomic disparities, educational quality, teacher retention, rural development, incentive schemes
test-society-simhbrasnba-pro02a	States must be responsible to their own citizens first  There will always be trafficking as long as there aren't open borders. And we should maintain strict controls on both immigration and asylum. States must focus on the needs of their people first, and the reaction of citizens in accepting countries is quite rightly the feeling that their hospitality and good intentions are being abused at the moment. The social harms that these feelings cause - suspicion, xenophobia, racism and disruption of social harmony and tolerance [1] - are too large and too damaging to the actual citizens of states to justify the maintenance of a failing system that may help some few outsiders. The responsibilities of governments to their own citizens must come first.  [1] Lægaard, Sune, ‘Immigration, Social Cohesion, and Naturalisation’, Centre for the Study of Equality and Multiculturalism, p.2 state responsibility, citizen rights, immigration control, border security, asylum policies, trafficking prevention, sovereignty, social cohesion, xenophobia, racism, social harmony, multiculturalism, government responsibilities, border regulation, social harms, immigration system, public sentiment, national security state responsibility, citizens first, open borders, trafficking, immigration controls, asylum policies, social harms, xenophobia, racism, social cohesion, multiculturalism, government responsibilities, social harmony, border control, immigration reform state responsibility, citizen welfare, immigration controls, asylum policies, border security, trafficking prevention, open borders, social cohesion, xenophobia, racism, social harmony, government responsibilities, multiculturalism, social harms, hospitality, immigration system, naturalization, Sune Lægaard states, responsibility, citizens, trafficking, open borders, immigration controls, asylum policies, national sovereignty, social harms, xenophobia, racism, social cohesion, multiculturalism, social harmony, government responsibilities, border controls state responsibility, citizen needs, border control, immigration policy, asylum regulation, trafficking prevention, open borders, social harmony, xenophobia, racism, social cohesion, multiculturalism, government responsibilities, immigration system, social harms, public safety
test-politics-eppghwlrba-con02a	Gun ownership increases national security within democratic states  “A well-regulated Militia, being necessary top the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” – 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. [1] Any country is much more able to defend itself from aggression if many of its citizens are able to use guns, keeping them for leisure and sporting use. Some countries actively require adult citizens to maintain weapons in their house, and periodically to train in their use. The high levels of firearm availability in Iraq and Afghanistan have been significant contributory factors in allowing for a viable insurrection to form which has the potential to generate the political pressure necessary to cause the withdrawal of foreign occupiers.  Of course, such widespread ownership of weapons is also a safeguard against domestic tyranny.  [1] See also DIstricxt of Columbia v Heller, 554 U.S. 570 (2008) gun ownership, national security, democratic states, well-regulated militia, second amendment, right to bear arms, firearm availability, citizen self-defense, insurrection, domestic tyranny, firearm regulation, U.S. Constitution, Iraq, Afghanistan, armed citizens, military defense, foreign occupation, political pressure gun ownership, national security, democratic states, well-regulated militia, 2nd Amendment, firearm regulation, citizens' rights, defense capability, firearm availability, insurgency, domestic tyranny, firearm training, self-defense, armed populace, constitutional rights gun ownership, national security, democratic states, second amendment, firearm regulation, citizen self-defense, militia, firearm availability, insurrection, domestic tyranny, gun rights, firearm legislation, military readiness, constitutional rights, gun control laws gun ownership, national security, democratic states, Second Amendment, firearm regulation, firearm availability, citizen self-defense, militia, self-defense rights, firearm training, insurrection, foreign occupation, domestic tyranny, firearm legislation, Second Amendment case, District of Columbia v Heller gun ownership, national security, democratic states, second amendment, firearm rights, militia, self-defense, firearm regulation, civilian armament, domestic tyranny, insurrection, firearm availability, defense, gun laws, constitutional rights, U.S. Constitution, Iraq, Afghanistan, foreign occupation, political pressure
test-education-egscphsrdt-pro02a	"School's duty of care  Peer pressure drives most drug use among children and teenagers. [1] The fact that the state requires all children to be engaged in education means that most of them will be gathered into large groups in schools for most of the day, five days a week, essentially creating the necessary conditions for peer pressure to take place and be powerful. This occurs as some children face ostracism or exclusion from their peers in the social environment that the state compels them to be in if they refuse to take illegal drugs, if drug use is deemed necessary to be 'cool' or 'popular'.  It is, generally, the state that operates a western liberal democracy’s education system. Under circumstances in which children are placed into the care of the state, and are made vulnerable to peer pressure the state has a duty to ensure that children are not coerced into using drugs. This means that concerns of 'privacy' are secondary to protecting the choice not to take drugs, as ensuring the 'privacy' of all students by not having random drug tests empowers some students to socially coerce other students into using drugs when they otherwise would not.  Random drug tests help prevent cultures or norms of drug-taking (by which it can become the 'cool' thing to do) by ensuring that most drug users will be caught and helped to quit, thus protecting the choice of others not to be pressured into drug use.  [1] Rosenbaum, Marsha. “Safety First: A Reality-Based Approach to Teens and Drugs”. Drug Policy Alliance. January 1, 2007 school, duty of care, peer pressure, drug use, children, teenagers, education system, state, large groups, social environment, ostracism, exclusion, illegal drugs, ""cool"", ""popular"", western liberal democracy, care, vulnerability, coercion, privacy, random drug tests, social coercion, norms, drug-taking culture, prevention, drug users, quitting, protecting choice school, duty of care, peer pressure, drug use, children, teenagers, education system, state, social environment, ostracism, exclusion, illegal drugs, peer influence, privacy, random drug testing, drug prevention, social norms, drug culture, coercion, protection, adolescent health, drug policy school's duty of care, peer pressure, drug use, children, teenagers, education system, state responsibility, social exclusion, privacy, random drug testing, coercion, drug culture, peer influence, adolescence, drug prevention, school policy, legal framework, drug regulation, student safety, moral responsibility school's duty of care, peer pressure, drug use, children, teenagers, educational environment, state responsibility, large groups, social exclusion, peer influence, illegal drugs, social norms, culture of drug-taking, school policies, student privacy, random drug testing, coercion, prevention, substance abuse, juvenile health, education system, public health, drug prevention programs school, duty of care, peer pressure, drug use, children, teenagers, education, state, large groups, social environment, ostracism, exclusion, illegal drugs, social norms, peer influence, prevention, drug testing, privacy, coercion, cultural norms, drug policy"
test-society-asfhwapg-pro02a	"Patenting enables knowledge sharing  Patents are typically granted for twenty years only. After this period the monopoly ends. All companies ask is that for a limited time they are able to benefit from their investments, and that in that period if another company wishes to pursue a project in their area then they should have to give their permission for the use of the patent. Patenting does not mean withholding information in secrecy.  On the contrary, patents actively encourage openness in science, because if you were not able to disclose your findings without fear of exploitation, then you would keep your findings secret. This would be to the detriment of medical advancement.  For example the Human Genome Sciences’ patented their discovery of the CCR5 receptor gene, which was then discovered by other scientists at the National Institutes of Health, that the small number of people missing the receptor appear to be immune to HIV 1. This could be done because Human Genome Sciences has a policy that ""we do not use our patents to prevent anyone in academics or the nonprofit world from using these materials for whatever they want, so long as it is not commercial.2""  Patenting makes sure that the information is registered and shared. The other option, whereby companies do not patent the information and keep it as a “trade secret”, hurts everybody much more and slows down the rate of scientific progress.  1. Dutfield G., DNA patenting: implications for public health research, WHO  2. Chartrand, Sabra, ""Human Gene Patented as Potential Fighter Against AIDS"" The New York Times, 6 March 2000, patent, intellectual property, knowledge sharing, monopoly, innovation, scientific progress, disclosure, openness, research, confidentiality, medical research, Human Genome Sciences, CCR5 receptor, HIV, gene patenting, public health, trade secrets, scientific collaboration, patents policy, gene discovery, biotechnology, research ethics patent, knowledge sharing, intellectual property, monopoly, innovation, disclosure, secrecy, scientific progress, medical advancement, CCR5 receptor, HIV, gene patenting, public health, open science, trade secrets, research, collaboration, biotechnology, patents duration, scientific discovery, nonprofit use, commercialization, patent registration, ethical implications patenting, knowledge sharing, patents, monopoly, intellectual property, open science, scientific progress, disclosure, secrecy, research, innovation, human genome, CCR5 receptor, HIV, AIDS, public health, trade secrets, scientific advancement, biotechnology, genetic patents, patent policy, legal rights, biomedical research patents, knowledge sharing, patent duration, monopoly, investment, permission, openness, scientific disclosure, medical advancement, CCR5 receptor gene, HIV immunity, patent policy, nonprofit use, information registration, trade secrets, scientific progress, public health, DNA patenting, implications patents, knowledge sharing, intellectual property, exclusivity, limited duration, openness, scientific progress, medical research, innovation, disclosure, trade secrets, scientific collaboration, biomedical research, genome, HIV, CCR5 receptor, public health, patents policy, research facilitation"
test-international-apwhbaucmip-pro04a	Not all conflict is war  What is War? The AU’s declaration does not define it. Ending all conflict is ambitious, ending only inter state war in Africa on the other hand is not. The vast majority of conflicts in Africa have been internal. The only true inter state conflicts have been the wars between Israel and Egypt, the Eritrean-Ethiopian war, the Uganda-Tunisia war, and the Second Congo War. [1] None of these are ongoing. The only conflicts that might count as inter-state that might be considered ongoing are the situation in Western Sahara and border clashes between the Sudans. Western Sahara might be considered to be frozen with very few deaths as a result of it and the Sudan conflict is in large part a result of the border being new.  [1] Wikipedia, ‘List of conflicts in Africa’, accessed 10 January 2014, conflict, war, Africa, inter-state, internal conflicts, AU declaration, Western Sahara, Sudan, border clashes, Second Congo War, Eritrean-Ethiopian war, Israel-Egypt war, Uganda-Tunisia war, ongoing conflicts, frozen conflict, conflict definition, conflict resolution conflict, war, Africa, inter-state conflict, internal conflict, Western Sahara, Sudan, border clashes, Second Congo War, Eritrean-Ethiopian war, Israel-Egypt war, Uganda-Tunisia war, Africa conflicts, conflict classification, conflict analysis conflict, war, Africa, inter-state conflict, internal conflict, Uganda-Tunisia war, Second Congo War, Western Sahara, Sudan border clashes, Egypt-Israel wars, Eritrean-Ethiopian war, conflict resolution, war definition conflict, war, Africa, inter-state, internal conflicts, Western Sahara, Sudan, border clashes, Eritrean-Ethiopian war, Uganda-Tunisia war, Second Congo War, Israel-Egypt war, AU, peace, international relations, border disputes, conflict resolution conflict, war, Africa, inter-state conflict, internal conflict, AU declaration, Western Sahara, border clashes, Sudan, Eritrean-Ethiopian war, Uganda-Tunisia war, Second Congo War, Israel-Egypt, conflict resolution
test-health-dhghwapgd-pro02a	"Allowing production of generic drugs saves lives, particularly in the developing world  Many developing countries are fraught with terrible disease. Much of Africa and Asia are devastated by malaria, and in many parts of Africa AIDS is a horrendous scourge, infecting large percentages of many countries populations. For example, in Swaziland, 26% of the adult population is infected with the virus1. In light of these obscenely high infection rates, African governments have sought to find means of acquiring enough drugs to treat their ailing populations. The producers of the major AIDS medications do donate substantial amounts of drugs to stricken countries, yet at the same time they charge ruinously high prices for that which they do sell, leading to serious shortages in countries that cannot afford them. The denial of the right to produce or acquire generic drugs is effectively a death sentence to people in these countries. With generic drugs freely available on the market, the access to such drugs would be facilitated far more readily and cheaply; prices would be pushed down to market levels and African governments would be able to stand a chance of providing the requisite care to their people2. Under the current system attempts by governments to access generic drugs can be met by denials of free treatments, leading to even further suffering. There is no ethical justification to allow pharmaceutical companies to charge artificially high prices for drugs that save lives. Furthermore, many firms that develop and patent drugs do not share them, nor do they act upon them themselves due to their unprofitability. This has been the case with various treatments for malaria, which affects the developing world almost exclusively, thus limiting the market to customers with little money to pay for the drugs3. The result is patents and viable treatments sitting on shelves, effectively gathering dust within company records, when they could be used to save lives. But when there is no profit there is no production. Allowing the production of generic drugs is to allow justice to be done in the developing world, saving lives and ending human suffering.  1 United Nations. 2006. ""Country Program Outline for Swaziland, 2006-2010"". United Nations Development Program. Available: 2 Mercer, Illana. 2001. ""Patent Wrongs"". Mises Daily. Available: 3 Boseley, Sarah. 2006. ""Rich Countries 'Blocking Cheap Drugs for Developing World'"". The Guardian. Available: generic drugs, pharmaceutical pricing, developing countries, global health, disease burden, AIDS, malaria, drug access, intellectual property, patents, drug affordability, public health, life-saving medications, drug shortages, vaccine development, pharmaceutical ethics, drug donation programs, health inequality, market failure, drug production, patent rights, drug patents, global health disparities, medical treatment access generic drugs, pharmaceutical access, developing countries, Africa, Asia, malaria, AIDS, HIV prevalence, drug shortages, high drug prices, drug donation, affordable medication, patent laws, pharmaceutical patents, intellectual property, drug production, public health, vaccine access, health equity, global health, disease control, life-saving medications, drug affordability, pharmaceutical industry, health inequalities, patent rights, drug accessibility, treatment shortages generic drugs, pharmaceutical patent, drug accessibility, developing countries, AIDS, malaria, drug pricing, drug shortages, global health, pharmaceutical ethics, drug affordability, essential medicines, healthcare inequality, patent laws, life-saving medications, disease burden, public health, drug production, pharmaceutical industry, market failure, international aid generic drugs, lifesaving medications, developing countries, Africa, Asia, malaria, AIDS, HIV, infection rates, drug accessibility, drug affordability, pharmaceutical companies, drug prices, drug shortages, patent laws, drug production, access to medicines, global health, health equity, drug donation programs, intellectual property, drug patents, market failure, public health, drug availability, human rights, drug policy, pharmaceutical industry, health disparities, essential medicines generic drugs, developing world, life-saving medications, Africa, Asia, malaria, AIDS, HIV, infection rates, drug access, pharmaceutical companies, drug pricing, drug shortages, patent laws, drug affordability, global health, drug production, health inequalities, disease treatment, health policy, public health, access to medicines, pharmaceutical patents, drug donation programs, health rights, drug market, health ethics"
test-law-cplgpshwdp-pro04a	Defendants who are innocent will be protected  This motion could allow innocent defendants to mount a stronger case. This is because, if allowed, the previous convictions of prosecution witnesses would be admitted as evidence. In this case, if a prosecution witness falsely claims good character in opposition to the defendant, any falsity could be more easily seen and weighed by the jury. This solves a problem under that status quo where ‘the threat of introducing his [the defendant’s] previous convictions will frequently inhibit him from introducing character evidence about the prosecution witness’ [1] ; fear that the defendant’s convictions may weigh against them where the prosecution witness remains untouchable creates a discrepancy in the justice system. However, if convictions on both sides were to be revealed anyway, then neither can falsely claim the character of the other and attempt to convince the jury of false information on this front.  [1] CPS, ‘Justice for all’, The Stationary Office, July 2002. defendants, innocence, protection, motion, legal rights, evidence, previous convictions, prosecution witnesses, character evidence, jury comprehension, fairness, justice system, witness credibility, legal strategy, evidence admission, trial fairness defendants, innocence, protection, motion, evidence, previous convictions, prosecution witnesses, character evidence, jury, false claims, justice system, credibility, fairness, legal procedure, witness credibility innocent defendants, legal protection, motion, previous convictions, witness credibility, character evidence, jury, false testimony, justice system, evidence admissibility, prosecution witnesses, defense strategy, legal fairness, trial fairness, evidentiary rules, conviction impact defendants, innocence, protected, motion, evidence, previous convictions, prosecution witnesses, character evidence, false claims, jury, justice system, cross-examination, credibility, bias, legal proceedings, witness credibility defendants, innocence, protection, motion, evidence, previous convictions, prosecution witnesses, character evidence, jury, falsity, justice system, disclosure, credibility, cross-examination, legal strategy
test-politics-ghbgussbsbt-pro02a	Constitutional imperative  The Constitution of the United States is designed to prevent power from being concentrated in one place, with each of the three branches (executive, legislative and judicial) placing checks and balances upon each other. As James Madison wrote “It is of great importance in a republic not only to guard the society against the oppression of its rulers, but to guard one part of the society against the injustice of the other part.” [1]  This principle ensures that power is divided, facilitating greater dialogue between the branches and between the two houses of Congress which seeks to compromise with each other to provide the best possible expression of Congress’ will.  Such a need for compromise between the branches lends itself to having control of the two elected branches being spilt between two parties necessitating compromise as opposed to single party control of both houses, where compromise can be pre-arranged to fit the aims of the executive. Therefore, Divided Government is an extra requirement to government, ensuring that powers are not concentrated to the detriment of Americans.  [1] Madison, James, ‘The Federalist No.51 The Structure of the Government Must Furnish the Proper Checks and Balances Between the Different Departments’, Independent Journal, 6 February 1788, Constitutional imperative, U.S. Constitution, separation of powers, checks and balances, James Madison, federalism, republican government, divided government, political parties, legislative, executive, judicial, power distribution, compromise, constitutional principles, Federalist No.51, government structure, legislative branches, executive branch, judicial branch, government control, American political system Constitutional imperative, United States Constitution, separation of powers, checks and balances, James Madison, federalism, legislative, executive, judicial, divided government, power distribution, political parties, compromise, governance, Federalist No.51, American democracy Constitutional imperatives, United States Constitution, power distribution, branches of government, checks and balances, James Madison, republic, oppression prevention, justice, separation of powers, legislative, executive, judicial, government control, compromise, divided government, party politics, legislative process, Federalist No.51, government structure Constitutional imperative, United States Constitution, separation of powers, checks and balances, James Madison, Federalist No. 51, government, power distribution, legislative branch, executive branch, judicial branch, divided government, political parties, compromise, governmental control, American democracy Constitutional imperative, U.S. Constitution, separation of powers, checks and balances, three branches, executive, legislative, judicial, power distribution, Madison, Federalist No.51, government, divided government, political parties, compromise, government control, constitutional principles, republicanism, power concentration, political dialogue, legislative process
test-philosophy-npegiepp-pro02a	Neo-functionalism proposes a purpose to EU integration.  Neo-functionalism proposed building a community Europe, through the concept of spillover the theory proposes economic determinism. Spill-over will eventually lead to a completely integrated Europe with a strong central government. This has not yet been proved true, as EU integration has become a long and difficult process. This is understandable since it is not exactly easy to integrate together all those policies, economies and people. However this would most probably be the eventual result, which is already visible: The experience of the European Union (EU) is widely perceived as not just an example, but the model for regional integration. In recent years, the EU has also been pursuing an increasing number of trade agreements which may in turn lead to spillover. [1] Furthermore the recent enlargements of the EU in Eastern Europe, as well as the ongoing negotiations with Croatia and Turkey have renewed the academic and political interest in the effects of European Economic integration. [2]  One of the theory’s strengths is to predict the outcome of integration and an eventual conclusion to the process, allowing for political and economic aims to be made and realised. For example ‘Larger companies have been acting on the assumption that the internal market will eventually be established’. [3]  [1] Bilal, Sanoussi, ‘Can the EU Be a Model of Regional Integration?’, Paper to be presented at the CODESRIA - Globalisation Studies Network (GSN), 29-31 August 2005,   [2] Lafourcade, Miren, and Paluzie, Elisenda, ‘European Integration, FDI and the Internal Geography of Trade: Evidence from Western-European Border Regions’, 23 December 2004, www.cepr.org/RESEARCH/Networks/TID/Paluzie.pdf  [3] Tranholm-Mikkelsen, Jeppe, ‘Neo-functionalism: Obstinate or Obsolete? A Reappraisal in the Light of the New Dynamism of the EC’, Millennium - Journal of International Studies, Vol. 20, No. 1, pp.1-22, Neo-functionalism, European Union, EU integration, spillover, regional integration, economic determinism, European economics, political integration, policy harmonization, EU enlargement, Eastern Europe, trade agreements, Croatian negotiations, Turkish negotiations, European economic integration, EU model, regional cooperation, European internal market, integration theory, globalization, European policies, economic policies, political aims, integration outcomes, European communities, regional policy Neo-functionalism, EU integration, European Union, spillover, economic determinism, regional integration, European community, EU enlargement, trade agreements, European Economic integration, political aims, economic aims, European internal market, regional cooperation, EU policies, European policies, international relations, EU negotiations, European borders, FDI, internal trade, European economics, integration theory, transnational cooperation Neo-functionalism, EU integration, European Union, spillover, economic determinism, regional integration, European Economic integration, EU enlargement, trade agreements, political integration, economic integration, European community, EU policies, regions, globalization, international relations, European expansion, integration theory, European markets Neo-functionalism, EU integration, European Union, spillover, regional integration, economic determinism, European economic integration, EU policies, EU enlargement, trade agreements, Eastern Europe, Croatia, Turkey, European internal market, economic aims, political aims, EU model, regional cooperation, European policy, integration theory, European trade, FDI, internal trade geography, EU policymaking, European community, EU evolution Neo-functionalism, EU integration, European Union, spillover, regional integration, economic determinism, European community, European economic integration, EU enlargement, Eastern Europe, trade agreements, regional cooperation, European policies, economic policies, political integration, European markets, globalization, European economic zone, European trade, internal market, EU enlargement, integration theory, European policies, economic politics
test-digital-freedoms-phwnaccpdt-con01a	The sale of personal data makes for better advertising that benefits consumers  By targeting demographics and personal profiles by way of acquiring and utilizing personal data, businesses are able to put forward their services in a more targeted fashion in order to reach their target markets and to more effectively understand the broader market more generally. The limited budgets that constrain all companies has traditionally forced producers in the mass market to advertise to broad demographics and majority markets, resulting in a relative dearth of niche markets and breadth of services available in the mass market. Utilizing personal data effectively allows firms to enrich the lives of all consumers by expanding the range of marketable products and the furnishing of services to more eclectic tastes. [1] The vast numbers of websites and services proliferating online makes it much harder for people to find what they are looking for, but more importantly what they are not looking for but would want if they knew it existed. Data-mining allows for the channels of information to flow more effectively to consumers (Columbus, 2012). On the individual level companies are able to create individual profiles from information, so they can target them directly with things that might interest them. This strategy is used on Facebook, for example, users are shown ads that most fit their profiles giving them access to services they might not have ever found without the service.  [1] Deighton, J. and J. Quelch, “Economic Value of the Advertising-Supported Internet Ecosystem”. IAB Report. 2009, personal data, targeted advertising, demographics, personal profiles, data mining, market segmentation, niche markets, consumer benefits, online services, information flow, customer profiling, personalized marketing, digital advertising, market expansion, consumer interests, data utilization, online ecosystem personal data, targeted advertising, consumer benefits, demographic targeting, personal profiles, data mining, market segmentation, niche markets, online services, user profiling, digital marketing, market expansion, targeted marketing, advertising ecosystem, consumer preferences, online information flow, data-driven marketing personal data, advertising, targeted marketing, demographics, personal profiles, consumer benefits, market segmentation, niche markets, online services, data-mining, individual profiles, targeted advertising, consumer interests, market expansion, digital marketing, online platforms, information flow, personalized ads personal data, advertising, consumer benefits, demographic targeting, personal profiles, data acquisition, niche markets, mass market, market expansion, targeted marketing, online services, data mining, information channels, individualized marketing, Facebook advertising, internet ecosystem, economic value personal data, targeted advertising, consumer benefits, demographics, personal profiles, data mining, niche markets, market segmentation, online services, web targeting, personalized marketing, individual profiling, digital marketing, consumer insights, market expansion
test-economy-epehwmrbals-pro01a	Labour standards are necessary to protect basic human rights  Labour and business standards are a cornerstone of agreement on universal human rights between various international actors and so it is right that they should be linked to aid. In 1998 the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work were adopted and are considered binding on all members regardless of whether they have ratified the conventions. [1] The business and labour regulations protect the basic worker rights and improve job security through demanding the elimination of discrimination and empower workers through the recognition of “freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining” [2] like in those in developed western countries. This then provides a minimum standard and aid should only be given to those that ensure those minimum standards they have signed up. It would also help compliance to prioritise those who go further in their protections of labour when it comes to receiving aid. It should be remembered that there has been general acceptance of international labour standards not just for human rights reasons but also because having minimum standards is beneficial economically – for example a 40 hour working week is more productive per hour than a 60 hour week. [3]  [1] the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, ‘About the Declaration’, International Labour Organisation,   [2] ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and its Follow-up, Adopted by the International Labour Conference at its Eighty-sixth Session, Geneva, 18 June 1998 (Annex revised 15 June 2010),   [3] Robinson, Sara, ‘Bring back the 40-hour work week’, Salon, 14 March 2012, labour standards, human rights, international agreements, universal rights, aid linkage, ILO Declaration, fundamental principles, workers' rights, job security, discrimination, freedom of association, collective bargaining, labour regulations, minimum standards, aid conditionality, labour protections, economic benefits, productivity, work hours, international labour standards, human rights protection labour standards, human rights, international labour organisation, ILO Declaration, workers rights, labour regulations, job security, discrimination, freedom of association, collective bargaining, minimum standards, aid conditionality, labour protections, economic benefits, working hours, productivity, international agreements, labour compliance, labour rights enforcement labour standards, human rights, international labour standards, ILO Declaration, fundamental principles, workers rights, job security, non-discrimination, collective bargaining, freedom of association, business standards, aid conditionality, minimum standards, compliance, labour protection, economic benefits, work week, productivity, international actors, human rights agreements, labour regulations labour standards, human rights, labour regulations, international actors, aid, ILO Declaration, fundamental principles, rights at work, worker rights, job security, discrimination, freedom of association, collective bargaining, minimum standards, aid conditionality, labour protection, economic benefits, productivity, working hours labour standards, human rights, workforce protection, employment rights, international labour standards, ILO Declaration, work rights, minimum standards, job security, discrimination elimination, freedom of association, collective bargaining, labour regulations, aid linkage, economic benefits, productivity, working hours, labour compliance, international actors, labour rights, labour law, work week, economic development
test-economy-epiasghbf-con01a	The double burden  Despite a feminising labour market there has been no convergence, or equalisation, in unpaid domestic and care work. Women still play key roles in working the reproductive sphere and family care; therefore labour-force participation increases the overall burden placed on women. The burden is placed on time, physical, and mental demands.  We need to recognise the anxieties and burdens women face of being the bread-winner, as survival is becoming ‘feminised’ (Sassen, 2002). Additionally, women have always accounted for a significant proportion of the labour market - although their work has not been recognised. Therefore to what extent can we claim increased labour force participation is empowering when it is only just being recognised? double burden,feminising labour market,unpaid domestic work,care work,gender roles,labour-force participation,women’s work,reproductive labour,family care,burden on women,social inequality,gendered division of labour,mental stress,physical demands,women’s empowerment,recognition of women’s work,gender equality,feminisation of survival,labour market recognition,gender disparities double burden, feminisation, labour market, unpaid domestic work, care work, gender equality, women's roles, reproductive sphere, family care, labour-force participation, gendered burden, time demands, physical demands, mental demands, women's anxieties, breadwinner, survival, women's recognition, women's empowerment double burden, feminising labour market, unpaid domestic work, care work, gender inequality, reproductive labour, family care, labour-force participation, women's burden, mental demands, physical demands, gendered workload, women's rights, female employment, reproductive sphere, gender roles, women's empowerment, social recognition, gender norms, labour market dynamics double burden, feminising labour market, unpaid domestic work, care work, gender equality, labour-force participation, reproductive work, family care, women's workload, gender disparities, time demands, physical demands, mental health, gender roles, gendered burden, survival, feminisation, recognition of women's work, women empowerment, labour market, gendered expectations, gender stereotypes double burden, feminising labour market, unpaid domestic work, care work, gender equality, reproductive work, family care, labour-force participation, women's workload, time burden, physical demands, mental demands, gendered anxieties, breadwinner role, feminisation, labour market recognition, women's empowerment, gender disparities, reproductive sphere, gender roles, unpaid work, gendered burden
test-health-ppelfhwbpba-pro01a	The foetus feels pain  Partial-birth abortion is disgusting. Like all abortions, it involves the killing of an unborn child, but unlike first trimester abortions there is no doubt that the foetus can feel pain by the third trimester. [1] The procedure involves sticking a pair of scissors into a baby’s brain, enlarging the hole, sucking the brain out with a catheter and then crushing the skull. It is entirely unacceptable to do this to a living human being. Psychological damage to the mother as a result of rape or teenage pregnancy or depression is in the end less significant than the physical damage - death - caused to the child.  [1] Lee, Susan J., et al., ‘Fetal Pain, A Systematic Multidisciplinary Review of the Evidence’, Journal of the American Medical Association, Vol 294 (8), 2005, fetal pain, partial-birth abortion, late-term abortion, abortion ethics, unborn child, abortion procedure, fetal development, third trimester, abortion controversy, psychological impact, maternal health, fetal suffering, surgical abortion, fetal brain removal, abortion debate foetus, pain, partial-birth abortion, late trimester, fetal pain, abortion methods, late-term abortion, baby’s brain, surgical procedure, fetal development, ethical issues, fetal rights, maternal psychological impact, child death, medical review, Susan J. Lee, fetal research foetus, pain, partial-birth abortion, abortion, unborn child, third trimester, procedure, fetal pain, infant brain injury, abortion methods, psychological damage, maternal health, fetal development, ethical considerations, medical evidence, Susan J. Lee foetus,pain,partial-birth abortion,disgusting,abortions,unborn child,third trimester,pain perception,surgical procedure,brain removal,catheter,crushing skull,human life,psychological damage,mother,rape,teenage pregnancy,depression,physical damage,death,article,study,medical evidence foetus, pain, partial-birth abortion, third trimester, fetal pain, abortion procedures, fetal development, ethical concerns, fetal brain, surgical abortion, maternal psychological impact, unborn child, legal debates, medical evidence, fetal pain evidence
test-international-segiahbarr-pro04a	Greater Access to Technology  Proponents of this view claim that the traditional image of ‘Dark Africa’ is becoming outdated in the light of greater access to technology. Due to poor infrastructure, mobile communications have had a transformative impact on African life. In the past decade there has been a notable increase in mobile phone ownership, with the trend set to continue. There are over 600 million mobile phone users in Africa, which is more than in North America and Europe [1] . Mobile phones allow the use of services such as agro-info and mobile banking to further their businesses. It is thought that by 2017, 30% of households will have a television in their house. Household technologies becoming more available have gone hand in hand with the development of more sophisticated farming and industrial techniques. A recent Pan-African project designed at improving legume technology and enrich low-nitrogen soils has made it possible for farmers to increase their yields and has reached 250,000 smallholder farmers so far [2] .  [1] The Economist, ‘The hopeful continent’, 2011  [2] Abuje, ‘Putting biological nitrogen fixation to work for smallholder farmers’, 2011 technology, Africa, mobile phones, infrastructure, mobile banking, agro-info, household technologies, television, farming techniques, industrial development, legume technology, nitrogen fixation, smallholder farmers technology, Africa, mobile communications, infrastructure, mobile phones, mobile banking, agro-info, household technology, television, rural development, agricultural technology, smallholder farmers, nitrogen fixation, farming techniques, industrial development, Pan-African projects, technological adoption, digital divide technology, digital access, mobile phones, infrastructure, mobile communications, Africa, mobile ownership, agro-info, mobile banking, household technology, television, farming techniques, industrial development, legume technology, soil enrichment, smallholder farmers, nitrogen fixation technology, Africa, digital divide, mobile communications, mobile phone ownership, African life, infrastructure, mobile banking, agro-info, household technologies, television, farming techniques, industrial development, legume technology, nitrogen fixation, smallholder farmers, agricultural productivity, technological access, development, socioeconomic impact technology, digital access, mobile communications, mobile phone ownership, Africa, infrastructure, mobile services, agro-info, mobile banking, household technologies, television, farming techniques, industrial development, legume technology, soil enrichment, nitrogen fixation, smallholder farmers
test-education-pshhghwpba0-con02a	Government should focus on the most needy  A primary responsibility of the government is for reducing inequality and ensuring that everyone has a basic living standard. A basic living standard includes food. As a result providing breakfasts should be for those who are most in need of a helping hand from government. Those who are wealthier and can afford their own breakfast do not need this help so any such breakfast policy should be means tested to only apply to those who need it. This is the case with the United States School Breakfast Program. government, inequality, basic living standard, food support, targeted assistance, means testing, school breakfast program, poverty, social welfare, food policy, government responsibility, needy populations, meal programs, welfare policy government, inequality, basic living standard, food assistance, breakfast program, needy populations, means testing, social welfare, poverty alleviation, US School Breakfast Program government, reducing inequality, basic living standard, food assistance, breakfast program, need-based aid, means testing, social welfare, hunger alleviation, poverty reduction, public policy, United States, school breakfast government, inequality, basic living standard, needy, welfare, social support, food assistance, breakfast program, means testing, poverty alleviation, public policy, socioeconomic disparity government, inequality, basic living standard, needy, poverty alleviation, food assistance, breakfast program, means testing, social welfare, public policy, vulnerable populations, United States, school nutrition
test-health-dhghhbampt-pro02a	Although there are many accounts of the efficacy of alternative cancer treatments, not one has been demonstrated to work in a clinical trial  The National Centre for Conventional and Alternative Medicines has spent over $2.5bn on research since 1992. The Dutch government funded research between 1996 and 2003. Alternative therapies have been tested in mainstream medical journals and elsewhere. Not only have thousands of research exercises failed to prove the medical benefit ”alternative” treatments for severe and terminal diseases, serious peer-reviewed studies have routinely disproved them.  It’s all well and good to pick at mistakes in individual studies. Indeed, this tactic often forms the mainstay of pleas for legitimacy made by members of the alternative medical community. However, the odds against such consistently negative results would be extraordinary.  By contrast, conventional medicine only prescribes medicines and treatments that are proven, and vigorously proven, to work. alternative medicine, clinical trials, efficacy, research funding, National Centre for Conventional and Alternative Medicines, Dutch government, medical journals, peer-reviewed studies, alternative treatments, serious diseases, terminal illnesses, scientific disproof, conventional medicine, proven treatments alternative medicine, cancer treatments, clinical trials, efficacy, research funding, National Centre for Conventional and Alternative Medicine, Dutch government, medical journals, scientific studies, peer-reviewed research, treatment validation, evidence-based medicine, negative results, medical benefit, terminal diseases, conventional medicine, proven treatments cancer treatments, alternative medicine, clinical trials, efficacy, research funding, conventional medicine, medical journal, peer-reviewed studies, treatment effectiveness, placebo effect, scientific validation, medical research, European healthcare, treatment disproof, health policy, evidence-based medicine alternative medicine, cancer treatments, clinical trials, efficacy, research funding, National Centre for Conventional and Alternative Medicines, Dutch government research, mainstream medical journals, scientific proof, peer-reviewed studies, medical benefit, terminal diseases, placebo effects, scientific validation, evidence-based medicine, therapeutic outcomes, medical skepticism, treatment efficacy, research failures, conventional medicine, proven treatments alternative medicine, cancer treatments, clinical trials, efficacy, research funding, National Centre for Conventional and Alternative Medicines, Dutch government, medical journals, peer-reviewed studies, therapeutic effectiveness, evidence-based medicine, conventional medicine, false claims, medical benefit, research failure
test-international-gmehwasr-pro04a	Would balance the support for Syrian government  Syria's government has been receiving outside support from a variety of sources; Russia and Iran being the most prominent. Iran has been training the Jaysh al- Shabi, a Syrian government-controlled force modelled on Iran's Basij militia. Far from just providing weapons, both Iran and Hezbollah from Lebanon have been sending fighters to support the Syrian government. [1] The rebels have received some support for Qatar and Saudi Arabia but not to the extent the Syrian government has. Anyone with an interest in the free Syrian cause should realise that they cannot do so simply by sitting on their hands expecting a victory when those doing the fighting are only provided diplomatic support.  [1] Doran, Michael, and Shaikh, Salman, ‘Arm the Syrian Rebels. Now’. Foreign Policy, 8 February 2013 Syrian government, external support, Russia, Iran, Jaysh al-Shabi, Basij militia, Hezbollah, Lebanon, weapons, fighters, rebel support, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, diplomatic support, Syrian conflict, foreign influence, military aid, regional involvement Syrian government, foreign support, Russia, Iran, Jaysh al-Shabi, Basij militia, Hezbollah, Lebanon, weapons, fighters, rebels, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, diplomatic support, Syrian conflict, foreign aid, military assistance Syrian government, external support, Russia, Iran, Jaysh al-Shabi, Basij militia, weapons, Hezbollah, fighters, rebels, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, diplomatic support, Syrian conflict, foreign assistance, military aid, Syria, Middle East, regional influence Syrian government, outside support, Russia, Iran, Jaysh al-Shabi, Basij militia, Hezbollah, fighters, weapons, rebels, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, diplomatic support, free Syrian cause, military aid, foreign intervention Syrian government, outside support, Russia, Iran, Jaysh al-Shabi, Basij militia, Hezbollah, Lebanon, weapons, fighters, rebels, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, diplomatic support, Syrian conflict, foreign aid
test-international-ipecfiepg-pro03a	A Greek default would increase stability for the rest of the Eurozone  A Greek exit from the ‘Eurozone does not mean the end of the euro. It will, instead, mark a new beginning. Germany has a long and proud tradition of currency strength, but it could not cope with going back to the deutschmark because it would rocket in value and destroy the country's competitiveness. Some 97% of the Eurozone's population will continue to use the single currency and their leaders will circle the policy wagons to protect what is left.’ [`] A Greek default and departure from the Eurozone would decrease uncertainty and fear within the rest of the Eurozone. This, in turn is likely to attract higher levels of investment and transactions across Eurozone members.  [1] Parsons, Nick: “Eurozone crisis: what if… Greece leaves the single currency”, 14 May 2012, The Guardian, Greek default, Eurozone stability, Greek exit, euro, currency, deutschmark, currency strength, competitiveness, Eurozone population, single currency, investor confidence, economic uncertainty, fiscal policy, monetary policy, euro crisis, Greece, euro membership, currency transition, financial markets, Eurozone integration Greece, default, Eurozone, euro, stability, exit, currency, deutschmark, competitiveness, Eurozone population, uncertainty, fear, investment, transactions, Eurozone members, Euro, crisis Greek default, Eurozone stability, Eurozone exit, euro, currency stability, deutschmark, currency strength, competitiveness, Eurozone population, policy response, default consequences, Eurozone uncertainty, investment, transactions, Eurozone crisis, Greece, currency union, economic impact, monetary policy Greek default, Eurozone stability, Greek exit, euro, euro, currency, deutschmark, euro, currency strength, competitiveness, Eurozone population, single currency, policy, uncertainty, fear, investment, transactions, Eurozone crisis, Greece exit, currency fluctuations Greek default, Eurozone stability, Greece exit, euro, currency, deutschemark, competitiveness, Eurozone population, economic uncertainty, investment, transactions, Eurozone crisis, Nick Parsons, The Guardian
test-culture-mmctyshwbcp-pro04a	Being a performer can make the child physically vulnerable  Children involved at a professional level in sports are at a higher risk than their peers of physical problems like breaking bones. In some cases, these physical problems can be fatal; e.g., Julissa Gomez, who died from complications of a vaulting injury contracted when she was 15 in warm-ups for a gymnastics competition. [1]  Even in careers like acting and dancing there are risks for child performers. Actors and dancers are usually encouraged to stay thin, often to an unhealthy degree. Because children are particularly vulnerable, they are more susceptible to the perils of over-exercising for athletes and eating disorders for performers. It has been found, for example, that girls who dance in their childhood are more likely than their peers to develop anorexia nervosa in later life. [2] Lena Zavaroni, the childhood winner of ‘opportunity knocks’ in the 1970’s, struggled with eating disorders for all of her life and died aged 34.  With the damage eating disorders can do to a person’s body, it should be illegal to expose children to such risks.  [1] Hoffman, ‘Obituaries’  [2] BBC News, ‘Anorexia linked to child dancers’ child performers, physical vulnerabilities, sports injuries, gymnastics accidents, child actors, child dancers, health risks, over-exercising, eating disorders, anorexia nervosa, childhood risks, fatal injuries, injury prevention, child athlete safety, child performer health, child safety regulations child performers, physical vulnerability, sports injuries, gymnastics accidents, fatal injuries, acting risks, dancing risks, unhealthy weight, over-exercising, eating disorders, anorexia nervosa, childhood dancers, child athlete risks, injury prevention, child safety, mental health, child wellbeing child performers, physical vulnerability, sports injuries, dance risks, acting risks, eating disorders, anorexia nervosa, childhood trauma, injury fatalities, child athlete safety, performance dangers, youth sports injuries, childhood eating disorders, gymnastics injuries, professional child performers child performers, physical vulnerability, sports injuries, childhood risks, fatalities, gymnastics accidents, acting risks, dancing, weight management, eating disorders, anorexia nervosa, child athletes, child dancers, health hazards, child safety, injury prevention, mental health, childhood obesity, child protection, exploitation child performers, physical vulnerability, sports injuries, bone fractures, fatal accidents, gymnastics injuries, child actors, child dancers, health risks, over-exercising, eating disorders, anorexia nervosa, childhood obesity, performance risks, child safety, injury prevention, professional child athletes, child health, mental health, long-term effects
test-international-gpdwhwcusa-con01a	A UN standing army would not be cost-effective.  The cost of such an army would be very high, especially if it were to include purchase of air and sea transport to reach theatres of operation, added to the high costs of permanent establishment and training, and equipping the force for every possible type of terrain. State armed forces have the advantage of preparing for specific battles with specific enemies. Any UN standing force would be forced by its very nature to prepare for every enemy, in every environment. Such a scope is neither desirable nor easy to overcome without great expense and large numbers. At present, the UN model is preferable; it can draw upon different kind of troops for different kinds of missions from whatever member states feel best equipped to deal with a particular situation. UN, standing army, cost-efficiency, military cost, air transport, sea transport, operational theatres, permanent establishment, military training, troop equipment, terrain adaptation, national armed forces, specialized forces, universal force, mission flexibility, troop deployment, international peacekeeping, military expense, member states, military readiness UN, standing army, cost-effectiveness, military costs, air transport, sea transport, military logistics, troop deployment, military training, equipment, terrain adaptability, national armed forces, specialized forces, multinational coalition, peacekeeping missions, international security, military expenditure, operational scope, troop readiness, peacekeeping costs UN, standing army, cost-effectiveness, military forces, international security, military expenditure, strategic preparedness, troop deployment, multi-environment operations, peacekeeping, military logistics, member states, military training, defense budget, force readiness UN, standing army, cost-effectiveness, military expenditure, transportation costs, permanent establishment, military training, troop deployment, terrain adaptability, national armed forces, specialized combat units, multidimensional missions, international peacekeeping, multilateral cooperation, military readiness, operational scope, cost analysis UN, standing army, cost-effectiveness, military expenditure, airborne forces, naval forces, transport logistics, force readiness, military training, force deployment, terrain adaptability, national armed forces, specialized troops, broad mission scope, military budget, international peacekeeping, military preparedness, multilateral operations
test-politics-cdmaggpdgdf-pro01a	Transparency is a good in and of itself  The most essential commodity within a state is trust. Trust is essential in all sorts of aspect of our lives; we trust that the paper money we have is actually worth more than a scrap of paper, that doctors performing surgery know what they are doing, that we won't be attacked in the street, and that the government is looking after our interests. In order to create that trust there needs to be transparency so that we know that our institutions are trustworthy. It is the ability to check the facts and the accountability that comes with transparency that creates trust. And this in turn is what makes them legitimate. [1]  The need for trust applies just as much to security as any other walk of life. Citizens need to trust that the security services really are keeping them safe, are spending taxpayers’ money wisely, and are acting in a fashion that is a credit to the country. Unfortunately if there is not transparency there is no way of knowing if this is the case and so often the intelligence services have turned out to be an embarrassment. As has been the case with the CIA and it’s the use of torture following 9/11, for which there are still calls for transparency on past actions. [2]  [1] Ankersmit, Laurens, ‘The Irony of the international relations exception in the transparency regulation’, European Law Blog, 20 March 2013  [2] Traub, James, ‘Out With It’, Foreign Policy, 10 May 2013 transparency, trust, accountability, legitimacy, security, institutions, government, intelligence, security services, taxpayers, CIA, torture, 9/11, facts, oversight, credibility, public confidence, governance, accountability, transparency regulation transparency, trust, accountability, legitimacy, security, institutions, government, credibility, surveillance, intelligence, CIA, torture, 9/11, openness, fact-checking, public confidence transparency, trust, accountability, legitimacy, institutions, security, government, intelligence, CIA, torture, 9/11, secrecy, public oversight, credibility, ethics, public trust, governance, transparency regulation, international relations transparency, trust, legitimacy, accountability, institutions, security, security services, intelligence, CIA, torture, government, public confidence, citizens, facts, oversight, governance, transparency regulation, international relations, accountability measures transparency, trust, accountability, legitimacy, security, institutions, government, citizens, security services, intelligence agencies, CIA, torture, 9/11, ethics, integrity, public confidence, oversight, governance, transparency regulation, international relations
test-politics-oapdhwinkp-pro03a	"Rounds of sanctions and engagement does not bring a solution any closer  The responses to North Korean provocations do not bring a solution any closer. North Korea has yet to sign a peace treaty with the South and the United States. It is however particularly interested in signing a treaty with the United States rather than the South. In 2010 the North Korean foreign ministry proposed that ""If confidence is to be built between [North Korea] and the US, it is essential to conclude a peace treaty for terminating the state of war, a root cause of the hostile relations, to begin with"". [1] The North wants a peace treaty with the US so as to drive a wedge between the USA and South Korea to prevent US support for the South in the event of war. [2] Ignoring such efforts at negotiating with the USA without South Korea in the room, and indeed all advances and provocations would force the North to accept that it has to negotiate with the south or with no one. Ignoring North Korean actions and reducing the number of allies negotiating while maintaining security guarantees prevents any chance of the North dividing the USA and South Korea.  [1] Walker, Peter, ‘North Korea calls for peace treaty with US’, guardian.co.uk, 11 January 2010,   [2] Cheon, Seongwhun, ‘Negotiating with South Korea and the I.S.: North Korea’s Strategy and Objectives’, International Journal for Korean Studies, Vol XVI No 1, Spring 2012,  p.153 North Korea, sanctions, engagement, peace treaty, US, South Korea, North Korean provocations, hostile relations, peace negotiations, US-North Korea relations, US-South Korea relations, diplomatic strategy, North Korean objectives, regional security, military tensions, peace process, US foreign policy, Korean Peninsula, conflict resolution, security guarantees, diplomatic negotiations North Korea, sanctions, engagement, diplomacy, peace treaty, US, South Korea, North Korean provocations, hostilities, negotiation strategy, US-North Korea relations, US-South Korea relations, peace process, security guarantees, diplomatic efforts, conflict resolution, foreign policy North Korea, sanctions, engagement, peace treaty, US, South Korea, North Korean provocations, negotiation, diplomatic strategy, US-North Korea relations, Korea peninsula, security guarantees, hostile relations, diplomatic efforts, conflict resolution, peace talks, US support, wedge strategy, international diplomacy North Korea, sanctions, engagement, US, South Korea, peace treaty, nuclear provocations, diplomatic negotiations, US-North Korea relations, US-South Korea relations, peace process, security guarantees, diplomatic strategies, North Korean strategy, regional security, war, hostility, negotiations, international relations North Korea, sanctions, engagement, peace treaty, US, South Korea, North Korean provocations, diplomacy, negotiations, conflict resolution, US-North Korea relations, South Korea-North Korea relations, peace process, security guarantees, strategic interests, international diplomacy, negotiations strategy, hostilities, regional stability, military threats"
test-law-rmelhrilhbiw-con04a	There is nothing legal or sacred about the West Bank’s borders – it was an ad-hoc armistice line never recognized internationally  The West Bank is not some sort of recognized entity with legally or internationally recognized boundaries. Its borders were the 1948 cease-fire line between Israeli and Jordanian forces, and Jordan’s annexation of the region, and hence the borders were only recognized by two countries – the United Kingdom and Pakistan. [1]  This is important, because the entire challenge to the legality of the settlements, i.e. Why they are unacceptable in Hebron but not in the Negev, is due to the belief that Israel is somehow annexing Palestinian territory. While some of the West Bank was intended to be part of a Palestinian state in 1948, and some will be incorporated into a new one in the future, Israel is under no responsibility to the international community or any comprehension of International law to recognize boundaries that have no legal force and do not legally exist.  [1] ‘Jordan Renounced Claims to West Bank, 1988’, Palestine Facts, West Bank, borders, international recognition, armistice line, 1948 cease-fire, Israeli forces, Jordanian forces, Jordan annexation, Libya, UK, Pakistan, legality, settlements, Hebron, Negev, Palestinian territory, Palestine, international law, recognition, boundaries, legal status, annexation, Palestinian state West Bank, borders, international recognition, armistice line, 1948 cease-fire, Jordanian annexation, legal boundaries, recognition, Israeli settlements, Palestinian territory, international law, cease-fire line, Jordan, Palestine, Hebron, Negev, annexation, legality West Bank, borders, international recognition, cease-fire line, 1948, Jordanian annexation, legality, settlements, Hebron, Negev, Israeli expansion, Palestinian territory, international law, annexation, recognition, territorial disputes West Bank, borders, international recognition, cease-fire line, 1948, Jordanian annexation, ad-hoc line, legality, Israeli settlements, territorial sovereignty, Palestinian state, international law, territorial boundaries, annexation, Hebron, Negev, West Bank recognition, legal status West Bank, borders, armistice line, recognition, international law, cease-fire, Jordan, annexation, Palestine, Israeli settlements, Hebron, Negev, territorial disputes, sovereignty, legal boundaries, Palestine recognition, UN recognition, international community, territorial legality, 1948 cease-fire, Jordanian forces, Palestinian state, Israel, legal legitimacy
test-economy-epiasghbf-con02a	Women need alternatives for empowerment  Empowerment cannot be gained for women through employment, alternatives are required. A gender lens needs to be applied to women’s life course from the start. To tackle the discriminatory causes of gender inequality access to sexual and reproductive health rights is required for women. Access to such rights ensures women in Africa will be able to control their body, go to school, and choose the type of employment they wish to enter into.  The importance of enabling sexual and reproductive health rights for women is being put on the agenda for Africa [1] . There is a lot to be done beyond workforce participation - ending violence against women, promoting equal access to resources, opportunities and participation. Such features will reinforce women’s labour market participation, but in the jobs they want.  [1] See further readings: Chissano, 2013; Puri, 2013. women, empowerment, gender equality, alternatives, discrimination, access, sexual health rights, reproductive rights, body autonomy, education, employment, Africa, gender lens, life course, violence against women, resources, opportunities, participation, labor market, workforce, equality women, empowerment, alternatives, gender lens, life course, gender inequality, sexual health, reproductive health, rights, access, Africa, autonomy, education, employment, violence, resources, opportunities, participation, labour market women, empowerment, gender equality, reproductive health, sexual rights, access, discrimination, Africa, women's rights, education, employment, violence against women, resources, participation, labor market, opportunities women, empowerment, alternatives, gender lens, life course, gender inequality, sexual health, reproductive health, rights, access, body autonomy, education, employment, Africa, violence against women, resource access, opportunity, participation, labor market, gender equality women, empowerment, alternatives, gender lens, life course, gender inequality, reproductive health rights, bodily autonomy, education, employment, Africa, sexual health, reproductive rights, violence against women, resource access, opportunities, participation, labor market, gender equality
test-international-atiahblit-pro02a	Teacher training  Investment is required in teacher training to ensure quality control. Teachers need to be provided with qualifications and effective training both technical and theoretical. Teachers need to be introduced to methods on how to interact with students, provoke student debates, and manage large classes. In-service training and pre-teaching training are key.  Countries such as Uganda and Angola [1] have utilised on the job training for teachers, with positive results for teaching quality. In Uganda initiatives, such as INSSTEP [2] , provided capacity training to teachers and headteachers. 14,000 secondary school teachers participated between 1994-1999, followed by school inspections to monitor capacity. The ‘mobile-caravan’ approach is making it easier, more feasible, and flexible, to provide training [3] .  Additionally, investors and national governments need to provide Model schools, indicating what responsibilities teachers have and enabling knowledge transfer. Model schools can assist in alleviating work pressures for teachers by showing their terms of contract, duties and obligations. Increasingly teachers are expected to fulfil the role of carer, counsellor, and advisers on HIV/AIDs without relevant training.  [1] See further readings: World Bank, 2013.  [2] In-Service Secondary Teacher Education Project.  [3] See further readings: World Bank, 2013. teacher training, professional development, capacity building, in-service training, pre-service training, quality control, teacher qualifications, technical training, theoretical training, student engagement, debate facilitation, classroom management, on-the-job training, Uganda, Angola, INSSTEP, mobile-caravan, model schools, knowledge transfer, work pressure, teacher roles, counseling, HIV/AIDS training, World Bank teacher training, investment, quality control, qualifications, effective training, technical training, theoretical training, student interaction, student debates, class management, in-service training, pre-teaching training, on-the-job training, teaching quality, capacity training, school inspections, mobile-caravan approach, model schools, knowledge transfer, work pressures, teacher duties, teacher roles, HIV/AIDS training, capacity building, teacher development, professional growth, education initiatives, teacher support teacher training, investment, quality control, qualifications, effective training, technical training, theoretical training, student interaction, debate facilitation, classroom management, in-service training, pre-teaching training, on-the-job training, Uganda, Angola, capacity building, school inspections, mobile-caravan approach, model schools, knowledge transfer, work pressures, teacher roles, HIV/AIDS training, World Bank Teacher training, professional development, quality control, qualifications, technical training, theoretical training, student interaction, student debates, classroom management, large classes, in-service training, pre-teaching training, on-the-job training, Uganda, Angola, capacity building, INSSTEP, school inspections, mobile-caravan, flexible training, model schools, knowledge transfer, work pressure, teacher duties, contracts, roles, HIV/AIDS training, capacity building, World Bank teacher training, professional development, in-service training, pre-teaching training, capacity building, on-the-job training, effective teaching methods, student interaction, classroom management, teacher qualifications, training programs, mobile-caravan approach, model schools, knowledge transfer, teacher roles, workload alleviation, HIV/AIDS training, education quality, teacher qualifications, government investment, school inspections, capacity enhancement
test-society-simhbrasnba-pro03a	The system is open to abuse  It is extremely difficult to tell if someone is a genuine asylum seeker or not; for obvious reasons many will have little or no documentation, and all the evidence that they have suffered persecution may be in a faraway country and impossible to obtain. In many cases it may be impossible to prove that the person claiming asylum is even from the country that they claim to be from.  Asylum decisions are therefore based largely on a judgement call by the investigating officer on whether they thing the person in front of them is being truthful or not – that leaves the system open to motivated people who are economic migrants or may even pose a security threat. asylum system, abuse, verification challenges, documentation, persecution evidence, foreign country, proof difficulties, judgement call, investigative bias, truth assessment, motivated migrants, economic migrants, security risks asylum, immigration, abuse, fraud, documentation, persecution, verification, security threats, migrant deception, asylum process, decision making, immigration system, evidence, credibility, border control, policy challenges asylum system, abuse, verification, documentation, persecution, migration, credibility assessment, security threats, immigration fraud, refugee claims, investigation, decision-making, victim persecution, motives, accuracy, challenges asylum, abuse, immigration, documentation, persecution, evidence, authenticity, asylum seekers, country of origin, verification, judgement, security threats, migrants, immigration system, fraud, challenge, immigration decisions asylum, abuse, credibility, documentation, persecution, evidence, country of origin, verification, decision-making, investigative process, security threats, economic migrants, truthfulness, migrant verification
test-politics-eppghwlrba-con03a	Sports shooting is a safe activity  Shooting is sport enjoyed by many law-abiding people, both in gun clubs with purpose-built ranges and as a field sport. These people have the right to continue with their chosen leisure pursuit, on which they have spent large amounts of money – an investment the government would effectively be confiscating if their guns were confiscated. sports shooting, gun safety, shooting sports, law-abiding shooters, shooting ranges, field sport, gun clubs, firearm rights, gun ownership, leisure shooting, shooting investment, firearm regulations, gun rights advocacy sports shooting, safety, sport, gun clubs, ranges, field sport, law-abiding, leisure, firearm rights, gun ownership, firearm investment, gun confiscation, legislation sports shooting, safety, gun clubs, shooting ranges, field sport, recreational shooting, gun ownership, firearm safety, leisure activities, sport shooting, gun rights, shooting enthusiasts, firearm investment, safety regulations sports shooting, safety, gun clubs, ranges, field sport, law-abiding, leisure pursuit, firearms ownership, gun rights, firearm investment, government regulation, gun confiscation, shooting sport safety sports shooting, safety, sport, gun clubs, ranges, field sport, law-abiding, leisure, investing, gun rights, gun ownership, firearm safety, shooting ranges, responsible shooting, firearms regulation, leisure investment
test-education-egscphsrdt-pro01a	Prevent drug use  There is a clear and present problem with drug use among children and teenagers in many countries. According to the UK Department of Health, in 2002-2003 38% of 15 year olds had used illegal drugs, as had 8% of 11 year olds [1] . The fact that all of these children would have been in schools at the age of 15 shows that current policies of targeting the supply train of drugs (for example by arresting drug dealers and intercepting drug shipments) is failing to protect children. Therefore a more direct approach that intervenes at the point of consumption is needed, most crucially for children and teenagers, as their years in education are crucial for both their personal development and their realization of their future education and employment potential.  Drug use at a young age may lead to lifelong use and addiction. Random drug testing in schools will allow for vulnerable children's drug problems to be discovered, and assist the state in getting them the help they need to get off drugs. Random testing is especially valuable in this scenario because many infant and teenage drug users will try to disguise their drug use from parents and teachers and so avoid detection through avoiding suspicion, a tactic which will prove of no use against random drug tests which will likely affect all students at one point or another. It should also deter many students from starting taking drugs in the first place as the prospect of them being caught becomes far more likely, as they know disguising their drug use will be of no use.  [1] Department of Health. “Statistics on young people and drug misuse: England, 2003”. drug prevention, youth drug use, adolescent addiction, drug policies, school-based interventions, random drug testing, early intervention, substance misuse, teenage health, education impact, drug deterrence, drug awareness campaigns, parental involvement, health education, legal measures, drug supply reduction, teenage development, addiction prevention, UK drug statistics drug prevention, youth, teenagers, children, illegal drugs, drug use statistics, UK Department of Health, school policies, drug supply control, consumption intervention, drug testing, random testing, drug addiction, lifelong use, early intervention, education, employment, personal development, drug disguise, detection, deterrence, drug abuse, prevention strategies drug use, children, teenagers, prevention, policy, supplychain, intervention, consumption, schools, drug testing, addiction, early detection, deterrence, drug abuse, youth, disruption, education, employment, drug shipments, law enforcement drug prevention, children, teenagers, illegal drugs, school policies, drug supply, drug dealers, drug shipments, consumption, intervention, drug testing, schools, addiction, lifelong use, vulnerability, detection, disguise, deterrence, policy effectiveness, education, employment, health statistics drug prevention, youth, teenagers, children, illegal drugs, drug use, school policies, supply reduction, intervention, drug consumption, drug testing, random testing, addiction, early detection, adolescent health, drug awareness, substance abuse, drug education, lifelong addiction, prevention strategies, youth development, educational impact
test-environment-aiahwagit-pro03a	Endangered animals are a source of pride for African countries  Endangered animals warrant a tougher degree of protection in Africa as they have notable cultural significance. Some groups believe that African elephants have mystic powers attached to them and have coveted them for centuries. [1] African lions have been depicted on the coat of arms for states and institutions both past and present. [2] They are intrinsically linked with Africa’s past and its identity. The extinction of these animals, therefore, would have a negative cultural impact and should be prevented.  [1] University of California, Los Angeles, ‘Elephant: The Animal and its Ivory in African Culture’  [2] Coleman, Q. ‘The importance of African lions’ endangered animals, African countries, protection, cultural significance, African elephants, mystic powers, African lions, coat of arms, African identity, animal extinction, cultural impact, conservation, African wildlife, traditional symbolism endangered animals, Africa, protection, cultural significance, African elephants, mystic powers, African lions, coat of arms, African identity, animal extinction, cultural impact, conservation, symbolism, African wildlife endangered animals, Africa, cultural significance, protection, elephants, mystic powers, African lions, historical symbols, cultural impact, conservation, ivory, national symbols endangered animals, African countries, cultural significance, protection, African elephants, mystic powers, African lions, coat of arms, cultural impact, extinction prevention, ivory, African culture, animal conservation endangered animals, African countries, cultural significance, protection, elephants, mystic powers, African lions, symbolism, coasts of arms, African identity, extinction, cultural impact
test-education-tuhwastua-pro04a	Standardized tests exaggerate small differences in performance  Most tests were designed in an earlier era when far fewer students took them. The large number of students who now take tests like the SATs results in a situation in which the scoring scale magnifies small differences in performance into large differences in scores. Two questions wrong out of 80 on the math section of the SAT may well produce a score of 760 while three questions wrong will result in a 720. 40 points can mean difference between admission and rejection for many candidates, while telling us nothing about the different abilities of the students involved. Indeed on average for 88% of applicants their SAT score will predict their final college grade rank no more accurately than a pair of dice. [1]  [1] Elert, Glenn, ‘The SAT Aptitude of Demographics?’, 5 May 1992, standardized tests, scoring scale, performance differences, SAT, test design, score inflation, examination validity, scoring accuracy, student assessment, college admissions, score prediction, test bias, testing methodology, performance measurement standardized tests, score inflation, test scoring scale, SAT scores, performance differences, scoring scale distortion, small differences, college admissions, predictive validity, college GPA, number of questions, score disparities, testing era, test design, student performance, admission criteria, score accuracy, demographic testing standardized tests, score inflation, performance differences, testing scale, SAT scores, scoring scale, small differences, performance measurement, college admissions, scoring accuracy, student ability, test design, era, score disparities, college ranking, score prediction standardized tests, score inflation, performance differences, testing scale, SAT scores, scoring scale, test validity, college admissions, score accuracy, prediction reliability, score disparities, assessment limitations, testing era, student performance, test score significance standardized tests, score inflation, performance differences, testing scale, SAT scores, grading scale, student performance, score disparities, college admissions, predictive validity, exam design, scoring methods, test score accuracy, educational assessment, test bias
test-law-cplgpshwdp-con04a	Allowing this motion would lead to a miscarriage of justice.  This motion removes the incentive for police to conduct vigorous investigations. Given the increasing pressure on policemen and women to gain convictions [1] , this motion will mean that their best chance of obtaining those convictions is simply to accuse those whose backgrounds could feasibly lead a jury to believe that they are not only capable of crime, but have committed the crime in question. Subsequently, the real culprits may be left to go free as suspicion is routinely pointed towards those who already have a criminal record. Given that poor police investigation [2] and poor case preparation by the prosecution [3] are currently a large source of dissatisfaction with the justice system, it is important to prevent either police or the prosecution from becoming dependent on the negative records of the defendants rather than properly fulfilling their roles.  [1] Bushywood, ‘CPS - Crown Persecution Service’.  [2] The Guardian, ‘The cost of poor policing’. 11 October 2010  [3] Human Rights Watch, ‘Justice at Risk: War Crimes Trials in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia and Montenegro’, 14 October 2004, D1607. miscarriage of justice, police investigation, convictions, criminal record, victimization, prosecution, police misconduct, criminal justice system, forensic evidence, case preparation, wrongful accusations, investigative integrity, legal process, justice system reform, evidentiary standards motion, miscarriage of justice, police investigations, convictions, criminal records, police misconduct, prosecution, case preparation, justice system, wrongful accusations, criminal background, police role, prosecution role, investigative quality, evidentiary standards miscarriage of justice, police investigations, criminal conviction, police pressure, false accusations, criminal records, police misconduct, prosecution, case preparation, justice system, wrongful conviction, police accountability, criminal justice, evidence, investigative integrity miscarriage of justice, police investigations, convictions, criminal background, prosecution, police misconduct, case preparation, justice system, criminal record, wrongful accusations, investigative integrity, evidence gathering, judicial fairness, law enforcement, judicial process miscarriage of justice, police investigation, criminal convictions, courtroom justice, prosecutorial misconduct, defendant background, criminal record, investigation quality, case preparation, justice system dissatisfaction, police accountability, prosecution ethics, evidence integrity, wrongful convictions
test-politics-dhwem-pro04a	PMCs attract less attention and suspicion and can carry out their role more effectively.  Mercenaries often arouse less hostility amongst civilians than soldiers fighting for national armies. In ethnic conflict they are perceived as less partisan. The fact that civilians to some extent do not connect mercenaries with a particular ideological cause, invasion or civil war makes them ideal for protecting safe areas and policing reconstruction projects. For example, PMC Global Risk Strategies successfully guarded the Green Zone in Baghdad, the sealed off section inhabited by coalition staff. As they are mercenaries they can be fighting for the national or local government of where their mission even if they have a different paymaster. PMCs, mercenaries, attention, suspicion, effectiveness, hostility, civilians, ethnic conflict, partisanship, ideological causes, invasion, civil war, safe areas, policing, reconstruction, protection, Green Zone, Baghdad, coalition, national government, local government, paymaster PMCs, mercenaries, attention, suspicion, effectiveness, hostility, civilians, nationalism, ethnic conflict, partisan, ideological cause, invasion, civil war, safe areas, reconstruction, protection, Green Zone, Baghdad, coalition, security, paymaster PMCs, mercenaries, attention, suspicion, effectiveness, hostility, civilians, nationalism, ethnic conflict, partisan, ideological cause, invasion, civil war, safe areas, police, reconstruction, security, Baghdad, Green Zone, coalition, paymaster, private military companies PMCs, mercenaries, attention, suspicion, civilians, hostility, soldiers, national armies, ethnic conflict, partisan, ideological cause, invasion, civil war, safe areas, policing, reconstruction, protection, Green Zone, Baghdad, coalition, paymaster PMCs, mercenaries, attention, suspicion, effectiveness, hostility, civilians, nationalism, ethnicity, ideological conflict, safety, reconstruction, protection, Green Zone, Baghdad, security, private military companies, pro-government forces, peacekeeping, paramilitary, military contractors
test-philosophy-elkosmj-pro03a	Killing one person is the rational choice  The philosopher John Rawls came up with a thought experiment to discover the right way to organize a society. When people talk about how society should be organized they generally take their own situation and interests into account. Rawls asked us to imagine a situation in which we do not know anything at all about our own lives and then try to organize society? Without knowing anything about our wealth, intelligence, personality, race, gender, religion etc., we would create the fairest society. This is because without knowing who we are we have no idea where we will be in society once it has been organized. So, in order to make sure we have the best chance to be treated fairly we create a society in which all people are treated fairly. The same experiment can be applied to the train problem. If we do not know anything about who we are in the experiment we would chose to kill the one person. This is because there is a greater chance of us being one of the five people and so killing the one person gives us the best chance to survive. rawls, thought experiment, societal organization, veil of ignorance, fairness, moral decision-making, trolley problem, ethics, moral philosophy, social justice, hypothetical scenario, fairness principle, utilitarianism, decision-making under uncertainty, self-interest, ethics of killing Rawls, thought experiment, society organization, fairness, original position, veil of ignorance, social justice, moral philosophy, ethical dilemma, train problem, trolley problem, decision-making, survival, risk assessment, fairness dilemma Rawls, thought experiment, society organization, fairness, original position, veil of ignorance, social justice, moral dilemma, ethics, trolley problem, survival, decision-making, philosophy Rawls, thought experiment, society organization, fairness, veil of ignorance, utilitarianism, trolley problem, moral dilemma, justice, fairness, ethics, decision-making, probability, self-interest Rawls, thought experiment, society organization, fairness, veil of ignorance, social justice, moral philosophy, distributive justice, ethical dilemma, trolley problem, utilitarianism, decision making, moral choice
test-philosophy-npegiepp-pro03a	Neo-functionalism - liberal theory of regional integration  Neo-functionalism is an example of a liberal theory of regional integration. Its focus is on human welfare needs, not political conflict and law. Its focus is on individuals aggregated into interest groups as the main actors in integration, so the focus is on low politics and the areas which become integrated in the European Union reflect that. As such there has been much more progress on economic integration than there has on creating a common foreign and security policy. [1]  It also accepts the independent role of international organisations and that the transformation of the international regional system towards a better order is feasible so making the European Union a project worth investing effort in.  [1] Center for European studies, ‘European Union –Common Foreign and Security Policy’, unc.edu, Neo-functionalism, liberal theory, regional integration, human welfare, interest groups, low politics, European Union, economic integration, foreign policy, security policy, international organizations, international regional system, European studies Neo-functionalism, liberal theory, regional integration, human welfare, interest groups, low politics, European Union, economic integration, common foreign security policy, international organizations, international regional system, European studies Neo-functionalism, liberal theory, regional integration, human welfare, interest groups, low politics, European Union, economic integration, foreign policy, security policy, international organizations, international regional system, European studies, common foreign security policy Neo-functionalism, liberal theory, regional integration, human welfare, interest groups, low politics, European Union, economic integration, foreign policy, security policy, international organizations, international regional system, European studies Neo-functionalism, liberal theory, regional integration, human welfare, politics, law, interest groups, individual actors, low politics, European Union, economic integration, foreign policy, security policy, international organizations, international regional system, European studies
test-education-pshhghwpba0-con03a	A school breakfast for all is a greater cost on schools  Everything costs. Providing free school to all breakfasts will cost the government money for ingredients, cafeteria staff, administration, even possibly new facilities. In the USA the Breakfast Program costs $3.3 billion to provide free or reduced price breakfasts to 10.1 million students. [1] There is a limited total amount of money so the cost will mean there is something else the government will not be able to do. This proposal may mean, for example, that the government cannot afford to hire more teachers to reduce class sizes.  [1] Food and Nutrition Service, ‘The School Breakfast Program’, September 2013 school breakfast, free school meals, government costs, nutrition program, school funding, education budget, cafeteria staff, school facilities, food costs, USDA, School Breakfast Program, funding constraints, public education finance, reduced class sizes, government expenditure, school nutrition programs school breakfast, free school meals, government costs, education funding, school nutrition, breakfast program, school funding, public education costs, USDA breakfast program, school meal expenses, nutrition policy, education budget, school facilities, cafeteria staffing, cost analysis school breakfast, free school meals, government costs, school nutrition program, educational budget, program funding, school meal expenses, USDA, nutrition policy, budget trade-offs, public education funding, school meal costs, dietary programs, cafeteria staff, school infrastructure, program costs, educational funding prioritization school breakfast, free school meals, government costs, nutrition program, school funding, education budget, breakfast program costs, USDA, Food and Nutrition Service, school meal subsidies, education funding trade-offs, school cafeteria costs, federal education expenditures, public school funding, nutrition policy, cost-benefit analysis school breakfast, free meals, school nutrition, education funding, government costs, cafeteria staff, school facilities, USDA, Breakfast Program, nutritional policy, public school funding, student nutrition, budget trade-offs
test-international-ssiarcmhb-con03a	Barrier contraception can protect women from husbands with AIDS/HIV.  There are many cases, particularly in South America and Africa, of men contracting HIV from sexual partners outside their marriage, be it from before they were married or from an extramarital affair and passing it on to their wives. In cases such as these, the wife may follow all of the teachings of the Catholic Church and still contract HIV. If the Church did not forbid the use of barrier contraception then the frequency of occurrences such as these would be severely limited. Since, as discussed above, the Catholic Church, has a responsibility to promote life in its people, their ban of barrier contraception is unjustified. barrier contraception, HIV, AIDS, women protection, marriage, extramarital affairs, South America, Africa, HIV transmission, Catholic Church teachings, contraception ban, sexual health, reproductive rights, public health, disease prevention Barrier contraception, HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, marriage, extramarital affairs, women's health, Catholic Church teachings, contraception policy, HIV transmission, sexual health, public health, disease prevention, reproductive rights, religious influence, Africa, South America barrier contraception, HIV/AIDS prevention, women, sexual transmission, extramarital affairs, Catholic Church teachings, contraception bans, HIV transmission, marital fidelity, public health, reproductive health, sexual health, AIDS prevention, South America, Africa, HIV risks, religious influence Barrier contraception, HIV prevention, AIDS, women's health, sexual transmission, extramarital affairs, HIV transmission, marital fidelity, Catholic Church, contraception ban, sexual health, South America, Africa, HIV risk, reproductive health, life promotion, public health, contraception debate barrier contraception, HIV, AIDS, women protection, marriage, extramarital affairs, transmission, Catholic Church, contraception ban, sexual health, HIV transmission, South America, Africa, disease prevention, reproductive rights
test-health-dhgsshbesbc-con03a	It is a disincentive to get tested in the first place  The requirement to disclose their condition if known would be a disincentive to get tested in the first place. This is especially the case for many people in places like sub-Saharan Africa, but also applies widely elsewhere. Their job is so important to them (since there’s no safety net to speak of if they lose it) that they’d prefer to go in ignorance of their HIV status than find out and risk being fired for it. The medical repercussions of that are obvious. disincentive, HIV testing, disclosure, stigma, employment, job security, sub-Saharan Africa, health policy, discrimination, HIV status, healthcare access, workplace discrimination, social stigma, public health, medical repercussions disincentive, HIV testing, disclosure, stigma, job security, sub-Saharan Africa, healthcare, confidentiality, employment, fear, discrimination, public health, stigma reduction, HIV awareness, employment policies testing, confidentiality, stigma, HIV disclosure, disincentive, employment, job security, Sub-Saharan Africa, health policies, discrimination, access to testing, healthcare barriers, social stigma, HIV awareness disincentive, HIV testing, disclosure, stigma, employment, Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, confidentiality, job security, health risks, stigma reduction, healthcare access, privacy, societal attitudes, public health disincentive, HIV testing, disclosure, stigma, employment, job security, knowledge, health risks, sub-Saharan Africa, fear, privacy, discrimination, HIV status, testing barriers, social consequences
test-international-iiahwagit-pro05a	The justice system does not currently work  A major failing in current anti-poaching operations is that the poachers are rarely prosecuted. African legal systems rarely prioritise poaching as a serious crime, with offenders usually receiving trivial fines1. One of the major reasons for the Western black rhinoceros’ extinction in 2011 was the complete lack of sentencing for any of the poachers who were captured. [1] The system also fails to prosecute the brains behind many of the operations due to poor investigative methods. This creates an impression in the minds of the poachers that they can operate with impunity. [2]  [1] Mathur, A. ‘Western Black Rhino Poached Out of Existence; Declared Extinct, Slack Anti-Poaching Efforts Responsible’  [2] Welz, A. ‘The War on African Poaching: Is Militarization Fated to Fail?’ justice system, anti-poaching, poacher prosecution, African legal systems, poaching penalties, rhinoceros extinction, black rhinoceros, poaching enforcement, criminal justice, investigative methods, impunity, wildlife crime, poaching fines, legal reform, wildlife conservation, militarization, anti-poaching efforts justice system, anti-poaching, poaching prosecution, African legal systems, poaching crimes, fines, Western black rhinoceros, extinction, sentencing, poacher punishment, investigative methods, impunity, poacher mindset, wildlife conservation, law enforcement, militarization, anti-poaching efforts justice system, anti-poaching, poacher prosecution, African legal systems, poaching crimes, fines, black rhinoceros extinction, sentencing, poacher impunity, investigative methods, criminal justice, wildlife crime, conservation law, poaching enforcement, militarization, wildlife protection, legal reforms justice system, anti-poaching, poaching prosecution, African legal systems, wildlife crime, rhino extinction, poacher impunity, investigative methods, wildlife enforcement, law enforcement, criminal justice, wildlife crime penalties, poaching fines, legal reform, militarization, wildlife conservation, poaching crimes, wildlife protection, law enforcement challenges justice system, anti-poaching, poachers, prosecution, legal systems, fines, extinction, rhinoceros, sentencing, investigation, impunity, militarization
test-education-egscphsrdt-con01a	Right to privacy  Even if a right to privacy (which would prevent random drug testing with no reason for suspicion) does not exist in law in every country, many students being affected by drugs tests will perceive that the notional right to privacy which they believe they possess is being violated. Because they would perceive this violation as a harm, it should not be imposed without good reason. This problematizes the nature of 'random' testing, which by definition means forcing drug tests on individuals on whom there is no reasonable suspicion of drug use.  Firstly, the majority of those being tested will most likely test negative (as the previously cited statistics suggest) and so a majority will be harmed for no fault of their own, but rather as a consequence of the crimes of others. This may be seen as the equivalent of searching all homes in a neighbourhood for an illegal weapon on the suspicion that one of them was hiding it -an action which would be illegal in almost every western liberal democracy.  Further, however, even if students do engage in illegal drug use, random drug tests will additionally catch only those on whom there was previously no suspicion against (as students who show signs of drug use are already usually tested). In order to not already be under suspicion, these drug-using students would have to be engaging in their education, not disrupting the education of others, and not displaying erratic or harmful behaviour. As they are not actively harming others, these students should be subject only to the same standards as individuals in other areas of society: to only have their privacy violated by drugs tests if their behaviour actively brings them under suspicion. privacy, drug testing, suspicion, students, rights, violation, notional rights, legal context, random testing, harm, proportionality, statistics, discrimination, legality, privacy rights, liberal democracies, illegal drug use, suspicion-based testing, behavioral indicators, societal standards, legal ethics privacy, drug testing, suspicion, students, rights, notional rights, violation, harm, random testing, reasonable suspicion, statistics, false negatives, legal comparison, privacy rights, illegal drug use, suspicion, behavior, standards, society privacy, drug testing, notional rights, suspicion, violation, harm, random testing, reasonable suspicion, statistics, false negatives, illegal searches, liberal democracies, student rights, behavioral indicators, privacy standards privacy, drug testing, suspicion, students, rights, privacy violation, notional right, random testing, legality, harm, false negatives, civil liberties, search, privacy rights, legal comparison, illegal drugs, suspicion basis, discrimination, proportionality, societal standards right to privacy, drug testing, suspicion, violation, students, notional rights, harm, randomness, privacy rights, legal considerations, statistical likelihood, discrimination, legal principles, liberal democracies, illegal drugs, suspicion standards, privacy infringement, behavioral suspicion, civil liberties, ethical considerations
test-education-ughbuesbf-con04a	Free university education unjustly benefits one subset of society at the expense of everyone  The state funds essential services, but higher education is not such a service. The specific subset free university education tends to benefit not the disadvantaged, but rather the middle and upper classes who would have paid fees, but are now relieved of this burden. This pattern has been seen in Ireland where poorer communities still view higher education as something for the rich even though it is free. These groups continue to enter the workforce in similar numbers as they had before the ending of fees, and they still tend to prefer trade schools to universities if they do seek qualifications beyond the secondary level. [1]  [1] Brady, Hugh. 2008. “We Must Invest Now in Our Universities or Pay Later”. University College Dublin News. Available:  ​ 14 Government of Ireland. 1997. “Universities Act, 1997”. Available: free university education, social inequality, socioeconomic benefits, middle classes, upper classes, disadvantaged communities, education funding, higher education accessibility, Ireland education policy, fee-free universities, social stratification, trade schools, higher education enrollment, education affordability, public funding, social mobility, educational disparities free university education, societal benefits, social inequality, funding education, higher education access, middle classes, upper classes, disadvantaged communities, Irish education system, education equity, tuition fees, trade schools, social class, education policy, public funding, societal impact free university education, social inequality, benefits, middle classes, upper classes, disadvantaged communities, Ireland, higher education, trade schools, tertiary education, funding, social justice, access, policy, educational equity free university education, social inequality, societal benefits, funding for essential services, higher education, middle classes, upper classes, disadvantaged communities, Ireland, socioeconomic disparities, educational access, trade schools, university funding, public policy, education equity free university education, social inequality, access to higher education, socioeconomic disparities, education funding, middle class benefits, upper class privileges, disadvantaged communities, Ireland education system, tuition fees, trade schools, educational equity, public funding, social stratification, higher education policy
test-culture-thbcsbptwhht-con01a	"globalisation and multiculturalism.  Cultural appropriation prevents assimilation between members of society and creates further divisions based on arbitrary features of one’s ancestry or appearance. If reparations (through the use of compensation) were to occur in addition to this, it would create a more polarised and divided society as an 'us and them' culture is created.  A consequence of globalisation is the movement of people and the diffusion of knowledge [1]. This happens on a mass scale where it is possible for a person from India to travel across the globe to the United Kingdom (UK) and get there within 24 hours of booking their flight. With this, the spread of technology and knowledge it is inevitable that culture and identity does not remain fixed either. It also means that an increasing amount of people have more than one culture. A direct consequence of increased migration is that migrants are likely to bring with them their cultural customs. An example of this can be seen in the UK. As the UK faced more migrants from the Sub-continent of India, the popularity of different curries increased, and not just among those of Indian decent. In such circumstances cultures begin to merge as the traditional 'Chicken Tikka' recipe was adapted into a localised version called 'Chicken Tikka Masala' and was, in 2001, declared the UK's national dish.  Without globalisation, Britain's £3.6bn Indian restaurant industry would not exist and it would fail to employ approximately 100,000 people [2]. Any reparations would be paltry compared to the jobs that this industry has created over decades.  This is a positive thing; it brings cultures together, encourages understanding, innovation and cooperation. Forcing people to compensate for the appropriation of a culture may mean that there is less social harmony as divisions are forced between cultures. For the following generations of migrants will be forced to choose a culture as cultural appropriation encourages division between the two.  [1] Stief, Colin, ‘Globalization’, ThoughtCo., 3rd March 2017,   [2] Wintor, Patrick, ‘Chicken tikka Britain is new Cook recipe’, The Guardian, 19 April 2001, globalisation, multiculturalism, cultural appropriation, assimilation, societal divisions, ancestry, appearance, reparations, compensation, polarisation, 'us and them' culture, migration, knowledge diffusion, cultural identity, cultural hybridity, cultural exchange, cultural customs, Indian migrants, UK, curry, Chicken Tikka Masala, national dish, Indian restaurant industry, employment, cultural integration, social harmony, cultural conflict, cultural adaptation, cross-cultural understanding, cultural collaboration, cultural change globalisation, multiculturalism, cultural appropriation, societal cohesion, cultural assimilation, cultural divisions, ancestry, appearance, reparations, compensation, polarization, ""us and them,"" migration, knowledge diffusion, technology, identity, cultural hybridity, cultural customs, migration impact, Indian cuisine, curry popularity, Chicken Tikka Masala, national dish, UK restaurant industry, employment, cultural exchange, social harmony, cultural division, intergenerational conflict, cultural adaptation, globalization effects globalisation, multiculturalism, cultural appropriation, assimilation, societal divisions, reparations, compensation, cultural identity, migration, cultural exchange, knowledge diffusion, cultural hybridization, cultural fusion, Indian cuisine, UK, immigration, culinary adaptation, cultural integration, cultural diversity, social harmony, cultural conflict, economic impact, employment, cultural understanding, innovation, cooperation, social divisions globalisation, multiculturalism, cultural appropriation, assimilation, societal divisions, reparations, cultural exchange, migration, knowledge diffusion, cultural identity, multicultural societies, cultural merging, culinary adaptation, Indian cuisine, UK, Chicken Tikka Masala, Indian restaurant industry, employment, cultural understanding, innovation, social cohesion, cultural tensions globalization,multiculturalism,cultural appropriation,assimilation,divisions,ancestry,appearance,reparations,compensation,polarization,society,migration,knowledge,diffusion,culture,identity,identity fluidity,migrant customs,food culture,Curry,UK,Indian cuisine,Chicken Tikka Masala,Indian restaurant industry,employment,economic impact,cultural exchange,cultural integration,cultural merging,social harmony,cultural adaptation,intercultural understanding,innovation,cooperation,division,intercultural conflicts,second-generation migrants"
test-international-atiahblit-con03a	The complex controls over enrolment  Suggesting investments are required in teachers limits a recognition of the multiple forces creating barriers to achieve a right to education. Universal education is constrained by political, socio-cultural, and economic, structures.  Firstly, gender inequalities in education raise cultural norms of the role of girls in society, and within the domestic-sphere at home. Religious and cultural beliefs mean girls account for 70% of children not attending school. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the economics of child marriage often mean girls leave school or become reluctant to go to school. A positive correlation is found between low education and countries with high rates of child marriage [1] . Niger has the highest rate of child marriage.  Secondly, poverty and hunger act as key restraints in achieving the target. As Mkandawire (2010) argues, development needs to be brought back onto the ‘pro-poor’ agenda. Human capital cannot be developed without a broader focus on social and economic policies that enable development first.  [1] See further readings: Education for Girls, 2013. enrolment, investments, teachers, barriers, right to education, political, socio-cultural, economic, gender inequalities, cultural norms, girls, domestic sphere, religious beliefs, child marriage, school attendance, Sub-Saharan Africa, poverty, hunger, development, human capital, social policies, economic policies enrolment, investments, teachers, barriers, right to education, political structures, socio-cultural norms, economic factors, gender inequalities, cultural norms, girls' education, religious beliefs, cultural beliefs, child marriage, school attendance, Sub-Saharan Africa, poverty, hunger, development, social policies, human capital, pro-poor agenda enrolment, education, investments, teachers, barriers, rights, universal education, political structures, socio-cultural norms, economic factors, gender inequalities, cultural norms, girls' education, religious beliefs, child marriage, Sub-Saharan Africa, poverty, hunger, social policies, economic policies, human capital enrollment, barriers, right to education, investments, teachers, gender inequality, cultural norms, domestic roles, religious beliefs, child marriage, school attendance, poverty, hunger, socio-economic factors, development, human capital, social policies, economic policies education inequality, enrollment barriers, teacher investments, socio-cultural factors, gender norms, child marriage, economic barriers, poverty, hunger, development policies, human capital, social policies, cultural beliefs, religious norms, Sub-Saharan Africa, gender disparities, access to education, educational rights, societal norms, female education
test-law-lghwpcctcc-pro02a	Video footage of a court case would provide valuable information for both defendant and judiciary.  If the defendant is convicted of a crime, they have a right to appeal in the UK [1] and US [2] . However, this is made difficult for another court to re-assess the conviction if they cannot know how reliable evidence was in the first trial. Without film recordings of court trials, judges who have the duty to re-examine the case are unable to see witness testimonies; though new evidence does sometimes come to light during the course of an appeal [3] , it would be easier to assess this new evidence if the judges also had knowledge of how the first trial went. If the judges could watch a video of the first trial, they could judge the demeanour, body language and general impression given by each witness in the first trial. Body language can affect a court’s perception of a witness [4] , but this information could not be gained by a transcript. However, this evidence may be important for a new verdict to be reached.  [1]  , accessed 18/08/11  [2]  , accessed 18/08/11  [3]  , accessed 18/08/11  [4]  , accessed 18/08/11 court case, video footage, legal proceedings, evidence reliability, witness testimonies, court recordings, trial videos, appeal process, judges, re-examination, body language, witness demeanor, legal evidence, trial transcripts, courtroom technology, legal evidence assessment court, video footage, legal proceedings, trial recordings, witness testimonies, appeal, judicial review, evidence assessment, body language, witness credibility, courtroom transparency, video evidence, trial accuracy, due process, legal transparency court footage, legal evidence, courtroom video, witness demeanor, body language analysis, trial recordings, appeal process, judicial review, trial transparency, evidence assessment, legal proceedings, courtroom technology, re-trial evaluation, trial transcripts, evidence reliability court footage, legal evidence, appeal process, witness testimony, video recordings, trial re-evaluation, body language, demeanour, courtroom video, judicial review, evidence assessment, trial transcripts, appeal cases, UK judiciary, US judiciary, re-trial evidence, courtroom behavior court case, video footage, evidence reliability, witness testimonies, trial recordings, appeal process, UK law, US law, courtroom analysis, body language, judge assessment, legal proceedings, trial re-evaluation, courtroom recordings, evidence assessment, witness behavior, courtroom transparency, legal evidence, court proceedings
test-law-rmelhrilhbiw-pro02a	The Settlements commit future Israeli governments to a harder stand in future negotiations  Whether deliberate or not, the settlements are changing the “facts on the ground” by changing the political calculus for future Israeli governments.  While most Israeli politicians accept the need to abandon some smaller settlements, the vast majority are unlikely to be evacuated. It was politically divisive to the point of breaking the Likud party in two when Ariel Sharon, a man with more credit than anyone else on the Israeli right pulled out of Gaza in 2005, and there were only a little over 7000 Israeli settlers there. By contrast there are now more than 300,000 settlers in the West Bank, and this number is rising fast. [1] There were less than 200,000 in 2000. [2]  Of these settlers, many are religious and vote for the Haridam (Orthodox) parties like the National Religious Party . [3] Because the party has served in governments of both the Left and the Right in recent years, in practice they and the ultra-nationalist Israel Beitinu tend to hold the balance of power in the Israeli Knesset.  Therefore every time Israel expands settlements, they are reducing their room to manoeuvre in future Peace Negotiations, and forcing themselves to take a harder stance. This means that Peace will either become less likely (because Israel will set more extreme terms) or that Israel will face more internal divisions in order to offer it. In either case, as the settlements expand  [1] Levinson, Chaim, ‘IDF: More than 300, 000 settlers live in West Bank’, Haaretz.com, 27 July 2009,   [2] Wikipedia, ‘Population statistics for Israeli West Bank settlements’, en.wikipedia.org,  , accessed 20 January 2012  [3] Etkes, Dror, ‘The Ultra-Orthodox Jews in the West Bank’, Peace Now, October 2005, Israeli settlements, West Bank, future negotiations, political calculus, ground facts, evacuation, Likud party, Ariel Sharon, Gaza withdrawal, settler population growth, religious settlers, Orthodox parties, National Religious Party, ultra-nationalists, Israel Beitinu, Israeli Knesset, peace negotiations, ideological divisions, internal conflict, settlement expansion, peace prospects, political influence Israeli settlements, West Bank, future negotiations, political calculus, ground facts, evacuation, Likud party, Ariel Sharon, Gaza withdrawal, settler growth, religious voters, Orthodox parties, National Religious Party, ultra-nationalists, Israel Beitenu, Knesset, expansion consequences, peace negotiations, internal divisions, political stability, settlement demographics, Israeli politics, peace process, territorial disputes, expansion impact Settlements, Israeli government, negotiations, ground facts, political calculus, evacuation, Likud, Ariel Sharon, Gaza withdrawal, West Bank, settlement growth, religious voters, Orthodox parties, National Religious Party, Israel Beitinu, Knesset, peace negotiations, expansion impact, internal divisions, peace prospects, ultra-nationalist, internal politics, demographics Israeli settlements, West Bank, future negotiations, political calculus, ground facts, evacuation, Likud party, Ariel Sharon, Gaza withdrawal, settlement growth, religious voters, Orthodox parties, National Religious Party, ultra-nationalists, Israel Beitenu, Knesset, peace negotiations, internal divisions, expansion impact, peace prospects, political stances Israeli settlements, West Bank, future negotiations, peace process, political calculus, ground facts, settlement evacuation, Likud party, Ariel Sharon, Gaza withdrawal, settler demographics, religious settlers, Orthodox parties, National Religious Party, political influence, ultra-nationalism, Israel Beitinu, Knesset, settlement expansion, peace terms, internal divisions, political parties, settlement statistics, demographic trends, conflict resolution
test-law-umtlilhotac-pro03a	Unruly defendants can play up to the cameras  Televising the trial can create extra incentives for defendants to attempt to disrupt the process. During his trial, Saddam Hussein regularly made outbursts and went on political rants – based on Iraqi law, he was able to examine witnesses after his lawyer. This was not new – Slobodan Milosevic tried various antics in front of the (televised) ICTY [1] , and Ratko Mladic used those tactics post-Hussein [2] . Milosevic’s approval ratings grew, and he even won a seat in the Serbian parliament while on trial.  A televised trial creates more of a risk of a political hijacking of the trial – something that has been shown to be a successful tactic by Milosevic. This both potentially damages the successor government by giving those on trial a platform and the court itself.  [1] Scharf, Michael P., Chaos in the Courtroom: Controlling disruptive defendants and contumacious counsel in war crimes trials’, University of Galway  [2] Biles, Peter, ‘Mladic’s courtroom antics’, BBC News, 4 July 2011, disruptive defendants, televised trials, courtroom antics, Saddam Hussein, Slobodan Milosevic, Ratko Mladic, political hijacking, court disruption, trial media, trial security, landmark war crimes trials, defendant behavior, trial media influence, courtroom control, political influence, trial outcomes unruly defendants, courtroom disruptions, televised trials, Saddam Hussein, political outbursts, witness examination, Iraqi law, Slobodan Milosevic, ICTY, Ratko Mladic, courtroom antics, trial politicization, trial hijacking, media influence, defendant behavior, trial security, courtroom control, war crimes trials, political influence, trial outcome, defendant manipulation unruly defendants, televised trial, courtroom disruptions, trial tactics, Saddam Hussein, courtroom outbursts, political rants, Iraqi law, witness examination, Slobodan Milosevic, ICTY, Mladic, courtroom antics, political hijacking, trial influence, courtroom security, trial publicity, defendants behavior, legal proceedings, war crimes trials, media impact unruly defendants, televised trials, courtroom disruptions, Saddam Hussein, courtroom antics, political influence, trial spectacle, Milosevic, Mladic, court proceedings, media influence, defendants behavior, law trials, international criminal court, ICTY, trial safety, court security, trial manipulation, political hijacking, legal proceedings, courtroom decorum unruly defendants, televised trials, courtroom disruptions, political hijacking, Saddam Hussein, Slobodan Milosevic, Ratko Mladic, courtroom antics, defense tactics, trial security, media influence, war crimes trials, defendant behavior, political influence, trial integrity
test-international-aglhrilhb-pro03a	International prosecution encourages domestic justice  By introducing internationally based prosecution, the laws are able to effectively filter down into the domestic system. The international system takes care of powerful offenders who might otherwise not receive a fair trial or be brought to justice. This then allows domestic courts to prosecute those involved in the crimes at a lower level. This has worked in Ivory coast where the former leader was brought to face charges committed at home and also helped stabilize the situation in the country [1].  [1] Smith, David, ‘Laurent Gbagbo appears before international criminal court’, thegurdian.com, 5 December 2011, international prosecution, domestic justice, international law, legal system, global justice, war crimes, international criminal court, Ivory Coast, Laurent Gbagbo, accountability, transitional justice, criminal accountability, international justice mechanisms international prosecution, domestic justice, international law, criminal justice, justice system, international tribunals, legal cooperation, Ivory Coast, Gbagbo, international criminal court, accountability, legal enforcement, conflict resolution, international crimes international prosecution, domestic justice, international law, criminal courts, legal system, Ivory Coast, Laurent Gbagbo, international criminal court, justice, legal accountability, international justice, domestic courts, justice system, international criminal law, global justice international prosecution, domestic justice, international law, criminal justice, global enforcement, legal cooperation, international criminal court, Ivory Coast, Laurent Gbagbo, justice system, crime prosecution, legal accountability, international justice mechanisms international prosecution, domestic justice, international law, criminal justice, legal system, international criminal court, Ivory Coast, Laurent Gbagbo, international justice, domestic courts
test-free-speech-debate-yfsdfkhbwu-pro01a	The academic tradition of the West  The growth of universities as beacons of free speech has been a fundamental part of their history in the West; notably during the renaissance, reformation and enlightenment. The democratisation of that process with the expansion of the university sector in recent decades is merely the latest stage in an ongoing process.  However, that entire process has been driven (along with the artistic, cultural and scientific changes they have inculcated) on the basis that universities allow for the free exchange of ideas and flourish in environments where that approach is standardised throughout society [i] . Marxist scholars have gone further in calling for a critical pedagogy in which perspectives other than academic orthodoxy are normalised within universities.  Such institutions produce the best graduates because they have the best academics and the best academics will stay where they are free to publish whatever their research is and express their own views. For example in the 1990s 55.7% of those who had immigrated to the USA from the USSR described themselves as academics, scientists, professional or technical workers. [ii] Those academics in turn respect the intellectual tradition of dissent and critical scrutiny of which they are the inheritors. To take something else and slap the name ‘Yale’– or for that matter Oxford, Harvard or ETH Zurich – on it and pretend that nothing has changed devalues the qualification. Without the intellectual dissent and freedom of academic inquiry it is intellectually dishonest to call the degree the same thing.  [i] The Nebraskan. Doug Anderson. Learning depends on the free exchange of ideas, Nebraskan says.  [ii] Harvard, ‘Russians and East Europeans in America’ academic tradition, Western universities, free speech, university history, renaissance, reformation, enlightenment, democratization, university expansion, free exchange of ideas, cultural changes, scientific developments, critical pedagogy, academic orthodoxy, diverse perspectives, graduate quality, academic freedom, research publication, dissent, intellectual inquiry, scholarly freedom, Yale, Oxford, Harvard, ETH Zurich, academic credentials, intellectual tradition, dissent, critical scrutiny, immigration, Soviet Union, scientific community, educational qualification academic tradition, Western universities, free speech, renaissance, reformation, enlightenment, democratization, university expansion, free exchange of ideas, cultural change, scientific progress, artistic innovation, critical pedagogy, academic orthodoxy, dissent, intellectual freedom, scholarly research, immigration, USSR, academics, scientists, professional workers, intellectual tradition, critical scrutiny, higher education, Yale, Oxford, Harvard, ETH Zurich, academic qualifications academic tradition, Western universities, free speech, higher education history, renaissance, reformation, enlightenment, democratization, university expansion, free exchange of ideas, critical pedagogy, ideological diversity, academic orthodoxy, university reputation, scholarly freedom, immigration, Soviet academics, dissent, critical scrutiny, prestigious universities, Yale, Oxford, Harvard, ETH Zurich, intellectual inquiry, academic qualification, degree value academic tradition, Western universities, free speech, history, renaissance, reformation, enlightenment, democratization, university expansion, free exchange of ideas, artistic change, cultural change, scientific change, societal standardization, Marxist scholars, critical pedagogy, academic orthodoxy, diversity of perspectives, academic freedom, research dissemination, academic publishing, immigration, USSR, immigrants, professionals, scientific workers, intellectual dissent, critical scrutiny, Yale, Oxford, Harvard, ETH Zurich, degree devaluation, intellectual freedom academic tradition, Western universities, free speech, Renaissance, Reformation, Enlightenment, democratization, university expansion, free exchange of ideas, artistic change, cultural change, scientific change, critical pedagogy, academic orthodoxy, academic freedom, scholarly publication, intellectual dissent, critical scrutiny, immigration, USSR, academics, scientists, professional workers, Harvard, Yale, Oxford, ETH Zurich, degrees, educational standards
test-politics-gvhwhnerse-con03a	Even a sham election demonstrates what the people want  In an election the people show what their policy preferences will be. Even if the government is engaging in vote rigging or voter intimidation they will still know how the people voted or wanted to vote (if they stuffed the ballot they will know how many extra votes they added) so will have some guidance as to the policies that the people wish implemented. If there are multiple different parties competing in the elections then it will be possible to tell which party platforms are the most popular and so which to take ideas from.  If there are elections then there are opposition parties and independent MPs who are given much more space than they would be without elections. Being MPs gives the opposition some status and gives them a controlled setting in which to criticise the government. This provides the opposition with the chance to channel the voice of the people and encourage change from the governing party. elections, public opinion, voting behavior, voter turnout, election rigging, ballot stuffing, policy preferences, political parties, opposition, independent MPs, political critique, voter influence, government transparency, electoral process, party platforms, political participation sham election, voter preferences, vote rigging, voter intimidation, ballot stuffing, election outcomes, public opinion, party popularity, election metrics, opposition parties, independent MPs, political criticism, government accountability, political participation, electoral democracy, policy influence elections, voter preferences, vote rigging, ballot stuffing, election manipulation, political parties, opposition, independent MPs, government critique, public opinion, policy preferences, election outcomes, party platforms, political competition, democratic process, voter choice elections, voter preferences, vote rigging, ballot stuffing, voter intimidation, political parties, election platforms, opposition parties, independent MPs, government criticism, public opinion, political change, voter behavior elections, voter preferences, vote rigging, voter intimidation, ballot stuffing, election data, party platforms, opposition parties, independent MPs, political critique, government criticism, public opinion, political change, democracy, electoral process
test-education-tuhwastua-pro03a	Standardized tests discriminate against minorities  Minority students perform less well on tests like the SAT, even when correction is made for income. The test with its reading comprehension test and being done in English is obviously biased against students from households where English is not the dominant language as they are much less likely to understand the questions.  Even when English language skills are not a problem the question choice can contain a cultural bias. One analogy question on the 2003 SAT used the word “regatta” which minority students were unlikely to be familiar with. Having this kind of bias is obviously unfair and can never be fully accounted for in a diverse country such as the United States of America where those who set the wording of the questions will never know all possible perspectives. standardized tests, discrimination, minorities, minority students, SAT performance, income correction, cultural bias, language barrier, English proficiency, testing fairness, reading comprehension, cultural diversity, question bias, analogy questions, linguistic bias, cross-cultural assessment, educational inequality standardized tests, discrimination, minorities, minority students, SAT, income correction, language bias, cultural bias, reading comprehension, English language, cultural fairness, question wording, diversity, United States standardized tests, discrimination, minorities, minority students, SAT, test bias, income correction, English language, cultural bias, reading comprehension, language barriers, test fairness, cultural fairness, question bias, analogies, regatta, diversity, educational equity standardized tests, minorities, discrimination, minority students, SAT, income correction, language bias, cultural bias, reading comprehension, English language, household language, question bias, analogy question, regatta, fairness, diversity, cultural perspectives standardized tests, discrimination, minorities, minority students, SAT, income correction, reading comprehension, language barriers, English language, cultural bias, analogy questions, regatta, fairness, diversity, United States, test fairness
test-philosophy-pphbclsbs-con05a	In the public’s eyes, the government seems to suspect everyone.  Although the anti-terrorist measures are supposed to be trying to catch certain people, it is the whole of the public who have to suffer on a daily basis: an abundance of security cameras, security checks, and anti-privacy measures continually invade innocent people’s lives and yet it is supposed to be the terrorists who are being punished. The issue of justice, and whether it is actually being done, has to be fully looked at properly. These measures are not solving the problem of terrorism as it does not address the core grievances. Instead other ways such as negotiation to address grievances is necessary, as happened in Northern Ireland [1] .  [1] Bowcott, Owen, ‘Northern Ireland’, The Guardian, 11 May 2007,  , accessed 9 September 2011 public opinion, government suspicion, anti-terrorism measures, privacy invasion, security cameras, security checks, civil liberties, justice, terrorism, core grievances, negotiation, conflict resolution, Northern Ireland, peace process public perception, government suspicion, anti-terrorism measures, privacy invasion, security cameras, security checks, civil liberties, justice, terrorism, core grievances, negotiation, conflict resolution, Northern Ireland, peace process, counter-terrorism strategies, societal impact, security policies public perception, government suspicion, anti-terrorism measures, security cameras, security checks, privacy invasion, innocent lives, terrorism, justice, core grievances, negotiation, conflict resolution, Northern Ireland, peace process, counterterrorism, civil liberties, surveillance, public trust, security policies public perception, government suspicion, anti-terrorism measures, security cameras, security checks, privacy invasion, innocent people, justice concerns, terrorism, core grievances, negotiation, conflict resolution, Northern Ireland, anti-terror policies, civil liberties, surveillance, public safety, counter-terrorism, political conflict, peace processes public perception, government suspicion, anti-terrorist measures, security cameras, security checks, privacy invasion, innocent civilians, terrorism, justice, core grievances, negotiation, conflict resolution, Northern Ireland, political violence, civil rights, government policies, counterterrorism, societal impacts, civil liberties
test-politics-glghssi-pro03a	An independent Scotland has enormous economic potential to join other small European nations, especially as a leader in technology and renewable energy  Many of Scotland’s problems are grounded in the fact that its potential has consistently been held back. Because the focus for economic development from a Westminster perspective has focused for generations on North Sea oil and the coal fields of Lanarkshire, huge opportunities were missed and the best and the brightest tended be dragged down south for jobs worthy of their skills.  Even with the limited powers allowed by devolution a burgeoning life-sciences sector, a growing IT sector in silicon glen are adding to the traditional industries. Since 2003 Scotland has generally had faster economic growth than the UK with 13% during the period from 2003-2007 compared to the UK’s 11.4%. [i] Independence would stretch people still further.  [i] CPPR Centre for Public Policy for Regions, ‘The changing pattern of Scotland’s economic growth since Devolution’, CPPR Briefing Note, June 2011, independent Scotland, economic potential, small European nations, technology, renewable energy, economic development, Westminster, North Sea oil, coal fields, Lanarkshire, missed opportunities, brain drain, devolution, life sciences, Silicon Glen, traditional industries, economic growth, Scotland, UK, independence Scotland, economic potential, independence, European nations, technology, renewable energy, economic development, Westminster, North Sea oil, coal fields, Lanarkshire, missed opportunities, brain drain, devolution, life sciences, IT sector, Silicon Glen, traditional industries, economic growth, Scotland UK comparison, 2003-2007, CPPR, public policy, regional development Scotland, economic potential, small European nations, technology, renewable energy, economic development, Westminster, North Sea oil, coal fields, Lanarkshire, missed opportunities, skilled workforce, devolution, life sciences, silicon glen, traditional industries, economic growth, independence, CPPR, public policy, regional development Scotland, economic potential, European nations, technology, renewable energy, economic development, Westminster, North Sea oil, coal fields, Lanarkshire, missed opportunities, brain drain, devolution, life sciences, IT sector, Silicon Glen, traditional industries, economic growth, independence, CPPR, public policy Scotland, economic potential, small European nations, technology, renewable energy, economic development, Westminster, North Sea oil, coal fields, Lanarkshire, missed opportunities, skilled workforce, devolution, life sciences, Silicon Glen, traditional industries, economic growth, independence, CPPR, public policy, regional development
test-education-tuhwastua-pro05a	Standardized tests result in teachers “teaching the test”  The importance attached to such tests leads to teachers actively “teaching the test.” The result is that many teachers, rather than instilling useful skills or providing a balanced curriculum, end up trying to focus on things that occur on given tests. While this is not a huge problem with the SAT itself, it is a serious problem with subject tests like the SAT 2s, AP Exams, and the British A-Levels. This undermines the provision of education in the country. standardized tests, teaching the test, test-focused teaching, curriculum distortion, exam preparation, SAT, SAT 2, AP Exams, British A-Levels, education quality, teaching practices, assessment impact, educational standards, curriculum balance standardized tests, teaching the test, test preparation, curriculum focus, teaching practices, educational assessment, testing impact, subject tests, SAT, SAT 2, AP exams, British A-Levels, curriculum quality, educational consequences, teaching strategies standardized tests, teaching to the test, test preparation, educational assessment, curriculum narrowing, SAT, SAT 2, AP Exams, A-Levels, teaching practices, standardized testing effects, education quality, assessment impact, curriculum erosion, test-focused teaching standardized tests, teaching the test, test-focused education, curriculum narrowing, SAT, SAT 2, AP Exams, British A-Levels, educational standards, assessment impact, teaching practices, education quality, curriculum bias, test prep, educational assessment standardized tests, teaching the test, test preparation, curriculum narrowing, test-focused education, SAT, SAT 2, AP Exams, British A-Levels, educational quality, teaching strategies, assessment impact, education policy
test-politics-dhwem-pro03a	PMCs have an equally strong incentive to perform.  PMCs must perform carefully and effectively to secure future contracts. It is therefore in their interests to ensure their employees are well- trained and well-equipped and perform to the highest standard. Most PMCs recruit ex-service personnel as a way to ensure the quality of their force. In 2004 more SAS soldiers worked privately in Iraq than served in the army. Additionally, governments increasingly recognise the quality of mercenaries. PMCs and regular militaries cross over on occasion: An American PMC -Military Professional Resources Inc - trains the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) on behalf of the US Government (Lock, 2011). The British Ministry of Defence now allows soldiers yearlong sabbaticals to work as mercenaries in the hope they will return having earned more in the private sector. This official recognition suggests that mercenaries have shed their “dogs of war” image. They are no longer disreputable maverick figures operating in failed states but highly trained professionals endorsed by national governments PMCs, private military companies, performance incentives, contract security, employee training, military standards, ex-service personnel, SAS soldiers, Iraq, mercenaries, government recognition, military crossover, ROTC, military sabbaticals, British Ministry of Defence, professional soldiers, private security, military professionalism, national endorsement PMCs, private military companies, performance incentives, contract security, employee training, military standards, ex-service personnel, military recruitment, SAS, Iraq, mercenaries, governmental recognition, crossover military-private, Military Professional Resources Inc, ROTC, US Government, British Ministry of Defence, soldier sabbaticals, private sector earnings, professional soldiers, dog of war, reputation, national endorsement PMCs, private military companies, military contracts, employee training, personnel qualification, ex-service personnel, SAS soldiers, mercenaries, private security, military crossover, ROTC, sabbaticals, British Ministry of Defence, official recognition, professional soldiers, national governments PMCs, private military companies, military contractors, performance incentives, employee training, professional standards, ex-service personnel, military recruitment, mercenaries, military crossover, private security, military contracts, US Government, ROTC, British Ministry of Defence, sabbaticals, professionalism, national endorsement PMCs, private military companies, performance incentives, contract security, employee training, ex-service personnel, quality assurance, mercenaries, military crossover, governmental recognition, military professionalism, private security sector, Iraq, SAS, ROTC, sabbaticals, British Ministry of Defence, American PMC, Military Professional Resources Inc, “dogs of war”, professional soldiers
test-environment-aiahwagit-pro02a	Poaching is becoming more advanced  A stronger, militarised approach is needed as poaching is becoming far more advanced. Poachers now operate with high-calibre rifles, night vision scopes, silencers and use helicopters to hunt their prey. [1] These methods are used particularly against rhinoceroses in South Africa, whose horns have become extremely valuable on the Asian market for their supposed medical properties. [2] In response to this, South African rangers are being given specialised training and use their own aerial surveillance to track poachers down with success, [3] supporting the argument for a militarised response to protect endangered animals.  [1] WWF, ‘African rhino poaching crisis’  [2] Zapwing, ‘The Rhino Poaching Crisis’  [3] ibid poaching, wildlife protection, militarised approach, high-calibre rifles, night vision scopes, silencers, helicopters, rhino horns, South Africa, endangered animals, aerial surveillance, ranger training, wildlife crime, conservation strategies, anti-poaching measures poaching, illegal hunting, wildlife crime, rhino poaching, advanced weapons, high-calibre rifles, night vision scopes, silencers, helicopters, aerial surveillance, militarised response, endangered species, wildlife protection, South Africa, rhino horns, Asian market, conservation efforts, specialized ranger training, wildlife conflict, environmental conservation poaching, wildlife, conservation, militarised response, high-calibre rifles, night vision, silencers, helicopters, rhinoceroses, South Africa, animal protection, aerial surveillance, ranger training, endangered species, anti-poaching, wildlife crime, illegal hunting, horn trade, Asian market, medical properties poaching, advanced, militarised, high-calibre rifles, night vision scopes, silencers, helicopters, rhinoceroses, South Africa, animal protection, aerial surveillance, ranger training, endangered species, wildlife crime, wildlife conservation, illegal hunting, horn trade, Asian market, military response poaching, wildlife protection, militarised response, anti-poaching tactics, high-calibre rifles, night vision scopes, silencers, helicopters, rhinoceroses, South Africa, animal conservation, aerial surveillance, ranger training, endangered species, wildlife crime, illegal wildlife trade, rhino horn, African wildlife, conservation efforts
test-philosophy-npegiepp-pro04a	"Neo-functionalism provides a good starting point for EU analysis.  Neo-functionalism is an accessible theory which provides a good starting point for analysis. As a theory it has the advantages of being able to predict the outcome of integration and clearly explains which actors must be studied in order to explain integration. Haas and Lindberg’s “main thesis was that sectorial integration was inherently expansive - integration of some functional tasks would tend to spill over into  integration of other tasks(…) In the basis of this analysis, Haas argued that an acceleration of the  integration process could be 'safely predicted' and that it might lead to a 'political community of Europe' within a decade”. [1]  [1] Tranholm-Mikkelsen, Jeppe ""Neo-functionalism: Obstinate or Obsolete? A Reappraisal in the Light of the New Dynamism of the EC Millennium - Journal of International Studies, Vol. 20, No. 1, pp.1-22, Neo-functionalism, European Union, integration theory, Haas, Lindberg, sectorial integration, spillover effect, functional tasks, European integration, political community, international studies, EC Millennium Neo-functionalism, European Union, EU analysis, integration theory, actors, sectorial integration, spillover, functional tasks, Haas, Lindberg, integration process, political community, Europe, globalization, international relations, EU studies, economic integration, institutional theory, spillover effect, regional integration, integration dynamics Neo-functionalism, European Union, EU analysis, integration theory, Haas, Lindberg, sectorial integration, spillover effect, European integration, functional tasks, political community, European integration process, Millennium Journal, Jeppe Tranholm-Mikkelsen Neo-functionalism, European Union, EU analysis, integration theory, Haas, Lindberg, sectorial integration, functional spillover, integration process, political community, European integration, international relations, theory prediction, functional tasks, European community Neo-functionalism, EU analysis, integration theory, Haas, Lindberg, sectorial integration, spillover, functional tasks, integration prediction, European political community, EC, Millennium Journal, Jeppe Tranholm-Mikkelsen, European integration theory"
test-philosophy-elkosmj-pro02a	More ‘good’ is produced by saving five lives than saving one  When any life is removed so too is the future good that life may produce; all of the good that person would have experienced as well as all of the good they could have brought to other people’s lives will no longer occur. It is difficult to say precisely how much good a person may bring. However, it is fair to assume that saving five people brings with it a greater chance of higher levels of ‘good’. Considering the fact that one does not know anything about the people on the tracks one must assume that there will be five times more ‘good’ produced by saving their lives than if the one person is saved. ethics,consequentialism,utility,save lives,morality,good,future impact,life value,loss,uncertainty,quantitative ethics,number of lives,ethical decision-making,life preservation, altruism, moral calculus morality, ethics, consequentialism, utilitarianism, value of life, saving lives, future good, moral choice, sacrifice, ethical dilemma, potential good, life value, altruism, rights of individuals ethics,utilitarianism,life value,saving lives,morality,good outcomes,future happiness,life preservation,altruism,consequences,decision-making,compassion,ethical dilemma,life-saving,quantitative ethics value, saving lives, ethical considerations, utilitarianism, future good, moral decision-making, life worth, consequences, altruism, collective benefit utilitarianism, ethics, morality, life value, saving lives, good consequences, future prospects, moral calculus, risk assessment, ethical decision-making, collective well-being, individual sacrifice, moral dilemma, aggregate utility
test-international-iwiaghbss-pro04a	Other nations have an obligation to help  The President of Vanuatu has noted “If such a tragedy [the disappearance of a state] should happen, then the United Nations and its members will have failed in their first and most basic duty to a Member and its innocent people, as stated in Article 1 of the Charter of the United Nations.” [1] As long ago as 1992 developed nations accepted “the responsibility that they bear in the international pursuit to sustainable development in view of the pressures their societies place on the global environment and of the technologies and financial resources they command” and that “polluter should, in principle, bear the cost of pollution”. [2] There is also a Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness in which article 10 demands that any redrawing of borders must not render a person stateless, the principle behind which would equally apply to a disappearing state. [3] The small island states are losing their countries through no fault of their own it is therefore the responsibility of other states to provide them with alternatives; be this land or the resources to purchase land.  [1] McAdam, ‘’Disappearing states’, statelessness and the boundaries of international law’, UNSW Law Research Paper, 2010,  , p.4  [2] The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, ‘Rio Declaration on Environment and Development’, unep.org, 14 June 1992,   [3] United Nations, ‘Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness’, unhcr.org, 1961, disappearing states, sovereignty, international law, United Nations, statelessness, island nations, environmental responsibility, sustainable development, border redrawing, land resources, climate change, small island states, diplomatic obligations, UN Charter, environmental treaties, global governance, ecological impact, human rights national obligation, international law, UN, Vanuatu, state disappearance, sovereignty, sovereignty loss, arctic melting, climate change, seabed resources, maritime boundaries, small island states, statelessness, border redrawings, land rights, environmental responsibility, pollution, sustainable development, global environment, polluter pays principle, international treaties, UN Charter, Article 1, Convention on Statelessness, land purchase, resource allocation, territorial integrity disappearing states, sovereignty, statelessness, international law, United Nations, environment, sustainable development, Article 1, Convention on Statelessness, border redrawing, small island states, land rights, environmental responsibility, global governance, international obligations, state sovereignty nations, obligation, help, Vanuatu, tragedy, disappearing state, United Nations, members, duty, Article 1, Charter, international law, developed nations, sustainable development, global environment, technologies, financial resources, polluter, responsibility, pollution, Convention on Statelessness, redrawing borders, statelessness, island states, losing countries, land alternatives, resources, boundaries disappearing states, statelessness, international law, United Nations, sovereignty, border redrawing, small island states, climate change, environmental responsibility, sustainable development, Article 1 UN Charter, Convention on Statelessness, land rights, global environment, polluter pays principle, international cooperation, state sovereignty, maritime boundaries, territorial integrity, refugee protection
test-education-pshhghwpba0-con04a	Can we be sure a school meal will be healthy?  Even if the schools provide breakfast can we be sure that it will be healthy, and even if it is will the students eat it? Without individual supervision that having breakfast with parents provides it is difficult to ensure that the children are eating what they should be rather than throwing away the bits they like. In the UK there has been a campaign against the poor quality of school meals. [1] In the US there has been concern at the amounts of fresh fruit and vegtables being thrown away from school means. One study by the University of Vermont found food waste increased 56%. [2]  [1] Evening Standard, ‘Unhealthy school meals are on the menu for over a million children’, 12 January 2013,   [2] Welch, Ashley, ‘School lunch fruits and veggies often tossed in trash study finds’, CBSnews, 25 August 2015, school meals, healthy food, breakfast, student consumption, supervision, parental influence, food waste, UK school campaigns, US school meals, fruit and vegetable waste, food quality, childhood nutrition, cafeteria habits, meal promotion, dietary guidelines school meals, nutrition, breakfast, student eating habits, food supervision, UK campaign, school meal quality, US food waste, fruit and vegetables, food waste statistics, University of Vermont study, unhealthy school meals, food disposal, parental supervision, meal quality standards, childhood nutrition, food wastage, school lunch programs school meals, healthy eating, breakfast, student consumption, supervision, parental influence, food waste, UK, US, campaign, quality, fruit, vegetables, food wastage, university study, Vermont, food disposal school meals, healthy eating, school breakfast, student nutrition, food waste, UK school campaigns, US school meal concerns, fruit and vegetable waste, food supervision, parental influence, meal quality, food consumption, food safety, nutrition standards, child health, school policies school meals, healthy school meals, breakfast, student nutrition, food waste, UK school meals, US school meals, fruit and vegetable waste, food quality, parental supervision, meal consumption, campaign, food waste increase, Vermont study
test-international-ssiarcmhb-con04a	Promotes image of Catholic Church as uncaring and stubborn.  Organised religious groups, such as the Catholic Church, around the world, regardless of faith and denomination, change their official stances in an effort to keep up with a changing world. For example, the Church of England allowing women to become bishops. In doing this, these groups show that they are able to be reactive and can fit into a world that changes every day. Even the Catholic church has begun to realise that by stubbornly refusing to change its stance, the Catholic Church presents itself as unable to adapt and stuck in its ways 1. As a result, it finds that it will lose a lot of its influence and, by extension, its propensity to do good. Since its stance on contraception limits the Church's ability to do good, then it is clearly a stance that generally causes harm and, therefore, is an unjustified one.  1.Wynne-Jones 2010 Catholic Church, image, perception, uncaring, stubborn, religious groups, denominational change, official stance, societal adaptation, reform, gender equality, women bishops, religious reactivity, tradition versus change, institutional rigidity, influence, social impact, contraception, moral stance, social justice, church doctrines, change resistance, adaptability, religious influence, reform debate, Wynne-Jones Catholic Church, religious groups, organizational change, faith, denomination, official stance, societal adaptation, Church of England, women bishops, religious conservatism, rigidity, stubbornness, influence, moral authority, contraception, social impact, religious reform, adaptability, tradition versus change, societal progress, religious opposition Catholic Church, image, perception, uncaring, stubborn, religious groups, organizational change, faith, denomination, societal change, Church of England, women bishops, adaptability, rigidity, influence, moral stance, contraception, social impact, traditionalism, reform, progress, criticism, doctrine, justice, societal values Catholic Church, image, uncaring, stubborn, organized religion, change, official stances, adaptation, world of change, Church of England, women bishops, reactive, flexibility, rigidity, influence, moral authority, contraception, harm, justice, societal impact, religious doctrines, reform, tradition, modernization, public perception, influence loss, social change Catholic Church, image, perception, uncaring, stubborn, organized religion, faith, denomination, official stances, change, adaptation, social progress, Church of England, women bishops, reform, rigidity, influence, moral values, contraception, harm, justice, religious reform, tradition, modernity, societal change, influence loss, religious stance, religious influence
test-philosophy-pphbclsbs-pro02a	The apparent loss of liberty is overstated.  Negative cases of security abuse are few and have been greatly exaggerated by an emphatic civil rights lobby that has no empathy for the victims of terrorism. Of course, with any wide-scale attempt to fight terrorism there are bound to be a few cases of abuse of security measures. For example in the UK terrorism suspects were originally detained without charge under the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act however the detention was declared unlawful by the law lords in 2005 so the government introduced new scaled back policies such as ‘control orders’. [1] Therefore government has always been willing to scale back its security legislation when the courts believe it goes too far. Nonetheless it is not a good idea to shut down all security measures under a pretext that they violate rights [2] . The majority of the measures are intended to safeguard those civil liberties instead of abusing them.  [1] Hewitt, Steve, THE BRITISH WAR ON TERROR TIMELINE, Libertas, 2007,  , accessed 9 September 2011  [2] Stratton, Allegra and Wintour, Patrick, ‘Nick Clegg goes to war with Labour over civil liberties’, guardian.co.uk, 13 April 2010,  , accessed 9 September 2011 liberty, security abuse, civil rights lobby, terrorism victims, security measures, UK terrorism suspects, Anti-Terrorism Crime Security Act, unlawful detention, law lords, control orders, government security policies, court rulings, rights violations, civil liberties, security legislation, terrorism, civil rights, government policies, legal challenges liberty, security, abuse, terrorism, civil rights, civil liberties, security measures, detention, unlawful detention, control orders, UK, Anti-Terrorism Act, government, legal rulings, courts, rights, civil liberties safeguard, law lords, security legislation, terrorism suspects, civil rights lobby liberty, security abuse, civil rights, terrorism, victims, UK, detention, unlawful, law lords, control orders, security legislation, courts, rights, civil liberties, government, anti-terrorism, crime, security measures, civil rights lobby, terrorism suspects liberty, security, abuse, civil rights, terrorism, civil liberties, law courts, detention, Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act, control orders, UK, government, security legislation, terrorists, victims, rights, civil liberties lobby liberty, security abuse, civil rights lobby, terrorism victims, security measures, UK terrorism suspects, Anti-Terrorism Act, detention legality, control orders, government security policy, court rulings, rights violations, civil liberties, security legislation, terrorism countermeasures
test-education-egscphsrdt-con02a	Keeping teenagers in education  Studies in Michigan in the USA have found that random drug tests in schools do not deter drug use, as schools with and without random tests have similar levels of drug use among their pupils. [1]  It seems unlikely that random drug tests will, in fact, deter students from taking drugs. What such tests will result in, however, is a greater number of exclusions and disciplinary actions resulting from catching student drug users, which as the studies have shown has no guarantee of lowering drug use overall.  Faced with a situation of continuing to be caught and reprimanded for drug use in school due to random drug tests, many older teenagers who reach the age whereby they may choose to leave school may choose to do so in greater numbers. This may well be compounded by an adolescent desire to rebel and reject authority when it tries to prevent them doing what they want, and so a greater number of teenage students may drop out of school so as to allow themselves to continue doing what they want more easily – that is, taking drugs. Leaving school at such an age for no other reason than to pursue a drug-using lifestyle is almost certainly more harmful than the worst-case alternative, whereby they at least remain in education even if they continue to use illegal drugs, comparatively improving their future career and education choices. Simply driving teenagers out of education with random drug tests benefits no-one.  [1] Grim, Ryan. “Blowing Smoke: Why random drug testing doesn't reduce student drug use”. Slate. March 21, 2006. teenagers, education, drug testing, Michigan, USA, drug use, school policy, discipline, exclusion, dropout, rebellion, authority, adolescent behavior, drug prevention, student rights, educational outcomes, policy effectiveness, youth behavior, school dropout reasons, illegal drugs, career impact, social consequences teenagers, education, drug testing, random drug tests, drug use, school discipline, student dropout, rebellious behavior, authority rejection, adolescent development, drug policy, school environment, youth behavior, USA, Michigan, educational policy, drug prevention, student rights, school dropout rates, teenage rebellion, drug lifestyle teenagers, education, drug testing, students, drug use, Michigan, USA, school discipline, exclusions, dropout rates, rebellious behavior, authority, adolescent development, drug policy, school environment, education retention, substance abuse prevention, disciplinary actions, youth behavior, student retention teenagers, education, drug testing, Michigan, USA, drug use, schools, random drug tests, discipline, exclusion, dropout, rebellion, authority, adolescent, drug-using lifestyle, career, future, educational retention, harm, policies, student behavior teenagers, education, drug testing, schools, drug use, delinquency, dropout, disciplinary actions, rebellion, authority, juvenile behavior, US, Michigan, impact, deterrence, effectiveness, policy, adolescent, school attendance, substance abuse, alternative measures
test-international-atiahblit-con02a	Colonial legacies: the issue of language  A fundamental restriction to achieving universal education in several African countries is not teachers, as a resource, but rather the lack of a national language. Colonialism enforced national boundaries, of which remain mismatched to ethnicity and language. African nations remain some of the most diverse in the world. With the exception of Tanzania, whereby Julius Nyerere used policy to create a sense of national unity and language, many African nations placed minimal focus on nationalisation. Around 46 languages are spoken in Zambia.  Such language diversities make universal education difficult. Therefore, presidents such as Paul Kagame, have the right approach of enforcing a national language. colonial legacy, language policy, African education, linguistic diversity, national language, colonization impact, ethnic boundaries, multilingualism, language standardization, colonial borders, national unity, Tanzania, Julius Nyerere, Zambia, language challenges, universal education, language enforcement, Paul Kagame colonial legacies, language policy, universal education, African countries, national language, colonialism, ethnic diversity, language barriers, linguistic diversity, national unity, language legislation, multilingualism, policy initiatives, African nations, national identity colonial legacy, language policy, African education, national language, linguistic diversity, colonial boundaries, ethnicity, multilingualism, language unity, linguistic challenges, Tanzania, Julius Nyerere, Zambia, language enforcement, Paul Kagame, language restriction, universal education colonial legacies, language, universal education, African countries, national language, colonialism, national boundaries, ethnicity, language diversity, Tanzania, Julius Nyerere, nationalisation, Zambia, language diversity, Paul Kagame, language policy colonial legacy, language policy, African education, national language, linguistic diversity, colonial boundaries, ethnicity, multilingualism, national unity, Julius Nyerere, Tanzania, Zambia, language mismatch, colonial impact, education access, language restriction, Kagame, language enforcement
test-international-aghwrem-pro01a	States should not be isolated on political grounds  The isolation of Myanmar by some of the developed Western powers is arbitrary and marked by hypocrisy. The real reasons for the stance taken by these countries are political. There is little consistency in the attitude taken towards other governments and dictatorships across the world that also have questionable human rights records (Saudi Arabia and Egypt, to name a few), but either offer other strategic and economic benefits, or are much more influential in international affairs than Myanmar. Myanmar is only part of a group of countries (also including Cuba and North Korea) whose economic and political policies have remained relatively opaque to arm-twisting by the US and the EU. It is unfair to impose sanctions on and isolate Myanmar on this basis, especially in an emerging multi-polar international environment. Myanmar, isolation, Western powers, hypocrisy, political grounds, sanctions, human rights, international relations, strategic benefits, economic benefits, Cuba, North Korea, opacity, US, EU, multi-polar world Myanmar, political isolation, Western powers, hypocrisy, international relations, human rights, sanctions, economic interests, strategic benefits, dictatorships, Cuba, North Korea, global politics, multi-polar world, foreign policy Myanmar, isolation, Western powers, political grounds, hypocrisy, sanctions, international relations, human rights, strategic interests, economic benefits, influence, authoritarian regimes, multi-polar world, US, EU, Cuba, North Korea, foreign policy Myanmar, isolation, political grounds, Western powers, hypocrisy, strategic interests, economic benefits, human rights, Cuba, North Korea, sanctions, multi-polar world, international relations, democracy, diplomacy Myanmar, political isolation, Western powers, hypocrisy, strategic interests, economic benefits, human rights, dictatorships, international relations, sanctions, multi-polar world
test-politics-lghwdecm-pro01a	Electing a Mayor will revitalise local democracy  An elected mayor would revitalise local democracy. At present many people have no idea who their local councillors are, or who leads their council, perhaps because collective decision-making is generally unexciting. It is not surprising then that turnout is only around 30% and in some urban areas in Britain fewer than 1 in 4 adults bother to vote in local elections – the worst turnout in the EU. [1] An elected mayor would act as a focus for local people, both symbolically and as someone with real power to improve their lives. Local elections would gain more coverage and more people’s attention as they are voting for one recognisable figure rather than a number of councillors. This in turn would turn attention to local democracy and increase turnout in elections.  [1] Shakespeare, Tom, ‘For Good Measure Devolving Accountability for Performance and Assessment to Local Areas’, Localis, 2010, p.17 local democracy, elected mayor, voter turnout, local elections, civic engagement, local councillors, urban areas, political participation, governance, accountability, political leadership, community involvement, election coverage, political awareness, political representation electing, mayor, local democracy, voter turnout, local elections, councillors, civic engagement, political participation, electoral reform, governance, representation, accountability, devolving power, community involvement, electoral visibility, political leadership elected mayor, local democracy, voter turnout, local elections, councillors, decision-making, urban areas, Britain, political engagement, election coverage, accountability, local governance, civic participation local democracy, elected mayor, voter turnout, local elections, councillors, civic engagement, political leadership, governance, public participation, election reform local democracy, elected mayor, voter turnout, local elections, councillors, local government, civic engagement, political accountability, election coverage, urban areas, voting behavior, political leadership, community participation, political symbolism, local governance
test-education-ughbuesbf-con03a	The quality of education suffers when university education is free  Without university fees, universities become dependent on the state for funding. This leads to larger class­sizes and less spending per student. [1] Yet with fees, the quality of universities increases for three reasons. First, funding improves, as university may charge in accordance with need. Second, quality of teaching is improved. Because a university wants people to attend and to pay fees, the programs and degrees they offer have to be good signals of quality requiring hiring the best lecturers. Third, the average quality of students attending university will improve. This is because students feel they need to get the most from their investment in education. An example of higher quality education from fee­paying is that of the United States, which has eighteen of the top fifty ranked universities in the world. [2] Quality is clearly improved when university is not free.  [1] Brady, Hugh. 2008. “We Must Invest Now in Our Universities or Pay Later”. University College Dublin News Available:  ents.html​  [2] QS World University Rankings 2015/16, QS, university education, free university, funding dependence, class sizes, per student spending, university fees, funding increase, teaching quality, hiring best lecturers, student quality, investment in education, top ranked universities, QS rankings, education quality, university funding university education, free education, university funding, class size, education quality, university fees, funding dependency, teaching quality, student investment, university rankings, top universities, education investment, US universities, higher education, quality signals, faculty recruitment, student quality, rankings, QS, university funding models university education, free university, university funding, class sizes, student spending, university fees, quality of education, funding improvement, program quality, hiring lecturers, student quality, investment in education, top-ranked universities, QS World Rankings university education, free university, funding dependence, class sizes, student spending, university fees, quality enhancement, funding improvement, need-based charging, teaching quality, lecturer hiring, student quality, investment in education, top-ranked universities, USA, QS World University Rankings, education quality, tuition fees, university funding university education, free tuition, quality of education, university funding, class sizes, spending per student, university fees, funding improvement, teaching quality, lecturer quality, student quality, student investment, higher education, top-ranked universities, QS World Rankings, university rankings
test-law-lghwpcctcc-pro03a	Cameras encourage efficiency and high standards.  Placing cameras into courtrooms encourages the judiciary and lawyers to increase their efficiency and have high standards of behaviour, because they are aware that it will be carried outside of the courtroom by public viewing. The introductions of cameras to the Houses of Parliament in the UK resulted in significantly improved standards of debate, greater punctuality, and greater attendance of MPs [1] . We can expect this same principle to continue in courtrooms when cameras are put in place.  [1]  , accessed 06/08/11 cameras, efficiency, standards, courtroom, judiciary, lawyers, public viewing, accountability, transparency, House of Parliament, debate, punctuality, attendance, MPs cameras, efficiency, high standards, courtrooms, judiciary, lawyers, transparency, public viewing, accountability, parliamentary debates, UK Houses of Parliament, punctuality, attendance, behavior standards, media coverage cameras, courtroom, judiciary, lawyers, efficiency, standards, public viewing, transparency, accountability, debate, punctuality, attendance, UK Parliament, legislative process, public perception camera, courtroom, judiciary, lawyers, efficiency, standards, public viewing, transparency, accountability, debate quality, punctuality, attendance, Parliament, UK, legal proceedings cameras, efficiency, high standards, courtrooms, judiciary, lawyers, public viewing, accountability, transparency, UK Parliament, debate standards, punctuality, MP attendance
test-philosophy-pphbclsbs-con04a	It impedes economic progress.  Extra-security measures only impede, or halt the flow of trade [1] , make the country harder to deal with - less internationally ‘friendly’, and disrupt communities. Security states almost always have slower growth than freer states because there is extra red tape, transport networks are slowed down, for example airport check ins take much longer. The U.S. Travel Association, says on average, in the United States as a result of the airport security measures each person avoids two to three trips a year because of the hassles of airport-security screening. That amounts to an estimated $85 billion in lost business for hotels, restaurants, airlines and other travel suppliers. [2] And this is even before the losses caused by unproductive hours, and deterred investment. All these things will decrease incomes and GDP growth.  [1] Verrue, Robert, ‘Tighter Security Must Not Slow Down World Trade’, The European institute, Spring 2004,   [2] McCartney, Scott, ‘Aiming to Balance Security and Convenience’, Wall Street Journal, 1 September 2011,  , accessed 9 September 2011 economic progress, security measures, trade flow, international relations, community disruption, economic growth, red tape, transportation delays, airport security, travel restrictions, lost revenue, tourism decline, GDP impact, investment deterrence, travel industry, security trade-offs, transportation infrastructure, customs delays, economic impact, international trade, security policy economic progress, security measures, trade flow, international relations, community disruption, economic growth, red tape, transportation delays, airport security, travel disruption, travel industry impact, lost business, GDP growth, security restrictions, travel hassles, economic losses, investment deterrence economic progress, security measures, trade disruption, international relations, community impact, growth slowdown, red tape, transport delays, airport security, international tourism, travel industry, economic losses, GDP growth, investment deterrence, travel restrictions, security screening, travel tourism, economic impact, transportation delays, border security economic growth, trade disruption, security measures, international trade, border security, travel industry, airport security, red tape, transportation delays, travel restrictions, GDP impact, economic losses, tourism decline, travel barriers, business travel, travel economics, security policies, travel inconvenience, travel industry losses, economic slowdown economic progress, security measures, international trade, trade flow, travel restrictions, border security, economic impact, GDP growth, red tape, transport delays, airport security, travel industry, economic losses, business travel, travel disruptions, tourism, investment, economic growth, travel industry losses
test-culture-thbcsbptwhht-con02a	Reparations and the use of the term 'cultural appropriation' is a mask for more deep-rooted issues of racism in society.  The use of compensation as a means of redress for cultural appropriation doesn’t tackle the root problems that are expressed. The problems given as examples of cultural appropriation, like a Caucasian person wearing their hair in dreadlocks- a style that has meaning and historic prejudice to the afro-Caribbean community is redirecting attention and division. The individuals wearing their hair in this fashion however are not the problem. Demanding compensation from them 'does not challenge racism in any meaningful way' [1]. Instead targeting and punishing those who actively discriminate against those with the dreadlock style of hair is more effective and encourages equality.  [1] Malik, Kenan, ‘The Bane of Cultural Appropriation’, AlJazeera, 14th April 2016, reparations, cultural appropriation, racism, redress, root causes, societal issues, discrimination, identity, cultural significance, dreadlocks, afro-Caribbean, prejudice, social division, equality, justice, power dynamics, cultural sensitivity, social justice, advocacy reparations, cultural appropriation, racism, societal issues, compensation, redress, root problems, hair styling, dreadlocks, afro-Caribbean, prejudice, discrimination, equality, social justice, racial bias, cultural identity, historic prejudice, division, systemic racism reparations,cultural appropriation,racism,society,compensation,redress,root problems,example,hair styles,meaning,prejudice,afro-Caribbean,division,discrimination,equality reparations,cultural appropriation,racism,redress,root problems,historical prejudice,hair styling,dreadlocks,Afro-Caribbean,discrimination,equality,compensation,divisions,identity,justice,social issues reparations, cultural appropriation, racism, society, compensation, redress, root causes, deep-rooted issues, prejudice, afro-Caribbean, dreadlocks, discrimination, equality, social justice, cultural identity, power dynamics
test-law-umtlilhotac-pro02a	Witnesses might be identified and placed in danger  Televising criminal trials may cause a number of problems with witnesses. It may make individuals less likely to give evidence, make them more likely to play to the television audience, or make the already intimidating process of giving evidence in court more so. Also, television broadcasts make it more likely that the identities of anonymized witnesses would leak out – something that has already happened at the ICC in the Ruto-Sang case [1] .  The ICC already has problems with witnesses, including allegations of bribing and intimidating prosecution witnesses in the Ruto case [2] , which has led to Walter Barasa, a Kenyan Journalist, being subject to an arrest warrant [3] . Ending the televising of trials may go some way to remedy those problems.  [1] Lattus, Asumpta, ‘Evenson: ‘First time arrest warrant has been issued in Kenya case’, Deutsche Welle, 2 October 2013,   [2] Stewart, Catrina, ‘ICC on trials along with Kenya’s elite amid claims of bribery and intimidation’, The Guardian, 1 October 2013,   [3] ‘ICC seeks Walter Barasa arrest for Kenya ‘witness tampering’, BBC News, 2 October 2013, witnesses, danger, televising, criminal trials, witness anonymity, court process, media influence, witness intimidation, witness leakage, ICC, Ruto-Sang case, bribery, witness tampering, Walter Barasa, arrest warrant, Kenya, media ethics, courtroom broadcasting, legal risks, witness protection witnesses, identification, danger, televising, criminal trials, witness testimony, media influence, court intimidation, witness anonymity, leaks, ICC, Ruto-Sang case, witness bribery, witness intimidation, arrest warrant, Walter Barasa, Kenya, witness tampering witnesses, identification, danger, televising, criminal trials, witnesses' problems, evidence, television audience, witness intimidation, witness anonymity, ICC, Ruto-Sang case, leaks, witness protection, bribery, intimidation, Walter Barasa, arrest warrant, Kenya, trial transparency witnesses, identification, danger, televised trials, criminal trials, witness intimidation, evidence, television broadcast, witness anonymity, information leak, ICC, Ruto-Sang case, bribery, witness tampering, arrest warrant, Walter Barasa, Kenya, legal issues witnesses, identification, danger, televising, criminal trials, witness testimony, public perception, witness intimidation, court process, media influence, broadcast risks, witness anonymity, leaks, ICC, Ruto-Sang case, witness protection, bribery, intimidation, arrest warrant, Walter Barasa, witness tampering, legal proceedings, trial transparency
test-philosophy-pphbclsbs-pro01a	National security is something that must be protected even at the cost of  Terrorism is part of the modern world and is inextricably linked with the rise of modern communications, the internet, and a global community. This is an age in which space and time are bending to the tune of new media – information at your fingertips may sound nice, but for those who want to destroy, it only makes their object easier to attain. And so more strict national security measures must be employed in order to keep up with the enemy. Escalation is the name of the game imposed on governments around the world by terrorists for example the Mumbai terrorists used GPS systems to guide them into Mumbai, attacks were coordinated on cell and satellite phones and Blackberrys were used to monitor the international reaction [1] . In order to keep up states need new powers to stop, deter, and prevent terrorism. The government needs to secure state-security first; only then can the debate on civil liberties begin, and only then.  [1] Shachtman, Noah, ‘How Gadgets Helped Mumbai Attackers’, Wired, 1 December 2008,  , accessed 9 September 2011 national security, terrorism, modern communication, internet, global community, media, information, security measures, escalation, governments, GPS, satellite phones, Blackberry, international reaction, powers, prevent terrorism, state-security, civil liberties national security, terrorism, modern communications, internet, global community, media, information, security measures, escalation, government powers, terrorism prevention, GPS, satellite phones, Blackberries, state-security, civil liberties, Mumbai attacks, Gadgets, terrorism tools national security, terrorism, modern communications, internet, global community, information age, media, security measures, escalation, governments, GPS, cell phones, satellite phones, Blackberries, international reaction, new powers, terrorism prevention, state security, civil liberties national security, terrorism, modern communications, internet, global community, information technology, new media, security measures, escalation, government powers, threat prevention, GPS, satellite phones, BlackBerry, surveillance, civil liberties, state security, counter-terrorism, technological warfare, Mumbai attack national security, terrorism, modern communications, internet, global community, media, information security, security measures, escalation, government, GPS, satellite phones, Blackberry, international reaction, powers, prevent terrorism, state-security, civil liberties, gadgets, Mumbai attack
test-international-aglhrilhb-pro04a	Deters future offences  By prosecuting those who commit crimes against humanity and war crimes future leaders are dissuaded from committing such acts [1]. When criminals are held accountable, the belief in the reliability of the legal system is enhanced, society is strengthened by the experience that the legal system is able to defend itself and the sense of justice is upheld or rectified [2].  Since the Office of the Prosecutor announced its interest in Colombia in 2006, the government has taken a number of measures particularly the Peace and Justice Law to ensure domestic prosecution of those who could potentially be tried by the ICC. The threat of ICC prosecution appears to have concerned former President Pastrana. Vincente Castrano (AUC) a paramilitary leader was fearful of the possibility of ICC prosecution, a fear that reportedly directly contributed to his group’s demobilisation[3].  [1] Safferlin, Christoph J.M., ‘Can Criminal prosecution be the answer to massive Human Rights Violations?’, issafrica.org,   [2] Grono, Nick, ‘ The Deterrent Effect of the ICC on the Commission of International Crimes by Government Leaders ’, globalpolicy.org, 5 October 2012, deterrence, future offences, prosecution, crimes against humanity, war crimes, international law, accountability, legal system, society, justice, ICC, domestic prosecution, Peace and Justice Law, Colombia, demobilisation, human rights violations, deterrent effect, government leaders deterrence, future offences, prosecution, crimes against humanity, war crimes, legal system, accountability, justice, ICC, Colombia, Peace and Justice Law, domestic prosecution, paramilitary, demobilisation, human rights violations, deterrent effect, government leaders human rights violations, international criminal law, deterrence, future offences, prosecutions, war crimes, crimes against humanity, legal accountability, ICC, domestic prosecution, Peace and Justice Law, Colombia, demobilisation, paramilitary groups, deterrent effect, leadership, accountability, society, justice, legal system deterrence, crimes against humanity, war crimes, prosecution, accountability, legal system, justice, ICC, Colombia, Peace and Justice Law, domestic prosecution, demobilization, human rights violations, deterrent effect, international crimes, government leaders deterrence, future offenses, prosecution, crimes against humanity, war crimes, legal system, society, justice, ICC, domestic prosecution, Peace and Justice Law, Colombia, former president Pastrana, Vincente Castrano, paramilitary, demobilization, human rights violations, criminal accountability, threat, deterrent effect
test-law-rmelhrilhbiw-pro03a	The Settlements are seen by Palestinians as a sign of bad faith on the part of Israel, and therefore weaken the hand of Pro-Peace elements  As important as the existence of the settlements themselves is their continued growth. The very fact that Israel has continued to ostensibly negotiate for the independence of a Palestinian state in the West Bank on one hand while rapidly expanding the population and the size of Israeli settlements can be interpreted as a sign of bad faith.  For one thing, it raises questions of the seriousness with which Israel is attempting to reach an agreement. Even if the programs of Settlement expansion are intended as a temporary policy in lieu of a settlement, the very fact that Israel’s plan B is arguably as popular as peace, and being pursued with far more vigour could lead many Palestinians to conclude that Israel is attempting to run out the clock.  The consequences of this are inauspicious for the Peace Process. As Palestinian faith in the prospect of peaceful negotiations falters, groups like Hamas are likely to find an increasingly receptive audience for their view that only force will compel Israel to negotiate seriously. This in turn will make compromise all the more difficult to achieve. Settlements, Palestinians, Israel, bad faith, peace process, negotiations, West Bank, settlement expansion, Israeli government, Palestinian state, trust, peace negotiations, Hamas, conflict, diplomacy, Israeli policies, Palestinian faith, compromise, peace prospects, Israeli-Palestinian relations Settlements, Palestinians, Israel, bad faith, peace process, settlement expansion, negotiations, West Bank, Israeli government, Palestinian state, trust, Hamas, conflict, peace negotiations, occupation Settlements, Palestinians, Israel, bad faith, peace process, settlement growth, negotiations, Palestinian independence, West Bank, expansion, negotiations, peace, Israeli population, settlement policy, credibility, peace negotiations, Hamas, force, compromise Palestinians, Israeli settlements, settlement growth, bad faith, peace process, negotiation, Palestinian state, West Bank, Israel expansion, trust, negotiations, peace efforts, settlement policy, Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Hamas, force, compromise Palestinians, settlements, bad faith, Israel, peace process, growth, negotiation, independence, West Bank, expansion, credibility, seriousness, agreement, settlement policy, population growth, Israeli occupation, optimism, trust, diplomacy, conflict, Hamas, violence, compromise
test-politics-gvhwhnerse-con02a	Elections of any sort force rulers to meet their people  Elections almost anywhere in the world mean politicians getting out and campaigning. Regardless of the legitimacy of the final election the leadership of the country will be going out and meeting voters. In many of these events individuals won’t be able to express their views but there are also likely to be protests and meetings where individuals can get their views across. This provides an opportunity for the leader to stay in touch with the people – often a problem with dictators who have been in power too long.  Dictators will want to, and often believe that they are likely to win even without resort to fraud, as Marcos did in 1985. [1] They are then are much more likely to consider the views of the electorate to still be relevant if there are elections than if there are not. Thus for example Mugabe in the most recent elections made a bid for, and won, the youth vote by promising a direct stake in the economy, [2] so responding to their desire for jobs. [3]  [1] Kline, William E., ‘The Fall of Marcos: A Problem in U.S. Foreign Policymaking’, Institute for the Study of Diplomacy, 1992,  p. 10  [2] Agyemang, Roy, ‘Why a Robert Mugabe victory would be good for Zimbabwe’, theguardian.com, 2 August 2013,   [3] AFP, ‘Youth, rural voters may hold key to Zimbabwe election’, Fox News, 27 July 2013, elections, rulers, politicians, campaigning, voter engagement, protests, public opinion, dictatorship, legitimacy, voter influence, voter turnout, election campaigns, authoritarian politics, regime stability, public meetings, political legitimacy, electoral process, voter concerns, leadership, political strategy, youth vote, economic promises elections, politicians, campaigning, voter engagement, protests, public meetings, leadership, dictators, legitimacy, electoral processes, public opinion, voter turnout, political campaigns, voter demographics, youth vote, economic promises, Zimbabwe, Marcos, Mugabe, election legitimacy, political communication elections, politicians, campaigning, voter engagement, protests, leadership, dictatorship, legitimacy, election fraud, Marcos, Mugabe, youth vote, voter influence, public opinion, political protests, electoral process, Zimbabwe, political rallies, voter representation, regime stability, political legitimacy elections, leaders, campaigning, voter engagement, protests, public opinion, dictators, legitimacy, voting, electoral politics, political participation, protest events, leadership, political legitimacy, voter influence, youth vote, political rallies, election campaigns, Zimbabwe, Marcos, Mugabe, political strategy, voter outreach elections, political campaigns, voter engagement, protests, public opinion, leadership, dictators, election legitimacy, voter views, political outreach, regime stability, voter influence, youth vote, economic promises, Zimbabwe, Marcos, Mugabe, electoral process, political rallies, voter turnout
test-politics-glghssi-pro02a	Devolution has demonstrated the ability of Scots to govern themselves not only as well as Westminster but with more civility  Not only has the policy agenda been different in Scotland but so has the model of politics. It has seen the emergence of new political parties and a better representation of the diversity within existing ones.  The nature of political discourse, although vigorous and not as consensual as initially hoped, has proved to be more consensual – both during the time of the SNP minority administration and the preceding coalitions than politics south of the border. [i]  The contrast between the coalition governments at Holyrood, the Scottish parliament, where Scottish Labour and the Scottish Liberal Democrats were allied between 1999 and 2007, and the internecine warfare going on between Conservative and Liberal members of the current Westminster coalition could not be more stark.  [i] Cairney, Paul, ‘Coalition and Minority Government in Scotland’, Political Studies Associations Conference, 1 April 2010, devolution, Scots governance, Westminster comparison, Scottish politics, political parties, political discourse, SNP, Scottish parliament, coalition governments, Holyrood, political diversity, political model, political civility, coalition politics, Scottish Labour, Liberal Democrats, Scottish minorities, internal party conflict, Cairney, Paul devolution, Scottish governance, Westminster comparison, political civility, policy differences, Scottish political parties, political diversity, political discourse, SNP, coalitions, Holyrood, Scottish Parliament, Labour, Liberal Democrats, Conservative, coalition warfare, Cairney, minority government, political studies devolution, Scotland, governance, civility, political agenda, politics, political parties, diversity, political discourse, SNP, coalition, Holyrood, Scottish parliament, Labour, Liberal Democrats, Westminster, Conservative, Cairney, coalition government, minority government devolution, Scottish governance, Westminster, political civility, policy agenda, Scottish parties, political diversity, political discourse, SNP, coalition government, Holyrood, Scottish parliament, Scottish Labour, Liberal Democrats, Westminster coalition, political contrast, Cairney, minority government devolution, Scottish self-governance, Westminster, political civility, policy agenda, Scottish politics, political parties, diversity, political discourse, SNP, coalition government, Holyrood, Scottish parliament, Scottish Labour, Liberal Democrats, Westminster coalition, Cairney, political studies
test-environment-aiahwagit-pro05a	The justice system does not currently work  A major failing in current anti-poaching operations is that the poachers are rarely prosecuted. African legal systems rarely prioritise poaching as a serious crime, with offenders usually receiving trivial fines1. One of the major reasons for the Western black rhinoceros’ extinction in 2011 was the complete lack of sentencing for any of the poachers who were captured. [1] The system also fails to prosecute the brains behind many of the operations due to poor investigative methods. This creates an impression in the minds of the poachers that they can operate with impunity. [2]  [1] Mathur, A. ‘Western Black Rhino Poached Out of Existence; Declared Extinct, Slack Anti-Poaching Efforts Responsible’  [2] Welz, A. ‘The War on African Poaching: Is Militarization Fated to Fail?’ justice system, anti-poaching, poacher prosecution, legal systems, criminal penalties, poaching crimes, wildlife conservation, black rhinoceros extinction, sentencing, investigative methods, impunity, wildlife law enforcement, poacher impunity, militarization, conservation efforts justice system, anti-poaching, prosecution, poachers, legal systems, fines, extinction, sentencing, investigations, impunity, black rhinoceros, poaching crimes, legal enforcement, wildlife conservation, criminal justice, militarization, poaching operations justice system, anti-poaching, poachers, prosecution, African legal systems, poaching crimes, fines, Western black rhinoceros, extinction, sentencing, criminal justice, investigative methods, impunity, wildlife crime, law enforcement, militarization, conservation, illegal wildlife trade justice system, anti-poaching, poaching prosecution, African legal systems, poaching crimes, fines, black rhinoceros extinction, poacher sentencing, investigative methods, impunity, wildlife crime, conservation enforcement, illegal wildlife trade, wildlife protection laws, law enforcement, militarization, anti-poaching strategies justice system, anti-poaching, poaching prosecution, African legal systems, poaching fines, black rhinoceros extinction, poacher sentencing, investigative methods, impunity, poaching operations, legal enforcement, wildlife crime, conservation, militarization, poaching challenges
test-philosophy-elkosmj-pro01a	As humans we try to save as many people as possible  There exists a basic right to life which, as humans, we try to follow. Killing others is outlawed because we generally believe that every person has the right to live their life and no one else has the right to take that life away. In the situation with the train there are two possible outcomes which both lead to life being cut short. Due to the fact that we place such value on life we have a duty to reduce the number of people who die. One ought to commit the act that results in the fewest deaths, and this is to kill the one and save the five. human rights, right to life, moral dilemma, ethics, saving lives, kill or save, train scenario, duty to save, consequentialism, utilitarianism, moral choices, ethical decision-making, life preservation, moral responsibility human rights, right to life, ethics, moral dilemma, trolley problem, consequentialism, utilitarianism, moral decision-making, life preservation, moral responsibility, euthanasia, morality, ethical choices, moral philosophy human ethics, right to life, moral dilemma, trolley problem, consequentialism, utilitarianism, euthanasia, moral decision-making, life preservation, moral responsibilities human rights, right to life, ethical dilemma, moral responsibility, saving lives, train problem, trolley problem, consequentialism, utilitarianism, moral choices, life preservation, killing ethical considerations humanity, right to life, ethics, moral dilemma, trolley problem, utilitarianism, consequentialism, ethical decision-making, lifesaving, moral choices, kill or save, ethical principles, moral duty, ethical theories, moral reasoning
test-philosophy-npegiepp-pro05a	Supranational Entrepreneurs played a crucial role in integration  The role of supranational entrepreneurs within the development of integration within Europe has been crucial. Characters such as Jean Monnet envisaged and worked continuously towards uniting Europe. As the head of France's General Planning Commission, Monnet was the real author of what has become known as the 1950 Schuman Plan to create the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), forerunner of the Common Market. Later a similar role was played by Jacques Delors with the creation of the Single European Act (SEA) and the all-important 1992 project that would see the single market and eventually fully Economic and Monetary Union complete. These characters act in support of integration within Europe and represent an empirical example of cultivated spill-over. Unmitigated pressure from Delors in pushing for the single market ensured that it became a reality in the time it did. Supranational entrepreneurs, European integration, Jean Monnet, Schuman Plan, European Coal and Steel Community, ECSC, Jacques Delors, Single European Act, SEA, 1992 project, single market, Economic and Monetary Union, spill-over, European Union, integration actors, European history Supranational entrepreneurs, European integration, Jean Monnet, Schuman Plan, European Coal and Steel Community, ECSC, Jacques Delors, Single European Act, SEA, 1992 project, single market, Economic and Monetary Union, spill-over, European Union, European institutions, integration support, European history, regional cooperation Supranational entrepreneurs, European integration, Jean Monnet, Schuman Plan, European Coal and Steel Community, ECSC, Jacques Delors, Single European Act, SEA, 1992 project, single market, Economic and Monetary Union, spill-over, European Union, integration policy Supranational entrepreneurs, European integration, Jean Monnet, Schuman Plan, European Coal and Steel Community, ECSC, Jacques Delors, Single European Act, SEA, 1992 project, single market, Economic and Monetary Union, spill-over effect supranational entrepreneurs, European integration, Jean Monnet, Schuman Plan, European Coal and Steel Community, ECSC, Jacques Delors, Single European Act, SEA, European single market, Economic and Monetary Union, spill-over, European Union history
test-politics-oeplhbuwhmi-con01a	The UK needs to be part of a block to remain relevant  History is moving towards bigger and bigger blocks being relevant. The US and USSR dwarfed the previous global power the UK [1] and China and India look set too be bigger again. In a world where the great powers are regions of the globe in themselves to be influential requires being part of a bigger group. The EU negotiates on equal terms with China, India and the USA. The UK on its own would be very much a second order power.  [1] See Paul Kennedy’s The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers, Random House, 1987 UK, international influence, global power, geopolitical strategy, regional blocs, global alliances, EU, great powers, US, USSR, China, India, power dynamics, international relations, history, Paul Kennedy UK, global power, international blocs, geopolitical relevance, history, US, USSR, China, India, EU, regional influence, power dynamics, global influence, Paul Kennedy, Rise and Fall of the Great Powers, international negotiation UK, global power, international alliances, geopolitical influence, regional blocs, European Union, US, USSR, China, India, power dynamics, Paul Kennedy, The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers, global geopolitics, size of nations, influence, relevance, international negotiation, power parity UK, global power, geopolitical alliances, international relations, regional blocs, big power competition, EU, China, India, United States, Paul Kennedy, Rise and Fall of the Great Powers, UK relevance, world order, regional influence, global influence, global politics, power dynamics UK, global power, geopolitics, international relations, alliances, global blocs, US, USSR, China, India, European Union, regional influence, power dynamics, Paul Kennedy, rise and fall of great powers
test-law-cplgpshwdp-con02a	We already recognise that we cannot place complete trust in juries.  Although we recognise that juries can provide valuable insight and represent the will of the general public in court cases [1] (and especially the communities in which the crimes occurred [2] ), there is also recognition that juries can be subject to bias [3] . Britain has even suggested plans to restrict the right to trial by jury in order to prevent undue bias from affecting court cases [4] . Elsewhere, experts are debating over whether jurors should learn about ‘a victim’s sexual history in rape cases where the defendant asserts that the accuser consented to sex, or a victim's propensity for violence in murder cases where the accused claims self-defense’ [5] because of fears that it might cause juror bias. We do not grant ultimate knowledge to jurors, nor should we; it endangers the potential for an unbiased trial.  [1] Lawson Neal, and Simms, Andrew, ‘A People’s Jury of a thousand angry citizens’, The Guardian, 31 July 2011.  [2] New Jersey Courts, ‘Welcome to the New Jersey Court System’, judiciary.state.nj.us, 2011.  [3] Howard Nations, ‘Overcoming Jury Bias’  [4] Davies, Patricia Wynn, ‘Plans to restrict right to trial by jury condemned’, The Independent, 28 February 1997.  [5] Silverglate, Harvey A., and Poulson, Dan, ‘Getting Real at the SJC’, Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, 30 May 2005 . jury, juries, trust, bias, public opinion, court cases, community representation, trial restriction, bias prevention, rape cases, victim's sexual history, self-defense, unbiased trial, legal system, jury research, legal fairness, judicial process, jury ignorance, legal debate, court reform jury bias, trial rights, public opinion, court cases, jury insights, Scottish system, juror knowledge, rape cases, self-defense, victim's history, judicial reform, bias prevention, legal reliability, trial fairness, community representation jury bias, jury trial, judicial system, public perception, courtroom justice, bias mitigation, legal reforms, jury independence, trial fairness, victim’s sexual history, self-defense, court credibility, juror knowledge, legal debate, trial processes jury, bias, trial, court, public perception, community representation, victim’s sexual history, self-defense, legal reform, judicial system, juror education, impartiality, trial fairness, defendants, victims, legal debates, jury selection, legal rights jury, bias, trial, juror bias, court system, public opinion, community representation, legal reforms, jury education, victim's sexual history, case fairness, justice system, criminal trials, defendant, victim, self-defense, evidence, legal debates, trial transparency, judicial process
test-law-cplgpshwdp-pro01a	The current system is unfairly weighted in favour of criminals.  It is unfair that those who repeatedly re-offend should be treated in the same manner as those who have committed one offence; a singular offence could mark a mistake or accident in the defendant’s choices, but repeated criminal acts mark a habit and a lack of regret for past crimes. Failing to take past convictions into account can lead to many dangerous offenders being underestimated by the jury, and so released. This is particularly pertinent in cases of child molestation, where child molesters have a particularly high rate of re-offending – expected to be even ‘larger than the reported 50 per cent’ - but ‘only a small proportion of sexual offences against children result in a conviction’. This conviction rate, however, does rise for ‘those with a history of prior sexual offences’ [1] .  Under the current conditions, this system is unfairly weighted against the innocent victims of repeated crime. A higher conviction rate, informed by the knowledge of previous offences, helps to reach justice for these victims and their families, as well as promoting justice and the safety of the general public who find it frustrating that so many dangerous offenders are released without appropriate conviction [2] . Moreover, jurors themselves lose confidence in the justice system when they find out that they have just acquitted a defendant who has committed a similar crime before. One notable example of this was series of trials of Kirk Reid, who committed many sexual assaults against women including several instances of rape and who was ‘wrongfully acquitted’ of his first offence in 1996. Not only did his victim lose all sense of hope in the justice system – she had faced her attacked and been discredited – but one of the jurors at the trial who believed that he was guilty went on to criticise the justice system itself [3] . The current system seriously risks acquitting criminals who have already committed similar crimes; it is time to rebalance the justice system to acknowledge the needs of the victims who suffer through wrongful acquittal of their attackers.  [1] Victims of Violence, ‘Research – Protecting Children from Sexual Abuse’, 28 February 2011  [2] Hughes, David, ‘Sex offenders to lose right to get out of jail early’, The Daily Mail  [3] Lette, Kathy, ‘For sexual assault, justice is on trial’, The Guardian, 1 July 2010 criminal justice, recidivism, repeat offenders, sentencing, convictions, victim rights, child molestation, sexual offenses, re-offending rate, jury perception, wrongful acquittal, public safety, justice system reform, offender assessment, criminal liability, sentencing reform, crime statistics, offender monitoring, legal reform, victim protection, judicial fairness criminal justice reform, recidivism, repeat offenders, sentencing laws, prior convictions, victim rights, child molestation, sexual offenses, re-offending rates, conviction rate, jury confidence, wrongful acquittal, legal system, public safety, offender monitoring, judicial policies, criminal sentencing, justice system flaws, offender recidivism, offender tracking, victim advocacy justice, recidivism, repeat offenders, criminal system, sentencing, child molestation, sexual offences, conviction rate, wrongful acquittal, victims, public safety, juror confidence, criminal reform, reoffending statistics, criminal justice policy criminal justice, recidivism, repeat offenders, sentencing, victim rights, sexual offenses, child molestation, re-offense rates, conviction rate, wrongful acquittal, juror confidence, justice system reform, offender punishment, public safety, legal bias, criminal recidivism, sentencing reform, offender accountability, justice fairness, victim advocacy justice, fairness, criminal recidivism, repeat offenders, sentencing, juvenile offenders, child molestation, sexual offenses, conviction rate, victims, wrongful acquittal, public safety, jury confidence, legal system reform, reoffending statistics, criminal justice system, rehabilitation, sentencing reform, victim rights, offender management, legal inequality
test-politics-dhwem-pro06a	"PMCs can be made much more legitimate by regulation  Currently mercenary work as a profession is not regulated by law, which allows the corruption and lack of guaranteed quality, as well as the problems of accountability to remain problematic. Regulating PMCs encourage a safer, professionalised security sector which can be standardised and controlled. Governments would then legislate, regulate and moderate the use of such forces rather than provide them outright. PMCs today are legitimate businesses, much of their work has nothing to do with fighting and killing MPRI for example ""shipped more than $900,000,000 worth of donated food and medical supplies to the newly independent states of the former Soviet Union over a five year period”. These companies are already placing greater emphasis on having a good reputation and are increasingly transparent so many companies would welcome regulation.(Vaknin, 2011) private military companies, PMC regulation, legitimacy, accountability, professional security sector, legal framework, industry standards, transparency, corporate responsibility, government regulation, security industry, military contractors, ethical practices, quality assurance, legal oversight, industry reputation Private Military Companies, PMC regulation, legitimacy, security sector, professionalization, legal regulation, accountability, quality assurance, corporate reputation, transparency, security industry, government legislation, mercenary work, international law, ethical standards, military contractors, industry standards, oversight, accountability mechanisms, transparency initiatives private military companies, PMC regulation, mercenary work, security sector, legitimacy, accountability, legal framework, professional standards, transparency, government regulation, military contracting, security industry, international law, standardized practices, reputation management, transparency initiatives, military services, defense industry Private Military Companies, PMCs, regulation, legitimacy, mercenary work, legal framework, corruption, accountability, security sector, professionalisation, standardisation, government legislation, transparency, reputation, industry regulation, security services, military contracting, international law, ethical standards, oversight, compliance private military contractors, regulation, legitimacy, security sector, accountability, professionalization, law, standards, transparency, governance, oversight, legitimacy, mercenaries, security companies, legislation, control, reputation, industry standards, transparency, accountability, public trust"
test-international-iwiaghbss-pro03a	Shared sovereignty  If there are no countries willing to cede complete sovereignty over territory then some kind of shared sovereignty could be considered. “This conferred jurisdiction must include rights to become a citizen, migrate, work, access health care, and access social security.” [1] Additionally there would almost certainly need to be sovereignty over justice, law and order. However this would potentially leave large areas of sovereignty in the remit of the host nation; such as providing defense. The most notable compromise by both might be to maintain sovereignty over people rather than just territory.  There have been suggestions such as by Krasner that shared sovereignty should be considered, and become much more normal. And some forms of shared sovereignty have happened before such as foreign control over some tax revenues, or the status of forces agreements the USA had with Germany that restricted German ability to make war after WWII. [2] Or more obviously the members of the EU increasingly cede some sovereignty to the international entity. As the deal would be voluntary for both the Seychelles and its host country and both would potentially gain such a deal would seem feasible.  [1] Yu, 2013,   [2] Krasner, Stephen D., ‘The case for shared sovereignty’, Journal of Democracy, vol.16, No.1, January 2005,  , p.77 shared sovereignty, sovereignty, jurisdiction, citizenship, migration, healthcare, social security, justice, law and order, host nation, defense, sovereignty over people, Krasner, sovereignty compromise, foreign control, tax revenues, status of forces agreements, EU, international entity, voluntary sovereignty, Seychelles, territorial sovereignty shared sovereignty, sovereignty, jurisdiction, citizenship, migration, healthcare, social security, law and order, defense, host nation, sovereignty over people, Krasner, international relations, foreign control, tax revenues, status of forces agreements, US Germany, WWII, European Union, international entity, Seychelles, voluntary agreements shared sovereignty, sovereignty, territory, jurisdiction, citizenship, migration, work rights, healthcare access, social security, law and order, defense, host nation, sovereignty over people, Krasner, foreign control, tax revenues, status of forces agreements, EU, international entity, voluntary sovereignty, Seychelles, global governance shared sovereignty, sovereignty, jurisdiction, citizenship, migration, healthcare, social security, law and order, defense, host nation, sovereignty over people, Krasner, international entities, EU, foreign control, tax revenues, status of forces agreements, voluntary agreements, Seychelles shared sovereignty, sovereignty, jurisdiction, citizenship, migration, healthcare, social security, law and order, defense, host nation, sovereignty over people, Krasner, international relations, foreign control, tax revenues, status of forces agreements, EU, sovereignty ceding, voluntary agreements, Seychelles, international entity
test-health-dhgsshbesbc-con01a	Employers have no right to private medical information  Employers have no right to know. This is an arena into which the state has no right to intrude, or to compel intrusion by others. Employers will know if their employee’s work is satisfactory or unsatisfactory – what more do they need to know than that? If employers find out, they might dismiss workers – which is exactly why many employees don’t want to tell them.  If workers are forced to disclose the fact that they have HIV, the merit principle will go out the window. Even if not dismissed, their prospects for promotion will be shattered – because of prejudice, or the perception that their career has in any meaningful sense been ‘finished’ by their condition (which is often not the case as sufferers can work and lead fulfilling lives after diagnosis; life expectancy after diagnosis in the US was 22.5 years in 2005 [1] ).  Even if not fired and career advancement doesn’t suffer, prejudice from co-workers is likely. From harassment to reluctance to associate or interact with the employee, this is something the employee knows he might face. He has a right to decide for himself whether or not to make himself open to that. Managers may promise, or be bound, not to disclose such information to other workers – but how likely is enforcement of such an undertaking? For these reasons, even problems with huge HIV problems like South Africa haven’t adopted this policy.  [1] Harrison, Kathleen M. et al., ‘Life Expectancy After HIV Diagnosis Based on National HIV Surveillance Data From 25 States, United States’, Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, Vol 53 Issue 1, January 2010, medical privacy, workplace confidentiality, employer rights, employee rights, HIV disclosure, anti-discrimination, workplace harassment, privacy laws, health information, employment law, privacy enforcement, stigma, prejudice, employee confidentiality, life expectancy, HIV policies, worker protections, health data, human rights, discrimination laws, legal rights privacy, medical information, employee rights, employer obligations, confidentiality, HIV disclosure, workplace discrimination, health privacy, employment law, privacy rights, medical secrecy, workplace harassment, discrimination law, privacy policy, HIV stigma, employee privacy, legal rights, health confidentiality, workplace policies, anti-discrimination privacy, medical information, employee rights, confidentiality, HIV disclosure, workplace discrimination, health privacy, employment law, confidentiality agreements, occupational health, anti-discrimination, health rights, prejudice, stigma, legal rights, employer obligations, work environment, employee privacy, health disclosure policies employee privacy, medical information, employer rights, HIV confidentiality, workplace discrimination, privacy policy, employee rights, health information protection, workplace harassment, anti-discrimination, confidentiality enforcement, life expectancy HIV, HIV stigma, employment law, workplace policy privacy, medical information, employment rights, HIV disclosure, workplace discrimination, employee privacy, health confidentiality, anti-discrimination law, organizational policy, confidentiality agreement, stigma, prejudice, career prospects, health rights, legal protections, employee rights
test-international-bmaggiahbl-con03a	There is accountability without a free press  Freedom of speech and the Press is not the only way of creating accountability in a country – especially a comparatively small one such as Rwanda. Rwanda has been ranked a transparent and is the least corrupt state in East Africa [1] where everyone is accountable and equal before the law.  How can this be without an aggressive free press? Annually, all government officials are cross examined by locals publicly in a forum called national dialogue “Umushyikirano”, to ensure that they meet the needs of citizens and assess their performance[2]. This has given Rwandans courage to express their desires and feel much valued in the process of policy making and engagement. It puts ministers and even the Prime Minister on the spot on individual issues. Restricted press and speech is therefore rendered irrelevant by such programs as people can question authorities and demand justification directly rather than relying on the press.  In Africa, most countries lack transparent government systems and institutions, a factor responsible for continued corruption, poor governance and crime which in turn destroy progress in societies [3], but this is not the case with regard to Rwanda.  [1] Zegabi East Africa news, ‘Transparency International Ranks Rwanda the Least Corrupt Country in East Africa’, 5 December 2013, zegabi.com  [2] Hunt, Swanee ‘Rebuilding Rwanda: Access and Accountability’, inclusivesecurity.org, 30 December 2013  [3] Jones Lang Lasale, ‘Sub-Saharan Africa: A region with opportunities amid transparency challenges’, joneslanglasale.eu accountability, free press, freedom of speech, Rwanda, transparency, corruption, East Africa, government accountability, citizen participation, national dialogue, Umushyikirano, governance, policy engagement, public scrutiny, anti-corruption, institutional transparency, civic engagement, government performance, transparency rankings, marginalized societies accountability, free press, freedom of speech, transparency, corruption, governance, Rwanda, national dialogue, Umushyikirano, citizen participation, anti-corruption, political accountability, government transparency, small state, public scrutiny, civil engagement, political reforms, democracy, institutional strength, social policy accountability, free press, freedom of speech, Rwanda, transparency, anti-corruption, governance, East Africa, government transparency, citizen engagement, public oversight, national dialogue, Umushyikirano, direct questioning, political participation, anti-corruption efforts, societal progress, governance institutions, transparency challenges, Africa accountability, free press, freedom of speech, Rwanda, transparency, corruption, governance, public dialogue, accountability mechanisms, citizen engagement, political transparency, anti-corruption, government institutions, East Africa, policy participation, public scrutiny, social progress, democracy, authorities accountability, local forums, political participation accountability, free press, freedom of speech, press, transparency, corruption, governance, Rwanda, East Africa, national dialogue, Umushyikirano, public questioning, government performance, citizen engagement, policy making, authority, institutional transparency, societal progress, anti-corruption, accountability mechanisms
test-international-ssiarcmhb-con01a	"Opposed by much of the Church  In spite of the Catholic Church's ruling, a huge number of people who identify as Catholic do not adhere to the Church's teachings on contraception. Additionally, many Catholic priests and nuns openly support non-abortive forms of contraception, including barrier contraception. In 2003 a poll found 43% of catholic priests in England and wales were against the church's stance and a further 19% were unsure1. The Church should listen to the requests and opinions of those who are part of it 2. 1 Day, Elizabeth. ""Most Catholic priests 'do not support Rome over contraception'."" The Telegraph, 6 April 2003, 2 Short, Claire. ""HIV/AIDS Catholic Church, contraception, church teachings, priests, nuns, barrier contraception, Pope, Catholic doctrine, public opinion, church opposition, religious beliefs, clergy, religious leaders, contraceptionpoll, England and Wales, church stance, Catholic laity, church authority, moral views, reproductive rights, religious disagreement Church, Catholic, contraception, Catholic Church, teachings, opposition, priests, nuns, barrier contraception, poll, England, Wales, dissent, abortion, clergy, opinions, support, resistance, religious beliefs, reproductive rights Catholic Church, contraception, church teachings, priests, nuns, barrier contraception, dissent, opposition, polls, England, Wales, attitudes, Catholic clergy, church doctrine, religious beliefs, reproductive rights, HIV/AIDS, ethical debates, church authority, religious opposition Catholic Church, contraception, Church teachings, religious dissent, priests opinions, nuns support, barrier contraception, 2003 poll, Catholic clergy, England and Wales, church authority, religious disagreement, Catholic laity, Church doctrine, contraception debate Catholic Church, contraception, church teachings, Catholic priests, nuns, barrier contraception, opposition, church ruling, Catholic opinion, clergy support, contraception debate, Church doctrine, priest attitudes, Catholic opinions, contraception policies"
test-digital-freedoms-eifdfaihs-con02a	Allow ISPs to monitor and remove illegal or unwanted data  Many ISPs are responding to user interests when cutting out particular types of data. At the request of the user why shouldn’t they be able to monitor what is delivered to a certain IP address. Most ‘net nanny’ software is not that difficult to get around [i] .  Why not let parents who bought their kids a computer to help with their homework not be able to block them from making calls or watching movies?  If you compel net neutrality then, say, the ISP who caters for religious customers can no longer deliver the service that they have requested. Denying freedom of choice seems a high price to pay so that someone can get movies without paying for them.  Equally, if ISPs themselves want to stay within the law and prevent people from accessing illegal or otherwise unpleasant sites, why shouldn’t they?  [i] Foss Force: Keeping Tech Free. Caesar Tjalbo. “Top 10 Reasons ISPs are against net neutrality”. ISPs, monitoring, data removal, illegal content, unwanted data, user interests, data filtering, net nanny, parental controls, freedom of choice, net neutrality, content filtering, legal compliance, user privacy, illegal sites, online safety, content censorship, digital rights ISPs, monitoring, illegal data, unwanted data, content filtering, user control, net nanny, parental controls, blocking, internet censorship, net neutrality, content access, freedom of choice, legal compliance, internet filtering, user privacy, online safety, legal sites, illegal sites ISPs, monitoring, filtering, illegal data, unwanted content, user interests, data removal, net nanny, parental controls, content blocking, net neutrality, freedom of choice, legal compliance, illegal sites, content regulation, user privacy, internet regulation, censorship, accessibility, online safety ISP, monitoring, data removal, illegal content, unwanted data, user interests, data filtering, net nanny, parental control, access blocking, net neutrality, freedom of choice, religious content, law enforcement, illegal sites, content filtering, internet regulation ISPs, internet monitoring, data filtering, illegal content, user privacy, net neutrality, content blocking, parental controls, online censorship, freedom of choice, lawful compliance, content filtering software, user interests, access restrictions, content censorship, online safety
test-international-aghwrem-pro02a	Myanmar is no longer a military dictatorship  Myanmar has taken significant steps towards democratisation in the last three years. The new constitution and the elections that resulted in the current civilian government being appointed represent a marked shift in its governance structure. Though there may be scope for improvement in its democratic framework, institutions for democratic functioning have been created and this is a huge step forward. Aung San Suu Kyi has also been released from house arrest, and the tone of the statements made by the new government has been a reconciliatory one. A new human rights commission has also been established. While the pace of reform may not match the supposed expectations of the US and the EU, Myanmar’s choice to change gradually and engage with them on its own terms must be respected. The fundamental circumstances under which a policy of limited engagement was adopted with Myanmar have changed, and this calls for reassessment. Myanmar, democratization, civilian government, constitutional reforms, elections, Aung San Suu Kyi, house arrest, human rights commission, governance, political transition, reform, international relations, US, EU, engagement, democratic institutions Myanmar, democracy, democratization, civil government, new constitution, elections, institutions, Aung San Suu Kyi, house arrest, human rights, reforms, reconciliation, governance, civil society, EU, US, engagement, policy, reform pace, reassessment Myanmar, democratisation, civilian government, new constitution, elections, governance, democratic institutions, human rights, Aung San Suu Kyi, reconciliation, reform pace, US, EU, engagement, policy reassessment Myanmar, democratization, military dictatorship, civilian government, constitution, elections, governance, democratic institutions, reforms, Aung San Suu Kyi, house arrest, human rights commission, reconciliation, US, EU, engagement, policy, reforms pace, governance restructuring Myanmar, democracy, democratization, civilian government, new constitution, elections, governance, democratic institutions, Aung San Suu Kyi, house arrest, human rights, reconciliation, reforms, US, EU, engagement, policy, reassessment
test-international-aglhrilhb-pro01a	Prosecutions are needed for victims  Prosecutions are the only way for victims to see those who caused pain against them brought to justice. The alternative of some kind of reconciliation often leaves those who perpetrated crimes able to retain power as has happened in countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina, Colombia and Guatemala[1]. When this happens there is clearly a concern both that these individuals are not being held to account and that they could act in a similar way again if given the opportunity. Under the United Nations Genocide Convention of 1948, victims have a right to see offenders prosecuted[2]. And it is only prosecution that will ensure that such acts cannot occur again so giving peace of mind to victims.  [1] Osiel, Mark J. ‘Why Prosecute? Critics of Punishment for Mass Atrocity’ 118 Human Rights Quarterly 147   [2] Akhavan, Payam, ‘Beyond Impunity: Can International Criminal Justice Prevent Future Atrocities' American Journal of International Law, 95(1), 2001, pp.7-31 prosecutions, victims, justice, accountability, reconciliation, impunity, crimes, perpetrators, United Nations, Genocide Convention, punishment, mass atrocity, international criminal justice, future atrocities prosecutions, victims, justice, accountability, reconciliation, perpetrators, crimes, genocide, UN Genocide Convention, impunity, international criminal justice, atrocity, peace of mind, mass atrocity, human rights, international law prosecutions, victims, justice, reconciliation, perpetrators, power, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Colombia, Guatemala, accountability, UN Genocide Convention, victims' rights, prosecution, justice, prevention, peace of mind, mass atrocity, impunity, international criminal justice prosecution, victims, justice, reconciliation, perpetrators, accountability, impunity, genocide, international law, United Nations, Genocide Convention, mass atrocity, accountability, international criminal justice, peace of mind prosecutions, victims, justice, reconciliation, perpetrators, crimes, accountability, impunity, international law, genocide, United Nations, Genocide Convention, mass atrocity, human rights, criminal justice, peace of mind, Bosnia, Colombia, Guatemala
test-international-atiahblit-con01a	Teaching begins at home  For the target of universal primary education to be achieved we need to look beyond a narrow education policy. Programs are required to enable teaching at home. The benefits of education need to be accessed nationwide; which will cumulatively encourage children to go to school and participate to do their best. For example, by introducing adult training/education courses to parents and elderly populations, parents are able to assist children at home, and to recognise the benefits of gaining an education. Simply providing better teachers at school fails to recognise the importance of intra-household decisions and life. For universal education the whole population strata needs to be included; and adult courses provided on basic maths, english and science. home education, universal primary education, family-based learning, adult education, parental involvement, intra-household decisions, community education programs, lifelong learning, basic literacy, adult training, home teaching strategies, inclusive education, education access, nationwide education initiatives home-based education, universal primary education, parental involvement, adult education, community programs, household decision-making, life skills training, inclusive education, lifelong learning, family engagement, adult literacy, home teaching strategies, education policy, community development home education, universal primary education, family learning, adult education, parent training, household decision-making, inclusive education, community-based programs, adult literacy, parent involvement, education policy, community engagement, life skills education, early childhood development, parental support, out-of-school children home education, universal primary education, family involvement, adult education, parental training, household decision-making, community participation, literacy programs, gender equality, inclusive education, life skills, community outreach, education policy, lifelong learning, basic skills, educational access home-based education, parental involvement, adult literacy programs, community education, life skills training, intra-household decisions, primary education access, inclusive education, nationwide educational access, parent training, elderly education, early childhood development, education policy, family engagement, holistic education, basic skills training
test-education-ughbuesbf-con02a	Maintaining a system of free university education leads to an inefficient allocation of state resources.  First, tax money is wasted on paying civil servants to deal with university bureaucracy. Second, when the state funds all university education for free, funding will be allocated to unprofitable courses. Thirdly a moral hazard problem emerges among such students attending for free. They are allowed to reap all the benefits of education, while needing to incur none of the costs so won’t feel they need to work at their degree. The fourth problem of free university education is saturation of degree­holders in the market. [1] When everyone has a degree, the value of such a qualification plummets. Thus, a system of fees is superior to free education as it allows for more efficient allocation of resources to universities determined by which universities produce the best educated students and research.  [1] Chapman, Bruce. 2001. “The Higher Education Finance Debate: Current Issues and Suggestions for Reform”. Australian Review of Public Affairs. Available:  ​ free university education, resource allocation, government expenditure, bureaucracy, unprofitable courses, moral hazard, student incentives, degree saturation, market value, education funding, fees, efficiency, resource management, higher education reform, public financing free university education, resource allocation, tax money, civil servants, university bureaucracy, funding, unprofitable courses, moral hazard, student behavior, free education drawbacks, degree saturation, market value, education fees, resource efficiency, university funding, education reform free university education, resource allocation, tax money, civil service, bureaucracy, government funding, unprofitable courses, moral hazard, student incentives, education costs, degree saturation, degree value, market saturation, education fees, efficiency, resource management, research funding, higher education reform free university education, resource allocation, tax money, civil servants, university bureaucracy, government funding, unprofitable courses, moral hazard, student incentives, degree saturation, market value, qualification depreciation, tuition fees, education reform, higher education finance free university education, resource allocation, taxpayer funds, bureaucracy, unprofitable courses, moral hazard, degree saturation, market value of degrees, education financing, education reform, econometric analysis, higher education policy
test-philosophy-pphbclsbs-con03a	It would be letting the terrorists win  It is the aim of all terrorists to influence by violent means government policy. If we changed how our country was run we would be letting the terrorists win – they would be getting what they wanted. If we changed the way we lived [1] , greater security measures or something else, we would be shaping our society to the tune of the terrorist. So more security measures at airports limit the freedom to travel, turning the country into a surveillance society makes everyone nervous; ultimately the country is no longer the same as it was having lost the freedoms which are the best way to combat terrorism. This is something perversely wrong.  [1] Symanovich, Steve, ‘If you don’t read this, the terrorists win’, Washington Business Journal, 24 December 2001, terrorism, security measures, government policy, surveillance, civil liberties, freedom, travel restrictions, societal impact, counterterrorism, terrorism effects, societal change, security vs freedom, airport security, privacy, public safety, terrorism strategy, political response terrorism, government policy, security measures, surveillance society, civil liberties, personal freedom, societal impact, airport security, privacy, fear, government response, societal change, democracy, terrorism strategy, public safety terrorists, government policy, violence, security measures, surveillance society, freedom, terrorism, societal change, airport security, civil liberties, fear, security vs liberty, counterterrorism, societal impact, public safety, government response terrorism, security, government policy, civil liberties, surveillance, airport security, freedom, societal impact, terrorism strategies, government response, counterterrorism, societal change, security measures, public safety, terrorism influence terrorism, security, government policy, civil liberties, surveillance, terrorism impact, security measures, travel restrictions, societal change, freedom loss, terrorism prevention, public safety, government response, terrorism strategy
test-religion-cmrsgfhbr-pro03a	The bill violates the Philippine values of harmony and respect  Perhaps the most important values in the Philippines are social harmony and respect for the family. [i] The Reproductive Health bill undermines both. Allowing contraception will take away a psychological barrier that prevents pre-marital or casual sex and once that barrier is crossed the individual will have higher sexual activity. [ii] In the Philippines this will mean greater numbers of teen pregnancies and pregnancies out of marriage because abortion will remain illegal.  In terms of politics these values mean support for democracy but also being against corruption and graft. [iii] Obviously the bill has been very politically divisive so undermining social harmony but also to pass this bill many parliamentarians had to be bribed so undermining this social harmony. The Reproductive Health bill represents the worst excesses of the pork barrel buffet. With a single-mindedness of purpose, the presidential palace has put everything on the table to shore up the votes required in parliament. Legislators, who had previously voted against the legislation, often repeatedly, where threatened with the loss of programmes in their constituencies if they failed to back the project, which has been at the heart of the presidential agenda [iv] .  [i] Dolan, Ronald E., ed., Philippines: A Country Study. Washington: GPO for the Library of Congress, 1991.   [ii] Arcidiacono, Peter, et al., ‘Habit Persistence and Teen Sex: Could Increased Access to Contraception have Unintended Consequences for Teen Pregnancies’,  P.30  [iii] Talisayon, Serafin D., ‘Teaching values in the natural and physical sciences in the Philippines’, University of the Philippines,   [iv] Philippine Daily Inquirer. Philip Tubeza. ‘Philippine President accused of ‘bribing’ Congress’. Reported on Yahoo News 19 December 2012. Philippine values, social harmony, respect, family, reproductive health, contraception, premarital sex, teen pregnancies, abortion, democracy, anti-corruption, political division, bribery, pork barrel, political influence, legislative process, constituency, presidential agenda Philippine values, social harmony, respect, family, reproductive health bill, contraception, premarital sex, teen pregnancies, abortion, democracy, corruption, graft, political divisiveness, bribery, pork barrel, presidential politics, legislation, parliamentary votes, constituency, political influence, Filipino culture, moral values, social cohesion, political corruption, legislative process Philippine values, social harmony, respect, family, reproductive health, contraception, premarital sex, teenage pregnancy, out-of-marriage pregnancies, abortion laws, democracy, anti-corruption, political division, bribery, pork barrel, presidential politics, legislative influence, constituency programs, societal morals, cultural norms Philippines, values, social harmony, respect, family, reproductive health, contraception, premarital sex, teen pregnancies, abortion, democracy, corruption, bribery, political division, pork barrel, legislation, parliament, presidential agenda, constituency, social values, cultural norms Philippine values, social harmony, respect, family, reproductive health bill, contraception, premarital sex, teen pregnancies, abortion, democracy, corruption, political division, bribery, pork barrel, legislative votes, presidential agenda
test-free-speech-debate-yfsdfkhbwu-pro03a	Maintaining the value of the degree  Employers and others expect certain degrees to mean certain things; they are more than just an expensive badge. In the case of elite western universities part of what that means is a critical approach to the world and the willingness to challenge ideas, regardless of the authority that holds them. Part of their exclusivity derives from their admission standards, partly from the academic rigour of their scholars and partly from the simple fact that there are only a relatively small number of graduates.  In other areas universities are all too aware of selling their reputation – impartiality, avoiding plagiarism and so forth – the same should be true here. If a degree from a western university does not mean that it recognises issues such as creativity and free thinking then it devalues the degree itself.  As a result the very governments that are so keen to acquire the creative, critical skills offered by graduates of western-style education will end up undermining the very thing that they seek. This impacts not only the graduates from Asian campuses of western universities but also their peers at the home institution [i] .  [i] US-China Today. Jasmine Ako. Unraveling Plagiarism in China. 28 March 2011. degree, value, employers, qualifications, elite western universities, critical thinking, challenging ideas, academic rigour, reputation, admission standards, creativity, free thinking, plagiarism, globalization, education quality, graduate skills, reputation management, Asian campuses, US-China, Jasmine Ako degree, value, reputation, elitism, western universities, critical thinking, creativity, academic rigour, admissions standards, exclusivity, graduate skills, critical approach, higher education, plagiarism, impartiality, free thinking, education quality, international campuses, US-China, academic integrity, reputation management degree, value, reputation, elitism, western universities, critical thinking, academic rigour, exclusivity, admission standards, creativity, free thinking, plagiarism, academic integrity, reputation management, international education, Asian campuses, US-China relations degree, value, employers, expectations, critical thinking, challenging ideas, exclusivity, admission standards, academic rigour, graduates, reputation, impartiality, plagiarism, creativity, free thinking, devaluation, western universities, education standards, government, Asian campuses, US-China, globalization, academic integrity degree, value, reputation, academic rigour, elite universities, critical thinking, creativity, global education, university standards, academic integrity, admissions standards, elitism, knowledge recognition, intellectual challenge, higher education, international students, plagiarism, reputation management, Asia, Western universities
test-law-rmelhrilhbiw-pro04a	Settlements remove Palestinians from their own land, and they produce a self-perpetuating cycle in their sear  The settlements themselves are self-perpetuating in a manner that makes them pernicious to the rights and very existence of neighbouring Palestinian communities.  For one thing, a settlement cannot function in isolation. It needs a road for its residents to safely travel to and from work in Israel. Security needs subsequently require that this road be protected from attacks by creating a large military presence along its route, and in many cases moving existing Palestinian settlements. At the very least Palestinian areas are bisected by impassable thoroughfares. [1]  In turn settlements require their fields to be protected by high walls and electric fences to protect them from attack, and the construction crews building them also require protection.  The result is that even a settlement of a few hundred families rapidly requires the takeover of an amount of land out of all proportion to the actual number of settlers involved, and any further expansion compounds the problem. [2] The security needs of settlements create a situation which makes the livelihood of Palestinians impossible. The existence of the settlements makes these security policies a necessity. As a consequence, the only clear solution is the removal of the settlements.  [1] United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs occupied Palestinian territory, ‘The Humanitarian Impact of Israeli Settlement Policies’, January 2012,   [2] CBS News, ‘Group: Israel Controls 42% of West Bank’, 6 July 2010, Palestinians, settlements, land, cycle, rights, Palestinian communities, isolation, roads, security, military presence, movement, land confiscation, impassable thoroughfares, walls, electric fences, protection, construction crews, land expansion, livelihood, security policies, removal, Israel, West Bank, humanitarian impact Palestinians, settlements, land, cycle, rights, coexistence, roads, security, military presence, Palestinian communities, impassable thoroughfares, high walls, electric fences, construction crews, land takeover, expansion, livelihood, security policies, removal, Israeli settlement policies, West Bank Palestinians, settlements, land, cycle, rights, neighboring communities, infrastructure, roads, security, military presence, Palestinian settlements, impassable thoroughfares, high walls, electric fences, construction, land takeover, expansion, livelihood, security policies, removal, humanitarian impact, Israeli settlement policies, West Bank Palestinians, settlements, land, cycle, rights, neighboring communities, roads, security, military presence, Palestinian settlements, impassable thoroughfares, walls, electric fences, construction crews, land takeover, expansion, livelihood, security policies, removal, United Nations, Humanitarian Impact, Israeli Settlement Policies, West Bank Palestinians, settlements, land removal, self-perpetuating cycle, rights, neighboring communities, roads, security, military presence, Palestinian settlements, impassable thoroughfares, high walls, electric fences, protection, construction crews, land takeover, expansion, livelihood, security policies, removal, Israeli settlement policies, humanitarian impact, West Bank
test-politics-ypppgvhwmv-pro05a	"It will reduce the power of special interest groups  A benefit of compulsory voting is that it makes it more difficult for special interest groups to vote themselves into power. Under a non-compulsory voting system, if fewer people vote then it is easier for smaller sectional interests and lobby groups to control the outcome of the political process. A notable example would be the disproportionate influence of agriculture in policy making as seen in both European politics and well as American with enormous amounts of subsidies for farmers who represent a minute percentage of the population. 1 2  The outcome of the election therefore reflects less the will of the people (Who do I want to lead the country?) but instead reflects who was logistically more organized and more able to convince people to take time out of their day to cast a vote (Do I even want to vote today?).  1 Ira M. Sheskin and Arnold Dashefsky, ""Jewish Population of the United States, 2006,"" in the American Jewish Year Book 2006, Volume 106, David Singer and Lawrence Grossman, Editors. NY: American Jewish Committee, 2006. 2: Mark Weber, Feb. 2009, 'A Straight Look at the Jewish Lobby', Institute for Historical Review (Accessed 10/06/2011) special interest groups, compulsory voting, non-compulsory voting, voter influence, electoral outcomes, lobby groups, sectional interests, agricultural subsidies, political power, voter turnout, organized voting, small interest groups, political influence, policy making, electorate, voting behavior special interest groups, compulsory voting, voting influence, political process, lobby groups, sectional interests, agricultural subsidies, election outcomes, voting behavior, organizational advantage, political influence, policy making, voter turnout, minority interests, lobbying, electoral fairness compulsory voting, special interest groups, political influence, voter turnout, lobby groups, sectional interests, policy making, subsidies, agriculture, election outcomes, organized voting, political power, interest group influence, voting behavior, electoral process compulsory voting, special interest groups, political influence, voter turnout, lobbying, election outcomes, electoral fairness, interest group power, political participation, lobbying influence, agricultural subsidies, voter engagement, minority influence, electoral system, organized voting, lobby effectiveness compulsory voting, special interest groups, political influence, voter turnout, lobbying, sectional interests, agricultural subsidies, election outcomes, voter organization, political power, minority influence"
test-politics-oapdhwinkp-con02a	North Korea is an unresolved conflict it can’t simply be ignored  Even if the provocations are sometimes relatively small and ineffective, such as the failed missile launch in April 2012, as a conflict zone they cant simply be ignored by anyone even if they themselves are unlikely to be drawn into any potential conflict. After Rwanda the United Nations promised never again would it allow genocide; [1] how much worse would it be to ignore something that could be a spark to a conflict that could cost millions of lives when we already know there is the potential. The United Nations was created “To maintain international peace and security, and to that end: to take effective collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to the peace… to bring about … settlement of international disputes or situations which might lead to a breach of the peace” [2] therefore all nations should be attempting to resolve this frozen conflict that could so easily become a shooting war. Wars in Korea have in the past drawn in all the surrounding powers; the Imjin war involved China and Japan, China and Japan again fought over Korea in 1894-5, and the Korean War 1950-53 brought in both the USA and China while Russia and Japan were both involved as supply bases. Clearly the possibility of conflict is not something any power with a stake in Northeast Asia can simply ignore.  It is essential that there is a reaction to every incident just in case that is the incident that spins out of control.  [1] Power, Samantha, ‘Remember the Blood Frenzy of Rwanda’, Los Angeles Times, 4 April 2004,   [2] ‘Article 1 The Purposes of the United Nations are:’, United Nations, 26 June 1945, North Korea, unresolved conflict, provocations, missile launch, 2012, conflict zone, United Nations, genocide, international peace, collective measures, dispute settlement, frozen conflict, Korea, Imjin war, China, Japan, Korean War, USA, Russia, Northeast Asia, conflict prevention, global security North Korea, conflict, provocation, missile launch, United Nations, genocide, international peace, security, conflict resolution, frozen conflict, Korean War, Northeast Asia, regional powers, diplomacy, escalation, history, international disputes, military intervention, peacekeeping, collective security North Korea, conflict, provocations, missile launch, UN, international peace, security, collective measures, dispute resolution, frozen conflict, violence escalation, historical wars, Korea, China, Japan, USA, Russia, Northeast Asia, incident response, conflict prevention North Korea, conflict, provocation, missile launch, 2012, conflict zone, United Nations, genocide, international peace, security, conflict prevention, dispute resolution, frozen conflict, potential war, Korean War, Northeast Asia, regional powers, China, Japan, USA, Russia, conflict escalation, incident response, historical conflicts North Korea, unresolved conflict, missile launch, provocations, conflict zone, United Nations, genocide, international peace, security, collective measures, dispute resolution, frozen conflict, Korea, Imjin war, China, Japan, Korean War, USA, Russia, Northeast Asia, incident response, potential conflict, international diplomacy
test-politics-glghssi-pro01a	Scotland has a proud history and has demonstrated since devolution different political interests  The Union has now passed its 300th birthday and throughout that time Scotland has maintained as distinct role and identity. This is grounded in a tradition and history that is quite different from that south of the Border and includes legal and education systems that have always been separate.  That has manifested itself in a distinct policy agenda since devolution and areas such as free care for the elderly and the abolition of student tuition fees.  Despite the opinions of doomsayers before devolution it has been proved as a remarkable success and massive approval throughout the UK with 70% saying it has been a success. [i]  [i] The Scotsman. “70% of Britons support devolution for Scotland, poll suggests” 8 May 2009. Scotland, history, devolution, political interests, Union, identity, legal system, education system, policy agenda, free care, elderly, tuition fees, success, public opinion, poll Scotland, devolution, political interests, union, identity, history, legal system, education system, policy agenda, free elderly care, tuition fees, success, public opinion, approval, UK, Scotsman, poll Scotland, devolution, political interests, Union, history, identity, legal system, education system, policy agenda, free care, elderly, tuition fees, success, public opinion, UK, Scottish independence, Scottish Parliament, cultural identity, Scottish governance, public support, political autonomy Scotland, devolution, Scottish history, political interests, Union, Scottish identity, legal system, education system, policy agenda, free care, elderly, tuition fees, success, public opinion, UK, Scotsman report Scotland, devolution, Scottish independence, political interests, Union, history, identity, legal system, education system, distinct policies, free care, elderly, tuition fees, success, public opinion, UK, poll
test-environment-aiahwagit-pro04a	Poaching is linked to terrorism  Stronger protection of animals should be implemented to reduce the funding for terrorist groups. Certain terrorist organisations use the illegal ivory and horn trade as funding for their operations. Al-Shabaab, the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), and the Sudanese Janjaweed all use the illicit trade as a source of income, with the former using the trade for 40% of its expenditure. [1] This enables them to carry out attacks such as the 2013 Westgate siege in Kenya. [2] Tougher protection of endangered animals would reduce the ability of these groups to fund themselves. In turn, this would decrease their operational capability, increasing stability in Africa.  [1] Stewart, C. ‘Illegal ivory trade funds al-shabaab’s terrorist attacks’  [2] Tackett,C. ‘How elephant poaching helped fund Kenya terrorist attack’ poaching, terrorism, wildlife protection, illegal ivory trade, illegal horn trade, terrorist financing, Al-Shabaab, Lord’s Resistance Army, Sudanese Janjaweed, animal protection, endangered species, African stability, wildlife crime, illegal trade, terrorist groups, attack funding, Westgate siege, poaching impact, wildlife smuggling, anti-poaching, wildlife security poaching, terrorism, animal protection, illegal ivory, illegal horn trade, terrorist funding, Al-Shabaab, Lord’s Resistance Army, Janjaweed, illicit trade, East Africa, wildlife crime, animal conservation, terrorism financing, wildlife trafficking, Kenya, Westgate siege, endangered species, operational capability, regional stability poaching, terrorism, animal protection, ivory trade, horn trade, illegal trade, terrorist funding, Al-Shabaab, Lord’s Resistance Army, Sudanese Janjaweed, wildlife crime, endangered species, Africa stability, illegal wildlife trade, terrorist organizations, Westgate siege, Kenya, animal conservation poaching, terrorism, animal protection, illegal ivory trade, animal trafficking, terrorist funding, Al-Shabaab, Lord’s Resistance Army, Janjaweed, Sudanese conflict, wildlife crime, endangered species, African stability, illegal wildlife trade, terrorist groups, East Africa security poaching, terrorism, animal protection, illegal ivory, illegal horn trade, terrorist financing, armed groups, Al-Shabaab, Lord’s Resistance Army, Janjaweed, illicit trade, funding, attacks, Westgate siege, endangered animals, operational capacity, Africa stability, wildlife crime, conservation, illegal wildlife trade
test-economy-epehwmrbals-pro05a	When developing countries employ poor labour standards, other countries follow the example in order to be competitive  As long as developing nations constantly keep employing poor labour standards, it will keep putting a strain on the global economy. This is because other countries will be pressured to do the same just to remain competitive. This creates a race to the bottom effect and would create “poor conditions and loss of freedom in the global South, and causes workers in the global North to lose their jobs to cheap outsourced labour”. [1] Higher labour standards in developing countries therefore also benefits developed countries. However the converse is also true; labels like ‘fair trade’ provide a guarantee of ethical quality and show that consumers are willing to pay more to ensure good labour standards.  [1] ‘Changing Global Trade Rules’, International Labor Rights Forum, developing countries, labour standards, global economy, competition, race to the bottom, poor conditions, economic pressure, outsourcing, global south, global north, workers' rights, fair trade, ethical standards, consumer willingness, trade rules developing countries, poor labour standards, global economy, competitiveness, race to the bottom, labor conditions, global South, outsourcing, job loss, global North, fair trade, ethical standards, consumer willingness, trade rules labor standards, developing countries, global economy, race to the bottom, outsourcing, global south, global north, working conditions, fair trade, ethical trade, labor rights, international trade, economic competitiveness, workers' rights, labor regulations, ethical certifications developing countries, labour standards, global economy, race to the bottom, poor working conditions, outsourcing, global South, workers' rights, fair trade, ethical labor, consumer behavior, trade regulations, labor rights, economic competitiveness, developed countries, workforce outsourcing labour standards, developing countries, global economy, competitive race, race to the bottom, poor conditions, workers' freedom, outsourcing, global South, global North, job loss, cheap labor, fair trade, ethical standards, consumer willingness, international trade, labor rights
test-law-cplgpshwdp-con03a	The disclosure of previous convictions could falsely characterize the defendant.  This motion is incredibly dangerous in a variety of ways as not only convictions but also acquittals and other past conduct could then be raised in a court trials. This means that a jury could be informed that somebody had questionable behaviour, such as a sexual interest in children, even if they had never been tried or much less convicted of an actual offence. This would allow the prosecution to unduly blacken the character of the defendant, and easily prejudice the jury against them for no valid reason, and without the evidence which formal proceedings would require. Studies into jury verdicts have found that a jury was ‘50% more likely to convict if it was told that the defendant had a conviction for a similar previous offence than if it was given no information’, particularly in regard to sexual offences [1] . This is proof that jurors are highly susceptible to prejudice when reaching a verdict.  [1] The Economist, ‘Tilting the balance’, 2 January 2003. disclosure, previous convictions, character, defendant, motion, legal risks, court trials, acquittals, past conduct, jury bias, prejudice, legal proceedings, character evidence, sexual offences, jury verdicts, probability of conviction, juror susceptibility, legal defense criminal record, prior convictions, character evidence, jury prejudice, legal proceedings, admissibility, sexual offences, court trials, defendant rights, trial fairness, prejudice, legal motion, jury verdicts, court evidence, prosecution tactics disclosure, previous convictions, defendant character, court trials, acquittals, past conduct, jury prejudice, character evidence, sexual offenses, trial fairness, prosecutorial misconduct, juror bias, legal proceedings, conviction impact, juror susceptibility, evidence rules, legal ethics disclosure, previous convictions, character, court trials, acquittals, past conduct, jury prejudice, sexual offences, defendant, courtroom fairness, evidence, trial proceedings, jury decision-making, bias, legal ethics, criminal justice, evidence admissibility, prejudice mitigation, jury studies, conviction impact disclosure, previous convictions, defendant, character, court trials, acquittals, past conduct, jury, prejudicial evidence, character evidence, sexual interest, trial proceedings, prosecution, jury bias, verdict, sexual offences, prejudicial impact, evidence, juror susceptibility, legal admissibility, case law, defendant rights
test-politics-dhwem-pro05a	PMCs provide a service that may be otherwise unavailable.  Many nation states have achieved sufficient unity to rely on their own armies but for those which cant, mercenary forces provide an invaluable and possibly only mode of protection and security. British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw believes that in an era of “small wars and weak states” mercenaries have a “legitimate role” (The Economist, 2002). Mercenaries may be the only way of providing short term security guarantees to allow a government to establish itself without relying on warlords or one side of an ethnic conflict. This could be the only way out of a pattern of coup and counter-coup. Recruiting local mercenaries also has the benefits of reducing transportation costs, instant readiness as well as any knowledge of the local politics, geography and customs which may be highly valuable to a security force. These local recruits may be less inclined to share this information with a government force. PMCs, mercenaries, private military companies, security, protection, nation states, military services, legitimacy, small wars, weak states, short-term security, government stability, ethnic conflicts, local recruits, transportation costs, local knowledge, geopolitics, customs, anti-coup, counter-coup private military companies, PMCs, mercenaries, security services, nation states, military outsourcing, armed forces, conflict zones, warlords, ethnic conflicts, short-term security, local recruits, transportation costs, local knowledge, geopolitics, regional stability Private Military Companies, PMCs, mercenaries, security services, nation-states, military outsourcing, protection, security guarantees, small wars, weak states, legitimacy, short-term security, warlords, ethnic conflicts, coup prevention, local recruitment, transportation costs, readiness, local knowledge, geopolitics, customs PMCs, mercenaries, security, nation-states, military services, small wars, weak states, protection, security guarantees, local recruits, ethnic conflicts, coup, counter-coup, transportation costs, local knowledge, geopolitics, customs private military companies, PMC, mercenaries, security, protection, nation states, military services, small wars, weak states, legitimate role, short-term security, government stability, ethnic conflicts, coup, counter-coup, local recruiters, transportation costs, instant readiness, local knowledge, politics, geography, customs
test-politics-gvhwhnerse-pro01a	Having no elections is honest  Holding sham elections is fundamentally dishonest as it is asking the people to choose a government and then ignoring their choice. Not holding elections is at least honestly telling the people that they get no say in who is in power. Holding a sham election inevitably means having to lie to the people somewhere along the line; whether it is in preventing people registering, or voting, or in manipulating the results. The people usually know the result is a sham or at least are suspicious – in the latest Zimbabwean election the headlines in the newspapers included “ZANU-PF gloats over victory”. [1]  Without a sham election the government can at least be honest with their people so enabling a level of trust or even a kind of contract between the two – the government and the people each lets the other get on with it. Thus for example in China trust in government in 2012 was 76% against the world average of 51%. [2]  [1] Chinaka, Cris, ‘Africa and West at odds over disputed Zimbabwe election’, Reuters, 4 August 2013,   [2] Sedghi, Ami, and Rogers, Simon, ‘Do we trust our government? See how your country compares’, TheGuardian.com, 24 January 2012, elections, sham elections, honesty, government trust, electoral integrity, political legitimacy, voter manipulation, election fraud, Zimbabwe election, ZANU-PF, election transparency, government transparency, public trust, political honesty, election process, voter registration, election manipulation, government accountability, political trust indexes, China trust in government elections, sham elections, honesty, government trust, electoral legitimacy, political integrity, democracy, voter manipulation, election fraud, Zimbabwe election, ZANU-PF, government accountability, public trust, electoral process, election transparency, electoral integrity, political honesty, election manipulation, voter registration, election results, government-citizen relationship elections, sham elections, honesty, democracy, political legitimacy, voter manipulation, election fraud, government trust, Zimbabwe election, Zimbabwe, ZANU-PF, political transparency, voter suppression, election integrity, government accountability, public trust, China, political system, election results, electoral process elections, sham elections, honesty, dishonesty, government legitimacy, electoral integrity, voter manipulation, election fraud, political trust, government transparency, Zimbabwe election, Zimbabwean politics, ZANU-PF, election results, election credibility, voter registration, election manipulation, government trust, China, public trust, political honesty elections, sham elections, honesty, government trust, electoral legitimacy, political manipulation, Zimbabwe election, ZANU-PF, election integrity, voter registration, election fraud, government transparency, political honesty, public trust, China trust levels, electoral legitimacy, electoral process, voter manipulation, political integrity
test-politics-oeplhbuwhmi-con02a	Power is shifting to the East  Geography has a great influence on the position of nations and their foreign policies. For example it is the UK’s Island nation status that is a major reason why it is not fully committed to the European project. Attention internationally is now shifting to East Asia where the main rising powers are; China and India. This means that the UK’s position is less geographically important so to compensate the UK needs Europe; China’s leader Xi Jinping on his state visit to Britain stated China wants “a united EU, and hopes Britain… can play an even more positive and constructive role in promoting the deepening development of China-EU ties.” [1] The United States, Britain’s main ally since World War II, is much less interested in Europe.  [1] ‘China wants Britain in a united European Union, Xi Jinping tells David Cameron’, South China Morning Post, 23 October 2015, geography, international relations, East Asia, rising powers, China, India, United Kingdom, UK, European Union, European project, China-EU relations, Xi Jinping, Britain, UK foreign policy, global power shift, alliances, geopolitical influence geography, power shifting east, rising powers, China, India, UK, island nation, European project, East Asia, China-EU relations, Britain, US, international influence, geopolitical influence, foreign policy Power shift, East Asia, geopolitics, foreign policy, UK, island nation, European Union, China, India, rising powers, China-UK relations, China-EU relations, Xi Jinping, Britain, global influence, international relations, Europe, United States, Britain’s role geography, international relations, power shift, East Asia, China, India, United Kingdom, European Union, Europe, Britain, Xi Jinping, China-EU relations, geopolitical influence, foreign policy, UK’s Island status, global power, Asia-Pacific, alliances, South China Morning Post power shift, East Asia, geography, nations, foreign policies, UK, island nation, European project, international attention, China, India, rising powers, China-UK relations, Xi Jinping, state visit, China-EU ties, United States, Britain, alliances, geopolitics, regional influence
test-science-wsihwclscaaw-con01a	Cyber attacks are often carried out by non-state actors  Cyber attacks are often carried out by non-state actors, such as cyberterrorists or hacktivists (social activists who hack), without any involvement of the actual state. For instance, in 2007 a massive cyber attack launched on Estonia was blamed on Russia due to the then on-going tensions between these two states [17]. However, the attacks on Estonia were generated from all over the world; and even those from Russia could not have been linked to the Russian authorities, who denied involvement. Similarly, a huge wave of cyber attacks dubbed GhostNet that compromised computers in 103 countries in 2009 was blamed on China, not the least for hacking computers of Tibetan authorities. However, it could not be conclusively proven that this was an attack perpetrated by the Chinese authorities [18]. Any retaliation against a state for a cyber attack can never be certain to be against the right target – the state should not be blamed for the actions of its individual citizens. cyber attacks, non-state actors, cyberterrorists, hacktivists, social activists, Estonia, Russia, cyber attack, GhostNet, 2009, China, Tibetan authorities, attribution, state retaliation, cyber security, hacking, international relations, cyber conflict, state involvement, cyber attribution cyber attacks, non-state actors, cyberterrorists, hacktivists, social activists, Estonia cyber attack, Russia, blame, virtual attacks, international cyber conflict, GhostNet, hacking, China, Tibetan authorities, attribution, state involvement, citizen actions cyber attacks, non-state actors, cyberterrorists, hacktivists, social activists, Estonia, 2007, Russia, cyberattack, GhostNet, 2009, China, hacking, Tibetan authorities, attribution, state involvement, retaliation, cybersecurity, international relations, cyber warfare, attribution challenges cyber attacks, non-state actors, cyberterrorists, hacktivists, social activists, Estonia, Russia, foreign origin, GhostNet, 2009, China, Tibetan authorities, attribution, state involvement, cyber warfare, attribution challenges cyber attacks, non-state actors, cyberterrorists, hacktivists, social activism, Estonia cyber attack, Russia, international hacking, GhostNet, China, Tibetan authorities, attribution, state involvement, cyber warfare, cyber security, civilian hackers
test-society-asfhwapg-con01a	Patenting drives up the cost of therapies and renders them unaffordable to the poor  The government and its laws should take care of all their people. Because the state is a construct built by all the people, who all pay taxes to support it, laws should also be based to benefit the greatest amount of people possible.In the case of the Myriad company, which holds, together with the University of Utah Research Foundation, rights over tests for ovarian cancer, it prevented cheaper tests being offered to the public. As a result, Myriad is the only company that can market a test for the mutations, and it charges as much as $3,000 . That is a price that for many is inaccessible. Patients’ state: “There is no other, cheaper test that you could go get in another laboratory, because they have the exclusive patent,” she explained, adding that Myriad also controls the efficacy of the test—second opinions are only available for certain surgeries 1.Because patenting harms the accessibility of diagnostics and testing, it should not be allowed.  1. Pratt P.A., Court Rules That DNA Is Information, Not Intellectual Property, published March 30th 2010,  , accessed 07/20/2011 patenting, healthcare costs, accessibility, patents, affordability, diagnostics, testing, intellectual property, DNA, rights, exclusivity, legislation, law, public health, medical innovation, Myriad, ovarian cancer tests, patents impact, healthcare inequality, patent laws patenting, healthcare costs, affordability, intellectual property, patents, diagnostics, testing, access to medicine, pharmaceutical industry, monopolies, laws, government regulation, DNA rights, Myriad Genetics, ovarian cancer tests, patent law, public health, legal rulings, affordability barriers, genetic testing, patents and innovation, healthcare equity patents, healthcare costs, affordability, public health, government responsibility, laws, access to medicine, Myriad Genetics, ovarian cancer test, exclusive rights, patent monopoly, diagnostic tests, healthcare inequality, medication access, intellectual property, patent ethics, DNA patent, legal rulings, court decisions, medical testing, public health laws patenting, healthcare costs, affordability, public health, government, laws, social responsibility, patents, Myriad, ovarian cancer, diagnostic tests, exclusive rights, patent laws, access to medicine, healthcare inequality, patent enforcement, genetic testing, genomic patents, legal rulings, DNA as information, intellectual property patent law, healthcare affordability, access to medicine, intellectual property, gene patents, diagnostic testing, Myriad Genetics, ovarian cancer tests, healthcare inequality, patent restrictions, biotech patents, drug pricing, public health policy, medical access, legal rulings, DNA rights
test-society-cpisydfphwj-pro03a	"Facebook is good for democracy  Social networks aid our society on multiple levels, one of them being the democratic process. This happens both in autocracies, where the democratic process is basically nonexistent and in western liberal democracies where Facebook acts as a megaphone for the will of the population.  Firstly, when talking about oppressive regimes, Facebook allows the population to organize themselves in massive protests which can, in time, overthrow the government. This is of particular importance as the population cannot organize protests ""offline"" in the real world, because government forces would quickly find them and stop the protests before they even started. These people need a safe house, where government intervention is minimized, so that they can spread the news and organize the protests. The online environment is the best options. We have seen this happening in the Arab Spring(1), Brazil (2), Turkey(3) as well as for protests in democracies as in Wisconsin(4)  For western liberal democracies too Facebook plays a very important role in aiding the democratic process. Even in a democracy the government often engages in unpopular policies. Unfortunately, as we are talking about countries with tens of millions of people, citizens often feel they can’t make a difference. Luckily, here's where Facebook comes in. It connects all the people who share the same disapproval of government actions, removing the feeling that you can do nothing as there is no one backing you. Millions can come together to voice their opinions. Therefore there is more likely to be dissent. Moreover, the internet allowed individuals to start massive campaigns of online petition gathering, which they will later use as an irrefutable argument to the government showing the desire for change. There are a lot of sites, one of the biggest being Avaaz.org which facilitates this process, which use Facebook as a medium through which the petition is shared and so grows.  (1) Sonya Angelica Diehn “Social media use evolving in Egypt”, DW , 04.07.2013   (2) Caroline Stauffer “Social media spreads and splinters Brazil protests”, Reuters ,June 22, 2013   (3) “Activists in Turkey use social media to organize, evade crackdown As protests continue across Turkey against the government”   (4)Wikipedia Facebook, democracy, social networks, society, democratic process, autocracies, liberal democracies, protests, organization, government, population, online environment, Arab Spring, Brazil, Turkey, Wisconsin, political activism, dissent, online petitions, Avaaz.org, social media, political engagement, civic participation, protest organization, government accountability Facebook, democracy, social networks, societal impact, protests, autocracies, liberal democracies, civic participation, online organizing, Arab Spring, Brazil protests, Turkey protests, Wisconsin protests, political activism, dissent, online petitions, Avaaz.org, government opposition, political change, social media, activism, online mobilization Facebook, democracy, social networks, society, democratic process, autocracies, liberal democracies, protests, organizing, government, population, online environment, Arab Spring, Brazil protests, Turkey protests, Wisconsin protests, political activism, dissent, online petitions, campaign, Avaaz, social media, activism, civic engagement, government accountability, protest organization Facebook, democracy, social networks, civic engagement, protests, authoritarian regimes, civil mobilization, Arab Spring, Brazil protests, Turkey protests, Wisconsin protests, political activism, online petition, digital activism, public opinion, government accountability, political dissent, social movements, online organizing, protest technology Facebook, democracy, social networks, society, democratic process, autocracies, protests, online organization, Arab Spring, Brazil protests, Turkey protests, Wisconsin protests, liberal democracies, government policies, public disapproval, collective voice, dissent, online petitions, Avaaz, activism, social media, citizen mobilization, government accountability, civic engagement, digital activism, political participation"
test-society-mmcpsgfhbf-pro04a	Pornography eroticises violence  Many forms of media are often accused of inciting violence, promoting stereotypes, or indoctrinating in some form or another. While this is contentious, the key principle that ‘sex sells’ is more obvious. Pornography is not like other media in that, while most other films are aimed at entertainment, this is aimed at arousal. That is, it is aimed at immediate and fully selfish pleasure, which is much more forceful and addictive than mere laughter.  The psychological effect of pornography is harmful due to the associations it conditions its audience to make. It eroticises violence through portrayals (fake or genuine) of rape and a general treatment of women that is comparable to torture, yet presented in a context that necessarily biologically excites its viewers. Through continuous exposure to the link between abuse and intense pleasure, this link is easily extended to personal relationships. The master-slave dialectic suddenly becomes acceptable. Compulsive rapists, such as Ted Bundy, are often found to have consumed mass amounts of pornography (Benson). [1] More subtle, yet certainly still present is the force of such associations on young teenagers who have not yet had a sexual relationship and rely on pornography for guidance. This has a potentially massive impact given that 11 is the average age of first internet porn exposure (Techmedia Network). [2]  [1] Benson, Rusty. “Vile Passions.” AFA Journal August 2002.   [2] Techmedia Network. Feminist Porn Award. pornography, violence, eroticisation, media influence, stereotypes, sex sells, arousal, addictive behavior, psychological effects, rape portrayal, violence depiction, women's treatment, biological excitation, exposure, abuse, relationships, master-slave, rape obsession, compulsive rapists, Ted Bundy, teenage exposure, internet pornography, first exposure age, impact, guidance, influence, media analysis, feminist porn pornography, violence, eroticization, media influence, stereotypes, sex sells, exploitation, arousal, addiction, psychological effect, rape, violence portrayal, sexual violence, women treatment, torture, sexual assault, biological excitation, exposure, abuse, relationships, master-slave dialectic, compulsive rapists, Ted Bundy, pornography consumption, adolescents, teens, first internet exposure, age of first exposure, impact, media influence, feminist porn, ethical concerns pornography, violence, sexual violence, media influence, stereotypes, indoctrination, sex sells, arousal, addiction, psychological effects, eroticise violence, rape portrayals, violence against women, torture, biological excitation, exposure, abuse, relationships, master-slave dynamic, compulsive rapists, Ted Bundy, pornography consumption, adolescent exposure, first internet porn, impact, guidance, minors, sexual development, media criticism, feminist porn pornography, violence, sexual violence, media influence, stereotypes, sex sells, arousal, psychological effects, eroticises violence, rape, woman objectification, torture, biological arousal, abuse, relationships, master-slave dialectic, compulsive rapists, Ted Bundy, media exposure, teenagers, internet porn, impact, addiction, moral consequences pornography, violence, eroticisation, media influence, stereotypes, sexual violence, rape portrayal, violence in media, arousal, psychological effects, harmful content, abuse, consent, women, torture, biological impact, exposure, rapists, Ted Bundy, compulsive behavior, relationships, teenage exposure, internet pornography, first exposure age, advocacy, feminist porn
test-international-iwiaghbss-pro02a	Small size makes for ease  The Seychelles, as with the other nations whose very existence is threatened by climate change, is small. It is twice the size of Washington D.C., so smaller than many cities. As such finding enough land to relocate the country should not be a problem. Several of the states closest to the Seychelles; Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, and Madagascar, have plenty of land that they could give up without any inconvenience to their own state. Kenya, the smallest, is more than 1200 times bigger than Seychelles Seychelles, small size, climate change, relocation, land availability, neighboring countries, Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, Madagascar, land transfer, geographic size, land resources, island nations, climate resilience Seychelles, climate change, small country, land relocation, small size, island nation, geographic size, neighboring countries, Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, Madagascar, land availability, relocation feasibility, geographic comparison, size difference Seychelles, climate change, small size, land relocation, island nations, geographic size, neighboring countries, Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, Madagascar, land availability, population displacement, climate resilience, territorial size, regional cooperation small size, Seychelles, climate change, land relocation, geographic comparison, country size, land availability, neighboring nations, Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, Madagascar, land territory, country relocation, size comparison Seychelles, size, climate change, land relocation, small country, land availability, neighboring countries, Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, Madagascar, land transfer, geographic comparison, land size, country resilience
test-law-lghwpcctcc-con04a	Witnesses and jurors could easily become involved in the media coverage of the case and place the trial at jeopardy.  Newspaper interviews with witnesses have already caused trials to be cancelled in the past [1] because the judiciary recognises that media coverage can change people’s incentives and warp their priorities. This interference may affect the reliability of the witness’ evidence or the jurors’ verdict. Following the televised trial of O. J. Simpson, several witnesses and jurors gave interviews to the media, or wrote their memoirs of the case [2] . If witnesses and jurors know that their public lives could be affected by how the rest of society perceives them through a court case, they might have an incentive to be more harsh or more lenient; public outrage when the criminal sentence does not match their own interpretations is likely to be laid on those who caused that sentence. This is particularly dangerous for America, where they have trial by jury [3] . Here, the jury has more control over the sentencing of criminals – which obviously becomes a problem if the jury has a vested interest in giving harsh sentences to offenders in order to gain public support. Cameras in court can only encourage witnesses and jurors to distort their true recollection or their opinions in order to profit from the media circus.  [1]  , accessed 19/08/11  [2]  , accessed 19/08/11  [3]  , accessed 19/08/11 media coverage, witnesses, jurors, court case, trial interference, newspaper interviews, trial cancellation, judiciary, evidence reliability, televised trial, public perception, jury system, sentencing, media influence, court cameras, witness distortion, juror bias, public support media coverage, witnesses, jurors, trial jeopardy, newspaper interviews, case influence, media interference, evidence reliability, juror verdict, televised trial, public perception, social influence, sentencing, trial by jury, media circus, court cameras, witness bias, jury bias, legal proceedings, public opinion, courtroom transparency media coverage, witnesses, jurors, trial publicity, court interference, reliability, evidence, verdict, televised trial, O. J. Simpson, media interviews, memoirs, public perception, incentives, judicial impartiality, trial by jury, sentencing, public support, courtroom cameras, witness distortion, juror bias, media circus media coverage, witnesses, jurors, court interference, trial jeopardy, newspaper interviews, trial cancellation, judicial influence, media influence, witness reliability, juror bias, televised trial, O. J. Simpson, public perception, incentives, justice system, jury control, sentencing, public support, courtroom cameras, recollection distortion, media circus media coverage, witnesses, jurors, trial interference, courtroom cameras, public perception, media interviews, trial bias, jury impartiality, televised trial, court privacy, witness reliability, verdict integrity, journalism ethics, court proceedings, public influence, legal proceedings, media circus, trial by jury, sentencing bias
test-health-dhgsshbesbc-con02a	The risks of ignorance and prejudice are too high  This measure could be actively dangerous for HIV-positive workers. Ignorance causes so much bad behaviour towards AIDS sufferers and HIV-positive men and women. A fifth of men in the UK who disclose their HIV positive status at work then experience HIV discrimination. [1] The proposition seeks to institutionalise and widen the shunning and ill-treatment of HIV-positive workers that already happens when people find out about their condition. Even if not motivated by prejudice, co-workers will often take excessive precautions which are medically unnecessary and inflame unsubstantiated fears of casual transmission.  In addition, many people who are HIV-positive choose not to reveal their condition for fear of violent reactions to them from their families and the rest of society. If disclosure to an employer is compulsory, then the news will inevitably leak out to the wider community. In effect, they will lose any right of privacy completely.  [1] Pebody, 2009 HIV, discrimination, ignorance, prejudice, HIV-positive, workplace, stigma, disclosure, privacy, anti-discrimination, social attitudes, legal rights, misinformation, public health, safety, social acceptance, employee rights, confidentiality HIV, prejudice, ignorance, discrimination, workplace, disclosure, stigma, HIV-positive workers, transmission, privacy, social consequences, safety precautions, societal attitudes, legal implications, health policies HIV, ignorance, prejudice, discrimination, workers, risks, misinformation, HIV-positive, disclosure, privacy, stigma, fears, safety, legislation, workplace, rights, HIV transmission, social attitudes, stigma reduction, public health HIV, discrimination, prejudice, ignorance, workplace, disclosure, confidentiality, stigma, stigma reduction, HIV-positive workers, social attitudes, misinformation, transmission fears, employee rights, HIV awareness HIV, discrimination, ignorance, prejudice, workplace, disclosure, stigma, rights, privacy, safety, transmission, fear, violence, society, legislation, policies, social attitudes, health risks, infection control, employment, human rights
test-international-ssiarcmhb-con02a	In contradiction to the Catholic Church's responsibility to promote life.  Many Catholic countries in Africa and South America have huge problems with AIDS and HIV with thousands of people dying as a result. In a survey carried out in 20091, it was found that in sub-Saharan Africa 22.5 million people were living with HIV/AIDS and 1.3 million people died of AIDS. An enormous number of these people contracted HIV because they did not use a condom during intercourse, under the advice of the Catholic Church. It is clear, then, that the Catholic Church's stance on barrier contraception promotes the spread of AIDS. The opposition also believes that since the Catholic Church are in a position of power over a colossal number of people, they have a responsibility to ensure the welfare of those people. They must, therefore, reduce the likelihood that the people that they have power over will die as much as they can. Their ban over the use of barrier contraception is not in line with this responsibility. 1 UNAIDS global report. Catholic Church, life promotion, HIV/AIDS, condom use, contraception, Africa, South America, AIDS mortality, HIV prevalence, sexual health, public health, religious influence, AIDS prevention, UNAIDS, sexual education, AIDS statistics, health responsibility, contraceptive policy, AIDS spread risk, church doctrine Catholic Church, HIV/AIDS, contraception, condom use, AIDS spread, Africa, South America, Catholic countries, public health, AIDS mortality, UNAIDS, religious influence, health responsibility, barrier contraception, sexual health, disease prevention, population impact, HIV transmission, religious doctrine, health ethics Catholic Church, contraception, AIDS, HIV, sub-Saharan Africa, condom use, AIDS spread, Church responsibility, public health, HIV prevention, barrier methods, UNAIDS, Africa, South America, Catholic countries, morality, sexual health, disease transmission Catholic Church, contraception, HIV/AIDS, AIDS, Africa, South America, condom use, barrier methods, sexual health, public health responsibility, AIDS mortality, UNAIDS, HIV prevalence, disease prevention, religious influence, health policies, sexual education, HIV transmission, reproductive health, AIDS statistics Catholic Church, AIDS, HIV, contraception, barrier methods, condom use, sexual health, public health, Africa, South America, HIV/AIDS statistics, UNAIDS, sexual ethics, religious influence, health responsibility, epidemic, disease prevention, sexual behavior, reproductive rights
test-education-ughbuesbf-con01a	The cost to the state is far too great to sustain universal free university education  The system of paying for universal healthcare, education, pensions, etc. threatens to bankrupt countries. The cost of paying for free university education is ruinously high. [1] In the OECD 1.9% of GDP, a third of education expenditure, is spent on tertiary education. [2] For countries to survive, they must rethink what they can afford to provide freely to citizens. It seems fair that all states should offer access to their citizens to primary and secondary education opportunities. University, on the other hand, is not essential to life in the same way. People can be functional and responsible citizens without it. For this reason, the state must consider university in the same way it does any non­essential service; people may pay for it if they wish to partake, but it is not an entitlement owed by the state.  [1] Ullman, Ben. 2007. “Should Higher Education Really Be Free For All?”. The New Statesman. Available:  ­radicals/2007/01/higher­education­free­students  [2] ‘What proportion of national wealth is spent on education’, Education at a glance, OECD, 2011, p.225, universal education, free university, higher education, costs, government spending, GDP, OECD, tertiary education, education expenditure, sustainability, public funding, access, primary education, secondary education, essential services, non-essential services, citizen responsibility, entitlement, national wealth, education funding, healthcare, pensions, economic sustainability universal education, free university, higher education costs, government expenditure, GDP, OECD, tertiary education, education funding, public services, healthcare costs, pension costs, national budgets, entitlement, essential services, non-essential services, affordability, education policy, fiscal sustainability, social welfare, citizen access, education economics universal education, free university, government expenditure, tertiary education, GDP, education funding, healthcare costs, pensions, national budget, financial sustainability, cost-benefit analysis, essential services, non-essential services, public policy, education reform, social entitlement, private funding, citizen access, economic impact, non-universality, education priorities, fiscal responsibility universal education, free university, higher education, government expenditure, GDP, OECD, tertiary education, education funding, public education, education costs, social services, healthcare, pensions, national budget, essential services, non-essential services, citizen access, education policy, public finance, economic sustainability, government spending universal education, free university, healthcare costs, government expenditure, GDP, tertiary education, OECD, education funding, public services, government budget, essential services, non-essential services, citizen access, education policy, national wealth, public entitlement, financial sustainability, education financing, social services, economic impact, education expenditure
test-international-bmaggiahbl-con02a	Setting Rwanda's priorities  Rwanda is an emerging democracy healing from the wounds of the horrific past. To achieve the set vision, there should be a priority which in this case is economic development[1].  A large number of Rwandans believe that the government should focus on transforming the nation economically although it may mean restricting free speech, which has prompted a huge participation in government development programs like Ubudehe[2]. Freedom of speech and press needs to be restricted if the government wants to engage in unlimited development; there is no time to engage in long debates over whether a particular project is being implemented the correct way. Having freedom of speech and press would hinder the government’s ability to manage the resources of the state and to encourage investors who don’t want to have protests to their building factories, or have labour complaining about not being paid enough.  Whether a country puts rights or the economy first is up to the individual country, Rwanda has chosen.  [1] Horand, Knaup, ‘Kagame's Priorities for Rwanda: First Prosperity, then Freedom of Expression’, Spiegel.de, 12 August 2010  [2] NS world, ‘Rwanda Engages Citizens in Community-Level development’, nsworld.org Rwanda, priorities, economic development, democracy, reconciliation, freedom of speech, press restrictions, government programs, Ubudehe, resource management, investment, labor rights, development projects, government stability, Kagame, national prosperity, citizen participation, community development Rwanda, priorities, economic development, emerging democracy, healing, past, government, free speech, press, development programs, Ubudehe, resource management, investors, protests, labor rights, prosperity, freedom of expression, citizens engagement, community development Rwanda, priorities, economic development, emerging democracy, healing, past wounds, vision, government focus, transformation, restrictions, free speech, press, development programs, Ubudehe, freedom of speech, resource management, investment, protests, labor rights, national rights, economic growth, governance, Kagame, prosperity, citizens engagement Rwanda, priorities, economic development, democracy, healing, past, vision, government, transformation, free speech, participation, development programs, Ubudehe, freedom of speech, press, resource management, investment, protests, labor rights, rights, economy, Kagame, prosperity, expression, community development Rwanda, priorities, economic development, emerging democracy, healing, past wounds, vision, government focus, transformation, free speech, participation, government programs, Ubudehe, freedom of speech, press, development projects, resource management, investment, protests, labor rights, economic versus rights, Kagame, prosperity, freedom, citizen engagement, community development
test-philosophy-pphbclsbs-con02a	The loss of individual liberty is the start of a slippery slope.  The proposition puts us in a dangerous place. That situation is the thin edge of a totalitarian wedge – we must take a principled stand for liberty and stop the increasing number of anti-terrorist legislation and over powerful policing powers. Many evil events in history started with good intentions and few cases of injustice. Allowing even a few abuses as an acceptable side effect of improved security will change the tolerance level of the public and lead to a belief that rights such as the presumption of innocence and habeas corpus (which prevents the state from imprisoning someone without charging them with a crime and then trying them) are a negotiable luxury. Furthermore, abuses of the system are likely to victimise certain minority groups (e.g. Muslims, Arab-Americans) in the same way that Japanese-Americans and many other groups were persecuted in World War II, [1] something about which Americans are now rightly ashamed.  [1] Hummel, Jeffrey Rogers, ‘Not Just Japanese Americans: The Untold Story of U.S. Repression During 'The Good War'’, The Journal of Historical Review, Fall 1987 (Vol. 7, No. 3),  , accessed 9 September 2011 liberty, slippery slope, totalitarianism, anti-terrorism, police powers, security, injustice, abuse, minority rights, discrimination, habeas corpus, presumption of innocence, abuses, persecution, historical repression, government overreach, civil liberties, minority groups, World War II, American history individual liberty, slippery slope, totalitarianism, anti-terrorism legislation, police powers, history, security, civil rights, justice, abuse, minority rights, discrimination, habeas corpus, presumption of innocence, wrongful imprisonment, persecution, minority groups, discrimination, repression, historical injustice, civil liberties liberty, slippery slope, totalitarianism, anti-terror legislation, policing powers, security, injustice, rights, presumption of innocence, habeas corpus, abuses, minority groups, discrimination, history, repression, government overreach, civil liberties, constitutional rights, minority persecution liberty, slippery slope, totalitarian wedge, anti-terrorist legislation, police powers, security, abuses, human rights, presumption of innocence, habeas corpus, minority groups, discrimination, persecution, history, U.S. repression, World War II, civil liberties liberty, slippery slope, totalitarianism, anti-terror legislation, policing powers, civil rights, emergency powers, justice system, presumption of innocence, habeas corpus, human rights abuses, minority rights, discrimination, historical repression, government overreach, security vs liberty, minority persecution, historical injustice, civil liberties
test-international-aglhrilhb-pro02a	The only just method  Prosecuting offenders is the only way to get a just outcome when there have been horrific crimes committed. At a most principled level, those who commit a crime ought to be held accountable for their actions even if they are powerful or it damages the chances of peace because the powerful must be shown not to be above the law. Even where the law did not exist, or the leaders were in control of the law, international norms provide a standard for what actions merit prosecution, and judiciaries have been very good at convicting those who committed atrocities[1]. Having those who committed crimes convicted by law courts helps prevent those affected by atrocities holding grudges and put the past behind them so aiding the healing process [2].  [1] Moore, John J Jr ‘Problems With Forgiveness’ 43 Stanford Law Review 733, February 1991  [2] abc news, ‘Dallas Holocaust survivors welcome prosecution of former Nazi guard’, wfaa.com, 20 August 2010, justice, prosecution, offenders, crimes, accountability, law, international norms, atrocities, legal proceedings, accountability for power, peace process, healing, grudges, law courts, justice system, Holocaust, Nazi crimes, human rights, transitional justice, legal standards criminal justice, prosecution, justice, accountability, atrocities, international law, legal norms, accountability of powerful, law enforcement, justice system, reconciliation, post-conflict justice, war crimes, genocide, judicial proceedings, legal responsibility, healing, moral responsibility, law without borders, international tribunals justice, prosecution, accountability, crimes, atrocities, law, international norms, judicial system, peace, reconciliation, healing, accountability for powerful, legal standards, criminal justice, threshold for prosecution justice, prosecution, offenders, accountability, crimes, law, international norms, atrocities, judiciary, convictions, peace, reconciliation, forgiveness, legal standards, accountability for powerful, healing, historical justice justice, prosecution, offenders, crimes, accountability, law, international norms, atrocity, judiciary, conviction, accountability, peace, reconciliation, universal jurisdiction, law enforcement, legal system, atrocities, law courts, normalization, war crimes
test-economy-epiasghbf-pro03a	Labour participation and rights  Labour participation enables an awareness, and acquirement, of equal gender rights. Firstly, labour participation is challenging cultural ideologies and norms of which see the woman’s responsibility as limited to the reproductive sphere. Entering the productive sphere brings women equal work rights and the right to enter public space. By such a change gender norms of the male breadwinner are challenged. Secondly, labour force participation by women has resulted in the emergence of community lawyers and organisations to represent them. The Declaration of the African Regional Domestic Workers Network is a case in point. [1] With the rising number of female domestic workers, the network is working to change conditions - upholding Conferences, sharing information, and taking action.  [1] See labour participation, gender rights, cultural norms, women's rights, reproductive sphere, productive sphere, gender equality, male breadwinner, women's employment, public space, community lawyers, women's organizations, domestic workers, African Regional Domestic Workers Network, workers' rights, labour force participation, gender norms, women's empowerment, legal advocacy labour participation, gender rights, cultural norms, women’s rights, reproductive sphere, productive sphere, gender norms, male breadwinner, female domestic workers, community lawyers, organisations, African Regional Domestic Workers Network, labour force, women's rights activism labour participation, gender rights, women's empowerment, cultural norms, reproductive responsibilities, productive sphere, gender equality, public space, male breadwinner, women's labour force, community organizations, domestic workers, African Regional Domestic Workers Network, workers' rights, labour rights, gender norms, women's rights advocacy labour participation, gender rights, cultural norms, women’s rights, reproductive sphere, productive sphere, gender norms, male breadwinner, women’s empowerment, public space, community lawyers, women's organizations, domestic workers, African Regional Domestic Workers Network, labour rights, women's employment, gender equality, legal representation, workers’ rights, social change labour participation, gender rights, cultural norms, women's rights, reproductive sphere, productive sphere, gender norms, male breadwinner, female domestic workers, community organizations, African Regional Domestic Workers Network, workers' rights, gender equality, women empowerment, labor law, domestic work, advocacy, social change, women's rights organizations, legal representation
test-free-speech-debate-yfsdfkhbwu-pro02a	A bargaining chip  In much the same way that material investment in countries can be used as a bargaining chip to secure improvements in areas of legislation, so cultural investment can be used to secure rights associated with related fields of endeavour. Free speech is merely the most obvious. It is reasonable for a western university to insist that its graduates will need to have access to the fruits of a free press and democratic speculation of experts and the wider public [i] .  The cases of the lecturer, Chia Thye Poh who is arguably the world’s longest serving prisoner of conscience or the political opposition leader, Vincent Cheng who was barred from addressing a talk organised the History Society of NUS at the national library [ii] both give examples of how Singaporean government actions impact directly on university life and academic freedoms. In the light of this, it seems the height of reasonableness for Western universities to say that they will only operate in areas that offer the same academic freedoms they would expect in their home country. If the Singaporean government wants that benefits that Yale graduates can bring, they should be prepared to accept such a change.  [i] Stateuniversity.Com. western Europe – Educational roots, reform in the twentieth century, contemporary reform trends, future challenges.  [ii] Ex-detainee Vincent Cheng barred from speaking in history seminar, The Online Citizen, 28 May 2010 bargaining chip, material investment, cultural investment, rights, legislation, free speech, free press, democratic speculation, academic freedom, Singapore, government interference, prisoners of conscience, political opposition, university autonomy, human rights, international education, freedom of expression, government censorship, academic integrity, Western universities bargaining chip, material investment, cultural investment, rights, free speech, free press, democratic speculation, academic freedoms, university autonomy, Singaporean government, political prisoners, prisoners of conscience, Vincent Cheng, Chia Thye Poh, academic freedom restrictions, international education standards, Western universities, government influence, censorship, academic independence bargaining chip, material investment, cultural investment, rights, free speech, free press, democratic speculation, academic freedoms, government actions, Singapore, university autonomy, political prisoners, Vincent Cheng, Chia Thye Poh, academic freedom, Western universities, international collaboration, freedom of expression, human rights, political repression bargaining chip, material investment, cultural investment, rights, free speech, free press, democratic speculation, academic freedoms, Singaporean government, university autonomy, human rights, political prisoners, academic censorship, international relations, educational reform, freedom of expression, freedom of speech, academic independence bargaining chip, material investment, cultural investment, legislation, rights, free speech, free press, democratic speculation, academic freedoms, Singaporean government, university autonomy, prisoners of conscience, political opposition, Vincent Cheng, Chia Thye Poh, government impact, educational reform, international relations, academic freedom standards, Western universities, governmental influence, freedom of expression
test-law-lghwpcctcc-pro01a	People should have a right of access to justice.  Given that people are already allowed to watch court proceedings from the public gallery – including the Judicial Committee of the House of Lords in the UK [1] , and the Supreme Court in the US [2] – there is little reason why this should not be extended to give better access across the nation to anybody who wants to watch. Those with full-time jobs or who live far away from the courts are currently unfairly limited in this respect, and those who do wish to attend well-publicised trials often have to arrive hours in advance to get a seat. Individuals should not have to give up so much time and money just to be able to watch a democratic proceeding, which is a cornerstone of democratic nations. Given that many closed trials such as the trial of the Guantánamo Bay terrorism suspects [3] have still led to intense media coverage, we would be better off showing the courts to be transparent and just instead of vainly trying to hide everything behind closed doors.  [1]  , accessed 05/08/11  [2]  , accessed 05/08/11  [3]  , accessed 19/08/11. access, justice, court proceedings, public gallery, judicial committee, house of lords, supreme court, US, nationwide access, court transparency, open trials, democratic process, televised court, legal transparency, open justice, trial accessibility, media coverage, closed trials, Guantánamo Bay, public access, judicial openness access to justice, court proceedings, public access, transparency, open courts, judicial transparency, court attendance, democratic nations, public interest, judicial openness, court access barriers, legal proceedings visibility, media coverage, transparency initiatives, public participation, trial visibility, legal system openness access to justice, public court proceedings, transparency, open courts, court visibility, courtroom access, legal transparency, democratic rights, judicial openness, media coverage of trials, court accessibility, fair trial, open justice, public participation, trial transparency access to justice, court proceedings, public access, transparency, courtroom visibility, open courts, judicial transparency, judicial proceedings, legal access, court transparency, democratic rights, public courtroom, court access barriers, televised trials, court openness, judicial accountability access to justice, court proceedings, public access, transparency, judicial openness, court transparency, access rights, public gallery, open courts, judicial proceedings, online court viewing, media coverage, trial transparency, democratic justice, legal accessibility, court reforms
test-digital-freedoms-eifdfaihs-con01a	Incentivise ISPs to provide more data capacity  If the ISPs were actually making their money on the basis of data provision rather than bandwidth then it’s in their interest to provide it. If they can’t, they don’t make money.  If they want to sell more data, they have to provide more bandwidth, otherwise they can’t do it. This way both the data gluttons and the dieters get what they want. The gluttons get a fast provision of the resources they want or the capacity to share those resources at a reasonable speed and the dieters get cheaper provision.  Measures being pursued by the European Commission aim to do exactly this. They will allow ISPs to control the passage of data across their networks but must, at the same time, make it clear what they are doing and offer low data use price plans accordingly [i] .  This is more so with mobile devices than with ‘plumbed in’ ones. For many people, it wouldn’t occur to them to use Skype for a call and a phone – even a smart one – is primarily just that, a phone. Why should they pay for a capacity they will never use because others can’t take a bus journey without watching a movie?  [i] Out-Law.com: Legal news and guidance from Pinsent Masons. European Commission to propose net neutrality measures. 30 May 2012 . Internet Service Providers, data capacity, bandwidth, data provision, revenue model, network management, net neutrality, European Commission, data pricing, mobile devices, bandwidth throttling, data plans, data sharing, network control, internet regulation ISP, internet service providers, data capacity, bandwidth, data provision, data traffic, network management, net neutrality, European Commission, data plans, mobile data, data usage, data pricing, network capacity, data sharing, internet regulation ISPs, data capacity, bandwidth, data provision, internet service providers, data plans, data traffic, net neutrality, European Commission, data management, mobile devices, internet regulation, data sharing, network control, price plans, data usage ISPs, data capacity, bandwidth, data provision, internet providers, data sharing, network management, European Commission, net neutrality, data plans, mobile data, internet traffic, bandwidth allocation, data pricing, regulatory measures, data consumption, digital infrastructure ISP, data capacity, bandwidth, data provision, internet service providers, data sharing, network management, net neutrality, European Commission, data plans, mobile data, data pricing, internet regulation, data usage, network traffic, digital policy
test-international-aghwrem-pro03a	There is scope for further diplomatic progress in the region through disengagement  Reengagement has potential for having a positive influence in various contexts. Myanmar is rich in natural resources, including forest products, minerals and gems. Removing trade restrictions and offering developmental aid would benefit the local economy and population.1 In the longer term, economic activity can act as a stimulus for development of a stronger legal and business framework to reduce corruption. If the US and the EU create confidence in the Myanmar government that they are willing to offer something constructive rather than critical, it may be possible to ask for greater transparency in government and reduce systematic violations of human rights as well.2 The newly elected civilian government has indicated it is willing to pursue democratic reform, and the US and the EU should not lose this opportunity for change.  1 BBC News, ‘India and Burma expand trade ties and sign gas deals’, 14 October 2011.  2 Human Rights Watch, ‘China: press visiting Burmese leader on elections and accountability’, 6 September 2010, (example of how state relations can encourage democracy) diplomatic progress, disengagement, reengagement, Myanmar, natural resources, forest products, minerals, gems, trade restrictions, developmental aid, economy, legal framework, corruption, US, EU, confidence-building, transparency, human rights, civilian government, democratic reform, Burma, trade ties, gas deals, accountability diplomatic progress, disengagement, reengagement, regional stability, Myanmar, natural resources, forest products, minerals, gems, trade restrictions, developmental aid, local economy, economic activity, legal framework, corruption, US, EU, confidence-building, transparency, human rights, civilian government, democratic reform, trade ties, gas deals, accountability diplomatic progress, disengagement, reengagement, Myanmar, natural resources, forest products, minerals, gems, trade restrictions, developmental aid, local economy, development, legal framework, business environment, corruption, US, EU, confidence-building, transparency, government, human rights, democratic reform, civilian government, accountability diplomatic progress, disengagement, reengagement, Myanmar, natural resources, forest products, minerals, gems, trade restrictions, developmental aid, local economy, legal framework, corruption, US, EU, confidence building, government transparency, human rights, democratic reform, civilian government, trade ties, gas deals, India, Burma, accountability, state relations diplomatic progress, disengagement, reengagement, Myanmar, natural resources, trade restrictions, developmental aid, local economy, economic activity, legal framework, corruption, US, EU, confidence-building, transparency, human rights, democratic reform, civilian government, trade ties, gas deals, accountability
test-society-simhbrasnba-con01a	We have a duty to help the persecuted  The principles which underlie the asylum regime are as valid as ever. Millions still face persecution, death and torture globally because of who they are or because of their convictions. Democratic countries still have a moral obligation to offer protection to these people. We all recognise it as a horrendous failing by the countries who turned away Jewish refugees in the early days of Nazism where both the United States and the UK turned away large numbers or refugees, [1] and only the Dominican Republic was willing to take in large numbers. [2] This should never happen again. Developed nations have both the wealth and security to make them the best destinations for those seeking refuge.  [1] Perl, William R., ‘The Holocaust conspiracy: an international policy of genocide’, 1989, pp.37-51  [2] Museum of Jewish Heritage, ‘”A Community Born in Pain and Nurtured in Love” Jews who were given refuge by Dominican Republic’, 8 January 2008. asylum, persecution, refugee rights, moral obligation, Holocaust, Jewish refugees, Nazism, United States, UK, Dominican Republic, refugee protection, international refugee policy, genocide, Holocaust history, refugee aid, developed nations, refugee crises, humanitarian principles, refugee history, refugee resettlement asylum, persecution, refugees, moral obligation, refugee protection, Holocaust, Jewish refugees, Nazism, historical migration, developed nations, refugee policies, international humanitarian duty, refugee assistance, historical refugee crises asylum, persecution, refugees, human rights, moral obligation, Holocaust, Jewish refugees, Nazism, United States, United Kingdom, Dominican Republic, refugee protection, international policy, genocide, refugee resettlement, developed nations, humanitarian aid asylum, persecution, refugees, human rights, moral obligation, Holocaust, Jewish refugees, Nazism, international law, refugee protection, developed countries, genocide, immigration, refugee policy, historical injustices, international response, refugee crisis asylum, persecution, refugees, moral obligation, human rights, Holocaust, Jewish refugees, Nazism, international policy, genocide, refuge, developed nations, immigration, refugee protection, historical injustice, moral responsibility
test-politics-oapdhwinkp-con01a	"North Korea is an irrational regime that is a strategic threat to numerous great powers  North Korea is an irrational and irresponsible regime that can’t simply be ignored. As the United States National Security Council spokesman Tonny Vietor said in response to the 12th December 2012 missile test “This action is yet another example of North Korea's pattern of irresponsible behavior.” As a power that is willing to defy international sanctions and resolutions such as “Resolution 1874, which demands the DPRK not to conduct ""any launch using ballistic missile technology"" and urges it to ""suspend all activities related to its ballistic missile programme""” [1] it is essential that there is engagement to prevent the regime breaking more international norms.  It is impossible simply to ignore a regime with such a propensity to engage in provocative actions when it borders you, as is the case with China and Russia, or when it has tested missiles that can potentially hit targets 6000km away, so most of Asia, including numerous US bases. [2]  [1] ‘North Korea rocket: International reaction’, BBC News, 12 December 2012,   [2] ‘North Korea’s missile programme’, BBC News, 12 December 2012, North Korea, irrational regime, strategic threat, great powers, international sanctions, missiles, ballistic missile technology, Resolution 1874, provocative actions, international norms, engagement, China, Russia, missile tests, geopolitical security, US bases, missile program, international reaction North Korea, irrational regime, strategic threat, great powers, international sanctions, Resolution 1874, ballistic missile, missile testing, provocative actions, international norms, deterrence, China, Russia, missile range, regional security, US bases, North Korea diplomacy, missile technology, North Korea threat assessment North Korea, irrational regime, strategic threat, great powers, international sanctions, resolutions, ballistic missile technology, missile tests, provocative actions, international norms, North Korea missile program, international reaction, security threats, regional stability, Asian geopolitics, US bases, China, Russia, nuclear proliferation, government behavior, sanctions enforcement North Korea, irrational regime, strategic threat, great powers, international sanctions, ballistic missile, missile test, nuclear proliferation, international norms, Security Council, Resolution 1874, provocative actions, regional security, China, Russia, missile technology, missile range, US bases, international response, North Korea missile program, diplomatic engagement, sanctions violations North Korea, irrational regime, strategic threat, great powers, international sanctions, ballistic missile technology, missile tests, international norms, provocative actions, regional security, China, Russia, missile range, US bases, Resolution 1874, nuclear proliferation, security threats, international community, diplomacy, sanctions violation"
test-politics-gvhwhnerse-con04a	Sham elections do not mean the elections have no influence or impact.  For an autocracy the election for the top job needs to be predetermined, but the other elections do not. This means that elections for the legislature can still be competitive. The seats do have some influence, provide patronage, and have status attached so there are plenty of people who want to contest them. In the Arab world before the Arab spring there was a less than 25% incumbency rate for legislatures. [1] Having elections that determine control in local areas or allow opposition some control in parliament is far preferable to the alternative where the government appoints everyone. Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy in Burma have for example gained entry into Parliament and have despite being a minority had an impact. This has particularly been the case internationally. They have helped liberalise the new Foreign Investment Law and have encouraged more liberalised freedom of the press and association. [2]  [1] Lust, Ellen, ‘The Multiple Meanings of Elections In Non-Democratic Regimes: Breakdown, Response and Outcome in the Arab Uprisings’, Yale University, p.7.   [2] Turnell, Sean, ‘Myanmar has made a good start to economic reform’, East Asia Forum, 27 March 2013, sham elections, autocracy, predetermined, legislature, competitiveness, patronage, incumbency, local elections, opposition, government appointments, Aung San Suu Kyi, National League for Democracy, Burma, parliament, liberalization, foreign investment, press freedom, association, non-democratic regimes, Arab uprisings, political influence, electoral impact, political reform sham elections, influence, impact, autocracy, predetermined, competitive elections, legislature, patronage, status, contest, Arab world, Arab spring, incumbency rate, local control, opposition, appointed government, Aung San Suu Kyi, National League for Democracy, Burma, parliament, minority, international impact, liberalisation, foreign investment, press freedom, association, non-democratic regimes, Arab uprisings, response, outcome, Myanmar, economic reform sham elections, influence, autocracy, predetermined, competitive elections, legislature, patronage, election impact, Arab world, Arab spring, incumbency rate, local elections, opposition, government appointments, Aung San Suu Kyi, National League for Democracy, Burma, parliament, minority, international impact, liberalisation, foreign investment law, freedom of press, freedom of association, non-democratic regimes, Arab uprisings, political breakdown, economic reform sham elections, influence, impact, autocracy, predetermined, competitive elections, legislature, patronage, status, contest, Arab world, Arab spring, incumbency, control, opposition, government appointment, Aung San Suu Kyi, National League for Democracy, Burma, parliament, minority, international impact, liberalization, foreign investment law, press freedom, association, non-democratic regimes, Arab uprisings, electoral outcomes, political reform Sham elections, autocracy, legitimacy, competition, legislature, patronage, incumbency, local control, opposition, appointment, Burma, Aung San Suu Kyi, National League for Democracy, parliament, foreign investment, press freedom, association, electoral impact, non-democratic regimes, Arab Spring
test-international-iiahwagit-pro01a	Natural habitats being are destroyed  A tougher approach to the protection of animals is needed to prevent their natural habitats from being destroyed by locals. As humans expand their agricultural activity in Africa they are destroying the environments of endangered animals and pushing others towards being endangered. Due to an increase in large scale cotton plantations and food crops, the West African lion has seen a marked decrease in population; numbering less than 400 in early 2014 [1] . Tougher protection, such as fencing off areas from human activity, has been suggested and has seen success in South Africa [2] .  [1] BBC, “Lions ‘facing extinction in West Africa’”  [2] Morelle,R. “Fencing off wild lions from humans ‘could save them’” natural habitats, habitat destruction, animal protection, wildlife conservation, human impact, habitat loss, endangered animals, African environment, agricultural expansion, deforestation, lion population decline, conservation strategies, fencing wildlife, protected areas, South African conservation, habitat preservation natural habitats, habitat destruction, animal protection, human expansion, agriculture, West African lion, endangered species, environmental conservation, fencing, human-wildlife conflict, habitat preservation, population decline, protective measures, conservation success natural habitats, habitat destruction, animal protection, conservation, endangered animals, human expansion, agriculture, Africa, environmental impact, lion population, habitat fencing, wildlife preservation, habitat loss, endangered species, conservation strategies natural habitats, habitat destruction, animal protection, human expansion, agricultural activity, Africa, endangered species, environmental impact, habitat loss, conservation strategies, fencing, wildlife preservation, lion population decline, protected areas, human-wildlife conflict, conservation success natural habitats, habitat destruction, animal protection, conservation, endangered species, human expansion, agricultural activity, Africa, environment degradation, wildlife preservation, lion population, fencing conservation, South Africa, habitat fencing, environmental impact
test-international-iighbopcc-con01a	Sovereign states should be allowed to set their own targets and be trusted to meet them  States are sovereign entities meaning that only they have power within their borders and climate change should not be a cause for groups of countries meddling in the business of others. Each state making its own commitment and then doing its own monitoring and enforcement is the right way to go about preventing climate change. By doing it this way no countries will feel unduly burdened or persecuted. sovereign states, national sovereignty, climate targets, self-regulation, climate change policy, national commitments, state autonomy, independent monitoring, enforcement mechanisms, sovereignty rights, non-interference, climate responsibility, national borders, policy independence, global cooperation sovereign states, autonomy, climate targets, national sovereignty, climate change, self-regulation, monitoring, enforcement, sovereignty, sovereignty rights, national commitments, climate policy, states' independence, non-interference, climate responsibility sovereign states, self-regulation, national targets, sovereignty, climate governance, national sovereignty, climate commitments, self-monitoring, decentralized climate policy, non-intervention, national enforcement, climate change responsibility, sovereignty in environmental policy sovereign states, autonomy, national sovereignty, climate targets, self-regulation, sovereignty enforcement, national commitments, climate change policy, non-interference, state independence, environmental sovereignty, unilateral action, state responsibility, climate monitoring, enforcement mechanisms sovereign states, autonomy, national targets, climate change policy, sovereignty, self-regulation, domestic enforcement, climate commitments, non-interference, national sovereignty, climate governance, independent monitoring, policy independence, sovereignty rights, climate obligations
test-society-asfhwapg-con02a	"Patenting inhibits research and therapeutics  The prevailing belief is that this is an area of such great importance and potential benefit to mankind, as such there should be no, self-interested impediment to genome research. The only barriers should be those of conscience.  The Human Genome Project is one of the government funded projects that makes all its research freely and publicly available. They are not driven by profit and offer information on their discoveries for free enabling others to build upon their findings.  The problem with patents is that companies claim ownership without regard towards moral issues. It is purely in the pursuit of their profits that they decide not to allow others to build on their findings and make the process of discovering treatments far more difficult. An example of this is the Myriad company which, whilst holding patents on BRCA 1 & 2, genes connected with breast cancer, prevented the University of Pennsylvania from using a test for these genes which was substantially cheaper than the company’s own screening procedure. 1  Instead of protecting their research investment, companies should have a moral duty to facilitate in any way they can to the development of cheap, available treatments and screenings for diseases which are so dangerous to so many people.  1. Spektor, Michelle, ""Genes Are Still Patentable, Federal Appeals Court Rules"", Science Progress, 17 August 2011, patents, research, therapeutics, genome, genome research, Human Genome Project, public access, open science, intellectual property, ownership, morals, Myriad, BRCA genes, cancer, breast cancer, gene testing, healthcare costs, access to treatment, biomedical research, patenting controversy, moral responsibility, biotechnology, genetic patents, innovation barriers, medical research, scientific progress patents, research prohibition, therapeutics, human genome project, open access, public domain, profit motive, moral issues, gene patents, Myriad Genetics, BRCA genes, cancer screening, intellectual property, moral responsibility, biotech companies, genetic research, affordability, healthcare access patents, research, therapeutics, human genome, genome research, patent barriers, moral issues, biotechnology, gene patents, Myriad genetics, BRCA genes, breast cancer, intellectual property, innovation, public domain, scientific freedom, ethical considerations, genome project, drug development, healthcare access, genetic testing, patent laws patents, research, therapeutics, genome research, human genome project, open access, public domain, intellectual property, moral issues, profit motive, gene patents, BRCA1, BRCA2, cancer genes, Myriad, biotechnology, legal disputes, affordable healthcare, genetic testing, patent law, innovation, access to medicine patents, genome research, human genome project, open access, scientific research, intellectual property, biotechnology, gene patents, moral issues, biotech companies, BRCA genes, breast cancer, research barriers, research ownership, patent law, medical ethics, affordable treatments, genetic screening, Myriad Genetics, patent restrictions, research collaboration"
test-philosophy-elkosmj-con04a	We do not want a society in which killing can be acceptable  As soon as we agree that there are situations where killing is acceptable we have reason to fear for our own safety. By accepting killing in certain situations society as a whole becomes more open to the idea. It then becomes hard to draw the line as to where killing is acceptable and where killing is unacceptable. It is much better to outlaw all instances of killing so that we have a general moral standard to follow in all situations. killing, society, acceptability, morality, safety, ethical standards, violence, law, prohibition, morality debate killing, morality, ethics, society, safety, acceptability, universal standards, legal restrictions, violence, morality debates, ethical principles, societal norms ethics, morality, killing, acceptability, societal norms, safety, moral standards, outlaws, moral boundaries, violence, ethics debate, moral principles, societal safety, legal standards ethics, killing, morality, society, safety, acceptable, unacceptable, law, legislation, moral standards, violence, murder, ethics debate, societal norms killing, morality, ethics, society, safety, acceptable actions, moral standards, law, violence, justification, ethical dilemmas
test-science-wsihwclscaaw-con02a	Cyber attacks are difficult to trace  Cyber attacks are very difficult to trace as cyber attackers hide their digital tracks [20]. Cyber attackers also often launch attacks from poorly protected computers in other countries, which in no way implicates that the state was responsible for attacks – for instance, roughly 10% of spam comes from computers in China, but that is not Chinese spam [21]. The situation is different with traditional warfare, where there is evidence of weapons used, uniforms spotted, and reports of witnesses on site. Of course, we can expect states to lie about launching cyber attacks, thus China and the USA trade accusations about responsibility for cyber attacks, but there is no good way to test the truth. All of this means that an act of war would be judged based on incomplete and misleading information about another state’s involvement, threatening international peace and resulting in the loss of human life for no good reason. cyber attacks, digital tracks, cyber attackers, tracing difficulties, cyber attack origin, international cyber security, cyber attack attribution, cyber warfare, cyber espionage, cyber infrastructure, cyber attack evidence, state responsibility, misinformation, international peace, cyber crime, cyber defense cyber attacks, tracing, digital tracks, cyber attackers, anonymization, IP addresses, malware, botnets, cybercrime, cyber warfare, attribution, international security, state responsibility, false flags, cyber espionage, attribution challenges, sovereignty, cyber defense, cyber diplomacy, evidence, misinformation, international peace cyber attacks, traceability, digital tracks, cyber attackers, anonymous sources, international cybersecurity, cyber espionage, cybercrime, cyber warfare, attribution challenges, state responsibility, misinformation, cyber defense, cyber threat, digital forensics, cyber investigative, cybersecurity policy, geopolitical implications, cyber-security challenges cyber attacks, tracing, digital tracks, cyber attackers, cyber security, origin, attribution, cyber warfare, state responsibility, international peace, misinformation, cyber crime, cyber defense, cyber espionage, malware, hacking, cyber infrastructure, cyber laws, cyber policies, digital evidence cyber attacks, traceability, digital tracks, cyber attackers, international security, cyber warfare, attribution, evidence, misinformation, state responsibility, cyber diplomacy, cybercrime, cybersecurity, digital evidence, interstate conflict
test-science-dssghsdmd-pro03a	A robust missile defense shield will provide the protection previously afforded by the doctrine of Mutually Assured Destruction, allowing the US to dismantle much of its dangerous nuclear arsenal  With a fully functioning missile defense shield deployed, nuclear-armed ballistic missiles become obsolete, unable to ever reach their targets. This means countries’ strategic obsession with second-strike capacity, the ability to return fire with nuclear weapons should they be attacked by them (Mutually Assured Destruction), will cease to be an issue, as first-strikes are destined to be wiped out before they hit a single target. What this means is that countries with missile defense systems can feel secure without the need of retaining massive nuclear arsenals. This will alleviate the pressure to have stockpiles of warheads and will promote disarmament. Mutually Assured Destruction has become a far less secure strategy as nuclear proliferation has occurred to states with different strategic conceptions. This has been seen in the United States, which since its full adoption of the Aegis system has actively pursued a policy of reaching a new accord with Russia on nuclear arms reduction. This culminated in 2010 with the signing of the New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty), an accord to reduce the number of strategic nuclear missile launchers by half (Associated Press, 2011). This new step toward nuclear disarmament could not be politically possible in the United States without a replacement defense, which only a national missile defense system can provide. missile defense, nuclear disarmament, Mutually Assured Destruction, ballistic missiles, strategic stability, first-strike, second-strike, nuclear proliferation, Aegis system, New START, arms reduction, missile shield, nuclear arsenals, threat deterrence, strategic defense, global security, nuclear policy missile defense, nuclear disarmament, Mutually Assured Destruction, missile shield, ballistic missiles, strategic stability, second-strike capacity, first-strike elimination, nuclear arsenals, disarmament treaties, New START, strategic arms reduction, nuclear proliferation, Aegis system, missile defense systems, nuclear strategy, arms reduction policies, missile defense technology, strategic stability, nuclear policy missile defense, nuclear disarmament, Mutually Assured Destruction, missile shield, strategic stability, second-strike capability, first-strike vulnerability, nuclear arsenals, ballistic missiles, nuclear proliferation, Aegis system, New START, arms reduction, strategic arms treaty, nuclear security, deterrence, missile technology, arms control, disarmament policies missile defense, nuclear disarmament, Mutually Assured Destruction, missile shield, nuclear arsenal reduction, ballistic missiles, second-strike, first-strike, nuclear proliferation, strategic stability, Aegis system, New START, arms reduction treaty, nuclear arms control, missile defense systems, security, disarmament, strategic deterrence missile defense, nuclear deterrence, Mutually Assured Destruction, nuclear arsenals, ballistic missiles, strategic stability, first-strike, second-strike, nuclear disarmament, missile defense systems, disarmament, proliferation, Aegis system, New START, Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, arms reduction, nuclear policy, security, disarmament treaty
test-digital-freedoms-piidfiphwu-pro03a	A graduated response is the fairest way to enforce copyright legislation  First, the sanction after three warnings can be tailored to fit general notions of justice, the punishment need not be severe and could fit the crime: maybe a consumer would be cut off of the internet for only two weeks, or only cut off from accessing download sites but still be allowed to access government and banking sites, or receive a small fine.  Secondly, the consumer has ample time to change his or her behaviour: a consumer can insist on infringing copyright at least two times before the sanction takes place. The consumer can easily avoid being cut off (even temporarily), meaning the punishment likely doesn’t even have to take place. [1]  [1] Barry Sookman, ‘Graduated response and copyright: an idea that is right for the times’, January 10th, 2010. URL: graduated response, copyright enforcement, sanctions, warnings, justice, penalties, internet access, download sites, fines, consumer behavior, infringement, copyright legislation, enforcement strategies, copyright penalties, digital rights, piracy, legal measures graduated response, copyright enforcement, sanctions, warnings, justice, punishments, internet access, download sites, fines, consumer behavior, infringement, legal sanctions, copyright legislation, adaptive sanctions, deterrence, digital rights, internet restrictions, copyright infringement management graduated response, copyright enforcement, punishment, sanctions, warnings, justice, internet access, download sites, fines, behavioral change, infringement, copyright law, digital rights, sanctions flexibility, consumer rights, copyright legislation, Sookman graduated response, copyright enforcement, copyright legislation, sanctions, warnings, justice, punishment, internet restriction, download sites, fines, consumer behavior, infringement, avoiding sanctions, copyright infringement, graduated response model, copyright policy, digital piracy, legal sanctions graduated response, copyright enforcement, sanctions, warnings, justice, punishment, internet access, download sites, fines, consumer behavior, infringement, copyright legislation, remedial measures, infringement penalties, digital piracy
test-international-bmaggiahbl-con01a	Focused leadership  Progress in Africa has been hindered by factors like corruption, conflicts and poor infrastructure, all of which are linked to the incompetent or greedy leaders.  Rwanda is a different case, ranked among the best countries with a strong and focused leadership in Africa, the country has set up clear policies like EDPRS [Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy] which aims to change Rwanda from an agriculture based economy to knowledge and service economy [1]. It is well known for zero tolerance to corruption, improved infrastructure and technology all of which are core factors in achieving development. In Africa, Rwanda tops list of easiest countries to do business a move that has encouraged more investors into the country[2].  Limited freedom of speech and press does not hinder economic development. What matters is that the government is trusted to fulfil all its commitments. After all, nothing has stopped China progressing despite human rights violations and censorship of both free speech and the press.  [1] The world bank, ‘Rwanda overview’, worldbank.org  [2] International finance corporation, ‘Rwanda top business reformer’, ifc.org focused leadership, Africa, development, corruption, conflicts, infrastructure, governance, Rwanda, EDPRS, economic transformation, knowledge economy, service economy, anti-corruption, infrastructure development, technology, ease of doing business, investment, freedom of speech, press, government trust, economic progress, China, human rights, censorship leadership, Africa, corruption, conflicts, infrastructure, governance, Rwanda, development, economic growth, EDPRS, poverty reduction, economy, agriculture, knowledge economy, service economy, anti-corruption, infrastructure development, technology, business environment, ease of doing business, investments, freedom of speech, press, government trust, economic development, China, human rights, censorship focused leadership, Africa, corruption, conflicts, infrastructure, incompetent leaders, greedy leaders, Rwanda, best countries, strong leadership, EDPRS, economic development, poverty reduction, agriculture, knowledge economy, service economy, zero tolerance, technology, development, easiest countries, doing business, investors, freedom of speech, press, economic development, government trust, China, human rights violations, censorship focused leadership, Africa, corruption, conflicts, infrastructure, leaders, Rwanda, economic development, EDPRS, economy shift, technology, corruption zero tolerance, infrastructure improvement, ease of doing business, foreign investment, freedom of speech, press, government trust, China, progress, human rights, censorship leadership, Africa, corruption, conflict, infrastructure, governance, Rwanda, development, EDPRS, economic transformation, technology, business environment, ease of doing business, investment, freedom of speech, trust in government, economic growth, governance reforms, China, human rights
test-law-cplglghwbhwd-con01a	Hand Guns Are Required For Self Defence.  Under the status quo handguns are legal. This means that should a criminal initially wish to consider mugging someone he has to consider the possibility that he might be shot should he choose to take this action. A visceral fear of death and injury means that a significant number of criminals will be deterred from engaging in burglaries, violent robberies or muggings if they suspect that they might face armed resistance. As such the presence of handguns within a community contributes to the general deterrence of crime within that community.7  Secondly, should someone try to attack someone else with a handgun, if the other person is armed then they are in a much better position to negotiate with their attacker and prevent harm to either party. Creating a public culture in which handguns are held and used sensibly, and in which firearms training is widely available, allows a parity of power to be created between ordinary citizens and criminals. However, this parity of power is changed in favour of the defender. This is because there are more law abiding citizens than criminals. If the mugger is caught by another citizen then it is possible that citizen will also have a handgun leading to a situation where the mugger will likely be arrested or risk death.8  Finally, the normalisation of handguns in society means that people are less likely to panic should they be attacked by a mugger who has one. Deaths from mugging can often be caused by the victim simply panicking in response to the mugger. Shots are often fired by desperate and unstable assailants who are unprepared for their victim’s reaction. In a society acclimatised to handguns and aware of the risk they present, incidents of this type- fuelled by panic, uncertainty and fear- are much less likely to occur. handguns, self-defense, legality, deterrence, crime prevention, community safety, firearm training, armed resistance, criminal deterrence, public safety, firearm normalization, citizen empowerment, crime escalation, panic, mugging, violence, firearm accessibility, societal impact, fear, armed confrontation handguns, self-defense, legality, crime deterrence, criminal behavior, armed resistance, community safety, crime prevention, firearm training, citizen empowerment, public safety, mugging, assault, violence prevention, gun normalization, panic, gun culture, firearm accessibility, law enforcement, criminal deterrent handguns, self-defense, firearm legality, crime deterrence, criminal deterrence, armed resistance, community safety, firearm training, public Gun culture, firearm parity, citizen self-defense, mugging prevention, firearm normalization, panic response, violence reduction, crime prevention, firearm accessibility, public safety awareness handguns, self-defense, legality, crime deterrence, armed resistance, criminal behavior, community safety, firearms training, public culture, firearm normalization, victim protection, mugging, violent crime, criminal deterrent, law enforcement, firearm accessibility, societal impact, panic reduction, firearm safety handguns, self-defense, legality, crime deterrence, criminal behavior, armed resistance, community safety, firearm training, public firearms culture, citizen empowerment, crime prevention, mugging, violent crime, firearm accessibility, societal normalization, panic response, gun violence, self-protection, law enforcement, gun control
test-politics-cdmaggpdgdf-con05a	In security too much transparency endangers lives  Transparency is all very well when it comes to how much is being spent on a new tank, aircraft, or generals houses, but it is very different when it comes to operations. Transparency in operations can endanger lives. With intelligence services transparency would risk the lives of informants; it is similar with the case of interpreters for US forces in Iraq who were targeted after they were told they could not wear masks because they are considered to be traitors. [1]  In military operations being open about almost anything could be a benefit to the opposition. Most obviously things like the timing and numbers involved in operations need to be kept under wraps but all sorts of information could be damaging in one way or another. Simply because a state is not involved in a full scale war does not mean it can open up on these operations. This is why the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Admiral Mike Mullen in response to WikiLeaks said “Mr. Assange can say whatever he likes about the greater good he thinks he and his source are doing… But the truth is they might already have on their hands the blood of some young soldier or that of an Afghan family.” [2]  [1] Londoño, Ernesto, ‘U.S. Ban on Masks Upsets Iraqui Interpreters’, Washington Post, 17 November 2008  [2] Jaffe, Greg, and Partlow, Joshua, ‘Joint Chiefs Chairman Mullen: WikiLeaks release endangers troops, Afghans’, Washington Post, 30 July 2010 security, transparency, military operations, intelligence, informants, lives, risks, national security, secrecy, military strategy, operational security, WikiLeaks, classified information, troop safety, wartime secrecy, military confidentiality, covert operations, source protection, military intelligence, combat zone, operational secrecy security, transparency, intelligence, military operations, lives, informants, interpreters, Iraq, targeted, traitors, openness, timing, numbers, damage, war, secrecy, operations, WikiLeaks, Admiral Mike Mullen, blood, soldiers, Afghan, sources security, transparency, military operations, intelligence, informants, human sources, operational security, classified information, national security, military secrecy, casualties, WikiLeaks, whistleblowing, transparency risks, military confidentiality, operational security risks, Afghanistan, Iraq, military intelligence, information leakage security, transparency, operational security, military operations, intelligence, informants, interpreters, military secrecy, information security, classified information, troop safety, national security, WikiLeaks, transparency risks, operational details, military strategy, covert operations, whistleblowing, whistleblower protection, information leaks, operational security breaches security, transparency, military operations, intelligence, informants, safety, confidentiality, national security, operational secrecy, WikiLeaks, classified information, military risks, troop safety, covert operations, operational security, whistleblowing
test-law-cplglghwbhwd-con02a	Handguns are Required For Symbolic Reasons As A Defence Against the State Monopoly of Power  Handguns are legal in the U.S. for symbolic reasons. In Justice Scalla’s oral argument he stated “isn't it perfectly plausible, indeed reasonable, to assume that since the framers knew that the way militias were destroyed by tyrants in the past was not by passing a law against militias, but by taking away the people's weapons -- that was the way militias were destroyed. The two clauses go together beautifully: Since we need a militia, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.”9 Guns are necessary to prevent the disarming of the people and as a statement that the citizens of the U.S. are allowed to stand up against the state.  In the formation of the state, the citizens of the state give up their freedoms and their ability to do violence upon each other in favour a state monopoly on violence. The implication is that the state, through this monopoly on violence, then prevents citizens from doing violence against one another.  However, it is possible for the state to use its monopoly on physical force in a reckless or subversive fashion. This means that the citizens should always be able to reassert the primacy of their rights and independence over the state, should the state begin to deviate from its mandated role as protector of those rights.  The right to carry firearms is part of this ability to assert one’s power over the state. However, as the state has become more powerful, ownership of small arms has become an increasingly symbolic gesture. Taking away the right to bear arms from any American is thus harmful, as it removes the symbol that the state’s power is not absolute and that ultimately the state is subservient to its people.10 handguns, symbolic reasons, defense, state monopoly, power, legality, U.S., justice, militia, right to bear arms, Second Amendment, citizens, violence, state, violence monopoly, firearm rights, sovereignty, independence, state power, small arms, symbolism, gun ownership, government control, rights reassertion handguns, symbolic reasons, defense, state monopoly, power, legality, U.S., justice Scalla, militias, tyranny, constitutional rights, second amendment, right to bear arms, militia destruction, citizens' rights, state violence, violence prevention, state monopoly on violence, physical force, citizens' independence, gun rights, firearms, political symbolism, state authority, individual rights, power assertion, small arms, subversive use, constitutional interpretation handguns, symbolic reasons, defense, state monopoly of power, firearm rights, Second Amendment, militia, gun control, citizens' rights, physical force, state sovereignty, independence, firearm ownership, symbolic gesture, power balance, government authority, right to bear arms, political symbolism handguns, symbolic reasons, defense, state monopoly, power, firearm rights, Second Amendment, militias, people's weapons, tyranny, state violence, citizens' rights, independence, physical force, gun ownership, political symbolism, state authority, gun control, right to bear arms, public safety Handguns, symbolic reasons, defense, state monopoly, power, legality, U.S., oral argument, militias, tyrants, weapons, rights, bear arms, disarmament, citizens, violence, state, violence monopoly, physical force, rights assertion, firearm ownership, symbolism, state power, independence, control, firearm rights, sovereignty
test-philosophy-ippelhbcp-pro03a	Diplomatic relations  European states in particular put a particular emphasis on capital punishment when determining human rights issues for foreign policy. The UK for example has a policy of promoting and lobbying for the abolition of capital punishment with foreign governments. [1]  This will help generate goodwill for the nation. This could have a whole myriad of benefits - from aid and trade, to being seen as the “good guy” in any international disputes. When using capital punishment the opposite is the case; controversy has been created by the use of UN resources in drugs cases in Vietnam that could lead to executions for drug offences [2] .  [1] Foreign & Commonwealth Office, ‘HMG Strategy for Abolition of the Death Penalty 2010-2015’, gov.uk, October 2011,   [2] “UN urged to freeze anti-drug aid to Vietnam over death penalty”, Reuters, 12 Feb 2014, diplomatic relations, European states, capital punishment, human rights, foreign policy, UK, abolition, foreign governments, international goodwill, international disputes, controversy, UN resources, drug cases, Vietnam, death penalty, aid, trade, foreign policy benefits diplomatic relations, European states, capital punishment, human rights, foreign policy, UK, abolition, international cooperation, goodwill, international disputes, controversy, UN resources, drug cases, Vietnam, death penalty, foreign aid, international diplomacy, international law, human rights advocacy, international relations diplomatic relations, European states, capital punishment, human rights, foreign policy, UK, abolition, foreign governments, goodwill, international disputes, controversy, UN resources, drug cases, Vietnam, executions, anti-drug aid, death penalty, foreign policy benefits, international relations diplomatic relations, European states, capital punishment, human rights, foreign policy, UK, abolition, foreign governments, goodwill, international relations, aid, trade, controversy, UN, drug cases, Vietnam, death penalty, anti-drug aid diplomatic relations, European states, capital punishment, human rights, foreign policy, UK, abolition, foreign governments, international goodwill, aid, trade, international disputes, controversy, UN resources, drug offences, Vietnam, death penalty, foreign policy benefits
test-politics-grcrgshwbr-con03a	If you ban one thing, you have to ban lots of things.  Every religious symbol should be treated equally so as not to cause discrimination. It's just not viable to ban one symbol. If you ban something, for example, as sacred and religious as the Muslim veil, people will then start rallying cries for other things to be banned. At the end of the day, if the Government feels that it is in the best interests of society not to ban the veil, then we have to believe them. Really if one thing is banned then the uproar that would happen would have significantly worse consequences than before the ban. There have been worries about the banning of the Sikh Kirpan because outsiders regard it as a possible weapon and a danger to people in public places.1 However, in the Sikh perspective, the Kirpan is a sacred symbol very similar to other religions' symbols.  1 'Timeline: The Quebec kirpan case', CBC News Online, 2nd March 2006, accessed on 25th July 2011 religious symbols, discrimination, banning symbols, religious freedom, government policy, societal implications, religious attire, Muslim veil, Sikh Kirpan, sacred symbols, religious rights, public safety, cultural sensitivity, religious expression, legal debates religious symbols, discrimination, banning, sacred symbols, religious freedom, societal impact, government decisions, religious diversity, Muslim veil, Sikh Kirpan, symbolism, public safety, religious tolerance, religious rights, minority rights religious symbols, discrimination, banning, sacred objects, Muslim veil, freedom of religion, religious expression, societal impact, government policies, minority rights, religious attire, Sikh Kirpan, cultural symbols, religious controversy, religious freedom, public safety religious symbols, banning, discrimination, equality, societal impact, government decisions, religious freedom, sacred symbols, Muslim veil, Sikh Kirpan, religious rights, public safety, cultural symbols, religious attire, legal debates, religious tolerance ban, symbols, religious, discrimination, equality, freedom, government, societal impact, contentious symbols, Sikh Kirpan, sacred, religious freedom, controversy, public safety, religious apparel, cultural symbols
test-politics-nlpdwhbusbuc-con01a	Cluster Bombs Have Significant Strategic Value  As mentioned earlier in the opposition counter arguments, cluster bombs are incredibly effective at dealing with large formations of troops and armoured vehicles and can cause a significant amount of damage to an opposing force in a relatively small amount of time. This niche is not filled as cheaply or as easily by other weapons that can be released from a bombing aircraft. As such cluster bombs have a significant level of military and strategic value when used in conflict.  In the case where cluster bombs were banned, it would simply fall to the military to find an effective replacement weapon for these scenarios and it is likely that these would be as problematic if not more so.8 cluster bombs, strategic value, military effectiveness, combat impact, military strategy, weapon effectiveness, conflict warfare, military replacement, bombing aircraft, armoured vehicles, troop formations, damage potential, banned weapons cluster bombs, strategic value, military effectiveness, troop suppression, armored vehicles, damage potential, conflict weapons, bombing aircraft, weapon replacement, banned weapons, military strategy cluster bombs, strategic value, military effectiveness, weapons comparison, military strategy, conflict weapons, weapon replacement, ammunition, armoured vehicles, troop formations, bombing aircraft, warfare, weapon bans, military technology cluster bombs, strategic value, military effectiveness, combat tactics, damage potential, weapon replacement, conflict weapons, anti-armor, troop suppression, bombing aircraft, military strategy, weapon banned, warfare equipment cluster bombs, strategic value, military effectiveness, weapons comparison, conflict, combat, military strategy, weapons ban, replacement weapons, tactical advantages, military damage, warfare, armoured vehicles, troop formations, weapon effectiveness
test-economy-epiasghbf-pro02a	The effects of unemployment  Unemployment has been linked to several health and wellbeing effects. Firstly, the psychological impact of unemployment involve a range of issues - from confidence to mental well-being. Issues of mental health problems - such as depression, suicide, anxiety, and substance abuse, need recognition in Africa. The impact of mental health may not only be on the individual, but dispersed within families and across generations. Secondly, unemployment may result in a loss of social networks and networking skills. The power of social capital, or networks, in reducing vulnerability has been widely noted. Therefore encouraging women to participate within the labour market ensures new networks are built and retained through the vital communication skills used. Finally. unemployment may affect physical health status.  Unemployment may place individuals in a downward spiral, making it harder to re-enter the job market. unemployment, mental health, wellbeing, psychological impact, depression, suicide, anxiety, substance abuse, Africa, familial effects, intergenerational, social networks, social capital, vulnerability, women's participation, labor market, communication skills, physical health, employment, re-entry, economic impact unemployment, mental health, psychological impact, depression, anxiety, suicide, substance abuse, Africa, health effects, wellbeing, social networks, social capital, vulnerability, women, labor market, communication skills, physical health, job re-entry, generational impact unemployment, mental health, psychological impact, depression, suicide, anxiety, substance abuse, Africa, social networks, social capital, vulnerability, women's participation, labor market, communication skills, physical health, job re-entry unemployment, mental health, wellbeing, psychological impact, depression, suicide, anxiety, substance abuse, Africa, social networks, social capital, vulnerability, women, labor market, communication skills, physical health, job re-entry unemployment, mental health, psychological impact, depression, anxiety, suicide, substance abuse, Africa, social networks, social capital, social vulnerability, women, labor market, communication skills, physical health, job market, well-being
test-international-aghwrem-pro04a	Disengagement has done more harm than good in the region  The policy of disengagement has not resulted in any meaningful change in Myanmar, politically or economically. Since Myanmar has not been dependent on the US or the EU, sanctions and arms embargoes have not had any effect on the government. The changes in 2010-2011 have been due to the influence of the NLD, and certain regional players (like Thailand and China) which have sought to directly engage with Myanmar. Further, the sections of the population that are most affected by the sanctions are those not in the top tier of the political and economic class, but smaller manufacturers and the working class. Restrictions on exports and developmental aid from the US and the EU prevent local manufacturers and consumers from having access to them. On the other hand, restrictions on imports from Myanmar weaken the market for its exporters. These factors only further impoverish and alienate the local population, increasing economic disparity, and consequently the power of the ruling elite in the national context as well. disengagement, Myanmar, sanctions, arms embargoes, political change, economic impact, NLD, regional players, Thailand, China, population, working class, manufacturers, exports, developmental aid, US, EU, restrictions, imports, market, impoverishment, inequality, ruling elite disengagement, Myanmar, policy, impact, sanctions, arms embargo, political change, economic change, US, EU, regional players, NLD, Thailand, China, population, working class, manufacturers, exports, developmental aid, restrictions, imports, market, impoverishment, inequality, ruling elite disengagement, Myanmar, sanctions, arms embargo, political change, economic impact, US, EU, regional influence, NLD, Thailand, China, local manufacturers, working class, exports, developmental aid, import restrictions, economic disparity, ruling elite disengagement, Myanmar, sanctions, arms embargo, US, EU, economic impact, political change, NLD, regional players, China, Thailand, local manufacturers, working class, export restrictions, developmental aid, import restrictions, economic disparity, ruling elite Disengagement, Myanmar, sanctions, economic impact, political change, US, EU, arms embargo, NLD, regional influence, Thailand, China, local manufacturers, working class, exports, developmental aid, restrictions, imports, market, impoverishment, social disparity, governance
test-society-simhbrasnba-con02a	The rights of refugees are a cornerstone of international law  Signatories of The 1951 Convention on Refugees have a legal responsibility to offer asylum to any foreign national who has a well-founded fear of persecution, for political, religious, ethnic or social reasons, and who is unwilling to return home. Moreover the refugee is protected against forcible return when his life may be threatened, something which is an obligation even for countries which are not parties to the convention bust respect as it is part of international customary law. [1] This treaty is one of the cornerstones of international human rights law, and as such states should uphold it to the letter.  [1] Jastram, Kate, and Achiron, Marilyn, Refugee Protection: A Guide to International Refugee Law’, P.14. refugees, international law, 1951 Convention, asylum, persecution, political reasons, religious reasons, ethnic reasons, social reasons, non-refoulement, customary law, human rights, refugee protection, international treaties, asylum responsibilities, refugee rights refugees, international law, 1951 Convention, asylum, legal responsibility, persecution, political, religious, ethnic, social reasons, forced return, life threatened, customary law, human rights, state obligations, refugee protection, international treaties refugees, international law, 1951 Convention on Refugees, asylum, persecution, legal responsibility, refugee rights, forcible return, non-refoulement, customary law, human rights, refugee protection, international treaties, signatories, refugee law, refugee status refugees, rights, international law, 1951 Convention, asylum, legal responsibility, persecution, political persecution, religious persecution, ethnic persecution, social persecution, well-founded fear, non-refoulement, forcible return, refugee protection, international customary law, human rights law, signatories, obligations, asylum seekers, refugee law guide refugees, international law, 1951 Convention, asylum, persecution, legal responsibility, signatories, non-refoulement, customary law, human rights, refugee protection, international treaties, refugee rights, state obligations, refugee law, political asylum, religious persecution, ethnic persecution, social persecution
test-economy-egecegphw-pro02a	The expansion of Heathrow is vital for the economy  Expanding Heathrow would ensure many current jobs as well as creating new ones. Currently, Heathrow supports around 250,000 jobs. [1] Added to this many hundreds of thousands more are dependent upon the tourist trade in London which relies on good transport links like Heathrow. Loosing competitiveness in front of other European airports not only could imply wasting the possibility to create new jobs, but lose some of those that already exist. Expansion of Heathrow would also be building a vital part of infrastructure at a time when British infrastructure spending is very low as a result of the recession so helping to boost growth. Good flight connections are critical for attracting new business and maintaining current business. This is because aviation infrastructure is important for identifying new business opportunities. The UK’s economic future depends on trading not just with traditional destinations in Europe and America but also with the expanding cities of China and India, cities such as Chongqing and Chengdu. [2] Businesses based in these cities will be much more likely to invest in Britain with direct flights. [3]  [1] BBC News, ‘New group backs Heathrow expansion’, 21 July 2003,   [2] Duncan, E., ‘Wake up. We need a third runway’. The Times, 2012,   [3] Salomone, Roger, ‘Time to up the ante on roads and airports’, EEF Blog, 2 April 2013, Heathrow expansion, UK economy, job creation, employment, tourism, transport links, European airports competitiveness, infrastructure development, economic growth, recession, aviation infrastructure, business opportunities, international trade, direct flights, Chinese cities, Indian cities, Chongqing, Chengdu, global connectivity, infrastructure spending, airport capacity, aviation industry, business investment, trade relations, UK airports Heathrow expansion, UK economy, job creation, transportation infrastructure, tourism, European airports, competitiveness, infrastructure spending, recession, economic growth, flight connections, business opportunities, international trade, China, India, direct flights, airport infrastructure, economic development, global connectivity, trade partners, city expansion, travel industry Heathrow expansion, UK economy, job creation, transport links, tourism trade, European airports, infrastructure development, recession, growth, flight connections, business opportunities, international trade, China, India, direct flights, aviation infrastructure, economic growth Heathrow expansion, UK economy, job creation, tourism support, transport links, European airports competitiveness, infrastructure development, economic growth, aviation connectivity, international trade, business opportunities, China, India, direct flights, infrastructure spending, recession recovery, regional development, airport capacity, airline industry, foreign investment, global connectivity Heathrow expansion, UK economy, job creation, tourism, transport links, European airports, infrastructure spending, recession, economic growth, flight connections, aviation infrastructure, business opportunities, international trade, China, India, direct flights, airport capacity
test-health-dhghwapgd-con01a	"Generic drugs often prove to be less effective than their brand name counterparts, and can even be dangerous  Generic drugs are meant to retain a substantial degree of bioequivalence with their brand name predecessors. Yet, even under strict testing laws in this regard, generic drugs have on several cases been shown to manifest side effects not present in their parent products. For example, a generic version of Wellbutrin XL, an anti-depressant, that was ostensibly chemically equivalent to the brand name drug, caused suicidal episodes in several users1. This demonstrates that no amount of chemical testing can guarantee true bioequivalence, and thus generic drugs cannot be considered as identical to brand name drugs in terms of safety. While improving testing of generics would go some way toward fixing this problem, it would not do so entirely, as the market for new drugs will be so greatly widened with the approval of generic production that the cost of screening will be very high and the likelihood of poor knock-offs reaching consumers, particularly in the developing world where screening is less robust, is increased substantially2. Brand name drugs may be more expensive, but their safety is more thoroughly guaranteed. Flooding the market with cheap, potentially dangerous alternative drugs helps no one but the undertaker.  1 Childs, Dan. 2007. ""Generic Drugs: Dangerous Differences?"". ABC News. Available: 2 Mercurio, Bryan. 2007. ""Resolving the Public Health Crisis in the Developing World: Problems and Barriers of Access to Essential Medicines"". Northwestern University Journal of International Human Rights. Available: generic drugs, brand name, bioequivalence, effectiveness, safety, side effects, drug testing, pharmaceutical quality, drug regulation, drug approval, market competition, developing countries, drug counterfeit, drug adverse reactions, Wellbutrin XL, anti-depressant, drug regulation laws, drug efficacy, drug safety guarantees, cost of drug screening generic drugs, brand name, bioequivalence, safety, side effects, Wellbutrin XL, anti-depressant, chemical testing, drug efficacy, pharmacology, drug regulation, drug approvals, market impact, developing countries, drug screening, counterfeit drugs, drug quality, pharmaceutical safety, cost of drugs, public health, drug regulation challenges generic drugs, brand name drugs, bioequivalence, drug safety, side effects, Wellbutrin XL, antidepressant, chemical equivalence, bioavailability, drug testing, drug regulation, pharmaceutical quality, drug efficacy, drug market, developing countries, drug counterfeiting, drug regulation challenges, public health, medication safety, pharmaceutical regulation, drug approval generic drugs, brand name drugs, bioequivalence, safety, side effects, drug efficacy, drug testing, drug regulation, pharmaceutical safety, drugmarket, developing countries, drug quality, drug regulation, drug safety, pharmacology, drug approval, drug manufacturing, counterfeit drugs, drug effectiveness generic drugs, brand name, bioequivalence, effectiveness, safety, side effects, Wellbutrin XL, anti-depressant, chemical testing, market expansion, drug approval, poor quality, knock-offs, developing world, screening, regulation, drug safety, pharmaceutical regulation, drug efficacy, drug quality"
test-health-hpehwadvoee-con01a	Self-preservation is our primary moral duty  Many people, especially those who belong to religious groups believe that we have a duty to preserve our own lives. They would argue that suicide is never justified, even if the reasons might appear to be good. It is impossible to sacrifice your life for others, because you cannot know how important your life is to others in relation to how important other people’s lives are. Either life is invaluable and it is thus impossible to value one life higher than others, or it can be valued, but it is impossible for us to assess our life’s value in relation to others. Therefore, while we accept that some might die, it is not for the individual to take matters into his or her own hands and accelerate the process, as this decision might be made on the wrong grounds, but cannot be reversed. self-preservation, moral duty, suicide, religious beliefs, life value, individual sacrifice, life-invaluable, life-assessment, ethical considerations, life preservation, moral principles, death, life valuation, decision making, irreversible choices self-preservation, moral duty, life preservation, religious beliefs, suicide, sacrifice, life value, individual responsibility, ethical considerations, life assessment, inherent worth, moral philosophy, religious ethics self-preservation, moral duty, life preservation, religious beliefs, suicide, life value, individual life, sacrifice, ethical considerations, moral philosophy, life worth, moral obligation, life importance, decision making, life assessment self-preservation, moral duty, life preservation, religious beliefs, suicide, life value, sacrifice, individual responsibility, ethics, morality, life importance, personal choice, life assessment, life sanctity, decision making self-preservation, moral duty, suicide, religious beliefs, life's value, individual responsibility, life assessment, sacrifice, morality, ethical duty, life valuation, self-preservation ethics
test-digital-freedoms-dfiphbgs-con02a	Open source software undermines national security.  Even if closed source software firms are ultimately answerable to their shareholders, their shareholders want them to produce software which meets the needs of their customers so that they can sell their products. That is why Microsoft has offered a cheap version of Windows Vista to developing nations, and has been willing to cut the price of its software in negotiations with governments around the world.  More worrying than the burden that closed source software places on a government’s coffers is the threat that open source software presents to a state’s security.  By definition, the code for open source software is freely available. However, the continual attempts to hack into government computer systems demonstrate that many of the same hackers are now moving beyond mere targets of opportunity. Hackers could well take advantage of the increasing ubiquity of open source code to attack national computer systems.  The additional security that open source software claims to benefit from is an illusion. Rather, it is the lack of ubiquitous open source platforms that has kept OSs such as Linux and BSD safe from attack. The possibility that an might yield some form of a reward is reduced when a hacker is presented with fewer viable targets.  Although open source code may give ethical and honest coders more opportunities to spot the flaws in programmes, it also incentivises hackers to invest their efforts in spotting such flaws first. open source software, national security, closed source software, software development, shareholder interests, Microsoft, Windows Vista, developing nations, government negotiations, cybersecurity, hacking, vulnerabilities, open source code, computer systems, security risks, Linux, BSD, attack vulnerability, hacking incentives, software flaws open source software, national security, closed source software, shareholders, customer needs, Microsoft, Windows Vista, developing nations, government negotiations, government security, hacking, computer systems, open source code, cybersecurity, Linux, BSD, vulnerabilities, hacker incentives, open source platforms, software security, code transparency, hacking threats open source software, national security, closed source software, cybersecurity, hacking, government systems, open source code, Linux, BSD, vulnerabilities, hacking targets, security illusion, ethical coding, software flaws, hacker incentives open source software, closed source software, national security, hacking, cybersecurity, Linux, BSD, code transparency, software vulnerabilities, hacking targets, open source platforms, software security perception, ethical hacking, software flaws, hacking incentives, government cybersecurity open source software, closed source software, national security, cybersecurity, hacking, government computer systems, open source code, vulnerabilities, Linux, BSD, security threats, hacking incentives, software vulnerabilities, data integrity, software development, ethical coders, cyber attack, software security, open source platforms
test-politics-lghwdecm-pro04a	Mayors would raise the profile of the city they represent  Elected mayors would speak on behalf of their communities, raising the profile of their town or city nationally and internationally. This could be particularly valuable when negotiating with businesses, helping to draw valuable investment into their area and overcoming bureaucratic hurdles that typically hinder development. Chambers of commerce in cities that are holding referendums believe a figurehead will provide a focal point for business relations and a single point of contact that champions the city’s interests. [1] In addition, mayors would give local government in general a higher profile after years of increasing centralisation by national government. Acting collectively, and through the change in attitudes their higher media profile would generate, mayors would be able to draw power away from the centre once again and bring it closer to the people.  [1] Carter, Andrew, ‘Mayors and Economic Growth’, in Tom Gash and Sam Sims eds., What can elected mayors do for our cities? Institute for Government, 2012, pp.37-42, p.41 mayors, city profile, community representation, national recognition, international recognition, business negotiation, investment attraction, bureaucratic hurdles, urban development, chambers of commerce, referendums, city leadership, local government, centralization, media profile, political power, decentralization, civic engagement mayors, city profile, community representation, international relations, economic development, investment, bureaucracy, chambers of commerce, city referendums, leadership, local government, decentralization, political influence, media profile, urban growth, urban governance mayors, city profile, community representation, international recognition, negotiation, investment, bureaucratic hurdles, development, chambers of commerce, referendums, figurehead, business relations, contact point, local government, centralisation, national government, media profile, decentralisation, political power, civic engagement mayors, city profile, community representation, national.profile, international relations, city negotiation, business investment, bureaucratic hurdles, city development, chambers of commerce, referendums, city figurehead, business relations, local government, centralisation, media profile, decentralisation, power shift, civic leadership, urban governance mayors, city profile, election, community representation, international relations, investment attraction, bureaucratic hurdles, city development, chambers of commerce, city referendum, figurehead, business relations, local government, centralization, media profile, political power, decentralization, economic growth
test-education-pshhghwpba0-pro02a	Schools are best places to ensure good nutrition  Education is universal from 5 or 6 to 16 years old in most countries, 58% of children worldwide attend secondary school, [1] with even poor countries providing education for all from 5 to 12 years old. As a result giving breakfast at school will mean that all children between these ages receive it.  [1] Unicef, ‘58: The percentage of children of secondary school age worldwide who attend secondary school is 58’, Unicef global databases, 2008, schools, nutrition, education, children, universal education, primary and secondary education, school breakfast, school attendance, child nutrition, global education statistics, UNICEF, secondary school attendance, childhood nutrition, educational access, school feeding programs schools, nutrition, education, universal education, primary education, secondary education, school meals, school breakfast, child nutrition, worldwide, UNICEF, education access, school attendance, age 5-12, age 5-16, global education data schools, nutrition, education, universal education, primary education, secondary education, school meals, school breakfast, child nutrition, global education statistics, UNICEF, childhood development, school attendance school nutrition, education access, universal education, school meals, child nutrition, secondary education, global education statistics, Unicef data, school breakfast programs, children’s health, global education coverage, childhood nutrition, school attendance, education policy schools, nutrition, education, universal education, primary education, secondary education, school meals, school breakfast, child nutrition, global education statistics, UNICEF, school attendance, childhood nutrition programs, education policy, school health, worldwide schools
test-economy-epegiahsc-con01a	The FTAA is bad for industries in developing nations.  This agreement would put farmers and workers in some of the world’s most impoverished nations in direct competition with some of the richest companies in the developed world. FTAA would have small, domestic industries in countries like Bolivia or Haiti compete with massive American corporations, and prevent their governments from aiding them in any way. The disparity of power and resources would be so great in the case of such a collision, that it would mean these small industries could easily be wiped out and never develop to a level where they can sustain a healthy national economy and become competitive against giant multinational corporations. This would be disastrous for development and poverty reduction in South America [1] .  [1] Robinson, Mary. “Free Trade Area of the Americas: Latin America Deserves Better.” New York Times. 18 November 2003. www.nytimes.com/2003/11/18/opinion/18iht-edrob_ed3_.html?scp=1&sq= FTAA, developing nations, industries, agriculture, workers, poverty, competition, multinational corporations, domestic industries, Bolivia, Haiti, American companies, economic disparity, government support, industry collapse, economic development, poverty reduction, South America, trade agreement FTAA, developing nations, industries, poverty, competition, farmers, workers, impoverished countries, developed world, multinational corporations, domestic industries, Bolivia, Haiti, economic disparity, government aid, small industries, American corporations, economic development, poverty reduction, Latin America, trade agreement, globalization FTAA, developing nations, industries, globalization, economic disparity, small industries, multinational corporations, developed countries, trade agreement, poverty reduction, South America, competition, economic development, trade policy, market dominance FTAA, developing nations, industries, farmers, workers, impoverished nations, developed world, competition, American corporations, domestic industries, Bolivia, Haiti, government support, power disparity, resource imbalance, small industries, multinational corporations, economic development, poverty reduction, South America FTAA, developing nations, industries, agriculture, workers, global competition, American corporations, domestic industries, Bolivia, Haiti, economic disparity, multinational corporations, small industries, economic development, poverty reduction, South America
test-science-wsihwclscaaw-con03a	Definition of a large scale cyber attack is extremely vague  Armed acts of aggression are a good method of judging if an action is an act of war because they result in actual destruction, violence and loss of human life. Cyber attacks, on the other hand, do not and thus there is no objective way to tell what scale of a cyber attack is enough to constitute an act of war. While Pentagon claims a cyber attack that is equivalent of damage caused by traditional warfare as a standard, how is it supposed to be applied if pretty much all of the cyber attacks have been bloodless [24]? For instance, stealing large amounts of confidential data from a country is a large scale cyber attack, and could have an immense economic impact, but it is bloodless and so how much damage does there need to be before it can be a casus belli? It is very difficult to measure the impact of even a very evident and intense cyber attack, as NATO found out when assessing a cyber attack on Georgia in 2008 [25]. While the Pentagon might have a nice theoretical framework, in reality there are too many unanswered (and possible impossible to answer) questions. This can lead to abuse of justifications for war and unnecessary violence. cyber attack, scale, act of war, violence, destruction, human life, objective measurement, military aggression, damage, bloodless, cyber warfare, cyber espionage, cyber security, international law, casus belli, economic impact, cyber incident, NATO, Georgia 2008, Pentagon, justification, warfare, abuse, violence cyber attack, scale, act of war, violence, destruction, human life, bloodless, damage assessment, traditional warfare, equivalent damage, cyber warfare, casus belli, confidential data, economic impact, NATO, Georgia 2008, justification, abuse, violence, warfare thresholds cyber attack, scale, act of war, aggression, destruction, violence, human life, bloodless, damage, casus belli, economic impact, data theft, NATO, Georgia, Pentagon, warfare, justification, violence, ambiguity, assessment cyber attack, scale, act of war, aggression, destruction, violence, human life, bloodless, damage assessment, economic impact, data theft, casus belli, impact measurement, NATO, Georgia 2008, Pentagon, theoretical framework, war justification, violence, cyber warfare cyber attack, scale, definition, war, violence, damage, bloodless, destruction, aggression, casus belli, impact, NATO, Georgia 2008, assessment, justification, abuse, violence
test-international-iiahwagit-pro02a	Poaching is becoming more advanced  A stronger, militarised approach is needed as poaching is becoming far more advanced. Poachers now operate with high-calibre rifles, night vision scopes, silencers and use helicopters to hunt their prey. [1] These methods are used particularly against rhinoceroses in South Africa, whose horns have become extremely valuable on the Asian market for their supposed medical properties. [2] In response to this, South African rangers are being given specialised training and use their own aerial surveillance to track poachers down with success, [3] supporting the argument for a militarised response to protect endangered animals.  [1] WWF, ‘African rhino poaching crisis’  [2] Zapwing, ‘The Rhino Poaching Crisis’  [3] ibid poaching, wildlife protection, militarised response, high-calibre rifles, night vision scopes, silencers, helicopters, rhino poaching, South Africa, rhino horns, Asian market, medical properties, ranger training, aerial surveillance, conservation, endangered species, wildlife crime, anti-poaching tactics, wildlife security poaching, wildlife protection, militarised approach, high-calibre rifles, night vision, silencers, helicopters, rhinoceroses, South Africa, animal poaching, aerial surveillance, endangered species, conservation, anti-poaching measures, specialized training, wildlife crime, rhino horns, illegal wildlife trade poaching, wildlife crime, rhino poaching, militarised response, high-calibre rifles, night vision scopes, silencers, helicopters, aerial surveillance, South Africa, rhinoceroses, endangered species, conservation, wildlife protection, anti-poaching strategies, ranger training, wildlife security, illegal wildlife trade, wildlife enforcement, animal conservation poaching, wildlife protection, South Africa, rhinoceroses, rhino horn, illegal hunting, military tactics, aerial surveillance, night vision, high-calibre rifles, silencers, helicopters, endangered species, conservation, anti-poaching strategies, wildlife crime, ranger training, WWF, horn market, Asian market, poacher tactics poaching, advanced, militarised, high-calibre rifles, night vision scopes, silencers, helicopters, rhinoceroses, South Africa, horns, Asian market, medical properties, South African rangers, aerial surveillance, endangered animals, WWF, Rhino Poaching Crisis
test-society-asfhwapg-con03a	"Immoral to own a human life  Patenting genes and DNA fragments is immoral because of their significance for human life and welfare. It is immoral to own building blocks of the human life. Commercialization of human genes degrades value of human life. Once we give people the possibility to put an ownership tag on genes (basics of life), there is people who value human life merely based on monetary value. Bidding for the best gene, highest price and making the basics of life the same as buying a car. Andy Miah in his essay on Ethical Issues in Genetics argues: ""Evidence of such disaffection has appeared most recently from the emergence of Ron's Angels, a company set up for the auctioning of female eggs and male sperm to infertile couples seeking 'exceptional' children. Whilst numerous companies of this kind now exist, Ron's Angels is interesting not simply for having arranged a standard and reasonable price for such genes; far from it. Rather, as indicated above, eggs and sperm are awarded to the highest bidder.""1 Thus making the perception of human life what people believe is ""fair to pay"" and creating a race to figure out the cheapest ways of buying parts of the human body. 1 10) Miah, A., Patenting Human DNA. In Almond, B. & Parker, M. (2003) Ethical Issues in the New Genetics: Are Genes Us? immorality, human life, gene patenting, DNA fragments, ethics, human welfare, ownership, human building blocks, commercialization, genetic rights, valuation of human life, monetary value, genetic auction, fertility industry, Ron's Angels, egg and sperm auction, bioethics, genetic commercialization, human dignity, life commodification, genetic rights debates immorality, human life, gene patenting, DNA fragments, ethics, commercialization, human dignity, ownership, bioethics, genetic rights, human value, commodification, reproductive ethics, egg and sperm auction, biotech industry, genetic material, life rights, moral implications, genetic capitalism, reproductive technology, bioethics debate immorality, human life, gene patenting, DNA ownership, life significance, welfare, commodification, human elements, genetic commercialization, ethical issues, Ron's Angels, egg auction, sperm auction, infertility, bioethics, genetic bidding, human value, monetary valuation, life as commodity, genetic rights, bioethics debate immorality, human life, gene patenting, DNA fragments, ownership, human life significance, genetic commercialization, human value, monetary valuation, gene auction, reproductive technologies, bioethics, genetic rights, life commodification, ethical issues, genetic justice, bioethics debate, genetic discrimination, reproductive rights, gene ownership, biotech ethics immorality, human life, gene patenting, DNA fragments, ethics, biotechnology, bioethics, genetic ownership, commercialization, human dignity, value of life, genetic rights, reproductive technologies, egg donation, sperm donation, genetic auction, bioethics debate, commercial genetics, genetic capitalism, societal impact, moral considerations, genetic resources, biotech industry, gamete market, genetic ethics, life commodification, reproductive ethics"
test-philosophy-elkosmj-con03a	We instinctively know killing is wrong  While sometimes our feelings as to what is right and what is wrong are not accurate they are needed when thinking about morality. If a theory is well argued and thought out but goes against our feelings as to what is right and wrong then we will dismiss it. Most people have the feeling that killing is wrong and so to partake in any action that leads to the death of another is also wrong. morality, ethics, killing, feelings, moral intuition, moral judgment, moral theories, right and wrong, emotional response, moral decision-making, moral cognition, ethical reasoning morality, ethics, killing, right and wrong, moral intuition, emotional judgment, moral theory, moral feelings, ethical decision-making, moral instinct ethics, morality, instinct, feelings, right and wrong, killing, ethical theories, moral intuition, moral decision-making, emotional bias, moral judgments morality, killing, ethics, feelings, moral intuition, moral judgment, error, moral theory, emotional influence, ethical decision-making morality, ethics, feelings, intuition, killing, moral judgment, moral theory, emotional perception, ethical reasoning, moral instincts
test-society-simhbrasnba-con03a	We must practice what we preach  Democratic nations preach the language of freedom, human rights and justice. They encourage those who live under oppression to oppose their rulers and work towards these goals. This is all rendered hollow, and hypocritical if they then refuse to protect individuals who are persecuted for taking the brave and noble step of working to improve their societies. Not only is this a moral failing but practically very harmful too. It is in the interests of democratic nations to spread democracy and peaceful forms of government. If the people of authoritarian nations don't feel they have the support of other, then the incentive for them to risk everything and stand up in the name of freedom is diminished, and so too the best chance of change in such oppressive regimes. democratic nations, freedom, human rights, justice, oppression, opposition, moral responsibility, hypocrisy, protection, persecution, societal improvement, morality, practical harm, democracy promotion, peaceful government, authoritarian regimes, international support, regime change, human rights advocacy democratic nations, human rights, freedom, justice, oppression, opposition, hypocrisy, protection, persecution, societal change, moral responsibility, peace, authoritarian regimes, support, revolution, democracy, political reform democratic nations, human rights, justice, oppression, opposition, freedom, hypocrisy, protection, persecution, societal improvement, morality, practical harm, democracy, peaceful government, authoritarian regimes, international support, revolutionary incentives, regime change practice, preach, democratic nations, freedom, human rights, justice, oppression, opposition, rulers, hypocrisy, persecution, societal improvement, moral failure, harm, democracy, peaceful government, authoritarian nations, support, incentive, resistance, change, oppressive regimes democratic nations, freedom, human rights, justice, oppression, opposition, hypocritical, protection, persecution, societal improvement, moral failing, democracy, peaceful government, authoritarian regimes, support, risk, change
test-environment-chbwtlgcc-con03a	New Technology  Humanity has revolutionized the world repeatedly through such monumental inventions as agriculture, steel, anti-biotics, and microchips. And as technology has improved, so too has the rate at which technology improves. It is predicted that there will be 32 times more change between 2000 and 2050 than there was between 1950 and 2000. In the midst of this, many great minds will be focussed on emissions abatement and climate control technologies. So, even if the most severe climate predictions do come to pass, it is unimaginable that humanity will not find a way to intervene. Even small changes will make a difference – more efficient coal power stations can emit a third less emissions than less efficient ones 1. Renewable energy will become more competitive and scalable and technology develops we may even be able to remove carbon from the atmosphere so undoing the damage. 1  1. Bradsher, Keith. “China Outpaces U.S. in Cleaner Coal-Fired Plants.”, New York Times Published: May 10, 2009. technology, human progress, inventions, agriculture, steel, antibiotics, microchips, technological advancement, rate of change, future predictions, climate change, emissions reduction, climate control, environmental technology, renewable energy, coal power, emission reduction, carbon removal, climate mitigation, innovation, sustainability technology, invention, agriculture, steel, antibiotics, microchips, technological progress, rate of change, climate control, emissions abatement, climate change, renewable energy, scalable energy, carbon removal, emissions reduction, clean coal, cleaner coal plants, environmental technology, climate intervention, innovation, energy efficiency, atmospheric carbon removal technology, human progress, inventions, agriculture, steel, antibiotics, microchips, innovation, technological growth, rate of change, future predictions, climate change, emissions abatement, climate control, environmental technologies, energy efficiency, coal power, renewable energy, scalable energy, carbon removal, climate mitigation, technological advancements, environmental impact, clean energy, sustainable development technology, human progress, inventions, agriculture, steel, antibiotics, microchips, technological advancement, rate of change, climate technology, emissions abatement, climate control, climate change, renewable energy, scalable energy, carbon removal, pollution reduction, clean coal, energy efficiency, renewable energy technologies, environmental innovation technology, human progress, inventions, agriculture, steel, antibiotics, microchips, rate of technological change, future predictions, emissions abatement, climate control, environmental technology, climate change mitigation, renewable energy, scalability, carbon removal, clean coal, emissions reduction, technological innovation, climate solutions, sustainable development
test-science-dssghsdmd-pro04a	Strategic missile defense technology is substantially more advanced and discriminating in application than nuclear weapons, making potential future wars less potentially devastating  An operational national missile defense system renders nuclear weapons, and intercontinental ballistic missiles generally, obsolete. When a country can shoot down all enemy missiles, those weapons lose their power. The future of war, once countries have access to the technology to build missile shields, will no longer be marked by fingers held over the proverbial red button. Rather, the incentive for conflict between states armed with effective missile defenses will be to seek diplomatic solutions to problems. The technology will likely be in the hands of many nations very soon, as the United States has already provided the technology to Japan and Australia, and will be building defense batteries in Romania from 2015 (McMichael, 2009). Furthermore, even should war break out, they will necessarily be far less destructive, as they will not feature the city-leveling power of nuclear missiles. With missile defense, war will be less likely and, should it occur, less destructive. strategic missile defense, technology, nuclear weapons, war, missiles, national missile defense system, obsolescence, missile shielding, diplomacy, international security, proliferation, Japan, Australia, Romania, military technology, conflict prevention, destructive power, nuclear deterrence missile defense, technology, nuclear weapons, war, military technology, strategic defense, missile shields, intercontinental ballistic missiles, deterrence, diplomacy, international security, United States, Japan, Australia, Romania, warfare, nuclear deterrence, conflict prevention, military strategy missile defense, strategic technology, nuclear weapons, war reduction, missile interception, ballistic missiles, nuclear deterrence, international security, diplomacy, defense systems, technological proliferation, global stability, conflict mitigation, military technology, arms control missile defense, nuclear weapons, strategic technology, war prevention, missile interception, national security, missile shield, deterrence, arms race, conflict resolution, diplomatic approaches, missile technology transfer, non-nuclear warfare, modern warfare, military technology, international security, defense systems, global stability, arms control missile defense, technology, nuclear weapons, war, deterrence, missile shield, strategic defense, intercontinental ballistic missiles, obsolescence, conflict, diplomacy, international security, US, Japan, Australia, Romania, arms race, deterrence theory, military technology, warfare, military strategy, deterrent systems
test-economy-egecegphw-pro03a	Heathrow is in the best location for London  Flying is critical for business. Heathrow is well located for the people that will pick up the bill funding its expansion. People need to be able to get to their homes and work easily from the airport otherwise it is impractical. According to the Civil Aviation Authority 25% of business passengers start their journey within 30 minutes of Heathrow, far more than any other airport. [1] This demonstrates that the demand for Heathrow’s services from the local area is real and pronounced. Heathrow is closer to London than its rivals Gatwick and Stansted and has better transport links through the Piccadilly line and Heathrow Express. A new airport could potentially be closer, but finding space within the M25 for a large airport without attracting the same kind of opposition that expanding Heathrow has would be next to impossible  [1] Leunig, Tim, ‘A bigger and quieter Heathrow is the answer to our aviation capacity problem’, The Spectator, 5 October 2012, Heathrow, London, airport location, business travel, airport expansion, transportation links, civil aviation, demand, proximity, Gatwick, Stansted, Piccadilly line, Heathrow Express, M25, airport capacity, opposition, infrastructure Heathrow, London, airport location, flight importance, business travel, airport expansion, transportation links, Piccadilly line, Heathrow Express, local demand, proximity, Gatwick, Stansted, M25, airport opposition, aviation capacity, airport planning Heathrow, London, location, airport, business travel, expansion, funding, accessibility, transportation, Piccadilly line, Heathrow Express, Gatwick, Stansted, M25, opposition, aviation capacity Heathrow, London, airport location, business travel, airport expansion, transportation links, Piccadilly line, Heathrow Express, M25, airport proximity, rival airports, Gatwick, Stansted, passenger demand, local area, airport accessibility, aviation capacity, airport opposition Heathrow, London, location, airport, business travel, expansion, accessibility, transportation links, Piccadilly line, Heathrow Express, M25, rival airports, Gatwick, Stansted, aviation capacity, local demand, airport proximity, opposition, airport development
test-philosophy-ippelhbcp-pro02a	Justice co-operation  Crime does not stop at national borders. Therefore efforts to fight crime cannot, either. A country that abolishes capital punishment will be in a much better position to cooperate on justice issues internationally.  Many states, particularly ones in the Global North, have policies of not extraditing people to jeopardy of capital punishment. Not only could more people be extradited, foreign states may be more willing to provide broader based assistance and co-operation if they see that a state has made steps forward in criminal justice policy.  Some states have a policy of not extraditing to states where there is a risk of capital punishment: a particular clause on this is included in the US-Mexico extradition treaty, and it is the position of the European Court of Human Rights. [1]  [1] Soering v United Kingdom - available at justice cooperation, crime, borders, extradition, capital punishment, criminal justice policy, global north, international collaboration, extradition treaties, European Court of Human Rights, Soering v United Kingdom justice cooperation, cross-border crime, extradition policies, capital punishment, international criminal justice, extradition treaties, human rights, US-Mexico treaty, European Court of Human Rights, Soering v United Kingdom justice cooperation, international crime, cross-border crime, extradition policies, capital punishment, criminal justice reform, global justice, extradition treaties, European Court of Human Rights, US-Mexico treaty, human rights, Soering v United Kingdom justice cooperation, international crime, cross-border crime, capital punishment, extradition policy, criminal justice reform, global law, extradition treaty, European Court of Human Rights, Soering v United Kingdom, foreign aid, criminal law, legal cooperation justice, international cooperation, crime, borders, extradition, capital punishment, criminal justice policy, Global North, US-Mexico treaty, European Court of Human Rights, Soering v United Kingdom
test-politics-grcrgshwbr-con04a	It is their culture and religion.  Religions themselves tend to encompass their own distinctive culture and, to many of their members, this culture and its methods comes before anything secular. For this reason, Muslims should be allowed to wear personal items as it states in the ruling of their religious book to do so. Had a particular garment been required in the Christian religious book - The Bible - then no doubt those stout Christians would follow this particular ruling. The question is, would it be wrong to take away something close and meaningful to these religions? Surely, a religious symbol or method is purely personal, and, therefore, banning such symbols would be an intrusion into their individuality.1  1 Jessica Shepherd, 'Uniform Dissent', The Guardian, 9th October 2007 , accessed on 24th July 2011 religion, culture, religious rights, religious clothing, religious symbols, personal items, religious freedom, Christian, Muslim, religious rulings, individuality, religious expression, secular vs religious, religious identity, garment requirements culture, religion, religious symbols, personal items, attire, Islamic clothing, Christian garments, religious freedom, religious identity, secular, individual rights, religious rulings, scripture, cultural expression, religious practices, attire restrictions, personal expression, religious symbols ban, minority rights, religious traditions religion, culture, religious identity, religious symbols, religious clothing, personal items, religious freedom, religious attire, secular vs religious, religious texts, religious rulings, individual rights, religious expression, Muslim wear, Christian clothing, religious autonomy, faith, religious practices culture,religion,Muslims,personal items,religious clothing,faith,symbolism,individual freedom,religious rights,religious rules,The Bible,Christianity,religious expression,majority beliefs,religious identity,freedom of religion,religious symbolism,intrusion,personal significance culture, religion, religious symbols, personal items, religious dress, Islam, Christianity, religious freedom, individuality, secularism, religious identity, religious practices, clothing regulations, faith, religious rulings, symbolic attire
test-politics-nlpdwhbusbuc-con02a	The Ban is Unfeasible  The problem with the ban on cluster bombs is that it is unfeasible in the prevention of the use of cluster bombs on the battlefield. Many countries aside from the U.S. will continue to use the weapons and will likely do so less responsibly. There is no way to persuade these countries to abandon the weapons. Countries such as China and the US are unconcerned by threats that their use can be a crime against humanity and might result in international criminal prosecutions as they are not signed up to the ICC and as Security Council members can prevent investigations of themselves or their clients.  The U.S. and Western powers continuing to manufacture cluster bombs allows them to engage with the other users of cluster bombs on the battlefield. Many countries import weapons from Western powers and as such, continuing the manufacture of cluster bombs allows Western powers to keep a check on their use by other countries.  Further, the ability for Western powers to use cluster bombs allows Western powers to discourage their use on the battlefield through the threat of retaliation with the same weaponry. As such, banning the weapons could cost the lives of soldiers on the battlefield.8 cluster bombs, ban, feasibility, international law, ICC, security council, proliferation, warfare, weapons manufacturing, military strategy, international community, ethical concerns, legality, national security, deterrence, arms trade, battlefield, responsibility, humanitarian impact cluster bombs, ban, feasibility, battlefield, international law, enforcement, US, China, ICC, Security Council, weapon proliferation, military strategy, accountability, liability, international criminal prosecution, weapon manufacturing, arms trade, warfare ethics, deterrence, civilian casualties, military ethics Ban, cluster bombs, unfeasible, battlefield, international law, countries, US, China, ICC, Security Council, manufacturing, weapon export, deterrence, military strategy, ethical issues, international security, sanctions, armed conflict, disarmament, warfare, global security cluster bombs, ban, feasibility, military use, international law, ICC, security council, weapons proliferation, US, China, Western powers, international criminal prosecution, battlefield, weapons export, deterrence, international security, arms control, military strategy cluster bombs, ban, feasibility, international law, enforcement, US, China, ICC, Security Council, weapon proliferation, international security, military ethics, disarmament, battlefield, weapons control
test-economy-epiasghbf-pro01a	The importance of jobs in livelihoods - money  Jobs are empowerment. Building sustainable livelihoods, and tackling poverty in the long term, requires enabling access to capital assets. A key asset is financial capital. Jobs, and employment, provide a means to access and build financial capital required, whether through loans or wages. When a woman is able to work she is therefore able to take control of her own life. Additionally she may provide a second wage meaning the burden of poverty on households is cumulatively reduced. Having a job and the financial security it brings means that other benefits can be realised such as investing in good healthcare and education. [1] .  Women working from home in Kenya, designing jewellery, shows the link between employment and earning an income [2] . The women have been empowered to improve their way of life.  [1] See further readings: Ellis et al, 2010.  [2] See further readings: Petty, 2013. employment, livelihoods, poverty reduction, financial capital, economic empowerment, women’s employment, sustainable development, income generation, economic security, household income, access to capital, gender equality, healthcare access, education, empowerment, home-based work, Kenya, jewelry design, women entrepreneurs employment, livelihoods, financial capital, poverty reduction, women's empowerment, income generation, economic development, sustainable livelihoods, access to capital, household income, healthcare, education, women entrepreneurs, microfinance, poverty alleviation, gender equality, economic security, household well-being employment, livelihoods, financial capital, poverty reduction, women empowerment, sustainable development, income generation, household welfare, economic security, access to capital, healthcare, education, women's employment, gender equality, small business, microfinance, remote work, Kenya, jewelry design employment, livelihoods, financial capital, poverty reduction, empowerment, women, income, sustainable development, household income, economic security, healthcare, education, access to capital, work from home, economic empowerment jobs, livelihoods, empowerment, sustainable development, poverty reduction, financial capital, employment, wages, women, income, economic empowerment, household income, healthcare, education, women's work, home-based work, Kenya, jewelry design, economic security
test-international-aghwrem-pro05a	Regional factors favour re-engagement  Myanmar has continuing economic and political relations with many other countries, including members of the ASEAN, and significantly, China (which is also the source of a large proportion of foreign investment in Myanmar). These countries, some of which are major economic and political partners of the US and the EU, do not share the same attitude about the legitimacy of the Myanmar government and the approach that should be taken towards it. For the purposes of regional stability, it would be better for the US and the EU to align their positions with the others. This reduces the risk of diplomatic rifts which could destabilise the region. Further, if the international community presents a united viewpoint on what steps Myanmar should take to improve its democracy, such steps are more likely to be taken. Myanmar, regional factors, re-engagement, economic relations, political relations, ASEAN, China, foreign investment, US, EU, legitimacy, Myanmar government, regional stability, diplomatic rifts, international community, democracy, alignment, international cooperation Myanmar, regional factors, re-engagement, economic relations, political relations, ASEAN, China, foreign investment, US, EU, legitimacy, Myanmar government, regional stability, diplomatic rifts, international community, democracy, policy alignment Myanmar, regional factors, re-engagement, economic relations, political relations, ASEAN, China, foreign investment, US, EU, diplomatic rifts, regional stability, international community, democracy, international cooperation Myanmar, regional relations, ASEAN, China, foreign investment, US, EU, government legitimacy, diplomatic rifts, regional stability, international community, democracy, political partnerships, economic relations Myanmar, regional factors, re-engagement, economic relations, political relations, ASEAN, China, foreign investment, international partners, US, EU, government legitimacy, regional stability, diplomatic rifts, international community, democracy, diplomatic alignment, geopolitical stability
test-health-dhghwapgd-con02a	"Patent rights allow firms to more readily release their products and methods into the public domain, particularly through licensing  Without patent protection, innovative and enterprising firms lacking the capacity to market successfully or efficiently produce new drugs might develop new drugs and never release them, since it would simply result in others profiting from their efforts. After all, no one likes to see others profit by their hard work, and leaving them nothing; such is tantamount to slavery. Patent protection encourages the release of new ideas and products to the public, which serves to benefit society generally1. The main mechanism for this is the system of licensing, by which firs can retain their right of ownership over a drug while essentially renting the ability to produce it to firms with productive capacities that would better capitalize on the new product. Furthermore, the disclosure of ideas to the public allows firms to try to make the product better by ""inventing around"" the initial design, or by exploiting it once the term of the patent expires2. If the drug formula never enters the public, it might never do so, leaving society bereft of a potentially valuable asset.  1 Rockwell, Llewellyn. 2011. ""The Google Pharm Case"". Mises Daily. Available: 2 Business Line. 2007. ""Patents Grant Freedom to Invent Around"". Hindu Business Line. Available: patent rights, public domain, licensing, intellectual property, innovation, drug development, market success, production efficiency, patent protection, licensing system, ownership rights, product disclosure, invention, design around, patent expiry, societal benefits, pharmaceutical industry, drug formulas, public access, innovation incentives patent rights, licensing, public domain, innovation, pharmaceutical industry, drug development, patent protection, intellectual property, product release, market success, production efficiency, patent expiration, disclosure, invention, public benefit, proprietary rights, licensing system, research and development, patent system, societal benefits patent rights, public domain, licensing, innovation, drug development, patent protection, product release, intellectual property, market success, drug market, drug formula, patent expiration, invention, disclosure, licensing system, societal benefit, product improvement, patent system patent rights, public domain, licensing, innovation, drug development, intellectual property, patent protection, market success, drug production, knowledge disclosure, licensing system, ownership rights, product improvement, invention around, patent expiration, public access, society benefit, drug formula, knowledge sharing, patent system patent rights, licensing, product release, public domain, innovation, pharmaceutical industry, drug development, patent protection, licensing system, ownership rights, product improvement, invention, patent expiry, intellectual property, disclosure, societal benefit"
test-education-pshhghwpba0-pro01a	A school breakfast gives all students an equal start to the day  All children should have equal opportunities, a breakfast for all helps provide this. With schools providing breakfast for everyone the start to the day will be the same for all. No one will starting school hungry or thirsty. Everyone will have had a chance to wake up before their lessons start allowing them to get as good a start to the day as possible. school breakfast, equal opportunities, student nutrition, morning nutrition, education equity, breakfast program, student well-being, hunger prevention, early morning nutrition, school start, learning readiness, student health, breakfast access school breakfast, equal opportunities, student nutrition, morning meal, educational equality, hunger prevention, student health, early morning nourishment, school meal programs, student well-being school breakfast, equal opportunities, student nutrition, morning meal, student well-being, academic performance, hunger prevention, breakfast programs, educational equality, morning nutrition, student health school breakfast, equal opportunities, student nutrition, student health, equal start, educational success, hunger prevention, breakfast program, child development, student wellbeing, school nutrition, learning readiness school breakfast, equal opportunities, student nutrition, morning meal, childhood nutrition, education equality, school meal programs, student well-being, health and education, early morning nutrition
test-health-hpehwadvoee-con02a	The recipient is forced to receive the sacrifice of another  In many cases, the recipient is not in position to consent to the donation. Thus, even if it saves his or her life, it is comes with an intrusion on his or her moral integrity that he or she might value higher than survival. If we are to receive such a drastic sacrifice from someone that we love – surely we must have a right to veto it? [1] This means that to enable the choice of the donor the choice of the receiver has been ignored, there seems to be little reason to simply switch those two positions around as is proposed.  [1] Monforte-Royo, C., et al. “The wish to hasten death: a review of clinical studies.” Psycho-Oncology 20.8 (2011): 795-804. sacrifice, recipient, consent, donation, moral integrity, life-saving, intrusion, veto, donor, receiver, autonomy, ethical dilemma, medical ethics, euthanasia, patient rights, moral values, clinical studies sacrifice, recipient, consent, donation, moral integrity, autonomy, veto, choice, moral ethics, euthanasia, hasten death, clinical studies, psycho-oncology sacrifice, recipient, consent, donation, moral integrity, intrusion, life-saving, veto, donor rights, receiver autonomy, euthanasia, hastening death, clinical studies, psycho-oncology sacrifice, recipient, consent, donation, moral integrity, life-saving, intrusion, veto, morality, autonomy, ethical dilemma, euthanasia, euthanasia debate, clinical studies, psycho-oncology, hasten death sacrifice, recipient, consent, donation, moral integrity, autonomy, veto, decision-making, ethical considerations, love, life, survival, moral values, clinical studies, hastened death
test-politics-oapdhwinkp-con03a	Ignoring North Korea wont resolve the situation  While the great powers can try to keep on with business as usual how will this be helpful? The situation is unstable and needs to be resolved which is something that ignoring the North will not do. Commentators thought that the North would collapse as a result of the withdrawal of support that was given by the USSR in the early 1990s but it did not happen. The regime will likely be able to hang on in the status quo situation pretty much indefinitely.  There is also no reason to believe that the provocations may not become bigger should smaller provocations be ignored. While North Korea can attract the world’s attention with a missile test launch it is likely to keep doing such small and relatively harmless actions. Should such actions fail the regime may resort to bigger incidents such as the sinking of the South Korean corvette Cheonan in 2010 which resulted in 46 deaths which may have been an attempt at coercive diplomacy against a regime that was unwilling to engage in negotiations. [1]  [1] Cha, Victor, ‘The Sinking of the Cheonan’, Center for Strategic & International Studies, 22 April 2010, North Korea, international relations, security, stability, diplomacy, US, South Korea, missile tests, provocations, regime survival, coercive diplomacy, Cheonan incident, North Korea sanctions, nuclear proliferation, regional security, great powers, USSR withdrawal, status quo, regime collapse, military provocations North Korea, international relations, diplomacy, stability, provocations, missile tests, regime stability, South Korea, Cheonan sinking, coercive diplomacy, Cold War, US foreign policy, international security, military threats, sanctions, nuclear proliferation, regime survival, geopolitical tensions North Korea, international relations, stability, regime survival, diplomacy, provocations, missile tests, military incidents, South Korea, Cheonan sinking, coercive diplomacy, US policy, USSR support, geopolitical tension, regional security North Korea, international relations, stability, regime, provocations, missile tests, coercive diplomacy, South Korea, Cheonan sinking, geopolitical risks, US foreign policy, North Korea collapse, nuclear weapons, regional security, early 1990s USSR support North Korea, international relations, global security, North Korea missile tests, regime stability, diplomatic strategies, provocation, coercive diplomacy, South Korea, Cheonan sinking, US-Russia influence, diplomatic negotiations, nuclear proliferation, regional stability, military incidents, escalation, power dynamics
test-digital-freedoms-dfiphbgs-con03a	Closed source software is better at meeting consumer needs.  Closed source software companies are more than capable of segmenting their products to reach each part of the market, as Microsoft has shown by producing its new Windows 7 operating system in a record six different versions.  Microsoft’s monopoly of desktop computers ensures that if a programmer produces a niche software package or software translation for a specialized purpose, that programmer knows that potential clients will almost certainly be able to run the program if it is designed for Windows. If this monopoly is broken up and governments start to push Linux or other open source alternatives, the programmer will either have to develop for two or more platforms, thereby increasing the cost of the final product, or they will have to gamble on a single platform; both options would reduce the likelihood of the niche solution reaching the clients that need it.  While open source software does allow anyone to spot a potential market and customize software to sell to that market, that access is also its great undoing. The type of accessibility that many open source products pride themselves on providing leaves projects open to abuse, either by well-meaning amateurs or intentional wreckers. Constant self-policing by the open source community is required, in order to guarantee the stability of the software it creates. An analogy can be drawn with Wikipedia, where the freedom of the mob led to defamatory statements being written about the former editor of USA Today [i] . Governments should be wary of relying on an anarchic, self-organising community to serve their IT needs, no matter how smart and well intentioned the members of that community may be.  [i] Seigenthaler, John. .”A false Wikipedia “biography”.” USA Today. 29 November 2005 closed source, proprietary software, consumer needs, market segmentation, Microsoft, Windows 7, software versions, monopoly, desktop computers, niche software, software translation, specialized purpose, platform dependence, open source, Linux, cross-platform, software development, cost, market access, customization, open source community, software stability, self-policing, abuse, amateur developers, intentional wreckers, Wikipedia, misinformation, anarchic community, IT reliance, government policy closed source software, consumer needs, product segmentation, Windows 7, software versions, monopoly, desktop computers, niche software, software translation, platform dependency, open source, Linux, software development costs, market accessibility, customization, open source community, software stability, Wikipedia, internet governance, community moderation, government reliance, IT security, software abuse, self-policing, digital misinformation closed source software, consumer needs, product segmentation, Microsoft, Windows 7, operating system, software versions, monopoly, desktop computers, niche software, platform compatibility, open source, Linux, market access, software customization, open source community, software stability, Wikipedia, information accuracy, government IT, community governance, software abuse, software reliability, software development, platform diversity closed source software, consumer needs, product segmentation, Windows 7, software versions, Microsoft monopoly, desktop computers, niche software, platform compatibility, open source software, market customization, community moderation, software stability, Wikipedia analogy, self-organizing communities, government reliance, IT security, open source risks, software abuse, software development, platform diversity closed source software, consumer needs, product segmentation, Microsoft, Windows 7, versions, monopoly, desktops, niche software, software translation, specialized purposes, platform compatibility, open source, Linux, market access, customization, open source community, software stability, Wikipedia, free content, self-policing, governance, IT needs, community oversight
test-health-dhpelhbass-pro01a	Every human being has a right to life  Perhaps the most basic and fundamental of all our rights. However, with every right comes a choice. The right to speech does not remove the option to remain silent; the right to vote brings with it the right to abstain. In the same way, the right to choose to die is implicit in the right to life. The degree to which physical pain and psychological distress can be tolerated is different in all humans. Quality of life judgements are private and personal, thus only the sufferer can make relevant decisions. [1] This was particularly evident in the case of Daniel James. [2] After suffering a spinal dislocation as the result of a rugby accident he decided that he would live a second-rate existence if he continued with life and that it was not something he wanted to prolong. People are given a large degree of autonomy within their lives and since deciding to end your life does not physically harm anyone else, it should be within your rights to decide when you wish to die. While the act of suicide does remove option to choose life, most cases in which physician assisted suicide is reasonable, death is the inevitable and often imminent outcome for the patient regardless if by suicide or pathological process. The choice for the patient, therefore, is not to die, but to cease suffering and tto chose the time and manner of their death.  [1] Derek Humphrey, 'Liberty and Death: A manifesto concerning an individual's right to choose to die', assistedsuicide.org 1 March 2005,  (accessed 4/6/2011)  [2] Elizabeth Stewart, 'Parents defend assisted suicide of paralysed rugby player', guardian.co.uk, 17 October 2008,  (accessed 6/6/2011) human rights, right to life, autonomy, choice, death, euthanasia, assisted suicide, quality of life, suffering, psychological distress, physical pain, decision-making, patient rights, ethical issues, personal autonomy, end-of-life, moral dilemmas, legal considerations, medical ethics, dignity, bodily autonomy, case studies, Daniel James, rugby accident, paraplegia, suicide, mental health human rights, right to life, autonomy, euthanasia, assisted suicide, quality of life, personal choice, mental health, psychological distress, physical pain, death, dying, decision-making, legal ethics, moral philosophy, bodily autonomy, patient rights, end-of-life, suffering, natural death, medical ethics human rights, right to life, autonomy, choice, dignity, euthanasia, assisted suicide, end of life, personal decision, quality of life, suffering, psychological distress, physical pain, legal ethical considerations, patient rights, medical ethics, death, autonomy in dying, privacy, Daniel James case, rugby accident, decision to die, timing of death, moral autonomy human rights, right to life, autonomy, euthanasia, assisted suicide, right to die, pain management, quality of life, personal decision, ethical considerations, psychological distress, physical suffering, end of life, decision-making, dignity, legal rights, privacy, individual choice, moral dilemmas, medical ethics human rights, right to life, autonomy, choice, voluntary euthanasia, assisted suicide, dignity in death, quality of life, psychological distress, physical pain, personal decision, end-of-life, patient autonomy, suffering, ethical dilemmas, legal considerations, medical ethics, case studies, Daniel James, rugby injury, psychological suffering, life termination, human dignity
test-law-cppshbcjsfm-pro01a	Rehabilitation Is A Better General Justifying Aim for Punishment  Rehabilitation is the most valuable ideological justification for imprisonment, for it alone promotes the humanising belief in the notion that offenders can be saved and not simply punished. Desert (retributive) theory, on the other hand, sees punishment as an end in itself, in other words, punishment for punishment’s sake. This has no place in any enlightened society.  An example can be taken from the aftermath of the London rioters, where 170 riot offenders under 18 are now in custody without firstly understanding the causes of the riots nor the reasons of why these people offended. [1]  The rehabilitative ideal does not ignore society and the victim. In fact it is because retribution places such great value on the prisoner’s rights that it tries so hard to change the offender and prevent his reoffending. By seeking to reduce reoffending and to reduce crime, it seeks constructively to promote the safety of the public, and to protect individuals from the victimisation of crime. The public agrees; a 2008 poll of British citizens found 82% ‘thought rehabilitation was as important, or more important than punishment as a criterion when sentencing criminals’. [2] Such a model of punishment is therefore a more enlightened approach in a modern day criminal justice system. Our current system which focuses more on retribution does not have the possibility of seeking to prevent reoffending by curing the offender of their desire to reoffend.  [1] Malik, Shiv, ‘UK riots cause 8% rise in jailed children’, guardian.co.uk, 8 September 2011.  [2] Directgov. Rehabilitation versus punishment - judge for yourself. 1 July 2008 . rehabilitation, punishment, justice, imprisonment, offender, retribution, reoffending, societal impact, victim, crime prevention, humanising, criminal justice, public safety, offender rights, social reform, juvenile offenders, societal causes, crime reduction, enlightened society, modern justice, criminal sanctions, societal rehabilitation, victim protection Rehabilitation, punishment, ideological justification, imprisonment, humanising, offenders, retribution, desert, society, victims, recidivism, crime prevention, public safety, human rights, criminal justice, modern approach, reoffending, criminal system, societal impact rehabilitation, punishment, imprisonment, ideological justification, offenders, humanising, retribution, desert theory, societal values, victim rights, reoffending, crime reduction, public safety, criminal justice system, enlightened society, juvenile offenders, UK riots, offender reform, criminal sentencing, recidivism rehabilitation, punishment, justice, retribution, deterrence, offender, reform, incarceration, social justice, human rights, recidivism, crime prevention, criminal justice system, societal safety, victim rights, prison reform, societal impact, offender treatment, public opinion, criminal reform rehabilitation, punishment, retributive theory, humanising, offenders, society, victim, rights, reoffending, crime, public safety, enlightenment, criminal justice, detention, retribution, prevention, reform, juvenile offenders, public opinion, ideological justification
test-politics-eppghwlrba-pro02a	The legal ownership of guns by ordinary citizens inevitably leads to many accidental deaths  The legal ownership of guns by law-abiding citizens inevitably leads to many unnecessary and tragic deaths. Legally held guns are stolen and end up in the hands of criminals, who would have greater difficulty in obtaining such weapons if firearms were less prevalent in society. Guns also end up in the hands of children, leading to tragic accidents and terrible disasters such as the Columbine High School massacre in the U.S.A. Sometimes even normal-seeming registered gun owners appear to go mad and kill, as tragically happened at Hungerford and Dunblaine in the U.K. gun ownership, accidental deaths, legal guns, firearm theft, criminal use, gun violence, child accidents, mass shootings, Columbine, Hungerford, Dunblane, gun regulations, firearm safety, gun legislation, societal impact gun ownership, accidental deaths, firearm safety, criminal gun use, gun theft, gun violence, gun accidents, child safety, school shootings, mass shootings, gun control, legislation, registered gun owners, firearm regulations, tragic events, UK gun incidents gun ownership, accidental deaths, legal firearms, law-abiding citizens, gun theft, criminal access, gun accidents, children, firearm tragedies, Columbine, gun violence, gun regulation, gun safety, mass shootings, UK gun control, Hungerford, Dunblane, firearm laws gun ownership, accidental deaths, legal firearms, law-abiding citizens, firearm theft, criminal access, gun violence, firearm regulation, gun safety, child safety, gun-related tragedies, Columbine massacre, Hungerford, Dunblane, gun control, firearm prevalence gun ownership, accidental deaths, firearms, legal ownership, law-abiding citizens, gun theft, criminal access, gun prevalence, children, gun accidents, tragedies, Columbine, Hungerford, Dunblane, gun violence, gun control
test-philosophy-elkosmj-con06a	Utilitarianism is demanding  If we choose to save the five people just because we have the power to do so then we also have to consider all the other lives that are in our power to save. It is in our power to donate all of our excess money to charity to save lives and so we must also do this. Actions like this are worthy of praise but no one would suggest that we have a duty to do them. Utilitarianism, demanding, morality, ethical obligation, charity, saving lives, consequentialism, moral duty, altruism, excess wealth, moral praise, ethical theory, moral responsibility Utilitarianism, moral duty, charity, sacrifice, ethical responsibility, consequentialism, altruism, normative ethics, moral obligation, decision-making Utilitarianism, demanding, moral obligation, charity, altruism, ethical duty, consequentialism, saving lives, moral responsibility, praise, ethics, moral dilemma Utilitarianism, ethics, moral obligation, consequentialism, charity, altruism, duty, moral philosophy, sacrifice, moral praise utilitarianism, ethical duty, moral obligation, consequentialism, altruism, charity, saving lives, ethical dilemma, moral responsibility, ethical theory
test-society-asfhwapg-con04a	A liability regime not patents.  There are alternatives to the kind of blanket patenting that stifles innovation and drives up prices . The most obvious is to have no patents at all for genes which would result in a free for all but might have the result the proposition argues it would, that without any kind of pay back for the research no one will do the research in the first place.  However there are alternatives that prevent many of the problems of patents while still bringing in many of the benefits . This would be to have some kind of rights for the discover. Unlike patents there would be no right to refuse or provide conditions for access to the discovery. This would be a use now pay later system. Anyone could research using the discovery or seek to commercialize it but would have to pay a fee which would depend upon what the application was1. Palombi has proposed the creation of ‘Genetic Sequence Rights’ “the GSR would be administered using… the present ‘international’ patent system so as to minimize establishment costs and to facilitate its adoption. A GSR would be granted to the first person to file and disclose a genetic sequence defining genetic material of any origin and explaining its function and utility… The GSR would become part of an international electronic database which would be freely accessible by any person.  Upon registration the GSR holder would have the right to a GSR use fee (GSR fee). The GSR fee would vary depending on the nature of the use. For publicly funded institutions such as universities, experimental use would not attract a GSR fee, but for commercial entities, the GSR fee would apply commensurately with the nature of the use2.” This would therefore create a much fairer system that both encourages research for commercial purposes and for academic purposes.  1. Dutfield G., DNA patenting: implications for public health research, WHO   2. Palombi, Luigi, “The Genetic Sequence Right: A Sui Generis Alternative to the Patenting of Biological Materials”, Patenting Lives Conference, 1-2 December 2005, p.18.  , liability regime, patents, gene rights, innovation, prices, gene patents, open access, research incentives, rights for discoveries, use now pay later, genetic sequence rights, GSR, international patent system, genomic database, GSR fee, public funding, commercial use, academic research, gene licensing, bioethics, intellectual property, biological materials, patent alternatives, fair access, licensing system liability regime, patents, alternative rights, gene patents, innovation, pricing, open access, research incentives, rights, discovery, use now pay later, genetic sequence rights, GSR, international database, fee, commercialization, academic research, patent system, public health, biological materials, Luigi Palombi, sui generis, patent alternatives liability regime, patents, gene patents, innovation, prices, genetic rights, free access, research incentives, rights for discoveries, use now pay later, genetic sequence rights, GSR, international patent system, genetic material, disclosure, database, GSR fee, academic research, commercial research, public health, DNA patenting, patent alternatives, biological materials, patent system, fairness, research funding liability regime, patents, gene patents, innovation, prices, patent alternatives, free access, research incentives, rights for discoveries, open access, use now pay later, genetic sequence rights, GSR, international patent system, genetic material, function utility, electronic database, patent system, research funding, fair system, commercial research, academic research, public health, DNA patenting, biological materials, patent implications liability regime, patents, innovation, gene patents, research incentives, intellectual property, alternative rights, discovery access, open research, pay later system, genetic sequence rights, GSR, international patent system, genetic material, functional disclosure, utility, public database, GSR fee, commercialization, academic research, fair system, public health research, DNA patenting, biological materials, patent alternatives, research funding, intellectual property rights
test-economy-epegiahsc-con04a	FTAA is bad for labour in developed countries.  Liberalizing the labour market across the entirety of the Americas would be a severe blow to workers in the US and Canada. It would put them in direct competition with workers from countries where the average salary is much lower than in the US, who would be willing to work for a fraction of what a US or Canadian worker currently makes. In order to stay competitive in such a market, they would have to accept lower salaries and a cut in benefits. This would reverse decades of progress in the direction of better protections for workers and workers’ rights, as well as lead to higher unemployment levels in developed countries [1] . This has occurred as a result of previous free trade agreements in the Americas for example the North American Free Trade Area (NAFTA) after it was implemented resulted in the displacement of 682,000 US jobs [2] this then gives employers a chance to reduce working conditions as there is surplus labor.  [1] Suroweicki, James. “The Free-Trade Paradox.” The New Yorker. 26 May 2008.   [2] Scott, Robert E., “Heading South: U.S.-Mexico trade and job displacement after NAFTA”, Economic Policy Institute, 3 May 2011, FTAA, labour market, developed countries, workers’ rights, free trade agreements, NAFTA, job displacement, unemployment, wage competition, worker protections, economic impact, labor standards, trade policy, international trade, employment effects FTAA, labor rights, developed countries, liberalization, Americas, US, Canada, wage suppression, low-wage countries, employment, job displacement, NAFTA, trade agreements, economic impact, workers’ protections, unemployment, wage competition, labor market, international trade, economic policy, job loss FTAA, labour, developed countries, liberalization, Americas, workers, US, Canada, competition, wages, benefits, workers’ rights, unemployment, free trade agreements, NAFTA, job displacement, surplus labor, working conditions FTAA, labour, developed countries, liberalization, Americas, workers' rights, income inequality, globalization, free trade agreements, NAFTA, job displacement, unemployment, wage suppression, labor market competition, worker protections, income disparity, economic impact, trade policy FTAA, labour rights, developed countries, workforce competition, wage reduction, benefits cut, employment levels, trade agreements, NAFTA, job displacement, US jobs, Mexico trade, income inequality, worker protections, economic impact, globalization, labor market liberalization, unemployment, international trade, workers’ rights
test-politics-dhwem-pro02a	PMCs give value for money  Mercenaries are a cost efficient way of fighting. Although expensive to hire, the government does not have to cover the cost of training, housing, pensions or healthcare. Mercenaries, unlike regular troops, are only paid for the days on which they are used. Outsourcing when necessary will reduce the cost of the force. For example, the US army is around a third smaller than it was in the 1991 Gulf War (PBS News Hour, 2004). This saves taxpayers’ money and avoids the build up of conventional troops, which, in the past, has contributed to the development of arms races which can be cripplingly expensive as shown by the collapse of the Soviet Union. Private military companies, cost efficiency, mercenaries, outsourcing, military expenses, government savings, troop reduction, military outsourcing, defense budgeting, troop training costs, healthcare costs, pensions, fight cost, US military, Gulf War, taxpayer savings, conventional troops, arms race, Soviet Union collapse private military companies, cost efficiency, mercenaries, military outsourcing, defense spending, government expenditure, military force reduction, taxpayer savings, military training costs, healthcare costs, pensions, military personnel management, arms race, military size reduction, US military, Gulf War, Soviet Union collapse PMCs, mercenaries, cost-effectiveness, military outsourcing, private military companies, government expenditure, military costs, hire expenses, training costs, housing, pensions, healthcare, cost savings, troop reduction, US army, Gulf War, taxpayers, conventional troops, arms race, Soviet Union collapse private military companies, cost efficiency, mercenaries, outsourcing, military expenditure, defense costs, military outsourcing, cost savings, military personnel, military budgeting, troop reduction, defense spending, military force optimization, taxpayer savings, arms race, military logistics private military companies, cost efficiency, mercenaries, military outsourcing, troop costs, military spending, privatization, defense budget, military personnel costs, contractor military forces, armed services, military restructuring, military modernization, arms races, defense economics, government expenditure
test-environment-chbwtlgcc-con02a	Earth's Resiliency  All the conclusions about the effects of rising atmospheric GHGs are based on computerized climate models. Even those that develop and use the models admit that the models are not nearly complex enough to be 100% accurate. Climate science is incredibly complicated and different models sometimes produce vastly different results 1.Increased carbon dioxide will increase plant life which may mitigate other damages of climate change and protect species currently considered threatened by climate change. Therefore, it is far too early to conclude that humanity is going to be destroyed. The earth's climate is continuously changing, with or without anthropogenic effects, and life has always found a way to continue.  1. Lemonick, Michael D., 'How much can we really trust climate models to tell us about the future?', 18th january 2011. earth's resiliency, climate models, greenhouse gases, GHG, computerized climate models, model accuracy, climate science, model complexity, climate change effects, plant life increase, species protection, human impact, climate variability, natural climate change, Earth's adaptability, climate prediction reliability, climate modeling limitations, scientific consensus, climate model projections, future climate uncertainty Earth's resilience, climate models, greenhouse gases, atmospheric CO2, climate change mitigation, plant life, species protection, climate science complexity, model accuracy, model uncertainty, anthropogenic effects, climate variability, climate predictions, climate model limitations, Earth's adaptability, climate impact, life resilience Earth's resiliency, climate models, atmospheric GHGs, global warming, climate change, model complexity, plant life, carbon dioxide, mitigation, species protection, human impact, Earth's climate variability, climate science, model uncertainty, climate predictions, resilience mechanisms Earth, resiliency, climate change, greenhouse gases, atmospheric greenhouse gases, climate models, model accuracy, climate science, model variability, plant growth, carbon dioxide, mitigation, species survival, climate impact, natural climate variability, anthropogenic effects, climate predictions, climate uncertainty Earth's resiliency, climate models, greenhouse gases, atmospheric CO2, climate change mitigation, climate science, model accuracy, model variability, plant growth, species protection, anthropogenic effects, climate variability, climate predictions, model limitations, Earth's adaptability
test-digital-freedoms-piidfiphwu-pro01a	The unauthorised downloading of copyrighted material should be addressed and prevented by the state  Copyrighted material is intellectual property: someone worked hard for it to produce it. Downloading this content without paying the proper rights holder for it amounts to theft.  Furthermore, downloading copyrighted material from an unauthorized source creates an impossible market for producers of copyrighted content, because they have to ‘compete with free’. Why would the average consumer want to pay for a download from an authorized website, when she can get the same movie from a pirate-site for free? To build a commercially viable content industry online, we need to protect this industry from the unfair competition of the parallel market. [1]  [1] Piotr Stryszowski , Danny Scorpecci, Piracy of Digital Content. 2009, OECD Publishing. URL for purchase: copyright, digital content, piracy, intellectual property, unauthorized downloading, copyright infringement, intellectual property rights, digital piracy, illegal downloading, content protection, content industry, online piracy, unauthorized source, market competition, content creators, copyright law, legal rights, piracy prevention, online safety, digital rights management copyright infringement, digital piracy, unauthorized downloading, intellectual property rights, content protection, illegal file sharing, copyright law, content industry, piracy prevention, fair compensation, digital rights management, illegal streaming, unauthorized source, market competition, consumers behavior, online piracy, copyright enforcement, protect creators, piracy impact, illegal content, piracy statistics copyright infringement, digital piracy, unauthorized download, intellectual property, content industry, piracy prevention, illegal content sharing, fair compensation, copyright law, online piracy, content protection, market disruption, intellectual property rights, digital content theft, copyright enforcement unauthorized downloading, copyrighted material, intellectual property, content theft, digital piracy, copyright infringement, illegal downloads, content protection, piracy prevention, online copyright enforcement, copyright law, unauthorized sources, market impact, content industry, unfair competition, piracy effects, user awareness, digital rights management, DRM, audiovisual content, pirate sites, legitimate content, market viability, copyright holders, intellectual property rights copyright infringement, digital piracy, intellectual property rights, unauthorized downloading, content protection, copyright law, illegal file sharing, piracy prevention, copyright enforcement, intellectual property theft, online piracy, fair compensation, digital content industry, pirate sites, unauthorized sources, free content, copyright violation, legitimate content market, piracy impact, digital rights management
test-international-iiahwagit-pro03a	Endangered animals are a source of pride for African countries  Endangered animals warrant a tougher degree of protection in Africa as they have notable cultural significance. Some groups believe that African elephants have mystic powers attached to them and have coveted them for centuries. [1] African lions have been depicted on the coat of arms for states and institutions both past and present. [2] They are intrinsically linked with Africa’s past and its identity. The extinction of these animals, therefore, would have a negative cultural impact and should be prevented.  [1] University of California, Los Angeles, ‘Elephant: The Animal and its Ivory in African Culture’  [2] Coleman, Q. ‘The importance of African lions’ endangered animals, African countries, protection, cultural significance, African elephants, mystic powers, African lions, symbolism, conservation, extinction, cultural impact, wildlife protection, African heritage, symbolism in coats of arms endangered animals, African countries, protection, cultural significance, African elephants, mystic powers, African lions, symbolism, conservation, extinction, cultural impact, wildlife protection, African identity endangered animals, Africa, cultural significance, conservation, African elephants, mystic powers, African lions, symbolism, national identity, extinction prevention, cultural impact, wildlife protection, Ivory, UCLA, Coleman endangered animals, Africa, cultural significance, protection, African elephants, mystic powers, African lions, symbolism, extinction, cultural impact, pride, conservation, wildlife, heritage endangered animals, African countries, animal protection, cultural significance, African elephants, mystic powers, African lions, national symbols, cultural identity, conservation, extinction, ivory, African wildlife
test-education-egscphsrdt-con03a	Safeguarding the teacher-student relationship  Random drug tests change the student-teacher relationship from one of trust into one of suspicion, whereby the teachers and the school establishment become a body which many students will perceive as being out to catch them, and suspicious of all. The destruction of this trust makes it far harder for teachers to impart useful information on illegal drugs and the consequences of their use to students, and students may be less willing to seek teachers out on this information. This would lead to students relying increasingly on their peers and the internet for information on illegal drugs, and this information is far more likely to be of questionable policy or influenced by notions of drug use as 'cool' or glamorous. Thus schools' anti-drugs message may be harmed by random drug tests. teacher-student relationship, safeguarding, trust, suspicion, random drug testing, school policy, student perception, illegal drugs, drug education, peer influence, internet information, anti-drugs message, trust erosion, drug policy effectiveness safeguarding, teacher-student relationship, trust, suspicion, random drug tests, school, impact, illegal drugs, communication, student, teacher, perception, policies, drug education, peer influence, internet, misinformation, anti-drugs, school policies teacher-student relationship, trust, suspicion, drug testing, school policy, student perceptions, illegal drugs, drug education, peer influence, internet information, anti-drugs message, trust erosion, student-teacher communication, drug prevention teacher-student relationship, trust, suspicion, drug testing, school policy, student perception, peer influence, internet information, illegal drugs, drug education, school climate, student-teacher trust, drug prevention, anti-drugs message teacher-student relationship, safeguarding, trust, suspicion, random drug tests, school policy, student perceptions, drug education, peer influence, internet information, illegal drugs, drug prevention, school environment
test-politics-cdmaggpdgdf-con03a	Don’t panic!  The role of the security services is in part to deal with some very dangerous ideas and events. But the point is to deal with them in such a way that does not cause public disorder or even panic. We clearly don’t want every report detailing specific threats to be made public, especially if it is reporting something that could be devastating but there is a low risk of it actually occurring. If such information is taken the wrong way it can potentially cause panic, either over nothing, or else in such a way that it damages any possible response to the crisis. Unfortunately the media and the public often misunderstand risk. For example preventing terrorism has been regularly cited in polls as being the Americans top foreign policy goal with more than 80% thinking it very important in Gallup polls for over a decade [1] even when the chance of being killed by terrorism in Western countries is very low. If the public misunderstands the risk the response is unlikely to be proportionate and can be akin to yelling fire in a packed theatre.  While it is not (usually) a security, but rather a public health issue, pandemics make a good example. The question of how much information to release is only slightly different than in security; officials want to release enough information that everyone is informed, but not so much that there is panic whenever there is an unusual death. [2] In 2009 the WHO declared swine flu to be a pandemic despite it being a relatively mild virus that did not cause many deaths, so causing an unnecessary scare and stockpiling of drugs. [3]  [1] Jones, Jeffrey M., ‘Americans Say Preventing Terrorism Top Foreign Policy Goal’, Gallup Politics, 20 February 2013  [2] Honigsbaum, Mark, ‘The coronavirus conundrum: when to press the panic button’, guardian.co.uk, 14 February 2013  [3] Cheng, Maria, ‘WHO’s response to swine flu pandemic flawed’, Phys.org, 10 May 2011 security, public order, risk management, panic prevention, threat communication, information dissemination, public perception, media influence, terrorism, pandemics, health communication, risk assessment, crisis response, public understanding, misinformation, threat levels, emergency management, government policy, disease outbreaks, health risks security, public disorder, panic, risk management, threat communication, misinformation, media, public perception, terrorism, pandemics, information release, crisis communication, risk perception, public health, threat mitigation, emergency response, crisis communication strategies security services, danger, public disorder, panic, threat reporting, risk perception, media, public misunderstanding, terrorism, likelihood, response, proportionate action, Fire in a theatre, pandemics, information release, public health, swine flu, pandemic, unnecessary scare, stockpiling, WHO, media analysis security, public order, risk perception, panic management, threat communication, misinformation, crisis communication, media influence, terrorism, public health, pandemics, information release, risk assessment, public response, government policy, fear management, crisis response, threat mitigation, health communication, media reporting public safety, security services, risk communication, public panic, threat management, crisis communication, information release, media perception, risk misunderstanding, terrorism, pandemics, public health, crisis response, information strategy, threat assessment, risk perception, public awareness, government communication, emergency management, WHO, health crises, media influence, panic prevention
test-politics-nlpdwhbusbuc-con03a	This House Believes That the U.S. Should Ban The Use of Cluster Bombs  Currently the U.S. is working on improving the reliability of cluster bombs. The weakness of cluster bombs, being that the bomblets often do not explode is something that U.S. military has understood for a long time. It is inefficient for the military to allow this problem to continue. As such a large amount of military funding goes into improving cluster bombs.  The U.S. is hoping to improve cluster bombs in two ways, the first is ensuring that when the cluster bombs are deployed that all bomblets explode on impact or explode very quickly after the initial barrage. However, the U.S. is also working on technology that would allow bomblets to disarm themselves after a short period of time, hence preventing accidental discharges in the future.  If these improvements work, then cluster bombs cease to cause civilian damage and will likely be an incredibly effective tool in warfare. Hence a ban on them when this technology is being deployed is premature.10 cluster bombs, bomblets, reliability, explosive devices, military technology, disarmament, civilian safety, ethical warfare, international law, arms control, military funding, effectiveness, accidental discharges, technological improvements cluster bombs, bomblets, explosive reliability, military funding, disarmament technology, civilian casualties, warfare tools, impact explosion, self-disarming bomblets, military ethics U.S. military, cluster bombs, bomblets, explosive reliability, weapon technology, civilian safety, disarmament, accidental discharge, military funding, warfare effectiveness, ammunition safety, bomb impact, self-disarming technology, military innovation, ethical warfare house beliefs, U.S., ban, cluster bombs, reliability, bomblets, explosion, military funding, technology, disarm, civilian safety, warfare, ban debate, weapon effectiveness US, cluster bombs, ban, military, bomblets, reliability, effectiveness, disarmament, civilian harm, warfare, technology, improvements, impact, disarming, accidental discharges
test-politics-lghwdecm-pro02a	Mayors would be more accountable than a council  Electing mayors would improve accountability in local government. A Mayor would have a bigger mandate, which could be up to 500,000 votes compared to 5,000 for individual councillors making them more directly accountable to the city’s electorate. [1] They are also more visible; 57% of people could name their mayor when they had one compared to only 8% being able to name their council leader and so they are more likely to be held to account for their individual policies. [2] By comparison where there are not mayors an elaborate and confusing series of committees make decisions in most areas, making it easy for individual councillors or parties to dodge responsibility for unpopular decisions or failed policies. Bristol is a good example of this with wobbly coalitions resulting from backroom deals and constantly shifting politics; the council changed hands seven times in the ten years to 2012. [3] Placing this power in the hands of an elected mayor would streamline decision-making and increase accountability. A mayor who failed to improve local services or in other ways implement their campaign promises would have little chance of re-election.  [1] Sims, Sam, ‘Electing mayors for more English cities would increase local democratic accountability and widen political participation. But the government must grant them real power and freedom’, blogs.lse.ac.uk, 7 October 2011.  [2] Gash, Tom, ‘A turning point for England’s big cities’, Institute for Government, 29 March 2012.  [3] The Economist, ‘Why elected mayors matter’, 19 April 2012. mayors, accountability, local government, election, mandate, visibility, electorate, responsibility, policies, decision-making, governance, political participation, democracy, responsibility, city governance, political accountability mayors, accountability, local government, elections, mandate, votes, councillors, visibility, public recognition, responsibility, decision-making, governance, political stability, coalitions, reforms, democratic participation, campaign promises, re-election, governance structure, policy implementation mayors, accountability, local government, election, mandate, visibility, voter awareness, responsibility, decision-making, political stability, coalition, governance, political participation, reform, democracy, responsibility, political accountability, service delivery mayors, accountability, local government, election, mandate, visibility, electorate, policies, decision-making, governance, councils, committees, responsibility, political stability, reform, democracy, political participation, power, re-election mayors, accountability, local government, election, mandate, votes, council, visibility, electorate, responsibility, policies, decision-making, governance, political participation, elected mayors, city politics, government structure, political accountability, democratic process, policy implementation
test-politics-grcrgshwbr-con01a	Banning religious symbols is just a way of unfairly targeting people.  Banning religious symbols could be viewed as just a way of targeting a group of people. In a nutshell, religious symbols would be used as a scapegoat in order to both highlight and blame for problems that are much bigger. Removing the hijab, the Crucifix or the Jewish skullcap would take away someone's culture, religion and heritage, and, therefore, banning them would cause more problems.1 It could potentially increase hatred within religious groups, and lead to more racism and more criticism, ultimately making the country a worse place to live.  1 at 'Belgian ban on full veils comes into force', BBC News Europe, 23rd July 2011 , accessed on 23rd July 2011 religious symbols, banning, discrimination, religious freedom, cultural identity, heritage, social division, hate crimes, racism, scapegoating, religious persecution, pluralism, cultural diversity, social cohesion, civil rights religious symbols, banning, discrimination, religious freedom, cultural heritage, social tensions, racism, xenophobia, oppression, stereotypes, human rights, religious persecution, social cohesion, minority rights religious symbols, banning, discrimination, religious freedom, cultural heritage, religious identity, social exclusion, hate crimes, religious intolerance, multiculturalism, privacy rights, secularism, minority rights, societal division, religious discrimination, cultural expression, legal restrictions religious symbols, ban, discrimination, targeting, cultural heritage, religious freedom, religious minorities, cultural identity, social cohesion, racism, xenophobia, religious discrimination, freedom of religion, social harmony, hate crimes religious symbols, discrimination, freedom of religion, cultural heritage, religious persecution, hate crimes, secularism, social cohesion, religious expression, minority rights, religious intolerance, cultural identity, social inclusion, legal restrictions, religious freedom, societal division
test-politics-glgvhbqssc-con02a	"This is not the will of the people of Quebec.  Secession from Canada would not be a fair or adequate representation of the will of the people of Quebec.  The most recent referendum and all current polling data suggest that an overwhelming majority of Quebecers are opposed to Quebec seeking independence from Canada [1] . The government of Quebec pursuing such a policy is only representative of a very small minority of people in Quebec, and therefore is undemocratic in nature. Moreover, this policy explicitly denies consideration or enfranchisement for the very large populations of Anglophone Quebecers who also deserve representation, and whose interests are being wholly discounted to pursue this one policy on behalf of the Francophones in their province.  Therefore, pursuing secession is both wholly undemocratic, but also specifically disenfranchises a very large portion of the population entirely in a trade-off for one specific policy that doesn’t appeal strongly to anyone beyond a very small minority of citizens.  [1] Chung, Andrew. ""Sovereignty ""outmoded,"" Quebec poll indicates."" Star 19 May 2010, n. pag. Web. 1 Dec. 2011. <  . Quebec, secession, independence, Canada, referendum, polling data, public opinion, democracy, representation, Anglophone Quebecers, Francophones, political independence, minority opposition, disenfranchisement, sovereigntist movement, provincial politics, voter preferences, political policy Quebec, secession, independence, Canada, referendum, polling, majority, opposition, democracy, representation, Anglophone Quebecers, Francophones, disenfranchisement, minority, policy, sovereignty Quebec, secession, independence, Canada, democracy, referendum, polling data, Quebecers, minority, majority, Anglophone Quebecers, Francophones, representation, disenfranchisement, sovereignty, public opinion, undemocratic, political policy, Quebec government Quebec, secession, independence, Canada, referendum, polling data, public opinion, democracy, representation, Anglophone Quebecers, Francophones, minority rights, voting, disenfranchisement, political policy, sovereignty, Quebec politics, population demographics Quebec, secession, independence, Canada, referendum, polling data, public opinion, democracy, representation, Anglophone Quebecers, Francophones, minority, disenfranchisement, sovereignty, political policies, Quebec government, voter preferences"
test-law-umtlilhotac-pro01a	Televising turns justice into entertainment  Broadcasting trials would be likely to turn the court in to entertainment. The Simpson trial showed how harmful a televised high profile trial can be degenerating into a freak show. The ICC trials are among the most high profile in the world so are likely to be susceptible to this. Much of the interest in the SCSL Charles Taylor trial came along when Naomi Campbell gave evidence so giving the trial celebrity interest that had little to do with the legalities involved [1] .  Jurisdictions where cameras are not permitted in courts still can and do have accurate, informative and timely reports of cases, however high profile, without filming them. Courtroom sketches, written transcripts and other tools allow reportage without the use of original footage in a tawdry manner.  [1] Bowcott, Owen, ‘Charles Taylor and the ‘dirty-looking stones’ given to Naomi Campbell’, theguardian.com, 26 April 2012, televising, justice, entertainment, broadcasting, trials, court, Simpson trial, televised, high-profile, degenerating, freak show, ICC trials, celebrity interest, Naomi Campbell, legalities, court reporting, courtroom sketches, transcripts, filming, reportage televising, justice, entertainment, broadcasting, trials, court, high profile, televised trials, Simpson trial, degenerating, freak show, ICC trials, Naomi Campbell, celebrity interest, legalities, court reporting, cameras, courtroom sketches, transcripts, reportage, courtroom footage television, justice, entertainment, broadcasting, trials, court, Simpson trial, televised, high-profile, degenerating, freak show, ICC, SCSL, Charles Taylor, Naomi Campbell, celebrity interest, legalities, cameras, court reporting, courtroom sketches, transcripts, reportage, footage, tawdry televising, justice, entertainment, broadcasting, trials, court, high profile, Simpson trial, televised, degenerating, freak show, ICC, susceptibility, SCSL, Charles Taylor, Naomi Campbell, celebrity interest, legalities, court cameras, accurate reporting, courtroom sketches, transcripts, reportage, footage television, justice, entertainment, broadcasting, trials, court, Simpson trial, televised trials, high profile, ICC trials, SCSL, Charles Taylor, Naomi Campbell, celebrity interest, legalities, court reporting, courtroom sketches, transcripts, courtroom footage, media, legal transparency
test-health-dhghwapgd-con03a	"The product of a firm's intellectual endeavor is the property of that firm, and it deserves to profit from it  When a firm directs individuals to mix their labor with its capital or other resources, part of that firm's identity inheres in the product that arises from the effort. This is the origin of, and fundamental philosophical justification for, property rights. Property rights are an unquestioned mainstay of life in all developed countries, and are an essential prerequisite for stable markets to develop and function1. The law protects patent rights in much the same way as more conventional physical property, as well it should. Individuals and firms generating ideas and using their effort to produce an intangible good, such as a new drug formula, have a property right on those ideas and the products that arise from them. It is the effort to produce a real good, albeit an intangible one, that marks the difference between an idea in someone's head that he does not act up, and intellectual property that can be protected by a patent. Developing a new drug is a very intensive endeavor, taking time, energy, and usually a considerable amount of financial investment2. The cost of developing a new drug varies widely, from a low of $800 million to nearly $2 billion per drug and is rising3. People and firms deserve as a matter of principle to benefit from the products of the effort of creation. For this reason, stealing intellectual property, which developing generic drugs is, is the same as stealing an actual physical product. Each is a real thing, even if one can be touched while the other is intangible in a physical sense. As a matter of principle, property rights can be assigned to intangible assets like drug formulae, and in practice they are a necessity to many firms' financial survival.  1Fitzgerald, Brian and Anne Fitzgerald. 2004. Intellectual Property: In Principle. Melbourne: Lawbook Company. 2 Congressional Budget Office. 2006. Research and Development in the Pharmaceutical Industry"". The Congress of the United States. Available: 3 Masia, Neal, 2008, ""The Cost of Developing a New Drug"", Focus on Intellectual Property Rights, America.gov, Available: intellectual property, property rights, firm, innovation, patents, intangible assets, drug development, pharmaceutical industry, legal protection, intellectual endeavor, market stability, patent law, drug formula, R&D costs, pharmaceutical patents, economic value, creative effort, notion of ownership, legal framework, biological innovation intellectual property, property rights, firm, innovation, patent law, intangible assets, drug development, pharmaceutical industry, research and development, intellectual endeavor, legal protection, patent rights, drug formula, financial investment, economic incentives, market stability, asset protection, copyright, license, economic value property rights, intellectual property, patent law, intangible assets, innovation, pharmaceuticals, drug development, research and development, economic value, proprietary rights, legal protection, physical vs intangible property, investment, drug formulae, licensing, patent infringement, profit motive, intellectual endeavor, market stability, legal enforcement intellectual property, property rights, firm, innovation, patent law, intangible assets, drug development, pharmaceutical industry, research and development, intellectual endeavor, legal protection, market stability, patent rights, creative effort, drug formulae, cost of drug development, financial investment, generic drugs, property law, intangible goods intellectual property, property rights, patent law, intangible assets, innovation, drug development, pharmaceutical industry, research and development, intellectual endeavor, market stability, legal protection, patent rights, drug formula, economic investment, intellectual property theft, generic drugs, intangible goods, economic value, legal framework, asset protection"
test-economy-epegiahsc-con03a	"FTAA is bad for the environment.  Free trade creates a ""race to the bottom"", whereby developing countries lower their labor and environmental standards in an effort to attract foreign investment. Developed countries, which may have higher standards, are then forced to lower them as well in order to make sure companies don’t relocate or outsource their jobs abroad [1] .  [1] Hassoun, Nicole. “Free Trade and the Environment”. Environmental Ethics, Vol. 31. FTAA, environment, free trade, race to the bottom, developing countries, labor standards, environmental standards, foreign investment, outsourcing, job relocation,Developed countries, standards, environmental ethics, Nicole Hassoun FTAA, environment, free trade, race to the bottom, developing countries, labor standards, environmental standards, foreign investment, globalization, outsourcing, trade agreements, environmental impact, economic policies, Hassoun, environmental ethics FTAA, free trade, environmental standards, developing countries, labor standards, race to the bottom, foreign investment, outsourcing, environmental degradation, economic competition, environmental ethics, Nicole Hassoun FTAA, environment, free trade, race to the bottom, developing countries, labor standards, environmental standards, foreign investment, developed countries, standards reduction, outsourcing, economic competition, environmental ethics, Hassoun FTAA, environment, free trade, race to the bottom, developing countries, labor standards, environmental standards, foreign investment, developed countries, outsourcing, job relocation, environmental ethics"
test-health-dhpelhbass-pro02a	Those who are in the late stages of a terminal disease have a horrific future agead of them  The gradual decline of their body, the failure of their organs and the need for artificial support. In some cases, the illness will slowly destroy their minds, the essence of themselves; even if this is not the case, the huge amounts of medication required to ‘control’ their pain will often leave them in a delirious and incapable state. At least five percent of terminal pain cannot be controlled, even with the best care. Faced with this, it is surely more humane that those people be allowed to choose the manner of their own end, and have the assistance of a doctor to die with dignity. One particular account was of Sue Rodriguez who died slowly of Lou Gehrig's disease. She lived for several years with the knowledge that her muscles would, one by one, waste away until the day came when, fully conscious, she would choke to death. She begged the courts to reassure her that a doctor would be allowed to assist her in choosing the moment of death. They refused. Rodriguez did not accept the verdict and with the help of an anonymous physician committed suicide in February 1994. [1]  [1] Chris Docker, Cases in history, euthanasia.cc, 2000  (accessed 6/6/2011) terminal illness, end-of-life care, palliative care, euthanasia, assisted dying, dignity, pain management, medical ethics, legal rights, suicide, Lou Gehrig's disease, ALS, Sue Rodriguez, patient autonomy, end-of-life decision, physician aid-in-dying terminal illness, end-of-life care, euthanasia, assisted dying, palliative care, pain management, mental decline, organ failure, artificial support, dignity in death, euthanasia laws, Sue Rodriguez, Lou Gehrig's disease, ALS, physician-assisted suicide, legal issues, ethical considerations, patient autonomy, end-of-life decision, mortality, suffering, humane death terminal illness, end-of-life, palliative care, euthanasia, assisted suicide, patient autonomy, dignity in death, pain management, irreversible decline, neurological deterioration, Lou Gehrig's disease, ALS, Sue Rodriguez, euthanasia laws, ethical issues, medical ethics, quality of life, life support, physician-assisted death, consciousness, mental decline, medication, delirium, humane death, court decisions terminal illness, palliative care, euthanasia, assisted dying, end-of-life, pain management, mental decline, medical ethics, patient autonomy, dignity in death, Lou Gehrig's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, patient rights, physician-assisted suicide, legal issues, bioethics terminal illness, end-of-life, euthanasia, assisted dying, palliative care, pain management, quality of life, euthanasia laws, suicide, Lou Gehrig's disease, ALS, respiratory failure, dignity in death, medical ethics, end-of-life choices, patient autonomy, Sue Rodriguez, physician-assisted death, legal implications
test-politics-ypppdghwid-con02a	"Unilateral action is burdensome, and dangerous.  POINT  The motion suggests that a particular government is imposing democracy, but in fact it is far better to try and encourage democracy multilaterally. Multilateral assistance, like the UN Democracy Fund which seeks to ""strengthen the voice of civil society, promote human rights, and encourages the participation of all groups in the democratic process""1, is better, because it makes the support seem less political and colonial, and more honest. By using the international community to encourage democracy in a given country, we increase the chances of the people in that country respecting and supporting our attempts, rather than viewing them with suspicion2.  1 United Nations Democracy Fund, 'About UNDEF', 2010,  2 Doyle , Michael. ""Promoting Democracy is Not Imposing Democracy."" The Huffington Post. unilateral action, multilateral assistance, democracy promotion, international community, UN Democracy Fund, civil society, human rights, democratic process, political support, colonialism, legitimacy, diplomatic efforts, global cooperation, promoting democracy, sovereignty unilateral action, multilateral assistance, democracy promotion, international community, UN Democracy Fund, civil society, human rights, participatory democracy, colonialism, foreign aid, diplomatic support, legitimacy, sovereignty, global governance unilateral, multilateral, democracy, international community, UN Democracy Fund, civil society, human rights, participation, foreign aid, politics, colonialism, legitimacy, sovereignty, support, legitimacy, respect, suspicion unilateral, multilateral, democracy, international cooperation, civil society, human rights, democratic process, UN Democracy Fund, international community, political support, colonialism, legitimacy, diplomacy, sovereignty unilateral action, multilateral assistance, democracy promotion, international community, civil society, human rights, democratic process, UN Democracy Fund, legitimacy, colonialism, collaboration, diplomatic strategy, global governance, respect, support, sovereignty, foreign aid"
test-philosophy-elkosmj-con05a	The act of killing is emotionally damaging  To actually be involved in the death of another person is an incredibly traumatic experience. Soldiers coming back from war often suffer from ‘post-traumatic stress disorder’ which suggests that being in a situation in which you have to take another persons life has a long lasting impact on your mental health. This is also true for people who are not directly involved in the act of killing. For instance, the people who worked on developing the atomic bomb described an incredible guilt for what they had created even though they were not involved in the decision to drop the bombs. The same traumatic experiences would likely affect the person responsible for pulling the lever. killing, emotional damage, trauma, soldiers, post-traumatic stress disorder, mental health, taking life, war, guilt, atomic bomb, development, responsibility, traumatic experience killing, emotional damage, trauma, soldiers, war, post-traumatic stress disorder, mental health, violence, guilt, atomic bomb, responsibility, psychological impact, guilt, trauma in non-combatants killing, emotional damage, trauma, soldiers, post-traumatic stress disorder, mental health, involvement, death, warfare, atomic bomb, guilt, responsibility, psychological impact, emotional trauma, war trauma, moral injury, survivor's guilt killing, emotional damage, trauma, soldiers, post-traumatic stress disorder, mental health, violence, war, atomic bomb, guilt, moral impact, psychological trauma, responsibility, decision-making killing, emotional damage, trauma, soldiers, post-traumatic stress disorder, mental health, death, war, guilt, atomic bomb, responsibility, traumatic experiences
test-politics-dhwem-pro01a	PMCs are a valuable resource  PMCs are a flexible and efficient tool with which to fight 21st Century wars making them a necessity. Private contractors can be hired at short notice and used only when necessary. They can be used to carry out specific missions, to reinforce traditional troops where greater numbers are required or to protect other contractors whilst traditional troops carry out more lucrative missions. Additionally, most PMCs are non-combative but rather defensive, providing security for officials, supply trains etc. As a result they are viewed less as invaders or “the enemy” and more as peace-keepers. PMCs, private military contractors, 21st-century warfare, military outsourcing, military efficiency, private security, military missions, force reinforcement, protective services, non-combatant roles, peacekeeping, security providers, military flexibility, defense contractors, strategic support PMCs, private military contractors, 21st century warfare, military outsourcing, defense security, mission-specific operations, troop reinforcement, contractor employment, non-combative security, peacekeeping, military efficiency, flexible defense strategies PMCs, private military companies, military contractors, 21st-century warfare, military resource, flexible security, efficient tool, short-notice deployment, specialized missions, troop reinforcement, contractor protection, traditional troops, non-combative, defensive security, official protection, supply security, peacekeeping, security services, military logistics, conflict mitigation PMCs, private military contractors, war, 21st century, military resources, flexibility, efficiency, private security, military missions, military support, troop reinforcement, security, non-combatant, peacekeepers, defense, military strategy Private Military Companies, PMCs, military outsourcing, 21st century warfare, private contractors, military flexibility, security services, defense contractors, combat support, tactical missions, military logistics, non-combatants, peacekeeping, security personnel, military efficiency, defense industry
test-law-cppshbcjsfm-pro02a	Rehabilitation Has Greater Regard For the Offender  Rehabilitation has another important value – it recognises the reality of social inequity. To say that some offenders need help to be rehabilitated is to accept the idea that circumstances can constrain, if not compel, and lead to criminality; it admits that we can help unfortunate persons who have been overcome by their circumstance. It rejects the idea that individuals, regardless of their position in the social order, exercise equal freedom in deciding whether to commit a crime, and should be punished equally according to their offence, irrespective of their social backgrounds. Prisons are little more than schools of crime if there aren't any rehabilitation programs. Prisons isolate offenders from their families and friends so that when they are released their social networks tend to be made up largely of those whom they met in prison. As well as sharing ideas, prisoners may validate each others’ criminal activity. Employers are less willing to employ those who have been to prison. Such circumstances may reduce the options available to past offenders and make future criminal behaviour more likely. Rehabilitation becomes more difficult. In addition, rates of self-harm and abuse are alarmingly high within both men’s and women’s prisons. In 2006 alone, there were 11,503 attempts by women to self-harm in British prisons. [1] This suggests that imprisoning offenders unnecessarily is harmful both for the offenders themselves and for society as a whole.  [1] Women in Prison. Statistics. Retrieved August 4, 2011, from Women in Prison . rehabilitation, offenders, social inequity, criminality, social circumstances, punishment, prison systems, rehabilitation programs, social networks, recidivism, employment, reintegration, self-harm, prison statistics, prison environment, societal impact, criminal behavior, social justice, offender treatment, prison reform rehabilitation, offenders, social inequity, criminality, social circumstances, social background, punishment, prisons, rehabilitation programs, social networks, recidivism, employment, self-harm, prison conditions, societal impact, recidivism prevention rehabilitation, offenders, social inequity, criminality, social circumstances, social backgrounds, punishment, prisons, rehabilitation programs, social networks, recidivism, reintegration, employment, self-harm, prison conditions, social justice, criminal justice, punishment vs rehabilitation, prison reform, social inequality, recidivism prevention rehabilitation, offenders, social inequity, crime, social backgrounds, punishment, prisons, rehabilitation programs, social networks, criminal activity, employment, recidivism, self-harm, prison conditions, societal impact, criminal justice rehabilitation, offenders, social inequity, social circumstances, criminal behavior, punishment, prison system, recidivism, rehabilitation programs, social networks, social support, prison reform, criminal justice, reentry, social justice, recidivism rates, prison population, mental health, self-harm, prison conditions, societal impact
test-politics-eppghwlrba-pro01a	The only function of a gun is to kill  The only function of a gun is to kill. The more instruments of death and injury can be removed from our society, the safer it will be. In the U.S.A. death by gunshot has become the leading cause of death among some social groups; in particular for African-American males aged from 12 to 19 years old. [1] Quite simply, guns are lethal and the fewer people have them the better.  [1 ‘Study: Homicide leading cause of death among young black males, Jacksonville.com, 5 May 2010, gun control, firearm violence, gun-related deaths, youth homicide, African-American males, gun safety, firearm regulations, public safety, gun laws, homicide statistics, suicide and gun violence, gun accessibility, firearm restrictions, gun violence prevention, societal impact, lethal weapons gun violence, firearm injuries, gun control, firearm deaths, youth homicide, African-American males, firearm regulation, gun safety, gun-related mortality, violence prevention, homicide statistics, firearm legislation, public safety, urban violence, youth mortality gun safety, gun violence, firearm statistics, homicide rates, youth violence, African-American males, gun control, weapon injuries, firearm regulations, death rates, social impact of guns, shooting fatalities, youth homicide, public safety, crime prevention gun control, firearm deaths, gun violence, homicide, youth violence, African-American males, gun laws, firearm safety, lead cause of death, societal safety, gun availability, injury prevention, firearm regulation, public health, gun-related injuries gun violence, firearm safety, gun control, homicide, youth violence, African-American males, gun-related deaths, public safety, weapon regulation, societal impact, gun epidemic
test-digital-freedoms-piidfiphwu-pro02a	A graduated response will be an effective deterrent  Research has shown that consumers are likely to stop downloading from unauthorized sources when warned by their ISP. For example: Seven out of ten (72%) UK music consumers would stop illegally downloading if told to do so by their ISP, and 90 per cent of consumers would stop illegally file-sharing after two warnings from their ISP. [1]  This shows that the threat of a possible disconnection together with a friendly warning is enough to stop most consumers from downloading from illegal source. The reasoning behind it is simple: consumers can now download without a cost, a graduated response mechanism first raises awareness scaring off those who are only casually downloading out of convenience and then heightens the expected cost of infringement and thus makes it more likely consumers will use legal sources. [2] [1] IFPI, Digital Music Report 2009. 2009. URL for PDF:   [2] Olivier Bomsel and Heritania Ranaivoson, ‘Decreasing copyright enforcement costs: the scope of a graduated response’. 2009. Review of Economic Research on Copyright Issues, Volume 6(2), p. 13 – 29. URL for PDF: graduated response, deterrent, illegal downloading, unauthorized sources, ISP warning, consumer behavior, file-sharing, digital rights management, copyright enforcement, infringement costs, awareness, legal sources, disconnection threat, economic impact, copyright policy graduated response, deterrent, ISP warnings, illegal downloading, unauthorized sources, file-sharing, consumer behavior, copyright enforcement, disconnection, awareness, infringement costs, legal sources, digital music, copyright issues graduated response, deterrent, unauthorized sources, ISP warning, illegal downloading, file-sharing, consumer behavior, copyright enforcement, digital music, infringement, legal sources, disconnection, awareness, enforcement costs graduated response, deterrent, copyright enforcement, illegal downloading, unauthorized sources, ISP warning, consumer behavior, file-sharing, digital rights management, infringement costs, legal sources, copyright compliance, music industry, policy, enforcement mechanism, consumer awareness graduated response, deterrent, unauthorized downloads, ISP warnings, consumer behavior, illegal file-sharing, disconnection threat, awareness, legal sources, copyright enforcement, cost reduction, infringement, digital music, economic research
test-environment-chbwtlgcc-con01a	Carbon Trading Schemes  The EU ETS is an example of a viable carbon market, it covers thirty countries from the EU as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Countries within the ETS are using market mechanisms to force domestic emitters to meet national caps as the amount of allowances reduces over time emissions fall. In 2020 under the ETS emissions will be 21% lower than in 2005 1. The IPCC report contains recommendations for how emissions can be abated through the simultaneous application of numerous small reductions and the implementation of abatement technologies and this is exactly what schemes like the ETS encourage. Part of the reason that the ETS is successful is that it is ensuring an even playing field between countries by (more or less) applying its rules equally across borders and industries.2  1. European Trading System, 2010  2. European Commission Climate Action, 'Emissions Trading System' carbon trading, EU ETS, EU Emissions Trading System, cap-and-trade, carbon market, emissions reduction, allowances, market mechanisms, abatement technologies, international cooperation, climate policy, emissions targets, environmental regulation, market efficiency, cross-border trading, carbon pricing, climate change mitigation, greenhouse gas reductions, policy incentives, sustainability carbon trading, EU ETS, carbon market, emission allowances, market mechanisms, emission reduction, national caps, abatement technologies, international carbon trading, climate policy, emission targets, cap-and-trade, greenhouse gases, environmental regulations, European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, emissions reduction, climate change mitigation, EU climate policy carbon trading, EU ETS, carbon market, emissions allowances, market mechanisms, national caps, emission reductions, abatement technologies, international cooperation, climate policy, cap-and-trade, emissions reduction, EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, environmental regulation, carbon emissions, market efficiency, climate targets, IPCC recommendations carbon trading, EU ETS, carbon market, emissions trading, market mechanisms, allowances, national caps, emission reductions, abatement technologies, international cooperation, environmental policy, climate change mitigation, cross-border regulation, emissions decrease, cap-and-trade, climate agreements carbon trading, EU ETS, carbon market, European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, market mechanisms, emissions reduction, national caps, allowances, emissions, abatement technologies, small reductions, carbon schemes, international climate policy, trading system, environmental regulation, cross-border cooperation, industry standards, climate change mitigation
test-international-iiahwagit-pro04a	Poaching is linked to terrorism  Stronger protection of animals should be implemented to reduce the funding for terrorist groups. Certain terrorist organisations use the illegal ivory and horn trade as funding for their operations. Al-Shabaab, the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), and the Sudanese Janjaweed all use the illicit trade as a source of income, with the former using the trade for 40% of its expenditure. [1] This enables them to carry out attacks such as the 2013 Westgate siege in Kenya. [2] Tougher protection of endangered animals would reduce the ability of these groups to fund themselves. In turn, this would decrease their operational capability, increasing stability in Africa.  [1] Stewart, C. ‘Illegal ivory trade funds al-shabaab’s terrorist attacks’  [2] Tackett,C. ‘How elephant poaching helped fund Kenya terrorist attack’ poaching, terrorism, animal protection, illegal ivory trade, illicit horn trade, terrorist funding, Al-Shabaab, Lord’s Resistance Army, Sudanese Janjaweed, wildlife trafficking, criminal networks, Africa stability, endangered species, wildlife crime, illegal wildlife trade, terrorism financing, Westgate siege, Kenya, anti-poaching, conservation, security, environmental protection, illegal wildlife operations poaching, terrorism, wildlife protection, illegal ivory, illegal rhino horn, funding, terrorist groups, Al-Shabaab, Lord’s Resistance Army, Sudanese Janjaweed, illegal wildlife trade, armed conflict, wildlife conservation, anti-poaching, wildlife crime, Africa, terrorism financing, stability, attacks, Westgate siege, insurgency poaching, terrorism, animal protection, illegal ivory, illegal horn trade, terrorist funding, Al-Shabaab, Lord's Resistance Army, Janjaweed, Africa stability, wildlife crime, endangered species, illegal trade, terrorist organizations, Westgate siege, Kenya, animal conservation, anti-poaching, wildlife trafficking, illegal poaching, wildlife terrorism poaching, terrorism, animal protection, illegal ivory trade, horns, funding, terrorist groups, Al-Shabaab, LRA, J command, Sudanese Janjaweed, illicit trade, attack, Westgate siege, Kenya, endangered animals, operational capability, stability, Africa poaching,terrorism,animal protection,illegal ivory,horn trade,terrorist funding,Al-Shabaab,LRA,Janjuweed,illegal trade,animal protection,terrorism funding,stability in Africa,Westgate siege,illegal wildlife trade,animal conservation,terrorist organizations,Kenya,extinction,crime prevention,illegal trafficking
test-international-atiahblit-con04a	The MDG is the barrier  Significant progress has been made in meeting the MDG in Africa, therefore criticism needs to be raised on the MDG themselves. The MDG are unrealistic, unfair, and the benchmarks set fail to acknowledge progress made (Easterly, 2009).  The barrier to achieving universal education is not a lack of investment, rather inappropriate targets. MDG, barriers, progress, Africa, criticism, unrealistic, unfair, benchmarks, investment, targets, universal education MDG, barriers, progress, Africa, criticism, unrealistic, unfair, benchmarks, achievements, Easterly, 2009, universal education, investment, targets MDG, barriers, progress, Africa, criticism, unrealistic, unfair, benchmarks, Easterly, 2009, universal education, investment, targets MDG, progress, Africa, criticism, unrealistic, unfair, benchmarks, investment, universal education, targets, Easterly, 2009 MDG, Millennium Development Goals, Africa, progress, criticism, unrealistic, unfair, benchmarks, achievements, Easterly, barriers, universal education, investments, targets
test-law-cplglghwbhwd-con03a	The DC Handgun ban is inconsistent with other legislation in the U.S.  A change in legislation in DC that is markedly different from everywhere else in the U.S. is harmful. Whilst the constitution might be amended to give a specific change for DC, the rest of the U.S. will still be able to bear arms. The point of the American constitution is that it is meant to give an even field to all citizens under the law. Minor differences between people within different states is acceptable; owing to specific needs of specific states and all state legislation must be proved to be constitutional anyway. This difference is specifically problematic because of the nature of its interactions with both the constitution and the law.  This change is harmful because the state is dependent upon consistency within the law and perception of the law as being a fair mechanism for all people. Large inconsistencies within the law should not be tolerated as such inconsistencies often bring into debate the legitimacy of the state’s legal code. This is problematic as such debates and inconsistencies can lead to confusion about the reach of the law as well as doubt in the legitimacy of the law. The law is dependent upon citizens understanding and subscribing to the legal code, otherwise legal systems might suffer from problems such as people simply not reporting crime to the police owing to their doubt in the legal system and its ability to protect them, or otherwise law abiding citizens from other areas of the country inadvertently breaking the law by bringing guns into D.C. DC handgun ban, legislation inconsistency, U.S. constitution, civil rights, gun laws, legal uniformity, constitutional amendments, states' rights, legal legitimacy, law perception, legal system, citizen trust, law enforcement, criminal justice, legal debate, legislative disparities, constitutional rights, gun control, legal clarity, legal coherence DC handgun ban, legislation inconsistency, U.S. Constitution, legal uniformity, legal legitimacy, state law differences, constitutional rights, gun laws, legal system trust, citizens understanding law, legal coherence, state versus federal law, firearm regulation, legal debate, law enforcement, legal perceptions, constitutional amendments, citizens' rights, law enforcement legitimacy, legal rights, state independence DC, handgun ban, legislation, U.S. Constitution, legal consistency, state sovereignty, legal legitimacy, citizens rights, firearm law, constitutional amendments, legal perception, law enforcement, legal system, citizen trust, legal debates, legal disparities, law compliance, legal interpretation, public safety, gun control DC handgun ban, legislation, U.S. constitution, firearms law, legal consistency, constitutional rights, state laws, legal legitimacy, gun control, legal perception, law enforcement, citizens rights, legal system trust, legal debate, legal disparities, state independence, federal vs state law, firearm regulation, lawful behavior, citizens perception DC, handgun ban, legislation, U.S., constitutional amendments, legal consistency, legal legitimacy, state laws, constitutional law, legal perception, firearm regulation, legal system, citizen understanding, law enforcement, legal debate, legal compliance, legal divergence, law legitimacy, legal uniformity, firearm laws
test-politics-cdmaggpdgdf-con04a	Transparency can lead to conflict  The idea that transparency is good assumes that the people watching the government be transparent are likely to provide a moderating influence on policy. This is not always the case. Instead transparency can lead to more conflict.  First a nationalist population may force the government into taking more action than it wants. One obvious way to quiet such sentiment is to show that the country is not ready for war; something that may not be possible if being transparent. Instead if it is transparent that the military could win then there is nothing to stop a march to war. It then becomes possible for multiple interest groups to form into coalitions each with differing reasons for conflict trading off with each other resulting in overstretch and conflict. [1]  Secondly when there is a rapidly changing balance of power then transparency for the rising power may not be a good thing. Instead as Deng Xiaoping advised they should “Hide your strength, bide your time”. [2] Showing in the open how your military is expanding may simply force action from the current dominant power. Transparency, combined with domestic media worrying about the other’s build up can make the other side seem more and more of a threat that must be dealt with before it can get any more powerful. It is quite a common international relations theory that one way or another relative power and the quest for hegemony is the cause for war, [3] transparency simply encourages this. William C. Wohlforth points out when studying the cause of the First World War that it is perception of relative power that matters. Germany’s leaders believed it had to strike before it out of time as a result of Russia rapidly industrialising. [4] Transparency unfortunately reduces the ability of the government to manage perception.  [1] Snyder, Jack, Myths of Empire, Cornell University Press, 1991, p.17  [2] Allison, Graham, and Blackwill, Robert D., ‘Will China Ever Be No.1?’, YakeGlobal, 20 February 2013  [3] Kaplan, Robert D., ‘Why John J. Mearsheimer Is Right (About Some Things)’, The Atlantic, 20 December 2011  [4] Wohlforth, William C., ‘The Perception of Power: Russia in the Pre-1914 Balance’, World Politics, Vol.39, No.3, (April 1987), pp.353-381, p.362 transparency, conflict, government, public perception, nationalism, war, military, power balance, international relations, perception of power, hegemony, security dilemma, military expansion, regime stability, media influence, escalation, perception management, diplomacy, strategic deception, deterrence, information asymmetry transparency, conflict, government, public perception, nationalism, war, military, power, international relations, diplomacy, interest groups, coalition, overextension, power balance, Deng Xiaoping, concealment, military expansion, media, threat perception, hegemonic rivalry, perception, relative power, war causation, WWI, industrialization, perception management transparency, conflict, government, nationalism, war, military, interest groups, coalitions, power dynamics, international relations, perception, hegemony, war causation, rapid power change, media influence, power projection, perception management, military expansion, relative power, industrialization, deterrence, strategic deception transparency, conflict, government, public perception, nationalism, war, military, power balance, international relations, diplomacy, media, threat perception, hegemony, military expansion, threat escalation, perception management, power dynamics, war triggers, national interest, security studies transparency, conflict, government, public perception, nationalism, war, military, interest groups, coalition, imbalance of power, strategic deception, hidden strength, international relations, power dynamics, hegemony, perception, security, media, military expansion, threat perception, power projection, industrialization, rivalry, pre-war, war causation, perception management
test-politics-lghwdecm-pro03a	Elected Mayors would attract the best candidates to run for office.  Elected mayors would allow talented individuals to make a difference, regardless of their party affiliation. The present system rewards long-serving and loyal party hacks rather than innovative managers, thinkers and leaders; polls show that the public think councillors put party politics above the needs of their community. Those who are most talented who are elected are simply using the council as a stepping stone for running for national office. If mayors were directly elected, local parties would have to find dynamic candidates with a proven ability to solve problems and manage big organisations, or risk such candidates running and winning as independents. This has already been shown to be the case in London where Ken Livingstone (who initially became Mayor as an independent) and Boris Johnson, both established and well known politicians, ran for Mayor, and in Birmingham where Lam Byrne, formally no.2 at the treasury, has expressed an interest in running. [1]  [1] BBC News, ‘Labour’s Liam Byrne wants to run for Birmingham mayor’, 30 March 2012. elected mayors, candidate attraction, electoral reform, political system, party loyalty, innovative leaders, community needs, politician motivation, city governance, independent candidates, mayoral elections, London mayor, Birmingham mayor, political parties, problem-solving, organization management, political careers, local governance elected mayors, candidate attraction, leadership, political reform, local governance, mayoral elections, independent candidates, political parties, community needs, electoral system, problem-solving, organizational management, London Mayor, Birmingham mayor, Ken Livingstone, Boris Johnson, Lam Byrne, political accountability, candidate quality, electoral competition mayors, elected mayors, political candidates, local government, governance, political reform, candidate selection, party politics, independent candidates, political accountability, civic leadership, electoral systems, political talent, public participation, problem-solving, political competition, political innovation elected mayors, candidate attraction, political system, party loyalty, community needs, talented candidates, independent candidates, local politics, problem-solving, organizational management, political accountability, mayoral elections, London mayor, Birmingham mayor, political independence, mayoral candidates, leadership qualities, political reform, local governance, electoral system elected mayors, candidates, office, talented individuals, party affiliation, system, party hacks, managers, thinkers, leaders, poll surveys, community needs, political parties, independent candidates, problem-solving, organizational management, London mayor, Ken Livingstone, Boris Johnson, Birmingham mayor, Lam Byrne, political careers, local government, electoral reform
test-politics-grcrgshwbr-con02a	Religious symbols are personal, therefore, they should not matter to others.  At the end of the day, the wearing of religious symbols is the choice of the individual. Many have considered intervention in the practice of religion and symbolism as an intrusion into privacy and individuality. The recent bans on the full Muslim veil, particularly in Belgium, have been criticised for causing those who feel they have an obligation to wear it to be ostracised and forced to be confined within their own home.1  1 'Belgian ban on full veils comes into force', BBC News Europe, 23rd July 2011 , accessed on 23rd July 2011 religious symbols, personal choice, religious privacy, religious expression, cultural symbols, religious freedom, veil ban, Muslim veil, Belgium, religious rights, individual freedom, religious discrimination, privacy rights, religious attire, social ostracism, religious practices, religious identity, social exclusion religious symbols, personal choice, religious freedom, privacy, individuality, religious attire, Muslim veil, bans, Belgium, religious freedom restrictions, social ostracism, cultural diversity, human rights religious symbols, personal rights, individual choice, religious expression, privacy, religious attire, Muslim veil, ban, Belgium, discrimination, cultural freedom, religious freedom, social inclusion, minority rights religious symbols, personal expression, religious freedom, privacy, individuality, religious attire, Muslim veil, ban, Belgium, discrimination, cultural identity, social integration, religious rights, human rights, social exclusion religious symbols, personal rights, individual choice, religious expression, privacy rights, religious freedom, religious attire, Muslim veil, full veil ban, Belgium, social exclusion, cultural identity, religious regulation, human rights, religious autonomy
test-law-rmelhrilhbiw-pro01a	The Settlements are illegal, and demonstrate the impotence of the international community  The Settlements, constructed on land that is neither recognizably Israel’s nor which Israel has even claimed to annex are illegal, encroaching on the territory of a future Palestinian state.  It is absurd for the international community to demand the creation of a Palestinian state in the West Bank, and yet allow Israel to establish its population on that land in settlements that view themselves and are viewed by Israel as Israeli territory. [1]  Furthermore, their continued expansion is something that each and every Palestinian can see every day. As a result, the continued expansion both: 1. Destroys Palestinian confidence in the ability and willingness of the International community to enforce its own promises, especially after repeated American and European promises to stop their construction.  2. Convinces Palestinian opinion that the negotiating process is an Israeli game to buy time until they have changed the facts on the ground.  As a consequence of these two factors, the continued expansion of settlements has an impact in driving Palestinians towards violent resistance even beyond the direct impact of the settlement construction by undermining their faith in International Law, and by adding a sense of urgency to their grievances.  [1] MacIntyre, Donald, ‘The Big Question: What are Israeli settlements, and why are they coming under pressure?’, the Independent, 29 May 2009, Israeli settlements, illegal settlements, Palestinian land, West Bank, international community, Israeli territory, settlement expansion, Palestinian state, land annexation, territorial disputes, international law, peace process, Palestinian confidence, Israeli-Palestinian conflict, resistance, land sovereignty, negotiations, US European promises, ground realities Israeli settlements, illegal settlements, Palestinian land, West Bank, international community, territorial sovereignty, Israeli annexation, settlement expansion, Palestinian state, conflict, international law, peace process, resistance, diplomacy, Israeli-Palestinian conflict, political tensions, land rights, sovereignty disputes, foreign promises, violence, negotiations Israeli settlements, illegal settlements, international law, Palestinian territory, West Bank, land annexation, settlement expansion, Palestinian state, Israeli occupation, international community, peace process, land rights, conflict, violence, resistance, diplomacy, promises, sovereignty, territorial disputes, European Union, United States, MacIntyre, Donald, the Independent Israeli settlements, illegal settlements, international community, Palestinian state, West Bank, land claims, annexation, territory, settlement expansion, Palestinian confidence, international law, peace process, negotiations, violence, resistance, land disputes, Euro-American promises, ground reality, conflict, Israeli-Palestinian, land sovereignty Israeli settlements, legality, international community, Palestinian land, West Bank, land annexation, settlement expansion, Palestinian state, territory encroachment, international law, peace process, negotiations, violence, resistance, political conflict, Israeli-Palestinian conflict, American promises, European promises, ground facts, trust erosion, sovereignty, land rights, peace negotiations, Israeli policies, Palestinian grievances
test-politics-glgvhbqssc-con01a	"Quebec would not be able to be economically viable on its own.  Quebec independence simply will not work because Quebec would not be financially viable as an independent economy.  Quebec has been financially dependent on the rest of Canada for years [1] specifically being dependent on “have” provinces such as Alberta to prop-up its economy as a “have-not” provinces through equalization payments [2] . Moreover, all financial indicators point to the situation staying as it is or worsening, with no signs of improvement in the economy visible [3] .  If Quebec were to gain independence, it simply would not be able to sustain itself as an independent country. Quality of life would necessarily have to drop for all those living in Quebec and the economy would only crash further as confidence in it would dwindle once you remove the credibility the support of the Canadian government and economy that currently gives it.  Therefore, Quebec should not secede from Canada as it would only serve to harm their economy and the livelihoods of the people they supposedly are there to protect.  [1] Van Praet, Nicolas. ""No progress in Quebec prosperity: report."" Financial Post 30 Aug 2011, n. pag. Web. 1 Dec. 2011. <  .  [2] Van Praet, Nicolas. ""No progress in Quebec prosperity: report."" Financial Post 30 Aug 2011, n. pag. Web. 1 Dec. 2011. <  .  [3] Van Praet, Nicolas. ""No progress in Quebec prosperity: report."" Financial Post 30 Aug 2011, n. pag. Web. 1 Dec. 2011. <  . Quebec, independence, economic viability, Canadian economy, financial dependence, equalization payments, have-not provinces, Alberta, economic indicators, economic decline, quality of life, economic sustainability, confidence, government support, secession, economic impact, livelihoods, Prosperity report, financial post, Nicolas Van Praet Quebec, economic viability, independence, Canadian economy, financial dependence, equalization payments, have provinces, have-not provinces, economic indicators, economic decline, quality of life, economic sustainability, confidence, government support, secession, economic impact, livelihoods, fiscal dependency, Alberta, economic reports Quebec, independence, economic viability, Canada, financial dependency, equalization payments, have provinces, economic indicators, economic stability, quality of life, economic collapse, confidence, Canadian government, economy, secession, prosperity, report Quebec, independence, economic viability, Canada, dependence, equalization payments, financial indicators, economy, sovereignty, quality of life, economic support, Canadian government, prosperity, secession, economic stability, Livelihoods, revenue sharing, fiscal policy, provincial dependence, economic sustainability Quebec, independence, economic viability, financial dependence, Canada, equalization payments, ""have"" provinces, Alberta, economic indicators, economic outlook, fiscal sustainability, quality of life, economic crash, confidence, Canadian government, economy, secession, prosperity, livelihoods, report, Nicolas Van Praet"
test-economy-egecegphw-pro01a	Heathrow is full; it must expand  Put simply Heathrow is at the limits of its capacity so there needs to be expansion. Heathrow is already at 99% capacity and running so close to maximum capacity means that any minor problem can result in large delays for passengers. London’s major rivals have four-runway hub airports Paris, Frankfurt, even Madrid [1] this means these cities have much greater capacity as they can take up to 700,000 flights a year compared to Heathrow’s 480,000. [2] Britain does not want to be left behind, crumbling in the dust. These airports therefore clearly have the capacity to take flights that would otherwise be going to Heathrow. Heathrow needs to expand to maintain its competitiveness so that the airport retains its position the most popular place to stop-over in before catching a connecting flight. Colin Matthews, the chief executive of Heathrow (formerly BAA) has argued that Heathrow’s lack of hub capacity currently costs the UK £14billion. [3] Heathrow is in danger of falling behind continental rivals in Frankfurt and Amsterdam.  [1] Leunig, T., ‘A third runway? Yes, and a fourth too, please’ The Times, 2012,   [2] Lundgren, Kari, “Heathrow Limit Costs U.K. 14 Billion Pounds, Airport Says”, Bloomberg, 15 November 2012,   [3] Topham, Gwyn., ‘Heathrow must be expanded or replaced, airport chief announces’ The Guardian, 15 November 2012, Heathrow, airport capacity, expansion, runway, three-runway, four-runway, hub airports, London airports, flight volume, passenger delays, competitiveness, rival airports, Paris, Frankfurt, Madrid, Amsterdam, annual flights, capacity comparison, UK economy, airline congestion, infrastructure, transportation, airport development, aviation industry, delays, economic cost, airport management, airline hubs Heathrow, airport capacity, expansion, runways, congestion, delays, rival airports, Paris, Frankfurt, Madrid, flights, traffic, competitiveness, economic cost, UK economy, hub airport, aircraft traffic, airport development, infrastructure, aviation industry, global competitiveness Heathrow, airport expansion, capacity, runway, flights, delays, competition, London airports, Paris, Frankfurt, Madrid, airline traffic, hub airports, UK economy, infrastructure, airport capacity, international competitiveness, aviation, passenger flow, economic impact, airport growth Heathrow, airport expansion, capacity limit, runway capacity, flight volume, airport competitiveness, aviation infrastructure, UK transportation, international airports, passenger delays, hub airports, rival airports, airport cost, economic impact, airport congestion Heathrow, airport capacity, expansion, runway, flights, delays, London, rival airports, Paris, Frankfurt, Madrid, passenger volume, hub airport, competitiveness, connecting flights, economic impact, UK economy, infrastructure, third runway, fourth runway, airport development, international rivals, aviation industry, transport infrastructure, airport expansion costs
test-law-tahglcphsld-pro07a	Legal drugs would increase tax revenue  In 2009-2010, the tax revenue from tobacco in the UK was £10.5 billion. [1] If the state legalizes drugs, it can tax them and use the revenue from this practise to fund treatment. At the moment such treatment is difficult to justify as it appears to be spending ordinary taxpayers’ money on junkies.  [1] Tobacco Manufacturers’ Association, ‘Tax Revenue From Tobacco’, accessed 16th June 2011 - legal drugs, tax revenue, drug legalization, UK, tobacco tax, government revenue, drug policy, healthcare funding, substance abuse treatment, public health, taxation, drug economy, drug regulation, illegal drugs, revenue generation legal drugs, tax revenue, 2009-2010, UK, tobacco tax, drug legalization, government revenue, treatment funding, drug policy, taxation, public health, drug abuse, addiction treatment, economic impact, government funding legal drugs, tax revenue, drug legalization, UK, tobacco tax, 2009-2010, government revenue, drug taxation, public health funding, addiction treatment, drug policies, revenue from drugs, treatment funding legal drugs, tax revenue, drug legalization, UK, tobacco tax, 2009-2010, government funding, drug treatment, public health, tax policy, substance regulation, revenue generation, drug sales taxation, drug policy impact, social costs, economic benefits legal drugs, tax revenue, drug legalization, UK, tobacco tax, government funding, drug treatment, public health, substance taxation, tax policy, drug policy, addiction treatment, revenue generation, drug regulation
test-digital-freedoms-dfiphbgs-con01a	Open source software is more expensive for governments in the long run.  Open source software is often confused with free software; in fact, it is usually provided at some cost to the user. More importantly, if a Microsoft product fails, a government IT department knows that it can rely on a patch or technical support. Whereas, with open source software, they are left waiting on a community to get round to tackling the problem. This has meant that governments which choose open source software have had to pay for expensive support packages, which makes the total cost of the IT solution similar to that of the closed source software. This has been to the advantage of major consultancy firms, which are often chosen to put together IT solutions and who can make more money from pushing expensive support contracts than on upfront costs for software.  In the rush to find the software with the cheapest sticker price, there is a risk that governments will end up paying more overall for open software that lacks the accessibility and features of the closed source alternatives. open source software, government IT costs, free software, technical support, community support, support packages, total cost of ownership, consultancy firms, support contracts, software accessibility, software features, closed source alternatives open source software, government costs, long-term expenses, free software, paid support, technical support, community development, support packages, total cost, closed source software, consultancy firms, support contracts, upfront costs, software accessibility, software features open source software, government IT costs, open source vs proprietary, free software misconception, support costs, technical support, community-driven development, software reliability, support packages, total cost of ownership, consultancy firms, support contracts, software accessibility, software features, cost analysis open source software, government IT costs, free software, technical support, community support, support packages, total cost of ownership, consultancy firms, support contracts, software accessibility, closed source alternatives, software features open source software, government, cost, long-term expenses, free software, technical support, community support, support packages, total cost, closed source software, consultancy firms, support contracts, upfront costs, software accessibility, software features
test-health-dhghwapgd-con04a	"Robust drug patent laws incentivize investment of time and money in developing new products  When a real chance of profit exists in the development of a new product or drug, people and firms put the effort into developing and creating them. The incentive to profit drives a great deal of people's intellectual endeavors. Research and development, for example, forms a major part of industries' investment, as they seek to create new products and inventions that will benefit consumers, and thus society as a whole. Research and development is extremely costly, however. The US pharmaceutical industry alone spends tens of billions of dollars every year on researching new drugs1. The fear of theft, or of lack of profit stemming from such research, will serve as a powerful disincentive to investment. Without the protection of patents, new drugs lose much of their value, since a second-comer on the field can simply take the formula and develop the same product without the heavy costs of research involved, leaving the innovative company worse off than its copycat competitor. This will lead to far less innovation, and will hamper companies currently geared toward innovative and progressive products. Patent protection is particularly important to companies with high fixed costs and low marginal costs, such as pharmaceutical firms. Without the guarantee of ownership over intellectual products, the incentive to invest in their development is diminished as they will not be guaranteed a payback for their research costs as a competitor could simply take the product off them. Within a robust patents system, firms compete to produce the best product for patenting and licensing that will give them a higher market share and allow them to reap high profits. These incentives lead firms to ""invent around"" one another's patents, leading to gradual improvements in drugs and treatments, benefiting all consumers2. Without patents the drugs companies are trapped in a kind of prisoners' dilemma where both are individually better off by refusing to innovate, yet both suffer if neither innovates. Patents are the solution to this: if a company innovates, it alone can reap the rewards of the new invention3. In the absence of patent protection there is no incentive to develop new drugs, meaning in the long run more people will suffer from diseases and ailments that might have been cured were it profitable to invest in developing them. Clearly, patent protection is essential for a dynamic, progressive pharmaceutical industry.  1 Congressional Budget Office. 2006. Research and Development in the Pharmaceutical Industry"". The Congress of the United States. Available: 2 Nicol, Dianne and Jane Nielsen. 2003. ""Patents and Medical Biotechnology: Empirical Analysis of Issues Facing the Australian Industry"". Center for Law and Genetics Occasional Paper 6. Available: 3 Yale Law & Technology. 2011, ""Patents: Essential, if flawed"", Available: drug patents, innovation incentives, research and development, pharmaceutical industry, intellectual property, profit motive, product development, patent protection, market competition, drug formulation, licensing, invention, patent system, innovation diffusion, market share, technological progress, patent infringement, investment protection, pharmaceutical research costs, drug discovery, patent law, competitive advantage drug patents, pharmaceutical innovation, research and development, intellectual property, patent protection, investment incentives, drug development, market share, licensing, competitive advantage, innovation, profits, fixed costs, marginal costs, drug formula, intellectual property rights, market competition, invention, patent system, drug improvement, consumer benefits, prisoners' dilemma, pharmaceutical industry, healthcare, disease treatment, research costs, copycat competitors patents, drug development, research and development, pharmaceutical industry, innovation, intellectual property, investment incentives, profit motive, product protection, market competition, licensing, patent system, incremental innovation, prisoners' dilemma, patent law, technological progress, drug formulas, market share, high fixed costs, low marginal costs, copycat competition, research costs, patent infringement, economic incentives drug patents, innovation, research and development, pharmaceutical industry, intellectual property, incentives, profit motive, investment, market share, licensing, competition, drug formulation, patent protection, high fixed costs, low marginal costs, technological progress, patent system, monopoly rights, drug development, biomedical research, copyright law, patent infringement, drug discovery, market incentives, intellectual property rights, pharmacology, innovation incentives, pharmaceutical research, competitive advantage drug patents, innovation, research and development, pharmaceutical industry, intellectual property, patent protection, investment incentives, market competition, technological progress, drug development, pharmaceutical research, patent laws, market dynamics, product licensing, incentives for innovation, high fixed costs, low marginal costs, invention, patent system, competitive advantage, incremental innovation, drug formulations, patent infringement, monopoly rights, economic incentives, industry growth, protection laws, research costs, technological advancement"
test-economy-epegiahsc-con02a	The FTAA is bad for South American Agriculture.  During the FTAA negotiations, the US has consistently refused to eliminate subsidies for American farmers [1] . Because of subsidies, great agricultural surpluses are produced that are then sold on developing markets at prices lower than the cost of production. Farmers in places like Brazil or Argentina, who are much more efficient in their process of production but do not benefit from subsidies, could not compete with these low priced imports, either locally or on the American market. Farmers would soon go out of business.  [1] Marquis, Christopher. “Panama Challenges Miami as Free Trade Headquarters.” New York Times. 11 November 2003. www.nytimes.com/2003/11/11/world/panama-challenges-miami-as-free-trade-h... FTAA, South American agriculture, US subsidies, agricultural surpluses, developing markets, low priced imports, Brazil, Argentina, farmer competitiveness, trade agreements, free trade negotiations, agricultural production, price dumping, agricultural efficiency, international trade policies, market competition FTAA, South American agriculture, US subsidies, agricultural surpluses, developing markets, low priced imports, Brazil, Argentina, farmers' competition, free trade negotiations, agricultural trade policies, trade imbalance, subsidies impact, agricultural economy, international trade, trade barriers FTAA, South American agriculture, US subsidies, agricultural surpluses, developing markets, low-priced imports, farming competition, Brazil, Argentina, agricultural efficiency, trade negotiations, free trade agreements, international trade, agricultural subsidies, effects of trade policies FTAA, South American agriculture, US subsidies, agricultural surpluses, developing markets, low priced imports, Brazilian farmers, Argentine farmers, agricultural competitiveness, trade unfairness, agricultural policies, free trade negotiations, subsidies impact, international trade, fair trade, agricultural efficiency FTAA, South American agriculture, US subsidies, agricultural surpluses, developing markets, crop prices, Brazilian farmers, Argentine farmers, competition, trade policy, agricultural efficiency, low-cost imports, farmers' viability, free trade agreements, international trade, trade barriers
test-health-dhpelhbass-pro03a	"Suicide is a lonely, desperate act, carried out in secrecy and often as a cry for help  The impact on the family who remain can be catastrophic. Often because they were unaware of how their loved one was feeling. Suicide cases such as Megan Meier, an American teenager who committed suicide by hanging herself in 2006, [1] as the parents have to launch police investigations into why their child might have felt so desperate. By legalising assisted suicide, the process can be brought out into the open. In some cases, families might have been unaware of the true feelings of their loved one; being forced to confront the issue of their illness may do great good, perhaps even allowing them to persuade the patient not to end their life. In other cases, it makes them part of the process: they can understand the reasons behind their decision without feelings of guilt and recrimination, and the terminally ill patient can speak openly to them about their feelings before their death.  [1] Wikipedia, ""Suicide of Megan Meier"", en.wikipedia.org,  (accessed 6/6/2011) suicide, mental health, emotional distress, secrecy, family impact, grief, assistive dying, legalisation, open dialogue, communication, mental illness, teen suicide, Megan Meier, police investigations, guilt, reconciliation, terminal illness, psychological support, prevention, awareness suicide, loneliness, desperation, secrecy, cry for help, family impact, awareness, Megan Meier, teenage suicide, legalising assisted suicide, open process, emotional confrontation, mental health, illness, guilt, reconciliation, patient-family communication, terminal illness suicide, mental health, depression, loneliness, secrecy, cry for help, family impact, grief, awareness, assisted suicide, open conversation, communication, emotional support, mental illness, teenage suicide, Megan Meier, police investigation, suicide prevention, end-of-life decisions, guilt, reconciliation, terminal illness, emotional understanding, open dialogue, mental health awareness suicide, loneliness, secrecy, cry for help, family impact, awareness, Megan Meier, teen suicide, hanging, police investigation, assisted suicide, open process, mental health, emotional support, guilt, reconciliation, terminal illness, communication, psychological distress, prevention, awareness campaigns suicide, loneliness, desperation, secrecy, cry for help, family impact, awareness, Megan Meier, teenager, hanging, police investigation, assisted suicide, openness, family understanding, emotional support, mental health, patient feelings, terminal illness, guilt, open communication, emotional well-being, legalisation"
test-politics-ypppdghwid-con01a	"Democracy by its very nature cannot be imposed.  Democratic government is not only government for the people, but also government by and of the people. A foreign-imposed government is not a government established by the people which it rules, meaning that it lacks the legitimacy necessary to claim democratic status. It is wrong to force a government upon people, and imposers of 'democracy' do just that. This is exacerbated by the fact that foreign-imposed democracies often have a great deal of trouble governing themselves independently (like the Iraqi and Afghani governments, which are still very much reliant on the United States), thus de- legitimizing the government even further1.  1 Doyle, Michael. ""Promoting Democracy is Not Imposing Democracy."" The Huffington Post. democracy, imposed government, legitimacy, foreign-imposed democracy, governance, self-governance, sovereignty, foreign intervention, political legitimacy, Iraq, Afghanistan, U.S. influence, democratic principles, government by the people, government of the people democracy, foreign-imposed government, legitimacy, self-governance, sovereignty, democratic principles, government legitimacy, imposed democracy, foreign influence, governance challenges, Iraq, Afghanistan, United States, political sovereignty democracy, foreign-imposed government, legitimacy, self-governance, legitimacy crisis, democratic principles, sovereignty, external influence, political legitimacy, nation-building, foreign intervention, democratic legitimacy, governance, independence, regime legitimacy democracy, government, legitimacy, foreign-imposed, self-governance, independence, legitimacy crisis, democratic principles, political legitimacy, imposed democracy, sovereignty, foreign influence, national sovereignty, democracy promotion, democratic legitimacy democracy, foreign-imposed government, legitimacy, self-governance, democracy imposition, government by the people, sovereignty, legitimacy crisis, foreign aid, political stability, Iraq, Afghanistan, U.S. influence, democratic legitimacy"
test-international-glilpdwhsn-con02a	"The New START treaty helps Russia more than the US  Not only does New START leave in place Russia’s extant tactical nuclear advantage but it has further loopholes for Russian weapons. As Mitt Romney argued in 2010: ""Does the treaty provide gaping loopholes that Russia could use to escape nuclear weapon limits entirely? Yes. For example, multiple warhead missile bombers are counted under the treaty as only one warhead. While we currently have more bombers than the Russians, they have embarked on new programs for long-range bombers and for air-launched nuclear cruise missiles. Thus, it is no surprise that Russia is happy to undercount missiles on bombers."" [1]  New START also fails to limit rail-mobile intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), which Russia could potentially make use of. The definition of rail-mobile ICBM launchers was established in the expired START as “an erector-launcher mechanism for launching ICBMs and the railcar or flatcar on which it is mounted.” [2] This and associated restrictions and limitations in START, are not in the New START. This makes it possible for Russia to claim that any new Rail Mobile ICBMs are not subject to New START limitations. [3] Mitt Romney worries that Russia is already working to take advantage of these omissions: “As drafted, it lets Russia escape the limit on its number of strategic nuclear warheads. Loopholes and lapses -- presumably carefully crafted by Moscow -- provide a path to entirely avoid the advertised warhead-reduction targets. …. These omissions would be consistent with Russia's plans for a new heavy bomber and reports of growing interest in rail-mobile ICBMs."" [4]  This means that under the treaty limits, the United States is the only country that must reduce its launchers and strategic nuclear weapons. Russia has managed to negotiate the treaty limits so that they simply restrict it to reductions it was already planning to do. As a result the United States is making what are effectively unilateral reductions. [5] Therefore, New START is an unequal treaty as it offers more to Russia than to the US. This is bad for the balance of power and thus bad for world peace, and so New START should be opposed.  [1] Romney, Mitt. ""Stop START."" Boston.com. 3 December 2010.   [2] ‘Terms and Definitions’, The Treaty Between The United States Of America And The Union Of Soviet Socialist Republics On The Reduction And Limitation Of Strategic Offensive Arms And Associated Documents, 1991,   [3] Spring, Baker. ""Twelve Flaws of New START That Will Be Difficult to Fix"". Heritage Foundation, The Foundry. 16 September 2010.   [4] Romney, Mitt. ""Stop START."" Boston.com. 3 December 2010.   [5] Romney, Mitt. ""Stop START."" Boston.com. 3 December 2010. New START, Russia, US, nuclear treaty, loopholes, tactical nuclear advantage, missile count, warheads, bombers, long-range bombers, air-launched cruise missiles, rail-mobile ICBMs, launchers, ICBMs, treaty limitations, strategic nuclear weapons, unilateral reductions, nuclear arms control, power balance, world peace New START, Russia, United States, nuclear arms, nuclear treaty, strategic nuclear weapons, tactical nuclear advantage, loopholes, missile warheads, warhead counting, bombers, long-range bombers, air-launched cruise missiles, rail-mobile ICBMs, ICBM launchers, missile restrictions, treaty limitations, unilateral reductions, power balance, world peace, arms control, arms negotiations, treaty loopholes New START, Russia, United States, nuclear weapons, loopholes, tactical nuclear advantage, missile bombers, warheads, long-range bombers, air-launched cruise missiles, rail-mobile ICBMs, launcher mechanisms, treaty limitations, missile count, strategic nuclear warheads, unilateral reductions, power balance, world peace, treaty loopholes, arms control, nuclear non-proliferation New START, Russia, US, nuclear arms, loopholes, tactical nuclear, missile warheads, bombers, long-range bombers, air-launched cruise missiles, rail-mobile ICBMs, launchers, treaty limitations, strategic nuclear, warhead reductions, unilateral reductions, power balance, world peace, arms control, treaty loopholes, military capabilities, nuclear strategy New START treaty, Russia, US, tactical nuclear advantage, loopholes, warhead limits, missile undercounting, bombers, long-range bombers, air-launched cruise missiles, rail-mobile ICBMs, intercontinental ballistic missiles, launchers, treaty limitations, loopholes, strategic nuclear weapons, unilateral reductions, balance of power, world peace, arms control, treaties, nuclear arsenal, verification"
test-international-ehbfe-con01a	Moves toward federalism will endanger the stability of the EU  There are great dangers of forcing people in a direction they do not wish to go. An ill-advised dash to build a federal Europe could raise dormant nationalist feelings, promote the rise of populist politicians with xenophobic agendas and endanger the stability of the EU. A Gaullist “Europe of Nations” [1] preserves the current benefits of EU without the risks of further unwanted political integration.  “(...)Dominant groups have more to gain from the majoritarian principle which is indispensable for constitutional democracies. As such, minorities would be placed at an ever more disadvantaged position in a European state. Thus, the progression of the EU into a federal state is bound to have a more negative than it would a positive impact on European integration.” [2]  [1] Ross, ‘Chirac the Great or de Gaulle the Small?’  [2] Cocodia, ‘Problems of Integration in a Federal Europe’ federalism, EU stability, nationalist feelings, populism, xenophobia, Europe of Nations, political integration, majoritarian principle, minority rights, European union, European integration, de Gaulle, Chirac, Gaullist, sovereignty, political risk, European states, federal Europe, nationalist movements federalism, EU stability, nationalism, populism, xenophobia, Europe of Nations, political integration, minority rights, majoritarian principle, constitutional democracy, European integration, European Union, de Gaulle, Chirac, federal Europe, nationalist feelings, populist politicians federalism, EU stability, nationalism, populism, xenophobia, Europe of Nations, de Gaulle, EU integration, political cohesion, minority rights, majoritarian principle, democratic principles, European identity, sovereignty, political risks federalism, EU stability, nationalism, populism, xenophobia, Europe of Nations, political integration, majoritarian principle, minority rights, constitutional democracy, European union, European integration, Gaullist, de Gaulle, Chirac federalism, EU stability, nationalism, populism, xenophobia, European integration, Europe of Nations, political integration, majoritarian principle, minorities, constitutional democracies, federal Europe, European politics
test-society-tlhrilsfhwr-pro03a	Removing barriers to demobilisation, disarmament and rehabilitation  It can easily be conceded, without weakening the resolution, that war and combat are horrific, damaging experiences. Over the last seventy years, the international community has attempted to limit the suffering that follows the end of a conflict by giving soldiers and civilians access to medical and psychological care. This is now an accepted part of the practice of post-conflict reconstruction, referred to as Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) [i] .  The effects of chronic war and chronic engagement with war are best addressed by a slow and continuous process of habituation to normal life. Former child soldiers are sent to treatment centres specialising in this type of care in states such as Sierra Leone [ii] .  What is harmful to this process of recovery is the branding of child soldiers as war criminals. The stigma attached to such a conviction would condemn hundreds of former child soldiers to suffering extended beyond the end of armed conflicts.  Sentencing guidelines binding on the ICC state that anyone convicted of war crimes who is younger than eighteen should not be subject to a sentence of life imprisonment. Their treatment, once incarcerated, is required to be oriented toward rehabilitation.  Many child soldiers become officers within the organisations that they join. Alternately, they might find themselves ordered to seek more recruits from their villages and communities. For these children participation in the conflict becomes participation in the crime itself. What began as a choice of necessity during war-time could, under the status quo, damage and stigmatise a child during peace-time [iii] . Even if their sentence emphasises reform and education, a former child soldier is likely to become an uninjured casualty of the war, marked out as complicit in acts of aggression. When labelled as such children will become vulnerable to reprisal attacks and entrenched social exclusion.  Discussing attempts to foster former Colombian child combatants, the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers state that, “The stigmatization of child soldiers, frequently perceived as violent and threatening, meant that families were reluctant to receive former child soldiers. Those leaving the specialized care centres moved either to youth homes or youth protection facilities for those with special protection problems. While efforts continued to strengthen fostering and family-based care, approximately 60 per cent of those entering the DDR program were in institutional care in 2007.” [iv]  Crucially, fear of being targeted by the ICC may lead former child soldiers to avoid disclosing their status to officials running demobilisation programs. They may be deterred from participating in the DDR process [v] .  Moreover, the authority of the ICC is often subject to criticism on the international stage by politicians and jurists linked to both democratic states [vi] and the non-liberal or authoritarian regimes most likely to become involved in conflicts that breach humanitarian law. It cannot assist the claims of the ICC to be a body that represents universal concepts of compassion and justice if it is seen to target children- often barely in their teens- in the course of prosecuting war crimes.  As the Child Soliders 2008 Global Report notes, “Prosecutions should not, by focusing solely on the recruitment and use of child soldiers, exclude other crimes committed against children. Such an approach risks stigmatizing child soldiers and ignores the wider abuses experienced by children in conflict situations. It is on these grounds that some have questioned the exclusive child-soldier focus of the ICC’s charges against Thomas Lubanga. After all, the Union of Congolese Patriots (UPC/L), the armed group he led, is widely acknowledged to have committed numerous other serious crimes against children, as well as adults.” [vii]  [i] “Case Studies in War to Peace Transition”, Coletta, N., Kostner, M., Widerhofer, I. The World Bank, 1996  [ii] “Return of Sierra Leone’s Lost Generation”, The Guardian, 02 March 2000,   [iii] “Agony Without End for Liberia’s Child Soldiers”, The Guardian, 12 July 2009,   [iv] “Child Soldiers: Global Report 2008”, Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers, 2007, p103,   [v] “Child Soldiers: Global Report 2008”, Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers, 2007, p16,   [vi] “America Attacked for ICC Tactics”, The Guardian, 27 August 2002,   [vii] “Child Soldiers: Global Report 2008”, Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers, 2007, pp32-33, barriers, demobilisation, disarmament, rehabilitation, war, combat, suffering, post-conflict, reconstruction, DDR, medical care, psychological care, chronic war, habituation, normal life, child soldiers, treatment, stigma, war criminals, ICC, sentencing, rehabilitation, young offenders, participation, crime, peace, social exclusion, Colombia, child combatants, stigma, family care, institutional care, disclosing, demobilisation programs, ICC, international law, justice, prosecution, children, abuses, Thomas Lubanga, armed groups, serious crimes demobilisation, disarmament, rehabilitation, post-conflict reconstruction, DDR, child soldiers, war crimes, stigma, ICC, sentencing, rehabilitation programs, social exclusion, reintegration, trauma, psychological care, specialized treatment centers, social integration, community reintegration, reintegration policies, international law, humanitarian law, justice, prosecutions, accountability, criminal justice, war trauma, reconciliation, peacebuilding demobilisation, disarmament, rehabilitation, post-conflict, DDR, war crimes, child soldiers, stigma, reintegration, trauma, psychological care, mental health, international law, ICC, justice, accountability, military recruitment, gender, youth protection, social exclusion, family-based care, institutional care, international community, human rights, conflict resolution, peacebuilding, war trauma, social stigma, prosecutorial focus, crimes against children, legal proceedings, reconciliation, reparation, peace processes, war aftermath barriers, demobilisation, disarmament, rehabilitation, war, combat, suffering, international community, medical care, psychological care, post-conflict reconstruction, DDR, habituation, normal life, child soldiers, treatment centres, stigma, war criminals, ICC, sentencing, rehabilitation, incarceration, reform, education, social exclusion, reintegration, Colombian child combatants, family care, institutional care, fears, disclosing, prosecution, international law, justice, compassion, crimes against children, broader abuses, Thomas Lubanga, armed groups, serious crimes demobilisation, disarmament, rehabilitation, post-conflict reconstruction, child soldiers, war crimes, ICC, stigma, reintegration, juvenile justice, rehabilitation centers, social exclusion, trauma, victimization, justice, international law, human rights, prosecutorial focus, international community, conflict resolution
test-philosophy-elhbrd-pro03a	The decision to die is a deeply personal one - it is no business of the state.  Ultimately, the decision to die is a personal one, it may affect others but, clearly it has the greatest impact on the person who decides to die.  Clearly those who remain behind will have to deal with the consequences of that death and the end of their relationship with that person but, one would hope, that would be the case if she had died of natural causes at a later date. Furthermore the experience of watching someone die can by as traumatic, or more so, for the carer or loved one than it is for the individual concerned.  What it clearly is not, is an issue for legislators and other strangers who have no connection to the person involved. There are deeply personal issues such as love, death, sex, and reproduction where we accept the state may have a role in the formal sense of preventing their abuse but otherwise should not have an opinion either way. With the right to die the state has maintained not only an opinion but a criminal sanction. This is a clear example of where the role of the state is to respect the individual and step back; legislation is far too cumbersome a tool with be used in circumstances as varied and complex as these.  Dealing with the loss of a loved one, particularly in a situation such as assisted suicide, is painful and traumatic enough for all concerned without adding to that the additional stress of a threat of criminal sanction. right to die, personal autonomy, euthanasia, assisted suicide, death, individual rights, state intervention, criminal sanctions, ethics, tragedy, grief, trauma, caregiver, loved ones, natural causes, personal choice, legislation, law, morality right to die, personal autonomy, euthanasia, assisted suicide, death decision, individual rights, state role, legal issues, moral implications, autonomy, grief, trauma, legislation, criminal sanctions, end-of-life, personal choice, emotional impact, loved ones, societal views, bioethics right to die, personal decision, autonomy, euthanasia, assisted suicide, state involvement, death, individual rights, trauma, grief, legislation, criminal sanctions, ethical issues, terminal illness, mental health, moral responsibility, compassion, legal framework, personal autonomy, emotional impact decision, die, personal, state, autonomy, death, consequences, relationships, trauma, carers, loved ones, legislation, laws, rights, euthanasia, assisted suicide, morality, ethics, criminal sanctions, individual rights, emotional impact, legal framework right to die, personal autonomy, euthanasia, assisted suicide, individual choice, state intervention, death legislation, moral issues, legal sanctions, traumatic loss, loved ones, mental health, natural causes, caregiving, emotional impact, human rights, personal decision, criminal law, ethical considerations, death debate
test-politics-cpegiepgh-con02a	"In joining the single currency, Britain would have to surrender her sovereignty and allow Brussels (where the EU is based) to dictate her financial affairs.  If she accepted the Euro as her currency, Britain would have to hand the control she has over her economy over to Brussels. EU Committees would dictate how she may spend and tax. It is too dangerous for any country to have her economic affairs dictated by another country. This is an issue even Europhiles (those who support the EU) are sceptical about. ""Joining the euro would involve a major surrendering of our sovereignty, severely hindering our ability to run the economy as we see fit. We would lose control over interest rates, and the ability to manage the economy through taxing and spending. Instead, it would be run by European committees… Even British politician Kenneth Clarke, nicknamed “Europe’s biggest friend” and one of the leading campaigners for the euro, admits that Britain’s ability to tax is central to its democracy.”1  1Browne, A., 2001, ""The Euro: Should Britain Join?"", page 70 Euro, sovereignty, Britain, EU, European Union, currency, Brussels, economic control, financial affairs, EU committees, taxation, interest rates, economic policy, political sovereignty, democracy, EU scepticism, Kenneth Clarke, Eurosceptic, Eurozone, economic independence Euro, currency, sovereignty, Brussels, EU, financial affairs, control, economy, Eurozone, EU committees, taxation, interest rates, economic independence, Euroscepticism, British politics, Kenneth Clarke, democracy Britain, euro, sovereignty, European Union, EU, Brussels, financial affairs, currency, economic control, Eurozone, EU committees, tax policy, interest rates, economic independence, European monetary policy, democracy, Kenneth Clarke, Euroscepticism, economic sovereignty, euro adoption, UK economy Britain, single currency, sovereignty, Brussels, EU, financial affairs, Euro, control, economy, EU committees, spending, taxation, economic independence, Europhiles, sceptical, economic policy, interest rates, taxation, democracy, Kenneth Clarke Euro, Britain, sovereignty, EU, European Union, Brussels, currency, economic control, taxation, interest rates, EU committees, democracy, Brexit, economic independence, Eurozone, Euroscepticism, political sovereignty, economic policy, EU integration, financial affairs"
test-international-miasimyhw-pro03a	Policies towards a free labour market will create unity.  National borders are a result of Africa’s colonial history. The boundaries constructed do not reflect meaning or unite ethnic groups across the continent. The border between Togo and Ghana alone divides the Dagomba, Akposso, Konkomba and Ewe peoples. [1] Therefore encouraging freedom of movement across Africa will erase a vital component of Africa’s colonial history.  The erasing of boundaries, for labour markets, will have significant impacts for rebuilding a sense of unity, and reducing xenophobic fears, of which have been politically constructed.  A sense of unity will motivate citizens to reduce disparities and inequalities of poverty.  [1] Cogneau, 2012, pp.5-6 free labor market, African borders, colonial history, ethnic groups, unity, freedom of movement, border boundaries, ethnic unity, Africa, xenophobia, social cohesion, inequalities, poverty reduction, regional integration, labor markets, colonial legacy, ethnolinguistic groups, political constructs free labor market, national borders, colonial history, Africa, ethnic groups, boundary conflicts, territorial divisions, cross-border movement, unity, social cohesion, xenophobia, political construction, poverty reduction, economic integration, regional cooperation labor market, national borders, colonial history, Africa, ethnic groups, freedom of movement, unity, boundaries, colonial legacy, xenophobia, social cohesion, inequality, poverty reduction, African integration, border division, ethnic communities, regional cooperation labor market, unity, national borders, Africa, colonial history, boundaries, ethnic groups, Togo, Ghana, Dagomba, Akposso, Konkomba, Ewe, freedom of movement, colonial legacy, borders, African continent, social cohesion, xenophobia, political construction, national identity, economic integration, social disparities, poverty reduction, regional borders, mobility, post-colonial Africa free labor market, national borders, Africa, colonial history, ethnic groups, boundary construction, unity, regional integration, freedom of movement, colonial legacy, African borders, ethnic divisions, border conflicts, economic integration, social cohesion, xenophobia, political constructs, poverty reduction, inequality, social unity
test-international-gpsmhbsosb-con01a	"Illegitimacy of the 2006 referendum  South Ossetia was wrong to hold elections under conflict conditions. In 2006, South Ossetia can be said to have been in 8 conflicts with Georgia when it held its 2006 referendum on independence. Holding referendums under such conflict conditions is generally illegitimate because the results of the elections are skewed by the conflict, threats, and the various risks for the voters involved. This caused David Bakradze, the chairman of a Georgian parliamentary European Integration Committee, to comment, “Under conflict conditions, you cannot speak about legitimate elections.” [1] This mirrors European human rights watchdog, the Council of Europe’s, denunciation of the referendum as ""unnecessary, unhelpful and unfair"". [2] Furthermore Russia's involvement in the 2006 referendum arguably corrupted its validity, as many of the authorities in S. Ossetia were installed there by the Russian government. [3]  [1] Radio Free Europe. “Overwhelming Support For South Ossetia Independence”. Radio Free Europe. The Journal of the Turkish Weekly. 13 November 2006.   [2] Walker, Shaun. “South Ossetia: Russian, Georgian...independent?”. Open Democracy. 15 November 2006.   [3] Socor, Vladimir. “MOSCOW’S FINGERPRINTS ALL OVER SOUTH OSSETIA’S REFERENDUM”. Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 3 Issue: 212. The Jamestown Foundation. 15 November 2006. Illegitimacy, 2006 referendum, South Ossetia, conflict conditions, elections, Georgia, independence, conflict, threats, risks, David Bakradze, European Integration, European Court of Human Rights, Council of Europe, referendum legitimacy, Russian involvement, authorities, corruption, election validity, international law, sovereignty, conflict zone, political crisis, foreign influence Illegitimacy, 2006 referendum, South Ossetia, conflict, elections, Georgia, independence, conflict conditions, legitimacy, skewed results, threats, voters, David Bakradze, European Integration, Council of Europe, human rights, unhelpful, unfair, Russia, involvement, validity, authorities, Russian government, political influence Illegitimacy, 2006 referendum, South Ossetia, conflict, Georgia, independence, legitimacy, election, threats, risks, David Bakradze, European Integration, Council of Europe, human rights, referendum criticism, Russia, involvement, validity, authorities, installation, international law, sovereignty, election legitimacy Illegitimacy, 2006 referendum, South Ossetia, conflict, Georgia, independence, election validity, conflict conditions, voter risks, European human rights, Council of Europe, referendum criticism, Russian involvement, authority, election legitimacy, international law, election conduct, conflict zones, election fairness, political instability Illegitimacy, 2006, referendum, South Ossetia, conflict, elections, Georgia, independence, legitimacy, conflict conditions, threats, voter risks, David Bakradze, European Integration, Council of Europe, human rights, Russia, involvement, validity, authorities, installation, Russian government, bias, corruption, international law, sovereignty, recognition, conflict zones, political legitimacy, electoral process, election fairness"
test-international-iwiaghbss-con01a	Other states would not want to waste resources on a refugee state  The Seychelles are not a particularly rich place. Their main industries are tourism and tuna fishing accounting for 32% of employment, [1] both of which are unfortunately entirely dependent upon the territory of the islands themselves and cannot be moved. The result is that the Seychelles have little to offer those states that might consider giving up territory. The country will therefore have difficulty rebuilding its economy and would likely be a drain upon its host making countries unwilling to take on the commitment.  [1] The World Bank, ‘Seychelles Overview’, October 2013, Seychelles, refugee state, resource allocation, tourism, tuna fishing, employment, economy, territory, island nation, dependency, economic rebuilding, host countries, international aid, World Bank, territorial commitment Seychelles, refugee state, resources, economy, tourism, tuna fishing, employment, islands, territory, dependency, economic rebuilding, host countries, geopolitical, resource allocation, migration, refugees, development, sustainability, foreign aid, economic impact Seychelles, refugee state, resource allocation, economic dependence, tourism industry, tuna fishing, employment, territorial dependency, economic rebuilding, immigrant burden, host countries, international aid, resource constraints, small island nation, economic sustainability refugee state, resource allocation, Seychelles, economy, tourism, tuna fishing, employment, dependency, island territory, economic rebuilding, host country, international aid, territorial commitments, World Bank Seychelles, refugee state, resources, tourism, tuna fishing, employment, island territory, economy, host countries, territorial commitment, World Bank
test-health-hpehwadvoee-con05a	Doctors should not be asked to take the moral burden of people who want to commit suicide  It is not fair to ask doctors who have committed their lives to preserving health to act as an instrument of killing a person. The doctor will then have to live with the doubt as to whether the act of assisting in the donation was just or not. In other words, if the person who wanted to die for another did not do so voluntarily, the act of killing him or her is morally wrong and the doctor becomes complicit. In order to carry out this scheme, the individual moral autonomy of doctors will be violated. [1]  [1] Tremblay, Joe. “Organ Donation Euthanasia: A Growing Epidemic.” Catholic News Agency, (2013). doctors, moral burden, suicide, euthanasia, organ donation, moral responsibility, medical ethics, doctor-patient relationship, voluntary euthanasia, moral autonomy, complicity, ethical dilemma, life preservation, killing, consent, moral conflict doctor, moral burden, euthanasia, suicide, organ donation, moral autonomy, involvement, ethical dilemma, assistance, killing, complicity, voluntary, non-voluntary, moral wrong, healthcare ethics, Joe Tremblay doctors, moral burden, suicide, euthanasia, organ donation, moral dilemma, medical ethics, physician responsibilities, voluntary death, moral autonomy, complicity, ethical concerns, euthanasia epidemic doctors, moral burden, suicide, euthanasia, assisted death, organ donation, medical ethics, moral autonomy, complicity, voluntary death, moral dilemma, health professionals, killing, ethical questions medical ethics, euthanasia, physician role, suicide assistance, moral burden, organ donation, doctor responsibility, moral autonomy, killing, complicity
test-law-tahglcphsld-pro06a	The law is hypocritical  In most countries where drugs are illegal, tobacco and alcohol, which arguably have equally devastating consequences in society, are legal. In a UK study, alcohol was shown to have the worst effects of any drug, yet the current law recognises that people should be able to choose whether they drink or not. [1] The same should be true of drugs.  [1] Professor David Nutt, ‘Drug Harms in the UK: a multicriteria decision analysis’, The Lancet, Vol 376, Issue 9752, pp. 1558-1565, 6th November 2010, drug policy, legality, hypocrisy, tobacco, alcohol, societal impact, drug harm, UK study, Professor David Nutt, drug regulation, public health, drug legislation, comparative harm, drug legalization drug legalisation, drug harm comparison, tobacco alcohol legality, drug policy hypocrisy, UK drug laws, Professor David Nutt, drug risk assessment, drug regulation, substance harm analysis, drug law inconsistency drug policy, legality, hypocrisy, tobacco, alcohol, societal impact, drug harm assessment, UK study, drug legality comparison, public health, drug regulation, Professor David Nutt, Lancet study drug policy, legality, hypocrisy, drug harm comparison, tobacco, alcohol, social impact, law debate, UK study, drug regulations, Substance legality, societal effects, harm assessment, Professor David Nutt, The Lancet drug law, hypocrisy, legality, tobacco, alcohol, societal impact, drug policy, UK study, harm assessment, Professor David Nutt, drug harms, legal versus illegal drugs, substance regulation, public health, drug harms comparison, drug legislation, societal consequences
test-sport-otshwbe2uuyt-pro03a	Boycotting Euro 2012 is proportional  Diplomacy is necessary with any regime almost no matter how oppressive they are however that does not show approval of a regime to the world in the way that high profile visits and events can. Just as the Beijing Olympics were the People’s Republic of China’s coming out party so Euro 2012 is an ideal chance for Ukraine to show itself off to Europe and the rest of the world. If there was not a boycott this would implicitly show that Europe approves of Ukraine and the actions of its government.  In a list of possible diplomatic responses that range from verbal diplomatic complaints right up to sanctions a boycott represents a mid-point. A boycott is perhaps the best action that the European Union leaders could take is it takes away the shine that the event would otherwise give the Yanukovych. It will be denying him the political benefits of the Euros while highlighting rights concerns. A boycott is also proportional because it gives Ukraine’s leaders a chance to reform before beginning any further measures that would have a much deeper effect on diplomatic relations. boycott, Euro 2012, diplomacy, regime, oppression, high-profile visits, events, political image, Ukraine, Europe, world, Beijing Olympics, public image, diplomatic responses, verbal complaints, sanctions, European Union, political benefits, Yanukovych, rights concerns, reform, diplomatic relations boycott, Euro 2012, diplomacy, oppressive regimes, high-profile visits, world approval, Beijing Olympics, Ukraine, Europe, international perception, diplomatic responses, sanctions, political benefits, President Yanukovych, rights concerns, diplomatic relations, protest, international image Euro 2012, boycotting, diplomacy, regime, oppressive, approval, high-profile events, Olympics, showcasing, Ukraine, Europe, world, political response, sanctions, European Union, Yanukovych, rights, reform Boycott, Euro 2012, diplomacy, regime, oppressive, world approval, high-profile events, Beijing Olympics, Ukraine, European Union, sanctions, political benefits, rights concerns, Yanukovych, diplomatic relations, reform boycott, Euro 2012, diplomacy, oppressive regimes, high-profile visits, international image, Ukraine, Europe, People's Republic of China, Beijing Olympics, international relations, political sanctions, EU, Yanukovych, human rights, reform, diplomatic responses
test-international-iiahwagit-con01a	African countries have little money to spare  Africa has some of the least developed countries in the world, making extensive protection of endangered animals unviable. Many African countries are burdened by the more pressing issues of civil war, large debts, poverty, and economic underdevelopment. [1] These factors already draw significant amounts of money from limited budgets. Tanzania, for example, has revenue of $5.571 billion and an expenditure of $6.706 billion. [2] Increased expenditure on animal protection projects would only serve to worsen this budget deficit.  [1] Simensen, J. ‘Africa: the causes of under-development and the challenges of globalisation’  [2] The World Factbook ‘Tanzania’ African countries, economic underdevelopment, poverty, civil war, debts, limited budgets, endangered animals, conservation challenges, Tanzania, government expenditure, budget deficit, globalization, development issues Africa, financial constraints, underdevelopment, endangered animals, wildlife protection, civil war, debt, poverty, economic challenges, Tanzania, budget deficit, conservation funding, resource allocation, globalisation, development issues African countries, economic underdevelopment, poverty, civil war, debts, limited budgets, wildlife protection, endangered animals, conservation challenges, Tanzania, government expenditure, budget deficit, globalisation, development issues African countries, economic underdevelopment, poverty, civil war, debts, endangered animals, conservation challenges, limited budgets, resource allocation, Tanzania economy, globalisation impacts, development issues, environmental protection, government expenditure Africa, developing countries, endangered animals, conservation, budget constraints, civil war, debt, poverty, economic underdevelopment, Tanzania, government expenditure, wildlife protection, financial limitations, globalisation challenges
test-international-aglhrilhb-con01a	Peace more important than Justice  In practice, prosecutions often come at the expense of other forms of reconciliation. For instance before Truth and Reconciliation Commissions can work amnesties have to be given for people to be willing to tell their stories. In order for people to put down weapons, or agree to tell stories, prosecutions must be given up.  This is evident with the conflict is South Sudan; the opposition which had signed the ceasefire agreement to restore stability in the region, breached it and started fighting again when many of its members were indicted for the crimes they had committed [1]. In such case the most important thing is to prevent future atrocities as healing can only start when there is no conflict or atrocities going on.  [1] Deustche Welle, ‘South Sudan: Rebels Strike Oil Centre, Breaching Ceasefire’, allafrica.com, 18 February 2014, peace, justice, reconciliation, prosecutions, amnesties, truth commissions, storytelling, conflict, ceasefire, South Sudan, atrocities, stability, healing peace, justice, reconciliation, prosecutions, amnesties, truth commissions, conflict, ceasefire, South Sudan, atrocities, healing, stability, opposition, indicted, crimes peace, justice, reconciliation, prosecutions, amnesties, Truth and Reconciliation Commissions, storytelling, disarmament, South Sudan, ceasefire, conflict, atrocities, healing, regional stability peace, justice, reconciliation, prosecutions, amnesties, Truth and Reconciliation Commissions, conflict, South Sudan, ceasefire, atrocities, healing, stability, crimes, human rights Peace, Justice, Reconciliation, Truth and Reconciliation Commissions, amnesties, prosecutions, conflict resolution, South Sudan, ceasefire, atrocities, healing, forgiveness, conflict, stability, crimes, ceasefire breaches
test-economy-fiahwpamu-con02a	Deeper issues unresolved  Microfinance provides a quick-fix solution for the poor. The individual, or community, is provided with a loan to invest in their future. However, although access to capital is a key concern for enabling entrepreneurialism it is not the silver bullet. Microfinance schemes will fail without providing a stable political and economic environment that makes a good climate to invest in.  Microfinance is essentially short-termist. It encourages investment but only in things that will bring a quick return. With interest rates as high as 30% the person taking the loan needs to pay it back as quickly as possible. This can sometimes be against an individual’s long term interests, for example access to microfinance often reduces primary school attendance as this is a long term investment that will not pay back the loan money (IOE, 2011). microfinance, poverty, entrepreneurship, access to capital, political stability, economic environment, short-termism, high-interest rates, quick returns, long-term investments, education, financial inclusion, development challenges microfinance, poverty, loans, entrepreneurialism, political stability, economic environment, short-termism, high interest rates, investment, long-term interests, education, financial inclusion microfinance, poverty, loan, entrepreneurship, economic environment, investment, short-termism, interest rates, repayment, long-term investment, education, political stability, economic stability microfinance, unresolved issues, quick-fix, poverty alleviation, access to capital, entrepreneurialism, political stability, economic environment, short-termist, investment, interest rates, repayment, long-term interests, education, primary school attendance microfinance, poverty alleviation, quick-fix, loans, entrepreneurship, capital access, political stability, economic environment, short-termism, investment, interest rates, repayment, long-term investment, education, primary school, social impact, financial inclusion, development challenges
test-sport-ybfgsohbhog-pro01a	Hosting creates a 'feel-good' factor  Hosting creates a 'feel-good factor'. It is hard to put a price on the buzz that surrounds international sporting events. Think of Paris during the World Football Cup in 1998 or Sydney during the 2002 Olympics. Even sporting success abroad can unite a nation (for example the England Rugby Union Team's victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia). Governments are aware of the huge potential for boosting national pride and national unity. The Paris 2012 bid has used a well-known footballer, Zinedine Zidane, who is the son of an immigrant to stress how hosting the Olympics would bring Parisians of all backgrounds together. It is partly because of this 'feel-good factor' that so many people want their city to host the Olympics (97% of Parisians and 87% of Londoners want the 2012 Olympics). hosting, feel-good factor, international sporting events, national pride, national unity, Olympics, FIFA World Cup, Rugby World Cup, Olympic bidding, Paris 2012, Sydney 2000, sports success, city hosting, public support, community unity, sports tourism, national identity, event impact hosting, feel-good factor, international sporting events, global sports events, national pride, national unity, Olympics, World Cup, Rugby World Cup, Sydney 2000 Olympics, Paris 2012 Olympics, Sydney Olympics 2000, Paris Olympics 2012, sports tourism, city hosting, nation-building, sports success, patriotism, sporting buzz, government interest, immigrant influence hosting, feel-good factor, international sporting events, national pride, national unity, Olympic hosting, global sporting success, city bid, Paris 2012, London 2012, Paris Olympics, London Olympics, national identity, sports diplomacy, major sporting events, cultural impact, social cohesion, national celebration, stadium development, tourism boost, economic impact, community engagement hosting, feel-good factor, international sporting events, national pride, national unity, sports success, Olympics, World Cup, rugby, city hosting, Paris 2012, Sydney Olympics, England Rugby, national identity, immigrant influence, social cohesion hosting, feel-good factor, international sporting events, national pride, national unity, Olympics, World Football Cup, Rugby World Cup, London 2012, Paris 2012, sports success, global event, civic identity, sports diplomacy, cultural unity, sporting buzz, city hosting, athlete influence, immigration, civic pride
test-economy-egppphbcb-pro03a	"The capitalist society enhances personal freedom  The Western democratic capitalist system protects individual's rights and liberties through freedom from of interference by other people. Mature adult citizens are believed to have the capacity to choose what kind of life they want to lead and create their own future without paternalistic coercion from the state (Berlin, 1958). The capitalist society's ideals could perhaps be best exemplified with the American dream where everyone has an initial equal opportunity to reach their full potential, each individual being choosing their own path free from external coercion,. James Truslow Adams defines the American Dream as the following in 1931 ""life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement""1. The current President of United Stated Barack Obama is a typical example of a person who has achieved the American dream. Barack Obama did not start his life with a traditional ""fortunate circumstance"" previous presidents had enjoyed (e.g. George Bush). Nevertheless he succeeded in transcending his social class, his race etc. and became the president of United States2. Thus capitalism provides everyone with a fair chance to reach great achievements in their life if they seize the opportunities.  1 James Truslow Adams papers, 1918-1949. (n.d.). Columbia University Library. Retrieved June 7, 2011  2 Barack Obama is the American Dream writ large. (2008). Mirror. Retrieved June 7, 2011 capitalist society, personal freedom, Western democracy, individual rights, liberties, freedom from interference, adult citizens, personal choice, life paths, paternalistic coercion, state, American Dream, equal opportunity, potential, achievement, social mobility, Barack Obama, success stories, social class, race, transcending barriers, fair chance, opportunity, capitalism benefits capitalism, democracy, individual rights, personal freedom, American Dream, social mobility, equality of opportunity, personal liberty, political freedom, social class, paternalism, state interference, socioeconomic success, American politics, Barack Obama, George Bush, societal opportunity, achievement, race, social inequality capitalism, societal freedom, individual rights, liberties, democratic system, personal choice, autonomy, state interference, American Dream, social mobility, equal opportunities, achievement, social class, race, success stories, opportunity, fairness, success, American politics, Barack Obama, socio-economic mobility capitalism, personal freedom, Western democracy, individual rights, liberties, interference, adult citizens, life choices, personal agency, paternalism, state coercion, American Dream, opportunity, equality, achievement, social mobility, self-determination, transcending social class, race, success, Barack Obama, social opportunity capitalist society, personal freedom, Western democracy, individual rights, liberties, interference-free, adult citizens, life choices, self-determination, paternalism, state coercion, American Dream, equal opportunity, self-fulfillment, achievement, social mobility, Barack Obama, success stories, meritocracy, social class, race, transcendence, fair chance, opportunity, achievement"
test-international-glilpdwhsn-con01a	"The New START treaty harms US nuclear capabilities  As David Ganz, the president of the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs (JINSA), argues: ""This treaty would restrain the development and deployment of new nuclear weapons, missile defense systems, and missile delivery systems."" [1] The atrophying U.S. nuclear arsenal and weapons enterprise make reductions in the U.S. strategic nuclear arsenal even more dangerous. The new START treaty allows nuclear modernization but while the US capacity to modernize nuclear weapons is limited and either congress or the president is likely to prevent modernization on cost grounds. The Russians have a large, if unknown, advantage over the United States in terms of nonstrategic, particularly tactical, and nuclear weapons. The New START treaty however ignores these weapons entirely as it is focused on strategic arms. This therefore leaves the Russians with an advantage and potentially reduces the potential for deterrence in areas beyond the US. [2]  New START also restricts US missile defence options. The Obama Administration insists the treaty doesn’t affect it, but the Kremlin’s takes a different view: ""[START] can operate and be viable only if the United States of America refrains from developing its missile-defense capabilities quantitatively or qualitatively."" [3] New START imposes restrictions on U.S. missile defence options in at least four areas. First the preamble recognizes “the interrelationship between strategic offensive arms and strategic defensive arms” it seeks to make sure defensive arms “do not undermine the viability and effectiveness of the strategic offensive arms of the parties” so defensive arms must be reduced to allow offensive arms to remain effective. [4] Russia also issued a unilateral statement on April 7, 2010, Russia reinforced this restriction by issuing a unilateral statement asserting that it considers the “extraordinary events” that give “the right to withdraw from this treaty” to include a buildup of missile defense. [5] Second, Article V states “Each Party shall not convert and shall not use ICBM launchers and SLBM launchers for placement of missile defense interceptors” and vice versa. [6] There are also restrictions on some types of missiles and launchers that are used in the testing of missile defense. And Finally, article X established the Bilateral Consultative Commission (BCC), the treaty’s implementing body, with oversight over the implementation of the treaty which may impose additional restrictions on the U.S. missile defense program. [7]  [1] Weingarten, Elizabeth. “How did New START become a Jewish issue?”. The Atlantic. 1 Decemebr 2010.   [2] Spring, Baker. ""Twelve Flaws of New START That Will Be Difficult to Fix"". Heritage Foundation, The Foundry. 16 September 2010.   [3] Brookes, Peter. “Not a new START, but a bad START”. The Hill. 13 September 2010.   [4] Obama, Barak, and Medvedev, Dmitri, ‘Treaty Between The United States of America And The Russian Federation On Measures For The Further Reduction And Limitation Of Strategic Offensive Arms’, U.S. Department of State,   [5] Bureau of Verification, Compliance, and Implementation, ‘New START Treaty Fact Sheet: Unilateral Statements’, U.S. Department of State, 13 May 2010,   [6] Obama, Barak, and Medvedev, Dmitri, ‘Treaty Between The United States of America And The Russian Federation On Measures For The Further Reduction And Limitation Of Strategic Offensive Arms’, U.S. Department of State,   [7] Spring, Baker. ""Twelve Flaws of New START That Will Be Difficult to Fix"". Heritage Foundation, The Foundry. 16 September 2010. New START, nuclear capabilities, US nuclear arsenal, missile defense, strategic arms reduction, nuclear modernization, US-Russia arms control, tactical nuclear weapons, missile launcher restrictions, missile defense interceptors, bilateral consultative commission, arms treaty, deterrence, nuclear modernization limits, nonstrategic nuclear weapons, strategic offensive arms, strategic defensive arms, missile buildup, treaty implementation New START, nuclear capabilities, US nuclear arsenal, missile defense, deterrence, strategic arms, nonstrategic weapons, tactical nuclear weapons, treaty restrictions, missile treaty, US-Russia relations, nuclear modernization, missile launchers, interceptors, bilateral consultative commission, arms reduction, arms control, strategic offensive arms, strategic defensive arms, missile buildup, treaty compliance, nuclear modernization limits, US missile defense restrictions, arms treaty flaws, arms proliferation, nuclear deterrence, US military capabilities, treaty enforcement New START, nuclear capabilities, U.S. arsenal, missile defense, strategic arms, deterrence, arms reduction, missile proliferation, U.S.-Russia relations, nuclear modernization, tactical nuclear weapons, nonstrategic weapons, missile launchers, ICBM, SLBM, arms control, treaty restrictions, U.S. Congress, presidential policy, arms limitation, international security New START, treaty, US nuclear capabilities, restrictions, missile defense, nuclear modernization, strategic arms, nonstrategic weapons, tactical nuclear weapons, deterrence, missile systems, offensive arms, defensive arms, Russia, US, bilateral agreements, ICBM, SLBM, missile launchers, treaty limitations, security, arms control, strategic stability New START, US nuclear capabilities, nuclear modernization, missile defense, strategic arms, tactical nuclear weapons, deterrence, missile restrictions, US-Russia arms control, strategic offensive arms, strategic defensive arms, arms reduction, missile launchers, ICBM, SLBM, Bilateral Consultative Commission, treaty restrictions, arms race, nuclear arsenal, nonstrategic weapons, nuclear proliferation"
test-international-ehbfe-con02a	"Existing contributive inequalities within the Union would be amplified by a formal federal system  There is a possibility that once a federation, Europe will adopt certain policies that might be harmful for a minority of the member states. In consequence, any economic downturn in those states could manifest itself on a larger scale in the United States of Europe as economies of the member states rely (more than ever) on each other.  Furthermore different states may not contribute equally. States, because inducements to cooperate or threats to punish may be low, fail to provide for the collective benefit, therefore essentially ""passing the buck"" to other states, and most frequently to the most economically powerful participants. Citizens of large states like France, Great Britain, and Germany frequently complain that smaller states are not paying their ""fair share"" of the costs of the European Union. Meanwhile, smaller states may complain that they are overlooked or even disregarded because of their economically weaker status. These issues will be exacerbated in a European federation.  Decentralization decreases economic progress. [1] European countries where regions have more powers and responsibilities in terms of taxation, legislation and education policies tend to do better economically than centralised ones. Centralism hammers development of countries at the cost of its citizens.  [1] EUObserver, ‘Centralised states bad for economy, study shows’ contributive inequalities, European Union, federation, member states, economic downturn, economic reliance, unequal contribution, cooperation, collective benefit, financial obligations, fairness, economic disparity, small states, large states, citizen concerns, decentralization, regional powers, taxation, legislation, education policies, economic development, centralism contributive inequalities, federal system, European federation, member states, economic downturn, economic dependence, unequal contributions, collective benefit, passing the buck, economic power, fairness, small states, large states, citizen grievances, decentralization, regional powers, taxation, legislation, education policies, economic progress, centralization, development, EUobserver contributive inequalities, European Union, federation, policies, minority states, economic downturn, interdependence, contributions, free-riding, collective benefit, fairness, economic disparity, citizen grievances, decentralization, regional power, taxation, legislation, education policies, economic development, centralization contributive inequalities, European Union, federation, policies, minority states, economic downturn, member states, interdependence, contribution disparity, cooperation, enforcement, burden sharing, fair share, economic power, smaller states, larger states, citizen grievances, decentralization, regional powers, taxation, legislation, education policies, economic development, centralization, EUobserver contributive inequalities, European Union, federal system, federation, member states, economic downturn, interdependence, unequal contributions, collective benefit, passing the buck, wealthy states, small states, fair share, economic disparities, citizen grievances, decentralization, regional powers, taxation, legislation, education policies, economic development, centralism, decentralization effects"
test-education-pstrgsehwt-con01a	The scientific community as a whole overwhelmingly rejects Creationism.  95% of all scientists accept evolution, and only a fraction of those that do not accept Creationism. [1] The numbers are even smaller among biologists, the people most qualified to discuss the relative merits of Creationism and evolution, as the study of life and biological processes are their specialty. There is, in fact, greater consensus in biology than in virtually any other discipline. Evolution is often called one of the most thoroughly proven theories, more so even than such things as the observable laws of physics, which break down at the subatomic level. Evolution is a constant, which is why it has survived as a theory for 150 years. [2] The scientific community always fights any effort to institute Creationism in schools through the political process. [3] This is why, when court cases are brought on the issue of teaching Creationism, the panel of scientists is always on the side of evolution. Only a few discredited cranks support Creationism, and they invariably break down under cross-examination when they can offer no positive evidence for their claims. Furthermore, many scientists have religious faith and accept evolution. They simply see no reason to reject observable reality just to serve faith [4] . Creationists try to portray evolution as contrary to religion, which forms one of the main planks of their political campaigns against it, but such claims are fallacious. Science and faith can be compatible, so long as people are willing to accept observable reality as well as belief. The scientific community rejects creationism because it is not true and is not science.  [1] Robinson, B. 1995. “Public Beliefs About Education and Creation”.  [2] Lenski, Richard. 2011. “Evolution: Fact and Theory”. Action Bioscience.  [3] Irons, Peter. 2007. “Disaster in Dover: The Trials (and Tribulations) of Intelligent Design”. University of Montana Law Review 68(1).  [4] Gould, Stephen. 2002. Rocks of Ages: Science and Religion in the Fullness of Life. New York: Ballantine Books. scientific community, creationism, evolution, acceptance, biologists, biological processes, scientific consensus, biological sciences, proven theories, laws of physics, theory longevity, court cases, teaching evolution, creationism debate, scientific evidence, religious beliefs, science and faith, observable reality, scientific validity, Intelligent Design, court rulings, notable authors scientific community, creationism, evolution, acceptance, biologists, biological processes, consensus, theories, physics, laws, survival, court cases, teaching, creationism, scientific panels, discredited, evidence, religious faith, scientific realism, observable reality, science vs religion, compatibility, truth, science communication creationism, evolution, scientific consensus, biology, theories, scientific community, acceptance, religious faith, science and religion, court cases, educational policy, creationism rejection, scientific evidence, intelligent design, observable reality, teaching evolution, public beliefs, law review scientific community, creationism, evolution, acceptance, biologists, biological processes, scientific consensus, theory, proven, laws of physics, survival, court cases, teaching, creationism in schools, scientists, religious faith, observable reality, faith, science vs religion, fallacious claims, compatibility, disbelief, intelligent design, legal trials, opinions, scientific evidence creationism, evolution, scientific consensus, biologists, biological sciences, theory, proof, scientific community, court cases, education, religion, faith, science vs religion, observable reality, scientific evidence, intelligent design, Dover trial, Gould, Lenski, Irons, Robinson
test-politics-cdfsaphgiap-con02a	Rivals could misuse the opportunity  While the leader suffers from an illness, rivals can use the opportunity to ease the leader out of office. A period of illness is a period of vulnerability in which the government is less able to respond to external and internal threats. Not telling the public about the leader's health during an illness helps prevent such attempts. The same is the case with a leader's death; a few days of secrecy allows for smooth succession as the appointed successor has the time to ensure the loyalty of the government, army and other vital institutions. In 2008 when General Lansana Conte of Guinea died power should have been transferred to the president of the National Assembly Aboubacar Sompare with an election within 90 days. Instead a group of junior military officers took advantage of the quick announcement to launch a coup. 1  1 Yusuf, Huma, ‘Military coup follows death of Guinea’s President’, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 December 2008, rivals, opportunity, leader, illness, government vulnerability, secrecy, succession, stability, death, power transfer, coup, military, Guinea, Constitution, political stability, internal threats, external threats rivals, opportunity, leader, illness, vulnerability, government, external threats, internal threats, secrecy, succession, loyalty, institutions, Guinea, death, power transfer, election, military coup, coup, military officers political vulnerability, leadership succession, government stability, health secrecy, coup d'état, military takeover, political opportunism, illness impact, power transfer, confidentiality, governance, institutional loyalty, external threats, internal threats, political crises, Guinea, 2008, General Lansana Conte, Aboubacar Sompare, military coup political stability, leadership succession, government vulnerability, secrecy, health disclosure, coup d'état, institutional loyalty, military intervention, power transfer, political crisis, voter legitimacy, constitutional process opportunity, leader, illness, rivals, vulnerability, secrecy, succession, government, stability, power transition, military coup, Guinea, Conte, Aboubacar Sompare, timing, political manipulation
test-philosophy-elhbrd-pro02a	Medical science allows us to control death, suicide and euthanasia are sensible corollaries to that.  We now live longer than at any time in the 100,000 years or so of human evolution and longer than the other primates [i] . In many nations we have successfully increased the quantity of life without improving the quality. More to the point, too little thought has been given to the quality of our deaths.  Let us consider the example of the cancer patient who opts not to put herself through the agony and uncertainty of chemotherapy. In such a circumstance, we accept that a person may accept the certainty of death with grace and reason rather than chasing after a slim probability of living longer but in pain.  All proposition is arguing is that this approach can also apply to other conditions, which may not be terminal in the strict sense of the world but certainly lead to the death of that person in any meaningful sense. The application of medical science to extend a life, long after life is ‘worth living’ or would be possible to live without these interventions cannot be considered a moral good for its own sake. Many find that they are facing the prospect of living out the rest of their days in physical pain or are losing their memory. As a result, some may see ‘going out at the top of their game’ as the better, and more natural, option.  [i] Caleb E Finch. Evolution of Human Lifespan and the Diseases of Aging: Roles of Infection, Inflammation, and Nutrition. Proceding of the National Academy of Sciences of the united States of America. 12 October 2009. medical science, death, euthanasia, suicide, aging, lifespan, quality of life, life extension, terminal illnesses, chemotherapy, palliative care, moral ethics, quality of death, end-of-life decisions, euthanasia laws, chronic pain, memory loss, natural death, human evolution, lifespan extension, aging diseases, prognosis, patient autonomy medical science, death control, euthanasia, suicide, lifespan extension, quality of life, end-of-life care, palliative care, terminal illness, chemotherapy, medical ethics, aging, life extension, moral considerations, quality versus quantity, death acceptance, moral dilemmas, pain management, natural death, euthanasia debate, patient autonomy, life worthiness, cognitive decline, aging diseases, human evolution medical science, death control, euthanasia, suicide, lifespan extension, quality of life, terminal illness, cancer, chemotherapy, pain management, end-of-life choices, moral considerations, aging, aging diseases, aging process, human evolution, life extension, end-of-life quality, natural death, life prolongation, ethical issues, patient autonomy, palliative care, aging research, lifespan, human evolution, inflammation, nutrition, infection medical science, death control, euthanasia, suicide, life extension, quality of life, terminal illness, chemotherapy, end-of-life decisions, palliative care, aging, lifespan, disease, pain management, moral considerations, bioethics, end-of-life autonomy, lifespan extension, aging diseases, medical ethics, quality death, patient choice, natural death, life worth living medical science, death control, suicide, euthanasia, lifespan extension, quality of death, terminal illness, chemotherapy, end-of-life, palliative care, moral considerations, life extension, aging, chronic illness, patient autonomy, pain management, quality of life, natural death, bioethics, human evolution, lifespan increase
test-international-miasimyhw-pro04a	Implementing a free labour market will enable effective management of migration.  Even without the implementation of a free labour market, migration will continue informally; therefore policies introducing free movement and providing appropriate travel documents provides a method to manage migration. In the case of Southern Africa, the lack of a regional framework enabling migration is articulated through the informal nature of movement and strategic bilateral ties between nation-states.  Several benefits arise from managing migration. First, speeding up the emigration process will provide health benefits. Evidence shows slow, and inefficient, border controls have led to a rise in HIV/AIDs; as truck drivers wait in delays sex is offered [1] . Second, a free labour market can provide national governments with data and information. The provision of travel documentation provides migrants with an identity, and as movement is monitored, the big picture of migration can be provided. Information, evidence, and data, will enable effective policies to be constructed for places of origin and destination, and to enable trade efficiency. Lastly, today, undocumented migrants are unable to claim their right to health care. In Africa, availability does not equate to accessibility for new migrants. In South Africa, migrants fear deportation and harassment, meaning formal health treatment and advice is not sought (Human Rights Watch, 2009). Therefore documentation and formal approval of movement ensures health is recognised as an equal right.  [1] See further readings: Lucas, 2012. labour market, migration management, free movement, travel documents, informal migration, Southern Africa, regional framework, bilateral ties, benefits, health, HIV/AIDS, border controls, data, identity, policy, trade, undocumented migrants, health rights, documentation, formal approval labour market, migration management, free movement, travel documents, regional framework, Southern Africa, informal migration, bilateral ties, border controls, health benefits, HIV/AIDS, border delays, data collection, identity, migration policies, undocumented migrants, healthcare access, deportation, harassment, formal healthcare, human rights labour market, migration management, free movement, travel documents, regional framework, Southern Africa, informal migration, bilateral ties, health benefits, border controls, HIV/AIDS, transit delays, data collection, identity, migration monitoring, policies, trade efficiency, undocumented migrants, healthcare access, deportation, harassment, health rights, human rights labour market, migration management, free movement, travel documents, Southern Africa, regional framework, informal movement, bilateral ties, migration benefits, border controls, HIV/AIDS, truck drivers, health benefits, data collection, identity documentation, migration policies, undocumented migrants, health rights, deportation, harassment, formal health access labour market, migration management, free movement, travel documents, Southern Africa, regional framework, informal movement, bilateral ties, migration benefits, border controls, HIV/AIDS, health, data, identity, policies, trade efficiency, undocumented migrants, health rights, documentation, deportation, harassment, access, human rights
test-society-tlhrilsfhwr-pro04a	The cultural construction of armed conflict  The jurisdiction of the ICC is primarily exercised according to culturally constructed assumptions about the way war works – that there will be a clear division between aggressors and defenders, that armies will be organised according to chains of command, the civilians will not be targeted and will be evacuated from conflict zones. But countless conflicts in Africa and central Asia have proven these assumptions to be flawed.  It should not be forgotten that almost all formulations of this motion define cultural relativism only as a defence to the use of child soldiers. It will still be open for ICC prosecutors to prove that the use of child soldiers has been systematic, pernicious and deliberate, rather than the product of uncertainty, necessity and unstable legal norms. Moreover, not all defences are “complete” defences; they do not all result in acquittal, and are often used by judges to mitigate the harshness of certain sentences.  It can be argued that it was never intended for the ICC to enforce laws relating to child soldiers against other children or leaders of vulnerable communities who acted under the duress of circumstances. At the very least, those responsible for arming children in these circumstances should face a more lenient sentence than a better-resourced state body that used child soldiers as a matter of policy.  Due to the nature of conflicts in developing nations, where the geographic influence of “recognised” governments is limited, and multiple local law-making bodies may contribute to an armed struggle, it is difficult for the international community to directly oversee combat itself. United Nations troops are often underfunded, unmotivated and poorly trained, being sourced primarily from the same continent as the belligerent parties in a conflict. When peacekeepers are deployed from western nations, their rules of engagement have previously prevented robust protection of civilian populations. Ironically, this is partly the result of concerns that western states might be accused of indulging in neo-colonialism. It is outrageous for the international community to dictate standards of war-time conduct to communities and states unable to enforce them, while withholding the assistance and expertise that might allow them to do so.  Therefore, the ICC, as a specialist legal and investigative body, should be encouraged to use the expertise it has accumulated to distinguish between child military participation driven by a desire to terrorise populations or quickly reinforce armies, and child military participation that has arisen as a survival strategy. cultural construction, armed conflict, International Criminal Court, ICC, cultural relativism, child soldiers, warfare assumptions, legal norms, non-combatant protection, conflict zones, Africa, Central Asia, systematic abuse, legal defense, sentencing, vulnerable communities, duress, armed groups, developing nations, international oversight, United Nations, peacekeepers, rules of engagement, neo-colonialism, war-time conduct, international law, military participation, survival strategies, geo-politics cultural construction, armed conflict, ICC jurisdiction, cultural assumptions, war norms, aggressors, defenders, military organization, civilian targeting, conflict zones, Africa, Central Asia, cultural relativism, child soldiers, legal norms, systematic abuse, illegitimate defense, sentencing mitigation, legal responsibility, duress, vulnerable communities, lenient sentences, developing nations, recognized governments, local laws, armed struggle, international oversight, UN peacekeepers, funding, training, rules of engagement, civilian protection, neo-colonialism, international standards, war conduct, enforcement, expertise, child military participation, survival strategies cultural construction, armed conflict, ICC jurisdiction, cultural assumptions, war norms, aggressors, defenders, military organization, civilians, conflict zones, Africa, Central Asia, cultural relativism, child soldiers, systematic abuse, legal norms, justice, sentencing, legal defense, cultural context, international law, accountability, vulnerable communities, duress, lenient sentences, conflict zones, developing nations, geographic influence, local governance, armed struggle, international oversight, United Nations, peacekeepers, funding, training, rules of engagement, civilian protection, neo-colonialism, wartime conduct, community enforcement, expertise, child military participation, terror tactics cultural construction, armed conflict, ICC jurisdiction, cultural assumptions, war norms, aggressors, defenders, military organization, civilian targeting, conflict zones, Africa, Central Asia, cultural relativism, child soldiers, legal defenses, systematic abuse, prosecutorial evidence, legal norms, sentencing, duress, vulnerability, armed children, legal enforcement, developing nations, geographic influence, local law-making, armed struggle, UN peacekeepers, funding, training, rules of engagement, civilian protection, neo-colonialism, international standards, war conduct, community enforcement, international assistance, legal expertise, child military participation, survival strategies cultural construction, armed conflict, ICC jurisdiction, cultural assumptions, war norms, military organization, civilian protection, conflict zones, cultural relativism, child soldiers, legal defenses, systematic use, legal norms, sentencing mitigation, duress, vulnerable communities, armed children, legal responsibility, developing nations, territorial control, local law-making, armed struggle, international oversight, UN peacekeepers, underfunded missions, peacekeeping rules, civilian protection, neo-colonialism, international standards, war conduct, state enforcement, international cooperation, legal expertise, child military participation, survival strategy
test-international-gpsmhbsosb-con02a	A South Ossetian state is unviable  There are many factors that make South Ossetia unviable as a state. South Ossetia is very small with a very small population. It is also a landlocked state and very poor. These facts make it unlikely that South Ossetia could act effectively as an independent state. The result is that it would become dependent on other states. [1] This can already be seen from the fact that S. Ossetia has only been able to secure its current de facto independence with substantial military and foreign aid from Russia. [2] S. Ossetia is economically unviable as an independent state. It is landlocked and only has meaningful road access to the sea through Georgia. S. Ossetian GDP was estimated at US$ 15 million (US$ 250 per capita) in a work published in 2002. S. Ossetia is arguably lacking in the basic economic necessities for autonomy. Indeed, a $15 million GDP would make South Ossetia one of the poorest nations in the world. Particularly following a war with Georgia in the 1990s, South Ossetia has struggled economically. Employment and supplies are scarce. The majority of the population survives on subsistence farming. Virtually the only significant economic asset that South Ossetia possesses is control of the Roki Tunnel that links Russia and Georgia, from which the South Ossetian government reportedly obtains as much as a third of its budget by levying customs duties on freight traffic. The separatist officials admitted that Tskhinvali received more than 60 percent of its 2006 budget revenue directly from the Russian government. [3] [4] Finally, S. Ossetia has a population of roughly 70,000. [5] This would make it one of the smallest states in the world. This fact, combined with its high level of poverty, makes it a poor candidate for independence, and shows that its “independence” would compel it to become even more dependent on Russia, or else risk disintegrating as an unviable state.  [1] BBC News. “S Ossetia votes for independence”. BBC News. 13 November 2006.   [2] Socor, Vladimir. “MOSCOW’S FINGERPRINTS ALL OVER SOUTH OSSETIA’S REFERENDUM”. Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 3 Issue: 212. The Jamestown Foundation. 15 November 2006.   [3] Walker, Shaun. “South Ossetia: Russian, Georgian...independent?”. Open Democracy. 15 November 2006.   [4] Vaisman, Daria. “No recognition for breakaway South Ossetia's vote”. The Christian Science Monitor. 10 November 2006.   [5] BBC News. “S Ossetia votes for independence”. BBC News. 13 November 2006. South Ossetia, unviability, independence, small size, population, landlocked, poverty, Georgia, Russia, economic dependence, GDP, subsistence farming, Roki Tunnel, foreign aid, military aid, de facto independence, secession, separatism, South Ossetian government, Tskhinvali, dependence, economic assets, revenue, international recognition, conflict, war, Georgia-Russia relation South Ossetia, unviability, independence, small population, landlocked, poverty, Russia aid, economic dependence, GDP, subsistence farming, Roki Tunnel, Georgia, customs duties, Tskhinvali, budget, poverty, statehood, secession, feasibility, international recognition, conflict, war, regional stability South Ossetia, unviability, independence, small population, landlocked, poverty, Russia aid, Georgia, economy, GDP, subsistence farming, Roki Tunnel, customs duties, Tskhinvali, dependency, foreign aid, demography, conflict, separatism, political status, recognition, war, territorial integrity, geopolitics South Ossetia, unviability, independence, population, landlocked, poverty, Russian aid, economic dependence, GDP, subsistence farming, Roki Tunnel, Georgia, secession, separatism, foreign aid, military support, statehood, viability factors, economic necessity, infrastructure, region, geopolitical, conflict, recognition, sovereignty, demographics South Ossetia, unviability, statehood, independence, small population, landlocked, economic instability, poverty, GDP, Russia, Georgia, Tskhinvali, Roki Tunnel, separatism, foreign aid, military support, sovereignty, dependence, regional conflicts, international recognition, political status, de facto independence, infrastructure, employment, subsistence farming
test-politics-cpegiepgh-con01a	"For Britain to join the single currency is simply unthinkable; jobs will be lost  The EU creates economic conditions that threaten jobs. As explained by Anthony Browne in The Euro: Should Britain join?, ""Joining the Euro would damage the British economy with 'one size fits all' interest rates, and so destroy jobs.""1 This is not merely a product of anti-EU propaganda created by the British tabloid press; The evidence speaks for itself; ""In 2000, (Euro was launched 1st January, 1999) unemployment in Euroland averaged about 10 per cent, compared to under 6 per cent in the UK"" Britain must also learn from the mistakes of history; ""Past experience has already shown us that locking ourselves into inappropriate interest rates destroys jobs. After we joined the Exchange Rate Mechanism, 100,000 businesses went bankrupt and unemployment doubled before we were finally forced out in 1992."" Repetition of this is to be avoided at all costs and by Britain staying out of the Euro.  1Browne, A., 2001, ""The Euro: Should Britain Join?"" Britain, single currency, Euro, EU, jobs, unemployment, economic conditions, interest rates, policy, Brexit, economic stability, currency union, exchange rate mechanism, bankrupted businesses, economic impact, economic history, UK economy, Eurozone, economic risks, economic sovereignty Britain, single currency, Euro, EU, jobs, unemployment, economic conditions, interest rates, economic impact, British economy, Eurozone, exchange rate mechanism, ERM, inflation, recession, economic stability, European Monetary Union, BREXIT, currency union, economic policy, unemployment rates, economic mistakes, currency fluctuations, monetary policy Britain, Euro, single currency, jobs, unemployment, European Union, economic conditions, Anthony Browne, interest rates, economic damage, Eurozone, exchange rate mechanism, bankruptcies, UK economy, Euro criticism, economic history, currency union, British economy, Euro launch, economic risks, monetary policy, unemployment rates, currency stability, economic integration Britain, single currency, euroscepticism, EU, jobs, economic conditions, Anthony Browne, Euro, interest rates, UK economy, unemployment, Eurozone, exchange rate mechanism, economic stability, currency union, British economy, interest rate policy, Euro risks, economic history, currency membership Britain, single currency, Euro, EU, jobs, unemployment, economic conditions, interest rates, economic impact, economic history, exchange rate mechanism, Brexit, monetary policy, inflation, recession, economic sovereignty, economic stability, currency union, economic quotes, Anthony Browne, Eurozone, financial stability"
test-international-aglhrilhb-con02a	Prosecutions don't get to the real truth  Truth is the most important factor that supports the healing process. Individuals when being prosecuted have incentives to hide crimes and lie about the true motivations for offences occurring as they don’t want to go to prison for telling the truth. This means that the whole truth of matters never really come to light. TRC’s, such as that in South Africa, do a very good job of ensuring that the full record of human rights abuses come to light [1].The Rwandan Gacaca courts which encompasses three important features of relevance to broader experiments of reconciliatory justice serve as a lesson. Those who confess their crimes are rewarded with the halving of prison sentences and as a result, 60,238 prisoners have confessed to participating in the genocide [2]. Second, gacaca law highlights apologies welcomed by many as an important ingredient to promote reconciliation.  [1] Linfield, Susie, ‘Trading Truth for Justice? Reflections on South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission’, bostonreview,net, 01 June 2000,   [2] Graybill, Lyn, and Lanegran , Kimberly, ‘Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation in Africa: Issues and Cases’, ufl.edu, Fall 2004, prosecutions, truth, reconciliation, TRC, South Africa, human rights abuses, Gacaca courts, Rwanda, confessions, prison sentences, reconciliation, apologies, justice, truth commissions, truth-seeking, restorative justice, justice system, impunity, historical truth, conflict resolution, transitional justice prosecutions, truth, healing, motivation, crimes, lying, justice, truth commissions, TRC, South Africa, human rights abuses, reconciliation, Gacaca courts, Rwanda, confessions, prison sentences, apologies, restorative justice, truth-telling, transparency, peacebuilding, criminal justice prosecutions, truth, healing, incentives, concealment, lying, offences, prisons, truth commissions, TRC, human rights abuses, South Africa, Gacaca courts, Rwanda, reconciliatory justice, confessions, prison sentences, genocide, apologies, reconciliation, justice, truth-telling, restorative justice, legal reforms prosecution, truth, reconciliation, justice, truth commission, TRC, South Africa, human rights abuses, Gacaca courts, Rwanda, confessions, prison sentences, reconciliation, apologies, healing, truth seeking, transitional justice, post-conflict justice, reparations, testimony, amnesty prosecutions, truth, healing, justice, motivation, crimes, lying, concealment, prison, South Africa, TRC, human rights abuses, Rwanda, Gacaca courts, reconciliatory justice, confessions, prison sentences, genocide, apologies, reconciliation, truth commissions, truth-telling, justice reform
test-international-iwiaghbss-con02a	New countries forged by those fleeing disaster  There have been very few countries that have been created in circumstances that are at all similar to that which would happen when island nations are forced to abandon their homeland. The closest parallel is Israel when Jews arrived en mass first because they were promised the land after WWI, when it is notable that they purchased the land they occupied, [1] and then after the disaster of the Holocaust. The Palestinians have not been happy about the loss of territory. Indeed there have been few examples in history of peoples’ willingly giving up land to a new arrival whether it is due to colonialism or migration. The result, especially if sovereignty is involved, is usually conflict.  [1] Pipes, Daniel, ‘Not Stealing Palestine, but Purchasing Israel’, National Review Online, 21 June 2011, disaster, country creation, island nations, homeland abandonment, Israel, Jewish migration, land purchase, WWII, Holocaust, Palestinians, territorial loss, colonialism, migration, sovereignty, conflict, land surrender, displacement disaster, country creation, island nations, homeland, Israel, Jewish migration, WWI, land purchase, Holocaust, Palestinians, territory loss, colonization, migration, sovereignty, conflict migration, displacement, refugee, nation-building, sovereignty, land, colonization, conflict, Israel, Palestine, Holocaust, colonialism, territory, land acquisition, historical parallels, migration-driven state formation disaster, new countries, island nations, homeland abandonment, Israel, Jewish migration, land purchase, Holocaust, Palestinian displacement, sovereignty, colonization, migration, territorial conflict, historical examples disaster, new countries, migration, colonialism, sovereignty, Israel, Palestine, Holocaust, land purchase, territory loss, conflict, displaced peoples, refugees, nation creation, land abandonment, island nations
test-philosophy-ippelhbcp-con04a	Particular need in Africa  Capital punishment for particularly dangerous offenders is a practical solution for African nations with low quality prison systems, which, through either deliberate policy or basic underfunding, can have poor conditions, or poor security. In 2013, over a thousand prisoners escaped from a prison near Benghazi in Libya [1] . A similar escape with particularly dangerous offenders would be dangerous - a corpse can’t escape.  [1] Zway, Suliman Ali, “Amid protests, Inmates escape from Libyan prison”, New York Times, 27 July 2013, Africa, capital punishment, dangerous offenders, prison systems, prison conditions, prison security, prison escapes, Libyan prison, prisoner escape, Benghazi, Libya, prison policy, underfunding, overcrowding, inmate safety Africa, capital punishment, dangerous offenders, prison systems, prison conditions, prison security, prisoner escape, Libyan prison, Benghazi, prison reform, criminal justice, prison management, human rights, penal policy Africa, capital punishment, dangerous offenders, prison conditions, prison security, prison escapes, Libya, Benghazi, prison reform, criminal justice, incarceration, prison management, prisoner safety, criminal policy Africa, capital punishment, dangerous offenders, prison conditions, prison security, prisoner escape, Libya, Benghazi, prison reform, criminal justice, incarceration, underfunded prisons, prison safety, prison policy, prison management Africa, capital punishment, dangerous offenders, prison systems, prison conditions, prison security, prisoner escapes, Libyan prison, Benghazi, prison reform, criminal justice, incarceration, prison reform policies
test-politics-cdfsaphgiap-con01a	Denial of privacy to the leaders  The leaders of states deserve privacy in exactly the same way as anyone else. Just like their citizens leaders want and deserve privacy and it would be unfair for everyone to know about their health. Leaders may suffer from diseases such AIDS/HIV or embarrassing illnesses which could damage a leader.  The people only a need for the people to know when the illness significantly damages the running of the government. The government can function on its own without its leader for several days; only if the illness incapacitates the leader for a long period is there any need to tell the people. Clearly if the President is working from his bed he is still doing the job and his government is functioning. William Pitt the Younger, Prime Minister of Great Britain was toasted as 'the Saviour of Europe' while he was seriously ill but still running the country during the height of the Napoleonic Wars. 1  1 Bloy, Marjie, 'William Pitt the Younger (1759-1806)', Victorian Web, 4 January 2006, privacy, leaders, state leaders, health privacy, government transparency, political privacy, leadership confidentiality, disease confidentiality, government functioning, political health, leader health disclosure, public interest, privacy rights, leadership privacy, historical examples, William Pitt the Younger, government secrecy privacy, leaders, government, health, confidentiality, illness, disease, AIDS, HIV, government function, incapacity, transparency, political leadership, William Pitt the Younger, historical leaders, privacy rights, leadership resilience privacy, leaders, government, health, illnesses, confidentiality, transparency, public interest, incapacity, political leadership, medical privacy, governance, political duty, historical examples, William Pitt the Younger privacy, leaders, health, confidentiality, government, transparency, illness, disease, confidentiality, political leadership, privacy rights, political privacy, government functioning, incapacitation, leadership, public interest, political ethics, historical examples, William Pitt the Younger privacy, leaders, state leaders, government, health privacy, illness, AIDS, HIV, privacy rights, government functioning, leadership, political privacy, medical confidentiality, public interest, political health, historical leaders, William Pitt the Younger, Napoleonic Wars, government continuity
test-sport-otshwbe2uuyt-pro02a	"Boycotting Euro 2012 will highlight Ukraine’s backsliding on human rights  European leaders must take a stand on human rights in their own back yard if they are to be taken seriously on the issue anywhere in the world. There are numerous human rights abuses in Ukraine; migrants ""risk abusive treatment and arbitrary detention"", Roma and people with dark skin in particular face governmental and societal discrimination and some xenophobic attacks and may be prosecuted for acting in self defense. [1] Amnesty International has highlighted abuse of power by the police “numerous cases in Euro 2012 host cities in which police have tortured people in an attempt to extort money, extract a confession, or simply because of the victims’ sexuality or ethnic origin”. [2] If Europe turns a blind eye to these kinds of abuses in neighbouring states without even a minor diplomatic snub it will not have the moral authority to confront worse abuses elsewhere in the world. States that are abusing their own citizens would shrug off criticism believing that European states will not back their criticism up with any action.  [1] Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, ‘2010 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices Report’, U.S. Department of State, 8 April 2011.  [2] ‘Ukraine: Euro 2012 jeopardised by criminal police force – New Amnesty report’, Amnesty.org.uk, 2 May 2012 . Boycotting, Euro 2012, Ukraine, human rights, European leaders, criticism, abuses, migrants, discrimination, Roma, dark skin, xenophobia, police brutality, torture, ethnic origin, Amnesty International, power abuse, political accountability, diplomatic stance, moral authority, international relations Boycotting Euro 2012, Ukraine, human rights, European leaders, migrant rights, discrimination, xenophobia, police abuse, torture, ethnic minorities, Roma, dark-skinned individuals, Amnesty International, police misconduct, arbitrary detention, societal discrimination, self-defense, diplomatic criticism, international human rights, moral authority, state abuse, Ukraine human rights violation, Euro 2012 impact Euro 2012, Ukraine, human rights, boycotting, European leaders, migrants, discrimination, xenophobia, Amnesty International, police abuse, torture, ethnic origin, self-defense, human rights violations, diplomatic consequences, moral authority, criticism, state abuse, international relations Euro 2012, Ukraine, human rights, boycotting, European leaders, migrant rights, discrimination, Roma, racial minorities, xenophobia, police abuse, torture, detention, Amnesty International, government abuse, societal discrimination, moral credibility, diplomatic criticism, international relations, human rights violations, police misconduct, ethnic origin, sexuality, abuse of power Boycotting, Euro 2012, Ukraine, human rights, discrimination, migrant abuse, Roma, ethnic minorities, xenophobia, police brutality, torture, arbitrary detention, Amnesty International, human rights abuses, diplomatic relations, European leaders, moral authority, police misconduct, ethnic origin, self-defense, international criticism"
test-sport-ybfgsohbhog-pro02a	Hosting stimulates regeneration in local areas  Hosting stimulates regeneration. The IOC is enthusiastic about bids that will leave a lasting impact and have looked favourably on cities that locate their Olympic Villages and stadia in deprived areas in need of regeneration. The 1992 Barcelona Olympics were used as a means to completely overhaul the port and coast of the city creating an artificial beach and waterside cultural area that became a lasting tourist attraction. Along with cleaning up areas and new stadia, Olympic Villages release between 5,000 and 20,000 new homes which governments can chose to hand over as low-cost housing (as is proposed for London 2012). Whilst these projects could be completed without the Olympics, the need to provide an overall package (transport, accommodation, stadia, greenery etc.) for a set deadline means that there is far more incentive to get the projects done. An example of this in London is the plan for a new £15bn underground rail system called ‘Crossrail’, first proposed over 20 years ago but only now being developed because of the attention surrounding the London 2012 bid.1 The fact that international scrutiny will follow the building program means that it is far more likely to be completed to a high standard (consider the detailed coverage of the preparations for Athens 2004).  1 Hayes, S. (2011, April 19). Crossrail will leave a positive legacy. Retrieved May 12, 2011, from Wharf Olympic regeneration, urban development, legacy projects, infrastructure development, urban renewal, sports events impact, Olympic bids, Olympic Village, stadia construction, urban revitalization, tourism development, housing development, transport infrastructure, Crossrail, infrastructure legacy, city overhaul, waterfront development, deprived areas, environmental cleanup, high-standard construction, international scrutiny urban regeneration, Olympic legacy, urban development, city renewal, infrastructure, stadia, housing, waterfront revitalization, tourism, transportation, public infrastructure, urban planning, event hosting, bid impact, community development Olympic regeneration, urban renewal, infrastructure development, sports mega-events, legacy projects, community impact, city revitalization, Olympic Village, stadia construction, low-cost housing, environmental cleanup, transportation upgrades, cross-sector collaboration, tourism attraction, economic development, international scrutiny, project completion, legacy benefits urban regeneration, Olympic legacy, infrastructure development, city revitalization, urban planning, Olympic bid impact, stadium construction, housing development, environmental cleanup, public transportation, Crossrail, tourism enhancement, deprived areas, low-cost housing, project completion, international scrutiny, coastal overhaul, cultural districts, waterside development, artificial beaches urban regeneration, Olympic legacy, city development, infrastructure, housing, stadia, transport, tourism, urban planning, public projects, economic impact, deprivated areas, community revitalization, infrastructure development, waterfront redevelopment
test-law-tahglcphsld-pro05a	Drugs currently fund terrorism and regional instability  The Taliban gets most of its revenue from poppies, which provide the opium for heroin. They do this by intimidating local farmers who would otherwise sell their harvest at market. They then demand “protection money” as well, or else either another local warlord or the ‘protectors’ themselves would rob the farmer. Something like 22,700 people have died in Mexico since January 2007 from gangsters who want to protect their revenue and almost the entire continent of South America, from Brazil to Colombia, has had their governments destabilised by drug lords. [1] The hugely-costly but unsuccessful war on drugs could be ended, starving terrorists of the profits of drug production. As a result peace and development could be brought to unstable drug-producing states such as Colombia and Afghanistan.  [1] Mexico under siege, The drug war on our doorstep, Los Angeles Times , 27 September 2011, drugs, terrorism, regional instability, Taliban, opium, heroin, farmers, protection money, warlords, violence, Mexico, gangsters, South America, Brazil, Colombia, government destabilization, war on drugs, drug production, peace, development, Colombia, Afghanistan drugs, terrorism, regional instability, Taliban, opium, heroin, farmers, protection money, warlords, violence, Mexico, gangsters, South America, drug lords, destabilization, war on drugs, profits, peace, development, Colombia, Afghanistan drugs, terrorism, regional instability, Taliban, opium, heroin, farmers, protection money, warlords, Mexico, gangsters, South America, drug lords, war on drugs, peace, development, Colombia, Afghanistan, drug production, government destabilization drugs, terrorism, regional instability, Taliban, opium, heroin, local farmers, protection money, warlords, violence, Mexico, gangsters, death toll, South America, Brazil, Colombia, government destabilization, drug lords, war on drugs, peace, development, drug-producing states drugs, terrorism, regional instability, Taliban, poppies, opium, heroin, local farmers, protection money, warlords, gangsters, Mexico, South America, Brazil, Colombia, government destabilization, war on drugs, drug production, peace, development, Colombia, Afghanistan
test-economy-egppphbcb-pro02a	"Each man has a right to private property  The right to own property is central to man's existence since it ensures him of his independence of survival. It provides a means to sustain himself without relying on others inasmuch as he has control over a property and can make a living from it. However in order to acquire property the person must gain it from his own labour, if he takes the fruit of someone else's labour without consent that would be plain stealth. However, this is not the only requirement which must be fulfilled in order to gain property: imagine a scenario where I pour out tomato juice into the ocean, I have mixed my own labour with nature and made an ""own"" creation, but could it be said that the ocean is my property? Most people would certainly say no and therefore one of the following two provisos must also be met before one can fully acquire property: 1. It does not impact on others chance of survival/ comfort of life 2. Leaves the others better off than before. Let us presume that we have a wasteland which generates very little harvest since it is uncultivated. If I privatise and cultivate a bit of this land it will generate more harvest since I have put work effort in it. Presuming that the privatisation does not leave the others worse off than before e.g. there is plenty of other wasteland they can cultivate on their own and does thus not harm anyone else's opportunities/chances to cultivate their own land, privatisation is allowed for the individual good. Alternately, others are better off if they do not have the skill to cultivate land themselves and can lease their labour working on my privatized land, they would win on the deal since the wage I pay them would be better than what they would have gained on their own1/2.  1 Locke, J. (n.d.). Chapter. V. Of Property. Constitution Society. Retrieved June 7, 2011  2 Nozick, R. (1974). Anarchy State and Utopia (pp. 54-56, 137-42). Basic Books. private property, individual rights, ownership, labor, acquisition, consent, natural resources, mixing labor, property rights constraints, impact on others, non-harm principle, wasteland, cultivation, land privatization, increase yield, labor leasing, economic justice, Locke, Nozick, property theory, resource allocation, property justification private property, ownership, labor, natural resources, consent, acquisition, justice, land privatization, equitable distribution, individual rights, freedom, productivity, territorial rights, usufruct, resource management, economic theory, libertarianism, property rights, social impact private property, ownership, independence, survival, labour, acquisition, consent, stealth, natural resources, mixing labour, land privatization, property rights, societal impact, resource allocation, land cultivation, wasteland, property provisos, non-harm principle, social justice, economic exchanges, leasing labour, wealth distribution, Locke, Nozick private property, property rights, independence, survival, labour, stealth, natural resources, ocean, creation, ownership criteria, impact on others, well-being, wasteland, cultivation, privatization, land, harvest, resources, opportunity, lease, labour market, ethics, Locke, Nozick private property, ownership, labour, stealth, natural resources, property rights, land privatization, cultivation, resource allocation, non-harm principle, mutual benefit, distributive justice, John Locke, Robert Nozick, property acquisition, property constraints, labor theory of property, market exchange, land use, property justice"
test-politics-dhwem-con01a	PMCs have an interest in conflict.  ncreased reliance on mercenaries is destabilising in the long term. It allows invaders and local governments to feel that they can get away with not providing sufficiently trained or numerous security forces because there are men on the ground. It also means that the most influential actors, large multi-national companies, no longer have to pressure governments so hard to provide security guarantees for everyone because they can buy their own. That leaves those without influence or money high and dry. This then leads to a proliferation of armed forces in the country, some working for the central government, others for local governments and some for private individuals and firms. These PMCs are hired provide security and to help create stability yet that is not where their interests lie. If the country returns to stability they are out of a job so it is in their interest to keep an unstable situation unstable to result in more work. (Wennmann, 2008) PMCs, mercenaries, conflict, security forces, destabilization, foreign invasion, local government, multinational corporations, security guarantees, private security, armed forces, stability, instability, private military companies, Wennmann private military companies, PMCs, conflict, mercenaries, security forces, destabilization, security guarantees, multinational corporations, influence, armed forces, private security, stability, instability, military proliferation, warfare, Wennmann, 2008 PMCs, mercenaries, conflict, security forces, instability, multinational companies, private security, armed forces, private military companies, security guarantees, stability, private security, conflict destabilization, Wennmann 2008 Private Military Companies, PMCs, conflict, mercenaries, security forces, destabilization, armed proliferation, multinational corporations, security guarantees, private security, instability, private security firms, warfare,Wennmann 2008 PMCs, mercenaries, conflict, security forces, stability, destabilization, private military companies, armed forces, multinational corporations, influence, security guarantees, instability, conflict proliferation, private security, military privatization, private military security, Wennmann, 2008
test-economy-fiahwpamu-con01a	Realistic barriers  There are significant barriers to introducing microfinance. Microfinance can’t reach everywhere; a lack of infrastructure, or poor infrastructure, can mean that microfinance initiatives often can’t reach where need is greatest. Those who are poorest most need money just to get buy, not to invest. They would be unable to repay even tiny loans. It returns to the question of who is the poorest, and what do we know about them - where they are, what they need, and why are they poor?  Secondly, structural constraints limit the ability for microfinance to be sustainable and provide a long term solution. Bad governance, inadequate structures to regulate microfinance, and political instability, mean the theoretical benefits of microfinance may not become a lived reality.  Thirdly, who is involved in the supply? The involvement of multiple actors - NGOs, communities, the state, and private sector, complicates how microfinance is being run and therefore the effectiveness. Tensions emerge with such partnerships as each actor has the different objectives and motivations. microfinance, barriers, infrastructure, poorest, access, sustainability, governance, regulation, political instability, actors, NGOs, communities, state, private sector, effectiveness, partnerships, motivations microfinance, barriers, infrastructure, poverty, access, repayment, sustainability, governance, regulation, political instability, stakeholders, NGOs, communities, private sector, partnerships, objectives, motivations microfinance, barriers, infrastructure, accessibility, poverty, repayment capacity, poorest, social inclusion, structural constraints, sustainability, governance, regulation, political stability, stakeholders, NGOs, community involvement, private sector, partnerships, objectives, motivation microfinance, barriers, infrastructure, poverty, access, repayment, sustainability, governance, regulation, political instability, actors, NGOs, communities, government, private sector, partnerships, effectiveness, structural constraints microfinance, barriers, infrastructure, accessibility, poverty, repayment capacity, poorest populations, structural constraints, sustainability, governance, regulation, political instability, stakeholders, NGOs, communities, government, private sector, partnerships, motivations, effectiveness
test-international-gpsmhbsosb-con03a	Georgia has a right to territorial integrity  Georgia has a legitimate sovereign right to maintain its territorial integrity as well as the social contract accompanying it. Georgia has the right to take action to secure the integrity of these things, unless blocked by a higher international authority. Internationally, S. Ossetia's independence is recognised by only five nations (including Russia), demonstrating that the international community is not convinced that S. Ossetia's claim to self-determination trumps Georgia's claim to territorial integrity. [1] In order to obtain independence, it is important that a country be recognized diplomatically by a significant number of the members of the United Nations. This is important in large part because it ensures that a state will have viable diplomatic relations internationally if it becomes independent. It also demonstrates that the international system supports a certain action being taken internationally. Thus Georgia's claim should continue to stand until the international community changes its mind, and at the moment the international community has legitimate concerns regarding the regional instability and conflict that an independent S. Ossetia might foster. Moreover, as shown above the S. Ossetian state is entirely dependent on Russian support, and so it can be accurately stated that the issue of S. Ossetian independence, and its threat to Georgian territorial integrity, has arisen only because of Russian interference within Georgia. Even those who argue that any region has the right to self-determination would probably reject the idea that nations have the right to foster and encourage parts of other nations to secede from their current state and join another. The S. Ossetian independence movement can thus be correctly seen simply as Russian aggression against Georgia for its own advantage, not an issue of self-determination.  [1] RIA Novosti. “Nicaragua recognizes South Ossetia and Abkhazia”. RIA Novosti. 4 September 2008. Georgia, territorial integrity, sovereignty, social contract, international law, S. Ossetia, independence recognition, United Nations, diplomatic recognition, regional stability, conflict, Russian support, Russian interference, self-determination, secession, nationalism, territorial disputes, international community, legitimacy, regional conflict, Georgia-Russia relations Georgia, territorial integrity, sovereignty, social contract, national security, international law, recognition, independence, United Nations, diplomatic relations, regional stability, conflict, South Ossetia, Russia, Russian interference, secession, self-determination, international community, regional conflict Georgia, territorial integrity, sovereignty, social contract, international law, self-determination, independence recognition, United Nations, diplomatic relations, regional instability, conflict, South Ossetia, Russia, Russian interference, secession, aggression, international community, legitimacy, sovereignty, regional security Georgia, territorial integrity, sovereignty, social contract, international law, self-determination, independence, recognition, United Nations, diplomatic relations, regional instability, conflict, South Ossetia, Russia, interference, secession, aggression, sovereignty violation, international community, legitimacy, regional security Georgia, territorial integrity, sovereignty, social contract, international law, independence, self-determination, recognition, United Nations, diplomatic relations, regional instability, conflict, Russian interference, South Ossetia, Abkhazia, independence movement, Russian aggression, international community, legitimacy
test-digital-freedoms-phwnaccpdt-pro03a	Data breaches can result in huge amounts of personal data falling into unscrupulous hands  The data collected and sold by companies is not safe. Servers with even the most sophisticated security systems are susceptible to hackers and other miscreants seeking to exploit the personal data of unsuspecting customers. Identity theft is a ubiquitous threat in the Information Age, one that increases every year as the arms race between data protection designers and invaders rages on. Data breaches have been rapidly increasing [1] and although the total number declined from 412 million exposed records in 2011 to 267 million in 2012 this has increasingly been due to hacking rather than simple negligence. [2] The result of these breaches is huge costs to individuals who have their identities and also to firms that appear to be unsafe. As individuals see companies as being uncaring of their information they tend to punish them in the market. [3] There is no opt-in because the individual has no means of seeing to whom the data is sold, and how secure their servers might be, putting them doubly at risk. Firms are better off not playing with fire and keeping data that could have huge potential costs to them if it is lost, and individuals are better off not having their information disseminated across cyberspace without any guarantee of its safety.  [1] Federal Trade Commission. “Privacy online: Fair information practices in the electronic marketplace: A report to Congress. Technical report, Federal Trade Commission”. May 2000.   [2] Risk Based Security, “Historically, Over 1.2 Billion Records Exposed According to Risk Based Security, Inc.” Risk Based Security, 22 February 2012,   Risk Based Security, “2012 Sets New Record for Reported Data Breaches”, PR Newswire, 14 February 2013,   [3] Acquisti, A. “The Economics of Personal Data and the Economics of Privacy”. OECD. 2010, data breaches, personal data, cybersecurity, hacking, identity theft, data protection, data security, information security, data leak, cybercrime, online privacy, server security, data privacy, data loss, data exposure, consumer trust, market impact, privacy practices, data sale, data governance, cyber threats, breach costs, data handling, information age, data dissemination, data protections, security system vulnerabilities data breaches, personal data, security, hacking, identity theft, cybersecurity, data protection, privacy, data loss, data sold, server security, cybercrime, data security systems, breach statistics, costs of data breaches, market impact, consumer trust, data dissemination, data safeguards, legal compliance, privacy regulation, cyber threats, information age, data vulnerability, data privacy, breach prevention, data handling, cyber security risks data breaches, personal data, cybersecurity, hacking, identity theft, data protection, information security, data privacy, cybercrime, server security, data leakage, data sold, market punishment, data transparency, opt-in, data costs, cyberspace security, government reports, risk security, data records, breach statistics, privacy economics Data breaches, personal data, security, hackers, identity theft, cyber security, data protection, data exposure, data privacy, cyber attacks, data sale, server security, negligence, hacking, costs, consumer trust, market impact, data dissemination, privacy practices, regulatory compliance, breach statistics, risk security, data leak, data integrity, online privacy, information security, cyber threats, data management, data safeguards Data breaches, personal data, cybersecurity, hackers, identity theft, data protection, server security, online privacy, data selling, data safety, data loss, cybercrime, data exposure, market punishment, privacy regulations, data security costs, opt-in, data dissemination, cybersecurity threats, breach statistics
test-economy-eptpghdtre-pro04a	Deregulation contributed to the banking crises and, therefore the 2009 economic crash  It is clear that the economic meltdown was, in large part, caused by deregulation of the banking and financial sectors. The Republican obsession causes not only environmental damage and low wages but it doesn’t even succeed in its avowed aim of leaving the market free to generate wealth. In just a way of letting the parties friends in the boardrooms of corporate America to get even richer by gambling with the homes and pensions of ordinary, hard-working Americans [i] .  The Congressional Republican response to the 2008 crash was to pass a bill that curtailed 38 environmental regulations, blaming the EPA for the stalled economy. Why is anyone’s guess.  [i] “Why Government Becomes the Scapegoat”. Governemtnisgood.com deregulation, banking crises, 2009 economic crash, economic meltdown, financial sectors, Republican policies, environmental damage, low wages, market freedom, corporate America, gambling, homes, pensions, 2008 crash, environmental regulations, EPA, government scapegoat deregulation, banking crises, 2008 financial crash, economic meltdown, financial sectors, Republican policies, environmental damage, low wages, market freedom, corporate America, gambling, housing crisis, pensions, Congressional Republicans, environmental regulations, EPA, government scapegoat, economic policy deregulation, banking crises, economic crash, 2008 crash, financial sector, Republican policies, environmental damage, low wages, market freedom, corporate America, gambling, housing crisis, pension risk, congressional response, environmental regulations, EPA, government blame deregulation, banking crises, 2008 economic crash, financial sector, economic meltdown, Republican policies, environmental damage, low wages, market freedom, corporate regulation, Wall Street, financial gambling, housing bubble, pensions, Congressional response, environmental regulations, EPA, economic blame, government scapegoat deregulation, banking crises, 2009 economic crash, financial sectors, economic meltdown, Republican policies, environmental damage, low wages, market freedom, corporate America, gambling, home foreclosures, pensions, 2008 crash, legislative response, environmental regulation, EPA, economic stagnation, government scapegoat
test-free-speech-debate-magghbcrg-pro02a	Radio is cheap to produce and easily accessible.  Community radio relies on the power of its ideas and the thirst for those ideas among its audience. It accepts the notion that it is the exchange of information and views, freely given and received, that is more important than the ideas themselves.  It doesn’t require massive budgets and radio waves can be received on equipment that costs pennies; more importantly it can be shared.  For all of its pretensions of accessibility the devices used to access the Internet tend to be expensive and they also tend not to be shared – unlike radios [i] .  To give some context to this, even paying Western prices, a small radio station can be started for as little as $10,000 with monthly costs of $1,000 [ii] . Some of that, of course, relates to government issued licences, clearly this does not apply if the station is planning to be ignored by the authorities. These costs can be further reduced when the founders have a pre-existing knowledge of radio engineering or work with a partner organisation such as the BBC World Service or the various NGOs who specialise in the field [iii] .  [i] Plunkett, John, Community radio: A rare success story. The Guardian. 9 March 2009.  [ii] Prometheus Radio Project.  [iii] Wikipedia. Community Radio. radio, community radio, accessibility, information exchange, low-cost, broadcasting, internet devices, sharing, cost, licensing, government regulation, NGO partnerships, BBC World Service, radio engineering, media, communication, technology affordability Community radio, accessibility, low-cost radio, information exchange, audience engagement, shared devices, radio costs, internet access, shared technology, licensing costs, radio engineering, NGO partnerships, BBC World Service, community media, media costs radio, community radio, accessibility, affordability, information exchange, broadcasting, radio equipment, shared devices, internet costs, radio station, licensing, government regulation, cost reduction, radio engineering, NGOs, BBC World Service, community media radio, accessibility, community radio, information exchange, affordability, low-cost technology, radio broadcasting, shared devices, internet access, costs, licensing, NGOs, radio engineering, BBC World Service, community broadcasting radio, community radio, accessibility, affordability, information exchange, low-cost equipment, radio transmission, sharing, internet access, device cost, licensing, government restrictions, volunteer radio stations, radio engineering, NGO partnership, broadcasting costs
test-philosophy-elkosmj-con02a	We cannot make any judgments about whose life is valuable and whose is not  It is impossible to know what any of the people involved in the situation will do with their life. One might be a serial killer while another might be a life-saving doctor. By attempting to use some sort of calculation in the scenario we are presuming that we have more knowledge than we actually do. In reality we are totally ignorant to the right course of action and doing anything in the situation could be a terrible mistake that causes a lot of pain and suffering in the future. morality, judgment, value of life, uncertainty, knowledge limits, ethical dilemma, moral relativism, human rights, unpredictability, decision making, suffering, consequences, ignorance moral judgment, value of life, ignorance, uncertainty, ethical dilemma, moral philosophy, decision making, consequences, moral relativism, empathy, human life, moral complexity ethics, value of life, moral judgment, ignorance, decision-making, unpredictability, life outcomes, moral dilemma, consequentialism, moral relativism ethics, judgment, life value, moral dilemma, uncertainty, ignorance, decision-making, consequences, moral relativity, unpredictable behavior, ethical dilemma, moral ambiguity moraljudgment, valueoflife, moralambiguity, decisionmaking, ethicaldilemmas, ignorance, unforeseenconsequences, morality, riskassessment, empathy, compassion, unpredictability, moralrelativism, ethicalcomplexity
test-international-iighbopcc-con03a	A more informal agreement avoids the US congress  The United States Congress is a potential hurdle for any climate agreement. While President Barack Obama is keen to make tackling climate change a legacy of his Presidency the Republican dominated Congress is both likely to try to block the President for that very reason and is sceptical of climate change. It is therefore a major benefit to have an agreement that will not need to be submitted to Congress for approval as any treaty needs to be confirmed by the Senate.  The Secretary of State Kerry argues that it is “definitely not going to be a treaty,” and “not going to be legally binding reduction targets like Kyoto”. It won’t need to be passed to the Senate because the President already has the power to implement the agreement through existing law. [1]  [1] Mufson, Steven, and Demirjian, Karoun, ‘Trick or treaty? The legal question hanging over the Paris climate change conference’, Washington Post, 30 November 2015, informal agreement, US Congress, climate agreement, presidential authority, treaty bypass, Senate approval, executive action, legal binding, Kyoto Protocol, climate change policy, President Obama, international negotiations, legislative hurdles, Paris climate conference, climate achieve, US law, climate treaty, climate legislation informal agreement, US Congress, climate treaty, legislative hurdles, executive authority, presidential powers, climate change policy, Senate approval, legal binding, Paris Agreement, climate summit, US law, treaty bypass, international climate negotiations, climate policy implementation informal agreement, US congress, climate change, climate agreement, presidential power, treaty, Senate, legal binding, Kyoto Protocol, executive authority, international law, climate negotiations, political hurdles informal agreement, US Congress, climate change, treaty bypass, presidential executive authority, legal binding, Senate approval, Kyoto Protocol, climate policy, Paris Agreement, legislative hurdles, executive action, international climate treaty, climate negotiations, US legislative process informal agreement, US Congress, climate agreement, climate change, President Obama, legislative hurdles, climate treaty, Senate approval, non-binding, executive power, legally non-binding, Paris climate conference, international law, presidential authority
test-education-pstrgsehwt-con02a	Education should be about truth and facts, not dogma and faith.  Scientific enquiry is, at its core, a search for truth [1] . It is about shining light in dark places. Dogmatic adherence to beliefs in spite of evidence, and even trying to cover up facts that contradict those beliefs is academically dishonest and intellectually facile. Evolution is proven fact, a theory so sound that it is the cornerstone of all biology. Nothing in biology makes any sense unless considered in the context of evolution. Schools should teach this fact, not the pseudoscience of religious demagogues. It is a fundamental attack on children's rights to subject them to false information for the sake of upholding outdated and disproved beliefs. It is a right of all people to have a valuable education, because good education is required to be able to take part in the democratic process, to be able to make informed decisions. That right is compromised when the educational system gives them a worthless education in untruths, like Creationism, because informed decisions must be based on fact, and must be objective the way science is, rather than loaded with religious undertones, that skew ones view of the facts. The value of education is only as good as its applicability, either directly or through its fostering of critical thinking. So, when the political process is used to circumvent the curriculum set by teachers and experts, who actually know the subjects they are talking about, and replacing them with the curriculum set by a scientifically illiterate political body, the children suffer as the quality of their education decreases.  [1] Pauling, Linus. 1983. No More War! New York: Dodd Mead. education, truth, facts, dogma, faith, scientific enquiry, evidence, evolution, biology, pseudoscience, creationism, religious beliefs, intellectual honesty, critical thinking, scientific literacy, curriculum, misinformation, education rights, democratic process, informed decisions, scientific method, teaching standards, political influence education, truth, facts, dogma, faith, scientific enquiry, scientific method, evidence, intellectual honesty, evolution, biology, scientific theory, creationism, pseudoscience, religious beliefs, teaching, education rights, children's rights, misinformation, democracy, informed decisions, critical thinking, curriculum, political influence, scientific literacy education, truth, facts, scientific enquiry, evidence, dogma, faith, academic honesty, evolution, biology, pseudoscience, creationism, religious beliefs, misinformation, children's rights, democracy, informed decisions, objectivity, science, critical thinking, curriculum, political influence, scientific literacy education, truth, facts, dogma, faith, scientific enquiry, evolution, biology, pseudoscience, religion, creationism, teaching, children's rights, education quality, democracy, informed decisions, critical thinking, scientific literacy, curriculum, political interference, scientific method, evidence-based, intellectual honesty, scientific theory education, truth, facts, dogma, faith, scientific enquiry, evidence, honesty, evolution, biology, teaching, pseudoscience, creationism, religion, misinformation, children's rights, education quality, democracy, informed decisions, objectivity, science, critical thinking, curriculum, political influence, scientific literacy
test-society-tlhrilsfhwr-pro01a	Cultural relativism and adapting to conflict  The issues underlying all debates on child soldiers go to the very heart of intercultural justice, politics and governance. International and supranational legislation notwithstanding, the notion that children should be protected from all forms of violence at any cost is expressly western.  The facts stated in the introduction are not sufficient to support the creation of a defence of cultural relativism to charges of recruiting and using child soldiers. “Cultures” are not simply sets of practices defined by history and tradition. They are also methods of living, of survival and of ordering societies that change and develop in response to societies’ environments. Within many communities, children are inducted (or induct themselves) into military organisations as a result of necessity. The traditional providers of physical safety within a society may have been killed or displaced by war. Communities left vulnerable by long running and vaguely defined conflicts may have no other option but to begin arming their children, in order to help them avoid violent exploitation. A great many child soldiers in South Sudan actively sought out units of the rebel army known to accept child recruits [i] . Following the death of parents and the dispersal of extended families, children gravitated towards known sources of safety and strength – organisations capable of providing protection and independence within nations utterly distorted and ruined by conflict.  Western notions of inviolate childhood, free of worry and violence, are merely a cultural construct. This construct cannot be duplicated in societies beset by forms of privation and conflict that have been alien to western liberal democracies for the last seventy years. Attempting to enforce this construct as law- and as a form of law that can trump domestic legislation- endangers vulnerable communities, inhibits the creation of democratic norms and can even criminalise the children it claims to protect.  [i] “Raised by war: Child Soldiers of the Southern Sudanese Second Civil War”, Christine Emily Ryan, PhD Thesis, University of London, 2009 cultural relativism, child soldiers, intercultural justice, conflict, governance, international legislation, supranational law, violence protection, Western constructs, cultural practices, societal survival, militarization, displacement, war, South Sudan, rebel groups, protection, vulnerability, childhood innocence, cultural differences, customary law, legal enforcement, democracy, criminalization, societal norms cultural relativism, child soldiers, intercultural justice, international legislation, supranational laws, Western norms, violence protection, cultural practices, societal survival, military induction, war displacement, community safety, South Sudan, rebel armies, child recruitment, conflict zones, childhood innocence, cultural constructs, violence in societies, legal enforcement, democratic norms, vulnerability, societal resilience cultural relativism, child soldiers, intercultural justice, conflict, legislation, Western norms, cultural practices, societal survival, armed child recruitment, South Sudan, war, displacement, safety, violence, childhood, cultural constructs, law, democracy, vulnerability, conflict zones cultural relativism, child soldiers, intercultural justice, conflict, violence, legislation, Western notions, childhood, cultural practices, societal survival, war, displacement, community safety, rebellion, protection, independence, privation, conflict zones, liberal democracies, legal norms, vulnerability, criminalisation cultural relativism, child soldiers, intercultural justice, legislation, violence, Western norms, cultural practices, societal change, conflict, survival strategies, community safety, war, displacement, armed groups, South Sudan, rebel recruitment, vulnerability, protection, childhood constructs, cultural anthropology, law, democracy, criminalization
test-international-miasimyhw-pro05a	The freedom to move is a human right.  Mobility is a human right - which needs to be enabled across national spaces and Africa. Obstacles need to be removed. Mobility enables access to interconnected rights - such as ensuring women their right to move enables empowerment in the political, social and economic spheres.  Taking the case of migration of young people, the process reflects a right of passage, a means of exploring opportunities and identity.For example the Mourides of Senegal have established a dense network sustaining informal trading across multiple scales based on a foundation of ‘Brotherhood’ youths leaving rural areas become integrated into dynamic social networks and educated within the Mouride culture. As research in Tanzania shows although migration is not a priority for all youths, many identify the opportunity as a time to prove yourself and establish your transition into adulthood. The process empowers human identity and rights. human rights, mobility, movement, Africa, obstacles, interconnected rights, women empowerment, migration, youth, opportunity, identity, Senegal, Mourides, informal trade, social networks, community, rural to urban, cultural integration, Tanzania, transition to adulthood, empowerment, social inclusion freedom, movement, human rights, mobility, national spaces, Africa, obstacles, interconnected rights, women's empowerment, migration, youth, right of passage, opportunities, identity, Senegal, Mourides, informal trading, social networks, rural areas, integration, education, Tanzania, transition, adulthood, human identity, empowerment human right, mobility, freedom of movement, access, interconnected rights, women empowerment, migration, youth migration, identity, Africa, national spaces, obstacles, social networks, informal trade, Senegal, Mourides, brotherhood, rural-urban transition, social integration, education, Tanzania, opportunities, empowerment, rights human rights, freedom to move, mobility, Africa, migration, access, interconnected rights, women's rights, empowerment, political rights, social rights, economic rights, obstacles, removal, youth migration, identity, opportunities, social networks, informal trading, Senegal, Mourides, brotherhood, rural areas, social integration, education, Tanzania, transition to adulthood, human identity human rights, mobility, freedom of movement, Africa, barriers, interconnected rights, women's empowerment, migration, youth, opportunity, identity, social networks, informal trade, Brotherhood, Senegal, rural to urban, cultural integration, Tanzania, transition to adulthood
test-education-usuprmhbu-con02a	Affirmative action creates bad workplaces for all minorities  Affirmative action creates a negative workplaces for all minorities whose group receives affirmative action support.  The existence of affirmative action creates a de-facto assumption that anyone of that particular minority must have gotten where they are not on their own merit, but simply because they are that particular minority. This causes people to resent the minority group for getting for “free” what people feel they had to work hard for. This furthers the perception of the minority as being inferior, and removes their capacity to be treated as an equal in the workplace and prove themselves.  This assumption is not only harmful to those minorities who did receive assistance from affirmative action, but also anyone of that minority group regardless of if they were hired using affirmative action because there is simply an assumption that they are less qualified and there because of the policy because the policy exists.  Therefore, affirmative action creates an assumption that minorities in the workplace are less qualified and inherently inferior to the other workers due to the affirmative action policy causing resentment and deepening inequality, not helping eradicate it. affirmative action, workplace discrimination, minority stereotypes, employee perceptions, workplace inequality, meritocracy, reverse discrimination, social bias, workplace resentment, affirmative action effects, diversity policies, employment inequality, workplace bias, discrimination myths, minority support, social perceptions, workplace fairness affirmative action, workplace bias, minority groups, employment discrimination, workplace inequality, meritocracy, perception, stereotypes, racism, affirmative action criticism, workplace resentment, minority qualification, social bias, discrimination policy, workplace diversity, social perception, workplace fairness affirmative action, workplace inequality, minority groups, discrimination, workplace resentment, meritocracy, perceived inferiority, workplace bias, employment discrimination, social perception, affirmative action criticism, workplace dynamics, diversity policies, social stereotypes, equality, affirmative action impact affirmative action, workplace discrimination, minority stereotypes, systemic bias, employment inequality, workplace resentment, meritocracy, racial bias, affirmative action perception, workplace fairness, social perception, workplace inequality, workplace prejudice, affirmative action impact, racial stereotypes affirmative action, workplace inequality, minority groups, discrimination, meritocracy, stereotypes, perceived inferiority, workplace resentment, affirmative action impact, diversity policy, workplace discrimination, social perception, equality, employment bias, systemic bias
test-international-ghwcitca-con03a	Unlike warfare cyber-attacks don’t kill so they don’t need to be restricted in the same way  Warfare needs to be closely regulated because of the numbers of people who can be killed and the devastation that can result. This is not something that is a concern with cyber-attacks. So far cyber-attacks have not been very effective. ‘Stuxnet’ was a computer worm targeted an important control system in the Iranian nuclear program sabotaging gas centrifuges by making them run out of control. It was created by US and Israeli intelligence yet was not particularly effective, and certainly did not kill anyone. [1] Other major attacks have infected a large number of machines, such as ‘Shamoon’ that attacked the Saudi state oil company ARAMCO which affected 30,000 computers, but again this is simply destruction of property. [2] No matter how indiscriminate cyber-attacks may be that they don’t cause large numbers of deaths means there is little need to ban such attacks – it simply does not matter if attackers don’t follow a set of conventions like the Geneva conventions.  [1] Barzashka, Ivanka, ‘Are Cyber-Weapons Effective? Assessing Stuxnet’s Impact on the Iranian Enrichment Programme’, RUSI Journal, Vol.158, Issue 2, 28 April 2013,   [2] Garamone, Jim, ‘Panetta Spells out DOD Roles in Cyberdefense’, American Forces Press Service, 11 October 2012, cyber-attacks, warfare, regulation, effectiveness, Stuxnet, sabotage, Iranian nuclear program, computer worm, cyber warfare, property damage, casualties, Geneva conventions, cybersecurity, cyber-weapons, Shamoon, ARAMCO, destruction, consequences cyber-attacks, warfare, regulation, casualties, devastation, effectiveness, Stuxnet, computer worm, Iranian nuclear program, sabotage, gas centrifuges, US, Israeli intelligence, Shamoon, ARAMCO, property damage, Geneva conventions, cyber-weapons, impact, cyber defense cyber-attacks, warfare, regulation, destruction, effectiveness, Stuxnet, Iran, sabotage, cyber-war, Geneva conventions, Shamoon, ARAMCO, computer viruses, cyber-weapons, international law, cyber security, cyber warfare, governmental hacking cyber-attacks, warfare, regulation, casualties, devastation, effectiveness, Stuxnet, Iranian nuclear program, sabotage, gas centrifuges, US, Israeli intelligence, property damage, Shamoon, ARAMCO, Saudi Arabia, computer infection, Geneva conventions, cyber-weapons, cyber-defense, deterrence cyber-attacks, warfare, regulation, destruction, effectiveness, Stuxnet, Iranian nuclear, sabotage, cyber-weapons, Geneva conventions, Shamoon, ARAMCO, property damage, casualty, international law
test-politics-oglilpdwhsn-con04a	"Problems with Verification.  Verification is vital in any agreement to limit arms. Both sides need to trust each other a bit but a lot of this trust needs to come from comprehensive mechanisms to monitor and ensure that both sides are carrying out their commitments. If the verification system is not good enough then neither side will have faith in the agreement and will be more likely to try and bypass it.  Unfortunately the expired START’s verification regime was robust when compared to that for the New START. Baker Spring at the Heritage foundation lists some of the specific areas that are significantly less robust: A narrowing of the requirements for exchanging telemetry (electronic transmissions that give details of missile performance that helps give a good idea about whether Russia is complying with the treaty) , A reduction in the effectiveness of the inspections (the Russians feel that inspections are unfairly biased against them), Weaknesses in the ability to verify the number of deployed warheads on ICBMs and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), Abolition of the START verification regime governing mobile ICBMs, and A weakening of the verification standards governing the elimination of delivery vehicles. [1]  [1] Spring, Baker. ""Twelve Flaws of New START That Will Be Difficult to Fix"". Heritage Foundation, The Foundry. 16 September 2010. Verification, arms control, trust, monitoring, compliance, verification mechanisms, START treaty, New START, telemetry, missile performance, inspections, bias, verification standards, warheads, ICBMs, SLBMs, mobile ICBMs, delivery vehicles, treaty enforcement, verification weaknesses verification, trust, agreements, arms control, compliance, monitoring, inspection, verification mechanisms, New START, START treaty, missile telemetry, inspections, warhead Counting, ICBMs, SLBMs, mobile ICBMs, delivery vehicle elimination, verification standards, treaty flaws verification, arms control, trust, monitoring, compliance, New START, START treaty, verification mechanisms, telemetry, inspections, missile performance, treaty compliance, verification weaknesses, mobile ICBMs, warheads, SLBMs, delivery vehicles, elimination standards, arms agreement, safeguard measures, verification reliability, treaty verification, missile verification verification, arms control, trust, monitoring mechanisms, compliance, inspection, telemetry, missile performance, New START, START treaty, verification standards, mobile ICBMs, warheads, ICBMs, SLBMs, delivery vehicles, treaty flaws, verification regime, arms treaty, transparency, verification robustness, treaty implementation verification, arms control, compliance, inspection, monitoring, treaty verification, New START, START regime, telemetry, missile performance, inspection fairness, warhead verification, ICBMs, SLBMs, mobile ICBMs, delivery vehicle verification, verification standards, trust, mutual accountability"
test-international-aglhrilhb-con03a	Fear of prosecutions cause leaders to do more damage  Instead of giving up fighting, leaders continue to fight, disrupting the ability of a country to move on, for fear of prosecution. Pol Pot, for example, rebuilt armies and continued to fight long after his regime was overthrown, killing thousands more people. Had an amnesty been offered, he might well have given up and allowed the country to heal with far less death. Joseph Kony also continues to plague Uganda from within bush land even though he has offered to surrender for amnesty, because the ICC refuses to grant him any indemnity for his crimes [1].  [1] BBC news Africa, ‘LRA leader Joseph Kony 'in surrender talks' with CAR’, bbc.co.uk, 20 November 2013, fear, prosecutions, leaders, damage, fighting, country, amnesty, Pol Pot, armies, overthrow, killing, Joseph Kony, Uganda, surrender, ICC, indemnity, crimes, BBC news, Africa fear, prosecutions, leaders, damage, fighting, disruption, country, amnesty, Pol Pot, armies, regime, killings, Joseph Kony, Uganda, surrender, ICC, indemnity, crimes, rehabilitation prosecutions, leaders, damage, fighting, country, fear, prosecution, Pol Pot, armies, overthrow, killing, amnesty, regime, healing, Joseph Kony, Uganda, surrender, ICC, indemnity, crimes fear, prosecutions, leaders, damage, fighting, disruption, country, Pol Pot, armies, regime, amnesty, Joseph Kony, Uganda, surrender, ICC, indemnity, crimes fear, prosecutions, leaders, damage, fighting, country, post-conflict, amnesty, Pol Pot, continued violence, regime overthrow, killings, Joseph Kony, Uganda, surrender, amnesty, ICC, indemnity, crimes, LRA, surrender talks, BBC, news, Africa
test-international-iwiaghbss-con03a	Could retain sovereignty without acquiring new territory  While it is normal for states to have exclusive sovereign control over territory this has not always happened in the past. There have been governments in exile that have remained recognised as a result of wars or revolutions. Most notable perhaps was during world war II where there were governments in exile as a result of invasions by Germany and Japan. For example Philippine President Quezon set up The Commonwealth government in exile in Washington D.C. which remained the recognised government by the allies and therefore much of the world. [1]  A state therefore does not have to have control over a populated territory to maintain a sovereign government and for the world to recognise it as such. [2] Having a population on the territory over which the state has sovereignty matters little; migrants don’t always change citizenship when they move to live in another country. Indeed 56.9% of Samoans live outside their own territory. [3]  [1] Jose, Ricardo, T., ‘Governments in Exile’, University of the Philippines,  , p.182  [2] Yu, 2013,   [3] McAdam, 2010,  , p.8 sovereignty, governments in exile, recognized government, territory control, state sovereignty, wartime governments, diplomatic recognition, exile governments, sovereignty without territory, exile recognition, government in exile examples, historical sovereignty, migration, population and sovereignty, diaspora, Philippine Commonwealth, WWII, international law sovereignty, government in exile, recognized government, territory control, national sovereignty, exile governments, historical examples, sovereignty without territory, diplomatic recognition, populations abroad, citizenship, migration, World War II, Philippine Commonwealth, government recognition, illegal occupation, sovereignty principles sovereignty, governments in exile, recognized government, territory control, sovereignty without territory, political status, exile governments, wartime governance, international recognition, diaspora populations, citizenship, migration, sample countries, historical examples sovereignty, governments in exile, territorial control, recognition, history, World War II, Philippine government, Commonwealth, international recognition, sovereignty without territory, diaspora, migration, citizenship, Samoans sovereignty, governments in exile, recognized government, territory control, war, revolution, World War II, Philippine Commonwealth, exile government, recognition, population, migration, citizenship, Samoans, international recognition, sovereignty without territory
test-philosophy-ippelhbcp-con03a	Capital punishment is a comparatively small issue  Whatever the merits, capital punishment in Africa is a small issue. Capital punishment opponents should focus on China, which uses capital punishment in a secretive manner for all variety of offences and executes far more people than the rest of the world put together. [1]  If Western human rights groups genuinely want to improve human rights in Africa, there are a myriad of issues that affect many more people relating to good governance, political rights and socio-economic rights, rather than just focusing on a small number of individuals, generally convicted of particularly serious criminal offences.  [1] ‘Death Sentences and Executions 2012’, Amnesty International, April 2013,  , p.6 capital punishment, Africa, China, executions, human rights, secretive, offences, opponents, Western groups, governance, political rights, socio-economic rights, death sentences, Amnesty International capital punishment, Africa, China, human rights, executions, secretive, reform, governance, political rights, socio-economic rights, Amnesty International capital punishment, Africa, China, executions, human rights, opponents, secretive, offences, death penalty, Amnesty International, governance, political rights, socio-economic rights, criminal offences capital punishment, Africa, China, executions, human rights, death penalty, Amnesty International, political rights, socio-economic rights, governance, criminal offences, opponents capital punishment, Africa, China, executions, human rights, secretive justice, governance, political rights, socio-economic rights, Amnesty International, death sentences, criminal offences
test-free-speech-debate-radhbsshr-pro01a	Artistic Freedom  A core principle of art is that it should be free from any form of inhibition, as the particular artwork is an expression of the particular views and ideals of the artist. The subject matter in many instances is their own choice; therefore they have the right to say what they want about the subject matter, safe in the knowledge that is their opinion alone being portrayed.  The artist that painted ‘The Spear’, Brett Murray, created the piece as part of an exhibition that reflected his own discontent at the lack of major progress since the ruling African National Congress took power in South Africa after the end of Apartheid in 1994. Murray used his work to promulgate an idea that he has, allowing for others to see the art work for themselves and make up their own minds about President Zuma and the ANC. [1]  Art Galleries have a right to display any artist they feel will attract visitors as well showcase the forms of art that they believe is suitable. The Goodman Gallery saw no issue with Murray’s work to the extent that they prevented any particular works from being displayed. As it was their venue which was the setting for ‘The Spear’s display, The Goodman Gallery had the right to take decisions independently of external pressure. The removal of the exhibit sets a dangerous precedent whereby government can unduly censor artworks, threatening the free actions of artists and the galleries that display their work in turn affecting plural, democratic discourse. [2]  [1] Du Toit, ‘Artist Brett Murray explains why he painted ‘The spear’, 2 Ocean’s Vibe, 2012,   [2] Robins. P, ‘The spear that divided the nation’, Amandla, 2012, artistic freedom, artistic expression, censorship, artwork rights, gallery authority, political art, African National Congress, South Africa, apartheid, President Zuma, exhibit removal, gallery decision-making, government censorship, democratic discourse, art controversy, Brett Murray, The Spear, art exhibition,_gallery rights, art controversy, political satire, freedom of speech, art censorship, controversial artworks artistic freedom, art principles, expression, artist views, subject choice, opinion portrayal, Brett Murray, 'The Spear', artwork, exhibition, discontent, ANC, South Africa, post-Apartheid, political art, President Zuma, gallery rights, art display, censorship, government influence, artistic expression, democratic discourse, gallery autonomy, cultural politics artistic freedom, art inhibition, artistic expression, artist rights, artwork subject, personal opinion, Brett Murray, The Spear, political art, South Africa, post-apartheid, ANC critique, President Zuma, government censorship, art galleries, exhibition decisions, Goodman Gallery, artistic controversy, freedom of speech, artistic activism, censorship risks, democratic discourse artistic freedom, art expression, censorship, artwork controversy, Brett Murray, The Spear, political art, South Africa, ANC, President Zuma, art galleries, gallery rights, exhibition, artistic discontent, political satire, protest art, artistic independence, democratic discourse, free speech, art controversy, censorship dangers artistic freedom, art principles, artistic expression, artwork, artist's views, subject matter, individual opinion, Brett Murray, The Spear, art exhibition, political commentary, South Africa, ANC, Nelson Mandela, President Zuma, art censorship, art galleries, display rights, Goodman Gallery, artistic controversy, political art, democratic discourse, freedom of expression, government censorship, artistic independence
test-health-hpehwadvoee-con03a	This would encourage coercion for some to die to save others  By allowing sacrificial donations society becomes vulnerable to abuse of this system. It is possible that people are scared or coerced into sacrificing their lives for others. While society does all it can for those who are ill, it cannot start moving the boundaries for when it actively takes the lives of its citizens.  Even when there is no coercion, we cannot even know when a person is beyond all hope. Even in the direst situations, there are exceptional cases when people recover. However, if we take a person’s vital organs, the process is irreversible. Therefore, it is always wrong to prematurely kill another person, while the recipient is still alive and within the realm of luck and miracles. In the status quo the donor is already dead and the trade-off is not a problem, but this cannot be extended to the living coercion, sacrificial donations, abuse, societal vulnerability, life sacrifice, ethical boundaries, euthanasia, life preservation, organ donation, irreversible procedures, bodily autonomy, moral dilemma, healthcare ethics, life extension, premature death coercion, sacrificial donations, societal vulnerability, abuse, life sacrifice, coercion, healthcare ethics, organ donation, euthanasia, irreversible procedures, death, life and death decisions, medical ethics, autonomy, exploitation, moral boundaries, humanitarian concerns coercion, sacrificial donations, societal vulnerability, abuse, life sacrifice, moral boundaries, euthanasia, organ donation, irreversible procedures, pre-mature killing, vital organs, hope, miracles, ethical dilemma coercion, sacrifice, donation, vulnerability, abuse, life, death, societal boundaries, organ harvesting, permanence, irreversibility, morality, ethics, medical ethics, euthanasia, consent, mortality, hope, recovery, life sacrifice, human rights coercion, sacrifice, donation, abuse, vulnerability, ethical dilemmas, euthanasia, organ donation, life ethics, moral boundaries, irreversible procedures, medical ethics, life preservation, societal impact, autonomy, consent
test-international-aahwstdrtfm-con03a	Receive much greater interest from Taiwan  There are benefits to being one of only twenty-two countries that recognise another country; you are lavished with attention. The President of the RoC visited São Tomé in January 2014, [1] he was last intending to visit only two years before but cancelled as President Manuel Pinto da Costa was overseas. [2] Visits also regularly go the other way; in a four month period from October 2010 São Tomé’s President, Minister of Finance, and Prime Minister all made separate trips to Taiwan. [3] The PRC being recognised by many more countries could never provide the same level of attention. As one of the poorest countries in the world without the question of recognition the PRC would have practically no interest in such a small African state.  [1] ‘Ma vows to strengthen ROC-Sao Tome relations’, Taiwan Today, 27 January 2014,   [2] Hsiu-chuan, Shih, ‘Ma’s trip canceled due to scheduling conflict: Sao Tome’, Taipei Times, 5 April 2012,   [3] Martins, Vasco, ‘Aid for legitimacy: São Tomé and Principe hand in hand with Taiwan’, IPRIS Viewpoints, February 2011, Taiwan, recognition, international relations, diplomatic visits, São Tomé and Príncipe, China, PRC, foreign policy, recognition benefits, small states, diplomatic attention, bilateral relations, foreign aid, legitimacy, African countries, diplomatic recognition, political attention, international recognition, diplomatic visits, foreign engagement Taiwan, ROC, São Tomé, diplomatic recognition, international relations, presidential visits, foreign policy, bilateral relations, recognition benefits, PRC, small states, international attention, diplomatic break, aid, legitimacy, African countries, foreign trips, diplomacy, recognition count, political support Taiwan, São Tomé, diplomatic recognition, international relations, foreign policy, bilateral visits, recognition status, ROC, PRC, foreign aid, diplomatic attention, small countries, Africa, diplomatic recognition benefits, international diplomacy, political recognition, global alliances Taiwan, recognition, diplomatic relations, São Tomé and Príncipe, RoC President, diplomatic visits, international recognition, Chinese government, PRC, foreign aid, bilateral relations, African countries, Taiwan's diplomatic strategy, political recognition, international attention, small states, foreign policy Taiwan, recognition, diplomatic relations, São Tomé, RoC, Chinese recognition, international recognition, diplomatic visits, presidential trips, foreign policy, China, PRC, African countries, diplomatic attention, bilateral relations, diplomatic sovereignty, foreign aid, legitimacy, diplomatic recognition, fragile states, international affairs
test-health-hdond-con04a	People may have valid religious reasons not to donate organs  Many major religions, such as some forms of Orthodox Judaism {Haredim Issue}, specifically mandate leaving the body intact after death. To create a system that aims to strongly pressure people, with the threat of reduced priority for life-saving treatment, to violate their religious beliefs violates religious freedom. This policy would put individuals and families in the untenable position of having to choose between contravene the edicts of their god and losing the life of themselves or a loved one. While it could be said that any religion that bans organ donation would presumably ban receiving organs as transplants, this is not actually the case; some followers of Shintoism and Roma faiths prohibit removing organs from the body, but allow transplants to the body. religious beliefs, organ donation, religious restrictions, Orthodox Judaism, Haredim, body integrity, religious freedom, life-saving treatment, ethical considerations, religious edicts, organ transplant, Shintoism, Roma faith, cultural beliefs, medical ethics religious beliefs, organ donation, Orthodox Judaism, Haredim, body integrity, religious freedom, life-saving treatment, religious edicts, religious tolerance, transplantation, Shintoism, Roma faiths, organ removal, religious restrictions religious beliefs, organ donation, Orthodox Judaism, Haredim, body integrity, religious freedom, ethical considerations, life-saving treatment, religious restrictions, transplant policies, Shintoism, Roma faiths, bodily autonomy, religious edicts, medical ethics religious beliefs, organ donation, religious restriction, Orthodox Judaism, Haredim, body integrity, religious freedom, life-saving treatment, religious edicts, organ transplants, Shintoism, Roma faiths, body preservation, religious exemptions, ethics, bioethics, medical policy, cultural beliefs religious belief, organ donation, Orthodox Judaism, Haredim, body integrity, religious freedom, life-saving treatment, religious edicts, faith-based ethics, transplantation policies, Shintoism, Roma faiths, religious restrictions, organ removal, religious exemptions
test-sport-ybfgsohbhog-pro03a	COUNTERPOINT Any large expenditure in one area will stimulate regeneration. Considering that the cost of hosting the London 2012 Olympics is predicted at £2.375 billion, expected to rise far higher, regeneration is the least that can be expected as a le  The Olympics are a showcase. Hosting the Olympics can be a way of making a strong political point because of the intense media scrutiny that accompanies the games. During the Cold War both Moscow 1980 and Los Angeles 1984 were used by the USSR and USA to show their economic strength. Seoul in 1988 used the games to demonstrate South Korea's economic and political maturity. The Beijing Olympics in 2008 are seen by many as evidence of China's acceptance into the global community and a way for her to showcase her economic growth and acceptance of the West. For New York, the 2012 bid is a way of showing that the post-9/11 healing process has been completed and that the city is 'open for business' despite the terrorist attacks. counterpoint, expenditure, regeneration, London 2012 Olympics, costs, political statement, media scrutiny, Cold War, Moscow 1980, Los Angeles 1984, USSR, USA, Seoul 1988, South Korea, economic strength, political maturity, Beijing 2008, China, global community, economic growth, West, New York, 2012 bid, post-9/11, healing, terrorism expenditure, regeneration, London 2012 Olympics, costs, media scrutiny, Cold War, USSR, USA, Moscow 1980, Los Angeles 1984, political point, economic strength, Seoul 1988, South Korea, economic maturity, Beijing Olympics 2008, China, global community, economic growth, acceptance, West, New York 2012, post-9/11, healing, terrorism regeneration, Olympic expenditure, London 2012, economic impact, political statement, media scrutiny, Cold War Olympics, Moscow 1980, Los Angeles 1984, USSR, USA, Seoul 1988, South Korea, Beijing 2008, China's global integration, economic growth, post-9/11 recovery, New York Olympics, city branding counterpoint, expenditure, regeneration, London 2012 Olympics, costs, hosting, political statement, media scrutiny, Cold War, Moscow 1980, Los Angeles 1984, USSR, USA, Seoul 1988, South Korea, economic strength, political maturity, Beijing 2008, China, global community, economic growth, Western acceptance, New York 2012, post-9/11, healing, terrorism, city image counterpoint, expenditure, regeneration, London 2012 Olympics, cost, hosting Olympics, political statement, media scrutiny, Cold War, Moscow 1980, Los Angeles 1984, USSR, USA, Seoul 1988, South Korea, economic strength, political maturity, Beijing 2008, China, global community, economic growth, acceptance of the West, New York 2012, post-9/11, healing, terrorism, city recovery
test-law-tahglcphsld-pro04a	Legalisation reduces crime  The illegality of drugs fuels a huge amount of crime that could be eliminated if drugs were legalised. Price controls would mean that addicts would no longer have to steal to fund their habits, and a state-provided drug services would put dealers out of business, starving criminal gangs of their main source of funding. For example, an Italian Mafia family were making around $44bn a year from cocaine smuggling. [1] This represents something like 3% of Italy’s entire GDP – and that from only one crime syndicate.  [1] Kington, Tom, ‘Italian police raids reveal how an 80-year-old gangster held sway over the feared Calabrian mafia’, The Observer, 18 July 2010, drug legalization, crime reduction, drug markets, illegal drugs, drug violence, criminal gangs, drug trade, mafia, organized crime, drug trafficking, crime statistics, drug policies, law enforcement, illicit markets, economic impact, drug addiction, drug prices, street crime, drug busts, criminal funding drug legalization, crime reduction, illegal drug trade, drug markets, drug policy, criminal activity, drug prices, addiction, drug dependency, drug dealers, organized crime, Mafia, cocaine smuggling, crime syndicates, criminal gangs, GDP, Italy, Italian Mafia, drug crime, law enforcement drug legalization, crime reduction, drug trafficking, illegal drugs, drug laws, criminal gangs, drug addiction, crime funding, Mafia, cocaine smuggling, organized crime, drug market, law enforcement, public health, drug policy, crime statistics, GDP, Italy, Italian Mafia, crime economy legalisation, crime reduction, drugs, illicit drug trade, drug policy, crime prevention, drug legalization benefits, illegal drug market, criminal gangs, mafia, drug trafficking, drug trade, organized crime, law enforcement, drug enforcement, crime statistics, social impact, drug decriminalization, law reform, criminal activity, drug addiction, public health, drug prices, drug addiction funding, crime economy, organized crime revenue, Italy, Italian Mafia, cocaine smuggling drug legalization, crime reduction, illegal drug trade, drug policy, drug addiction, crime prevention, criminal gangs, drug trafficking, mafia, organized crime, economic impact, drug prices, drug market, drug dealers, law enforcement, public safety, crime statistics, drug-related crime, drug economy, crime costs
test-international-iiahwagit-con03a	Legalising the trade of horns, ivory, furs and pelts would be more effective  Making it legal for hunters to kill these endangered animals, rather than protecting them, could prevent extinction. The protected status of endangered animals has made their pelts, horns and tusks more expensive as they are harder to obtain. [1] The current illegality of trading rhino horns has constrained supply in comparison to demand in Asia. This has driven the price of the horn to around £84,000. Softening protection for endangered animals could, in theory, reduce the price to a point where it is no longer profitable to hunt these endangered animals. [2] This would potentially increase supply by freeing up that seized by governments which is currently destroyed, and could potentially involve farming as South Africa is considering with Rhino horn. [3]  [1] Welz, A. ‘The War on African Poaching: Is Militarization Fated to Fail?’  [2] Player, I. & Fourie, A. ‘How to win the war against poachers’  [3] Molewa, E., ‘Statement on Rhino poaching intervention’ legalisation, trade, horns, ivory, furs, pelts, endangered animals, hunting, protection, extinction, illegal trade, supply, demand, prices, poaching, conservation, farming, rhino, South Africa, poaching prevention, wildlife trafficking legalisation, trade, horns, ivory, furs, pelts, endangered animals, hunting, protection, extinction, illegal trade, supply, demand, pricing, poaching, conservation, farming, South Africa, Rhino horn, regulation, illegal markets, conservation policy legalising, trade, horns, ivory, furs, pelts, endangered animals, hunting, conservation, protection, illegal trade, market demand, supply, prices, poaching, extinction, farming, rhino, African wildlife, regulation, poaching prevention, wildlife enforcement illegal trade, rhino horns, ivory, animal pelts, wildlife protection, endangered species, poaching, conservation, supply and demand, market pricing, hunting, farming, legality, extinction prevention, poaching economics, protected status, trade regulation, government seizure, illegal wildlife trade, conservation policies legalisation, trade, horns, ivory, furs, pelts, endangered animals, hunting, protection, extinction, black market, poaching, supply, demand, illegal trade, wildlife conservation, animal rights, hunting regulation, market demand, pricing, farming, rhino horn, South Africa, poaching intervention, conservation policy, wildlife trafficking
test-education-pshhghwpba0-pro04a	Breakfast teaches about health  Children need to learn about how good nutrition keeps them healthy. Providing a school breakfast means that the meal can be an educational experience and have teaching alongside. This education will ensure that when these children grow up they continue to eat healthily with future benefits for the nation’s health. breakfast, health, nutrition, children, school meal, education, healthy eating, childhood health, nutritional habits, lifelong health, school breakfast program, health education, future health benefits breakfast, health, children, nutrition, education, school meals, healthy eating, lifelong health, nutritional awareness, childhood nutrition, health education, school breakfast programs, dietary habits, public health breakfast, health, children, nutrition, education, school meals, healthy eating, lifelong habits, nutrition education, childhood health, school breakfast programs, public health, dietary habits, health benefits, lifelong health breakfast, health, children, nutrition, education, school meal, healthy eating, lifelong habits, public health, childhood nutrition, health education, school breakfast, dietary habits, nutrition awareness breakfast, health, nutrition, children, education, school meal, healthy eating, lifelong habits, public health, nutrition education, childhood development
test-health-hgwhwbjfs-con04a	Pupils will bring unhealthy food with them to schools.  Frequently, a ban- whether or food, alcohol or forms of media- serves only to build interest in the things that has been prohibited. When a ban affects something that is a familiar part of everyday life that is generally regarded as benign, there is a risk that individuals may try to acquire the banned thing through other means.  Having had their perspective in junk food defined partly by attractive, highly persuasive advertising, children are likely to adopt an ambivalent perspective on any attempt to restrict their dietary choices. The extreme contrast between the former popularity of vending machines in schools and the austere approach required by new policies may hamper schools’ attempts to convince pupils of the necessity and rationality of their decision.  Even though schools may be able to coerce and compel their pupils to comply with disciplinary measures, they cannot stop children buying sweets outside of school hours.  When rules at an Orange county school changed, and the cafeteria got rid of its sweets, the demand was still up high, so that the school had to figure out a way to fix the situation. They created a “candy cart” – which now brings them income for sports equipment or other necessities. One of the pupils, Edgar Coker (18-year-old senior) explained that: “If I couldn’t buy it here, I’d bring it from home.” [1]  It is difficult to regulate junk food consumption through unsophisticated measures such as prohibition. A ban my undermine attempts to alter pupil’s mindsets and their perspective on food marketing and their own diets.  [1] Harris G., 'A Federal Effort to Push Junk Food Out of School', New York Times, 2 August 2010  , accessed 09/10/2011 junk food, school policies, food banning, advertising influence, children's eating habits, vending machines, dietary restrictions, extracurricular incentives, food regulation, outside food purchases, school cafeteria, candy sales, student perspectives, food marketing, discipline and compliance, parental influence, alternative food sources, policy effectiveness, school nutrition, consumer behavior unhealthy food, schools, ban, food restriction, media, advertising, children's diet, vending machines, school policy, junk food, discipline, outside food, candy cart, regulation, food marketing, pupils, dietary choices, school environment junk food, school policy, food ban, children's diet, media influence, advertising, vending machines, student behavior, dietary restrictions, peer influence, compliance, outside food, cafeteria sales, food marketing, regulatory challenges, student perspective junk food, school policies, food bans, advertising, children, dietary choices, vending machines, disciplinary measures, outside purchases, candy cart, unhealthy food, media influence, food marketing, pupil perspectives, regulation, behavior, school environment, food restrictions junk food, school policies, food ban, media influence, advertising, children's diet, vending machines, disciplinary measures, outside food, student behavior, food regulation, marketing, student perspective, school nutrition, ban effectiveness, alternative sales, school regulations, pupil compliance, cafeteria, extramural shopping, nutrition education
test-free-speech-debate-magghbcrg-pro03a	Community radio evens the playing field against state and corporate broadcasters.  Autocracy has, at its root, the premise that only one perspective, or group of perspectives is legitimate. Certain assumptions are unquestionable, certain rules inviolable and, more often than not, certain voices unchallengeable.  It’s all too easy for that state of affairs to be normalised. Community radio offers another voice. More to the point it offers many.  As well as the value of the messages themselves, the very fact that they are there and broadcast is a powerful statement against autocratic assumptions. The process of establishing and running a community radio station is, in and of itself, a powerful fillip for community cohesion.  Giving voices to communities supports them as groups in their own right; cohesive, engaged and worthy of respect. In doing so it can provide a focus which increases the homogeneity of those communities without requiring the approval of a central structure of control [i] . In addition to well known examples such as Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty, radio stations across the Middle East And, especially, Africa have been key movers in the shift to democracy [ii] .  [i] Siddharth. Riding the radio wave; Community radio in South-East Asia. Culture360.org 18 February 2010.  [ii] Buckley, Steve, President, World Association for Community Radio Broadcasters. Community Broadcasting: good practice in policy, law and regulation. UNESCO. 2008. community radio, media diversity, democratization, autocracy, perspectives, free speech, community cohesion, grassroots media, broadcast freedom, social inclusion, civic engagement, counter-hegemony, media pluralism, communication rights, social change, political empowerment, independent media, marginalized voices, regional broadcasting, global examples community radio, autocracy, media plurality, voice diversity, democratic transition, community cohesion, grassroots broadcasting, media independence, social empowerment, cultural diversity, political resistance, media freedom, Africa broadcasting, Middle East media, South-East Asia media, community participation, broadcasting policy, regulation, civil society community radio, autocracy, media pluralism, voice diversity, democratic shift, community cohesion, grassroots media, independent broadcasting, political expression, social empowerment, media democratization, regional broadcasting, civil society, media freedom, Middle East, Africa, Radio Free Europe, Radio Liberty community radio, autocracy, media pluralism, perspectives, voice, democracy, community cohesion, representation, broadcasting, media diversity, civil society, empowerment, social inclusion, grassroots media, media independence, cultural expression, political change, Africa, Middle East, radio stations, community empowerment community radio, social empowerment, media pluralism, democratization, democratic movements, community voice, media democratization, civil society, media diversity, political engagement, media access, social cohesion, community development, grassroots media, opposition voice, media independence, cultural expression, communication rights, Africa, Middle East
test-digital-freedoms-phwnaccpdt-pro02a	Consumers tend to feel alienated by spreading of their personal information for profit  People experiencing the use of their personal details by companies have largely been found to see the process as extremely invasive and unsettling. Many have felt violated by the exploitation of their personal lives to market them products, often from people to whom they never consented to hand over information. This feeling has been demonstrated through significant public outcry and backlash, as well as empirical results showing these attitudes becoming more and more widespread, particularly in the case of online targeted advertising, which is the most well-known use of personal information. The best example of such backlash is the result of Amazon.com’s “dynamic pricing” system, in which the company varied its offerings and pricings to customers based on information gathered about them from prior uses. The result was a severe backlash that cost Amazon business until it ended the policy. [1] This has led to a blunting of the desired outcome of such marketers who experience declines in uptake rather than increased and more efficient reach of marketing. Furthermore, the targeted marketing that arises from these forms of information storage and sale can tend toward stereotypes, using programmes that favour broad brushstrokes in their marketing, resulting in stereotyped services on the basis of apparent race and gender. When this happens it is all the more alienating.  [1] Taylor, C., “Private Demands and Demands For Privacy: Dynamic Pricing and the Market for Customer Information”, Duke University, September 2002,  p.1 consumer privacy, personal information, data exploitation, invasiveness, privacy invasion, customer consent, public backlash, targeted advertising, online marketing, dynamic pricing, Amazon, customer data, market backlash, consumer alienation, stereotypes, racial bias, gender bias, privacy rights, data collection, privacy concerns, marketing ethics, data sale, consumer trust consumer alienation, personal information, data privacy, invasive marketing, consumer violation, targeted advertising, online profiling, dynamic pricing, public backlash, privacy concerns, data exploitation, marketing stereotypes, racial bias, gender bias, market decline, consumer trust, corporate ethics, information security, digital privacy, customer data, consumer autonomy consumer alienation, personal information, data privacy, invasive marketing, consumer backlash, targeted advertising, dynamic pricing, online tracking, data exploitation, privacy concerns, market backlash, stereotyping, racial bias, gender bias, customer data, corporate privacy violations consumer alienation, personal information, data privacy, invasive marketing, behavioral targeting, targeted advertising, online privacy, dynamic pricing, data exploitation, public backlash, privacy invasion, consumer trust, stereotype, race bias, gender bias, privacy concerns, corporate data use, consumer rights, online consumer behavior, marketing ethics consumer alienation, personal information, data privacy, invasiveness, exploitation, targeted advertising, online privacy, dynamic pricing, consumer backlash, market ethics, stereotyping, racial bias, gender bias, privacy concerns, data collection, corporate surveillance, consumer trust, marketing backlash, public outcry, data sale, privacy violations
test-philosophy-elkosmj-con01a	Killing is worse than letting someone die  People die in accidents and by natural cause all of the time. However, it is much rarer for a person to be actively involved in another person’s death. If one chooses to pull the lever and change the course of the train then one is actively participating in the death of the one person. The other option involves no action; it simply allows a set of events to run their course. There is, therefore, a greater responsibility involved in being actively involved in the death of another. moral dilemma, active versus passive, euthanasia, moral responsibility, ethics, trolley problem, intentionality, passive harm, moral philosophy, consequentialism, deontology, decision-making, moral obligation, ethical implications killing, letting die, moral dilemma, active participation, responsibility, ethics, trolley problem, moral choice, passive action, active action, accident death, natural cause death, intentional harm, ethical considerations killing, letting die, moral responsibility, active involvement, passive involvement, ethical dilemma, trolley problem, voluntary action, involuntary cause, decision making, moral philosophy, consequentialism, utilitarianism, direct harm, indirect harm killing, letting die, moral responsibility, active involvement, passive action, ethical dilemma, trolley problem, consequentialism, moral philosophy, decision-making, accidental death, natural causes, active intervention, moral distinction killing, letting die, moral responsibility, active involvement, passivity, ethical dilemma, trolley problem, moral choice, causality, accident, natural death, active participation, moral obligations, consequentialism, moral philosophy
test-international-iighbopcc-con02a	Only a non-binding agreement would get the targets necessary  Fully binding treaties with mechanisms for compliance are the gold standard for agreements between nations. But because they are onerous they are the most difficult kind of treaties to get agreed to start with. If the aim were such an agreement it would unfortunately never happen. This has been demonstrated by the years of successive failures in crafting climate agreements. COP 15 is the most notable; expectations were immensely high for a binding international treaty but there was a failure to deliver, largely because governments did not want a binding international solution which is what was being negotiated at Copenhagen. [1]  [1] BBC News, ‘Why did Copenhagen fail to deliver a climate deal?’, 22 December 2009, binding agreements, non-binding agreements, international treaties, climate agreements, treaty compliance, COP 15, Copenhagen climate summit, international negotiations, treaty failure, climate policy, global climate governance non-binding agreement, binding treaties, compliance mechanisms, international treaties, climate agreements, COP 15, Copenhagen, climate negotiations, treaty success, international climate policy non-binding agreement, binding treaties, compliance mechanisms, international treaties, climate agreements, COP 15, Copenhagen, climate negotiations, treaty compliance, international climate policy, diplomatic negotiations, treaty efficacy, global climate goals non-binding agreement, binding treaties, compliance mechanisms, international treaties, climate agreements, COP 15, Copenhagen, global cooperation, treaty negotiations, international climate policy, treaty success factors, treaty compliance, climate negotiations failure non-binding agreement, binding treaties, compliance mechanisms, international treaties, climate agreements, COP 15, Copenhagen climate summit, treaty negotiation, international law, climate change policy, treaty enforcement, global cooperation, international negotiations, climate negotiations, treaty success factors
test-politics-epvhbfsmsaop-con01a	Celebrity involvement can act as a ‘gateway’ to get more people engaged in politics  Celebrity endorsement of a candidate does more than make people vote, drone-like, for the candidate endorsed by their favourite celebrity. Rather, it encourages people who might not otherwise have thought politics was interesting to pay attention to it. Especially in an age of easily accessible information, people can easily access sufficient information about political personalities and policies to cast a meaningful vote.  As a consequence, you have more potential voters, from a wider cross-section of society, note the key role played by personalities like will.i.am in engaging young people during the Obama campaign. Rock the Vote with a large amount of celebrity support registered 2.6million voters in 2008 and it and other celebrity campaigns had been prominent in 2004 as well which was probably a key factor in 2million more 18-29 year olds voting in 2008 compared to 2004 or 6.5million over 2000. [1]  Some of the people thus enthused may go on further with their interest in the political system, some may simply start listening to news shows or reading blogs that they would otherwise have shunned. Either way, celebrity involvement has a beneficial impact on our political system that it would be foolish to discard: the larger and more diverse the voter base, the more politicians are held to account and the more likely we are to reach the best political outcomes.  [1] Brubaker, Jennifer, ‘It doesn’t affect my vote: Third-person effects of Celebrity Endorsements on College Voters in the 2004 and 2008 Presidential Elections’, American Communication Journal, Vol.13 Issue 2, Summer 2011, p.8. celebrity involvement, political engagement, celebrity endorsement, voter turnout, youth politics, political interest, media influence, political awareness, voter diversity, political participation, campaign strategies, celebrity activism, political efficacy, young voters, voter registration, political education celebrity involvement, political engagement, celebrity endorsement, voter turnout, youth politics, political awareness, media influence, celebrity campaigns, voter diversity, political system, candidate support, political participation, Will.i.am, Rock the Vote, election mobilization, social influence, political communication celebrity involvement, political engagement, celebrity endorsement, voter turnout, youth participation, political interest, media influence, celebrity campaigns, voter diversity, political awareness, Will.i.am, Rock the Vote, election campaigns, media influence, political system, voter base, political outcomes, third-person effects, college voters, communication studies celebrity involvement, political engagement, celebrity endorsement, voter turnout, youth voting, political awareness, media influence, celebrity campaigns, Will.i.am, Rock the Vote, youth participation, political system, voter diversity, political accountability, election influence, third-person effects celebrity involvement, political engagement, celebrity endorsement, voter turnout, youth voting, political influence, celebrity campaigns, Will.i.am, Rock the Vote, media influence, political awareness, voter base, political outcomes, third-person effects, college voters, presidential elections
test-education-pstrgsehwt-con03a	There is no empirical evidence supporting Creationism, whereas all evidence supports abiogenesis and evolution.  Creationists have never once offered a positive evidence for their claims. When challenged, they respond with vitriolic, and often deliberately false, criticisms of evolution and abiogenesis. They behave as if delegitimizing an alternative theory necessarily gives credence to their own. Unfortunately for Creationism, that is not how science works. Positive claims require positive evidence. Even if the Creationists were able to provide evidence that actually refutes evolution it would do nothing to support a theory that intelligent agency is behind the existence and development of life. For Creationism to be true, there would need to be demonstration of living organisms that are unambiguously designed, and not the product of evolution by means of mutation and natural selection. Proponents of Creationism have consistently failed to do so. When they point to things they claim to be irreducibly complex they are invariably forced to back off as soon as scientists appear on the scene to test their claims. [1] The truth is there are no examples of organisms that could not have evolved. Abiogensis and evolution, on the other hand are thoroughly proven by observation and data. [2] In the case of abiogenesis, self-assembling molecules have been observed that are akin to the first proto-life, and hopes have never been higher that they will be able to observe the development under laboratory conditions of fully-formed new life. Evolution likewise is extensively demonstrated. Speciation, phylogenetic mapping, a more and more complete fossil record, structural atavisms, junk DNA, and embryology provide just some of the proofs of evolution. [3] All of these disciples are in agreement with evolution. In fact, only in light of evolution does anything in biology make any sense at all. Clearly, Creationism has no basis in science and thus no place in the classroom.  [1] Miller, Kenneth. 2004. “The Flagellum Unspun: The Collapse of ‘Irreducible Complexity’” in Ruse, Michael and William Dembski (ed.). Debating Design: From Darwin to DNA. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.  [2] Lenski, Richard. 2011. “Evolution: Fact and Theory”. Action Bioscience.  [3] Colby, Chris. 1997. “Evidence for Evolution: An Eclectic Survey”. TalkOrigins Archive. empirical evidence, creationism, abiogenesis, evolution, scientific method, positive evidence, criticisms, natural selection, mutation, intelligent agency, design, irreducible complexity, fossil record, speciation, phylogenetics, atavisms, junk DNA, embryology, laboratory observation, self-assembling molecules, protocells, development, homologous structures, proof, classroom, scientific consensus creationism, abiogenesis, evolution, evidence, scientific method, positive evidence, criticisms, falsifiability, intelligent design, irreducible complexity, testing, organism evolution, self-assembly, proto-life, laboratory experiments, speciation, phylogeny, fossil record, atavisms, junk DNA, embryology, proofs, scientific consensus, classroom, teaching empirical evidence, creationism, abiogenesis, evolution, scientific method, positive evidence, evolution theory, intelligent agency, design, irreducible complexity, natural selection, mutations, fossil record, speciation, phylogenetics, junk DNA, embryology, laboratory experiments, self-assembling molecules, proto-life, evidence, proofs, biological evolution, classroom, science education empirical evidence, creationism, abiogenesis, evolution, scientific method, positive evidence, false criticisms, scientific legitimacy, intelligent design, irreducible complexity, natural selection, mutation, fossil record, speciation, phylogenetics, embryology, junk DNA, self-assembly, laboratory experiments, protolife, proof of evolution, molecular biology, atavisms, scientific consensus, classroom teaching empirical evidence, creationism, abiogenesis, evolution, scientific method, positive evidence, criticisms, legitimacy, intelligent agency, design, irreducible complexity, natural selection, mutation, fossil record, speciation, phylogenetics, junk DNA, embryology, atavisms, self-assembly, laboratory experiments, proof, scientific consensus, classroom education, counterarguments
test-society-tlhrilsfhwr-pro02a	The failure of rule of law  As the anthropologist and lawyer Sally Falk-Moore observed “law is only ever a piecemeal intervention by the state in the life of society.” [i]  Laws are, ultimately, social norms that are taught, enforced and arbitrated on by the state. The value of these norms is such that they are deemed to be a vital part of a society’s identity and the state is entrusted with their protection. However, this ideal can be difficult to achieve. Debate as to which norms the state should be custodian of is constant. Where there is a disconnect between a law and the daily lives, aspirations and struggles of a society, it becomes unlikely that that law will be complied with. Generally, a state will not be able to give a pronouncement the force of law if it does not reflect the values held by a majority of a society.  Compliance with the law can be even harder to obtain in highly plural societies. Even in plural societies ruled peacefully by an effective central government (such as India), communities’ conceptions of children’s rights may be radically different from those set down in law. The Indian child marriage restraint act has been in force since 1929, but the practice remains endemic in southern India to this day [ii] . Governments can attempt to enforce compliance with a law, through education, incentives or deterrence.  What if the state that is intended to mount the “piecemeal intervention” of banning the use of child soldiers is weak, corrupt or non-existent? What if a state cannot carry out structured interventions of the type described above? Norms that state that the conscription of children is acceptable- due to tradition or need- will be dominant.  Situations of this type will be the rule rather than the exception in underdeveloped states and states where conflict is so rife that children have become participants in warfare. The ICC has jurisdiction to prosecute individuals with command over military units who use children as combatants [iii] , but how should the concept of a “commander” be defined in these circumstances?  In order for the juristic principles underlying the authority of the ICC to function properly, it is necessary for there to be a degree of certainty and accessibility underlying laws promulgated by a state. While ignorance of the law is not a defence before the ICC, it impossible to call a system of law fair or just that is not overseen by a stable or accepted government. This is not possible if a state is so corrupt that it does not command the trust of its people; if a state is so poor that it cannot afford to operate an open, reliable and transparent court and advocacy system; if territory with a state’s borders is occupied by an armed aggressor. Western notions of rule-of-law are almost impossible to enforce under such conditions. All of these are scenarios encountered frequently in Africa, and central and southern Asia.  Some regions within developing nations are so isolated from the influence of the state, or so heavily contested in internecine conflicts, that communities living within them cannot be expected to know that the state nominally responsible for them has signed the Convention of the Rights of The Child or the Rome Statute. Nor can the state attempt to inform them of this fact. Laws still exist and are enforced within such communities, but these are not state-made forms of law.  For an individual living within a community of the type described above- an individual living in the DRC, in pre-secession South Sudan [iv] or an ethnic minority enclave on the border of Myanmar [v] - the question is a simple one. Does the most immediate source of authority and protection within his world- his community- condone the role that children play in armed conflict? He should not be made liable for abiding by laws and norms that have sprung up to fill a void created by a weak or corrupt central state. There is little hope that he will ever be able to access the counter-point that state sponsored education and engagement could provide.  Child soldiers and their commanders are simply obeying the strongest, the most effective and the most stable source of law in their immediate environment.  [i] “Comparative Law in a Global Context: The Legal Systems of Asia and Africa”, Werner Menski, Cambridge University Press, 2006  [ii] “State of the World’s Children 2009”, UNICEF, United Nations, 2008  [iii] “Elements of Crimes”, International Criminal Court,   [iv] “Child Soldiers: Global Report 2008”, Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers, 2007, p315,   [v] “Child Soldiers: Global Report 2008”, Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers, 2007, p240, rule of law, anthropologist, lawyer, Sally Falk-Moore, piecemeal intervention, state, society, social norms, legal norms, enforcement, society’s identity, norm enforcement, compliance, plural societies, children's rights, India, child marriage, cultural norms, tradition, underdeveloped states, conflict, child soldiers, ICC, jurisdiction, command, jurisdictional issues, legal certainty, transparency, corruption, weak state, poor state, occupation, external influence, Convention on the Rights of the Child, Rome Statute, community law, informal law, non-state communities, conflict zones, armed conflict, ethnic minorities, legal rule of law, social norms, state intervention, compliance, plural societies, children's rights, child marriage, child soldiers, armed conflict, ICC jurisdiction, legitimate authority, legal systems, corruption, weak state, stability, enforcement, community norms, sovereignty, legal challenges, human rights, global law, underdeveloped countries, conflict zones, territorial occupation, law enforcement, local authority, military command, international law, human security, normative compliance rule of law, social norms, state intervention, legal enforcement, societal values, compliance, plural societies, child rights, child marriage, child soldiers, law enforcement, state weakness, state corruption, conflict zones, ICC jurisdiction, commander definition, legal certainty, legal fairness, state stability, governance failure, armed conflict, law legitimacy, community authority, non-state law, weak states, fragile states, African regions, Asian regions, ungoverned communities, armed groups, local authority, customary law, community norms, law enforcement challenges, human rights, legal systems, international law, juvenile justice, conflict zones, transitional justice rule of law, social norms, state intervention, compliance, societal values, plural societies, child marriage, child soldiers, law enforcement, state legitimacy, corruption, conflict zones, ICC jurisdiction, military command, legal certainty, legal systems, governance, Africa, Asia, indigenous communities, law enforcement failure, community authority, armed conflict, weak state, law enforcement challenges, human rights, child protection, international law, military law rule of law, law, social norms, state, society, compliance, plural societies, cultural norms, child marriage, child soldiers, enforcement, sovereignty, jurisdiction, ICC, command structure, legal system, legitimacy, corruption, conflict, underdeveloped states, Africa, Asia, community law, indigenous law, marginalized communities, territorial occupation, international law, conventions, rights of the child, Rome Statute, armed conflict, enforcement failure, state weakness, law legitimacy, local authority, community governance, traditional practices, compliance challenges
test-politics-cpegiepgh-con03a	"Losing the Queen's head on banknotes is NOT a minor issue, it symbolises Britain losing her identity and control over her own economy.  This must not be dismissed as petty nostalgia, desire for outdated British tradition and fear of change. The fact that Britain does not want to lose the national symbol of her Queen on the banknotes is surely a sign that the British want to hold on to their own identity and keep control of their own economy. As explained by Alan Clark, ""The European Commission Press Office chose that moment to release facsimiles of the new euro banknotes in their various denominations. The unfamiliar, but so obviously foreign, appearance made many people uneasy. Polls showed that the electorate, for most of the time indifferent to European squabbling, whose technicalities they could not be bothered to master, disliked the removal of their Sovereign's head from the currency of the realm. The sceptics took fresh heart and the likelihood of the dispute fading …became still more remote.”1 This highlights the depth and strength of anti-Euro sentiment in the British psyche. It is surely unfair for both Britain and those fellow EU Member states that ARE under the Euro to enter the single currency while not entirely convinced by it.  1Alan Clarke, The Tories: Conservatives and the Nation State 1922-1997, page 435-6. Queen's head, banknotes, British identity, national symbol, economy, tradition, nostalgia, Euroscepticism, euro currency, sovereignty, symbolism, Britain, European Union, anti-Euro sentiment, currency evolution, cultural heritage, political identity, monetary control, UK, European integration, public opinion Queen's head, banknotes, Britain, identity, economy, symbolism, British tradition, modernity, euro banknotes, European Union, national sovereignty, currency, Euro skepticism, national symbols, cultural identity, monetary control, anti-Euro sentiment, sovereignty debate, currency design, political symbolism, public opinion, Euroscepticism Queen's head, banknotes, Britain, national identity, currency, sovereignty, Euro, European Union, symbolism, nostalgia, tradition, change, control, euro banknotes, public sentiment, anti-Euro sentiment, political identity, monetary sovereignty, currency controversy, Euro skepticism, Alan Clark Queen's head, banknotes, Britain, identity, control, economy, symbolism, tradition, nostalgia, euro banknotes, European Union, sovereignty, national symbols, cultural identity, currency, anti-Euro sentiment, Brexit, currency change, national sovereignty, European integration Queen's head, banknotes, Britain, identity, control, economy, symbolism, tradition, nostalgia, Euro, European Union, euro banknotes, sovereignty, national symbols, British culture, Euroscepticism, monetary sovereignty, currency, independence, EU membership, political identity"
test-law-sdiflhrdffe-pro03a	This offer of amnesty serves as a powerful public statement in favour of free speech and rule of law  In offering amnesty Western governments make an exceptionally powerful public statement in the international arena, an area in which they already hold great sway as norm-setters. It is a statement that shows that they will not simply ignore the abuses of power used by repressive regimes to stifle dissent and the voices of reform. [1] Ultimately, the power of oppressors to act with impunity is the product of democracies’ unwillingness to challenge them. Authoritarian regimes often claim to value freedom of the press, for example article 35 of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China guarantees it, [2] and this policy challenges them to make their practice more like what they preach. A policy of amnesty for those threatened with the lash of tyranny serves to actively protect those people while at the same time upholding the avowed principles of justice and fairness the West proclaims. This will show that the West does not play favourites or turn a blind eye to these repressions, but is an active player, willing to step in to shield those who share its dreams of a freer world. The international ridicule these policies can generate will serve to shame regimes into relaxing their policies and to embrace at least a road to reform. Nor should it be assumed that this rhetoric will have no real consequences, many authoritarian regimes encourage investment by companies from democratic countries, such investment is less likely when that company’s home state is publically condemning that state by granting amnesties to dissident bloggers.  [1] Clinton, H. “Conference on Internet Freedom”. U.S. Department of State, 8 December 2011.   [2] Fifth National People’s Congress, “Constitution of the People’s Republic of China”, 4 December 1982, amnesty, free speech, rule of law, public statement, Western governments, international arena, norm-setters, abuses of power, repressive regimes, dissent, reform, impunity, democracies, authoritarian regimes, freedom of the press, China constitution, justice, fairness, international reputation, regime reform, repression, investment, democratic countries, internet freedom, dissidents, activism amnesty, free speech, rule of law, public statement, Western governments, international arena, norm-setters, repressive regimes, dissent, reform, impunity, democracies, authoritarian regimes, freedom of press, China constitution, justice, fairness, repression, international ridicule, regime reform, democracy, economic investment, human rights, internet freedom amnesty, free speech, rule of law, human rights, repression, authoritarian regimes, democracy, international relations, public statement, norm-setting, censorship, dissidents, political reform, justice, fairness, international diplomacy, government policy, global politics, repression, freedoms, human rights advocacy, regime transparency, foreign investment, international ridicule, regime reform, China constitution, internet freedom amnesty, free speech, rule of law, international relations, Western governments, norm-setting, repression, authoritarian regimes, human rights, dissidents, freedom of press, justice, fairness, international diplomacy, regime repression, global advocacy, political reform, sanctions, human rights enforcement, regime change, free world, democracy, international shame, diplomatic pressure, repression of dissent, foreign investment, diplomatic policies amnesty, free speech, rule of law, public statement, Western governments, international arena, norm-setters, repressive regimes, abuse of power, dissent, reform, impunity, democracies, authoritarian regimes, freedom of the press, China constitution, justice, fairness, human rights, repression, international criticism, regime reform, foreign investment, internet freedom, dissidents, activism
test-economy-thhghwhwift-pro01a	An individual's BMI is no longer a purely personal matter  The obesity epidemic is taking an enormous toll on global medical costs. In the US alone the health care costs attributable to either direct or indirect consequences of obesity have been estimated at $147bn. [1] Put into context, this amounts to roughly 9% of the health spending in the US. [2]  The figure might seem excessive, but we need to remember that obesity is linked to Type 2 Diabetes, several kinds of cancer, coronary artery disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, asthma, chronic back pain and hypertension, to name just a few.  We also need to realize that many of the diseases on this list are chronic in nature, requiring lifelong pharmacological therapy, which often follows complex and expensive diagnostic procedures, frequent medical specialist consultations, and not infrequent emergency interventions. [3]  Adding to the list is the value of income lost due to decreased productivity, restricted activity, and absenteeism, not to mention the value of future income lost by premature death.  Thus it becomes increasingly clear that due to the substantial cost obesity presents to the society, individual choices that might lead to excessive weight gain, can no longer be considered as solely individual in nature. [4]  Therefore the government is legitimate in its action to introduce a form of a fat tax in order to try to dissuade the population from becoming obese and cover the increasing societal costs the already obese individuals are responsible for.  [1] CDC, Obesity: Economic Consequences, published 3/28/2011,  , accessed 9/12/2011  [2] RTI international, Obesity Costs U.S. About $147 Billion Annually, Study Finds, published 7/27/2009,  , accessed 9/14/2011  [3] The Council of State Governments, Costs of Chronic Diseases: What Are States Facing?, published in 2006,  , accessed, 9/14/2011  [4] Los Angeles Times, Should there be a 'fat tax'?, published 4/11/2011,  , accessed 9/12/2011 obesity, BMI, health costs, global health, US healthcare, obesity epidemic, chronic diseases, Type 2 Diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, heart failure, asthma, hypertension, medical expenses, pharmacological therapy, diagnostic procedures, medical consultations, emergency interventions, productivity loss, income loss, premature death, societal costs, individual choices, government policy, fat tax, health economics, public health obesity, BMI, health costs, healthcare expenditure, chronic diseases, Type 2 Diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, asthma, hypertension, chronic conditions, medical costs, diagnostic procedures, specialist consultations, emergency interventions, productivity loss, income loss, premature death, societal costs, individual choices, government policy, fat tax, public health, obesity epidemic, economic impact, health economics obesity, BMI, health costs, medical expenses, obesity epidemic, chronic diseases, type 2 diabetes, cancer, coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, asthma, hypertension, productivity loss, income loss, premature death, societal costs, individual choices, public health, fat tax, government policy, health economics, healthcare costs, health spending, obesity-related illnesses obesity, BMI, health costs, healthcare expenditure, global health, US healthcare, economic impact, obesity-related diseases, Type 2 Diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, heart failure, asthma, chronic back pain, hypertension, chronic illnesses, pharmacological therapy, diagnostic procedures, medical consultations, emergency interventions, productivity loss, income loss, premature death, societal costs, individual choices, government intervention, fat tax, public health, health policy, obesity epidemic, economic burden obesity, BMI, health costs, medical expenses, US healthcare, chronic diseases, Type 2 Diabetes, cancer, coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, asthma, back pain, hypertension, lifelong therapy, diagnostic procedures, medical consultations, emergency interventions, productivity, income loss, premature death, societal costs, individual choices, public health, fat tax, government policy, obesity epidemic
test-education-usuprmhbu-con03a	"Affirmative action perpetuates prejudice  Affirmative action causes prejudice against minorities in society.  The existence of affirmative action creates a de-facto assumption that anyone of that particular minority must have gotten where they are not on their own merit, but simply because they are that particular minority. This causes people to resent the minority group for getting for “free” what people feel they had to work hard for. People feel as though that minority is getting a “free-ride” and are inherently less worthy of what they achieve.  This is damaging on a societal level because minorities who receive affirmative action are assumed to be less qualified and less valuable than others in society simply because many of them are aided by affirmative action policies. This not only creates damaging stereotypes, but also causes resentment and backlash from others in society who view affirmative action as simply unfair.  This is best demonstrated by the backlash in America in the mid-1990s over the existence of affirmative action policies [1] .  [1] Aka, Philip. ""Affirmative Action and the Black Experience in America."" American Bar Association. 36.4 (2009): Print. affirmative action, prejudice, discrimination, minority groups, societal impact, stereotypes, reverse discrimination, social backlash, meritocracy, social equity, racial bias, equality policies, social resentment, minority perception, affirmative action policies, societal stereotypes affirmative action, prejudice, societal impact, stereotypes, minority groups, meritocracy, social resentment, backlash, policy effects, discrimination, social inequality, racial bias, social perception, merit-based inequality, societal backlash affirmative action, prejudice, minority groups, societal impact, stereotypes, backlash, racial inequality, discrimination, societal resentment, meritocracy, societal stereotypes, backlash, fairness, policy effects affirmative action, prejudice, minorities, societal impact, stereotypes, backlash, fairness, merit, resentment, discrimination, social perception, equal opportunity, affirmative action policies, societal stereotypes, backlash, racial bias affirmative action, prejudice, minorities, society, stereotypes, societal impact, backlash, resentment, merit, discrimination, unequal opportunities, social perception, racial bias, public opinion, policy consequences"
test-international-ghwcitca-con02a	A treaty would benefit larger powers over the small  Any treaty that seeks to ban cyber-attacks would simply be an attempt to cement the position of the most powerful countries at the expense of weaker ones. This is because cyber-attacks are, like terrorism, weapons that can be used by anyone to attack a much bigger target. To launch a cyber-attack there is little need for training, only a small amount of comparatively cheap equipment (to military hardware at any rate), and an internet connection. [1] And it is difficult to defend against. This makes it ideal for poor nations to maintain cyber warfare as a credible threat to their bigger neighbours while their neighbours threaten them conventionally with their bigger militaries. We have seen before arms treaties that are fundamentally biased in favour of a small group of powerful states. Most notable is the Nuclear non-proliferation treaty where there are five recognised nuclear weapons states who are allowed the horrific weapons and everyone else is banned from having them. This discrimination was accepted as a result of the agreement that the nuclear weapons states would eventually disarm. It has not happened so leaving a troubled treaty system that appears to be regularly flouted. [2]  [1] Phillips, Andrew T., ‘Now Hear This – The Asymmetric Nature of Cyber Warfare’, U.S. Naval Institute, Vol.138/10/1316, October 2012,   [2] Miller, Steven E., ‘Nuclear Collisions: Discord, Reform & the Nuclear Nonproliferation Regime’, American Academy of Arts & Sciences, 2012, cyber-attacks, treaties, power imbalance, small nations, large powers, cyber warfare, arms control, international security, nuclear non-proliferation, military disparity, asymmetric warfare, cyber security, global conflict, weaponization, disarmament, treaty enforcement, international law, military capabilities, global power dynamics, disarmament promises cyber-attacks, international treaties, power imbalance, sovereignty, cybersecurity, cyber warfare, asymmetric conflict, small nations, big nations, military disparity, arms control, nuclear non-proliferation, global security, weaponization, cyber deterrence, cyber defense, power politics, security agreements, international relations, treaty bias cyber-attack, international treaty, power imbalance, small nations, large powers, cybersecurity, cyber warfare, asymmetric warfare, arms control, non-proliferation, nuclear treaties, military disparity, asymmetric threats, cyber security, global security, international relations, arms treaties cyber-attack, treaties, powerful nations, weak nations, cyber warfare, inequality, arms control, nuclear non-proliferation, asymmetric warfare, military disparity, international security, cyber security challenges, global power dynamics, weaponization, military hardware, internet-based warfare cyber-attacks, treaties, global power, asymmetry, international security, cyber warfare, disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation, weapons proliferation, military imbalance, biased treaties, power dynamics, cyber defense, state sovereignty, unequal treaties, weapons bias, conflict escalation, international cooperation, cybersecurity, global diplomacy
test-health-hpehwadvoee-con04a	The role of society is to save lives not to assist in suicide  The purpose of society, the health sector and more specifically the doctors is to preserve health, not to be damaging health or even assisting in the ending of a life even if voluntarily. As part of this, death is sometimes something that must be affected. However, it is not in line with the purpose of medical professionals to kill a healthy person. The solution is to focus every possible effort on curing the sick person, but society cannot be complicit in killing a healthy person [1] .  [1] Tremblay, Joe. “Organ Donation Euthanasia: A Growing Epidemic.” Catholic News Agency, (2013). society, save lives, assist suicide, purpose, health sector, doctors, preserve health, harm health, life ending, voluntary euthanasia, death, medical professionals, kill healthy person, curing sick, societal responsibility, euthanasia controversy, organ donation, epidemic, Catholic News Agency society, save lives, assist suicide, health sector, doctors, preserve health, harm health, ending life, voluntary euthanasia, death, medical ethics, killing healthy people, curing sick, societal responsibility, euthanasia, organ donation, euthanasia epidemic, Catholic News Agency society, save lives, assist in suicide, health sector, doctors, preserve health, harm health, end life, voluntary euthanasia, death, medical ethics, killing healthy person, curing sick, societal responsibility, organ donation, euthanasia, medical professionals, euthanasia debate, ethical considerations society, save lives, suicide prevention, health sector, doctors, preserve health, medical ethics, euthanasia, end of life, killing healthy persons, organ donation, euthanasia debate, moral responsibility, medical purpose, voluntary euthanasia, societal role, health preservation, life ethics society, life preservation, suicide prevention, healthcare, medical ethics, euthanasia, organ donation, death, human rights, medical professionals, healthy person, cure, euthanasia controversy, Tremblay, societal responsibility, life-ending procedures
test-international-aahwstdrtfm-con02a	There is a truce in the diplomatic conflict  There is a truce between Taipei and Beijing on the issue of recognition. Neither is currently aiming to poach countries from the other. China has refused advances from El Salvador and Honduras that have said they wish to change their recognition to the PRC. [1] When Gambia terminated its ties with Taiwan Hong Lei a spokesman for the PRC Foreign Ministry said “We learned the relevant information from the foreign media. Before that, China was not in contact with The Gambia.” [2] The truce has been maintained and Gambia has been left essentially not recognising either China. [3]  [1] Cole, J Michael, ‘Is China and Taiwan’s Diplomatic Truce Over?’, The Diplomat, 18 November 2013,   [2] Enav, Peter, ‘Beijing was in dark about Gambia's broken ties with Taiwan: China official’, The China Post, 16 November 2013,   [3] Atkinson, Joel, ‘Gambia’s Break with Taiwan’, The Diplomat, 2 December 2013, diplomatic conflict, truce, Taipei, Beijing, recognition, China, Taiwan, poach countries, El Salvador, Honduras, PRC, Gambia, diplomatic ties, recognition dispute, diplomatic relations, China-Taiwan diplomacy, foreign relations, international recognition, diplomatic break, diplomatic termination, Gambia-Taiwan relations, media reports diplomatic conflict, truce, Taipei, Beijing, recognition, China, Taiwan, poaching, countries, El Salvador, Honduras, PRC, Gambia, foreign ties, diplomatic relations, international diplomacy, China-Gambia relations, diplomatic recognition, Taiwan-Gambia, diplomatic status, diplomatic break, diplomatic truce, China-Taiwan relations diplomatic conflict, truce, Taipei, Beijing, recognition, poaching, El Salvador, Honduras, PRC, China, Gambia, Taiwan, diplomatic ties, diplomatic recognition, international relations, foreign policy, China-Taiwan relations, Gambia-Taiwan, Gambia-PRC, diplomatic break, recognition dispute diplomatic conflict, truce, Taipei, Beijing, recognition, China, Taiwan, poach countries, El Salvador, Honduras, Gambia, Ties, PRC, foreign media, China Foreign Ministry, break ties, diplomatic relations diplomatic conflict, truce, Taipei, Beijing, recognition, China, Taiwan, poaching, countries, El Salvador, Honduras, PRC, Gambia, Taiwan relations, diplomatic ties, foreign media, China foreign ministry, recognizing China, broken ties, international diplomacy
test-philosophy-ippelhbcp-con02a	African values  Human rights are a concept that take on different conclusions and priorities when applied in different cultural contexts. Protecting the community as a whole, by removing dangerous offenders from circulation, and by a deterrence effect, capital punishment is a manifestation of a form of “African Values” that place more emphasis on the community over the individual than western legal tradition. Capital Punishment has traditionally used for the most serious crimes such as murder as well as some serious religious offenses which it was feared might bring serious consequences for the entire community. [1]  [1] Balogun, Oladele Abiodun, ‘A Philosophical Defence of Punishment in Traditional African Legal Culture: The Yoruba Example’, The Journal of Pan African Studies, Vol.3, No.3, September 2009,  , p.47 African values, human rights, cultural context, community protection, dangerous offenders, deterrence, capital punishment, traditional African legal culture, Yoruba, serious crimes, religious offenses, community vs individual, Western legal tradition African values, human rights, cultural context, community protection, dangerous offenders, deterrence, capital punishment, traditional African law, Yoruba, serious crimes, religious offenses, community, legal tradition African values, human rights, cultural context, community protection, dangerous offenders, deterrence, capital punishment, traditional African legal culture, Yoruba, serious crimes, religious offenses, social cohesion, punishment philosophy African values, human rights, cultural context, community protection, deterrence, capital punishment, traditional African law, Yoruba legal system, crime, serious offenses, religious crimes, community well-being, cultural differences, legal traditions African values, human rights, cultural context, community protection, capital punishment, deterrence, traditional African legal culture, Yoruba, serious crimes, religious offenses, community versus individual, legal tradition
test-sport-ybfgsohbhog-pro04a	Hosting has wide-reaching economic benefits  Hosting creates an economic boost. Whilst none of the Olympics of recent times have made an immediate profit, the cost of the regeneration and improved infrastructure means that this is not a big problem as long as the losses are not huge. The Olympics showcases the host nation to the world and most hosts have seen a boost in tourism in the years after the Olympics (Australia estimates it gained£2bn extra tourist revenue in the four years after Sydney 2000). During the games between 60,000 (Paris 2012 estimate) and 135,000 (New York 2012 estimate) jobs are created providing skills and training to local people. economic benefits, hosting, economic boost, Olympics, infrastructure, regeneration, tourism, host nation, international exposure, job creation, tourism revenue, skills development, local employment, Olympic legacy hosting, economic benefits, economic boost, Olympics, regeneration, infrastructure, tourism, host nation, international exposure, job creation, skill development, tourism revenue, post-Olympics, economic impact economic benefits, hosting, Olympics, economic boost, infrastructure, regeneration, tourism, host nation, international exposure, tourism revenue, job creation, skills training, local employment, economic impact, Olympic legacy Olympics, economic benefits, tourism increase, infrastructure development, regeneration, hosting costs, economic boost, job creation, local skills, international exposure, host nation, tourism revenue, post-Olympics impact hosting, economic benefits, economic boost, Olympics, infrastructure, regeneration, tourism, host nation, international exposure, job creation, skills development, tourism revenue, city hosting, economic impact
test-education-pshhghwpba0-pro03a	A healthy breakfast improves students concentration  Children are in school to learn. To do this they need to concentrate. To be able to concentrate they need to have a balanced meal – one without too much sugar – that will ensure they are not hungry until lunchtime. A child who is hungry is not going to be concentrating on their studies. A study by the Indian National Institute of Nutrition has shown a regular breakfast to result in a 2% increase in test scores in addition to other health benefits. [1]  [1] Gajre, N.S., Fernandez, S., Balakrishna, N., and Vazir, S., ‘Breakfast Eating Habit and its Influence on Attention-concentration, Immediate Memory and School Achievement’, National Institute of Nutrition, 31 March 2008, healthy breakfast, students concentration, children's nutrition, balanced meal, sugar intake, hunger control, academic performance, test scores, nutrition study, Indian National Institute of Nutrition, breakfast habits, memory improvement, school achievement healthy breakfast, students concentration, children learning, balanced meal, sugar intake, hunger, midday hunger, Indian National Institute of Nutrition, test scores, childhood nutrition, focus and diet, academic performance, nutrition study, breakfast habits, school achievement healthy breakfast, student concentration, children's nutrition, balanced meal, low sugar diet, hunger, focus, test scores, academic performance, nutrition study, Indian National Institute of Nutrition, breakfast habits, memory, school achievement healthy breakfast, student concentration, children learning, balanced meal, sugar intake, hunger, lunchtime nutrition, test scores, health benefits, Indian National Institute of Nutrition, breakfast habits, attention, memory, school achievement healthy breakfast, student concentration, children's nutrition, balanced meal, sugar intake, hunger, school performance, test scores, Indian National Institute of Nutrition, breakfast habits, academic achievement, nutrition and learning, memory, attention, health benefits
test-international-iiahwagit-con02a	Fewer human deaths  Fewer large beasts will lead to fewer deaths in Africa. Some endangered animals are aggressive and will attack humans. Hippopotamuses kill in excess of three hundred humans a year in Africa, with other animals such as the elephant and lion also causing many fatalities. [1] Footage released in early 2014 of a bull elephant attacking a tourist’s car in Kruger National Park, South Africa demonstrated the continued threat these animals cause. [2] Tougher protection would result in higher numbers of these animals which increases the risk to human lives.  [1] Animal Danger ‘Most Dangerous Animals’  [2] Withnall, A. ‘Rampaging bull elephant flips over British tourist car in Kruger Park’ fewer human deaths, large beasts, Africa, endangered animals, aggression, animal attacks, hippopotamuses, elephant attacks, lion fatalities, Kruger National Park, dangerous animals, animal threats, wildlife protection, human-wildlife conflict, tourist safety human deaths, large beasts, endangered animals, aggressive animals, animal attacks, hippopotamuses, elephants, lions, animal fatalities, Kruger National Park, Africa wildlife, animal protection, human-wildlife conflict, animal danger, dangerous animals human fatalities, animal attacks, endangered wildlife, dangerous animals, African wildlife, hippopotamus attacks, elephant attacks, lion attacks, wildlife safety, animal-human conflict, Kruger National Park, animal conservation, protective measures, tourist safety, wildlife management human deaths, animal attacks, endangered species, dangerous animals, wildlife conflicts, African wildlife, elephant attack, lion attack, hippopotamus fatalities, Kruger National Park, animal protection, human-wildlife conflict, wildlife safety, animal aggression, tourist safety, animal behavior, wildlife footage human deaths, dangerous animals, Africa, endangered animals, aggression, animal attacks, hippopotamuses, elephants, lions, animal fatalities, Kruger National Park, wildlife conflict, human-wildlife interaction, animal protection, tourist safety, wildlife threats, animal behavior, conservation, national parks
test-law-tahglcphsld-pro03a	Drugs are safer when legal  Currently in the UK, purity of illegal Amphetamine is normally under 5%, and some tablets sold as ecstasy contain no MDMA at all. Instead, drugs are adulterated (“cut”) with substances from chalk and talcum powder to completely different drugs. [1]  At least when drugs are legalised the state can regulate their sale to make sure that they are clean and not cut with other dangerous substances. This will minimise the risk to users.  [1] Drugscope, ‘How Pure Are Street Drugs?’, updated January 2005, drug legalization, UK drug policy, drug purity, illegal amphetamine, MDMA, ecstasy adulteration, drug cutting, drug regulation, drug safety, substance purity, street drugs, drug adulterants, drug harm reduction drug safety, drug legalization, UK drug policy, illegal drug purity, amphetamine purity, ecstasy adulteration, drug regulation, drug cutting substances, drug contamination, street drug quality, MDMA content, drug safety regulation, harm reduction, illegal drug markets, public health, drug purity testing drug legality, drug purity, illegal amphetamine, ecstasy adulteration, drug cutting, drug safety, drug regulation, substance adulterants, MDMA content, drug testing, harm reduction, drug quality control, UK drug policy, street drug contamination drug legality, drug purity, adulteration, drug safety, illegal amphetamine, MDMA, ecstasy, drug regulation, drug contamination, street drugs, substance purity, drug testing, drug cutting substances, drug legislation, drug quality control drug legality, drug purity, UK drug policy, illegal amphetamine, ecstasy adulteration, drug cutting, drug regulation, substance safety, drug contaminants, drug safety standards, drug testing, public health, drug harm reduction, drug legislation, drug quality control
test-economy-fiahwpamu-con03a	Debt cycles and the curse of microfinance  Microfinance is incorporating free market ideologies and subprime (lending to those who may not be able to repay) lending at a smaller scale. Unstable crises’ form as a result, and debt is intensified for the poorest - of which are given access to credit they are not able to repay. This is a problem with all lending, microfinance is no exception.  In India the pressures of microfinance repayment has become linked to suicide and early mortality (Biswas, 2010). The stress of looking for microcredit, and then how to pay it back, has created a crisis within the microfinance industry. Regulation is required on the microfinance organisation: controlling the distribution of credit and the use of threats if the individual defaults. debt cycles, microfinance, free market ideologies, subprime lending, financial crises, poverty, credit access, repayment difficulty, borrower stress, microcredit, India, suicide, mortality, industry crisis, regulation, credit control, default threats debt cycles, microfinance, free market ideologies, subprime lending, credit risk, financial crises, poverty, repayment hardship, suicide, mortality, India, regulation, credit access, repayment pressure, microcredit, financial instability debt cycles, microfinance, free market, subprime lending, financial crises, poverty, credit access, repayment issues, India, microfinance regulation, borrower distress, microcredit, economic instability, social consequences, lending practices, default threats microfinance, debt cycles, financial crises, poverty, microcredit, subprime lending, emerging markets, India, repayment pressure, borrower risk, economic instability, regulation, financial inclusion, social impact, suicide, loan default, microfinance industry debt cycles, microfinance, free market ideologies, subprime lending, financial crises, poverty, credit access, repayment issues, India, microfinance regulation, borrower stress, default threats, financial instability, social impact, economic vulnerability
test-economy-egppphbcb-pro04a	Incentive in form of profit benefits society as a whole  The strongest motivational force a human being can feel towards work is a potential reward for their effort, therefore those who work hard and contribute most to society should justly also gain the most in form of increased wealth (e.g. private property). When work is uncoupled from reward or when an artificial safety net provides a high standard of living for those who do not work, society as a whole suffers. If those who work will benefit equally as the ones who do not there will be no reason to work and the overall productivity will be lowered, which is bad for society. Incentives are therefore necessary since it increases the overall standard for the whole society in form of material wealth, the fact that individuals are driven to succeed and earns what is rightfully theirs is thus in all our interest. With an overall higher productivity even the worst off may benefit more than they would have if the productivity had been low e.g. through charities etc.1/2/3/4  1 Rawls, J. (1999). A theory of justice (Rev.). Oxford: Oxford University Press.  2 Bradford, W. (1856). History of Plymouth plantation. Little, Brown and company.  3 Nozick, R. (1974). Anarchy State and Utopia (pp. 54-56, 137-42). Basic Books.  4 Perry, M. J. (1995). Why Socialism Failed. University of Michigan- Flint, Mark J Perry?s personal page. incentive, profit, society, motivation, work, reward, effort, wealth, private property, productivity, safety net, standard of living, incentives, material wealth, success, societal benefit, charity, justice, Rawls, Nozick, socialism Incentives, motivation, productivity, wealth, society, work, effort, reward, private property, social welfare, fairness, inequality, economic growth, social justice, capitalism, individual effort, social contribution, safety net, standard of living, inequality reduction, charity, economic incentives, Rawls, Nozick, social justice theories, socialism, philosophical perspectives Incentives, motivation, society, productivity, wealth, work ethic, reward, private property, social justice, inequality, safety net, motivation theory, economic growth, effort, fairness, capitalism, redistribution, philanthropy, social welfare, justice, efficiency, individual contribution, economic incentives incentive, profit, society, motivation, work, reward, effort, wealth, private property, productivity, economic incentives, social welfare, fairness, economic growth, motivation theory, justice, equality, income distribution, social contribution, free-market, capitalism, individual effort, social justice Incentives, motivation, profit, society, work, reward, wealth, private property, productivity, inequality, safety net, standard of living, fairness, social justice, economic growth, material wealth, success, individual effort, charity, Rawls, Nozick, socialism, justice
test-health-hgwhwbjfs-con03a	“Junk food” sales are an important source of funding for schools.  An important issue to consider in this topic is the constellation of incentives that actually got us to the place where we are at today.  With the environment designed to incentivize improving schools’ performance on standardized tests, there is absolutely nothing that would motivate them to invest their very limited resources into non-core programs or subjects, such as PE and sports and other activities. [1]  Ironically, schools turned to soda and snack vending companies in order to increase their discretionary funds. An example cited in the paper is one high school in Beltsville, MD, which made $72,438.53 in the 1999-2000 school year through a contract with a soft drink company and another $26,227.49 through a contract with a snack vending company. The almost $100,000 obtained was used for a variety of activities, including instructional uses such as purchasing computers, as well as extracurricular uses such as the yearbook, clubs and field trips.  Thus it becomes clear that the proposed ban is not only ineffective, but also demonstrably detrimental to schools and by extension their pupils.  [1] Anderson, P. M., 'Reading, Writing and Raisinets: Are School Finances Contributing to Children’s Obesity?', National Bureau of Economic Research, March 2005,  , accessed 9/11/2011 junk food, school funding, vending machines, incentives, standardized tests, school resources, extracurricular activities, soda sales, snack sales, school finances, childhood obesity, school programs, funding sources, revenue, educational funding, nutrition, public health, policy, school budgets, money management junk food, school funding, vending machines, incentives, standardized tests, extracurricular activities, soda sales, snack sales, school finances, childhood obesity, school budgets, non-core programs, school policies, public health, school revenue, nutritional policies junk food, school funding, incentives, standardized testing, school resources, non-core programs, PE, sports, vending machines, soda sales, snack sales, extracurricular activities, school budgets, nutrition, obesity, school finance, education policy, public health, campaign finance, marketing to children junk food, school funding, incentives, standardized tests, resource allocation, extracurricular activities, vending machines, soft drink contracts, snack sales, school revenue, student nutrition, obesity, education funding, policy impact, school finance, extracurricular funding junk food, school funding, vending machines, incentives, standardized testing, non-core programs, extracurricular activities, soda sales, snack sales, school finances, child obesity, nutrition, school revenue, policy, public health, school budget, food marketing, school environment, educational funding
test-international-epdlhfcefp-pro04a	The High Representative will be a catalyst and a facilitator for decision-making.  The High Representative will not only act as a spokesman for EU nations when they agree on foreign policies, but will act as a catalyst around which external policy will increasingly become coordinated. By chairing meetings of EU foreign ministers, he or she will be able to shape the agenda and influence the outcomes of meetings, encouraging member states increasingly to think in terms of common foreign policy positions. They will have added authority from their ability to speak for the EU in the UN Security Council. The High Representative will also direct the EU’s new External Action Service, which brings together policy specialists from both the Council and Commission in a unique manner (ranging from the Arctic region to nuclear safety and enlargement) 1. With representatives all over the world the EU will develop a foreign service capable of creating and articulating policy positions in a manner that few national governments can match. Over time this will promote the evolution of a true EU foreign and security policy, and will contribute significantly to increased European consciousness among EU citizens and further moves to political unity.  1. European Union External Action, Policies, accessed 1/8/11 High Representative, EU foreign policy, decision-making, facilitator, spokesperson, external policy, coordination, EU foreign ministers, agenda-setting, foreign policy positions, UN Security Council, External Action Service, policy specialists, Council, Commission, Arctic, nuclear safety, enlargement, diplomatic representation, foreign service, policy positions, European Union, foreign and security policy, European consciousness, political unity High Representative, EU, foreign policy, decision-making, facilitator, catalyst, spokesperson, EU nations, external policy, coordination, foreign ministers, agenda, outcomes, common foreign policy, authority, UN Security Council, External Action Service, policy specialists, Council, Commission, Arctic, nuclear safety, enlargement, international relations, foreign service, policy positions, European Union, security policy, European consciousness, political unity High Representative, EU foreign policy, decision-making, coordination, spokesperson, external policy, EU nations, foreign policy positions, UN Security Council, External Action Service, policy specialists, Council, Commission, Arctic, nuclear safety, enlargement, EU foreign service, policy articulation, European consciousness, political unity High Representative, catalyst, facilitator, decision-making, EU foreign policy, spokesman, external coordination, chairing meetings, foreign ministers, agenda shaping, meeting outcomes, common foreign positions, authority, UN Security Council, External Action Service, policy specialists, Council, Commission, Arctic, nuclear safety, enlargement, global representatives, foreign service, policy positions, EU foreign security policy, European consciousness, political unity High Representative, EU foreign policy, decision-making, facilitator, catalyst, spokesman, external policy coordination, EU foreign ministers, agenda shaping, policy influence, common foreign policy, UN Security Council, External Action Service, policy specialists, Arctic, nuclear safety, enlargement, foreign service, policy positions, EU security policy, European consciousness, political unity
test-economy-eptpghdtre-pro02a	Historically Democrats have presided over more economic stability whereas the GOP is the party of boom and Bust  During the past 60 years Democrats have been considerably more likely to preside over a balanced budget than their Republican rivals. Since the OPEC shocks of the mid-70s the average unemployment rate under Republican Presidents has been 6.7 % as opposed to 5.5% under democrats. Even expanding that period out to the whole of the post-war period, unemployment has averaged 4.8% under democrats and 6.3% under democrats [i] .  Republican presidencies have been marked by higher unemployment, bigger deficits and lower wages.  [i] Larry Bartels. “Why the economy fares much better under Democrats.” Christian Science Monitor. October 21st, 2010 . democrats, GOP, economic stability, boom, bust, balanced budget, OPEC shocks, unemployment rate, Republican Presidents, Democrat Presidents, post-war period, deficits, wages, Larry Bartels, Christian Science Monitor Democrats, GOP, economic stability, boom, bust, balanced budget, OPEC shocks, unemployment rate, Republican Presidents, Democratic Presidents, post-war period, deficits, wages, Larry Bartels Democrats, GOP, economic stability, boom, bust, balanced budget, OPEC shocks, unemployment rate, post-war period, Republican Presidents, Democratic Presidents, deficits, wages, Larry Bartels Democrats, GOP, political parties, economic stability, economic performance, recession, boom, bust, budget deficit, unemployment rate, post-war period, OPEC shocks, fiscal policy, economic inequality, wage levels, Larry Bartels, Christian Science Monitor Democrats, GOP, economic stability, boom, bust, balanced budget, OPEC shocks, unemployment rate, post-war period, Republican Presidents, Democratic Presidents, deficits, wages, Larry Bartels, Christian Science Monitor
test-politics-oeplhbuwhmi-con03a	The EU is a force multiplier  The UK gets more bang for the buck as a result of being a member of the EU. It has representation in more countries as a result of the European External Action Service (equivalent of the Foreign Office) thus extending UK influence to countries where it would not otherwise have representation. For example the EU have representation in Djibouti [1] whereas the UK individually is represented there from neighbouring Ethiopia. [2]  The UK, along with France, and to a lesser extent Germany, leads the EU on foreign policy matters, as illustrated by the first The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy being a Briton, Catherine Ashton. [3] This means the UK essentially gains from the backing of the other 26 member states giving the UK a much more influential voice globally. For example the EU has a role in the Middle East ‘quartet’ of the EU, USA, Russia and United Nations [4] giving the UK a place at the table on the key issue of Israel Palestine where otherwise it would have none.  [1] ‘Délégation en République de Djibouti’, Délégation de l’Union européenne,   [2] ‘British Embassy Addis Ababa’, Gov.uk,   [3] ‘The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy’, Europea Union External Action,   [4] ‘The Quartet’, Office of the Quartet, European Union, UK influence, foreign policy, European External Action Service, representation, international relations, diplomatic influence, global voice, Middle East, Israel Palestine, EU member states, High Representative, Catherine Ashton, EU role, Quartet, Djibouti, Ethiopia, foreign affairs, global influence, EU foreign policy, UK benefits, multilateral diplomacy European Union, UK, influence, foreign policy, representation, European External Action Service, diplomatic influence, international relations, global influence, Africa, Djibouti, Ethiopia, France, Germany, High Representative, Catherine Ashton, Middle East, Quartet, Israel Palestine, United Nations, EU member states, foreign affairs, geopolitical strategy, EU foreign policy, international diplomacy European Union, UK, foreign policy, EU influence, foreign representation, European External Action Service, diplomatic influence, international relations, Middle East, Israel-Palestine, global influence, EU member states, diplomatic presence, high representative, Catherine Ashton, EU role, Quartet, UN, US, Russia, Djibouti, Ethiopia European Union, EU, United Kingdom, UK, foreign policy, influence, bilateral representation, European External Action Service, EEAS, international relations, diplomacy, EU member states, global influence, foreign affairs, diplomatic representation, High Representative, Catherine Ashton, international organizations, Middle East, Israel Palestine, Quartet, EU-USA-Russia-UN, international diplomacy, international security, foreign policy leadership European Union, UK, foreign policy, influence, representation, European External Action Service, EU member states, global influence, diplomatic influence, foreign affairs, Middle East, Israel Palestine, Quartet, EU role, international relations, EU diplomacy, EU foreign policy leadership, Catherine Ashton, EU diplomatic presence, international organizations
test-culture-mmctghwbsa-pro03a	Since advertising is pervasive in mediated messages, it has the power to influence social attitudes.  Adverts occupy more public space than ever before in history. Due to technology, public space is global and ads can been seen around the world, in 2009 the UK became the first major economy where advertisers spend more on internet advertising than on television advertising1. Through such dominance, ads contribute to attitudes and values. Due to their power to influence attitudes within a society, serious attention should be paid to the content of advertising. 1 Sweney, Mark, 'Internet overtakes television to become biggest advertising sector in the UK', The Guardian, 30 September 2009 advertising, mediated messages, social attitudes, public space, global advertising, internet advertising, television advertising, technology, societal influence, advertising content, media influence, UK advertising, advertising history, advertising industry advertising, media messages, social attitudes, public space, technological influence, global advertising, internet advertising, television advertising, UK advertising trends, advertising content, societal impact, media influence, advertising power, media dominance advertising, social attitudes, media messages, public space, technological influence, global advertising, internet advertising, television advertising, societal values, advertising content, media impact, UK advertising, advertising dominance, 2009 advertising, mediated messages, social attitudes, public space, technology, global advertising, internet advertising, television advertising, advertising influence, societal values, advertising content, media influence, UK advertising trends advertising, mediated messages, social attitudes, public space, global advertising, internet advertising, television advertising, advertising influence, societal attitudes, advertising content
test-economy-thhghwhwift-pro02a	There is ample precedent in the form of other “sin” taxes  A sin tax is a term often used for fees tacked on to popular vices like drinking, gambling and smoking. Its roots have been traced back to the 16th century Vatican, where Pope Leo X taxed licensed prostitutes. [1]  More recently, and with greater success, US federal cigarette taxes were shown to have reduced consumption by 4% for every 10% increase in the price of cigarettes. [2]  Given the success achieved with uprooting this societal vice, which on a number of counts is similar to the unhealthy food one - immense health costs linked to a choice to consume a product – we should employ this tried and true strategy to combat the obesity epidemic.  In fact, a recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine followed 5000 people for 20 years, tracking food consumption and various biological metrics. The report states that “Researchers found that, incremental increases in price of unhealthy foods resulted in incremental decreases in consumption. In other words, when junk food cost more, people ate it less.” [3]  Thus leaning on the successful tradition of existing “sin” taxes and research that points out the potential for success of a similar solution in this arena, it should be concluded that a fat tax is an important part of a sensible and effective solution to the obesity epidemic.  [1] Altman, A., A Brief History Of: Sin Taxes, published 4/2/2009,  , accessed 9/12/2011  [2] CDC, Steady Increases in Tobacco Taxes Promote Quitting, Discourage Smoking, published 5/27/2009,  , accessed 14/9/2011  [3] O'Callaghan, T., Sin taxes promote healthier food choices, published 3/10/2010,  , accessed 9/12/2011 sin taxes, obesity epidemic, unhealthy foods, food pricing, health costs, tax policy, public health, preventive measures, dietary behavior, economic incentives, health economics, junk food, food consumption, government intervention, health promotion, taxation strategies, research studies, historical taxes, public policy sin taxes, health costs, obesity, unhealthy foods, food consumption, food pricing, public health, taxation strategies, behavioral economics, dietary choices, health policy, food industry, government regulation, taxation impact, consumption reduction sin taxes, fat tax, obesity epidemic, unhealthy foods, health costs, food consumption, price elasticity, public health policy, taxation, health promotion, preventive healthcare, dietary choices, government intervention, public health strategy, health economics sin taxes, health costs, obesity epidemic, unhealthy foods, food consumption, price elasticity, junk food, fat tax, public health policy, behavioral economics, taxation strategies, food prices, health behavior, dietary choices, epidemic solutions sin taxes, obesity epidemic, unhealthy food, health costs, food consumption, price elasticity, junk food, public health policy, tax strategy, preventive health, dietary behavior, health economics, taxation impact, behavioral change, chronic disease prevention
test-philosophy-pphbclsbs-pro05a	The argument is about practicality and the balancing of risks.  It would be incredibly disingenuous of the opposition if they did not concede that the dangers are great and that something must be done. Because, deep down, everyone knows that it is simply a balancing of risks – in practice all the government is trying to do is save lives. It is of course, the government’s primary duty to protect citizens but this can only be done with the loss of some civil liberties. These liberties will of course still be completely protected by the courts. When it comes to the issue of life and death, it is the proposition’s hope that a few civil liberties would be only willingly given up by any prudent citizen. practicality, risk, dangers, government, civil liberties, life safety, court protection, democratic balance, civil rights, government intervention, public safety, risk management, civil liberties trade-off, constitutional rights practicality, risk, dangers, government, civil liberties, life, death, balance, safety, courts, citizen, freedom, safety measures, risk management, public safety, government duties practicality, risk, safety, government, civil liberties, citizen protection, balancing, danger, sacrifice, court, life and death, prudence, laws, policy, sacrifice, individual rights practicality, risk, dangers, government, civil liberties, protection, lives, courts, balance, safety, life and death, sacrifice, citizen rights practicality, risk, dangers, government, civil liberties, life preservation, citizen protection, courts, ethical dilemma, risk-benefit analysis, public safety, individual rights, policy decision, life and death, civil rights
test-law-sdiflhrdffe-pro02a	Democracies have an obligation to shield these people and to encourage further dissent  The universality of human rights, of the freedom of speech and of due process is all touted as crucial by the world’s democracies. Democratic countries are frequently vocal on the subject of liberty, on the superiority of their system of government that provides for the best protection of human dignity. By offering amnesty to bloggers, the people standing at the forefront of the democratic cause in oppressive regimes, Western countries take a largely low-cost action that provides for the security and safety of some the bravest people in the public arena. The West must stop kowtowing to oppression and make a stand to offer an umbrella of protection to those who need it. That protection is absolutely crucial to the development of more dissent in the blogosphere and on the ground. Only by nurturing dissent can it ever take root and overcome the vast powers of authoritarian government. The promise of protection is hugely powerful because it gives bloggers a safety net to fall back on. Those already active will feel more empowered to speak out against their oppressors, and some currently cowed by fear will have the courage to speak up. The guarantee of amnesty also removes the perceived randomness of such offerings that currently occur, as in the recent case of Cuba in which two bloggers of similar pedigree asked for asylum in the US, but only one received it. [1] Such inconsistency has bred fear in the minds of dissidents. This policy would correct for it and help bolster the cause of justice on all fronts. It is through offering amnesty that democracies can provide the catalyst for the change they avow to be the paramount aim of human civilization.  [1] Fox News Latino. “Cuba: Prominent Blogger-Dissidents Receive Contradictory Results on Visa Petitions”. 31 January 2013. democracies, human rights, freedom of speech, due process, dissent, oppressive regimes, amnesty, bloggers, freedom of expression, authoritarian government, protection, safety, empowerment, asylum, justice, dissidents, censorship, repression, democracy, political persecution, international policy, civil liberties democracies, human rights, freedom of speech, due process, oppression, dissent, amnesty, bloggers, authoritarian government, protection, censorship, repression, asylum, dissidents, civil liberties, democracy promotion, political repression, human dignity, activism, blogosphere, government accountability, international relations, justice, political asylum democracies, human rights, freedom of speech, due process, dissent, oppression, amnesty, bloggers, Western countries, protection, authoritarian government, blogosphere, safety net, courage, asylum, Cuba, dissidents, justice, change, human civilization democracies, human rights, freedom of speech, due process, tolerance, dissent, oppression, amnesty, bloggers, authoritarianism, repression, protection, asylum, civil liberties, democracy, activism, human dignity, international diplomacy, extraterritorial rights, political dissent, freedom of expression, political activism, governance, justice, civil rights democracies, human rights, freedom of speech, due process, dissent, oppressive regimes, amnesty, bloggers, Western countries, protection, authoritarian government, blogosphere, human dignity, asylum, Cuba, dissidents, justice, democracy, activism, oppression, safety net, courage, fear, political asylum, censorship, political repression, human civilization
test-sport-aastshsrqsar-con01a	Meritocracy  It is a value of sport in general that it should be outside the sphere of social ills like racial, religious and political tensions. Sport should be based on merit only; those who play best get onto the team.  Racial quotas will lead to any non-white player in a team in a competition where quotas are being employed to being under a suspicion that they are not good enough and were only selected due to their race. As Peter de Villiers, the first black coach of the Springboks, says “Everybody will believe that these players will be picked because people are looking out for them.” [1] The result could be more racial abuse of players, not less.  [1] Peacock, James, ‘Peter de Villiers says racial quotas are ‘waste of time’, BBC Sport, 15 August 2013, meritocracy, sport, social ills, racial tensions, religious tensions, political tensions, merit-based selection, team selection, racial quotas, racial bias, racial suspicion, racial abuse, Peter de Villiers, Springboks, racial discrimination, sports equality, merit over quotas meritocracy,sport,social issues,racial tensions,religious tensions,political tensions,merit-based selection,racial quotas,racial bias,team selection,Michael de Villiers,racial abuse,Springboks,quota system,racial discrimination,performance-based selection meritocracy, sport, social ills, racial tensions, religious tensions, political tensions, merit-based selection, racial quotas, racial bias, sports fairness, Peter de Villiers, Springboks, racial discrimination, racial abuse, sports ethics, equality in sports meritocracy, sports, social ills, racial tensions, religious tensions, political tensions, merit-based selection, racial quotas, team selection, racial suspicion, racial abuse, Peter de Villiers, Springboks, racial discrimination, quotas impact, sports equality meritocracy, sport, social ills, racial tensions, religious tensions, political tensions, merit-based selection, team selection, racial quotas, racial bias, racial discrimination, racial abuse, Peter de Villiers, Springboks, racial equality, sports ethics, social justice
test-education-pstrgsehwt-con04a	Creationism is a religious, not a scientific, explanation of reality.  Creationism is, by definition, not science. It is not based in any empirical evidence. Rather, Creationists start with a presupposed answer and work back from it. They assume there is a designer, so they look for holes in evolutionary theory and claim only a designer can explain the gaps. When new evidence arises that gives a natural explanation of the phenomenon in question, the Creationists backpedal and start looking for new holes. No amount of evidence could convince a Creationist because his belief is not based on evidence, but rather on a usually religion-driven opposition to evolution on a political and belief level. A science proves itself through experimentation and submitting research for peer review. Creationism fears scrutiny by real scientists. Instead supporters of creationism attempt to further its agenda through politics and courts, where science is not the main goal, but popularity and where expertise is not in science but in law (Dawkins, 2006). Creationism couches itself in the language of science and does its best to look respectable in the eyes of the public. For example, in rebranding as Intelligent Design, Creationists sought to appear less overtly religious. These attempts show the illegitimacy of Creationism. The pseudoscience of Creationism must, for the sake of education, be kept out of the classroom. creationism, science, empirical evidence, evolution, intelligent design, pseudoscience, religious explanation, scientific method, peer review, evolution theory, gaps in evolution, design, controversy, education, pseudoscientific claims, political influence, legal controversies, Dawkins, natural explanations, scientific scrutiny, classroom education Creationism, science, empirical evidence, evolution, intelligent design, pseudoscience, religion, peer review, political influence, court cases, education, scientific methodology, natural explanation, gaps in theory, skepticism Creationism, scientific, religion, empirical evidence, evolution, designer, gaps, natural explanation, peer review, experimentation, politicization, courts, Intelligent Design, pseudoscience, education, classroom Creationism, science, religion, empirical evidence, evolution, intelligent design, pseudoscience, scientific method, peer review, natural explanation, designer, gaps in theory, biases, politics, courts, education, pseudoscientific claims, religious opposition, legitimacy, classroom, Dawkins Creationism, science, empirical evidence, intelligent design, evolution, pseudoscience, religious belief, scientific method, peer review, fossils, natural selection, gaps in evolution, religion, politics, court cases, education, pseudoscience, scientific legitimacy, opposition to evolution, Dawkins, controversy, scientific scrutiny
test-law-hrilpgwhwr-pro02a	The ICC offers justice to victims of war crimes.  The ICC offers a multilateral means by which international law can be brought to bear on the perpetrators of war crimes. As Amnesty International argues, 'the ICC ensures that those who commit serious human rights violations are held accountable. Justice helps promote lasting peace, enables victims to rebuild their lives and sends a strong message that perpetrators of serious international crimes will not go unpunished'. Furthermore, and for the first time, the ICC has the power to order a criminal to pay reparations to a victim who has suffered as a result of their crimes. Such reparations may include restitution, indemnification and rehabilitation. Judges are able to order such reparations whether the victims have been able to apply for them or not. Though reparations will often not be sufficient on their own for lasting peace, they are a step in the right direction and only made possible by the establishment of the ICC. ICC, justice, war crimes, international law, accountability, victims, reparations, restitution, indemnification, rehabilitation, peace, international justice, human rights violations, perpetrators, international crimes ICC, justice, war crimes, international law, accountability, human rights, victims, reparations, restitution, indemnification, rehabilitation, peace, perpetrators, criminal responsibility, international justice, victims' rights ICC, justice, war crimes, international law, accountability, human rights violations, victims, reparations, restitution, indemnification, rehabilitation, peace, international crimes, perpetrators, prosecution, Amnesty International, reparations process ICC, justice, war crimes, international law, accountability, human rights violations, victims, reparations, restitution, indemnification, rehabilitation, peace, perpetrators, international crimes, justice system ICC, justice, war crimes, international law, accountability, victims, reparations, restitution, indemnification, rehabilitation, peace, human rights violations, perpetrators, legal authority, international justice
test-politics-dhbanhrnw-con02a	The threat of nuclear weapons falling into the hands of rogue states and terrorists increases as more countries possess them  There are many dangerous dictators and tyrants, many of who covet the possession of nuclear weapons not just for the purpose of defence, but also for that of intimidating their neighbours. [1] Such leaders should not possess nuclear weapons, nor should they ever be facilitated in their acquisition. For example, Iran has endeavoured for years on a clandestine nuclear weapons program that, were it recognized as a legitimate pursuit, could be increased in scale and completed with greater speed. The result of such an achievement could well destabilize the Middle East and would represent a major threat to the existence of a number of states within the region, particularly Israel. Furthermore, the risk of nuclear weapons, or at least weapons-grade material, falling into the hands of dissidents and terrorists increases substantially when there are more of them and larger numbers of countries possess them. Additionally, many countries in the developing world lack the capacity to safely secure weapons if they owned them, due to lack of technology, national instability, and government corruption. [2] Recognizing the rights of these countries to hold nuclear weapons vastly increases the risk of their loss or misuse.  [1] Slantchev, Branislav. 2005. “Military Coercion in Interstate Crises”. American Political Science Review 99(4).  [2] Sagan, Scott D. 1993. The Limits of Safety: Organizations, Accidents, and Nuclear Weapons. Princeton: Princeton University Press. nuclear weapons, rogue states, terrorists, proliferation, international security, nuclear diplomacy, Iran nuclear program, regional stability, Middle East, Israel, nuclear proliferation risks, weapons security, national instability, government corruption, nuclear nonproliferation, proliferation control, nuclear arms race, nuclear technology, weapons-grade material, disarmament, global security nuclear weapons, rogue states, terrorists, proliferation, nuclear security, nuclear proliferation, destabilization, Middle East, Iran, clandestine nuclear program, regional stability, Israel, weapons-grade material, terrorists, dissidents, developing countries, nuclear safety, technology, government corruption, nuclear arms control, international security, nuclear non-proliferation, nuclear deterrence, nuclear arms race, global security nuclear weapons, rogue states, terrorists, proliferation, nuclear security, nuclear proliferation, destabilization, Middle East, Iran nuclear program, weapon-grade material, terrorism, national security, weapons safety, security measures, nuclear technology, global security, nuclear non-proliferation, government corruption, regional stability, nuclear risks, threat assessment nuclear weapons, rogue states, terrorists, proliferation, nuclear security, international security, non-proliferation, Iran, clandestine program, Middle East, Israel, regional stability, weapons-grade material, nuclear weapons theft, terrorism, developing countries, technological capacity, political instability, corruption, nuclear disarmament, global security, nuclear risks nuclear weapons, rogue states, terrorists, proliferation, nuclear security, nuclear proliferation, international security, Iran nuclear program, Middle East stability, regional security, weapons-grade material, nuclear non-proliferation, nuclear arms, nuclear proliferation risks, state sovereignty, dictator, tyranny, nuclear threat, destabilization, arms control, nuclear safeguards, nuclear technology, global security, developing countries, government corruption, weapons security, nuclear deterrence
test-international-ghwcitca-con01a	It would never work  There are immense challenges to making a treaty seeking to prevent or curtail cyber-attacks work. Even on issues where there are clear security concerns it is unusual for the involved nations to be willing to get along and cooperate. This has proven to be the same with regards to the internet governance with Russia and China wanting greater state control while the US and Western Europe is opposed. [1] Even on issues where lives are being lost there is often no global agreement as can be seen by the deadlock in the UN security council over what to do about the civil war in Syria. [2]  Additionally there is the problem that working out who engaged in a cyber-attack is difficult. Such attacks are often routed through proxy computers to launch their attacks. If attacking a difficult target that may seek to strike back the attack will be through numerous proxies which will be in numerous countries to make tracking back difficult. [3] This means there can be misattribution of attacks creating confusion about which state needs to act domestically to prevent the cyber-attacks – or in the worst case resulting in a response aimed at the wrong country. For example South Korea has blamed its Northern neighbour for an attack on the website of the South Korean Presidency but the hacking is more likely to have been the work of someone in South Korea itself as a South Korean detailed his plans on Twitter before the attack. [4] If it is difficult to attribute who launched the attack then it would clearly be easy to get around any ban.  [1] Nebehay, Stephanie, ‘China, Russia seek greater control of Internet’, Reuters, 7 March 2013,   [2] Black, Ian, ‘UN may struggle to respond to reports of Syrian chemical attacks’, The Guardian, 21 August 2013,   [3] Greenemeier, Larry, ‘Seeking Address: Why Cyber Attacks Are So Difficult to Trace back to Hackers’, Scientific American, 11 June 2011,   [4] Koo, Soo-Kyung, ‘Cyber Security in South Korea: The Threat Within’, The Diplomat, 19 August 2013, cyber-security, cyber-attacks, international law, treaties, internet governance, state control, Russia, China, US, Western Europe, UN security council, civil war, Syria, attribution, proxy computers, cyber warfare, cyber espionage, cyber diplomacy, cyber cooperation, global agreements, cyber conflict, cyber sovereignty, cyber incidents, state-sponsored attacks, misattribution, cyber response, cross-border cybercrime, cybersecurity challenges cyber-attack, international treaty, cybersecurity, cyber warfare, internet governance, global cooperation, countries conflict, state control, Russia, China, US, Western Europe, UN, security council, civil war, Syria, attribution, proxy servers, hacking, misattribution, international law, cyber diplomacy, cyber deterrence, nation-state cyber operations, cyber response, sovereignty, cyber espionage, cyber security challenges, cyber policy cyber-attacks, international treaties, internet governance, state control, Russia, China, US, Western Europe, global security, UN security council, civil war, Syria, attribution difficulty, proxy servers, cyber-attack tracing, misattribution, sovereignty, cyber warfare, international cooperation, cyber diplomacy, cyber security, nation-state conflicts, cyber retaliation, cyber policy challenges cyber security, cyber-attacks, international treaties, internet governance, Russia, China, United States, Western Europe, state control, global cooperation, UN security council, civil war Syria, attribution challenges, proxy computers, malware, cyber attribution, misattribution, cyber espionage, cyber warfare, cyber diplomacy, cross-border cyber crimes, cyber conflict resolution, international law, cyber security policies, cyber attack response cyber-attacks, international treaties, cybersecurity cooperation, internet governance, state control, cyber diplomacy, diplomatic challenges, cyber attribution, proxy servers, attack tracing, cyber conflict, global security, UN Security Council, sovereign nations, cyber warfare, cyber compliance, international law, cyber espionage, cyber deterrence, cyber threats, geopolitical tensions, cyber response, misattribution, cyber enforcement
test-health-hdond-con02a	This system will punish people for a past decision they cannot now undo  Most formulations of this policy involve assessing donor status on the basis of whether the patient was a registered organ donor prior to needing an organ. Thus, a sick person could find themselves in the tortuous situation of sincerely regretting their past decision not to donate, but having no means to atone for their past act. To visit such a situation upon citizens not only meaningfully deprives them of the means to continue living, it subjects them to great psychological distress. Indeed, they are not only aware that their past passive decision not to register as a donor has doomed them, but they are constantly told by the state that this is well and just. organ donation, past decision, ethical dilemma, donor registration, informed consent, psychological distress, moral responsibility, policy implications, life-or-death decisions, regret, patient autonomy, state policies, bioethics, moral guilt, regret management organ donation, ethical dilemma, punitive policy, past decision, registered donor, regret, emotional distress, moral responsibility, healthcare ethics, biomedical ethics, individual autonomy, state policy, psychological impact, moral blame, life and death, bioethics organ donation, past decisions, punishment, donor status, registered donor, ethical considerations, psychological distress, moral responsibility, policy implications, life and death, regret, state authority, bioethics, healthcare policy organ donation, past decisions, policy ethics, donor registration, regret, psychological distress, lifeDeprivation, moral responsibility, state policies, ethical dilemma organ donation, past decisions, punitive policies, ethical dilemmas, patient regret, donor registration, moral consequences, psychological distress, state policy, healthcare ethics, end-of-life choices, decision regret, organ transplantation, morality, legal implications
test-environment-ehwsnwu-pro02a	Underground Nuclear Storage is Safe  Underground nuclear waste storage means that nuclear waste is stored at least 300m underground. [I1]  The harm of a leak 300m underground is significantly limited, if the area has been chosen correctly then there should be no water sources nearby to contaminate. If this is the case, then a leak’s harm would be limited to the layers of sediment nearby which would be unaffected by radiation. By comparison a leak outside might lead to animals nearby suffering from contamination. Further nuclear waste might reach water sources should there be a leak above ground, if it is raining heavily when the leak happens for example.  Further, the other options available, such as above ground storage present a potentially greater danger, should something go wrong. This is because it is much easier for nuclear waste to leak radiation into the air. This is problematic because even a hint of radiation may well cause people to panic owing to the damaging and heavily publicised consequences of previous nuclear safety crises. As such, underground storage is safer both directly and indirectly. [1]  As well as this, underground storage also prevents nuclear waste or nuclear radiation from reaching other states and as such, results in greater safety across borders. [2]  Further, storing all nuclear waste underground means that countries can concentrate their research and training efforts on responding to subterranean containment failures. Focus and specialisation of this type is much more likely to avert a serious release of nuclear material from an underground facility than the broad and general approach that will be fostered by diverse and distinct above-ground storage solutions.  [1] “Europe eyes underground nuclear waste repositories.” Infowars Ireland. 20/02/2010   [2] “EU Debates Permanent Storage For Nuclear Waste.” 04/11/2010 AboutMyPlanet.   [I1] I am not sure how to replace this section. “Leakage” of radioactive material into the air is a minimal danger. The contributor may be referring to the ejection of irradiated dust and other particulates that has occurred when nuclear power stations have suffered explosive containment failures, but this is not comparable to the types of containment failures that might happen in facilities used to store spent nuclear fuel rods and medical waste.  One of the more substantial risks presented by underground storage is release of nuclear material into a water source. underground nuclear storage, nuclear waste, safety, leak risk, contamination, water sources, radiation, above ground storage, radioactive material, containment failure, nuclear safety, cross-border safety, storage facilities, containment, geological repository, sediment layers, environmental safety, radiation leak, nuclear crisis, containment failure, explosion risk, radioactive particulates, nuclear safety crisis underground nuclear storage, nuclear waste, safety, containment, radiation, leak, water sources, contamination, above ground storage, radiation release, public panic, cross-border safety, nuclear research, containment failures, geological stability, sediment layers, environmental impact, radioactive material, containment failure, nuclear safety crisis underground storage, nuclear waste, safety, radiation containment, leak risk, water contamination, environmental impact, above ground storage, radiation release, public safety, cross-border safety, nuclear safety crisis, containment failure, nuclear radiation, soil layers, sediment, policy, risk assessment, storage facilities, nuclear material, environmental protection underground storage, nuclear waste, safety, radiation containment, leak risk, water contamination, above ground storage, radiation leakage, public safety, cross-border safety, sediment layers, containment failure, nuclear safety crises, storage methods, risk mitigation, environmental impact, geological barriers, radioactive material, storage infrastructure, nuclear safety measures underground nuclear storage, nuclear waste, safety, leak prevention, radiation containment, water contamination, underground repository, risk mitigation, environmental safety, radiation release, geological barriers, storage safety, cross-border security, nuclear safety crises, containment failures, research focus, contamination risk, radioactive dust, sediment layers, water sources
test-education-xeegshwfeu-con01a	The most vulnerable children would be left behind by the scheme  Even if a voucher scheme is used, parents still need to have considerable input in order that their children are able to access the best educational opportunities. Thus, those children who are most vulnerable, i.e. those with inadequate home support structures, will find that they are unable to access the best schools as their parents may lack the desire or knowledge to find out which schools are the best in their area.  Further, this problem will be exacerbated by the subsequent dearth of funding at the worst schools. vulnerable children, voucher scheme, parental involvement, access to quality education, inadequate home support, school funding, educational inequality, disadvantaged students, school choice, parental awareness, resource disparities, educational access barriers, school quality, socioeconomic factors vulnerable children, voucher scheme, parental input, educational access, home support, underserved students, school quality, socioeconomic factors, educational inequality, funding disparities, school selection, parental awareness, school funding, educational opportunities vulnerable children, voucher scheme, parental input, educational access, home support, disadvantaged students, school funding, educational inequality, parental knowledge, school choice, educational opportunities, school quality, socio-economic barriers, funding disparities vulnerable children, voucher scheme, parental input, educational opportunities, home support, school access, disadvantaged students, school funding, parental knowledge, education inequality vulnerable children, voucher scheme, parental input, educational opportunities, home support, school access, disadvantaged students, school funding, educational inequality, parental knowledge, school choice, inequity, funding shortages
test-free-speech-debate-radhbsshr-pro03a	Racialised Opposition  Some critics of ‘The Spear’ have criticised the artwork on the grounds that it ‘dehumanises’ black people in general [1] and President Zuma in particular and criticises him based upon his personal life rather than policy, using vulgar means to do it. This line of opposition is part of a dog-whistle tactic that the ANC has consistently used against white critics of its government in the past. [2]  ANC criticisms of its white critics, including the opposition Democratic Alliance have made discreet reference to the injustices of the past as a means of creating distrust in the minds of poor, black voters who maintain ANC support as a result. Some politicians within the ANC, most notably the former President of its youth wing Julius Malema, have made incendiary statements that could be seen to stoke up hatred against whites.  It is against this back drop that the double standards over criticism of Murray should be viewed. Murray, a white artist, has been criticised roundly for ‘The Spear’, while black artists have created works that could be seen to denigrate President Zuma in a similar manner to ‘The Spear’. A noticeable example is ‘Ngcono ihlwempu kunesibhanxo sesityebi’ (Better a fool than a rich man’s nonsense) by Ayanda Mabulu, that carried a much more graphic depiction of the President and other leading politicians of the past and present with barely a murmur raised. [3]  By bowing to the pressure exerted by the ANC and its followers, the Goodman Gallery and City Press have bowed to pressure, denying criticism of the government and accepting the implied view that White South Africans are unable to criticise the government without seeking to re-assert any forms of superiority that had existed under Apartheid. Whilst there may still be underlying problems of Far-Right activity in South Africa, to smear anyone who criticises the government based on their race does nothing to help move the country on from autocracy and institutionalised racism. The Goodman Gallery and City Press should have stood by displaying the image as it represented the opinion of Brett Murray, free from intimidation or race based slander.  [1] Dana, Simphiwe, ‘The 'Sarah Baartmanisation' of the black body’, Mail & Guardian, 12 June 2012,   [2] Hlongwane, Sipho, ‘The ANC's best friend: Brett Murray & The Spear’, Amandla,   [3] Ndlovu, Andile, ‘'Spear' sparks hot Twitter debate’, Times Live, 23 May 2012, racialisation, opposition, artwork, dehumanisation, black people, President Zuma, personal life, vulgar criticism, dog-whistle, ANC, white critics, Democratic Alliance, distrust, poor voters, Julius Malema, incendiary statements, hatred, double standards, Murray, racial criticism, black artists, denigration, Ngcono ihlwempu, Ayanda Mabulu, graphic depictions, Goodman Gallery, City Press, censorship, pressure, Apartheid, institutional racism, free speech, racial slander Racialised opposition, The Spear, dehumanisation, black critique, President Zuma, vulgarity, dog-whistle tactics, ANC, white critics, historical injustices, distrust, black voters, Julius Malema, incendiary statements, race-based criticism, Murray, artwork critique, Ngcono ihlwempu, Ayanda Mabulu, graphic depictions, political satire, Goodman Gallery, City Press, pressure, institutionalised racism, apartheid legacy, free speech, racial slander, autocracy, far-right activity racialisation, opposition, artwork, dehumanisation, Black people, President Zuma, personal life, policy critique, vulgar language, dog-whistle tactics, ANC, white critics, distrust, poor voters, Julius Malema, incendiary statements, hatred, double standards, Murray, critique, racial bias, artistic freedom, Ngcono ihlwempu kunesibhanxo sesityebi, Ayanda Mabulu, graphic depiction, political satire, criticism, media pressure, Goodman Gallery, City Press, apartheid, racism, autocracy, institutionalised racism, free speech, race-based slander racialisation, opposition, artwork, dehumanisation, black people, President Zuma, vulgar criticism, dog-whistle politics, ANC, white critics, distrust, poor voters, Julius Malema, incendiary statements, racial double standards, Murray, ‘The Spear’, black artists, graphic depictions, Ngcono ihlwempu, Ayanda Mabulu, criticism, Goodman Gallery, City Press, race-based criticism, Apartheid, institutionalised racism, free speech, censorship, South Africa, Far-Right, autocracy, racial slander Racialised opposition, critique, artwork dehumanisation, President Zuma, vulgar criticism, dog-whistle politics, ANC criticism, white critics, historical injustices, voter manipulation, Julius Malema, incendiary statements, racial double standards, Murray criticism, black artists, provocative art, Ngcono ihlwempu, Ayanda Mabulu, political depictions, censorship, Goodman Gallery, City Press, racial bias, South African politics, critique suppression, race-based slander, institutionalized racism, apartheid legacy, free expression
test-politics-oglilpdwhsn-con02a	"The New START treaty helps Russia more than the US  Not only does New START leave in place Russia’s extant tactical nuclear advantage but it has further loopholes for Russian weapons. As Mitt Romney argued in 2010: ""Does the treaty provide gaping loopholes that Russia could use to escape nuclear weapon limits entirely? Yes. For example, multiple warhead missile bombers are counted under the treaty as only one warhead. While we currently have more bombers than the Russians, they have embarked on new programs for long-range bombers and for air-launched nuclear cruise missiles. Thus, it is no surprise that Russia is happy to undercount missiles on bombers."" [1]  New START also fails to limit rail-mobile intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), which Russia could potentially make use of. The definition of rail-mobile ICBM launchers was established in the expired START as “an erector-launcher mechanism for launching ICBMs and the railcar or flatcar on which it is mounted.” [2] This and associated restrictions and limitations in START, are not in the New START. This makes it possible for Russia to claim that any new Rail Mobile ICBMs are not subject to New START limitations. [3] Mitt Romney worries that Russia is already working to take advantage of these omissions: “As drafted, it lets Russia escape the limit on its number of strategic nuclear warheads. Loopholes and lapses -- presumably carefully crafted by Moscow -- provide a path to entirely avoid the advertised warhead-reduction targets. …. These omissions would be consistent with Russia's plans for a new heavy bomber and reports of growing interest in rail-mobile ICBMs."" [4]  This means that under the treaty limits, the United States is the only country that must reduce its launchers and strategic nuclear weapons. Russia has managed to negotiate the treaty limits so that they simply restrict it to reductions it was already planning to do. As a result the United States is making what are effectively unilateral reductions. [5] Therefore, New START is an unequal treaty as it offers more to Russia than to the US. This is bad for the balance of power and thus bad for world peace, and so New START should be opposed.  [1] Romney, Mitt. ""Stop START."" Boston.com. 3 December 2010.   [2] ‘Terms and Definitions’, The Treaty Between The United States Of America And The Union Of Soviet Socialist Republics On The Reduction And Limitation Of Strategic Offensive Arms And Associated Documents, 1991,   [3] Spring, Baker. ""Twelve Flaws of New START That Will Be Difficult to Fix"". Heritage Foundation, The Foundry. 16 September 2010.   [4] Romney, Mitt. ""Stop START."" Boston.com. 3 December 2010.   [5] Romney, Mitt. ""Stop START."" Boston.com. 3 December 2010. New START, Russia, US, nuclear arms control, treaty loopholes, tactical nuclear advantage, warhead limits, missile count, bombers, long-range bombers, air-launched cruise missiles, rail-mobile ICBMs, launchers, ICBM definitions, treaty restrictions, loopholes, power balance, unilateral reductions, world peace, treaty flaws New START, Russia, US, nuclear weapons, loopholes, tactical nuclear advantage, missile warheads, long-range bombers, air-launched cruise missiles, rail-mobile ICBMs, treaty limitations, nuclear arms control, strategic nuclear weapons, unilateral reductions, power balance, world peace, treaty loopholes, arms reduction, missile defense, treaty negotiations, missile count, warhead limits NewSTART, Russia, US, nuclear weapons, treaty loopholes, tactical nuclear advantage, missile limitations, warheads, bombers, long-range bombers, air-launched cruise missiles, rail-mobile ICBMs, ICBM launchers, treaty restrictions, arms control, nuclear arms race, strategic balance, unilateral reductions, power imbalance, world peace New START, Russia, US, nuclear arms, treaty loopholes, tactical nuclear advantage, missile warheads, bombers, long-range bombers, air-launched cruise missiles, rail-mobile ICBMs, ICBM launchers, treaty limitations, missile undercounting, strategic nuclear weapons, nuclear reduction, unilateral reductions, power balance, world peace, treaty opposition, loopholes, NATO, arms control, nuclear proliferation New START, Russia, United States, nuclear arms, arms control, treaty loopholes, tactical nuclear weapons, warhead limits, missile count, bombers, long-range bombers, air-launched cruise missiles, rail-mobile ICBMs, launchers, treaty limitations, strategic nuclear weapons, unilateral reductions, arms reduction, balance of power, world peace, treaty flaws, arms negotiation"
test-society-cpisydfphwj-pro02a	Facebook provides an information point  Undoubtedly, one of the most important aspects which will influence your efforts to improve your life is your ability to take advantage of every opportunity which comes up. Obviously, one of the, if not the, best way to do this is to stay connected with the world around you, this enables you to be able to quickly find out about job opportunities, sporting competitions or social events in your area. Facebook created and developed an efficient, extremely widely visited platform on which millions of users can get in touch with each other. This can prove to be an extremely useful tool both for companies or event planners and direct customers. No matter if we are talking about Google's new hiring policy or Toyota's new discount, an upcoming music festival or a football tournament for amateur players, Facebook is informing the individuals about these events, keeping them connected with their community.  Social networks are more efficient to serving this purpose than other more conventional means like TV commercials because it is free. A very good example of this is the Kony 2012 campaign, which informed the people about the atrocities that happened in Uganda at the time, mainly relying only on social media. The Youtube video telling its story has more than 98 million views and also there were more posts on Facebook about Kony on March 6th and 7th than even Apple’s new iPad or TV releases. (1) No matter if we talk about TV ads, radio commercials or billboards, the price that has to be paid in order to promote an event is a big drawback for anyone who wants to inform the population. As a result, Facebook as with other social media is the online, cheap, efficient equivalent to an info point.  (1) Kyle Willis “Kony 2012 Social Media Case Study “, March 8, 2012 Facebook, social media, information point, community connection, event promotion, online platform, opportunity, social networks, free advertising, social campaigns, viral videos, Kony 2012, audience engagement, outreach, event awareness, digital marketing, traditional media, cost-effective marketing, community updates, event discovery Facebook, social media, information point, community engagement, event promotion, opportunities, networking, social networking, free advertising, digital marketing, online outreach, event awareness, viral campaigns, social campaigns, digital communication, platforms, user engagement, community events, awareness campaigns, Kony 2012, YouTube, media comparison, advertising cost, traditional media, online marketing, social media effectiveness Facebook, social media, information point, opportunities, community engagement, event promotion, online communication, digital marketing, social networks, free advertising, influencer marketing, community events, advertising costs, viral campaigns, multimedia outreach, social outreach, event awareness, online platform, user engagement, social sharing Facebook, social media, information point, opportunities, community, networking, events, job opportunities, social events, sporting competitions, online platform, communication, marketing, promotion, campaigns, Kony 2012, awareness, viral video, free advertising, digital marketing, social networks, online advertising, event promotion, community engagement Facebook, social media, information point, community engagement, opportunities, events, networking, online communication, digital marketing, viral campaigns, free promotion, social networks, event promotion, community updates, social media campaigns, Kony 2012, viral videos, audience reach, cost-effective advertising, information dissemination
test-law-tahglcphsld-pro02a	Prohibition does not work; instead, it glamorizes drugs  Those who want to use drugs will take them whether they are legal or not – and more are doing so than ever before. In 1970 there was something like 1,000 problematic drug users in the UK, now there are over 250,000. [1] Legalization will also remove the glamour which surrounds an underground activity and so make drug use less attractive to impressionable teenagers. For example, statistics suggest that cannabis use in the UK declined after its classification was lowered from ‘B’ to ‘C’. [2]  [1] Home Affairs Select Committee, ‘The Government’s Drug Policy: Is It Working?’, parliament.uk, 22 May 2002,   [2] Travis, Alan, ‘Cannabis use down since legal change’, The Guardian, 26th October 2007, drug prohibition, drug legalization, drug use, drug policy, drug statistics, cannabis classification, UK drug trends, underground activity, drug glamorization, teenage drug use, drug harm reduction, drug problem, drug control, drug consumption, drug regulation drug prohibition, drug legalization, drug use trends, drug policy effectiveness, underground drug activity, drug glamourization, teenagers drug use, cannabis classification, UK drug statistics, drug policy debate drug prohibition, drug legalization, drug use statistics, drug policy effectiveness, drug glamorization, underground drug activity, cannabis classification, UK drug policy, teenage drug use, drug harm reduction, drug problem numbers, drug policy debate, drug legalization effects drug prohibition, drug legalization, drug policy, drug use, drug users, drug statistics, cannabis legalization, drug glamour, drug consumption, UK drug laws, illegal drugs, drug harm reduction, drug crime, drug trafficking, drug awareness, teenage drug use drug prohibition, drug legalization, drug use rates, drug policy effectiveness, drug glamorization, underground drug activity, teenage drug use, cannabis classification, UK drug statistics, drug harm reduction, illegal drug use, drug policy debate
test-politics-oeplhbuwhmi-con04a	Leaving the EU will mean the UK will have less regional influence  Like it or not the UK is a part of Europe geographically and as such the countries that are most important to UK foreign policy are also in Europe. Leaving the EU will damage relations with those powers that are currently a part of the EU, and potentially also those who are used to dealing with the UK as part of the EU. The United States has noted it “benefits from a strong UK being part of the European Union” [1] in much the same way as the UK does. If this is the UK's strongest ally's view what would be the view of the powers from whom out would mean divorce? The UK will be outside the group trying to influence it rather than on the inside. The EU states will no longer need to listen to the UK on a wide range of issues where it has previously been a key voice.  [1] Earnest, Josh, ‘Press Briefing by the Press Secretary Josh Earnest’, White House, 14 March 2016, EU, United Kingdom, Brexit, regional influence, European Union, foreign policy, international relations, US-UK relations, diplomacy, global influence, EU member states, foreign powers, UK outside EU, geopolitics, influence, international diplomacy UK, European Union, Brexit, regional influence, foreign policy, EU relations, international diplomacy, UK-US relations, geopolitical influence, EU member states, UK allies, international influence, European geography, UK foreign policy, US foreign policy, diplomatic relations, UK independence, global influence UK, European Union, EU, Brexit, regional influence, foreign policy, international relations, UK foreign policy, European countries, international power, US-UK relations, diplomatic relations, global influence, EU membership, geopolitical impact, US alliance, UK global role, international diplomacy, foreign power dynamics EU, United Kingdom, Brexit, European Union, international relations, foreign policy, regional influence, geopolitics, UK-US relations, diplomatic relations, EU member states, global influence, international diplomacy, UK outside EU, power dynamics, global alliances, political impact, UK foreign affairs UK, European Union, Brexit, regional influence, foreign policy, EU relations, international diplomacy, UK-EU relations, global alliances, US-UK relations, European geopolitics, international power dynamics, UK diplomacy, EU membership, diplomatic influence, UK foreign relations
test-economy-eptpghdtre-pro03a	Democrats focus on increasing wages, creating better consumers.  Quality customers can only be created by paying people enough to allow them to purchase goods and services. You can create as many jobs as you like but if they’re created at a level where consumers can’t even afford to survive it does absolutely nothing to stimulate the economy. Instead Democrats believe in working with labour to ensure that wages are set at levels that both respect the worker and have a positive effect on the economy. [i]  [i] Mark Pash, CFP_ wi8th Brad Parker. “Progressive Economic Principles: Creating a Quality Economy.” Democrats, wages, consumer purchasing power, quality customers, income levels, employment, economic stimulation, labor cooperation, wage setting, economic growth, consumer affordability, progressive economics, economic principles Democrats, wages, consumer purchasing power, economic growth, employment, labor, minimum wage, income equality, consumer affordability, economic policy, job creation, wage standards, economic stimulus, worker rights, progressive economics, quality economy Democrats, wages, consumerism, quality customers, purchasing power, employment, minimum wage, economic stimulation, labor, income inequality, economic policy, consumer affordability, job creation, economic growth, progressive economics democrats, wages, consumer spending, income equality, economic growth, labor rights, minimum wage, purchasing power, employment, economic policy, quality economy, poverty alleviation, income distribution, sustainable development, workforce, economic stimulation Democrats, wages, consumer purchasing power, quality customers, income levels, employment, economic stimulation, labor cooperation, wage policy, economic growth, worker rights, progressive economics, job quality, consumer affordability, income inequality, economic principles
test-free-speech-debate-magghbcrg-pro01a	Community radio gives voices to the people rather than imposing those of the powerful.  The events of the Arab Spring (and previous events such as the revolutions of 1989) have shown that effective means of communicating are vital. In a country where people have heard only one perspective, anything that can break the monopoly is to be welcomed. As Orwell put it, ‎'In an age of universal deceit, to tell the truth is a subversive act'.  Community radio can both encourage an initial outpouring of democracy and, just as importantly, ensure that a diversity of opinions means that one autocratic regime is not just replaced by another.  In almost all other forms of mass communication, genuinely democratic voices are easily swamped by those with either the power or the money to drown out the competition [i] . As the focus of community radio is public service, rather than profit, responsible to – and frequently produced by – their listener base there do not have commercial advertisers’ aversion to upsetting authority – either political or cultural. As a result they are free to eschew the bland lowest common denominator approach that is so typical of commercial radio.  [i] AMARC (World Association of Community Radio) booklet. What is Community Radio? 1998. community radio, voices, power, communication, Arab Spring, revolutions, perspective, monopoly, truth, democracy, opinions, autocratic regime, mass communication, democratic voices, commercial radio, public service, profit, listener base, responsibility, commercial advertisers, authority, political, cultural, AMARC community radio, voices, power, Arab Spring, revolutions, communication, perspective, monopoly, truth, subversive act, democracy, opinions, autocratic regime, mass communication, democratic voices, power, money, public service, profit, listener base, commercial advertisers, authority, political, cultural, bland, lowest common denominator, commercial radio, AMARC community radio, voices, people, power, Arab Spring, revolutions, effective communication, monopoly, truth, democracy, opinions, autocratic regime, mass communication, democratic voices, power, money, pressure, public service, profit, listener base, commercial advertisers, authority, political, cultural, lowest common denominator, commercial radio, AMARC community radio, voices, people, powerful, Arab Spring, revolutions, effective communication, monopoly, truth, subversive, democracy, opinions, autocratic regime, mass communication, democratic voices, power, money, public service, profit, listener base, commercial advertisers, authority, political, cultural, commercial radio community radio, voices, power dynamics, Arab Spring, revolutions, communication, media diversity, censorship, democracy, public service, profit, listener engagement, responsible broadcasting, commercial radio, authority, political freedom, cultural independence, AMARC
test-law-cplgpshwdp-con01a	The motion completely undermines the assumption of innocence which accompanies a fair trial.  By projecting past convictions on to a new case, this disclosure greatly weakens the presumption of innocence which is the defendant’s right [1] . It is the jury’s duty to form a verdict based on the relevant case, and it should not be dependent on events from the defendant’s past life which may be completely irrelevant to the case in hand. Many people who mistakenly committed a crime at one point in their life realise that it was a mistake and do not go on to re-offend, particularly if they have received help or treatment from the state [2] . Even if the defendant has repeatedly committed crimes in their past, it does not necessarily follow that they are guilty of the particular offence which has gone to trial.  [1] Criminal Defense Department’ Every person is PRESUMED INNOCENT until Proven Guilty Beyond a Reasonable Doubt’, Parkes Law Group, 6 May 2011  [2] Public Safety Canada, ‘Treatment for sex offenders’, 28 December 2007 motion, undermines, assumption of innocence, fair trial, past convictions, disclosure, presumption of innocence, defendant's rights, jury duty, relevant case, irrelevant evidence, re-offending, rehabilitation, recidivism, previous crimes, guilt, criminal justice, legal procedure, trial fairness, legal principles motion, undermines, assumption of innocence, fair trial, past convictions, disclosure, presumption of innocence, defendant's rights, jury, verdict, relevant case, irrelevant events, past crimes, re-offend, rehabilitation, treatment, guilt, innocence, criminal law, legal proceedings, evidence, fairness motion, undermines, assumption of innocence, fair trial, past convictions, disclosure, presumption of innocence, defendant's rights, jury duty, case relevance, past crimes, re-offending, rehabilitation, evidence, trial fairness, legal principles, criminal justice motion, undermines, assumption of innocence, fair trial, past convictions, disclosure, presumption of innocence, defendant rights, jury duty, relevant case, irrelevant past, reoffend, help, treatment, repeated crimes, guilt, trial, criminal defense, presumed innocent, proven guilty, beyond a reasonable doubt, public safety, sex offenders motion, undermines, assumption, innocence, fair trial, past convictions, disclosure, presumption of innocence, defendant's rights, jury duty, case relevance, recidivism, re-offend, crime, rehabilitation, previous crimes, guilt, legal principles, trial fairness, evidence, sentencing, criminal justice, legal standards
test-law-sdiflhrdffe-pro01a	These people are under serious threat for their pursuit of justice  The internet has become the paramount means of voicing dissent within repressive regimes. As the technology regimes have to keep control of their people increases, with access to high-tech surveillance technology adding to their already formidable arsenals of physical oppression, the internet has become the only platform to express meaningful dissent. The Jasmine Revolution in Tunisia, for example, wherein people mobilized to overthrow their dictator has even been dubbed the Twitter Revolution. [1] Bloggers have become a major voice of dissent in other repressive regimes, including Cuba and China. Yet the blog platform is far from safe. Governments have sought to crack down on bloggers’ ability to dissent, using draconian methods like imprisonment to cow them into silence. In China the arrests of bloggers like Zhai Xiaobing, who was arrested and detained for simply posting a joke about Communist Party, have served to frighten many into silence. [2] So long as information is denied to the public, governments are able to maintain their repression. Only external help from democratic, or at least more liberal, states can provide the safe haven for people who have rubbed their governments the wrong way in their pursuit of reform and justice.  [1] Zuckerman, E. “The First Twitter Revolution?”. Foreign Policy. 14 January 2011.   [2] Wong, G. “Zhai Xiaobing, Chinese Blogger, Arrested for Twitter Joke About China’s Government”. Huffington Post. 21 November 2012. internet, dissent, repressive regimes, surveillance technology, physical oppression, online activism, Jasmine Revolution, Tunisia, Twitter Revolution, bloggers, censorship, political repression, China, Cuba, blogging, government crackdowns, imprisonment, freedom of speech, political reform, online protest, authoritarian regimes, digital activism, political oppression digital dissent, internet censorship, government repression, online activism, surveillance technology, repressive regimes, social media protests, Jasmine Revolution, Twitter Revolution, censorship crackdowns, blogger arrests, political repression, online freedom, Chinese government, political dissidents, online repression, repression tactics, external support, democracy promotion, digital activism internet, dissent, repressive regimes, surveillance technology, censorship, political repression, activism, social media, Twitter revolution, bloggers, China, imprisonment, censorship crackdown, government repression, digital activism, free speech, political dissent, Tunisia, Cuba, China, arrest, human rights, reform, justice internet, dissent, repressive regimes, surveillance technology, physical oppression, voice of dissent, Twitter Revolution, Jasmine Revolution, bloggers, censorship, imprisonment, freedom of speech, government repression, China, Cuba, social media, political activism, online censorship, political dissent, human rights, repression, democracy, reform, justice, external support digital dissent, censorship, repression, surveillance, internet freedom, social media, online activism, political repression, blogger repression, digital rights, Twitter Revolution, protest movement, government crackdown, freedom of speech, political dissent, authoritarian regimes, online repression, citizen journalism, internet censorship, political activism
test-culture-mmctghwbsa-pro04a	"Policies should be established which ban the promotion of sexist attitudes in advertising.  Norway and Denmark have already developed policies to restrict sexist advertising1. In 2008, the UN Committee to Eliminate Discrimination Against Women calls upon states to taken action and in particular the United Kingdom government to address this issue.2 In May of 2011 Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe 's Committee on Equal Opportunity for Women made a case for sexist advertising as a barrier to gender equality. In that report standards were presented and methods to cope with sexist advertising were suggested.3In Australia a government advisory board has developed a list of principles to guide both advertising and the fashion industry.4 1 Holmes, Stefanie. ""Scandinavian split on sexist ads."" BBC news. 2008/April 25 accessed 2011/08/25 2 Object.com. ""Women are not Sex Objects."" 3 Parliamentary Assembly of 26 May 2011, The Council of Europe. 4 Kennedy, Jean. ""Fashion Industry asked to adopt body image code."" ABCNews. 2010/June 27 sexist advertising, gender equality, policies, regulations, Norway, Denmark, United Kingdom, UN, Committee to Eliminate Discrimination Against Women, European Council, standards, methods, Australia, industry guidelines, fashion industry, body image, advocacy, discrimination, gender roles, advertising standards sexist advertising, gender equality, policy development, government regulation, international standards, United Nations, European Parliament, advocacy, ethical advertising, fashion industry, body image, discrimination against women, legal frameworks, social responsibility, policy recommendations sexist advertising, policies, regulation, Norway, Denmark, UN Committee, gender discrimination, United Kingdom, Council of Europe, equal opportunity, standards, methods, Australia, government advisory board, industry guidelines, body image, fashion industry sexist advertising, policies, banning, gender equality, Norway, Denmark, UN, United Kingdom, Council of Europe, Australia, advertising standards, fashion industry, gender discrimination, public policy, regulation, women's rights sexist advertising, policy, Norway, Denmark, United Kingdom, UN, discrimination against women, gender equality, European Parliament, Council of Europe, standards, guidelines, principles, fashion industry, body image, regulation, gender bias, media, women rights"
test-economy-thhghwhwift-pro03a	A fat tax levels out the playing field for healthier food  An important reason why people continuously turn to unhealthy, fat, sugar and salt laden food, is the simple fact that it’s often cheaper than a more wholesome meal comprised at least in part of fresh produce.  A study done at the University of Washington found that “when they compared the prices of 370 foods… junk foods not only cost less… but junk food prices are also less likely to rise as a result of inflation.” [1]  A similar conclusion was reached by a group of Australian researchers, who found that the prices of healthy food have risen 20 per cent above inflation, while the harmful counterpart have actually dropped below inflation – as much as 20 per cent below. [2]  Noting that obesity is more prevalent in groups of lower socioeconomic status, we find that the price of food is a substantial incentive for consumption.  Thus it is only reasonable to levy a tax against unhealthy, fatty food in order to give healthy food a fighting chance.  [1] Parker-Pope, T., A High Price for Healthy Food, published 12/5/2007,  , accessed 9/12/2011  [2] Burns, C., The rising cost of healthy foods, published 10/16/2008,  , accessed 9/12/2011 fat tax, healthy food, unhealthy food, food prices, junk food, inflation, socioeconomic status, obesity, subsidization, food taxation, healthy eating, food affordability, nutrition policy, public health fat tax, healthy food, unhealthy food, food prices, junk food, food inflation, socioeconomic status, obesity, food pricing, food subsidy, nutrition, public health, food affordability, diet, food policy fat tax, healthy food, unhealthy food, food prices, junk food, nutrition, food affordability, obesity, socioeconomic factors, food inflation, public health, food taxation, diet choices, food cost disparity, healthier diet, food policy fat tax, healthy food, unhealthy food, food prices, junk food, nutritious meals, food affordability, obesity, socioeconomic factors, food inflation, food taxation, public health, diet choices, government policy, food pricing dynamics fat tax, healthy food, junk food, food prices, inflation, socioeconomic status, obesity, unhealthy eating, food taxation, food affordability, nutritional economics, public health, food pricing trends, government policy, dietary choices
test-education-usuprmhbu-con01a	Meritocracy is the only fair system by which society should be ordered  Any system that does not reward individuals on the basis of their merit is one that is unjust to those not in the group that is “preferred” and therefore benefitted by it.  Meritocracy is the only fair system to run a society on. Any system that does not reward individuals on the basis of their skill and effort is one that is unjust. The use of any criteria other than merit to select or benefit an individual is the definition of discrimination itself. Simply putting the word “positive” in front of it does not make it a beneficial or just system. For every act of “positive” discrimination enacted, an act of “negative” discrimination occurs against the individual that was denied a position or achievement they earned on their own merit for the person that received the “positive” end of the discrimination.  Affirmative action is simply reversing the discrimination in society so injustice is enacted in the opposite direction. This is not a just system of distribution; it’s simply unjust against a different group. The only truly fair system to use is one that has no criteria other than merit to determine who receives what. meritocracy, fairness, justice, society, reward, individuals, skill, effort, discrimination, positive discrimination, negative discrimination, affirmative action, inequality, social justice, fairness criteria, merit-based, equality, fairness debate, social systems meritocracy, fairness, justice, society, reward, merit, skill, effort, discrimination, positive discrimination, negative discrimination, affirmative action, inequality, social justice, allocation, criteria, fairness debate meritocracy, fairness, justice, social order, individual merit, discrimination, positive discrimination, negative discrimination, affirmative action, equality, social justice, merit-based selection, effort, skill, fairness system, equality of opportunity, societal fairness, anti-discrimination, social inequality meritocracy, fairness, social order, justice, merit-based selection, discrimination, positive discrimination, negative discrimination, affirmative action, societal inequality, effort, skill, fairness criteria, social justice, equitable distribution meritocracy, fairness, justice, societal order, merit-based, discrimination, positive discrimination, negative discrimination, affirmative action, inequalities, effort, skill, fairness in selection, social justice, merit, inequality, reverse discrimination
test-sport-aastshsrqsar-con02a	IRB rules  Racial quotas are a breach of the views of the world governing body of Rugby Union, the International Rugby Board [1] . If this were found to be the case then it would have a large negative impact on South African rugby.  An IRB intervention would lead to at least interference by the governing body, which would be highly embarrassing for the SARU (as well as difficult for a sport which has had major political rows before), or even worse, some form of sanction or expulsion – things that could lead to long term instability in the sport, which should be avoided.  [1] SARugbymag.co.za, ‘Saru quotas ‘breach IRP rules’’, 3 December 2013, IRB, Rugby Union, racial quotas, governance, international rugby board, IRB rules, SARU, South African rugby, sanctions, expulsion, interference, sport stability, political rows, regulations, discrimination, sports governance IRB, International Rugby Board, rugby regulations, racial quotas, sports governance, SARU, South African rugby, sports sanctions, sports sanctions, sports policies, rugby controversies, sports discrimination, rugby governance, sports stability, rugby regulations, rugby rules IRB, Rugby Union, racial quotas, governance, international sports regulations, discrimination policies, South African rugby, SARU, sanctions, sports sanctions, sports governance, IRB rules, legal implications, sports policy, institutional discrimination, sports integrity IRB, Rugby Union, racial quotas, governing body, international rugby board, South African rugby, IRB intervention, sanctions, sports stability, SARU, political controversy, IRP rules, quotas breach IRB, Rugby Union, racial quotas, governance, sports regulations, international sports bodies, South African rugby, SARU, sanctions, sports governance, political implications, sports sanctions, sports regulations compliance, sports stability, IRB intervention
test-law-hrilpgwhwr-pro03a	The deterrent effect of the Court ensures wide-spread and equal adherence to international law.  Upon signing the Rome Statute in 1996, U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan stated that 'the establishment of the Court is still a gift of hope to future generations, and a giant step forward in the march towards universal human rights and the rule of law'1. Such statements demonstrate the impact the Court could potentially have, as a body that simultaneously cherishes sovereignty and protects national courts whilst offering a means by which criminals in states unable or unwilling to prosecute will still be brought to justice. As the natural and permanent heir to the process started at Nuremberg in the wake of World War II2, the ICC ensures that the reach of law is now universal; war criminals, either in national or international courts, will be forced to trial as a result of the principle of universal jurisdiction1. The deterrent effect of such a court is obvious and a warning to those who felt they were operating in anarchic legal environments.  1 Amnesty International. (2007, September). Fact Sheet: International Criminal Court. Retrieved May 11, 2011  2 Crossland, D. (2005, November 23). Nuremberg Trials a Tough Act to Follow. Retrieved May 11, 2011, from Spiegel International deterrent effect, international law, Rome Statute, U.N. Secretary General, Kofi Annan, universal human rights, rule of law, Court, sovereignty, national courts, justice, Nuremberg trials, ICC, universal jurisdiction, war criminals, legal environment, international criminal court, universal law deterrent effect, International Criminal Court, ICC, international law, universal jurisdiction, Nuremberg Trials, sovereignty, national courts, justice, war criminals, international justice, rule of law, human rights, Rome Statute, Kofi Annan, legal environment, enforcement, criminal accountability, war crimes, enforcement mechanism International law, deterrent effect, Court, Rome Statute, U.N. Secretary General, Kofi Annan, universal human rights, rule of law, sovereignty, national courts, impunity, international justice, Universal Jurisdiction, ICC, international criminal justice, war criminals, Nuremberg, World War II, legal environment, universal jurisdiction, enforcement, accountability International law, deterrent effect, Court, Rome Statute, U.N. Secretary General, Kofi Annan, universal human rights, rule of law, sovereignty, national courts, justice, Nuremberg, World War II, ICC, universal jurisdiction, war criminals, national courts, international courts, deterrence, legal environment, International Criminal Court, Amnesty International, Nuremberg Trials International law, deterrent effect, International Criminal Court, Rome Statute, Kofi Annan, universal human rights, rule of law, sovereignty, national courts, prosecution, war criminals, universal jurisdiction, Nuremberg, World War II, universal justice, legal enforcement, international justice, criminal accountability
test-education-egtuscpih-pro05a	Online courses encourage sharing of academic information  One of the technical features of MOOCs is that content of courses can easily be shared between universities and learners (as content is freely downloadable). This is useful in two ways. First, people who are not earning credit from the course can have full access to educational materials, which expands knowledge of those not enrolled in the university. Second, less prestigious universities can benefit by learning how to design courses better, so they can offer better services. MOOCs even offer opportunities for universities to cooperate together to offer shared courses that would decrease duplication and increase quality of education [16], which would be of even greater benefit to financially stressed institutions. Shared educational resources would expand access to education even further and drive educational standards higher through university cooperation. MOOCs, online courses, academic sharing, educational content, open educational resources, university collaboration, course sharing, educational materials, open access, knowledge expansion, digital learning, university partnerships, course design, educational quality, resource sharing, online education, educational standards MOOCs, online courses, academic sharing, educational content, open access, university collaboration, resource sharing, digital learning, educational technology, course materials, open educational resources, university cooperation, content distribution, shared courses, educational quality MOOCs, online courses, academic sharing, course content, open educational resources, collaboration, university cooperation, resource sharing, educational access, quality improvement, digital learning, virtual classrooms, open access, educational standards, cost reduction, institutional partnership MOOCs, online courses, academic sharing, educational content, course materials, university collaboration, open access, digital resources, educational quality, knowledge dissemination, online learning, shared courses, university cooperation, resource sharing, educational standards, online education, course design, educational technology, digital learning MOOCs, online courses, academic sharing, educational content, open access, university collaboration, shared courses, resource sharing, educational standards, university cooperation, free downloads, online learning, access to education, higher education, institutional collaboration, course design, educational resources
test-politics-oglilpdwhsn-con03a	"The New START treaty sets a bad approach for a changing world  New START reduces US deterrence in world that is arming, not disarming. The United States has relied on deterrence for sixty years and as a result has prevented war between the great powers. A US drawdown, especially as other new powers are arming, will undermine deterrence. This will then encourage rivals to try to catch the United States while the reductions show that the United States is in decline. [1]  While proponents of reducing nuclear weapons, or reaching global zero, argue that possession of nuclear weapons by the nuclear weapons states is the incentive behind proliferation, this is not true. The US has consistently taken leadership in the reduction of nuclear arms through treaties but this has so far had no effect in encouraging other nuclear powers to reduce their arsenals and indeed new powers have joined the club. Reducing nuclear arms through New START will therefore not encourage others to stop pursuing nukes. The U.S. should not be taking steps towards disarmament without all nuclear weapons states, including those not signed up to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation treaty, also being involved. [2]  New START also fails to speak to the issue of protecting and defending the U.S. and its allies against strategic attack. The treaty fails to recognize that deterrence is no longer simply between the U.S. and Russia and that the whole policy should no longer be based on just against strategic attacks on the United States or very close allies. Instead it is much more critical to deal with nuclear policy towards ‘rogue’ states and rising powers. [3]  Finally, the US should not set a precedent that it will sacrifice its own interests to bribe Russia over issues like Iran. As the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs (JINSA) argues: “we are told that the real purpose of New START is to create a stronger U.S.-Russia bond in a broader international effort to restrain Iran's nuclear weapons program. Such a justification is wrong. Iran's nuclear ambitions are no secret; neither are Russia’s past efforts in aiding that program. We seriously question whether Russia is serious about stopping Iran, with or without New START. There is no reason why the United States should be required to sacrifice its own defense capabilities to inspire Russia to a greater degree of diplomatic fortitude. If Russia is indeed concerned with a nuclear-armed Iran to its immediate south, it should need no extra incentive to take the action necessary to stop it."" [4] If the U.S. bribes Russia over Iran China might expect to get similar treatment over North Korea. New START puts the US in a disadvantaged position in a changing world, and consequently should not be supported.  [1] Brookes, Peter. “Not a new START, but a bad START”. The Hill. 13 September 2010.   [2] Spring, Baker. ""Twelve Flaws of New START That Will Be Difficult to Fix"". Heritage Foundation, The Foundry. 16 September 2010.   [3] Ibid.  [4] Weingarten, Elizabeth. “How did New START become a Jewish issue?”. The Atlantic. 1 Decemebr 2010. New START, nuclear arms reduction, US deterrence, global security, nuclear proliferation, nuclear treaties, nuclear powers, disarmament, strategic attack, rogue states, rising powers, Iran, Russia, China, North Korea, international diplomacy, military strategy, nuclear non-proliferation, US national security, world arms race New START, nuclear arms reduction, US deterrence, world arms race, nuclear proliferation, global zero, nuclear treaties, nuclear weapons states, Non-Proliferation Treaty, strategic attack defense, rogue states, rising powers, Russia, Iran, North Korea, US-Russia relations, nuclear policy, deterrence strategy, international security, diplomatic relations, arms control, disarmament challenges New START, nuclear deterrence, arms reduction, global non-proliferation, strategic stability, US-Russia relations, nuclear arms treaties, deterrence failure, nuclear proliferation, rogue states, rising powers, Iran nuclear program, North Korea, China, international security, nuclear policy, disarmament, diplomatic negotiation, military balance, US foreign policy, nuclear diplomacy, international treaties, defense capabilities, geopolitical strategic stability New START, nuclear arms, deterrence, US, Russia, proliferation, disarmament, global zero, nuclear weapons treaty, strategic attack, rogue states, rising powers, Iran, North Korea, US-Russia relations, nuclear policy, international security, military reduction, arms control, nuclear non-proliferation, diplomacy, world security, arms race, nuclear deterrence, strategic stability New START, nuclear arms reduction, deterrence, US foreign policy, global nuclear proliferation, nuclear treaties, nuclear non-proliferation, strategic attack, rogue states, rising powers, US-Russia relations, Iran nuclear program, Russia, China, North Korea, military strategy, arms control, nuclear security, international agreements, diplomacy, deterrence stability"
test-politics-dhbanhrnw-con03a	Humanitarian intervention becomes impossible in states that possess nuclear weapons  It has often proven to be necessary for the UN, the United States, and various international coalitions to stage humanitarian interventions into states fighting civil wars, committing genocide, or otherwise abusing the human rights of their citizens. [1] An example of such an intervention is the recent contributions by many states to the rebels in Libya. Were all countries permitted to possess nuclear weapons, such interventions would become next to impossible. Were, for example, countries to try and contribute to the Libyan rebels, they would find themselves the targets of Libyan nuclear warheads. The cost of intervention thus becomes too high for virtually any country to tolerate, in terms of both human and political costs. The world would be a worse place if tyrants were allowed to perpetrate whatever crimes they saw fit upon their people, while the international community could do nothing for fear of nuclear retaliation.  [1] Slantchev, Branislav. 2005. “Military Coercion in Interstate Crises”. American Political Science Review 99(4). humanitarian intervention, nuclear weapons, state sovereignty, international security, UN, United States, international coalitions, civil wars, genocide, human rights, Libya, nuclear proliferation, nuclear deterrence, nuclear retaliation, geopolitical stability, military coercion, interstate crises humanitarian intervention, nuclear weapons, UN, United States, international coalitions, civil wars, genocide, human rights, Libya, nuclear deterrence, nuclear proliferation, nuclear retaliation, international security, military coercion, interstate crises Humanitarian intervention, nuclear weapons, UN, international coalitions, civil wars, genocide, human rights violations, Libya, nuclear proliferation, international security, nuclear deterrence, nuclear non-proliferation, military coercion, interstate crises, global safety, nuclear retaliation, geopolitical stability humanitarian intervention, nuclear weapons, UN, United States, international coalitions, civil wars, genocide, human rights, Libya, nuclear proliferation, nuclear deterrence, military coercion, interstate crises, international security, nuclear retaliation, political costs humanitarian intervention, nuclear weapons, UN, United States, international coalitions, civil wars, genocide, human rights, Libya, nuclear proliferation, deterrence, nuclear retention, international security, military coercion, interstate crises, nuclear retaliation, global security, nuclear disarmament
test-science-eassgbatj-pro01a	Animals shouldn’t be harmed  The difference between us and other animals is a matter of degree rather than type [2]. Their bodies resemble ours, as do their ways of conveying meaning. They recoil from pain, appear to express fear of a tormentor, and appear to take pleasure in activities; a point clear to anyone who has observed a pet dog on hearing the word “walk”.  We believe other people experience feelings like us because they are like us in appearance and behaviour. An animal sharing our anatomical, physiological, and behavioural characteristics is surely likely to have feelings like us.  If people have a right to not be harmed, we must ask ourselves what makes animals different? If animals feel what we feel, and suffer like us, to condemn one to testing because of them being of a different species is similar to racism or sexism.[3] animal rights, animal suffering, empathy, speciesism, morality, animal consciousness, emotional capacity, harm prevention, ethical treatment, animal welfare animal rights, harm prevention, sentience, empathy, speciesism, animal suffering, ethical treatment, consciousness, animal empathy, discrimination, moral consideration, human-animal relationship animal rights, animal welfare, sentience, consciousness, suffering, empathy, speciesism, ethical treatment, pain perception, behavior, anatomy, physiology, moral consideration, empathy, respect, harm prevention, protest animal welfare, ethical treatment, speciesism, empathy, animal rights, pain perception, animal consciousness, moral consideration, suffering, species differences, human-animal connection, sentience, ethical debate, animal testing, compassion, moral obligation animal rights, harm prevention, animal sentience, speciesism, ethical treatment, suffering, empathy, animal behavior, moral consideration, animal welfare, human-animal similarities, discrimination, species comparison, emotional capacity, compassion
test-health-hdond-con03a	Denying organs to non-donors is unduly coercive.  For the state to make organ donation mandatory is rightly seen as beyond the pale of what society would tolerate. This is because the right to the integrity of one’s body, including what is done with its component parts after death, must be held in the highest respect {UNDHR – Article 3 re security of person}. One’s body is one’s most foundational possession. Creating a system that effectively threatens death to anyone who refuses to donate part of their body is only marginally different from making it outright mandatory. The state’s goal is in effect the same: to compel citizens to give up their organs for a purpose the government has deemed socially worthwhile. This is a gross violation of body rights. organ donation, bodily integrity, bodily rights, coercion, consent, human rights, UNDHR Article 3, bodily autonomy, mandatory donation, state authority, ethical issues, bodily sovereignty, death penalty, individual rights, bioethics organ donation, bodily integrity, bodily rights, mandatory donation, voluntary consent, human rights, bodily autonomy, government coercion, bioethics, human rights law, bodily harm, ethical issues, UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, privacy, personal sovereignty organ donation, bodily autonomy, coercion, human rights, UN Declaration of Human Rights, integrity of body, bodily rights, individual sovereignty, mandatory donation, state authority, ethical considerations, body rights, bodily integrity, consent, human dignity organ donation, bodily integrity, human rights, individual autonomy, coercion, mandatory donation, body sovereignty, ethical concerns, state authority, organ policy, UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, security of person, bodily possession, civil liberties, organ refusal organ donation, bodily integrity, human rights, informed consent, coercion, mandatory donation, body rights, ethical considerations, autonomy, state intervention, health policy, personal sovereignty
test-free-speech-debate-radhbsshr-pro02a	Pluralism and Political Interference  The removal of ‘The Spear’ from the Goodman Gallery and the City Press also hints at a threat to pluralism, especially when one considers the political nature of the campaign to have such images removed.  While Jacob Zuma attempted to have the image banned in a personal capacity, the intensive campaigning by both the ANC and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) against both the Goodman Gallery and City Press [1] hints at a dangerously political action taken by those with close access to power over the South African state.  This should be cause to worry. Chapter Two of the Constitution of South Africa, in place since 1997, protects freedoms such as Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Association. [2] The intimidation of Art Galleries and Newspapers threatens the free exchange of ideas that occurs in these areas, as well sending an implicit image by its supports that criticism of the Government cannot be tolerated.  If neither the Gallery nor City Press removed the image of ‘The Spear’ from public view, then a clear message would have been sent that the principles of Free Speech, Free Association and Freedom of Intimidation outlined in the Constitution is to be upheld at all times, regardless of who may take offence at what is being said. It is important in the South African context to protect the right to criticise the government and voice opinions that vary from the ideals of the majority. It is worrying what kind of message is sent by those close to the South African Government that intimidation seems to be the appropriate response to criticism such as this rather than asking why such criticism is there in the first place.  [1] Mthembu, Jackson, ‘ANC calls on all South Africans to boycott buying City Press Newspaper and to join the protest match to the Goodman Gallery’, African National Congress, 24 May 2012,   [2] ‘Constitution of the Republic of South Africa’, Statutes of the Republic of South Africa, 4 February 1997, pluralism, political interference, freedom of speech, freedom of association, censorship, artistic expression, South Africa, constitution, government criticism, press freedom, media, art censorship, political campaigns, societal impact, constitutional rights, free speech protection, government opposition, press censorship, media suppression, social commentary pluralism, political interference, freedom of speech, freedom of association, censorship, media freedom, government critique, constitution, South Africa, art censorship, political activism, press freedom, constitutional rights, intimidation, government criticism, democratic principles, South African Constitution, media suppression, civil liberties, expressive rights, public censorship pluralism, political interference, freedom of speech, freedom of association, censorship, government criticism, South Africa, Constitution, constitutional rights, art censorship, media freedom, press independence, political campaigns, freedom of expression, intimidation, apartheid legacy, societal diversity, political activism, civil liberties, government accountability pluralism, political interference, art censorship, freedom of speech, freedom of association, South African constitution, media freedom, government critique, press freedom, expression rights, political campaign, art removal, Goodman Gallery, City Press, 'The Spear', ANC, COSATU, government intimidation, constitutional rights, free exchange of ideas, freedom of expression, political activism, censorship, South Africa politics pluralism, political interference, censorship, freedom of speech, freedom of association, South Africa, Goodman Gallery, City Press, The Spear, art censorship, government criticism, constitutional rights, political campaigns, media freedom, press freedom, intimidation, freedom of expression, South African constitution, ANC, COSATU, political activism, artistic freedom
test-international-appghblsba-con03a	It is not in the interest of South Africa to annex a poor, underdeveloped country  It is not in South Africa’s interests to annex Lesotho. Lesotho would be a burden; it is poor, might cause instability, and has no resources as compensation. On a simple cost-benefit analysis made by the SA government they would clearly see they would have more responsibility towards the Basotho population but new resources to fulfil those responsibilities. South Africa has its own problems that it should be focusing on first. Poverty is officially at 52.3% [1] and unemployment is a great problem for South Africans; a quarter of the majority black workforce is unemployed. [2] Moreover, Only 40.2% of black infants live in a home with a flush toilet, a convenience enjoyed by almost all their white and Indian counterparts showing the inequality that still exists in the ‘rainbow nation’. [3] Why add more people under your protection when you can’t take care of your own?  [1] ‘Statement by Minister in The Presidency for Performance Monitoring and Evaluation, Collins Chabane, on the occasion of the launch of the Development Indicators 2012 Report’, thepresidency.gov.za, 20 August 2013,   [2] Mcgroarty, Patrick, ‘Poverty Still Plagues South Africa's Black Majority’, The Wall Street Journal, 8 December 2013,   [3] Kielburger, Craig & Marc, ‘Why South Africa is Still Dealing With Segregation and Poverty’, Huffington Post, 18 December 2013, South Africa, Lesotho, annexation, underdeveloped, poverty, instability, resources, cost-benefit analysis, responsibilities, black population, unemployment, inequality, development, social issues, domestic policy, regional relations, economic burden, political stability South Africa, annexation, Lesotho, underdeveloped, poverty, instability, resources, cost-benefit analysis, responsibilities, Basotho population, unemployment, inequality, rainbow nation, domestic issues, social inequality, development indicators South Africa, Lesotho, annexation, underdeveloped, poverty, instability, resources, cost-benefit analysis, responsibilities, Basotho, domestic issues, unemployment, inequality, racial disparity, infrastructure, social problems South Africa, annexation, Lesotho, poverty, underdeveloped country, burden, resources, stability, cost-benefit analysis, responsibilities, Basotho, unemployment, inequality, black population, infrastructure, social issues, racial disparity, domestic focus, development, poverty alleviation South Africa, annexation, Lesotho, underdeveloped country, burden, resources, cost-benefit analysis, responsibility, poverty, unemployment, inequality, black population, infrastructure, social issues, development, governance, race, domestic challenges, regional stability
test-education-xeegshwfeu-con02a	Only well-off families will benefit from increased freedom of choice  Under the current system, many schools that are “failing” are struggling as a result of factors such as deprivation in their area, or high levels of children for whom English is not their native tongue.  There will be no incentive for companies to set up schools in such areas: the voucher scheme dictates that each child gets the same amount of funding, and thus in schools where a lot of extra facilities (like extra teachers, specialist language tutors etc.) are needed the potential profit to be made will be lower. On the other hand, children in well-to-do middle class areas will be highly profitable (it is not difficult to make children with a wealth of parental support do well in their exams). Thus rich children will have a range of subsidised schools from which to choose, whilst the poorest in society are still failed. educational inequality, school choice, voucher scheme, socio-economic disparities, failing schools, deprivation, language barriers, funding equality, access to education, profit incentives, middle class advantage, disadvantaged students, educational funding, resource allocation, parental support educational inequality, school funding, voucher scheme, socioeconomic disparities, deprived areas, English language learners, school quality, profit incentives, parental support, access to education, social stratification, equitable education, failing schools, educational choice, resource allocation school choice, voucher scheme, socioeconomic inequality, education funding, failing schools, privileged families, underprivileged students, educational disparities, resource allocation, language barriers, school profitability, parental support, educational equity, social stratification educational inequality, school funding, socioeconomic disparities, voucher scheme, deprived areas, language barriers, educational access, profit incentive, well-off families, failing schools, resource allocation, parental support, middle class, subsidized schools, educational reform vouchers, educational inequality, socioeconomic disparities, school funding, access to education, failing schools, deprived areas, language barriers, profit motives, middle-class students, resource allocation, parental support, educational opportunity, social stratification
test-society-cpisydfphwj-pro01a	Facebook encourages socialisation  One of the most crucial elements in any child's development is the ability to socialize with peers. By having a large circle of friends to talk to and share interests, the child gains trust, self-esteem and self-confidence. If you have people to talk to when you have a problem, it is much easier to overcome any problems.  Facebook and social networks in general help teenagers on multiple levels to maintain and expand their circle of friends. Firstly, it lets you remain in touch with friends even if you are very far apart. As we live in an increasingly globalized world, friend circles tend to be broken up very easily. As a result, individuals need to be able to keep in touch in spite of the physical distance. Facebook enables them to do that. (1)  Secondly, by allowing people with shared opinions, hobbies or interests to gather, social networks allow users to expand their circle of friends, something that is more applicable the bigger the social network. Thirdly, it allows young people to spend more time with the friends and people they already know through chat conversations, shared photos or status updates. As a result, people who are engaged on these social networks have more self esteem, more confidence in them, feel more appreciated and tend to be happier in general due to their wide circle of friends. (2)  (1) Keith Wilcox and Andrew T. Stephen “Are Close Friends the Enemy? Online Social Networks, Self-Esteem, and Self-Control” Journal of Consumer Research, 2012   (2) Brittany Gentilea, Jean M. Twengeb, Elise C. Freemanb, W. Keith Campbella “The effect of social networking websites on positive self-views: An experimental investigation” 2012 Facebook, socialization, child development, peer interaction, friendships, trust, self-esteem, self-confidence, social networks, teenagers, global communication, physical distance, shared interests, hobbies, chat conversations, shared photos, status updates, happiness, self-view, social support, online relationships, emotional well-being, social circle expansion, digital communication Facebook, socialisation, child development, peer interaction, friendship, trust, self-esteem, self-confidence, social networks, global connectivity, maintaining relationships, shared interests, chat conversations, photos, status updates, happiness, psychological effects, research studies Facebook, socialization, child development, peer interaction, friendship, trust, self-esteem, self-confidence, communication, emotional support, social networks, teenagers, globalization, distant communication, shared interests, hobbies, online chat, photos, status updates, happiness, self-worth, mental health, social connectivity, peer relationships, social skills, online community, social support, psychological well-being Facebook, socialisation, child's development, peer relationships, trust, self-esteem, self-confidence, social networks, teenagers, friendship, communication, globalization, distance, shared interests, hobbies, chat, photos, status updates, well-being, self-identity, social connectedness, peer support, mental health Facebook, socialisation, child development, peer interaction, friendships, trust, self-esteem, self-confidence, social networks, teenagers, communication, globalized world, long-distance friendships, shared interests, hobbies, online interaction, chat, photos, status updates, happiness, self-image, social capital, digital communication, emotional well-being
test-international-iiahwagit-con04a	Heavy handed approaches do not solve the motivations for poaching  Creating tougher responses to poaching will not deter poachers as they fail to recognise the motivations for illegal hunting. Many hunters, especially those who aren’t native to Africa, take part in poaching as there is a thrill in the illegal status. [1] The close calls, challenges and sense of independence will all be multiplied by increased protection on the game reserves.  Then there are those who take part out of necessity. Poachers will often be able to make $50-100 per kilogram for a rhinoceros’ horn [2] and the bush meat from kills can be a necessary source of nutrition. [3] Poaching creates opportunities for Africans which are usually unavailable in licit work. Tougher protection of animals fails to provide an alternative livelihood for these poachers.  [1] Forsyth, C. & Marckese, T. ‘Thrills and skills: a sociological analysis of poaching’ pg.162  [2] Stewart, C. ‘Illegal ivory trade funds al-shabaab’s terrorist attacks’  [3] BBC, “Lions ‘facing extinction in West Africa’” poaching, motivations, illegal hunting, deterrence, enforcement, African wildlife, rhino horn, bush meat, livelihood alternatives, conservation, wildlife protection, illegal trade, terrorism funding, socio-economic factors, thrill-seeking, necessity, African economies, wildlife extinction, enforcement challenges poaching, motivations, illegal hunting, deterrence, law enforcement, wildlife protection, African hunters, non-native hunters, thrill-seeking, risk, necessity, income, rhinoceros horn, bush meat, livelihoods, conservation, protection strategies, alternative livelihoods, illegal wildlife trade, terrorism, ivory trade, species extinction poaching, motivations, illegal hunting, deterrence, enforcement, wildlife protection, Africa, rhinoceros, horns, bush meat, livelihood, illegal trade, terrorism, conservation, wildlife crimes, socio-economic factors, protection measures poaching, illegal hunting, motivations, deterrence, wildlife protection, game reserves, thrill seeking, necessity, profits, rhinoceros horn, bushmeat, nutrition, alternative livelihoods, socio-economic factors, terrorism funding, ivory trade, animal extinction, conservation challenges poaching, motivations, illegal hunting, deterrence, enforcement, African wildlife, rhinoceros horn, bush meat, livelihoods, conservation, protected areas, wildlife crime, economic incentives, terrorism, wildlife trade, indigenous communities, illegal markets, threats to species, anti-poaching strategies
test-law-tahglcphsld-pro01a	People should be free to take drugs  Individuals are sovereign over their own bodies, and should be free to make choices which affect them and not other individuals. Since the pleasure gained from drugs and the extent to which this weighs against potential risks is fundamentally subjective, it is not up to the state to legislate in this area. Rather than pouring wasted resources into attempting to suppress drug use, the state would be better off running information campaigns to educate people about the risks and consequences of taking different types of drugs. drug legalization, individual sovereignty, personal choice, drug policy, harm reduction, drug education, personal freedom, government regulation, drug risks, drug effects, drug legislation, drug use prevention, resource allocation, information campaigns, drug safety drug legalization, personal sovereignty, individual freedom, drug policy, harm reduction, state regulation, drug education, subjective pleasure, risk awareness, resource allocation, drug legislation, personal choice, drug use consequences drug legalization, individual sovereignty, personal autonomy, drug policy, harm reduction, drug education, personal choice, drug regulation, drug risks, state legislation, drug use, drug effects, public health, libertarianism, drug safety, drug abuse prevention drug legalization, individual sovereignty, personal choice, drug policy, harm reduction, drug education, drug risk awareness, personal freedom, government regulation, drug use, drug harm prevention, libertarian principles, drug legislation, personal autonomy drug legalization, personal sovereignty, individual choice, drug policy, harm reduction, drug education, personal autonomy, substance use, drug legislation, public health, drug risks, drug consequences, government role, drug prohibition, resource allocation
test-politics-dhwem-con03a	PMCs violate human rights and International agreements in pursuit of profit or power.  Some PMCs may abuse the power they wield. Simon Mann, founder of PMCs EO and Sandline International, in a recent plot to oust President Obiang in Equatorial Guinea (BBC News, 2008) shows that even mercenary organisations considered legitimate by the British Government remain staffed by corrupt opportunists. It is highly morally questionable whether organisations with such a profound disrespect for the sovereignty of other nation states should be involved with the training of our armed forces, let alone fighting alongside them. Private Military Companies, PMCs, human rights violations, international agreements, profit, power, abuse of power, Simon Mann, Sandline International, EO, mercenaries, corruption, Equatorial Guinea, President Obiang, military intervention, sovereignty, legitimacy, British Government, morally questionable, military training, armed forces, conflict, international law, security, ethically problematic PMCs, private military companies, human rights violations, international agreements, profit, power, abuse of power, corruption, mercenaries, Simon Mann, Sandline International, EO, coup plot, Equatorial Guinea, President Obiang, legitimacy, British government, sovereignty, military training, armed forces, moral questions private military companies, PMCs, human rights violations, international agreements, profit, power, abuse of power, Simon Mann, Sandline International, mercenaries, Equatorial Guinea, President Obiang, BBC News, legitimacy, corruption, sovereignty, military training, armed forces, morality, legality Private Military Contractors, PMCs, human rights violations, international agreements, profit, power, abuse of power, Simon Mann, Sandline International, Equatorial Guinea, coup plot, legitimacy, corruption, British government, mercenaries, sovereignty, military training, armed forces, ethical concerns Private Military Companies, Human Rights Violations, International Agreements, Profit, Power, PMC Abuse, Simon Mann, Sandline International, Equatorial Guinea, Mercenary Organizations, British Government, Corruption, State Sovereignty, Military Training, Armed Forces, Morality
test-international-ehbfe-con03a	The concept of federalism lacks political support  Euroscepticism is highest in Latvia, the United Kingdom, and Hungary, with only 25%–32% viewing membership as a good thing. Belief that the citizen's country has benefited from EU membership is lowest (below 50%) in the UK, Hungary, Latvia, Italy, Austria, Sweden and Bulgaria. A significant minority (36%) do not tend to trust the European Parliament. The European Parliament does not command the same sense of respect as national Parliaments, nor the connection with ordinary people. [1]  [1] Directorate-General for Communication, ‘EUROBAROMETER 71 Public opinion in the European Union’ federalism, political support, Euroscepticism, Latvia, United Kingdom, Hungary, EU membership, public opinion, European Parliament, trust, national parliaments, EU Brexit, European Union, Eurobarometer federalism, political support, Euroscepticism, Latvia, United Kingdom, Hungary, EU membership, public opinion, European Parliament, trust, respect, national Parliaments, Euroscepticism levels, EU citizens, European Union, Eurobarometer, public trust federalism, political support, Euroscepticism, Latvia, United Kingdom, Hungary, EU membership, public opinion, European Parliament, trust, national Parliaments, EU integration, survey, Eurobarometer federalism, political support, Euroscepticism, Latvia, United Kingdom, Hungary, EU membership, public opinion, European Parliament, trust, national Parliaments, Euroscepticism levels, EU integration, member state perception, institutional trust, citizen support, European Union, EUROBAROMETER federalism, political support, Euroscepticism, Latvia, United Kingdom, Hungary, EU membership, public opinion, European Parliament, trust, national parliament, European Union, Eurobarometer
test-sport-aastshsrqsar-con03a	Quotas can drive players away.  Policies of racial quotas can have the effect of driving players abroad. Such policies have had similar affects in cricket. Kevin Pietersen stated that racial quotas in domestic competition, requiring four non-white players per team, were a key reason for his decision to leave South Africa and move to England. Eligible due to playing in England for four years and an English parent, he successfully had an England career. In rugby union, Brian Mujati left South Africa to play in England as he did not want to be selected to fill a racial quota [1] .  [1] Foy, Chris, ‘Last orders at the bar for master brewer – prop Mujati calls time on Saints career’, MailOnline, 19 April 2013, racial quotas, sports policies, player migration, cricket, rugby union, South Africa, England, Kevin Pietersen, Brian Mujati, team selection, racial representation, sports migration effects, domestic competition, international sports, sports policy impact racial quotas, sports policy, player migration, cricket, rugby union, Kevin Pietersen, South Africa, England, domestic competition, racial diversity, team selection, sports migration, quota impact, player decisions, sports policies racial quotas, sports migration, cricket, rugby union, player movement, discrimination, South Africa, England, Kevin Pietersen, Brian Mujati, team selection, policy impact, international sports, player retention, quota systems racial quotas, player migration, sports policies, cricket, rugby union, diversity policies, team selection bias, player migration causes, Kevin Pietersen, Brian Mujati, domestic competition, racial discrimination, sports immigration, national team selection racial quotas, sports policies, player migration, cricket, rugby union, discrimination, team selection, Kevin Pietersen, international athletes, South Africa, England, player retention, quotas impact, racial preferences, sports policies, migration reasons
test-philosophy-pphbclsbs-pro03a	Western countries already benefit from extremely liberal laws.  The USA is at present far better than most countries in their respect and regard for civil liberties. New security measures do not greatly compromise this liberty, and the US measures are at the very least comparable with similar measures already in effect in other democratic developed countries, e.g. Spain and the UK, which have had to cope with domestic terrorism for far longer than the USA. The facts speak for themselves – the USA enjoys a healthy western-liberalism the likes of which most of the world’s people cannot even conceive of. The issue of the erosion of a few minor liberties of (states like the US’s) citizens should be overlooked in favour of the much greater issue of protecting the very existence of that state. [1]  [1] Zetter, Kim, ‘The Patriot Act Is Your Friend’, Wired, 24 February 2004,  , accessed 9 September 2011 Western countries, liberal laws, USA, civil liberties, security measures, privacy, democratic countries, Spain, UK, domestic terrorism, liberalism, human rights, security trade-offs, state sovereignty, Patriot Act, civil rights, government surveillance Western countries, liberal laws, USA, civil liberties, security measures, civil liberties protection, democratic countries, Spain, UK, domestic terrorism, western liberalism, state sovereignty, libertarian values, erosion of liberties, patriot act, security vs liberty, government surveillance, national security, civil rights Western countries, liberal laws, civil liberties, USA, security measures, democracy, Spain, UK, domestic terrorism, liberalism, state security, erosion of liberties, Patriot Act, Kim Zetter Western countries, liberal laws, USA, civil liberties, security measures, domestic terrorism, democratic countries, Spain, UK, western-liberalism, state security, civil rights, Patriot Act, legal protections, terrorism measures Western countries, liberal laws, USA, civil liberties, security measures, privacy, democratic nations, Spain, UK, domestic terrorism, liberalism, national security, civil rights, Patriot Act, government surveillance, liberty trade-offs, freedom vs security
test-philosophy-elhbrd-pro01a	Suicide is a rational choice in many situations.  When confronted with chronic pain or with diseases that steadily remove our sense of self – or at least the self of whom we are aware – death has proven to be a sensible option taken by sensible people [i] . It is a simple fact that we all die, our objections to it tend to be based on the idea that it can happen at the hands of others or at a time, or in a manner, not of our choosing.  Neither of these issues arise with either assisted suicide or voluntary euthanasia. Proposition has no difficulty at all with the suggestion that both procedures should be regulated and take place in safe, medically supported, environments.  However, if an individual accepts that death is their preferred option in such a scenario, it is difficult to comprehend of reasons why they should not be allowed to proceed. Our social rejection of murder does not, ultimately relate to death itself but to the denial of choice. With murder someone is denying that person all their future potential so denying their freedom of choice, and this remains the case even if the murder was completely painless. Here, reason tells us, the virtuous act is death and the reservation of that choice.  The determining element of humanity is that we are rational beings; a blanket ban – legal and social – on choosing the time and manner of our deaths reflects our primeval fear of a death that comes, unwanted, in the dark of the night, not the mature judgement of modern, thinking (and long-lived) humans.  [i] Andy Bloxham. Husband films assisted suicide of wife to prove it was not murder. The Daily Telegraph. 10 March 2011. suicide, rational choice, chronic pain, terminal illness, self-identity, death, euthanasia, assisted suicide, regulation, medical support, individual autonomy, death decision, murder, societal rejection, freedom of choice, morality, human rationality, legal ban, death timing, human dignity, ethics suicide, euthanasia, assisted suicide, rational choice, death, autonomy, self-determination, regulation, medical support, morality, ethics, human rights, legal issues, death rationalization, voluntary euthanasia, social acceptance, murder, individual choice, death timing, healthcare, end-of-life, philosophy, human dignity suicide, rational choice, chronic pain, disease, self-awareness, death, assisted suicide, voluntary euthanasia, regulation, medical support, autonomy, individual rights, moral philosophy, ethics, death penalty, murder, freedom of choice, human dignity, rationality, legal issues, societal attitudes, death regulation, personal autonomy, ethical debates suicide, rational choice, chronic pain, disease, self, death, assisted suicide, euthanasia, regulation, medical support, personal autonomy, murder, social rejection, morality, freedom of choice, human rationality, ethics, legislation, death prevention, social attitudes, fear of death, legal ban suicide, rational choice, chronic pain, disease, self, death, assisted suicide, voluntary euthanasia, regulation, medical support, individual choice, social rejection, murder, freedom, human rationality, legal ban, death timing, modern humans, ethical debate
test-politics-cdfsaphgiap-con03a	Markets like stability  Business and the markets prize political stability. Clearly when the leader of a country is ill this stability is damaged but the damage can be mitigated by being transparent. The markets will want to know how ill the leader is, and that the succession is secure so that they know what the future holds. Secrecy and the consequent spread of rumour is the worst option as businesses can have no idea what the future holds so cant make investment decisions that will be influenced by the political environment.  Leaders do matter to the economy; they set the parameters of the business environment, the taxes, subsidies, how much bureaucracy. They also influence other areas like the price of energy, the availability of transport links etc. It has been estimated that “a one standard deviation change in leader quality leads to a growth change of 1.5 percentage points”. 1 The leader who follows may be of the same quality in which case there will be little difference but equally it could mean a large change.  1 Jones, Benjjamin F., and Olken, Benjamin A., 'Do Leaders Matter? National Leadership and Growth Since World War II', Quarterly Journal of Economics, February 2005, markets, stability, political stability, leader health, transparency, secrecy, rumour, investment decisions, political environment, leadership, economy, business environment, taxes, subsidies, bureaucracy, energy prices, transport links, leader quality, economic growth, leadership impact, national leadership, growth, World War II markets, stability, political stability, leader health, transparency, succession, rumor, investment decisions, political environment, economic impact, leadership, government parameters, taxes, subsidies, bureaucracy, energy prices, transport links, leader quality, economic growth, national leadership, historical analysis markets, stability, political stability, leader health, transparency, succession, secrecy, rumour, investment, political environment, leadership, economy, business environment, taxes, subsidies, bureaucracy, energy prices, transport links, leader quality, economic growth, leader influence, national leadership, growth metrics markets, stability, political stability, leader health, transparency, uncertainty, rumour, investment decisions, political environment, leadership, economic impact, business environment, taxes, subsidies, bureaucracy, energy prices, transport links, leader quality, economic growth, national leadership, growth factors markets, stability, political stability, economic impact, leadership, government transparency, succession, rumour, business environment, investment decisions, leader importance, government policies, taxes, subsidies, bureaucracy, energy prices, transport infrastructure, leader quality, economic growth, leadership change, national leadership, economic research, growth factors
test-education-egtuscpih-pro04a	Online courses would allow universities to use more resources on teaching and research  Traditional Universities are forced to spend a lot on administration and facilities, such as renting and maintaining buildings and parking lots, providing student support for accommodation, renting student halls, subsiding transports costs and meals, supervising university areas and so on. Across 72 US public universities the average administrative cost was about 8% of spending with the highest, at the University of Connecticut at 17% [15]. All these costs can be cut or abandoned all together if universities move to online teaching. There would be no need for lecture halls and student accommodation as students would just work from home, and even professors could mostly work from home. Even if some of administrative costs remain, that would still substantially increase the amount of resources to be spent entirely on teaching and research. This allows universities to improve their academic credentials and their academic output, which benefits the students and the society. online courses, universities, resources, teaching, research, administration costs, facilities, costs savings, online teaching, remote work, academic credentials, academic output, higher education, cost reduction, virtual learning, educational technology, university administration, student support, infrastructure, online education online courses, universities, resources, teaching, research, administrative costs, traditional universities, facilities, buildings, parking, student support, accommodation, student halls, transportation, meals, supervision, public universities, cost reduction, online teaching, remote work, academic credentials, academic output, societal benefits online courses, universities, resources, teaching, research, administrative costs, traditional universities, facilities, student support, accommodation, renting, student halls, transportation, meals, supervision, public universities, cost reduction, online teaching, lecture halls, student accommodation, work from home, academic credentials, academic output, society online courses, universities, resources, teaching, research, administration costs, facilities, renting, maintenance, student support, accommodation, student halls, transportation, meals, supervision, public universities, administrative costs, cost reduction, online teaching benefits, lecture halls, remote work, academic credentials, academic output, educational efficiency online courses, universities, resource allocation, teaching, research, administration costs, facilities, digital learning, cost reduction, online education, remote work, academic credentials, academic output, student support, infrastructure savings, higher education, efficiency, cost-effective education
test-international-epdlhfcefp-pro02a	The fact that it is a Representative highlights the fact that the EU is based on consultation and consensus, and that is a positive thing.  While the new ‘EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy’ marks only a bold first step towards a more unified voice for the EU, the decisions are indeed still based on a state by state consultation mechanism – hence the name representative. This should however not to be downplayed as a less significant change in how the EU approaches its foreign policy. The consultation aspect is in fact essential to reaching agreement and the importance of not only presenting a united front to the rest of the world (the EU is exemplary in trade policy and environmental policy, but less important when it comes to presenting a united voice in foreign policy as Belgian Foreign minister Mark Eyskens put it in 1991 “Europe is an economic giant, a political dwarf, and a military worm” 1, but also creating a united front through collaboration and debate. One should thus see this not only as a means to an end, but rather as an important mechanism in itself, whereby new identities are slowly created along with a deeper sense of commitment to a common set of values.  1. Craig R Whitney, ‘WAR IN THE GULF: EUROPE; Gulf Fighting Shatters Europeans’ Fragile Unity’, European Union, EU, foreign policy, representation, consensus, consultation, common values, united front, collaboration, debate, identity, commitment, EU High Representative, foreign and security policy, decision-making, international relations, trade policy, environmental policy, European integration, European identity European Union, EU, foreign policy, high representative, consensus, consultation, decision-making, international relations, foreign diplomacy, unity, collaboration, debate, identity, values, agreement, trade policy, environmental policy, European integration, Belgium, Mark Eyskens, international collaboration, diplomatic mechanism, global politics European Union, EU, Foreign Policy, High Representative, consensus, consultation, decision-making, foreign policy approach, united front, collaboration, debate, identity, commitment, shared values, international relations, diplomacy, European integration, multilateralism, policy synergy European Union, EU, representative, consultation, consensus, foreign policy, high representative, unified voice, decision-making, collaboration, debate, international relations, EU policies, foreign policy approach, European integration, common values, identity, commitment, international collaboration European Union, EU, foreign policy, high representative, consultation, consensus, decision-making, international relations, diplomacy, united front, collaboration, debate, identity, values, European integration, external relations, foreign policy mechanism, European collaboration, multinational cooperation, international diplomacy
test-culture-thbcsbptwhht-con03a	"No feasible system of which grounds of compensation can occur because of the fluidity of culture and cultural identity  How a person identifies themselves aligns with the culture they are a part of. Szewczak and Snodgrass argue this is as the values of an individual “are influenced and modified by membership of other professional, organisational, ethnic, religious, and various other social groups, each of which has its own specialized culture and value set. Thus, individuals vary greatly in the degree in which they espouse, if at all, values by a single cultural group, such as their national culture” [1]. As a result, people can identify with several different cultures often at one time. This creates difficulties in allowing one person to seek compensation from another purely on the basis of identity politics – individuals at least partially define their own culture and it may only be one among multiple cultures they identify with.  Culture itself has a complex nature; it adapts, borrows and evolves. It also influences lives in different ways and to different extents. No culture is fully homogenous. Because of this, any model for the extent of compensation would almost be impossible. Somebody with a long distant relative of which they haven't met, could potentially gain compensation for something that doesn’t directly affect them. They may even identify with the majority culture that is doing the compensating. Conversely some who identify with the culture being compensated may not be eligible for compensation even if they are directly affected.  [1] Snodgrass, Coral R., & Szweczak, Edward J. ""The Substitutability of Strategic Control Choices: An Empirical Study"". The Journal of Management Studies. Vol. 25. 1990. culture, cultural identity, compensation, identity politics, cultural groups, multiculturalism, cultural fluidity, cultural evolution, social groups, cultural values, individual identity, cultural diversity, cultural influence, cultural adaptation, cultural borrowing, cultural heterogeneity, cultural dynamics, social identity, cultural complexity, cultural recognition culture, cultural identity, compensation, identity politics, cultural diversity, social groups, values, cultural adaptation, cultural evolution, multiculturalism, cultural influence, cultural heterogeneity, cultural belonging, cultural conflicts, social identity, cultural boundaries, cultural complexity, cultural integration, cultural change, cultural recognition cultural identity, compensation, identity politics, cultural fluidity, multiculturalism, social groups, values, cultural adaptation, cultural evolution, cultural diversity, cultural influence, homogeneity, cultural complexity, cultural borrowing, cultural change, cultural affiliation, cultural recognition, intersectionality, social identity, cultural dispute culture, cultural identity, compensation, identity politics, cultural diversity, social groups, cultural values, cultural evolution, cultural adaptation, cultural plurality, cultural influence, cultural heterogeneity, multiculturalism, cultural affiliation, cultural belonging, cultural change, cultural fluidity, cultural complexity cultural identity, compensation, identity politics, cultural fluidity, cultural groups, multiculturalism, social groups, values, cultural evolution, cultural influence, homogeneity, cultural adaptation, cultural borrowing, cultural complexity, cultural eligibility, cross-cultural identification, cultural diversity, cultural overlap, social identity, cultural evolution, cultural conflict"
test-politics-dhbanhrnw-con04a	Possessing nuclear weapons will be counter to the peaceful interests of states  Most states will not benefit at all from possessing nuclear weapons. Developing a nuclear deterrent is seen in the international community as a sign of belligerence and a warlike character. Such an image does not suit the vast majority of states who would be better suited focusing on diplomacy, trade, and economic interdependence. [1] The loss of such diplomatic and economic relations in favour of force can seriously harm the citizens of would-be nuclear powers, as has occurred to the North Koreans, who have been isolated in international relations by their government’s decision to develop nuclear weapons. If the right to nuclear weapons were recognized for all states, only those states that currently want them for strategic reasons will develop them, and they will do so more brazenly and with greater speed. These countries might try to develop them even if proliferation is outlawed, but giving them license increases the likelihood that they will succeed. Furthermore, when countries develop nuclear weapons, their neighbours may feel more vulnerable and thus be compelled by necessity to develop their own weapons. This will lead to arms races in some cases, and generally harm diplomacy.  [1] Sartori, Anne. 2005. Deterrence By Diplomacy. Princeton: Princeton University Press. nuclear weapons, peace, states, deterrent, international relations, belligerence, warlike, diplomacy, trade, economic interdependence, isolation, proliferation, arms race, security, diplomacy, deterrence, strategic stability, international law, sovereignty, non-proliferation, military strategy nuclear weapons, peaceful interests, state benefit, nuclear deterrent, international community, belligerence, warlike image, diplomacy, trade, economic interdependence, diplomatic relations, economic sanctions, North Korea, international isolation, proliferation, strategic reasons, arms races, diplomacy harm, deterrence strategies, nuclear proliferation, global security nuclear weapons, peace, international relations, deterrence, belligerence, diplomacy, trade, economic interdependence, sanctions, proliferation, arms race, isolation, strategic stability, security, conflict, diplomacy, global stability nuclear weapons, peace, state interests, deterrence, international relations, belligerence, diplomacy, trade, economic interdependence, sanctions, isolation, proliferation, arms race, security, strategy, sovereignty, conflict, disarmament, non-proliferation, stability nuclear weapons, peaceful interests, states, deterrent, international community, belligerence, warlike character, diplomacy, trade, economic interdependence, international relations, North Korea, isolation, proliferation, legal restrictions, strategic reasons, arms race, diplomacy harm
test-education-xeegshwfeu-con03a	The state retain control of schools - freedom, in this context, is illusory  The state funds education using taxes taken from everyone in society, not just those who have children. Therefore the state has a duty to benefit the whole of society, not just parents and children, when funding education. It is therefore entirely legitimate for the state to use schools to fulfil other societal purposes. A good example of this is the question of teaching citizenship in schools: it does not necessarily help children to pass exams, and so schools do not have a strong incentive to insure that children are taught it. However, it fulfils government goals of helping to ensure that people become functioning members of our democracy.  When schools are privatised it becomes increasingly difficult for the government to ensure that such agendas are followed in schools. state control, education funding, taxes, societal benefits, public education, school privatization, citizenship education, government goals, democracy, societal purposes, school curriculum, education policy, privatization challenges state control, education funding, societal benefits, public education, government responsibility, citizenship education, school privatization, democratic values, societal goals, education policy state control, education funding, societal benefits, public education, privatization, school curriculum, citizenship education, government goals, democracy, school autonomy, societal purpose, education policy school funding, state control, education policy, privatization, societal purposes, citizenship education, government goals, democracy, public education, education funding, societal interest, education privatization, schooling, government accountability, societal benefit state control, education funding, taxation, societal benefit, public education, school privatization, curriculum, citizenship education, government goals, democracy, schooling, public policy, educational objectives, privatization impact
test-politics-gvhwhnerse-con01a	Some kind of election is more likely to lead to real democracy than no election  The acceptance by most autocrats that there need to be elections shows the idea that legitimacy derives from the people is generally accepted. Meaning that these states are already part way to having a genuine democracy. Having regular elections, even if the outcome is preordained, means that the electorate becomes used to voting and the idea of voting to make their voice heard. In such circumstances eventually they are going to want their vote to really count. If there is a creeping process of reform eventually this will result in free and fair elections.  Having any kind of elections means that there are people who are recognised as an opposition. This means that there is a viable alternative to the ruling party which can be turned to in a crisis, or can take on the leadership role when the regime is finally toppled. For example in Philippines the opposition was able to create a united opposition party in 1984 and coalesce around Corazon Aquino in the snap elections of 1985. [1] This meant that Aquino was in a position to swiftly set up a government following the people power revolution and flight of Marcos. [2]  [1] Kline, William E., ‘The Fall of Marcos: A Problem in U.S. Foreign Policymaking’, Institute for the Study of Diplomacy, 1992,  Pp.4, 10  [2] Reaves, Joseph A., ‘Marcos Flees, Aquino Rules’, Chicago Tribune, 26 February 1986, elections, democracy, legitimacy, autocrats, voting, electoral reform, free elections, fair elections, opposition, opposition parties, regime change, political transition, Philippines, Aquino, Marcos, people power, reform process, authoritarianism, electoral systems, political legitimacy elections, democracy, autocrats, legitimacy, voting, electoral reform, free elections, fair elections, opposition, regime change, political legitimacy, voting behavior, opposition parties, political crisis, Philippines, Corazon Aquino, Marcos, People Power, political transition, electoral process elections, democracy, autocrats, legitimacy, voting, opposition, reform, free elections, fair elections, political competition, regime change, political legitimacy, opposition parties, authoritarianism, political transitions, Philippines, Corazon Aquino, People Power Revolution, Marcos, regime fall elections, democracy, legitimacy, autocrats, voting, reform, free and fair elections, opposition, ruling party, regime change, Philippines, Corazon Aquino, people power revolution, Marcos, political transition elections, democracy, autocrats, legitimacy, voting, reforms, free elections, fair elections, opposition, ruling party, political transition, Philippines, people power, Corazon Aquino, Marcos, regime change, political opposition, regime legitimacy
test-religion-wcprrgrhbmi-pro03a	In any other situation involving minors a precautionary principle would be applied  Any risk needs to be justified against some benefit. In the absence of any demonstrable benefit then there is no need to tolerate any risk, particularly in the case of a newborn baby who cannot express his opinion one way or another and will not be able to do so for years to come.  The risks of circumcision have been repeatedly demonstrated. Though they may be rare, they run from septicemia through to blood hemorrhage and heart attacks. There is little research conducted on the long term effects of the procedure; however there is a growing body of evidence that a surgical complication rate is about 1 in 500 and the post-surgical rate of attrition is believed by many to be higher [i] .  [i] Paul M. Fleiss, MD. “The Case Against Circumcision”. Mothering: The Magazine of Natural Family Living, Winter 1997, pp. 36--45. minors, precautionary principle, risk justification, benefit, newborn baby, consent, circumcision, risks, septicemia, hemorrhage, heart attacks, long-term effects, surgical complications, attrition rate, evidence, Paul M. Fleiss, MD, natural family living minors, precautionary principle, risk-benefit analysis, newborn, circumcision, surgical risks, septicemia, blood hemorrhage, heart attacks, long-term effects, complication rate, attrition rate, evidence, ethics, parental consent, medical procedure, natural family living minor, precautionary principle, risk, benefit, newborn, non-consenting, circumcision, complications, septicemia, hemorrhage, heart attack, long-term effects, surgical complications, attrition, risk assessment minor, minors, precautionary principle, risk, benefit, newborn, baby, non-consenting, consent, risks, circumcision, complications, septicemia, hemorrhage, heart attack, long-term effects, surgical complications, attrition rate, evidence, research, ethical considerations minors, precautionary principle, risk justification, benefits, newborn, consent, circumcision, risks, septicemia, blood hemorrhage, heart attacks, long-term effects, surgical complications, attrition rate, evidence, pediatric, ethics, medical research
test-economy-egppphbcb-pro01a	"The market should determine the price of products and services  A free market gives the power to the people to choose and decide what products and services should be offered to them. If many people want the same thing the demand will be higher and it will be profitable to offer them on the market since it will sell, therefore the people are in command of what products are being offered to them through their own want. The market is thus decided upon what people need and therefore there will be no excess products or services offered e.g. let us presume that many people want to see high quality basketball, a person like Michael Jordan who has a talent for basketball and has honed his basketball skills would in this case be much in demand. People are ready to pay for the service he offers (excellent basketball) and consequently his high wage will be justified. On the other hand a mediocre basketball player would not be paid at all since there is no demand to see mediocre basketball, his service does not have an attraction on the market and will thus be eliminated1/2. This is all part of what could be called a ""dynamic capitalist system"" which values individuality (honing your basketball skills), rewards ability (having basketball skills) and risk-taking (risking that you will succeed with it).  1 Adam Smith. (n.d.). The concise Encyclopedia of Economics. Retrieved June 20, 2011  2 Nozick, R. (1974). Anarchy State and Utopia (pp. 54-56, 137-42). Basic Books. market, price, supply and demand, free market, consumer choice, profitability, consumer preference, quality, talent, wages, individualism, ability, risk-taking, capitalism, economics, Adam Smith, Nozick market, pricing, supply and demand, free market, consumer choice, product demand, profitability, market economy, individual preferences, resource allocation, high quality basketball, talent, reputation, wages, market competition, supply, market efficiency, capitalism, individuality, ability, risk-taking, economic systems, Adam Smith, Nozick market, price, free market, demand, supply, consumer choice, product, services, profitability, competition, individual talent, wages, capitalism, economic system, Adam Smith, Nozick, economics market, price, products, services, free market, demand, supply, consumer choice, profit, quality, talent, wages, competition, capitalism, individuality, ability, risk-taking, Adam Smith, economics, Nozick market, pricing, free market, consumer choice, demand, supply, profitability, consumer preferences, market equilibrium, high-quality basketball, celebrity endorsement, wages, talent, individual skills, competition, economic system, capitalism, Adam Smith, Nozick, market regulation, supply and demand, market forces"
test-politics-dhwem-con02a	PMCs are untrustworthy  The possibility of mercenaries pulling out will always remain a risk. PMCs are not fighting for their own country so they can never be threatened with a charge of desertion. PMCs are motivated by money and do not have the interests of their employer at heart. Loyalty is given to the highest bidder and is therefore delicately balanced. “The fact is, they have no other attraction or reason for keeping the field than a trifle of stipend, which is not sufficient to make them willing to die for you. They are ready enough to be your soldiers whilst you do not make war, but if war comes they take themselves off or run from the foe.”(Machiavelli, 1515) Machiavelli considered that it was mercenaries that ruined Italy much as they are now doing in Iraq and Afghanistan. PMCs, mercenaries, trustworthiness, desertion, motivation, profit, loyalty, motivation, warfare, Italy, Iraq, Afghanistan, Machiavelli, military, security, private security PMCs, mercenaries, trustworthiness, desertion, motivation, monetary, loyalty, hiring practices, risks, military contractors, war, Italy, Iraq, Afghanistan, Machiavelli PMCs, mercenaries, trustworthiness, desertion, motivation, profit, loyalty, battlefield, reliability, Italy, Iraq, Afghanistan, Machiavelli, military, private military companies, risks, motivations PMCs, mercenaries, trustworthiness, desertion, motivation, money, loyalty, highest bidder, reliability, battlefield conduct, war risks, Italy, Machiavelli, military history, private security, ethical concerns, conflict zones, Iraq, Afghanistan PMCs, mercenaries, trustworthiness, desertion, motivation, money, loyalty, highest bidder, motivation, battlefield commitment, Machiavelli, Italy, warfare, Iraq, Afghanistan
test-education-tuhwastua-pro01a	Standardized tests are arbitrary  Standardized tests are inherently arbitrary. They reduce an applicant’s entire academic career to a single one-day session. The result is an inherently unrepresentative test which fails to paint an accurate picture. What if a student has a bad day? What if they do poorly on the specific test questions? In the SAT’s there is an error of measurement of about 30 points either way out of 800, this is the potential difference between where the student really is and what his or her score on the day was. [1] By contrast, looking at their entire academic record ensures that admissions officers will get a far more comprehensive picture of their actual ability. The law of averages means that bad days and tests will be balanced out with good ones, with the result that their academic record, the result of years of work, will reflect their true performance.  [1] Cloud, John, ‘What’s Good about the New SAT Test’, Time, 1 September 2006, standardized tests, arbitrariness, academic career, single-day assessment, unrepresentative testing, test accuracy, measurement error, student performance, SAT, academic record, admissions, holistic evaluation, law of averages, true ability, testing validity standardized tests, arbitrariness, test validity, measurement error, academic record, holistic assessment, college admissions, SAT, test reliability, academic performance, evaluation methods, law of averages, score accuracy, testing limitations, admissions criteria standardized tests, arbitrariness, academic career, single-day assessment, test accuracy, measurement error, SAT, academic record, comprehensive evaluation, admissions, academic performance, law of averages, student assessment, testing limitations standardized tests, arbitrariness, academic career, one-day session, unrepresentative test, accuracy, bad day, test questions, error of measurement, SAT, academic record, admissions, comprehensive picture, true ability, law of averages, performance criteria standardized tests, arbitrariness, academic career, single-day assessment, test validity, measurement error, SAT, academic record, holistic evaluation, admissions process, test reliability, true ability, law of averages, performance evaluation, standardized testing critique
test-economy-eptpghdtre-pro01a	Bush squandered an extraordinary economic legacy on tax cuts for the wealthy and too expensive and unnecessary wars.  The Clinton legacy was one of extraordinary economic health including an enormous $4,000 billion surplus. This could have been used to improve services and create jobs. Instead the Bush administration squandered this, mostly on tax cuts for the wealthy and two expensive wars. He turned the surplus on its head, leaving a budget deficit of $482 billion in 2009 with, frankly, not a lot to show for it [i] .  [i] Andrew Taylor. “Bush Leaving Next President Record Federal Deficit”. Huffington Post. 28 July 2008. Bush, economic legacy, tax cuts, wealthy, wars, Clinton, economic health, surplus, $4000 billion, government services, job creation, deficit, $482 billion, 2009, federal deficit, budget deficit, economic mismanagement, government spending, fiscal policy, presidency, economic history Bush, economic legacy, tax cuts, wealthy, wars, Clinton, economic health, surplus, government services, job creation, deficit, federal budget, Andrew Taylor, Huffington Post Bush, economic legacy, tax cuts, wealthy, wars, Clinton, economic health, surplus, budget deficit, 2009, spending, government debt, fiscal policy, economic mismanagement, tax policy, war costs, national debt, economic decline, government spending, fiscal responsibility Bush, economic legacy, tax cuts, wealthy, wars, Clinton, economic health, surplus, government spending, budget deficit, financial management, economic policy, fiscal policy, government debt, national budget, economic comparison, political legacy, fiscal responsibility, economic downturn Bush, economic legacy, tax cuts, wealthy, wars, Clinton, economic health, surplus, $4000 billion, government services, job creation, deficit, federal deficit, 2009, budget deficit, Andrew Taylor, Huffington Post
test-international-epdlhfcefp-pro03a	The creation of the post of a High Representative marked an important change in the EU.  The creation of a post of High Representative and Vice President of the Commission (HRVP) marks an important change in the decision making process at the EU level with regards to foreign policy. Agreement on the post showed a clear commitment to the pursuit of a common EU foreign policy and to developing a unique cooperative model for foreign and defense policy decision making that goes beyond the nation state. Member states should now deliver on that commitment by seeking as much common ground as possible to ensure that the High Representative’s role is truly significant. The goal of a common foreign and security policy should thus be supported not only as a mechanism to streamline EU’s position and role in world politics, but also to reinforce notions of cooperation and consultation essential for maintaining a stable international system, in line with the stated goals of the EU. (The 12 stars in a circle is meant to symbolize the ideals of unity, solidarity and harmony among the peoples of Europe)1.  1 Europa.eu, 'Symbols',accessed 1/8/11 European Union, High Representative, Vice President, EU decision making, foreign policy, EU foreign policy, European integration, cooperation, international security, foreign and defense policy, member states, common foreign policy, EU role, global politics, EU symbols, unity, solidarity, harmony High Representative, Vice President, EU foreign policy, decision making, EU integration, European Union, foreign policy coordination, defense policy, cooperation, consultation, international system, EU commitment, common ground, unity, solidarity, international stability, EU symbols High Representative, Vice President, EU foreign policy, decision-making, EU integration, European Union, international relations, foreign and security policy, member states, cooperation, EU foreign policy, EU decision-making, EU symbols, European identity, international system High Representative, Vice President, EU foreign policy, decision making, EU integration, common foreign policy, defense policy, international cooperation, EU member states, EU system, EU symbols, unity, solidarity, harmony, Europe, EU sovereignty, EU role in world politics, EU institutions, external relations, EU security policy High Representative, Vice President, EU foreign policy, decision making, EU integration, common foreign policy, European Union, defense policy, international cooperation, EU solidarity, EU symbols, EU stability
test-politics-dhwem-con04a	The role of PMCs has had a negative effect on traditional militaries and their operations.  Soldiers trained at high expense by the state may leave for the greater income of private employment, reducing the power of the state’s military and bolstering the attraction of PMCs. PMCs also have a much more relaxed, business-like attitude to conflict. Being unregulated gives them a freedom to work outside of the law to an extent, using illicit practices such as torture and bribery which goes unnoticed. However, these practices strengthen the morale and line the purses of “the enemy”, such as warlords or the Taliban in Afghanistan, putting the militaries they are fighting alongside in danger. Private Military Companies, PMCs, traditional militaries, military operations, soldier employment, privatization, military strength, unregulated, illicit practices, torture, bribery, lawlessness, conflict, morale, warlords, Taliban, Afghanistan, security threats, military ethics, combat effectiveness Private Military Companies, PMCs, traditional militaries, military operations, soldier training, military attrition, private employment, state military decline, military privatization, unregulated warfare, illicit practices, torture, bribery, armed conflict, non-state actors, insurgencies, Taliban, Afghanistan, warfare ethics, military morale, warlords, security, military legality private military companies, PMCs, traditional militaries, military operations, soldier retention, military funding, privatization of security, unregulated mercenaries, illicit practices, torture, bribery, military morale, security threats, insurgent groups, Taliban, Afghanistan, lawlessness, impact on state military, private security industry Private Military Companies, PMCs, traditional militaries, military operations, soldier training, military personnel, private employment, military power, lawlessness, unregulated practices, illicit activities, torture, bribery, military morale, warlords, Taliban, Afghanistan, security threats, military decline, legal loopholes, armed conflict private military companies, PMCs, traditional militaries, military operations, soldier training, privatization, military independence, military morale, illicit practices, torture, bribery, unregulated armed groups, warlords, Taliban, Afghanistan, illegal activities, military influence, security industry, armed conflict, lawlessness, war economy
test-international-ehbfe-con04a	Subsidiarity will deal with regional identities’ problem  Federalism and subsidiarity, that things should be dealt with at the lowest, most local, level possible, [1] can allow for regional identities in a way national states cannot. For example for Northern Ireland, Corsica, Basque Region, Lombardy. In a Federal Europe such peoples would not feel under threat from a dominant culture and long-running conflicts could be resolved, as issues of sovereignty become less relevant within the new political structures.  [1] Europa, ‘Subsidiarity’ subsidiarity, regional identities, federalism, local governance, decentralization, national states, cultural diversity, autonomy, sovereignty, conflict resolution, Europe, regionalism, Northern Ireland, Corsica, Basque, Lombardy, political structures subsidiarity, regional identities, federalism, local governance, decentralization, sovereignty, cultural diversity, regional conflicts, political structures, Europe, Northern Ireland, Corsica, Basque Region, Lombardy, minority rights, regional autonomy subsidiarity, regional identities, federalism, local governance, Northern Ireland, Corsica, Basque Region, Lombardy, national states, decentralization, sovereignty, cultural autonomy, regional conflicts, European Union, European integration, political structures subsidiarity, regional identities, federalism, local governance, national states, cultural diversity, regional autonomy, sovereignty, conflict resolution, European Union, decentralization, Northern Ireland, Corsica, Basque Region, Lombardy, political structures Subsidiarity, regional identities, federalism, local governance, decentralization, autonomous regions, cultural diversity, sovereignty, conflict resolution, European integration, Northern Ireland, Corsica, Basque Country, Lombardy, regionalism, political decentralization
test-politics-cdfsaphgiap-con04a	Damages diplomacy to be too open  Diplomacy can be very personal; diplomatic initiatives are often the result of a single person, and the individual leader is necessary to conclude negotiations. Transparency about a leader's health may therefore prevent deals being done; Nixon went to China despite Mao's ill heath meaning the supreme Chinese leader contributed little to the historic change in diplomatic alinements. 1 Would such a momentous change in alignment have been possible if both the Chinese and American public knew about Mao's ill health? The Americans would have considered any deal unreliable as they could not be sure it was Mao who made the decision, while opponents in China could have argued that it was advisers like Zhou Enlai who made the deal not Mao himself potentially enabling them to repudiate or undermine the deal.  1 Macmillan, Margaret, Seize the Hour When Nixon met Mao, John Murray, London, 2006, p.76 diplomacy, transparency, leader health, negotiations, Chinese-American relations, Mao Zedong, Richard Nixon, diplomatic secrecy, political trust, diplomatic initiatives, public opinion, international diplomacy, decision-making, Chinese politics, foreign policy, historical diplomacy, Mao's health, Zhou Enlai, diplomatic risks, political reputation diplomacy, transparency, leader health, negotiations, personal diplomacy, Nixon, Mao Zedong, Chinese-American relations, diplomatic secrecy, leadership influence, diplomatic negotiations, public knowledge, political trust, China, United States, Zhou Enlai, diplomatic initiatives diplomacy, openness, transparency, leadership, negotiations, health, Nixon, Mao, China, diplomatic initiatives, political stability, decision-making, public perception, trust, international relations, diplomacy risks diplomacy, transparency, health, negotiations, leadership, political transparency, international relations, Nixon, Mao, China, diplomatic negotiations, credibility, trust, decision-making, public perception, political influence diplomacy, transparency, leadership, negotiations, health, Mao, Nixon, China, US, diplomatic deals, credibility, decision-making, political trust, international relations, diplomatic history
test-philosophy-pphbclsbs-pro04a	It is with the popular support of the public that security measures are taken.  Let us not forget that is with the consent of the public that these security measures are taken, CCTV for example was a populist measure that has often been considered a threat to civil liberties [1] . It is in line with democratic ideals; the majority of the country wants greater security [2] . For example in 2005 59% of Americans wanted the Patriot Act extended. [3] And because democracy embodies all those values we are fighting for – freedom and equality included- we must adhere to a democratic spirit when deciding on how to organise ourselves or else risk falling into the same mind-set as those terrorists themselves.  [1] Norris, Clive, McCahill, Mike and Wood, David, ‘Editorial. The Growth of CCTV: a global perspective on the international diffusion of video surveillance in publically accessible space’, Surveillance & Society, 2(2/4):110-135, 2004,  (2)/editorial.pdf, accessed 9 September 2011  [2] Law Council of Australia, ‘Politics and Populism win out at anti-terror summit’, 30 September 2005,   [3] Langer, Gary, ‘Poll: Support Seen for Patriot Act’, ABCnews, 9 June 2005,  , accessed 9 public support, security measures, civil liberties, CCTV, populist measures, democratic ideals, majority support, public opinion, Patriot Act, terrorism, democracy, civil rights, surveillance, privacy, security policies, public opinion polls, democratic values, terrorism prevention, civil liberties concerns, security vs freedom public support, security measures, civil liberties, CCTV, populist measures, democratic ideals, majority opinion, security policies, Patriot Act, public opinion, civil rights, democracy, terrorism, surveillance, international diffusion, video surveillance, anti-terrorism, political populism public support, security measures, civil liberties, CCTV, populist measures, democratic ideals, public opinion, patriot act, civil rights, surveillance, terrorism, democracy, freedom, equality, terrorism legislation, public security, civil liberties debate, surveillance society, global surveillance, anti-terrorism policies, government policy, public consent public support, security measures, civil liberties, CCTV, populist measures, democratic ideals, majority opinion, Patriot Act, public opinion, terrorism, civil rights, privacy, government surveillance, democratic values, security policies, public consent, freedom, equality, anti-terrorism, surveillance society, international diffusion public support, security measures, civil liberties, CCTV, populist measures, democratic ideals, public opinion, terrorism, Patriot Act, surveillance, democracy, freedom, equality, civil rights, government policy, public consent, security vs rights, surveillance society, terrorism response, democratic values
test-politics-gvhbhlsbr-con01a	The House of Lords allows a number of experts to influence government policy.  While the members of the House of Lords may represent a small section of society, they also include expert peers including lawyers, scientists, businesspeople, academics, doctors and civil servants that can balance out the sometimes short term, political opportunism present in the House of Commons. Election does not guarantee these expertise and knowledge, so having a second chamber that is appointed rather than elected improves the quality of the governance of the country. House of Lords, experts, government policy, peerage, elected vs appointed chamber, governance, expertise, civil servants, lawyers, scientists, businesspeople, academics, doctors, political opportunism, House of Commons, second chamber House of Lords, influence, government policy, expert peers, lawyers, scientists, businesspeople, academics, doctors, civil servants, governance, appointed chamber, expertise, political stability, Senate, legislative review, second chamber House of Lords, experts, government policy, peerage, lawyers, scientists, businesspeople, academics, doctors, civil servants, political opportunism, House of Commons, appointed chamber, governance, expertise, knowledge, political system House of Lords, experts, government policy, peerage, elected vs appointed, governance, legislative process, expertise, knowledge, political opportunism, second chamber, parliamentary system, qualifications, civil service, professionalism House of Lords, experts, government policy, peerage, specialists, lawyers, scientists, businesspeople, academics, doctors, civil servants, bipartisanship, appointed chamber, governance, political opportunism, House of Commons
test-sport-aastshsrqsar-con04a	Racial quotas don’t develop new players  The quota system could lead to moving players from the regional teams who generally have less non-white players pilfering them from other unions, rather “Home growing” them [1] .  Former Springboks coach Peter de Villiers, the first non-white person in that role, has described quotas as a “waste of time [2] ”.  Depending on the exact phraseology of the rules, this could even allow black players from outside South Africa (from, for example, England) to be used to fill the quota.  [1] McGregor, Liz, ‘New Year, new model for SA Rugby? Here’s hoping’, Books Live, 30 December 2013,   [2] Peacock, James, ‘Peter de Villiers says racial quotas are ‘waste of time’, BBC Sport, 15 August 2013, racial quotas, player development, regional teams, non-white players, home growing, rugby union, South Africa, Peter de Villiers, quota system, player selection, international players, racial diversity, sports policy, discrimination, talent nurturing racial quotas, player development, regional teams, non-white players, player pilfering, home growing recruitment, South African Rugby, quota system, Peter de Villiers, racial discrimination, international players, sports policy, rugby quotas, diversity in sports racial quotas, player development, regional teams, non-white players, South African rugby, quota system, player movement, home growing, Peter de Villiers, race-based selection, black players, international players, South Africa rugby policies racial quotas, player development, regional teams, non-white players, quota system, player transfer, home growing, South Africa rugby, Peter de Villiers, non-white coach, quota controversy, international players, England, rugby policies, sports diversity, racial integration racial quotas, player development, regional teams, sports policy, diversity in rugby, non-white players, quota system, talent transfer, rugby union, South Africa rugby, quota criticism, player selection, racial integration, rugby development programs
test-philosophy-eppphwlrtjs-con01a	Protections offered in a court must be absolute in order for the court to be just.  A just adversarial court system is premised on absolutes: that the defence has certain absolute rights which check it against government corruption, and which ensure fair trials even at the expense of conviction. Indeed, it is for this reason that we say it is better to let ten guilty men go free than to punish one innocent man. The protections in place that ensure fair trials must always be upheld, or else the guarantee of fairness no longer exists. If the government can sometimes remove this right, even in clearly delineated circumstances, then the right is no longer absolute, and the presumption in favour of the defence is far weaker, undermining the justness of the entire system. legal protections, court justice, rights of defense, fair trials, adversarial system, government corruption, presumption of innocence, absolute rights, legal safeguards, judicial fairness legal protections, court justice, adversarial system, absolute rights, defense rights, government corruption, fair trials, presumption of innocence, legal safeguards, criminal justice, judicial fairness, rights limitations, rule of law, due process, legal integrity court protections, absolute rights, adversarial system, fair trials, defence rights, government corruption, innocent rights, presumption of innocence, legal safeguards, judicial fairness court protections, justice, adversarial system, absolute rights, defense rights, government corruption, fair trials, presumption of innocence, wrongful convictions, legal safeguards, due process, fundamental rights, criminal justice, legal fairness legal protections, court justice, adversarial system, absolute rights, defense rights, government corruption, fair trials, presumption of innocence, criminal justice, legal fairness, due process, rights in trial, justice system safeguards
test-education-egtuscpih-pro03a	Online courses are a way to higher academic excellence  Relocating to the best universities is a budgetary concern, but also family and social relations concern for many people, which prevents all the best people from even applying to universities that would suit them the best. Online courses can recruit students from anywhere in the world much easier than traditional universities can because students don't need to travel far away for the best education. This then ensures that universities have better access to the brightest people. For instance, Stanford University's online course on Artificial Intelligence enabled people from 190 countries to join, and none of students receiving a score of 100 percent where from Stanford [14]. Improving the pool of students would automatically result in better academics, professionals and science, which would benefit the society better. online courses, higher academic excellence, university relocation, budgetary concerns, family relations, social relations, global recruitment, distance learning, accessibility, international students, online education, prestigious universities, artificial intelligence, global access, educational equality, talent pool, academic improvement, professional development, scientific progress online courses, higher education, university relocation, academic excellence, access, global students, distance learning, online education, university admissions, student diversity, artificial intelligence, online learning benefits, educational access, global enrollment, academic improvement, professional development, societal benefits online courses, higher academic excellence, remote education, global access, university relocation, budgetary concerns, social relations, student recruitment, international students, online learning, top universities, artificial intelligence, Stanford University, worldwide education, student scores, academic improvement, professional development, societal benefit online courses, higher education, university relocation, academic excellence, global access, student recruitment, distance learning, online education, international students, university accessibility, online learning platforms, educational technology, global student pool, quality education, artificial intelligence course, Stanford University, online higher education, social and family considerations, educational equality, professional development online courses, higher education, academic excellence, university relocation, budget concerns, family relations, social relations, global recruitment, accessibility, distance learning, international students, online education, artificial intelligence, online degree programs, student diversity, global access, educational technology, online universities, talent pool, academic improvement, societal benefit
test-politics-oglilpdwhsn-con01a	"The New START treaty harms US nuclear capabilities  As David Ganz, the president of the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs (JINSA), argues: ""This treaty would restrain the development and deployment of new nuclear weapons, missile defense systems, and missile delivery systems."" [1] The atrophying U.S. nuclear arsenal and weapons enterprise make reductions in the U.S. strategic nuclear arsenal even more dangerous. The new START treaty allows nuclear modernization but while the US capacity to modernize nuclear weapons is limited and either congress or the president is likely to prevent modernization on cost grounds. The Russians have a large, if unknown, advantage over the United States in terms of nonstrategic, particularly tactical, and nuclear weapons. The New START treaty however ignores these weapons entirely as it is focused on strategic arms. This therefore leaves the Russians with an advantage and potentially reduces the potential for deterrence in areas beyond the US. [2]  New START also restricts US missile defence options. The Obama Administration insists the treaty doesn’t affect it, but the Kremlin’s takes a different view: ""[START] can operate and be viable only if the United States of America refrains from developing its missile-defense capabilities quantitatively or qualitatively."" [3] New START imposes restrictions on U.S. missile defence options in at least four areas. First the preamble recognizes “the interrelationship between strategic offensive arms and strategic defensive arms” it seeks to make sure defensive arms “do not undermine the viability and effectiveness of the strategic offensive arms of the parties” so defensive arms must be reduced to allow offensive arms to remain effective. [4] Russia also issued a unilateral statement on April 7, 2010, Russia reinforced this restriction by issuing a unilateral statement asserting that it considers the “extraordinary events” that give “the right to withdraw from this treaty” to include a buildup of missile defense. [5] Second, Article V states “Each Party shall not convert and shall not use ICBM launchers and SLBM launchers for placement of missile defense interceptors” and vice versa. [6] There are also restrictions on some types of missiles and launchers that are used in the testing of missile defense. And Finally, article X established the Bilateral Consultative Commission (BCC), the treaty’s implementing body, with oversight over the implementation of the treaty which may impose additional restrictions on the U.S. missile defense program. [7]  [1] Weingarten, Elizabeth. “How did New START become a Jewish issue?”. The Atlantic. 1 Decemebr 2010.   [2] Spring, Baker. ""Twelve Flaws of New START That Will Be Difficult to Fix"". Heritage Foundation, The Foundry. 16 September 2010.   [3] Brookes, Peter. “Not a new START, but a bad START”. The Hill. 13 September 2010.   [4] Obama, Barak, and Medvedev, Dmitri, ‘Treaty Between The United States of America And The Russian Federation On Measures For The Further Reduction And Limitation Of Strategic Offensive Arms’, U.S. Department of State,   [5] Bureau of Verification, Compliance, and Implementation, ‘New START Treaty Fact Sheet: Unilateral Statements’, U.S. Department of State, 13 May 2010,   [6] Obama, Barak, and Medvedev, Dmitri, ‘Treaty Between The United States of America And The Russian Federation On Measures For The Further Reduction And Limitation Of Strategic Offensive Arms’, U.S. Department of State,   [7] Spring, Baker. ""Twelve Flaws of New START That Will Be Difficult to Fix"". Heritage Foundation, The Foundry. 16 September 2010. New START, nuclear capabilities, US nuclear arsenal, strategic arms, missile defense, arms reduction, nuclear modernization, nonstrategic weapons, tactical nuclear weapons, missile defense restrictions, deterrence, US-Russia arms treaty, strategic offense, strategic defense, missile launchers, ICBM, SLBM, bilateral consultative commission, arms control, missile interceptors, unilateral statements, arms proliferation New START, nuclear capabilities, US nuclear arsenal, missile defense, strategic arms, tactical nuclear weapons, nuclear modernization, missile restrictions, deterrence, US-Russia relations, arms control, missile interceptors, nuclear treaties, arms limitations, strategic offensive arms, defensive arms, unilateral statements, Bilateral Consultative Commission, nonstrategic weapons, missile launchers, arms reduction New START, treaty, US nuclear capabilities, nuclear weapons, missile defense, strategic arms, nonstrategic weapons, tactical weapons, modernization, deterrence, missile systems, arms reduction, arms control, US-Russia relations, arms restrictions, missile launchers, missile testing, Bilateral Consultative Commission, defense capabilities, arms treaty, arms race, strategic stability New START, nuclear capabilities, US nuclear arsenal, missile defense, strategic arms, Russian advantage, nonstrategic weapons, tactical nuclear weapons, deterrence, missile restrictions, offensive arms, defensive arms, missile launchers, ICBM, SLBM, missile testing, Bilateral Consultative Commission, arms reduction, nuclear modernization, US-Russia relations, arms treaty, nuclear modernization limits, missile defense restrictions, treaty compliance, strategic stability, nuclear deterrence, arms control, international security New START, treaty, US nuclear capabilities, nuclear modernization, missile defense, strategic arms, tactical weapons, nonstrategic weapons, deterrence, Russia, US-Russia relations, arms control, missile restrictions, defense systems, nuclear arsenal, missile launchers, ICBM, SLBM, Bilateral Consultative Commission, verification, compliance, arms reduction"
test-politics-dhbanhrnw-con05a	The threat of a state developing nuclear weapons could instigate pre-emptive strikes from its neighbours and rivals to prevent the acquisition of such weapons  The threat represented by potential nuclear powers will instigate pre-emptive strikes by countries fearing the future behaviour of the budding nuclear powers. Until a state develops a nuclear capacity that its rivals believe they cannot destroy in a first strike, nuclear weapons increase the risk of war. For example, Israel will have a very real incentive to attack Iran before it can complete its development of nuclear weapons, lest it become an existential threat to Israel’s survival. The United States military even considered attempting to destroy the USSR’s capability before they had second strike capability General Orvil Anderson publicly declared: “Give me the order to do it and I can break up Russia’s five A-bomb nests in a week…And when I went up to Christ—I think I could explain to Him that I had saved civilization.” [1] The development of nuclear weapons can thus destabilize regions before they are ever operational, as it is in no country’s interest that its rivals become capable of using nuclear force against it. Clearly, it is best that such states do not develop nuclear weapons in the first place so as to prevent such instability and conflict.  [1] Stevens, Austin “General Removed over War Speech,” New York Times, September 2, 1950, p. 8  improve this  COUNTERPOINT  If a country is surrounded by hostile neighbours that are likely to attempt a pre-emptive strike upon it, then nuclear weapons are all the more desirable. With nuclear weapons a country cannot be pushed around by regional bullies. It seems perfectly fair that Iran would covet the ability to resist Israeli might in the Middle East and defend itself from aggression by it or the United States. nuclear weapons, pre-emptive strikes, regional stability, nuclear proliferation, deterrence, existential threat, first strike, second strike, regional conflict, nuclear deterrence, security dilemma, arms race, global security, nuclear proliferation risks, regional security, nuclear diplomacy, nuclear arms control, nuclear proliferation prevention, nuclear strategy, regional tensions nuclear weapons, pre-emptive strikes, regional stability, nuclear proliferation, nuclear deterrence, first strike, second strike, nuclear arms race, nuclear proliferation, regional conflict, existential threat, Israel, Iran, nuclear disarmament, deterrence theory, instability, conflict prevention, defense strategy, nuclear arms race, regional defense, security dilemma nuclear weapons, pre-emptive strikes, regional stability, nuclear proliferation, deterrence, national security, pre-emptive war, existential threat, first-strike capability, arms race, nuclear deterrence, regional conflict, nuclear proliferation prevention, Israel, Iran, United States, USSR, destabilization, security dilemma, mutual assured destruction, regional defense, strategic stability, nuclear arms race nuclear weapons, preemptive strikes, regional instability, nuclear proliferation, deterrence, nuclear arms race, strategic stability, threat perception, counterproliferation, nuclear deterrence, regional conflict, nuclear diplomacy, existential threat, nuclear-capable states, first strike, second strike, arms control, regional security, nuclear proliferation risks, militarization, international security, nuclear non-proliferation, defense strategy nuclear weapons, pre-emptive strikes, regional stability, nuclear proliferation, deterrence, first strike, second strike, nuclear arms race, existential threat, regional conflict, nuclear deterrence, regional security, nuclear development, war risks, nuclear diplomacy, Israel Iran conflict, nuclear arms control, global security, nuclear deterrence theory, military strategy, nuclear threats
test-religion-wcprrgrhbmi-pro02a	There is always a risk associated with surgery and taking such a risk for no particular reason is irresponsible  A report by the Royal Dutch Medical Association noted that there was not a single medical body in the world that could point, categorically to a medical need for circumcision of infants. It further concluded that “The fact that this practice is not medically necessary and entails a genuine risk of complications means that extra-stringent requirements must be established with regard to this type of information and advice.” Yet this is a practice that is performed around the world by people with little or no medical training and accepted by parents as an instruction from God.  Studies from the US suggest that around 230 baby boys die in America every year as a direct result of hemorrhaging following circumcision [i] .  [i] surgery, risk, irresponsibility, medical necessity, circumcision, infants, Royal Dutch Medical Association, complications, medical advice, non-essential procedure, global practice, parental decision, religious influence, infant mortality, hemorrhaging, USA, baby boys surgery risk, medical necessity, circumcision, infant health, Royal Dutch Medical Association, medical body, complications, medical advice, traditional practice, religious beliefs, infant mortality, hemorrhaging, US studies, baby boys, surgical risks surgery, risks, irresponsibility, medical necessity, circumcision, infants, Royal Dutch Medical Association, complications, medical advice, global practices, non-medical procedures, parental decision, religious influence, infant mortality, hemorrhaging, US studies surgery, risks, medical necessity, circumcision, infants, complications, Royal Dutch Medical Association, medical bodies, ethical considerations, parental decision, religious practices, infant mortality, hemorrhaging, US studies, medical training, informed consent, healthcare guidelines surgery, risk, irresponsibility, Royal Dutch Medical Association, medical need, circumcision, infants, complications, medical training, religious influence, parental decision, hemorrhaging, infant mortality, ethical considerations
test-health-hdond-con01a	The right to access healthcare is absolute  Healthcare is a primary means by which individuals actualize their right to be protected against an untimely death. The ability to access healthcare, to not have the government actively intervene against one receiving it, is of fundamental importance for living a long and worthwhile life, and is hence entrenched in the constitutions of many liberal democracies and much of international human rights literature {WHO - Health and Human Rights}. While some rights, such as the right to mobility, can be taken away as a matter of desert in almost all societies, absolutely fundamental rights, such as the right to a fair trial, are actually inalienable and ought to never be violated. What this means in practice is that one’s access to healthcare should not be continent. The government should set no standards on who deserves life-saving treatment and who doesn’t. To do so would be to assign a dangerous power of life and death over the government. healthcare access, inalienable rights, right to health, government intervention, human rights, constitutional rights, mortality, life-saving treatment, liberal democracies, international law, equality, universal healthcare, health equity, health rights, legal protections right to healthcare, access to healthcare, human rights, constitutional rights, international law, inalienable rights, government intervention, health equity, human rights literature, life-saving treatment, fundamental rights, liberal democracies, WHO, health policy, life and death, healthcare standards right to access healthcare, healthcare rights, universal healthcare, inalienable rights, human rights, government intervention, healthcare equality, right to life, health policy, constitutional rights, international law, WHO health and human rights, inalienable rights, life-saving treatment, government standards, medical justice, healthcare accessibility right, access, healthcare, fundamental rights, inalienable, government intervention, human rights, constitutional rights, international law, health equality, life-saving treatment, government standards, individual rights, death protection, liberty right to healthcare, access to healthcare, health rights, human rights, healthcare policy, government intervention, inalienable rights, fundamental rights, life-saving treatment, constitutional rights, international health law, healthcare equality, healthcare standards, state obligations, mortality prevention, liberal democracies
test-education-tuhwastua-pro02a	Standardized Tests are skewed in favour of the wealthy  Standardized tests are inherently skewed in favour of high-income students. Tutoring is and industry unto itself and the resulting rise in scores among high income students skews the scale against students whose families cannot afford it. By contrast, even if the money is available, the impact that tutoring can have on a student’s academic performance is limited. A tutor cannot write papers or take tests for them, and nor can they answer questions in class, or participate in sports or other extracurricular activities. As a consequence, eliminating easily tutored standardized tests helps even the playing field between richer and poorer students. standardized tests, income inequality, educational equity, tutoring, socioeconomic status, academic performance, test bias, high-income students, low-income students, educational disparities, standardized testing fairness, tutoring industry, score inflation, extracurricular activities, resource gap standardized tests, income inequality, socioeconomic status, educational equity, tutoring industry, score disparities, high-income students, low-income students, academic performance, affordability, test bias, educational opportunity, fairness, access to resources, extracurricular activities standardized tests, socioeconomic bias, income inequality, tutoring industry, academic performance, educational equity, testing fairness, income disparity, test score skew, extracurricular activities, resource inequality, educational policy standardized tests, wealth bias, socioeconomic disparities, high-income students, tutoring industry, score disparities, academic performance, educational inequality, access to resources, extracurricular activities, fairness in education standardized tests, income inequality, socioeconomic disparity, educational equity, tutoring industry, high-income students, academic performance, test bias, wealth gap, educational access, standardized testing reform, extracurricular activities, fairness in education, socioeconomic barriers
test-education-udfakusma-pro04a	Students would be able to benefit from being able to use resources at other universities  Having paid for access to universities and the materials they provide for research students have a right to expect that they will have all the necessary materials available. Unfortunately this is not always the case. University libraries are unable to afford all the university journals they wish to have access to or need for their courses. Therefore any student who wants to go into areas not anticipated by the course they are enrolled with will find that they do not have access to the materials they require. They then face the cost of getting individual access to an online journal article which can be up to $42, despite there being almost zero marginal cost to the publisher. [1] This even affects the biggest and best resourced university libraries. Robert Darnton the director of Harvard University’s library which pays $3.5million per year for journal articles says “The system is absurd” and “academically restrictive” instead “the answer will be open-access journal publishing”. [2]  [1] Sciverse, “Pay-per-view”, Elsevier,   [2] Sample, Ian, “Harvard University says it can’t afford journal publishers’ prices”, The Guardian, 24 April 2012. student access, university libraries, research materials, journal subscriptions, open access, online journals, academic publishing, resource availability, research costs, library budgets, subscription fees, knowledge sharing, digital libraries, scholarly communication, publishing costs student access, university resources, university libraries, research materials, academic journals, open access, online journal articles, journal pricing, subscription costs, library funding, resource sharing, interlibrary loan, research costs, open-access publishing, scholarly communication student access, university libraries, research resources, journal access, open access publishing, online journals, journal subscription costs, academic resources, cost barrier, digital libraries, journal pricing, scholarly publishing, research materials, university consortiums, resource sharing access, university resources, library funding, journal subscriptions, research materials, open access, online journals, publication costs, academic access, journal prices, resource availability, higher education, library budgets, academic publishing, scholarly articles, open-access publishing student access, university libraries, research materials, journal access, open-access publishing, online journals, subscription costs, academic resources, journal pricing, library budgets, research students, access inequality, pay-per-view, scholarly publishing, publisher costs, open access movement
test-health-ppelfhwbpba-con01a	"The concept of ""foetal rights"" is an attack on the autonomy of women  The culture of foetal rights reflects a dangerous litigious trend in American society, and implies a view of pregnant women as being nothing more than baby-carrying machines whose independence and autonomy should be restricted and whose motivations should be questioned at every turn. If this has implications for the abortion debate, then those implications are profoundly damaging to women in general. In any case, the mother of a wanted baby has entirely different responsibilities toward the unborn foetus from the mother of an unwanted baby - that’s why our society allows both abortions and antenatal classes. foetal rights, women's autonomy, abortion debate, pregnancy rights, reproductive rights, women's independence, fetal rights legislation, pro-choice, pro-life, maternal responsibilities, pregnancy ethics, legal rights, societal implications, gestational autonomy, reproductive justice foetal rights, women's autonomy, abortion debate, reproductive rights, pregnancy, women's health, women's independence, pregnancy autonomy, foetus rights, reproductive justice, societal implications, abortion policy, prenatal care, pregnancy responsibilities, women's rights, abortion legality, maternal health, unborn child, fetal ethics, reproductive freedoms foetal rights, women's autonomy, abortion debate, reproductive rights, pregnant women, maternal independence, societal implications, litigious trend, women's rights, pregnancy, abortion policies, antenatal classes, women's health, unborn fetus, maternal responsibility foetal rights, women's autonomy, abortion debate, reproductive rights, pregnancy rights, maternal autonomy, foetus vs mother, abortion laws, pregnancy ethics, societal implications, women's independence, reproductive freedom, antenatal classes, legal trends, gender rights foetal rights, women's autonomy, abortion debate, pregnancy rights, reproductive rights, maternal independence, bodily autonomy, legal rights, societal implications, abortion laws, fetal sovereignty, reproductive justice, pregnancy ethics, antenatal education, gender equality, women's health"
test-international-apwhbaucmip-pro01a	The Solemn Declaration  The Solemn Declaration did not just highlight the goal but also that it would be achieved through three techniques: by 1, addressing the causes of conflicts – economic and social disparities, strengthening judicial systems to ensure accountability, and reaffirming collective responsibility, 2, preventing emerging sources of conflict such as piracy getting a foothold, and 3, engaging in conflict prevention. [1]  Africa has been building the African Peace and Security Architecture to address these causes of conflict. It has created the Peace and Security Council that facilitates the AU’s response to crises; it can engage in actions from humanitarian assistance to military intervention if there are particularly grave circumstances such as genocide. [2] When it does authorise action, this action is coordinated by the AU commission. When it comes to peaceful resolution of conflict, the AU has a ‘Panel of the Wise’ made up of former presidents and others with lots of influence and moral authority who use preventative diplomacy to try to resolve conflicts. [3]  [1] African Union, 2013, p.5  [2] Williams, Paul D., ‘The African Union’s Conflict Management Capabilities’, Council on Foreign Relations, October 2011,  , p.7  [3] Ibid, p.12 Solemn Declaration, conflict resolution, conflict causes, economic disparities, social disparities, judicial systems, accountability, collective responsibility, conflict prevention, piracy, African Peace and Security Architecture, Peace and Security Council, AU response, humanitarian assistance, military intervention, genocide, AU commission, conflict management, Panel of the Wise, preventative diplomacy, African Union, crisis response, conflict resolution, peacekeeping Solemn Declaration, conflict resolution, peacebuilding, African Union, Africa, peace and security architecture, Peace and Security Council, humanitarian assistance, military intervention, genocide, AU commission, prevention diplomacy, conflict management, crisis response, preventive measures, political stability, social disparities, judicial systems, collective responsibility, piracy, conflict prevention, African Peace and Security Architecture, Panel of the Wise Solemn Declaration, conflict resolution, peacebuilding, Africa, African Union, AU, Peace and Security Architecture, Peace and Security Council, humanitarian assistance, military intervention, genocide, AU commission, preventive diplomacy, conflict prevention, causes of conflict, social disparities, economic disparities, judicial systems, accountability, collective responsibility, piracy, crisis response, former leaders, Panel of the Wise, conflict management Solemn Declaration, conflict resolution, causes of conflicts, economic disparities, social disparities, judicial systems, accountability, collective responsibility, conflict prevention, piracy, African Peace and Security Architecture, Peace and Security Council, humanitarian assistance, military intervention, genocide, AU commission, peaceful resolution, Panel of the Wise, preventative diplomacy, African Union, conflict management, crisis response Solemn Declaration, conflict resolution, peacebuilding, African Union, African Peace and Security Architecture, Peace and Security Council, humanitarian assistance, military intervention, genocide, AU commission, Panel of the Wise, preventative diplomacy, conflict prevention, economic disparities, social disparities, judicial systems, accountability, collective responsibility, piracy, crisis response
test-culture-mthbah-con04a	Advertising is only as annoying as you want it to be.  No-one is forced to put advertising on their property - for many companies it is an important part of their income. Football teams would have much less money if they were not sponsored. Manchester United's shirt sponsorship deal with Aon is worth £80 million. For the small annoyance of having to have a logo on the shirt, the football club can afford to buy new players and hopefully win more games. And no-one is forced to look at advertising - you can turn the TV off between shows, or just flick past adverts in newspapers. If you don't want to see the adverts, then just ignore them. advertising, annoyance, property, sponsorship, football teams, income, Manchester United, shirt sponsorship, Aon, revenue, advertising impact, sports sponsorship, television advertising, newspaper ads, consumer choice, advertising perception, advertising tolerance advertising, annoyance, property, sponsorship, football teams, revenue, Manchester United, shirt sponsorship, sports marketing, advertising impact, viewer choice, media consumption, turning off TV, ignoring adverts, advertising costs, football finance advertising, annoyance, property, sponsorship, football teams, income, Manchester United, shirt sponsorship, £80 million, logo, sporting sponsorship, football club, advertising effectiveness, viewer choice, turning off TV, ignoring adverts, advertisement impact advertising, annoyance, property, sponsorship, football, Manchester United, Aon, shirt sponsorship, income, advertising visibility, turning off TV, ignoring adverts advertising, annoyance, property, sponsorship, football, Manchester United, Aon, income, shirt sponsorship, £80 million, logo, modern marketing, media, TV, newspapers, consumer choice, advertising perception
test-politics-ghbgussbsbt-con02a	Existing checks and balances  Proposition have made out so far that single-party Government has few checks upon it, allowing for overbearing ideological government. This however is not true as there a many external checks upon a single-party government that can prevent this.  Firstly, the checks and balances put in place by the Constitution means that the executive is unable to do much without the consent of Congress, meaning that the President would need the support of his/her party in the legislature to do what (s)he wants in government.  Within Congress, the governing party would still face oversight from Departmental Committees that scrutinises its work and unless the governing party can get a filibuster-proof majority of 60 Senators in the Upper House, then a degree of negotiation would be required.  Finally, the nominally non-partisan Supreme Court can strike down laws seen to violate the terms of the Constitution. Together these bodies are able to constrain single-party government to prevent it from abusing its power. checks, balances, single-party government, constitution, Congress, executive, President, legislation, oversight, Departmental Committees, filibuster, Senate, Supreme Court, law, power, oversight, constraints checks and balances, single-party government, constitution, executive, Congress, presidential support, departmental committees, oversight, filibuster-proof majority, Senate, Supreme Court, constitutional compliance, government power, legislative process, judicial review, political checks, power constraints checks, balances, constitution, executive, Congress, legislative, Departmental Committees, oversight, filibuster, Senate, Supreme Court, law, power, government, restriction checks and balances, single-party government, constitutional checks, executive-legislature relationship, congressional oversight, Departmental Committees, filibuster, Senate majority, Supreme Court, constitutional law, political accountability, legislative scrutiny, separation of powers checks and balances, single-party government, constitutional constraints, executive, Congress, support, legislative approval, departmental committees, oversight, filibuster, Senate, negotiating, Supreme Court, constitutional review, power limitation
test-politics-gvhbhlsbr-con02a	Reform would make the House of Lords simply a mirror of the House of Commons  An elected House, even one elected every ten years, would still think about policies that are popular in the short term rather than the long-term welfare of the country, making it closer to the House of Commons in its interest and reducing its role as a balance. By subjecting the second chamber to election there would be two outcomes: if elected at the same time the House of Lords would simply become a mirror-image of the House of Commons rendering it pointless, if elected mid-term the composition of the House of Lords would reflect the tendency for a government to be unpopular mid-term, thus creating gridlock and making the system unworkable. Reform of the House of Lords is impractical and undesirable. House of Lords, House of Commons, reform, election, short-term policies, long-term welfare, political balance, governance, political interest, gridlock, dual chamber, legislative process, governmental unpopularity, reform practicality, constitutional reform House of Lords, House of Commons, reform, elected chamber, short-term policies, long-term welfare, balance of powers, political gridlock, mid-term elections, chamber composition, government unpopularity, reform impractical, bipartisanship, legislative process, political stability House of Lords, House of Commons, reform, election, governance, parliamentary system, political balance, bi-cameral, legislative chamber, short-term policies, long-term welfare, political gridlock, electoral cycle, chamber composition, political accountability, legislative effectiveness, system reform, political stability, democratic process Reform, House of Lords, House of Commons, elected House, short-term policies, long-term welfare, balance of power, election, parliamentary system, gridlock, political imbalance, reform opposition, chamber independence, legislative effectiveness, governance stability Reform, House of Lords, House of Commons, elected chamber, short-term policies, long-term welfare, political balance, election timing, mirror image, mid-term election, political gridlock, reform impractical, political stability
test-culture-ascidfakhba-con01a	Artists have a fundamental property right over their creative output  Whatever the end product, be it music, film, sculpture, or painting, artistic works are the creations of individuals and a property right inheres within them belonging to their creators. An idea is just an idea so long as it remains locked in someone’s mind or is left as an unfinished sketch, etc. But when the art is allowed to bloom in full, it is due to the artist and the artist only. The obsession, the time, the raw talent needed to truly create art is an incredible business, requiring huge investment in energy, time, and effort. It is a matter of the most basic, and one would have hoped self-evident, principle that the person who sacrificed so much to bring forth a piece of art should retain all the rights to it and in particular have the right to profit from it. [1] To argue otherwise would be to condone outright theft. The ethereal work of the artist is every bit as real as the hard work of a machine. Mandating that all forms of art be released under a creative commons license is an absolute slap in the face to artists and to the artistic endeavour as a whole. It implies that somehow the work is not entirely the artist’s own, that because it is art it is somehow so different as to be worthy of being shunted into the public sphere without the real consent of the artist. This is a gross robbing of the artist’s right over his or her own work. If property rights are to have any meaning, they must have a universal protection. This policy represents a fundamental erosion of the right to property, and attacks one sector of productive life that is essential for the giving of colour to the human experience. This policy serves only to devalue that contribution.  [1] Greenberg, M. “Reason or Madness: A Defense of Copyright’s Growing Pains”. John Marshall Review of Intellectual Property Law. 2007. artists, property rights, creative output, intellectual property, copyright, artistic works, music, film, sculpture, painting, originality, ownership, rights, artistic endeavor, investment, effort, talent, profit, theft, creative commons, licensing, public domain, artistic value, moral rights, protection, copyright law, cultural contribution, human experience art, copyright, property rights, artistic works, creative output, artist rights, intellectual property, creative commons, artistic endeavor, visual arts, music rights, film rights, sculpture, painting, originality, moral rights, economic rights, artistic investment, authorship, visual arts, copyright law, creative ownership, artistic creation, consent, public domain, intellectual property law artists, property rights, creative output, copyright, artistic works, creation, intellectual property, originality, artistic ownership, profit, effort, investment, artistic endeavour, creative commons, licensing, moral rights, proprietary rights, intellectual property law, creative expression, cultural value artist, property right, creative output, intellectual property, artistic works, copyright, ownership, profit, investment, effort, art creation, legal rights, creative commons, licensing, authenticity, proprietary rights, moral rights, artistic contribution, exploitation, copyright law, legal protection, creative ownership artists, property rights, creative output, intellectual property, copyright, artistic works, creation, innovation, artistic endeavor, moral rights, ownership, profit, copyright law, creative commons, public domain, artistic expression, investment, effort, originality, artistic integrity, legal protection
test-education-egtuscpih-pro02a	Online courses broadens access to education  Online courses can expand access to university education. University education is based on the idea of merit - that the brightest people should be enabled to learn - however in real life many different circumstances play a role in one's ability to attend university. The result is that lots of stellar people from less-affluent backgrounds do not even apply to the best universities due to costs and anxiety involved in leaving home. In the United States the bottom 50 percent of the income distribution comprise just 14 percent of the undergraduates at top universities [10]. Online courses allow more bright people to go to a university by definitely removing accommodation and travel costs, and, as some predict, even by lowering or dropping tuition fees [11]. This argument is made even stronger by inherent flexibility of online courses, which means that people can combine studies with work and family obligations better. This improves access to education for the poor within the country and in particularly for those in less developed countries, which then improves meritocracy of the university system. online courses, access to education, university access, meritocracy, affordability, distance learning, higher education, educational equity, lower costs, flexible learning, underprivileged students, income disparities, global access, online education benefits, educational opportunities online courses, access to education, university access, meritocracy, affordable education, distance learning, open education, socioeconomic barriers, higher education, online learning flexibility, educational equity, underserved populations, cost reduction, flexible study options, global education access online courses, access to education, university education, meritocracy, affordability, costs reduction, travel costs, accommodation costs, tuition fees, flexibility, work-study balance, family obligations, educational equity, underrepresented populations, socioeconomic barriers, developing countries, online learning benefits, higher education inclusivity online courses, access to education, university education, meritocracy, affordable education, distance learning, educational accessibility, socioeconomic barriers, online learning benefits, inclusive education, global education, digital learning, higher education equity, income disparities, university admissions online courses, access to education, university education, meritocracy, affordability, financial barriers, online learning, educational equity, inclusivity, distance learning, educational opportunity, socioeconomic status, lower income students, higher education, costs reduction, flexible learning, global access, digital education
test-religion-grcrgshwbr-con02a	Religious symbols are personal, therefore, they should not matter to others.  At the end of the day, the wearing of religious symbols is the choice of the individual. Many have considered intervention in the practice of religion and symbolism as an intrusion into privacy and individuality. The recent bans on the full Muslim veil, particularly in Belgium, have been criticised for causing those who feel they have an obligation to wear it to be ostracised and forced to be confined within their own home.1  1 'Belgian ban on full veils comes into force', BBC News Europe, 23rd July 2011 , accessed on 23rd July 2011 religious symbols, personal choice, religious freedom, symbolism, privacy, individuality, religious attire, Muslim veil, ban, Belgium, discrimination, cultural identity, social exclusion, human rights, religious expression religious symbols, personal choice, privacy, religious symbolism, individual rights, religious freedom, Muslim veil, full veil ban, Belgium, religious expression, cultural rights, discrimination, social integration, religious attire, human rights, minority rights religious symbols, personal choice, religious expression, privacy, individuality, religious clothing, Muslim veil, bans, Belgium, religious freedom, social exclusion, human rights, cultural diversity, religious rights, legal restrictions religious symbols, personal beliefs, religious expression, individual rights, privacy, religious freedom, cultural symbols, Muslim veil, full veil ban, Belgium, discrimination, social exclusion, religious attire, human rights, religious practice religious symbols, personal choice, religious expression, privacy, individuality, religious attire, Muslim veil, bans, Belgium, religious freedom, societal acceptance, cultural identity, discrimination, privacy rights, religious practices
test-economy-thsptr-pro01a	Those able to pay more should pay more into the tax system  The wealthy have more disposable income and are more financially secure than are the poor and economically tenuous. For this reason, a progressive system of taxation puts the tax burden more heavily on the wealthy which has the wherewithal to pay. Progressive taxes make everyone sacrifice equally, since true equality of taxation means equality of sacrifice. [1] It is ludicrous to expect the poor and less well-off to pay the same proportional amount in taxes as the wealthy since they have to spend most of their income on essential goods like food and shelter; it is unjust to gain all state revenues from regressive taxes like VAT, since the wealthy have excess resources they can do without while not overly influencing their standard of living. [2] Progressive taxation serves to help the poor and worst off while not leaving the wealthier worse off, since they still have more money. Clearly, progressive taxation is just in terms of burdens on individual taxpayers.  [1] Young, H. Peyton. 1990. “Progressive Taxation and Equal Sacrifice”. The American Economic Review 80(1): 253-266.  [2] Shapiro, Robert. “Flat Wrong: New Tax Schemes Can’t Top Old Progressive Wrongs”. Washington Post. 1996. Available: progressive taxation, tax burden, wealthy, disposable income, economic inequality, tax fairness, proportionate taxes, regressive taxes, VAT, social justice, income distribution, economic disparities, tax system, tax policy, burden sharing, tax fairness progressive taxation, tax burden, wealthy, disposable income, economic security, income inequality, proportional taxes, regressive taxes, VAT, economic fairness, tax policy, income distribution, social justice, tax system, tax equity, wealth disparity progressive taxation, wealth, income distribution, tax burden, socioeconomic equality, regressive taxes, VAT, income inequality, fiscal policy, economic justice, taxation system, wealth redistribution, social equity, tax progressivity, income levels, tax fairness, economic security, state revenues progressive taxation, tax fairness, income inequality, wealth distribution, tax burden, disposable income, economic disparity, regressive taxes, proportional taxation, tax policy, economic justice, state revenue, wealth gap, tax sacrifice, tax system, income tax, social equity, taxation debate progressive taxation, tax burden, wealthy, income inequality, economic disparity, regressiveness, tax fairness, social equity, income redistribution, tax system, economic security, disposable income, proportional tax, tax justice, socioeconomic classes, taxation policy, state revenues, fairness debate
test-environment-aeghhgwpe-con03a	Survival of the fittest  It is natural for human beings to farm, kill, and eat other species. In the wild there is a brutal struggle for existence as is shown by Darwin’s On the Origin of the Species. [1] The fact that we humans have succeeded in that struggle by exploiting our natural environment means that we have a natural right over lower species. The concept of survival of the fittest may seem outdated but it is still the defining order of nature. In fact farming animals is much less brutal than the pain and hardship that animals inflict on each other naturally in the wild.  [1] Darwin, Charles, On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life., Literature.org survival, fittest, natural selection, Darwin, evolution, natural environment, species, extinction, adaptation, ecological struggle, human farming, animal exploitation, natural rights, biodiversity, wildlife, survival mechanisms survival,fittest,human beings,farming,killing,eating,species,wild,struggle,Darwin,Origin of Species,natural environment,exploitation,natural right,lower species,outdated,order,nature,animal farming,brutality,pain,hardship,animals,wildlife,natural selection survival, fittest, natural selection, Darwin, origin of species, human beings, farming, killing, eating, species, struggle for existence, natural environment, exploitation, natural right, lower species, brutality, wild animals, farming animals, pain, hardship survival,fittest,natural selection,human beings,farming,killing,eating,species,wild,struggle for existence,Darwin,Origin of Species,exploitation,natural environment,natural rights,lower species,brutality,animal farming,animal pain,animal hardship,wild animals,natural order survival of the fittest, human beings, farming, killing, eating, species, natural environment, struggle for existence, Darwin, origin of species, natural rights, exploitation, lower species, outdated, order of nature, farming animals, animal cruelty, wild animals, natural selection
test-international-aghbfcpspr-con03a	Reparations unfairly target the taxpayers of former colonial powers who had nothing to do with the deeds committed under colonisation.  It is unclear who exactly is being punished under this mechanism. Ordering reparations rather than, for example, a public apology from a monarch or government, only serves to harm tax-paying citizens whose money would be used to pay such reparations. There is a huge disconnection between the people who actually committed wrongs and the people who are now forced to literally pay for them. This is likely to lead to an increase in hostility from the taxpayers who do not understand why they are being punished, towards the people of former colonies. It is no longer a case where reparations could ever be paid from the direct profits of exploitation as any profit from that must have been spent long ago. It is wrong to impose undue guilt and obligation of payment on to people who are entirely disconnected from that history. reparations, colonial powers, taxpayers, injustice, public apology, monarch, government, harm, taxation, colonial crimes, reparations mechanism, accountability, fairness, historical injustice, disconnection, guilt, obligation, economics, post-colonial, hostilities, reparations debate reparations, colonialism, taxpayers, fairness, historical injustice, public apology, colonial powers, burden, guilt, accountability, reparations mechanism, social impact, economic impact, colonial history, reparations debate, restitution, colonial exploitation, payers, victims, hostilities reparations, colonial history, taxpayer impact, fairness, accountability, colonial guilt, public apology, colonial powers, colonial legacy, reparations debate, social justice, historical responsibility, economic burden, colonial exploitation, reparations justice reparations, colonialism, justice, taxpayers, colonial powers, colonial history, guilt, public apology, government, monarchy, reparations mechanism, social disconnection, historical accountability, economic impact, reparations debate, reparations fairness, colonial legacy, post-colonialism, hostilities, economic burden reparations, colonial history, taxpayers, unfairness, accountability, guilt, colonization, justice, reparations mechanism, public apology, colonial crimes, economic impact, social justice, historical responsibility, resource redistribution, hostilities, historical disconnection, colonial profits, ethical implications, reparations debate
test-science-nsihwbtiss-pro01a	A teacher-student relationship is not one between friends or equals.  According to Carol Shakeshaft an expert in sexual misconduct by teachers: “[e]ducators who use social media for personal and intimate conversations and contact are not much different from those who spend their time hanging out with students at the beach. You have to ask why a teacher would do this. The honest answer is that it rarely has anything to do with student learning. [1] ” Interacting with one’s teachers the same way as with one’s friends, sharing personal information, can only erode the respect and distance that a teacher needs in order to be an authority figure and a mentor for her young charges. Even if such ‘friendships’ were entirely innocent, they would still cast enough suspicion on the teacher-student relationship to put considerable strain on the teacher’s role as educator and their ability to do the job.  [1] Shakeshaft, Carol. “Using Social Media to Teach: Keep it Transparent, Open and Safe.” The New York Times. 19 December 2011. teacher-student relationship, social media, misconduct, Carol Shakeshaft, authority, mentorship, boundaries, student learning, social media use, professional boundaries, student-teacher interaction, trust, respect, educator roles, online communication, privacy, power imbalance teacher-student relationship, social media, misconduct, Carol Shakeshaft, educator boundaries, authority, mentorship, student privacy, inappropriate contact, teacher conduct, professional boundaries, student-teacher interaction, social media misuse, educator ethics, transparency, safety teacher-student relationship, social media, misconduct, Carol Shakeshaft, authority, mentorship, student learning, personal communication, social media boundaries, trust, educator ethics, professional boundaries, teacher-student interaction, social media misuse, student safety, transparency, open communication teacher-student relationship, social media, misconduct, authority, mentorship, educator boundaries, student respect, personal information, teacher-student interaction, trust, professional boundaries, social media use, inappropriate contact, educator influence, student privacy teacher-student relationship, authority, mentorship, social media, misconduct, boundaries, respect, student learning, educator role, personal contact, professionalism, trust, suspicion, relationship dynamics, social interaction
test-science-eassgbatj-pro04a	Most animals can suffer more than some people  It’s possible to think of people that can’t suffer, like those in a persistent vegetative state, or with significant intellectual disabilities.  We could go for one of three options. Either we could experiment on animals, but not such people, which is morally not consistent. We could allow both, but do we want to do painful medical research on the disabled? Or, we could do neither.[9] animal suffering, human suffering, ethical dilemmas, moral consistency, medical research, disabled individuals, vegetative state, intellectual disabilities, experimental ethics, moral considerations animal suffering, human suffering, ethical dilemmas, moral consistency, experimental ethics, disabilities, vegetative state, medical research ethics, moral considerations, disability rights, animal testing, human rights, ethical options animal suffering, human suffering, ethical considerations, medical research, disabled individuals, persistent vegetative state, intellectual disabilities, moral consistency, experimentation ethics, painful procedures, disability rights animal suffering, human suffering, persistent vegetative state, intellectual disabilities, animal experimentation, medical research ethics, morally consistent, ethical dilemmas, disability rights, animal welfare animal suffering, human suffering, moral ethics, disability, vegetative state, intellectual disabilities, medical research, experimentation ethics, morally inconsistent, ethical debate
test-international-ipecfiepg-con03a	A Greek default would have a negative domino-effect on other Eurozone countries.  A Greek default will leave tremendous shockwaves across the Eurozone. Investors will instantly become wary of default in Portugal, Spain, Italy or Ireland, particularly given the sudden nature of the Greek default. Consequently, huge volumes of capital will flow out of these countries and into other more secure ones like Germany and the Netherlands. [1] This will, in turn, heighten speculation about the danger of default of other Eurozone nations. Speculation of default is particularly dangerous because it drives demand for government bonds down. This leads to the interest payments on government bonds rising which in turn raises the interest rates governments need to pay on their outstanding debt. The new, higher payments governments must make on their debt increases their budget deficit % GDP ratio, thus making it more likely that the country will actually default. We thus see how increased fears about the future of Italy, Portugal, Spain and Ireland that will arise from a Greek default, will cause big problems and will put even more strain on the ECB and primarily Germany in providing financial support.  [1] Kapoor, Sony, “Viewpoints: What if Greece exits euro?”, BBC News, 13 July 2012, Greek default, Eurozone crisis, domino effect, investor confidence, capital flight, sovereign debt, government bonds, interest rates, budget deficit, debt-to-GDP ratio, default risk, financial stability, ECB, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Ireland, euro exit, market speculation, fiscal crisis Greek default, Eurozone crisis, domino effect, investor sentiment, capital flight, bond yields, government bonds, default risk, fiscal deficit, national debt, interest rates, market uncertainty, financial contagion, banking sector, euro depreciation, ECB, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Ireland, financial support, sovereign debt, bailout, euro exit, market panic, fiscal stability, economic instability Greek default, Eurozone crisis, domino effect, financial shockwaves, investor confidence, capital flight, sovereign debt, government bonds, bond yields, interest rates, budget deficit, debt-to-GDP ratio, default risk, financial contagion, Eurozone countries, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Ireland, Germany, Netherlands, ECB, monetary policy, market speculation, fiscal instability, economic stability, euro exit, bailout, financial support Greek default, Eurozone crisis, domino effect, investor confidence, capital flight, government bonds, bond yields, interest rates, budget deficit, GDP ratio, sovereign debt, default risk, financial contagion, euro breakup, ECB, Germany, financial support, economic stability, market reaction, sovereign debt crisis, euro exit Greek default, Eurozone, domino effect, financial shockwaves, investor sentiment, sovereign debt crisis, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Ireland, capital flight, flight to safety, Germany, Netherlands, default speculation, bond yields, interest rates, government bonds, budget deficit, GDP ratio, default risk, market panic, financial stability, ECB, European Central Bank, fiscal policy, debt crisis, bailout, Eurozone crisis, sovereign bond market, monetary support
test-digital-freedoms-piidfaihbg-con03a	As a business, Google shouldn’t interfere with domestic politics  Business is business and politics is politics – and the two shouldn’t mingle. When a company wants to operate in a foreign country, it should respect the government and its regulations. We require the same when a company wants to operate within our territory: suppose a big Chinese company came to our home country and suddenly started criticizing our domestic policies – these are the policies of the sovereign state whose territory it is, and outsiders have no place to tell it how to run itself. [1]  [1] Nicholas Deleon, TechChrunch, ‘China has every right to be upset with Google right now’, March 23, 2010. URL:  Last consulted: December 22, 2011 business, Google, foreign policy, domestic politics, corporate influence, government regulation, sovereignty, international business, Chinese company, criticism, territory, state sovereignty, foreign influence, corporate responsibility, political interference business, Google, domestic politics, interference, foreign companies, government regulation, sovereignty, foreign policy, cross-border business, corporate conduct, international relations, China, criticism, sovereignty rights business, Google, domestic politics, corporate influence, foreign operations, government regulations, sovereignty, multinational companies, Chinese companies, international business, political interference, corporate responsibility, foreign policy, regulatory compliance, global business ethics business, Google, domestic politics, corporate interference, international business, sovereignty, government regulations, foreign companies, Chinese companies, political neutrality, corporate responsibility, international relations, foreign policy, corporate ethics Google, domestic politics, business, politics, government regulations, foreign countries, sovereignty, corporate influence, international relations, company conduct, criticism, foreign investment, territorial sovereignty, foreign policies
test-politics-oepdlhfcefp-pro04a	The High Representative will be a catalyst and a facilitator for decision-making.  The High Representative will not only act as a spokesman for EU nations when they agree on foreign policies, but will act as a catalyst around which external policy will increasingly become coordinated. By chairing meetings of EU foreign ministers, he or she will be able to shape the agenda and influence the outcomes of meetings, encouraging member states increasingly to think in terms of common foreign policy positions. They will have added authority from their ability to speak for the EU in the UN Security Council. The High Representative will also direct the EU’s new External Action Service, which brings together policy specialists from both the Council and Commission in a unique manner (ranging from the Arctic region to nuclear safety and enlargement) 1. With representatives all over the world the EU will develop a foreign service capable of creating and articulating policy positions in a manner that few national governments can match. Over time this will promote the evolution of a true EU foreign and security policy, and will contribute significantly to increased European consciousness among EU citizens and further moves to political unity.  1. European Union External Action, Policies, accessed 1/8/11 High Representative, EU, foreign policy, decision-making, facilitation, spokesperson, external policy, coordination, meetings, foreign ministers, agenda, outcomes, common foreign policy, authority, UN Security Council, External Action Service, policy specialists, Council, Commission, Arctic, nuclear safety, enlargement, diplomatic representation, foreign service, policy positions, EU citizens, political unity, European consciousness High Representative, EU foreign policy, decision-making, facilitator, catalyst, EU spokesmanship, external policy coordination, foreign ministers, agenda shaping, meeting outcomes, common foreign policy, UN Security Council, EU External Action Service, policy specialists, Council, Commission, Arctic, nuclear safety, enlargement, foreign service, policy articulation, EU foreign security policy, European consciousness, political unity High Representative, EU foreign policy, decision-making, facilitator, catalyst, spokesperson, foreign policy coordination, EU external policy, foreign ministers, agenda-setting, meeting influence, common foreign policy, UN Security Council, External Action Service, policy specialists, Council, Commission, Arctic region, nuclear safety, enlargement, diplomatic representation, foreign service, policy articulation, European consciousness, political unity High Representative, catalyst, facilitator, decision-making, EU foreign policy, spokesman, foreign policy coordination, EU meetings, foreign ministers, agenda shaping, policy outcomes, common foreign positions, UN Security Council, external action, policy specialists, Council, Commission, Arctic, nuclear safety, enlargement, EU foreign service, policy positions, European consciousness, political unity High Representative, catalyst, facilitator, decision-making, EU foreign policy, spokesman, external policy, coordination, chairing meetings, EU foreign ministers, agenda setting, policy influence, common foreign policy, UN Security Council, authority, External Action Service, policy specialists, Council, Commission, Arctic, nuclear safety, enlargement, diplomatic representation, foreign service, policy positions, European Union, EU citizens, political unity
test-society-epiasghbf-pro02a	The effects of unemployment  Unemployment has been linked to several health and wellbeing effects. Firstly, the psychological impact of unemployment involve a range of issues - from confidence to mental well-being. Issues of mental health problems - such as depression, suicide, anxiety, and substance abuse, need recognition in Africa. The impact of mental health may not only be on the individual, but dispersed within families and across generations. Secondly, unemployment may result in a loss of social networks and networking skills. The power of social capital, or networks, in reducing vulnerability has been widely noted. Therefore encouraging women to participate within the labour market ensures new networks are built and retained through the vital communication skills used. Finally. unemployment may affect physical health status.  Unemployment may place individuals in a downward spiral, making it harder to re-enter the job market. unemployment, mental health, psychological impact, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, suicide, wellbeing, Africa, social networks, social capital, vulnerability, women, labor market, communication skills, physical health, re-employment unemployment, health, wellbeing, psychological impact, mental health, depression, suicide, anxiety, substance abuse, Africa, family, generations, social networks, social capital, vulnerability, women's participation, labor market, communication skills, physical health, job re-entry unemployment, health, wellbeing, mental health, depression, suicide, anxiety, substance abuse, Africa, social networks, social capital, vulnerability, women's participation, labor market, communication skills, physical health, job market, psychological impact unemployment, mental health, psychological impact, depression, suicide, anxiety, substance abuse, Africa, social networks, social capital, wellbeing, physical health, gender, labor market, vulnerability, communication skills, intergenerational effects, employment, health effects unemployment, mental health, psychological impact, depression, anxiety, suicide, substance abuse, Africa, social networks, social capital, vulnerable populations, women, labour market, communication skills, physical health, health effects, wellbeing, intergenerational impact, social support, employment, economic stability, health disparities
test-society-epsihbdns-pro02a	Restrictions on migration would benefit people in the cities economically and socially  Cities are very appealing to poor people. Even if their living standards in cities might be unacceptable, they get closer to basic goods, such as fresh water, sanitation etc. However, these things exist because there are productive people in the cities who work and pay taxes. What happens when too many people come at the same time is that public money is stretched too thinly and these basic goods can no longer be provided. This leads to severe humanitarian problems such as malnutrition, thirst, lack of medication, etc.  However, this humanitarian crisis does not only harm those directly affected, it also creates an unattractive environment for business. Thus, people who enter the city cannot find work, as production does not grow in relation to the people who enter. They become excluded from society and often turn to crime, which further erodes the economy. [1]  Limiting migration to reasonable levels give the cities a chance to develop progressively and become the kind of places that people in rural areas currently believe them to be.  [1] Maxwell, Daniel., “The Political Economy of Urban Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa.” 11, London : Elsevier Science Ltd., 1999, World Development, Vol. 27, p. 1939±1953. S0305-750X(99)00101-1. migration, restrictions, urban development, socioeconomic benefits, urban appeal, poverty, living standards, basic goods, infrastructure, productivity, taxation, public services, humanitarian crisis, malnutrition, thirst, healthcare, economic impact, criminality, urbanization, rural-urban migration, urban growth, city development, urban challenges, urban economy, social exclusion migration restrictions, urban economy, social benefits, city appeal, poverty, living standards, basic goods, water sanitation, productive workforce, taxes, public resources, overcrowding, humanitarian issues, malnutrition, thirst, healthcare, crisis, unemployment, crime, societal exclusion, urban development, rural-urban migration, economic growth, urban food security, Sub-Saharan Africa migration restrictions, urban economy, social benefits, poor populations, living standards, basic goods, water sanitation, productive workforce, taxation, public services, humanitarian crisis, malnutrition, thirst, healthcare, urban poverty, business environment, employment, social exclusion, crime, economic erosion, rural-urban migration, urban development, urban planning, food security, Sub-Saharan Africa, political economy migration restrictions, urban economy, social benefits, urban appeal, poverty, living standards, basic goods, sanitation, water, productive workforce, taxation, public services, humanitarian crises, malnutrition, dehydration, healthcare, urban development, business environment, employment, social exclusion, crime, economic impact, rural-urban migration, urban growth, urban planning migration restrictions, urban economy, social benefits, urban appeal, poverty, living standards, basic goods, water, sanitation, productive workforce, taxation, population influx, public resources, humanitarian issues, malnutrition, thirst, healthcare, business environment, employment, production, social exclusion, crime, economic impact, urban development, rural-urban migration, urban food security, Sub-Saharan Africa
test-law-lghbacpsba-pro04a	The principle behind attorney-client privilege is declining in relevance  One of the principles behind allowing communications between a solicitor and their client to be privileged is that a solicitor is independent of their client and so will not breach laws themselves in order to attain their clients objectives. However, after the recession of 2008 and the Legal Services Act 2007 the position of in house lawyer is more prevalent [1] . In house lawyers are not financially independent. They are in fact employees of their 'client'. This eradicates the principle behind client-attorney privilege and therefore the privilege itself is now irrelevant and should be eradicated.  [1] In-house counsel on the rise, New Law Journal, 28 April 2010,  accessed 18/05/11 attorney-client privilege, legal confidentiality, solicitor-client relationship, in-house lawyers, legal independence, Legal Services Act 2007, financial independence, recession 2008, legal ethics, privilege relevance, in-house counsel, legal reforms, legal privileges decline attorney-client privilege, solicitor-client confidentiality, legal independence, in-house lawyers, legal services act 2007, recession 2008, privilege relevance, legal ethics, client-lawyer relationship, legal reforms, attorney independence, employment status, legal privilege erosion attorney-client privilege, legal communication, solicitor-client confidentiality, legal independence, in-house lawyers, legal services act 2007, recession 2008, privilege decline, legal ethics, legal independence, employee status, client attorney relations, privilege erosion attorney-client privilege, legal independence, solicitor-client communication, in-house lawyers, legal services act 2007, recession 2008, privilege relevance, in-house counsel, legal ethics, client confidentiality, legal profession changes attorney-client privilege, legal confidentiality, in-house lawyers, legal independence, solicitor-client communication, legal reforms, recession 2008, Legal Services Act 2007, in-house counsel, legal ethics, client confidentiality, legal independence, privilege erosion, legal profession, legal reforms, privileged communication
test-philosophy-apessghwba-con03a	"Animal research is necessary for the development of truly novel substances  Undoubtedly then, the most beneficial research to mankind is the development of truly novel drugs. Even according to the proposition this represents about a quarter of all new drugs released, which could be seen as significant given the great potential to relieve the suffering beyond our current capacity that such drugs promise.  After the effects, side effects and more complex interactions of a drug have been confirmed using animal and non-animal testing, it will usually pass to what is called a phase I clinical trial - tests on human volunteers to confirm how the drug will interact with human physiology and what dosages it should be administered in. The risk of a human volunteer involved in a phase I trial being harmed is extremely small, but only because animal tests, along with non-animal screening methods are a highly effective way of ensuring that dangerous novel drugs are not administered to humans. In the United Kingdom, over the past twenty years or more, there have been no human deaths as a result of phase I clinical trials.  Novel compounds (as opposed to so-called ""me-too"" drugs, that make slight changes to an existing treatment) are the substances that hold the most promise for improving human lives and treating previously incurable conditions. However, their novelty is also the reason why it is difficult for scientists to predict whether they may cause harm to humans.  Research into novel compounds would not be possible without either animal testing, or tremendous risk to human subjects, with inevitable suffering and death on the part of the trial volunteers on some occasions. It is difficult to believe that in such circumstances anyone would volunteer, and that even if they did, pharmaceutical companies would be willing to risk the potential legal consequences of administering a substance to them they knew relatively little about. In short, development of novel drugs requires animal experimentation, and would be impossible under the proposition's policy. animal research, drug development, novel drugs, clinical trials, phase I, human volunteers, animal testing, non-animal testing, drug safety, side effects, drug interactions, pharmaceuticals, novel compounds, drug toxicity, human safety, drug efficacy, regulatory approval, drug discovery, biomedical research, medicine development animal research, drug development, novel substances, clinical trials, phase I, human volunteers, safety testing, non-animal testing, drug interactions, side effects, novel compounds, ""me-too"" drugs, drug safety, pharmaceutical testing, animal experiments, human safety, drug testing methods, drug risks, drug efficacy animal research, drug development, novel drugs, clinical trials, animal testing, non-animal testing, phase I clinical trial, human volunteers, drug safety, drug interactions, drug side effects, novel compounds, pharmaceutical research, drug testing ethics, human safety, drug regulation, medical research, pharmaceutical industry, drug risk assessment, experimental drugs animal testing, drug development, novel drugs, clinical trials, phase I trials, human volunteers, non-animal testing, drug safety, pharmacology, pharmaceutical research, drug safety testing, drug interactions, drug efficacy, drug risks, drug side effects, drug interactions, toxicity testing, drug innovation, experimental drugs, biomedical research, drug regulation, scientific ethics, animal welfare animal research, drug development, novel drugs, clinical trials, phase I, human volunteers, drug safety, side effects, non-animal testing, pharmaceutical testing, drug interactions, risk assessment, testing methods, drug efficacy, drug approval, human physiology, drug toxicity, drug innovation, pharmaceutical ethics, regulatory requirements"
test-law-cpilhbishioe-con02a	An ICC enforcement arm would be unduly expensive  In a climate where the ICC’s budget is determined exclusively by contentious negotiation between states (at a time where the ICC itself has threatened to close down investigations due to a lack of funds [1] ), many of whom are undergoing austerity, an enforcement arm is not the best use of scarce funds when its role can be taken by the state parties. The ICC is already expensive enough – it cost over €100M in 2009.  [1] Nzau Musau, “Kenya: ICC Threatens to Drop cases for Lack of Funds”, The Star (Kenya), 2013, ICC, enforcement arm, costs, budget, negotiations, state parties, investigations, austerity, funding, expenses, international justice, resource allocation, cost-effectiveness, enforcement alternatives, judicial expenses ICC, enforcement, budget, costs, states, negotiation, funding, austerity, investigations, expenses, enforcement arm, state parties, financial constraints, ICC budget, cost analysis, ICC operations ICC, enforcement, expense, budget, negotiations, state parties, austerity, investigations, funding, cost, €100M, 2009 ICC, enforcement arm, cost, budget, negotiations, states, investigations, funding, austerity, scarce funds, role, state parties, expenses, 2009, Nzau Musau, Kenya ICC, enforcement arm, costs, budget, negotiations, disputes, funding, austerity, state parties, expenses, investigations, fiscal constraints, efficiency, resource allocation, legal costs, international justice, Kenya, case funding
test-education-udfakusma-pro03a	Openness benefits research and the economy  Open access can be immensely beneficial for research. It increases the speed of access to publications and opens research up to a wider audience. [1] Some of the most important research has been made much more accessible due to open access. The Human Genome Project would have been an immense success either way but it is doubtful that its economic impact of $796billion would have been realised without open access.  The rest of the economy benefits too. It has been estimated that switching to open access would generate £100million of economic activity in the United Kingdom as a result of reduced research costs for business and shorter development as a result of being able to access a much broader range of research. [2]  [1] Anon., “Open access research advantages”, University of Leicester,   [2] Carr, Dave, and Kiley, Robert, “Open access to science helps us all”, New Statesman, 13 April 2012. openness, benefits, research, economy, open access, publication speed, research accessibility, Human Genome Project, economic impact, research dissemination, open science, research costs, economic activity, United Kingdom, innovation, knowledge sharing openness, benefits, research, economy, open access, publications, accessibility, Human Genome Project, economic impact, research costs, development, broader research, United Kingdom, economic activity, reduced costs, scientific dissemination openness, benefits, research, economy, open access, publications, accessibility, Human Genome Project, economic impact, research costs, UK, scientific research, knowledge dissemination, innovation, economic activity, research funding openness, open access, research, economic impact, publications, accessibility, Human Genome Project, economic benefits, research cost reduction, development speed, UK economy, economic activity, scientific research, knowledge dissemination openness, open access, research, economy, benefits, publications, accessibility, Human Genome Project, economic impact, research costs, innovation, UK, economic activity, scientific dissemination
test-international-apwhbaucmip-pro02a	Progress in ending conflict in Africa  Conflict in Africa is slowly being ended. In 1992 there were 18 conflicts in Africa; by 2009 this had been halved to 9. [1] But a decline in the number of conflicts is not the only positive trend in African conflicts: there has also been a decline in the size of wars. They have changed from wars between two organised armies to being small scale insurgencies. In 1984 the conflicts were on average causing more than 20,000 battle deaths per year, but by 2008 only around 1,000. Even the number of incidents of genocide and mass killing has been going down from 9 in the 1980s to five in the 2000s. [2] Ending war might therefore be considered to be ambitious but it is not against the trend and not inconceivable.  [1] Straus, 2012, pp.183-184  [2] Straus, 2012, pp.189-191 Africa, conflict resolution, war decline, insurgencies, genocide, mass killings, peace processes, conflict statistics, Straus 2012, peace building, conflict trend conflict reduction, Africa, conflict trends, war declines, insurgencies, battle deaths, genocide, mass killings, conflict resolution, peacebuilding, conflict statistics, Straus 2012 Africa, conflict, peace, conflict reduction, war decline, insurgencies, genocide, mass killings, conflict trends, peacebuilding, war statistics, conflict resolution, conflict history, Straus 2012 Africa, conflict, peace, conflict reduction, civil wars, insurgencies, genocide, violence decline, warfare, conflict trends, conflict resolution, war casualties, warfare evolution, mass killings, peace processes, conflict statistics, conflict data African conflicts, conflict resolution, war decline, insurgencies, genocide, mass killings, conflict statistics, peacebuilding, conflict trends, war casualties, conflict reduction, Africas peace processes, Straus, conflict analysis
test-education-ufsdfkhbwu-pro02a	A bargaining chip  In much the same way that material investment in countries can be used as a bargaining chip to secure improvements in areas of legislation, so cultural investment can be used to secure rights associated with related fields of endeavour. Free speech is merely the most obvious. It is reasonable for a western university to insist that its graduates will need to have access to the fruits of a free press and democratic speculation of experts and the wider public [i] .  The cases of the lecturer, Chia Thye Poh who is arguably the world’s longest serving prisoner of conscience or the political opposition leader, Vincent Cheng who was barred from addressing a talk organised the History Society of NUS at the national library [ii] both give examples of how Singaporean government actions impact directly on university life and academic freedoms. In the light of this, it seems the height of reasonableness for Western universities to say that they will only operate in areas that offer the same academic freedoms they would expect in their home country. If the Singaporean government wants that benefits that Yale graduates can bring, they should be prepared to accept such a change.  [i] Stateuniversity.Com. western Europe – Educational roots, reform in the twentieth century, contemporary reform trends, future challenges.  [ii] Ex-detainee Vincent Cheng barred from speaking in history seminar, The Online Citizen, 28 May 2010 bargaining chip, material investment, cultural investment, rights, free speech, free press, democratic speculation, academic freedoms, Singapore, government actions, prisoners of conscience, political opposition, university autonomy, international relations, human rights, academic freedom, censorship, government influence, higher education, Western universities bargaining chip, material investment, cultural investment, legislation, rights, free speech, free press, democratic speculation, academic freedom, university autonomy, political prisoners, Singapore government, Chia Thye Poh, Vincent Cheng, university restrictions, freedom of speech, international education, research freedom, academic rights, government interference, Western universities, diplomatic influence, scholarly freedom bargaining chip, material investment, cultural investment, legislation, rights, free speech, free press, democratic speculation, academic freedoms, university, Singapore, government actions, prisoners of conscience, political opposition, censorship, academic freedom, Western universities, international relations, human rights bargaining chip, material investment, cultural investment, legislation, rights, free speech, free press, democratic theory, academic freedom, university policies, Singapore, government actions, political prisoners, Chia Thye Poh, Vincent Cheng, student activism, censorship, freedom of speech, human rights, international relations, higher education, academic autonomy bargaining chip, material investment, cultural investment, rights, free speech, free press, democratic speculation, academic freedoms, Singapore, government actions, censorship, prisoner of conscience, political opposition, university autonomy, international standards, academic freedom policies, Yale graduates, scholarly rights, speech restrictions, political repression
test-culture-mthbah-con03a	Advertisements promote healthy products and lifestyles.  Advertising is used to promote healthy activities, products and lifestyles and is further regulated to ensure that unhealthy products are not promoted. The School Food Trust in Britain, for example, used celebrities in advertisements to promote healthy eating in 20071. Furthermore, adverts which promote seriously unhealthy things are becoming very rare. Cigarette advertising is all but extinct, and alcohol adverts are being more restricted. With adverts such as fast food we see as well that companies are changing their message to promote healthier options. This is because it is bad for businesses to be viewed as harming children. Public pressure and successful regulation will always bring any advertising problems back under control.  1 Schools Food Trust uses celebs to promote healthy eating. Campaign Live. advertisements, healthy products, lifestyles, advertising, promotion, regulation, unhealthy products, celebrities, Britain, healthy eating, fast food, unhealthy items, cigarette advertising, alcohol adverts, restrictions, public pressure, regulation, marketing, health promotion, children, corporate responsibility advertisements, healthy products, lifestyles, promotion, regulation, unhealthy products, celebrities, healthy eating, banned products, cigarette advertising, alcohol adverts, fast food, healthier options, public pressure, regulation, advertising regulation, children's health advertisements, healthy products, lifestyles, promoting, healthy activities, regulation, unhealthy products, School Food Trust, celebrities, healthy eating, advertising restrictions, cigarette advertising, alcohol advertising, fast food, healthier options, children, public pressure, regulation, advertising regulation advertisements, healthy products, lifestyles, health promotion, regulation, unhealthy products, celebrity endorsements, Britain, healthy eating, cigarette advertising, alcohol adverts, fast food, healthier options, public pressure, regulation effectiveness advertisements, healthy products, lifestyles, health promotion, advertising regulation, unhealthy products, celebrity endorsements, healthy eating, food advertising, cigarette advertising, alcohol advertising, restricted advertising, fast food advertising, corporate social responsibility, public pressure, regulation enforcement
test-politics-oepghbrnsl-con01a	Proper democratic checks and balance are the only way to real problem-solving  There is a fine line between enough authority to fight corruption and enough authority to oppress a population. Many corrupt, authoritarian leaders have risen to power through the promise of social reform and of wiping out drug cartels and gangsters. A society living in fear and believing that all their problems will be solved by a powerful leader will never be able to overcome its problems. Empowering individuals and accepting risk is ultimately the only true solution to such problems. Even if Putin were completely pure himself, centralising power so completely gives great influence to those advisers and ministers around him and makes corruption in government inevitable. Only by building in proper democratic checks and balances, including criticism from a free media and legal system, can accountability be created and corruption or incompetence tackled. democratic checks, balance, corruption, authoritarianism, social reform, leadership, government accountability, free media, legal system, political power, leadership risks, social fear, empowerment, governance, transparency democracy, checks and balances, corruption, authoritarianism, social reform, leadership, fear, empowerment, risk, presidential power, centralization, accountability, free media, legal system, governance, transparency democratic checks, balance, governance, corruption, authoritarianism, social reform, law enforcement, accountability, free media, legal system, leadership, power centralization, political risk, societal fear, political reform, transparency, accountability mechanisms democracy, checks and balances, governance, corruption, authoritarianism, social reform, leadership, power, fear, social empowerment, risk-taking, decentralization, accountability, free media, legal system, transparency, political stability democratic checks, balance, authority, corruption, oppression, authoritarian leaders, social reform, drug cartels, gangsters, fear, powerful leader, empowerment, risk, Putin, centralized power, influence, advisers, ministers, government corruption, accountability, free media, legal system
test-culture-ascidfakhba-con02a	Artists should retain the right to control their work’s interaction with the public space even if their work is publicly funded  Art is the expression of its creator’s sense of understanding of the world, and thus that expression will always have special meaning to him or her that no amount of reinterpretation or external appreciation can override. How a work is used once released into the public sphere, whether expanded, revised, responded to, or simply shown without their direct consent, thus remains an active issue for the artist, because those alternative experiences are all using a piece of the artist in its efforts. Artists deserve to have that piece of them treated in a way they see as reasonable. It is a simple matter of justice that artists be permitted to maintain the level of control they desire, and it is a justice that is best furnished through the conventional copyright mechanism that provides for the maximum protection of works for their creators, and allows them to contract away uses and rights to those works on their own terms. Many artists care about their legacies and the future of their artistic works, and should thus have this protection furnished by the state through the protection of copyright, not cast aside by the unwashed users of the creative commons. Samuel Beckett is a great example of this need. Beckett had exacting standards about the fashion in which in his plays could be performed. [1] For him the meaning of the art demanded an appreciation for the strict performance without the adulteration of reinterpretation. He would lack that power under this policy, meaning either the world would have been impoverished for want of his plays, or he would have been impoverished for want of his rights to his work. These rights are best balanced through the aegis of copyright as it is, not under the free-for-all of the creative commons license.  [1] Catron, L. “Copyright Laws for Theatre People”. 2003. artists, intellectual property, copyright, public space, artistic control, creative rights, funding, interpretation, artistic expression, legacy, legal protection, copyright law, creative commons, performance standards, Samuel Beckett, artistic integrity, rights management, cultural preservation, unauthorized use, artistic autonomy artists, copyright, control, public space, publicly funded, artistic expression, interpretation, external appreciation, usage, consent, active rights, creative control, artistic rights, legal protection, copyright mechanism, protection, contract rights, artistic legacy, Creative Commons, Samuel Beckett, performance standards, artistic integrity, re-interpretation, copyright law, licensing, intellectual property, artistic freedom, ownership, rights management artists, copyright, control, public space, public funding, art, expression, creator, understanding, reinterpretation, external appreciation, use, public sphere, expansion, revision, response, consent, active issue, legacy, protection, rights, justice, mechanisms, protection, state, creative commons, Samuel Beckett, standards, performance, meaning, interpretation, reputation artists, rights, control, public space, funded art, artistic expression, creator, interpretation, appreciation, use, publication, consent, active issue, engagement, protect, justice, copyright, protection, rights management, legacy, artistic works, creative commons, Samuel Beckett, performance, standards, interpretation, authorship, intellectual property, licensing, usage rights artists, rights, control, public space, publicly funded, art, expression, creator, interpretation, appreciation, usage, consent, active issue, justice, protection, copyright, works, legacy, future, state, creative commons, Samuel Beckett, performance, standards, reinterpretation, rights balance
test-politics-ghbgussbsbt-con01a	Effect on democratic participation  Divided Government undermines the democratic will of the people as it prevents a clear policy choice from being enacted by those elected to represent them.  The compromise necessary will result in policy platforms enthusiastically chosen by voters being watered down in order for it to be even partly enacted. It is notable that the majority of legislation originates from Congress when government is divided rather than from the President. This is despite the president being the one with the nationwide mandate. [1]  Single Party Government counters this by ensuring that policies clearly presented to and chosen by the electorate are enacted without having to countenance the opinions of an opposition whose policies have just been discredited by the electorate, Thus ensuring that government is responsive to the aims and wishes of the people.  [1] Jones, Charles O., The Presidency in a Separated System, The Brookings Institution, 1994, p.222 democratic participation, divided government, policy enactment, electoral mandate, legislative process, bipartisan compromise, policy platforms, legislative authority, presidential power, government responsiveness, electoral preferences, policy influence, congressional legislation, political polarization, governance efficacy democratic participation, divided government, policy enactment, legislative process, congressional legislation, presidential mandate, single party government, policy clarity, electoral choice, political compromise, government responsiveness, political opposition, policy discrediting, democratic will democratic participation, divided government, policy enactment, legislative process, presidential mandate, government responsiveness, policy compromise, congressional legislation, electoral mandate, single-party government, policy clarity, democratic will, political opposition, legislative process, policy watered down democratic participation, divided government, policy enactment, legislative process, legislative compromise, congressional legislation, presidential mandate, single-party government, policy clarity, electorate, government responsiveness, political polarization, policy watered down, political representation, legislative majority democratic participation, divided government, policy enactment, legislative process, presidential mandate, government responsiveness, policy compromise, electorate preferences, party control, legislative origin, policy platforms, electoral mandate, political polarization, bipartisanship, governance effectiveness
test-education-egtuscpih-pro01a	Online courses are more convenient for students than traditional university  The vast popularity of MOOCs can be explained by the fact that people are finding it easier to learn this way. The best feature of online learning that it can be done in the privacy of one's home, which is more convenient than having to move cities or even countries for a university degree. Moreover, online courses are inherently more flexible. Lectures can be watched and tests taken at any time a person desires (within the deadlines), unlike with scheduled lectures and tests at the traditional university. Not only this means a more personal approach to studying, it also provides people with more flexibility to manage their other commitments, such as work and childcare. Such personal and flexible approach to learning will overtake the rigidity of the traditional university. online courses, MOOCs, convenience, flexibility, distance learning, online education, student preferences, remote learning, home study, personal learning, flexible schedule, online lectures, online tests, educational accessibility, learning at home, life balance, modern education, digital learning online courses, MOOCs, online learning, convenience, flexibility, distance education, remote learning, university, traditional education, schedule, personal approach, student preferences, time management, accessibility, privacy, self-paced learning, commitment, educational innovation online courses, MOOCs, convenience, traditional university, online learning, flexibility, remote education, home-based learning, self-paced, lifelong learning, distance education, personal approach, time management, e-learning, educational technology, online lectures, student preferences, flexible schedule, remote degree, online tests online courses, MOOCs, convenience, traditional university, online learning, distance education, flexible learning, study at home, privacy, asynchronous learning, scheduling flexibility, personal approach, workload management, online education benefits, e-learning, remote education, learner autonomy online courses, MOOCs, e-learning, distance education, flexibility, convenience, online learning benefits, remote education, personalized learning, time management, online lectures, online tests, adult education, lifelong learning, mobile learning, private study
test-politics-gvhbhlsbr-con03a	Democracy should not be the end-point aspiration of government.  One should not assume that the lack of democracy is wholly negative; do the majority of people know what is best for the country? Or do industry experts? Could the public reach a consensus on important governing decisions? Government can see the bigger picture and balance the needs of different interest groups to produce the best outcome for all: ‘true’ democracy is simply unworkable and can too easily lead to the ‘tyranny of the majority’ as described by Fareed Zakaria. [1] Perhaps the best way to illustrate this point is to look at the two champions of democracy: France and America. France overturned its monarchy and government in the name of liberty, yet quickly descended into mob-rule and violence; ‘democracy’ had a bloody birth. [2] Similarly one only has to look at the appalling levels of inequality within the United States of America to question the nature and worth of ‘democracy’. [3] So if the nature of government is not simply to fulfil notions of ‘democracy’ but to ensure good governance then the House of Lords is still an important institution.  [1] Zakaria, Fareed, The Future of Freedom: Illiberal Democracy Home and Abroad (New York, 2003)  [2] Doyle, William, The French Revolution: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford, 2001)  [3] American Political Science Association Task Force, ‘American Democracy in an Age of Rising Inequality’, Perspectives on Politics, 2 (2004) democracy, government, governance, political systems, legitimacy, tyranny of the majority, Fareed Zakaria, France, American democracy, monarchy, mob-rule, violence, inequality, House of Lords, liberal democracy, political institutions, political stability, public consensus, expert opinion, interest groups, political outcomes democracy, governance, public opinion, industry experts, consensus, interest groups, tyranny of the majority, Fareed Zakaria, France, American democracy, monarchy, mob-rule, violence, inequality, good governance, House of Lords, democracy critique, illiberal democracy, French Revolution, political institutions, political balance, political stability democracy, government, governance, public opinion, industry experts, decision-making, majority rule, tyranny of the majority, Fareed Zakaria, France, American democracy, monarchy, mob-rule, violence, inequality, House of Lords, illiberal democracy, French Revolution, political science democracy, government, governance, public opinion, industry experts, decision-making, majority rule, tyranny of the majority, Fareed Zakaria, France, American democracy, monarchy, mob-rule, violence, inequality, House of Lords, illiberal democracy, French Revolution, political institutions, political stability, political consensus democracy, governance, public opinion, expert decision-making, tyranny of the majority, Fareed Zakaria, France, American democracy, liberty, mob-rule, inequality, House of Lords, political institutions, political stability, political philosophy, illiberal democracy, revolution, political consensus, interest groups
test-religion-grcrgshwbr-con03a	If you ban one thing, you have to ban lots of things.  Every religious symbol should be treated equally so as not to cause discrimination. It's just not viable to ban one symbol. If you ban something, for example, as sacred and religious as the Muslim veil, people will then start rallying cries for other things to be banned. At the end of the day, if the Government feels that it is in the best interests of society not to ban the veil, then we have to believe them. Really if one thing is banned then the uproar that would happen would have significantly worse consequences than before the ban. There have been worries about the banning of the Sikh Kirpan because outsiders regard it as a possible weapon and a danger to people in public places.1 However, in the Sikh perspective, the Kirpan is a sacred symbol very similar to other religions' symbols.  1 'Timeline: The Quebec kirpan case', CBC News Online, 2nd March 2006, accessed on 25th July 2011 banning, religious symbols, discrimination, equality, symbolism, Muslim veil, Sikh Kirpan, religious freedom, social repercussions, government policies, societal impact religious symbols, banning, discrimination, freedom of religion, societal impact, government policies, religious tolerance, sacred symbols, Sikh Kirpan, religious attire, controversial bans, public safety, religious freedom, cultural sensitivity, religious rights religious symbols, banning, discrimination, equality, society, government, cultural rights, religious freedom, sacred symbols, Muslim veil, Sikh Kirpan, public safety, religious attire, religious expression, freedom of religion, cultural sensitivity, legal cases, public protests ban, religious symbols, discrimination, equality, religious freedom, societal impact, government policy, public safety, Sikh Kirpan, sacred symbols, religious tolerance, multiculturalism, religious expression, freedom of religion, cultural diversity, symbolism, religious attire, societal consequences religious symbols, banning, discrimination, equality, societal impact, government policies, Muslim veil, Sikh Kirpan, religious freedom, cultural symbols, public safety, religious tolerance, symbolism, religious attire, religious rights, legal cases, Quebec, intercultural understanding
test-law-ilppppghb-pro04a	"Self-determination offers a way to resolve otherwise intractable disputes.  Many modern nation states are the product of historical accident or hurried decolonisation processes that did not properly take account of ethnic or religious differences between peoples in the states that resulted. Examples can be seen all over the world but especially in Asia, Africa and the former Soviet Union, where postcolonial or post-Cold War boundaries separate people from their kin against their wills. Other territories may be disputed between one or more nation.  Allowing ethnic or religious groups self-determination may help to reverse the harmful effect of artificial, poorly-drawn borders. If self-determination is universally accepted (and applied) by the international community as a key principle in such disputes, they may in future be easier to resolve.  Two examples; Kashmir, which straddles the line of partition drawn up by the British when granting independence to India and Pakistan in 19471; and the Falkland Islands, which are the object of dispute between the UK and Argentina, including a brief war in 19822. History, law geography all offer competing and incompatible views of who should rightfully own these territories. If we recognise the principle of self-determination as key, however, it is clear that it is the view of the inhabitants that should decide its future. Indeed, if this principle is ignored, such disputes will rumble on for many years to come.  1 ""Kashmir: Run-up to Partition"", Globalsecurity.org 2 ""Falklands/Malvinas War"",Globalsecurity.org For the Falkland Islanders' view of self-determination, see Falkland Island Government website, ""Falklands call on UN Committee to uphold right to self-determination"", Self-determination, disputes, nation-states, colonial borders, ethnic differences, religious differences, intractable conflicts, postcolonial boundaries, Cold War, conflicts resolution, Kashmir, Falkland Islands, territorial sovereignty, independence movements, artificial borders, international law, geography, history, decolonization, self-governance, ethnic groups, disputed territories, autonomy, sovereignty, UN, international community, colonial legacy Self-determination, disputes, nation-states, borders, decolonisation, ethnic groups, religious groups, intractable conflicts, independence, boundary disputes, Asia, Africa, former Soviet Union, Kashmir, Falkland Islands, UK, Argentina, history, law, geography, partition, colonial legacy, self-governance, international law, sovereignty, self-determination principle, conflict resolution, colonial borders, post-colonial states, global conflict, territorial sovereignty Self-determination, disputes, nation-states, borders, ethnicity, ethnicity conflicts, religious differences, decolonization, postcolonial boundaries, Cold War, post-colonial challenges, Asia, Africa, Soviet Union, partition, independence, boundaries, kinship, artificial borders, international law, sovereignty, disputed territories, Kashmir, Falkland Islands, UK, Argentina, history, geography, legal views, self-determination principle, sovereignty disputes, territorial claims, ethnic groups, religious groups, peace resolution, UN, international community, conflict resolution Self-determination, disputes, nation-states, borders, ethnicity, religion, decolonization, partition, Kashmir, Falkland Islands, sovereignty, international law, geography, colonial legacy, postcolonial boundaries, conflict resolution, self-governance, independence, territorial disputes, colonial borders, ethnicity-based conflicts, UK, Argentina, India, Pakistan, United Nations self-determination, disputes, nation-states, independence, borders, ethnic groups, religious groups, decolonisation, postcolonial boundaries, intractable conflicts, Asia, Africa, Soviet Union, territorial disputes, Kashmir, Falkland Islands, UK, Argentina, sovereignty, self-rule, international law, colonial legacy, boundary drawing, conflict resolution, minority rights, self-governance, autonomy, geopolitical issues, self-determination principle, sovereignty disputes"
test-international-epdlhfcefp-pro01a	The EU has already been unifying on multiple fronts, this is just a step in the same direction.  The EU has slowly been building up its own common military framework, with the UK and France leading the effort to pool European military capacity. In addition, the EU itself has created new institutional bodies such as the Political and Security Committee, a Military Committee and military staff. The EU has had military envoys in Macedonia and Bosnia-Herzegovina and has committed itself to the creation of a Common Security and Defense Policy with 3-4,000 troops on permanent standby in multilateral ‘battlegroups’ ready for immediate deployment(see Rockwell Schnabel’s article listed below)1. While incremental, these are steps not to be ignored. The Union has also placed that military capacity within the broader context of a security strategy designed to promote international peace, justice and development.  1. Schnabel, Rockwell A., 'U.S. Views on the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy', The Brown Journal of World Affairs, Vol. IX. Issue2., (Winter/Spring 2003) accessed 1/8/11 European Union, EU integration, common military framework, EU military capacity, Political and Security Committee, Military Committee, military staff, military envoys, Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Common Security and Defense Policy, multilateral battlegroups, international peace, security strategy, military capacity, defense cooperation, EU foreign policy, security alliances, peacekeeping, NATO, EU security institutions European Union, EU integration, common military framework, EU security policy, Political and Security Committee, Military Committee, military staff, EU military envoys, Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Common Security and Defense Policy, troop standby, multilateral battlegroups, international peace, justice, development, security strategy, military capacity, UK, France, European military capacity, peacekeeping, multilateral cooperation, defense integration European Union, EU defense, EU military unification, common security, security policy, multilateral battlegroups, military capacity, Political and Security Committee, Military Committee, military staff, EU envoys, Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Common Security and Defense Policy, international peace, justice, development, UK, France, European military framework European Union, EU integration, common military framework, military capacity, UK, France, Political and Security Committee, Military Committee, military staff, military envoys, Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Common Security and Defense Policy, battlegroups, international peace, security strategy, multilateral deployment, foreign policy European Union, EU integration, military framework, common security, defense policy, EU military capacity, Political and Security Committee, Military Committee, military staff, EU envoys, Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, battlegroups, international peace, security strategy, multilateral military, troop standby, Rockwell Schnabel
test-law-hrpepthwuto-pro01a	In the event of an imminent attack it is only reasonable to use force to find information  If authorities have good reason to believe that there is a realistic threat of a nuclear explosion in downtown Manhattan or Tel Aviv then it is vital that as much information as possible can be gathered as quickly as possible.  If that requires pain to be inflicted on an individual to save the lives of millions then it is simply practical to do so. The harm represented by the pain caused to a single individual is outweighed by the possibility that information gathered from a forceful interrogation might save thousands of lives imminent attack, force, information gathering, authorities, threat assessment, nuclear explosion, Manhattan, Tel Aviv, rapid response, pain infliction, individual rights, mass casualty prevention, interrogation, ethical considerations, emergency response, threat mitigation imminent attack, force, information gathering, authorities, threat assessment, nuclear explosion, Manhattan, Tel Aviv, rapid intelligence, pain compliance, ethical considerations, life-saving measures, interrogation tactics, threat mitigation, individual rights, counterterrorism, security measures, emergency response urgency, force, information gathering, imminent attack, threat assessment, counterterrorism, interrogation, human rights, ethical considerations, nuclear threat, emergency response, intelligence, decision-making, public safety, moral dilemma imminent attack, use of force, information gathering, authorities, credible threat, nuclear explosion, downtown Manhattan, Tel Aviv, rapid information collection, pain infliction, individual rights, life-saving measures, ethical considerations, interrogation techniques, risk assessment, terrorism, counterterrorism, security protocols imminent attack, use of force, information gathering, threat assessment, nuclear explosion, Manhattan, Tel Aviv, timeline, interrogation, pain, ethical considerations, counterterrorism, emergency response, human rights, threat mitigation, information extraction, moral dilemma, security measures, life-saving tactics
test-science-eassgbatj-pro05a	It would send out a consistent message  Most countries have animal welfare laws to prevent animal cruelty but have laws like the UK’s Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, [10] that stop animal testing being a crime. This makes means some people can do things to animals, but not others. If the government are serious about animal abuse, why allow anyone to do it? animal welfare, animal cruelty legislation, scientific procedures act, animal testing laws, UK laws, animal rights, animal abuse prevention, ethical treatment, legislative inconsistency, government policy, animal protection laws animal welfare, animal cruelty, animal testing, scientific procedures, legal inconsistencies, animal protection laws, UK Animals Act 1986, ethical testing, government policy, animal rights, legislation, animal abuse prevention animal welfare, animal cruelty, animal testing, UK legislation, Animals Scientific Procedures Act 1986, government policy, animal rights, animal abuse laws, ethical testing, scientific procedures, legal exceptions, animal protection, cruelty prevention animal welfare, animal cruelty laws, animal testing, UK Animals Act 1986, scientific procedures, animal protection, legal exceptions, government policy, animal abuse prevention, ethical considerations animal welfare, animal cruelty, laws, legislation, UK, Animals Scientific Procedures Act 1986, animal testing, animal rights, government, animal abuse, ethical practices, legal exemptions, cruelty prevention
test-international-aghbfcpspr-con04a	The very payment of reparations exerts a neo-colonial power over former colonies.  The recognition that many former colonies are in desperate economic need only adds to the sense that former colonial powers desire to hold sway over them. Giving reparations induces dependency and can weaken the appearance of government in the former colonies, and may allow the donor government to exert influence over policy areas within the recipient country [1] . Far from giving the recipient country the means to develop itself as an independent nation, this motion simply recalls the old power structure which existed during colonisation.  [1] Accessed from  on 12/09/11 reparations, neo-colonialism, former colonies, economic dependency, colonial power, colonial legacy, international aid, sovereignty, dependency theory, post-colonialism, development, power dynamics reparations, neo-colonialism, former colonies, economic dependency, colonial power, influence, sovereignty, post-colonial, international relations, governmental stability, development, power dynamics, colonial legacy reparations, neo-colonial, economic dependency, former colonies, colonial power, dependency, influence, sovereignty, development, colonialism, post-colonial, power dynamics, reparations impact, colonial history reparations, neo-colonialism, former colonies, economic dependency, colonial power, influence, sovereignty, post-colonialism, economic need, government stability, external influence, colonial legacy reparations, neo-colonialism, former colonies, economic dependency, colonial power, sovereignty, development, influence, colonial legacy, diplomatic relations, post-colonial theory
test-law-thgglcplgphw-pro03a	Legal coca cultivation would enhance economic growth in developing states  Millions of people in South America chew coca leaves, so this practice cannot simply be wished away. [1] Moreover, it currently acts as a vital income source in many impoverished areas of the Andes. Pasquale Quispe, 53, owner of a 7.4-acre Bolivian coca farm, explained to the New York Times in 2006: “Coca is our daily bread, what gives us work, what gives us our livelihood.” [2] Previous attempts to eradicate coca cultivation in Bolivia harmed the poorest farmers there and led to significant social unrest. [3] When it is allowed, however, coca cultivation can actually have economic benefits. Peasant cultivators in the Andes have indicated their belief that coca chewing helps increase production in agriculture, fisheries and mining. [4] The legalization of coca cultivation globally would allow for the expansion of these economic benefits. The coca leaf may have uses as a stimulant and flavouring agent in drinks (in which it is currently used to a limited extent in the West), but also in the expansion of the many domestic products currently in use in the Andes, including syrups, teas, shampoo and toothpaste. It may also have a use as a general anaesthetic. [5] Only the legalization of its cultivation globally will allow these product and economic potentials to be fully realized and allow humanity to reap the full rewards of the coca plant, rather than simply being limited by the fear and stigma surrounding its illegal use in cocaine.  [1] Morales, Evo. “Let Me Chew My Coca Leaves”. New York Times. March 13, 2009.   [2] Forero, Juan. “Bolivia's Knot: No to Cocaine, but Yes to Coca”. New York Times. February 12, 2006.   [3] Forero, Juan. “Bolivia's Knot: No to Cocaine, but Yes to Coca”. New York Times. February 12, 2006.   [4] Transnational Institute Debate Papers. “Coca yes, cocaine, no?”. Transnational Institute. No. 2006/2. No. 13. May 2006.   [5] Transnational Institute Debate Papers. “Coca yes, cocaine, no?”. Transnational Institute. No. 2006/2. No. 13. May 2006. coca cultivation, economic growth, developing countries, South America, coca leaves, income source, Andes, poverty, social unrest, legalization, agricultural productivity, fisheries, mining, stimulant, flavoring, domestic products, syrups, teas, shampoo, toothpaste, anaesthetic, global legalization, economic benefits, coca plant, stigma, illegal use, cocaine, coca industry coca cultivation, economic growth, developing countries, South America, coca leaves, poverty alleviation, social unrest, legalization, coca uses, stimulant, flavoring, agricultural productivity, fisheries, mining, domestic products, syrups, teas, shampoo, toothpaste, anaesthetic, illegal cocaine, stigma, economic benefits coca cultivation, economic growth, developing countries, South America, coca leaves, peasant farmers, Bolivia, social unrest, legalization, economic benefits, agriculture, fisheries, mining, stimulant, flavoring, domestic products, syrups, teas, shampoo, toothpaste, anaesthetic, illegal use, cocaine, global legalization, traditional use, indigenous rights Coca cultivation, economic growth, developing countries, South America, coca leaves, traditional use, livelihood, eradication, social unrest, legalization, economic benefits, agricultural productivity, fisheries, mining, domestic products, coca-based beverages, health uses, stimulant, flavouring, anaesthetic, international policy, drug prohibition, stigma, coca plant potential, coca economy coca cultivation, economic growth, developing countries, South America, coca leaves, poverty alleviation, Andean economies, coca legalization, peasant farmers, social unrest, agricultural productivity, fisheries, mining, coca products, stimulant, flavoring, beverages, syrups, teas, shampoo, toothpaste, anaesthetic, legalization benefits, coca stigma, cocaine, illegal drugs, economic potential, human health, drug policy
test-politics-oepdlhfcefp-pro03a	The creation of the post of a High Representative marked an important change in the EU.  The creation of a post of High Representative and Vice President of the Commission (HRVP) marks an important change in the decision making process at the EU level with regards to foreign policy. Agreement on the post showed a clear commitment to the pursuit of a common EU foreign policy and to developing a unique cooperative model for foreign and defense policy decision making that goes beyond the nation state. Member states should now deliver on that commitment by seeking as much common ground as possible to ensure that the High Representative’s role is truly significant. The goal of a common foreign and security policy should thus be supported not only as a mechanism to streamline EU’s position and role in world politics, but also to reinforce notions of cooperation and consultation essential for maintaining a stable international system, in line with the stated goals of the EU. (The 12 stars in a circle is meant to symbolize the ideals of unity, solidarity and harmony among the peoples of Europe)1.  1 Europa.eu, 'Symbols',accessed 1/8/11 High Representative, Vice President, EU foreign policy, decision making, EU integration, common foreign policy, cooperation, EU member states, EU security policy, international relations, European Union symbols, unity, solidarity, EU governance, foreign policy decision-making, EU defense policy, EU stability, cooperation mechanisms High Representative, Vice President of the Commission, HRVP, European Union, EU foreign policy, decision making, cooperation, foreign policy, defense policy, common foreign policy, EU integration, international relations, EU diplomacy, EU security, member states, European cooperation, EU symbols, unity, solidarity, European ideals High Representative, Vice President, EU foreign policy, decision-making, EU integration, EU foreign policy, European Union, international relations, EU cooperation, defense policy, common foreign policy, EU role, international system, Europe, EU symbolism, EU unity, EU solidarity, EU stability High Representative, Vice President, EU foreign policy, decision making, EU integration, common EU foreign policy, foreign and defense policy, member states, cooperation, international system, EU goals, EU symbols, unity, solidarity, harmony EU, High Representative, Vice President, HRVP, decision making, foreign policy, EU foreign policy, cooperation, defense policy, member states, common ground, international system, stability, EU goals, EU symbols, unity, solidarity, harmony
test-international-ipecfiepg-con04a	Leaving the Eurozone would be detrimental for Greece in the long-run.  Even if the proposition are correct in claiming defaulting and leaving the Eurozone would stimulate growth in the Greek economy, such benefits are transitory whereas the benefits of remaining in the Eurozone are permanent. [1] Having the Euro provides stability for the Greek economy – investors know that the currency will not collapse, making their invested capital worthless. The gravity of the outcomes of a Greek default cannot be known for sure, however some economists have even suggested that hyperinflation could occur – leading to disastrous consequences for Greece. [2] Moreover, in the long term, a single currency makes investment and transactions with other Eurozone members much more efficient and profitable. This is particularly important given that the vast majority of Greek trade is carried out with other European members. In light of these benefits, a short term cost that comes with the austerity measures enforced under the status quo, would be worthwhile in the long term.  [1] Barrell, Ray: “Eurozone crisis: what if… Greece leaves the single currency”, 14 May 2012, The Guardian,   [2] Ruparel, Raoul and Persson, Mats: “Better off Out? The short-term options for Greece inside and outside of the euro”, June 2012, Open Europe, 2012 Eurozone, Greece, economic stability, default, leaving Euro, currency collapse, hyperinflation, investment, trade, austerity, benefits, long-term, short-term, currency, euro, traders, Greek economy, Euro membership, economic growth, risk, potential outcomes, financial crisis Eurozone, Greece, default, leaving Euro, economic growth, transitory benefits, permanent benefits, Euro stability, investors, currency collapse, hyperinflation, disastrous consequences, long-term, single currency, investments, transactions, European trade, austerity measures, status quo, economic stability, eurozone crisis, currency union Eurozone, Greece, leaving, default, economic growth, benefits, short-term, long-term, stability, investment, currency, hyperinflation, trade, efficiency, austerity, currency union, euro, financial crisis, economic stability, monetary policy, currency collapse, economic consequences Eurozone, Greece, leave, long-term, default, economic growth, stability, investors, currency, hyperinflation, disaster, investment, transactions, trade, European Union, austerity, benefits, costs, monetary union, Euro, economic stability, currency collapse, euro crisis, exit options, economic risks, economic benefits Eurozone, Greece, default, exit, long-term impact, economic growth, transitory benefits, permanent benefits, stability, investor confidence, currency collapse, hyperinflation, macroeconomic risks, investment, transaction efficiency, European trade, austerity measures, single currency, Euro, trade relations, economic integration
test-society-epsihbdns-pro03a	Restrictions would benefit rural areas  Unlimited rural-urban migration erodes the economy of the cities, as shown in the previous argument, and limits their economic growth and available resources. On a national level, this causes decision makers to prioritise the cities, as the country relies more on urban than rural areas, thus preventing them from investing in the country-side. [1] China is a good example of this where urban privilege has become entrenched with ‘special economic zones’ being created in urban areas (though sometimes built from scratch in rural areas) with money being poured into infrastructure for the urban areas which as a result have rapidly modernised leaving rural areas behind. This leads to a whole culture of divisions where urbanites consider those from rural areas to be backward and less civilized. [2]  Moreover, there will be little other reason to invest in rural areas, as the workforce in those areas has left for the cities. By preserving resources in the cities and keeping the workforce in the rural areas, it becomes possible to invest in rural communities and change their lives for the better as these areas maintain the balanced workforce necessary to attract investors.  [1] Maxwell, Daniel., “The Political Economy of Urban Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa.” 11, London : Elsevier Science Ltd., 1999, World Development, Vol. 27, p. 1939±1953. S0305-750X(99)00101-1.  [2] Whyte, Martin King, “Social Change and the Urban-Rural Divide in China”, China in the 21st Century, June 2007,  p.54 rural areas, urban migration, economic growth, resource allocation, urban privilege, special economic zones, infrastructure development, rural-urban divide, investment, workforce migration, rural development, urbanization, China, economic disparity, urban-rural inequality, rural investment. urban-rural divide, rural development, urban privilege, economic growth, rural resources, migration, urbanization, rural investment, policy restrictions, infrastructure disparities, economic inequality, social division, workforce migration, rural-urban migration, resource allocation, urban modernization, rural poverty, China, special economic zones, rural infrastructure, urban bias urban-rural divide, rural development, urban privilege, economic growth, migration, resource allocation, infrastructure investment, urbanization, rural economy, rural-urban migration, policy restrictions, rural communities, urban workforce, rural investment, division, urban modernization, economic disparity, China, special economic zones, rural poverty, urban bias, regional development, social inequality, infrastructure disparities rural areas, urban migration, economic growth, resource allocation, rural-urban divide, urban privilege, special economic zones, infrastructure development, rural modernization, urbanization impact, rural workforce, investment in rural communities, urban-rural disparity, social divisions, China economic policy, rural development, urbanization effects, rural investment, urban-centric growth, rural infrastructure rural areas, urban migration, economic growth, resource allocation, rural-urban divide, urban privilege, infrastructure investment, economic zones, rural development, workforce migration, urbanization, rural investment, regional disparities, socio-economic inequality, China, urban-rural gap, urbanization effects, rural economy, development policies, investment priorities, societal divisions
test-society-epiasghbf-pro03a	Labour participation and rights  Labour participation enables an awareness, and acquirement, of equal gender rights. Firstly, labour participation is challenging cultural ideologies and norms of which see the woman’s responsibility as limited to the reproductive sphere. Entering the productive sphere brings women equal work rights and the right to enter public space. By such a change gender norms of the male breadwinner are challenged. Secondly, labour force participation by women has resulted in the emergence of community lawyers and organisations to represent them. The Declaration of the African Regional Domestic Workers Network is a case in point. [1] With the rising number of female domestic workers, the network is working to change conditions - upholding Conferences, sharing information, and taking action.  [1] See labour participation, gender rights, cultural norms, women's rights, productive sphere, public space, gender norms, male breadwinner, women's employment, community lawyers, organizations, domestic workers, African Regional Domestic Workers Network, women's rights advocacy, labour rights, gender equality, employment conditions labour participation, gender rights, women's rights, cultural norms, gender equality, productive sphere, reproductive responsibilities, public space, male breadwinner, women's empowerment, community lawyers, domestic workers, African Regional Domestic Workers Network, workers' conditions, labour force, women's organizations, gender norms, legal advocacy labour participation, gender rights, cultural norms, women's rights, productive sphere, public space, gender norms, male breadwinner, women's empowerment, domestic workers, community organizations, African Regional Domestic Workers Network, workers' rights, gender equality, labour force, women's participation labour participation, gender rights, cultural norms, women's rights, productive sphere, public space, gender norms, male breadwinner, women's labor force, community organizations, domestic workers, African Regional Domestic Workers Network, labour rights, women's empowerment, gender equality, labour law, advocacy, social change labour participation, gender rights, cultural norms, gender equality, reproductive responsibilities, productive sphere, women's rights, public space, gender norms, male breadwinner, women in workforce, community lawyers, women's organizations, domestic workers, African Regional Domestic Workers Network, worker conditions, labour rights advocacy
test-philosophy-apessghwba-con04a	"Animal research is only used where other research methods are not suitable  Developed countries, including the US and all members of the EU (since EU Directive 2010/63/EU) have created laws and professional regulations that prevent scientists from using animals for research if other, non-animal research methods would produce equally clear and detailed results.  The principle described above is also enshrined in the ""3Rs"" doctrine, which states that researchers and their employers have a duty to identify ways to refine experiments conducted on animals, so that yield better results and cause less suffering; replace animals used in research the non-animal alternatives where possible; and reduce the number of animals used in research. Not only does the 3Rs doctrine represent a practical way to reconcile the necessity of animal research with the universal human desire not to cause suffering, it also drives scientists to increase the overall quality of the research that they conduct. Governments and academic institutions take the 3Rs doctrine very seriously. In EU countries scientists are required to show that they have considered other methods of research before being granted a license for an animal experiment.  There are a huge number of ways of learning about our physiology and the pathologies which affect it, including to computer models, cell cultures, animal models, human microdosing and population studies. These methods are used to complement one another, for example animal models may well produce data that creates a computer model. Nonetheless, there is some research which cannot be done any other way. It is difficult to understand the interaction of specific sets of genes without being able to change only these genes – something possible through genetically modified animals.  Finally, as noted above, given the high cost of conducting animal research relative to other methods, there is a financial incentive for institutions to adopt non-animal methods where they produce as useful and accurate results. animal research, alternatives, non-animal methods, 3Rs, refinement, replacement, reduction, EU Directive 2010/63, legislation, regulations, animal welfare, scientific ethics, computer models, cell cultures, animal models, human microdosing, population studies, genetically modified animals, research efficiency, cost-effectiveness, scientific accuracy, research methods, physiology, pathologies, gene interaction animal research, alternatives, 3Rs, refinement, replacement, reduction, non-animal methods, EU Directive 2010/63/EU, animal welfare, ethics, legislation, scientific regulations, computer models, cell cultures, animal models, human microdosing, population studies, genetically modified animals, research quality, cost-efficiency, regulatory compliance animal research, alternatives, non-animal methods, 3Rs, refinement, replacement, reduction, EU Directive 2010/63, animal welfare, scientific regulations, research ethics, animal testing laws, computer models, cell cultures, animal models, human microdosing, population studies, genetically modified animals, gene editing, research costs, scientific accuracy, ethical considerations, research methodologies animal research, non-animal research methods, EU Directive 2010/63/EU, 3Rs doctrine, refine, replace, reduce, animal suffering, alternative methods, research ethics, legal regulations, animal welfare, scientific validity, computer models, cell cultures, animal models, human microdosing, population studies, genetics, genetically modified animals, research costs, ethical considerations, scientific innovation animal research, non-animal methods, 3Rs, animal suffering, EU Directive 2010/63, animal welfare, research regulations, alternative methods, computer models, cell cultures, animal models, human microdosing, population studies, genetically modified animals, research ethics, scientific regulations, comparative effectiveness, cost efficiency, animal testing, replacement, refinement, reduction"
test-education-ufsdfkhbwu-pro03a	Maintaining the value of the degree  Employers and others expect certain degrees to mean certain things; they are more than just an expensive badge. In the case of elite western universities part of what that means is a critical approach to the world and the willingness to challenge ideas, regardless of the authority that holds them. Part of their exclusivity derives from their admission standards, partly from the academic rigour of their scholars and partly from the simple fact that there are only a relatively small number of graduates.  In other areas universities are all too aware of selling their reputation – impartiality, avoiding plagiarism and so forth – the same should be true here. If a degree from a western university does not mean that it recognises issues such as creativity and free thinking then it devalues the degree itself.  As a result the very governments that are so keen to acquire the creative, critical skills offered by graduates of western-style education will end up undermining the very thing that they seek. This impacts not only the graduates from Asian campuses of western universities but also their peers at the home institution [i] .  [i] US-China Today. Jasmine Ako. Unraveling Plagiarism in China. 28 March 2011. degree, value, reputation, elitism, western universities, critical thinking, creative skills, academic rigour, admission standards, exclusivity, scholarship, integrity, impartiality, plagiarism, recognition, education quality, international students, Asian campuses, US-China relations, higher education, credentialing, intellectual standards degree, value, reputation, elite universities, academic rigour, admissions standards, critical thinking, creativity, free thought, plagiarism, reputation management, educational quality, graduate skills, international education, Western universities, Asian campuses, government policies degree, value, reputation, elite universities, critical thinking, challenging ideas, admissions standards, academic rigour, exclusivity, graduation, western universities, creativity, free thinking, accreditation, plagiarism, reputation management, critical skills, global education, Asian campuses, US-China, Jasmine Ako degree, value, reputation, accreditation, critical thinking, creativity, academic rigour, elitism, university standards, academic integrity, intellectual skills, western universities, global education, educational quality, admissions, exclusivity, academic standards, plagiarism, impartiality, graduate skills, international students, US-China education degree, value, employers, expectations, academic rigour, reputation, elite universities, western universities, critical thinking, creativity, free thinking, admission standards, graduates, exclusivity, plagiarism, reputation management, international education, Asian campuses, government policies, educational quality
test-law-lghbacpsba-pro05a	Attorney client privilege need not be sacrosanct in all situations  Most obviously it seems unnecessary for there to be attorney client privilege when the defendant’s interests cannot be adversely affected. For example when the confidential information just does not incriminate the client himself but it might clear somebody else, or when the client is dead. Few people will be discouraged from being candid with their lawyers if there is merely the possibility that the communications may be disclosed after their death.  In addition there are situations where the client’s interest may indeed be hurt but where this should be outweighed by some other very important public interest. In other words perhaps there should be ‘necessity’ or ‘public interest’ or ‘in the interests of justice’ balancing exceptions to the privilege. This would be the case when public safety is at risk, for example if the client holds some very vital information but is not willing to disclose it to anyone other than his lawyer. In such cases the courts should weigh up and balance the client’s interests against society’s and make the decision accordingly rather than rigidly sticking to attorney-client privilege. attorney-client privilege, confidentiality, legal exceptions, public interest, necessity, balancing, disclosure, public safety, legal ethics, confidentiality waiver, court considerations, judicial balancing, privileged communication, client interests, societal interests, legal confidentiality attorney-client privilege, confidentiality, exceptions, public interest, necessity, balancing, public safety, legal ethics, disclosure, confidentiality exceptions, justice, societal interests, communication confidentiality, legal privilege, privilege limitations, criminal law, legal confidentiality attorney-client privilege, confidentiality, legal ethics, public interest, disclosure, exceptions, justice, balancing, public safety, confidentiality breach, legal confidentiality, client interests, societal interests, privilege limitations, legal boundaries attorney client privilege, confidentiality, legal ethics, public interest, necessity, exceptions, confidentiality, disclosure, legal privilege, client interests, public safety, balancing test, justice, sensitive information, confidentiality breach, legal disclosure, societal interests, legal rights attorney-client privilege, confidentiality, legal ethics, exceptions, public interest, necessity, justice, confidentiality waiver, public safety, legal ethics, balancing test, disclosure, legal responsibilities, client interests, society safety
test-law-cpilhbishioe-con01a	An ICC enforcement arm is unnecessary  To create an enforcement arm for the ICC would be to accept that state parties are incapable of enforcing decisions themselves, that is not necessarily the case. State parties have supplied the ICC with many of the defendants that it desires to face trial, including Bemba and the Gbagbos. Some, such as Uhuru Kenyatta have appeared voluntarily. The current system is working in many cases. While it does not in all, there are some that will be extremely difficult to capture by anyone. ICC, enforcement, judicial system, international justice, state sovereignty, enforcement challenges, voluntary appearances, defendant capture, trial justice, effectiveness, international law, enforcement arm, enforcement mechanism, enforcement difficulties, ICC cases, state compliance ICC, enforcement, international justice, sovereignty, state parties, enforcement mechanisms, international law, trial defendants, voluntary appearance, effectiveness, capture, enforcement arm, ICC decisions, enforcement challenges ICC, enforcement, state parties, enforcement arm, international justice, enforcement effectiveness, ICC defendants, voluntary appearance, enforcement challenges, international law, ICC system, enforcement necessity, global justice, arresting offenders ICC, enforcement, state parties, enforcement arm, international justice, legal enforcement, ICC decisions, state capacity, voluntary appearance, Bemba, Gbagbo, Uhuru Kenyatta, arrest, international law, trial, justice system, enforcement challenges ICC, enforcement, enforcement arm, state parties, judicial decisions, international justice, compliance, enforcement challenges, voluntary appearance, defendant cooperation, Bemba, Gbagbo, Uhuru Kenyatta, enforcement system, effectiveness, international tribunals
test-environment-aeghhgwpe-con01a	Humans can choose their own nutrition plan  Humans are omnivores – we are meant to eat both meat and plants. Like our early ancestors we have sharp canine teeth for tearing animal flesh and digestive systems adapted to eating meat and fish as well as vegetables. Our stomachs are also adapted to eating both meat and vegetable matter. All of this means that eating meat is part of being human. Only in a few western countries are people self-indulgent enough to deny their nature and get upset about a normal human diet. We were made to eat both meat and vegetables - cutting out half of this diet will inevitably mean we lose that natural balance. Eating meat is entirely natural. Like many other species, human beings were once hunters. In the wild animals kill and are killed, often very brutally and with no idea of “rights”. As mankind has progressed over thousands of years we have largely stopped hunting wild animals. Instead we have found kinder and less wasteful ways of getting the meat in our diets through domestication. Farm animals today are descended from the animals we once hunted in the wild. humans, nutrition, omnivores, meat, plants, ancestors, teeth, digestive system, diet, eating habits, natural, balance, hunting, domestication, farm animals, wild animals, food choices humans, nutrition, omnivores, diet, meat, plants, ancestors, teeth, digestive system, eating habits, human diet, natural balance, hunting, wild animals, domestication, farm animals, evolution humans, nutrition, omnivores, meat, plants, ancestors, teeth, digestive system, diet, omnivorous, meat consumption, human evolution, hunting, domestication, farm animals, natural diet, dietary balance, meat eating, wild animals, dietary choices, cultural habits humans, nutrition, omnivores, diet, meat, plants, evolutionary adaptation, canine teeth, digestive system, stomachs, carnivorous, herbivorous, omnivorous, hunting, domestication, wild animals, farm animals, evolutionary biology, dietary balance, human evolution humans, nutrition, omnivores, diet, meat, plants, ancestors, teeth, digestion, stomach, omnivorous, eating habits, human evolution, hunters, wild animals, domestication, farm animals, human diet, natural balance, meat consumption
test-politics-oepghbrnsl-con02a	"Russia does not have true democracy  The status quo in Russia is highly controversial. On the one hand it is considered a democracy – it has all the structures and norms of a democracy. On the other hand there are many attacks and proof that the Russian governance is far from democratic: The joint observer team for the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe criticised the Russian elections as ""not fair and failed to meet many OSCE and Council of Europe commitments and standards for democratic elections,"" with ""abuse of administrative resources, media coverage strongly in favour of the ruling party"". The polls ""took place in an atmosphere which seriously limited political competition"" meaning ""there was not a level political playing field"". The 2007 parliamentary election resulted in United Russia gaining 64.1% of the vote. (3)  Furthermore not only there isn’t election freedom, there is not academic freedom either – “The European University at St Petersburg has been forced to suspend teaching after officials claimed its historic buildings were a fire risk. This forced all academic work to cease. The University had been running a program that advised Russian political parties, including how to ensure elections are not being rigged. The project they are involved in called Interregional Electoral Chains of Support was to develop and raise the effectiveness of electoral monitoring in Russia's regions. The university has also been attacked for having close ties to the west, particularly US and UK universities” (4)  There are cases of murdered journalists, who were “inconvenient” to the authorities. This also raises the question whether a strong leadership is better for the people.  Basic freedoms are denied to the Russian population. In the 21st century this is simply unjust. Therefore strong leadership creates more wrong than it does good. Russia, democracy, governance, elections, electoral process, electoral fairness, election standards, OSCE, Council of Europe, election abuse, administrative resources, media bias, political competition, United Russia, election results, academic freedom, European University Saint Petersburg, electoral monitoring, political parties, electoral rigging, academic suppression, university crackdown, journalists, political repression, press freedom, human rights, civil liberties, authoritarianism, leadership, governance critique Russia, democracy, electoral integrity, OSCE, Council of Europe, election standards, political competition, media bias, administrative abuse, United Russia, election rigging, academic freedom, European University, electoral monitoring, political suppression, journalist murders, media control, human rights, civil liberties, authoritarianism, rule of law Russia, democracy, governance, elections, OSCE, Council of Europe, electoral standards, political competition, United Russia, election fraud, academic freedom, European University, electoral monitoring, media bias, political repression, journalist murders, human rights, civil liberties, authoritarianism, ruling party, political opposition Russia, democracy, governance, elections, OSCE, Council of Europe, electoral standards, political competition, United Russia, election fairness, media bias, administrative abuse, academic freedom, European University, electoral monitoring, political repression, journalist murders, civil liberties, leadership, authoritarianism, human rights Russia, democracy, governance, elections, electoral process, OSCE, Council of Europe, political competition, election fairness, election rigging, administrative resources, media bias, United Russia, political freedom, academic freedom, European University, electoral monitoring, political parties, journalist safety, press freedom, human rights, authoritarianism, leadership, civil liberties"
test-education-udfakusma-pro02a	Most universities are publically funded so should have to be open with their materials.  The United States University system is famously expensive and as a result it is probably the system in a developed country that has least public funding yet $346.8billion was spent, mostly by the states, on higher education in 2008-9. [1] In Europe almost 85% of universities funding came from government sources. [2] Considering the huge amounts of money spent on universities by taxpayers they should be able to demand access to the academic work those institutions produce.  Even in countries where there are tuition fees that make up some of the funding for the university it is right that the public should have access to these materials as the tuition fees are being paid for the personal teaching time provided by the lecturers not for the academics’ publications. Moreover those who have paid for a university course would benefit by the materials still being available to access after they have finished university  [1] Caplan, Bruan, “Correction: Total Government Spending on Higher Education”, Library of Economics and Liberty, 16 November 2012,   [2] Vught, F., et al., “Funding Higher Education: A View Across Europe”, Ben Jongbloed Center for Higher Education Policy Studies University of Twente, 2010. public funding, university transparency, higher education costs, open access, academic materials, government funding, taxpayer rights, European universities, US university system, tuition fees, public access, academic publications, higher education expenditure public funding, university materials, open access, higher education costs, US education system, government funding, European universities, taxpayer funding, academic work, tuition fees, educational resources, university publications, public access, funding comparison, higher education policy public funding, university materials, open access, higher education expenditure, US university system, European university funding, government sources, taxpayer costs, academic work access, tuition fees, public right, academic publications, lifelong access, higher education policy, open science, academic transparency publicly funded, university materials, open access, higher education funding, United States, European universities, government funding, taxpayer access, academic publications, tuition fees, university costs, public ownership, academic work, educational expenditure, university system, funding sources universities, public funding, open access, academic materials, higher education, university costs, government funding, taxpayer funding, tuition fees, academic publications, university access, educational funding, European universities, US university system, public accountability
test-politics-glgvhbqssc-pro01a	"Quebec needs to be independent to retain its distinct language and culture.  The only way to ensure that Quebecers get to retain their distinct culture is to gain independence as a country and remove themselves from the Canadian federation.  A very big issue for certain Quebecers is the threat that an overwhelmingly English-speaking country has on their pocket of distinct French-Quebecois culture [1] . The unrestricted immigration of English-speaking Canadians to Quebec has diluted the culture of the Quebecois and has set off the process of cultural-loss and the highly feared loss of their language [2] . Moreover, whenever Quebec has tried to put in place provisions to protect their culture and language, such as with Bill 101 [3] , Quebec is called racist and Canadian Federal Courts try to strike down their laws to stop their “discrimination” against English-speaking Canadians in their province [4] .  The only way that Quebec can protect its language and culture is to be able to stop the unrestricted flow of English-speaking immigration into its territory and gain complete control over its own law and cultural policy. The only way to do this is to gain independence from Canada.  [1] ""Only Quebec independence can protect French language: PQ strategist."" CBS News Canada 26 Nov 2007, n. pag. Web. 1 Dec. 2011. <  .  [2] ""Only Quebec independence can protect French language: PQ strategist."" CBS News Canada 26 Nov 2007, n. pag. Web. 1 Dec. 2011. <  .  [3] ""Bill 101."" The Canadian Encyclopedia. Web. 1 Dec 2011. <  .  [4] ""Bill 101."" The Canadian Encyclopedia. Web. 1 Dec 2011. <  . Quebec independence, language preservation, cultural identity, Quebecois culture, Canadian federation, French language, immigration, cultural loss, Bill 101, linguistic policies, cultural protection laws, bilingualism, linguistic discrimination, Quebec nationalism, sovereignty movement, language laws, cultural autonomy, federal courts, immigration policy, linguistic minority Quebec, independence, language, culture, Canadian federation, Quebecers, French-Quebecois, immigration, English-speaking Canadians, cultural loss, Bill 101, discrimination, federal courts, cultural protection, language preservation, autonomy, sovereignty, cultural policy, linguistic rights, Quebec nationalism Quebec, independence, language, culture, Quebecers, Canadian federation, French-Quebecois, Quebecois culture, English-speaking Canadians, cultural dilution, language preservation, Bill 101, discrimination, Canadian Federal Courts, immigration, cultural policy, legal sovereignty, secession, linguistic protection, cultural identity, sovereignty movement Quebec independence, language preservation, cultural identity, Quebecois culture, Canadian federation, French language, Bill 101, cultural protection, linguistic rights, immigration policy, English-speaking Canadians, cultural loss, separatism, Quebec sovereignty, language laws, minority rights, Canadian courts, cultural policy, geographic sovereignty Quebec independence, Quebec culture, Quebec language, Canadian federation, French Québécois, Canadian immigration, cultural loss, language preservation, Bill 101, language laws, discrimination, English-speaking Canadians, cultural policy, Quebec sovereignty, language protection, immigration impact, cultural identity, federal courts, Quebec nationalism"
test-law-lghbacpsba-pro01a	It makes it more likely that attorneys will lie for their clients  If communications between an attorney and their client are confidential, then it allows for lies to be put forward to the court in order to defend someone who is guilty. In the case of a criminal matter, it could mean that even though a defendant has stated they are guilty to their attorney, they will not be found to be guilty. Every attorney wants to win their case, and if they are likely to conceal the confession of their client if it means their client will be released. As the communication is confidential, such confession will not be informed to the court and the attorney would not be exposed for their lies. The confidential nature of the communications between attorney and client open the possibility for a system of justice based upon lies. This is not just and so the Attorney-Client Privilege should be abolished. attorney,client,confidentiality,lie,justice,privilege,legal,ethics,communication,criminal,confession,defense,liability,law,privilege abolition attorney, client, confidentiality, attorney-client privilege, legal ethics, deception, lying, justice, justice system, legal communication, criminal law, confession, legal privilege, legal ethics, legal secrecy, legal reform, justice integrity, courtroom honesty attorney, client, confidentiality, lying, deception, legal ethics, attorney-client privilege, justice, criminal law, advocacy, legal consequences, privilege abolition attorney, client, confidentiality, attorney-client privilege, lying, deception, criminal law, legal ethics, justice, court, confession, legal communication, concealment, legal system, privilege abolition attorney, client, confidentiality, communication, deception, lies, justice, attorney-client privilege, criminal law, legal ethics, court, guilt, defense, legal system, privilege, concealment
test-culture-ascidfakhba-con03a	The lack of control over, and profit from, art will serve as a serious disincentive to artistic output  Profit is as much a factor in artists’ decision to produce work, if not more so, than the primordial urge to create. Without the guarantee of ownership over one’s artistic work, the incentive to invest in its creation is certainly diminished. Within a strong copyright system, individuals feel free to invest time in their pursuits because they have full knowledge that the final product of their labours will be theirs to enjoy. [1] Without copyright protections the marginal cases, like people afraid to put time into actually building an installation art piece rather than doing more hours at their job, will not opt to create. If their work were to immediately leave their control, they would most certainly be less inclined to do so. Furthermore, the inability of others to simply duplicate existing works as their own means they too will be galvanized to break ground on new ideas, rather than simply re-tread over current ideas and to adapt existing works to markets. Art thrives by being new and original. Copyright protections shield against artistic laziness and drive the creative urges of the artistically inclined to ever more interesting fields.  [1] Greenberg, M. “Reason or Madness: A Defense of Copyright’s Growing Pains”. John Marshall Review of Intellectual Property Law. 2007. art, copyright, ownership, incentive, artistic output, creativity, intellectual property, artistic motivation, innovation, originality, artistic investment, market, protection, artistic laziness, creative urges, artistic field art, copyright, ownership, artistic output, incentives, creative motivation, intellectual property, artistic innovation, artistic labor, artistic economy, copyright system, artistic investment, originality, creative industry, artistic motivation, artistic creation, copyright protection, artistic markets, artistic freedom copyright, art, ownership, artistic output, profit, incentives, investment, creative process, copyright protections, originality, intellectual property, artistic motivation, innovation, market, artistic freedom, creative incentives, artistic motivation copyright, artistic control, profit, creative incentives, ownership rights, intellectual property, artistic motivation, creative output, originality, innovation, artistic investment, copyright system, artistic labor, artistic motivation, copyright protections, artistic industry, artistic development copyright, artistic control, profit motivation, artistic output, ownership rights, investment incentives, intellectual property, originality, creativity, artistic motivation, copyright system, artistic incentives, innovation, market protection, artistic originality, artistic effort, copyright protection, artistic motivation barriers, creative investment, art market, artistic uniqueness
test-culture-mmctghwbsa-pro01a	"Sexist advertising is harmful to society, especially women.  Sexist advertising harms women through objectification and diminishing of self-image. The United Nations Convention to Eliminate Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) links stereotypes about women to prejudice based on gender.1 Through visual and verbal messages women are portrayed as subservient to men. Women are seen increasingly as sex objects and these ads legitimize violence against women.2 Sexist advertising also harms women's self-image by portraying an ideal stylized body.3 The implied message is that consumers should seek to acquire these images even if they are contrary to the reality of body types and features. Eating disorders and obsessive beauty products consumption results in order to attain ideal beauty images presented in the media.4 Sexist ads also harm men through stereotyped images of masculinity.5 1 Object.Org. ""Women not Sex Objects."" 2011/ August 24 2 Newswise.com. ""Study Find Rise in Sexualized Images of Women."" 2011/08/10 3 Kilbourne, Jean. ""Beauty... and the Beast of Advertising "" sexist advertising,women,gender stereotypes,objectification,self-image,media portrayal,violence against women,body image,ideal body,beauty standards,body types,disorder,obesity,beauty products,masculinity stereotypes,gender discrimination,UN CEDAW,visual messages,verbal messages,advertising impact,sexualization,images,media influence, societal harm sexist advertising, society, women, objectification, self-image, UN Convention, CEDAW, stereotypes, gender prejudice, visual messages, verbal messages, subservience, sex objects, violence against women, ideal body, media influence, body image, eating disorders, beauty products, stereotyped masculinity sexist advertising, gender stereotypes, women objectification, self-image, media influence, sexualization, violence against women, body image, ideal body, eating disorders, beauty standards, consumption, masculinity stereotypes, UN CEDAW, gender prejudice, stereotyped images, media portrayal sexist advertising, gender stereotypes, women, harm, society, objectification, self-image, United Nations, CEDAW, prejudice, visual messaging, verbal messaging, subservience, sex objects, violence against women, ideal body image, media influence, eating disorders, beauty products, stereotyped masculinity sexist advertising, gender stereotypes, women, objectification, self-image, violence against women, media portrayal, ideal body image, eating disorders, beauty standards, stereotyped masculinity, gender discrimination, CEDAW, societal harm, objectification consequences"
test-culture-mthbah-con02a	Advertising helps us choose between different goods.  Advertising has a positive role to play in modern society, helping us choose between competing goods. Many adverts are drawing our attention to products with new features, for example more powerful computers, telephones which are also cameras and music players, or foods with added vitamins. Other adverts try to compete on price, helping us seek out the cheapest or best value products. In most cases advertising does not make us go shopping – we would be planning to buy food, clothes, gifts and entertainment anyway. What advertising does is to help us make better decisions about how to spend our money, by giving us more information about the choices available. advertising, consumer decision, product information, marketing, product features, price competition, consumer behavior, shopping decisions, advertising impact, product choices, modern society, consumer awareness, advertising benefits, product comparison, value for money advertising, consumer decision-making, product information, marketing, shopping, advertising types, product features, pricing, consumer behavior, choice, modern society, advertisement influence, product comparison, value products advertising, consumer decision-making, product information, marketing, competition, consumer choice, advertising impact, product features, price comparison, value shopping, decision support, advertising benefits, modern society advertising, consumer behavior, decision making, product information, market competition, product features, pricing, consumer choice, advertising effects, modern society, product comparison, shopping habits, consumer education, product features, value products advertising, consumer choice, modern society, product features, competition, pricing, consumer decisions, product information, shopping habits, consumer behavior, marketing, advertisement impact, product differentiation
test-politics-eppghwgpi-pro05a	Prosecutions of politicians are often motivated by partisan concerns.  As noted above, the political life is steeped in difficult decisions, and some of these are bound to result in choices that are at least potentially illegal. The ability to prosecute politicians incentivizes political opponents to search out past actions by said politicians so as to immobilize them politically. Such prosecutions are therefore not motivated by concern for justice, nor are they conducive to a well-functioning, multipartisan political system wherein representatives seek to work together to achieve their political ends. In the most extreme cases, powerful politicians use prosecutions to immobilize their political opponents. politicians, prosecutions, partisan concerns, political life, illegal decisions, political opponents, prosecution motivations, justice, political system, bipartisanship, political immobilization, judicial system, political power, abuse of prosecutorial discretion politicians, prosecutions, partisan concerns, political life, illegal decisions, political opponents, prosecution motives, political immobilization, justice, multipartisan system, political cooperation, political power politicians, prosecutions, partisan concerns, political life, difficult decisions, illegal actions, prosecution motivation, political opponents, past actions, political immobilization, justice, political system, bipartisanship, political cooperation, power, political rivalry politicians, prosecutions, partisan concerns, political life, illegal decisions, political opponents, prosecution motivations, political immobilization, justice, multipartisan system, political collaboration, political power, elite manipulation politicians, prosecution, partisan concerns, political life, illegal decisions, political opponents, legal actions, justice, political system, bipartisan, immobilization, political rivalry, misuse, influence, power, political strategy
test-religion-grcrgshwbr-con04a	It is their culture and religion.  Religions themselves tend to encompass their own distinctive culture and, to many of their members, this culture and its methods comes before anything secular. For this reason, Muslims should be allowed to wear personal items as it states in the ruling of their religious book to do so. Had a particular garment been required in the Christian religious book - The Bible - then no doubt those stout Christians would follow this particular ruling. The question is, would it be wrong to take away something close and meaningful to these religions? Surely, a religious symbol or method is purely personal, and, therefore, banning such symbols would be an intrusion into their individuality.1  1 Jessica Shepherd, 'Uniform Dissent', The Guardian, 9th October 2007 , accessed on 24th July 2011 religion, culture, religious symbols, clothing, personal items, Islamic dress, Christian attire, religious freedom, religious identity, secular authority, religious rulings, religious practices, individual rights, religious expression, religious symbols ban religion, culture, religious attire, religious symbols, personal items, religious clothing, religious practice, religious freedom, secularism, religious rule, Christianity, Islam, individual rights, religious identity, religious expression, religious symbolism, religious beliefs, religious traditions religion, culture, religious symbols, personal items, attire, religious freedom, secular, religious texts, Islamic clothing, Christian clothing, individual rights, religious attire, religious expression, religious rulings, religious identity religion, culture, religious symbols, personal items, religious clothing, Muslim attire, Christian symbols, religious freedom, secularism, individuality, religious rulings, discrimination, religious rights, faith, religious expression culture, religion, religious symbols, personal items, religious clothing, Islamic attire, Christian clothing, religious freedoms, secular vs religious, religious identity, individuality, religious rulings, wardrobe regulations, faith-based attire, religious expression
test-society-epsihbdns-pro04a	Poor, uneducated people are lured into cities  The cause of rural-urban migration in developing nations and the main reason why it becomes problematic is that people who move to the cities are not making informed decisions. They are led to believe that the cities contain opportunities that they cannot find where they live, and there are no mechanisms such as efficient media or adequate education to eradicate this misconception. [1] Myths can be easily propagated by a single successful migrant returning home to visit that then attracts many others to try their luck without any knowledge of the possible costs. [2] This is exacerbated by unscrupulous organisations that prey on their desperation to take all their money to organise their move to the city. Some of those who are trafficked find themselves brought to the city and exploited through forced labour, begging, or even prostitution. [3] Many of those who move to cities find themselves in a worse situation but have lost any moving power they originally had and are thus trapped.  [1] Zhan, Shaohua. “What Determines Migrant Workers' Life Chances in Contemporary China? Hukou, Social Exclusion, and the Market.” 243, 2011, Vol. 37.  [2] Waibel, Hermann, and Schmidt, Erich, “Urban-rural relations”, in Feeding Asian Cities: Food Production and Processing Issues, FAO, November 2000,   [3] “UNIAP Vietnam”, United Nations Inter Agency Project on Human Trafficking, accessed March 2013, rural-urban migration, developing nations, uneducated populations, misconceptions, urban opportunities, media influence, education, myths, migrant success stories, forced migration, trafficking, exploitation, poverty, urban poverty, social exclusion, advice, unscrupulous organizations, trafficking victims, labor exploitation, begging, prostitution, trapped migrants, socio-economic factors, policy analysis, urbanization challenges, human trafficking, urban poverty alleviation rural-urban migration, developing countries, uneducated population, misinformation, urban opportunities, myths, successful migrants, social misconceptions, media influence, education, trafficking, exploitation, forced labor, begging, prostitution, disempowerment, urban poverty, desperation, unscrupulous organizations, migration costs, social exclusion, hukou system, urban-rural relations, human trafficking, vulnerable populations, migration risks rural-urban migration, developing nations, urbanization, migration causes, misinformation, urban opportunities, media access, education gaps, myths, migrant stories, social networks, trafficking, exploitation, forced labor, begging, prostitution, vulnerability, exploitation mechanisms, urban poverty, migrant risks, social exclusion, Hukou system, China migration, urban-rural relations, human trafficking, urban poverty trap rural-urban migration, developing nations, misconceptions, urban opportunities, media, education, myths, migrant success stories, traffickers, exploitation, forced labor, begging, prostitution, trap, social exclusion, Hukou, migrant workers, urban-rural relations, human trafficking rural-urban migration, developing nations, urbanization, rural populations, urban poverty, migration causes, migration myths, misinformation, informal sectors, media influence, education, migrant decision-making, relocation risks, exploitation, human trafficking, forced labor, begging, prostitution, migrant vulnerability, trafficking networks, unscrupulous organizations, migrant exploitation, social exclusion, Hukou system, urban-rural disparity, migrant barriers, urban poverty cycle, international migration, migrant rights
test-international-ipecfiepg-con01a	Defaulting would cause chaos in Greece  There is no good solution for the crisis Greece finds itself in, only less bad ones. Austerity measures imposed on Greece may currently be causing suffering, but austerity is the least bad option available for the Greek people: default would be considerably worse. Here is what would most likely happen:  The Greek banking sector would collapse [1]. A large portion of the Greek debt is owed to Greek banks and companies, many of which would quickly go bankrupt when the Government defaults. This is also because Greek banks are almost totally reliant on the ECB for liquidity. [2] People would consequently lose their savings, and credit would be close to impossible to find.  The Government would quickly devalue the Drachma by at least 50%. This will lead to imported goods being more expensive and consequently to a huge rise in inflation with the living costs increasing tremendously.[3]  These two events would lead to a severe shortage of credit, making it almost impossible for struggling companies to survive. Unemployment would soar as a result. It will become increasingly difficult to secure supplies of oil, medicine, foodstuffs and other goods. Naturally, those hit worst would be the poor. The Government, in this respect, would be failing on an enormous scale in providing many citizens with the basic needs. [4]  [1] Brzeski, Carsten: “Viewpoints: What if Greece exits euro?”, BBC News, 13 July 2012,   [2] Ruparel, Raoul and Persson, Mats: “Better off Out? The short-term options for Greece inside and outside of the euro”, June 2012, Open Europe, 2012   [3] ibid  [4] Arghyrou, Michael: “Viewpoints: What if Greece exits euro?”, BBC News, 13 July 2012, Greece, default, chaos, crisis, austerity, Eurozone, banking sector, Greek debt, Greek banks, bankruptcy, ECB, liquidity, savings, credit, devaluation, Drachma, inflation, living costs, shortages, inflation, unemployment, oil, medicine, food, basic needs, government failure, social impact, economic collapse Greece, default, chaos, crisis, austerity, banking sector, Greek debt, bankruptcies, Greek banks, ECB liquidity, savings, credit scarcity, devaluation, Drachma, inflation, living costs, shortages, unemployment, essential goods, poverty, government failure, basic needs, economic collapse, euro exit, currency devaluation, inflation rise, financial crisis, economic stability Greece, default, chaos, crisis, austerity, Greek banking sector, Greek debt, Greek banks, ECB liquidity, bank bankruptcy, savings loss, credit shortage, devaluation, Drachma, inflation, living costs, shortage of goods, unemployment, economic collapse, imports, oil, medicine, food, poverty, governmental failure Greece, default, crisis, austerity, banking sector, Greek banks, Greek debt, ECB, liquidity, savings, credit, devaluation, Drachma, inflation, living costs, shortage of credit, unemployment, supplies, oil, medicine, food, poor, basic needs, euro exit, economic collapse, financial instability, debt crisis, economic consequences Greece, default, crisis, austerity, banking collapse, Greek debt, Greek banks, ECB liquidity, savings loss, credit shortage, devaluation, Drachma, higher inflation, living costs, inflation, shortage, unemployment, supplies shortage, oil, medicine, food, poverty, government failure
test-politics-gvhbhlsbr-con04a	The public is apathetic to reform.  Whether or not reform of the House of Lords should be a top priority in the current economic climate is debateable, let alone whether or not a coalition government would be able to initiate and drive through such measures. Attempts to reform the House of Lords have been delayed time and time again, demonstrating the House of Commons’ reservations on change. [1] A feeling that is no doubt echoed in popular British opinion – as demonstrated by the recent outcome of the Alternative Vote – the public are either adverse to the idea of change or apathetic to it. [2]  [1] Summers, Deborah, ‘Labour's attempts to reform the House of Lords’, The Guardian (27 January, 2009), viewed on 1 June 2011   [2] BBC News, ‘Vote 2011: UK rejects alternative vote, 7 May 2011, public apathy, reform, House of Lords, public opinion, coalition government, legislative reform, political change, House of Commons, delay, British public, voting behavior, Alternative Vote, political resistance, constitutional reform public apathy, reform, House of Lords, political climate, coalition government, legislative delay, House of Commons, public opinion, British politics, electoral reform, Alternative Vote, voter attitude, political change, legislative resistance, public engagement public opinion, House of Lords reform, political opposition, coalition government, electoral reform, popular opinion, public apathy, legislative delays, democratic process, UK electoral system, Alternative Vote, political resistance, British politics public opinion, House of Lords reform, political apathy, coalition government, legislative delay, British politics, public support, electoral reform, alternative vote, House of Commons, political change, reform debate public opinion, reform, House of Lords, public apathy, political change, coalition government, legislative reform, British politics, House of Commons, public attitude, electoral reform, Alternative Vote, delayed reforms, political reservations, voter preferences
test-law-ilppppghb-pro03a	"Self-determination embodies the fundamental right of peoples to decide their own futures.  Modern liberal democracy is founded on the idea that people should be free to decide their own leaders and their own futures, but not all states give their minority peoples such a right. However, this is a right guaranteed under international law. The International Court of Justice has held that this right applies not just to national governments but also people1. The two important United Nations studies on the right to self-determination set out factors of a people that give rise to possession of right to self-determination: a history of independence or self-rule in an identifiable territory, a distinct culture, and a will and capability to regain self-governance2. If these criteria are in place, such peoples should have the right to determine their own constitutional and political arrangements.  1 Western Sahara Case, 1975 International Court of Justice 12, 31. 2Critescu, A. and GrosEspiell, H. ""The Right to Self-determination"", United Nations, 1980 (not online, but widely cited self-determination, fundamental rights, peoples' sovereignty, liberal democracy, minority rights, international law, International Court of Justice, United Nations, independence, self-rule, territory, culture, self-governance, political arrangements, Western Sahara Self-determination, liberal democracy, minority rights, international law, International Court of Justice, United Nations, independence, self-rule, culture, self-governance, nationality, sovereignty, international law, Western Sahara, self-determination criteria, political arrangements, territorial integrity, minority populations Self-determination, rights, peoples, futures, liberal democracy, minority rights, international law, International Court of Justice, United Nations, independence, self-rule, territory, culture, self-governance, constitution, political arrangements, Western Sahara, criteria self-determination, peoples' rights, sovereignty, independence, self-rule, international law, United Nations, International Court of Justice, minority rights, self-governance, cultural identity, territorial integrity, political arrangements, Western Sahara, criteria for self-determination self-determination, rights, peoples, independence, sovereignty, minority rights, international law, International Court of Justice, UN studies, self-rule, culture, self-governance, territorial integrity, independence history, political arrangements, Western Sahara, UN, criteria, self-determination legality"
test-law-thgglcplgphw-pro02a	Coca production can be justified on cultural grounds  Coca chewing is hugely prevalent amongst the peoples of the Andes, and their social relationship with it is akin to that of ours with coffee in Western nations. This is why so many nations in this region cannot and simply will not ever conform to any international ban that calls for phasing it out. The custom of chewing coca leaves may date back as far as 3000 BC in the region, and so hugely pre-dates cocaine consumption, and thus shouldn't be bundled with it or banned on the grounds that cocaine is banned. [1] Coca has also been a vital part of the religious traditions of the Andean peoples from the pre-Inca period through to the present, being used 'to communicate with the supernatural world and obtain its protection, especially with offerings to the Pachamama, the personification and spiritual form of the earth.' [2] All South American countries have signed several declarations by the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) that acknowledged that the chewing of coca leaves is an ancestral cultural expression that should be respected by the international community. [3] The international discouragement of the practice of chewing coca leaves and the prohibition on its use by Andeans when they travel or reside abroad can thus be seen as a violation of their indigenous religious and traditional rights, and therefore is not acceptable on a moral level.  [1] Morales, Evo. “Let Me Chew My Coca Leaves”. New York Times. March 13, 2009.   [2] Transnational Institute Debate Papers. “Coca yes, cocaine, no?”. Transnational Institute. No. 2006/2. No. 13. May 2006.   [3] Jelsma, Martin. “Lifting the Ban on Coca Chewing”. Transnational Institute, Series on Legislative Reform of Drug Policies Nr. 11. March 2011. coca production, cultural grounds, coca chewing, Andes, social relationships, coffee, Western nations, international ban, coca leaves, history, cocaine, religious traditions, Andean peoples, pre-Inca, spiritual practices, Pachamama, earth, declarations, UNASUR, indigenous rights, traditional rights, moral considerations, Evo Morales, legal reform, drug policies coca production, cultural practices, coca chewing, Andes, social relationships, coffee comparison, international ban, coca history, religious traditions, spiritual communication, Pachamama, indigenous rights, South America, UNASUR declarations, traditional rights, cultural expression, drug policies, cocaine, prohibition, indigenous communities, historical use coca production, cultural grounds, coca chewing, Andes, social relationships, coffee, Western nations, international ban, phasing out, coca leaves, history, cocaine, religious traditions, pre-Inca, spiritual communication, Pachamama, earth, indigenous rights, South American nations, UNASUR, cultural expression, international community, prohibition, indigenous traditions, traditional rights Coca production, cultural grounds, coca chewing, Andes, social relationship, coffee, Western nations, international ban, coca leaves, cocaine consumption, pre-Inca period, religious traditions, supernatural, Pachamama, earth, South American countries, UNASUR, cultural expression, indigenous rights, traditional rights, prohibition, international community, Morales, debate papers, legislative reform, drug policies coca, coca leaves, cultural grounds, Andean peoples, social relationship, coffee, Western nations, international ban, phasing out, coca chewing, historical tradition, pre-Inca, religious traditions, communication with supernatural, Pachamama, spiritual, ancestral cultural expression, indigenous rights, traditional rights, prohibition, international community, South America, UNASUR, indigenous practices, religious significance, drug policies, coca prohibition, cultural preservation
test-international-aghbfcpspr-con01a	Time has removed the opportunity to truly make reparations to those who may have deserved it.  Reparations are used to make ‘amends for wrong or injury done’ [1] ; it is impossible to truly achieve this when the victims of wrongdoing are long since dead. Moreover, reparations which may have been made immediately after colonisation could have had a specific purpose – for example, to rebuild property which was destroyed, or to restore items which were wrongfully taken. However, the development of both countries has led to a very different state of affairs in both, and there may no longer be an obvious end for the money from reparations. There is also no precedent for giving reparations to countries after so long a period of time. For example, Germany began paying reparations to Israel in 1952 [2] , only 7 years after World War II ended in 1945. Time also makes it very difficult to judge who the ‘victims’ are now. The descendants of original victims may well be independently wealthy now – would it be right to financially cripple of Western country and their people, already suffering from economic depression, to pay people who may not need it now? In any case, it would take a very long to even work out how we could pay reparations, let alone whether we should.  [1] Accessed from  on 12/09/11  [2] Accessed from  on 12/09/11 reparations, reparations history, justice, restitution, injustice, colonialism, colonisation, victims, historical wrongs, post-colonial reparations, WWII reparations, Germany Israel, death of victims, descendants, reparations feasibility, economic impact, moral questions, time influence, legal precedents, reparation purposes reparations, justice, morality, history, time, dead victims, reconciliation, history of reparations, colonization, redistribution, legacy, compensation, restitution, descendant rights, economic impact, historical justice, international law, reparative justice, societal healing, moral obligation reparations, justice, debt, historical wrongs, long-term effects, victims, descendants, morality, economic impact, post-colonialism, restitution, reparations history, reparations theories, reparations examples, temporal challenges, reparations jurisprudence, reparations debates reparations, justice, restitution, historical wrongs, colonization, victims, memory, ethics, reparative justice, historical justice, amends, inheritance, reparations debate, time, delay, accountability, Morality, reparations history, reparations feasibility reparations, justice, historical wrongs, colonization, restitution, victims, time, delayed reparations, post-colonial recovery, reparations history, eligibility, descendants, reparations feasibility, economic impact, moral debate, precedence, war damages, restitution purpose, reparations process
test-science-eassgbatj-pro02a	Animal research causes severe harm to the animals involved  The point of animal research is that animals are harmed. Even if they don’t suffer in the experiment, almost all are killed afterwards. With 115 million animals used a year this is a big problem. Releasing medical research animals in to the wild would be dangerous for them, and they would not be usable as pets. [4]. The only solution is that they are wild from birth.  It is obvious that it’s not in the interest of animals to be killed or harmed. Research should be banned in order to prevent the deaths of millions of animals. animal research, animal cruelty, animal suffering, animal deaths, experimental animals, animal welfare, animal rights, ethical concerns, biomedical research, animal testing, animal harm, laboratory animals, animal use, animal liberation, research ethics, animal protection, cruelty-free research, animal suffering prevention, anthropocentric research, animal population control animal research, animal harm, animal suffering, animal deaths, laboratory animals, animal testing ethics, animal rights, scientific research, animal welfare, death of animals, experimental animals, animal cruelty, banning animal testing, wildlife release, animal conservation, ethical research, animal protection, animal captivity, animal experimentation consequences animal research, animal harm, animal suffering, animal death, laboratory animals, animal cruelty, ethical concerns, animal rights, research ethics, animal welfare, animal captivity, wildlife release, research ban, animal protection, cruelty-free research, alternatives to animal testing animal research, animal harm, animal suffering, animal death, laboratory animals, animal experimentation, animal welfare, ethics of animal research, animal rights, cruelty free testing, animal captivity, animal liberation, wildlife release, animal welfare legislation, alternatives to animal testing animal research, animal harm, animal suffering, animal deaths, animal rights, animal welfare, scientific experiments, animal cruelty, animal testing, ethical issues, animal captivity, wild animals, pet suitability, research ban, animal protection, animal ethics
test-international-appghblsba-con02a	A local, decentralized authority can provide better opportunities and solutions for Lesotho  With a population of only 2 million people the Basotho would not have the voice and the votes for legislative and executive authority in SA. South Africa’s population of 53million would swamp their voice. Moreover, keeping the local government in place provides a better option for the people in Lesotho as they are closer to their government than they would be in a bigger state. Lesotho needs a decentralized government that can respond to the wishes and needs of the people. This is something the SA government might not be able to provide it as they are trying to provide general solutions for all of its territory. [1] Lesotho is one of the leaders for democracy in Southern Africa [2] ; joining South Africa would not provide an improvement in accountability. In Europe and even in South Africa, secession movements exists because people feel they are better represented in a smaller state as their vote is more important. This is the case with the king of the abaThembu who is seeking an independent state from the SA government. [3]  [1] ‘9 major problems facing South Africa - and how to fix them’, Leader, 18 July 2011,   [2] Jordan, Michael J., ‘Lesotho leads southern Africa in democracy’, globalpost, 7 June 2012,   [3] ‘Angry king Dalindyebo seeks independent state’, City Press, 23 December 2009, Lesotho, decentralization, local government, sovereignty, voter voice, population, legislative authority, democracy, accountability, secession, independence, minority rights, representation, regional governance, South Africa, secession movements, democratic leadership, independence movements Lesotho, decentralization, local government, democracy, representation, accountability, South Africa, population, governance, independence, secession, regional autonomy, voice, voting rights, regionalism, small states, political stability, governance reform, sovereignty, leadership, traditional authority Lesotho, decentralization, local government, South Africa, population, governance, representation, democracy, secession, independence, accountability, regional autonomy, political structure, voter influence, territorial governance, African politics Lesotho, decentralized government, local authority, representation, democracy, South Africa, population, voter influence, governance, independence, secession, accountability, regional politics, smaller states, regional autonomy, political needs, governance response, political structure Lesotho, decentralization, local government, autonomy, representation, democracy, South Africa, population, voting rights, governance, secession, independence, regional politics, accountability, smaller states, political sovereignty, regional identity, political solutions, governance responsiveness, political influence
test-culture-ascidfakhba-con04a	Artists often rely on copyright protection to financially support themselves and their families  Artists as they are often not paid for anything else may rely on their creative output to support themselves. This is certainly no crime, and existing copyright laws recognize this fact. Artists often rely wholly on their ability to sell and profit from their work. This policy serves to drain them of that potential revenue, as their work is shunted into creative commons, and available to all. Artists often also have families to support, and putting the added financial burden on them of stripping them of their copyright only serves to further those problems as they exist. A robust system of copyright is a much better protection to struggling and successful artists alike who like all talented individuals seek to assuage their material wants. Artists cannot live on appreciation alone. With much less secure copyright many would have to find other work. artists, copyright protection, financial support, creative output, creative commons, revenue, intellectual property, copyright law, artist income, family support, creative work, revenue loss, copyright system, artist rights, artistic livelihood artists, copyright protection, financial support, creative output, copyright laws, revenue, creative commons, intellectual property, author rights, income sources, family support, copyright infringement, artist income, creative economy, copyright policy, creative rights artists, copyright, intellectual property, creative output, revenue, creative commons, financial support, artistic rights, copyright laws, artist income, family support, revenue loss, copyright protection, creative industries, artist earnings, creative rights, copyright policy, economic impact, artist livelihoods artists, copyright protection, revenue, financial support, creative output, income, creative commons, licensing, intellectual property, legal rights, artist income, artistic work, revenue loss, copyright laws, family support, material needs, employment, income security, artistic livelihood artists, copyright protection, income, financial support, creative output, copyright laws, revenue, public domain, Creative Commons, intellectual property, licensing, artist livelihood, copyright legislation, artist families, income security, artistic compensation, work rights, creative freedom, profit from art, copyright law, artist support
test-international-bmaggiahbl-pro01a	Authoritarian leadership  President Kagame though considered a visionary leader has made Rwanda a country based on one man’s ideas. He has silenced critics, opposition and any counter arguments that may not support his opinions through tough rules imposed against the media and free speech. This sparked misunderstandings within the government forcing 4 four high rank officials in exile, one, an ex-intelligence chief was recently murdered in South Africa[1].  Rwanda is essentially a hard-line, one-party, secretive police state with a façade of democracy[2]. To avoid future conflict and government break down Kagame needs to convene a genuine, inclusive, unconditional and comprehensive national dialogue with the aim of preparing and strengthening the country’s future progress.  The fact that most Rwandans still want him to run for re-election after his two terms in 2017 shows how much he has controlled people to believe he is the only potential leader in a country of more than 11 million citizens. If Rwanda is to have a stable future democracy it needs to be recognised that the opposition are patriots too and should be entitled to freedom of speech and press to give them an opportunity to share their views on how the country can be improved. For democracy in Rwanda to progress the country needs to accept the idea of freedom of speech and a ‘loyal opposition’.[3]  [1] Aljazeera Africa news, ‘Rwandan ex-spy chief found dead in S Africa’, Aljazeera.com, 2 January 2014  [2] Kenzer, Stephen, ‘Kagame's authoritarian turn risks Rwanda's future’, thegurdian.com, 27 January 2011  [3] Fisher, Julie, ‘Emerging Voices: Julie Fisher on Democratization NGOs and Loyal Opposition’, CFR, 13 March 2013 Authoritarianism, Kagame, Rwanda, dictatorship, media censorship, free speech, political repression, exile officials, assassination, secret police, one-party state, democracy, national dialogue, leadership, opposition, civil rights, political stability, governance, repression, human rights, authoritarian regime Authoritarian leadership, President Kagame, Rwanda, dictatorship, one-party state, media suppression, free speech, critics silenced, opposition, exile officials, assassination, secret police, democracy façade, national dialogue, inclusive governance, political repression, government destabilization, political control, re-election, electoral manipulation, patriotism, freedom of speech, press freedom, loyal opposition, democratization, political reform, human rights Authoritarian leadership, President Kagame, Rwanda, visionary leader, one-man rule, criticism suppression, opposition suppression, media restrictions, free speech, government misunderstandings, exiled officials, ex-intelligence chief, murder, South Africa, police state, democracy façade, national dialogue, inclusive dialogue, government stability, re-election, control tactics, patriotism, political opposition, freedom of speech, press freedom, loyal opposition, democratization, political repression Authoritarian leadership, President Kagame, Rwanda, visionary leader, criticism suppression, media control, free speech, government suppression, exile officials, assassination, South Africa, secretive police state, democracy façade, national dialogue, inclusive government, political stability, re-election, political control, opposition freedom, press freedom, patriotism, democracy, loyal opposition AuthoritarianLeadership, PresidentKagame, Rwanda, VisionaryLeader, SilencedCritics, OppositionSuppression, MediaCensorship, FreeSpeech, GovernmentConflict, OfficialsInExile, IntelligenceChiefMurder, PoliceState, DemocracyFacade, NationalDialogue, InclusivePolitics, Re-electionSupport, Control, Stability, PatriotOpposition, FreedomOfSpeech, PressFreedom, DemocraticProgress
test-international-ssiarcmhb-pro01a	"Radical changes risk the stability of the Catholic Church.  Whenever a Church makes a radical change to its doctrines and teachings it causes a huge amount of tension within the Church. An excellent example of this is the Church of England allowing women to become bishops; a huge number of people left the Church over the controversy. Since the Catholic Church's ban over contraception of all kinds is something that it has stood fast over for a great number of years, as well as something that sets it apart from most other denominations and faiths, the proposition believes that a change in this would result in a huge amount of tension within the Church. This tension would inevitably bring about a considerable risk of large parts of the Church collapsing altogether. This would be much the same as the tensions over gay priests in the Anglican church that have led to fears of a schism1. Therefore, in the interests of its own stability, the sensible course of action for the Catholic Church to take is to maintain its ban on contraception. 1 Brown, Andrew. ""Jeffrey John and the global Anglican schism: a potted history."" Guardian.co.uk, 8 July 2010 Catholic Church, doctrinal changes, church stability, faith tensions, church schism, church of England, women bishops, religious controversy, contraception ban, faith differentiation, denomination conflicts, church divisions, religious tensions, church controversy, schism risks Catholic Church, doctrinal change, Church stability, doctrinal controversy, Church of England, women bishops, church schism, contraception ban, church tension, faith divisions, religious doctrine, church unity, theological conflicts, faith protests, church authority, religious denominations, schism risks, church controversies Catholic Church, doctrinal change, church stability, church schism, contraception ban, church controversy, religious tension, church doctrine, faith conflicts, church leadership, religious tradition, church division, theological disagreement, church authority, faith denomination Catholic Church, doctrinal change, Church stability, theological controversy, Church of England, women bishops, church schism, contraception ban, faith tensions, religious doctrines, church controversies, doctrinal disputes, church division, Anglican Church, gay priests, religious tensions, faith stability, church change risks, schism history Catholic Church, doctrinal changes, Church stability, internal tension, Church of England, women bishops, church schism, contraception ban, faith tensions, denominational differences, religious doctrines, church controversy, faith disputes, church split, religious controversies, Anglican Church, gay priests, religious stability"
test-philosophy-apessghwba-con01a	Animals' rights are of less moral worth than human rights  Humans are complex beings with large well developed brains, that form sizeable social groups, have significant ability to communicate with one another, possess interconnected desires, preferences and interests about the world, have an awareness of their own existence and mortality, and as such are beings worthy of moral consideration. Animals too express some of these characteristics to some degree and thus animals too are worthy of moral consideration. However, animal lives and human lives are of unequal value. This is due to the fact that no animal possesses all of these characteristics to the same degree as the average human, or even comes particularly close. Thus any rights ascribed to animals should be truncated relative to the rights we ascribe to humans. [1] Therefore animals should not rightly possess the same rights to not be experimented upon as humans might. To the extent to which causing some harm to animals brings great benefit to humans, we are morally justified in creating some moral harm, to achieve a far greater moral good.  [1] Frey, R. G., “Moral Standing: The Value of Life and Speciesism”, in La Follette (ed.), Ethics in Practice, (Malden, Mass; Oxford : Blackwell Pub, 2007) animal rights, human rights, moral worth, speciesism, moral consideration, complex beings, consciousness, social behavior, communication, interests, desires, self-awareness, mortality, moral hierarchy, animal experimentation, moral justification, ethical theories, speciesism critique, moral value, comparative ethics animal rights, human rights, moral worth, moral consideration, animal consciousness, speciesism, moral hierarchy, ethical justification, moral harm, animal experimentation, moral valuation, species differences, utilitarian ethics, moral hierarchy, rights comparison animal rights, human rights, moral worth, moral consideration, animal cognition, speciesism, moral hierarchy, ethical justification, animal experimentation, moral valuation, species comparison, moral philosophy, ethical hierarchy, animal consciousness, human uniqueness animal rights, human rights, moral worth, moral consideration, moral hierarchy, speciesism, moral justification, ethical obligation, animal experimentation, moral harm, human-animal comparison, consciousness, social groups, communication, desires, preferences, interests, self-awareness, mortality, moral values animal rights, human rights, moral worth, moral consideration, complex beings, moral hierarchy, speciesism, moral justification, animal experimentation, moral harm, moral good, interconnected desires, social groups, communication, self-awareness, mortality, moral value, ethical considerations
test-digital-freedoms-piidfaihbg-con01a	Google can’t afford to abandon the Chinese market  In 2010, the search market in China was valued at $1.7 billion and was expected to grow at an average of 50% per year for the coming few years. [1] After the 2010 incident, Google has been losing market share in China rapidly. [2] From a business perspective, Google just can’t afford to miss out on such a business opportunity: not only will it miss entering this market when it is growing, it will also forfeit a comfortable position in the search market from which it can build its other businesses, like gmail and android, the way it does in other countries. [3]  [1] Melanie Lee, ‘Analysis: A year after China retreat, Google plots new growth’, Reuters, January 13, 2011. URL:   [2] Reuters, ‘Google search share slips as Baidu gains report’, July 26, 2010, URL:   [3] Kyle Baxter, ‘Android isn’t about building a mobile platform’, January 4, 2011. URL:  Last consulted: December 22, 2011 Google, Chinese market, search market, China, 2010, market value, growth rate, market share, Google China, incident, business opportunity, market entry, search market share, Baidu, Gmail, Android, competition, market growth, online search, Chinese internet, global expansion, internet companies Google, Chinese market, search market, 2010, market value, growth rate, market share, China, incident, business opportunities, competition, Baidu, Gmail, Android, market entry, business strategy, market growth, search industry, technology market, international business, market analysis Google, Chinese market, search market, market share, China, 2010, growth, Baidu, Alibaba, internet, search engine, mobile platform, Android, Gmail, business opportunity, market loss, competition, technology, Chinese internet industry Google, Chinese market, market share, search market, China, 2010, Google China, Baidu, market growth, business opportunity, search industry, Gmail, Android, market value, growth rate, market analysis, competition, Google retreat, China tech industry Google, Chinese market, search market, China, 2010, market value, growth rate, market share, Google China, incident, business opportunity, market entry, search industry, Gmail, Android, Baidu, competition, market analysis, technology industry, social media, mobile platform
test-international-bldimehbn-pro01a	Broadcasters almost never show scenes of torture or torment because they know this will cause offence, the same principle should apply here.  Journalists and editors use their judgement all the time on what is acceptable to print or broadcast. Expletives [1] or graphic images of violence or sex are routinely prevented because they would cause offence, giving personal details might cause distress and are omitted as a courtesy, and the identities of minors are protected as a point of law in most jurisdictions. It is simply untrue to suggest that journalists report the ‘unvarnished truth’ with no regard to its ramifications. Where a particular fact or image is likely to cause offence or distress, it is routine to exercise self-censorship – it’s called discretion and professional judgement [2] . Indeed, the news outlets that fail to do so are the ones most frequently and vociferously denounced by the high-minded intelligentsia who so frequently argue that broadcasting issues such as this constitutes free speech.  It is palpably and demonstrably true that news outlets seek to avoid offending their market; so liberal newspapers avoid exposés of bad behaviour by blacks or homosexuals otherwise they wouldn’t have a readership. [3] Most journalists try to minimise the harm caused by their reporting as shown by a study interviewing journalists on their ethics but how they define this harm and what they think will cause offence differs. [4] Western journalists may find it awkward that many in the Arab world find the issue of homosexuality unpleasant or offensive but many of the same journalists would be aghast if they were asked to report activities that ran counter to their cultural sensibilities simply as fact.  [1] Trask, Larry, ‘The Other Marks on Your Keyboard’, University of Sussex, 1997,   [2] For example see the BBC guide to editorial policy.  [3] Posner, Richard, A., ‘Bad News’, The New York Times, 31 July 2005,   [4] Deppa, Joan A, & Plaisance, Patrick Lee, 2009 ‘Perceptions and Manifestations of Autonomy, Transparency and Harm Among U.S. Newspaper Journalists’, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, pp.328-386, p.358, journalism, self-censorship, discretion, ethics, offensive content, media ethics, free speech, cultural sensitivity, harm minimization, editorial policy, professional judgement, violence, sex, offensive images, personal privacy, minors protection, reporting challenges, media responsibility journalism, ethics, self-censorship, discretion, editorial policy, freedom of speech, offense, harm reduction, cultural sensitivity, media guidelines, professionalism, responsible reporting, editorial judgment, content regulation, audience reception, legal protections, minors, graphic content, controversial issues, cultural differences journalism, censorship, self-censorship, editorial discretion, offensive content, professional judgment, ethics, free speech, harm reduction, media ethics, cultural sensitivity, media regulation, content standards, journalistic responsibility, news reporting, offense prevention journalism, self-censorship, discretion, professional judgement, ethics, media, broadcasting, offense, harm, sensitivity, editorial policy, free speech, cultural sensibilities, violence, graphic images, minors, personal details, offence prevention, market considerations, news reporting, societal norms, cultural differences, news ethics torture, offence, censorship, journalism, discretion, editorial policy, free speech, harm, ethics, social sensitivities, cultural differences, self-censorship, graphic images, personal details, minors, legal protections, audience, market, news reporting, cultural norms
test-law-hrpepthwuto-pro02a	Terrorist organisations such as Al Qaida do not respect the rights of individuals and the only way to fight fire is with fire  Terrorist networks use fear, pain and suffering as their stock in trade. By definition, terror organisations are not bound by legal due process or rights of appeal and review. Instead they deal out death to innocent members of society who have no power to alter the events and policies that motivate terrorists atrocities.  By contrast, the first role of governments is to protect their citizens’ safety and they should use all tools possible to ensure that innocents are not threatened with random death and destruction.  In the light of these two realities, it is appropriate for governments to take extreme measure, such as torture, to protect their citizens. terrorist organizations, Al Qaida, rights of individuals, fight fire with fire, fear, pain, suffering, terror networks, legal due process, rights of appeal, terror atrocities, innocent members, government protection, citizen safety, extreme measures, torture, security, counterterrorism, human rights, law enforcement terrorist organizations, Al Qaida, human rights, counterterrorism, use of force, fear, pain, suffering, illegal actions, due process, legal rights, violence, innocent civilians, government responsibility, national security, safety, extreme measures, torture, human rights violations, counter-terror policy terrorist organizations, Al Qaida, human rights, counterterrorism, terrorist networks, fear, pain, suffering, legality, due process, rights of appeal, death, innocent civilians, government responsibilities, citizen protection, security measures, torture, ethical considerations, extremism, national security terrorist, organizations, Al Qaida, rights, individuals, fight, fire, fear, pain, suffering, terror, networks, legal, due process, rights of appeal, review, death, innocent, society, policies, atrocities, governments, protect, citizens, safety, tools, prevent, destruction, extreme measures, torture terrorist organizations, Al Qaeda, rights of individuals, counterterrorism, fear, pain, suffering, fear-based tactics, illegal activities, due process, legal rights, use of force, violence, innocent civilians, government responsibility, citizen safety, extreme measures, torture, security, national security, counterinsurgency, human rights, justification of torture
test-international-eiahwpamu-pro05a	Microfinance and protection  Access to a small loan provides benefits for the poor’s ability to access high quality health care. A lack of access to banking facilities - loans and credit - may mean the poor are left excluded from health care services as these are usually not free. Microfinance institutions accept the irregularities of the poor’s income, so enabling health care to be affordable to the poor by providing access to finance. As Ofori-Adjei (2007) shows the integration of microfinance institutions within healthcare systems in Ghana is required to resolve the issue of inaccessibility. Ill health should not put a household into a state of poverty - microfinance provides this protection.  Microfinance schemes not only provide loans to access health care but are now integrating non-financial services, such as health education, within their finance schemes. microfinance, healthcare, access, small loans, poverty reduction, banking facilities, credit, health services, financial inclusion, health insurance, Ghana, health education, non-financial services, healthcare system integration, health protection, microfinance institutions microfinance, access, health care, loans, credit, financial inclusion, health services, poor, healthcare affordability, microfinance institutions, Ghana, health education, financial protection, healthcare systems microfinance, healthcare, access, loans, credit, poor, health services, financial inclusion, health education, Ghana, poverty alleviation, microfinance institutions, health protection, non-financial services microfinance, health care access, poverty alleviation, small loans, financial inclusion, microfinance institutions, healthcare systems, Ghana, health education, credit, health protection, financial services, healthcare affordability, income irregularities, non-financial services Microfinance, healthcare access, small loans, financial inclusion, health financing, poverty alleviation, health protection, microcredit, financial services, health education, Ghana, health disparities, poor households, healthcare affordability, health system integration
test-politics-oepghbrnsl-con03a	The status quo reveals that several powerful and influential people are in charge of the whole state  What is occurring in Russia now is closer to dictatorship rather than to strong leadership. Many commentators of the Russian political stage share the opinion that Medvedev is just a pawn in the hands of the former president and current prime minister – Putin. “The leading role still clearly belongs to Putin. This reflects the unspoken agreement that was reached between Putin and Medvedev,” said Yevgeny Volk, an independent political analyst in Moscow. (6) Russia’s both external and internal policy have not changed after the elections in 2008 and are following the same path, which is another argument that Putin continues to pull the strings.  In fact, the more important question is not whether or not Medvedev is a pawn, but who is actually in charge – “Kremlin-watchers say this system of interlocking and competing clans that is managed by Putin comprises the core of Russia's ruling elite. The key players, the people with decision making power, number about thirty. The inner circle, most agree, comprises about twelve people… There are something like a dozen of the most influential guys in the first circle and perhaps two dozen who are less influential in the second circle. These are not only managers but also shareholders who are not that visible or public...Not only do they manage Russia...but they also enrich themselves pretty actively.” (7) This poses the debate is such a status quo in the best interest of Russia and its people or is the exact opposite. Russia, Putin, Medvedev, dictatorship, leadership, political influence, Kremlin, ruling elite, power structure, clans, decision makers, internal policy, external policy, elections 2008, ruling system, influence, governance, elite, decision making, corruption, political system, internal dynamics, external affairs, power balance, political analysis Russia, Putin, Medvedev, Kremlin, dictatorship, leadership, political elite, ruling class, influential people, power structure, political clans, decision-making, internal politics, external policy, elections, Kremlin-watchers, Russian politics, political analysts, ruling elite, power dynamics, political influence Russia, Putin, Medvedev, Kremlin, dictatorship, leadership, political influence, ruling elite, power structure, clans, decision-makers, internal policy, external policy, elections 2008, political analysts, decision-making, elite circles, corruption, governance, political system, factions Russia, Putin, Medvedev, dictatorship, leadership, Kremlin, political analyst, power, influence, ruling elite, clans, decision-making, internal policy, external policy, elections, political system, elite, decision-makers, shareholders, corruption, governance, authoritarianism, political stability, public interest Russia, Putin, Medvedev, Kremlin, dictatorship, leadership, political elite, ruling class, power dynamics, political influence, internal policy, external policy, elections, ruling clans, decision-making, influence, corruption, leadership debate, political system
test-law-lghbacpsba-pro02a	It blocks a significant amount of evidence  A system of just law is not based on opinions or ideologies. It is about finding evidence and using that evidence to prove or disprove either to 'beyond reasonable doubt' for criminal cases or 'on the balance of probabilities' for civil and commercial matters. The burden is on the importance of the evidence. It does not make sense for a legal system to on one hand place so much emphasis on evidence and lock away documents which will contain a vast array of empirical evidence with the other. Instead, attorney-client privilege should be abolished and all evidence should be in justices domain in order to ensure that the law achieves a just result. evidence, justice, legal system, burden of proof, criminal law, civil law, proof standards, beyond reasonable doubt, balance of probabilities, attorney-client privilege, transparency, document confidentiality, legal fairness, empirical evidence, legal reform evidence, legal system, burden of proof, criminal law, civil law, commercial law, proof beyond reasonable doubt, balance of probabilities, attorney-client privilege, judicial transparency, evidence suppression, justice, legal principles, empirical evidence, legal reform, evidentiary rights evidence, legal system, justice, burden of proof, criminal law, civil law, commercial law, proof standards, beyond reasonable doubt, balance of probabilities, attorney-client privilege, evidence integration, legal fairness, empirical evidence, legal transparency evidence, legal system, burden of proof, beyond reasonable doubt, balance of probabilities, civil law, criminal law, attorney-client privilege, justice, legal evidence, empirical evidence, document confidentiality, legal reforms, evidence transparency, judicial process evidence, legal system, justice, burden of proof, criminal law, civil law, burden of evidence, proof standards, beyond reasonable doubt, balance of probabilities, evidence retention, attorney-client privilege, transparency, legal reform, empirical evidence, justice domain, law fairness
test-education-udfakusma-pro01a	Opens up education  Higher education, as with other levels of education, should be open to all. Universities are universally respected as the highest form of educational institution available and it is a matter of principle that everyone should have access to this higher level of education. Unfortunately not everyone in the world has this access usually because they cannot afford it, but it may also be because they are not academically inclined. This does not however mean that it is right to simply cut them off from higher educational opportunities. Should those who do not attend university not have access to the same resources as those who do?  This can have an even greater impact globally than within an individual country. 90% of the world’s population currently have no access to higher education. Providing access to all academic work gives them the opportunities that those in developed countries already have. [1]  [1] Daniel, Sir John, and Killion, David, “Are open educational resources the key to global economic growth?”, Guardian Professional, 4 July 2012, open education, higher education, universal access, universities, educational inequality, access to resources, academic opportunities, global education, open educational resources, economic growth, educational inclusivity, educational equity, development, international access access, higher education, open educational resources, global equity, educational opportunities, university access, educational inequality, higher learning, global education, open access, academic resources, economic growth, educational inclusion, university enrollment, worldwide education higher education, open access, universal education, university, educational inequality, global access, academic resources, open educational resources, economic growth, educational opportunities, accessibility, inclusivity, developing countries, educational barriers, higher learning open education, higher education, access, universities, inclusivity, educational equity, global education, open educational resources, economic growth, university accessibility, academic resources, educational opportunities, worldwide access, developed countries, educational inequality open education, higher education, universal access, universities, educational inequality, accessibility, affordability, educational resources, open educational resources, global education, educational opportunities, developing countries, educational equity, economic growth
test-politics-glgvhbqssc-pro02a	"Quebec has the right to self-determination.  All people have the right to determine their own form of government and representation and Quebec has been systematically denied this right.  Quebec has historically been denied the right to determine its own form of governance systematically and therefore the Canadian government has no right to claim legitimacy over Quebec and cannot stop it from leaving the federation.  The Canadian Constitution was patriated in 1982 in a backroom deal known as the Meech Lake Accord [1] where Quebec was explicitly excluded from the negotiations and their issues were ignored. Specifically, Quebec was attempting to entrench recognition of their special status and needs as a distant society within Canada [2] and this was denied. To this day, Quebec has refused to sign the Canadian constitution as it feels it doesn’t adequately represent its interests and needs [3] .  Therefore, Quebec has the right to independence as its sovereignty was illegitimately taken from it and it is systematically denied adequate representation in Canadian politics.  [1] ""The Meech Lake Accord."" Peace and Conflict. Historica, n. d. Web. 1 Dec. 2011. <  .  [2] ""The Meech Lake Accord."" Peace and Conflict. Historica, n. d. Web. 1 Dec. 2011. <  .  [3] ""The Meech Lake Accord."" Peace and Conflict. Historica, n. d. Web. 1 Dec. 2011. <  . Quebec, self-determination, independence, sovereignty, Canadian Constitution, patriation, Meech Lake Accord, negotiations, recognition, special status, representation, governance, legitimacy, federation, constitutionality, political rights, historical denial, separation, regional autonomy, cultural identity Quebec, self-determination, independence, sovereignty, Canadian Constitution, patriation, Meech Lake Accord, excluded negotiations, recognition, special status, distant society, representation, legitimacy, federation, Canadian politics, demarcation, rights denial, historical grievances Quebec, self-determination, independence, sovereignty, Canadian Constitution, patriation, Meech Lake Accord, right to govern, representation, territorial rights, constitutional negotiations, recognition, special status, political marginalization, secession, federalism, minority rights, constitutional law, territorial identity Quebec, self-determination, independence, sovereignty, Canadian constitution, patriation, 1982, Meech Lake Accord, constitutional negotiations, regional autonomy, political representation, Canadian federation, Quebec separatism, legal rights, constitution rejection, constitutionality, national identity, cultural recognition, legal legitimacy, constitutional exclusion, political autonomy Quebec, self-determination, independence, sovereignty, Canadian constitution, patriation, Meech Lake Accord, recognition, sovereignty rights, political representation, separatism, federation, constitutional rights, Quebec nationalism, political status, territorial integrity"
test-culture-mmctghwbsa-pro02a	"Women have a right to be free of stereotyping.  Women's rights to be free from stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination and objectification should be a matter of deep concern as they infringe on human rights related to gender. Advertising messages influence younger generations as well as send stereotypical images of men. As a result the objectification and violence against women will continue. Gender inequality and sexual harassment in the work place is not likely to diminish.1 This means that women will continue to suffer from discrimination based upon their gender. 1 Newswise.com, ""Study Find Rise in Sexualized Images of Women."" 2010 women's rights, stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination, objectification, gender equality, human rights, advertising impact, media influence, gender stereotypes, violence against women, sexual harassment, workplace inequality, gender discrimination, gender-based violence women's rights, stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination, objectification, gender inequality, human rights, gender bias, advertising influence, media stereotyping, gender violence, sexual harassment, workplace discrimination, societal attitudes, gender norms, gender stereotypes, media influence, gender-based violence, gender discrimination, societal change women's rights, stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination, objectification, gender equality, gender-based violence, gender stereotypes, advertising influence, societal gender norms, sexual harassment, workplace discrimination, gender rights advocacy, gender inequality, media influence, sexualized images women's rights, stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination, objectification, gender human rights, advertising influence, gender stereotypes, media representation, violence against women, gender inequality, sexual harassment, workplace discrimination, gender-based violence, media influence on youth, societal stereotypes, gender bias, women's empowerment women's rights, stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination, objectification, gender inequality, gender-based violence, advertising influence, gender stereotypes, sexual harassment, workplace discrimination, gender rights, women's rights movement"
test-culture-mthbah-con01a	Small businesses need advertisements to make their products known.  If there wasn't advertising then small businesses would have no chance at all to make their product well known. Adverts can actually level the playing field - if you have a good new product, and market it in a clever way then it doesn't matter how small your company is, you can still make consumers interested. The more you restrict the freedom of information, the more this helps the large companies who everyone already knows about. small businesses, advertising, marketing, branding, competition, market awareness, consumer interest, marketing strategies, information freedom, small company advantages, marketing equality, market access, advertising effectiveness, brand recognition small businesses, advertising, product awareness, marketing, advertising benefits, level playing field, competition, consumer interest, freedom of information, large companies, market entry, marketing strategy small businesses, advertising, product awareness, marketing, competition, level playing field, consumer interest, information freedom, market strategy, brand recognition small businesses, advertising, product promotion, marketing, brand awareness, competition, level playing field, business growth, consumer interest, information freedom, large companies, market access small businesses, advertising, marketing, product promotion, brand awareness, level playing field, competition, consumer interest, information freedom, large companies, market strategy, small company success, advertising importance
test-environment-aeghhgwpe-con02a	There are problems with being vegetarian  A vegetarian or vegan diet may result in a person not getting enough iron. This is because, although you can get iron from foods such as pulses, green leafy vegetables and nuts, the iron in these foods isn't absorbed so easily. The symptoms of this feeling breathless after little exercise, feeling tired and a short attention span and poor concentration. [1] These symptoms could negatively affect proficiency in school and the ability to perform well at work ultimately leading to a loss of productivity which has both personal effects and broader effects for the economy. Other conditions include frequently becoming ill, frequently becoming depressed, and malnourishment.  [1] Bupa's Health Information Team, ‘Iron-deficiency anaemia’, bupa.co.uk, March 2010, vegetarian, vegan, iron deficiency, iron absorption, pulses, green leafy vegetables, nuts, anemia, symptoms, breathlessness, fatigue, concentration, productivity, health effects, malnutrition, depression, illness vegetarian, vegan, iron deficiency, iron absorption, green leafy vegetables, pulses, nuts, symptoms, breathlessness, fatigue, concentration, productivity, health effects, malnutrition, depression, illness, anaemia vegetarian, vegan, iron deficiency, malnutrition, iron absorption, leafy greens, pulses, nuts, symptoms, breathlessness, fatigue, concentration, productivity, health effects, depression, illness, anaemia, nutrient deficiency, diet challenges vegetarian, vegan, diet, iron deficiency, iron absorption, pulses, green leafy vegetables, nuts, symptoms, breathlessness, fatigue, attention span, concentration, school performance, work productivity, illness, depression, malnourishment, iron-deficiency anemia vegetarian, vegan, iron deficiency, iron absorption, pulses, leafy greens, nuts, symptoms, breathlessness, fatigue, concentration, productivity, health effects, malnutrition, anemia, iron-rich foods, diet, health complications
test-law-hrilpgwhwr-pro01a	The ICC allows for the prosecution of war criminals.  Law-abiding states like the United States that have yet to ratify the ICC should have nothing to fear if they behave lawfully. The Prosecutor of the ICC is only concerned with the most grave offences and it defies belief that the US would approve a strategy of genocide or systematic mass violations of human rights that could attract the jurisdiction of the ICC. Further, the discretion of the Prosecutor is not unchecked. The Statute requires that the approval of three judges sitting in a pre-trial chamber be obtained before an arrest warrant can be issued or proceedings initiated. Moreover, there is no harm to the interests of the US in being subjected to a mere preliminary investigation. In fact, it is preferable that spurious accusations are briefly examined and shown to be baseless, than that these accusations be allowed to raise doubts about the credibility of a State's actions and the impartiality of the Tribunal in question. The US acceptance of the jurisdiction of the Prosecutor of the ICTY is evident ; the US troops forming part of the KFOR peacekeeping force in Kosovo could equally be subject to investigation and prosecution by the ICTY. The US is prepared for its forces to operate under the scrutiny of the ICTY since it reasonably does not expect its members to commit the very crimes they are deployed to prevent. ICC, war criminals, prosecution, United States, ratification, jurisdiction, Prosecutor, grave offences, genocide, human rights violations, judicial process, arrest warrant, pre-trial chamber, preliminary investigation, credibility, impartiality, ICTY, Kosovo, peacekeeping, US forces, accountability ICC, war criminals, prosecution, law-abiding states, United States, ratification, jurisdiction, Prosecutor, grave offences, genocide, human rights violations, pre-trial chamber, arrest warrant, proceedings, preliminary investigation, international law, credibility, impartiality, tribunal, ICTY, peacekeeping, Kosovo, US troops, accountability ICC, war criminals, prosecution, United States, ratification, jurisdiction, Prosecutor, grave offences, genocide, human rights violations, legal procedures, arrest warrants, preliminary investigation, fairness, credibility, impartiality, ICTY, US troops, KFOR, peacekeeping, accountability, international law ICC, war criminals, prosecution, law-abiding states, United States, ratification, Prosecutor, grave offences, genocide, human rights violations, jurisdiction, discretion, judges, pre-trial chamber, arrest warrant, investigations, spurious accusations, credibility, impartiality, ICTY, US troops, KFOR, Kosovo, peacekeeping, accountability ICC, war criminals, jurisdiction, law-abiding states, United States, ratification, Prosecutor, grave offences, genocide, human rights violations, discretion, judges, pre-trial chamber, arrest warrant, investigations, credibility, impartiality, ICTY, peacekeeping, Kosovo, prosecution, international law
test-international-ipecfiepg-con02a	Defaulting would not solve Greece’s problems  The proposition argue that the hardship endured by the default would only be temporary, but an analysis at the particular situation facing Greece indicates the opposite. Greece’s problems arose from a horrifically inefficient public sector embedded within a mentality of corruption and tax evasion. Even if we assume that defaulting would eventually boost Greek exports and help the economy recover, this would not solve the underlying problems that caused the crisis in the first place. By leaving the Eurozone and defaulting, Greece would lose easy access to borrowing, meaning that taxpayers would soon have to face the reality that they would have to pay for the inefficiencies within the public sector and support all the other structures that need reform. [1] Greece must, therefore, address these underlying issues or face the exact same problems in the future. Given that solving these problems necessarily involve austerity measures and job cuts, it makes most sense for Greece to undergo these changes now (as it is with the current austerity measures), under the framework of IMF, ECB and European Commission funding and supervision.  [1] Barrell, Ray: “Eurozone crisis: what if… Greece leaves the single currency”, 14 May 2012, The Guardian, Greece, default, Eurozone, public sector, corruption, tax evasion, economic recovery, exports, borrowing, taxpayers, inefficiencies, economic crisis, reform, austerity, job cuts, IMF, ECB, European Commission, supervision Greece, default, Eurozone, problems, economy, public sector, corruption, tax evasion, exports, debt, borrowing, taxpayers, reforms, austerity, job cuts, IMF, ECB, European Commission, crisis Greece, default, eurozone, public sector, corruption, tax evasion, economic crisis, austerity, reforms, IMF, ECB, European Commission, bailout, economic recovery, fiscal policy, public inefficiency, borrowing, economic hardship, austerity measures, job cuts Greece, default, Eurozone, public sector, corruption, tax evasion, exports, economic recovery, fiscal crisis, borrowing, taxpayers, public reform, austerity, job cuts, IMF, ECB, European Commission, crisis, exit, currency, insolvency, economic reform Greece, default, Eurozone, economic crisis, public sector, corruption, tax evasion, exports, economy recovery, debt, borrowing, taxpayers, reforms, austerity, job cuts, IMF, ECB, European Commission, crisis management
test-law-ilppppghb-pro02a	Self-determination and independence is recognition of the fact that indigenous peoples were unfairly treated by colonial powers, and their proprietary rights abused.  In some contexts, separation may not be a realistic option for minority peoples. However, that does not mean that self-determination is not meaningful for such groups. For indigenous peoples, self-determination may take the form of restitution for land that was stolen from them, or compensation and reparations. Furthermore, self-determination may take the form of political autonomy, or greater rights to decide how children are educated, or parallel systems of justice such as sharia courts. Self-determination is about representation and identity and choice - not about outcomes. self-determination, independence, indigenous peoples, colonial powers, proprietary rights, separation, minority peoples, restitution, land rights, compensation, reparations, political autonomy, education rights, parallel justice systems, representation, identity, choice self-determination, independence, indigenous peoples, colonial powers, proprietary rights, separation, minority peoples, restitution, land rights, compensation, reparations, political autonomy, education rights, parallel justice systems, representation, identity, choice self-determination, independence, indigenous peoples, colonial powers, proprietary rights, separation, minority peoples, restitution, land rights, compensation, reparations, political autonomy, education rights, parallel justice systems, sharia courts, representation, identity, choice self-determination, independence, indigenous peoples, colonialism, proprietary rights, separation, minority groups, restitution, land rights, compensation, reparations, political autonomy, education rights, justice systems, representation, identity, choice self-determination, independence, indigenous peoples, colonialism, proprietary rights, land restitution, reparations, political autonomy, minority rights, cultural recognition, representation, identity, choice, justice systems, sharia courts
test-law-thgglcplgphw-pro01a	Coca chewing is not equivalent to the consumption of hard drugs. It is no more harmful than drinking coffee.  The coca leaf, in its natural state, is not even a narcotic, even though the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs considers the natural leaf to be so. However it only truly becomes a narcotic when the paste or the concentrate is extracted from the leaf to form cocaine. [1] The simple coca leaf, by contrast, only has very mild effects when chewed and is different from cocaine. In 1995 the World Health Organisation found that the “use of coca leaves appears to have no negative health effects and has positive therapeutic, sacred and social functions for indigenous Andean populations.” [2] It may even be useful in combating obesity, and there is no evidence that coca use is addictive. At worst, it is comparable to caffeine in terms of its effect on its consumer. [3] Therefore there are no significant health reasons behind this ban on the cultivation of coca leaves for their chewed consumption in its traditional form.  [1] Morales, Evo. “Let Me Chew My Coca Leaves”. New York Times. March 13, 2009.   [2] Jelsma, Martin. “Lifting the Ban on Coca Chewing”. Transnational Institute, Series on Legislative Reform of Drug Policies Nr. 11. March 2011.  [3] Morales, Evo. “Let Me Chew My Coca Leaves”. New York Times. March 13, 2009. Coca chewing, coca leaves, narcotic drugs, cocaine, natural coca leaf, 1961 Single Convention, therapeutic uses, indigenous populations, Andean cultures, health effects, addiction, caffeine, coca cultivation, traditional consumption, social functions, drug policy, drug bans, health research, coca in history coca, coca leaves, chewing, hard drugs, harmful, coffee, narcotic, 1961 Single Convention, cocaine, natural, effects, World Health Organization, health effects, therapeutic, sacred, social functions, indigenous, Andean, obesity, addiction, caffeine, cultivation, traditional use, drug policy, legal reform coca, coca leaf, chewing, hard drugs, harm comparison, coffee, narcotic, 1961 Single Convention, cocaine, effects, World Health Organization, health effects, therapeutic, sacred, social functions, indigenous Andean populations, obesity, addiction, caffeine, bans, cultivation, traditional use, legislative reform coca, chewing, hard drugs, harm, coffee, natural leaf, narcotic, 1961 Single Convention, coca paste, cocaine, mild effects, World Health Organization, health effects, therapeutic, sacred, social, indigenous, Andean, obesity, addiction, caffeine, cultivation, traditional use, drug policy, legislation, prohibition coca, coca leaf, chewing, hard drugs, narcotic, cocaine, coffee, health effects, therapeutic, sacred, social functions, indigenous, Andean, obesity, addiction, caffeine, ban, cultivation, traditional use, policies, drug laws
test-digital-freedoms-piidfaihbg-con02a	Google will help Chinese internet freedom more by staying  As Google itself argued in 2006 when it first entered the Chinese domestic market; when Google is fully present in China, it can at least do its very best to allow its Chinese users as much access to all the information that Chinese users are allowed to look up. By expanding their access, Google can at least contribute to a broadening of the amount of information Chinese internet users can gather. The alternative is them relying on an even more censored Chinese search engine called Baidu, or having them try to access a heavily blocked, slowed down, restricted and monitored version of Google outside of China, for example google.com or the Hong Kong-based Google.com.hk. Having a locally accessible version of Google that is censored might not be optimal, but it’s better than nothing. [1]  [1] Karen Wickre, ‘Testimony: The Internet in China’, February 15, 2006. URL:  Last consulted: December 22, 2011 Google, Chinese internet freedom, censorship, access to information, Baidu, restricted internet, Google China, internet censorship, information access, web censorship, Hong Kong Google, internet monitoring, information expansion, Chinese search engines Google, Chinese internet freedom, censorship, information access, China, Baidu, Google Hong Kong, restricted browsing, internet restrictions, online freedom, digital rights, internet censorship, information dissemination, Chinese users, internet regulation, online openness Google, Chinese internet freedom, China, information access, censorship, Baidu, restricted search, internet monitoring, Google Hong Kong, online censorship, Chinese users, information gathering, censorship bypass, internet regulation, online freedom Google, Chinese internet freedom, censorship, information access, China, Baidu, Google.com, Google Hong Kong, internet restrictions, information gathering, censorship bypass, Chinese search engines, internet monitoring, online freedom, digital access Google, Chinese internet freedom, censorship, information access, Baidu, Google China, internet censorship, information broadening, Hong Kong Google, blocked websites, restricted internet, monitored online activity, Google Taiwan, online freedom, Chinese internet users, content filtering, internet policy, information dissemination
test-science-eassgbatj-pro03a	It isn’t necessary  We don’t know how we will be able to develop new drugs without animal testing until we end it. We now know how most chemicals work, and computer simulations of chemicals are very good.[6] Experimenting on tissue can show how drugs work, without the need for actual animals. Even skin left over from surgery can be experiment on, and being human, is more useful.  The fact that animal research was needed in the past isn’t a good excuse any more. We still have all the advancements from animal testing in the past, but it’s no longer needed. [7] animal testing, drug development, alternatives, computer simulations, tissue experimentation, human tissue, ethical considerations, chemical testing, modern methods, scientific advancements, cruelty-free research animal testing, drug development, alternatives to animal testing, computer simulations, tissue experimentation, human tissue, ethical considerations, scientific advancements, chemical testing, cruelty-free research animal testing, drug development, alternatives, computer simulations, tissue experiments, human tissue, ethical considerations, cruelty-free research, in vitro testing, non-animal testing methods, biomedical research, research advancements, scientific ethics animal testing, drug development, alternatives, computer simulations, tissue experiments, human tissue, chemical understanding, ethical concerns, bypass animal research, medical advancements animal testing, drug development, alternatives to animal testing, computer simulations, tissue experimentation, human tissue, ethical considerations, chemical research, scientific advancements, non-animal methods
test-international-aghbfcpspr-con02a	Such reparations would do little to actually improve the developing countries.  Reparations are an incredibly short-term economic measure. To have any substantial impact, long-term systems would need to be put in place to truly benefit such countries, and it would be far better to encourage sustainable growth [1] than a one-off bumper payment. Developed countries should look towards improving their long-term relationship with former colonies and establishing measures such as fairer trade rules or debt relief as an efficient measure. This would allow the aid to be focused in the places where these countries need it most.  The symbolism of reparations is also potentially dangerous. Firstly, paying reparations may bring the belief that former colonial powers have ‘paid their debt’ and no longer have to seek to improve their own conduct of foreign policy. Secondly, this measure would allow dictators such as Robert Mugabe to feel justified in their declarations that colonial powers are independently responsible for all the problems affecting their countries [2] [3] [4] . In this way, Mugabe tries to hide his own shortcomings and place blame entirely on the West, which has negative impacts on the potential for international relations. In the case of Italy’s reparations to Libya, this could be seen as strengthening the Gaddafi dictatorship at the expense of the Libyan people and the West, particularly as Gaddafi is prone to blaming the West [5] or indeed anybody else he can [6] .  [1] Accessed from  on 12/09/11  [2] Accessed from  on 12/09/11  [3] Accessed from  on 12/09/11  [4] Accessed from  on 12/09/11  [5] Accessed from  on 12/09/11  [6] Accessed from  on 12/09/11 reparations, developing countries, long-term systems, sustainable growth, international aid, fair trade, debt relief, foreign policy, colonial legacy, economic impact, symbolism, geopolitical relations, dictatorship, blame shifting, colonial powers, foreign policy ethics, international relations, aid effectiveness, colonial history, economic development reparations, developing countries, economic measures, long-term systems, sustainable growth, aid, foreign policy, debt relief, trade rules, colonial history, international relations, former colonies, symbolism, dictator blame, Mugabe, Gaddafi, Libya, West, foreign policy impact, global justice, reparations debate reparations, developing countries, long-term systems, sustainable growth, economic measures, trade rules, debt relief, foreign policy, international relations, colonial powers, former colonies, aid focus, symbolism, political impact, dictators, Robert Mugabe, Gaddafi, Libya, negative consequences, foreign policy, foreign aid, colonial history, international diplomacy reparations, developing countries, long-term systems, sustainable growth, foreign aid, trade rules, debt relief, international relations, colonial history, economic impact, symbolic reparations, foreign policy, dictators, Mugabe, Gaddafi, Libya, colonial powers, blame shifting, international assistance, aid efficiency, economic development, post-colonialism reparations, developing countries, economic measures, long-term systems, sustainable growth, foreign relations, fair trade, debt relief, aid targeting, symbolism, colonial powers, foreign policy, dictators, Robert Mugabe, blame, international relations, Italy Libya reparations, Gaddafi, Western countries, dependency, post-colonialism, international diplomacy, economic development
test-international-appghblsba-con01a	Annexation is not needed where there is already extensive cooperation between the countries  Lesotho and South Africa already cooperate on a wide variety of issues. If we look at the example of the law system; the two systems are almost the same and all but one of the Justices on the Court of Appeal in Lesotho are South African jurists. [1] Moreover, there are at least four inter-governmental organizations that maximize the trade, help and social connections between the two states. Starting with the African Union, going on to the Southern African Development Community [2] that promotes socio-economic cooperation as well as political and security cooperation, moving to the Southern African Customs Union [3] and the Common Monetary Area. Lesotho is not only helped by SA but this is happening without them having to let go of their national identity and history. In much the same way as different nations, large and small, benefit from the EU so the countries of Southern Africa can benefit from some integration without the negative consequences of complete annexation with the loss of control that would bring.  [1] U.S. Department of State, ‘Lesotho (10/07)’, state.gov,   [2] Southern African Development Community Official website   [3] ‘Continued economic reforms would attract more foreign investment’, World Trade Organisation, 25 April 2003, Lesotho, South Africa, annexation, cooperation, inter-governmental organizations, law system, Court of Appeal, South African jurists, African Union, Southern African Development Community, SADC, trade, social connections, Southern African Customs Union, SACU, Common Monetary Area, regional integration, economic reforms, foreign investment, sovereignty, national identity, socio-economic cooperation, political cooperation, security cooperation annexation, cooperation, Lesotho, South Africa, legal systems, judicial influence, inter-governmental organizations, African Union, Southern African Development Community, SADC, Southern African Customs Union, SACU, Monetary Area, regional integration, sovereignty, trade, socio-economic development, security cooperation, economic reforms, foreign investment Annexation, cooperation, Lesotho, South Africa, legal system, judiciary, Court of Appeal, jurists, inter-governmental organizations, African Union, Southern African Development Community, SADC, trade, social connections, Southern African Customs Union, SACU, Common Monetary Area, economic integration, national identity, sovereignty, regional organizations, international relations, economic reform, foreign investment annexation, cooperation, Lesotho, South Africa, law system, judicial, Court of Appeal, jurists, inter-governmental organizations, African Union, Southern African Development Community, trade, social connections, Southern African Customs Union, Common Monetary Area, national identity, sovereignty, regional integration, economic reform, foreign investment Lesotho, South Africa, annexation, cooperation, law system, court of appeal, South African jurists, inter-governmental organizations, African Union, Southern African Development Community, SADC, trade, social connections, Southern African Customs Union, SACU, Common Monetary Area, economic collaboration, national identity, sovereignty, regional integration, multilateral relations, economic reforms, foreign investment
test-society-epiasghbf-pro01a	The importance of jobs in livelihoods - money  Jobs are empowerment. Building sustainable livelihoods, and tackling poverty in the long term, requires enabling access to capital assets. A key asset is financial capital. Jobs, and employment, provide a means to access and build financial capital required, whether through loans or wages. When a woman is able to work she is therefore able to take control of her own life. Additionally she may provide a second wage meaning the burden of poverty on households is cumulatively reduced. Having a job and the financial security it brings means that other benefits can be realised such as investing in good healthcare and education. [1] .  Women working from home in Kenya, designing jewellery, shows the link between employment and earning an income [2] . The women have been empowered to improve their way of life.  [1] See further readings: Ellis et al, 2010.  [2] See further readings: Petty, 2013. jobs, livelihoods, empowerment, sustainable development, poverty reduction, financial capital, employment, wages, women's empowerment, household income, economic security, healthcare, education, income generation, women entrepreneurship, rural employment, gender equality, income inequality, economic development, community empowerment employment, livelihoods, financial capital, poverty reduction, women empowerment, sustainable development, access to capital, income generation, household welfare, healthcare, education, gender equality, microfinance, economic security, rural employment, local economies, women's work, income inequality jobs, livelihoods, poverty alleviation, financial capital, empowerment, employment, women, income, healthcare, education, sustainable development, household income, financial security, access to capital, women empowerment, working women, Kenya, microfinance, economic growth, social inclusion jobs, livelihoods, empowerment, sustainable development, poverty, financial capital, employment, wages, access to capital, women empowerment, household income, economic security, healthcare, education, female employment, income generation, Kenya, working women, asset building jobs, livelihoods, employment, financial capital, poverty alleviation, economic empowerment, women, income, access to capital, sustainable development, household income, healthcare, education, women's empowerment, economic security, income generation, household welfare, Kenya, women's work, small-scale enterprises, secondary wages, poverty reduction
test-law-lghbacpsba-pro03a	It places excessive moral burden on solicitors  With the attorney-client privilege in place, there is an excessive burden on the solicitor to cope with any information their client may give to them on a confidential basis. This means they have to deal with the information alone. This is an excessive moral burden for any individual to have and should not be justified on the basis that a solicitor is there to advance the interests of their client. It should not be the solicitors role to deal with moral conflicts alone. attorney-client privilege, moral burden, solicitors, confidentiality, legal ethics, client information, moral conflicts, professional responsibility, legal confidentiality, ethical dilemmas moral burden, solicitors, attorney-client privilege, confidentiality, ethical dilemmas, legal obligations, client information, moral conflicts, legal profession, professional responsibility attorney-client privilege, moral burden, solicitors, confidentiality, ethical responsibilities, legal ethics, moral conflicts, professional duty, client confidentiality, legal practice, solicitor's role, ethical dilemmas moral burden, solicitors, attorney-client privilege, confidentiality, ethical dilemmas, legal responsibility, moral conflicts, professional ethics, client confidentiality, legal ethics solicitors, attorney-client privilege, moral burden, confidentiality, ethical dilemmas, legal responsibilities, client information, professional ethics, confidentiality obligations, moral conflict, legal ethics
test-sport-tshbmlbscac-pro04a	Without collisions, either the catcher or the runner would have an enormous and unfair advantage.  There are two often-discussed ways to change the rules: require the runner to slide, just as they must do when attempting to reach other bases; or disallow catchers to block runners’ paths. Each results in an imbalance between the catcher and runner. A commentator describes this dynamic very well:  “If Major League Baseball was to employ a rule stating that runners must avoid contact with the catcher—similar to the ‘slide or avoid’ rule employed in amateur baseball—it would give the advantage to the catcher. The catcher would have the benefit of dictating the course of action that a baserunner must take, and would—perhaps more importantly—have peace of mind knowing that there is no chance of an ensuing collision. If Major League Baseball was to make a rule stating that the catcher cannot block the plate, the advantage would certainly go to the baserunner, who would enjoy the luxury of a straight path to the most sacred ground on a baseball diamond.” [1]  Allowing collisions is the fairest, most even match between the catcher and runner.  [1] Ricky Doyle, “Buster Posey’s Injury Unfortunate, But Home-Plate Collisions Still Have Place in Baseball,” NESN, May 29, 2011,  . baseball, collision, runner, catcher, rules, sliding, blocking, plate, fair play, game imbalance, MLB, safety, injury, contact, sports regulations, game fairness baseball, collision, runner, catcher, sliding, blocking, rules, game dynamics, fair play, plate safe, sports rules, Major League Baseball, contact, sports safety, collision prevention, umpire rules baseball, collision, catcher, runner, rules, sliding, blocking, fair play, advantage, contact, safety, plate, umpire, amateur, Major League Baseball, injury, home plate, game dynamics baseball, collisions, catcher, runner, sliding, rules, gameplay, fairness, safety, home plate, blocking, Major League Baseball, amateur baseball, league rules, contact avoidance baseball, catcher, runner, collisions, rules, sliding, blocking, plate, contact, fairness, advantage, game dynamics, injury, home plate, safety, obstruction, fair play, umpire, sport rules
test-environment-ehwsnwu-pro01a	Underground Nuclear Storage is Necessary  Even states without nuclear waste programs tend to generate radioactive waste. For example, research and medicine both use nuclear material and nuclear technology. Technologies such as Medical imaging equipment are dependent and the use of radioactive elements. This means that all states produce levels of nuclear waste that need to be dealt with.  Moreover, many non-nuclear states are accelerating their programmes of research and investment into nuclear technologies. With the exception of Germany, there is an increasing consensus among developed nations that nuclear power is the only viable method of meeting rising domestic demand for energy in the absence of reliable and efficient renewable forms of power generation.  The alternatives to putting nuclear waste in underground storage tend to be based around the reuse of nuclear waste in nuclear power stations. Whilst this is viable in some areas, in countries which lack the technology to be able to do this and in countries which don’t need to rely on nuclear power, this option becomes irrelevant. Further, even this process results in the creation of some nuclear waste, so in countries with the technology to implement such a solution, the disposal of the remaining nuclear waste is still an issue.  As such, underground nuclear storage is a necessary method that should be used to dispose of nuclear waste. [1]  [1] “The EU’s deep underground storage plan.” 03/11/2010. World Nuclear News. underground nuclear storage, nuclear waste, radioactive waste, nuclear technology, medical imaging, nuclear material, research, energy demand, nuclear power, renewable energy, waste reuse, nuclear disposal, deep underground storage Underground nuclear storage, radioactive waste, nuclear technology, medical radiation, nuclear materials, nuclear research, nuclear power, renewable energy, waste disposal, nuclear reprocessing, nuclear waste management, nuclear safety, nuclear policies, international nuclear programs, deep geological storage, nuclear energy, nuclear debates, waste reprocessing, nuclear industry underground storage, nuclear waste, radioactive waste, nuclear technology, medical imaging, nuclear materials, nuclear power, renewable energy, waste disposal, nuclear reprocessing, waste reuse, nuclear safety, waste management, nuclear energy policy, global nuclear programs, waste containment, storage facilities, nuclear research, energy demand underground nuclear storage, radioactive waste, nuclear technology, medical imaging, nuclear power, nuclear waste disposal, reprocessing, nuclear energy, waste management, nuclear technology investment, nuclear waste reuse, nuclear stations, nuclear waste challenges, developed nations, renewable energy alternatives, global nuclear programs underground nuclear storage, radioactive waste, nuclear waste management, nuclear technology, medical imaging, nuclear power, renewable energy, nuclear reuse, waste disposal, nuclear policy, nuclear industry, energy demand, waste reprocessing, nuclear safety, deep geological repository
test-philosophy-apessghwba-con02a	People would die and suffer needlessly under such a policy  23 new drugs are introduced each year in the United Kingdom alone . [1] . While almost all of these drugs will have been brought to the market after extensive animal testing, the number of animals used to check their safety only seems to be a high cost when the benefits that each drug brings to its users are inadequately considered.  New drugs that are approved for medical use have the potential to relieve human pain and suffering not only for the first group of patients given access to them, but also for future generations of sick and suffering individuals too. Consider all the lives, all over the world, that have benefitted from penicillin since its discovery in 1928. If drugs cost more to research and develop, then that reduces potential profit margins, and some drugs that would have otherwise been discovered and released will fall below the new threshold of likely profits necessary to fund the research. Adopting this proposition will lead to more people suffering and dying in the future than would have otherwise been the case.  [1] BBC News. 2013. Falling drug breakthroughs 'a myth'. drug development, animal testing, medical research, drug safety, UK pharmaceuticals, new drugs, patient suffering, drug approval, benefits of medicines, drug discovery, pharmaceutical costs, profit impact, future health, medical ethics, public health, life-saving drugs, drug regulation, research funding, global health, penicillin drug development, animal testing, pharmaceutical policy, medical research, drug safety, drug approval, public health, animal welfare, medical ethics, healthcare costs, drug innovation, benefits vs costs, future cures, pharmacology, medical breakthroughs, profit impact, suffering reduction, life-saving drugs, UK healthcare, ethical considerations drug development, animal testing, medical safety, pharmaceutical industry, drug approval process, UK healthcare, drug discovery, research costs, life-saving medicines, ethics in testing, pain relief, drug benefits, future therapeutics, healthcare policy, suffering reduction, biomedical research, profit and innovation, drug approval thresholds, public health, pharmaceutical ethics drug development, animal testing, pharmaceutical industry, healthcare policy, drug safety, medical research, drug approval, human suffering, drug innovation, research costs, profit margins, drug discovery, public health, medical ethics, animal rights drug development, animal testing, drug safety, UK pharmaceuticals, new drug approval, human suffering, medical benefits, drug research costs, pharmaceutical profits, drug discovery, life-saving medicines, penicillin, future healthcare, drug policy, ethical considerations, research funding, medical innovation
test-international-bldimehbn-pro02a	On issues such as gay marriage, human rights activists have taken the line that the right to marry is nobody else’s business. That principle of privacy should work both ways.  Many have argued that issues relating to homosexual relations are, fundamentally, a matter of privacy. That we should respect the rights of individuals to live their lives as they see fit without having the views, actions and opinions imposed upon them. [1] It’s a reasonable position but must surely relate to viewers and readers as much as it does to the subjects of news stories.  If gay men and women have the right to live their lives free from the intervention of other traditions and beliefs then so do those communities – religious and otherwise – that find some of their demands offensive or objectionable.  If the rights to privacy and self-determination are supported by those who support gay rights, then it would be inconsistent to suggest that this does not generate a right to avoid offence on behalf of those receiving news.  [1] Human rights campaign, ‘Should gay marriage be legal?’, procon.org, updated 10th August 2012, gay marriage, human rights, privacy, self-determination, LGBT rights, personal freedom, religious communities, offensive content, news media, free expression, social norms, ethical considerations, legal rights, social fairness gay marriage, human rights, privacy, self-determination, LGBT rights, social justice, religious beliefs, offensive speech, media ethics, freedom of expression, community rights, tradition, social tolerance, legal rights, equality gay marriage, human rights, privacy, self-determination, LGBT rights, religious freedom, freedom of expression, social tolerance, discrimination, legal rights, social attitudes, morality, civil rights, social justice, community acceptance gay marriage, human rights, privacy, self-determination, discrimination, religious beliefs, social acceptance, freedom of expression, dignity, legal rights, equality, social issues, civil rights, morality gay marriage, human rights, privacy, self-determination, LGBTQ+ rights, religious beliefs, freedom of expression, social tolerance, legal rights, discrimination, public opinion, civil liberties, minority rights, social justice, ethical considerations
test-law-hrpepthwuto-pro03a	Time is of the essence in a crisis. When confronted with extremists who see a virtue in their own death, extraordinary methods may be required.  The use of force and fear in enhanced interrogation gives quick results. In the event of a bomb hidden somewhere in Manhattan, it’s vital to have information quickly. Nobody, even the most diehard proponents of enhanced interrogation, would suggest that it is pleasant or should be used on a routine basis; the point is that techniques such as waterboarding are effective and fast.  Responding to terrorist threats is something that needs to be dealt with in minutes or hours. Unfortunately, it is in the nature of due process and legal procedure that they trials and questioning take place in a framework of days or weeks. time, crisis, extremists, virtue, death, extraordinary methods, force, fear, enhanced interrogation, quick results, bomb, Manhattan, information, waterboarding, terrorist threats, response, minutes, hours, due process, legal procedure, trials, questioning, framework crisis, extremists, death, extraordinary methods, force, fear, enhanced interrogation, quick results, bomb, Manhattan, information, waterboarding, terrorist threats, response time, due process, legal procedures, trial, questioning crisis, extremists, death, extraordinary methods, use of force, fear, enhanced interrogation, quick results, bomb, Manhattan, information, terrorism, waterboarding, effectiveness, rapid response, due process, legal procedures, legal framework crisis, extremists, death, violence, force, fear, enhanced interrogation, quick results, bomb, Manhattan, information, waterboarding, terrorist threats, urgency, due process, legal procedures crisis, extremists, death, methods, force, fear, enhanced interrogation, quick results, bomb, Manhattan, information, waterboarding, terrorist threats, response time, due process, legal procedure, trials, questioning
test-digital-freedoms-phwnaccpdt-pro01a	Collecting and selling personal information is a major violation of privacy  The gathering of personal data that companies undertake is done in a fashion that is fundamentally invasive of individuals’ privacy.  When individuals go online they act as private parties, often enjoying anonymity in their personal activities. Companies, particular online services, collate information and seek to use it to market products and services that are specifically tailored to those individuals. In the context of the internet, this means that individuals’ activities online are in fact susceptible to someone else’s interference and oversight, stealing from them the privacy and security the internet has striven to provide since its inception. At the most basic level, the invasion of privacy that collating and using private data gleaned from customers is unacceptable. [1] There is a very real risk of the information being misused, as the data can be held, and even resold to third parties that the customers never consented to giving their data and might well not want to come into possession of their personal details. This can lead to serious abuses of individuals’ private information by corporations, or indeed other agents that might have less savoury uses for the information, most obviously the more places your personal information is the more likely it is to be lost in a data breach with 267million records exposed in 2012. [2] Even when the information is not exposed it may be used in ways that have a real impact on the individual such as determining credit scores. [3] People as a matter of principle should have control over who gets access to their private information. Giving companies that are driven by profit motive to sell on their customers’ data to anyone that might offer a suitable price stands as an absolute theft of personal information and privacy.  [1] The Canadian Press. “Academics Want Watchdog to Probe Online Profiling”. CTV News. 28 July 2008.   [2] Risk Based Security, “2012 Sets New Record for Reported Data Breaches”, PR Newswire, 14 February 2013,   [3] Morris, J., and Lacandera, E., “Why big companies buy, sell your data”, CNN, 23 August 2012, privacy, personal data, data collection, data selling, data breach, data misuse, online privacy, privacy violation, data security, targeted marketing, data reselling, data sharing, personal information, privacy rights, privacy infringement, online profiling, data protection, privacy principles, data control, corporate data practices, privacy law privacy, personal data, data collection, data selling, online privacy, personal information, privacy violation, data breaches, data misuse, data resale, online privacy infringement, data security, data privacy laws, privacy rights, data control, corporate data practices, personal privacy, data protection, privacy rights violation, credit score impact, data security breaches, data privacy ethics, data harvesting, online profiling, data oversight, privacy advocacy privacy, personal data, invasion, data collection, online activities, anonymity, targeted marketing, data privacy, data breaches, data resale, data misuse, personal information, cybersecurity, data security, data sharing, consent, privacy violation, data theft, data protection, online privacy, data regulation, data control, profit-driven data use, personal information protection privacy, personal data, data collection, data breach, online privacy, data misuse, data resale, personal information security, privacy violation, data privacy laws, targeted marketing, online profiling, consent, data security, data sharing, data sale, data breaches, privacy rights, information security, third-party access, data management privacy, personal data, data collection, data selling, data breaches, online privacy, data misuse, data resale, privacy violations, data security, data privacy laws, personal information, online profiling, data sharing, consent, anonymity, targeted marketing, data security breaches, credit scoring, data access control, corporate data practices
test-international-eiahwpamu-pro04a	Rebuilding agricultural systems  Africa is faced with an agrarian crisis. Microfinance is providing rural communities a chance to gain food security and reduce vulnerability to risks such as climate change, unstable demand, and political tensions. Microfinance supports small scale agriculture – which is more sustainable, effective for growth, and beneficial for communities than larger scale agriculture. In Zimbabwe, small scale farming has the capability to improve production, benefiting households, communities, and the Nation (IRIN, 2013; Morrison, 2012).  Kiva, a microfinance NGO, is providing affordable capital to remote communities. Loans have been provided to small-scale farmers and a rental system has been set-up enabling farmers to borrow tools and resources needed. rebuilding, agricultural systems, Africa, agrarian crisis, microfinance, rural communities, food security, climate change, risk reduction, small-scale agriculture, sustainability, growth, community benefits, Zimbabwe, small-scale farming, production, households, communities, nation, Kiva, microfinance NGO, affordable capital, remote communities, loans, farmers, rental system, tools, resources agricultural systems, Africa, agrarian crisis, microfinance, rural communities, food security, climate change, vulnerability, political tensions, small-scale agriculture, sustainability, growth, community benefits, Zimbabwe, small-scale farming, production, households, communities, nation, Kiva, microfinance NGO, affordable capital, remote communities, loans, small-scale farmers, rental system, tools, resources agricultural systems, Africa, agrarian crisis, microfinance, rural communities, food security, climate change, vulnerability, risks, small-scale agriculture, sustainability, growth, community benefits, Zimbabwe, small-scale farming, production, households, communities, nation, IRIN, Morrison, microfinance NGO, Kiva, affordable capital, remote communities, loans, small-scale farmers, rental system, borrowing, tools, resources agricultural systems, Africa, agrarian crisis, microfinance, rural communities, food security, vulnerability, climate change, demand instability, political tensions, small-scale agriculture, sustainability, growth, community benefits, Zimbabwe, small-scale farming, production improvement, households, communities, nation, IRIN, Morrison, Kiva, microfinance NGO, affordable capital, remote communities, loans, small-scale farmers, rental system, tools, resources agriculture, Africa, agrarian crisis, microfinance, food security, rural communities, climate change, risk reduction, small-scale farming, sustainability, growth, community benefits, Zimbabwe, smallholder farmers, crop production, smallholder agriculture, Kiva, microfinance NGO, affordable capital, loans, rural loans, farming tools, resource borrowing
test-science-sghwbdgmo-con02a	Genetically modified organisms can solve the problem of food supply in the developing world.  The possible benefits from GM food are enormous. Modifications which render plants less vulnerable from pests lead to less pesticide use, which is better for the environment. Other modifications lead to higher crop yield, which leads to lower food prices for all. However, This technology really comes into its own in developing countries. Here where water is at a shortage, modifications (which lead crops to needing less water), are of vital importance. The World Health Organization predicts that vitamin A deficiency, with the use of GMOs, could be wiped out rapidly in the modern world. The scientists developed the strain of rice, called “golden rice”, which produces more beta-carotene and this way produces 20 times more vitamins than other strains, creating a cure for childhood blindness in developing countries. [1]  The fact that it has not is illustrative of the lack of political and economic will to solve these problems. GM food provides a solution that does not rely on charity from Western governments. As the world population increases and the environment deteriorates further this technology will become not just useful but necessary.  [1] Black R., GM “golden rice” boosts vitamin A, published 03/25/2005,  , accessed 09/02/2011 genetically modified organisms, GM food, food supply, developing world, crop yield, pesticide reduction, environmental benefits, water conservation, drought-resistant crops, vitamin A deficiency, golden rice, beta-carotene, childhood blindness, nutrition, food security, biotechnology, public health, GMO benefits, global food challenges, sustainable agriculture genetically modified organisms, GM foods, food supply, developing countries, crop yield, pesticide reduction, environmental benefits, water conservation, vitamin A deficiency, golden rice, beta-carotene, childhood blindness, food security, biotechnology, food security solutions, global nutrition, health benefits, GMO, agricultural technology, food prices, environmental impact genetically modified organisms, GM food, food supply, developing countries, crop yield, pest resistance, pesticide reduction, environmental benefits, water conservation, drought tolerance, vitamin A deficiency, golden rice, beta-carotene, childhood blindness, food security, biotechnology, public health, malnutrition, crop improvement, global food security genetically modified organisms, GM food, food supply, developing world, benefits, pest resistance, pesticide reduction, environmental impact, crop yield, food prices, water scarcity, drought-tolerance, vitamin A deficiency, Golden rice, beta-carotene, childhood blindness, nutrition, food security, biotechnology, agricultural technology, global health, poverty alleviation, food production, GMO controversy, policy, economics genetically modified organisms, GM food, food supply, developing world, crop yield, pesticide reduction, environmental benefits, water efficiency, vitamin A deficiency, golden rice, beta-carotene, childhood blindness, nutrition, food security, biotechnology, crop development, public health, global food crisis
test-law-ilppppghb-pro01a	"Self-determination is necessary to protect minority cultures.  Many states in the modern world do not respect the rights of minorities or actively seek to dilute and subsume them into the majority culture. Others offer limited protections to minority peoples but stop short of allowing them to choose their own futures. We need to reassert their right to self-determination to ensure that these minority cultures are not lost. Failure to defend the principle of self-determination now will effectively close off the choices of future generations.  For example, Australian government policy for many decades was to ignore Aboriginal rights, denying them full citizenship1 and removing children from their homes and relocating them with white families (the so-called ""stolen generation""2). As a result many indigenous Australians no longer have a strong link to their native cultures and languages. The same is arguably true in places like Tibet, where traditional culture is being diluted over time through the deliberate policy of the Chinese government.  1 See ""Collaborating for Indigenous Rights"", National Museum of Australia 2 ""Bringing Them Home: Report of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their Families"", Australia Human Rights Commission, April 1997. self-determination, minority cultures, cultural rights, cultural preservation, indigenous rights, cultural assimilation, state policies, minority protections, cultural loss, Aboriginal Australians, stolen generation, indigenous languages, Tibet, cultural dilution, government policies, minority sovereignty, cultural heritage, human rights, cultural autonomy self-determination, minority cultures, cultural preservation, minority rights, cultural suppression, cultural assimilation, indigenous rights, Aboriginal Australians, stolen generation, cultural loss, Tibet, Chinese policies, cultural dilution, language preservation, citizenship rights, cultural heritage, minority inclusion, future generations, cultural autonomy self-determination, minority cultures, rights, protection, cultural preservation, assimilation, globalization, indigenous peoples, Aboriginal rights, stolen generation, cultural loss, language extinction, Tibet, Chinese government, cultural dilution, policies, historical injustices, minority rights, sovereignty, self-governance, cultural identity self-determination, minority cultures, cultural preservation, rights of minorities, cultural assimilation, indigenous rights, Australian Aboriginals, stolen generation, cultural loss, Tibet, cultural dilution, government policies, minority protection, cultural sovereignty, future generations self-determination, minority cultures, cultural protection, cultural assimilation, indigenous rights, minority rights, cultural preservation, Australia, Aboriginal Australians, stolen generation, indigenous languages, Tibet, Chinese government, cultural dilution, indigenous communities, citizenship, human rights, cultural sovereignty"
test-politics-oepghbrnsl-con04a	"Corruption, an essential issue in Russia, is due to the strong leadership  There is a link between the high levels of corruption and the strong leadership of Russian president and prime minister of Russia. – “Some of Russia's most prominent opposition figures have produced a report accusing Prime Minister Vladimir Putin of presiding over a boom in corruption and enriching his inner circle over the past decade… Putin and President Dmitry Medvedev themselves have 26 ""palaces"" and five yachts, which in turn require costly state upkeep, according to the report.” (8)  Many argue that if it weren’t for the power of the prime minister and ex-president Putin, also his strong authority and management, corruption would have been minimized long ago. corruption, Russia, leadership, Vladimir Putin, Dmitry Medvedev, opposition figures, political power, political influence, state assets, political corruption, governance, political elite, oligarchy, political reports, government accountability corruption, Russia, leadership, Vladimir Putin, prime minister, Dmitry Medvedev, opposition figures, report, enrichment, inner circle, palaces, yachts, state upkeep, power, authority, management corruption,Russia,leadership,Vladimir Putin,Prime Minister,meddling,opposition,report,enrichment,inner circle,palaces,yachts,state upkeep,authority,management,political influence,government accountability corruption, Russia, leadership, Vladimir Putin, Dmitry Medvedev, political influence, opposition figures, report, palace, yachts, state expenses, authoritarianism, governance, political power corruption, Russia, leadership, Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister, Dmitry Medvedev, opposition, report, wealth, palaces, yachts, governance, authority, influence, political power, accountability"
test-free-speech-debate-ldhwprhs-con01a	Regardless of the views expressed, freedom of speech means that all opinions should be heard.  Allowing politicians to regulate what it is acceptable to say – or think – is not something that has a happy history. This isn’t the result of a purely intellectual construct but one of altruistic self-interest; once people start banning ideas, they tend not to stop at one.  Voltaire’s comment that “I may not agree with what you say but I will defend to the death your right to say it” is a statement of the very same principle that that demands equality for all groups in society.  In exactly the same way that all views are, at the very least, worthy of a hearing, so are all lifestyles acceptable. Locking people up in the name of liberty makes no sense at all. Equally, banning statements on the basis that it might be offensive to some people has been used as an excuse to prevent social and cultural developments, the process of being offended usually made society and culture stronger for it. We tend to fear or hate that which is hidden or unspoken. The emancipation and liberation of other groups has tended to suggest that open debate is a more productive answer than trying to ban opinions and views. freedom of speech, opinions, censorship, regulation, free expression, societal values, pluralism, tolerance, diversity, social progress, free debate, free speech principles, societal development, cultural development, offense, societal strength, emancipation, liberation, open debate freedom of speech, opinions, regulation, censorship, history, altruism, self-interest, banning ideas, Voltaire, free expression, equality, societal acceptance, lifestyles, liberty, offense, social development, cultural progress, offense, societal strength, fear, unspoken, emancipation, liberation, open debate freedom of speech, opinions, regulation, censorship, history, altruism, self-interest, banning ideas, Voltaire, right to speech, equality, societal groups, lifestyles, liberty, offensive statements, social development, offense, society, culture, emancipation, liberation, open debate, banned views freedom of speech, opinions, censorship, regulation, free expression, Voltaire, equality, social justice, diversity, tolerance, censorship, offensive speech, societal development, open debate, social change, cultural progress, emancipation, liberty freedom of speech, opinions, censorship, regulation, speech rights, historical context, altruism, self-interest, banning ideas, Voltaire, free expression, equality, societal acceptance, lifestyles, liberty, offensive speech, social development, offense, societal strength, fear, taboo, emancipation, liberation, open debate
test-free-speech-debate-nshbcsbawc-con03a	If this were about wearing a badge with a political slogan or something similar, everyone would agree that it was inappropriate. The same principle should apply to iconography.  If the image they were wearing endorsed a political candidate or another company, the issue would never have got to court. Neither complainant was employed in a capacity where their religious conviction was relevant to the job. If the situation were reversed and they were compelled to profess a religious faith in such a situation there would, rightly, be an outcry.  In neither situation would the consumer of the service being provided expect to be confronted with endorsements for which candidate to vote for or which soda to drink.  The question then arises, if political and corporate branding is out, why should suggestions about which god to pray to be okay? The very fact that they were willing to pursue this action demonstrates that images and symbols carry meaning beyond the explicit statement they make. If that is true, then it is equally true that others may object to, or be offended by, what that symbol represents. People who have bought airline tickets or are in need of healthcare should not be confronted by imagery they may find unpleasant. religious symbols, political slogans, iconography, endorsement, corporate branding, employee rights, religious conviction, religious imagery, free expression, cultural sensitivity, workplace policies, religious freedom, consumer rights, symbolism, offensive imagery, religious offense, court cases religious symbols, political slogans, iconography, endorsement, discrimination, religious freedom, employment rights, freedom of expression, commercial imagery, religious offense, expressive conduct, religious neutrality, public space, symbolic expression, legal case, religious imagery religious symbols, political slogans, iconography, discrimination, workplace rights, religious freedom, corporate branding, religious expression, advertisement regulation, freedom of speech, religious offense, symbol interpretation, workplace neutrality, religious convictions, societal norms religious symbols, political slogans, corporate branding, iconography, religious conviction, employment, court case, endorsements, consumer expectations, imagery, offensive symbols, meaning, religious imagery, freedom of expression, religious offense, workplace, public spaces, religious freedom, social norms visual symbolism, religious symbols, political slogans, corporate branding, free expression, religious freedom, discrimination, expression rights, workplace rights, hate symbols, cultural sensitivity, imagery, offended viewers, societal norms
test-politics-glgvhbqssc-pro03a	International Law Mandates Quebec be allowed Independence  International law recognizes Quebec’s right to self-determination and denying them self-determination is therefore a violation of international law.  International law recognizes the right of all peoples to self-determination. The international community has decided that it is oppressive to individuals to live under a government that is systematically incapable or unwilling to protect them and their interests. [1]  The Quebecois have been systematically denied adequate representation in the federal government of Canada. Quebecois legislation protection their basic rights to retain their language and culture have been met with contempt [2] and legal action by the federal Canadian government and courts. [3] This is but one example of the very clear denial of basic representation and self-governance that afflicts the Quebecois in Canada.  Therefore, Quebec has the legal right to self-determination and independence in international law.  [1] „Reference re Secession of Quebec“, Supreme Court of Canada, 1998, 2 S.C.R. 217, <  >  [2] “Maxime Bernier on Quebec law: ‘We don’t need Bill 101’”, The Canadian Press, 4 February 2011, <  >  [3] Hudon, R., „Bill 101“, The Canadian Encyclopedia, <  > international law, Quebec independence, self-determination, sovereignty, legal rights, international recognition, secession, human rights, cultural protection, language rights, self-governance, federal jurisdiction, legal case, Supreme Court, Bill 101, Quebecois rights, oppression, representation, autonomy, national sovereignty International Law, Quebec, independence, self-determination, sovereignty, legal rights, human rights, oppression, representation, language rights, cultural rights, federal government, legal case, Reference re Secession of Quebec, Supreme Court, Bill 101, Canadian law, international recognition, self-governance, Canadian courts International Law, Quebec, independence, self-determination, sovereignty, right to self-determination, legal rights, international recognition, oppressed peoples, cultural rights, language rights, representation, autonomy, self-governance, federal government, constitutional law, legal cases, Reference re Secession of Quebec, Canadian law, human rights, minority rights international law, Quebec independence, self-determination, sovereignty, human rights, Quebecois rights, federal government, legal rights, constitutional law, secession, legal precedent, cultural protection, political autonomy, international recognition, independence movement, Canadian constitution international law, Quebec independence, self-determination, sovereignty, legal rights, right to self-determination, international recognition, oppressed peoples, minority rights, language rights, cultural protection, federal government, representation, legal action, legal case, Supreme Court of Canada, Secession of Quebec, Bill 101, constitutional law, sovereignty movement, independence rights
test-science-ascidfakhba-pro01a	Intellectual property is a legal fiction created for convenience in some instances, but copyright should cease to be protected under this doctrine  An individual’s idea only truly belongs solely to them so long as it rests in their mind alone. When they disseminate their ideas to the world they put them in the public domain, and should become the purview of everyone to use. Artists and creators more generally, should not expect some sort of ownership to inhere in an idea they happen to have, since no such ownership right exists in reality. [1] No one can own an idea. Thus recognizing something like a property right over intangible assets is contrary to reason, since doing so gives monopoly power to individuals who may not make efficient or equitable use of their inventions or products. Physical property is a tangible asset, and thus can be protected by tangible safeguards. Ideas do not share the same order of protection even now because they exist in a different order to physical reality. However, some intellectual property is useful in encouraging investment and invention, allowing people to engage their profit motives to the betterment of society as a whole. To an extent one can also sympathize with the notion that creators deserve to accrue some additional profit for the labour of the creative process, but this can be catered for through Creative Commons non-commercial licenses which reserve commercial rights. [2] These protections should not extend to non-commercial use of the various forms of arts. This is because art is a social good of a unique order, with its purpose not purely functional, but creative. It only has value in being experienced, and thus releasing these works through creative commons licenses allows the process of artistic experience and sharing proceeds unhindered by outmoded notions of copyright. The right to reap some financial gain still remains for the artists, as their rights still hold over all commercial use of their work. This seems like a fair compromise of the artist’s right to profit from their work and society right to experience and grow from those works.  [1] Fitzgerald, Brian and Anne Fitzgerald. Intellectual Property: In Principle. Melbourne: Lawbook Company. 2004.  [2] Walsh, K., “Commercial Rights Reserved proposal outcome: no change”, Creative Commons, 14 February 2013, intellectual property, legal fiction, copyright, ideas, public domain, ownership, intangible assets, physical property, protection, innovation, investment, profit motives, Creative Commons, non-commercial licenses, artistic expression, social good, creative works, copyright reform, artistic rights, commercial use, artistic sharing intellectual property, legal fiction, copyright, idea ownership, public domain, creative commons, non-commercial licenses, artistic rights, intangible assets, physical property, innovation, societal benefit, profit motives, monopoly power, intangible assets protection, creative process, artistic experience, copyright reform intellectual property, legal fiction, copyright, ideas, public domain, ownership, intangible assets, physical property, protection, invention, creative commons, licenses, non-commercial, arts, social good, artistic experience, copyright reform, creative rights, profit motives, societal benefit, legal doctrine, intellectual rights intellectual property, legal fiction, copyright, ideas, public domain, ownership, creativity, intangible assets, physical property, protection, artistic rights, Creative Commons, non-commercial licenses, art as social good, copyright exemption, artistic experience, profit motives, societal benefit, intellectual property debate intellectual property, copyright, idea ownership, public domain, creative rights, intangible assets, physical property, intellectual property protection, incentives for innovation, Creative Commons, non-commercial licenses, artistic expression, copyright reform, social good, artistic value, profit motives, intellectual property doctrine
test-religion-frghbbgi-con01a	Revealed wisdom  Godly wisdom is not the same as human wisdom and cannot be subject to the same criticism. The nature of humanity means that our ability to understand God’s wisdom is fundamentally limited; and thus arguments based on morality or science are irrelevant – what matters is that God has revealed Himself. Revealed wisdom, divine wisdom, human wisdom, religious insight, theology, morality, science, divine revelation, spiritual understanding, limitations of human knowledge, God's nature, faith, divine truth, spiritual discernment divine wisdom, human wisdom, theological insight, revelation, morality, science, divine knowledge, spiritual understanding, limits of human understanding, God's nature, religious beliefs, faith-based knowledge wisdom, godly wisdom, human wisdom, divine revelation, limitations, understanding, morality, science, theology, spirituality, faith, divine insight, divine nature, human limitations revelation, divine wisdom, human wisdom, limitations, morality, science, understanding,God, theology, faith, spirituality, divine knowledge, epistemology, divine revelation revelation, divine wisdom, human wisdom, limitations, morality, science, faith, understanding, spirituality, theology
test-environment-opecewiahw-con04a	The cost is too high  The Grand Inga is ‘pie in the sky’ as the cost is too immense. At more than $50-100 billion it is more than twice the GDP of the whole country. [1] Even the much smaller Inga III project has been plagued by funding problems with Westcor pulling out of the project in 2009. [2] This much smaller project still does not have all the financial backing it needs having failed to get firm commitments of investment from anyone except the South Africans. [3] If private companies won’t take the risk on a much smaller project they won’t on the Grand Inga.  [1] Central Intelligence Agency, ‘Congo, Democratic Republic of the’, The World Factbook, 12 November 2013,   [2] ‘Westcor Drops Grand Inga III Project’, Alternative Energy Africa, 14 August 2009,   [3] ‘DRC still looking for Inga III funding’, ESI-Africa.com, 13 September 2013, Grand Inga, Inga III, project funding, costs, billion dollars, GDP comparison, private investment, funding challenges, project viability, energy infrastructure, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Westcor, investment commitments, energy projects, infrastructure costs, funding issues cost, Grand Inga, project funding, budget, energy infrastructure, infrastructure investment, renewable energy, hydroelectric power, project feasibility, financial backing, project risks, international investment, South Africa, Westcor, Inga III, Democratic Republic of the Congo, World Factbook, funding problems Grand Inga, Inga III, cost, funding, investment, project funding, project cost, infrastructure, energy projects, renewable energy, Africa energy, South African investment, project risks, private sector, funding challenges, energy infrastructure, DRC, Democratic Republic of Congo, World Factbook, Westcor cost, Grand Inga, financial challenges, funding problems, investment, project scale, size comparison, GDP impact, private investment, funding commitments, project risks, energy project, infrastructure cost, project viability, international funding, South African investment, project abandonment, energy development Grand Inga, cost, high, funding, budget, project financing, infrastructure, energy, hydroelectric, South Africa, investment, funding issues, project challenges, economic feasibility, national GDP, private investment, risk, project funding, international aid
test-digital-freedoms-eifpgdff-con03a	Internet regulation is necessary to ensure a working economy on the internet  As seen above, the internet has enabled many types of criminal behavior. But it has also enabled normal citizens to share files. Music, movie and game producers have difficulty operating in a market where their products get pirated immediately after release and spread for free instantaneously on a massive scale. The internet enables violation of their right of ownership, gained through providing the hard work of creating a work of art, on a massive scale. Since it’s impractical to sue and fine each and every downloader, a more effective and less invasive policy would be government requiring Internet Service Providers to implement a graduated response policy, which has ISPs automatically monitor all internet traffic and fine their users when they engage in copyright violation. Something along these lines has already been tried in France, called HADOPI, which has succeeded in decreasing the downloading of unauthorized content. [1]  Apart from this, governments also need to think about how to translate everyday offline activities onto the internet. For example, when you file your tax report offline, you would sign it with your handwritten signature. The online variant would be a digital signature. [2] Developing and deploying a digital signature would enable citizens and corporations to do business, file their tax reports and pay their taxes online.  [1] Crumley, ‘Why France’s Socialists Won’t Kill Sarkozy’s Internet Piracy Law’, 2012  [2] Wikipedia, ‘Digital Signatures’, 2012. internet regulation, digital rights management, copyright enforcement, piracy prevention, graduated response, internet service providers, ISPs, illegal file sharing, online criminal behavior, digital signatures, online transactions, e-governance, tax filing online, digital security, legal policy, government regulation, internet policing, copyright law, intellectual property, online privacy internet regulation, online economy, cybercrime, digital piracy, intellectual property, copyright infringement, internet policy, ISP monitoring, graduated response, HADOPI, online copyright enforcement, digital signatures, e-government, online taxation, digital security, online privacy internet regulation, online copyright enforcement, digital piracy, internet security, graduated response policy, ISPs, copyright infringement, digital signature, online legal activities, e-government, online taxation, digital rights management, internet law, digital copyright, internet governance, authorized content, online file sharing, intellectual property, online privacy, internet policy Internet regulation, digital copyright enforcement, internet crime, piracy, file sharing, online copyright violations, graduated response, ISP monitoring, online content protection, digital signatures, e-government, online tax filing, digital security, intellectual property rights, HADOPI, internet policy, online commerce, digital authentication, internet privacy, online law internet regulation, digital copyright enforcement, copyright infringement, digital signature, internet security, online piracy, file sharing, illegal downloading, ISP monitoring, graduated response, government policy, privacy concerns, digital rights management, online commerce, e-governance, internet laws, cybersecurity, intellectual property, online content control, international laws, HADOPI, digital authentication
test-economy-bhahwbsps-pro04a	This ban would be easy to introduce.  A ban in all public places would be no more difficult to introduce than existing bans preventing smoking in only some public places. As long as people are given plenty of notice of changes, as was done in airports in Saudi Arabia, and the rules are made clear and readily available1 there should be few difficulties in introducing this ban.  1 Smith, Louise. “Smoking in public places: the ban in force – Commons Library Standard Note.” Parliament. 20 May 2011. public places, ban, smoking, legislation, introduction, compliance, notice, communication, policy, regulation, public health, enforcement public places, ban, smoking restrictions, introduction, enforcement, notice period, public health, policy, Saudi Arabia, legal framework, communication, compliance, regulation, government policy public places, ban, introduction, smoking restrictions, public health, policy implementation, notice period, government regulation, Saudi Arabia, airport smoking bans, legal framework, communication strategies, ease of enforcement public places, ban, smoking, implementation, notice, regulations, compliance, enforcement, policy, Saudi Arabia, airports, communication, legal framework, public health public places, ban, smoking, regulations, implementation, legislation, enforcement, notice, public awareness, policy, Saudi Arabia, airports, legal framework, compliance, public health
test-philosophy-ippelhbcp-con01a	“Benefits” of capital punishment apply universally  The same arguments about capital punishment apply in Africa - deterrence value, potential cost savings, and principles of justice. [1] This could be more acute, with growing issues of international crime, such as drugs, growing in Africa [2] .  Africa has had many issues of conflict and crimes against humanity – these are the kind of crimes that many who are less enthusiastic about capital punishment would still support it for.  [1] See “This House Supports the Death Penalty” -   [2] See Cockayne, James, “Africa and the War on Drugs: the West African cocaine trade is not just business as usual”, African Arguments, 2012, capital punishment, benefits, deterrence, cost savings, justice, Africa, international crime, drugs, conflict, crimes against humanity, death penalty, West African cocaine trade, James Cockayne benefits, capital punishment, universal, deterrence, cost savings, justice, Africa, international crime, drugs, conflict, crimes against humanity, death penalty, enforcement, law, crime prevention, criminal justice, drug trade, West Africa, cocaine trade, James Cockayne capital punishment, benefits, deterrence, cost savings, justice, Africa, international crime, drugs, conflict, crimes against humanity, death penalty support, deterrence value, crime prevention, West African cocaine trade, drug trade, justice principles capital punishment, benefits, deterrence, justice, cost savings, Africa, international crime, drugs, conflict, crimes against humanity, death penalty, drug trade, West Africa, cocaine trade, law enforcement capital punishment, benefits, deterrence, cost savings, justice, Africa, international crime, drugs, conflict, crimes against humanity, death penalty debate, James Cockayne, West African cocaine trade, Africa crime issues, drug epidemic, criminal justice, human rights
test-philosophy-npppmhwup-pro04a	Increase the number of Minorities  College admission processes are impersonal and favourably biased towards white, affluent students – therefore, quotas specifically for minority students need to be established. College admissions processes are as such because they heavily rely on standard tests or college admission exams. This has caused countries such as Brazil to create quotas for brown (mixed) and black students in most universities. [1] These students cannot afford the better education enjoyed by their rich, white counterparts, and therefore do not perform well in college exams and do not gain admission into university. Quotas are needed to make the admission process a little bit fairer and increase the number of minorities in university campuses.  [1] Stahlberg, S.G. “Racial Inequality and Affirmative Action in Education in Brazil”. August 2010, minority admission quotas, college admissions bias, racial inequality education, affirmative action Brazil, university diversity, socioeconomic disparities, racial quotas, college admissions reform, minority students access, higher education equity, standardized test bias, affirmative action policies minorities, college admissions, quotas, affirmative action, racial inequality, educational equity, affirmative action policies, Brazil, minority representation, admission bias, socioeconomic disparity, standardized testing, college access, diversity, higher education, affirmative action quotas minorities, college admissions, quotas, affirmative action, racial inequality, higher education, university diversity, admission process bias, affirmative action policies, socioeconomic disparities, Brazil, minority students, college exams, educational equity, affirmative action debate minorities, college admissions, quotas, affirmative action, racial inequality, education, Brazil, black students, brown students, socioeconomic status, fairness, university access, diversity, inclusive education, standardized testing, academic disparities minorities, college admission, quotas, affirmative action, racial inequality, minority students, educational disparities, Brazil, affirmative action policies, university admissions, affirmative quotas, demographic representation, social justice, access to education, inequality reduction
test-politics-eppghwgpi-pro02a	Politicians should be able to make difficult decisions without fear that selecting one option will lead to their incarceration.  By the most popular definition, a state is the entity with the monopoly on the legitimate use of force within a defined territory. Politicians, as the government of that state, necessarily wield the institutions of that state force. This results in the tremendous responsibility of deciding when the overwhelming power of the state is exercised. This pertains to a variety of areas, such as police action against civil unrest, the interrogation of both alleged and convicted terrorists, and economic policies that subsidize industries with state resources. While it is certainly possible to brazenly abuse this power, in many cases politicians are presented with options which are, if at all illegal, marginally so, and made with the good faith interest of the nation at heart. There are even conceivable situations in which a politician may exercise options that are clearly illegal but serve an overwhelming state interest; consider an illegal raid on a private building in order to prevent a nuclear bomb from going off. While documented instances of policy-makers choosing not to act for a particular reason are rare, several senior CIA officials stated that they had become risk averse merely because the idea of prosecuting officials who made security policy had entered the public discourse. [1] We ought to place politicians in a situation where the only factor in their decision-making process is what serves the public interest, rather than having to weigh what they consider to be the right action against the chance it will lead to their incarceration. Attempting to avoid this through a limited system which allowed for the prosecution of apolitical crimes but immunity for political decisions would fail to accomplish the goals of prosecution of politicians, which is primarily to protect against political abuses of state power which threaten the rights of the citizenry.  [1] Crawford, Robert, ‘Torture and the Ideology of National Security’ Global Dialogue, Vol.12 No.1, Winter/Spring 2010, (“A Risk-Averse CIA” subsection)  [Accessed 22 September 2011] politicians, decision-making, state power, legitimacy, use of force, government, civil unrest, terrorism, economic policy, illegal actions, state interest, security, political immunity, prosecution, abuse of power, citizen rights, accountability, risk aversion politicians, decision-making, state power, legitimacy, use of force, sovereignty, civil unrest, terrorism, economic policy, illegal actions, state interests, risk aversion, immunity, prosecution, abuse of power, citizen rights, national security, accountability, legal boundaries, government authority politicians, decision-making, state power, monopoly of force, sovereignty, legal immunity, political accountability, state security, use of force, civil unrest, terrorism, economic policy, state interests, illegal actions, risk aversion, prosecution, abuse of power, citizen rights, national security, political immunity, state institutions politicians, decision-making, state power, legitimacy, force, authoritarianism, civil unrest, terrorism, economic policy, illegal actions, government immunity, accountability, state security, risk aversion, political abuse, national security, legal constraints, prosecution, citizen rights politicians, decision-making, state force, legitimacy, monopoly, territory, abuse of power, illegal actions, national security, civil unrest, terrorism, economic policy, state resources, risk aversion, prosecution, immunity, political abuse, citizen rights
test-education-ughbuesbf-pro03a	Individuals have a right to equal opportunities that free university provides.  The employment prospects created by a university degree are substantial, and many lines of work are only available to university graduates. True merit should define the ability to attend university, not the accident of birth. With the institution of fees, access becomes more difficult, and will certainly lead to lower attendance by poorer groups. This serves to lock people into the economic situation when they are born, as getting out is much more difficult when denied access to most high­income jobs.5  5 Tribune Opinion. 2005. “Education Paves Way Out of Poverty”. Greeley Tribune​ . Available: university, equal opportunities, employment prospects, university degree, merit, access, fees, socioeconomic factors, social mobility, economic inequality, education policy, social justice, income inequality, educational access, higher education, barriers to education, social class, poverty alleviation equal opportunities, university access, employment prospects, meritocracy, education inequality, socioeconomic barriers, educational fees, social mobility, higher education, economic disparity, access to education, social stratification, income inequality, college admissions, disadvantaged groups equal opportunities, university access, employment prospects, university degree, merit-based admissions, educational inequality, socioeconomic barriers, educational funding, socioeconomic mobility, access to higher education, educational opportunity, social mobility, economic inequality, university attendance, cost of education, higher education barriers equal opportunities, free university, employment prospects, university degree, access barriers, socioeconomic inequality, meritocracy, education funding, social mobility, tuition fees, economic inequality, educational access, income disparity, social justice, higher education, poverty reduction university, equal opportunities, employment prospects, merit, access, university fees, socioeconomic mobility, education inequality, social justice, income disparity, higher education, affordability, educational access, social mobility barriers, economic inequality
test-politics-epvhbfsmsaop-con02a	Celebrity involvement counters financial power to the benefit of the disenfranchised  Parties advocating policies that benefit the most financially powerful (big business etc.) are able to make large revenues from donations from wealthy business personalities involved in those industries.  Film and music stars tend towards the ‘liberal’ or ‘left’ wing of politics [1] . Consequently, in being prevented from exerting non-financial power (through endorsement) the different political parties are not equally affected: rather, you disproportionately punish the liberal parties. This is significant, given the necessity of a counter-balance to the power of big business (through donations – for example in the USA 90% of donations from mining and the automotive industry goes to the republicans [2] ) over our political system (which is not being similarly banned).  [1] Meyer, D., Gamson, J. ‘The Challenge of Cultural Elites: Celebrities and Social Movements’, Sociological Inquiry. Vol.65 No.2, 1995, pp.181-206  [2] Duffy, Robert J., ‘Business, Elections, and the Environment’, in Michael E. Kraft and Sheldon Kamieniecki, Business and Environmental Policy, 2007, pp.61-90, p.74, celebrity involvement, financial power, disenfranchised, political party influence, donations, wealthy industry leaders, film stars, music stars, liberal politics, non-financial power, political endorsement, party punishment, big business, donation sources, campaign funding, industry polarization, political influence, social movements, cultural elites, celebrity activism, political funding, environmental policy celebrity involvement, financial power, disenfranchised, political influence, donations, wealthy donors, big business, industries, film stars, music stars, liberal politics, left-wing, endorsement, non-financial power, political parties, liberal parties, power imbalance, counter-balance, campaign donations, US politics, mining industry, automotive industry, political funding, corporate donations, environmental policy, social movements, cultural elites celebrity involvement, financial power, disenfranchised, political parties, donations, wealthy individuals, industries, film stars, music stars, liberal, left-wing, endorsement, political influence, big business, counter-balance, political donations, USA, mining industry, automotive industry, political system, cultural elites, social movements, political bias, campaign finance, environmental policy celebrity involvement, financial power, disenfranchised, political parties, donations, wealthy industry personalities, film stars, music stars, liberal, left-wing politics, non-financial power, endorsement, partisan impact, liberal parties, big business, political donations, USA, industry donations, environmental policy, social movements celebrity involvement, financial power, disenfranchised, political influence, donations, wealthy donors, big business, film stars, music stars, liberal politics, left-wing, political campaigns, endorsement, political funding, party bias, counter-balance, economic influence, industry-specific donations, US election funding, political lobbying, environmental policy, sociological study, cultural elites
test-international-bmaggiahbl-pro03a	International concern  Rwanda, though a progressing country is still aid dependent which has been a backbone for its achievements today[1]. Spoiling Rwanda’s relations with the international community would therefor be destabilising Rwanda’s focus and growth. This has been evident when some countries cut aid to Rwanda recently following allegations of the government supporting insecurity in Congo [2].  Most donor governments are strong backers of human rights and freedom. Continued restrictions to freedom of speech may provoke international reaction through cutting aid and trade ties a move that may hinder the success of Rwanda’s goals. Aid has been cut on other human rights issues for example donor countries have recently acted to cut aid to Uganda as a result of their criminalisation of homosexuality.[3]  [1] DFID Rwanda, ‘Growth and Poverty reduction grant to the government of Rwanda (2012/2013-2014/2015), gov.uk, July 2012  [2] BBC news, ‘UK stops £21m aid payment to Rwanda’ bbc.co.uk, 30 November 2012  [3] Plaut, Martin, ‘Uganda donors cut aid after president passes anti-gay law’, theguardian.com, 25 February 2014 Rwanda, aid dependence, international relations, economic growth, donor countries, human rights, freedom of speech, aid cuts, international reaction, trade ties, insecurity, Congo, diplomatic relations, foreign aid, government support, restrictions, gay rights, Uganda, political stability Rwanda, aid dependence, international relations, foreign aid, growth, stability, international community, aid cuts, allegations, insecurity, Congo, donor countries, human rights, freedom of speech, trade ties, success, political restrictions, foreign aid policy, Uganda, criminalization, homosexuality, international reactions, economic development, diplomatic relations, aid withdrawal, geopolitical stability Rwanda, aid dependency, international relations, economic growth, foreign aid, donor countries, human rights, freedom of speech, international reaction, aid cuts, insecurity, Congo, diplomatic relations, development, aid policy, donor funding, political stability, human rights violations, LGBT rights, Uganda, international community, foreign policy Rwanda, international concern, aid dependency, development, international relations, aid cuts, insecurity, foreign aid, human rights, freedom of speech, trade ties, donor countries, Uganda, homosexuality, political stability, economic growth, foreign policy Rwanda, aid dependency, international relations, development, foreign aid, global partnerships, political stability, human rights, freedom of speech, international aid cuts, diplomatic relations, insecurity, Congo, donor countries, Uganda, LGBTQ rights, aid restrictions, economic growth, international community, aid policy
test-politics-pgsimhwoia-pro03a	Migrants can benefit developing countries  Migrants can bring the benefit of their industriousness to developing countries. When there are crises it is the middle professional classes who are most likely to migrate as they have the resources and knowledge with which to do so. When it comes to economic migrants it is often the educated youth who are looking for better work opportunities; skilled workers make up 33% of migrants from developing countries despite being only 6% of the population. [1] Developed countries already have a highly educated and skilled population, and will take in those migrants with skills they need. Developing countries on the other hand have a much less well educated population so derive more benefit from the influx of skilled workers to help them develop thus counteracting the ‘brain drain’.  [1] Docquier, Frédéric, Lohest, Olivier, and Marfouk, Abdeslam. ‘Brain Drain in Developing Countries’, The World Bank Economic Review. Vol. 21, No. 2, pp. 193–218, p.198 migrants, developing countries, benefits, industriousness, crises, middle professional classes, economic migrants, educated youth, work opportunities, skilled workers, population, developed countries, education, brain drain, brain gain, migration, economic development, skilled labor, international migration migrants, developing countries, benefits, industriousness, crises, middle professional classes, resource accessibility, economic migrants, educated youth, work opportunities, skilled workers, population distribution, developed countries, educated population, skilled population, brain drain, Brain Drain, migration, economic development,技能移民,人才流失,人才引进 migration, developing countries, skilled workers, brain drain, economic migrants, educated youth, professional classes, crises, work opportunities, knowledge transfer, development, talent inflow, human capital, global labor market, migrant benefits, migration policies migrants, developing countries, benefits, industriousness, crises, middle professional classes, economic migrants, educated youth, work opportunities, skilled workers, population, developed countries, highly educated, skilled population, influx, brain drain, development, migration, education, workforce, economic review migrants, developing countries, benefits, industriousness, crises, middle professional classes, resource mobility, economic migrants, educated youth, work opportunities, skilled workers, migration statistics, developed countries, skilled population, brain drain, knowledge transfer, economic development, migration policy, international migration, workforce, education levels
test-environment-aiahwagit-con03a	Legalising the trade of horns, ivory, furs and pelts would be more effective  Making it legal for hunters to kill these endangered animals, rather than protecting them, could prevent extinction. The protected status of endangered animals has made their pelts, horns and tusks more expensive as they are harder to obtain. [1] The current illegality of trading rhino horns has constrained supply in comparison to demand in Asia. This has driven the price of the horn to around £84,000. Softening protection for endangered animals could, in theory, reduce the price to a point where it is no longer profitable to hunt these endangered animals. [2] This would potentially increase supply by freeing up that seized by governments which is currently destroyed, and could potentially involve farming as South Africa is considering with Rhino horn. [3]  [1] Welz, A. ‘The War on African Poaching: Is Militarization Fated to Fail?’  [2] Player, I. & Fourie, A. ‘How to win the war against poachers’  [3] Molewa, E., ‘Statement on Rhino poaching intervention’ legalising, trade, horns, ivory, furs, pelts, endangered animals, hunting, protection, extinction, illegal trade, supply, demand, Asia, price, poaching, conservation, farming, rhino horn, enforcement, regulation, poaching policies legalisation, trade, horns, ivory, furs, pelts, endangered animals, hunting, protection, extinction, illegal trade, supply, demand, prices, poaching, conservation, farming, rhino, legal trade, illegal wildlife trade, market implications, conservation policies legalising, trade, horns, ivory, furs, pelts, endangered animals, hunting, protection, extinction, protected status, cost, illegal trade, supply, demand, Asia, price, poaching, poachers, farming, rhino horn, South Africa, conservation, enforcement, legality, market, illegal wildlife trade illegal trade, endangered animals, horns, ivory, furs, pelts, legalising trade, hunting, conservation, extinction, protected status, market price, supply, demand, poaching, rhino horns, illegal market, farming, South Africa, poaching intervention, international trade, wildlife protection, black market, economic incentives, conservation policies legalisation, trade, horns, ivory, furs, pelts, endangered animals, hunting, protection, extinction, illegal trade, demand, supply, price, poaching, conservation, farming, regulation, market, illegal wildlife trade, Rhino horn, South Africa, poaching intervention
test-free-speech-debate-fsaphgiap-con03a	Markets like stability  Business and the markets prize political stability. Clearly when the leader of a country is ill this stability is damaged but the damage can be mitigated by being transparent. The markets will want to know how ill the leader is, and that the succession is secure so that they know what the future holds. Secrecy and the consequent spread of rumour is the worst option as businesses can have no idea what the future holds so cant make investment decisions that will be influenced by the political environment.  Leaders do matter to the economy; they set the parameters of the business environment, the taxes, subsidies, how much bureaucracy. They also influence other areas like the price of energy, the availability of transport links etc. It has been estimated that “a one standard deviation change in leader quality leads to a growth change of 1.5 percentage points”. 1 The leader who follows may be of the same quality in which case there will be little difference but equally it could mean a large change.  1 Jones, Benjjamin F., and Olken, Benjamin A., 'Do Leaders Matter? National Leadership and Growth Since World War II', Quarterly Journal of Economics, February 2005, markets, stability, political stability, economic stability, leadership, government, succession, transparency, secrecy, rumors, investment, business environment, leader influence, governance, economic growth, policy, taxation, subsidies, bureaucracy, energy prices, transport links, leader quality, economic impact, growth change, leader succession, macroeconomic factors economic stability, political stability, leader health, transparency, market confidence, succession security, secrecy, rumors, investment decisions, business environment, leadership impact, economic growth, leader quality, government policy, taxation, subsidies, bureaucracy, energy prices, transport links, economic research, leadership studies markets, stability, political stability, economic impact, leader health, transparency, succession, rumor, investment decisions, business environment, leadership quality, economic growth, government policy, taxation, subsidies, bureaucracy, energy prices, transport links, leadership influence, growth change, leadership matters market stability, political stability, leadership impact, economic growth, transparency, succession planning, market confidence, political uncertainty, business environment, leadership quality, economic parameters, fiscal policy, subsidies, bureaucracy, energy prices, transport infrastructure, economic research, leadership effects markets, stability, political stability, leader health, transparency, succession, rumour, investment decisions, political environment, leadership, economic impact, business environment, taxes, subsidies, bureaucracy, energy prices, transport links, leader quality, economic growth, governance, national leadership, post-war growth
test-international-bldimehbn-pro03a	Where there is a clear objection to discussing a certain subject, insisting on doing so is not news, it’s propaganda.  Ultimately all news outlets report that which is of interest to their viewers. Where there is no interest or, more frequently, an active lack of interest, news outlet do not - and should not – impose a particular set of judgements or interests on their customers. Doing so would arguably be patronizing and certainly be financial suicide [1] .  As a result they report what is both interesting and acceptable to those who consume the news and, for the vast majority of news outlets, the companies that advertise on the station, website or in the paper. Expecting news outlets to ignore those simple realities is asking them to self-destruct by ignoring their market. It is a clear example of sacrificing the good in the name of the best – in the example given, the writer mentions that Al Jazeera covers stories relating to gay rights but does so on its English language channels. [2] This exactly shows the market in action; Al Jazeera English broadcasts mostly to a European audience who are not offended by reports on gay rights whereas “Al Jazeera Arabic is geared towards a Middle Eastern audience and does not challenge cultural values or orthodox religion”. [3]  [1] For example the actions of advertisers and readers killed the News of the World.  [2] Pellot, Brian, 2012, ‘(Not) reporting homosexuality in the Middle East’, Free Speech Debate,   [3] Krajnc, Anita, ‘Al Jazeera Arabic ignores gay news’, Toronto Media Co-op, 2 August 2010, news, censorship, propaganda, audience interests, media bias, market forces, cultural values, bilingual broadcasting, audience segmentation, advertising influence, Middle East, LGBTQ coverage, Arabic media, English broadcasting, regional reporting, media ethics news, propaganda, media, audience, interests, market, reporting, censorship, advertising, cultural values, regional differences, bias, media ethics, viewer preferences, editorial choices, content differentiation, Al Jazeera, gay rights, Middle East, English language, Arabic language objection, discussion, propaganda, news, interest, viewers, audience, market, bias, editorial judgment, advertising, cultural values, language, regional differences, media ethics, market dynamics, audience preferences, Middle East, LGBTQ, gay rights, censorship, media reporting, cultural sensitivities news, propaganda, viewer interest, media biases, market forces, audience segmentation, cultural sensitivity, advertising influence, news reporting, editorial policies, media ethics, regional differences, language channels, religious values, social issues, corporate interests, news diversity, editorial independence, media strategy news, media, journalism, bias, audience, market, propaganda, objectivity, interest, cultural values, advertising, censorship, representation, regional differences, language, audience segmentation, editorial decisions, freedom of speech, societal norms, ethics, reporting standards
test-free-speech-debate-ldhwprhs-con02a	There is no right not to be offended, enforcing what is acceptable to be thought or said places far too much power in the hands of the state.  It is impossible to ensure that nobody is ever offended and it is questionable as to whether it is even desirable [1] . There is simply no way of protecting against offence. The state clearly has a role in protecting the physical safety of citizens and in other relevant areas such as preventing dismissal from employment on the grounds of sexuality but this is not the case with speech that may cause offense.  Governments that attempt to lead, ahead of public opinion, on matters such as this do little to resolve the problem. In doing so in this manner, they may well pour fuel on the fire of the very prejudice they are aiming to combat as well as creating additional problems by justifying the idea that it is okay to silence views simply because you happen to disagree with them.  Banning the expression of ideas has, historically, be the recourse of those who have run out of arguments to defeat them; doing so is an acknowledgement that the proposal is a weak one. Admitting that – or appearing to do so – for the principle of equality set a dangerous precedent.  [1] Harris, Mike, “It shouldn’t be a crime to insult someone”. Guardian.co.uk, 18 January 2012. free speech, offensive speech, censorship, freedom of expression, public opinion, government policy, societal prejudice, legal rights, hate speech, political correctness, equality, speech restrictions, social harmony, First Amendment, human rights, argumentation, moral boundaries free speech, censorship, offense, free expression, government regulation, public opinion, prejudice, hate speech, legal protections, social harm, freedom of speech, rights, societal debate, political correctness, legal precedent freedom of speech, offense, censorship, government, public opinion, prejudice, expression, argumentation, equality, free expression, legal limits, societal norms, political correctness, intolerance, speech regulation freedom of speech, offense, censorship, government policy, public opinion, free expression, prejudice, political correctness, hate speech, societal values, legal rights, social harmony, contentious speech, rights balance, speech regulation free speech, offensive speech, censorship, government intervention, political correctness, hate speech, societal harm, free expression, legal boundaries, social debate, prejudice, public opinion, speech regulation, free rights, legal precedent
test-international-ssiarcmhb-pro03a	"In context of other teachings, does not promote the spread of AIDS/HIV.  The Catholic Church does not only forbid the use of barrier contraception but also of casual sex. The issue is not that the Church is being irresponsible by banning the use of barrier contraception but that people are choosing to follow some of the Church's teachings but not others. Pope Benedict XVI argues AIDS is ""a tragedy that cannot be overcome by money alone, that cannot be overcome through the distribution of condoms, which even aggravates the problems""1. If people followed the Church's teachings on casual sex as well as their teachings on barrier contraception, the AIDS epidemic would be dramatically decreased. Given, therefore, that it also forbids any sex outside of marriage, the Catholic Church is totally justified in forbidding barrier methods of contraception2. 1 Wynne-Jones, Jonathan. ""The Pope drops Catholic ban on condoms in historic shift."" The Telegraph, 20 November 2010, 2 Pope John Paul II. ""Evangelium Vitae."" 1995. Catholic Church, AIDS, HIV, contraception, barrier methods, casual sex, Pope Benedict XVI, condom, AIDS prevention, Church teachings, sexual morality, marriage, public health, condom debate, Church doctrine, Catholic morality, AIDS epidemic, sexual ethics, religious teachings Catholic Church, AIDS, HIV, contraception, barrier methods, casual sex, Pope Benedict XVI, Pope John Paul II, condom ban, sexual morality, married sex, AIDS prevention, Church teachings, responsibility, sexual ethics, public health Catholic Church, AIDS, HIV, contraception, barrier methods, casual sex, Pope Benedict XVI, condom distribution, moral teachings, sexual ethics, marriage, Church doctrines, public health, AIDS prevention, religious teachings, church policy Catholic Church, AIDS, HIV, contraception, barrier methods, casual sex, Pope Benedict XVI, Pope John Paul II, condoms, morality, sexuality, marriage, AIDS prevention, Church teachings, sexual ethics, public health Catholic Church, AIDS, HIV, contraception, barrier methods, casual sex, Pope Benedict XVI, Pope John Paul II, condom policy, sexual morality, moral teachings, marriage, sex outside marriage, AIDS prevention, Church teachings, sexual health, public health policy, contraception ban, religious doctrine"
test-politics-ypppgvhwmv-con01a	Persuasion is more effective than coercion  Forcing people into voting when they are disengaged from the politic process will exacerbate this problem; no one likes doing something simply because they have to. The election results from compulsory voting may not be a representative view of society, than the current systems. Just because people are required to vote does not mean they become more politically engaged than they were before.  Rather than forcing people to vote, more should be done to engage the public in political life. Government transparency should be further encouraged as well as evaluating to what extent the current voting system causes low voter turnout.  Low turnout is best cured by more education. Instead of trying to engage people by force, how about introducing political education in schools and encouraging political conversation. How about educating the public on how politics affects them?  Citizenship classes should be taught to students who are approaching voting age, as it would teach the importance of the electoral process, and the history of the suffragette movement, the reform bills of the 19th century and the responsibilities of living in a democracy.  The government should be trying to engage people by other means, not compulsory voting. Compulsory voting may improve low turnout but will not affect the root problem- what people actually think about politics. In essence it is just relieving the side effects without curing the disease. persuasion, coercion, voting, disengagement, political process, compulsory voting, voter turnout, political engagement, government transparency, education, political conversation, civic education, citizenship classes, electoral process, suffragette movement, reform bills, democracy, political attitude, political awareness persuasion, coercion, voting, voter engagement, political participation, compulsory voting, electoral system, voter turnout, political education, civic education, government transparency, political conversation, democracy, suffragette movement, reform bills, voter motivation, civic responsibility, political awareness, public engagement, electoral reform persuasion, coercion, voter engagement, compulsory voting, political participation, voter turnout, government transparency, political education, civic education, citizenship, electoral process, democracy, political awareness, voting systems, electorate, political discourse, voter motivation, political reform persuasion, coercion, voting, disengagement, political process, representation, compulsory voting, political engagement, government transparency, voter turnout, political education, civic education, citizenship, electoral process, democracy, political conversation, suffragette movement, reform bills, democracy responsibilities, voter motivation, political attitudes persuasion, coercion, voter engagement, compulsory voting, political participation, voter turnout, government transparency, political education, civic responsibility, electoral process, democratic awareness, youth education, voting rights, political discussion, election reform, democratic engagement, political literacy, civic education, voter motivation
test-international-eiahwpamu-pro03a	Ending poverty through entrepreneurialism  Introducing finance provides communities with access to startup capital. Access to financial capital is vital in several respects for initiating capitalism. Firstly, access to capital enables entrepreneurialism. The poor have business ideas that would benefit both themselves and their community they just require access to capital to invest in such ideas. The Initiative ‘Lend with Care’ is providing access to capital to empower entrepreneurs [1] .  Secondly, the cumulative effect of small-scale savings and borrowing, enabled through microfinance enables individuals, families and communities, to enter markets - of land and property. Being able to buy property and land can enable personal security, dignity, and increasing returns.  [1] See further readings: Lend with Care, 2013. poverty, entrepreneurialism, finance, startup capital, financial access, capitalism, business ideas, community development, microfinance, small-scale savings, borrowing, land, property, personal security, dignity, market entry, microenterprise, economic empowerment, inclusive finance poverty, entrepreneurialism, finance, startup capital, community development, financial access, capitalism, small-scale savings, microfinance, market entry, land, property, personal security, dignity, returns, microfinance initiatives poverty, entrepreneurialism, finance, community, startup capital, financial access, capitalism, business ideas, microfinance, savings, borrowing, land, property, personal security, dignity, economic development, microfinance initiatives, small-scale lending, community empowerment poverty, entrepreneurialism, finance, startup capital, community development, financial access, capitalism, small-scale savings, microfinance, land, property, personal security, dignity, economic empowerment poverty alleviation, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, microfinance, startup capital, community development, access to finance, small-scale savings, borrowing, land acquisition, property ownership, economic empowerment, Dignity, Capital access, Lend with Care
test-science-sghwbdgmo-con01a	Genetically modified food is no different from any other scientific advance, thus should be legal to use.  Genetic modification is entirely natural. The process of crop cultivation by selective breeding, which has been performed by farmers for thousands of years, leads to exactly the same kind of changes in DNA as modern modification techniques do. Current techniques are just faster and more selective. In fact, given two strands of DNA, created from the same original strand, one by selective breeding and one by modern modification techniques it is impossible to tell which is which. The changes caused by selective breeding have been just as radical as current modifications. Wheat, for example, was cultivated, through selective breeding, from an almost no-yield rice-type crop into the super-crop it is today. [1]  [1] Trewas A. and Leaver C., How Nature itself uses genetic modification,Published January 6 2000, Nature,  , accessed 09/05/2011 genetic modification, GMO, selective breeding, crop cultivation, DNA, genetic techniques, natural processes, agriculture, crop yield, wheat, rice, DNA changes, scientific advances, genetic engineering, modern techniques, natural modification genetic modification, GMOs, traditional breeding, selective breeding, DNA, crop cultivation, natural processes, DNA editing, crop yield, plant breeding, genetic similarity, scientific progress, agriculture, biotechnology, DNA techniques genetic modification, GMO, selective breeding, DNA, natural processes, crop cultivation, agriculture, genetic engineering, DNA changes, plant breeding, history, scientific advances, agriculture technology, crop improvement genetic modification, GMO, selective breeding, natural processes, DNA, crop cultivation, agriculture, biotechnology, crop improvement, genetic changes, DNA sequencing, scientific advances, food security, crop yields, DNA editing, plant breeding genetic modification, GMO, selective breeding, DNA, crop cultivation, natural processes, scientific advances, genetic changes, DNA similarity, crop improvement, wheat, rice, evolution, farming history, DNA techniques, DNA alteration, DNA analysis, bioengineering, plant genetics
test-science-ascidfakhba-pro02a	The default of total copyright is harmful to the spreading of information and experience  Current copyright law assigns too many rights, automatically, to the creator. Law gives the generator of a work full copyright protection that is extremely restrictive of that works reuse, except when strictly agreed in contracts and agreements. Making Creative Commons licenses the standard for publicly-funded works generates a powerful normalizing force toward a general alteration of people’s defaults on what copyright and creator protections should actually be like. The creative commons guarantees attribution to the creator and they retain the power to set up other for-profit deals with distributors. [1] At base the default setting of somehow having absolute control means creators of work often do not even consider the reuse by others in the commons. The result is creation and then stagnation, as others do not expend the time and energy to seek special permissions from the creator. Mandating that art in all its forms be released under a creative commons licensing scheme means greater access to more works, for the enrichment of all. This is particular true in the case of “orphan works”, works of unknown ownership. Fears over copyright infringement has led these works, which by some estimates account for 40% of all books, have led to huge amounts of knowledge and creative output languishing beyond anyone’s reach. A mix of confusion over copyright ownership and unwillingness of owners to release their works, often because it would not be commercially viable to do so, means that only 2% of all works currently protected by copyright are commercially available. [2] Releasing these works under creative commons licenses will spawn a deluge of enriching knowledge and creative output spilling onto the market of ideas. It would mark a critical advancement in the democratization and globalization of knowledge akin to the invention of the printing press.  [1] Creative Commons. “About the Licenses”. 2010.   [2] Keegan, V. “Shorter Copyright Would Free Creativity”. The Guardian. 7 October 2009. copyright, creative commons, intellectual property, licensing, public domain, open access, knowledge dissemination, works reuse, orphan works, copyright infringement, creative output, copyright law, creator rights, public funding, open licensing, democratization, globalization, knowledge sharing, copyright default, legal restrictions, copyright reform copyright, creative commons, licensing, intellectual property, public domain, copyright reform, knowledge dissemination, open access, licensing schemes, orphan works, copyright infringement, copyright ownership, creative output, knowledge sharing, licensing debates, copyright law, copyright restrictions, public funding, copyright rights, copyright default, copyright policy, digital rights, copyright limitations, copyright duration, copyright balance, copyright freedoms copyright, creative commons, intellectual property, licensing, commons, open access, knowledge sharing, orphan works, copyright reform, cultural dissemination, copyright restrictions, public domain, copyright ownership, creative rights, licensing schemes, bandwidth of reuse, knowledge democratization, global knowledge, copyright law, copyright protection, creative output, information dissemination copyright, creative commons, intellectual property, licensing, open access, knowledge sharing, redistributable works, public domain, orphan works, copyright reform, licensing schemes, intellectual property rights, access to knowledge, knowledge democratization, information dissemination, global knowledge, copyright laws, digital rights, creative output, copyright infringement, knowledge economy copyright, creativity, copyright law, licensing, Creative Commons, intellectual property, knowledge dissemination, open access, public domain, orphan works, copyright infringement, cultural commons, fair use, digital rights, copyright reform, information sharing, knowledge economy, open licensing, copyright restrictions, creative reuse, copyright policy
test-politics-eppghwgpi-pro04a	Seeing a politician put on trial hurts the integrity of their office.  It does tremendous damage to the public perception of a given political position to see the holder of that position on trial for criminal acts. Politicians are important role models for the populace at large, and shining light on everyone one of their misdeeds is not conducive to them playing such a role. This hurts the ability of their successors who, though completely innocent, are stepping into an institution now tainted with the image of corruption or scandal. Finally, the very process of prosecution can be damaging to the country, as citizens on opposing sides of the political spectrum disagree over the legitimacy of charges. These effects all deal real damage to the political institutions necessary for the functioning of the state. politicians, trial, integrity, public perception, role models, corruption, scandal, prosecution, political institutions, trust, democracy, accountability, reputation, governance, political discourse politicians, trial, integrity, public perception, political office, role models, misconduct, corruption, scandal, prosecution, national image, political spectrum, institutional damage, democracy, governance politicians, trial, integrity, public perception, political office, criminal acts, role models, transparency, corruption, scandal, succession, institution, prosecution, legitimacy, political polarization, damage, trust, governance politicians, trial, integrity, public perception, political office, role models, scandal, corruption, prosecution, political institutions, national stability, trust in government, political legitimacy, damage, public opinion, perceptions of justice, political accountability politicians, trial, integrity, public perception, political office, role models, corruption, scandal, prosecution, national damage, political spectrum, legitimacy, political institutions, state functioning
test-digital-freedoms-eifpgdff-con01a	Internet regulation is necessary to ensure a safe internet  Citizens, corporations, and public organizations face several security threats when online: critical infrastructure systems can be hacked, like the energy transport system, [1] citizens can fall victim to identity theft, [2] and phishing, [3] whereby hackers gain access to bank accounts or other sensitive information. Specifically, it seems that the public sector is attacked the most. [4]  In response to cyber-threats like these, many governments have set up Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs), Incident Response and Security Teams (IRTs), or Computer Security and Incident Response Teams (CSIRT; the fact that we haven’t settled on a fitting acronym yet shows how much it is still a novel phenomenon): agencies that warn citizens and organizations alike when a new threat emerges and provides a platform for (the exchange of) expertise in methods of preventing cyber-threats and exchanging information on possible perpetrators of such threats. Oftentimes, these (inter)governmental agencies provide a place where private CSIRTs can also cooperate and exchange information. [5]  These agencies provide a similar function online as the regular police provides offline: by sharing information and warnings against threats, they create a safer world.  [1] ‘At Risk: Hacking Critical Infrastructure’. 2012.  [2] ‘Identity theft on the rise’. 2010.  [3] ‘Phishing websites reach all-time high’. 2012.  [4] ‘Public sector most targeted by cyber attacks’. 2012.  [5] see for example the About Us page of the US-CERT or the About the NCSC page of the Dutch CERT Internet regulation, cyber security, online threats, critical infrastructure, identity theft, phishing, government agencies, CERT, IRT, CSIRT, cyber attacks, information sharing, public sector security, cyber threats response, online safety, cybercrime, cybersecurity cooperation Internet regulation, cybersecurity, online threats, critical infrastructure, identity theft, phishing, cyber attacks, government agencies, CERTs, IRTs, CSIRT, information exchange, cyber threat prevention, cybersecurity cooperation, public sector security, cyber threat warnings, cyber defense, online safety, cyber policy, digital security internet regulation, cybersecurity, online threats, critical infrastructure, identity theft, phishing, cyber attacks, government agencies, CERTs, IRTs, CSIRTs, information sharing, cyber threats prevention, public sector, digital security, online safety, cyber defense, cybersecurity cooperation, cybercrime prevention Internet regulation, cybersecurity, online safety, critical infrastructure, hacking, identity theft, phishing, government agencies, CERT, IRT, CSIRT, cyber threats, information exchange, public sector, private CSIRTs, cyber security teams, cyber attack prevention, digital security, cyber incident response Internet regulation, cyber security, online safety, critical infrastructure, identity theft, phishing, cyber threats, government agencies, CERTs, IRTs, CSIRTs, cyber attack prevention, information exchange, public sector, private sector, cyber crime, cyber defense, cyber incident response, cyber threat mitigation, government cybersecurity, online threats, cybersecurity cooperation
test-digital-freedoms-eifpgdff-con02a	Internet governance is necessary to combat heinous crimes committed via the internet  The internet is a means of communication – therefore also a means of communication between criminals. And because it is global it creates global crime problems that need coordinated responses. One type of crime that has particularly become a problem on the internet is child sexual abuse material: the internet allows for an easy and anonymous distribution method which can even be secured by modern encryption methods. [1]  Governments can help fight this by requiring ISPs and mobile companies to track people’s internet histories, hand over data when requested, and allow police to get information from them without a search warrant, something which has been proposed by the Canadian government. [2] In Australia, the government even proposed mandatory filtering of all internet traffic by ISPs to automatically filter out all child sexual abuse material. [3]  Admittedly, these measures seem drastic – but in cases like these, or similar cases like terrorism, the harm prevented is more important.  [1] ‘Child Pornography on the Rise, Justice Department Reports’. 2010.  [2] ‘Current laws not focused enough to combat child porn online’. 2012.  [3] Mcmenamin, Bernadette, ‘Filters needed to battle child porn’. 2008. internet governance, cybercrime, criminal communication, global crime, child sexual abuse material, encryption, internet surveillance, data tracking, ISP regulation, government policies, international cooperation, online safety, mandatory filtering, privacy versus security, terrorism, legal frameworks, law enforcement internet governance, cybercrime, online crimes, child sexual abuse material, encryption, data tracking, internet surveillance, criminal communication, global crime, law enforcement, internet regulation, ISP filtering, mandatory filtering, data privacy, cybersecurity, terrorism, legal measures, government policies, internet safety, digital crime prevention internet governance, cybercrime, online crime, global crime, crime prevention, child sexual abuse material, encryption, internet surveillance, data tracking, ISPs, mobile companies, police access, warrants, mandatory filtering, internet regulation, censorship, terrorism, government policies, legal framework, cybersecurity, online safety, digital privacy internet governance, cybersecurity, online crimes, child sexual abuse material, encryption, internet tracking, data sharing, police access, warrants, government regulation, internet filtering, ISP compliance, child protection, online safety, criminal justice, global crime, coordinated response, terrorism, privacy, encryption security Internet governance, cybercrime, online crimes, child sexual abuse material, internet security, encryption, data tracking, government regulation, ISPs, legal measures, mandatory filtering, privacy, law enforcement, international cooperation, terrorism, internet safety
test-politics-eppghwgpi-pro03a	In the event of major abuses of power it should be the public that holds politicians to account.  The obvious benefit to prosecuting politicians is that it punishes – and thereby deters – corruption by politicians. However, this benefit can be achieved through other means. Firstly, many western liberal democracies have one form or another of removing a politician from office in the midst of their term, such as impeachment in the American system or a vote of no confidence against the government in the Westminster system. While defenders of immunity oppose impeachment as contrary to the principles outlined above (because of the effect that it may have on political duties), this is an option that remains in cases of gross misconduct. If the political will cannot be mobilized to remove a sitting politician, they are held accountable by the electorate to whom they must answer in the next election, and who will likely punish blatant misuse of political power. Even if the individual politician has reached a limit on their term of office, or does not seek reelection, they are still held in check by the damage that will be done to their party in the event of major misconduct on their part. Finally, most politicians are significantly concerned about their legacy, which is tarnished significantly by corruption even if they are never held legally accountable for it. While Nixon received a full pardon from his success, [1] his name has become synonymous with criminality and scandal: a fate most politicians wish to avoid.  [1] Ford, Gerald R., Proclamation 4311, 8 September 1974,  [Accessed September 9, 2011] politicians, accountability, abuse of power, corruption, prosecution, removal, impeachment, no confidence, misconduct, electorate, elections, party discipline, political legacy, scandal, pardon politicians, accountability, power, corruption, prosecution, impeachment, removal, misconduct, electorate, election, political will, immunity, political parties, political legacy, misconduct consequences, democratic systems, checks and balances, political misconduct, legal accountability, political sanctions public accountability, political misconduct, corruption deterrence, impeachment, vote of no confidence, political immunity, electoral accountability, politician sanctions, political legacy, misconduct consequences, political oversight, democratic mechanisms, political discipline power abuses, public accountability, prosecuting politicians, corruption deterrence, removal from office, impeachment, vote of no confidence, immunity, gross misconduct, electorate, political consequences, re election, political legacy, scandal, political accountability political accountability, corruption, abuses of power, prosecution, impeachment, removal from office, no confidence vote, political immunity, electoral consequences, public opinion, political misconduct, democratic accountability, political legacy, political cycle, scandal, political punishment, legal accountability, political system, political processes, governance, political ethics
test-education-ughbuesbf-pro04a	The burden of fees and loans are too great to expect young people to shoulder  University fees are usually quite high. When fees are put in place in countries, many people find it extremely difficult to find the funds to pay for it, leading many people to seek school loans. In the United States, obtaining loans for university is the norm. These loans can put pressure on students to perform well. [1] But can lead to students dropping out. Debt encourages individuals to take jobs for which they are not necessarily best suited in order to get started on debt repayment immediately after leaving higher education. Furthermore, repayment of loans can take many years, leaving individuals with debt worries for much of their working lives. [2] With free university education everyone can go to college without crushing debt burden allowing them to study what they wish.  [1] Kane, Thomas. 1999. The Price of Admission: Rethinking How Americans Pay for College. Washington, DC: Brookings Institution Press.  [2] Hill, Christine. 2007. “Still Paying Off that Student Loan”. National Public Radio. Available: university fees, student loans, education costs, tuition debt, financial burden, loan repayment, college affordability, higher education, student dropout, debt crisis, free education, education financing, student financial aid, student debt, economic impact, student loan pressure, education accessibility student loans, university fees, higher education costs, student debt, financial burden, college affordability, loan repayment, graduation dropout, student financial aid, tuition fees, education funding, debt impact, free university, college access, student loan crisis, economic barriers, educational equity student loans, university fees, education costs, financial burden, student debt, college affordability, loan repayment, higher education, free university, financial aid, student dropouts, debt stress, employment, career choice, educational access, economic impact student loans, university fees, educational debt, higher education costs, financial burden, loan repayment, college affordability, free university, student debt, education funding, loan default, student dropout, financial stress, access to education, economic impact of student loans student debt, university fees, education costs, student loans, financial burden, college affordability, debt repayment, higher education, free college, student dropout, loan pressure, student financial aid, debt cycle, education funding, student finance, college access, loan default, education policy
test-environment-opecewiahw-con03a	Dams displace communities  Dams result in the filling of a large reservoir behind the dam because it has raised the level of the water in the case of the Grand Inga it would create a reservoir 15km long. This is not particularly big but the construction would also displace communities. The previous Inga dams also displaced people. Inga I and II were built 30 and 40 years ago, yet the displaced are still in a shabby prefabricated town called Camp Kinshasa awaiting compensation. [1] Are they likely to do better this time around?  [1] Sanyanga, Ruto, ‘Will Congo Benefit from Grand Inga Dam’, International Policy Digest, 29 June 2013, Dams, community displacement, reservoir, Grand Inga, Inga dams, Inga I, Inga II, construction impact, resettlement, compensation, environmental impact, social impact, Congo, dam projects, displaced populations, infrastructure development, water level rise, project timeline Dams, community displacement, reservoir, water level, Grand Inga, Inga dams, Inga I, Inga II, construction, displacement, relocation, compensation, Camp Kinshasa, infrastructure, environmental impact, social impact, dam construction, energy projects, Congo, development, displacement history Dams, community displacement, reservoir, Grand Inga, Inga dams, Inga I, Inga II, displacement history, compensation, Congo, dam construction, environmental impact, social impact, infrastructure development, displaced populations Dams, community displacement, reservoir, Grand Inga, Inga dams, infrastructure, displacement impact, resettlement, compensation, history, Congo, water level, dam construction, social impact, infrastructure development, displacement history Dams, displacement, communities, reservoirs, Grand Inga, Inga dams, Inga I, Inga II, construction, relocation, compensation, infrastructure, Congo, water level, environmental impact, social impact, dam projects, displacement history
test-philosophy-npppmhwup-pro03a	Changes negative perceptions of university life  Affirmative action is required to change negative perceptions of university life. In the status quo, many talented potential students are put off applying for top universities (or university at all) because of their negative perceptions of elite institutions. This perception exists in part because of the makeup of the student population – black high school students may see a university filled overwhelmingly with white lecturers and students as not being a welcoming environment for them, and may even perceive it as racist. [1] The only way to overcome this unfortunate stereotype of university is to change the student population, but this is impossible to do ‘organically’ while so few people from minority backgrounds apply. Therefore, it is necessary to use quotas and other forms of affirmative action, to change the student body in the short term, and encourage applications from more disadvantaged students in the long term.  [1] Ancis, J.R. “Student perceptions of campus cultural climate by race”. Journal of Counselling and Development. Spring 2000. negative perceptions, university life, affirmative action, stereotypes, minority students, diversity, college perception, campus climate, racial diversity, elite institutions, student recruitment, enrollment, inclusive environment, racial perceptions, affirmative policies, higher education, diversity quotas, racial integration, campus representation, perceptions of racism negative perceptions, university life, affirmative action, stereotypes, student diversity, minority students, campus climate, elitism, racial perceptions, talent recruitment, underrepresentation, educational inclusivity, university diversity policies, minority recruitment strategies negative perceptions, university life, affirmative action, talented students, top universities, minority students, diverse student body, racial perception, campus climate, racial stereotypes, quota systems, inclusivity, underrepresented groups, campus diversity, student recruitment, cultural climate negative perceptions, university life, affirmative action, diversity, student population, stereotype, minority students, elite institutions, racial composition, campus climate, recruitment, inclusivity, university application, minority recruitment, social perceptions, campus diversity negative perceptions, university life, affirmative action, diversity, student perceptions, elite institutions, minority students, racial stereotypes, campus climate, inclusive environment, student body diversity, affirmative action policies, racial representation, application barriers, targeted recruitment, cultural competence, educational equity
test-science-ascidfakhba-pro03a	The creative commons is a more effective means for artists to build and expand their reach and markets than traditional copyright licensing arrangements  The nature of the internet and mass media on the 21st century is such that many artists can benefit from the freedom and flexibility that creative commons licenses furnish to them. Wider use by other artists and laymen alike helps artistic works “go viral” and to gain major impact that allow the artist to generate a name for his or herself and to attain the levels of earnings conventional copyrights are meant to help artists generate but that ultimately hamstring them. A major example of this is the band Nine Inch Nails, which opted in 2008 to begin releasing its albums through the creative commons. [1] Creative commons licenses are so remarkable because they can be deployed by artists to expand their markets, and to profit even more from their greater recognition. After all, the artists still retain control of the commercial uses of their work and are guaranteed under creative commons licensing regulations to be credited by users of their content. [2] Giving undue artistic and distribution control to the artists through constricting and outmoded copyright may mean less significant reach and impact of the work. The state should thus facilitate the sharing by mandating the distribution of art of all kinds under creative commons licenses.  [1] Anderson, N., “Free Nine Inch Nails albums top 2008 Amazon MP3 sales charts”, arstechnica, 7 January 2009,   [2] Creative Commons. “About the Licenses”. 2010. Creative Commons, copyright, artists, internet, mass media, viral, exposure, recognition, revenue, control, licensing, markets, copyright law, distribution, sharing, open licenses, creative freedom, artistic impact, Nine Inch Nails, digital licensing, intellectual property Creative Commons, copyright, artists, internet, mass media, digital distribution, licensing, viral, market expansion, recognition, earnings, Nine Inch Nails, copyright control, creative freedom, licensing regulations, artistic impact, distribution, open licensing, artistic reach, sharing, state policy Creative commons, copyright licensing, artists, internet, mass media, creative freedom, viral content, market expansion, revenue, recognition, Nine Inch Nails, licensing regulation, artistic control, distribution, sharing, open licenses, creative impact, intellectual property, digital media, artistic reach creative commons, copyright, licensing, artists, internet, mass media, artistic works, viral, fame, earnings, Nine Inch Nails, album release, market expansion, recognition, control, distribution, state, sharing, licensing regulations Creative Commons, artists, copyright, licensing, internet, mass media, viral, artistic works, recognition, market expansion, profit, control, credit, distribution, sharing, impact, copyright laws, licensing regulations, Nine Inch Nails, digital distribution, open licensing
test-politics-epvhbfsmsaop-con03a	Celebrity involvement can highlight minority interests  There exists a problem with regards to advocacy for minority issues within mainstream political movements. This motion would exacerbate that problem.  Voters tend to base their decisions on key issues (things like education, the state of the economy, healthcare policy etc.). Whilst they may care about more marginal issues (e.g. gay rights, religious freedoms, environmental issues), they are often unwilling to sacrifice something they think has a greater impact on them for something that has a lesser impact.  Minority issues suffer particularly here: by their very nature, there are fewer people who feel directly affected than there are people who feel indirectly affected or indifferent. Consequently, there are never a great enough proportion of votes that could be gained by a political party concentrating on these particular issues in a way which might be detrimental. See, for example, the public reaction in the UK to Cameron’s position on gay marriage: whilst most people feel that gay marriage should be allowed [1] , Cameron has not received a political boost as a result of this decision, but rather, has faced hostility from those who believe it is a “distraction” [2] , where they would rather he focused on issues like the economic crisis.  [1] ‘Same-sex marriage in the United Kingdom’, Wikipedia, accessed 10 September 2012,   [2] Telegraph editor, ‘Gay marriage: A pointless distraction’, The Telegraph, 26 July 2012, celebrity involvement, minority interests, advocacy, political movements, voter behavior, key issues, marginal issues, public opinion, minority issues, direct impact, indirect impact, political parties, electoral motivation, gay marriage, UK politics, public reaction, policy priorities, social issues, political distraction celebrity involvement, minority interests, advocacy, political movements, voter decision-making, key issues, marginal issues, public opinion, gay rights, religious freedoms, environmental issues, political campaigning, minority issues, indirect effect, voter behavior, election impact, UK public reaction, gay marriage, political distraction, economic crisis, policy prioritization celebrity involvement, minority interests, political advocacy, mainstream politics, voter behavior, key issues, marginal issues, minority issues, indirect impact, voter priorities, political strategy, public reaction, gay marriage, social issues, economic crisis, public opinion, UK politics, policy impact, voter support celebrity involvement, minority interests, advocacy, political movements, voter behavior, issue prioritization, marginal issues, public opinion, political impact, minority rights, social advocacy, political strategies, targeted campaigning, public reaction, policy decisions, social change, minority visibility, political discourse, election influence, social justice celebrity involvement, minority interests, advocacy, mainstream politics, voter decision-making, key issues, marginal issues, public opinion, political campaigns, minority rights, social issues, policy impact, voter behavior, direct vs indirect impact, electoral politics, public reaction, gay marriage, political priorities, social acceptance, UK politics, Cameron, media influence
test-politics-pgsimhwoia-pro02a	Aid can ensure better treatment of migrants  Migrants in developed countries are often not very well treated, for example the Traiskirchen migrant camp in Austria, one of the richest countries in the EU was condemned for its inhumane conditions by Amnesty in August 2015. [1] The aid provided can be earmarked to ensure that migrants being well treated and provided for through safe transportation and access to essential government services such as healthcare and welfare.  The advantage of this provision in developing rather than developed countries is cost. The same amount of money goes a lot further in a developing country. This provision therefore makes sense in a time were many developed countries are both struggling with greater numbers of migrants and with austerity. Greece, which has had 124,000 migrants arrive in the first seven months of 2015, a 750% rise over the same period in 2014, is a notable case. [2]  [1] ‘'No respect' for human rights at Traiskirchen camp’, The Local at, 14 August 2015,   [2] Spindler, William, ‘Number of refugees and migrants arriving in Greece soars 750 per cent over 2014’, UNHCR, 7 August 2015, migration, migrant treatment, aid, humanitarian aid, refugee camps, Traiskirchen, Austria, inhumane conditions, Amnesty International, healthcare access, welfare services, developing countries, aid efficiency, cost-effectiveness, developed countries, immigration, migration policies, Greece migration crisis, refugee influx, austerity measures, UNHCR, migrant rights migration, migrant treatment, aid, human rights, refugee camps, Traiskirchen, Austria, Amnesty International, migrant conditions, healthcare access, welfare, developing countries, aid effectiveness, aid funding, austerity measures, Greece migration, refugee influx, UNHCR, migrant welfare, inhumane treatment, migrant transportation, government services migrants, aid, treatment, refugee rights, humanitarian assistance, Traiskirchen camp, Austria, inhumane conditions, Amnesty International, government services, healthcare, welfare, developing countries, aid efficiency, cost-effectiveness, Greece, migrant influx, immigration crisis, austerity, refugee policy, UNHCR, migrant reception, human rights violations migrants, aid, treatment, developed countries, inhumane conditions, Traiskirchen camp, Austria, Amnesty International, healthcare, welfare, safe transportation, government services, developing countries, cost-effective aid, immigration, Greece, migrant influx, refugee crisis, human rights, austerity, UNHCR, migrant rescue, refugee management migration, migrant treatment, aid, developed countries, inhumane conditions, Traiskirchen camp, Austria, Amnesty International, migrant welfare, safe transportation, healthcare access, government services, aid allocation, developing countries, cost efficiency, austerity measures, migrant influx, Greece, refugee numbers, aid impact
test-environment-aiahwagit-con04a	Heavy handed approaches do not solve the motivations for poaching  Creating tougher responses to poaching will not deter poachers as they fail to recognise the motivations for illegal hunting. Many hunters, especially those who aren’t native to Africa, take part in poaching as there is a thrill in the illegal status. [1] The close calls, challenges and sense of independence will all be multiplied by increased protection on the game reserves.  Then there are those who take part out of necessity. Poachers will often be able to make $50-100 per kilogram for a rhinoceros’ horn [2] and the bush meat from kills can be a necessary source of nutrition. [3] Poaching creates opportunities for Africans which are usually unavailable in licit work. Tougher protection of animals fails to provide an alternative livelihood for these poachers.  [1] Forsyth, C. & Marckese, T. ‘Thrills and skills: a sociological analysis of poaching’ pg.162  [2] Stewart, C. ‘Illegal ivory trade funds al-shabaab’s terrorist attacks’  [3] BBC, “Lions ‘facing extinction in West Africa’” poaching, motivations, illegal hunting, deterrence, wildlife protection, game reserves, native hunters, thrill, risk, independence, economic necessity, rhino horn, bush meat, nutrition, livelihood, alternative income, conservation, illegal trade, terrorism, ivory, animal extinction, West Africa poaching, motivations, illegal hunting, deterrence, protection, game reserves, thrill, independence, necessity, income, rhinoceros horn, bush meat, livelihood, Africa, illegal trade, terrorism, extinction, conservation, sociological analysis, wildlife crimes poaching, motivations, illegal hunting, deterrence, responses, native Africans, thrill, challenges, independence, protection, game reserves, necessity, profit, rhinoceros horn, bush meat, nutrition, livelihoods, conservation, law enforcement, illegal wildlife trade, terrorism, extinction poaching, motivations, illegal hunting, deterrence, responses, native Africa, thrill, challenges, independence, protection, game reserves, necessity, income, rhino horn, bush meat, nutrition, livelihoods, illegal trade, terrorism, ivory, extinction, West Africa poaching,motivation,illegal hunting,deterrence,approaches,law enforcement,native hunters,thrill,challenges,independence,protection,game reserves,necessity,profit,motivation,livelihood,alternative income,rhinoceros horn,bush meat,nutrition,African communities,illegal wildlife trade,terrorism,ivory trade,bushmeat,extinction,West Africa
test-free-speech-debate-fsaphgiap-con04a	Damages diplomacy to be too open  Diplomacy can be very personal; diplomatic initiatives are often the result of a single person, and the individual leader is necessary to conclude negotiations. Transparency about a leader's health may therefore prevent deals being done; Nixon went to China despite Mao's ill heath meaning the supreme Chinese leader contributed little to the historic change in diplomatic alinements. 1 Would such a momentous change in alignment have been possible if both the Chinese and American public knew about Mao's ill health? The Americans would have considered any deal unreliable as they could not be sure it was Mao who made the decision, while opponents in China could have argued that it was advisers like Zhou Enlai who made the deal not Mao himself potentially enabling them to repudiate or undermine the deal.  1 Macmillan, Margaret, Seize the Hour When Nixon met Mao, John Murray, London, 2006, p.76 diplomacy, transparency, leadership, health, negotiations, international relations, political decision-making, Mao Zedong, Richard Nixon, China, United States, diplomatic secrecy, public perception, political trust, historical diplomacy, Mao's health, diplomatic negotiations, foreign policy, Chinese-American relations diplomacy, transparency, leader health, negotiations, personal relations, diplomatic initiatives, political leadership, Nixon, Mao, China, US-China relations, decision-making, public opinion, trust, credibility, diplomatic secrecy, political stability, Zhou Enlai, international relations, diplomatic history diplomacy, transparency, health disclosure, negotiation, leadership, political trust, international relations, Nixon, Mao Zedong, Chinese-American relations, diplomatic negotiations, political influence, decision-making, public perception, China-US diplomacy diplomacy, transparency, health, negotiations, leadership, Nixon, Mao, China, US, trust, credibility, political risks, diplomacy effects, public perception, decision making, foreign policy, diplomatic negotiations diplomacy, transparency, leader health, negotiations, international relations, historical diplomacy, Mao Zedong, Nixon, China, US-China relations, decision-making, political trust, diplomatic negotiations, leadership impact, public perception, diplomatic secrecy, Zhou Enlai, political transparency, diplomatic credibility, policy negotiations
test-politics-ypppgvhwmv-con02a	"Policing and financing the system is unmanageable  If a large proportion of the population decided not to vote it would be impossible to make every non-voter pay the fine. For example, if just 10% of the UK voters failed to do so the government would have to chase up about £4 million in fines. Even if they sent demand letters to all these people, they could not take all those who refused to pay to court. Ironically, this measure hurts most those who the proposition are trying to enfranchise because they are least able to pay.  The cost of policing this system will impact upon tax payers. The Government will need to expand and more civil servants positions will be needed to create, administer and enforce the processes. It is especially prudent that we look closely at the impact it would have financially on individual countries. For example, the US has more than ten times the voting population of Australia “the financial cost for the two nations is vastly different. Since it costs the Australian government roughly five dollars for every ballot they evaluate, the greater number of voters in America would exponentially increase bureaucratic costs"".1  1 Iowaprodigal voting, fines, enforcement, non-voters, government costs, taxation, civil servants, bureaucracy, election funding, voter enfranchisement, UK, US, Australia, electoral system, administrative costs, compliance, voter turnout voting, fines, non-voters, enforcement, cost, policing, government, taxpayer, civil servants, administration, enforcement costs, voter turnout, ballot evaluation, bureaucratic costs, international comparison, Australia's voting system, United States, electoral system voting, fines, non-voters, enforcement, costs, taxation, government, bureaucracy, enforcement costs, voter turnout, election administration, civil servants, policing, system management, fiscal impact, voter enfranchisement voting, fines, non-voters, enforcement, administration, costs, bureaucracy, government, taxation, civil servants, policy, enfranchisement, electoral system, compliance, financial impact, voter turnout, compliance costs, international comparison, system management voting, non-voters, fines, enforcement, government costs, policing system, voter turnout, financial impact, tax payers, civil servants, administrative costs, voter enfranchisement, election costs, US, Australia, bureaucracy, ballot evaluation"
test-international-bmaggiahbl-pro02a	Blind obedience to authority  One of the major factors that exacerbated genocide ideology was the “AKAZU” controlled media which made most of the Hutu population wrongfully obey authority and government propaganda of divisionism[1].  This was achieved by proclaiming that the Tutsi are snakes and cockroaches in newspapers, and directing the Hutu extremists to where killings were to be conducted on radio RTLM. Meanwhile they also refused to broadcast speeches calling out for unity among people helping to lead to the assassination of the then Prime minister Agathe Uwilingiyimana who opposed government restrictions. There was no space to question policies and ideas that were encouraging genocide by manipulating people to believe it was right path for Rwanda.  The genocide should therefore serve as an example that restricting freedoms of speech and press can cause severe damage. This is especially harmful to a healing and reconciling country like Rwanda that needs the freedom to debate the past and analyse how far it has come openly. Rwanda should learn from the past that freedom of speech is necessary to prevent conflict while having only one side potentially exacerbates it.  [1] Chalk, Prof. Frank ‘Radio propaganda and genocide’, Concordia.ca, November 1999 obedience, authority, media, propaganda, divisionism, Hutu, Tutsi, RTLM, hate speech, incitement, genocide, Rwanda, freedom of speech, censorship, reconciliation, conflict prevention, propaganda tools, historical lessons obedience, authority, genocide, propaganda, media, divisionism, Hutu, Tutsi, RTLM, speech suppression, freedom of speech, censorship, Rwanda, reconciliation, conflict prevention, radio propaganda, hate speech, government manipulation, Prime minister, Agathe Uwilingiyimana, media influence blind obedience, authority, genocide ideology, media control, propaganda, divisionism, Hutu, Tutsi, hate speech, newspapers, radio RTLM, incitement, violence, speech restriction, freedom of speech, press, manipulation, Rwanda, reconciliation, conflict prevention, historical analysis Blind obedience, authority, genocide ideology, media control, Hutu population, government propaganda, divisionism, Tutsi stereotypes, RTLM radio, hate speech, political violence, censorship, freedom of speech, press restrictions, Rwanda, reconciliation, conflict prevention, hate propaganda, historical example, genocide prevention Obedience, authority, media, propaganda, divisionism, Hutu, Tutsi, radio RTLM, hate speech, incitement, genocide, Rwanda, freedom of speech, censorship, reconciliation, conflict prevention, media influence, incitement to violence, hate propaganda, historical memory
test-international-ssiarcmhb-pro02a	"Going back on this rule would promote casual sex  Condoning the use of barrier methods of contraception would be implicitly condoning casual sex since their primary function is within that context. This is particularly important since the Catholic Church's teachings on casual sex are not taken particularly seriously already. Any action, such as the Catholic Church allowing the use of barrier contraception, that would promote casual sex in countries with severe AIDS/HIV problems, would be an incredibly irresponsible one. Pope Paul VI argued that when considering ""the consequences of methods and plans for artificial birth control. Let them first consider how easily this course of action could open wide the way for marital infidelity and a general lowering of moral standards."" The Church's current stance on barrier contraception, therefore, is the most responsible one1. 1 Pope Paul VI. ""Humanae Vitae."" 1968. casual sex, barrier contraception, Catholic Church, moral standards, AIDS, HIV, artificial birth control, Pope Paul VI, Humanae Vitae, marital infidelity, sexual morality, contraceptive use, church teachings, responsible motherhood, sexual ethics casual sex, contraception, barrier methods, Catholic Church, moral standards, Pope Paul VI, artificial birth control, AIDS, HIV, moral implications, marital fidelity, responsible stance Catholic Church, casual sex, contraception, barrier methods, morality, AIDS, HIV, Pope Paul VI, Humanae Vitae, marital infidelity, moral standards, responsible stance casual sex, barrier contraception, Catholic Church, moral standards, AIDS, HIV, immoral, responsibility, Pope Paul VI, Humanae Vitae, contraception, sexual behavior, church teachings, sexual morality, infidelity, public health Catholic Church, casual sex, barrier contraception, AIDS, HIV, morality, artificial birth control, Pope Paul VI, Humanae Vitae, marital infidelity, moral standards, contraception debate, religious teachings, responsible action, sexual ethics"
test-free-speech-debate-ldhwprhs-con03a	Silencing views that are considered offensive is self-defeating and would be detrimental to those attempting to advance gay rights.  If freedom of speech is to mean anything then it needs to be a principle that is universally applied. Unless speech represents a direct and immediate threat to public safety then it should not be curtailed. The overwhelming majority of the world would agree with Hammond. Globally this is a significant, possibly a majority, view. Certainly the 24% of people in the UK who believe that homosexual sex should be illegal [1] could be assumed to be sympathetic. These people might well consider gay pride marches to be offensive and a threat to public order but these are allowed to go ahead and so should Hammond’s protest and those like it. The freedom of expression must be allowed equally in both cases.  [1] The Guardian. “Sex uncovered poll: Homosexuality”. 28 August 2008. freedom of speech, offensive views, gay rights, censorship, public safety, free expression, hate speech, LGBTQ rights, legal rights, freedom principle, public order, gay pride marches, protests, speech restrictions, societal values, global perspective freedom of speech, offensive views, gay rights, censorship, self-defeating, public safety, universal principles, free expression, gay pride, protests, public order, tolerance, human rights, discrimination, societal norms, legal rights freedom of speech, offensive views, gay rights, self-defeating, public safety, universal principles, censorship, speech restrictions, global opinion, public order, gay pride, protest, human rights, equality, LGBTQ+, free expression freedom of speech, offensive views, gay rights, self-defeating, free expression, public safety, censorship, LGBTQ rights, public order, protest, equality, legal perspectives, cultural attitudes, global opinion, UK statistics freedom of speech, offensive views, gay rights, censorship, free expression, public safety, hate speech, discrimination, LGBTQ rights, gay pride marches, protests, public order, universal principles, legal rights, social acceptance, advocacy, free speech equality
test-science-nsihwbtiss-pro04a	Teacher’s personal life might undermine educational message.  Access to a teacher’s private information and photos may lead to weakening her position as an educator. How can a teacher convincingly speak against smoking or substance abuse if students have access to pictures portraying the teacher themselves drinking or smoking [1] ? For example, a principal from the Bronx, who had been trying to impose a strict dress code at her school, was branded a ‘hypocrite’ by her students when a risqué photo of her was found on her facebook page [2] . And even if the teacher will be careful not to post anything inappropriate on her page, a friend or acquaintance might thereby undermining the teacher. A strict separation of personal and professional life would prevent such incidents from happening.  [1] Preston, Jennifer. ”Rules to Stop Pupil and Teacher from Getting too Social Online”. The New York Times. 17 December 2011. nytimes.com/2011/12/18/business/.../rules-to-limit-how-teachers-and-students-interact-online.html.  [2] Keneally, Megan. ”Pupils at scandal hit school post sexy Facebook shot of principal over hallways.” The Daily Mail. 5 December 2011. teacher, personal life, educational message, private information, photos, credibility, reputation, online privacy, social media, teacher conduct, misconduct, professionalism, hypocrisy, dress code, scandals, online behavior, boundaries, separation, online reputation, teacher-student trust, digital footprints teachers, personal life, privacy, online presence, social media, educator credibility, professional boundaries, confidentiality, image management, student perceptions, teacher misconduct, dress code, social online interactions, teacher scandals, Facebook photos, teacher reputation, teacher-student relationship, online privacy, image control, professional ethics teacher, personal life, educational message, private information, photos, credibility, professionalism, online presence, social media, privacy, boundaries, image management, hypocrite, dress code, scandals, online misconduct, reputation, students, teachers, social media policies teacher, personal life, educational message, privacy, photos, undermining, credibility, online presence, social media, image, professionalism, dress code, hypocrite, Facebook, boundaries, online safety, reputation, teacher-student relationship, social media policy, accountability teacher, personal life, educational message, privacy, photos, online presence, social media, teacher reputation, misconduct, professional boundaries, student perception, hypocrisy, dress code, Facebook, teacher misconduct, social online behavior, online privacy, teacher-student boundaries, reputation management, school discipline, online images
test-health-ppelfhwbpba-con03a	Partial birth abortions are safer than any available alternative  The D&X abortion procedure generates the minimum of risk for the mother. Banning it means that the only alternatives are premature labour induction for which mortality rates are 2.5 times higher and is emotionally very difficult due to the length of time it takes [1] (it is also likely to be unacceptable to the proposition) and hysterotomy (which results in removal of the womb). Finally as those who are having late partial birth abortions are likely to be suicidal, or at least will be very determined to get rid of their child they are the most likely to resort to back-street methods that cause damage to themselves.  [1] The Harriet and Robert Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, ‘Abortion’, partial birth abortion, D&X procedure, maternal risk, abortion safety, abortion alternatives, premature labor induction, mortality rates, emotional impact, hysterotomy, womb removal, late-term abortion, back-street abortion, self-harm, abortion dangers, abortion policies, reproductive health partial birth abortion, D&X procedure, maternal risk, abortion safety, alternative methods, premature labor induction, abortion mortality rates, hysterotomy, late-term abortion, mental health impact, backstreet abortion, illegal abortion, abortion risks, rebirth of partial-birth abortion, abortion legislation, abortion procedures partial birth abortion, D&X procedure, maternal risk, abortion alternatives, premature labor induction, mortality rates, emotional impact, hysterotomy, womb removal, late-term abortion, backstreet methods, self-harm, abortion safety partial birth abortions, D&X procedure, abortion safety, maternal risk, abortion alternatives, premature labor induction, abortion mortality rates, emotional impact, hysterotomy, back-street abortion methods, abortion legality, late-term abortion, suicidal patients, abortion complications, population health, abortion debate partial birth abortions, D&X procedure, maternal safety, abortion risks, abortion alternatives, premature labor induction, maternal mortality, emotional impact, hysterotomy, womb removal, late-term abortion, back-street abortions, abortion safety comparison, reproductive health, population health
test-politics-ghbgussbsbt-con04a	Parties as coalitions  The two political parties are ideologically broad churches, with many different factions that stand up for varying positions on the ideological spectrum. The republicans for example contain within them several different republican movements; from social conservatives or ‘the religious right’, through libertarian conservatism like much of the tea party, to fiscal conservatives who are mostly more moderate. Interweaving these three is national security conservatism and issues conservatism. [1]  Policies formed by each party are specifically designed to take into account of the different strands within the party, creating a platform that all candidates can stand on.  The policy is in effect a compromise between different wings of the party, with Primaries adding credence to a particular view.  In effect, Policies enacted under Single-Party Government have had the oversight from party members in order to be representative of the different interests within the party, thus delivering clear, coherent policies to the people that are constantly self-corrected due to the different ideological streams.  [1] Westen, Drew, ‘The Five Strands of Conservatism: Why the GOP is Unraveling’, HuffPost, 23 January 2012, political parties, coalitions, ideological spectrum, factions, republicans, social conservatives, religious right, libertarian conservatism, tea party, fiscal conservatives, national security conservatism, issues conservatism, policy platforms, party primaries, single-party government, ideological streams, policy compromise, party interests, political ideology parties, coalitions, political parties, ideological spectrum, factions, republicans, social conservatives, religious right, libertarian conservatism, tea party, fiscal conservatives, national security conservatism, issues conservatism, policy formation, party platform, primaries, single-party government, party oversight, ideological streams, policy compromise, party interests coalitions, political parties, ideological spectrum, republican factions, social conservatives, religious right, libertarian conservatism, tea party, fiscal conservatism, national security, issues conservatism, policy platforms, party primaries, single-party government, internal party interests, policy compromise, ideological streams, party self-correction parties, coalitions, political parties, ideological spectrum, factions, republican movements, social conservatives, religious right, libertarian conservatism, tea party, fiscal conservatism, national security conservatism, issues conservatism, party policies, ideological strands, primaries, single-party government, party interests, policy compromise, party platforms, ideological streams parties,coalitions,political parties,ideological spectrum,factions,Republicans,republican movements,religious right,libertarian conservatism,fiscal conservatism,national security conservatism,issue conservatism,party policies,ideological strands,primary elections,policy compromise,single-party government,party oversight,policy coherence,ideological streams
test-free-speech-debate-nshbcsbawc-con01a	Employers impose rules relating to conduct in the workplace, it’s one of the things that everyone accepts when they take and continue in a job.  Put simply, if you don’t like the rules, don’t do the job. The fact that the world of work and the life of faith can come into conflict should hardly have come as a surprise to the women concerned. From Biblical times onward, that has been a reality.  However, they chose these particular jobs and that choice comes with consequences. Their actions would seem to suggest that they prize their faith more highly than their jobs, the solution seems fairly straightforward – get another job.  Religious belief is also a choice. Nobody is compelling the two women into one particular faith and nobody, including the Church, is compelling them to wear a cross as a demonstration of that decision.  The problem seems to have arisen because one thing they chose to do was in conflict with another thing they chose to do. It is difficult to see how that is the responsibility of either the employer or the courts. workplace conduct, employment rules, job rights, religious freedom, faith and work conflict, biblical tradition, workplace religion, religious expression, employment law, religious accommodations, employer obligations, employee rights, religious symbols, conflict resolution, legal responsibilities workplace conduct, employer rules, faith conflict, employment rights, religious beliefs, workplace ethics, biblical times, job choices, religious symbols, court decisions, employment law, religious accommodation, personal beliefs, job obligations, religious expression workplace conduct, employment rules, faith vs work conflict, religious beliefs in employment, biblical values, employment rights, religious expression, workplace religious accommodation, employer obligations, court rulings, religious freedom, job rights, religious symbols, religious discrimination, employment law workplace conduct, employment rules, faith conflict, religious beliefs, job choice, biblical history, religious freedom, workplace rights, religious symbols, court cases, employment law, workplace religion, religious expression, employer obligations, legal conflict, religious accommodation workplace rules, conduct, employment, faith, religion, workplace conflict, biblical times, job choice, religious belief, employer policies, courts, religious symbols, job obligations, ethical dilemmas, religious freedom, work ethics, religious garments, accommodation, workplace rights
test-international-eiahwpamu-pro02a	Small is beautiful: community empowerment  Microfinance is empowering the communities that are using it - showing in development, small is beautiful. Communities are empowered to change their conditions. For example taking the case of savings - microfinance allows for savings. Half of the adults that saved in Sub-Saharan Africa, during 2013, used an informal, community-based approach (CARE, 2014). First, having savings reduces household risk. CARE is one of many organisations working in innovations for microfinance. At CARE savings have been mobilised across Africa by working with Village Savings and Loans Associations. Overtime, CARE has targeted over 30,000,000 poor people in Africa, to provide necessary finance. Savings ensures households have financial capital, can invest resources in education, health, and the future. Savings is security in livelihoods.  Second, microfinance is providing key skills. Oxfam’s Savings for Change Initiative provides training on savings, and lending, to women in communities in Senegal and Mali. Evidence from Mali indicates startup capital provided has ensured better food security, women’s empowerment in the financial decision-making of households, and crucially, a sense of community bond among the women (Oxfam, 2013). Gender based violence within households may also be reduced [1] .  [1] See further readings: Kim et al, 2007. Small, beautiful, community empowerment, microfinance, development, savings, informal economy, household risk, CARE, Village Savings and Loans Associations, Africa, poor households, financial capital, investment, education, health, livelihoods, security, skills, Oxfam, Savings for Change, women, Senegal, Mali, food security, women empowerment, community bonds, gender-based violence microfinance, community empowerment, small businesses, development, savings, informal finance, community-based savings, household risk reduction, Village Savings and Loans Associations, financial capital, investment, education, health, livelihoods, skills development, women's empowerment, Senegal, Mali, food security, gender equality, gender-based violence, Oxfam, CARE, innovation, poor communities small, community empowerment, microfinance, development, savings, informal finance, community-based, household risk, village savings, loans associations, financial inclusion, Africa, poverty alleviation, financial capital, investments, education, health, livelihoods, skills training, women empowerment, food security, gender-based violence, social bonds small, beautiful, community empowerment, microfinance, development, savings, informal finance, community-based approach, household risk, organizations, innovations, Village Savings and Loans Associations, poverty alleviation, financial capital, investment, education, health, livelihoods, skills training, women empowerment, Senegal, Mali, food security, financial decision-making, community bonds, gender-based violence small, beautiful, community empowerment, microfinance, development, savings, informal finance, Sub-Saharan Africa, household risk, village savings, loans associations, financial inclusion, poverty alleviation, Africa, financial capital, investment, education, health, livelihoods, skills, women's empowerment, community bond, gender-based violence
test-international-miasimyhw-pro01a	Free movement will provide benefits for productivity.  A free labour market provides a space for sharing (knowledge, ideas, and socio-cultural traditions), competing, and sustaining efficiency in development. As neoliberal theory advocates a laissez-faire approach is fundamental for growth. A free labour market will enhance economic productivity. Free labour movement enables access to new employment opportunities and markets.  Within the East African Community the Common Market Protocol (CMP) (2010) has removed barriers towards the movement of people, services, capital, and goods. Free regional movement is granted to citizens of any member state in order to aid economic growth. Free movement is providing solutions to regional poverty by expanding the employment opportunities available, enabling faster and efficient movement for labour, and reducing the risk of migration for labour. Similar to initial justifications of Europe’s labour market, a central idea is to promote labour productivity within the region [1] .  [1] Much criticism has been raised with regards to the flexible labour market in Europe - with high unemployment across national member states such as Spain, Ireland, and Greece; the prevalent Euro-crisis, and backlash over social welfare with rising migration. Disparities remain in jobs, growth, and productivity across the EU. free movement, productivity, labor market, neoliberal theory, growth, economic efficiency, employment opportunities, East African Community, Common Market Protocol, barriers, regional integration, poverty reduction, migration, labour mobility, Europe, Euro-crisis, unemployment, social welfare, disparities free movement, productivity, labour market, economic growth, regional integration, East African Community, Common Market Protocol, barriers removal, employment opportunities, migration, socio-cultural exchange, neoliberal theory, laissez-faire, economic development, regional poverty, labor mobility, European Union, unemployment, Euro crisis, social welfare, migration backlash free movement, productivity, labour market, neoliberal theory, laissez-faire, economic growth, employment opportunities, East African Community, Common Market Protocol, regional integration, migration, poverty reduction, labour mobility, regional development, economic disparities, Euro-crisis, social welfare, migration backlash free movement, productivity, labor market, economic growth, regional integration, East African Community, Common Market Protocol, barriers removal, employment opportunities, migration, socio-cultural exchange, neoliberal theory, laissez-faire, regional poverty, labor mobility, employment, efficiency, European Union, Euro-crisis, social welfare, unemployment, migration backlash, disparities free movement, productivity, labor market, neoliberal theory, economic growth, East African Community, Common Market Protocol, barriers removal, regional integration, employment opportunities, international migration, regional poverty, labor mobility, trade liberalization, regional development, Euro-crisis, unemployment, social welfare, migration backlash
test-religion-frghbbgi-con03a	The rareness of Life  Life requires an extremely fine set of conditions in order to exist. The right distance from the Sun, a magnetic field to deflect solar radiation, the right atmospheric composition and conditions etc. These conditions are extremely rare; indeed only on Earth have we observed that they are just right for life to have evolved. [1] This is so unlikely that it leads to the conclusion that God must have intervened.  [1] McAlpine, Kate, ‘Extraterrestrial life could be extremely rare’, physicsworld.com, 1 August 2011, extraterrestrial life, rarity, conditions for life, habitability, habitable zone, Earth's uniqueness, magnetic field, atmosphere, solar radiation protection, fine-tuned universe, life emergence, divine intervention, anthropic principle, astrobiology, cosmic improbability extraterrestrial life, rarity, conditions for life, habitable zone, Earth's uniqueness, divine intervention, astrophysics, atmospheric composition, magnetic field, solar radiation, fine-tuned universe, astrobiology, cosmic rarity, planetary habitability rarity, life, extraterrestrial, conditions, habitability, Earth's uniqueness, fine-tuned parameters, magnetic field, atmospheric composition, solar radiation, cosmic rarity, probability, origin of life, astrobiology, divine intervention, rare universe, planetary conditions extraterrestrial life, rarity, conditions for life, habitability, planetary conditions, Earth uniqueness, magnetic field, atmospheric composition, solar radiation defense, fine-tuned universe, life evolution, God intervention, astrophysics, astrobiology life rarity, extraterrestrial life, habitable conditions, Earth's uniqueness, planetary habitability, solar distance, magnetic field, atmospheric composition, life evolution, astrobiology, fine-tuned universe, cosmic rarity, chance of life, God intervention, planetary conditions
test-politics-mtpghwaacb-con03a	Collective bargaining has been recognised as an enforcable right  Collective bargaining is a right. If the state allows freedom of association, individuals will gather together and exchange their ideas and views as a natural consequence of this freedom. Further, free association and free expression allows groups to then select a representative to express their ideas in a way that the individuals in the group might not be able to. In preventing people from using this part of their right to assembly, we weaken the entire concept of the right to assembly. The point of the right to assembly is to allow the best possible representation for individuals. When a group of individuals are prevented from enjoying this right then it leads to those individuals feeling isolated from the rest of society who are able to enjoy this right.  This is particularly problematic in the case of public sector workers as the state that is isolating them also happens to be their employer. This hurts the way that people in the public sector view the state that ideally is meant to represent them above all as they actively contribute to the well being of the state.1  Bloomberg, Michael. “Limit Pay, Not Unions.” New York Times. 27/02/2011 collective bargaining, enforceable right, freedom of association, free expression, right to assembly, representation, public sector workers, state employer, social isolation, workers' rights, union rights, labor rights, societal participation collective bargaining, enforceable rights, freedom of association, free expression, assembly rights, representation, public sector workers, employment rights, union rights, societal inclusion, state employer, workers' rights, political rights collective bargaining, enforcable right, right to associate, freedom of association, free expression, right to assemble, representation, public sector workers, state as employer, labor rights, union rights, worker rights, societal participation, state-worker relations collective bargaining, enforceable right, freedom of association, free expression, right to assembly, representation, public sector workers, state, employer, social rights, labor rights, union rights, societal participation, workers' rights, social justice, political rights collective bargaining, right to assembly, freedom of association, free expression, representation, public sector workers, state, employer, group rights, social inclusion, labor rights, union rights, constitutional rights, collective negotiations, social cohesion, employment rights
test-international-glilpdwhsn-con04a	"Problems with Verification.  Verification is vital in any agreement to limit arms. Both sides need to trust each other a bit but a lot of this trust needs to come from comprehensive mechanisms to monitor and ensure that both sides are carrying out their commitments. If the verification system is not good enough then neither side will have faith in the agreement and will be more likely to try and bypass it.  Unfortunately the expired START’s verification regime was robust when compared to that for the New START. Baker Spring at the Heritage foundation lists some of the specific areas that are significantly less robust: A narrowing of the requirements for exchanging telemetry (electronic transmissions that give details of missile performance that helps give a good idea about whether Russia is complying with the treaty) , A reduction in the effectiveness of the inspections (the Russians feel that inspections are unfairly biased against them), Weaknesses in the ability to verify the number of deployed warheads on ICBMs and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), Abolition of the START verification regime governing mobile ICBMs, and A weakening of the verification standards governing the elimination of delivery vehicles. [1]  [1] Spring, Baker. ""Twelve Flaws of New START That Will Be Difficult to Fix"". Heritage Foundation, The Foundry. 16 September 2010. verification, arms control, trust, monitoring, compliance, inspection, telemetry, missile performance, New START, START, verification regime, ICBMs, SLBMs, mobile ICBMs, delivery vehicles, verification standards, treaty enforcement, arms verification weaknesses verification, arms control, trust, monitoring, compliance, inspection, telemetry, missile performance, verification mechanisms, New START, START treaty, inspection efficacy, verification standards, mobile ICBMs, warhead verification, delivery vehicle elimination, treaty enforcement, verification weaknesses, nuclear arms verification Verification, arms control, trust, monitoring, compliance, international treaties, New START, START treaty, verification mechanisms, telemetry, missile monitoring, inspection effectiveness, warhead verification, ICBMs, SLBMs, mobile ICBMs, delivery vehicle verification, treaty enforcement, verification standards, arms reduction, verification flaws, inspection bias, nondiscrimination, verification weaknesses, treaty compliance verification, arms control, trust, compliance, monitoring, verification mechanisms, START, New START, telemetry, inspections, missile verification, warheads verification, mobile ICBMs, delivery vehicle verification, arms agreement, verification standards, treaty compliance, inspection fairness, verification weaknesses verification, arms control, trust, monitoring, compliance, mechanisms, New START, START treaty, verification regime, telemetry, missile performance, inspections, bias, Russian compliance, warheads, ICBMs, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, SLBMs, mobile ICBMs, delivery vehicles, verification standards, flaws, treaty enforcement, arms reduction"
test-education-ughbuesbf-pro01a	Individuals have a right to the experience of higher education  University offers personal, intellectual, and often spiritual, exploration. In secondary school and in professional life, no such opportunities exist as they are about instruction and following orders, not about questioning norms and conventions in the same way university so often is. [1] A life without the critical thinking skills provided by university will be less useful to society, as citizens will be unable to engage with political debate effectively – citizens need to be critical of what politicians tell them. The state has a responsibility to provide citizens with the skillset to take partake in the democratic process. [2] Free universities benefit both the citizen, as an exploration for his/her own development, and to society, for an educated and active populace.  [1] Key Degree. 2010. “How to Reap the Benefits of College”. Keydegree.com. Available:  ­of­college.html  [2] Swift, Adam. 2001. Political Philosophy: A Beginner’s Guide for Students and Politicians. Cambridge: Polity. higher education, personal development, intellectual exploration, spiritual exploration, critical thinking, civic engagement, democratic participation, free universities, citizen empowerment, political debate, societal benefit, educational rights, university benefits, secondary education, professional growth, questioning norms, skills for democracy higher education, critical thinking, university, personal development, intellectual exploration, spiritual exploration, secondary education, professional life, questioning norms, societal benefit, democratic process, citizenship, political debate, free universities, education access, societal development, educated populace, political philosophy higher education, personal development, intellectual exploration, spiritual exploration, critical thinking, societal engagement, democratic skills, free universities, citizen education, political debate, norms questioning, university benefits, education rights, active populace, political philosophy higher education, personal development, intellectual exploration, spiritual exploration, critical thinking skills, societal benefit, political debate, democratic process, citizen engagement, free universities, lifelong learning, education rights, societal development, petition for free higher education higher education, university, personal development, intellectual exploration, spiritual exploration, secondary school, professional life, questioning norms, critical thinking, societal benefit, political debate, democratic process, citizen skills, free universities, citizen development, societal education, democratic engagement, education rights, university benefits, political philosophy
test-law-cpilhbishioe-con04a	ICC enforcement would create resentment  There are good reasons for why an ICC enforcement arm would be ineffective on its own. It may have all the necessary equipment and training but it would be a foreign force, that may or may not be seen as legitimate, attempting to arrest a native of that country. The result would be resentment in the community at the intrusion. This regularly occurs to national police forces when policing in minority areas. In London the Brixton race riots were seen by one inquiry as “essentially an outburst of anger and resentment by young black people against the police” as the police did not represent them. [1] The result with the ICC as elsewhere would likely to at the least be a lack of cooperation, and with most of the force unable to speak the native language altering perceptions would be difficult. Such a force may bring even fewer results than using local forces and would provide a scapegoat for local politicians. [2]  [1] Bowling, Ben, and Phillips, Coretta, ‘Policing ethnic minority communities’, LSE Research Online, 2003,  p.4  [2] Perritt, Henry H., ‘Policing International Peace and Security: International Police Forces’, Chicago-Kent College of Law, March 1999,  p.294 ICC, enforcement, resentment, legitimacy, foreign force, community intrusion, police, minority areas, Brixton race riots, police resentment, native population, cooperation, language barriers, local forces, international police, policing, ethnic minorities, public perception, legitimacy, police-community relations, law enforcement effectiveness ICC enforcement, community resentment, foreign police, legitimacy, minority communities, police violence, racial tension, Brixton riots, police cooperation, language barriers, local police, international police forces, ethnic minorities, policing legitimacy, community anger, police credibility, ethnic tension, international law, law enforcement effectiveness ICC enforcement, resentment, effectiveness, foreign force, legitimacy, community intrusion, police resistance, minority areas, Brixton riots, racial tensions, police legitimacy, community cooperation, language barriers, local police, international policing, peace enforcement, minority communities, police legitimacy, international security ICC enforcement, resentment, effectiveness, foreign force, legitimacy, community intrusion, police resentment, minority communities, Brixton riots, racial tensions, police cooperation, language barriers, local forces, international police, peace security, minority policing ICC enforcement, resentment, effectiveness, foreign force, legitimacy, community intrusion, minority areas, police policing, Brixton riots, racial tension, local cooperation, language barriers, community perception, international police, peacekeeping, ethnic minorities, law enforcement, community anger, police legitimacy, intercultural policing
test-politics-oepdlhfcefp-pro02a	The fact that it is a Representative highlights the fact that the EU is based on consultation and consensus, and that is a positive thing.  While the new ‘EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy’ marks only a bold first step towards a more unified voice for the EU, the decisions are indeed still based on a state by state consultation mechanism – hence the name representative. This should however not to be downplayed as a less significant change in how the EU approaches its foreign policy. The consultation aspect is in fact essential to reaching agreement and the importance of not only presenting a united front to the rest of the world (the EU is exemplary in trade policy and environmental policy, but less important when it comes to presenting a united voice in foreign policy as Belgian Foreign minister Mark Eyskens put it in 1991 “Europe is an economic giant, a political dwarf, and a military worm” 1, but also creating a united front through collaboration and debate. One should thus see this not only as a means to an end, but rather as an important mechanism in itself, whereby new identities are slowly created along with a deeper sense of commitment to a common set of values.  1. Craig R Whitney, ‘WAR IN THE GULF: EUROPE; Gulf Fighting Shatters Europeans’ Fragile Unity’, European Union, EU, foreign policy, High Representative, consultation, consensus, decision-making, unity, international relations, collaboration, debate, common values, identity, European integration, diplomatic mechanism, foreign policy strategy European Union, EU, foreign policy, consensus, consultation, representation, high representative, unity, collaboration, decision-making, international relations, values, identity, diplomatic mechanism, policy integration, EU external relations, trade policy, environmental policy, political cohesion European Union, foreign policy, consultation, consensus, EU High Representative, diplomatic mechanism, member states, foreign policy approach, international relations, unity, collaboration, debate, shared values, European diplomacy, decision-making, policy integration, sovereignty, institutional change, European identity European Union, EU, foreign policy, High Representative, consensus, consultation, decision-making, unity, diplomacy, international relations, European integration, collaboration, decision mechanism, common values, European identity, policy formation, foreign affairs, EU institutions, multinational cooperation, diplomatic strategy European Union, EU, representation, consensus, consultation, foreign policy, High Representative, foreign policy decisions, state consultation, EU foreign relations, united front, trade policy, environmental policy, international collaboration, European identity, European values, European integration, decision-making mechanisms, European diplomacy
test-environment-opecewiahw-con02a	A dam would damage the environment  Dams due to their generation of renewable electricity are usually seen as environmentally friendly but such mega projects are rarely without consequences. The Grand Inga would lower the oxygen content of the lower course of the river which would mean a loss of species. This would not only affect the river as the Congo’s delta is a submerged area of 300,000km2 far out into the Atlantic. This system is not yet understood but the plume transmits sediment and organic matter into the Atlantic ocean encouraging plankton offshore contributing to the Atlantic’s ability to be a carbon sink. [1]  [1] Showers, Kate, ‘Will Africa’s Mega Dam Have Mega Impacts?’, International Rivers, 5 March 2012, dam, environment, ecological impact, renewable energy, mega projects, Grand Inga, river oxygen levels, species loss, Congo delta, submerged area, Atlantic Ocean, sediment transport, organic matter, plankton, carbon sink, environmental consequences dam, environment, renewable energy, mega projects, Grand Inga, river oxygen content, species loss, Congo river delta, sediment transport, organic matter, Atlantic Ocean, plume, plankton, carbon sink, ecological impact, hydropower, environmental consequences dam, environment, renewable electricity, mega projects, Grand Inga, oxygen content, river ecology, species loss, Congo River, delta, Atlantic Ocean, sediment, organic matter, plankton, carbon sink, ecological impact, Africa, hydroelectric dams, environmental consequences dam, environment, renewable electricity, mega projects, Grand Inga, oxygen content, river ecology, species loss, Congo River, delta, Atlantic Ocean, sediment, organic matter, plankton, carbon sink, environmental impact, hydroelectric dams, ecological consequences, offshore ecosystems dam, environment, renewable electricity, mega projects, Grand Inga, oxygen levels, river ecology, species loss, Congo River, delta, Atlantic Ocean, sediment, organic matter, plankton, carbon sink, environmental impact, ecological consequences
test-science-ascidfakhba-pro04a	The costs of monitoring copyright by states, artists, and lawyers far outweigh the benefits, and is often simply ineffective  The state incurs huge costs in monitoring for copyright infringement, in arresting suspected perpetrators, in imprisonment of those found guilty, even though in reality nothing was stolen but an idea that, once released to it, belonged to the public domain more or less. [1] Furthermore, the deterrent effect to copyright piracy generated by all the efforts of the state and firms has proven generally minimal. In fact, the level of internet piracy of books, music, and films has increased dramatically year on year for several years, increasing by 30% in 2011 alone. [2] This is because in many cases copyright laws are next to unenforceable, as the music and movie industries have learned to their annoyance in recent years, for example ninety percent of DVDs sold in China are bootlegs while even western consumers are increasingly bypassing copyright by using peer to peer networks. [3] Only a tiny fraction of perpetrators are ever caught, and though they are often punished severely in an attempt to deter future crime, it has done little to stop their incidence. Copyright, in many cases, does not work in practice plain and simple. Releasing works under a creative commons licensing scheme does a great deal to cope with these pressures. In the first instance it is a less draconian regime, so individuals are more willing to buy into it as a legitimate claim by artists rather than an onerous stranglehold on work. This increases compliance with the relaxed law. Secondly, the compliance means that artists are given the vocal crediting under the license rules that gives them more public exposure than clandestine copying could not. Ultimately this adaptation of current copyright law would benefit the artist and the consumer mutually.  [1] World Intellectual Property Organization. “Emerging Issues in Intellectual Property”. 2011   [2] Hartopo, A. “The Past, Present and Future of Internet Piracy”. Jakarta Globe. 26 July 2011.   [3] Quirk, M., “The Movie Pirates”, The Atlantic, 19 November 2009, copyright enforcement, state costs, copyright infringement, piracy, illegal copying, copyright laws, internet piracy, copyright enforcement costs, piracy deterrence, copyright violations, bootlegging, peer-to-peer networks, copyright compliance, creative commons, licensing, artist exposure, consumer rights, intellectual property, copyright enforcement challenges, legal enforcement, piracy statistics, international copyright violations copyright enforcement, law enforcement costs, piracy deterrence, internet piracy, copyright infringement, public domain, peer-to-peer networks, bootleg DVDs, copyright laws, enforcement challenges, creative commons, licensing schemes, artist rights, consumer benefits, legal compliance, copyright enforcement costs, piracy statistics, illegal copying, piracy increase, enforcement effectiveness, copyright policy copyright enforcement, monitoring costs, legal enforcement, copyright infringement, piracy, internet piracy, piracy statistics, copyright laws, enforcement challenges, counterfeit goods, bootlegging, peer-to-peer networks, illegal copying, creative commons, licensing, artist exposure, copyright compliance, law reform, digital piracy, enforcement ineffectiveness, public domain, intellectual property, deterrent effect copyright, monitoring, enforcement, costs, effectiveness, piracy, internet piracy, legal measures, deterrence, copyright laws, infringement, enforcement costs, piracy statistics, peer-to-peer networks, bootlegs, creative commons, licensing, public domain, piracy reduction, legal compliance, artist exposure, copyright reform copyright, monitoring, enforcement, costs, effectiveness, piracy, infringement, copyright law, public domain, deterrence, internet piracy, bootlegging, peer-to-peer networks, copyright violations, seizure, prosecution, Creative Commons, licensing, compliance, artists, public exposure, copyright reform
test-philosophy-apessghwba-con05a	Animals involved in animal research are mostly well treated.  The vast majority of animals used in research are not subjected to suffering. Where there may be pain, they are given painkillers, and when they are euthanized it is done humanely. [1] They are looked after well, as the health of the animals is usually not only required by law and good practice, but beneficial for the experimental results. Many of these animals live better lives than they might have done had they been born into the wild. Many animals, and indeed humans, die untimely deaths that are due to reasons other than old age, animal experimentation may increase these numbers slightly but so long as the animals are treated well there should be no moral objection to animal research. If the foundation of the argument for banning animal experimentation is therefore based upon the cruel treatment and pain suffered by animals then this is a reason for regulation to make sure there is very little suffering rather than an outright ban.  [1] Herzog, H., “Dealing With the Animal Research Controversy”, in Akins, C. Panicker, S. & Cunningham, C. L (eds.), Laboratory animals in research and teaching: Ethics, care and methods, (Washington, DC, US: American Psychological Association, 2005, Ch. 1. animal research, animal welfare, humane treatment, pain management, euthanasia, animal care, research ethics, laboratory animals, animal suffering, law and regulation, experimental animals, animal mortality, ethical research, animal treatment, research methodology animal research, animal welfare, humane treatment, pain management, euthanasia, animal care, experimental animals, legal regulations, animal suffering, ethical considerations, research standards, laboratory animals, animal rights, animal well-being, scientific research, animal ethics animal research, animal treatment, welfare, pain management, humane euthanasia, animal care, experimental animals, research ethics, animal pain relief, animal suffering, welfare regulation, lab animals, ethical practices, animal legislation, experimental outcomes, research controversy, animal well-being animal research, animal welfare, humane treatment, pain management, euthanasia, animal care, laboratory animals, ethics, animal suffering, regulation, animal rights, research methodology, animal euthanasia, institutional review, welfare standards, experimental animals, moral considerations animal research, animal welfare, humane treatment, pain management, euthanasia, animal care, research ethics, laboratory animals, animal suffering, legal regulation, animal rights, research benefits, humane procedures, animal wellbeing, animal mortality, research controversy, animal treatment standards
test-environment-aiahwagit-con01a	African countries have little money to spare  Africa has some of the least developed countries in the world, making extensive protection of endangered animals unviable. Many African countries are burdened by the more pressing issues of civil war, large debts, poverty, and economic underdevelopment. [1] These factors already draw significant amounts of money from limited budgets. Tanzania, for example, has revenue of $5.571 billion and an expenditure of $6.706 billion. [2] Increased expenditure on animal protection projects would only serve to worsen this budget deficit.  [1] Simensen, J. ‘Africa: the causes of under-development and the challenges of globalisation’  [2] The World Factbook ‘Tanzania’ African countries, underdevelopment, poverty, civil war, debt, economic challenges, animal protection, limited budgets, conservation funding, Tanzania, globalisation, resource allocation, budget deficit African countries, economic underdevelopment, poverty, civil war, debt, limited budgets, wildlife protection, endangered animals, Tanzania, budget deficit, globalisation, development challenges Africa, African countries, underdevelopment, poverty, civil war, debts, economic challenges, animal protection, endangered animals, budget deficit, Tanzania, globalisation, development, conservation, finances, expenditures Africa, developing countries, endangered animals, conservation, budget constraints, civil war, debt, poverty, economic underdevelopment, Tanzania, government expenditure, globalisation, funding, wildlife protection, limited resources Africa, developing countries, poverty, civil war, economic underdevelopment, budget deficits, wildlife protection, endangered animals, conservation funding, debt, globalisation, Tanzania
test-politics-ypppgvhwmv-con03a	There are alternatives that tackle the real causes of voter disengagement  Compulsory voting hides the problem which is causing people to be disengaged from politics; it allows politicians to ignore measures that can tackle the true causes of political disengagement.  States instead should seek on strategies that will eliminate barriers to voting along with reducing the costs of turnout for its citizens, weekend voting, making election days a holiday, simple registration procedures, reforms such as to the party finance rules to widen the playing field, and the creation of a centralized, professional bureaucracy concerned with all aspects of election administration. In the UK, for example, adopting a more proportional system will allow for a political spectrum rather than the three major parties that currently dominate. voter disengagement, political participation, compulsory voting, election barriers, voting accessibility, turnout costs, weekend voting, election holiday, registration reforms, party finance reform, election administration, proportional representation, political spectrum, election reforms voter disengagement, political participation, compulsory voting, electoral reforms, voting barriers, turnout cost, weekend voting, election holiday, simple registration, party finance reforms, election administration, proportional representation, political spectrum, UK elections, multi-party system voter disengagement, compulsory voting, electoral reform, political participation, voting barriers, voter turnout, election day holiday, voter registration, party finance reform, election administration, proportional representation, UK electoral system, political spectrum, voting accessibility voter disengagement, alternatives, causes, compulsory voting, political disengagement, barriers, voting access, turnout reduction, weekend voting, holiday elections, registration procedures, party finance reforms, election administration, proportional representation, UK electoral system, political spectrum, party competition voter disengagement, alternative strategies, causes, compulsory voting, political participation, barriers to voting, voter turnout, weekend voting, election day holiday, registration procedures, party finance reforms, election administration, proportional representation, political spectrum, electoral reform, UK elections
test-society-ghbgqeaaems-pro01a	Gender equality is based on fundamental human rights endorsed by the EU which needs to be addressed  Gender equality at the workplace is an important principle that businesses should follow. If we consider men and women to be equal then they should be equally represented at the top levels of politics, society, and business. This is not simply a national issue, but a pan-EU problem of justice and equal rights. Gender equality is linked to the fundamental human rights that the EU endorses and the lack of progress in terms of women in high positions of Europe requires a proactive stance. As Morin-Chartier argues, the EU directives are about being a model for one another and the quotas will serve as an archetype for others worldwide. Therefore, the quotas are necessary to encourage progress in this field as other tools have not brought equal gender representation. gender equality, human rights, EU, workplace, representation, men, women, politics, society, business, justice, equal rights, EU directives, quotas, progress, gender parity, gender balance, gender gap, female leadership, gender policies, workplace diversity, gender inclusion gender equality, human rights, EU, workplace, gender parity, representation, politics, society, business, justice, equal rights, women, leadership, EU directives, quotas, gender imbalance, gender quotas, gender policy, gender diversity, gender equality initiatives gender equality, human rights, EU, workplace diversity, gender representation, women's rights, political representation, societal equality, business inclusion, EU directives, quotas, gender parity, gender justice, gender imbalance, gender policies, European Union, gender advocacy, women's empowerment, gender leadership, social equality gender equality, human rights, EU, workplace, representation, politics, society, business, gender balance, women, men, quotas, EU directives, justice, equal rights, gender disparity, gender parity, European Union, gender policy, leadership, gender stereotypes, gender diversity, gender mainstreaming gender equality, human rights, EU, workplace, gender representation, politics, society, business, justice, equal rights, European Union, women, high positions, directives, quotas, progress, gender parity, gender policy, gender justice, gender discrimination, anti-discrimination, gender inclusion
test-society-mmcpsgfhbf-con01a	Freedom of expression is essential for women  Social movements should limit themselves to pushing for the rights of social groups, not restricting them. The feminist movement, as a social movement, should not limit the voices of women in the same way their oppressors have throughout history. Banning pornography would directly restrict the freedom of choice of women who want to manifest their sexuality and express themselves in revolutionary ways in art and media. Examples such as amateur and improvised porn, which are independent of a director, show the deep value of self-expression and self-definition women can find in this form of art. The desire of some actresses to become internationally recognised as ‘sex symbols’, become porn stars, or simply convey that sex is for women too, is a legitimate one, and not an act of desperation. This must be taken into account in cases of pornography between consenting adults, for consenting adults. freedom of expression, women, social movements, women's rights, feminism, voice, oppression, pornography, freedom of choice, sexuality, art, media, amateur porn, self-expression, self-definition, sex symbols, porn stars, consent, adult entertainment, gender equality, sexual autonomy freedom of expression, women's rights, social movements, feminism, censorship, pornography, reproductive rights, sexual autonomy, self-expression, women's voices, media, art, independent porn, sexual liberation, consent, gender equality, body autonomy, sexual empowerment freedom of expression, women rights, social movements, feminist movement, voice, oppression, bans, pornography, choice, sexuality, art, media, amateur porn, self-expression, self-definition, women empowerment, sex symbols, pornography, consenting adults freedom of expression, women's rights, social movements, feminist movement, women's voices, oppression, pornography ban, women's sexuality, self-expression, art, media, amateur porn, improvised porn, independence, self-definition, sex symbols, porn stars, women’s agency, consensual adults freedom of expression, women's rights, social movements, feminism, gender equality, censorship, pornography, sexual autonomy, self-expression, art, media, amateur porn, independent filmmaking, self-definition, women's empowerment, sex symbols, consent, adult entertainment, reproductive rights
test-free-speech-debate-fsaphgiap-con01a	Denial of privacy to the leaders  The leaders of states deserve privacy in exactly the same way as anyone else. Just like their citizens leaders want and deserve privacy and it would be unfair for everyone to know about their health. Leaders may suffer from diseases such AIDS/HIV or embarrassing illnesses which could damage a leader.  The people only a need for the people to know when the illness significantly damages the running of the government. The government can function on its own without its leader for several days; only if the illness incapacitates the leader for a long period is there any need to tell the people. Clearly if the President is working from his bed he is still doing the job and his government is functioning. William Pitt the Younger, Prime Minister of Great Britain was toasted as 'the Saviour of Europe' while he was seriously ill but still running the country during the height of the Napoleonic Wars. 1  1 Bloy, Marjie, 'William Pitt the Younger (1759-1806)', Victorian Web, 4 January 2006, privacy, leaders, state leaders, confidentiality, health privacy, government secrecy, illness disclosure, political privacy, leadership health, government function, incapacity, public awareness, political confidentiality, historical leaders, William Pitt the Younger, government continuity, political ethics privacy, leaders, government, health, confidentiality, illness, transparency, political privacy, government functioning, leadership, public interest, medical secrecy, political leadership, health disclosure, incapacitation, historical examples privacy, leaders, state officials, health confidentiality, medical secrecy, government transparency, illness disclosure, political privacy, leadership health, government functioning, political confidentiality, leader incapacitation, historic leadership, William Pitt, Napoleonic Wars privacy, leaders, government, health, confidentiality, illness, HIV/AIDS, transparency, governance, public right, leadership, political privacy, executive health, illness impact, political scandal, government functionality, historical examples, William Pitt, Prime Minister, British history privacy, leaders, state leaders, health privacy, confidentiality, government transparency, political privacy, leader illness, public knowledge, political secrecy, government functioning, incapacity, health disclosure, leadership, historical examples, William Pitt the Younger, Napoleonic Wars
test-science-nsihwbtiss-pro03a	Acting as a warning signal for children at risk.  It is very difficult for a child to realize that he is being groomed; they are unlikely to know the risk1. After all, a teacher is regarded as a trusted adult. But, if the child is aware that private electronic contact between teachers and students is prohibited by law, the child will immediately know the teacher is doing something he is not supposed to if he initiates private electronic contact. This will therefore act as an effective warning sign to the child and might prompt the child to tell a parent or another adult about what is going on. child protection, grooming awareness, warning signals, at-risk children, trusted adults, private electronic contact, legal prohibition, abuse prevention, early warning signs, child safety, teacher-student boundaries, child alertness, parental involvement, abuse prevention strategies child protection, warning signals, grooming prevention, risk awareness, trusted adults, electronic contact, child safety, law enforcement, online safety, reporting abuse, parental awareness, teacher-student boundaries warning signals, children at risk, grooming, child protection, online safety, electronic contact, trusted adults, teacher-student relationship, legal boundaries, child awareness, warning signs, child reporting, online communication, safeguarding, child vulnerability warning signs, children at risk, grooming, child protection, trusted adult, privacy laws, electronic contact, abuse prevention, child awareness, parental intervention, safeguarding, victim identification child safety, grooming awareness, warning signals, at-risk children, trusted adult, electronic contact laws, child protection, child grooming recognition, parental alertness, teacher-student boundaries, online safety, child vulnerability, risk indicators, protective measures, communication warning signs
test-international-ssiarcmhb-pro05a	"Protects people from spending eternity in Hell.  It is important to remember that the Catholic Church believe that barrier contraception is against God and that using it will condemn people to Hell. Therefore, even if the Church's stance on condoms is harmful, which the proposition does not accept that it is, it is less harmful than people spending an eternity suffering. In this context, therefore, the most responsible thing for the Catholic Church to do is to forbid the use of condoms and, thereby, save people from Hell1. 1 Pope Paul VI. ""Humanae Vitae."" 1968. Catholic Church, contraception, barrier methods, Hell, morality, religious doctrine, Pope Paul VI, Humanae Vitae, eternal punishment, moral responsibility, sexual ethics, condom ban, religious beliefs, moral dilemma, population control Hell, Catholic Church, contraception, barrier contraception, moral doctrine, religious stance, condom prohibition, moral responsibility, salvation, eternal damnation, Pope Paul VI, Humanae Vitae, ethics, religious teachings, birth control Catholic Church, contraception, barrier methods, Hell, eternal punishment, moral doctrine, Pope Paul VI, Humanae Vitae, religious beliefs, morality, sin, hellfire, condemning, moral responsibility, religious doctrine Catholic Church, contraception, Hell, barrier contraception, moral doctrine, religious teachings, Pope Paul VI, Humanae Vitae, ethical implications, eternal punishment, moral responsibility, religious authority, condom usage, theological perspective, moral debate Catholic Church, contraception, Hell, barrier contraception, moral doctrine, Pope Paul VI, Humanae Vitae, religious ethics, morality, eternal punishment, condemning, procreation, sexual ethics, religious doctrine, moral obligation"
test-health-ppelfhwbpba-con02a	Opposition to partial birth abortion is part of a strategy intended to ban abortion in general  Partial-birth abortions form a tiny proportion of all abortions, but from a medical and psychological point of view they ought to be the least controversial. The reason for this focus is that late-term abortions are the most obviously distasteful, because late-term foetuses look more like babies than embryos or foetuses at an earlier developmental stage. Late-term abortions therefore make for the best pro-life campaigning material. By attempting to focus the debate here, campaigners are aiming to conflate all abortions with late-term abortions, and to increase opposition to all abortion on that basis. partial-birth abortion, abortion ban, late-term abortion, pro-life, abortion controversy, fetal development, anti-abortion strategy, medical perspective, psychological impact, abortion debate, fetal rights, reproductive rights, campaign tactics partial birth abortion, opposition, ban, late-term abortion, pro-life, campaign strategy, medical perspective, psychological perspective, controversial, fetal development, fetal appearance, embryo, foetus, abortion debate, public perception, abortion legislation partial birth abortion, opposition, abortion ban, late-term abortion, pro-life strategy, medical perspective, psychological impact, controversy, fetal development, pregnancy stages, political debate, campaign tactics, public perception, reproductive rights partial birth abortion, opposition, abortion ban, late-term abortion, pro-life, campaign strategy, medical perspective, psychological perspective, fetal development, abortion debate, public opinion, political tactics, abortion controversy, late-stage pregnancy, fetal rights partial birth abortion, opposition, banning abortion, late-term abortion, medical perspective, psychological perspective, controversy, pro-life campaigning, fetal development, embryo, fetus, late-term fetus, abortion debate, protest strategies, health ethics
test-science-sghwbdgmo-con03a	Genetically modified organisms will prevent starvation due to global climate changes.  The temperature of the earth is rising, and the rate of increase is itself increasing. As this continues, foods that grow now will not be acclimatized to the hotter conditions. Evolution takes many years and we simply do not have the time to starve while we wait for this to occur. Whilst there may be a vast supply of food now, we need to look to the future and how our current crops will withstand our changing environment. We can improve our food supply for the future if we invest in GM crops now. These crops can be made specifically to deal with the hotter conditions.  Moreover, Rodomiro Ortiz, director of resource mobilization at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre in Mexico, is currently conducting trials with GM crops to get them to grow is drought conditions. [1] This has already in 2007 been implemented by Monsanto in South Africa and has shown that genetically modified maize can be grown in South Africa and so prevent starvation. [2]  In other countries, this would also mean that foods could be cultured where organic foods would not be able to. This would mean those in third world countries could grow their own crops on their low nutrient content soil. This has the additional benefit of not impacting on the environment as no transport would be needed to take the food to the places where it is needed; this would have to occur with organic foods grown in areas of good soil and weather conditions. [3]  [1] Ortiz R., Overview on Crop Genetic Engineering for Drought-prone Environments, published December 2007,  , accessed 09/05/2011  [2] African Center for Biosafety, Monsanto’s genetically modified drought tolerant maize in South Africa,  , accessed 09/02/2011  [3] Rosenthal E., Environmental Costs of Shipping Groceries around the World, published 04/26/2008,  , accessed 09/02/2011 genetically modified organisms, GM crops, climate change, global warming, food security, future agriculture, drought tolerance, crop engineering, drought-resistant maize, crop trials, Monsanto, South Africa, food shortages, sustainable agriculture, low-nutrient soils, environmental impact, organic farming, food transportation, third world countries, crop resilience, temperature increase genetically modified organisms, GM crops, climate change, global warming, rising temperatures, crop adaptation, drought tolerance, food security, future food supply, genetically modified maize, drought-resistant crops, South Africa, organic foods, low nutrient soils, environmental impact, food distribution, food transportation genetically modified organisms, GM crops, climate change, global warming, food security, drought-resistant crops, drought tolerance, crop adaptation, future food supply, genetically engineered crops, crop resilience, environmental impact, sustainable agriculture, food production, third world countries, organic farming, soil degradation, transportation emissions, greenhouse gases, food scarcity genetically modified organisms, GM crops, climate change, global warming, drought resistance, food security, crop resilience, future agriculture, genetically engineered crops, crop adaptation, drought-tolerant maize, GMO trials, agriculture innovation, food sustainability, environmental impact, third world agriculture, organic food comparison, soil nutrients, resource mobilization, crop engineering, environmental costs genetically modified organisms, GM crops, climate change, global warming, crop adaptation, drought tolerance, food security, future agriculture, crop resilience, GM maize, genetically engineered crops, crop trials, drought conditions, South Africa, Monsanto, organic farming, environmental impact, food supply, nutritional soil, developing countries, small-scale farming, GMO benefits
test-free-speech-debate-nshbcsbawc-con02a	Both employers acted out of concern for the interests of their clients, employees should respect that.  Employers don’t introduce rules because it’s fun but, rather, because they serve a purpose. Ms. Chaplin has expressed concern about the legal costs incurred by the NHS Trust which employed her in fighting the action she initiated. Health and safety rules exist, in part, to avoid the possibility of subsequent legal action; it might be reasonable for her to support such rules given her concern [i] .  Likewise, airlines have uniform policies to make their services, well, uniform. It’s what their customers expect. In much the same way as many Christians refuse to receive communion from a woman or a homosexual, it simply goes with the job.  For any workplace to function, the lifestyles of the employees need to accommodate the needs of the customers or users of the service provided by the employer. Clearly there is a degree of balance involved and the values of the employee need to be respected. However, this case isn’t about the values of the employee – they weren’t fired for being Christian – it was about and active decision in how to demonstrate those values. A decision not taken by their co-religionists and one that seemed to owe more to belligerence than to belief.  [i] Daily Mail. “It's a very bad day for Christianity: Nurse's verdict after tribunal rules she can't wear crucifix at work” employers, clients, employees, rules, purpose, legal costs, NHS Trust, health and safety, legal action, policies, uniform, customer expectations, workplace, lifestyles, values, employee rights, religious expression, discrimination, tribunal, crucifix employment, workplace policies, legal costs, health and safety, discrimination, religious beliefs, employee rights, employer responsibilities, employee conduct, workplace culture, legal action, religious symbols, professional conduct, employee values, workplace expectations, religious dress code, NHS Trust, Christians, homosexuality, workplace accommodation, employee decision-making employment, workplace, legal costs, health and safety, rules, NHS Trust, religious beliefs, discrimination, uniform policies, customer expectations, workplace values, Christian faith, religious expression, employee rights, tribunal, nurse, crucifix, legal action employers, clients, employees, rules, purpose, legal costs, NHS Trust, health and safety, legal action, policies, uniforms, customer expectations, workplace diversity, employee rights, religious beliefs, discrimination, religious expression, workplace accommodation, societal values, active decision, professional conduct workplace policies, employer responsibilities, legal costs, health and safety, discrimination, employees rights, customer expectations, religious expression, accommodation, workplace values, inclusion, religious symbols, tribunal rulings, discrimination law, employee conduct
test-international-eiahwpamu-pro01a	A livelihoods approach  The livelihoods approach provides a useful model to understand how poor people live [1] ; and remains important to recognising the benefits of microfinance.  The provision of microfinance reduces vulnerability to shocks and changes such as losing a job; enhances people’s access to assets that they use and need (such as finance, friend networks, and land); and this fundamentally acts to change the lives of the poor. Microfinance provides social protection through tapping into social capital. Further, microfinance means aid is not simply provided, but the individual is taught valuable financial skills and given the means to sustain themselves for their lifetime.  [1] See further readings: IFAD, 2013. livelihoods, microfinance, poverty, social protection, social capital, financial skills, asset access, vulnerability reduction, microcredit, microfinance benefits, economic empowerment, poor communities, resilience, aid sustainability, IFAD livelihoods approach, microfinance, poverty reduction, social protection, vulnerability, assets, financial skills, social capital, microfinance benefits, poverty alleviation, asset access, financial inclusion, microfinance sustainability, aid, social networks, IFAD 2013 livelihoods, microfinance, poverty, social protection, assets, financial skills, vulnerability, social capital, aid, poverty alleviation, asset access, financial empowerment, community networks livelihoods, microfinance, poverty, social protection, vulnerability, assets, financial skills, social capital, aid, sustainability, poor communities, asset access, economic empowerment livelihoods, microfinance, poverty, social protection, vulnerability, assets, financial skills, social capital, development, aid, microcredit, financial inclusion, poor communities, socio-economic resilience
test-politics-mtpghwaacb-con02a	Collective bargaining is a counter to the creation of natural monopolies  Many public industries exist as public industries because they are natural monopolies. For example, rail travel, which is often public in Western Liberal democracies, is a sector in which it makes no sense to build multiple railway lines across the country, each for a different company, when one would simply be more efficient. A similar case can be made for things such as public utilities. As such, these sectors often only have a single, often public company working in that sector.  In the case where there is a monopolist, the workers in the sector often have no other employers that they can reasonably find that require their skills, so for example, teachers are very well qualified to teach, however, are possibly not as qualified to deal with other areas and as such will find difficulty moving to another profession. As such, the monopolist in this area has the power to set wages without losing a significant number of employees. Further, in many of these industries strike action will not be used, for example because teachers have a vocational, almost fiduciary relationship with their students and don’t wish to see them lose out due to a strike.1  “Monopoly Power.” collective bargaining, natural monopolies, public industries, efficiency, public utilities, railway, monopolist, single provider, monopoly power, worker mobility, wages, strike action, vocational relationship, fiduciary, industrial regulation collective bargaining, natural monopolies, public industries, monopoly, public utilities, railway sector, efficiency, public companies, workforce, employment mobility, wage setting, strike action, vocational relationships, Monopoly Power collective bargaining, natural monopolies, public industries, monopoly, efficiency, public utilities, single provider, labor market, skilled workers, wage setting, strike action, monopoly power collective bargaining, natural monopolies, public industries, monopoly, efficiency, public utilities, single provider, worker power, wage setting, strikes, vocational relationship, monopoly power collective bargaining, natural monopolies, public industries, monopoly, efficiency, public utilities, railway lines, public companies, monopolist, worker power, wage setting, strike action, vocational relationships, monopoly power
test-politics-ghbgussbsbt-con03a	Growing partisanship  The current political climate makes divided government difficult anyway. The terms of debate in American politics is based on a perceived ‘culture war’ between liberals and conservatives over what it means to be American, something that has been exacerbated by 24-hour news and a proliferation of partisan blogging.  This makes agreements on core issues difficult to achieve and this has become apparent in recent years, with opposition to Barack Obama’s $1 trillion stimulus package helping to spawn the Tea Party movement [1] that has helped move the Republican Party to the right, making the compromise required for effective divided government unachievable. [2]  While it has been most noticeable recently the US political climate has been becoming more polarized for the last twenty-five years. This polarization helps to create gridlock and less public policy. [3] The stasis in Congress created by the dogmatic Republicans winning the House in the 2010 mid-terms shows how America’s political climate is now much more suited to Single-Party Government, allowing for much more effective decision making than divided government.  [1] Ferrara, Peter, ‘The tea Party Revolution’, The American Spectator, 15 April 2009,   [2] Rawls, Caroline, ‘Moderate Republicans Lament GOP Shift Further Right’, newsmax, 27 July 2011,   [3] McCarty, Nolan, ‘The Policy Consequences of Partisan Polarization in the United States’, bcep.haas.berkeley.edu/papers/McCarty.doc partisanship, political climate, divided government, culture war, liberals, conservatives, American politics, news media, partisan blogging, core issues, bipartisanship, Obama, stimulus package, Tea Party, Republican Party, polarization, gridlock, public policy, congressional stasis, dogmatism, mid-term elections, single-party government, decision making partisanship, political climate, divided government, culture war, liberals, conservatives, American politics, news media, partisan blogging, core issues, opposition, stimulus package, Tea Party, Republican Party, polarization, gridlock, public policy, Congress, single-party government, effective decision making, political polarization, mid-term elections partisanship, political climate, divided government, culture war, liberals, conservatives, American politics, news media, partisan blogging, core issues, Obama stimulus, Tea Party, Republican Party, polarization, gridlock, public policy, Congressional stasis, mid-term elections, single-party government, political polarization partisanship, political climate, divided government, culture war, liberals, conservatives, American politics, news, partisan blogging, policy agreements, opposition, stimulus package, Tea Party, Republican Party, polarization, gridlock, public policy, Congress, Mid-term elections, single-party government partisanship, political climate, divided government, culture war, liberals, conservatives, American politics, 24-hour news, partisan blogging, core issues, Barack Obama, stimulus package, Tea Party, Republican Party, polarization, gridlock, public policy, congressional stasis, single-party government, decision making
test-religion-frghbbgi-con02a	The Prime Mover  The universe follows rules of causality – cause precedes effect. But it cannot be the case that cause and effect regress infinitely into the past – there must be a ‘prime cause’. There is an identifiable point for this – the Universe was formed about 14 billion years ago with the Big Bang, before which we cannot detect any chain of causality. What was the prime mover? It had by definition to be a being existing outside of our conception of reality – the natural answer being ‘God’. Prime Mover, causality, cause and effect, infinite regress, prime cause, universe origin, Big Bang, outside reality, God, philosophical argument, cosmology, metaphysics, first cause, existence, creation, universe formation prime mover, causality, cause and effect, infinite regress, prime cause, universe origin, Big Bang, cosmology, existence, outside reality, God, metaphysics prime mover, causality, cause and effect, infinite regress, prime cause, universe origin, big bang, cosmology, first cause, metaphysics, existence outside reality, God, the universe, origins, creation, universe formation Prime Mover, causality, cause and effect, infinite regress, prime cause, universe origin, big bang, initial singularity, external existence, beyond reality, God, metaphysics, philosophy, cosmology, existence, creation, first cause prime mover, causality, cause and effect, infinite regress, prime cause, universe origin, Big Bang, cosmology, creation, first cause, metaphysics, existence, omnipotence, divine being, outside reality, theism
test-religion-grcrgshwbr-con01a	Banning religious symbols is just a way of unfairly targeting people.  Banning religious symbols could be viewed as just a way of targeting a group of people. In a nutshell, religious symbols would be used as a scapegoat in order to both highlight and blame for problems that are much bigger. Removing the hijab, the Crucifix or the Jewish skullcap would take away someone's culture, religion and heritage, and, therefore, banning them would cause more problems.1 It could potentially increase hatred within religious groups, and lead to more racism and more criticism, ultimately making the country a worse place to live.  1 at 'Belgian ban on full veils comes into force', BBC News Europe, 23rd July 2011 , accessed on 23rd July 2011 religious freedom, religious symbols, discrimination, cultural identity, religious expression, freedom of religion, societal impact, cultural heritage, prejudice, hate crimes, secularism, religious rights, social cohesion, religious intolerance, legal bans, minority rights, religious attire, social inclusion, religious discrimination, societal unity religious symbols, banning, discrimination, religious freedom, cultural heritage, social division, hate crimes, religious intolerance, policies, societal impact, freedom of expression, multiculturalism, human rights, religious discrimination, social cohesion religious symbols, banning, discrimination, cultural rights, religious freedom, prejudice, societal impact, hate crimes, religious discrimination, multiculturalism, secularism, religious attire, heritage, social cohesion, minority rights, religious intolerance religious symbols, banning, discrimination, targeting, cultural identity, religious freedom, heritage, Islam, Christianity, Judaism, hijab, crucifix, Jewish skullcap, racism, social harmony, religious intolerance, civil liberties, societal cohesion religious symbols, banning, discrimination, targeting, cultural heritage, religious freedom, religious identity, Islam, Christianity, Judaism, hijab, crucifix, Jewish skullcap, social cohesion, hate crimes, racism, religious intolerance, freedom of expression, policy debate, societal impact
test-international-glilpdwhsn-con03a	"The New START treaty sets a bad approach for a changing world  New START reduces US deterrence in world that is arming, not disarming. The United States has relied on deterrence for sixty years and as a result has prevented war between the great powers. A US drawdown, especially as other new powers are arming, will undermine deterrence. This will then encourage rivals to try to catch the United States while the reductions show that the United States is in decline. [1]  While proponents of reducing nuclear weapons, or reaching global zero, argue that possession of nuclear weapons by the nuclear weapons states is the incentive behind proliferation, this is not true. The US has consistently taken leadership in the reduction of nuclear arms through treaties but this has so far had no effect in encouraging other nuclear powers to reduce their arsenals and indeed new powers have joined the club. Reducing nuclear arms through New START will therefore not encourage others to stop pursuing nukes. The U.S. should not be taking steps towards disarmament without all nuclear weapons states, including those not signed up to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation treaty, also being involved. [2]  New START also fails to speak to the issue of protecting and defending the U.S. and its allies against strategic attack. The treaty fails to recognize that deterrence is no longer simply between the U.S. and Russia and that the whole policy should no longer be based on just against strategic attacks on the United States or very close allies. Instead it is much more critical to deal with nuclear policy towards ‘rogue’ states and rising powers. [3]  Finally, the US should not set a precedent that it will sacrifice its own interests to bribe Russia over issues like Iran. As the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs (JINSA) argues: “we are told that the real purpose of New START is to create a stronger U.S.-Russia bond in a broader international effort to restrain Iran's nuclear weapons program. Such a justification is wrong. Iran's nuclear ambitions are no secret; neither are Russia’s past efforts in aiding that program. We seriously question whether Russia is serious about stopping Iran, with or without New START. There is no reason why the United States should be required to sacrifice its own defense capabilities to inspire Russia to a greater degree of diplomatic fortitude. If Russia is indeed concerned with a nuclear-armed Iran to its immediate south, it should need no extra incentive to take the action necessary to stop it."" [4] If the U.S. bribes Russia over Iran China might expect to get similar treatment over North Korea. New START puts the US in a disadvantaged position in a changing world, and consequently should not be supported.  [1] Brookes, Peter. “Not a new START, but a bad START”. The Hill. 13 September 2010.   [2] Spring, Baker. ""Twelve Flaws of New START That Will Be Difficult to Fix"". Heritage Foundation, The Foundry. 16 September 2010.   [3] Ibid.  [4] Weingarten, Elizabeth. “How did New START become a Jewish issue?”. The Atlantic. 1 Decemebr 2010. New START, treaty, deterrence, nuclear arms, arms reduction, US nuclear policy, global zero, nuclear proliferation, nuclear weapons, international treaties, nuclear powers, arms control, strategic attack, rogue states, rising powers, US-Russia relations, Iran, North Korea, diplomatic relations, nuclear non-proliferation, US defense, missile defense, nuclear diplomacy, international security, arms race, strategic stability, US interests, global security, nuclear negotiations, military deterrence New START, nuclear arms reduction, deterrence, US national security, arms control treaties, nuclear proliferation, global zero, nuclear powers, nuclear non-proliferation treaty, rogue states, rising powers, Russia, Iran, North Korea, strategic attack, diplomatic strategy, US-Russia relations, nuclear deterrence, international security, arms reduction effectiveness, geopolitical stability START treaty, nuclear deterrence, US-Arms reduction, global security, nuclear proliferation, nuclear weapons, disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation, strategic stability, rogue states, rising powers, Iran, Russia, China, North Korea, international diplomacy, arms control, military strategy, US foreign policy, nuclear arms race, geopolitical implications New START, nuclear deterrence, arms reduction, global zero, nuclear proliferation, nuclear arms treaties, nuclear powers, non-proliferation, rogue states, rising powers, US-Russia relations, Iran nuclear program, strategic attack, deterrence policy, international security, nuclear disarmament, US interests, Russia, China, North Korea, military strategy, diplomatic negotiations, arms race New START, nuclear arms, deterrence, US, Russia, arms reduction, proliferation, global zero, nuclear policy, non-proliferation treaty, rogue states, rising powers, US interests, Iran, North Korea, international security, strategic attack, nuclear negotiations, disarmament, US-Russia relations"
test-international-miasimyhw-pro02a	Migration is 'developmental'.  Recent reports by the HDR (2009) and WDR (2009) have shown migration is a means of development – free movement has the power to alleviate poverty, enable markets, and connectivity. Taking recent evidence concerning worldwide remittance flows, the developmental nature of free movement is shown.  In 2013, it is estimated, through international migration, $414bn were remitted back to developing countries [1] . Remittance flows into Africa (from within and internationally) accounted for $40bn in 2010, accounting for an increasing percentage of GDP (AfDB, 2013; IFAD, 2013). Northern Africa articulated the largest total of remittances received. Remittances remain beneficial for supporting livelihoods. The influx of remittances to households provides security, an additional income for support, enables household consumption, and investment in alternative assets, such as education and land, of which present crucial benefits in reducing poverty. Although the geography of remittances remains uneven, and currently barriers remain to sending and receiving money, the developmental potential of remittances from African diasporas (both outside and within Africa) is now recognised [2] .  [1] See further readings: World Bank, 2013.  [2] For additional information on the debate of migration, remittances and social development see further readings: De Haas, 2010. migration, development, HDR, WDR, free movement, poverty alleviation, markets, connectivity, remittance flows, international migration, developing countries, remittances, Africa, GDP, Northern Africa, household income, livelihoods, security, investments, education, land, poverty reduction, barriers, African diasporas, social development migration, development, remittance, poverty alleviation, economic growth, connectivity, international migration, remittance flows, developing countries, Africa, GDP, Northern Africa, diaspora, household income, livelihoods, household consumption, assets, education, land, barriers, financial inclusion, social development migration, development, HDR, WDR, free movement, poverty alleviation, remittance flows, globalization, international migration, GDP, Africa, remittances, livelihoods, household security, income, household consumption, investment, education, land, poverty reduction, diaspora, barriers, financial inclusion, social development, De Haas, World Bank migration, development, remittances, poverty alleviation, economic growth, connectivity, international migration, remittance flows, developing countries, Africa, GDP, northern Africa, household income, livelihood support, savings, land investment, education, barriers, African diasporas, social development, World Bank, De Haas migration, development, HDR 2009, WDR 2009, free movement, poverty alleviation, markets, connectivity, remittance flows, worldwide remittances, international migration, developing countries, Africa, remittance statistics, GDP, Northern Africa, remittances received, livelihoods, household security, income support, household consumption, assets investment, education, land, poverty reduction, remittance barriers, African diasporas, social development, World Bank, De Haas, migration debate
test-education-ughbuesbf-pro02a	The state benefits from the skills of a university educated populace  A university educated society is of great value to any state, and provides three main benefits. Firstly, it provides extensive economic benefits. There is a profound advantage to countries that actively promote a culture of “smart economy”3, with a highly educated and technically able workforce. They are more likely to be innovative and highly productive. Secondly, higher education leads to an increase in cultural awareness via subjects like the arts, history, and the classics. The third benefit is the development of leaders in society. The barrier created by university fees will prevent some potentially high­ worth individuals from ever reaching their potential. state benefits, university educated populace, economic benefits, smart economy, highly educated workforce, innovation, productivity, cultural awareness, arts, history, classics, leadership development, university fees, social barriers state benefits, university educated society, economic benefits, smart economy, educated workforce, innovation, productivity, cultural awareness, arts, history, classics, leadership development, university fees, social barriers, potential university education, economic benefits, skilled workforce, smart economy, innovation, productivity, cultural awareness, arts, history, classics, leadership development, higher education barriers, societal development state benefits, university educated populace, economic benefits, smart economy, skilled workforce, innovation, productivity, cultural awareness, arts, history, classics, societal leaders, university fees, social mobility state benefits, university education, educated populace, economic benefits, smart economy, skilled workforce, innovation, productivity, cultural awareness, arts, history, classics, leadership, societal development, university fees, social barriers
test-politics-oepdlhfcefp-pro01a	The EU has already been unifying on multiple fronts, this is just a step in the same direction.  The EU has slowly been building up its own common military framework, with the UK and France leading the effort to pool European military capacity. In addition, the EU itself has created new institutional bodies such as the Political and Security Committee, a Military Committee and military staff. The EU has had military envoys in Macedonia and Bosnia-Herzegovina and has committed itself to the creation of a Common Security and Defense Policy with 3-4,000 troops on permanent standby in multilateral ‘battlegroups’ ready for immediate deployment(see Rockwell Schnabel’s article listed below)1. While incremental, these are steps not to be ignored. The Union has also placed that military capacity within the broader context of a security strategy designed to promote international peace, justice and development.  1. Schnabel, Rockwell A., 'U.S. Views on the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy', The Brown Journal of World Affairs, Vol. IX. Issue2., (Winter/Spring 2003) accessed 1/8/11 European Union, EU, military integration, common security, defense policy, multilateral military, EU military capacity, Political and Security Committee, Military Committee, military staff, military envoys, Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, battlegroups, international peace, security strategy, peacekeeping, military cooperation, UK, France, European defense, security alliances, military readiness European Union, EU, military unification, common military framework, UK, France, European military capacity, Political and Security Committee, Military Committee, military staff, military envoys, Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Common Security and Defense Policy, troops, standby, battlegroups, international peace, security strategy, justice, development, multilateral, deployment, Rockwell Schnabel European Union, EU, military integration, common security, defense policy, multilateral military, European military capacity, Political and Security Committee, Military Committee, military staff, military envoys, Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, battlegroups, international peace, security strategy, justice, development, UK, France, pooling resources, military framework European Union, EU military framework, common security, defense policy, multilateral battlegroups, Political and Security Committee, Military Committee, military staff, European military capacity, UK, France, European security strategy, international peace, justice, development, military envoys, Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, EU integration, security cooperation European Union, EU, military unification, common military framework, UK, France, pooling military capacity, Political and Security Committee, Military Committee, military staff, military envoys, Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Common Security and Defense Policy, troops, battlegroups, international peace, security strategy, justice, development
test-environment-opecewiahw-con01a	Such a big project is beyond DRC’s capacity  The Grand Inga dam project is huge while it means huge potential benefits it just makes it more difficult for the country to manage. Transparency international ranks DRC as 160th out of 176 in terms of corruption [1] so it is no surprise that projects in the country are plagued by it. [2] Such a big project would inevitably mean billions siphoned off. Even if it is built will the DRC be able to maintain it? This seems unlikely. The Inga I and II dams only operate at half their potential due to silting up and a lack of maintenance. [3]  [1] ‘Corruption Perceptions Index 2012’, Transparency International, 2012,   [2] Bosshard, Peter, ‘Grand Inga -- The World Bank's Latest Silver Bullet for Africa’, Huffington Post, 21 April 2013,   [3] Vasagar, Jeevan, ‘Could a $50bn plan to tame this mighty river bring electricity to all of Africa?’, The Guardian, 25 February 2005, Grand Inga dam, DRC, corruption, Transparency International, project management, infrastructure, maintenance, silting, World Bank, Africa electricity, billion siphoned, project scale, governance, transparency, financial risk, resource management, governance challenges Inga dam, Democratic Republic Congo, infrastructure projects, corruption, Transparency International, project management, maintenance, silting, economic development, Africa energy, World Bank, project funding, capacity, governance, sustainability Grand Inga dam, Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, infrastructure projects, project management, corruption, Transparency International, corruption index, project financing, project maintenance, silting, dam operation, Inga I, Inga II, energy infrastructure, African development, World Bank, project sustainability, hydroelectricity, electricity access, infrastructure challenges, governance Grand Inga dam, DRC, capacity, corruption, Transparency International, project management, financial siphoning, maintenance challenges, silting, Inga I, Inga II, electricity, Africa, World Bank, infrastructure, governance, development, sustainability, investment, economic impact Grand Inga dam, Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, hydroelectric project, infrastructure, corruption, Transparency International, project management, maintenance, silting, Inga I, Inga II, power capacity, energy, Africa, World Bank, investment, governance, financial risk, project sustainability, economic development
test-politics-eppghwgpi-pro01a	Giving politicians’ immunity from prosecution allows them to focus on performing their duties  The premier reason that most states, even those that allow for the prosecution of politicians, abstain from prosecuting them while they hold office is that being a politician is a job that requires one’s undivided attention. Especially for the holders of prominent national-level offices, writing legislation, responding to crises under one’s purview, consulting one’s constituents, and engaging in campaign work often lead to politicians working an upwards of 12 hour day, every day. To expect politicians cope with all of these concerns will simultaneously constructing a defense against pending charges would be to abandon all hope of them serving their constituents effectively. We are rightly aggravated when politicians take extensive vacations or other extracurricular forays. [1] Being under indictment not only consumes even more of a politician’s time; the stress it causes will inevitably seep into what remaining time they do allocating to fulfilling their duties, further hindering their performance. The impeachment proceedings for Bill Clinton on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice were so intensive that they took tremendous resources away from not only the president himself, but all branches of the federal government for several months [2] , amidst serious domestic and foreign policy concerns such as the ongoing war in Kosovo.  [1] Condon, George E. Jr., ‘The Long History of Criticizing Presidential Vacations’ The Atlantic, 18 August 2011,  [Accessed September 9, 2011]  [2] Linder, Douglas O., ‘The Impeachment Trial of President William Clinton’, UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-KANSAS CITY (UMKC) SCHOOL OF LAW, 2005,  [Accessed September 19, 2011] politicians, immunity, prosecution, duties, legislative workload, political accountability, legal immunity, stress, workload, political office, presidential vacations, impeachment, Bill Clinton, legal proceedings, government resources, domestic policy, foreign policy, political performance, accountability, legal challenges politicians, immunity, prosecution, duties, government, legislation, crises, constituents, campaign, workload, stress, indictment, impeachment, resources, federal government, policy, war, Kosovo, vacation, distraction, accountability, legal proceedings politicians, immunity, prosecution, duties, legislative work, crisis response, constituent engagement, campaign work, workload, vacations, indictment, stress, performance, impeachment, Bill Clinton, perjury, obstruction of justice, federal government, resources, domestic policy, foreign policy, Kosovo politicians, immunity, prosecution, duties, effectiveness, legislation, crises, campaigning, workload, time management, legal proceedings, indictment, stress, performance, impeachment, Bill Clinton, charges, resources, government, domestic policy, foreign policy, Kosovo, vacations politicians, immunity, prosecution, duties, governance, legislative process, political accountability, legal immunity, political workload, public service, impeachment, criminal charges, political responsibility, national office, stress, resource allocation, government function, policy-making, crisis response, campaign work, vacation, distraction, legal proceedings, public trust, government resources
test-society-epsihbdns-pro01a	"The government has a right to make decisions in the best interest of the people  Man is a social being. Therefore people live in communities where decisions that affect the many, are taken by representatives of the many. Thus, a social contract exists between the people and their government. [1] In exchange for part of their autonomy and freedom, the government ensures that policies are made in the best interest of people, even if this might come at the expense of short-term interests for some individuals. This is a typical example of this kind of case. The trend is emptying the countryside, stopping the production of agricultural goods and hollowing the amenities provided by the cities. Even if each individual has a personal incentive to move to the cities, the harm to the cities is greater than their accumulated individual gains. It is in these cases that the state must act to protect its people and ensure long term benefits.  [1] D'Agostino, Fred, Gaus, Gerald and Thrasher, John, ""Contemporary Approaches to the Social Contract"", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Winter 2012 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), government, decision-making, public interest, social contract, representation, autonomy, freedom, policymaking, community, societal interests, rural depopulation, urbanization, city amenities, individual incentives, state intervention, long-term benefits government, decision-making, public interest, social contract, democracy, representation, autonomy, freedom, policy, national interests, rural-urban migration, urbanization, agricultural decline, city amenities, long-term benefits, state intervention, societal welfare government, decision-making, social contract, public interest, representation, autonomy, freedom, policies, short-term interests, urbanization, rural decline, city amenities, individual incentives, state intervention, long-term benefits, social responsibility, philosophy, ethics social contract, government authority, public interest, decision-making, human society, community, representation, autonomy, communal responsibilities, policies, short-term vs long-term interests, urbanization, rural decline, agricultural production, city amenities, population migration, state intervention, societal well-being, philosophical approaches social contract, government decision-making, public interest, representative democracy, autonomy, freedom, policies, city rural migration, urbanization, agricultural production, community welfare, state intervention, long-term benefits, societal interests, individual incentives, social dynamics, political philosophy"
test-environment-aiahwagit-con02a	Fewer human deaths  Fewer large beasts will lead to fewer deaths in Africa. Some endangered animals are aggressive and will attack humans. Hippopotamuses kill in excess of three hundred humans a year in Africa, with other animals such as the elephant and lion also causing many fatalities. [1] Footage released in early 2014 of a bull elephant attacking a tourist’s car in Kruger National Park, South Africa demonstrated the continued threat these animals cause. [2] Tougher protection would result in higher numbers of these animals which increases the risk to human lives.  [1] Animal Danger ‘Most Dangerous Animals’  [2] Withnall, A. ‘Rampaging bull elephant flips over British tourist car in Kruger Park’ human fatalities, animal attacks, endangered species, aggressive wildlife, Africa wildlife, hippopotamuses, elephants, lions, dangerous animals, Kruger National Park, human-wildlife conflict, wildlife protection, animal attacks footage, tourist safety, wildlife threats human, deaths, large beasts, Africa, endangered animals, aggression, attacks, hippopotamuses, elephant, lions, fatalities, wildlife, dangerous animals, animal attacks, Kruger National Park, protection, risk, tourism, wildlife conservation human deaths, dangerous animals, endangered species, animal attacks, Africa, hippopotamuses, elephants, lions, wildlife conflict, animal attacks on humans, Kruger National Park, animal safety, wildlife protection, deadly animals, human-wildlife conflict human fatalities, dangerous wildlife, African animals, endangered species, animal attacks, hippopotamuses, elephants, lions, wildlife threats, animal attacks data, Kruger National Park, tourism safety, animal protection policies, human-wildlife conflict, large mammals, animal attack footage human deaths, animal attacks, endangered animals, aggressive wildlife, Africa, hippopotamuses, elephants, lions, wildlife fatalities, animal attacks, Kruger National Park, animal dangers, predator attacks, wildlife conservation, human-wildlife conflict, dangerous animals
test-digital-freedoms-eifdfaihs-pro03a	Threats to Freeware, Shareware and Objectivity  There are very real concerns that ISPs have a commercial interest in guiding people away from certain sites – especially when those sites provide services or products for nothing when the ISP or a related company charges for a competing product. File sharing more generally is an obvious target. The example of Comcast against NetFlix and other file sharing sites is simply the most obvious [i] .  There are also concerns about the impact on objectivity more generally; the Internet works most effectively as a tool because it is, by definition cross-referencing. Although there are many mistakes on many sources as a whole it is possible to reach something resembling the truth. Essentially, “We need freeware, we need shareware, and we need open access. People need to be able to trust sources that they can find on the internet, rather than have them controlled in a small number of hands or by the government.” [ii] Making some sites more accessible than others reduces users’ choice and their ability to check multiple sites so preventing this cross-referencing.  [i] A useful overview of some of the more notorious examples can be found here .  [ii] Bob Gibson, Executive Director of the University of Virginia’s Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership, on the Charlottesville, VA, politics interview program Politics Matters with host and producer Jan Madeleine Paynter discussing journalism freeware, shareware, objectivity, internet censorship, ISP, net neutrality, file sharing, Comcast, Netflix, online sources credibility, information trustworthiness, open access, internet freedom, content control, government regulation, cross-referencing, information diversity, source bias, digital rights, online privacy freeware, shareware, objectivity, internet neutrality, file sharing, ISPs, net neutrality, censorship, online sources, information trust, open access, cross-referencing, government control, digital rights, internet freedom, content filtering, monopolies, access inequality, digital commons, online privacy, information accuracy, media bias threats, freeware, shareware, objectivity, ISPs, commercial interests, censorship, file sharing, NetFlix, internet neutrality, open access, information trust, source reliability, cross-referencing, government control, online freedom, information dissemination, digital rights, internet privacy, access inequality freeware, shareware, objectivity, internet censorship, ISP, commercial interests, file sharing, NetFlix, Comcast, online sources, trustworthiness, open access, information reliability, cross-referencing, digital rights, internet neutrality, source control, government influence, user choice, information accuracy freeware, shareware, objectivity, internet transparency, ISPs, file sharing, NetFlix, Comcast, censorship, open access, information trust, source credibility, content control, digital rights, online freedom, cross-referencing, misinformation, internet bias, user choice, information availability
test-society-mmcpsgfhbf-con02a	Pornography liberates women  Pornography is massively produced and distributed: this provides women with a vast platform through which to define their sexual identity. This has been a great tool in the past: in the 1920’s America, the flapper became a great role model for women by promoting revolutionary values of a strong, sexual woman: she danced wildly in jazz clubs, was openly lesbian, and sexually active. This image spread throughout the country thanks to the boom of the film industry in the Roaring Twenties (Rosenberg). [1] Now pornography plays, or at least can play, this same role.  Pornography breaks the taboo of sexuality for women, and promoting the continuation of taboos is a label and a stereotype which the feminist movement must oppose. Instead, it should use pornography to spread its values. There is nothing intrinsic about pornography that makes it anti-women. There is female-friendly pornography, and in fact there are Feminist Porn Awards granted every year since 2006 (Techmedia Network). [2] There is also homosexual porn and porn that presents women as dominant: this can empower women and break current stereotypes, not only that women are not sexual, but that women in general cannot be powerful in society. The feminist movement should seek to promote this flow of ideas of what gender can be and allow women to influence the way their sexuality is perceived by men.  [1] Rosenberg, Jennifer. Flappers in the Roaring Twenties. About.com,   [2] Techmedia Network. Feminist Porn Award. pornography, women's liberation, sexual identity, feminist movement, gender stereotypes, female empowerment, feminist porn, homosexual porn, female dominance, sexual taboos, 1920s America, flapper, roaring twenties, film industry, societal change, sexuality perception pornography, women, sexual identity, feminism, empowerment, feminist porn, female sexuality, gender stereotypes, homosexual porn, dominant women, sexual liberation, cultural change, societal norms, taboos, sexual revolution pornography, women's liberation, sexual identity, feminist movement, gender roles, female empowerment, feminist pornography, sexual taboo, 1920s, flappers, societal stereotypes, LGBTQ+, female sexuality, sexual revolution, feminist awards, gender fluidity, societal change, media influence, cultural history pornography, women, sexual identity, feminism, liberation, empowerment, gender stereotypes, feminist movement, female-focused, female empowerment, sexual revolution, 1920s America, flapper, sexual freedom, LGBTQ+, lesbian, sexual agency, taboo-breaking, feminist porn awards, gender roles, societal norms, sexual taboos, gender equality, female sexuality, male dominance, media representation, cultural history pornography, women's sexuality, sexual identity, feminist movement, sexual liberation, gender roles, feminism, Female-friendly pornography, Feminist Porn Awards, LGBTQ+, lesbianism, sexual empowerment, social stereotypes, media influence, cultural change, historical roles, 1920s America, flappers, jazz culture, societal norms, taboo, sexual freedom
test-free-speech-debate-fsaphgiap-con02a	Rivals could misuse the opportunity  While the leader suffers from an illness, rivals can use the opportunity to ease the leader out of office. A period of illness is a period of vulnerability in which the government is less able to respond to external and internal threats. Not telling the public about the leader's health during an illness helps prevent such attempts. The same is the case with a leader's death; a few days of secrecy allows for smooth succession as the appointed successor has the time to ensure the loyalty of the government, army and other vital institutions. In 2008 when General Lansana Conte of Guinea died power should have been transferred to the president of the National Assembly Aboubacar Sompare with an election within 90 days. Instead a group of junior military officers took advantage of the quick announcement to launch a coup. 1  1 Yusuf, Huma, ‘Military coup follows death of Guinea’s President’, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 December 2008, leader's illness, vulnerability, political stability, succession, secrecy, government response, external threats, internal threats, power transfer, coup, military takeover, loyalty, vital institutions, Guinea, General Lansana Conte, Aboubacar Sompare, election delay, coup d'état, political opportunism leadership, illness, vulnerability, succession, secrecy, political stability, coups, government response, internal threats, external threats, health concealment, power transition, military intervention, political opportunism, crisis management, institutional loyalty, governance, political strategy, vital institutions leader illness, government vulnerability, secrecy, succession, health disclosure, political stability, coup, military intervention, power transfer, political opportunism, institutional loyalty, external threats, internal threats, Guinea, General Lansana Conte, Aboubacar Sompare, military coup, 2008 leader illness vulnerability secrecy succession coup military government health death transfer loyalty stability risk opportunity leadership compromise external threats internal threats political power security succession plan military intervention government response leadership succession, political vulnerability, government stability, secrecy, health disclosures, coup d’état, military intervention, political power transfer, internal threats, external threats, government loyalty, institutional stability, leadership death, constitutional procedures, military takeover
test-law-cpilhbishioe-con03a	An ICC enforcement arm would be highly detrimental to the relations between the ICC and state parties  Currently the ICC functions based on a relationship of trust and understanding with the state parties to the ICC – a bottom-up rather than a top-down approach. This is backed up by the court’s respect for the for the principle of complementarity – it is hoped that national courts are capable of prosecuting the crimes, and the ICC only takes a role if the state is unwilling or unable to do so. Being willing to use an international force to catch criminals would make a mockery of this determination to leave power and responsibilities at the national level wherever possible.  Having ICC forces on a country’s territory would be humiliating, showing that the international community does not trust that nation to catch war criminals itself. While this model did not provide for attempting to snatch government officials who have been indicted it does leave open the possibility of an international force intruding on states sovereignty without consent. This would diplomatically backfire and could even lead to an ICC force being involved in fighting with government forces protecting their national sovereignty. ICC, enforcement, state relations, trust, understanding, bottom-up, principle of complementarity, national courts, prosecuting crimes, international force, sovereignty, international community, diplomacy, national sovereignty, government, war criminals ICC, enforcement, international relations, state parties, trust, understanding, bottom-up approach, complementarity, national courts, prosecution, international force, sovereignty, diplomatic repercussions, independence, jurisdiction, sovereignty violations, international community, legality, intervention, national sovereignty ICC, enforcement arm, relations, state parties, trust, understanding, bottom-up, top-down, complementarity, national courts, prosecuting crimes, unwilling, unable, international force, criminals, sovereignty, diplomatic, sovereignty intrusion, national sovereignty, government officials, warnings, international community, jurisdiction, interference, sovereignty violation, diplomatic repercussions ICC, enforcement, relations, state parties, trust, understanding, bottom-up, principle of complementarity, national courts, prosecuting, international force, sovereignty, trust, international community, jurisdiction, legal system, diplomatic relations, national sovereignty, sovereignty infringement, international intervention ICC, enforcement, state parties, international relations, trust, understanding, bottom-up approach, principle of complementarity, national courts, prosecuting crimes, international force, sovereignty, national sovereignty, international community, diplomatic repercussions, jurisdiction, state sovereignty violation, potential conflict
test-international-ssiarcmhb-pro04a	The Catholic Church believes that any limitation of procreation is against God.  Catholics consider the first commandment given to them by God to be to 'multiply'1. In light of this, anything that limits procreation, be it the use of contraception or even condoning the use of contraception, is against God. It is important to remember that the Catholic Church's primary obligation is not to its people but to God. The Church is, therefore, justified in any action where the alternative is going against what they believe to be the wishes of God, even if it is harmful to the people of the Church. 11:28, The Book of Genesis, The Bible. Catholic Church, procreation, contraception, God's commandments, multiply, biblical teachings, Genesis, Bible, religious doctrine, procreative limitation, morality, Church authority, divine law Catholic Church, procreation, limitation, God, commandments, multiply, contraception, condoning, against God, obligation, Bible, Genesis Catholic Church, procreation, contraception, limits, God, commandments, multiply, religious beliefs, morality, theology, Genesis, Bible, church authority, divine commandments, natural law Catholic Church, procreation, contraception, God, commandments, multiply, biblical, Genesis, biblical teachings, religious teachings, moral doctrine, religious authority, theological beliefs, doctrine on family, procreation restrictions, Church obligations, divine commandments, Biblical references Catholic Church, procreation, contraception, God's commandments, multiplication, religious doctrine, morality, biblical references, Genesis, divine will, moral teachings, religious beliefs, church authority, biblical commandments
test-science-nsihwbtiss-pro02a	Electronic communication facilitates sexual misconduct.  Social networking websites have proven to be particularly effective for child grooming by pedophiles [1] . Teachers are already in a position of power and trust in the relationship with their students. Being allowed to communicate with students via facebook would greatly facilitate misconduct by a teacher who wants to start an inappropriate relationship with a student, by giving him virtually unlimited access to the students after school. In fact, many such relationships do involve some form of electronic contact1. By banning this form of communication, the law would make it harder for teachers with bad intentions to carry them through.  [1] Choo, Kim. “Online child grooming: a literature review on the misuse of social networking sites for grooming children for sexual offences” Australian Institute of Criminology. 2009. electronic communication, sexual misconduct, social networking websites, child grooming, pedophiles, teacher-student relationship, online communication, inappropriate relationships, law, regulation, online safety, criminology, misuse, social media, child protection electronic communication, sexual misconduct, social networking, child grooming, pedophiles, teacher-student relationships, online communication, inappropriate relationships, online grooming, social media, legal regulations, online safety, child protection, misconduct prevention electronic communication, sexual misconduct, social networking, child grooming, pedophiles, teacher-student relationship, Facebook, online contact, inappropriate relationships, law regulation, online abuse, grooming literature electronic communication, sexual misconduct, social networking, child grooming, pedophiles, teacher-student relationships, trust, Facebook, inappropriate relationships, online contact, law enforcement, online grooming, child protection, criminology electronic communication, sexual misconduct, social networking sites, child grooming, pedophiles, teacher-student relationships, online contact, inappropriate relationships, legal ban, online grooming, misuse of social media
test-politics-oepghbrnsl-pro03a	A strong leader is working in the state’s best interest  Putin’s authoritarian style is not a threat to democracy but rather a requirement for a successful and quicker transition. Having Putin control the media is probably healthier than having it be controlled by a corrupt few that promote their personal interests rather than the interest of the state and thus those of the population at large. Democracy is a goal and while certain countries believe themselves to have achieved it, they are constantly struggling to maintain it. As a young democracy, Russia is still working towards defining its own version of democracy and finding what works best in its case. leadership, authoritarianism, democracy, Russia, Putin, media control, governance, political stability, transition, state interests, democratic development, political reform, government, corruption, societal progress leadership, authoritarianism, democracy, media control, state interests, transition, Russia, governance, political stability, democratic development, public interests, government legitimacy, political reform, media censorship, political transition leadership, authoritarianism, democracy, Russia, Putin, media control, governance, transition, corruption, state interests, political stability, democratic development, authoritarian styles, young democracy, societal evolution leadership, authoritarianism, democracy, Russia, Putin, governance, media control, political transition, state interests, political stability, democratic development, government legitimacy, political ideologies, political systems, governance challenges strong leader, state’s best interest, Putin, authoritarian style, democracy, transition, media control, corruption, personal interests, population, young democracy, Russia, democratic development, political stability
test-health-ahiahbgbsp-pro01a	Lower healthcare costs  Smoking caused disease causes large expenses for healthcare systems, something which is particularly burdensome in countries without the rich well developed healthcare systems of the developed world. In the UK lung cancer, one of the diseases caused by smoking, costs £90 per person or £9071 per patient. 1 Even the cost per head of population is higher than Ghana’s entire healthcare budget of $83.4 (about £50) per person. 2  The reduction in smoking, which would be triggered by the ban, would lead to a drop in smoking related illness. A study in the US state of Arizona showed that hospital admissions for smoking related diseases dropped after a ban on smoking in public places 3 .  This would allow resources to be focused on the big killers other than tobacco – including HIV AIDS.  1 The National Cancer Research Institute, ‘Lung cancer UK price tag eclipses the cost of any other cancer’, Cancer Research UK, 7 November 2012,   2 Assuming Ghanaian health spending of 5.2% of GDP which is $40.71 billion split between a population of 25.37 million from World Bank Databank    3 Herman, Patricia M., and Walsh, Michele E. “Hospital Admissions for Acute Myocardial Infarction, Angina, Stroke, and Asthma After Implementation of Arizona’s Comprehensive Statewide Smoking Ban”, American Journal of Public Health, March 2011, healthcare costs, smoking-related diseases, smoking ban, lung cancer, public health, healthcare expenditure, disease prevention, smoking cessation, hospital admissions, cost reduction, tobacco control, healthcare systems, economic burden, smoking impact, health policy, disease costs, UK healthcare, Ghana healthcare, smoking legislation, health economics, public health interventions healthcare costs, smoking, smoking-related diseases, healthcare systems, UK lung cancer, cost analysis, healthcare budgets, Ghana healthcare, smoking ban, hospital admissions, public health, disease prevention, tobacco control, health economics, resource allocation, HIV AIDS, chronic illnesses, health policy, disease burden healthcare costs, smoking related diseases, smoking ban, public health, lung cancer, hospital admissions, healthcare expenditure, disease prevention, smoking cessation, health policy, economic burden, tobacco control, smoking-related illnesses, healthcare systems, cost savings, public health interventions healthcare costs, smoking-related diseases, smoking ban, smoking cessation, lung cancer, healthcare expenditure, disease prevention, public health, smoking policies, hospital admissions, smoking impact, smoking costs, health system burden, tobacco control, chronic illnesses, disease reduction, healthcare budgets, smoking epidemiology, health economics, smoking restrictions healthcare costs, smoking-related disease, public health, smoking ban, hospital admissions, lung cancer, disease prevention, healthcare systems, smoking cessation, economic burden, healthcare expenditure, smoking policies, disease costs, tobacco harm, healthcare budget, smoking impact, healthcare resource allocation, chronic illnesses, health economics, public health policy
test-religion-yercfrggms-pro05a	In reality there are only two theological positions, atheism and theism; agnosticism is nothing but timid atheism:  God, like unicorns, has never been shown to exist, and thus it is logical to accept that He, just like unicorns, does not exist. That is why a position like agnosticism makes no sense. There are no agnostics on the subject of unicorns; there are only agnostics on the subject of God because people tend to be reticent to say they are atheists due to the prevalence of belief of God even in the most secular societies. But fantasy is fantasy, and an agnostic is really just an atheist by another name. Were someone to claim that dragons exist, the person he told it to would not be justified responding saying he did not know whether they exist and that it must be an open question until evidence is presented to corroborate the claim. [1] Rather, he would likely respond with disbelief in the absence of evidence. That is how reasoning works. Thus agnosticism is a philosophically meaningless position. There is either belief or lack of belief, atheism or theism. Opponents of atheism seeking to hide in the nebulous realm of agnosticism, or who claim that because one cannot know there is no God one must be agnostic, hold a position that is philosophically bankrupt.  [1] Dawkins, Richard. 2006. The God Delusion. Ealing: Transworld Publishers. theology, atheism, theism, agnosticism, belief, disbelief, evidence, skepticism, philosophy, Richard Dawkins, The God Delusion, existence, non-existence, faith, secular societies, fantasy, unicorns, dragons, reasoning, evidence-based, knowledge, belief systems atheism, theism, agnosticism, belief, disbelief, evidence, faith, secular society, Richard Dawkins, The God Delusion, philosophy, skepticism, logical reasoning, belief systems, existence, nonexistence, argument, icons of faith, mythical creatures atheism, theism, agnosticism, belief, disbelief, evidence, knowledge, philosophy, Richard Dawkins, The God Delusion, skepticism, certainty, evidence-based reasoning, secular societies, contradiction, logical argument, existence, non-existence, faith, evidence for gods, unicorns, dragons, reasoning principles theology, atheism, theism, agnosticism, belief, disbelief, evidence, existence, nonexistence, Richard Dawkins, The God Delusion, philosophy, secular society, faith, skepticism, logical reasoning theology, atheism, theism, agnosticism, belief, disbelief, evidence, existence, non-existence, secular societies, faith, knowledge, rationality, philosophy, Dawkins, The God Delusion, skepticism, certainty, open question, logic, reasoning
test-science-ascidfakhba-con02a	Artists should retain the right to control their work’s interaction with the public space even if their work is publicly funded  Art is the expression of its creator’s sense of understanding of the world, and thus that expression will always have special meaning to him or her that no amount of reinterpretation or external appreciation can override. How a work is used once released into the public sphere, whether expanded, revised, responded to, or simply shown without their direct consent, thus remains an active issue for the artist, because those alternative experiences are all using a piece of the artist in its efforts. Artists deserve to have that piece of them treated in a way they see as reasonable. It is a simple matter of justice that artists be permitted to maintain the level of control they desire, and it is a justice that is best furnished through the conventional copyright mechanism that provides for the maximum protection of works for their creators, and allows them to contract away uses and rights to those works on their own terms. Many artists care about their legacies and the future of their artistic works, and should thus have this protection furnished by the state through the protection of copyright, not cast aside by the unwashed users of the creative commons. Samuel Beckett is a great example of this need. Beckett had exacting standards about the fashion in which in his plays could be performed. [1] For him the meaning of the art demanded an appreciation for the strict performance without the adulteration of reinterpretation. He would lack that power under this policy, meaning either the world would have been impoverished for want of his plays, or he would have been impoverished for want of his rights to his work. These rights are best balanced through the aegis of copyright as it is, not under the free-for-all of the creative commons license.  [1] Catron, L. “Copyright Laws for Theatre People”. 2003. artists, work control, public space, publicly funded, art expression, creator's understanding, reinterpretation, external appreciation, work usage, public sphere, artist's consent, artistic integrity, rights, protection, copyright, legacy, artistic works, creative commons, Samuel Beckett, performance standards, artistic rights, copyright law artists, copyright, public space, creative control, artistic rights, funding, expression, reinterpretation, external appreciation, active issue, consent, usage, rights management, justice, protection, legacy, creative commons, Samuel Beckett, performance standards, artistic integrity, copyright law, licensing, authorship, intellectual property, artistic independence artists, control, public space, publicly funded, art, creative expression, interpretation, external appreciation, usage rights, consent, active issue, artistic integrity, rights management, copyright, protection, legacy, creative commons, Samuel Beckett, performance standards, artistic rights, intellectual property, licensing, cultural ownership artists, copyright, public space, artistic control, creative rights, intellectual property, artistic expression, public funding, artistic integrity, work reuse, public domain, artistic legacy, copyright protection, legal rights, creative commons, licensing, artistic autonomy, performance standards, Samuel Beckett, art interpretation, work rights, licensing mechanisms, artistic freedom, legal protections, creative ownership artists, control, public space, publicly funded, art expression, creator's understanding, reinterpretation, external appreciation, use rights, active issue, artistic control, justice, copyright, protection, works, contract, rights, legacy, future, creative commons, Samuel Beckett, performance standards, art meaning, reinterpretation, copyright balance
test-law-phwmfri-con02a	The rich will resent this  The rich will feel like they are receiving an unfair, ‘greater’ punishment. This resentment will be magnified by media response: some newspapers and news outlets will choose to report this as an attack on the rich just as is the case with progressive taxation which is often attacked as an assault on ‘wealth creation’.1  This may well increase the extent to which they break the law, because if you perceive the law to be applied unfairly, you are less likely to consider it to be making an accurate assessment of whether an action is right or wrong in any given situation.  That is, in situations where you are unlikely to be caught committing a crime, the deterrent is clearly not the possible punishment (which you won’t face, because you won’t be caught). Rather, the deterrent is the extent to which you believe the illegal action to be morally wrong. If you believe a law is applied unfairly, you are less likely to consider the prohibited action to be actually, morally wrong, and therefore more likely to commit that act.  1 Cianfrocca, Francis, ‘Wealth Creation Under Attack’, Commentary, June 2009, wealth, rich, resentment, fairness, punishment, media, propaganda, law, fairness, law enforcement, illegal activity, moral perception, deterrence, crime, law enforcement, social justice, inequality, taxation, public opinion, moral judgment wealth, resentment, justice, fairness, media, law, legality, morality, law enforcement, punishment, tax, progressive taxation, wealth creation, law perception, crime, deterrence, moral judgment, public opinion wealth inequality, criminal behavior, moral judgment, legal fairness, media bias, rich resentment, social justice, societal perception, legal punishment, crime deterrence, perception of unfairness, law enforcement, social conflict, political bias, economic inequality wealth inequality, social justice, media bias, public perception, legal fairness, morality, law enforcement, crime deterrence, punishment, affluent resentment, tax policy, resistance, social conflict, economic inequality, justice perception wealth, resentment, media, public perception, unfair punishment, law enforcement, morality, crime, deterrence, income inequality, social justice, progressive taxation, wealth creation, legal fairness, legal perception
test-economy-epsihbdns-con01a	Freedom of movement is an intrinsic human right  Every human being is born with certain rights. These are protected by various charters and are considered inseparable from the human being. The reason for this is a belief that these rights create the fundamental and necessary conditions to lead a human life. Freedom of movement is one of these and has been recognised as such in Article 13 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. [1] If a family finds themselves faced with starvation, the only chance they have of survival might be to move to another place where they might live another day. It is inhuman to condemn individuals to death and suffering for the benefit of some nebulous collective theory. While we might pass some of our freedoms to the state, we have a moral right to the freedoms that help us stay alive – in this context freedom of movement is one of those.  [1] General Assembly, “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights”, 10 December 1948, freedom of movement, human rights, universal declaration, Article 13, human dignity, mobility, migration rights, intrinsic rights, human life, survival, inhuman treatment, moral rights, collective theory, state authority freedom of movement, human rights, universal declaration, Article 13, human dignity, mobility rights, legal protections, right to move, freedom of movement rights, international law, human life, survival rights, ethical considerations, collective rights Freedom of movement, human rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 13, mobility rights, intrinsic rights, human dignity, right to travel, migration, humanitarian rights, survival rights, fundamental freedoms, personal liberty, moral rights, inalienable rights freedom of movement, human rights, universal declaration, Article 13, mobility rights, human dignity, migration, refugee rights, right to travel, human survival, bodily autonomy, charters, inalienable rights, international law, moral rights Freedom of movement, human rights, universal declaration, human dignity, right to migrate, inalienable rights, Article 13, human survival, human liberty, movement rights, human life, moral rights, individual's freedom, human dignity, collective rights
test-philosophy-pppgshbsd-pro02a	Socialism was a twentieth century ideology which ran its course and ran out of steam when it became clear that Capitalism worked better  The world has moved on; it is inconceivable that the protests of the seventies and eighties could be refought again. This issue was settled at the end of the eighties. It wasn’t just the collapse of the Soviet Union, although that no doubt played a major role in shaping the future of socialism in Europe.  In a globalised world the traditional ideas about class and the nature of the labour market have moved on and politics moved on with it.  Socialists may have won many of the arguments over social issues, but arguments on the advantages of free trade, deregulation, the role of the state, the relationship between government and industry all line up firmly in the Capitalist column.  There were some remnants of dogmatic, “classical” socialism left in continental Europe, especially amongst its union movements, which are now collapsing. As Margaret Thatcher put it, “The problem with Socialism is that you will eventually run out of other people’s money.” [i]  [i] Quoted in: James Turk. “Will Sovereign Debt Defaults Bring The End Of Socialism?” Free Gold Money Report. 19 December 2009. Socialism, capitalism, twentieth century, ideology, Soviet Union, collapse, Europe, globalisation, class, labour market, politics, social issues, free trade, deregulation, government, industry, union movements, dogmatic socialism, Margaret Thatcher, debt, sovereign defaults Socialism, capitalism, twentieth century, ideology, Soviet Union, collapse, globalization, class, labor market, politics, free trade, deregulation, role of the state, government, industry, European Union, union movements, Margaret Thatcher, debt defaults, sovereignty Socialism, Twentieth century, Capitalism, Soviet Union, European socialism, Globalization, Class, Labour market, Politics, Free trade, Deregulation, State role, Government industry relationship, Union movements, Thatcher quote, Sovereign debt, Economic ideologies Socialism, twentieth century, capitalism, decline, collapse, Soviet Union, Europe, globalization, class, labor market, politics, free trade, deregulation, state role, government-industry relationship, union movements, Thatcher, fiscal policy, sovereign debt, capitalism versus socialism, economic ideologies, political change Socialism, capitalism, twentieth century, ideological evolution, Soviet Union, collapse, European socialism, globalization, class, labor market, politics, free trade, deregulation, role of the state, government industry relationship, union movements, Margaret Thatcher, public debt, sovereign defaults
test-international-aegmeppghw-con02a	Turkey is a highly unstable democracy in an unstable part of the world  Turkey has a better history of democratic elections than a number of the former communist states currently negotiating their membership of the EU. Its election of a party with Islamist roots has led to a smooth transfer of power, with no attempt at intervention by the secularist military (as in the past). In 2010 the EU welcomed the success of a referendum on changes to the Turkish constitution which reduced the power of the military and made it fully subject to democratic authority.  Turkey is near some global flash points, but its entry into the EU would not bring these potential dangers closer to current EU members. The EU is already engaged in conflicts in Libya, Iraq, and Afghanistan; Turkey’s inclusion would not have made that more or less likely. Turkey is already a long-standing member of NATO; this means that any security crisis on Turkey’s borders, for example between Palestine and Israel, already involves its Western neighbours and the EU has had to involve Turkey over issues of planning and access.  Furthermore, Turkey as a strategic gateway to the Middle East does not only involve conflict; it also provides the West with the opportunity for reconciliation and cooperation. Turkey is potentially a crucial alternative conduit for oil and gas to and from central Asia [1] , making Europe less dependent on Russian favour. Engagement between Turkey and the EU has greatly reduced historic enmity between Turkey and Greece, and held out hope for a solution to the division of Cyprus, showing the benefits of a closer relationship. The EU was created to encourage political cooperation in just such circumstances [2] , and Turkey’s entry would be important for strengthening relationships with the increasingly important Muslim countries in the Middle East and breaking down the artificial barriers between ‘East’ and ‘West’.  [1]  ‘Turkey: still America’s best ally in the Middle East?’ by Joshua W Walker, 25th June 2010  [2]  ‘Turkey: an honest broker in the Middle East’ by Bulent Kenes, 9th June 2010 Turkey, democracy, elections, Islamist, secularist, military, constitution, EU, European Union, membership, NATO, security, conflicts, Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan, Middle East, reconciliation, cooperation, oil, gas, central Asia, Russia, enmity, Greece, Cyprus, political cooperation, Muslim countries, East-West divide Turkey, democracy, elections, Islamist, secularism, military, EU, European Union, referendum, constitution, reforms, governance, stability, NATO, security, Middle East, strategic gateway, oil, gas, Central Asia, Europe, Russian dependence, enmity, Greece, Cyprus, cooperation, reconciliation, Muslim countries, East-West, foreign policy, international relations Turkey, democracy, EU, elections, Islamist, military, referendum, constitution, NATO, security, Middle East, gas, oil, Europe, Russian, enmity, Greece, Cyprus, cooperation, Muslim, East, West, Middle East, ally, broker Turkey, democracy, stability, EU, elections, Islamist, military, referendum, constitution, NATO, security, Middle East, reconciliation, cooperation, oil, gas, Central Asia, Russian dependency, Greece, Cyprus, political cooperation, Muslim countries, East, West, enmity, division, barriers, international relations Turkey, democracy, elections, Islamist, military, referendum, constitution, EU, accession, geopolitical, flashpoints, conflicts, NATO, security, borders, Middle East, oil, gas, Europe, Russia, reconciliation, cooperation, strategic, gateway, enmity, Cyprus, political cooperation, Muslim countries, East-West, barriers, alliance, Middle East, Turkey-EU relations
test-law-tlcplghwfne-con03a	"Needle exchanges cause crime  Needle exchanges gather a large number of drug addicts into a single area. Many drug addicts are forced into criminality because of their addiction. Given that this is true, the needle exchanges serve to concentrate a large number of potential criminals in a small area. Not only does this increase crime in the area itself significantly, what is also manages to do is cause criminals to meet other criminals who they may not have interacted with before.  This can either lead to the aforementioned criminals working together and causing more problems, or it can lead to violence between rival criminals and their gangs.  Further, the simple gathering of criminals in a single area can also serve to attract other criminals to the same area to possibly reap benefits. This often comes in the form of prostitution, which thrives in areas of high crime and weaker police presence.1  1. Toni Meyer. ""Making the case for opposing needle exchange"". New Jersey Family Policy Council. November 16, 2007. needle exchanges, crime, drug addicts, criminality, criminal behavior, criminal meetings, gang violence, criminal gangs, prostitution, police presence, drug addiction, public health, harm reduction, social impact, community safety needle exchanges, crime, drug addicts, criminality, drug addiction, criminal gatherings, illegal activities, gang violence, criminal collaboration, prostitution, police presence, public health, drug policy, harm reduction, social impacts needle exchanges, crime, drug addicts, criminality, drug addiction, criminal behavior, criminal meetings, illicit activities, violence, gang conflicts, territorial disputes, prostitution, high crime areas, police presence, societal impact, public health needle exchanges, crime, drug addicts, criminality, drug users, criminal meetings, criminal alliances, gang violence, criminal hubs, prostitution, crime hotspots, law enforcement, public safety, social impact, drug policy, addiction, criminal networks, community safety needle exchange, crime, drug addiction, criminality, criminal gatherings, drug addicts, criminal partnerships, gang violence, criminal meeting points, criminal attractors, prostitution, police presence, public health, harm reduction, drug policy, social impact"
test-culture-mmciahbans-con04a	Run education campaigns instead  Education is an alternative. Campaigns such as #darkisbeautiful (dark is beautiful) in India are the model for advancing equality and marginalizing colourism in India. The campaign has had some success attracting stars, including some such as Vishaka Sing who have modelled for fairness creams, to campaign against the prejudice against darker skin tones. [1]  The heavy hand of legislation is not the correct tool – other methods from social media campaigns to changing practices in the fashion, beauty and media industries (such as has occurred in Dakar Fashion Week [2] ) will reduce the cultural demand.  [1] Krupa, Lakshmi, ‘Dark is beautiful’, The Hindu, 8 September 2013,   [2] Reuters, “Dakar fashion week bans models who use skin lightning cream”, South China Morning Post, 01 July 2013, education campaigns, colorism, dark is beautiful, India, social media campaigns, beauty industry, fashion industry, media representation, legislation, cultural change, skin whitening, beauty standards, diversity, equality, public awareness, celebrity endorsement, Dakar Fashion Week, prejudice reduction education campaigns, awareness, body positivity, colorism, skin tone discrimination, social media advocacy, fashion industry change, beauty industry influence, celebrity endorsement, #darkisbeautiful, cultural change, legislation alternatives, media representation, Dakar Fashion Week, skin lightening bans education campaigns, darkisbeautiful, colorism, skin tone prejudice, social media campaigns, fashion industry, beauty industry, media influence, legislation, public awareness, cultural change, beauty standards, fairness creams, equality initiatives, Dakar Fashion Week, skin lightening ban, anti-colorism movement education campaigns, colorism, dark is beautiful, India, social media activism, beauty industry, fashion industry, media representation, stereotypes, skin color prejudice, legislation, cultural change, fairness creams, celebrity endorsement, Dakar Fashion Week, skin lightening, diversity, equality, social change education campaigns, colorism, darkisbeautiful, India, equality, marginalization, beauty industry, fairness creams, prejudice, social media, fashion industry, Dakar Fashion Week, legislation, cultural demand, skin lightening, model activism
test-international-amehbuaisji-pro02a	Domestic courts are often incapable of providing a fair trial, when they fail the ICC fills the void.  Domestic legal systems will often suffer from a lack of judicial independence and potentially politicised prosecutions, and are also open to allegations of victors’ justice, or whitewashes by a judiciary biased towards the winners of the conflict.  The ICC, as an effective court and with an independent judiciary, provide a suitable and unbiased climate for these cases to be heard in. While it is difficult to give any former head of state a fair trial, it is even more so in cases involving states divided along ethnic and political fault lines where any conviction could be seen as one based on continuing hatreds rather than evidence and criminal procedure.  It is clearly in the interests of the United States and Israel to support the principle that where there is no independent judiciary cases can be moved to a higher level. These states as much as any other desire that those who commit large scale international crimes be brought to book. The ICC for example might provide an alternative method of going after terrorists.  In addition, the principle of complementarity – that the ICC should only prosecute where states have shown themselves unable or unwilling to prosecute - means that when a state can take effective action against war crimes, there will be no role for the ICC. This means that the US and Israel with independent judiciaries should have nothing to worry about unless their judiciary proves unwilling to prosecute if one of their own nationals commits a crime prosecutable by the ICC. Domestic courts, fairness, judicial independence, politicized prosecutions, victors' justice, whitewash, biased judiciary, ICC, international criminal justice, impartiality, sovereign states, head of state, ethnic divisions, political fault lines, convictions, evidence, criminal procedure, United States, Israel, support, international crimes, justice, accountability, alternative prosecution, terrorism, complementarity, effective action, unwillingness, prosecution, national judiciary Domestic courts, fair trial, ICC, judicial independence, politicised prosecutions, victors’ justice, judicial bias, effective court, unbiased judiciary, international crimes, head of state, ethnic divisions, political fault lines, convictions, evidence, criminal procedure, United States, Israel, support, independent judiciary, higher level, jurisdiction, complementarity, prosecution, war crimes, terrorists, effective action, international law Domestic courts, fair trial, ICC, judicial independence, politicised prosecutions, victors’ justice, biased judiciary, effective court, unbiased climate, head of state, ethnic fault lines, political fault lines, convictions, evidence, criminal procedure, United States, Israel, independent judiciary, international crimes, accountability, terrorism, complementarity, prosecution, war crimes, effective action domestic courts, fair trial, ICC, judicial independence, politicised prosecutions, victors’ justice, biased judiciary, independent judiciary, international crimes, state sovereignty, complementarity, war crimes, high-level trials, ethnic divisions, political fault lines, bias, justice, terrorism, legal systems domestic courts, fairness, judicial independence, politicised prosecutions, victor's justice, whitewashes, biased judiciary, ICC, international justice, impartiality, fair trial, ethnic conflicts, political fault lines, justice for head of state, state sovereignty, international crimes, terrorism, complementarity, prosecution, effective legal systems, US, Israel, national judiciary, war crimes
test-digital-freedoms-aihwbasmn-con03a	Police should not block the communications and freedom of expression of law-abiding citizens  The blocking of social networks, of the internet, or of mobile phone networks in times of riot would be an illegitimate curtailment of a private company’s right to do business and serve its customers. Social networks are business and have many users. Even more important is the impact on everyone who is not associated with the rioting. When these actions are taken it harms everyone, perhaps even millions of people at a given time. [1] The action taken by the state to seek to prevent the spreading of the riots is not only ineffective it is also a massive imposition on the rights of the citizens of the polity. Their freedom of speech is curtailed, business is harmed, and the riots continue. Studies of the use of Twitter during the riots in London showed that during rioting it was mostly used to react to the riots to send warnings to avoid trouble rather than incite violence. [2] Blocking access or cutting off communications would therefore mean putting at risk those people who otherwise would have been warned not to go near areas with rioting.  [1] Temperton, J. “Blocking Facebook and Twitter During Riots Threatens Freedom”. Computer Active. 15 August 2011.   [2] Ball, J., and Lewis, P., “Riots database of 2.5m tweets reveals complex picture of interaction”, The Guardian, 24 August 2011. police, communication, freedom of speech, social networks, internet, mobile networks, riots, censorship, privacy, private companies, business rights, social media, Twitter, Facebook, digital rights, civil liberties, information flow, public safety, freedom of expression, government, law enforcement, digital communication, online activism, social media analysis, free speech rights, crowd control, human rights, riot control measures police, communication, freedom of expression, law-abiding citizens, social networks, internet, mobile phone networks, riots, censorship, private companies, business rights, social media, user impact, free speech, civil rights, internet shutdown, social media during riots, Twitter, social unrest, government censorship, digital rights, civil liberties police, communication, freedom of expression, law-abiding citizens, social networks, internet, mobile phone networks, riot, illegitimate, private company, business, users, impact, rights, citizens, freedom, speech, harm, riots, Twitter, warnings, incite violence, access, cutting off, warnings, unsafe areas, censorship, human rights, civil liberties, public safety, surveillance, digital rights, internet blocking, freedom of speech, social media, protest, civil unrest, government intervention police, communication, free speech, social networks, internet, mobile networks, riot, censorship, privacy rights, freedom of expression, private companies, business rights, social media, Twitter, Facebook, civil liberties, government censorship, public safety, riot suppression, online communication, internet freedom, information flow, citizen rights, social media analysis, riot control, digital rights, online warning system police, communication, freedom of expression, law-abiding citizens, social networks, internet, mobile phone networks, riot, illegitimate, private companies, business, users, impact, rights, citizens, freedom of speech, harm, riots, Twitter, London, warnings, incite violence, access, cut off, risk, warnings, riots, freedom, censorship, privacy, civil liberties, social media, online communication, law enforcement, public safety
test-sport-tshbmlbscac-con03a	Collisions are unnecessary.  Baseball doesn’t need collisions. By requiring the runner to slide, just as they must do when attempting to reach other bases, or disallowing catchers to block runners’ paths, or—best of all—requiring both those steps, baseball can eliminate collisions.  Unlike in football or rugby, hits at the plate are not a necessary component of the sport. The game is played quite well at the amateur level without such brutal physical contact. [1] Collisions occur relatively infrequently, and the complexion of the game will not be dramatically different without them. Yet the benefits of improved safety are dramatic.  [1] See, for example, American Legion Baseball Rules, Rule 1(E),  . baseball, collisions, safety, sliding, runner, catcher, blocking, physical contact, sport rules, injury prevention, rule modifications, amateur baseball, game safety baseball, collisions, safety, sliding, runner, catcher, blocking, physical contact, sports rules, injury prevention, amateur baseball, sports safety, game rules, collision elimination, baseball regulations baseball, collisions, safety, sliding, runner, catcher, rules, contact elimination, sports safety, amateur baseball, plate collisions, physical contact, game rules baseball, collisions, safety, sliding, runner, catcher, blocking, sports rules, physical contact, injury prevention, amateur baseball, game rules, sports safety baseball, collisions, safety, sliding, runner, catcher, blocking, sports rules, injury prevention, amateur baseball, physical contact, game safety, sports regulations
test-philosophy-pppthbtcb-pro05a	Consequentialism  Actions can only be justified by their outcomes, and if the outcome of an act of terror is an overall increase of justice, freedom and welfare, this action is therefore legitimate. Many people around the world suffer on a daily basis from poverty, injustices and violence. Generally, these people did not choose to suffer, nor was it a result of their actions; therefore it can be seen as a logical conclusion that it is a good thing that this suffering is diminished. However, authorities might not always agree to redistribution or an acknowledgement of rights, and more drastic measures are needed to obtain the goal. If, in this case, the use of acts of terror is needed to obtain greater goods such as justice and equality, and this would mean that on balance, more people would gain more utility, the action would be justified. In this way, terrorism can be seen as an effective weapon in a revolutionary struggle that results in progression. A very current example are the terrorist attacks in several Middle Eastern countries that have led to the Arab spring, such as the attack on the Yemen president Ali Abdullah Saleh. [1]  [1] Sinjab, L. (2011, June 3). Yemen: President Saleh injured in attack on palace. Retrieved August 3, 2011, from BBC News: Consequentialism, justification, outcomes, terrorism, justice, freedom, welfare, suffering, poverty, injustice, violence, redistribution, rights, radical measures, utility, revolutionary struggle, progression, Arab spring, Middle East, Yemen, Ali Abdullah Saleh Consequentialism, Utilitarianism, Ethics, Terrorism, Justification, Outcomes, Justice, Freedom, Welfare, Suffering, Poverty, Violence, Rights, Redistribution, Revolution, Middle East, Arab Spring, Yemen, Political Violence, Ethical Dilemmas, Utility, Moral Philosophy Consequentialism, justification, outcomes, terrorism, justice, freedom, welfare, suffering, poverty, injustice, violence, redistribution, rights, radical measures, utility, revolution, activism, political violence, Arab Spring, Yemen, protest, social change Consequentialism, justification, outcomes, terrorism, justice, freedom, welfare, suffering, poverty, injustice, violence, redistribution, rights, drastic measures, utility, revolution, progression, Arab Spring, Middle East, Yemen, political violence Consequentialism, justification, outcomes, terrorism, justice, freedom, welfare, morality, utilitarianism, suffering, poverty, injustice, violence, rights, redistribution, radical measures, revolution, Arab Spring, Middle East, terrorist attacks, political violence, utility, ethical debate, revolutionary struggle
test-religion-cmrsgfhbr-con02a	There are clear and proven benefits to the health of the Filipino families, especially women  Both sides of this debate have spoken about the need to respect the rights and lives of women. It is, however, difficult to see how exactly opponents of the legislation reconcile this with their actions. Decades’ worth of research demonstrates that educational, health and nutritional levels all fall once a family outgrows its means. In the slums of Manila that research is unnecessary as it is all too apparent at a glance. However the research is there [i] to provide grisly commentary to the narrative folding out on the streets.  Investigations on a personal, national and global level demonstrate that effective family planning is at the heart of eradicating poverty [ii] . When families have less children they are more able to afford better education for those they do have and have a greater incentive to do so as they need their child to be able to support them when they are retired. [iii] Proposition is keen that this money should have been spent on eradicating poverty – they fail to realise, deliberately or otherwise, that that is exactly what it is being spent on.  [i] Rauhala, Emily, ‘The Philippines’ Birth Control Battle’, Time, 6 June 2008.   [ii] Brown, Lester, ‘Smart Family Planning Improves Women’s Health and Reduces Poverty’, guardian.co.uk 14 April 2011.   [iii] Merrick, Thomas, W., ‘Population and P{overty: New Views on an Old Controversy’, International Family Planning Perspectives, Vol.28, No.1, March 2002, Filipino families, women’s rights, family planning, health benefits, poverty reduction, education, nutrition, Manila slums, research, global studies, population control, reproductive health, family size, economic development, child support, retirement planning, policy debate, legislation, socio-economic impact, demographic trends, maternal health Filipino families, women's health, family planning, poverty reduction, reproductive rights, health benefits, education levels, nutritional health, Manila slums, research, population control, family size, economic development, global health, demographic trends, policy debate, social justice, maternal health, child support, retirement planning, public health, legislation, birth control, family welfare Filipino families, women’s rights, family planning, poverty eradication, health benefits, nutrition, education, family size, population control, Manila slums, research, global studies, legislation, economic impact, reproductive health, social development, policy debate Filipino families, women’s health, family planning, poverty reduction, education, nutrition, family size, reproductive rights, Manila slums, research, global health, poverty eradication, child support, retirement planning, legislation, debate, socio-economic impact, population control, family welfare, international perspectives family planning, Filipino families, women's health, reproductive rights, poverty alleviation, population control, education, nutrition, urban slums, Manila, research, global health, policy debate, family size, economic development, poverty reduction, demographic trends, child support, health benefits, legislation, social justice
test-free-speech-debate-fchbjaj-pro01a	The concept of what is a journalist needs to be clarified to deal with the reality of new forms of mass communication. Assange gathers, collates and disseminates information, ergo, he is a journalist.  Few industries have been changed more radically by the advent of the Internet than journalism. The traditional role of the journalist, disseminating information to which they had special or privileged access, has changed beyond recognition. Now readers and viewers have direct access to much of that information and can access it at their own convenience and through their own choice of media. Sales of newspapers are in freefall and the stranglehold of a handful of broadcasters on political access has been lost forever. There are still extraordinary journalists finding news and genuinely affecting the society around them. For the most part, however, journalists increasingly comment on the news rather than directly collecting it. In many ways, Assange has taken journalism back to basics – acquiring information to which most people do not have access and making it public. The very fact that the powerful and the privileged dislike what he is doing so much could even be taken to suggest that he has to be doing something right as one of the roles of the fourth estate is to act as a check on government. [1]  At a time when much of the traditional media seems to have lost its sense of what its role is, Wikileaks is providing a timely reminder [2] .  [1] Hume, Ellen, ‘Freedom of the Press’, Issues of Democracy, December 2005,   [2] The Guardian. Julian Assange Wins Martha Gellhorn Journalism Prize. Jason Deans. 2 June 2011. journalism, mass communication, Assange, Wikipedia, information dissemination, Internet, traditional journalism, media access, news collection, fourth estate, media transformation, media industry, news sources, citizen journalism, media bias, press freedom, freedom of the press, investigative journalism, media influence, journalism ethics, digital media journalism, journalist, mass communication, new media, digital media, internet, information dissemination, Assange, Wikileaks, freedom of the press, fourth estate, media transformation, traditional journalism, online journalism, investigative journalism, press freedom, political access, media industry change, news gathering, information access, media evolution, journalism role, media critique journalism, new media, mass communication, Assange, Wikileaks, information dissemination, role of journalist, Internet impact, traditional media, digital news, media landscape, press freedom, fourth estate, government accountability, investigative journalism, citizen access, media evolution, journalism ethics, media transformation, information control, media democratization journalism, journalist, mass communication, new media, Internet, information dissemination, Assange, Wikileaks, traditional media, information access, media transformation, Fourth Estate, press freedom, investigative journalism, media evolution, news distribution, political access, media critique, digital journalism, press transparency journalism, media, mass communication, digital media, Internet, citizen journalism, information dissemination, traditional media, new media, news gathering, investigative journalism, Wikileaks, Julian Assange, fourth estate, media role, press freedom, media evolution, information access, transparency, watchdog role, media independence
test-philosophy-eppphwlrtjs-pro04a	"Having trial by jury for people accused of very small offences is a waste of resources.  Juries are very expensive and time consuming, and courts may not be capable of using them for all trials. Indeed, in both the UK and the United States, minor or petty offences can be tried without jury (such offenses are defined differently in different places; in the US petty offences are those carrying less than 6 months prison time or a fine of $5000)1. That is because in densely populated areas, the courts are simply not capable of handling all trials with juries 2. But even beyond the limitations already in place, there may be more small-scale trials which could function without juries, and free up resources. According to British government crime advisor Louise Casey, if all of the either-or cases (cases dealing with minor offences which can be tried in either a crown or a magistrates court) were shifted entirely to the latter, Britain would save £30m in the costs of setting up juries. Such money could be used to help out victims of serious crimes, or otherwise improve the justice system 3. For example, if more time and money were freed up in the United States, the courts might not need to pressure so many defendants into plea bargaining, or pleading guilty without a trial in exchange for less harsh sentencing or the dropping of other charges (in 1996, about two thirds of American criminal case dispositions involved guilty pleas) 4. That would allow more trials to take place, and more justice to be done.  1.  )  2.Robert P. Connolly, ""The Petty Offence Exception and Right to a Jury Trial""  3.Peter Wozniak, ""Trial by Jury Faces the Axe for Petty Crimes"" jury, petty offences, small offences, resource allocation, cost savings, court system, trial efficiency, UK justice system, US justice system, magistrates court, crown court, plea bargaining, guilty pleas, trial rights, legal costs, court capacity, criminal justice, minor crimes, judicial resources, trial reform jury, trial, petty offences, minor crimes, resource allocation, court system, judicial system, UK, United States, magistrates court, crown court, cost savings, plea bargaining, guilty pleas, criminal justice, legal reforms, trial efficiency, justice system, court capacity trial by jury, small offences, resource management, jury costs, court efficiency, petty crimes, legal system, UK, United States, jury waiver, minor offences, court capacity, judicial resources, plea bargaining, criminal justice, trial efficiency, magistrates court, crown court, cost savings, justice system improvement, jury abolition jury, small offences, resource management, cost reduction, trial efficiency, UK justice system, US justice system, petty crimes, court processing capacity, magistrates court, crown court, plea bargaining, guilty pleas, trial reform, criminal justice, legal costs, courtroom capacity, jury exemption, cost savings, justice system improvement jurytrial, pettyoffences, resourceallocation, courts, justice, criminaljustice, plea bargaining, trialcosts, magistratescourt, UK, US, criminalproceedings, jurylimitations, casefines, sentencing, courtcapacity, legalreforms, cost-savings, crimepolicy"
test-politics-oepghbrnsl-pro02a	A strong leader has more benefits than harms  Putin is the strong leader that Russia has been waiting for. His electoral success and consistently high approval rates show that the people of Russia are ready for someone who can rid their society of increasing corruption and restore a sense of calm and equality. His ability to maintain a high level of support despite what some have called authoritarian tendencies shows that people are ready to sacrifice a certain degree of freedom for the promise of stability. Enthusiasm for Putin among the young also shows that he does not only appeal to those looking back to past certainties. leadership, Putin, Russia, electoral success, approval ratings, corruption, stability, authoritarianism, society, support, youth, governance, political influence, public opinion, security, change strong leader, benefits, harms, Putin, Russia, electoral success, approval rates, corruption, stability, authoritarian tendencies, public support, freedom, age demographics, societal control, political leadership, governance, public opinion leadership, benefits, harms, Putin, Russia, electoral success, approval ratings, corruption, stability, authoritarian tendencies, public support, youth enthusiasm, societal change, governance, political stability strong leader, Putin, Russia, electoral success, approval rates, corruption, stability, authoritarian tendencies, public support, youth appeal, governance, societal stability, political leadership, public opinion, political stability strong leadership, Putin, Russia, electoral success, approval ratings, corruption, stability, authoritarianism, public support, societal change, modern Russia, youth support, political authority, governance, societal stability
test-economy-bepiehbesa-con01a	CAP maintains European food security  The subsidies to agriculture are important for maintaining self-sufficiency to enable Europe to feed its own citizens. In the world of fluctuating markets, global climate change, commodity crisis such in 2008, the state intervention is even more important because that means that the needed goods can become unavailable. Without EU’s help the prices can fluctuate wildly which can be of concern mainly for poorer parts of EU, where the major part of household spending is still food and non-alcoholic beverages. To prevent this kind of situations only the continent-wide policy can be an effective measure. The markets of other countries can compensate losses from others and vice versa. The result of a secure supply of affordable food has been that the amount an average EU household devotes to food has halved since 1960. [1]  [1] European Commission, ‘CAP – how much does it cons’ ‘Food Prices’, ec.europa.eu, European food security, CAP, subsidies, agriculture, self-sufficiency, global markets, climate change, commodity crisis, EU intervention, price stability, food affordability, household spending, EU policy, market fluctuation, food supply, income inequality CAP, European food security, subsidies, agriculture, self-sufficiency, market fluctuations, global climate change, commodity crisis, state intervention, EU prices, food affordability, household spending, food policy, market integration, supply stability, European Commission European food security, CAP, agriculture subsidies, self-sufficiency, Europe food supply, global market fluctuations, climate change, commodity crisis, EU intervention, food prices, household spending, food affordability, continent-wide policy, market compensation, food supply stability, EU household expenditure European food security, CAP, agriculture subsidies, self-sufficiency, market fluctuations, global climate change, commodity crisis, EU intervention, food prices, household spending, food affordability, EU policy, international trade, supply stability, food market, economic resilience European food security, CAP, agriculture subsidies, self-sufficiency, market fluctuations, climate change, commodity crisis, EU intervention, food prices, household spending, food affordability, food supply, risk management, EU policy, international markets, market stability, food availability, poverty, consumer protection, food prices fluctuations
test-science-ascidfakhba-con01a	Artists have a fundamental property right over their creative output  Whatever the end product, be it music, film, sculpture, or painting, artistic works are the creations of individuals and a property right inheres within them belonging to their creators. An idea is just an idea so long as it remains locked in someone’s mind or is left as an unfinished sketch, etc. But when the art is allowed to bloom in full, it is due to the artist and the artist only. The obsession, the time, the raw talent needed to truly create art is an incredible business, requiring huge investment in energy, time, and effort. It is a matter of the most basic, and one would have hoped self-evident, principle that the person who sacrificed so much to bring forth a piece of art should retain all the rights to it and in particular have the right to profit from it. [1] To argue otherwise would be to condone outright theft. The ethereal work of the artist is every bit as real as the hard work of a machine. Mandating that all forms of art be released under a creative commons license is an absolute slap in the face to artists and to the artistic endeavour as a whole. It implies that somehow the work is not entirely the artist’s own, that because it is art it is somehow so different as to be worthy of being shunted into the public sphere without the real consent of the artist. This is a gross robbing of the artist’s right over his or her own work. If property rights are to have any meaning, they must have a universal protection. This policy represents a fundamental erosion of the right to property, and attacks one sector of productive life that is essential for the giving of colour to the human experience. This policy serves only to devalue that contribution.  [1] Greenberg, M. “Reason or Madness: A Defense of Copyright’s Growing Pains”. John Marshall Review of Intellectual Property Law. 2007. artists, property rights, creative output, intellectual property, copyright, artistic works, ownership, creative rights, originality, profit, copyright law, moral rights, creative commons, art ownership, artistic effort, investment, artistic endeavor, freedom of expression, cultural value, intellectual property protection, artistic copyright, creative control artists, property rights, creative output, intellectual property, copyright, artistic works, ownership, profit, originality, artistic endeavor, creative commons, licensing, theft, artistic effort, investment, moral rights, creative expression, private property, public domain, artist rights artists, property rights, creative output, artistic works, copyright, intellectual property, originality, artistic creation, moral rights, economic rights, ownership, copyright law, creative commons, intellectual property protection, artistic endeavour, rights enforcement, copyright infringement, creative process, artistic expression, trademark, innovation, commercialization, art industry, cultural value, legal rights, copyright policy artists, property rights, creative output, artistic works, copyright, intellectual property, ownership, creative commons, art, protection, innovation, investment, effort, copyright law, moral rights, creative freedom, artistic endeavor, copyright infringement, public domain, remuneration, artistic motivation artists, property rights, creative output, artistic works, intellectual property, copyright, moral rights, copyright law, creative commons, artistic integrity, ownership, originality, artistic effort, investment, economic rights, profit, theft, art invention, artistic expression, moral rights, public domain, copyright infringement, cultural contribution
test-religion-yercfrggms-pro04a	"The nature of God as it is conventionally described is logically contradictory:  A creator god is a logical absurdity, as demonstrated by empirical fact and rational reflection. Certainly God cannot exist outside of the Universe, as such a concept is effectively meaningless. In fact, physics explains that when the Universe expanded as an inflating field of space and time as the result of a quantum fluctuation, causality itself arose from the process, making a causative agent “prior” to the Universe not only unnecessary, but also impossible. Furthermore, the idea of an omnipotent God is logically contradictory because if God were omnipotent He would be able to create an entity greater than Himself, yet that is impossible. [1] The very attribute is logically unfounded, making the conventional explanation of God invalid. Thus atheism, the absence of belief in gods, is the only logically justified theological position.  [1] Savage, C. 1967. ""The Paradox of the Stone"". Philosophical Review 76(1). God, logic, contradiction, creator, universe, empirical evidence, rational reflection, meaning, physics, quantum fluctuation, causality, causative agent, omnipotence, logical contradiction, creation, atheism, belief, theological position, paradox, philosophical review God, logical contradiction, creator, universe, meaning, physics, space, time, quantum fluctuation, causality, causative agent, omnipotent, paradox, atheism, philosophical critique, theological position God, contradiction, creator, universe, meaning, physics, quantum fluctuation, causality, omnipotent, logical contradiction, atheism, rational reflection, philosophical critique God, nature, logical contradiction, creator, empirical evidence, rational reflection, universe, meaning, physics, quantum fluctuation, causality, causative agent, omnipotence, logical inconsistency, theism, atheism, philosophical paradox, Savage 1967 God, logic, contradiction, creator, universe, meaning, physics, quantum fluctuation, causality, omnipotence, impossible, atheism, philosophical critique, theological position, Savage, paradox"
test-education-ufsdfkhbwu-con01a	Argument One: Contact leads to the dissemination of values  There is certainly some evidence to suggest the view that trade with a country can benefit human rights as increased wealth provides many with more choice and better standards of living. [i] Certainly that argument has been made by governments and multi-nationals based in the West. It is not unreasonable to suspect that this may relate to academic cooperation as well, as Richard Levin suggests in the introduction. However it seems likely that in this latter case, as in the former, that a gradualist approach is the sensible one to take. We build on existing strengths while agreeing to differ in certain areas. To extend the trade example, China, the US and the EU all manage to trade with each other despite differing approaches to the death penalty. They trust that through cooperation over time, changes can be achieved. This will happen slowly in some instances – as with the ‘drip, drip’ affect in China - or quickly in others as has been the case in Burma [ii] .  On key difference to note with the shift towards establishing elite universities around the world rather than shipping the world’s elite in to attend them in the UK and the US is that it opens opportunities to a much wider social group. For decades a small handful – children of the wealthy and political elite - have had the opportunity to have a Western education before returning home as well-educated tyrants and sycophants. Expanding the learning opportunities to the rest of the nation seems both just and reasonable.  [i] Sirico, Robert A., ‘Free Trade and Human Rights: The Moral Case for Engagement’, CATO Institute, Trade Briefing Paper no.2, 17 July 1998  [ii] Education has long been seen as a critical starting point for the development of human rights in any country as is examined in this UNESCO report . contact, trade, human rights, wealth, standards of living, academic cooperation, gradualist approach, China, US, EU, death penalty, international trade, cooperation, social mobility, elite universities, western education, educational opportunities, social inequality, development, UNESCO, global education, diplomatic relations argument, contact, dissemination, values, trade, human rights, wealth, choice, standards of living, governments, multi-nationals, academic cooperation, Richard Levin, gradualist approach, existing strengths, differing opinions, China, US, EU, death penalty, cooperation, change, elite universities, social mobility, Western education, wealthy elites, opportunities, justice, development, UNESCO, education, human rights contact, trade, human rights, wealth, standards of living, governments, multi-national corporations, academic cooperation, gradualist approach, strengths, differences, China, US, EU, death penalty, cooperation, influence, elite universities, social groups, Western education, opportunity, inequality, development, education, UNESCO, moral, engagement argument, contact, dissemination, values, trade, human rights, wealth, choice, standards of living, governments, multi-nationals, academic cooperation, Richard Levin, gradualist approach, strengths, differences, China, US, EU, death penalty, cooperation, drip effect, Burma, elite universities, social opportunities, Western education, wealthy, political elite, expanding, justice, reasonable, Sirico, Robert A., Free Trade, Moral Case, Engagement, CATO Institute, Trade Briefing, education, human rights development, UNESCO contact, leads, dissemination, values, trade, human rights, wealth, standards of living, academic cooperation, gradualist approach, strengths, differences, China, US, EU, death penalty, cooperation, drip effect, Burma, elite universities, social opportunities, Western education, wealthy, political elite, opportunity, justice, development, UNESCO, education
test-economy-beghwbh-con04a	If Musk won’t build it who will?  Elon Musk himself is unwilling to build his Hyperloop. He has stated “Maybe I would just do the beginning bit, create a subscale version that is operating and then hand it over to someone else. Ironing out the details at a subscale level is a tricky thing. I think I would probably end up doing that. It just won’t be immediate in the short term because I have to focus on Tesla and SpaceX execution.” [1] If the visionary for the project is having little to do with the project itself it seems unlikely that the proposal will come to anything. The Hyperloop being such a low priority for Musk is also likely to put off anyone else who might be interested in being involved.  [1] Elliott, Hannah, ‘Hyperloop Update: Elon Musk Will Start Developing It Himself’, Forbes, 12 August 2013, Elon Musk, Hyperloop, development, construction, involvement, Tesla, SpaceX, project leadership, innovation, transportation, high-speed transit, private sector, infrastructure, startup, engineering, subscale prototype, project execution, technology, interest, funding Elon Musk, Hyperloop, transportation innovation, private space companies, Tesla, SpaceX, hyperloop development, transportation systems, infrastructure, technology challenges, project funding, subscale model, startup involvement, transportation competition, industry disruption Elon Musk, Hyperloop, development, construction, project leadership, Tesla, SpaceX, subscale prototype, transportation innovation, infrastructure, Elon Musk involvement, startup interest, project feasibility Elon Musk, Hyperloop, transportation technology, project development, startup involvement, subscale prototype, innovation, technological challenges, entrepreneurial vision, infrastructure, private sector, transportation innovation, SpaceX, Tesla, project ownership, startup motivation Elon Musk, Hyperloop, transportation innovation, project ownership, startup involvement, subscale prototype, Tesla, SpaceX, infrastructure development, technological challenges, high-speed transit, pioneering technology, entrepreneurial risk, industry collaborators, public-private partnership
test-law-phwmfri-con03a	Creates the perception that fines are like taxes, rather than a punishment  If we detach fines from the crimes committed, people are more likely to see fines as unrelated to justice. Rather, they will see fines as another mechanism by which the government makes money, this will be especially the case if as in New Zealand the money goes into government coffers without being hypothecated.1  This is similar to the way in which some people in the UK see speed cameras as less about preventing speeding, and more about getting money from motorists with one poll showing 49% of people believe they are primarily about revenue raising.2  This is harmful because it decreases the probability of people who deem the fine ‘worth it’ nevertheless abstaining from the criminal act.  1 ‘Frequently Asked Questions’, New Zealand Police,   2 ‘Drivers conflicted over cameras’, IAM Driving Road Safety, 11 August 2010, fines, taxes, punishment, justice, government revenue, crime, public perception, revenue raising, speed cameras, deterrence, punishment vs revenue, fiscal policy, public opinion, law enforcement, New Zealand, UK, criminal justice, deterrent effect fines, taxes, punishment, justice, government revenue, revenue raising, police, speed cameras, public perception, deterrence, crime, law enforcement, fiscal policy, public trust, New Zealand, UK, road safety fines, taxes, punishment, justice, government revenue, detachment, perception, public opinion, revenue raising, speed cameras, New Zealand, UK, criminal acts, deterrence, hypothecation, law enforcement, public trust, criminal justice, deterrence effectiveness perception, fines, taxes, punishment, justice, government revenue, hypothecated funds, New Zealand, UK, speed cameras, revenue raising, public perception, deterrence, criminal justice, law enforcement, societal attitudes fines, taxes, punishment, perception, justice, government revenue, New Zealand, hypothecation, UK, speed cameras, revenue raising, public perception, deterrence, criminal acts, law enforcement, financial penalties
test-economy-beghwbh-pro01a	Fastest possible transportation over a short distance  Public transportation has not been getting much faster over the last few decades. The fastest method of transport, supersonic jets in the form of Concorde ceased operation in October 2003. [1] Even if at some point a new generation of supersonic planes are built these will not be ideal for travelling between cities that are comparatively close together. The time spent getting the plane up and down from cruising altitude means they would take longer over these short distances than a slower option at ground level. The Hyperloop at more than 700mph will be twice as fast as high speed rail. To take the different options on the San Francisco-Los Angeles route cars take 5hours 30minutes, the proposed high speed train would take 2hours 38minutes, by plane takes 1hour 15minutes whereas the Hyperloop would only take 35minutes. [2]  [1] ‘End of an era for Concorde’, BBC News, 24 October 2003,   [2] Musk, Elon, ‘Hyperloop Alpha’, SpaceX, 12 August 2013,  p.8, 56 fastest transportation, short distance, public transportation, supersonic jets, Concorde, hyperloop, high speed rail, travel time, city-to-city, rapid transit, speed comparison, transportation methods, travel efficiency, travel duration, high-speed travel high-speed transportation, short-distance travel, hyperloop, supersonic jets, Concorde, ground transportation, high-speed rail, travel time, mobility, speed comparison, advanced transit, hyperloop speed short-distance transportation, fastest transport, public transit speed, supersonic jets, Concorde, hyperloop, high-speed rail, ground transportation, travel time, travel speed, Elon Musk, Hyperloop Alpha, transportation comparison, San Francisco-Los Angeles, travel duration, transportation technologies fast transportation, short distance travel, public transportation, supersonic jets, Concorde, high-speed train, Hyperloop, travel time, rapid transit, ground transportation, speed comparison, transportation innovation, Elon Musk, Hyperloop Alpha, travel efficiency rapid transportation, short distance, public transit, supersonic jets, Concorde, hyperloop, high-speed rail, travel time, ground transportation, urban transit, transportation speed, fast commute, intercity travel, transit alternatives
test-law-sdfclhrppph-con02a	Individual Liberty outweighs any potential harms  Whatever the potential harms that may arise from unrestrained free speech; they pale in comparison to the harm that arises from banning an individual from freely expressing his own mind.  It is a matter of the upmost individual liberty that one’s thoughts and feelings are one’s own, and that individuals are free to express those thoughts and feelings openly. A prohibition on this liberty is a harm of incalculable value – it strikes right to the core of what it means to be in individual person. individual liberty, free speech, expression, personal freedom, censorship, individual rights, harm reduction, free expression, thought freedom, personal autonomy, liberty vs harm, societal restrictions, human rights individual liberty, free expression, free speech, personal freedom, First Amendment, censorship, free thought, personal rights, expression rights, liberty vs harm, individual rights, free expression importance, censorship harms, personal autonomy, freedom of mind, speech restrictions individual liberty, free speech, censorship, personal freedom, expression, rights, autonomy, harm, free expression, individual rights individual liberty, free speech, expression rights, personal freedoms, First Amendment, censorship, individual rights, freedom of mind, thought freedom, speech harms, expression protections, personal autonomy, liberty versus harm, censorship debate, human rights individual liberty, free speech, personal expression, human rights, liberty rights, free expression, censorship, individual freedom, speech rights, personal autonomy, mental liberty, expression rights, freedom of thought, moral philosophy, civil liberties
test-philosophy-pppgshbsd-pro03a	Even the leaders of the Left have given up on Socialism as a creed and have now accepted the vast majority of modern Capitalist principles  Even the leaders of those European political parties that still call themselves socialist tend to avoid the word. Broadly speaking even the leaders of the left- outside Cuba and Colombia- accept the basic principles of Market economics and recognise that high-tax, high-spend economics simply does not work.  Like it or not borders are now open and the idea that the state can control the flow of capital is a thing of the past. As a result people generally are richer and the idea that there a solid class block is simply no longer relevant to their lives. socialism, capitalism, political leaders, European parties, socialist, market economics, high-tax, high-spend, borders, capital flow, income inequality, class structure, economic principles socialism, capitalism, political leadership, European politics, socialist parties, market economics, high-tax, high-spend, border openness, capital flow, economic principles, class structure, wealth distribution socialism, capitalism, political leaders, European parties, market economics, high-tax, high-spend, globalization, borders, capital flow, wealth, social classes Left politics, Socialism, Capitalism, European political parties, Market economics, taxes, government spending, borders, capital flow, globalization, economic policy, wealth, class structure socialism, capitalism, political leadership, European parties, market economics, taxation, government spending, open borders, capital flow, economic inequality, class structure, globalization, economic reform
test-philosophy-npegiepp-con01a	The assumption of the automaticity of Spill-over is wrong.  The core of Neo-functionalism that spill-over being the main driving force behind continuing integration assumed the automaticity of integration. Once integration has started it will be a self-continuing force that will eventually integrate the whole of Europe - is clearly wrong. Supranational functionalism 'assumed first, that national sovereignty, already devalued by events, could be chewed up leaf by leaf like an artichoke'. [1] The functional method of spill-over is very limited, its success in the relatively painless area in which it works relatively well lifts the participants to the level of issues to which it does not apply well any more. For example no common defence or foreign policy within the community project has been successful. This failure in high politics is fundamental, without a coordinated foreign and security policy the role of the EU in the world is open to question. Opposition too much further enlargement reduces the role the EU can play outside the union unless a common foreign policy can be agreed. [2]  [1] Hoffmann, S. ‘Obstinate or obsolete? The fate of the nation-state and the case of Western Europe.’, Daedalus, Vol. 95, No. 3, 1966, pp. 862-915, p882  [2] Pabst, Adrian, ‘The EU as a Security/Defence Community?’, Luxembourg Institute for European and International Studies, 2/3 July 2004, Spill-over, automaticity, Neo-functionalism, European integration, supranationalism, sovereignty, functional method, European Union, high politics, foreign policy, security policy, enlargement, European security, nation-state, international role spill-over, neo-functionalism, integration, European Union, supranationalism, functionalism, sovereignty, foreign policy, security, enlargement, EU role, European integration, political integration, intergovernmentalism, European community spill-over, integration, neo-functionalism, automaticity, European integration, supranational functionalism, sovereignty, functional method, European Union, enlargement, foreign policy, high politics, security, defence, EU role, international relations, EU expansion, national sovereignty spill-over, neo-functionalism, European integration, integration assumption, supranational functionalism, sovereignty, functional method, European Union, foreign policy, security policy, EU enlargement, EU role, international security, nation-state, European community spill-over, European integration, neo-functionalism, automaticity, supranationalism, sovereignty, functionalism, European Union, foreign policy, security policy, enlargement, European security, EU foreign policy, integration theory, European community, high politics, institutional limitations, European role
test-international-aegmeppghw-con01a	"The geographical definition of Europe must be limited and does not include Turkey  There is no obvious and widely accepted geographical definition of a frontier to Europe. Is Russia a European country? Are Georgia and Armenia? Are Cyprus and Malta? The fact that the Mediterranean country Italy became a member of a regional organisation, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), was certainly not determined by geography, but was an act of political imagination. Today the location of a Mediterranean state in the North Atlantic is no longer considered as something ""odd"". Another example of changing perceptions of a region is the change from regarding the border of Europe as falling between East and West Germany; Europe broadened to include all the former Eastern European countries as potential members of the EU.  Given that part of Turkey’s territory is on what everyone accepts is the European mainland, why shouldn’t it be allowed to join the main European club? While Turkey's land area is almost entirely in Asia the European part does have immense historical significance, and Turkey has a population in Europe of about 14million, larger than many of the smaller EU members. It already belongs to NATO, the OECD and the Council of Europe, and participates in the Eurovision Song Contest and European football competitions. Turkey is a westward-looking country. Europe, geographical definition, Turkey, boundaries, frontier, Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Cyprus, Malta, Mediterranean, Italy, NATO, political imagination, regional organization, perceptions, Europe border, East West Germany, Eastern Europe, EU, Turkey European territory, population, historical significance, NATO, OECD, Council of Europe, Eurovision, European football, westward-looking Europe, geographical boundaries, Turkey, Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Cyprus, Malta, Mediterranean, NATO, political imagination, European borders, East West Germany, Eastern Europe, European Union, European mainland, Turkey Europe, history, population, NATO membership, OECD, Council of Europe, Eurovision, European football, regional identity, perception shifts Europe, geographical boundaries, Turkey, Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Cyprus, Malta, NATO, Mediterranean, regional organizations, political imagination, European borders, East West Germany, Eastern Europe, European Union, Turkey in Europe, European mainland, historical significance, NATO membership, OECD, Council of Europe, Eurovision, European football, westward-looking Europe, geographical boundaries, Turkey, Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Cyprus, Malta, NATO, European Union, regional organization, Mediterranean, East-West Germany, Eastern Europe, accession, European membership, European identity, political imagination, European mainland, population, NATO membership, Council of Europe, Eurovision, European football, regional perception, European integration, geographical definitions Europe, geographical boundaries, Turkey, Turkey-Europe border, European countries, Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Cyprus, Malta, Italy, NATO, political imagination, Mediterranean, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO membership, geographic perception, East West Germany, regional expansion, EU, European mainland, Turkey in Europe, historical significance, European population, NATO, OECD, Council of Europe, Eurovision, European football, westward-looking"
test-international-amehbuaisji-pro03a	The American people support ICC membership.  In a democracy the voice of the people should carry weight in determining how the country acts internationally. According to a 2005 poll carried out by the Chicago Council on foreign relations 69% of the US population are in favour of US participation in the ICC. This clearly shows that the US people are unconvinced by the arguments on the theorized drawbacks of the International Criminal Court and are happy for it to be ratified. American people, ICC support, democracy, public opinion, US participation, international justice, Chicago Council poll, 2005, foreign relations, US ratification, ICC membership, public support, international law American people, ICC membership, democracy, public opinion, US support, international law, Chicago Council, 2005 poll, US participation, International Criminal Court, public support, ratification American people, ICC membership, democracy, public opinion, US support, international justice, Chicago Council on Foreign Relations, 2005 poll, public approval, US participation, ratification, international law, global justice, citizens' support American people, ICC support, democracy, public opinion, 2005 poll, Chicago Council on Foreign Relations, US participation, International Criminal Court, public approval, international justice, US ratification, survey data, foreign policy, international law, popular support American people, ICC membership, democracy, public opinion, US foreign policy, Chicago Council poll, international justice, US ratification, public support, international law, criminal court, US participation, 2005 poll, national sovereignty, global justice
test-sport-tshbmlbscac-con04a	Collisions heighten antagonisms.  When someone gets hurt in a collision at the plate, the injured player’s teammates are more likely to hold a grudge—and to try to get even. There are numerous opportunities to do that, whether by aiming a pitch at that player, or by seeking another opportunity to hurt him. When Posey was injured, the Giants’ General Manager Brian Sabean said, “If I never hear from Cousins [who hit Posey] again or if he never plays another game in the big leagues, I think we’ll all be happy.... We’ll have a long memory.” [1] This is exactly the unsportsmanlike behaviour engendered by these dangerous and unnecessary plays.  Former MLB catcher Mike Matheny noted that catchers don’t forget when they get hit, saying, “I think you just put a mark in the column that that kid took a run at a catcher. To me as a catcher I know the next time I get the ball I'm going to stick it to him. You make those notes as a catcher.” [2]  [1] “Source: Joe Torre to call Brian Sabean,” ESPN.com News Services, June 3, 2011,  .  [2] R.B. Fallstrom, “Matheny critical of Cousins’ hit on Posey,” Associated Press, May 30, 2011,  . baseball, collisions, injuries, antagonisms, grudge, retaliation, pitch, sportsmanship, unsportsmanlike conduct, dangerous plays, player behavior, MLB, catchers, revenge, memory, game rules, player safety, rivalries baseball, collisions, injuries, sportsmanship, antagonisms, retaliation, player behavior, pitching, baseball rules, unsportsmanlike conduct, catcher, player grudges, team dynamics, sports injuries, sports conflict, player safety baseball, injuries, collisions, retaliation, sportsmanship, MLB, player safety, grudges, hitting, pitcher, catcher, unsportsmanlike conduct, rivalry, retaliation tactics, injury consequences, sports ethics baseball, collisions, injuries, player retaliation, sportsmanship, unsportsmanlike conduct, rivalry, pitcher, catcher, hit, injury, grudge, revenge, mental notes, game aggression, baseball fights, player safety baseball, collisions, injuries, sportsmanship, antagonism, retaliation, player behavior, baseball rules, sports ethics, player safety, MLB, fighting, pitcher, catcher, conflict, sportsmanship violations
test-digital-freedoms-aihwbasmn-con04a	The state can use blocking Twitter and its ilk as precedent to censor the internet in the “public interest”  The state always likes to expand its powers over speech, particularly when that speech is damaging to the government’s credibility. The freedom of speech is a critical right in all free societies precisely because it is the ultimate check ordinary citizens have to challenge the powers that be, to express dissent, and to organize with like-minded people dissatisfied with the way government is running. The internet has been the most powerful and valuable tool in the expansion of individuals’ power of their governments. [1] The state quakes at the raw people power services like Twitter provides. It is the last frontier largely free of the state’s power, and the state has sought to expand its influence. By blocking Twitter the government would be able to get its first foothold in blocking free speech online. [2] The power of that beachhead would serve to give it further credibility in censoring other services online in the public interest. It is much better that the government be kept entirely out of these services, than let them begin the slow creep of intervention that would be a serious threat to the freedom of individuals on the internet.  [1] Anti-Defamation League. “Combating Extremism in Cyberspace”. 2000.   [2] Temperton, J. “Blocking Facebook and Twitter During Riots Threatens Freedom”. Computer Active. 15 August 2011. internet censorship, freedom of speech, government powers, online free speech, social media blocking, Twitter, government influence, digital rights, censorship precedent, public interest, online expression, dissent, citizen empowerment, government regulation, extremism, social media platforms, internet freedom, civil rights, digital activism, online control internet censorship, freedom of speech, government power, online speech, social media, Twitter, digital rights, government surveillance, free expression, internet freedom, censorship precedent, public interest, civil liberties, digital activism, internet regulation internet censorship, free speech, government powers, online freedom, social media blocking, Twitter, internet regulation, government influence, digital rights, online dissent, societal impact, surveillance, internet access, civil liberties, public interest, online activism, freedom of expression, authoritarian control, digital democracy, information freedom censorship, internet, free speech, government power, online censorship, social media, Twitter, public interest, freedom of speech, citizen activism, government expansion, online freedom, political dissent, digital rights, online services, civil liberties free speech, internet censorship, government powers, online freedom, social media blocking, Twitter, digital rights, expression rights, government influence, citizen activism, public interest, free societies, information control, online speech, civil liberties, censorship precedents, internet freedom, social networks, online activism, government overreach
test-economy-bhahwbsps-pro01a	"Exposing non-smokers to second-hand smoke goes against their rights.  The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (a list of rights to which the United Nations has declared that all human beings should be entitled) states that ""Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family""1. More than 50 studies carried out worldwide have found that people are at an increased risk of lung cancer if they work or live with somebody who smokes2. Given these very serious health risks, it goes against people's human rights to be exposed to second-hand smoke when they have not chosen to breathe it in. To avoid this happening, smoking should be banned in public places, so that non-smokers can be sure that they will not have to breathe in second-hand smoke.  1 The Universal Declaration of Human Rights', General Assembly of the United Nations,   2 'Tobacco Smoke and Involuntary Smoking', World Health Organisation, Vol.83, 24 July 2002, second-hand smoke, non-smokers, human rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, health risks, lung cancer, public place ban, tobacco smoke, involuntary smoking, World Health Organization, secondhand smoke exposure second-hand smoke, non-smokers, human rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, health risks, lung cancer, public places, smoking ban, involuntary smoking, World Health Organization, health protection, rights violation, smoke-free environment second-hand smoke, non-smokers, human rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, health risks, lung cancer, exposure, public places, smoking ban, involuntary smoking, World Health Organization, tobacco smoke, rights to health, second-hand smoke dangers second-hand smoke, non-smokers, human rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, United Nations, health risks, lung cancer, exposure, public health, smoking ban, second-hand smoke dangers, tobacco, involuntary smoking, World Health Organization second-hand smoke, human rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, health rights, exposure risks, lung cancer, public health, smoke ban, non-smoker protections, United Nations, World Health Organization, second-hand smoke dangers, tobacco regulation, public places, health risks, involuntary smoking"
test-religion-cmrsgfhbr-con01a	This is a victory for democracy – a precious Filipino value - clear majorities in both houses and in the wider public support it  Opposition have conveniently glossed over one critical issue in this debate – that the RH Bill has significant popular support [i] . It also, as has been demonstrated that a majority of elected representatives support it. In itself these two facts provide evidence that modern Filipinos are sick of the fact that around half of the 3.4 million pregnancies each year are unplanned or the atrocious reality that 90,000 women a year seek the help of back street abortionists. When many of these go wrong, they were denied access to medical care and around 1,000 die each year as a result [ii] .  The values for the respect for the life of the mother, the value of life of the child, respect for the opinions of the majority, respect for democracy and placing the future of individuals and society above the outdated mythology of the Church would seem to be alive and well in the decision to pass this bill.  [i] Rauhala, Emily, ‘Culture Wars: After a decade of debate, the Philippines passes Reproductive Health Bill’, Time, 17 December 2012.   [ii] Ibid. democracy, Filipino values, RH Bill, public support, majority support, legislative support, reproductive health, unplanned pregnancies, abortion, women's health, maternal mortality, medical care, life of mother, life of child, societal values, church opposition, cultural debates democracy, Filipino values, RH Bill, public support, government, legislation, reproductive health, unplanned pregnancies, abortion, maternal mortality, medical care, life of mother, life of child, societal values, Church, culture wars, Philippines, public opinion, elected representatives, support, debate democracy, Filipino values, public support, majorities, opposition, RH Bill, popular support, elected representatives, modern Filipinos, unplanned pregnancies, abortion, maternal health, life of mother, life of child, respect for majority, societal values, church, reproductive health, legislation, Philippines, culture wars, healthcare access, maternal mortality democracy, Filipino values, reproductive health bill, popular support, legislative support, public opinion, unplanned pregnancies, abortion, maternal mortality, access to healthcare, life of mother, life of child, majority opinion, cultural values, Church, legislation, Philippines, reproductive rights, gender equality, contraception, family planning democracy, Filipino values, RH Bill, majority support, public opinion, elected representatives, reproductive health, unplanned pregnancies, backstreet abortions, maternal mortality, life of mother, life of child, societal values, church, culture wars, Philippines, reproductive rights, health policy, abortion statistics, legislation
test-free-speech-debate-fchbjaj-pro02a	Governments have always struggled with the idea of press investigation and freedom of information, claiming Assange is not a journalist is simply a stunt.  We know that most governments struggle with the idea of not having control over information and are suspicious of the media. In a pre-Internet age working with a handful of proprietors made controlling information far easier.  Since the creation of the Internet, the idea of controlling the media has become harder, now there are those who can broadcast themselves directly; a mass of information and opinion that doesn’t rely on the patronage of publishers or political favour.  Assange has simply taken a journalistic position that makes sense for the new media age.  In contrast to the opinion driven mainstream press and much of the blogosphere, Wikileaks actually breaks new stories [1] . New media requires new skills and attitudes of its journalists because the relationship with their readers has changed dramatically but the core of the role, speaking truth to power, remains the same. Furthermore they do so in such a way as allows them to publish their source material and allow the reader themselves to make a judgement as to whether their story really reflects that material. This ability, reflecting effectively limitless capacity for providing textual information, meets the frequently heard desire for news without spin – routinely featured in research into people’s views on the press. This may be a new approach, just as Assange is a new type of Journalist but he is still a journalist.  [1] John Pilger and Julian Assange discuss citizen journalism here . Government, press investigation, freedom of information, Assange, journalist, media control, Internet, new media, communication, journalism, Wikileaks, information flow, citizen journalism, source transparency, digital journalism, media evolution, free press, truth-telling, investigative journalism, information dissemination, media independence Governments, press investigation, freedom of information, Assange, journalist, media control, Internet, direct broadcasting, mass information, opinion, mainstream press, blogosphere, Wikileaks, new media, journalism, truth to power, source material, reader judgement, textual information, news without spin, citizen journalism Governments, press investigation, freedom of information, Assange, journalist, media control, Internet, online broadcasting, citizen journalism, Wikileaks, new media, media independence, information control, censorship, transparency, source material, journalism skills, truth-telling, reader engagement, media evolution, blogging, mainstream press, information age, media ethics, journalism innovation Governments, press investigation, freedom of information, Julian Assange, journalist, media control, Internet, new media, Wikileaks, storytelling, source material, reader engagement, truth to power, citizen journalism, mainstream press, blogs, information dissemination, social media, journalism skills, media independence, transparency, information warfare Governments, press investigation, freedom of information, Assange, journalist, media control, Internet, information dissemination, censorship, Wikileaks, new media, citizen journalism, transparency, source material, truth-telling, journalism ethics, media landscape, digital age, information sharing, public trust, media independence
test-religion-grcrgshwbr-pro05a	Western societies are secularly focused  Many societies are founded on secular values that do not permit the sponsorship of any religion by the state. British society aspires to this and has consciously acted to separate religion from state authority with many organisations such as the National Secular Society encouraging the suppression of any religious expression in public places.1 In this climate it is important that all citizens of the state are seen as equal. If some dress differently to others, deliberately identifying themselves as members of one religion, this can harm the unity and ethos of the state. This holds particularly true for institutions of the state like schools and government offices. In this way, it is possible to deduce that religious symbols are detrimental to the secular and equality focused identity of Western society.  1 'UK: One Law for all and the National Secular Society Back Bill that Aims to Curb Sharia Courts', 11th June 2011 , accessed on 23rd July 2011 secularism, Western societies, religion separation, state authority, National Secular Society, religious expression, public places, equality, religious dress, religious symbols, societal unity, state institutions, secular values, religious diversity, social cohesion, cultural integration, legal frameworks secularism, Western society, religious neutrality, state separation, national secular society, religious expression, public spaces, religious symbols, societal unity, religious dress, equality, secular values, government institutions, religious diversity, social cohesion secularism, Western societies, religion, state, secular values, national secular society, religious expression, public places, equality, religious symbols, state institutions, multiculturalism, religious attire, social cohesion, religious neutrality secularism, Western societies, religion, state separation, secular values, national secular society, religious expression, public places, religious dress, religious symbols, societal equality, religious identity, state institutions, cultural unity, religious tolerance secularity, Western societies, religion, state, secular values, separation of church and state, National Secular Society, religious expression, public places, equality, religious dress, social unity, religious symbols, secular identity, Western culture
test-philosophy-pppgshbsd-con05a	It is impossible to acquire the information necessary to create a coherent economy  A planned economy requires that the planners have the information necessary to allocate resources in the right way. This is a virtually impossible task.  The world contains trillions of different resources: my labour, iron ore, Hong Kong harbour, pine trees, satellites, car factories – etc. The number of different ways to use, combine and recombine these resources is unimaginably vast.  And almost all of them are useless. For example, it would be a mistake to combine Arnold Schwarzenegger with medical equipment and have him perform brain surgery.  Centralised planning cannot possibly sort through the myriad of way of arranging resources to arrive at the most efficient usage. Only a decentralised price system can achieve this via the institution of private property and associated duties and rights. [1]  [1] Boudreaux, Donald J, ‘Information and Prices’. planned economy, decentralized pricing, resource allocation, information theory, central planning, private property, economic coordination, resource management, market mechanisms, efficiency, economic calculation, information costs, economic planning limitations planned economy, resource allocation, information theory, decentralised price system, private property, resource management, economic planning, inefficiency, information complexity, market mechanism, centralised planning, resource diversity, economic efficiency planned economy, resource allocation, information, decentralised price system, private property, centralised planning, resource management, economic efficiency, supply and demand, market prices, economic coordination, resource recombination, economic planning, information theory planned economy, resource allocation, information, decentralised price system, private property, planning challenges, resource management, economic coordination, efficiency, central planning, knowledge problem, market mechanisms, economic calculation planned economy, resource allocation, information, decentralised price system, private property, centralised planning, efficiency, resource management, economic planning, logistics
test-international-epglghbni-pro05a	Economic efficiency  A Unified Ireland would be better off economically. “Ireland is too small for two separate administrations….There is a draw towards the greater integration of services, structures and bodies on an all-Ireland basis in order to deliver quality services and economies of scale.” – Martin McGuinness, Deputy First Minister for Northern Ireland*  Having two electricity grids, two transport networks, two separate police and judiciary hamper economic growth and waste resources that could be better used in a unified system, as cost would lower as efficiency rises.  *McGuinness, 2010, economic efficiency, Ireland, unified Ireland, economic growth, integration, services, structures, economies of scale, electricity grids, transport networks, police, judiciary, resource allocation, cost reduction, resource waste economic efficiency, unified Ireland, economic growth, integration, services, infrastructures, economies of scale, electricity grids, transport networks, police, judiciary, resource waste, cost reduction, efficiency, regional development economic efficiency, unified Ireland, economic integration, service delivery, economies of scale, infrastructure, electricity grid, transport network, police, judiciary, resource waste, cost reduction economic efficiency, unified Ireland, economic growth, integration, public services, economies of scale, electricity grids, transportation networks, police, judiciary, resource allocation, cost reduction economic efficiency, unified Ireland, economic growth, integration, services, structures, economies of scale, electricity grids, transport networks, police, judiciary, resource optimization, cost reduction, efficiency, Northern Ireland, Martin McGuinness
test-philosophy-eppphwlrtjs-pro05a	"It may be necessary to limit trial by jury in cases where it is impossible to recruit an impartial jury.  Especially in cases of nationalist conflict or terrorist attacks, it may be extremely difficult to have a non-biased jury. In Northern Island, for example, jurors may sympathize with violent offenders and acquit them despite a preponderance of evidence. Similarly, it can be a struggle to appoint non-biased juries for terrorism trials post 9/11. In 2003, the ""Lackwana Six"" were accused of aiding a foreign terrorist organization. The magistrate noted that ""Understandably, the infamous, dastardly and tragic deeds and events of September 11, 2001 have caused a maelstrom of human emotions to ... create a human reservoir of strong emotional feelings such as fear, anxiety and hatred as well as a feeling of paranoia... These are strong emotions of a negative nature which, if not appropriately checked, cause the ability of one to properly reason to ... be blinded."" Questions about jury impartiality have been raised in multiple similar cases, even leading some defendants to claim that they pled guilty out of resignation that the jury would inevitably be biased and refuse to acquit.1 The implication is that in some trials, juries may be unable to make impartial decisions, thus making the trial unfair. The only way for justice to be done, in such cases, is to allow a judge to decide the verdict.  1Laura K. Donohue, ""Terrorism and Trial by Jury: The Vices and Virtues of British and American Criminal Law"" trial by jury, impartial jury, nationalism, terrorism, Northern Ireland, jury bias, terrorism trials, 9/11, ""Lackwana Six"", emotional influence, jury impartiality, biased jury, defendant plea, trial fairness, judge decision, justice, legal system trial by jury, impartiality, bias, nationalist conflict, terrorist attacks, Northern Ireland, violent offenders, acquittal, terrorism trials, 9/11, Lackwana Six, foreign terrorist organization, emotional influence, human emotions, fear, anxiety, hatred, paranoia, jury bias, guilty plea, fairness, judge decision, justice, criminal law trial by jury, impartial jury, nationalist conflict, terrorist attacks, Northern Ireland, juror bias, terrorism trials, post 9/11, Lackwana Six, foreign terrorist organization, September 11, 2001, emotional influence, human emotions, fear, anxiety, hatred, paranoia, jury impartiality, guilt admission, biased jury, unfair trial, judge decision, criminal law, British law, American law trial by jury, impartial jury, nationalist conflict, terrorist attacks, Northern Ireland, juror bias, acquittal, terrorism trials, 9/11, Lackwana Six, foreign terrorist organization, jury impartiality, emotional influence, human emotions, fear, anxiety, hatred, paranoia, jury fairness, defendant claims, guilty plea, biased jury, trial fairness, judge decision, justice, criminal law jury impartiality, trial limitations, nationalist conflict, terrorism trials, Northern Ireland, biased juries, violence, terrorism, post-9/11, ""Lackwana Six"", foreign terrorist organizations, September 11, 2001, emotional influence, human emotions, fear, anxiety, hatred, paranoia, jury bias, court fairness, judge decision, justice, legal fairness, criminal law, British law, American law"
test-international-gmehbisrip1b-pro03a	Returning to the 1967 borders would bring peace to Israel.  If Israel were to withdraw to its 1967 borders, the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) would recognise Israel as legitimate within its remaining territories and end the conflict. In October 2010 Senior Palestine Liberation Organization official Yasser Abed Rabbo said that the Palestinians will be willing to recognize the State of Israel in any way that it desires, if the Americans would only present a map of the future Palestinian state that includes all of the territories captured in 1967, including East Jerusalem. “We want to receive a map of the State of Israel which Israel wants us to accept. If the map will be based on the 1967 borders and will not include our land, our houses and East Jerusalem, we will be willing to recognize Israel according to the formulation of the government within the hour... Any formulation [presented to us] – even asking us to call Israel the 'Chinese State' – we will agree to it, as long as we receive the 1967 borders ” added Rabbo. [1] Even Ismail Haniyeh, leader of the more extreme Hamas organisation, has said Hamas will accept a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders and will offer Israel a “long term truce” if it withdraws accordingly. [2] Significant international support for Israel withdrawing to the 1967 borders also exists, even from states with a history of hostility with Israel such as Iran and Saudi Arabia, who have made such a withdrawal a precondition of peace and recognition talks with Israel. [3] [4] Even then-Israeli Prime Miniser Ehud Olmert acknowledged in 2008 that “almost all” of the territory seized during the Six-Day War in 1967 will have to be given back to the Palestinians return for peace. [5] Therefore Israel should withdraw to its 1967 borders as this would bring peace and security to Israel by ending the conflict with the Palestinians and neighbouring states.  [1] Haaretz. “PLO chief: We will recognize Israel in return for 1967 borders”. Haaretz.com. 13 October 2010.   [2] Amira Hass News Agencies, Haaretz. “willing to accept a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders”. Haaretz.com. 9 November 2008.   [3] Al-Quds. “Ahmadinezhad and the Implications of the Two-State Solution”. Pro-Fatah Palestinian newspaper Al-Quds. 29 April 2009  [4] UPI.com. “Saudi to Israel: Return to 1967 borders”. UPI.com. 5 November 2010.   [5] MacIntyre, Donald. “Israel will have to reinstate pre-1967 border for peace deal, Olmert admits”. The Independent. 30 Septemebr 2008. 1967 borders, Israel, Palestine, PLO, recognition, peace, Palestinian state, East Jerusalem, Hamas, truce, international support, Iran, Saudi Arabia, recognition talks, Six-Day War, territory, security, conflict, neighboring states 1967 borders, Israel, Palestine, peace, Israeli withdrawal, PLO, recognition, East Jerusalem, Hamas, Palestinian state, truce, international support, Iran, Saudi Arabia, recognition talks, Ehud Olmert, Six-Day War, territory, conflict resolution, security, neighboring states 1967 borders, Israel, Palestine, PLO, recognition, peace, withdrawal, East Jerusalem, Hamas, long-term truce, international support, Iran, Saudi Arabia, recognition talks, Ehud Olmert, Six-Day War, territory, security, conflict, peace process 1967 borders, Israel, Palestinian territories, PLO, recognition, peace, East Jerusalem, Gaza, West Bank, Six-Day War, ceasefire, truce, negotiations, international support, Iran, Saudi Arabia, recognition talks, security, conflict resolution, Israel withdrawal, Middle East peace, two-state solution, borders, sovereignty, territorial dispute, Hamas 1967 borders, Israel, Palestine, PLO, recognition, peace, withdrawal, East Jerusalem, Hamas, truce, international support, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Six-Day War, territory, security, conflict, Israeli Prime Minister, Olmert, negotiations, recognition talks
test-politics-oepghbrnsl-pro01a	Stability is more important than reform  Since the fall of communism, Russia has plunged into a deep economic recession. The introduction of market reforms and privatization has led to a swift increase in inequalities coupled with an increase in corruption. The chaos of economic and political reform, along with the chaos of the break-up of former USSR, has left the majority of the population both disillusioned and distrustful of their government. In a period of such chaos, stability seems to be much more important than reform. A strong leader is the only solution to providing such stability, setting a clear direction and pulling a country at risk of falling apart together again. This is also proven from various polls among the Russian population – “…The most eye-catching statistic is the overwhelming majority of respondents who say that order is more important for Russia than democracy – 72 per cent, with 16 per cent responding conversely.” (1) stability, reform, Russia, communism, economic recession, market reforms, privatization, inequalities, corruption, political reform, USSR, disillusionment, distrust, chaos, leadership, governance, order, democracy Stability, reform, Russia, communism, economic recession, market reforms, privatization, inequalities, corruption, political chaos, USSR, disillusionment, distrust, strong leadership, national unity, order, democracy, public opinion stability, reform, Russia, communism, economic recession, market reforms, privatization, inequalities, corruption, USSR, chaos, disillusionment, distrust, government, strong leader, direction, unity, order, democracy, polls stability, reform, communism, Russia, economic recession, market reforms, privatization, inequalities, corruption, political chaos, USSR, disillusionment, distrust, government, strong leader, national stability, governance, public opinion stability, reform, Russia, communism, economic recession, market reforms, privatization, inequalities, corruption, political chaos, USSR, disillusionment, distrust, strong leadership, national unity, order, democracy, social stability
test-economy-beghwbh-con03a	There have been similar suggestions before for intercity travel  The Hyperloop is not the first proposal to use tubes with low – or no – pressure in them. A very high speed train was proposed by Robert M. Salter in 1972. This as a train running in a vacuum would have gone substantially faster than anything that is currently being proposed travelling at around 3000 mph. [1]  Nor is this the first proposal for a pneumatic transport system; such trains were around in the 19th century. They were first proposed as far back as 1812 [2] and several short demonstration tracks were constructed such as the Beach Pneumatic Transit in New York which opened in 1870. [3] Such idea has not got off the ground in the past and there seems no reason why they should now when the basic technology is pretty much the same.  [1] Salter, Robert M., ‘The Very High Speed Transit System’, RAND Corporation, 1972,   [2] Medhurst, George, ‘Calculations and Remarks, Tending to Prove the Practicability, Effects and Advantages of a Plan for the Rapid Conveyance of Goods and Passengers: Upon an Iron Road Through a Tube of 30 Feet in Area, by the Power and Velocity of Air’, D.N. Shury, 1812,   [3] Mihm, Stephen, ‘New York Had a Hyperloop First, Elon Musk’, Bloomberg, 14 August 2013, intercity travel, Hyperloop, tube transportation, low pressure, vacuum train, high-speed train, Robert M. Salter, pneumatic transport, 19th-century transportation, pneumatic train, Beach Pneumatic Transit, demonstration tracks, transportation history, vacuum tube, pneumatic systems, rapid transit, tube transport, history of hyperloop, early pneumatic systems, electric propulsion, high velocity trains hyperloop, intercity travel, pneumatic transport, vacuum train, high speed train, Robert M. Salter, 1972, pneumatic systems, tube transportation, low-pressure tubes, 19th-century transit, Beach Pneumatic Transit, New York, demonstration tracks, vacuum tube technology, rapid conveyance, Elon Musk, Hyperloop history, transportation innovation Hyperloop, high speed train, vacuum train, pneumatic transport, intercity travel, Robert M. Salter, 1972, vacuum train, pneumatic tube system, 19th-century transportation, Beach Pneumatic Transit, New York, tube technology, rapid conveyance, pneumatic rail, tunnel transportation, Elon Musk, Hyperloop history, tube-based transit, low-pressure tubes intercity travel, Hyperloop, vacuum tube, high speed train, Robert M. Salter, pneumatic transport, 19th century, pneumatic train, Beach Pneumatic Transit, Elon Musk, Hyperloop history, rapid conveyance, low-pressure tubes, tube transportation, vacuum transportation, high velocity transit, pneumatic systems, tube-based transit, early transport ideas, transportation innovation intercity travel, Hyperloop, vacuum train, low-pressure tubes, high-speed train, Robert M. Salter, pneumatic transport, 19th century transport, pneumatic transit, Beach Pneumatic Transit, vacuum tube transport, early transportation proposals, rapid conveyance, pneumatic systems, tube transportation history
test-economy-bepighbdb-pro02a	Dictatorships assure low cost political stability  Due to the lack of rotation in office, a dictatorship allows for a more stable government with more ability to plan for the long term, which is crucial for attracting foreign investment.  Given that a democracy requires regular elections, each election can change the economic environment of a country. A change in government may lead to a switch in policies, partisan appointments to government bodies, and a medium term focus always set on the next election.  Close elections can lead to disorder as votes are recounted and appeals lodged in the courts. After the 2006 Mexican presidential election, tight results lead to popular unrest and mass protests calling for a recount. The president elect had to deal with a large legislative faction that did not recognise him, and his opponent refused to concede defeat. [1] Without a stable framework, the lack of foreign confidence may impede development. The countries that have developed rapidly have tended to be those that have managed to attract this foreign direct investment thus in 2012 China managed to get $243 billion of FDI (18% of the total) against only $175 billion for the United States which is still a much bigger economy. [2]  Additionally the resources needed to operate a democratic society and run elections are a large expense for the state and society as a whole; the US presidential election costs $6bn, [3] money which would be much better spent investing in building infrastructure or businesses.  [1] See for example the case of Mexico’s 2006 elections. ‘Mass protest over Mexico election’, BBC News, 9 July 2006,  ‘Fracas mars Mexico inauguration’, BBC News, 2 December 2006,   [2] OECD, ‘FDI in Figures’, April 2013,   [3] Hebblethwaite, Cordelia, ‘US election: How can it cost $6bn?’, BBC News, 2 August 2012, dictatorships, political stability, government rotation, long-term planning, foreign investment, democracy, elections, policy changes, political unrest, electoral disputes, election costs, legitimate government, political legitimacy, foreign confidence, economic development, foreign direct investment, infrastructure, resource allocation, political costs, legislative factions, mass protests, election recounts dictatorships, political stability, government stability, long-term planning, foreign investment, democracy, elections, policy change, political parties, government transition, electoral disputes, electoral unrest, popular protests, electoral recount, legislative opposition, foreign confidence, development, foreign direct investment, FDI, economic growth, resources, election costs, infrastructure investment, business development, political systems, election expenses, Mexico 2006 election dictatorships, political stability, government stability, long-term planning, foreign investment, democracy, elections, political change, electoral disputes, unrest, political legitimacy, government recognition, foreign confidence, economic development, foreign direct investment, FDI, China, United States, election costs, election expenses, infrastructure, economic growth, political resources, democratic society dictatorships, political stability, government stability, long-term planning, foreign investment, democracy, elections, policy shifts, political instability, election disputes, popular unrest, legislative conflicts, foreign confidence, economic development, foreign direct investment, FDI, China, United States, election costs, infrastructure investment, governance, political system differences dictatorships, political stability, government stability, long-term planning, foreign investment, democracy, elections, political change, government policies, partisan appointments, election disputes, vote recount, mass protests, electoral unrest, legislative factions, foreign confidence, economic development, foreign direct investment, FDI, China, United States, election costs, election expenses, infrastructure investment, political stability benefits, governance, political systems, election costs, resource allocation
test-international-ghbunhf-con05a	As world becomes more globalised, the need for a global forum for resolving problems becomes ever more important.  In a globalised economy nations depend on each other as never before, and the costs of war and conflict grow ever higher. So it is more important than ever than countries have a forum for resolving their disputes and simply talking to each other. Regional bodies such as the EU or ASEAN can perform some of these functions, and specialised bodies such as the WTO some others; but there can never be a substitute for the global forum provided by the UN. If the United Nations did not exist, we would have to invent it. [1]  [1] Hammarskjold, Dag. “Do We Need The United Nations?”. Address to the Students’ Association, Copenhagen, 2nd May 1959. www.un.org/depts/dhl/dag/docs/needun.pdf globalization, international relations, global forum, conflict resolution, United Nations, diplomacy, global governance, regional organizations, EU, ASEAN, WTO, international dispute resolution, peacebuilding, international cooperation, global economy, conflicts, diplomacy, international organizations globalization, international relations, United Nations, global forum, conflict resolution, diplomacy, world peace, regional organizations, EU, ASEAN, World Trade Organization, dispute settlement, globalization challenges, international cooperation, peacekeeping, multilateralism globalisation, international cooperation, global forum, UN, United Nations, dispute resolution, diplomacy, international organizations, EU, ASEAN, WTO, global economy, conflict prevention, international relations, peacebuilding globalization, international relations, dispute resolution, global forum, United Nations, conflict prevention, regional organizations, EU, ASEAN, World Trade Organization, global governance, diplomacy, international cooperation, peacebuilding globalisation, international cooperation, world forum, conflict resolution, diplomacy, United Nations, regional organizations, EU, ASEAN, WTO, global peace, dispute settlement, international diplomacy, globalization impact, international relations
test-religion-yercfrggms-pro03a	"If there were a God there would be irrefutable evidence of His existence and people would feel compelled to belief by the fact of it:  Many people do not believe in God, and the ranks of atheists are growing every day, particularly in the developed world. It seems that as human knowledge of the Universe expands and as social institutions develop and improve, people feel less dependent upon the crutch of religious faith, and place greater store in reason. [1] If God existed He would make His existence clear to all humanity, not just to a chosen few. In so doing His wisdom would naturally drown out an earthly knowledge, which would obviously be inferior to any that might be furnished by an omniscient being. [2] God has clearly never imparted His wisdom to people since no such divine wisdom exists in any holy book. Were there a correct holy book currently in use, it would necessarily be the only one, because everyone would acknowledge its superiority at once. Reality shows all holy books to be flawed works of flawed men. There is no glimmer of divine spark in any of them, and the only thing that separates most of them from the ravings of madmen is that large groups of people have chosen to believe them. The more reasonable conclusion is one of atheism, and that people believe in God out of ignorance, not revelation.  [1] Drange, Theodore. 1998. ""Nonbelief as Support for Atheism"". Twentieth World Congress of Philosophy.  [2] Schellenberg, John. 2005. ""The Hiddenness Argument Revisited"". Religious Studies 41. God, existence, evidence, faith, atheism, belief, divine wisdom, holy books, religious faith, reason, human knowledge, divine revelation, divine spark, flaw, ignorance, omniscience, divine proof, religious critique, divine hiddenness God, existence, evidence, belief, atheism, divine wisdom, holy books, faith, ignorance, reason, omniscience, divine revelation, religious faith, divine spark, religious texts, religious belief, spirituality, divine proof, religious scriptures, divine knowledge God, divine evidence, atheism, belief, faith, reason, universe, divine wisdom, holy books, divine spark, divine revelation, religious truth, religious skepticism, divine hiddenness, religious texts, divine existence, supernatural, human knowledge, religious faith, divine omniscience God, existence, evidence, belief, atheism, faith, reason, divine wisdom, holy books, flawed scriptures, divine spark, divine revelation, ignorance, religious belief, divine existence, divine revelation, religious faith, theological evidence, religious scriptures, divine knowledge God, existence, evidence, belief, atheism, faith, reason, divine wisdom, holy books, flaw, divine spark, ignorance, revelation, hiddenness, religious studies"
test-science-ascidfakhba-con04a	Artists often rely on copyright protection to financially support themselves and their families  Artists as they are often not paid for anything else may rely on their creative output to support themselves. This is certainly no crime, and existing copyright laws recognize this fact. Artists often rely wholly on their ability to sell and profit from their work. This policy serves to drain them of that potential revenue, as their work is shunted into creative commons, and available to all. Artists often also have families to support, and putting the added financial burden on them of stripping them of their copyright only serves to further those problems as they exist. A robust system of copyright is a much better protection to struggling and successful artists alike who like all talented individuals seek to assuage their material wants. Artists cannot live on appreciation alone. With much less secure copyright many would have to find other work. artists, copyright protection, financial support, creative output, revenue, creative commons, intellectual property, artistic income, copyright laws, artist rights, financial security, creative work, economic sustainability, copyright policy, artist livelihoods artists, copyright protection, financial support, creative output, copyright laws, revenue, creative commons, artistic income, family support, copyright system, intellectual property, artistic earnings, income security, copyright policy, creative rights artists, copyright, protection, revenue, creative output, creative commons, financially support, families, income, intellectual property, profit, legal rights, creative industries, income security, artistic work, copyright law, copyright infringement, economic support, artistic livelihood, copyright system artists, copyright protection, financial support, creative output, copyright laws, revenue, creative commons, intellectual property, artist income, family support, copyright system, artist livelihood, artistic rights, legal protections, income security artists, copyright, protection, income, revenue, creative output, creative commons, intellectual property, financial support, artistic work, copyright laws, economic security, family support, societal value, income dependence, copyright policy, artist livelihoods, material needs, creative economy
test-economy-epsihbdns-con03a	"Rural life is miserable and has higher mortality rates than cities  This planet does not find worse living standards anywhere than in the rural areas of developing countries. These are the areas where famine, child mortality and diseases (such as AIDS) plague the people. [1] China’s Hukou system has condemned millions of people to premature death by locking them in areas that never will develop. [2] While the cities enjoy the benefits of 12% growth, the villages are as poor and deprived as ever. [3] It is a poorly concealed policy aimed at maintaining a gaping social cleavage and allowing the rich to remain rich.  [1] Maxwell, Daniel., “The Political Economy of Urban Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa.” 11, London : Elsevier Science Ltd., 1999, World Development, Vol. 27, p. 1939±1953. S0305-750X(99)00101-1.  [2] Dikötter, Frank. Mao's Great Famine. London : Walker & Company, 2010. 0802777686.  [3] Wang, Fei-Ling. “Organising through Division and Exclusion: China's Hukou System"". 2005. rural life, mortality rates, developing countries, famine, child mortality, diseases, AIDS, Hukou system, premature death, urban-rural divide, social inequality, economic disparity, poverty, famine in China, urban growth, rural deprivation, social cleavage, wealth disparity, food security, Mao's famine, policies, marginalized populations, social exclusion rural life, mortality rates, developing countries, famine, child mortality, diseases, AIDS, Hukou system, urban growth, poverty, social inequality, rural-urban divide, development disparities, food security, Mao's famine, urban-rural policies, social cleavages, economic disparity, rural deprivation, demographic challenges rural life, mortality rates, developing countries, famine, child mortality, diseases, AIDS, China Hukou system, urban growth, rural poverty, social inequality, urban-rural divide, food security, Mao's famine, social exclusion, policy, economic disparity, rural development, urbanization, social cleavage rural life, mortality rates, developing countries, famine, child mortality, diseases, AIDS, Hukou system, social inequality, urban-rural divide, development disparity, economic growth, urban benefits, rural deprivation, social cleavage, poverty, rural health, urbanization, policy impact, social exclusion, China, famine history, global health disparities rural life, mortality rates, developing countries, famine, child mortality, infectious diseases, AIDS, Hukou system, urban-rural divide, social inequality, poverty, rural deprivation, economic disparity, urban growth, social cleavage, food security, China, Mao's Great Famine, rural poverty, development inequality"
test-international-aegmeppghw-con04a	Turkey would be an unstable Muslim state in a traditionally Christian union  Turkey’s citizens may be Muslims, but the state is as firmly secular as France in terms of its constitution and government. The new Justice and Development Party (AK) which is currently in government is not seeking to overturn the secular constitution, although it does want to amend some laws that positively discriminate against devout Muslims. These include rules such as the ban on women wearing headscarves in government buildings; restrictions on expressing religious belief which would break human rights laws within the EU.  Regardless of one's beliefs surrounding Turkey's possible ascension to the European Union, the fact that the nation's predominant religion is Islam is surely not one of the issues to be considered. Millions of Muslims already live within the EU; excluding Turkey from membership on the grounds of religion would suggest these European Muslims were second-class citizens in a Christian club. It would also presumably rule out future EU entry for Albania, Bosnia and Kosovo. If the EU is to be regarded as an institution that promotes freedom for the citizens of its member states then surely this also means that it promotes freedom of religion. If EU member states are fearful of building closer relations with Islam, which they will inevitably have to, proceeding with the world's most moderate and 'western' Islamic country is the most logical first step. The EU should welcome a state which could provide a positive example of how Islam is completely compatible with democracy, progress and human rights. Turkey, Islam, secularism, EU, European Union, Muslim, Christian, minority rights, religious freedom, headscarves, human rights, democracy, progress, moderate Islam, human rights laws, religious expression, Algeria, Bosnia, Kosovo, Albania, EU accession, religious discrimination, religious tolerance Turkey, secularism, Muslim state, Christian union, AK Party, secular constitution, headscarf ban, religious freedom, EU membership, Islam, religious discrimination, human rights, Muslim citizens, Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, freedom of religion, moderate Islam, democracy, progress, human rights Turkey, Islam, secularism, European Union, religion, Muslim, Christian, AK Party, constitution, headscarves, religious freedom, human rights, member states, Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, integration, moderate Islam, democracy, progress, tolerance Turkey, Islam, secularism, EU, European Union, Muslim, Christianity, religious freedom, headscarves, human rights, democracy, moderate Islam, religious discrimination, accession, membership, religious coexistence, religious laws, religious expression, EU integration, religious minorities, religious identity, religious laws, religious tolerance Turkey, Muslim, Christian, secular, constitution, government, Justice and Development Party, AK, laws, headscarves, human rights, EU, ascension, religion, Muslims, Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, freedom, religion, moderate Islam, democracy, progress, human rights
test-international-eghrhbeusli-pro03a	China will simply get similar products elsewhere  In a global marketplace, if EU states don't sell China arms, others will. Russia and Israel [1] already sell China much high-tech military material, between 2001 and 2010 Russia sold over $16billion of arms to China. [2] As Israel is a key American ally, US criticism of Europe over lifting this ban is particularly unfair. It is in Europe's economic interest to gain part of the huge Chinese market and so safeguard European jobs. And if European arms industries cannot find export markets, their production for domestic military forces is simply not enough to support the cost of research and development, [3] so our indigenous arms sector may collapse.  [1] BBC News, ‘US ‘anger’ at Israel weapons sale’, 2004.   [2] Ottens, Nick, ‘Russian Arms Sales to China Drying Up’, 2010.   [3] Ashbourne, Alex, ‘Opening the US Defence Market’, 2011, p1. China, global marketplace, EU, arms sales, Russia, Israel, high-tech military equipment, arms exports, US criticism, European arms industry, Chinese market, jobs, indigenous arms sector, research and development, defense market China, global marketplace, EU, arms sales, high-tech military material, Russia, Israel, US criticism, European jobs, Chinese market, export markets, indigenous arms industry, military research and development, arms industry collapse, international arms trade China, global marketplace, arms sales, EU, European defense industry, high-tech military material, Russia, Israel, US criticism, military exports, Chinese market, jobs, domestic military forces, research and development, arms industry, defense exports, international arms trade China, global marketplace, EU, arms sales, high-tech military, Russia, Israel, US criticism, European jobs, Chinese market, arms industry, exports, domestic military, research and development, indigenous arms sector China, global marketplace, EU states, arms sales, Russia, Israel, high-tech military material, arms exports, US criticism, European jobs, Chinese market, indigenous arms industry, research and development, defense industry, military exports, international arms trade, economic interests
test-law-tlcplghwfne-con01a	"Creating needle exchange may normalise drug-taking behaviour  Needle exchanges increase drug use. The state implicitly accepts that drug use is an acceptable practice when it aids drug users in practicing their habit. As such drug users feel less afraid of taking drugs. This can extend to first time users who might be encouraged by friends to take drugs using the morally grey area created by needle exchanges as an argument.  Further, it is principally wrong that the state should help those who choose to take drugs to begin with. In doing so these people are choosing to firstly harm themselves and secondly cause harm to society as well as contravene the law. The state should exist in such a way that should someone contravene the law they be punished, not rewarded with extra supplies from the taxpayer with no further strings.1  1. Toni Meyer. ""Making the case for opposing needle  exchange"". New Jersey Family Policy Council. November 16, 2007. needle exchange, drug use, normalisation, addiction, harm reduction, drug policy, societal impact, law enforcement, drug prevention, moral concerns, public health, first-time users, peer influence, legal issues, government responsibility needle exchange, drug use, drug behavior normalization, harm reduction, drug policy, addiction, public health, morality, societal impact, law enforcement, drug prevention, first-time drug use, drug culture, moral implications, government intervention, drug harm, taxpayer, drug legislation needle exchange, drug use, drug normalization, harm reduction, drug policy, state intervention, addiction, drug prevention, societal impact, legal issues, morality, public health, drug harm, first-time users, drug laws, taxpayer funding, drug legislation needle exchange, drug use, drug policy, harm reduction, drug normalization, state policy, drug legalization, societal impact, law enforcement, drug prevention, public health, drug experimentation, moral considerations, legal implications, drug harm, addiction, drug initiation, social influence, public safety, taxpayer funding needle exchange, drug use, drug policy, harm reduction, drug harm, societal impact, first time users, drug normalization, state responsibility, law enforcement, drug morality, public health, drug addiction, drug prevention, drug legal issues"
test-economy-bhahwbsps-pro02a	This ban would lower healthcare costs.  The health problems that smokers experience cost taxpayers (where healthcare is provided by the government) or the individual (for private healthcare) a lot of money. Decreasing the number of smokers – as a result of a reduction in both “social smokers” (those who smoke when out with friends) and “passive smokers” (those who do not smoke themselves but are exposed to the second-hand smoke of others) – will lead to a decrease in these healthcare costs. This has been reported – for example – in Arizona, where a study found that hospital admissions due to diagnoses for which there is evidence for a cause by smoking have decreased since the statewide smoking ban, and that costs have thus decreased [1] .  [1] Herman, Patricia M., and Walsh, Michele E. “Hospital Admissions for Acute Myocardial Infarction, Angina, Stroke, and Asthma After Implementation of Arizona’s Comprehensive Statewide Smoking Ban. American Journal of Public Health. 101(3). March 2011. smoking ban, healthcare costs, smokers, social smokers, passive smokers, second-hand smoke, hospital admissions, Arizona, public health, smoking-related illnesses, second-hand smoke exposure, cardiovascular events, respiratory conditions, legislative impact smoking ban, healthcare costs, smokers, social smokers, passive smokers, second-hand smoke, hospital admissions, Arizona, public health, cardiovascular health, respiratory diseases, smoking cessation, secondhand exposure, government healthcare, private healthcare, pulmonary conditions, secondhand smoke exposure, health policy, health economics smoking ban, healthcare costs, smokers, social smokers, passive smokers, second-hand smoke, hospital admissions, Arizona, smoking-related illnesses, public health, second-hand smoke exposure, policy impact, medical expenses, smoking cessation, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, public healthcare savings smoking ban, healthcare costs, smoking-related illnesses, passive smokers, social smokers, second-hand smoke, hospital admissions, Arizona, public health, smoking cessation, health economics, smoking legislation, disease prevention, healthcare expenditure, respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, policy impact smoking ban, healthcare costs, smokers, social smokers, passive smokers, second-hand smoke, hospital admissions, Arizona, healthcare savings, policy impact, public health, second-hand smoke exposure, smoking cessation, smoking-related illnesses, hospital diagnosis, cost reduction
test-digital-freedoms-aihwbasmn-con01a	Blocking social networks will not work  How are the police to block social networks when riots are ongoing? The idea that blocking an individual network like Twitter would stop online networking and reporting during riots is laughable and misunderstands the rapidity with which the internet community adapts to changed circumstances and attempts at censorship. Blocking Twitter might work once, but never again. This is why there have been suggestions that the police would go further and either cut off the internet or phone networks as they would effectively need to impose a communications blackout in order for it to be successful, much as the Chinese does in Tibet when there is unrest. [1] Even then the action may not work, rioters will likely simply post pictures and encouragement for the next night’s rioting once the internet and mobile connections are restored as governments would have to do if they did not want to affect the law abiding majority during the day.  [1] Branigan, T., “China cut off internet in area of Tibetan unrest”, The Guardian, 3 February 2012. social networks, censorship, online reporting, riots, police, internet blackout, communication blackout, internet censorship, rapid adaptation, mobile networks, government control, Tibet unrest, Chinese censorship, social media blockage, law enforcement, internet restrictions social networks, censorship, internet restrictions, online reporting, riots, police, communication blackout, internet adaptation, government control, mobile networks, information dissemination, social media, internet shutdown, law enforcement, censorship effectiveness social networks, censorship, internet shutdown, police, riots, online reporting, rapid adaptation, Tweet blocking, communication blackout, government censorship, internet restrictions, mobile networks, social media, unrest, law enforcement, Tibetan unrest, Chinese internet policies, information control social networks, internet censorship, police, blocking, riots, online reporting, social media, internet adaptation, communication blackout, government control, law enforcement, internet shutdown, mobile networks, protests, unrest, censorship challenges, Chinese internet ban, Tibetan unrest, social media response, network resilience social networks, censorship, internet blackout, social media, riot suppression, police measures, online reporting, network disruption, internet censorship, rapid adaptation, communication blackout, government control, Tibet unrest, mobile networks, law enforcement, protest suppression
test-philosophy-npppmhwup-pro02a	Overcomes prejudice  Affirmative action is required to overcome existing prejudice in universities’ admissions procedures. There is clear prejudice in the job market, as shown in a study by Marianne Bertrand, an associate professor at the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, and Sendhil Mullainathan of Massachusetts Institute of Technology. [1] [2] Following this line of thinking, it is therefore not a far-fetched idea that admissions departments in top universities are likely to be discriminating against applicants from minority backgrounds, even if this process is not deliberate. A senior academic will look to see in applicants qualities they see in themselves, so, given the overwhelmingly white, affluent, male makeup of the academic community, minorities are at a disadvantage even if the admissions officer is not intending to discriminate against them. Prejudice towards certain types of applicants is blatantly unfair, and also undermines meritocracy (as explained above). Since we do not expect applicants from minority backgrounds to actually be worse applicants, it makes sense to require universities to take more of them, so as to protect the system from any bias that may exist.  [1] Bertrand, M. “Racial Bias in Hiring”. Spring 2003.   [2] BBC News Magazine. “Is it wrong to note 100m winners are always black?” August 27, 2011. prejudice, affirmative action, universities, admissions, discrimination, minority applicants, bias, meritocracy, racial bias, hiring, diversity, education inequality, systemic bias, affirmative policies, social justice prejudice, affirmative action, university admissions, discrimination, minorities, bias, meritocracy, diversity, underrepresentation, hiring, social equity, systemic bias, academic community, diversity policies, racial bias, equal opportunity prejudice, affirmative action, university admissions, discrimination, minority applicants, bias, meritocracy, racial bias, hiring practices, diversity, social justice, equitable opportunity, educational equality, systemic bias, academic community overcoming prejudice, affirmative action, university admissions, discrimination, minority applicants, bias, meritocracy, racial bias, hiring practices, academic diversity, equal opportunity, unconscious bias, systemic discrimination, affirmative policies prejudice, affirmative action, university admissions, discrimination, minorities, bias, meritocracy, diversity, diversity policies, underrepresentation, college admissions, hiring bias, racial bias, social justice, equality, affirmative action policies
test-religion-grcrgshwbr-pro04a	A ban would be simple to enforce.  A ban would be simple to create and enforce. Religious symbols are for the most part meant to be shown therefore it is simple for police or authorities to check that someone is not wearing them. There are many societies that have had bans on a religious symbol in public buildings, for example in France where there is a ban on religious symbols in schools has been in force since 2004. In France the ban is made even easier to enforce by restricting it to 'conspicuous' religious apparel.1 Moreover when the ban is only when entering public buildings it can be enforced by the teacher, or the building's security guards rather than being an issue for the police to deal with.  1 BBC News, 'French scarf ban comes into force', 2 September 2004 , accessed 28/8/11 religious symbols, ban enforcement, policy, public buildings, France, religious apparel, schools, security, police, visibility, regulation, religious attire religious symbols, ban enforcement, public buildings, France, religious attire restrictions, school policies, security checks, conspicuous clothing, religious apparel, enforcement ease, police role, security guards, legal restrictions religious symbols, ban enforcement, public buildings, France, religious apparel, school ban, conspicuous clothing, security enforcement, police, religious attire, dress code, government policy religious symbols, ban, enforcement, public buildings, France, schools, religious apparel, conspicuous clothing, security guards, police, regulation, dress code, religious attire religious symbols, ban enforcement, France, public buildings, school regulations, conspicuous religious apparel, security guards, police, enforcement ease, religious attire restrictions
test-society-epsihbdns-con01a	Freedom of movement is an intrinsic human right  Every human being is born with certain rights. These are protected by various charters and are considered inseparable from the human being. The reason for this is a belief that these rights create the fundamental and necessary conditions to lead a human life. Freedom of movement is one of these and has been recognised as such in Article 13 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. [1] If a family finds themselves faced with starvation, the only chance they have of survival might be to move to another place where they might live another day. It is inhuman to condemn individuals to death and suffering for the benefit of some nebulous collective theory. While we might pass some of our freedoms to the state, we have a moral right to the freedoms that help us stay alive – in this context freedom of movement is one of those.  [1] General Assembly, “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights”, 10 December 1948, freedom of movement, human rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 13, intrinsic rights, human dignity, mobility rights, right to migrate, human survival, social justice, inalienable rights, dignity, mobility, international law, ethical considerations freedom of movement, human rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 13, human dignity, intrinsic rights, migration, refugees, mobility, survival, life rights, legal protections, inalienable rights, moral rights Freedom of movement, human rights, universal declaration, human dignity, migration rights, human life, mobility rights, charter protections, Article 13, right to travel, survival rights, inalienable rights, moral rights, globalization, human survival freedom of movement, human rights, universal declaration, article 13, moral rights, inalienable rights, human dignity, right to move, right to travel, right to migrate, human survival, starvation, displacement, refugee rights, international law, human dignity, fundamental freedoms freedom of movement, human rights, universal declaration, Article 13, right to move, human dignity, freedom of movement rights, human survival, migration, inalienable rights, human life, collective rights, moral rights, human liberty, international charters, human freedom
test-international-gpdwhwcusa-pro02a	A UN standing army would be ideally suited to respond to contemporary crises.  Changes in modern warfare dictate the need for an impartial, rapidly-deploying, multi-national force. Modern warfare is no longer the trench battles of battalions aligned to a flag, it is increasingly police actions designed to prevent the resort to warfare in the first place or enforce ceasefires once they have begun. As such, the impartiality of a UN standing army would be highly valuable, offering both parties in the conflict a neutral peacemaker and peacekeeper. Contrast this to the perceived differences in attitude between troops from Britain, the US, Russia and France to warring sides in the Balkans. It would be free of accusations of meddling and self-interest that accompany the participation of troops from neighbouring states in UN interventions (for example, Nigeria in West African missions). A UN standing army could overcome local civilian suspicion, free from the threat of propaganda from those opposed to it and free from the restraints of state power on those troops involved.  Furthermore, a UN standing army would be able to deploy much faster than current peacekeeping missions which are held back by the bureaucracy of finding troops, equipment and funding. The present system takes months to put forces in the field, and these are often inadequate to the task in hand, as member states have pledged fewer troops than were requested and they then struggle to co-ordinate across cultural and linguistic barriers. This has meant the UN has often acted too late, with too little force, and has thereby failed to avert humanitarian disasters in such places as Central Africa, Bosnia, Sierra Leone and Somalia. A UN standing army would be permanently available and able to deploy rapidly to contain crises before they turn into full-scale wars and humanitarian disasters. Without an independent army, the UN has ‘no capacity to avert such catastrophes’ 1 for it simply cannot raise forces quickly or effectively enough.  [1] Johansen, R. C. (2006). A United Nations Emergency Peace Service to Prevent Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity, p.23. UN, standing army, modern warfare, crises response, neutral peacekeeper, peace enforcement, impartiality, multi-national force, rapid deployment, conflict resolution, peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, international security, military logistics, bureaucracy, troop deployment, cultural barriers, linguistic barriers, intervention, peace operations, conflict prevention, humanitarian disasters, rapid response, independent army, peacekeeping challenges UN, standing army, modern warfare, crises response, peacekeeping, impartiality, rapid deployment, multi-national force, conflict resolution, ceasefire enforcement, neutrality, peace enforcement, Balkans, international intervention, foreign troops, propaganda, civilian suspicion, bureaucracy, troop deployment, peacekeeping missions, humanitarian disasters, crisis containment, genocide prevention, crimes against humanity UN, standing army, modern warfare, crises response, peacekeeping, neutrality, rapid deployment, multinational force, peace enforcement, impartiality, conflict prevention, police actions, ceasefire enforcement, peace mediator, peacekeeper, international cooperation, military intervention, humanitarian aid, peace stability, troop deployment, operational efficiency, bureaucracy, resource mobilization, cultural barriers, linguistic barriers, humanitarian disasters, conflict zones, deployability, capacity building, crisis containment, independent military force UN, standing army, rapid deployment, multilateral force, modern warfare, impartiality, peacekeeping, peacemaking, neutrality, international cooperation, crisis response, humanitarian intervention, early warning, conflict prevention, peace enforcement, civil suspicion, propaganda, state sovereignty, rapid deployment, peacekeeping bureaucracy, troop contribution, cultural barriers, linguistic barriers, humanitarian disasters, conflict zones, Africa, Bosnia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, catastrophe prevention UN, standing army, peacekeeping, crisis response, modern warfare, impartiality, rapid deployment, multi-national force, police actions, ceasefires, neutrality, peace enforcement, Balkans, troop deployment, bureaucracy, humanitarian disasters, Africa, Bosnia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, independent army, conflict prevention, rapid response force, international security, genocide prevention, peace enforcement capabilities
test-international-epglghbni-pro04a	Uniting Ireland would bring about an end to sectarian violence  A united Ireland doesn’t have to marginalize the Protestant population. If they are included more in the political process there can be debate, discussion and an airing of grievances which can then be resolved.  There is little sense of attachment to the UK, and British institutions. Much like the Scottish and Welsh, the Northern Irish feel Northern Irish. This shows that the ties to Britain are not emotional, but political. It is clear that Unionists just want to have power over how they run their lives. If Unionists are included in the political process in a united Ireland they will have no grievances and there will finally be a lasting peace. Ireland, sectarian violence, united Ireland, Protestant population, political inclusion, grievances, Northern Irish identity, UK attachment, British institutions, Scottish, Welsh, Northern Irish, political ties, Unionists, power, peace Ireland, sectarian violence, united Ireland, Protestant population, political inclusion, grievances, Northern Irish identity, UK, British institutions, Scottish, Welsh, Northern Irish, political ties, Unionists, power, peace, conflict resolution Ireland, sectarian violence, united Ireland, Protestant population, inclusion, political process, grievances, Northern Ireland, British institutions, Northern Irish identity, UK, Scotland, Wales, political ties, Unionists, power, peace Ireland, sectarian violence, united Ireland, Protestant population, political inclusion, grievances, Northern Irish identity, UK attachment, British institutions, Scottish, Welsh, Northern Irish, political ties, Unionists, power, peace, reconciliation Ireland, sectarian violence, united Ireland, Protestant population, political inclusion, grievances, attachment to UK, British institutions, Northern Irish identity, Scottish, Welsh, political ties, Unionists, political process, peace, power, political representation
test-philosophy-pppgshbsd-con04a	Globalisation has made socialism impractical to implement  Global economic forces have rendered socialism powerless. Financial speculation, and investment flows can make or break economies, and the agents who channel these monies want to see countries liberalise, privatise and de-regulate more. This is being shown by the speculative attacks on Eurozone countries where the markets are showing they can force governments to implement tough austerity or even force changes in government without an election as has happened in Greece and Italy where technocrats have taken over as Heads of Government. [1]  These more flexible markets generate higher levels of growth and prosperity, and provide higher returns on investment, encouraging more. Countries which try to resist globalisation and liberal economic markets, as in ‘old Europe’, suffer stagnant growth and higher unemployment as a result. Old socialist-style economic models of tight economic regulation and central planning are unsustainable.  [1] Frankel, Jeffrey, ‘Let European technocrats weave their magic’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 29 November 2011, globalisation, socialism, economic forces, financial speculation, investment flows, liberalise, privatise, de-regulate, Eurozone, speculative attacks, austerity, government changes, technocrats, economic growth, prosperity, investment returns, resistance, old Europe, stagnant growth, unemployment, socialist models, regulation, central planning, sustainability globalisation, socialism, economic forces, financial speculation, investment flows, liberalisation, privatisation, de-regulation, Eurozone, speculative attacks, austerity measures, government changes, technocrats, economic growth, prosperity, investment returns, resistance, stagnant growth, unemployment, socialist models, regulation, central planning globalisation, socialism, economic forces, financial speculation, investment flows, liberalise, privatisation, deregulation, Eurozone, speculative attacks, austerity, government changes, austerity measures, technocrats, market flexibility, economic growth, prosperity, investment returns, resistance, old Europe, stagnation, unemployment, socialist models, regulation, central planning globalisation, socialism, economic forces, financial speculation, investment flows, liberalisation, privatisation, deregulation, Eurozone, speculative attacks, austerity, technocrats, economic growth, prosperity, investment returns, resistance, stagnant growth, unemployment, socialist models, regulation, central planning globalisation, socialism, economic forces, financial speculation, investment flows, liberalisation, privatisation, deregulation, Eurozone, speculative attacks, austerity, government change, technocrats, economic growth, prosperity, investment returns, resistance, stagnation, unemployment, socialist models, regulation, central planning
test-law-tlcplghwfne-pro01a	"Needle exchanges prevent the transmission of disease  A needle exchange as mentioned in the introduction allows drug users to trade in dirty needles for new ones. This can prevent disease simply by preventing transfer of fluids from one drug user to another. As such, if one drug addict has HIV and has not yet been diagnosed it becomes less likely that he will transmit the disease to another person. Further, many drug addicts fail to even consider the possibility of infection via dirty needles, the mere presence of a needle exchange in the nearby vicinity causes drug addicts to be more aware of the dangers associated with dirty needles.  Further, the liberalising effect that needle exchanges have on public opinion can often cause societal change that allows needles to be bought over the counter. This is especially good in targeting drug users who do not wish to reveal that they have an addiction and allows them use of clean needles.  To back this up it has been found by some researchers that, there has been a one-third reduction in HIV prevalence in New Haven, Connecticut, after its NEP had been in operation for only 4 months. Researchers found an 18.6% average annual decrease in HIV seroprevalence in cities that had introduced an NEP, compared to an 8.1% annual increase in HIV seroprevalence in cities that had never introduced NEPs. HIV prevalence among NEP attenders in a Canadian city was low, even though high-risk behaviors were common. Injecting drug users in Seattle who had formerly attended an NEP were found to be more likely than non-exchangers to reduce the frequency of injection, to stop injecting altogether, and to remain in drug treatment, while new users of the NEP were five times more likely to enter drug treatment than never-exchangers.""1  1. Debra L. O’Neill. ""Needle Exchange Programs: A Review of the Issues"". Missouri Institute of Mental Health. September 27, 2004 www.mimh200.mimh.edu/mimhweb/pie/reports/Needle%20Exchange.pdf needle exchange, disease prevention, harm reduction, HIV, HIV transmission, drug users, clean needles, dirty needles, infectious disease, needle exchange programs, NEP, public health, syringe exchange, intravenous drug use, injection drug users, seroprevalence, HIV prevalence, societal impact, drug treatment, infection control, disease transmission, needle trade, health education, societal attitudes, addiction concealment, harm reduction strategies needle exchange, disease prevention, HIV, HIV transmission, drug users, dirty needles, clean needles, harm reduction, public health, needle exchange programs, NEP, HIV prevalence, injection drug use, harm reduction, societal impact, drug treatment, needle trade, risk reduction, infectious disease, overdose prevention, societal attitudes, public opinion, over-the-counter needles, drug addiction, harm minimization needle exchanges, disease prevention, harm reduction, HIV transmission, intravenous drug use, clean needles, public health, needle exchange programs, NEP, drug users, HIV prevalence, infection control, societal attitude, needle buyback, drug addiction, drug treatment, high-risk behaviors, seroprevalence, needle trading, harm minimization, infectious diseases, needle sharing, public opinion needle exchanges, disease transmission, harm reduction, HIV prevention, intravenous drug use, needle safety, public health, addiction treatment, HIV prevalence, seroprevalence, harm reduction programs, public opinion, societal change, clean needles, high-risk behaviors, injection frequency, drug treatment, outreach programs, needle distribution, disease control needle exchange, disease prevention, harm reduction, HIV transmission, drug users, sterile needles, public health, injection drug use, blood-borne infections, societal attitudes, drug treatment, HIV prevalence, needle program, needle exchange effectiveness, risk reduction, communicable diseases, overdose prevention, public opinion, societal change, needle access, health education, needle sharing, infection control"
test-philosophy-eppphwlrtjs-pro02a	It may be necessary to limit trial by jury in cases where there is a real danger of jury tampering or intimidation.  It is very difficult to carry out trial by jury if people involved in the case continuously attempt to tamper with the jury, or unduly influence its decision. For example, the UK home office has stated that trying to protect jurors from tampering can be extremely disruptive to the jurors themselves, who may in extreme cases need police protection 24 hours a day. Cases involving international terrorism, drug smuggling or organized crime are the most likely to present such problems 1. In the infamous trial of Italian anarchists Vanzetti and Sacco, one of the jurors had a bomb thrown at his house, despite a huge number of security measures taken by the Massachusetts government 2. Another example is the 2008 case of a large armed robbery at Heathrow. After three mistrials, which cost £22m and the last of which collapsed after a serious attempt at jury tampering, it was decided that the case would be tried by a judge alone 3. If eliminating the jury is the only way to ensure that a) a trial occurs and b) jurors are safe, particularly when it is the defendants' fault that a fair trial by jury is untenable, it may be necessary to do so. jury tampering, jury intimidation, trial limitation, security measures, police protection, international terrorism, organized crime, drug smuggling, mistrials, judge alone trial, fairness, juror safety, legal procedures, criminal justice, security risks jury tampering, trial limitations, jury security, jury intimidation, trial by jury, jurisdiction security, jury protection, international terrorism trials, organized crime trials, jury influence, security measures, mistrials, judge-alone trials, legal safeguards, criminal cases, jury disqualification jury tampering, intimidation, trial restriction, jury security, jury protection, jury interference, jury bias, jury trials, criminal cases, terrorism, organized crime, drug smuggling, security measures, mistrials, judge alone trial, legal safeguards, judicial security, high-profile cases, security threats, trial fairness jury tampering, jury intimidation, trial limitations, jury security, police protection, international terrorism, organized crime, drug smuggling, high-profile trials, mistrials, judge-alone trials, security measures, legal protections, fair trial, jury influence, legal safeguards jury tampering, jury intimidation, trial restrictions, jury security, international terrorism, organized crime, security measures, judge alone trial, mistrials, police protection, case security, legal proceedings, legal safeguards, fair trial, judicial procedures
test-science-ascidfakhba-con03a	The lack of control over, and profit from, art will serve as a serious disincentive to artistic output  Profit is as much a factor in artists’ decision to produce work, if not more so, than the primordial urge to create. Without the guarantee of ownership over one’s artistic work, the incentive to invest in its creation is certainly diminished. Within a strong copyright system, individuals feel free to invest time in their pursuits because they have full knowledge that the final product of their labours will be theirs to enjoy. [1] Without copyright protections the marginal cases, like people afraid to put time into actually building an installation art piece rather than doing more hours at their job, will not opt to create. If their work were to immediately leave their control, they would most certainly be less inclined to do so. Furthermore, the inability of others to simply duplicate existing works as their own means they too will be galvanized to break ground on new ideas, rather than simply re-tread over current ideas and to adapt existing works to markets. Art thrives by being new and original. Copyright protections shield against artistic laziness and drive the creative urges of the artistically inclined to ever more interesting fields.  [1] Greenberg, M. “Reason or Madness: A Defense of Copyright’s Growing Pains”. John Marshall Review of Intellectual Property Law. 2007. copyright, artistic control, profit, artistic output, incentive, ownership, intellectual property, artistic creation, original work, duplication, innovation, artistic motivation, creative drive, artistic protection, art markets, originality, copyright system copyright, artistic incentives, artistic control, intellectual property, artistic creation, ownership rights, creative motivation, art innovation, original works, artistic investment, market influence, artistic motivation, art reproduction, copyright protection, artistic originality copyright, artistic output, profit motivation, ownership, creative incentives, intellectual property, artistic investment, originality, innovation, art market, artistic laziness, copyright protection, creative drives, artistic control, art creation barriers, intellectual property law, market adaptation copyright, ownership, artistic motivation, artistic output, profit, creative incentives, intellectual property, art creation, originality, artistic investment, artistic risk, market adaptation, creative freedom, artistic innovation, copyright protection, artistic labor copyright, artistic output, incentives, ownership, artistic production, profit, artistic motivation, intellectual property, originality, creative industries, artistic investment, artistic innovation, intellectual property rights, artistic incentives, artistic creation
test-economy-beghwbh-con02a	"Lack of capacity or room for expansion  The plans for the Hyperloop provide that “The capacity would be 840 passengers per hour which more than sufficient to transport all of the 6 million passengers traveling between Los Angeles and San Francisco areas per year.” With only 28 people per capsule and a maximum of one capsule every 30 seconds there is not much room for expansion. It would seem surprising if this service only carried 6million passengers a year. The Taiwan High Speed Rail running between Taipei and Zuoying carried 41.6 million passengers in 2011 [1] considering that Taiwan has a population of 23 million compared to the combined population of the San Francisco Bay and Los Angeles metropolitan areas of 26million this does not seem an unreasonable comparison. [2] Even if we assume it will not be used at all for commuting and take the Eurostar as the point of comparison the Hyperloop still has only two thirds of the capacity it would need as Eurostar’s ridership is currently approaching 10million. [3]  [1] ""Table 2-8 Passenger Traffic of High-Speed Rail"" . Monthly Statistics of Transportation & Communications . MOTC Department of Statistics .  [2] ‘Annual Estimates of the Population of Combined Statistical Areas’, Census.gov, 2012,   [3] ‘’Strong’ 2012 for Eurostar’, Global Rail News, 25 March 2013, Hyperloop,capacity,expansion,passenger traffic,transportation,high-speed rail,Taiwan High Speed Rail,Eurostar,population,metropolitan areas,passenger count,rail capacity,rail ridership,population comparison,transport statistics capacity, expansion, Hyperloop, passenger volume, capsule, frequency, Los Angeles, San Francisco, transportation, high-speed rail, ridership, population comparison, Eurostar, Taiwan High Speed Rail, infrastructure, scalability, transportation capacity, passenger statistics capacity, expansion, Hyperloop, passenger volume, capsule, transportation, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Taiwan High Speed Rail, Taipei, Zuoying, ridership, Eurostar, population, statistical areas, transportation statistics capacity, expansion, hyperloop, passenger volume, capsules, transit, transportation, high-speed rail, ridership, population, comparison, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Taiwan High Speed Rail, Eurostar, infrastructure, throughput, scalability, passengers per year, maximum capacity Hyperloop, capacity, expansion, passenger throughput, capsule capacity, transportation, Los Angeles, San Francisco, public transit, high-speed rail, Taiwan High Speed Rail, ridership, Eurostar, population, statistical areas, annual estimates, transportation statistics"
test-international-emephsate-pro01a	The admission of Turkey will help the economy of the EU develop more dynamically.  Turkey has a booming economy with one of the fastest growing economies of the world [1] . Turkey has a young, skilled and vibrant workforce contributing in the fields of innovation, industry and finance. Having a young and growing population means that Turkey is in the opposite situation to the European Union, whose population is declining. As a result Turkey joining would be very complementary to the European Economy. In Turkey 26.6% of the population are under 15 [2] while in the EU only 15.44% is. [3] This is significant because the population of the European Union as a whole will be declining by 2035 [4] and because of the aging population the working population will be declining considerably before this. Aging obviously means that the EU will not be able to produce as much, but also that much more of EU resources will be devoted to caring for the elderly with a result that there is likely to be an drag on GDP per capita of -0.3% per year. [5] One way to compensate for this is to bring new countries with younger populations into the Union.  [1] GDP growth (annual %). The World Bank.  Accessed on: September 3, 2012.  [2] ‘Turkey’, The World Factbook, 24 August 2012,   [3] ‘European Union’, The World Factbook, 24 August 2012,   [4] Europa, ‘Population projections 2008-2060 From 2015, deaths projected to outnumber births in the EU27’, STAT/08/119, 26 August 2008,   [5] Carone, Giuseppe, et al., ‘The economic impact of aging populations in the EU 25 Member States’, Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs, n.. 236, December 2005,  p.15 Turkey, European Union, EU, economic development, population demographics, young workforce, aging population, population decline, GDP growth, economic integration, labor market, demographic trends, population projections, economic impact, workforce aging, population aging, economic growth, birth rate, fertility rate, economic benefits, economic challenges Turkey, European Union, EU, economy, economic development, population, demographic trends, aging population, youthful workforce, GDP growth, economic integration, labor market, population decline, population projections, economic impact, workforce composition, growth dynamics, demographic advantage, population statistics, economic collaboration Turkey, European Union, EU, economic development, population aging, young workforce, demographic change, GDP growth, population decline, workforce productivity, economic integration, aging population, population projections, economic impact, workforce demographics Turkey, EU, economic development, population growth, young workforce, aging population, demographic trends, GDP growth, labor market, population decline, generational balance, economic complementarity, integration, population projections, workforce aging, economic impact, EU resources Turkey, European Union, EU, economy, economic development, population growth, demographics, young workforce, aging population, population decline, GDP growth, fertility rate, workforce, labor market, demographic shift, economic integration, population projections, economic impact, aging demographics, migration, economic policy
test-international-ghbunhf-con04a	Solution to problems of UN is to reform outdated structures.  It is undeniably true that some of the UN’s procedures need to be improved, and standards of financial transparency improved. However, this is true of many governments and international organisations, not just the UN. The answer to the UN’s problems is not to give up on it but rather reform it for the 21st century, including perhaps changing or augmenting the permanent membership of the Security Council to reflect the reality of the modern world. [1]  [1] London, Jacqueline. “Reform of the United Nations Security Council”. International Affairs and Foreign Policy Institute. 29th June 2007. United Nations, UN reform, organizational restructuring, international governance, Security Council, permanent membership, transparency, financial accountability, global modernity, international organizations, governance reforms, UN procedures United Nations, reform, outdated structures, procedural improvements, financial transparency, international organizations, governance, Security Council, membership reform, 21st century, global governance, international cooperation, organizational change, global security United Nations, reform, outdated structures, procedures, financial transparency, international organizations, security council, permanent membership, 21st century, modernization, governance, global authority United Nations, UN reform, outdated structures, procedures, financial transparency, international organizations, governance, Security Council, permanent membership, 21st century, global governance, international relations, institutional reform United Nations, UN reform, outdated structures, procedures improvement, financial transparency, international organizations, government transparency, Security Council, permanent membership, modern world, 21st century, institutional reform, global governance
test-religion-yercfrggms-pro02a	If there is a benevolent deity, then there should not be the kinds of evil observable in the world and He would likely show more interest in His creation than He appears to have done so far:  If God, or the gods, were good there would be no evil in the world. Disasters would not kill millions of innocents, disease and hunger would not claim the lives of children every day, war and genocide would not slaughter people indiscriminately as they have done for countless bloody millennia. The world is awash with blood, pain, and suffering. No loving God would make a world so imperfect and troubled. [1] The world’s ills are perfectly explained by the natural, amoral development of the Universe, of life, and of humanity. The reality of the Universe, however, is incompatible with a God of goodness, as He is conventionally described by today’s predominant religions, which stem from the Abrahamic tradition.  [1] Tooley, Michael. 2009. “The Problem of Evil”. Stanford Encyclopaedia of Philosophy. Available: benevolent deity, evil, suffering, disasters, innocent lives, disease, hunger, war, genocide, bloodshed, pain, imperfection, natural development, universe, humanity, atheism, religious critique, Abrahamic religions, problem of evil, philosophy benevolent deity, evil, theodicy, suffering, natural evil, moral evil, divine goodness, universe, atheism, agnosticism, theistic dilemma, religious philosophy, Abrahamic religions, existence of God, problem of evil, moral responsibility, divine intervention, suffering explanation, natural development, universe, humanity, religious critique benevolent deity, evil, world suffering, natural evil, moral evil, high childhood mortality, disasters, disease, hunger, war, genocide, bloodshed, imperfection, Universe, natural development, religion, Abrahamic tradition, The Problem of Evil, philosophy benevolent deity, evil, suffering, existence of evil, divine goodness, natural explanation, universe development, human suffering, religious skepticism, problem of evil, Abrahamic religions, divine interest, world imperfection, naturalism, atheism, philosophical debate benevolent deity, evil, suffering, natural evil, moral evil, theodicy, divine goodness, disasters, disease, hunger, war, genocide, bloodshed, pain, imperfections, universe, natural development, humanity, religion, Abrahamic tradition, philosophical problem, Tooley
test-economy-bepighbdb-pro03a	Dictatorships can prevent social unrest  Dictatorships are better at controlling discipline and order within society. They generally promote a state based on hierarchical values, through strict policies based on security. This allows them to prevent financial losses due to strikes and riots, and reduce crime rates, making the country more stable.  Singapore is a de-facto one party state, in which the ruling People’s Action Party, is accused of stopping the operation of opposition parties. A former Foreign Minister of Singapore has asked “How many Singaporeans really want free speech anyway? They want orderliness, a decent living” [1] . This both makes the country more competitive because there are more productive days and more attractive to invest in as expats will want to live in countries with little crime. Moreover when it comes to attracting immigration for sectors of the economy there is none of the opposition that would occur in democracies.  Autocracy may be the only way to stabilize some countries that have never had a democratic government. It has been suggested by Mancur Olson, a leading economist, that “anarchy not only involves loss of life but also increases the incentives to steal and to defend against theft, and thereby reduces the incentive to produce [2] ”. A dictatorship may be the only way to restore order and create a political framework stable enough for trade and investment.  [1] Huff, W.G. (1994). The economic growth of Singapore: trade and development in twentieth century”. Cambridge; New York; Melbourne: Cambridge University Press. p. 358  [2] Olson, M. (2000). Power and Prosperity: Outgrowing Communist and Capitalist Dictatorships. New York: Basic Books. p. 64 dictatorships, social unrest, control, discipline, order, hierarchical values, security, financial stability, strikes, riots, crime reduction, stability, Singapore, one-party state, People's Action Party, opposition parties, free speech, orderliness, economic productivity, investment, immigration, autocracy, democracy, Mancur Olson, anarchy, theft, incentives, stability, trade, investment dictatorships, social unrest, social control, discipline, order, hierarchy, security policies, financial stability, strikes, riots, crime reduction, stability, Singapore, one-party state, People’s Action Party, opposition suppression, free speech, orderliness, economic productivity, investment, expat attractiveness, immigration, autocracy, weak democracies, Mancur Olson, anarchy, theft, production, political stability, trade, investment dictatorships, social unrest, control, discipline, order, hierarchy, security, stability, Singapore, one-party state, ruling party, opposition, free speech, orderliness, productivity, investment, immigration, autocracy, stability, anarchy, theft, crime, trade, investment, economic growth, development, Olson, Olson's theory dictatorships, social unrest, control, discipline, order, hierarchy, security, stability, financial losses, strikes, riots, crime rates, Singapore, one-party state, ruling party, opposition, free speech, orderliness, economic competitiveness, investment, immigration, democracy, autocracy, stability, anarchy, theft, production, trade, investment, Olson, Mancur Olson, economic growth, development, trade, stability dictatorships, social unrest, control, discipline, order, hierarchy, security, stability, Singapore, one-party state, People’s Action Party, opposition suppression, free speech, orderliness, economic competitiveness, crime reduction, immigration, authoritarianism, autocracy, stability, Mancur Olson, anarchy, theft, production, trade, investment
test-philosophy-pppgshbsd-pro01a	Although there are protests as a result of the banking crisis and the resulting financial meltdown, they have no cohesive ideology  There is clearly a difference between the general malaise of those protesting the result of the financial crisis and any form of coherent ideology or manifesto for government. The only people pretending that protesters in Athens or Rome – or the Occupy movement worldwide – are in some meaningful way Socialists are aging class warriors from the seventies.  The Occupy movement may well count many social liberals [i] among its members, and these individuals are almost certainly unhappy about many aspects of modern Capitalism but that doesn’t make Occupy, or the Athens street protestors Socialist.  [i] Occupy Wall Street Website. “Forum Post Liberalism is Not Socialism”. 12 November 2011. protests, banking crisis, financial meltdown, ideology, social movements, Occupy movement, Athens protests, Rome protests, social liberals, capitalism criticism, socialists, class warriors, political ideologies, protest motivations protests, banking crisis, financial meltdown, ideology, social movements, Athens, Rome, Occupy movement, socialists, class warriors, social liberals, capitalism, political protests, protest motivations, social analysis protests, banking crisis, financial meltdown, ideology, social movements, Occupy, Athens, Rome, socialism, class warfare, liberalism, capitalism, protest motivations, social liberalism, protest coherence, political ideologies protests, banking crisis, financial meltdown, ideology, social movements, Athens protests, Rome protests, Occupy movement, social liberals, capitalism, socialism, class warriors, modern capitalism, protest motives protests, banking crisis, financial meltdown, lack of ideology, general malaise, protest movements, Athens protests, Rome protests, Occupy movement, socialists, class warriors, liberalism, capitalism, social liberals, Occupy Wall Street
test-economy-epsihbdns-con02a	"It is practically impossible to control people's movement  One of the major problems with the proposal lies in the very fact that we are indeed dealing with developing nations. These nations have very limited capacity to manage this kind of system. What will happen instead, will be a state of confusion, where the law will be upheld in some parts while ignored in others. The case in China clearly shows that corruption follows in the wake of this kind of legislation, where urban Hukous are sold illegally or officials are frequently bribed to ignore the law. [1]  Furthermore, it only causes those who choose to move to the cities, in spite of the law, to be alienated from society and live a life outside of the law. Once outside of the law, the step to other crimes is very small as these people have little to lose. [2] In short, the law will only work in some cases and where it works it will lead to increased segregation and more crime.  [1] Wang, Fei-Ling. “Organising through Division and Exclusion: China's Hukou System"". 2005.  [2] Wu. s.l., and Treiman, The Household Registration System and Social Stratification in China: 1955-1996. Springer, 2004, Demography, Vol. 2. population control, migration, developing nations, law enforcement, institutional capacity, governance, corruption, urban Hukou, illegal practices, bribery, social alienation, illegal migration, crime increase, social segregation, legal compliance, urbanization, social stratification, household registration, Hukou system, China, social exclusion migration, control, developing nations, law enforcement, corruption, Hukou system, urbanization, societal segregation, illegal practices, bribery, social exclusion, crime, law enforcement challenges, social stratification, China, household registration population control, migration regulation, developing nations, legal enforcement, law enforcement, corruption, illegal activities, urban Hukou, bribery, social alienation, law evasion, crime escalation, social segregation, social stratification, household registration system, hukou system, China, urbanization, social issues, legal system, governance, social inequality population control, migration management, developing nations, law enforcement, administrative capacity, urban hukou, corruption, illegal undocumented movement, societal alienation, crime increase, social segregation, government policy, social stratification, China, hukou system, legal compliance, household registration, social exclusion, urbanization, governance challenges movement control, developing nations, law enforcement, urban Hukou, corruption, illegal Hukou sales, bribery, societal alienation, illegal migration, crime increase, social segregation, social stratification, household registration system, China's Hukou, urban-rural divide, legal enforcement challenges, social exclusion, migration law, administrative capacity"
test-international-eghrhbeusli-pro02a	"China has changed a lot since Tiananmen  China has changed over the past two decades, becoming more open to the world and more open domestically. For example it is experimenting with democratic elections at village level and since 1998 begun extending these to townships. [1] It has also effectively scrapped the repressive one-child policy. Internationally China is a responsible member of the international community, as befits a permanent member of the UN Security Council. At the United Nations, although it occasionally abstains from votes, it very rarely threatens to use its veto power in the Security Council, it has only used the veto six times since 1971 when the PRC joined the UN [2] - unlike the USA, for example. Its ""peaceful rise"" can also be seen in its hosting of the six-nation talks over North Korea's nuclear programme. And China is increasingly willing to operate within regional diplomatic frameworks covering East Asia, SE Asia and Central Asia.  [1] Horsley, Jamie P., ‘Village Elections: Training Ground for Democratization’, 2001   [2] Sun, Yun, ‘China’s Acquiescence on UN SCR 1973: No Big Deal’, 2011. China, Tiananmen, political reform, democratization, village elections, township elections, one-child policy, international relations, UN Security Council, veto power, responsible global member, North Korea, six-party talks, regional diplomacy, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, peaceful rise, political openness China, Tiananmen, political change, openness, democracy, village elections, township elections, one-child policy, international relations, UN Security Council, veto power, responsible member, permanent member, peace talks, North Korea, nuclear programme, regional diplomacy, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, democratization China, Tiananmen, democratization, village elections, township elections, one-child policy, UN Security Council, veto power, international community, responsible member, United Nations, peace talks, North Korea, regional diplomacy, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, political reforms, political openness, international relations China, Tiananmen, political reform, democratization, village elections, township elections, one-child policy, international relations, UN Security Council, veto power, responsible member, peaceful rise, North Korea, nuclear program, regional diplomacy, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, democratization training, UNSC resolutions China, Tiananmen, political reform, democratization, village elections, townships, one-child policy, international relations, UN Security Council, veto power, responsible global member, peace, North Korea nuclear talks, regional diplomacy, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, political change, reform, openness, UN, Security Council, international community"
test-international-aegmeppghw-con03a	"Turkey has a poor human rights record  Turkey’s human rights record is improving rapidly, with the abolition of the death penalty and the removal of restrictions on the use of the Kurdish language. ""Encouraged by the EU, Turkey has pursued legislative and constitutional reforms liberalizing the political system and relaxing restrictions on freedom of the press, association, and expression. Turkey signed and ratified Protocols 6 and 13 of the European Convention on Human Rights. It abolished the death penalty and adopted measures to promote independence of the judiciary, end torture during police interrogations, and reform the prison system. In addition, Turkey has significantly reduced the scope of its antiterrorism statutes, which had been used to curtail political expression, and it amended the Penal Code and Codes of Criminal and Administrative Procedure. Police powers have been curbed and the administration of justice strengthened, due partly to the dismantling of state security courts."" [1]  The Kurdish minority is also enjoying better treatment. “The protection and promotion of the rights of the Kurds, which make up about a fifth of Turkey's population, have also progressed… In June, an appeals court ordered the release of Leyla Zana and three other Kurdish parliamentarians who were jailed ten years ago after the Kurdistan Workers' Party was banned."" [2]  Surely countries with a history of bad human rights activities should be embraced by the EU, in the hope that the EU will have a positive influence on them. It is true that banning them from membership is an effective punishment but that will not enforce any change. If we wish to see compliance with Human Rights conventions we have to ensure that countries that may contravene them are under its jurisdiction in the first place. Once they are members we can then encourage better behaviour through punishing any further contraventions.  [1]  ‘Turkey’s Dreams of Accession’ by David Phillips, Foreign Affairs September/October 2004  [2]  ‘Turkey’s Dreams of Accession’ by David Phillips, Foreign Affairs September/October 2004 Turkey, human rights, reforms, EU, abolition death penalty, Kurdish language, political liberalization, press freedom, association, expression, European Convention on Human Rights, Protocols 6 13, judiciary independence, torture abolition, prison reform, anti-terrorism laws, Penal Code, criminal procedure, police powers, justice system, state security courts, Kurdish minority, Leyla Zana, Kurdistan Workers' Party, EU accession, human rights conventions, international cooperation, compliance Turkey, human rights, reform, democracy, EU, European Convention on Human Rights, death penalty, Kurdish language, legislation, constitutional reforms, press freedom, political rights, judiciary independence, torture, prison reform, anti-terrorism laws, Penal Code, police powers, justice system, security courts, Kurdish minority, Leyla Zana, Kurdistan Workers' Party, EU accession, human rights conventions, international relations Turkey, human rights, reform, abolition, death penalty, Kurdish language, EU, legislation, constitutional reforms, press freedom, association, expression, European Convention on Human Rights, judiciary independence, torture, prison reform, antiterrorism laws, Penal Code, police powers, justice system, state security courts, Kurdish minority, Leyla Zana, Kurdistan Workers' Party, EU accession, human rights conventions, compliance, international law, political repression, minority rights, security courts Turkey, human rights, reform, EU, death penalty, Kurdish language, legislation, constitutional reforms, freedom of press, association, expression, European Convention on Human Rights, Protocols 6 and 13, judiciary, torture, prison system, antiterrorism statutes, Penal Code, police powers, justice, security courts, Kurdish minority, Leyla Zana, Kurdistan Workers' Party, minority rights, human rights conventions, EU accession, international law Turkey, human rights, reform, EU, legislation, constitution, democracy, freedom, press, association, expression, European Convention on Human Rights, death penalty, judiciary independence, torture, prison system, anti-terrorism, criminal law, police powers, justice, Kurdish minority, rights, Leyla Zana, Kurdistan Workers' Party, EU accession, international relations, human rights conventions, compliance, sanctions, membership"
test-law-tlcplghwfne-con02a	Needle exchanges will increase the incidence of drug use  Beyond increasing drug use through condoning the practice, needle exchanges also facilitate drug use by gathering all the drug addicts in a single area. This allows drug dealers to operate more efficiently and as such gives them more time to explore new markets for their drugs. As well as this, people are encouraged to keep on taking drugs as they feel the risk to them from doing so has been significantly decreased by the exchange. Given the lower risk, those drug users that are still somewhat rational actors will be more likely to take drugs because of the lower potential harm.  Further, in the long run, needle exchanges through these mechanisms make it harder to eradicate drug use entirely in the future. By causing addicts and the public to accept drugs needle exchanges ingrain drugs in society as any removal of the facility in the future will be seen as the state coming down too harshly on drug addicts and can be opposed much more easily.1  1. Lawrence Aaron, “Why a Needle Exchange Programme is a Bad Idea.” RedOrbit. August 26, 2005. needle exchanges, drug use, addiction, harm reduction, drug policy, public health, drug dealers, drug markets, drug acceptance, societal impact, drug eradication, drug harm, drug risk, addiction facilitation, drug society, drug legislation, drug decriminalization needle exchanges, drug use, harm reduction, drug addiction, drug policy, public health, illegal drugs, drug markets, drug dealers, social acceptance, drug harm, addiction facilitation, drug eradication, societal impact, drug risk perception, drug program critique needle exchanges, drug use, harm reduction, drug addiction, drug trafficking, drug markets, public health, drug policy, social acceptance, drug eradication, drug harm, drug dealers, drug society, addiction behavior, drug accessibility needle exchanges, drug use, harm reduction, drug addiction, public health, drug dealers, drug markets, drug policy, social acceptance, drug eradication, societal acceptance, drug harm perception, drug market facilitation, policy impact, drug intervention needle exchanges, drug use, addiction, harm reduction, drug dealers, drug markets, drug accessibility, drug policy, societal impact, drug normalization, public health, drug eradication, risk perception, drug-related crime, drug society integration
test-economy-bhahwbsps-pro03a	This ban would encourage smokers to smoke less or give up smoking altogether.  Not being able to smoke in public will make it more difficult for smokers to keep up with their habit. For example, if they are no longer able to smoke in the pub, smokers would have to go outside – possibly in the rain or other uncomfortable weather – and be away from their non-smoking friends every time they wanted to have a cigarette. So, a smoking ban would encourage smokers to smoke less frequently and maybe even give up. This can be seen in countries already with smoking bans. For example, a study in England found that in the nine months after the smoking ban was introduced, there was a 5.5% fall in the number of smokers in the country, compared to the much lower fall of 1.6 % in the nine months before the ban [1] . This can only be a good thing, since giving up smoking decreases the risk of death, even for those suffering from early stage lung cancer [2] .  [1] Daily Mail. “Smoking ban spurs 400,000 people to quit the habit.” Daily Mail. 4 July 2008.  [2] Parsons, A., Daley, A., Begh, R., and Aveyard, P.. “Influence of smoking cessation after diagnosis of early stage lung cancer on prognosis: systematic review of observational studies with meta-analysis.” British Medical Journal. 340. 21 January 2010. smoking ban, smoking reduction, smoking cessation, public health, smoking habits, smoking laws, tobacco control, smoking statistics, smoking behavior, lung cancer, health risks, smoking cessation studies, smoking prevalence, policy impact, smoking environment smoking ban, public smoking restriction, smoking cessation, smoking reduction, smoking habits, smoking statistics, health benefits, lung cancer, quitting smoking, tobacco control, behavioral change, social environment, smoking prevalence, public health policy, passive smoking, smoking habits change, smoking studies, smoker behavior, smoking trends, health risks smoking ban, public smoking, smoking cessation, smoking habits, smoking prevalence, health benefits, lung cancer, smoking reduction, smoking policies, tobacco control, behavioral change, quit smoking, smoking statistics, public health, smoking environment smoking ban, smoking reduction, smoking cessation, public health, smoking habits, smoking behavior, smoking laws, smoking restrictions, tobacco control, smoking prevalence, lung cancer, health risks, behavior change, smoking habits, anti-smoking policies, smoking statistics, quit smoking, health outcomes, tobacco use, smoking studies smoking ban, public smoking restriction, smoking cessation, smoking prevalence, smoking behavior, health benefits, quit smoking, lung cancer, smoking-related mortality, behavior change, public health policy, smoking reduction, smoking impact, smoking statistics, epidemiological studies, health risks
test-philosophy-npppmhwup-pro01a	Equality of opportunity  Affirmative action is required for equality of opportunity. Under the status quo, it is easier for students who go to better schools to get into university. This is reflected in data from the UK - Oxford and Cambridge universities (the top academic institutions) take more than 50% of their students from private schools, despite 93% of UK schoolchildren state educated. [1] In addition, there is a clear underrepresentation of ethnic minorities in these universities. [2] A similar story is evident with regards to ethnic minorities in the USA - white students are more likely to graduate from high school and go to college than black and Hispanic ones. [3] [4] These examples reflect the opportunities granted to wealthier children from particular socioeconomic and racial groups, whose superior education and less disruptive home lives give them a leg-up. It is unfair that such random aspects, which have nothing to do with talent or hard work, have such a determining influence on one’s life chances. Moreover, it undermines meritocracy – by allowing the rich to be advantaged, we create a society in which wealth, rather than ability, is rewarded.  [1] Sagar, P. “The truth about Oxbridge admissions: a reply To Dave Osler”. Liberal Conspiracy. May 21, 2010.   [2] Vasagar, J. “Twenty-one Oxbridge colleges took no black students last year”. The Guardian. December, 2010.   [3] Orfield, Gary, et al., 'Losing Our Future; How Minority Youth Are Being Left Behind by the Graduation Rate Crisis', Urban Institute, 25 February 2004,   [4] Marklein, M.B. “Minority enrollment in college still lagging”. USA TODAY. October, 2006. equality of opportunity, affirmative action, educational inequality, socioeconomic status, racial disparities, university admissions, private schools, public schools, ethnic minorities, college access, meritocracy, social mobility, wealth inequality, graduation rates, underrepresentation, minority students, social justice, educational equity, UK education data, US education disparities, school quality equality of opportunity, affirmative action, social inequality, educational disparities, socio-economic status, racial inequality, minority representation, university admissions, private schools, public schools, Oxford University, Cambridge University, ethnic minorities, college enrollment, high school graduation, socioeconomic factors, racial groups, wealth, social mobility, meritocracy, talent, opportunity gap, educational equity equality of opportunity, affirmative action, socioeconomic disparities, racial underrepresentation, higher education, private schools, university admissions, ethnic minorities, socioeconomic status, meritocracy, educational inequality, UK, Oxford, Cambridge, ethnic minority students, college graduation rates, minority enrollment, educational attainment, wealth disparities, social mobility, access to education, racial disparities, school quality equality of opportunity, affirmative action, access to higher education, social inequality, socioeconomic status, ethnic minorities, underrepresentation, university admissions, private schools, public education, racial disparities, educational attainment, college enrollment, meritocracy, privilege, socioeconomic divide, educational inequality, minority students, university diversity, education policy, social mobility equality of opportunity, affirmative action, educational inequality, university admissions, private schools, socioeconomic status, racial minorities, ethnic minorities, underrepresentation, UK university admissions, Oxford, Cambridge, US college enrollment, high school graduation, wealth disparity, meritocracy, social mobility, racial disparities, socioeconomic disparities, educational access, minority representation, admissions bias, social inequality
test-law-sdfclhrppph-pro01a	"The character of every act depends upon the circumstances in which it is done  ""The most stringent protection of free speech would not protect a man in falsely shouting fire in a theatre and causing a panic."" [1] Shouting fire in a crowded cinema when there is no fire, and you know it, is wrong because doing so creates a clear and present danger of harm to others.  Likewise, in the US (and many other countries) there is no protection for ‘false commercial speech’ (i.e. misrepresentation) and the contents of adverts can be regulated in order to ensure that they are truthful and do not deceive consumers. [2] On that basis, restrictions can be placed on how tobacco products may be advertised, and people may be prevented from promoting illegal and fraudulent tax advice.  [1] U.S. Supreme Court, Schenck v. United States, 249 U.S. 47, 1919,  [2] U.S. Supreme Court, Lorillard Tobacco Co v Reilly, AG of Massachusetts, 533 U.S. 525, 200 free speech, clear and present danger, false shouting fire, public safety, censorship, legal limits, misrepresentation, commercial speech regulation, advertising laws, truthfulness, consumer protection, illegal promotion, fraud prevention, tobacco advertising, case law, Supreme Court, Schenck v United States, Lorillard Tobacco Co v Reilly free speech, shouting fire, theater panic, false speech, clear and present danger, misrepresentation, deceptive advertising, truthful advertising, commercial speech regulation, tobacco advertising restrictions, illegal promotion, fraudulent tax advice, First Amendment, Schenck v United States, Lorillard Tobacco v Reilly, free speech limits, legal restrictions free speech, false shouting fire, clear and present danger, misrepresentation, commercial speech, advertising regulation, truthfulness, consumer protection, illegal promotion, fraudulent tax advice, Schenck v. United States, Lorillard Tobacco Co v Reilly, U.S. Supreme Court free speech, first amendment, false speech, clear and present danger, Schenck v. United States, shouting fire, public safety, legal restrictions, commercial speech, misrepresentation, advertising regulation, deceptive advertising, tobacco advertising, fraud prevention, legal precedents, U.S. Supreme Court free speech, circumstances, false shouting fire, theatre, panic, clear and present danger, harm, misrepresentation, commercial speech, advertising regulation, truthful advertising, consumer protection, tobacco advertising, illegal promotion, fraudulent tax advice, U.S. Supreme Court, Schenck v. United States, Lorillard Tobacco Co v Reilly"
test-international-eghrhbeusli-pro01a	China can’t be ignored  Europe has a developing strategic partnership with China. China is Europe’s largest trading partner with EU exports in goods of €113.1billiion and imports of €281.9billion and in services of €20.2billion and €16.3billion respectively, [1] and as China's rapid growth continues it is playing an increasingly important part in the global economy and in international affairs. Clearly it is in the EU's interests to work together with this emerging superpower. Ma Zhaoxu a Foreign Ministry spokesman called it ‘the obstacle to the sound growth of the China-EU relationship,’ [2] after more than fifteen years, it is time to lift it. China has repeatedly said that it will never enjoy a normal trading relationship with the EU until the ban is lifted. Europe’s first responsibility is to its own citizens economic wellbeing which would benefit from greater trade ties between China and the European Union.  [1] European Commission, ‘China’, 2011   [2] Xinhua, ‘China calls for end to “prejudiced” EU arms embargo’, 2010 China, Europe, strategic partnership, trade, exports, imports, services, global economy, international affairs, EU, superpower, economic growth, China-EU relationship, trade embargo, economic wellbeing, China-EU cooperation China, Europe, strategic partnership, EU trade, imports, exports, services, global economy, international relations, China-EU relationship, economic cooperation, trade embargo, EU citizens, economic wellbeing, China’s growth, superpower, China ban, trade ties, European Commission, Xinhua China, Europe, strategic partnership, trade relationship, EU exports, imports, services, global economy, international affairs, superpower, economic growth, China-EU relations, Ma Zhaoxu, trade ban, EU arms embargo, economic wellbeing China, Europe, EU, strategic partnership, trade, imports, exports, global economy, international relations, China-EU relationship, economic growth, superpower, trade embargo, European Commission, Xinhua, trade ties, economic wellbeing China, Europe, strategic partnership, trade, EU exports, EU imports, services trade, global economy, international relations, China-EU relationship, superpower, economic growth, trade embargo, EU arms embargo, economic wellbeing, bilateral trade, foreign policy, China’s growth, international affairs, trade ban
test-international-gpdwhwcusa-pro03a	A UN standing army would be more effective in operations themselves.  A UN standing army would be more effective than the variety of troops staffing missions under the current system. At present most UN operations are supplied by developing nations who hope to make a profit from the payments they receive for their services, but who are under-equipped and badly trained. Forces from the major powers are provided sparingly and only after substantial public pressure or when there exists an incentive for their use. A UN standing army would be better prepared, both in regards to training and equipment, and its soldiers would have greater motivation as they would have made a choice to enlist, rather than being conscripts forced by their own states to fight someone else’s war. A single UN force would also have better command and control than in current situations, when different national forces and their commanders often fail to work effectively together in the field for cultural and linguistic reasons. Successful forces such as the French Foreign Legion, the Indian army and the Roman army show that issues of language and culture need not be problems in combat situations. They can be overcome through a strong professional ethos and a commitment to a mutual cause, values that can only be expected to develop if troops prepare, train and fight together. UN standing army, military effectiveness, peacekeeping operations, troop staffing, developing nations, troop quality, training, equipment, motivation, voluntary enlistment, command and control, multicultural cooperation, language barriers, cultural understanding, professional ethos, joint training, military cohesion UN, standing army, military operations, peacekeeping missions, troop staffing, developing nations, under-equipped, poorly trained, major powers, troop contributions, international cooperation, training, equipment, motivation, voluntary enlistment, conscription, command and control, multicultural forces, language barriers, cultural differences, French Foreign Legion, Indian army, Roman army, professionalism, ethos, shared values, joint training, combat effectiveness UN, standing army, military effectiveness, peacekeeping, international security, troop training, equipment, motivation, enlistment, conscription, command and control, multinational forces, cultural differences, language barriers, professional ethos, cooperation, military history, France, India, Roman army UN standing army, international peacekeeping, military effectiveness, troop training, equipment, motivation, enlistment, professional ethos, command and control, multinational forces, cultural integration, language barriers, force cooperation, peace operations, military logistics, interoperability, force readiness UN, standing army, effectiveness, military operations, troops, staffing, current system, developing nations, profit, under-equipped, poorly trained, major powers, deployment, training, equipment, motivation, voluntary enlistment, conscription, command and control, international cooperation, cultural differences, linguistic barriers, French Foreign Legion, Indian army, Roman army, professionalism, ethos, shared mission
test-digital-freedoms-aihwbasmn-con02a	Blocking social networks denies people the ability to mobilize on genuine social issues  The state may not be the best placed to gauge the legitimacy of riots. Oftentimes riots are the result of massive social pressures, like poverty or limited integration of immigrant communities. When these issues are not properly addressed, or outright ignored by the ruling elites, they boil over. Positive things can come from riots. They can put the issues on the table and bring them screaming into the public consciousness. This is the difference between the Arab Spring that was considered legitimate and the London riots that were not, apart from the initial peaceful protests the riots did not have an agenda to create change. [1] The government suppressing legitimate demonstrations, whether they do it with physical force or internet repression, ultimately serves only to push away the problem, to continue to ignore it. [2] Blocking social networks therefore only seeks to muzzle the expression of outrage that is sometimes entirely justified. The media attention and organizing power of social networks serves to get people engaged, motivated, and visible. The government should not seek to stop that. They should seek to prevent protest and demonstration from spilling into violence. Blocking access to social networks will not aid in that endeavour.  [1] Stylianou, A., “Cyber Regulation and the Riots”, Legal matters, Autumn 2011.   [2] Dugan, L. “Blocking Twitter During Riots a Bad Idea, Study Proves”. Media Bistro. 2011. social networks, online censorship, social mobilization, social issues, riots, government repression, internet freedom, protest rights, civil unrest, social justice, social movements, media, digital activism, political expression, public consciousness, social pressure, immigrant integration, legitimacy of protests, Arab Spring, London riots, violence prevention, online organizing, political dissent, internet restriction, social media impact social networks, censorship, protests, social issues, riots, government repression, internet freedom, social mobilization, social media, political expression, civil unrest, social justice, digital activism, Internet shutdowns, public outrage, social pressure, immigrant integration, legitimacy of protests, media influence, government control, online organizing, protest suppression, riot causes social networks, censorship, social mobilization, social issues, riots, legitimacy, government repression, internet shutdown, freedom of expression, civil unrest, public consciousness, protest, demonstration, social media, media attention, social pressures, marginalization, immigrant communities, social organization, political activism, social justice social networks, censorship, internet repression, social movements, protests, riots, government suppression, social issues, activism, marginalized communities, social media, public consciousness, legitimacy, political activism, social pressures, immigrant integration, Arab Spring, London riots, free expression, digital rights, online organizing, civil unrest, social justice social networks, censorship, activism, social justice, government repression, internet blockade, social movements, protests, riots, political expression, online activism, social issues, public consciousness, government legitimacy, social pressures, immigrant communities, social mobilization, online organizing, media influence, political unrest, internet freedom
test-philosophy-npppmhwup-con03a	Affirmative action will not work  The underlying issue which affirmative action tries to gloss over is the embedded social problems which put the poor and ethnic monitories in continual disadvantages generation after generation. This policy merely papers over the cracks by masking the fact that the failures of state-funded schooling and attempts at integration have led to a situation in which ethnic minorities and the poor are so vastly underrepresented in universities. The state should do more to address these underlying problems, rather than covering up its failures with a tokenistic policy. Better funding of state schools, real parental choice in education, and accountability through the publication of comparable examination data would all drive up standards and allow more underprivileged children to fulfil their potential. [1] [2]  [1] Gryphon, M. “The Affirmative Action Myth”. Cato Institute Policy Analysis. No 540. April 13, 2005.   [2] Rosado, C. “Affirmative Action: A Time for Change?” March 3, 1997. affirmative action, social inequality, educational disparities, underrepresented minorities, poverty, ethnic minorities, state-funded schooling, integration, educational funding, parental choice, examination data, educational standards, social problems, policy critique, underprivileged children, systemic issues, policy effectiveness, Cato Institute, policy analysis affirmative action, social problems, poverty, ethnic minorities, disadvantages, education inequality, state-funded schooling, school integration, underrepresentation, university access, government policy, funding education, parental choice, exam data, educational standards, social justice, inequality, policy critique, systemic disadvantages affirmative action, social inequality, ethnic minorities, poverty, education disparities, underrepresentation, state-funded schools, school funding, parental choice, educational accountability, examination data, educational standards, social problems, generational disadvantages, integration, policy critique, affirmative action effectiveness, equal opportunity, educational reform, systemic issues affirmative action, social inequality, poverty, ethnic minorities, educational disparities, underrepresentation, state-funded schooling, integration policies, educational funding, parental choice, accountability, examination data, educational standards, social policy, discrimination, systemic inequality, policy effectiveness, equal opportunity, education reform, social justice affirmative action, social problems, poverty, ethnic minorities, disadvantages, educational inequality, state-funded schooling, school integration, underrepresentation, university admissions, policy critique, funding education, parental choice, educational accountability, examination data, educational standards, underprivileged children, social disparities, system failure, policy effectiveness
test-religion-grcrgshwbr-pro03a	Religious symbols cause division within Western society.  Religious symbols can be seen as possible tools for fuelling division within society. When some women wear the Hijab it creates pressure on other Muslim women to also cover their heads. Pressure comes both socially from wanting to look like other women in their community and religiously from imams and family leaders pressing for observance. As such, Muslims themselves are divided and religious oppression against women is internalized.1 Approving of Muslim head coverings in society cements the Hijab as an essential tenet of Islam, in the minds of non-Muslims as well as believers. However, many different schools of Islam exist and as on other issues, they often disagree how to interpret the Koran's dress prescriptions. Moderate interpretations accept modest forms of modern dress while severe interpretations require full covering with the Burka or similar veil. Banning the veil furthers the cause of moderate interpretations and prevents the entrenchment of severe interpretations.  1 Rumy Hassan, 'Banning the hijab', Workers Power 283 February 2004, accessed on 24th July 2011 religious symbols, division, Western society, Hijab, Muslim women, social pressure, religious pressure, internalized oppression, societal perceptions, Islam, head coverings, cultural interpretation, religious diversity, dress code, moderate Islam, severe Islam, Burka, banning veil, religious debates, gender oppression, religious conservatism. religious symbols, society division, Western society, Muslim women, Hijab, religious pressure, social pressure, community conformity, religious authority, religious oppression, internalized oppression, Muslim identity, head covering, societal acceptance, Islam, Koran, dress codes, interpretative differences, moderate Islam, severe Islam, Burka, veil, banning, religious interpretation, gender, cultural integration Religious symbols, societal division, Western society, religious tools, Muslim women, hijab, social pressure, religious pressure, family influence, internalized oppression, Muslim head coverings, Islamic beliefs, interpretative differences, Islamic schools, Koran dress codes, moderate Islam, severe Islam, full covering, burka, veil ban, religious interpretations, societal integration, religious identity, gender equality religious symbols, division, Western society, Hijab, Muslim women, social pressure, religious pressure, internalized oppression, Muslim identity, head covering, Islam, interpretations, Koran, dress codes, extremism, moderate Islam, severe Islam, Burka, banning veil, religious oppression, community, gender, multiculturalism, secularism, social cohesion religious symbols, division, Western society, hijab, Muslim women, religious pressure, social pressure, internalized oppression, head coverings, Islam, Koran, dress codes, interpretations, moderate, severe, burka, banning, societal acceptance, religious identity, cultural practices, gender roles, religious tolerance
test-philosophy-pppgshbsd-con03a	Class consciousness is an important aspect of Socialism, it would be hard to find a period in recent history when the majority have been so aware that their interests are not the same as the uber-rich  It has rarely been so clear that the interests of the few are not the same as those of the vast bulk of either European societies or the world outside it. At a time of rising unemployment, a handful of people who are already fantastically rich continue to pay themselves obscene salaries and bonuses. Of course there is nothing in this that is unusual, it’s just not usually done in so cavalier a fashion.  Although there is nothing mechanical in the process, most Socialist thinkers have been clear that the popular realisation that there really is a class distinction between what the Occupy protesters refer to as the 1% and the rest of us is an important first step towards establishing Socialism.  Whatever the media and political classes may pretend, Socialism is not – and never was – a single party or policy. It is a process. And that process is being seen on the streets across Europe class consciousness, socialism, socioeconomic inequality, class struggle, 1%, wealth disparity, Occupy movement, social justice, economic reform, income inequality, capitalism critique, social classes, European societies, political activism, economic disparity, workers' rights, social movement, wealth concentration, social change, class awareness class consciousness, socialism, social inequality, wealth disparity, occupation movement, 1%, economic inequality, social class, protest, European societies, income inequality, class struggle, economic justice, capitalism critique, social mobilization, income distribution, social movements, economic disparity, wealth gap, social awareness Class consciousness, Socialism, socioeconomic disparities, wealth inequality, class struggle, Occupy movement, 1%, working class, European society, economic inequality, unemployment, income disparity, capitalist critique, social change, political activism, class division, economic justice, social movements, wealth concentration, media influence class consciousness, Socialism, societal awareness, economic inequality, wealth disparity, rich vs poor, social class, Occupy movement, 1%, working class, economic justice, social change, European protests, class struggle, political awareness, income inequality, economic disparity, social activism, capitalist critique, social movements class consciousness, socialism, social inequality, wealth disparity, class struggle, Occupy, 1%, economic justice, income inequality, social movements, European protests, economic system, capitalism critique, class awareness, social activism, economic disparity
test-international-epglghbni-pro03a	It would be easier to protect the rights of religious minorities within a united Ireland  Unrest in Northern Ireland was started by the appalling treatment of the Catholic minority there. When there was a Northern Ireland Parliament there was some gerrymandering, while the discrimination in representation was slight very few nationalists were able to get senior jobs, in the civil service for example in 1927 fourteen of the 229 officers of staff officer rank or above, or 6 per cent, were Catholic, while in 1959 there were forty-six Catholics out of 740 in such ranks, or once again, 6 per cent.* Over the years reforms have been introduced but there is still huge stigma against the Catholic community in Northern Ireland, who have little representation in politics, because it is dominated by Unionist rhetoric.  The best way to ensure equal treatment of the Catholics in Ireland is to unite majority Protestant Northern Ireland with Catholic majority Republic of Ireland, where they will be better represented in politics and not stigmatized by their neighbors.  *Whyte, 1983, religious minorities, united Ireland, Northern Ireland, Catholic minority, gerrymandering, discrimination, political representation, civil service, minority rights, Unionist rhetoric, Catholic community, political equality, Irish reunification, sectarianism, civil rights, minority integration, Northern Ireland unrest, religious freedom religious minorities, united Ireland, Northern Ireland unrest, Catholic minority, gerrymandering, discrimination, political representation, civil service, Catholic community, Unionist rhetoric, equal treatment, political integration, community stigma, civil rights, religious equality, minority rights, Irish politics, Protestant, Catholic, partition, social reform religious minorities, united Ireland, Northern Ireland unrest, Catholic minority, gerrymandering, discrimination, representation, civil service, reforms, stigma, Catholic community, politics, Unionist rhetoric, equality, Protestant, Republic of Ireland, minority rights religious minorities, united Ireland, Northern Ireland, Catholic minority, discrimination, gerrymandering, political representation, civil service, Catholic community, Unionist rhetoric, Catholic majority, Protestant Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, equality, civil rights, sectarianism, political reforms, social stigma, minority rights religious minorities, united Ireland, Northern Ireland unrest, Catholic minority, gerrymandering, discrimination, political representation, civil service, Catholic community, Northern Ireland politics, Unionist rhetoric, equality, civil rights, Irish reunification, religious discrimination, minority rights
test-philosophy-eppphwlrtjs-pro03a	"Judges are better at delivering justice than juries are.  Juries are not technically trained in evaluating evidence.1 Additionally, judges are trained to recognize and suppress their own prejudices, evaluate information given to them, recognize prosecutorial strategy etc., better allowing them to make objective decisions. Furthermore, some studies suggest that juries actually work against the innocent; a 1979 study found that ""more than 5 per cent of defendants found guilty by juries were considered by professionals to have been convicted in questionable circumstances.""2This is hardly surprising given that jurors are ordinary citizens who are forced to sit through what are often dull and protracted trials, and who may have little interest in actually listening to what is being said (Joanne Frail, a juror convicted for contempt of court stated that she 'drew more than she wrote [during the trial]').3 Perhaps we should trust in the expertise of screened and trained justices instead.  1Sir Louis Blum Cooper QC, ""A Judge Can Do the Work of 12 Amateurs, and Better  2Baldwin and McConville, ""Jury Trials""  3BBC, ""Juror Admits Contempt of Court Over Facebook Case"" judges, juries, justice, evidence evaluation, training, prejudice, objectivity, jury accuracy, verdict reliability, legal expertise, trial length, juror behavior, professional judges, trial process, legal reasoning, biases, decision making, courtroom trials, judicial training, jury deliberation judges, juries, justice, evidence evaluation, judicial training, prejudice recognition, objective decision-making, jury accuracy, wrongful convictions, trial length, jury deliberation, citizen jurors, legal expertise, courtroom procedure, trial comprehension judges, juries, justice, evidence evaluation, training, prejudice suppression, objective decision-making, prosecutorial strategy, wrongful convictions, jury reliability, citizen jurors, trial psychology, courtroom procedures, expert judgment, bias, trial length, jury nullification, legal expertise, court accuracy judges, juries, justice, evidence evaluation, training, prejudice, objectivity, decision-making, trial, jury studies, verdict accuracy, citizen jurors, trial engagement, legal expertise, professional judges, bias suppression, trial length, jury skepticism, judicial competence judges, juries, justice, evidence evaluation, legal training, prejudice, objectivity, decision-making, juror reliability, trial process, jury studies, professional judges, trial fairness, juror engagement, trial duration, jury competence, legal expertise, trial accuracy"
test-digital-freedoms-efsappgdfp-pro02a	You are not going to be arrested because the government has access to your communications  Clearly much of the time you really do have nothing to worry about when it comes to intelligence agencies having information about you. People are not regularly arrested without just cause and we have little evidence that democratic governments use this information to put pressure on their citizens. There have been no known cases of this happening since the start of the war on terror. [1] When it comes to foreign governments this is even less of a cause for concern; while your own government might be interested in various aspects of your life to help it with the services it provides foreign governments only have one motivation; their own national security. If you are not a threat to that national security the chances of them ever taking any action against you are essentially nonexistent.  [1] Posner, Eric, ‘I Don’t See a Problem Here’, The New York Times Room for Debate, 10 June 2013, government access, communications privacy, intelligence agencies, citizens rights, government surveillance, national security, foreign governments, political repression, war on terror, privacy concerns, government overreach, legal protections, civil liberties privacy, government surveillance, communications, intelligence agencies, citizen rights, national security, privacy concerns, war on terror, foreign governments, government access, civil liberties, privacy rights, government accountability government surveillance, communication monitoring, privacy rights, intelligence agencies, data collection, national security, government power, civil liberties, legality of surveillance, war on terror, foreign governments, citizens' privacy, government accountability, privacy concerns privacy, surveillance, government access, intelligence agencies, communications, citizens' rights, privacy concerns, war on terror, foreign governments, national security, data collection, civil liberties, government overreach, evidence, legal protections government surveillance, communication privacy, intelligence agencies, civilian rights, national security, foreign governments, war on terror, citizen rights, government misconduct, privacy rights, threat assessment, democratic governments, foreign intelligence, civil liberties, privacy concerns
test-health-ahiahbgbsp-con02a	Unenforceable  Smoking bans are often unenforceable in higher income countries. This is because they require expensive manpower or CCTV in order to stop those flouting the ban, with scarce resources a police force will almost always have other more important crimes to deal with. If Berlin 1 and New York City 2 cannot enforce them, most African cities won’t be able to either.  Ghana's advertising ban has been flouted in the past. When asked in a survey about advertising 35% of Ghanaians recalled hearing a tobacco advert on radio or television despite such ads being banned. 3  1 AFP, 'Smoking Ban not Enforced in Parts of Germany', Spiegel Online, 2 July 2008,   2 Huff Post New York, 'NYC Smoking Ban In Parks Will Not Be Enforced By NYPD: Mayor', Huffington Post, 2 November 2011,   3 Kaloko, Mustapha, 2013,  , p.18 smoking bans,enforcement,income countries,resources,police,CCTV,flouting,advertising bans,Ghana,radio,television,compliance,public health,urban enforcement,policy effectiveness smoking bans, enforcement, higher income countries, resource constraints, CCTV, manpower, law compliance, African cities, Ghana advertising ban, tobacco advertising, radio, television, policy enforcement, urban governance, public health, law enforcement challenges smoking bans, enforcement, high income countries, resource limitations, CCTV, manpower, police priorities, African cities, Ghana, advertising ban, tobacco advertising, law enforcement challenges, compliance, public health policies smoking bans, enforcement challenges, high-income countries, surveillance, CCTV, resource allocation, law compliance, urban enforcement, Ghana advertising ban, tobacco advertising, public health legislation, enforcement costs, law enforcement priorities, policy enforcement, compliance rates, urban governance, cross-country comparison smoking bans, enforcement, high-income countries, resources, manpower, CCTV, flouting, urban enforcement, African cities, Ghana, advertising bans, tobacco advertising, radio, television, survey, compliance, enforcement challenges
test-international-gmehbisrip1b-pro01a	Israel has no right to the occupied territories.  Because Israel won the land during war, it is considered occupied territory under international law, and it is illegal for Israel to annex it. [1] In July 2004, the International Court of Justice delivered an Advisory Opinion observing that under customary international law as reflected in Article 42 of the Regulations annexed to the Hague IV Convention, territory is considered occupied when it is actually placed under the authority of the hostile army, and the occupation extends only to the territory where such authority has been established and can be exercised. Israel raised a number of exceptions and objections, but the Court found them unpersuasive. The Court ruled that territories had been occupied by the Israeli armed forces in 1967, during the conflict between Israel and Jordan, and that subsequent events in those territories, had done nothing to alter the situation. [2] Even the Israeli Supreme court has ruled that “Judea and Samaria [a.k.a. The West Bank] areas are held by the State of Israel in belligerent occupation.” [3] Therefore, Israel has no better claim to these lands than that it won them in a war, which is an illegitimate claim under international law, and also illegitimate as a thinly-disguised, morally abhorrent “might makes right” argument. The fact that Arab states initiated the 1967 war does not justify Israel responding by annexing Palestinian territory. [4] A just settlement would have been a return to the previous borders in exchange for security guarantees, etc. Instead, Israel unjustly used the opportunity to take land from an innocent people. One bad act does not justify another bad act in return. Moreover, it is notable that the nations which Israel took Gaza and the West Bank from in 1967 (Egypt and Jordan, respectively) were not representative nations of the areas' majority inhabitants, the Palestinian people. [5] It is thus illegitimate for Israel to claim ownership of Palestinian land because it defeated non-Palestinian nations in a war, and Israel should therefore return to its pre-1967 borders, leaving Gaza and the West Bank to the Palestinian people.  [1] BBC News. “Israeli settlements condemned by Western powers”. BBC News. 2 November 2011.   [2] International Court of Justice. “Legal Consequences of the Construction of a Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory”. International Court of Justice, United Nations Organisation. July 2004.   [3] The Supreme Court of Israel. “Mara'abe vs The Prime Minister of Israel”. The Supreme Court of Israel. June 2005.   [4] BBC News. “1967: Israel launches attack on Egypt”. BBC News On This Day. 5 June 1967.   [5] BBC News. “Israeli settlements condemned by Western powers”. BBC News. 2 November 2011. Israel, occupied territories, international law, annexation, 1967 war, Hague IV Convention, territorial sovereignty, United Nations, International Court of Justice, legal opinions, West Bank, Gaza Strip, Judea, Samaria, belligerent occupation, war legality, borders, Palestinian land, Israeli settlements, Arab states, Security Council, legality, sovereignty, occupation, international jurisprudence, Israeli Supreme Court, pre-1967 borders, illegal annexation, occupation law, war outcomes, Palestinian rights, land return, border dispute Israel, occupied territories, international law, annexation, Hague IV Convention, territory, occupation, Israeli armed forces, 1967 war, Jordan, West Bank, Judea, Samaria, belligerent occupation, Supreme Court, Palestinian land, borders, Gaza, Arab states, Egypt, legitimacy, sovereignty, settlements, International Court of Justice, UN, security guarantees Israel, occupied territories, international law, annexation, Hague IV Convention, military occupation, 1967 war, West Bank, Gaza, Palestinian land, jurisdiction, legal status, sovereignty, international court, UN, borders, Israel-Palestine conflict, security guarantees, war legality, Arab states, Jordan, Egypt, peace settlement Israel, occupied territories, international law, annexation, Hague IV Convention, military occupation, 1967 war, West Bank, Judea, Samaria, ICC advisory opinion, Israeli Supreme Court, belligerent occupation, Gaza, Palestinian territory, Arab states, borders, Israel 1967, Palestinian people, war legality, peace settlement, borders, security guarantees, land disputes, international legitimacy, Israeli settlements, Western powers Israel, occupied territories, international law, annexation, Hague IV Convention, military occupation, 1967 war, West Bank, Judea, Samaria, Jordan, Gaza, Palestinian land, Israeli settlements, international court, ICJ, legal opinions, borders, sovereignty, conflict, Arab states, peace process, security guarantees, legality, legitimacy
test-international-emephsate-pro02a	Turkey is actually part of the European continent both geographically and historically.  Geographically, Turkey is astride the divide between Europe and Asia, it is uncontestable that Turkey is in part a European country and so has the right to become a member of the European Union. Turkey’s biggest city, Istanbul, is located within Europe. One of the core values of the EU stands as “every country on the European continent after having completed all the necessary preparations has the right to join the EU’’ [1] . Furthermore, Turkey and its predecessors, the Ottoman Empire and Byzantine Empire were major European and World powers from the end of the Roman Empire until the breakdown of the World War I. The Ottoman Empire took part in the European state’s system from its birth even if as in some ways an outsider, until the end of the eighteenth century Turkey was considered to be much more a part of the European system than Russia. [2] Turkey since the first world war has been orientated towards the west using western methods to modernize including for example making the state secular; building a law system based not on Islamic law but on Swiss civil law. [3] Turkey can therefore be said to be as much a western nation as an Islamic one.  [1] The EU: A Community of Values. EU Focus.  Accessed on September 3, 2010.  [2] Anderson, M.S., The Origins of the Modern European State System 1494-1618, Longman London, 1998, p.57  [3] Huntington, Samuel P., The Clash of Civilizations and the remaking of world order, Simon & Schuster London, 1996, pp.144-145 Turkey, European continent, geography, history, EU membership, Istanbul, Ottoman Empire, Byzantine Empire, Roman Empire, World War I, European powers, Ottoman history, European state system, Russia, Western modernization, secularism, Swiss civil law, Islamic identity, Western nation, Islamic nation Turkey, European continent, geography, history, EU membership, Istanbul, Ottoman Empire, Byzantine Empire, European powers, Roman Empire, World War I, European state system, Russia, westernization, secularism, Swiss civil law, western nation, Islamic nation Turkey, European continent, geographically, historically, Europe, Asia, EU membership, Istanbul, European Union, European values, Ottoman Empire, Byzantine Empire, European powers, Roman Empire, World War I, European state system, Russia, Westernization, modernization, secularism, legal system, Swiss civil law, Western nation, Islamic country, civilizational identity, world order Turkey,Europe,geography,history,European continent,European Union,Istanbul,European countries,Ottoman Empire,Byzantine Empire,Roman Empire,World War I,European powers,Russia,West,modernization,secularism,Swiss civil law,Islamic law,westerner,Islamic nation,European state system,European values Turkey, Europe, European continent, geographically, historically, Eurasia, Istanbul, European Union, EU membership, Ottoman Empire, Byzantine Empire, European powers, Roman Empire, World War I, Ottoman, Westernization, secularism, Swiss civil law, Islamic law, Western nation, Islamic identity, European system, Russia
test-international-ghbunhf-con03a	Many UN organs carry out valuable work around the world.  The United Nations is far more than simply a debating forum; it does a massive amount of vital work around the world through its other organs. Examples of these are the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNESCO, UNICEF, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) among many others. [1]  Even if the slow speed of diplomacy at the UN General Assembly can sometimes be frustrating, the idea that the United Nations as a whole has “failed” simply does not take account of all these very important bodies. Furthermore, the UN remains one of the most respected of international organisations among ordinary citizens.  [1] “United Nations: Structure and Organisation”. United Nations, 2011. United Nations, UN organs, World Health Organization, WHO, UNESCO, UNICEF, International Court of Justice, ICJ, UNHCR, High Commissioner for Refugees, international organizations, diplomacy, UN General Assembly, global work, international cooperation, global health, refugee protection, international law, UN structure, UN activities United Nations, UN organs, World Health Organization, WHO, UNESCO, UNICEF, International Court of Justice, ICJ, UNHCR, High Commissioner for Refugees, diplomacy, UN General Assembly, international organizations, global work, international law, human rights, peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, global governance United Nations, UN organs, World Health Organization, WHO, UNESCO, UNICEF, International Court of Justice, ICJ, UNHCR, refugee protection, international diplomacy, global work, multilateral organizations, UN structure, international law, global health, education, human rights, peacekeeping, international cooperation United Nations, UN organs, World Health Organization, WHO, UNESCO, UNICEF, International Court of Justice, ICJ, UNHCR, High Commissioner for Refugees, global work, international organization, diplomacy, UN General Assembly, international cooperation, peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, global governance United Nations, UN organs, World Health Organisation, WHO, UNESCO, UNICEF, International Court of Justice, ICJ, UNHCR, High Commissioner for Refugees, international organizations, diplomacy, UN General Assembly, global work, international relations, global governance, global health, humanitarian aid
test-international-eghrhbeusli-pro05a	"A code of conduct is needed not a ban  The current arms ban is purely symbolic. China is already able to buy a range of military items from Europe ($555 million worth in 2003) [1] and the USA, which has a similar ""ban"" on weapons sales to China. This is because the EU’s current ban is not legally binding and it is up to each EU member to define and implement the embargo meaning the embargo is not effective. [2] An arms ban is therefore a blunt instrument that does not work. Instead future sales should be regulated by a tough EU code of conduct which prevents military equipment being sold to any state which might use it for external aggression or internal repression. Such a code of conduct for all arms exports has already existed since 1998. [3] Such a code of conduct will be a much better guarantee that China is not sold arms unless EU states are sure they will not be misused.  [1] Tkacik, ‘E.U. Leadership Finds Little Public Support for Lifting China Arms Ban’, 2005.   [2] Archick, Kristin, et al., ‘European Union’s Arms Embargo on China’, 2005, p5.   [3] Ibid, p21 arms ban, code of conduct, military exports, EU embargo, China arms sales, arms embargo effectiveness, international arms regulation, export control, military equipment restrictions, external aggression, internal repression, EU member states, arms trade, arms regulation policies, embargo enforcement, arms trade laws code of conduct, arms ban, military exports, European Union, EU embargo, China arms sales, arms embargo effectiveness, arms control, export regulations, military equipment, external aggression, internal repression, arms transfer regulation, international arms trade, EU member states, weapon sales legality arms ban, code of conduct, EU, arms exports, military sales, China, arms embargo, regulation, effectiveness, European Union, arms control, international security, arms trade, export restrictions, arms policies, compliance, misuse prevention arms ban, code of conduct, military exports, European Union, China, arms embargo, regulation, international arms sales, enforcement, EU member states, military equipment, external aggression, internal repression, arms control, legal binding, export restrictions, arms trade, arms control policy, arms trade regulation arms ban, code of conduct, EU, arms exports, weapons sales, China, military equipment, embargo, legal binding, effectiveness, regulation, external aggression, internal repression, EU member states, arms embargo, misuse prevention, arms control"
test-economy-thsptr-pro05a	A well-implemented progressive taxation scheme serve to promote economic growth  Progressive taxation can serve very effectively to increase the economic welfare and development of societies. It does so in three ways. First, it lifts the poor out of poverty by redistributing the tax burden from them onto the wealthy who are more able to pay, and gives them more disposable income to put back into the economy, which increases the velocity of money in the system, increasing growth. [1] Second, workers will be more likely to work harder since they will feel the system is more equitable; perceptions of fairness are very important to individuals. People will still work and save since they will want the goods and services they always did in the presence of progressive taxation, and will thus not be less motivated as detractors of progressive systems suggest. Third, progressive taxes serve as an automatic stabilizer in the event of recessions and temporary downturns in the market, in the sense that a loss of wages due to unemployment or wage cuts places an individual in a lower tax bracket, dampening the blow of the initial income loss. The American economy is a perfect example of how progressive taxation promotes broader economic growth; data shows that average yearly growth has been lessened since the 1950s after the reduction in progressively in the tax system. In the 1950s annual growth was 4.1%, while in the 1980s, when progressively in taxes fell dramatically, growth was only 3%. [2] Clearly, a progressive tax regime is best for workers and the economy generally.  [1] Boxx, T. William and Gary Quinlivan. The Cultural Context of Economics and Politics. Lanham: University Press of America. 1994.  [2] Batra, Ravi. The Great American Deception: What Politicians Won’t Tell You About Our Economy and Your Future. New York: John Wiley and Sons. 1996. progressive taxation, economic growth, wealth redistribution, poverty alleviation, disposable income, velocity of money, economic welfare, societal development, work motivation, perceived fairness, automatic stabilizer, recession, economic downturn, income inequality, tax brackets, market stability, historical data, American economy, fiscal policy, income redistribution, economic policy progressive taxation, economic growth, income redistribution, wealth inequality, economic welfare, societal development, poverty alleviation, disposable income, velocity of money, economic stability, automatic stabilizer, recession mitigation, wage adjustments, market downturns, tax brackets, American economy, historical growth rates, fiscal policy, income inequality, tax system, economic motivation, economic policy, social justice. progressive taxation, economic growth, income redistribution, poverty alleviation, disposable income, velocity of money, economic welfare, societal development, fairness perception, work motivation, automatic stabilizer, recession, economic downturn, income inequality, tax brackets, economic stability, US economy, historical growth rates, tax policy, fiscal policy, wealth redistribution, economic resilience progressive taxation, economic growth, income redistribution, poverty alleviation, disposable income, velocity of money, economic welfare, societal development, tax burden, wealth, fairness, work motivation, savings, automatic stabilization, recession, economic downturn, wage loss, tax brackets, market stability, American economy, historical data, growth rates, fiscal policy progressive taxation, economic growth, wealth redistribution, poverty alleviation, disposable income, economic welfare, economic development, tax burden, income inequality, recession stabilization, automatic stabilizer, velocity of money, work motivation, fairness, economic stability, American economy, tax policy, GDP growth, fiscal policy
test-free-speech-debate-nshbbsbfb-con03a	Why should those who foot the bill have chunks of airtime from which they are, effectively, excluded.  How can it be okay for a broadcaster, funded by a compulsory levy on anyone who owns a television, to willingly produce programmes they know will cause offence to that consumer?  The charge of blasphemy is far more than saying ‘I didn’t enjoy this’ or ‘not my kind of show’, it is a deeply held belief that what has been said is a deliberate and willful attack on values and beliefs that the viewer holds sacred and fundamental to who they are.  All major broadcasters, including the BBC, routinely test shows and monitor audience response and yet, in this particular regard, feel relaxed about producing material that certain viewers would consider it not only uncomfortable but sinful to watch. By definition, those viewers cannot watch those shows or, quite probably, that station and yet they are still expected to pay for it.  Even if a British viewer were to choose never to watch the BBC again because of the offence caused by programmes such as Jerry Springer: The Opera, they would still be paying the salaries of those who had caused the offence in the first place. That cannot be reasonable by any standard. public broadcasting, viewer rights, licensing fees, programme content, censorship, offence, blasphemy, viewer beliefs, audience response, broadcasting ethics, funding, taxpayer money, media regulation, religious sensitivity, free speech, programme censorship, controversial content, viewer exclusion, subscription vs. levy broadcasting, viewer rights, funding model, public broadcasting, censorship, offensive content, viewer exclusion, compulsory levy, free speech, blasphemy, audience response, content monitoring, religious beliefs, content regulation, ethical broadcasting, media responsibility public broadcasting, viewer rights, funding, compulsory levy, airtime, censorship, offensive content, blasphemy, religious beliefs, audience response, programme regulation, controversial shows, BBC, viewer exclusion, consumer rights, cultural values, free speech, moral offense broadcasting, funding, levy, airtime, censorship, offence, blasphemy, viewer rights, free speech, programming, audience response, BBC, Jerry Springer: The Opera, religious sensitivity, content regulation, consumer rights broadcasting, viewer rights, funding, levies, censorship, free speech, offence, blasphemy, audience response, content regulation, television, media ethics, religious sensibilities, programming, fairness, viewer exclusion, societal values
test-science-nsihwbtiss-con01a	Social media can be powerful educational resources.  Many teachers have been using social media as an extension of the classroom, some of them setting up discussion pages, or allowing students to contact them about homework or things that they did not understand in the classroom, it allows the teachers to provide extra help whenever the student needs it. This keeps students interested and makes learning fun by using a tool that they are already fond of. The enormous success of tools like ‘The Khan Academy’, which uses youtube videos to deliver lectures to kids, is proof of that [1] . It also allows even those students who are too shy to speak out in class or ask for help, to participate3. Tools like facebook and twitter have the advantage of being ready-made platforms that lend themselves well to extending classroom discussions through groups, pages, pictures, and videos. Not all schools have access to the funding to set up such pages separately and not all teachers have the skills to create them. It would be a mistake for schools to dismiss their use and their value.  [1] Khan, Salman. ”Turning the Classroom Upside Down.” The Wall Street Journal. 9 April 2011. social media, educational resources, classroom extension, discussion pages, student-teacher contact, homework help, student engagement, digital learning, online videos, YouTube lectures, shy students, classroom participation, Facebook, Twitter, online discussions, educational technology, school funding, teacher skills, digital tools, e-learning social media, educational resources, teachers, classroom extension, discussion pages, student-teacher contact, homework help, online learning, educational technology, YouTube, Khan Academy, video lectures, student participation, shy students, social networks, Facebook, Twitter, classroom discussion, digital learning tools, educational funding, teacher skills, online education, blended learning social media, educational resources, teachers, classroom extension, discussion pages, student-teacher communication, homework help, student engagement, online learning, educational technology, YouTube, Khan Academy, e-learning, shy students, classroom discussions, Facebook, Twitter, digital tools, school funding, teacher skills, educational value social media, education, classroom extension, teacher-student communication, homework help, student engagement, online learning tools, Khan Academy, YouTube educational videos, shy students, classroom discussions, Facebook, Twitter, educational technology, digital learning, school funding, teacher skills, online discussion platforms social media, education, teachers, classroom extension, discussion pages, student-teacher communication, homework help, student engagement, fun learning, Khan Academy, YouTube, online lectures, shy students, participation, Facebook, Twitter, classroom discussions, educational technology, digital tools, funding, teacher skills, educational resources
test-society-epsihbdns-con03a	"Rural life is miserable and has higher mortality rates than cities  This planet does not find worse living standards anywhere than in the rural areas of developing countries. These are the areas where famine, child mortality and diseases (such as AIDS) plague the people. [1] China’s Hukou system has condemned millions of people to premature death by locking them in areas that never will develop. [2] While the cities enjoy the benefits of 12% growth, the villages are as poor and deprived as ever. [3] It is a poorly concealed policy aimed at maintaining a gaping social cleavage and allowing the rich to remain rich.  [1] Maxwell, Daniel., “The Political Economy of Urban Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa.” 11, London : Elsevier Science Ltd., 1999, World Development, Vol. 27, p. 1939±1953. S0305-750X(99)00101-1.  [2] Dikötter, Frank. Mao's Great Famine. London : Walker & Company, 2010. 0802777686.  [3] Wang, Fei-Ling. “Organising through Division and Exclusion: China's Hukou System"". 2005. rural life, mortality rates, urban-rural divide, developing countries, famine, child mortality, diseases, AIDS, China Hukou system, urban growth, poverty, social inequality, policy, socio-economic disparity, rural deprivation, urban benefits, famine history, urbanization effects, social cleavages, economic development, rural poverty, public health rural life, mortality rates, developing countries, famine, child mortality, diseases, AIDS, Hukou system, premature death, urban migration, social cleavage, poverty, inequality, urban growth, rural deprivation, food security, Mao's Great Famine, China's Hukou, social exclusion, economic disparity rural life, mortality rates, developing countries, famine, child mortality, diseases, AIDS, China Hukou system, premature death, urban growth, rural poverty, social inequality, economic disparity, urban-rural divide, food security, sub-Saharan Africa, Mao's Great Famine, social stratification, rural deprivation, urban benefits, population migration rural life,mortality rates,developing countries,famine,child mortality,diseases,AIDS,Hukou system,urban development,poverty,social inequality,urban-rural divide,food security,China,urban growth,poverty gap,policy,social cleavage,wealth disparity,Maxwell,Daniel,Frank Dikötter,Fei-Ling Wang,World Development rural life, mortality rates, developing countries, famine, child mortality, diseases, AIDS, Hukou system, rural development, urban-rural divide, social inequality, poverty, economic disparity, food security, China, urban growth, rural deprivation, policy impact, social cleavage, wealth inequality, China's population policies, Mao famine, urban benefits, rural poverty"
test-society-tsmihwurpp-pro01a	When you know terrorists are likely to be members of particular national and ethnic groups, it is simply more practical to focus searches on those groups.  The reality is that all of the major terrorist attacks against Western targets in recent years have been perpetrated by young, Muslim men. It doesn’t require any prejudice at all to realise that they are the most sensible group to check and recheck.  Although it is important to respect people’s rights and liberties regardless of ethnicity or religious belief, a sensible security policy must force police officers and security officials to make decisions based on factual information. Everybody- including most members of the groups identified by profiling- has an interest in not being blown up on an aeroplane. They will, therefore, accept that this is a regrettable necessity. Airport staff can only stop so many people and it makes sense to target groups that terrorists are likely to be part of. terrorist profiling, ethnic groups, security policy, terrorism, Muslim men, ethnic profiling, counterterrorism, Western targets, security measures, risk assessment, personal liberties, airport security, terrorism prevention, focus on high-risk groups, factual information, police decision-making terrorism, ethnic profiling, security policy, Muslim men, counterterrorism, threat assessment, terrorist attacks, Western targets, ethnic groups, religious groups, law enforcement, airline security, preemptive measures, risk analysis, civil liberties terrorists, national groups, ethnic groups, security searches, Muslim men, terrorism, Western targets, profiling, security policy, factual information, rights and liberties, airport security, terrorism prevention, risk assessment, counterterrorism terrorism, profiling, ethnic groups, nationalities, security policies, terrorist attacks, Western targets, Muslim men, law enforcement, counterterrorism, risk assessment, civil liberties, security measures, threat detection, airport security terrorist profiling, ethnicity, religious groups, Muslim men, terrorism, security policy, airport security, threat assessment, ethnocentric profiling, counterterrorism, security measures, risk targeting, ethnic bias, civil liberties, preventive security
test-digital-freedoms-aihwbasmn-pro02a	Non violent methods of disrupting riots must be tried before using force  When riots are on-going then the police needs to act but the safety of everyone involved should be considered to be paramount. If a riot will not disperse peacefully then the police often find they need to use batons, water cannon, or even in extremis tear gas or rubber bullets. It is the police’s duty to bring back public order by stopping riots through these methods. However this should not be at the expense of a much more preventative approach that shutting down social media networks would allow. If during instances of rioting the police are able to prevent those rioters from encouraging their friends to join them so expanding the riots then this is the right course of action to take. Rioters used social media like activists, to outmanoeuvre the police targeting areas where there was little police presence. Cutting off their means of communication would make this much harder and less effective. [1] This has been used effectively in the past; the San Francisco BART, shut down mobile phones on its network to prevent protests which it feared could lead to clashes with commuters, it may well have been the reason why there were no such protests, but it did spark outrage over violations of freedom of speech. [2]  [1] O’Rourke, Simon, “Empowering protest through social media”, Edith Cowan University Research Online, 2011,  P.51  [2] Cabanatuan, M., “BART admits halting cell service to stop protests”, SFGate, non-violent methods, riot disruption, police force, crowd control, public safety, peaceful dispersal, law enforcement, riot suppression, social media shutdown, communication interference, protest prevention, mobile network cut, freedom of speech, alternative policing strategies, riot management, social media regulation nonviolent, riot disruption, police, force, safety, peaceful dispersal, baton, water cannon, tear gas, rubber bullets, public order, social media shutdown, communication control, protest prevention, social media activism, mobile network shutdown, protests, freedom of speech, civil liberties, law enforcement, crowd control, digital communication, public safety non-violent, riot control, police tactics, crowd dispersal, social media shutdown, communication disruption, public order, crowd management, protest suppression, technology, social media, free speech, mobile networks, communication control, law enforcement, riot prevention, policing strategies non-violent, riot-disruption, police, crowd-control, public-order, peaceful-dispersal, force, baton, water-cannon, tear-gas, rubber-bullets, social-media, surveillance, communication, preventative-measures, internet-shutdown, protest, activism, free-speech, censorship, mobile-phone, network, social-movement, law enforcement, crowd-management, civil-disobedience, dissent, communication-control non-violent, riot management, crowd control, police tactics, public safety, force alternatives, social media shutdown, communication disruption, preventive policing, peaceful dispersal, crowd encouragement, social media censorship, mobile network shutdown, protest prevention, freedom of speech, law enforcement, crowd psychology, non-lethal weapons, riot suppression, social media influence, communication blockade
test-religion-grcrgshwbr-pro02a	Religious symbols cause problems in schools.  As well as division in society in general, religious symbols are also a source of division within school environments. The Hijab causes schools many problems. It is potentially divisive in the classroom, marking some children out as different from the others and above the rules that the school enforces for everyone else. This may lead to alienation and bullying. Full headscarves may also be impractical or dangerous in some lessons, for example PE, swimming, or in technology and science lessons where machinery is being operated. In the same way, there have been discussions as to whether to ban the display of Crucifixes in public classrooms. Authorities in Italy have followed through with the ban saying that such a Christian symbol segregates those who are not Christian.1  1 'Decision due in Crucifix ban case', Times of Malta, March 17th 2011 , accessed on 24th July 2011 religious symbols, schools, societal division, classroom divide, hijab, headscarves, school rules, alienation, bullying, safety concerns, practicality, religious attire, full headscarves, PE, swimming, science lessons, machinery safety, crucifix, public classrooms, religious segregation, Italy, ban, Christian symbols, separation, education policy religious symbols, school division, hijab, headscarves, classroom disruption, bullying, practicality, safety, PE, swimming, technology, science, Crucifixes, public classrooms, religious discrimination, cultural diversity, school policies, secularism, religious tolerance, religious controversies religious symbols, school conflicts, societal division, Hijab, classroom divisiveness, student alienation, bullying, headscarves, practical issues, safety concerns, PE lessons, swimming, technology lessons, science safety, crucifixes, public classrooms, religious symbols ban, Italy, Christian symbols, segregation religious symbols, schools, division, society, Hijab, headscarves, bullying, practicality, safety, PE, swimming, technology, science, crucifixes, ban, public classrooms, segregation, Italy religious symbols, schools, division, society, Hijab, classroom, alienation, bullying, headscarves, practicality, safety, PE, swimming, technology lessons, science, machinery, Crucifixes, banning, public classrooms, Italy, Christian symbols, segregation
test-culture-mmciahbans-pro03a	Monetizing colonialism  Skin whitening can be seen as an attempt to fit in with a form of a neo-colonialist mind-set; a form of cultural imperialism driven by capitalism.  These products, often sold by big international FMCG (fast moving consumer goods) companies feed off a neo-colonialist mind-set – one of a cultural inferiority complex. These products form part of the process of tying African people into a globalised consumer world where non-westerners feel compelled to buy western products that they don’t need. They are therefore kept in a colonial situation where they are dependent on the west both mentally and in terms of the products they buy. That is reason enough for nations that have been victims of colonialism by the Global North to take action against them. monetizing colonialism, skin whitening, neo-colonialism, cultural imperialism, capitalism, FMCG, international corporations, cultural inferiority, globalization, consumer dependency, Western products, post-colonial critique, global North, colonial legacy, cultural identity, economic exploitation monetizing colonialism, skin whitening, neo-colonialism, cultural imperialism, capitalism, FMCG, consumerism, design, African, globalized consumer world, Western products, dependency, colonial situation, global North, postcolonial, racial inferiority, cultural identity, economic exploitation, international corporations, social implications colonialism, skin whitening, neo-colonialism, cultural imperialism, capitalism, FMCG, international companies, cultural inferiority, globalization, consumerism, dependency, Western products, post-colonialism, Global North, cultural identity, economic exploitation, racial dynamics, development, social justice monetizing colonialism, skin whitening, neo-colonialism, cultural imperialism, capitalism, FMCG, international companies, cultural inferiority, globalization, consumer dependency, Western products, colonial legacy, African identity, decolonization, global North, economic exploitation monetizing colonialism, skin whitening, neo-colonialism, cultural imperialism, capitalism, FMCG, globalization, consumerism, African consumer, Western products, cultural inferiority, dependency, post-colonial critique, imperialist marketing, global North, decolonization
test-international-epdlhfcefp-con01a	The post of a High Representative is merely a shadow of what it should have been, and its failure shows the EU's inability to consolidate foreign policy.  While seemingly groundbreaking, the current agreement on the EU reform treaty was nothing but a lame attempt to salvage a much bolder initiative: an EU Constitution. The rejection of the EU Constitution in the Dutch and French referendums, as well as the extreme difficulty in getting even its watered-down version accepted, shows the extent to which the member states of the EU are not yet ready to think and act in unison. The UK representatives successfully insisted that the language of the reform treaty clearly states that major foreign policy decisions will continue to be taken at the state level. High Representative, EU foreign policy, EU reform treaty, EU Constitution, European Union, member states, Dutch referendum, French referendum, EU unanimity, UK foreign policy, EU institutional reform, EU decision-making, sovereignty, EU integration, EU external relations High Representative, EU foreign policy, EU reform treaty, EU Constitution, European Union, EU membership, Dutch referendum, French referendum, EU member states, EU unification, UK foreign policy, EU decision-making, EU sovereignty, EU reforms, EU integration, EU diplomacy High Representative, EU reform treaty, EU Constitution, foreign policy, EU integration, member states, Dutch referendum, French referendum, EU foreign policy, EU union, EU sovereignty, EU decision-making, UK influence, EU reforms High Representative, EU reform treaty, EU Constitution, foreign policy, EU integration, Dutch referendum, French referendum, member states, EU unity, UK veto, foreign policy decisions, EU foreign policy, EU governance High Representative, EU reform treaty, EU Constitution, foreign policy, EU integration, member states, Dutch referendum, French referendum, UK negotiations, EU sovereignty, EU unity, EU decision-making, EU reform, European Union, foreign policy failure
test-law-lgplhbssbco-pro04a	Suicide undermines the sanctity of the human body  Like abortion, euthanasia, cloning and genetic engineering, suicide undermines the sanctity and inviolability of the human body. It is legitimate to legislate against such actions because the sanctity of the human body is an intrinsic constituent part of the respect for human dignity, which is the sine qua non of social life in any country. suicide, sanctity, human body, abortion, euthanasia, cloning, genetic engineering, dignity, legislation, respect, ethics, bioethics, human rights, morality, social life suicide, sanctity, human body, abortion, euthanasia, cloning, genetic engineering, human dignity, legislation, bioethics, bodily inviolability, moral philosophy, social values suicide, sanctity, human body, abortion, euthanasia, cloning, genetic engineering, respect, human dignity, legislation, bioethics, morality, social life suicide, human body, sanctity, inviolability, abortion, euthanasia, cloning, genetic engineering, legislation, human dignity, social life suicide, human body, sanctity, inviolability, abortion, euthanasia, cloning, genetic engineering, legislation, human dignity, social life
test-sport-tshbmlbscac-pro03a	Collisions are not as dangerous as they’re feared to be.  Some hits lead to injury, but the vast majority do not. One commentator challenged proponents of a rule change “to name as many as five MLB catchers in the last 30 years who have had their careers ended or shortened as a result of a home plate collision. Personally, I can’t think of one.” [1] In posing some—though not a substantial—risk, home plate collisions are very much like other aspects of the sport. Every time a pitcher throws a pitch, the batter could get struck and hurt. Every time two outfielders converge on a fly ball, there’s a risk of injury. Baseball, as with many other sports, inherently involves the risk of injury. It makes little sense to focus on this play, which doesn’t often result in significant injury.  Moreover, catchers are trained to position their bodies in ways that minimize the injury risk from crashes. [2] If catchers do as they’re trained, they’re very unlikely to get hurt.  [1] Joe Janish, “Buster Posey Aftermath: What Should Be Done?,” On Baseball, May 30, 2011,  (internal quotation marks omitted).  [2] See, for example, “Relays, Cutoffs, and Plays at Home,” Baseball-Catcher.com,  . baseball, injuries, collisions, home plate, catchers, injury risk, rule change, sports safety, player safety, injury prevention, baseball rules, baseball culture, sports injuries, player training, injury statistics home plate collision, baseball injuries, catcher safety, injury risk, rule change, MLB catchers, player safety, injury prevention, sports injuries, collision controversy, baseball rules, injury statistics, player protection, collision studies, sports safety, catcher training baseball, injuries, home plate collisions, catchers, risk assessment, sports safety, injury prevention, MLB, player safety, collision statistics, risk comparison, baseball rules, player training, injury cases, sports risk, injury debate baseball, home plate collision, injury risk, catchers, rule change, MLB, sports safety, player injury, collision statistics, injury prevention, baseball rules, sports injuries, catcher training, injury debate, collision danger home plate collision, injury risk, baseball safety, catcher positioning, sports injuries, rule change debate, MLB catcher injuries, sport risk analysis, collision controversy, injury prevention, baseball rules, sports safety training
test-economy-epsihbdns-pro01a	"The government has a right to make decisions in the best interest of the people  Man is a social being. Therefore people live in communities where decisions that affect the many, are taken by representatives of the many. Thus, a social contract exists between the people and their government. [1] In exchange for part of their autonomy and freedom, the government ensures that policies are made in the best interest of people, even if this might come at the expense of short-term interests for some individuals. This is a typical example of this kind of case. The trend is emptying the countryside, stopping the production of agricultural goods and hollowing the amenities provided by the cities. Even if each individual has a personal incentive to move to the cities, the harm to the cities is greater than their accumulated individual gains. It is in these cases that the state must act to protect its people and ensure long term benefits.  [1] D'Agostino, Fred, Gaus, Gerald and Thrasher, John, ""Contemporary Approaches to the Social Contract"", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Winter 2012 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), government, decision-making, public interest, social contract, representative democracy, autonomy, freedom, policies, short-term interests, rural decline, urbanization, agricultural production, city amenities, individual incentives, state intervention, long-term benefits, societal well-being, philosophy. government, social contract, decision-making, people's interests, autonomy, freedom, policies, community, representation, public welfare, city expansion, rural decline, urbanization, collective benefit, state intervention, individual incentives, resource management, societal balance government, decision-making, public interest, social being, communities, representatives, social contract, autonomy, freedom, policies, short-term interests, rural depopulation, urbanization, agricultural production, city amenities, individual incentives, harm, state intervention, long-term benefits, contemporary philosophy social contract, government decision-making, public interest, representative democracy, autonomy, freedom, policy-making, long-term benefits, urbanization, rural depopulation, city amenities, individual incentives, state intervention, societal well-being, philosophical approaches government, decisions, social contract, community, representatives, autonomy, freedom, policies, public interest, short-term interests, urbanization, rural decline, city amenities, individual incentives, collective welfare, state intervention, long-term benefits, philosophy, social contract theory"
test-free-speech-debate-ldhwbmclg-con01a	Violent imagery can serve different purposes.  Calls for a ban on music that references or glorifies violence are frequently based on an overly simplistic understanding of contemporary and popular musical genres. It is instructive that the loudest voices of protest raised against violent content in hip hop and rock music are, overwhelmingly, white, middle class, middle-aged newspaper columnists. Any ban created under these circumstances would reduce the diversity and depth of popular musical genres, by preventing musicians from commenting- in any way- on violent events.  Banning particular musical tracks due only to the fact that they discuss violent acts would be damaging to the creative industries and would not reflect methods currently used to classify and restrict content appearing in other media. Criminal acts are punished when an act results in a damaging outcome and because that act is performed with a particular dishonest or malicious intention. Generally, someone cannot be found guilty of murder if they did not intend to kill their victim. Similarly, it is unusual for films or videogames to be censored or banned because they happen to depict violent acts. The intention that underlies the use of graphic images or words must also be examined. As BBC director general Mark Thompson noted when discussing the controversial religious content of Jerry Springer: The Opera with freespeechdebate.com  “… Jerry Springer I saw without feeling that it was offensive to me because the intention of the piece was so clearly a satire about an American talk show host and his world rather than the religious figures as such.”  Classification boards will look at the context in which an offensive act is shown. The violence of war is portrayed vividly in Saving Private Ryan, but the film has not been banned on this basis. Private Ryan portrays violence and suffering in order to remind us of the inhumanity that pervaded the Second World War. It uses violence to make a didactic point, to move its audience to sympathy and disgust. If a film were to use images of extreme violence or suffering as a form of entertainment, inviting the audience to take pleasure in brutality, a classification board would try to restrict or censor its content.  Comparably, “violent” music can use brutal language and themes to make moving and engaging observations about the world. Violent music does not automatically glorify violence, nor does it cause its audience to see violence as something that is glamorous.  Listened to out of context, without any attempt to critically analyse the imagery of the song and the intentions of the artists, it is easy to condemn many acclaimed examples of popular music as containing violent lyrics. By giving into the populist pressure that is represented and generated by newspaper columnists and talk show hosts, we risk creating a chilling effect, not only on mainstream hip hop culture, but on any other musical form that dares to discuss themes that fall outside narrowly and arbitrarily defined limits of social acceptability. violent imagery, music censorship, controversial content, popular music genres, media classification, artistic intent, media regulation, graphic violence, freedom of speech, satire, content context, war portrayal, violence in film, violent language, artistic expression, social acceptability, censorship debates, creative industries, audience interpretation, cultural criticism violent imagery, musical genres, censorship, content classification, media regulation, artistic intent, freedom of expression, satire, context, violence portrayal, war realism, artistic intention, audience interpretation, controversial content, societal impact, cultural diversity, media ethics, expressive arts, content restrictions, violent themes, media effects violent imagery, censorship, media classification, artistic intent, free speech, musical genres, violence portrayal, societal impact, content restriction, artistic expression, genre diversity, media regulation, public perception, cultural criticism, violent themes, entertainment ethics, moral boundaries, media influence, social acceptability, provocative content violent imagery, musical genres, censorship, content classification, free speech, artistic intent, media regulation, expressive freedom, violence depiction, media violence, artistic expression, social acceptability, cultural diversity, social commentary, media ban, public perception, media violence effects, moral panic, artistic censorship, media regulation, violent content analysis violent imagery, music censorship, violent content, controversy, popular music genres, hip hop, rock music, artistic freedom, content classification, media restrictions, violent acts, criminal behavior, film censorship, videogame violence, intention, satire, artistic expression, religious content, freedom of speech, violence portrayal, war films, Saving Private Ryan, didactic violence, audience reaction, violent language, social acceptability, cultural critique, populist pressure, chilling effect, media regulation
test-culture-ahrtsdlgra-con03a	Restriction based on social disgust prevents socially liberal ideas from flourishing  Great, socially liberal movements have always been controversial, and always been supported, encouraged and propagated by art. Art is a realm wherein an artist’s expression is less limited by social structures (like the necessity of pleasing your box; of being ‘commercially viable’). Subsequently it has easily, and often, been utilised as a means of changing public opinion.  Some of these movements, for example, the breaking down of stereotypes and norms surrounding sexuality (in particular female sexuality) and gender that Sarah Lucas, Tracey Emin and others contributed to in the liberalising 80s and 90s, attract social disgust. In any situation where a taboo is being attacked, this will happen. The converse however, is not the case: it is almost impossible to provoke social disgust by maintaining the status quo.  As a result, restriction of art that provokes social disgust will disproportionately attack the socially liberal, and thus help to maintain the status quo, regardless of whether it is worthy of such protection. social disgust, social restrictions, liberal ideas, art, expression, social structures, public opinion, stereotypes, gender norms, sexuality, female sexuality, social taboo, social change, social norms, controversy, social approval, censorship, social norms resistance, cultural norms, social conformity, social disapproval, social regulation social disgust, social restrictions, liberal ideas, art, social norms, stereotypes, sexuality, gender, social taboo, public opinion, controversial movements, social change, artistic expression, social conservatism, social acceptability, taboo-breaking, cultural norms, social barriers social disgust, social restrictions, liberal ideas, art, social norms, social change, controversial movements, art as activism, gender norms, sexuality, female sexuality, taboo, social opinion, social structures, cultural censorship, social conformity, status quo, art and society, social acceptance social disgust, social restrictions, liberal ideas, art, social norms, stereotypes, sexuality, gender, controversial movements, public opinion, social taboo, artistic expression, social change, censorship, status quo, social critique, artistic freedom, social acceptance social disgust, social restrictions, liberal ideas, art, social norms, controversy, social change, public opinion, taboo, stereotypes, gender, sexuality, female sexuality, social backlash, censorship, social norms challenge, artistic expression, cultural change, societal restrictions
test-international-epglghbni-pro02a	The partition of Ireland was undemocratic  The people of Northern Ireland should have decided whether or not they wanted to be united with Northern Ireland, rather than it being battled out in the British Parliament and the country partitioned by the Government of Ireland Act of 1920* that created a separate parliament for the six counties of Northern Ireland.** It was because the vote was not put to the Irish that the Unionists could twist arms and manipulate British politicians into allowing the six counties to remain part of the UK. After partition, the Unionists fixed electoral boundaries so there would never be a Republican majority in an electorate. This was unjust and illegitimately prevented a pro-Republic vote passing in future.  * Government of Ireland Act, 1920,   ** Ferriter, ‘Ireland in the Twentieth Century’, Ireland, partition, Northern Ireland, democracy, referendum, British Parliament, Government of Ireland Act, 1920, electoral boundaries, Unionists, Republicans, legitimacy, political manipulation, electoral reform, Irish history Ireland, partition, Northern Ireland, democracy, voting rights, Government of Ireland Act 1920, political manipulation, electoral boundaries, Unionists, Republicans, legitimacy, Irish independence, British Parliament, political bias, electoral system, sectarianism Ireland, partition, Northern Ireland, undemocratic, referendum, self-determination, British Parliament, Government of Ireland Act, 1920, electoral boundaries, Unionists, Republicans, legitimacy, voting rights, political manipulation, Irish independence, electoral gerrymandering, Irish history, 20th century Ireland, partition, Northern Ireland, democracy, referendum, British Parliament, Government of Ireland Act, 1920, electoral boundaries, Unionists, Republican majority, voting rights, illegitimacy, political manipulation, Ireland in the Twentieth Century Ireland, partition, Northern Ireland, democracy, voting rights, Irish independence, British Parliament, Government of Ireland Act, 1920, electoral boundaries, Unionists, Republicans, legitimacy, political manipulation, electoral bias, Irish history, political injustice
test-philosophy-pppgshbsd-con02a	The idea that wealth should be more fairly and evenly distributed has never had so many supporters and the failure to do so has rarely been more keenly felt  In the model of Blair and Clinton, it didn’t matter if the rich got a lot richer, as long as the poor got a bit richer. That model has now been shown not to work and the rather timid new leaders of the left are starting to return to concepts of fairness and equality rather than the rather bland concepts of ‘opportunity’ and ‘choice’.  Europe is increasingly governed by unelected technocrats who seem to think that the opinions of a handful of international bankers are somehow more important than the jobs and livelihoods of millions. This may always have been the case but it tends not to show during times of plenty. Now these latent inequalities are becoming apparent and people are angry.  It is perhaps one of the great ironies of history that one of the aspirations of early nineteenth century Socialists- nationalising the banks- required Capitalists to actually achieve it. wealth distribution, economic inequality, social justice, fairness, income disparity, political models, Blair, Clinton, wealth inequality, left-wing politics, opportunity, choice, technocrats, international bankers, economic governance, unemployment, social unrest, socialism, nationalization, banking system, capitalism, history, inequality protests wealth distribution, economic inequality, socialist policies, banking nationalization, political fairness, economic justice, income disparity, technocrats, international finance, social inequality, political change, inequality protests, economic models, Blair Clinton, left-wing politics wealth distribution, social justice, inequality, economic fairness, Blair Clinton model, poverty, income disparity, left-wing politics, fairness, equality, opportunity, choice, technocrats, international bankers, global finance, economic inequality, social unrest, nationalism, bank nationalization, capitalism, socialism, history, economic policy wealth inequality, social justice, economic redistribution, Blair Clinton model, fairness, equality, opportunity, choice, technocrats, international bankers, unemployment, social unrest, nineteenth-century socialism, bank nationalization, capitalism wealth distribution, social justice, economic inequality, fairness, left politics, Blair, Clinton, inequality model, opportunity, choice, Europe, technocrats, international bankers, employment, livelihoods, social inequality, public opinion, socialist history, bank nationalisation
test-science-cpisydfphwj-pro03a	"Facebook is good for democracy  Social networks aid our society on multiple levels, one of them being the democratic process. This happens both in autocracies, where the democratic process is basically nonexistent and in western liberal democracies where Facebook acts as a megaphone for the will of the population.  Firstly, when talking about oppressive regimes, Facebook allows the population to organize themselves in massive protests which can, in time, overthrow the government. This is of particular importance as the population cannot organize protests ""offline"" in the real world, because government forces would quickly find them and stop the protests before they even started. These people need a safe house, where government intervention is minimized, so that they can spread the news and organize the protests. The online environment is the best options. We have seen this happening in the Arab Spring(1), Brazil (2), Turkey(3) as well as for protests in democracies as in Wisconsin(4)  For western liberal democracies too Facebook plays a very important role in aiding the democratic process. Even in a democracy the government often engages in unpopular policies. Unfortunately, as we are talking about countries with tens of millions of people, citizens often feel they can’t make a difference. Luckily, here's where Facebook comes in. It connects all the people who share the same disapproval of government actions, removing the feeling that you can do nothing as there is no one backing you. Millions can come together to voice their opinions. Therefore there is more likely to be dissent. Moreover, the internet allowed individuals to start massive campaigns of online petition gathering, which they will later use as an irrefutable argument to the government showing the desire for change. There are a lot of sites, one of the biggest being Avaaz.org which facilitates this process, which use Facebook as a medium through which the petition is shared and so grows.  (1) Sonya Angelica Diehn “Social media use evolving in Egypt”, DW , 04.07.2013   (2) Caroline Stauffer “Social media spreads and splinters Brazil protests”, Reuters ,June 22, 2013   (3) “Activists in Turkey use social media to organize, evade crackdown As protests continue across Turkey against the government”   (4)Wikipedia Facebook, democracy, social networks, society, democratic process, autocracies, liberal democracies, protests, government overthrow, organizing protests, online environment, Arab Spring, Brazil protests, Turkey protests, Wisconsin protests, government policies, citizen activism, online petitions, Avaaz.org, social media, activism, political engagement, civic participation Facebook, democracy, social networks, society, democratic process, autocracies, liberal democracies, protests, organizing, government overthrow, online environment, activism, Arab Spring, Brazil protests, Turkey protests, Wisconsin protests, government policies, citizen participation, online petitions, Avaaz, social media, political mobilization, dissent, online activism, protest organization, civic engagement Facebook, democracy, social networks, society, autocracies, liberal democracies, protests, organization, government, Arab Spring, Brazil protests, Turkey protests, Wisconsin protests, online activism, censorship, dissent, online petitions, Avaaz, social media, political participation, activism, government policies, civic engagement, digital democracy Facebook, democracy, social networks, society, democratic process, autocracies, liberal democracies, protests, organizing, government, online environment, Arab Spring, Brazil, Turkey, Wisconsin, government policies, citizen activism, dissent, online petitions, Avaaz, social media, protest organization, government intervention, mass mobilization, digital activism Facebook, democracy, social networks, society, autocracies, liberal democracies, protests, organization, online environment, Arab Spring, Brazil protests, Turkey protests, Wisconsin protests, government, unpopular policies, citizen activism, dissent, online petitions, Avaaz, social media, political change"
test-international-amehbuaisji-con04a	ICC trials violate the due process guarantees of the US constitution  US ratification of the Rome Statute would lead to the possibility of Americans being subject to trials with procedures that violate the American Constitution. For example, there are no jury trials at the ICC – a majority vote of the judges is enough to convict - is a violation of the Sixth Amendment to the US Constitution.  The independence and neutrality of some of the judges may be doubtful if they come from countries with definite foreign policy interests that run contrary to those of the US. This is particularly pertaining to judges who are from backgrounds where judicial independence from the executive is not a defining feature of the legal system who will be more likely swayed by political considerations.  There is, in addition, a lack of rules against double jeopardy, and the glacial rate of progress made by the ICC with lengthy waits in pre-trial detention for defendants, affecting the right to a speedy trial. It has also been argued that the procedures for special measures to protect witnesses hamper the defence. ICC trials, due process, US constitution, ratification, Rome Statute, American trials, jury trials, Sixth Amendment, judge impartiality, judicial independence, foreign policy, judicial backgrounds, political influence, double jeopardy, trial delays, pre-trial detention, speedy trial, witness protection, defense rights ICC trials, due process, US constitution, Rome Statute, American sovereignty, jury trials, Sixth Amendment, judge impartiality, judicial independence, foreign judges, judicial bias, double jeopardy, trial delays, pre-trial detention, speedy trial, witness protection, defense rights ICC, trials, due process, US Constitution, Rome Statute, Americans, jurisdiction, jury trials, Sixth Amendment, judge neutrality, judicial independence, foreign policy, political influence, double jeopardy, trial delay, pre-trial detention, speedy trial, witness protection, legal procedures, human rights ICC, due process, US Constitution, Rome Statute, Americans, trials, procedures, jury trials, Sixth Amendment, judge impartiality, judicial independence, foreign judges, political bias, double jeopardy, trial delay, pre-trial detention, speedy trial, witness protection, legal rights ICC, United States, Constitution, due process, Rome Statute, trials, jury trials, Sixth Amendment, judicial independence, neutrality, foreign policy, judges, judicial system, double jeopardy, detention, speedy trial, special measures, witness protection, defense rights
test-international-ghbunhf-con02a	The UN has been at the forefront of promoting respect for international law and human rights.  When the United Nations was founded in 1945, the idea of “international law”, in so far as it had any meaning, was little more than the customary behaviour of states towards each other. Over the succeeding 60 years, the UN and its various offices and organs have taken a lead role in codifying and promoting the concept of international law and the protection of human rights. For example, the crime of genocide was first enshrined in international law in the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. [1]  [1] United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, “What is Genocide?”. United Nations, international law, human rights, 1945, customary behavior, state sovereignty, codification, genocide, 1948 Convention, Prevention of Genocide, Punishment of Genocide, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum United Nations, international law, human rights, 1945, customary behaviour, states, codification, promotion, genocide, 1948 Convention, prevention, punishment, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum United Nations, international law, human rights, 1945, customary behaviour, states, codification, protection, genocide, 1948 Convention, prevention, punishment, Holocaust Museum United Nations, international law, human rights, 1945, customary behaviour, state sovereignty, codification, protection, genocide, 1948 Convention, prevention, punishment, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum United Nations, international law, human rights, 1945, customary behavior, states, codification, promotion, genocide, 1948 Convention, Prevention, Punishment, Holocaust Museum
test-politics-oapghwliva-con03a	Has made little difference in the past  The precedent of the Line Item Veto Act under President Clinton should warn against a constitutional amendment. The sums saved were laughably small, $355 million, in the context of the entire federal budget, $1.7 trillion, (0.02% of spending)1 but nonetheless provoked considerable friction between elected representatives and the White House. There was unhappiness that the large majority of his cuts were of earmarks requested by Republican members, and an allegation that the Administration had threatened a Congressman with the veto of an item dear to them unless they supported an unrelated piece of legislation.  1Virginia A. McMurty, 'Enhancing the President's Authority to Eliminate Wasteful Spending and Reduce the Deficit', Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services and International Security Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Committee Hearing 15/3/2011, p.9 Line Item Veto Act, President Clinton, constitutional amendment, federal budget, government spending, earmarks, White House, veto power, political friction, budget cuts, presidential authority, wasteful spending, deficit reduction, legislative process, appropriations, veto threats, earmark requests, government economy, budget management, congressional relations Line Item Veto, President Clinton, constitutional amendment, federal budget, earmarks, budget cuts, veto authority, government spending, budget deficit, congressional veto, executive powers, wasteful spending, fiscal policy, legislation, political conflict Line Item Veto Act, President Clinton, constitutional amendment, federal budget, government spending, earmarks, veto power, congressional relations, fiscal policy, budget cuts, wasteful spending, presidential authority, legislative conflict, budget reduction, political friction, government oversight Line Item Veto Act, President Clinton, constitutional amendment, federal budget, government spending, earmarks, White House, presidential authority, wasteful spending, deficit reduction, legislative friction, veto powers, Congressional approval, political controversy, government budget cuts Line Item Veto Act, President Clinton, constitutional amendment, federal budget, spending, earmarks, White House, veto, government, wasteful spending, deficit, congressional relations, veto threats, legislative process, budget cuts, presidential authority, taxpayer money, budget process
test-digital-freedoms-efsappgdfp-pro01a	There is no physical risk  In terms of physical risk it is almost certainly true that you have nothing to fear from government having loads of information. With the exception perhaps of the Russian FSB and despite the James Bond films intelligence agencies in democracies are not in the habit of bumping people off this mortal coil. In this sense it does not matter at all what information the intelligence services have on you; no matter how naughty you may have been it is not going to be worth some kind of physical retaliation. Essentially the argument here is that it does no harm, and even does some good, so why should it not continue? physical risk, government surveillance, privacy, intelligence agencies, data security, FSB, democratic societies, information gathering, personal safety, digital privacy, threat assessment, risk perception, intelligence operations physical risk, government surveillance, information security, intelligence agencies, privacy, data collection, government transparency, risk assessment, national security, civil liberties, FSB, privacy rights, data privacy, digital security, political manipulation physical risk, government surveillance, information security, intelligence agencies, privacy, FSB, democratic nations, national security, data collection, risk assessment, personal safety, information harm, intelligence operations, privacy protection physical risk, government surveillance, information privacy, intelligence agencies, confidentiality, FSB, privacy concerns, government transparency, risk assessment, security, civil liberties, data collection, personal safety, ethical considerations physical risk, information security, government surveillance, intelligence agencies, privacy, FSB, democracies, national security, data collection, risk assessment, privacy rights, government oversight, security benefits, ethical considerations
test-international-gmehbisrip1b-pro02a	Failure to withdraw blocks legitimate Palestinian aspirations to statehood.  The Palestinian people since 1967 have demonstrated through resistance to Israeli occupation their desire for an independent state of their own. [1] Throughout the years polls have consistently showed respectable Palestinian majorities in favour of a negotiated two-state settlement, which would offer them an independent state as well as allowing Israel to continue to exist as an independent state alongside the new Palestinian nation. [2] Israel's refusal to withdraw to the 1967 borders means that the majority of Palestinian people are compelled to live under the control of a state they do not wish to be a part of, a violation of their right to self-determination under international law. The 1993 Vienna Declaration, which reaffirmed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the UN Charter (and so sets the standard in current international law), unequivocally gives all peoples the right to self-determination: “All people have the right to self-determination. Owing to this right they freely establish their political status and freely provide their economic, social and cultural development...World Conference on Human Rights considers refusal of the right to self-determination as a violation of human rights and emphasizes the necessity of effective realization of this right”. [3] Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said in 2006 that the pre-1967 borders uphold the “legitimate aspiration of the Palestinian people for a secure, united, democratic and economically viable state coexisting peacefully with Israel.” [4] By this measure, the Palestinian majority in the occupied territories have the right to self-determination (by democratic processes), and Israel's suppression of that right through its refusal to withdraw to the 1967 borders should be seen as a human rights violation. Consequently, Israel should withdraw to its 1967 borders in order to end its violation of the rights of the Palestinian people.  [1] BBC News. “Israeli settlements condemned by Western powers”. BBC News. 2 November 2011.   [2] Kennedy, Hugh. “The Great Arab Conquests: How the Spread of Islam Changed the World We Live In”. Da Capo Press. 2007.  [3] United Nations World Conference on Human Rights. “VIENNA DECLARATION AND PROGRAMME OF ACTION”. United Nations. 14-25 June 1993.   [4] Agence France-Presse, NDTV. “Brazil recognises Palestinian state on 1967 borders”. NDTV. 5 December 2010. Palestinian aspirations, statehood, 1967 borders, Israeli occupation, resistance, two-state solution, independence, self-determination, international law, UN Charter, Vienna Declaration, human rights, sovereignty, borders, occupation, human rights violation, peace, Jerusalem, settlements, UN resolutions, Middle East conflict, recognition, peace process, Israel-Palestine, territorial disputes, international community, border negotiations Palestinian aspirations, statehood, Israeli occupation, resistance, two-state solution, 1967 borders, self-determination, international law, human rights, UN Charter, Vienna Declaration, Palestine recognition, Israeli settlements, peace process, borders, sovereignty, human rights violation, international law standards, negotiation, recognition Palestinian aspirations, statehood, resistance, Israeli occupation, independence, two-state solution, 1967 borders, self-determination, international law, UN Charter, human rights, Vienna Declaration, right to self-determination, peace process, Israel withdrawal, occupied territories, Palestinian-majority, sovereignty, human rights violations, diplomatic recognition, regional stability, international community Palestinian aspirations, statehood, 1967 borders, Israeli occupation, resistance, two-state solution, independent state, self-determination, international law, UN Charter, Vienna Declaration, human rights, sovereignty, Israeli settlements, international recognition, peace process, Palestinian people, borders, human rights violation, peaceful coexistence Palestinian aspirations, statehood, occupation, resistance, 1967 borders, two-state solution, independence, Israel, self-determination, international law, Vienna Declaration, human rights, UN Charter, sovereignty, negotiation, peace process, settlements, violations, borders, recognition, democratic processes, territorial disputes
test-politics-mtpghwaacb-pro01a	Collective bargaining is not a right  Whilst the freedom of association exists under the state and it is true that people should be allowed to communicate with one another and form groups to forward their personal and political interests, it is not true that the freedom of association automatically grants access to the decision making process.  Unions in this instance are problematic because whilst other groups do not have access to special privileges, unions are able to exert a significant and disproportionate amount of influence over the political process through the use of collective bargaining mechanisms. This argument applies to private unions as well, although to a lesser extent, and the banning of collective bargaining for private unions would be principally sound. In the case of unions in the private sector they can cause large amounts of disruption which has a large knock on impact on the economy giving leverage over politicians for whom the economy and jobs are always important issues. For example unions in transport in the private sector are just as disruptive as in the public sector. Even more minor businesses can be significant due to being in supply or logistics chains that are vital for important parts of the economy.1 The access to the decision making process that unions are granted goes above and beyond the rights that we award to all other groups and as such this right, if it can be called one at all, can easily be taken away as it is the removal of an inequality within our system.  Further, even if collective bargaining were to be considered a “right,” the government can curtail the rights of individuals and groups of people should it feel the harm to all of society is great enough. We see this with the limits that we put on free speech such that we may prevent the incitement of racial hatred.2  Shepardson, David, “GM, Ford warn rail strike could cripple auto industry”, The Detroit News, 30 November 2011,   Denholm, David “Guess What: There is no ‘right’ to collective bargaining.” LabourUnionReport.com 21/02/2011 collective bargaining, freedom of association, unions, decision-making process, political influence, private unions, public sector unions, economic impact, disruption, supply chains, inequality, rights, government regulation, free speech, societal harm, labor rights, influence, power, legislation collective bargaining, right, freedom of association, influence, political process, unions, private sector, disruption, economy, influence, decision-making, inequalities, rights, government, free speech, societal harm, regulation, rights limit, strike collective bargaining, right, freedom of association, groups, decision making, unions, privileges, influence, political process, private unions, disruption, economy, leverage, transport, supply chains, rights, inequality, government, civil liberties, free speech, society, societal harm, regulation, labor rights collective bargaining, freedom of association, rights, unions, political influence, decision-making access, private sector, public sector, disruption, economic impact, supply chains, influence, inequality, rights suppression, government regulation, free speech, societal harm, labor rights, union influence collective bargaining, freedom of association, unions, political influence, private sector, disruption, economy, decision-making, rights, inequality, government intervention, free speech, racial hatred, influence, regulations, rights limitations, economic impact
test-international-emephsate-pro03a	Strategic position and energy benefits  There would be immense strategic benefits both to Europe and to Turkey if she were allowed to join the European Union. Turkey is already a important regional power with a lot of influence in the Middle East and Central Asia and it is already a member of NATO, which most members of the EU are also a part of. [1] This is in part because Turkey is in an immensely strategic geographic situation as the border between Europe and Asia. Historically this has meant Turkey is ideally located for trade, today it means it is strategically close to the oil and gas fields advanced economies like the EU’s depend on.  Turkey is therefore vital for Europe’s energy security. According to the EU energy minister “Turkey comes first in these countries for cooperation” on energy issues because of its location. [2] This is because Turkey is an important transit point for Oil coming through the Bosporus from the Caspian Sea and Russia and also for gas. Turkey acts as a bridge both to the Caspian and the Gulf and creates a second option for importing gas into Europe through pipelines that Europe needs as shown by the cut offs caused by Russian disputes with Belarus and Ukraine. Having gas pipelines through Turkey to the EU, such as the Nabucco pipeline, would shatter Russia’s gas monopoly in Europe. [3]  [1] Solana, Javier, ‘Why Turkey must join the European Union’, CNN World, 13 June 2011,   [2] Kurtaran, Gökhan, ‘Turkey vital for energy, EU commissioner says’, Daily News, 10 February 2012,   [3] Tekin, Ali, and Williams, Paul A., ‘Europe’s External Energy Policy and Turkey’s Accession Process’, Center for European Studies Working Paper Series #170, 2009, Strategic position, energy benefits, European Union, Turkey, regional power, Middle East, Central Asia, NATO, geographic location, trade, oil, gas, energy security, Bosporus, Caspian Sea, Russia, pipelines, Nabucco, gas monopoly, Europe, energy policy, accession process Strategic position, energy benefits, Europe, Turkey, European Union, regional power, Middle East, Central Asia, NATO, geographic location, trade, oil, gas, energy security, Caspian Sea, Russia, pipelines, Bosporus, Nabucco pipeline, energy independence, gas monopoly, geopolitics Strategic position, energy benefits, European Union, Turkey, regional power, Middle East, Central Asia, NATO, geographic location, trade routes, energy security, oil and gas, pipelines, Bosporus, Caspian Sea, Russia, gas transit, Nabucco pipeline, energy cooperation, Europe, energy independence, Russia disputes, gas monopoly, energy policy, Turkey accession Strategic position, energy security, European Union, Turkey, regional power, Middle East, Central Asia, NATO, geographic location, Europe-Asia border, trade, oil pipelines, gas pipelines, Caspian Sea, Russia, Bosporus, energy transit, Nabucco pipeline, gas monopoly, energy cooperation, geopolitical strategy, EU energy policy, Turkey accession, pipeline routes Turkey, European Union, strategic position, energy benefits, geopolitics, regional power, Middle East, Central Asia, NATO, geographic location, trade routes, energy security, Caspian Sea, oil, gas pipelines, Bosporus, EU cooperation, energy transit, Nabucco pipeline, gas monopoly, Russia, pipeline routes, Ukraine, Belarus, European energy policy
test-economy-bepighbdb-pro01a	Dictatorships are more effective than democracies at mobilizing resources for investment.  Dictatorships are superior to democracies in that they can make decisions and implement policies quicker. They can easily modify institutional and legal frameworks towards development goals, as there is no need for a political consensus behind their actions. This also insulates government from special interests that must be reconciled with in democracies. This allows dictatorships to create a pro-investment legal, economic and institutional framework such as low taxes, exchange rate manipulations and import tariffs, without facing political opposition.  For example, fracking, a technique used to extract hard to obtain gas, has generated widespread opposition in the West, leading to it being banned in France [1] . An autocratic government would find it easier to allow cheap access to this energy, boosting industry, as it could disregard this opposition.  Dictatorships can also control resources to allow for better health and education services, by determining curricula, salaries and supplies. Cuba has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, with more doctors per capita than much of the Western world [2] , and in 2009 Shanghai came first in the PISA test [3] .  [1] Castelvecchi, Davide, ‘France becomes first country to ban extraction of natural gas by fracking’, Scientific American, 30 June 2011,   [2] The Economist, ‘Reshoring manufacturing: Coming Home’, 19 January 2013,   [3] Brouwer, Steve, ‘The Cuban Revolutionary Doctor: The Ultimate Weapon of Solidarity’, Monthly Review, Vol.60 No.8, January 2009, dictatorships, democracies, resource mobilization, decision-making, policy implementation, institutional frameworks, legal reforms, development, political consensus, special interests, pro-investment policies, low taxes, exchange rate manipulation, import tariffs, fracking, energy resources, opposition, autocratic government, resource control, healthcare, education, Cuba, healthcare system, doctor density, Shanghai, PISA, resource allocation, economic development dictatorships, democracies, resource mobilization, investment, decision-making, policy implementation, institutional reforms, legal frameworks, development goals, political consensus, special interests, pro-investment policies, low taxes, exchange rate manipulation, import tariffs, fracking, energy extraction, opposition, autocratic government, resource control, healthcare, education, Cuba, healthcare system, doctors per capita, Shanghai, PISA test dictatorships, democracies, resource mobilization, decision-making, policy implementation, institutional frameworks, legal frameworks, development, political consensus, special interests, investment climate, pro-investment policies, low taxes, exchange rate manipulation, import tariffs, fracking, energy extraction, public opposition, autocratic government, resource control, healthcare, education, curricula, salaries, supplies, Cuba, healthcare system, doctors per capita, Shanghai, PISA test dictatorships, democracies, resource mobilization, decision-making, policy implementation, institutional frameworks, legal frameworks, development, political consensus, special interests, pro-investment policies, low taxes, exchange rate manipulation, import tariffs, fracking, energy extraction, opposition, autocratic government, resource control, healthcare system, education, Cuba, Shanghai, healthcare quality, international assessments dictatorships, democracies, resource mobilization, investment, decision-making, policy implementation, institutional reform, legal frameworks, development, political consensus, special interests, pro-investment policies, low taxes, exchange rate, import tariffs, energy, fracking, opposition, autocratic government, resource control, healthcare, education, Cuba, healthcare system, doctors, Shanghai, PISA, economic policies
test-health-ahiahbgbsp-con01a	Paternalistic  Personal autonomy has to be the key to this debate. If people want to smoke – and the owner of the public place has no issue with that – it is not the role of the state to step in. While smoking is dangerous, people should be free in a society to take their own risks, and live with their decisions. All that is required is ensuring that smokers are educated about the risks so that they can make an informed decision. paternalism, personal autonomy, public smoking, individual rights, personal choice, risk awareness, informed decision, state role, public health, freedom, personal responsibility, smoking legislation paternalism, personal autonomy, public health, smoking rights, individual freedom, informed consent, risk awareness, state intervention, personal responsibility, liberty, public place, societal debate paternalism, personal autonomy, smoking, public health, individual rights, risk decision, informed consent, personal freedom, government intervention, public place, risk awareness, liberty paternalism, personal autonomy, smoking, public health, individual rights, risk awareness, informed consent, liberty, personal choice, societal debate, state intervention, smoking dangers, public place, health education, personal responsibility paternalism, personal autonomy, public health, smoking, individual rights, state intervention, personal choice, risk awareness, informed consent, liberty, public space, health education, personal responsibility
test-international-eiahwpamu-con02a	Deeper issues unresolved  Microfinance provides a quick-fix solution for the poor. The individual, or community, is provided with a loan to invest in their future. However, although access to capital is a key concern for enabling entrepreneurialism it is not the silver bullet. Microfinance schemes will fail without providing a stable political and economic environment that makes a good climate to invest in.  Microfinance is essentially short-termist. It encourages investment but only in things that will bring a quick return. With interest rates as high as 30% the person taking the loan needs to pay it back as quickly as possible. This can sometimes be against an individual’s long term interests, for example access to microfinance often reduces primary school attendance as this is a long term investment that will not pay back the loan money (IOE, 2011). microfinance, poverty, quick-fix, loans, entrepreneurialism, economic environment, political stability, short-termism, interest rates, investment, long-term interests, education, primary school Attendance microfinance, poverty, financialaccess, entrepreneurialism, economicenvironment, politicalstability, short-termism, interest rates, investment, long-term, education, repayment, financialinclusion, development, socialimpact microfinance, unresolved issues, quick-fix, poverty, loans, community investment, entrepreneurialism, access to capital, political stability, economic environment, investment climate, short-termism, high interest rates, quick returns, long-term interests, primary school attendance, long-term investment microfinance, poverty, financial access, entrepreneurship, economic environment, political stability, short-termism, high interest rates, loan repayment, investment, long-term development, social impact, education, microcredit, sustainability microfinance, poverty, access to capital, entrepreneurialism, short-termism, political stability, economic environment, investment, high interest rates, repayment, long-term investment, education, primary school, financial inclusion
test-international-eghrhbeusli-pro04a	Cooperation is the best way to gain influence  Cooperating with China is the best way to gain influence with the regime in order to promote democracy and human rights, engage it internationally, etc. The Chinese respond very badly to being publicly lectured or threatened, [1] but they will listen to those friendly nations who have earned their trust in ways like these. China for example often follows Russia, since the beginning of the 1990s its biggest arms supplier, when it comes to voting in the United Nations Security Council. Thus both vetoed sanctions against Syria in 2011 and shortly after Russia shifted its position to urging Assad to carry out reforms China followed. [2] The influence of the United States over other East Asian states in encouraging their democratization also shows that friends can apply influence on issues such as human rights as well as where interests coincide; The United States played a key role in sheparding Philippine dictator Marcos out of office and then encouraged Korean President Chun Doo Hwan to stick to a single term of office and not to use force against the opposition in 1988. [3] Lifting the ban is an investment in the future of the Europe-China relationship, and could be of benefit to the whole world, not just the EU.  [1] Byrnes, Sholto, ‘David Cameron’s China visit’, 2010.   [2] Chulov, Martin, ‘China urges Syria regime to deliver on promised reforms’, 2011.   [3] Oberdorfer, Don, The Two Koreas, 2001, pp.163-4, 170. cooperation, influence, China, regime, democracy, human rights, international engagement, diplomatic strategy, trust-building, soft power, Russia, arms sales, United Nations, Security Council, sanctions, Syria, veto, reform, United States, democratization, foreign policy, East Asia, Philippines, Marcos, Korea, Chun Doo Hwan, political influence, regime change, foreign relations, EU, Europe-China relations, diplomatic investments cooperation, influence, China, regime, democracy, human rights, international engagement, diplomatic strategy, soft power, trust, Russia, United Nations, Security Council, veto, sanctions, Syria, East Asia, democratization, US influence, human rights advocacy, Philippines, Marcos, Korea, political reform, regime change, diplomatic relations, EU, Europe-China relationship, global benefit international relations, influence, cooperation, diplomacy, China, regime, democracy, human rights, international engagement, trust-building, soft power, foreign policy, United Nations, Security Council, sanctions, alliances, Russia, arms trade, veto, Syria, reforms, East Asia, United States, democratization, foreign influence, historical relations, ASEAN, Philippines, Marcos, Korea, Chun Doo Hwan, political reform, diplomacy strategies, EU-China relations, international investment, global stability cooperation, influence, diplomacy, China, regime, democracy, human rights, international engagement, trust, soft power, Russia, United Nations, veto, sanctions, Syria, East Asia, democratization, US influence, Philippines, Marcos, Korea, reform, regime change, EU, Europe-China relations, global benefits, foreign policy cooperation, influence, diplomacy, China, regime, democracy, human rights, international engagement, trust, soft power, Russia, United Nations Security Council, sanctions, Syria, veto, East Asia, democratization, US influence, Philippine dictator Marcos, Korean President Chun Doo Hwan, reform, diplomacy, EU relationship, international relations, foreign policy
test-international-aegmeppghw-con05a	Turkey would have the largest population of all member states and would therefore hold a disproportionate amount of voting power  Turkey is a large country in European terms, but even if its population would make it the largest single EU member by 2020, this would still only give it some 15% of the total in an enlarged EU of 25 countries or more. This is a much smaller proportion than Germany represented in the EU of 15 before the 2004 enlargement (21.9%) [1] , so it is ridiculous to argue that Turkey would dominate EU decision-making. It would not gain full status for many years anyway; an inauguration period, in which it had semi-membership status, would introduce it slowly to the process. Turkey would not be able to change EU policy to suit itself as soon as it arrives.  [1]  European Union (EU-15) & Constituent Nation Population from 1950 & Projections to 2050, Demographia, 2001 Turkey, population, EU membership, voting power, European Union, EU enlargement, EU-15, demographic projections, decision-making, semi-membership, EU policy, membership stages, population percentage, EU countries Turkey, population, EU membership, voting power, European Union, EU enlargement, EU decision-making, population comparison, Greece, Germany, EU-15, enlargements, semi-membership, EU policy, demographics, projections Turkey, population, voting power, EU membership, European Union, enlargement, EU decision-making, demographic data, EU-15, member states, population proportion, Germany, EU policy, accession, semi-membership, membership process, EU projections Turkey, population, EU, member states, voting power, European Union, EU enlargement, population proportion, Germany, EU decision-making, semi-membership, EU policy, demographic projections Turkey, population, member states, voting power, European Union, EU enlargement, demographic data, EU decision-making, EU membership, EU population projection, EU-15, population share, accession, EU policies, decision influence, EU history
test-science-nsihwbtiss-con02a	The law would violate freedom of speech and association.  Under this law a random person who the student has never met, even a potential predator, would be allowed to send a message via facebook or twitter. And yet a teacher doing the same thing, regardless of the content of that message, would be instantly committing an offence. Every person is allowed to speak to and associate with whomever they choose. That is a fundamental right that the government is not allowed to take away [1] . A person’s status as a teacher should not be an excuse to violate their rights.  [1] Solove, Daniel. “Missouri Bans Teachers from Friending Students on Social Networking Webistes.” The Huffington Post. 02 August 2011. freedom of speech, freedom of association, social media, teacher rights, privacy, online communication, First Amendment, educational law, social networking policies, government restrictions, student-teacher interaction, legal rights, social media policies, teachers' rights, privacy rights freedom of speech, freedom of association, social media, Facebook, Twitter, teacher rights, student privacy, government regulation, First Amendment, online communication, teacher-student interaction, social networking laws, privacy rights, legal rights, social media policy freedom of speech, freedom of association, social media, Facebook, Twitter, teacher rights, student-teacher boundaries, privacy rights, online communication, legal rights, censorship, First Amendment, social networking laws, educator rights, digital communication, privacy violations freedom of speech, freedom of association, social media, Facebook, Twitter, teacher rights, student-teacher boundaries, online communication, privacy rights, legal rights, social networking, right to privacy, First Amendment, educators' rights, online interactions, policy, legal controversy freedom of speech, association, social media, Facebook, Twitter, teacher rights, student privacy, online communication, legal rights, First Amendment, teacher-student relationships, social networking law, legal protections, privacy rights, educational policy, government restrictions, freedom of expression, social media policies
test-economy-thsptr-pro04a	Progressive taxation promotes a more equal, more harmonious society  Progressive taxation provides real equality of opportunity, and serves to level the playing field so that social classes are not fixed. Everyone deserves a chance to climb the economic ladder, but without a regime of progressive taxation this is nearly impossible. [1] If tax revenues are generated by flat or regressive taxes the poor will necessarily have to contribute substantial portions of their own income to the state, cutting into their ability to consume and save. Social services must still be financed, and the best way to do that is through a progressive tax regime that makes those most able to pay more pay more; if more of the burden is placed on the poor and disadvantaged, as it must in a flat-rate system, fewer people will be able to climb out from the social strata in which they are born. [2] The more equal society created by these taxes is thus more equitable, since it affords people greater opportunities. It is also more harmonious, since well-funded services keep people from feeling desperate and to turn to such things as crime. But greater equality itself can also be beneficial, as it reduces distinctions between groups in society, and prevents stratification into social classes based on wealth. People who are more alike can sympathize and empathize more with one another. Progressive taxation thus promotes a very real and powerful social message that can greatly benefit social cohesion.  [1] Young, H. Peyton. 1990. “Progressive Taxation and Equal Sacrifice”. The American Economic Review 80(1): 253-266.  [2] Benabou, Roland. “Social Mobility and the Demand for Redistribution: The Poum Hypothesis”. The Quarterly Journal of Economics. 2001. Available: progressive taxation, economic equality, social cohesion, income redistribution, social mobility, social classes, wealth gap, social stratification, public services, social justice, income inequality, regressive taxes, flat taxes, poverty alleviation, social harmony, economic ladder, social opportunity, wealth redistribution, social stratification, social cohesion, inequality reduction, tax policy progressive taxation, income equality, social justice, social cohesion, economic opportunity, social classes, wealth redistribution, social stratification, social services, inequality reduction, social mobility, regressive taxes, flat taxes, economic ladder, income redistribution, social harmony, social stratification, social cohesion, wealth gap, income disparity, social equity, equitable society progressive taxation, social equality, social justice, economic mobility, social cohesion, income distribution, wealth redistribution, social stratification, social services, economic opportunity, flat tax, regressive tax, income inequality, social class, social harmony, poverty reduction, social opportunity, social stratification, inequality reduction, tax policy Progressive taxation, social equality, social cohesion, economic opportunity, social stratification, income redistribution, social services, social mobility, income inequality, wealth distribution, social classes, poverty alleviation, social harmony, social justice, fiscal policy, taxation system progressive taxation, social equality, income redistribution, social cohesion, economic equality, social stratification, social mobility, fair taxation, social services, economic opportunity, social classes, flat taxes, regressive taxes, income inequality, social justice, social harmony, wealth distribution, tax policy, societal cohesion, economic ladder
test-digital-freedoms-aihwbasmn-pro01a	Free speech is not useful in this context, as riot is never legitimate in a free society  Riots should not be tolerated in a free society as there are already legal and peaceful methods of dissenting such as through demonstrations, petitions, and contacting your representative in Parliament. It demonstrates a fundamental unwillingness to engage with not only the apparatus of the state, but society more generally. Rioters have no regard for the public, and the violence and damage they cause harms everyone. Riots tend to do little to actually challenge the state, but rather they tend to harm the most disadvantaged, those who happen to be in the vicinity of the mobs. The freedom of speech social media provides to its users is being fundamentally misused in the context of riots. [1] When speech is used to organize violence, it must be curtailed for the sake of society as individuals security and safety is more important that freedom of speech that is briefly curtailed. Violence damages long after the event whereas those who have their freedom of speech curtailed for a few hours can swiftly voice their opinions once the riot has ended and the block lifted.  [1] Thomson, A. and Hutton, R., “UK May Block Twitter, Blackberry Messaging Services in Future Riots”. Bloomberg. 11 August 2011. free speech, riots, legitimacy, free society, dissent methods, demonstrations, petitions, political engagement, state apparatus, societal engagement, public harm, violence, damage, disadvantaged groups, social media, speech misuse, violence organization, safety, security, freedom curtailment, long-term damage, speech rights, Twitter, Blackberry, communication, censorship, protest, law enforcement free speech, riots, legitimacy, free society, dissent, demonstrations, petitions, parliamentary contact, state apparatus, social society, rioters, public harm, violence, damage, disadvantaged, minorities, social media, speech misuse, violence organization, security, safety, freedom of speech curtailment, violence aftermath, temporary restrictions free speech, riots, legitimacy, peaceful dissent, demonstrations, petitions, political engagement, societal responsibility, violence, public safety, social media, speech misuse, violence organization, government censorship, security, harm, disadvantaged groups, societal damage, freedom of speech limits, temporary curtailment free speech, riots, legitimacy, free society, legal dissent, peaceful methods, demonstrations, petitions, contact representatives, state apparatus, societal engagement, public harm, violence, property damage, disadvantaged groups, social media, speech organization, violence incitement, safety, security, speech curtailment, long-term damage, temporary restrictions, communication, digital platforms, UK riots, social media regulation free speech, riots, legitimacy, free society, dissent, demonstrations, petitions, Parliament, state apparatus, social engagement, public interest, violence, damage, disadvantaged, social media, speech misuse, violence organization, societal safety, freedom curtailment, post-riot expression, security
test-economy-bepahbtsnrt-con01a	Produces Employment  Tourism is the second largest employer in the country. The industry produces over 400,000 jobs for Tunisians1. This employment figure is vital to Tunisia which has a large number of students in higher-education, around 346,000 in 2010, and a consequentially high expectation of employment2. Tourism also has a positive effect on other linked industries such as transport, creating jobs in these sectors as well. This creation of employment allows more people to sufficiently contribute to society through taxes and the purchasing of goods through their wages. This, in turn, produces economic growth and should therefore be encouraged.  1) Padmore,R. ‘Tunisia tourism industry looks to rebuild’, BBC, 22nd August 2013  2) Global Edge, ‘Tunisia: Economy’, data accessed 27 January 2014 tourism, employment, jobs, Tunisia, tourism industry, economic growth, linked industries, transport, tax revenue, societal contribution, higher education, job creation, economic development, employment sectors employment, tourism, Tunisia, jobs, industry, hospitality, travel, transportation, economic growth, employment sectors, higher education, job creation, linked industries, taxes, consumer spending, economic development, tourism statistics, industry impact, unemployment, employment figures employment, tourism, Tunisia, job creation, hospitality industry, economic growth, linked industries, transportation, employment figures, higher education, student employment, tax revenue, purchasing power, economic contribution, tourism sector, employment statistics tourism, employment, job creation, Tunisia, hospitality industry, economic growth, transportation, linked industries, taxes, wages, higher education, student employment, tourism sector, economic contribution employment, tourism, job creation, Tunisia, hospitality industry, economic growth, linked industries, transport sector, higher education, student employment, wages, taxes, societal contribution, economic development, sustainable tourism
test-education-pteuhwfphe-con04a	Graduates may move abroad to avoid tax payments  As taxes are collected nationally there is no reason why a UK graduate could not simply upon graduating leave the country and avoid paying the education tax. If enough people exploited this obvious loophole in the system the Government could end up severe deficit in the education budget which ultimately could lead to lower investment which would have a detrimental effect on the quality of education on offer. The proposed system then is simply not a practical one seeing as this massive and clear to see loophole exists with it. graduates, move abroad, avoid tax, education tax, loophole, tax evasion, government deficit, education budget, investment, education quality graduates, move abroad, tax avoidance, education tax, loophole, government deficit, education budget, international migration, tax system, economic impact, educational funding, policy analysis graduates, move abroad, avoid tax, tax payments, education tax, loophole, government, education budget, deficit, investment, quality of education, system, practical, exploitation graduates, move abroad, tax avoidance, education tax, loophole, tax system, government deficit, education budget, tax evasion, international migration, tax policy, fiscal loopholes, UK graduates, tax enforcement, educational funding graduates, move abroad, avoid tax, education tax, tax avoidance, loophole, government deficit, education budget, investment, quality education, tax system, fiscal loopholes
test-society-tsmihwurpp-pro02a	Profiling would have caught many of the perpetrators of terrorism in recent years.  Profiling takes account of many more characteristics than an individual’s ethnicity. Targeted checks would have caught, for example, the so called Christmas Day Bomber. Individuals who pay in cash for a one way flight while carrying no luggage, as Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab [i] did, are a fairly small group and it makes sense to target them.  Profiling is a great deal more subtle than a decision to target a single ethnic group. It is entirely possible to identify patterns in the behaviour of terrorists, drug mules and smugglers, and to respond to that accordingly.  Obviously, the more refined the profile can be, the better. It is incredibly unlikely that an affluent, Caucasian businessman with a return ticket for the following day is either a suicide bomber or a drug smuggler. Both common sense and statistics show this to be the case.  [i] “Obama vows to repair intelligence gaps behind Detroit airplane incident”. The Washington post, 30 December 2009. profiling, terrorism, criminal behavior, targeted checks, behavior patterns, ethnicity, threat detection, security measures, intelligence, risk assessment, terrorist profiles, behavior analysis, suspicion indicators, security screening, risk profiling, criminal profiling, law enforcement, counterterrorism profiling, terrorism, perpetrators, behavior patterns, targeted checks, ethnicity, risk assessment, criminal profiling, terrorist tactics, preventive security, trend analysis, behavioral indicators, risk groups, surveillance, intelligence, threat detection, suspect identification profiling, terrorism, behavioral patterns, targeted checks, ethnicity, risk assessment, security measures, suspicious behavior, criminal profiling, security screening, threat detection, law enforcement, intelligence analysis, drug mule, smuggling, bomber, Abdulmutallab, cash payment, flight, luggage, behavioral analysis, intelligence gaps profiling, terrorism, perpetrators, ethnicity, targeted checks, Christmas Day Bomber, cash payments, one-way flight, luggage, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, patterns, behavior, terrorists, drug mules, smugglers, refined profiling, ethnic groups, stereotypes, intelligence gaps profiling, terrorism, perpetrators, ethnicity, targeted checks, Christmas Day Bomber, cash payment, one-way flight, luggage, behavior patterns, terrorists, drug mules, smugglers, intelligence gaps, risk profiling, demographic analysis, security measures, threat detection, behavioral analysis, intelligence, security screening
test-society-epsihbdns-con02a	"It is practically impossible to control people's movement  One of the major problems with the proposal lies in the very fact that we are indeed dealing with developing nations. These nations have very limited capacity to manage this kind of system. What will happen instead, will be a state of confusion, where the law will be upheld in some parts while ignored in others. The case in China clearly shows that corruption follows in the wake of this kind of legislation, where urban Hukous are sold illegally or officials are frequently bribed to ignore the law. [1]  Furthermore, it only causes those who choose to move to the cities, in spite of the law, to be alienated from society and live a life outside of the law. Once outside of the law, the step to other crimes is very small as these people have little to lose. [2] In short, the law will only work in some cases and where it works it will lead to increased segregation and more crime.  [1] Wang, Fei-Ling. “Organising through Division and Exclusion: China's Hukou System"". 2005.  [2] Wu. s.l., and Treiman, The Household Registration System and Social Stratification in China: 1955-1996. Springer, 2004, Demography, Vol. 2. movement control, developing nations, law enforcement, urban Hukou, corruption, illegal Hukou sales, bribery, law evasion, societal alienation, urban migration, crime increase, social segregation, legal system flaws, China, household registration, social stratification, Hukou system, migration policy, legal compliance, governance challenges, urbanization, social inequality population control, movement regulation, developing nations, law enforcement, government capacity, societal confusion, legal compliance, corruption, illegal Hukou, bribery, urban migration, societal alienation, illegal activities, crime increase, segregation, social stratification, Hukou system, China, household registration, social exclusion migration, urbanization, hukou system, developing nations, law enforcement, corruption, legal compliance, social exclusion, crime rate, social stratification, administrative capacity, government policy, social inequality, urban migration, illegal registration, bribery, social cohesion, urban-rural divide, social order, public policy movement control, developing nations, legal enforcement, corruption, urban Hukou, illegal sale, bribery, societal alienation, law evasion, crime, segregation, social stratification, household registration system, hukou reform, urbanization, social exclusion, law enforcement challenges, China, social inequality, legal compliance population control, mobility restrictions, developing nations, legal enforcement, corruption, urban Hukou, illegal sale, bribery, legal non-compliance, social exclusion, urban migration, law enforcement failure, crime increase, social segregation, hukou system, China, societal impact, social stratification, household registration, legal system, governance challenges"
test-free-speech-debate-ldhwbmclg-con02a	A ban will be ineffective  A new legal prohibition on any type of behaviour or conduct can only be set up by investing large amounts of political capital in order to transform vague proposals into a legislative document and then into a fully-fledged law. This expense can only be justified if the ban is effective – if it is seen as a legitimate use of a state’s power; is enforceable; and if it brings about some form of beneficial social change. The change being sought in this instance is a reduction in the violence, criminality and social disaffection that some people associate with hip hop music and its fans.  Laws do not create changes in behaviour simply because they are laws. It is unlikely that the consumers of hip hop will refrain from listening to it. The ease with which music can be distributed and performed means that any ban on violent songs will, inevitably, be ineffective. File sharing networks and cross border online stores such as eBay and Silk Road already enable people to obtain media and controlled goods with little more than a credit card and a forwarding address. The total value of all of the music illegally pirated during 2007 is estimated to be $12.5 billion. The same network of file sharing systems and data repositories would be used to distribute banned music if proposition’s policies became law.  Current urban music genres are already defined and supported by grassroots musicians who specialise in assembling tracks using minimal resources before sharing them among friends or broadcasting them on short-range pirate radio stations. Just as the internet contains a resilient, ready-made distribution network for music, urban communities contain large numbers of ambitious, talented amateur artists who will step into fill the void created by large record company’s withdrawal from controversial or prohibited genres.  Although a formal ban on the distribution of music has yet to happen within a western liberal democracy, similar laws have been created to restrict access to violent videogames. Following widespread reports of the damaging effects that exposure to violent videogames might have on children, Australia banned outright the publication of a succession of violent and action-oriented titles. However, in several instances, implementation of this ban led only to increased piracy of prohibited games through file sharing networks and attempts by publishing companies to circumvent the ban using websites based in jurisdictions outside Australia. Similar behaviour is likely to result in other liberal democracies following any ban on music with violent lyrics.  If banned, controversial music will move from the managed, regulated space occupied by record companies and distributors- where business entities and artists’ agents can engage in structured, transparent debate with classification bodies- to the partly hidden and unregulated space of the internet. As a consequence it will be much more difficult to detect genuinely dangerous material, and much harder for artists who do not trade in violent clichés to win fans and recognition.  As discussed in principle 10, effective control and classification of controversial material can only be achieved if it is discussed with a high specificity and a nuanced understanding of the shared standards that it might offend. This would not be possible under a policy that effectively surrenders control of the content of music to the internet. ban, effectiveness, legislation, political capital, social change, violence, criminality, social disaffection, hip hop, music, illegal distribution, piracy, file sharing, online stores, cross-border, digital distribution, grassroots musicians, underground networks, pirate radio, internet, urban music, controversial genres, violent videogames, censorship, piracy circumvention, regulation, classification, internet content, content control, media distribution, online platforms ban, effectiveness, legal prohibition, political capital, legislative process, legitimacy, enforcement, social change, violence reduction, criminality, social disaffection, hip hop, music consumption, online distribution, file sharing, piracy, illegal music, cross-border commerce, online stores, copyright infringement, urban music, grassroots musicians, amateur artists, pirate radio, resilient distribution networks, violence in media, violent videogames, censorship, internet regulation, digital piracy, law circumvention, online privacy, content control, classification, shared standards, internet freedom legal prohibition, political capital, legislation, social change, enforcement, legitimacy, violence reduction, criminality, social disaffection, hip hop, music bans, media distribution, file sharing, piracy, online stores, illegal music, grassroots musicians, urban communities, pirate radio, internet distribution, violent videogames, censorship, piracy avoidance, regulation, classification, controversial content, internet privacy, content control legal prohibition, political capital, legislative process, enforcement, social change, violence reduction, criminality, social disaffection, hip hop music, music censorship, illegal file sharing, music piracy, online distribution, cross-border trade, music industry, grassroots musicians, pirate radio, internet distribution, urban music genres, controversial content, violent videogames, media regulation, content classification, internet regulation, censorship challenges, digital piracy, online markets, free speech, regulation loopholes ban, effectiveness, enforcement, social change, violence, criminality, disaffection, hip hop, music, legislation, online piracy, file sharing, digital distribution, illegal downloads, music industry, grassroots musicians, underground networks, pirate radio, internet distribution, online marketplaces, cross-border trade, cultural regulation, violent videogames, censorship, online risks, digital piracy, jurisdiction, legal enforcement, liberal democracy, content regulation, classification, internet regulation, censorship challenges, controversial music, online communities
test-international-eiahwpamu-con01a	Realistic barriers  There are significant barriers to introducing microfinance. Microfinance can’t reach everywhere; a lack of infrastructure, or poor infrastructure, can mean that microfinance initiatives often can’t reach where need is greatest. Those who are poorest most need money just to get buy, not to invest. They would be unable to repay even tiny loans. It returns to the question of who is the poorest, and what do we know about them - where they are, what they need, and why are they poor?  Secondly, structural constraints limit the ability for microfinance to be sustainable and provide a long term solution. Bad governance, inadequate structures to regulate microfinance, and political instability, mean the theoretical benefits of microfinance may not become a lived reality.  Thirdly, who is involved in the supply? The involvement of multiple actors - NGOs, communities, the state, and private sector, complicates how microfinance is being run and therefore the effectiveness. Tensions emerge with such partnerships as each actor has the different objectives and motivations. microfinance, barriers, infrastructure, poor infrastructure, reach, poverty, needs, repayment, poorest, structural constraints, sustainability, governance, regulation, political instability, stakeholders, NGOs, communities, government, private sector, partnerships, effectiveness, motivations microfinance, barriers, infrastructure, access, poverty, poorest, repayment, need, structural constraints, sustainability, governance, regulation, political instability, actors, NGOs, communities, government, private sector, partnerships, effectiveness microfinance, barriers, infrastructure, access, poverty, repayment capacity, poorest, needs, structural constraints, sustainability, governance, regulation, political instability, stakeholders, NGOs, communities, private sector, partnerships, effectiveness microfinance, barriers, infrastructure, reach, poverty, access, repayment, sustainability, governance, regulation, political instability, stakeholders, NGOs, communities, government, private sector, partnerships, effectiveness microfinance, barriers, infrastructure, accessibility, poverty, repayment, governance, regulation, political instability, sustainability, actors, NGOs, community, government, private sector, partnerships, effectiveness, structural constraints, targeting, beneficiaries, needs, challenges
test-law-lgplhbssbco-pro03a	Prohibiting suicide sends the message that it is not an acceptable behaviour  Individual action is shaped by what norms and standards are set by society. By prohibiting suicide, society sends out a message that it is not an acceptable action. Legislation is a useful social tool, in that it proscribes the limits of individual action. And by failing to prohibit suicide, society fails to add the ultimate sanction of its laws into the balance of any decision whether or not to commit suicide. Many of those who have tried and failed to commit suicide never attempt it again. This suggests that many who kill themselves do so because of their particular short-term circumstances, perhaps while ill, suffering financial problems or under emotional stress, rather than through a considered and rational decision. More than 30% of suicides are precipitated by intimate partner problems, more than 10% by jobs problems and 10% by financial problems. [1] Given this, even a small deterrent will help to save many lives that are currently wasted needlessly.  [1] Canters for Disease Control and Prevention, ‘Suicide: Data Sources’, 26 August 2011, suicide, prohibition, societal norms, legislation, social norms, individual action, legal sanctions, deterrence, mental health, emotional stress, financial problems, partner problems, job problems, mortality rates, public health, suicide prevention, behavioral influence, law enforcement, social attitudes, life-saving measures suicide, legislation, social norms, societal standards, prohibition, legal sanctions, individual behavior, mental health, emotional stress, financial problems, intimate partner issues, job problems, deterrence, suicide prevention, life-saving, societal attitudes, behavior change, public policy, mental illness, crisis intervention suicide, prohibition, social norms, legislation, morality, legality, deterrence, mental health, emotional stress, financial problems, relationship issues, preventive measures, laws, societal message, individual action, suicide attempts, repeat attempts, short-term circumstances, psychological factors, data sources suicide, prohibition, social norms, legislation, societal message, individual action, legal sanctions, mental health, emotional stress, financial problems, intimate partner issues, job problems, deterrence, suicide prevention, CDC, data sources suicide, prohibition, societal norms, legal sanctions, individual behavior, social influence, mental health, emotional stress, financial problems, intimate partner problems, unemployment, deterrence, prevention, lifespan, mental illness, legislation, societal message, decision-making, life-saving, public health
test-culture-ahrtsdlgra-con02a	Freedom of speech  Artists ought to be allowed to express themselves, and display the world they see, as they see it.  Freedom of speech is considered integral to the modern democracy, and with good reason! Free speech makes a vital contribution to a plurality of ideas. It is only when a great number of ideas are expressed and challenged, such that people’s beliefs remain fluid, and can be formed and reformed, that we are able to arrive at such a point where we are likely to progress. This ‘marketplace of ideas’ prevents us from stagnating; from continuing harmful practices and modes of thought simply because they are traditional.  The more free speech is limited, the less able we are to access this plurality of ideas, and thus the less able we are to truly challenge harmful habits. freedom of speech, artists, expression, democracy, plurality of ideas, marketplace of ideas, progress, challenge harmful practices, free speech limitations freedom of speech, artists, expression, democracy, plurality of ideas, marketplace of ideas, social progress, free speech limitations, cultural expression, harmful practices, traditional beliefs, idea plurality, social challenge, thought reform freedom of speech, artists, expression, democracy, plurality of ideas, marketplace of ideas, progress, censorship, free expression, cultural diversity, social change, traditional practices, harmful habits freedom of speech, artists, expression, democracy, plurality of ideas, marketplace of ideas, free speech limitations, cultural expression, social progress, challenging harmful practices, traditional beliefs, idea diversity, free expression rights freedom of speech, artists, expression, democracy, plurality of ideas, marketplace of ideas, challenge, progress, traditional practices, free speech limitations, harmful habits
test-religion-grcrgshwbr-pro01a	Many symbols are seen as a symbol of oppression on women.  Religious symbols are seen to, in some cases, increase the equality divide between genders. As an example, the Muslim Hijab is considered by some as a very powerful symbol for the oppression of women, particularly in countries such as Saudi Arabia or Afghanistan where it is compulsory. Therefore, when it is worn in Western countries that encourage democracy and equality, the wearing of the Hijab is seen as almost counter-productive to the goals of democratic society. For this reason Belgium has recently banned the wearing of the full Muslim veil, much like France in 2010.1 Often Muslim dress rules for women are seen as more severe than those for men. Inequality between men and women is a form of discrimination and liberal societies should fight all forms of discrimination.  1 ' Belgian ban on full veils comes into force', BBC News Europe, 23rd July 2011, accessed on 23rd July 2011 symbols, oppression, women, religious symbols, gender equality, Muslim Hijab, oppression, societal impact, Western countries, democracy, equality, cultural symbols, dress codes, discrimination, gender inequality, liberal societies, bans, veils, religious attire symbols, oppression, women, religious symbols, gender equality, Muslim Hijab, oppression, countries, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, compulsory, Western countries, democracy, equality, counter-productive, Belgian ban, full Muslim veil, France, Muslim dress rules, gender inequality, discrimination, liberal societies symbols, oppression, women, religious symbols, gender equality, Muslim Hijab, oppression, countries, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, compulsory, Western countries, democracy, equality, veil ban, Belgium, France, Muslim dress code, discrimination, liberal societies symbols, oppression, women, religious symbols, gender equality, Muslim Hijab, oppression, countries, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Western countries, democracy, equality, ban, Muslim veil, discrimination, liberal societies symbols, oppression, women, religious symbols, gender equality, Muslim Hijab, oppression, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, compulsory veil, Western countries, democracy, equality, Hijab ban, Belgium, France, Muslim dress code, gender discrimination, liberal societies
test-sport-tshbmlbscac-pro02a	Collisions are a part of the game.  First, collisions are part of the tradition of baseball. They have been part of the game for a very long time. Fans, players, and managers all expect home plate hits to occur from time to time. “Some things are part of the game. There’s not a whole lot you can do,” said Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek, who has been on the receiving end of numerous crashes in his career. [1] Varitek’s manager at the time, Terry Francona, agreed: “Nobody wants to see anybody get hurt, but you got to play the game.” [2] And former catcher Brad Ausmus, who had also been hit multiple times in his career, echoed the sentiment: “[I]t's part of the game.… When you put on the shin guards and chest protector, you know that if there’s a play at the plate and you’re blocking the plate, you could take a hit at any moment.” [3] As the Associated Press put it, many people believe “home plate collisions are as much a part of baseball tradition as peanuts and Cracker Jacks and the seventh-inning stretch.” [4]  Second, home plate hits are an essential element of playing the game hard. Without them, baseball would be much less deserving of its nickname “hardball.” One commentator notes, “[An injury is] extremely unfortunate, but it's the result of a hard-nosed play that is as old as the game itself. To take away the potential for a high-intensity, physical play in an otherwise non-physical sport would be a mistake.” [5] In that vein, collisions are also part of the dynamic between the offense and defense that, once removed, will make the game much poorer: “A baserunner wants to get there at all costs, whereas a catcher wants to protect it at all costs. The mutual discomfort that's evoked in both the catcher and the baserunner as a play at the plate develops is one of the intriguing peculiarities that makes the game of baseball so great.” [6]  [1] Antonio Gonzalez, “Posey’s injury stirs debate on baseball collisions,” Associated Press, May 27, 2011,  .  [2] Ibid.  [3] Jayson Stark, “On a collision course,” ESPN.com (Rumblings & Grumblings blog), May 28, 2011,  .  [4] Ibid.  [5] Ricky Doyle, “Buster Posey’s Injury Unfortunate, But Home-Plate Collisions Still Have Place in Baseball,” NESN, May 29, 2011,  .  [6] Ibid . baseball, collisions, home plate, tradition, injury, safety, player safety, injury prevention, rules, physical play, hardball, game strategy, baseball injuries, baseball rules, catcher safety, baserunner, offense, defense, sportsmanship, sports safety baseball, collisions, home plate, tradition, injury, safety, hardball, contact sports, player safety, gameplay, rules, regulations, physicality, sportsmanship, injury prevention baseball, collisions, home plate, tradition, injuries, safety, physical play, sportsmanship, hardball, rule changes, player safety, catcher, baserunner, history, game intensity, injury debate, protective gear, game rules baseball, collisions, home plate, tradition, injury, hardball, physical play, sports safety, player safety, catcher, baserunner, game rules, sportsmanship, sports injuries, player protection, sports tradition baseball, collisions, home plate, tradition, injuries, safety, physical play, hardball, rule changes, catcher, baserunner, injury debate, sportsmanship, player safety, baseball history, game tradition
test-economy-epsihbdns-pro02a	Restrictions on migration would benefit people in the cities economically and socially  Cities are very appealing to poor people. Even if their living standards in cities might be unacceptable, they get closer to basic goods, such as fresh water, sanitation etc. However, these things exist because there are productive people in the cities who work and pay taxes. What happens when too many people come at the same time is that public money is stretched too thinly and these basic goods can no longer be provided. This leads to severe humanitarian problems such as malnutrition, thirst, lack of medication, etc.  However, this humanitarian crisis does not only harm those directly affected, it also creates an unattractive environment for business. Thus, people who enter the city cannot find work, as production does not grow in relation to the people who enter. They become excluded from society and often turn to crime, which further erodes the economy. [1]  Limiting migration to reasonable levels give the cities a chance to develop progressively and become the kind of places that people in rural areas currently believe them to be.  [1] Maxwell, Daniel., “The Political Economy of Urban Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa.” 11, London : Elsevier Science Ltd., 1999, World Development, Vol. 27, p. 1939±1953. S0305-750X(99)00101-1. migration, restrictions, urban development, economic benefits, social benefits, urban appeal, poverty, living standards, basic goods, fresh water, sanitation, productive people, taxes, public resources, humanitarian problems, malnutrition, thirst, healthcare, infrastructure, public services, overcrowding, public funding, crisis, urban environment, employment, production, crime, economic erosion, urban growth, rural-urban migration, urban policy, food security, Sub-Saharan Africa migration restrictions, urban economics, social development, city appeal, poverty, living standards, basic goods, public services, taxes, humanitarian crisis, malnutrition, water scarcity, sanitation, healthcare, population pressure, public funding, urban challenges, healthcare access, crime, economic growth, rural-urban migration, urban development, city infrastructure, food security, urban poverty, social exclusion, crime rates, urban planning migration restrictions, urban development, social benefits, economic benefits, urban appeal, poverty, living standards, basic goods, water, sanitation, productive population, tax revenue, public services, humanitarian crises, malnutrition, thirst, healthcare, urban environment, business environment, unemployment, social exclusion, crime, economic erosion, population control, rural-urban migration, urban food security, Sub-Saharan Africa, political economy migration restrictions, urban development, urban poverty, social benefits, basic goods, city amenities, productive workforce, taxation, public services, humanitarian crises, malnutrition, water scarcity, sanitation, healthcare, urban overpopulation, city infrastructure, crime, economic decline, urban exclusion, rural-urban migration, development policy, food security, sub-Saharan Africa migration, restrictions, urban development, social benefits, economic benefits, urban poverty, living standards, basic goods, public services, taxes, humanitarian crises, malnutrition, thirst, healthcare, urban infrastructure, public funding, urban overcrowding, social exclusion, crime, urban economy, rural-urban migration, urban food security, sub-Saharan Africa
test-philosophy-pppgshbsd-con01a	Socialism has changed historically to meet the challenges of the moment and is addressing those of the 21st century in new ways  It should perhaps come as no surprise that the days of standing outside shopping centres and train stations handing out soggy newspapers have passed into the annals of political history – although some still do it.  Equally, trades union are no longer seen as being as central to European Socialism as they once were. However, the militancy seen over the last few years suggest, if anything, that what was a diversified ‘anti-capitalist’ movement is now coalescing around a rather clearer set of goals of which the basics of the anti-capitalism movement are merely a part. In the light of the globalisation of Capitalism, the left is increasingly rediscovering its internationalist roots which were lost to a great extent in the seventies and eighties in national struggles to save industries and jobs. Socialism, history, evolution, 21st century, political activism, newspaper distribution, trade unions, European socialism, militancy, anti-capitalist movement, globalization, capitalism, leftist internationalism, historical shifts, labor movements, political strategies socialism, historical change, 21st century, political history, activism, trade unions, European socialism, anti-capitalist movement, militancy, globalization, capitalism, leftist politics, internationalism, industrial struggles, employment, political activism socialism, history, challenges, 21st century, political change, newspaper distribution, trade unions, European socialism, militancy, anti-capitalism, globalization, capitalism, internationalism, left-wing movement, political history socialism, history, evolution, 21st century, political history, activism, trade unions, European socialism, militancy, anti-capitalism, globalization, internationalism, left-wing movements, industrial struggles, job security socialism, history, challenges, 21st century, political history, activism, protests, trade unions, European socialism, militancy, anti-capitalism, globalization, internationalism, leftist movements, industrial struggles, economic policies
test-culture-mmciahbans-pro02a	They fuel colourism in society  Allowing the use of racial overtones – the perception that a product will bring a person towards a “white ideal” is harmful for several reasons. It could cause communities to generate a form of inferiority complex, and it reinforces the structural difference rather than aiming to minimize it. While it may sound absurd, in the US darker-skinned African Americans (and darker skinned latinos) are less well educated and have lower incomes [1] . Elsewhere in the Western Hemisphere, such as in Brazil, race is seen as an issue of colour and socio-economic background, not ancestry highlighting a much more obvious link between whitening creams and racism [2] .  Is it not the role of the state to reduce that discrimination, not to fuel it? Banning such creams would help prevent such harmful effects by discouraging the notion that people should aim to make themselves lighter skinned.  [1] Hunter, Margaret L., “If you’re light you’re alright: light skin color as social capital for women of color”, Gender and Society, 2002,  , p.35  [2] Telles, Edward, Race in Another America: The Significance of Skin Colour in Brazil, 2004, online sample chapter, colourism, racial overtones, white ideal, skin colour, shade bias, racial discrimination, societal impact, inferiority complex, structural racism, skin whitening, bleaching creams, socioeconomic disparity, ethnicity, racial perception, Brazil, African Americans, Latinos, whiteness, racism, identity, social capital, discrimination, state role colourism, racism, skin tone, racial overtones, white ideal, social inequality, inferiority complex, skin whitening, societal perception, racial discrimination, socio-economic background, racial bias, structural racism, whiteness, darker skin, economic disparities, Latin America, Brazil, anti-racism policies, discrimination prevention colourism, racial overtones, skin colour, whitening creams, racism, skin lightening, societal perception, racial discrimination, socio-economic inequality, inferiority complex, whiteness ideal, structural racism, community impact, harmful effects, race in Brazil, skin colour as social capital, minority communities, racial hierarchy, discriminatory practices, state intervention, cultural stereotypes colourism, racial overtones, white ideal, skin lightening, inferiority complex, structural racism, societal discrimination, skin color bias, socio-economic disparities, whitening creams, racial discrimination, Afro-Latinos, Brazil race issues, skin tone prejudice, racial hierarchy, social capital, gender and society, race in Brazil colourism, racial overtones, skin lightening, white ideal, societal perception, inferiority complex, structural racism, skin color, socio-economic disparity, discrimination, whitening creams, racism, racial bias, darker-skinned minorities, social capital, Brazil, skin color and race, racial discrimination, state intervention, banning skin whitening, harmful effects, racial and socio-economic link
test-international-epglghbni-pro01a	Britain is morally obliged to permit the secession of northern Ireland  The age of colonialism is over. We recognize that the dominance of one country over another is morally wrong. Ireland was already in the hands of the Irish people before English earls and kings invaded. The Irish had a right to the ownership of their land because they cultivated it and so put their labor into it. The use of force to seize that land from the people’s control is unjust because it denies them the right they had to their land. They had no choice to voluntarily hand over their land either.  To right this historical wrong, the British government should relinquish Northern Ireland, just as they have decolonized the rest of the world ending the British empire except for a few scattered outposts. Since Hong Kong was handed back to China in 1997 Northern Ireland is the only remaining colony with a significant population and independent identity. Britain, Northern Ireland, secession, colonialism, independence, Irish land rights, sovereignty, decolonization, British empire, history, land ownership, labor, unjust use of force, right to self-determination, colonial legacy, historical injustice, Hong Kong, independence movement Britain, Northern Ireland, secession, colonialism, decolonization, Irish land rights, British Empire, sovereignty, independence, land ownership, historical injustice, force, colonization, political sovereignty, Irish independence, colonial legacy Britain, Northern Ireland, secession, colonialism, morality, decolonization, Irish independence, land rights, sovereignty, imperialism, historical injustice, British empire, colonized nations, self-determination, sovereignty, independence movement, land ownership, force, colonial history, political sovereignty Britain, Northern Ireland, secession, colonialism, moral obligation, sovereignty, Irish land rights, historical injustice, decolonization, British empire, independence, self-determination, land ownership, force, colonization, colonial history, Hong Kong, 1997, residual colonies, colonial legacy Britain, Northern Ireland, secession, colonialism, land rights, Irish independence, sovereignty, British Empire, decolonization, land ownership, colonized countries, forced secession, historical injustice, self-determination, Irish history, land labor, colonial legacy, moral obligation
test-society-ghbgqeaaems-con02a	"Public and private institutions should hire people based on skills not gender to achieve positive economic impact  Businesses advance when they hire the best person for a job who can unite people and create value. These qualities are individual and enhanced through training rather than not gender-specific. Letting both private and public companies to hire according to their needs and those who meet them is a more efficient way to ensure economic growth.  In some countries in the EU the proportion of women with relevant education is lower and such a measure will bring structural inefficiencies in the short to mid - term for the companies and the overall economy. The empirical data from Norway, for example, reveals that after being exposed to a severe limitation on their choice of directors, boards experienced large declines in value. [1] Often women hired after the quotas implementation had less upper management experience than the previously hired employees. However, since the average size of boards did not increase, male employees were dismissed and less experienced female professionals hired, so that companies could fulfil the quotas.  [1] Ahern, Kenneth, and Amy Dittmar. ""The Changing of the Boards: The Impact on Firm Valuation of Mandated Female Board Representation."" The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 2012. gender equality, skills-based hiring, economic growth, workforce diversity, public institutions, private sector, gender quotas, board composition, firm valuation, female leadership, employment practices, gender biases, hiring efficiency, EU countries, Norway case study, management experience, quota impact, organizational performance, structural efficiency, diversity initiatives gender equality, skills-based hiring, economic growth, diversity, public institutions, private companies, talent acquisition, board composition, quota effects, firm valuation, gender disparities, EU countries, Norway case study, management experience, organizational efficiency, structural inefficiencies, workforce development, gender quotas, female representation, corporate governance gender equality, skills-based hiring, economic growth, diversity, workforce development, equal opportunity, bias reduction, private sector, public sector, gender discrimination, training and development, board diversity, female representation, quota impact, firm valuation, Norway, gender quotas, structural inefficiencies, management experience, economic impact, employment practices gender equality, skills-based hiring, economic impact, workforce diversity, public institutions, private companies, talent acquisition, gender quotas, board diversity, firm valuation, employment policies, gender discrimination, economic growth, gender balance, management experience, structural inefficiencies, empirical data, Norway, board composition, female representation public institutions, private institutions, gender equality, skills-based hiring, economic impact, workplace diversity, value creation, training, efficiency, employment practices, EU, women education, structural inefficiencies, Norway, board composition, firm valuation, quotas, female directors, management experience, company performance"
test-international-ghbunhf-con01a	The UN has performed a valuable service in preventing wars and in peacekeeping.  It is clearly unrealistic to imagine that the United Nations could prevent all wars, but nonetheless it has been successful at negotiating peaceful resolutions to international disputes. It has also authorised military force to defend countries from unprovoked attacks; Kuwait and South Korea, to name just two, owe their freedom to UN action. Finally, UN peacekeepers do vital work all over the world from Cyprus to Korea. [1]  [1] “What is Peacekeeping?”. United Nations, 2011. United Nations, peacekeeping, international disputes, prevent wars, military force, Kuwait, South Korea, UN action, peacekeepers, conflict resolution, global security, UN authorization, unprovoked attacks United Nations, peacekeeping, war prevention, international disputes, military force, Kuwait, South Korea, peacekeepers, conflict resolution, UN actions United Nations, peacekeeping, international disputes, military force, war prevention, Kuwait, South Korea, Cyprus, conflict resolution, UN peacekeepers United Nations, peacekeeping, international disputes, military force, Kuwait, South Korea, conflict prevention, peace negotiations, UN actions, peacekeepers, global security United Nations, peacekeeping, international disputes, military force, Kuwait, South Korea, conflict resolution, UN peacekeepers, international security, UN authorization, peace enforcement, conflict prevention, global peace
test-economy-bepiehbesa-con02a	It protects rural communities  People in EU are hard to convince that staying in rural areas and working as a farmer is a viable life choice. The profit is often low, the starting costs are high and work is hard. The income of a farmer is usually around half of the average wage in a given country and the number of these farmers fell by 20% in the last decade. [1] By having CAP we have an additional incentive for the people to stay in villages. The direct payments help the people with the starting of business, subsidies helps them to sell their goods at reasonable prices. The process of urbanisation is at least slowed and that, by extend, helps to preserve traditional culture of such communities and thus diversity of European culture itself.  [1] Murphy, Caitriona, ‘Number of EU farms drops 20pc’, Independent, 29 November 2011, rural communities, EU, farming, rural life, viability, profit, starting costs, work difficulty, farmer income, average wage, decline, CAP, incentives, direct payments, subsidies, urbanisation, cultural preservation, European culture, diversification rural communities, EU agriculture, farming viability, rural residents, CAP, subsidies, direct payments, farm income, urbanization, cultural preservation, agricultural policy, farm business support, rural development, traditional culture, European diversity, farm decline, starting costs, agricultural income, farmer subsidies rural communities, EU, farming, viability, profitability, starting costs, income, farmers, urbanization, CAP, direct payments, subsidies, traditional culture, cultural diversity, European culture, agricultural policy rural communities, EU agriculture, farmer income, rural livelihoods, CAP subsidies, rural development, agricultural policy, urbanisation, traditional culture, European diversity, farm profitability, starting costs, direct payments, farm business, agricultural subsidies, rural retention, farming viability, community preservation rural communities, EU agriculture, farming viability, rural incentives, CAP subsidies, direct payments, early-stage farming support, farm income, urbanization, rural preservation, traditional culture, European cultural diversity, farm decline, farm subsidies, rural development
test-health-ahiahbgbsp-con04a	Pack labelling or taxation a better alternative  If it’s not enforceable, enforceable solutions ought to be used instead. It would be easier to enforce pack labelling and branding requirements, from larger and clearer health warnings to even brand-free packs. Of course, American-style lawsuits by governments against tobacco manufacturers could be tried, as suggested in Nigeria 1 .  1 IRIN, “NIGERIA: Govt hits tobacco companies with whopping law suit”, irinnews.org, 9 November 2007, pack labelling, taxation, enforceability, health warnings, branding requirements, brand-free packs, legal enforcement, tobacco regulation, government lawsuits, tobacco industry, tobacco control, Nigeria, tobacco legislation, tobacco lawsuits pack labeling, taxation, enforceability, health warnings, brand-free packs, tobacco regulation, legal enforcement, government lawsuits, tobacco control, Nigeria, tobacco manufacturers, public health policy pack labeling, taxation, enforcement, enforceable solutions, health warnings, brand-free packs, tobacco regulation, legal action, lawsuits, government enforcement, Nigeria, tobacco marketing, public health, tobacco control policies pack labelling, taxation, enforceability, enforcement solutions, branding requirements, health warnings, brand-free packs, legal enforcement, tobacco regulation, government lawsuits, tobacco manufacturers, Nigeria, tobacco control, public health, legal measures pack labeling, taxation, enforcement, enforceable solutions, brand restrictions, health warnings, tobacco packaging, tobacco regulation, legal enforcement, government lawsuits, tobacco control, Nigeria, public health, branding requirements, tobacco industry, legal actions
test-religion-yercfrggms-pro07a	Even if atheism was wrong and God did exist His seeming lack of interest and interaction with the Universe as far as humans can perceive means his existence is irrelevant:  It seems as if life goes on whether God exists or not. Theologians, philosophers, and laypeople have been fighting both in academia and on the actual battlefield over the question of God’s existence, yet in all the centuries no definitive answer one way or the other has been given by either side. [1] It seems there is little value to belief one way or the other, so arguing for God’s existence seems simply to be a waste of time. If God were proved to exist, or not to exist, little in life would change at all. Thus a position of atheism serves to relieve the hassle of pointless debate.  [1] Borne, Étienne. 1961. Atheism. New York: Hawthorn Books. atheism, God's existence, relevance, universe, human perception, purpose, theology, philosophy, debate, belief, meaning, divine, nonexistence, skepticism, existentialism, faith, nihilism atheism, God, existence, relevance, universe, human perception, divine interest, divine interaction, life, beliefs, theology, philosophy, debate, proof, indifference, existentialism, skepticism, atheistic worldview, divine relevance, divine existence, philosophical discourse atheism, God existence, relevance, divine interest, universe, perception, faith, theology, philosophy, debate, proof, meaning of life, existential questions, agnosticism, belief, irrelevance atheism, God existence, universe, divine interest, relevance, philosophy, theology, debate, faith, skepticism, meaning of life, existentialism, proof, atheistic perspective, religious discourse atheism, God, existence, relevance, perception, universe, life's meaning, theology, philosophy, debate, skepticism, divine intervention, meaning of life, religious argument, atheistic perspective
test-education-ufsdfkhbwu-pro01a	The academic tradition of the West  The growth of universities as beacons of free speech has been a fundamental part of their history in the West; notably during the renaissance, reformation and enlightenment. The democratisation of that process with the expansion of the university sector in recent decades is merely the latest stage in an ongoing process.  However, that entire process has been driven (along with the artistic, cultural and scientific changes they have inculcated) on the basis that universities allow for the free exchange of ideas and flourish in environments where that approach is standardised throughout society [i] . Marxist scholars have gone further in calling for a critical pedagogy in which perspectives other than academic orthodoxy are normalised within universities.  Such institutions produce the best graduates because they have the best academics and the best academics will stay where they are free to publish whatever their research is and express their own views. For example in the 1990s 55.7% of those who had immigrated to the USA from the USSR described themselves as academics, scientists, professional or technical workers. [ii] Those academics in turn respect the intellectual tradition of dissent and critical scrutiny of which they are the inheritors. To take something else and slap the name ‘Yale’– or for that matter Oxford, Harvard or ETH Zurich – on it and pretend that nothing has changed devalues the qualification. Without the intellectual dissent and freedom of academic inquiry it is intellectually dishonest to call the degree the same thing.  [i] The Nebraskan. Doug Anderson. Learning depends on the free exchange of ideas, Nebraskan says.  [ii] Harvard, ‘Russians and East Europeans in America’ academic tradition, Western universities, free speech, renaissance, reformation, enlightenment, democratization, higher education, cultural change, scientific progress, artistic development, free exchange of ideas, societal standardization, critical pedagogy, academic orthodoxy, dissent, intellectual freedom, scholarly publication, immigrant academics, USSR migration, scientific community, prestigious institutions, Yale, Oxford, Harvard, ETH Zurich, academic credibility, qualification value, intellectual inquiry, academic freedom, dissenting tradition academic tradition, West, universities, free speech, history, renaissance, reformation, enlightenment, democratization, university expansion, free exchange of ideas, artistic change, cultural change, scientific change, critical pedagogy, perspectives, academic orthodoxy, unconventional ideas, research freedom, scholarly publication, dissent, critical scrutiny, intellectual tradition, academic freedom, xenophobia, immigration, USSR, professional workers, Yale, Oxford, Harvard, ETH Zurich, degrees, academic inquiry academic tradition, Western universities, free speech, Renaissance, Reformation, Enlightenment, democratization, university expansion, free exchange of ideas, cultural change, scientific change, artistic change, critical pedagogy, academic orthodoxy, intellectual dissent, scholarly freedom, higher education, academic research, immigration, Soviet Union, international scholars, university reputation, academic qualification, dissent, academic inquiry academic tradition, Western universities, free speech, history, renaissance, reformation, enlightenment, democratization, education expansion, artistic change, cultural change, scientific change, free exchange of ideas, society, critical pedagogy, perspectives, academic orthodoxy, university institutions, graduates, academics, research freedom, expression, immigration, USSR, professionals, dissent, critical scrutiny, institutional change, academic qualification, intellectual inquiry, essay title, references academic tradition, western universities, free speech, Renaissance, Reformation, Enlightenment, democratization, university expansion, free exchange of ideas, artistic change, cultural change, scientific change, artistic, cultural, scientific, critical pedagogy, academic orthodoxy, university environment, scholarly independence, research freedom, immigrant academics, Soviet Union diaspora, dissent, critical scrutiny, university names, Oxford, Yale, Harvard, ETH Zurich, intellectual inquiry, academic freedom, educational qualification, scholarly tradition
test-international-eiahwpamu-con03a	Debt cycles and the curse of microfinance  Microfinance is incorporating free market ideologies and subprime (lending to those who may not be able to repay) lending at a smaller scale. Unstable crises’ form as a result, and debt is intensified for the poorest - of which are given access to credit they are not able to repay. This is a problem with all lending, microfinance is no exception.  In India the pressures of microfinance repayment has become linked to suicide and early mortality (Biswas, 2010). The stress of looking for microcredit, and then how to pay it back, has created a crisis within the microfinance industry. Regulation is required on the microfinance organisation: controlling the distribution of credit and the use of threats if the individual defaults. debt cycles, microfinance, free market, subprime lending, lending risks, financial crises, poverty, credit access, repayment difficulties, microfinance regulation, India, suicide, financial stress, credit default, industry crisis, lending practices microfinance, debt cycles, subprime lending, financial crises, poverty, credit risk, repayment pressure, India, microcredit, regulation, borrower distress, economic instability, suicide, early mortality, lending practices, financial regulation debt cycles, microfinance, free market, subprime lending, lending risks, financial crises, indebtedness, poverty, credit access, repayment challenges, microfinance regulation, India, suicide, financial stress, default threats, microcredit, economic instability debt cycles, microfinance, subprime lending, financial crises, poverty, credit access, repayment issues, indebtedness, suicide, India, microfinance regulation, credit risk, predatory lending, financial instability, socioeconomic impact debt cycles, microfinance, free market ideologies, subprime lending, financial crises, poverty, repayment stress, credit access, India, microfinance regulation, borrower default, suicide, early mortality, financial instability, indebtedness, lending practices
test-environment-ehwsnwu-con01a	Underground Nuclear Storage is Expensive.  Underground nuclear storage is expensive. This is because the deep geological repositories needed to deal with such waste are difficult to construct. This is because said repositories need to be 300m underground and also need failsafe systems so that they can be sealed off should there be a leak. For smaller countries, implementing this idea is almost completely impossible.  Further, the maintenance of the facilities also requires a lot of long term investment as the structural integrity of the facilities must consistently be monitored and maintained so that if there is a leak, the relevant authorities can be informed quickly and efficiently.  This is seen with the Yucca mountain waste repository site which has cost billions of dollars since the 1990s and was eventually halted due to public fears about nuclear safety. [1]  [1] ISN Security Watch. “Europe’s Nuclear Waste Storage Problems.” Oilprice.com 01/06/2010 underground nuclear storage, geological repositories, waste storage, repository construction, depth requirements, failsafe systems, leak prevention, facility maintenance, long-term investment, structural integrity, leak detection, Yucca Mountain, waste management costs, nuclear safety, public opposition, nuclear waste disposal, safety concerns, nuclear waste repository, nuclear waste storage challenges underground nuclear storage, deep geological repositories, nuclear waste management, storage costs, repository construction, failsafe systems, leakage prevention, structural integrity, long-term investment, maintenance, Yucca Mountain, nuclear safety, public concerns, cost billions, nuclear waste disposal, small countries, storage challenges underground nuclear storage, deep geological repositories, nuclear waste, costs, construction challenges, failsafe systems, leakage prevention, site sealing, small countries, long-term maintenance, structural integrity, leak detection, Yucca Mountain, nuclear safety, public fears, funding, billion-dollar projects underground nuclear storage, geological repositories, waste management, cost, construction, depth, failsafe systems, sealing, leak prevention, small countries, infrastructure investment, structural integrity, monitoring, maintenance, long-term costs, nuclear safety, Yucca Mountain, waste repository, public fears, nuclear waste, nuclear safety concerns underground storage, nuclear waste, deep geological repositories, construction challenges, failsafe systems, leak prevention, maintenance costs, long-term investment, structural integrity, leak detection, Yucca Mountain, nuclear safety, public fears, regulatory challenges, waste containment, geological stability, cost estimates, nuclear policy, waste management, nuclear disposal, hazard containment
test-free-speech-debate-fsaphgiap-pro01a	The head of state/government must be accountable to the people  Secrecy in relation to the leader’s health shows a distrust or distain of the electorate. Not being open about health issues almost invariably means that the administration is lying to those who elected them, those who they are accountable to. A couple of days before John Atta Mills died Nii Lantey Vanderpuye a candidate for Mills’ party stated “He [Mills] is stronger and healthier than any presidential candidate”, information that in retrospect was clearly untrue. 1  1 Takyi-Boadu, Charles, ‘Confusion Hits Mills’, Modern Ghana, 21 July 2012, head of state, government accountability, secrecy, transparency, leadership health, public trust, electorate, political dishonesty, misinformation, political transparency, Ghana politics, John Atta Mills, Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, political trust accountability, transparency, secrecy, leadership, trust, electorate, health, honesty, government communication, political integrity, misinformation, political accountability accountability, transparency, secrecy, leadership, health, trust, distrust, electorate, honesty, government accountability, political corruption, information concealment, political integrity, presidential health, public trust, political communication, Ghana politics, Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, John Atta Mills accountability, transparency, government, secrecy, leadership, health, trust, electorate, honesty, political integrity, misinformation, political accountability, public trust, political discourse leadership accountability, secrecy, transparency, trust, electorate, health disclosure, government honesty, political accountability, misinformation, political trust, leadership integrity, Ghana politics, John Atta Mills, Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, political communication
test-free-speech-debate-nshbbsbfb-con01a	If this work had been an attack on Mohammed it would never have been broadcast, the BBC is applying double standards.  A week before the broadcast of the opera, protest by Sikhs in Birmingham about the play Bezthi by the Birmingham Rep, brought the show to a close. Like many organisations, the BBC panics when it believes it has caused offence to some religions and yet Christianity – by far the world’s most populous and diverse creed [i] - is routinely ignored or expected to ‘take it on the chin.  Christian symbols and imagery are routinely profaned by major broadcasters, publishers and others in a way that would simply not be tolerated if they were directed at ‘minority’ faiths in the UK.  Article Four (4) of the BBC’s charter [ii] stipulates quite clearly that all of the UK’s communities should be reflected in all of its activities. Despite this the interests of the community that is represented by the established church of the country, headed by the monarch, receives the least support or consideration from the institution.  [i]   [ii] BBC Charter. attack on Mohammed, BBC double standards, Birmingham Sikh protests, Bezthi opera, religious censorship, Christian symbols profanation, media bias, minority religions UK, BBC Charter, religious offence, faith tolerance, religious representation, community diversity, religious sensitivity, media freedom, religious imagery attack on Mohammed, BBC double standards, Birmingham Sikhs protest, Bezthi opera controversy, religious offence BBC, Christianity depiction bias, religious symbols censorship, minority faiths UK, BBC charter, community representation, established church, religious tolerance, media bias, religious freedom, religious imagery, broadcasting controversy BBC, double standards, religious freedom, censorship, religious offence, Sikh protests, Birmingham Rep, Bezthi opera, Christian symbols, religious imagery, minority faiths, UK communities, religious tolerance, media bias, religious sensitivities, BBC Charter, established church, religious representation BBC, double standards, religious offense, censorship, broadcasting, Sikhs, Birmingham, opera protest, Bezthi, Birmingham Rep, religious tolerance, Christianity, religious imagery, religious symbols, media bias, UK communities, BBC Charter, minority faiths, religious provocation, religious pluralism BBC, double standards, broadcast censorship, religious offense, Islam, Mohammed, Sikh protests, Birmingham Rep, Bezthi opera, Christian symbols, religious profanation, minority religions, UK communities, BBC Charter, religious tolerance, media bias, religious freedom, cultural representation
test-digital-freedoms-efsappgdfp-pro04a	No one will ever actually look at the information  If the concern is privacy then there really should be little concern at all because there is safety in numbers. The NSA and other intelligence services don’t have the time or motivation to be tracking down all of our foibles. [1] If the intelligence agencies are watching everyone then they clearly do not have the personnel to be watching the actual communications. Instead certain things or patterns will raise alarm bells and a tiny number will be investigated more closely.  [1] Walt, Stephen M., ‘The real threat behind the NSA surveillance programs’, Foreign Policy, 10 June 2013, privacy, surveillance, NSA, intelligence agencies, data security, mass data collection, privacy concerns, alarm detection, communication monitoring, personnel constraints, information security, government surveillance, privacy debate, security vs privacy, intelligence threat privacy, surveillance, NSA, intelligence agencies, data security, privacy concerns, government surveillance, data privacy, communication monitoring, security in numbers, analysis patterns, intelligence operations, citizen privacy, security measures, surveillance limits, privacy debate privacy, surveillance, NSA, intelligence agencies, data security, data privacy, government monitoring, communication security, surveillance patterns, security concerns, privacy importance, intelligence operations, information security, mass surveillance, privacy debate, security measures privacy, surveillance, NSA, intelligence agencies, data security, mass data collection, privacy concerns, government monitoring, communication privacy, metadata analysis, security in numbers, threat detection, intelligence monitoring, privacy debate, surveillance limitations, pattern recognition privacy, surveillance, NSA, intelligence agencies, data security, personal information, privacy concerns, government monitoring, communication tracking, security in numbers, surveillance limitations, oversight, privacy protection, government surveillance programs, data privacy
test-economy-thsptr-pro03a	The state should promote the efficient distribution of income in order to maximize the utility derived by society from its economic resources  All goods suffer from diminishing marginal utility, and this includes money. The more money someone, the less happy they are made from each successive addition of wealth after a certain point. One might be able to buy a second car or a second house with extra money, but eventually one runs out of things one particularly wants to buy or own. [1] When wealth is unevenly distributed in society, the wealth of society is inefficiently distributed. The aim of the state must be to attempt to maximize the aggregate utility of its citizens insofar as it is able without damaging the economy. With progressive taxation, wealth is effectively reallocated to poorer people, who gain more utility than the wealthy lose in the process. The state has a right to do this not only because it generates a more efficient distribution of income than the market does, but also because income is partly a collective good. [2] Ownership rights to property and the ability to expand them is only possible within the framework of the state; thus the state can make a moral ownership claim to some of the products of the services it provides, and does so most effectively through the mechanism of progressive taxation.  [1] Thune, Kent. “The Diminishing Marginal Utility of Wealth”. The Financial Philosopher. 2008. Available:   [2] Weisbrod, Burton. Public Interest Law: An Economic and Institutional Analysis. Berkeley: University of California Press. 1978. income distribution, utility maximization, marginal utility, wealth inequality, progressive taxation, societal welfare, economic resources, collective good, redistribution, property rights, economic efficiency, social welfare, public goods, income equality, income reallocation income distribution, utility maximization, diminishing marginal utility, wealth inequality, progressive taxation, societal welfare, economic resources, collective goods, ownership rights, reallocation, social justice, economic efficiency, wealth redistribution, government policy, property rights, income inequality, societal utility, tax mechanisms income distribution, utility maximization, diminishing marginal utility, wealth inequality, societal welfare, progressive taxation, income redistribution, collective good, economic efficiency, ownership rights, property rights, state intervention, moral ownership, economic resources, social justice income distribution, utility maximization, diminishing marginal utility, wealth inequality, progressive taxation, social welfare, economic resources, collective goods, income redistribution, societal efficiency, property rights, moral ownership, state intervention, economic equity income distribution, utility maximization, diminishing marginal utility, wealth inequality, societal welfare, progressive taxation, income reallocation, economic resources, collective goods, property rights, moral ownership, efficiency, social justice, economic policy, wealth redistribution
test-science-nsihwbtiss-con03a	Teachers can be essential in supervising cyberspace.  Social media has become the primary way in which children interact with their peers. These interactions are largely unsupervised by any adult, and yet they have a fundamental impact on the development of the children involved. Adolescents use social networking websites to gage peer opinion about themselves which may subsequently influence identity formation [1] . With so much cyber bullying happening on such websites, and postings of inappropriate behaviour that may later surface to affect a student’s chances of getting into college or getting a job, it would be useful to have a teacher supervise these interactions to make sure no harm comes to the children involved.  [1] Pempek, Yermolayeva, and Calvert. ”College students social networking experiences on facebook.” Journal of Applied Developmental Pshychology. Vol. 30. 2009. cyberspace, teachers, supervision, social media, children, peer interaction, adolescent development, unsupervised, cyberbullying, social networking websites, identity formation, inappropriate postings, academic impact, college admissions, employment prospects, online safety, teacher role, online behavior, youth development cyberspace, teachers, supervision, social media, children, peer interaction, adolescent development, social networking, cyberbullying, inappropriate content, identity formation, student safety, college admission, employment, online behavior, peer opinion, unsupervised interaction, online monitoring cyberspace, teachers, supervision, social media, children, peer interaction, adolescence, social networking, identity formation, cyberbullying, inappropriate behavior, college admission, employment, student safety, online interactions, Parental supervision, Digital safety, adolescent development, online behavior, social media influence teachers, cyberspace, social media, children, peer interaction, unsupervised, adolescent development, social networking, peer opinion, identity formation, cyber bullying, inappropriate behavior, supervision, student welfare, college admissions, employment, online safety cyberspace, teachers, supervision, social media, children, peer interaction, adolescence, unsupervised, social networking, peer opinion, identity formation, cyberbullying, inappropriate behaviour, academic impact, college admission, employment, online safety, digital supervision, youth development
test-politics-epvhbfsmsaop-pro03a	People will have less information about politicians’ manifestos and ideas.  Celebrity endorsement distracts those who normally provide information to voters. Newspapers, blogs and other online media all have limited space, and, because celebrities sell, will use that space showing who is supporting whom, rather than covering debate about a politician’s policies and ideas.  Though the presence of celebrities may actually give the masses more avenue to relate to electoral processes, the fact still stands that in status quo people are more interested in the activities of their favorite celebrities which will thus blot out the candidates themselves. When voters see celebrity endorsements they are no longer thinking about how these future politicians can make an impact on their lives. In some cases the celebrity may help show the platform of policies the candidate is standing on but most of the time they are simply taking airtime from more in depth analysis. What is worse when wooing celebrities becomes important for politicians the politicians themselves have less time to formulate and articulate their policies.  This is detrimental to the democratic process. People having less information than they would otherwise impairs their ability to make an informed choice about how they would like to vote. A prohibition on celebrity interference in political debate would remove this obscuring effect.  All of the above adds to the depoliticisation of politics. If the celebrity endorsement continues to thrive, younger generations will disengage with the important political issues at hand. Instead of learning about the fundamental issues surrounding their country, they will be exposed to party tactics that are of no use to their political development. celebrity endorsement, political information, voter awareness, media coverage, politicians' policies, electoral debates, celebrity influence, political disengagement, democratic process, depoliticisation, political engagement, youth politics, media influence, political transparency, campaign strategies celebrity endorsement, political manifestos, voter information, media coverage, political debate, celebrity influence, electoral processes, political policies, democratic process, political engagement, depoliticisation, youth disengagement, media space, political discourse, political awareness celebrity endorsement, politicians, manifestos, voter information, media coverage, political debate, policies, electoral processes, public engagement, democratic process, political depoliticisation, youth disengagement, political awareness, political development, media bias, celebrity influence, political communication celebrity endorsement, political transparency, voter information, media coverage, political debate, celebrity influence, electoral processes, voter engagement, democratic process, political education, depoliticisation, youth disengagement, media bias, political communication, campaign strategies celebrity endorsement, political transparency, voter information, media coverage, political policies, electoral process, celebrity influence, political debate, democratic process, political engagement, depoliticisation, youth disengagement, political development, media space, political campaigning
test-economy-bepahbtsnrt-con02a	Investment  Tourism should be relied upon for economic growth as it attracts significant foreign investment. Tourism is the largest form of foreign currency income, with around £728 million being produced by external visitors in 20121. Attracting Europeans, who have relatively large disposable incomes, has been a prominent tactic of the industry with favourable results. It is estimated that Europeans account for 95% of all overnight stays in Tunisia2. The other major sectors of services and agriculture do not inspire foreign investment of this magnitude.  1) Khalifa,A. ‘Foreign direct investment and tourism receipts pick back up in Tunisia’, Global Arab Network, 7 October 2012  2) Choyakh,H. ‘Modelling Tourism Demand in Tunisia Using Cointegration and Error Correction Models’ pg.71 investment, tourism, economic growth, foreign investment, foreign currency, external visitors, Europe, disposable income, overnight stays, Tunisia, services sector, agriculture, foreign direct investment, tourism receipts, tourism demand, cointegration, error correction model investment, tourism, economic growth, foreign investment, foreign currency, external visitors, European tourists, overnight stays, Tunisia, service sector, agriculture, tourist receipts investment, tourism, economic growth, foreign investment, foreign currency income, external visitors, Europe, disposable income, overnight stays, Tunisia, services sector, agriculture sector, foreign direct investment, tourism receipts, modeling, cointegration, error correction models investment, tourism, economic growth, foreign investment, foreign currency income, external visitors, Europe, disposable income, tourism industry, overnight stays, Tunisia, services sector, agriculture sector, foreign investment, FDI, tourism receipts, cointegration, error correction models investment, tourism, economic growth, foreign investment, foreign currency, external visitors, disposable income, Europeans, overnight stays, Tunisia, services sector, agriculture, foreign direct investment, tourism receipts, demand modeling, cointegration, error correction
test-free-speech-debate-fchbjaj-pro03a	There is a difference between actual journalists and those who like having their names published in newspapers. Assange has far more claim to the description than many of them.  One of the things that the Leveson Inquiry [1] has made all too apparent is that simply working for a newspaper or broadcaster is not a satisfactory definition of journalist. In terms of maintaining a professional ethic, the difference between those who hacked into phones – including that of murdered schoolgirl Millie Dowler – and the journalists who broke the story, Nick Davies and Amelia Hill [2] could not be starker. Equally many popular blogs that focus exclusively on opinion or areas of news far more specialist than has traditionally been considered the role of the daily media.  A more useful definition, it would seem, relates more to the ethics and aims of the individual or organisation involved. This has the advantage of ruling out those organisations devoted to advertising (such as listings magazines or shopping channels) or those focused purely on entertainment.  A Journalist should therefore have a commitment to revealing and disseminating information that is held by those with power to those over whom they wield that power. This means that the journalist gains access to information through various sources and then publicises that information as a story. Anonymous sources such as those used by Assange are a key part of journalism with many of the biggest stories such as Watergate only being published because of anonymity. [3]  By such a definition, Assange would clearly qualify [4] . This was clearly felt to be the case by the New York Times, the Guardian, Le Monde and others who reprinted his original material and drew conclusions from it. It would come as something of a surprise to such publications to discover they were not staffed by journalists.  [1] For a link to the inquiry’s website, click here  [2] The Guardian. “Missing MIlly Dowler’s Voicemail was Hack by News of the World”. Nick Davies and Amelia Hill. 5 July 2011.  [3] Myers, Steve, ‘Study: Use of anonymous sources peaked in 1970s, dropped by 2008’, Poynter.org, 9 August 2011,   [4] The Spectator. “Yes, Julian Assange is a Journalist”. Alex Massie. 2 November 2010. journalism, definition, ethics, Assange, whistleblower, Leveson Inquiry, media, press, anonymous sources, investigative journalism, press law, media ethics, phone hacking, Millie Dowler, watergate, whistleblowers, media standards, journalism ethics, news dissemination, source protection, reputation, media accountability, investigative reporting, press freedom journalism, ethics, Assange, Leveson Inquiry, credential, legitimacy, hacking, phone hacking, whistleblowing, whistleblower, anonymous sources, Leak, Watergate, investigative journalism, media ethics, press freedom, whistleblower protection, press regulation, media law, journalism standards, public interest, journalism definition, media transparency, investigative reporting, media accountability journalism, ethics, Assange, Leveson Inquiry, phone hacking, Millie Dowler, journalism definition, professional ethics, hacking, anonymous sources, Watergate, investigative journalism, press freedom, media integrity, ethical journalism, public interest, whistleblowing, media bias, reporting standards, journalism ethics journalism, journalists, Assange, Leveson Inquiry, ethics, media, phone hacking, Millie Dowler, Wikileaks, anonymity, Watergate, news sources, transparency, press ethics, investigative journalism, media ethics, press independence, media transparency, news dissemination, whistleblowing, media accountability journalism, ethics, Assange, Leveson Inquiry, phone hacking, journalists, media, anonymous sources, Watergate, reportage, press freedom, media ethics, investigative journalism, whistleblowers, media accountability, journalism standards, news sources, press disclosure, media law, media regulation
test-sport-tshbmlbscac-pro01a	Collisions are exciting and fun to watch.  Baseball is a form of entertainment, and few plays are as entertaining as bang-bang plays (a close call on whether the runner is thrown out) at the plate. As a sport that’s often criticized for being too slow and boring—“baseball has no clock,” the saying goes [1] —it’s important that it hold onto perhaps the most dramatic, vivid play it has to offer. One columnist described it this way: “When [collisions] do occur, they’re exciting. We watch to see how well the catcher blocks the plate, how hard the runner slides, and whether the catcher can hold the ball. As dangerous as that play may be, it’s exciting to watch.” [2]  Other sports—like American football, ice hockey, and rugby—feature plenty of violent hits. Baseball has so few of them that when they do happen, they are doubly entertaining. It is just not necessary for baseball to prohibit a small dose of something that is extremely common in other sports.  [1] William Deresiewicz, “Metaphors We Play By,” American Scholar, June 6, 2011,  .  [2] Nick Cafardo, “Let’s keep rule change off our plate, please,” Boston Globe, May 29, 2011,  . baseball, collisions, bang-bang plays, close calls, entertainment, sports drama, plate collision, runner slide, catcher blocking, ball control, sport safety, violent hits, athletic plays, game excitement, baseball critiques, sports comparisons, rule changes baseball, collisions, bang-bang plays, plate, runner, catcher, sliding, sports entertainment, physical contact, sports safety, sports violence, American football, ice hockey, rugby, sports rules, game speed, excitement, sports criticism baseball, collisions, bang-bang plays, plate, entertainment, sports, slow pace, dramatic plays, football, ice hockey, rugby, violent hits, slides, catcher, runner, safety, rules, entertainment value baseball, collisions, sports entertainment, bang-bang plays, close calls, plate blocking, sliding, catcher, runner, game speed, dramatic plays, sports violence, football, ice hockey, rugby, sports injuries, spectator excitement, sports rules, sports criticism baseball, collisions, bang-bang plays, plate, entertainment, sports, fast-paced, dramatic plays, baseball rules, sports violence, player safety, catcher, runner, sliding, sports comparison, hockey hits, football hits, rugby collisions
test-international-epvhwhranet-pro01a	The decision not to hold a referendum directly ignores the wishes of the people and is therefore undemocratic.  The Lisbon Treaty and the Constitution have 96% of the same text. Former French President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, who wrote the original EU Constitution, has publicly stated that the Lisbon Treaty is essentially the same as the proposed Constitution [1]. The decision from countries not to hold referendums in 2007 that they had previously agreed to is a flagrant disregard for the wishes of the people. Moreover the decision to ratify the Lisbon Treaty through national parliaments in France and the Netherlands where the 2004 Treaty was rejected in popular vote demonstrates that the decision not to hold referendums was in the fear that they would be rejected when put to the people. Any decision that is forced through parliament in the fear that it would fail when opened to the citizens of that country lacks legitimacy.  [1] Valéry Giscard d'Estaing: The EU Treaty is the same as the Constitution’, The Independent (30 October 2007), viewed on 13 June 2011 referendum, democracy, Lisbon Treaty, EU Constitution, Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, ratification, national parliaments, France, Netherlands, 2007, popular vote, legitimacy, decision-making, democratic process, treaty rejection, citizen participation, referendum omission referendum, democracy, Lisbon Treaty, EU Constitution, Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, national parliaments, ratification, popular vote, 2007, treaty rejection, parliamentary decision, legitimacy, citizens, referendum bypass, undemocratic, voters, EU treaties, treaty comparison, French referendum, Dutch referendum referendum, democracy, Lisbon Treaty, EU Constitution, Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, national parliaments, ratification, public opinion, popular vote, legitimacy, treaty comparison, EU treaties, France, Netherlands, 2004 Treaty, referendums, sovereignty, constitutional law, democratic process, treaty rejection referendum, democratic, Lisbon Treaty, EU Constitution, Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, ratification, national parliaments, France, Netherlands, 2007, popular vote, legitimacy, treaty comparison, EU integration, citizen participation, treaty rejection, constitutional debate referendum, democracy, Lisbon Treaty, EU Constitution, Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, national parliaments, ratification, popular vote, legitimacy, citizens, treaty rejection, France, Netherlands, 2004 Treaty, referendum bypass, democratic process
test-law-lgplhbssbco-pro02a	Suicide is a selfish act that causes suffering to others  Suicide is an entirely selfish act that causes immense pain and suffering for those loved ones that are left behind. It is also cowardly; rather than facing your problems and being strong, you instead take the easy way out and kill yourself. It is important, therefore, to instil a strong sense of responsibility to one’s family and for one’s affairs and to do this by punishing those who try and fail to perpetrate this selfish and cowardly act. suicide, selfish act, suffering, pain, loved ones, responsibility, family, cowardly, easy way out, mental health, prevention, stigma, emotional pain, intervention, support, mental illness, despair, consequences, tragedy suicide, selfish act, suffering, loved ones, pain, responsibility, family, cowardly, easy way out, emotional pain, mental health, prevention, awareness, consequences, moral values, ethical considerations, social impact, mental illness, help, intervention suicide, selfish act, suffering, pain, loved ones, responsibility, family, cowardly, easy way out, mental health, emotional pain, prevention, consequences, punishment, awareness, support, empathy suicide, selfish act, suffering, loved ones, pain, consequences, responsibility, family, cowardly, mental health, prevention, stigma, support, grief, emotional impact, accountability, social attitudes, mental illness, warning signs suicide, selfishness, suffering, pain, loved ones, responsibility, family, cowardice, mental health, prevention, stigma, emotional pain, support, therapy, intervention, societal impact
test-free-speech-debate-ldhwbmclg-con03a	A ban will further marginalise young members of impoverished communities  Hip hop is an extremely diverse musical genre. Surprisingly, this diversity has evolved from highly minimal series of musical principles. At its most basic, raping consists of nothing more than rhyming verses that are delivered to a beat. This simplicity reflects the economically marginalised communities that hip hop emerged from. All that anyone requires in order to learn how to rap, or to participate in hip hop culture, is a pen, some paper and possibly a disc of breaks – the looped drum and bass lines that are used to time rap verses. Thanks to its highly social aspect, hip hop continues to function as an accessible form of creative expression for members of some of impoverished communities in both the west and elsewhere in the world.  Point 7 suggests that free speech flourishes when we respect believers but are not forced to respect their beliefs. Free Speech Debate discusses this principle in the light of religious belief and religious expression. However, it is also relevant when we consider how our appraisal of an individual’s background, culture and values affects our willingness to accept or dismiss what she says.  The positive case for banning- or at least condemning- hip hop often rests on its ability to reinforce the negative stereotypes of impoverished and marginalised communities that are propagated by majority communities. Critics of hip hop note that black men have often been stigmatised as violent, uncivilised and predatory. They claim that many hip hop artists cultivate a purposefully brutal and misogynist persona. The popularity of hip hop reflects the acceptance of this stereotype, and further entrenches discrimination against young black men. This line of thinking portrays hip hop artists as betrayers or exploiters of their communities, reinforcing damaging stereotypes and convincing adolescents that a violent rejection of mainstream society is a way to achieve material success.  Arguments of this type fail to recognise the depth of nuance and meaning that words and word-play can convey. They are predicated on an assumption that the consumers of hip hop engage with it in a simplistic and uncritical way. In short, such arguments see hip hop fans as being simple minded and easily influenced. This perspective neglects the “recognition respect”, the recognition of equality and inherent dignity that is owed to all contributors of a debate. Moreover, it also bars us from properly assessing the “appraisal respect” owed to the content of hip hop and other controversial musical genres. When hip hop is seen as being inherently harmful, and as being targeted at an especially impressionable and vulnerable part of society, we both demean members of that group and prevent robust discussion of rap lyrics themselves. Academics such as John McWhorter see only the advocacy of violence and nihilism in lyrics such as  “You grow in the ghetto, living second rate/ and your eyes will sing a song of deep hate”.  But these are words that can also be interpreted as astute observation on the brutality that is bred by social exclusion. In point of fact, there is little in the previous verse, or those that follow it,  “You’ll admire all the numberbook takers/ thugs, pimps and pushers, and the big money makers”,  that could be interpreted as permitting, popularising or endorsing violence. That is, unless the individual reading the verse had already concluded that its intended audience lacked his own critical perspective and understanding of social norms and values.  Even if an observer were ultimately conclude that a particular hip hop track had no redeeming value, a broad interpretation of point 7 suggests that he should, at the very least, credit its artists and listeners with a modicum of intelligence and reflectiveness. When we approach music with a custodial mind-set, determined to protect young listeners from what we see as harm or exploitation, we prevent those individuals from access a form of speech that may be the only affordable method of expression open to them.  Just as we allow individuals the right to be heard in a language of their choosing (see point 1), we should also accept that perspectives from marginalised communities may not appear in a conventional form. Under these circumstances, it would be dangerous for us to curtail and marginalise a form of speech geared toward discussing the problems faced by impoverished young people that has, against the odds, penetrated the mainstream. We are likely to deepen existing prejudices by viewing rappers and their fans as infantile, impressionable and in need of protection. hip hop, marginalized communities, free speech, music genre, rap, social expression, stereotypes, discrimination, black men, violence, misogyny, cultural critique, social norms, social exclusion, critical interpretation, social norms, social norms, social norms, social norms, social norms, social norms hip hop, rap, music, cultural diversity, marginalized communities, free speech, social commentary, stereotypes, black men, violence, misogyny, social exclusion, representation, cultural expression, youth, impoverished communities, social norms, recognition respect, appraisal respect, controversial genres, social critique, lyrics interpretation, artistic expression, social commentary, community voices hip hop, marginalized communities, impoverished communities, social expression, free speech, religious expression, stereotypes, black men, violence, misogyny, discrimination, cultural stereotypes, social norms, lyrical content, social exclusion, violence interpretation, critical perspective, social norms, social norms, artistic expression, freedom of speech, cultural critique, societal stereotypes, youth culture, musical principles, rap lyrics, social issues, mainstream culture hip hop, rap, marginalized communities, impoverished communities, musical genre, diversity, minimalism, musical principles, rhyming, beat, social aspect, creative expression, free speech, religious belief, cultural values, stereotypes, discrimination, black men, misogyny, violence, material success, critical engagement, stereotypes reinforcement, social exclusion, lyrics interpretation, social norms, social critique, academic perspectives, violence interpretation, social context, audience, censorship, free speech debate, cultural expression, social issues, language rights, marginalized voices, mainstream penetration, prejudices, youth protection, community stereotypes hip hop, marginalized communities, free speech, diversity, musical principles, rap, social expression, stereotypes, discrimination, Black men, misogyny, violence, cultural critique, social exclusion, lyrics analysis, critical perspective, social norms, marginalized voices, musical accessibility, social commentary, mainstream culture, prejudice, youth, creative expression
test-international-amehbuaisji-con02a	Risk of “lawfare” against Israel  The specific position that Israel is in, places it at a unique risk of “lawfare”, the use and abuse of the legal process by states for political ends.  A particular concern is Article 8(2)(b)(viii), which could be used as a particular tool to attack Israel over the settlements policy. Issues over settlements in the West Bank should be resolved by negotiation during the existing, albeit fractious, peace process, rather than being used as a tool for those who wish to derail good faith negotiations by dragging matters in to the hands of the international courts.  Israel has regularly been singled out for particular beration by UN bodies. For example, over half of the country-specific resolutions passed by the UN Human Rights Council have been about Israel, while praising Muammar Gadaffi. lawfare, Israel, legal process, political ends, Article 8(2)(b)(viii), settlements policy, West Bank, negotiations, peace process, international courts, UN bodies, UN Human Rights Council, country-specific resolutions, criticism lawfare, Israel, legal process, political use, Article 8(2)(b)(viii), settlements, West Bank, negotiation, peace process, international courts, United Nations, UN resolutions, human rights, criticism risk, lawfare, Israel, legal process, political ends, Article 8(2)(b)(viii), settlements, West Bank, negotiation, peace process, international courts, UN resolutions, UN Human Rights Council, criticism, Israel bias lawfare, Israel, legal process, political ends, Article 8(2)(b)(viii), settlements, West Bank, negotiations, peace process, international courts, UN, resolutions, Human Rights Council, critique, international law, geopolitical risk lawfare, Israel, legal process, political ends, Article 8(2)(b)(viii), settlements, West Bank, negotiations, peace process, international courts, UN resolutions, UN Human Rights Council, criticism
test-culture-ahrtsdlgra-con01a	Social disgust can be central to artwork  Some forms of art rely strongly on the provocation of disgust or other strong reactions. For example, conceptual artists often rely heavily upon the provocation of strong emotions in the viewer as a way of drawing attention to important, taboo areas (e.g. death, religion and sexuality). If they are banned from doing this, then we lose an entire branch of art: we are left instead with forms of art that choose not to engage with these areas at all.  Particularly in cases where people want to draw attention to what they see as unnecessary taboos, shock is integral. For example, the work of Sarah Lucas explored taboos surrounding sexuality and gender: her work drew attention to stereotyping and taboo in a way that (necessarily) many people found disgusting. Further, it is possible to critically engage with that disgust. It is wrong to assume that the end point of a provocative piece of art is “oh, I’ve been provoked”. Rather, this emotional first response is only the beginning when it comes to the contemplation of that work. Thinking about the reasons for your disgust, and its context, allows us a greater insight into the work, which if you believe ideas are central to pieces of art (which conceptual artists do) is vital. social disgust, provocative art, emotional reactions, taboo, conceptual art, controversy, shock value, censorship, sexuality, gender, stereotypes, taboo topics, viewer engagement, emotional response, critical analysis, artistic expression social disgust, artwork, provocation, strong reactions, conceptual art, taboo, emotions, death, religion, sexuality, censorship, art forms, shock, stereotypes, gender, taboo, controversy, critical engagement, emotional response, contemplation, insight, artistic ideas social disgust, provocative art, emotional response, conceptual artists, taboo subjects, death, religion, sexuality, shock art, censorship, controversial art, gender stereotypes, taboo exploration, emotional engagement, artistic provocation, viewer reactions, meaning beyond shock, critical analysis, societal taboos social disgust, provocative art, emotional reactions, conceptual art, taboo, death, religion, sexuality, censorship, shock art, Sarah Lucas, stereotyping, gender, controversy, viewer engagement, emotional response, art criticism, taboo areas, art and emotion, provocative artworks, art provocation, art interpretation social disgust, artwork, provocation, emotional response, conceptual art, taboo, death, religion, sexuality, censorship, shock, taboo areas, Sarah Lucas, stereotyping, gender, controversy, critical engagement, emotional reactions, art interpretation, art criticism, artistic taboo, provocative art, viewer reactions
test-science-cpisydfphwj-pro01a	Facebook encourages socialisation  One of the most crucial elements in any child's development is the ability to socialize with peers. By having a large circle of friends to talk to and share interests, the child gains trust, self-esteem and self-confidence. If you have people to talk to when you have a problem, it is much easier to overcome any problems.  Facebook and social networks in general help teenagers on multiple levels to maintain and expand their circle of friends. Firstly, it lets you remain in touch with friends even if you are very far apart. As we live in an increasingly globalized world, friend circles tend to be broken up very easily. As a result, individuals need to be able to keep in touch in spite of the physical distance. Facebook enables them to do that. (1)  Secondly, by allowing people with shared opinions, hobbies or interests to gather, social networks allow users to expand their circle of friends, something that is more applicable the bigger the social network. Thirdly, it allows young people to spend more time with the friends and people they already know through chat conversations, shared photos or status updates. As a result, people who are engaged on these social networks have more self esteem, more confidence in them, feel more appreciated and tend to be happier in general due to their wide circle of friends. (2)  (1) Keith Wilcox and Andrew T. Stephen “Are Close Friends the Enemy? Online Social Networks, Self-Esteem, and Self-Control” Journal of Consumer Research, 2012   (2) Brittany Gentilea, Jean M. Twengeb, Elise C. Freemanb, W. Keith Campbella “The effect of social networking websites on positive self-views: An experimental investigation” 2012 Facebook, socialization, child development, peer relationships, trust, self-esteem, self-confidence, social networks, teenagers, friendship, globalization, digital communication, social circles, shared interests, chat, photos, status updates, happiness, mental health, positive self-views Facebook, socialization, child development, peer relationships, friendship, trust, self-esteem, self-confidence, social networks, teenagers, communication, distance, globalization, shared interests, hobbies, chat, photos, status updates, happiness, social circle, mental health, online interaction, positive self-views Facebook, socialization, child development, peers, friendship, trust, self-esteem, self-confidence, social networks, teenagers, globalization, distance, shared interests, chat, photos, status updates, mental well-being, social connectivity, self-view, online communication, peer relationships Facebook, socialisation, child development, peer relationships, trust, self-esteem, self-confidence, social networks, teenagers, friendship, communication, globalization, distance, shared interests, hobbies, chat, photos, status updates, mental health, happiness, social support, online interaction Facebook, socialization, children, peer relationships, social skills, self-esteem, confidence, friendship, social networks, global connectivity, communication, shared interests, hobbies, online交流, digital communication, teenagers, social development, emotional well-being, trust, happiness, self-perception
test-economy-epsihbdns-pro03a	Restrictions would benefit rural areas  Unlimited rural-urban migration erodes the economy of the cities, as shown in the previous argument, and limits their economic growth and available resources. On a national level, this causes decision makers to prioritise the cities, as the country relies more on urban than rural areas, thus preventing them from investing in the country-side. [1] China is a good example of this where urban privilege has become entrenched with ‘special economic zones’ being created in urban areas (though sometimes built from scratch in rural areas) with money being poured into infrastructure for the urban areas which as a result have rapidly modernised leaving rural areas behind. This leads to a whole culture of divisions where urbanites consider those from rural areas to be backward and less civilized. [2]  Moreover, there will be little other reason to invest in rural areas, as the workforce in those areas has left for the cities. By preserving resources in the cities and keeping the workforce in the rural areas, it becomes possible to invest in rural communities and change their lives for the better as these areas maintain the balanced workforce necessary to attract investors.  [1] Maxwell, Daniel., “The Political Economy of Urban Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa.” 11, London : Elsevier Science Ltd., 1999, World Development, Vol. 27, p. 1939±1953. S0305-750X(99)00101-1.  [2] Whyte, Martin King, “Social Change and the Urban-Rural Divide in China”, China in the 21st Century, June 2007,  p.54 urban-rural migration, rural development, urban privilege, economic disparities, infrastructure investment, special economic zones, rural-urban divide, resource allocation, rural workforce, urbanization, China, rural investment, city growth, rural communities, social divisions, economic growth, rural resources, urban modernisation, rural infrastructure, rural economy rural areas, urban migration, economic growth, resource allocation, rural-urban divide, urban privilege, special economic zones, infrastructure development, rural abandonment, urbanization, rural investment, workforce migration, rural development, economic disparity, urbanization effects, rural policy, China, rural modernization, social division, economic inequality urban-rural migration, rural development, urban privileging, economic disparity, regional investment, infrastructure disparity, rural poverty, urban bias, economic growth, resource allocation, urbanization, rural workforce, rural investment, urban-centric policies, urban disparity, China development, special economic zones, urban modernisation, rural-urban divide, social inequality, rural development strategies urban-rural migration, rural development, urban privilege, economic growth, resource allocation, rural investment, urban infrastructure, rural-urban divide, social inequality, economic disparity, workforce migration, rural modernization, urbanization, rural communities, policy implications, urban investment, rural resources, China urban zones, urban privilege, rural infrastructure, rural workforce rural areas, urban migration, economic growth, resource allocation, urban privilege, special economic zones, infrastructure development, rural-urban divide, rural investment, workforce migration, rural development, urbanization, societal division, rural sustainability, China, urban-rural inequality, social change, investment policies, urban modernization, rural community improvement
test-culture-mmciahbans-pro01a	These products are dangerous  Skin whitening creams often contain a wide variety of harmful ingredients – in some cases, mercury. These can cause various health problems; mercury in particular causes renal (kidney) damage, major skin problems as well as mental health issues [1] .  States, throughout the world, ban consumer products because they are harmful regardless of whether this is for consumption or for cosmetics. This is just another case where that is appropriate in order to prevent the harm to health that may occur.  [1] World Health Organization, “Mercury in skin lightening products”, WHO.int, 2011, skin whitening creams, harmful ingredients, mercury, health risks, renal damage, skin problems, mental health, bans, cosmetic safety, World Health Organization skin whitening creams, harmful ingredients, mercury, health problems, renal damage, kidney damage, skin problems, mental health, cosmetic safety, product bans, WHO, mercury in cosmetics skin whitening creams, harmful ingredients, mercury, health problems, renal damage, skin problems, mental health, regulations, bans, consumer products, cosmetics safety, World Health Organization dangerous products, skin whitening creams, harmful ingredients, mercury, health problems, renal damage, kidney damage, skin problems, mental health, bans, harmful cosmetics, health risks, WHO, World Health Organization skin whitening creams, harmful ingredients, mercury, health problems, renal damage, skin issues, mental health, global regulations, cosmetic safety, product ban, WHO, mercury in cosmetics
test-health-ahiahbgbsp-con03a	Ban would harm the wider economy  A ban could harm the wider economy – from bars to clubs, if smokers are unable to smoke inside, they may be more likely to stay away. According to some critics, this lead to the closures of bars in the UK when such a ban was brought in 1 . Research in the United States has shown drops in employment in bars of between 4 and 16 percent. 2  1 BBC News, “MPs campaign to relax smoking ban in pubs”, BBC News, 2011,   2 Pakko, Michael R., 'Clearing the Haze? New Evidence on the Economic Impact of Smoking Bans', The Regional Economist, January 2008, smoking ban,economy,bars,clubs,employment,UK,United States,closures,critic,socioeconomic impact,public health,regulation,policy,public spaces,job loss,consumer behavior smoking ban, economy, bars, pubs, employment, closures, US, UK, economic impact, employment decline, critics, workers, hospitality industry, regulatory effect, business closures, public health, economic research, smoking restrictions smoking ban, economy, bars, clubs, employment, closures, UK, US, economic impact, critics, research, employment drops, pub industry, regulation effects, public health, business closure, economic disruption, smoking restrictions smoking ban, economy impact, bars, clubs, employment, closures, UK, United States, job loss, economic effects, hospitality industry, pub closures, regulatory policies, public health, economic research smoking ban, economic impact, bars, clubs, employment, UK, United States, closures, criticism, economic harm, pub industry, employment decline, economic research, public health, legislation, regulation
test-digital-freedoms-efsappgdfp-pro03a	There are safeguards to prevent misuse  In democracies there are numerous safeguards and levels of oversight to prevent abuse. In the UK for example there is a “strong framework of democratic accountability and oversight”. Agencies are required “to seek authorisation for their operations from a Secretary of State, normally the Foreign Secretary or Home Secretary.” The Secretary is given legal advice and comments from civil servants. Once the Secretary has given assent they are “subject to independent review by an Intelligence Services Commissioner and an Interception of Communications Commissioner… to ensure that they are fully compliant with the law”. [1]  [1] Hague, William, ‘Prism statement in full’, politics.co.uk, 10 June 2013, safeguards, misuse prevention, democracies, oversight, accountability, UK, legal framework, authorisation, government agencies, foreign secretary, home secretary, civil servants, independent review, intelligence services commissioner, interception of communications, compliance, law. safeguards, misuse prevention, democracies, oversight, accountability, legal framework, intelligence agencies, authorization, Secretary of State, Foreign Secretary, Home Secretary, civil servants, legal advice, independent review, Intelligence Services Commissioner, Interception of Communications Commissioner, legal compliance safeguards, misuse prevention, democracies, oversight, accountability, UK, legal framework, authorization, agencies, Secretary of State, Foreign Secretary, Home Secretary, civil servants, legal advice, independent review, Intelligence Services Commissioner, Interception of Communications Commissioner, compliance, law safeguards, misuse prevention, democracies, oversight, accountability, UK, legal authorization, secretaries of state, Foreign Secretary, Home Secretary, civil servants, independent review, Intelligence Services Commissioner, Interception of Communications Commissioner, legal compliance safeguards, misuse prevention, democracies, oversight, accountability, legal framework, agency authorization, Secretary of State, Foreign Secretary, Home Secretary, legal advice, civil servants, independent review, Intelligence Services Commissioner, Interception of Communications Commissioner, compliance, law
test-society-ghbgqeaaems-con03a	There are other policy options that are less distortive and more advantageous for the economy.  Quotas are discriminatory and could be anti-constitutional in countries like France while there are other policy instruments that could be easier to implement.  Rather than implementing quotas as a top-down approach, for example, there could be more access to capital and less regulatory obstacles for starting businesses for women. However, women in OECD enterprise account for an average 30% of all entrepreneurs and there are more self-employed or firm-owners. These gender gaps are particularly large in Ireland, Iceland, and Sweden. [1] Entrepreneurs or individuals starting up new firms are crucial to productivity in all countries. In the OECD area, the levels of entrepreneurship are highest in countries showing the fastest growth. The number of women entrepreneurs, as seen in female to male start-up ratios, is also growing fastest in these countries, which include the United States and Canada. Enhanced access to credit and less red tape for women-owned ventures is a promising source of business and job creation without the distortive effects of quotas on business competitiveness.  Other non-legislative instruments encouraging gender equality in companies are labels, awards, charter signing, and rankings. [2] They do not require externally imposed structural changes but stimulate companies to commit to gender equality in a manner acceptable to them.  Moreover, even if quotas are implemented, they should be flexible and voluntary. A one-size fits all binding quota scheme could easily harm more national economies than it would help. Even by implementing voluntary rather than obligatory quotas in addition to existing national efforts for gender equality, the EU could avoid economic distortions and constitutional complications.  [1] OECD, “Gender and Sustainable Development: Maximising the economic, social and environmental role of women”, 2008, p.35  [2] European Parliament, “Gender Quotas in Management Boards”, 2012 policy options, economic benefits, quotas, discrimination, anti-constitutional, France, policy instruments, access to capital, regulatory obstacles, women entrepreneurs, gender gaps, Ireland, Iceland, Sweden, OECD entrepreneurship, start-up ratios, growth, female entrepreneurship, credit access, red tape, women-owned ventures, business creation, job creation, non-legislative instruments, labels, awards, charter, rankings, gender equality, corporate commitment, voluntary quotas, flexible quotas, one-size-fits-all, economic distortions, constitutional issues, EU, national efforts policy options, market distortions, economic advantage, quotas, discrimination, constitutionality, France, policy instruments, capital access, regulatory obstacles, women entrepreneurs, gender gaps, Ireland, Iceland, Sweden, OECD, entrepreneurship, startup ratios, female entrepreneurs, business growth, credit access, red tape, women-owned businesses, job creation, non-legislative instruments, gender equality, labels, awards, charter, rankings, voluntary quotas, flexible quotas, economic distortions, constitutional issues, EU, gender policies policy options, economic growth, distortive effects, quotas, discrimination, constitutional issues, policy instruments, access to capital, regulatory obstacles, women entrepreneurs, gender gaps, OECD countries, startup ratios, entrepreneurship, business creation, credit access, regulatory red tape, gender equality, non-legislative measures, labels, awards, charter signing, rankings, structural changes, voluntary quotas, EU, economic distortions, national economies policy options, economic benefits, quotas, discrimination, constitutionality, access to capital, regulatory obstacles, women entrepreneurship, gender gaps, Ireland, Iceland, Sweden, OECD, start-ups, productivity, growth, female entrepreneurs, credit access, red tape, business creation, job creation, non-legislative instruments, gender equality, labels, awards, charter, rankings, voluntary quotas, flexible quotas, national efforts, economic distortions, constitutional issues policy options, economic advantages, quotas, discrimination, constitutional issues, implementation, access to capital, regulatory obstacles, women entrepreneurs, gender gaps, OECD countries, start-up activity, productivity, growth, female-to-male start-up ratios, credit access, red tape, business creation, job creation, non-legislative instruments, gender equality, corporate labels, awards, charter signing, rankings, structural changes, voluntary quotas, flexible quotas, national economies, economic distortions, constitutional concerns
test-religion-yercfrggms-pro06a	entirely natural theories can adequately explain belief in God and the development of religions, so an existent God is superfluous to the understanding of the phenomenon:  The reason people believe in God and why religions have formed can be explained perfectly well by natural processes and psychology. Religion is an outgrowth of humans’ brain architecture developed through the process of evolution; it developed as a by-product of other useful cognitive processes. [1] For example, survival capability is promoted by an ability to infer the presence of potentially hostile organisms, the ability to establish causal narratives for natural occurrences, and the ability to recognize that other people are independent agents, with their own minds, desires, and intentions. [2] These cognitive mechanisms, while invaluable to human survival and communal development, have the effect of causing humans to imagine supernatural purposefulness behind natural phenomena that could not be explained by other means. No gods are required to explain religious belief, so the existence of such belief is no reason to believe in such beings. Religion was a cradle during mankind’s childhood and adolescence. The time has come to grow up as a species and accept that there are no gods.  [1] Henig, Robin. 2007. “Darwin’s God”. The New York Times. Available:   [2] Pinker, Steven. 2004. “The Evolutionary Psychology of Evolution”. Annual Meeting of the Freedom from Religion Foundation. Available: natural theories, belief in God, religion development, evolutionary psychology, cognitive processes, human brain architecture, natural explanations, supernatural belief, cognitive mechanisms, survival instincts, causal narratives, agent recognition, evolutionary development, atheism, secularism, human cognition, supernatural phenomena, religion as a by-product, non-theistic explanations natural explanations, belief in God, religion development, evolution, cognitive processes, psychology, brain architecture, natural phenomena, survival, causal narratives, agency recognition, supernatural explanation, evolutionary psychology, cognitive mechanisms, human cognition, atheism, secularism, religion criticism, scientific perspectives natural explanations, belief in God, evolution, cognitive processes, psychology, religion origins, human brain architecture, evolutionary psychology, supernatural attribution, cognitive mechanisms, natural phenomena, belief formation, atheism, science and religion, human evolution, cognitive evolution, psychological explanations, non-supernatural explanations, human cognition, religion development natural theories, belief in God, religion development, atheism, evolutionary psychology, cognitive mechanisms, brain architecture, natural processes, survival instincts, agency recognition, supernatural inference, natural phenomena explanation, human psychology, cognitive evolution, religion as by-product, human development, disproof of gods, secular explanation, human cognition, science and religion natural theories, belief in God, development of religions, atheism, cognitive Psychology, evolution, brain architecture, natural processes, supernatural explanation, cognitive mechanisms, survival adaptation, causal narratives, agent recognition, human cognition, evolution of religion, religious belief, atheistic perspective, scientific explanation, human development, psychological theories, cultural evolution
test-politics-oepghbrnsl-pro04a	Russia as a state and Russians as a nation need strong leadership  Historically, Russia has always needed strong centralised leadership for it to make progress. This was true both in imperial times under tsars such as Peter the Great (who made Russia a European power and built St Petersburg) and Alexander II (who freed the serfs), and since 1917 under Lenin and Stalin. Russia is too big, too diverse and too thinly-populated for western systems of representative democracy to be applied. Culturally its people are temperamentally suited to following the decisive lead of a strong ruler who can unite them in the face of great challenges. Without such a ruler Russia is likely to fragment with local strongmen grabbing power in the regions, religious fundamentalism dominating much of the Caucasus and Central Asia, and economic stagnation. Russia, Russians, leadership, centralised leadership, imperial Russia, tsars, Peter the Great, St Petersburg, Alexander II, serfs, Lenin, Stalin, large country, diversity, population, western democracy, cultural temperament, strong ruler, unity, fragmentation, regional strongmen, religious fundamentalism, Caucasus, Central Asia, economic stagnation Russia, Russian nation, leadership, centralised leadership, imperial Russia, Tsar Peter the Great, St. Petersburg, Alexander II, serfs, Vladimir Lenin, Joseph Stalin, large territory, diversity, population density, Western democracy, cultural temperament, strong ruler, unity, fragmentation, regional strongmen, religious fundamentalism, Caucasus, Central Asia, economic stagnation Russia, Russians, leadership, centralised leadership, imperial Russia, Peter the Great, European power, St Petersburg, Alexander II, serfs, Lenin, Stalin, large territory, diverse population, western democracy, cultural temperament, strong ruler, national unity, regional strongmen, religious fundamentalism, Caucasus, Central Asia, economic stagnation Russia, Russians, strong leadership, centralization, imperial Russia, tsars, Peter the Great, St Petersburg, Alexander II, serfs, Ленin, Stalin, Russian history, authoritarianism, nationhood, governance, diversity, population, democracy, Western systems, culture, temperament, unity, fragmentation, regional power, strongmen, religious fundamentalism, Caucasus, Central Asia, economic stagnation Russia, Russians, leadership, centralization, imperial Russia, Peter the Great, St Petersburg, Alexander II, serfs, Lenin, Stalin, dictatorship, strong ruler, unity, decentralization, regional power, religious fundamentalism, Caucasus, Central Asia, economic stagnation, political stability
test-law-phwmfri-con01a	A flat rate is more just  A fine ought to be proportionate to the severity of the crime committed, not the income of the offender. It is fundamental that the justice system should treat all offenders equally; if two people commit the same crime in the same circumstances but one is richer than the other then they have caused the same amount of harm so should pay the same price for that harm. Having a richer person pay more implies that crimes by the rich are necessarily more harmful to society regardless of what the crime actually is.  Further, this system will cause anomalies, where rich people fined for small offences (e.g. littering) will have much larger fines than poorer people fined for more serious offences (e.g. speeding). This will make people question the fairness of the fines, which will negatively impact their relationship with the justice system. flat rate, justice system, proportional fines, severity of crime, income inequality, equal treatment, harm, offender punishment, penalties, crime severity, societal impact, legal fairness, fines disparity, criminal justice, societal trust flat rate, justice system, proportional fines, equality, income-based fines, severity of crime, harm, fairness, offenders, societal impact, anomalies, fines, offences, justice perception, inequality justice, flat rate, proportional fines, severity of crime, income inequality, equal treatment, harm, societal impact, wealth disparity, legal fairness, fine system, criminal justice, punishment proportionality, economic inequality, legal anomalies justice, fines, proportionality, equality, crime severity, income, wealth, fairness, societal harm, legal system, punishment, inconsistency, discrimination, social justice, legal fairness flat rate, proportional fines, justice system, equality, offenders, severity, crime, income, harm, fairness, anomalies, fines, social justice, penalty system, socio-economic disparity
test-economy-thsptr-pro02a	Those who have more owe more to the state  Wealthier people benefit from the state more than do those who are worse off for two reasons. First, they have more to lose in the absence of the state. Without the rule of law, people would no longer be bound by any power to respect one another’s property rights. A rich person has much more to lose should there be a reversion to the state of nature; nothing would shield him from the mob. For this reason it is in the interest of the wealthy to preserve the just rule of law in the state and to uphold its institutions. It does so by funding it through taxation, and those who have more to lose have a greater interest in paying more to ensure its continuity. The second benefit the rich have is that they have gained more from the state than have the poor and less well off. It is only within a state system that maintains order and provides vital services that markets can form and be maintained. [1] Warren Buffett, for example, has argued that he could never have amassed anywhere near the sort of wealth he has in a country without the rule of law, such as Bangladesh. [2] Wealthy business owners and corporations use state utilities far more than poorer individuals quite often, when for example they use public roads to move their vast fleets of trucks, while individuals only drive their personal car. The state guarantees property rights, which allows markets to form and provides the protections and services to businesses that need them to function. Those who profit from that have an obligation to contribute to its upkeep.  [1] Lakoff, George and Bruce Budner. “Hidden Truths of Progressive Taxes”. Institute for America’s Future. 2007. Available:   [2] Terkel, Amanda. “Warren Buffett: ‘I Should Be Paying a Lot More in Taxes’”. Huffington Post. 2010. Available: wealth inequality, taxation, property rights, rule of law, state benefits, economic inequality, public services, market formation, wealth redistribution, social contract, fiscal policy, wealthier taxpayers, public infrastructure, social welfare, government funding, property protection, economic systems, wealth accumulation, state institutions wealth inequality, state benefits, rule of law, property rights, taxation, public goods, wealth distribution, economic inequality, social contract, market formation, infrastructure usage, taxation fairness, wealth preservation, state institutions, public utilities, economic benefit, taxation policy, middle class, taxation contribution, societal obligations wealth, state, taxation, property rights, rule of law, wealth inequality, public goods, government funding, infrastructure, market formation, property protection, fiscal responsibility, public utilities, economic rights, social contract, wealth redistribution, corporate use, taxation fairness, government revenue, economic disparities wealth inequality, taxation, property rights, rule of law, state benefits, public services, market formation, economic inequality, wealth distribution, social contract, public utilities, infrastructure, government funding, progressive taxes, corporate responsibility, wealth disparity wealth, income inequality, state, government, taxation, property rights, rule of law, social contract, economic benefits, public services, market formation, economic inequality, wealth redistribution, taxation policy, social justice, fiscal responsibility, public goods, economic hierarchy, socioeconomic status, taxation fairness
test-free-speech-debate-nshbbsbfb-con02a	Tens of thousands of licence fee payers objected to this, ultimately they are the BBC’s key stakeholder and that view is worthy of respect.  As an institution, the BBC may like to position itself as a global media brand but that doesn’t alter the fact that it is funded by, and chartered to serve, the British population. The whole British population. That combination – paying the pipers and calling the tune – would suggest that the corporation might be sensitive to that group.  If 50,000 to 60,000 users of any other brand registered their protest or objection to a product put forward by that brand, it would cause chaos, resignations, sackings and a rethink of whatever strategy had caused the problem in the first place.  In the case of the BBC, it caused a few slightly dismissive comments from senior managers, one editor resigned because he felt that the protesters comments were not being taken seriously and the organisation continued as though nothing had happened.  The sheer arrogance required for that response beggars belief. The BBC, as a public institution has a duty of care that might be thought of as greater than that of a private corporation. And yet it gave the impression of acting like it was just one of the other venues who had staged the opera. There is clearly a difference between a theatre that I choose to attend or not – and choose whether to support financially – and the national broadcaster which is beamed into people’s living room paid for by a compulsory licence fee. BBC, licence fee, objections, stakeholders, British population, protest, public funding, media brand, governance, public opinion, corporate response, public institution, duty of care, transparency, accountability, organisational culture, public service broadcasting, funding, consumer protest, organisational response, reputation BBC, license fee, public opinion, stakeholder, British population, protest, objection, media brand, funding, governance, public institution, reputation, organizational response, employee resignation, corporate arrogance, duty of care, public broadcasting, national broadcaster, licensing fee, public trust BBC, licence fee, public opinion, stakeholder, protest, British population, media, funding, charter, public institution, governance, dissent, management response, public service, national broadcaster, audience, civic responsibility, corporate arrogance, public accountability BBC, licence fee, public opinion, stakeholder, British population, protest, objection, media brand, funding, public institution, consumer rights, corporate responsibility, reputation, public backlash, management response, organizational culture, public service, accountability, protest impact, governance BBC, license fee, public opinion, stakeholder, British population, protest, objection, public institution, media brand, funding, charter, national broadcaster, consumer protest, corporate response, management, resignation, arrogance, duty of care, public service, licensing fee, public trust, organizational response
test-digital-freedoms-aihwbasmn-pro04a	Social networks serve as a powerful signalling device for the expansion of violent behaviour  By using Twitter to signal the start of riots it attracts people to join the mob. People in riots generally look to those around them in order to see what is considered acceptable behaviour. As boundaries are crossed, such as the change from indiscriminate vandalism to looting, and reported on Twitter, the same behaviour echoes elsewhere. The lens through which rioters determine acceptable behaviour is expanded, so the chance of behaviours like looting rippling across the various mob groups within a locale increases. One escalation of violence becomes multiple escalations. Twitter is thus a serious danger to society during periods of social unrest and rioting, because it acts as a catalyst for further mayhem. By blocking Twitter governments are able to manage flashpoints and prevent them from expanding violence to other locations. This makes riot situations both less likely to escalate, and easier to break up. social networks, Twitter, riots, violent behaviour, mob, social unrest, escalation, violence, signalling, amplification, looting, vandalism, mob mentality, social media, societal impact, public safety, government intervention, censorship, flashpoints, crowd behaviour social networks, Twitter, violence, riots, mob behavior, social unrest, escalation, vandalism, looting, crowd dynamics, online signaling, societal impact, censorship, government intervention, flashpoints, societal violence, mob psychology, digital influence, riot control social networks, Twitter, riots, mob behavior, social unrest, violence escalation, online signalling, crowd behavior, digital activism, social media influence, riot dynamics, societal impact, online mobilization, violence prevention, information dissemination, government intervention social networks, Twitter, rioting, violence escalation, mob behavior, social unrest, information dissemination, digital communication, public safety, government intervention, online signaling, crowd behavior, social influence, mass mobilization, violence prevention social networks, Twitter, violence, riots, mob behavior, social unrest, escalation, looting, vandalism, social influence, crowd behavior, online signalling, social contagion, riot management, government intervention, digital communication, social media, civil unrest, public safety
test-science-nsihwbtiss-con04a	The law would be hard to enforce.  It would be difficult to find out whether a student and teacher have had contact over the internet. If a teacher were having a relationship with a student, and this law was in effect, both parties would try to conceal it from others and from the authorities. There is then a question about how the state would find out about such behaviour. Would the state be allowed to access private facebook accounts, personal computers, or internet service provider records to make sure teachers and students are not communicating with each other? That would constitute a serious intrusion and privacy violation. law enforcement, internet privacy, teacher-student relationships, online communications, privacy invasion, social media monitoring, surveillance, digital privacy, legal challenges, privacy rights, digital evidence, privacy violations, law enforcement access, online contact detection, privacy impact law enforcement, internet privacy, student-teacher relationships, online contact, privacy violation, surveillance, data access, social media monitoring, privacy rights, internet monitoring, confidentiality, digital privacy, legal enforcement, privacy concerns enforcement, privacy, surveillance, internet monitoring, teacher-student relationship, confidentiality, online communication, privacy invasion, law enforcement, privacy rights, internet privacy, social media, data access, privacy breach, legal challenge law enforcement, student-teacher relationships, internet communication, privacy rights, surveillance, online monitoring, social media privacy, data access, authority intrusion, internet privacy, digital surveillance, privacy infringement, law enforcement challenges law enforcement, privacy intrusion, internet monitoring, student-teacher relationships, online communication, privacy rights, government surveillance, account access, digital privacy, confidentiality, data privacy, internet records, social media monitoring, privacy violations, law enforcement powers
test-society-epsihbdns-con04a	Restrictions cause an incredible loss of potential  One of the best things about a functioning developed nation is that young people can choose their profession. Apart from this being beneficial for the individual, this means that the best suited person for a given trade will often be the same that pursues it. If we prevent people from moving freely we deprive the cities of talented people whose talents and skills are much better suited for urban professions than for rural jobs. In short, this policy would make farmers out of the potential lawyers, politicians, doctors, teachers etc. Indeed this is the whole basis of most models of migration, people leave rural areas because there is surplus labour in that area while the cities needs new workers. [1]  [1] Taylor, J. Edward, and Martin, Philip L., “Human Capital: Migration and Rural Population Change”, Handbook of Agricultural Economics, restrictions, economic potential, human capital, migration, rural-urban movement, professional mobility, urbanization, talent allocation, labour market, rural areas, urban professions, surplus labour, policy impact, rural development, occupational choice restrictions, opportunity loss, freedom of movement, talent retention, rural-urban migration, labor market, urban professions, rural employment, migration models, human capital, rural population, economic development, skilled workers restrictions, migration, rural-urban, labor mobility, human capital, talent allocation, urbanization, rural employment, economic development, professional choice, rural areas, urban professions, workforce mobility, migration models, rural population change restrictions, potential loss, developed nations, youth employment, professional choice, skill mismatch, mobility, talent drain, rural-urban migration, labor surplus, urban professions, rural employment, migration models, human capital, rural population change restrictions, potential loss, mobile workforce, labor mobility, rural-urban migration, talent allocation, professional choice, urbanization, rural employment, migration models, human capital, labor surplus, skill mismatch, economic development, rural development, urban economy
test-digital-freedoms-aihwbasmn-pro03a	"Would stop riots from spreading  The police must try to stop riots from spreading and stop copycat rioting elsewhere. Knowledge of rioting happening elsewhere is often the Oxygen of riots; the riots in Manchester and elsewhere outside of London in 2011 were mostly as a result of media exposure. According to Greater Manchester Police chief Peter Fahy ""A certain group of people saw what was happening in London and decided they seemed to be getting away with it. We knew what was absolutely critical was that there needed to be control of London. Because that was just creating more and more copycat violence up here."" [1] Cutting off social media would have helped prevent the riots from spreading so ensuring that they remain small and a localised problem.  [1] Pilkington, D., “Rioting in London sparked 'copycat' behaviour”, The Independent, 14 November 2011. riots, spreading, police, copycat, violence, media, exposure, Manchester, London, 2011, social media, control, localised, prevention, escalation riots, spread, police, copycat, violence, social media, media exposure, Manchester, London, 2011, control, prevention, law enforcement, riot suppression riots, police, spread, copycat, violence, media exposure, Manchester, London, 2011, social media, control, riot prevention, crowd behavior, law enforcement, societal unrest, policing strategies riots, police, spread, copycat, social media, media exposure, Manchester, London, 2011, violence, control, law enforcement, crowd control, social media censorship, riot prevention, civil unrest, public safety riots, police, prevent, spread, copycat, violence, social media, media exposure, Manchester, London, 2011, control, crowd control, riot prevention, law enforcement, social media censorship, riot mitigation"
test-digital-freedoms-eifpgdff-pro01a	Regulating the Internet is a means for governments to spy on their citizens  Governments around the world are tracking their citizens’ activities online. [1] They can use all sorts of techniques, like automated data-mining (i.e. via trawling your Facebook and Twitter accounts) and deep packet inspection of each electronic message sent (i.e. intercepting and reading your email). All these methods are violations of important principles.  The automated data-mining violates the principle that people shouldn’t be investigated by their governments unless there is warrant for it (so there is reasonable suspicion that they have been involved in a crime). Also, data mining creates many false positives, leading to citizens being thoroughly investigated without probable cause. [2] Deep packet inspection violates people’s fundamental right to secrecy of correspondence, which is a violation of privacy.  The problem with these government policies is that they’re hard to control – even in democracies: much of the spying is done by intelligence agencies, which are often able to evade democratic control on account of the need for secrecy rather than transparency. [3]  [1] Reporters Without Borders, Enemies of the internet, 2012 and Kingsley, Britain won’t be the only country snooping on people’s internet use, 2012  [2] US Researchers Decide Spying On Citizens Is Bad, 2008  [3] Electronic Frontier Foundation, ‘NSA Spying’. internet regulation, government spying, citizen surveillance, online tracking, data mining, social media monitoring, deep packet inspection, email interception, privacy violation, secrecy of correspondence, civil liberties, digital privacy, government overreach, intelligence agencies, democratic control, warrant requirements, probable cause, false positives, surveillance techniques, privacy rights, civil rights, digital rights, privacy principles, transparency, secrecy, government accountability internet regulation, government surveillance, online tracking, data mining, deep packet inspection, privacy violations, wiretapping, digital privacy, governmental espionage, civil liberties, privacy rights, intelligence agencies, democratic control, warrant requirement, probable cause, false positives, surveillance technologies, email monitoring, online privacy, citizen rights, secrecy of communication internet regulation, government surveillance, citizen tracking, data mining, deep packet inspection, privacy violations, freedom of communication, warrant requirement, probable cause, false positives, intelligence agencies, democratic control, secrecy, transparency, digital rights, privacy rights internet regulation, government surveillance, online tracking, data mining, deep packet inspection, privacy violations, digital rights, civil liberties, government transparency, intelligence agencies, warrant requirement, probable cause, false positives, secrecy of correspondence, privacy rights, government control, democracy, surveillance methods, electronic communication, digital privacy, civil rights, NSA spying, international surveillance internet regulation, government surveillance, online activity tracking, data mining, deep packet inspection, privacy violation, secrecy of correspondence, citizen rights, intelligence agencies, democratic control, transparency, warrants, probable cause, false positives, encryption, civil liberties, digital privacy, Edward Snowden, NSA spying, internet censorship, digital rights
test-economy-bepahbtsnrt-con03a	Other industries are less reliable  Other sectors, such as agriculture and the industrial sectors, have proven to be unreliable as well. Tunisia’s agriculture sector is the largest employer in the country and has received significant investment since the 1980s. Despite this, the sector performed poorly between 1985-2000 and was costly to the Tunisian economy; ensuring low returns and importation of food to meet domestic demand1. The industrial sector also demonstrated itself to be vulnerable in the 2008 economic recession. In addition, the low value of produced goods creates little opportunity for lucrative profits2. The flaws of these sectors make them unviable as alternatives to tourism.  1) Aoun,A. ‘The Performance of Tunisian Agriculture: An Economic Appraisal’ pg.7  2) Elj,M. ‘Innovation in Tunisia: Empirical Analysis for Industrial Sector’ 2012 industry performance, sector reliability, agriculture sector Tunisia, industrial sector Tunisia, economic vulnerability, sector investment, economic impact, sector productivity, food importation, low profitability, recession effects, sector comparison, alternative industries, sector flaws, economic analysis, tourism alternatives Tunisia, agriculture, industrial sector, economic reliability, sector performance, employment, investment, 1980s, 1985-2000, economic recession, low productivity, import dependency, food security, sector vulnerabilities, profitability, tourism alternative, economic challenges industries, sectors, agriculture, industrial, Tunisia, reliability, investment, employment, economic performance, food importation, recession, low profitability, economic vulnerability, tourism alternatives, sector flaws industries, sectors, agriculture, industrial, Tunisia, employment, investment, sector performance, economic impact, low returns, import dependency, food security, recession, produced goods, profits, tourism alternative, sector reliability, sector vulnerability, economic appraisal, innovation, empirical analysis industry reliability, agriculture sector, industrial sector, Tunisia, economic performance, sector vulnerabilities, investment, agriculture productivity, economic recession, low-value goods, sector profitability, alternative industries, tourism competition, economic impact, sector analysis
test-politics-epvhbfsmsaop-pro02a	This is an unjust use of unelected power  Politicians want endorsements because they know it will bring votes; it is estimated that Oprah’s endorsement of Obama in the Democratic Primary of 2008 brought an additional 1 million votes to Obama. [1] It is unjust for celebs to use their influence in this way. Celebrities have an ability to influence the political sphere that bears no necessary relationship with their knowledge of the subjects concerned, or qualifications otherwise to do so.  Consequently, they represent an unelected, unaccountable pressure on the democratic system: they have been given power and influence, with no mechanism of checking that power, or way to prevent them from misleading the public (unlike, for example, political journalists, news channels and other sources of political information).  This is principally unjust: the optimum democratic system is the one that holds the closest to the principle of “one person, one vote”, and attempts to ensure that those votes are as informed as possible. Celebrity involvement in politics is a hindrance to that, effectively handing the famous more votes than is their due.  [1] Garthwaite, Craig, and Moore, Timothy J., ‘Can Celebrity Endorsements Affect Political Outcomes? Evidence from the 2008 US Democratic Presidential Primary’, Journal of Law, Economics, and Organization, 2012, unelected power, political endorsements, celebrity influence, democratic system, voter influence, political legitimacy, celebrity endorsements, political accountability, influence manipulation, election impact, political misinformation, voter representation, campaign influence, political transparency, celebrity authority, democratic principle, political integrity unelected power, celebrity influence, political endorsements, democratic system, voter manipulation, celebrity endorsements, political influence, election fairness, political accountability, celebrity impact, influence on voting, democratic principles, political misinformation, voting rights, political transparency, campaign influence celebrity endorsements, political influence, democratic system, unelected power, political bias, celebrity impact, voter influence, electoral integrity, political accountability, campaign influence, celebrity politics, voting fairness, political communication, election ethics, media influence celebrity influence, political endorsements, democratic system, voting, election fairness, celebrity power, political influence, campaign impact, 2008 Democratic Primary, voter manipulation, celebrity politics, political accountability, unearned influence, democratic principles, election integrity celebrity endorsements, political influence, democratic system, voter impact, unelected power, celebrity influence, political legitimacy, election fairness, media influence, voter deception, political accountability, campaign dynamics, voter knowledge, political motivation, public trust, influence on votes
test-law-lgplhbssbco-pro01a	Suicide is a waste of life  Suicide is a waste of life. It is an immoral act that ignores the sacrosanct nature of human life – something that is universally considered to be the case as shown by being something nearly all religions consider to be the case. [1] Failure to criminalize such a flagrant violation of the sanctity of human life condemns any society as irreligious and immoral. Nowadays we hear everyone talking about human rights; we hear precious little about human obligations. If we believe in the moral worth of human rights we do so because we think that human life is a wonderful thing and something with which we should not interfere. Whether the interference is by others or by ourselves, any action that denigrates human life is morally wrong for precisely the reason that we support human rights. We have an obligation to preserve all life, including our own.  [1] Perrett, Roy Wo., ‘Buddhism, euthanasia and the sanctity of life’, Journal of Medical Ethics, Vol. 22, No. 5, October 1996, suicide, sanctity of human life, morality, religion, human rights, human obligations, euthanasia, life preservation, morality of suicide, social ethics, religious perspective, medical ethics, Roy Wo Perrett, moral philosophy suicide, sanctity of life, morality, human rights, human obligations, euthanasia, ethics, religious views, societal morality, life preservation, human life, morality debate, religion and life, moral obligation, legal issues suicide, sanctity of life, human rights, morality, human obligation, euthanasia, religious perspectives, moral worth, societal values, moral violation, life preservation, Buddhism, medical ethics, societal morality suicide, morality, sanctity of human life, human rights, human obligations, euthanasia, religious perspectives, ethics, moral values, societal morality, criminalization, human life preservation, religious views on life, ethical debate, Roy Wo. Perrett suicide, sanctity of life, human rights, human obligations, morality, euthanasia, religious views, moral worth, societal values, life preservation, ethics, religious condemnation, human life, societal morality
test-science-cpisydfphwj-pro02a	Facebook provides an information point  Undoubtedly, one of the most important aspects which will influence your efforts to improve your life is your ability to take advantage of every opportunity which comes up. Obviously, one of the, if not the, best way to do this is to stay connected with the world around you, this enables you to be able to quickly find out about job opportunities, sporting competitions or social events in your area. Facebook created and developed an efficient, extremely widely visited platform on which millions of users can get in touch with each other. This can prove to be an extremely useful tool both for companies or event planners and direct customers. No matter if we are talking about Google's new hiring policy or Toyota's new discount, an upcoming music festival or a football tournament for amateur players, Facebook is informing the individuals about these events, keeping them connected with their community.  Social networks are more efficient to serving this purpose than other more conventional means like TV commercials because it is free. A very good example of this is the Kony 2012 campaign, which informed the people about the atrocities that happened in Uganda at the time, mainly relying only on social media. The Youtube video telling its story has more than 98 million views and also there were more posts on Facebook about Kony on March 6th and 7th than even Apple’s new iPad or TV releases. (1) No matter if we talk about TV ads, radio commercials or billboards, the price that has to be paid in order to promote an event is a big drawback for anyone who wants to inform the population. As a result, Facebook as with other social media is the online, cheap, efficient equivalent to an info point.  (1) Kyle Willis “Kony 2012 Social Media Case Study “, March 8, 2012 Facebook, social media, information point, community, connectivity, events, opportunities, job search, social networks, free advertising, online marketing, Kony 2012, viral videos, digital marketing, event promotion, community engagement, social campaigns, cost-effective advertising Facebook, social media, information point, community engagement, event promotion, opportunities, connectivity, networking, free advertising, social campaigns, Kony 2012, awareness, online platform, digital marketing, viral videos, user engagement, social networking sites Facebook, information point, social media, connectivity, opportunities, community, events, job opportunities, sporting competitions, social events, platform, users, companies, event planners, direct customers, marketing, campaigns, Kony 2012, Uganda, social campaigns, free advertising, viral videos, YouTube, social networks, traditional media, TV commercials, radio, billboards, cost-effective, online promotion Facebook, social media, information point, community engagement, opportunities, networking, event promotion, social campaigns, online marketing, cost-effective advertising, digital communication, Kony 2012, viral videos, user engagement, event awareness, community connectivity, platform efficiency, social networks, free advertising, digital outreach Facebook, social media, information point, community, opportunities, networking, events, job opportunities, social events, competitions, marketing, digital marketing, online promotion, community engagement, social networks, cost-effective advertising, viral campaigns, Kony 2012, Uganda, social activism, user engagement, platform, public awareness, multimedia content, YouTube, online marketing, event promotion, communication tools
test-economy-bepiehbesa-con03a	CAP protects the quality of the food in EU  The role of CAP is to produce food at affordable prices while maintaining its quality. By having policies which favour agriculture in Europe it is easier to control the quality of the food, maintain it and also support the diversity of the food produced in EU. [1] The goods imported from developing countries are often not produced under such scrutiny as are those in EU. In EU the quality standards of production are one of the highest – the hygiene, the amount of additives in products – all these are set and controlled by the EU. The result of it is that European citizens eat healthy food of high quality which is still affordable – mainly due to subsidies and payments obtained via CAP.  [1] European Commission, ‘The Common Agricultural Policy A partnership between Europe and Farmers’, 2012, CAP, Common Agricultural Policy, food quality, EU food standards, food safety, agricultural subsidies, food diversity, import standards, food regulation, hygiene standards, additives control, affordable food, European Commission, agricultural policy, food production, sustainable agriculture, food hygiene, food regulation policies CAP, Common Agricultural Policy, EU food quality, European agriculture, food standards, import quality control, food safety, subsidies, European Commission, food diversity, agricultural policies, food hygiene, additives regulation, affordable healthy food, European farmers Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, EU food quality, agricultural subsidies, food safety, food standards, European agriculture, food diversity, food imports, quality control, food production, hygiene standards, food additives, affordable food, European Commission, food regulation, developing countries imports Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, food quality, EU agriculture, food standards, food safety, subsidies, European Commission, food diversity, import regulations, developing countries, hygiene standards, food additives, agricultural policies, food affordability, food control, EU food regulation CAP, Common Agricultural Policy, food quality, EU agriculture, food standards, food safety, subsidies, food diversity, agricultural policies, EU imports, food regulations, food hygiene, additives, affordable food, European Commission, food inspection, food control, developing countries, sustainable agriculture, food production, European farmers
test-economy-epsihbdns-pro04a	Poor, uneducated people are lured into cities  The cause of rural-urban migration in developing nations and the main reason why it becomes problematic is that people who move to the cities are not making informed decisions. They are led to believe that the cities contain opportunities that they cannot find where they live, and there are no mechanisms such as efficient media or adequate education to eradicate this misconception. [1] Myths can be easily propagated by a single successful migrant returning home to visit that then attracts many others to try their luck without any knowledge of the possible costs. [2] This is exacerbated by unscrupulous organisations that prey on their desperation to take all their money to organise their move to the city. Some of those who are trafficked find themselves brought to the city and exploited through forced labour, begging, or even prostitution. [3] Many of those who move to cities find themselves in a worse situation but have lost any moving power they originally had and are thus trapped.  [1] Zhan, Shaohua. “What Determines Migrant Workers' Life Chances in Contemporary China? Hukou, Social Exclusion, and the Market.” 243, 2011, Vol. 37.  [2] Waibel, Hermann, and Schmidt, Erich, “Urban-rural relations”, in Feeding Asian Cities: Food Production and Processing Issues, FAO, November 2000,   [3] “UNIAP Vietnam”, United Nations Inter Agency Project on Human Trafficking, accessed March 2013, rural-urban migration, developing nations, urbanization, rural poverty, migration causes, migration misconceptions, media influence, education, myths, migrant success stories, trafficking, exploitation, forced labor, begging, prostitution, migration costs, unscrupulous organizations, migration risks, social exclusion, hukou system, migrant livelihoods, urban challenges, human trafficking, Vietnam, Asia, urban-rural relations rural-urban migration, developing nations, urbanization, uneducated populations, migration causes, misconceptions, myth propagation, media influence, education deficiency, migrant stories, unscrupulous organizations, trafficking, exploitation, forced labor, begging, prostitution, migrant vulnerability, social exclusion, market dynamics, Hukou system, urban-rural relations, human trafficking, migration risks rural-urban migration, developing nations, uneducated populations, urbanization, misconceptions, media influence, education access, myths, migrant success stories, trafficking, exploitation, forced labour, begging, prostitution, social exclusion, Hukou system, urban poverty, migration costs, migration risks, vulnerable populations, traffickers, city life challenges rural-urban migration, developing nations, migration causes, urbanization, uneducated populations, misconceptions, media influence, migration myths, migrant success stories, unscrupulous organizations, exploitation, trafficking, forced labor, begging, prostitution, migrant vulnerabilities, social exclusion, market access, hukou system, urban-rural relations, food production, human trafficking, migration risks, migrant exploitation rural-urban migration, developing nations, migration causes, infromed decisions, misconceptions, myths, successful migrant, urban opportunities, education, media, trafficked persons, exploitation, forced labour, begging, prostitution, desperation, unscrupulous organizations, migrant trap, social exclusion, hukou, urban-rural relations, food production, human trafficking
test-international-amehbuaisji-con03a	The rest of the world is better off with the US out  The crucial role that the US plays for international security means that, for the benefit of the rest of the world, it is advantageous for the US to be outside of the ICC jurisdiction.  When military intervention is needed , it will often be the US that does so. The US being in a position where its actions would be constrained by a fear of ICC prosecution.  This would be even worse if the crime of aggression were to take effect, a broad definition of which could harm US interests. With the notable exceptions of the 1991 Gulf War and the invasion of Afghanistan, most recent US overseas missions could be seen as amounting to the crime of aggression. Depending on the definition used, it has been argued that every single US president since Kennedy has committed the crime of aggression. In an increasingly uncertain world, it could be necessary for the US to intervene  American ratification of the ICC would therefore have the unintended consequence of constraining US actions that would otherwise save lives. If the United States does not intervene in cases where there may be considered to be a responsibility to protect then it is unlikely that any other state will either. US, international security, ICC, jurisdiction, military intervention, US actions, crime of aggression, US interests, US foreign policy, international law, US sovereignty, global stability, US ratification, responsibility to protect, US presidents, foreign policy interests, global conflict, military interventions United States, ICC, international security, military intervention, jurisdiction, crime of aggression, US interests, US presidents, global stability, foreign policy, international law, sovereignty, US intervention, USA, ICC ratification, global governance, international justice, US foreign policy, military actions, geopolitical concerns United States, international security, ICC, jurisdiction, military intervention, crime of aggression, US interests, US foreign policy, global stability, sovereignty, international law, US presidents, ratification, intervention, responsibility to protect, geopolitics, international relations, US military, global governance US, international security, ICC, jurisdiction, military intervention, US actions, prosecution, crime of aggression, US interests, Gulf War, Afghanistan, overseas missions, US president, intervention, US ratification, unintended consequences, responsibility to protect, global stability, international law, sovereignty US, international security, ICC, jurisdiction, military intervention, US interests, crime of aggression, US presidents, international law, global conflict, US foreign policy, sovereignty, US ratification, responsibility to protect, intervention, global stability, US military, international relations, legal constraints
test-education-pstrgsehwt-pro03a	"Much of the complexity of life cannot be explained by evolution, but is perfectly explained by Creationism.  Nature is marked by clear design. The complexity of the human body, of ecosystems, and even of bacteria, attests to the existence of creative agency. It is impossible that such things as, for example, interdependent species could come to exist without the guidance of a designer. Likewise, certain organisms can be shown to be irreducibly complex, meaning that if one were to remove any part of it, it would lose all functionality. This refutes the gradualist argument of evolution, since there is no selective pressure on the organism to change when it is functionless. For example, the bacterial flagellum, the ""motor"" that powers bacterial cells, loses all functionality if a single component is removed. [1] Besides design, the only explanation of its development is blind chance, which is nonsensical. Creationism serves to explain the various mysteries of biology currently absent from the evolutionary biologists' picture of the world. The existence of complexity of the order found in the natural world is too great to envisage an origin other than complex design.  [1] Behe, Michael. 1996. Darwin’s Black Box. Glencoe: Free Press. creationism, intelligent design, complexity, irreducible complexity, bacterial flagellum, design, creative agency, guided evolution, evolution critique, natural world, biological mysteries, Behe, Darwin’s Black Box, counter-evolution, natural selection, adaptation, ecosystem complexity, interdependent species, design argument, origin of life, biological function creationism, intelligent design, complexity, irreducible complexity, bacterial flagellum, design, origin, evolution debate, natural world, biological mysteries, Behe, Michael, Darwin’s Black Box, evolutionary theory, gradualism, intelligent agency creationism, intelligent design, complexity, irreducible complexity, bacterial flagellum, design, creation, biological complexity, evolution, gradualism, natural world, biological mysteries, Michael Behe, Darwin’s Black Box, purposive agency, fine-tuning, interdependent species, biological systems, complexity theory, biological hierarchy creationism, intelligent design, complex biological systems, irreducible complexity, bacterial flagellum, design argument, biological complexity, evolution critique, Behe, Darwin’s Black Box, interdependent species, natural world, complexity explanation, guided evolution, biological mysteries, complexity vs chance Creationism, intelligent design, complexity, evolution, design, biological systems, irreducible complexity, bacterial flagellum, intelligent agency, natural world, biological mysteries, Behe, Darwin’s Black Box, guided evolution, complex systems, natural design, organism functionality, mutational irreducibility, evolutionary debate, biological complexity, divine creator"
test-international-epglghbni-con03a	Unification would reignite civil disorder and violent factionalism among Irish communities  As shown above, the Northern Irish don’t want to unite with the Republic. The Irish in the Republic will also resent the new drain on their economy. Either the Republican parties in Ireland will resent having to concede some power to new political entities or the Unionists will resent being marginalized. The recent reoccurrence of violence in Belfast is being attributed to the breakdown of protestant communities and low job prospects for young protestants. Both of these problems will be exacerbated in a majority Catholic Ireland. All of these examples illustrate how unrest is likely to breakout again in a united Ireland. unification, civil disorder, factionalism, Irish communities, Northern Ireland, Irish Republic, political conflict, economic impact, Republican parties, Unionists, marginalization, violence, Belfast, Protestant communities, youth unemployment, Catholic Ireland, unrest, political tensions unification, civil disorder, factionalism, Irish communities, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, political resentment, economic impact, republican parties, unionists, marginalization, violence, Belfast, protestant communities, unemployment, Catholic Ireland, unrest, division, conflict, nationalist, unionist, reconciliation Irish unification, civil disorder, factionalism, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, political resentment, economic drain, Republican parties, Unionists, marginalization, Belfast violence, protestant communities, youth unemployment, catholic Ireland, social unrest, political stability, sectarian conflict Irish unification, civil disorder, factionalism, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, political resentment, economic impact, Republican parties, Unionists, violence, Belfast, protestant communities, youth unemployment, Catholic majority, unrest, political tensions Unification, civil disorder, factionalism, Irish communities, Northern Ireland, Irish Republic, political resentment, economic drain, Republican parties, Unionists, marginalization, violence, Belfast, protestant communities, job prospects, Catholic Ireland, unrest
test-free-speech-debate-fsaphgiap-pro03a	Transparency allows citizens to choose for a healthy leader as to ensure proper functioning  The health and fitness of a leader is a vital issue when choosing a leader; the electorate deserves to know if they are likely to serve out their term. When health conditions are hidden from the people they may mistakenly elect a leader who is unable to serve a full term or is at times not in control of the country. There would be little point in voting for a leader who will often not truely be in charge of the country, if voters are told it becomes their choice whether this is a problem. Transparency in terms of clear, accurate and up-to-date information is necessary for the electorate to judge the fitness of a leader which is a necessary precondition for election. In a democracy a leader needs to be accountable, he can only be accountable if the elctorate knows such vital information. transparency, citizens, leader health, leadership fitness, election, voter rights, health disclosure, government accountability, political transparency, electoral process, leader suitability, public information, health status, democracy, voter decision, electoral integrity transparency, leadership, health, fitness, election, electorate, accountability, information, democracy, voter, decision-making, leadership assessment, public trust, political accountability transparency, leadership, health, fitness, election, accountability, voters, information, democracy, electorate, trust, decision-making, political responsibility transparency, citizens, healthy leader, leadership fitness, election, health conditions, accountability, electorate, voters, information accuracy, full term, leader effectiveness, democracy, voter rights, leadership health assessment transparency, leadership health, voter awareness, election integrity, political accountability, leader fitness, electoral information, democratic process, public health disclosure, voter rights, political transparency, leadership suitability, election knowledge, government accountability
test-philosophy-eppphwlrtjs-con02a	"Through jury nullification, juries make the law more accountable to the people.  Although juries are not technically supposed to nullify the law, or choose to acquit even if the evidence suggests that the defendant is guilty, they sometimes do. This usually happens when the jury believes the law is unjust: for example when the punishment is disproportionate to the crime1 (for example some activists encourage juries to nullify in cases of non-violent drug crimes). We believe this is good because it allows the public to check the government in a way for which rare elections and complex legislative processes do not allow. Only consider how many 'democratic' countries have upheld policies of segregation or discrimination, and it becomes clear that 'free and fair' elections can lead to outcomes that are anything but. Thus jury nullification can a) protect individuals from blatantly unjust laws, and b) provide impetus to actual legislative change. For example, some scholars believe that it was in part the frequent acquittal by juries of defendants who were probably guilty, but who would have received the death penalty if found to be so, that led to the US Supreme Court declaring mandatory capital punishment schemes unconstitutional.2 This community input is valuable in all circumstances, and there is no reason why it should be limited to certain cases.  1Doug Linder, ""What Is Jury Nullification?  2Andrew Leipold, ""Rethinking Jury Nullification jury nullification, law accountability, jury discretion, jury independence, justice system, unlawful laws, public participation, legal protest, wrongful acquittals, legislative change, civil disobedience, judicial process, legal ethics, guilty verdicts, law reform, community input, capital punishment, Supreme Court, legal activism, judicial fairness jury nullification, legal accountability, juries, law, justice, acquittal, evidence, unjust laws, activism, drug crimes, public oversight, democracy, legal system, legislative change, legislative protest, wrongful convictions, capital punishment, community input, legal reform, judicial discretion jury nullification, legal accountability, jury discretion, unjust laws, criminal justice, activism, legislative change, public oversight, democratic societies, segregation, discrimination, capital punishment, community input, legal reform, court rulings jury nullification, legal accountability, jury discretion, unjust laws, procedural justice, public oversight, legislative change, judicial activism, legal symbolism, criminal justice reform, community input, constitutional rights, fair trials, criminal law, jury independence jury nullification, legal accountability, jury power, law unjust, jury discretion, judicial system, legislative change, public oversight, democratic accountability, civil disobedience, law reform, legal injustice, jury independence, judicial activism, judicial process, legal ethics"
test-culture-tlhrilsfhwr-pro04a	The cultural construction of armed conflict  The jurisdiction of the ICC is primarily exercised according to culturally constructed assumptions about the way war works – that there will be a clear division between aggressors and defenders, that armies will be organised according to chains of command, the civilians will not be targeted and will be evacuated from conflict zones. But countless conflicts in Africa and central Asia have proven these assumptions to be flawed.  It should not be forgotten that almost all formulations of this motion define cultural relativism only as a defence to the use of child soldiers. It will still be open for ICC prosecutors to prove that the use of child soldiers has been systematic, pernicious and deliberate, rather than the product of uncertainty, necessity and unstable legal norms. Moreover, not all defences are “complete” defences; they do not all result in acquittal, and are often used by judges to mitigate the harshness of certain sentences.  It can be argued that it was never intended for the ICC to enforce laws relating to child soldiers against other children or leaders of vulnerable communities who acted under the duress of circumstances. At the very least, those responsible for arming children in these circumstances should face a more lenient sentence than a better-resourced state body that used child soldiers as a matter of policy.  Due to the nature of conflicts in developing nations, where the geographic influence of “recognised” governments is limited, and multiple local law-making bodies may contribute to an armed struggle, it is difficult for the international community to directly oversee combat itself. United Nations troops are often underfunded, unmotivated and poorly trained, being sourced primarily from the same continent as the belligerent parties in a conflict. When peacekeepers are deployed from western nations, their rules of engagement have previously prevented robust protection of civilian populations. Ironically, this is partly the result of concerns that western states might be accused of indulging in neo-colonialism. It is outrageous for the international community to dictate standards of war-time conduct to communities and states unable to enforce them, while withholding the assistance and expertise that might allow them to do so.  Therefore, the ICC, as a specialist legal and investigative body, should be encouraged to use the expertise it has accumulated to distinguish between child military participation driven by a desire to terrorise populations or quickly reinforce armies, and child military participation that has arisen as a survival strategy. cultural construction, armed conflict, ICC jurisdiction, cultural assumptions, war norms, aggressors, defenders, military organization, civilian target, conflict zones, Africa, Central Asia, cultural relativism, child soldiers, legal defense, systematic abuse, legal norms, justice, sanctions, accountability, vulnerability, international law, child protection, legal defenses, sentencing, war ethics, conflict resolution, developing nations, sovereignty, local law, armed struggle, peacekeeping, UN troops, funding, training, rules of engagement, neo-colonialism, international community, war conduct, enforcement, legal expertise, military participation, survival strategy cultural construction, armed conflict, ICC jurisdiction, cultural assumptions, war norms, aggressors, defenders, military organization, civilian targeting, conflict zones, cultural relativism, child soldiers, systematic violence, legal norms, defences, sentencing, responsibility, vulnerable communities, duress, leniency, armed conflicts, developing nations, sovereignty, local law, international oversight, peacekeepers, funding, training, rules of engagement, neo-colonialism, international standards, war conduct, enforcement, expertise, child military participation, terror, survival, conflict resolution cultural construction, armed conflict, International Criminal Court, ICC, cultural assumptions, war, aggressors, defenders, military organization, civilians, conflict zones, African conflicts, Central Asian conflicts, cultural relativism, child soldiers, legal norms, systematic violence, legal defenses, judicial sentences, war laws, vulnerable communities, duress, armed children, legal accountability, lenient sentencing, conflicts in developing nations, local laws, international oversight, UN peacekeepers, underfunding, peacekeeping effectiveness, Western military intervention, rules of engagement, civilian protection, neo-colonialism, international standards, enforcement challenges, legal expertise, child military participation cultural construction, armed conflict, ICC jurisdiction, cultural assumptions, war logic, aggressors, defenders, armies, chains of command, civilians, conflict zones, Africa, Central Asia, cultural relativism, child soldiers, legal norms, systematic abuse, legal defense, sentencing, duress, vulnerable communities, armed children, legal standards, developing nations, local law-making, international oversight, UN peacekeepers, funding, training, rules of engagement, civilian protection, neo-colonialism, war conduct, international aid, legal expertise, military participation, survival strategies cultural construction, armed conflict, ICC jurisdiction, cultural assumptions, war, aggressors, defenders, armies, chains of command, civilians, conflict zones, Africa, Central Asia, cultural relativism, child soldiers, legal norms, systematic abuse, deliberate use, legal defense, sentencing, duress, vulnerable communities, armed children, lenient sentences, developing nations, geographic influence, local law-making, international community, combat oversight, UN peacekeepers, underfunding, poor training, rules of engagement, civilian protection, neo-colonialism, international standards, wartime conduct, enforcement challenges, legal expertise, child military participation, terror
test-environment-assgbatj-pro02a	Animal research causes severe harm to the animals involved  The point of animal research is that animals are harmed. Even if they don’t suffer in the experiment, almost all are killed afterwards. With 115 million animals used a year this is a big problem. Releasing medical research animals in to the wild would be dangerous for them, and they would not be usable as pets. [4]. The only solution is that they are wild from birth.  It is obvious that it’s not in the interest of animals to be killed or harmed. Research should be banned in order to prevent the deaths of millions of animals. animal research, animal harm, animal suffering, animal killing, experimental animals, animal welfare, animal rights, animal testing ethics, animal cruelty, experimental ethics, wildlife release, medical research animals, animal conservation, humane research methods, animal protection laws animal research, animal harm, animal suffering, animal killing, experimental animals, animal welfare, ethics of animal research, animal rights, alternatives to animal testing, animal captivity, wild animals, banning animal testing, animal advocacy, research ethics animal research, animal harm, animal experimentation, animal cruelty, animal mortality, animal rights, animal welfare, vivisection, animal suffering, ethical concerns, animal captivity, euthanasia, wildlife release, animal cruelty legislation, scientific research ethics animal research, animal harm, animal suffering, animal killed, animal welfare, animal rights, animal cruelty, animal testing, ethical concerns, research animals, animal ethics, animal experimentation, animal suffering prevention, animal protection, research bans, wildlife release, animal captivity, animal rights activism, humane research, animal welfare legislation animal research, animal harm, animal suffering, animal killing, animal experimentation, animal welfare, cruelty, ethical concerns, animal rights, research animals, animal captivity, wildlife release, animal conservation, biomedical research, alternatives to animal testing, animal rights activism, scientific ethics, animal exploitation, laboratory animals, bans on animal research
test-digital-freedoms-eifpgdff-pro02a	Internet regjulation is a euphemism for censorship  Governments are trying to control what citizens can and can’t say online and what they can and can’t access. This can vary from France and Germany requiring Google to suppress Nazism in search results [1] to the Great Firewall of China, where the Chinese government almost fully controls what’s said and seen on the internet and has an army of censors. [2]  This type of internet censorship is bad because citizens should have freedom of speech and uninhibited access to information, [3] a right so fundamental that we have enshrined it in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights [4] and reaffirmed by the participants of the World Summit on the Information Society in 2003. [5]  [1] Zittrain and Edelman, Localized Google search result exclusions, 2005  [2] Internet censorship in China, 2010  [3] Free Speech Debate, 2012  [4] article 19, Universal Declaration of Human Rights  [5] Declaration of Principles, article 4, 2003 Internet regulation, censorship, free speech, government control, online restrictions, freedom of expression, universal human rights, Great Firewall of China, internet censorship laws, search result suppression, Nazism, Google, China, censors, information access, legal standards, human rights declarations, World Summit on the Information Society internet regulation, censorship, government control, online speech, access restrictions, France, Germany, Google, Nazism, search results, China, Great Firewall, internet control, censorship army, citizens' freedom, freedom of speech, access to information, human rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, World Summit on the Information Society, internet censorship effects Internet, regulation, censorship, governments, free speech, access, information, human rights, universal declaration, China, Great Firewall, censors, France, Germany, Google, Nazism, search results, internet control, freedom, online, content suppression, societal regulation, digital rights Internet censorship, government control, freedom of speech, online regulation, search result suppression, Great Firewall, China, content filtering, citizen rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, global internet regulation, digital liberties, online access, information freedom, censorship effects internet regulation,censorship,mass surveillance,government control,freedom of speech,online access,search engine suppression,Great Firewall China,content moderation,human rights,Universal Declaration of Human Rights,World Summit on the Information Society,Google search,Nazism,internet freedom,digital rights,cyber censorship
test-international-epvhwhranet-pro03a	Reform treaties are too important to be left to politicians of the day  Decisions that affect the national sovereignty of a country should not just be left to elected politicians who have power for a limited time but should be given to the citizens through direct vote. The nature of the Lisbon Treaty changed the relationship between member states and Brussels; it is clearly a constitutional issue and therefore needs to be ratified by all citizens. The Blair Labour Government held referenda on a whole range of constitutional changes, including not only devolution in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, but even on whether individual cities should have directly elected mayors Reform treaties, national sovereignty, direct vote, citizen ratification, Lisbon Treaty, constitutional issues, member states, Brussels, referendum, constitutional changes, devolution, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, elected mayors Reform treaties, politicians, national sovereignty, direct vote, Lisbon Treaty, member states, Brussels, constitutional issue, ratification, citizens, referendum, constitutional changes, devolution, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, directly elected mayors reform treaties, politicians, national sovereignty, citizen voting, direct democracy, Lisbon Treaty, member states, Brussels, constitutional issue, ratification, citizen participation, referenda, constitutional changes, devolution, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, directly elected mayors reform treaties, national sovereignty, direct vote, citizen ratification, Lisbon Treaty, constitutional change, member states, Brussels, referendum, constitutional reforms, devolution, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, directly elected mayors reform treaties, national sovereignty, citizen voting, direct democracy, Lisbon Treaty, constitutional issues, ratification, member states, Brussels, referendum, constitutional changes, devolution, elected mayors, parliamentary democracy
test-environment-opecewiahw-pro03a	Will enable the rebuilding of DRC  DR Congo has been one of the most war ravaged countries in the world over the last two decades. The Grand Inga provides a project that can potentially benefit everyone in the country by providing cheap electricity and an economic boost. It will also provide large export earnings; to take an comparatively local example Ethiopia earns $1.5million per month exporting 60MW to Djibouti at 7 cents per KwH [1] comparable to prices in South Africa [2] so if Congo were to be exporting 500 times that (at 30,000 MW only 3/4ths of the capacity) it would be earning $9billion per year. This then will provide more money to invest and to ameliorate problems. The project can therefore be a project for the nation to rally around helping create and keep stability after the surrender of the rebel group M23 in October 2013.  [1] Woldegebriel, E.G., ‘Ethiopia plans to power East Africa with hydro’, trust.org, 29 January 2013,   [2] Burkhardt, Paul, ‘Eskom to Raise S. Africa Power Price 8% Annually for 5 Years’, Bloomberg, 28 February 2013, DRC, Democratic Republic of Congo, rebuilding, war, conflict, Grand Inga, hydroelectric project, electricity, economic development, export earnings, power capacity, Ethiopia, Djibouti, South Africa, renewable energy, infrastructure, stability, rebel groups, M23, regional cooperation, electricity prices, energy export, economic growth, investment, post-conflict recovery DRC, Democratic Republic of Congo, Grand Inga, hydroelectric power, electricity generation, renewable energy, infrastructure development, economic growth, export earnings, regional stability, M23, conflict resolution, post-war reconstruction, energy projects, power capacity, Ethiopia, South Africa, electricity exports, GDP, economic benefits, national development DRC, DR Congo, rebuilding, war, conflict, grand Inga, hydroelectric, electricity, economic development, export earnings, power export, Ethiopia, Djibouti, South Africa, MW, KwH, energy prices, economic boost, stability, M23, rebel group, post-conflict reconstruction, infrastructure, renewable energy, hydro projects, regional integration, power capacity, revenue, investment, economic growth DRC, Democratic Republic of the Congo, rebuilding, war, conflict, Grand Inga, hydroelectric, electricity, economic development, exports, revenue, Ethiopia, power export, South Africa, capacity, MW, revenue potential, economic boost, stability, rebel group, M23, post-conflict recovery, energy infrastructure, hydro power, regional integration, foreign investment DRC, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Grand Inga, hydroelectric power, energy project, economic development, electricity export, Congo infrastructure, conflict recovery, M23 rebel surrender, regional stability, hydroelectric capacity, power export revenue, African energy infrastructure, Ethiopia power export, South Africa power prices, renewable energy, national rebuilding, economic growth, foreign investment
test-religion-yercfrggms-con02a	"The complexity of the universe and of life cannot be explained by atheism:  Atheism suggests that the Universe came about by chance and the interaction of natural properties. Yet nature is marked by clear design that atheism cannot explain. The complexity of the human body, of planets, stars, and galaxies, and even of bacteria attests to the existence of creative agency. It is impossible that such things as interdependent species could come to exist without the guidance of a higher power. [1] Likewise, certain organisms can be shown to be irreducibly complex, meaning that if one were to remove any part of it, it could not function. This refutes the gradualist argument of evolution, since there is no selective pressure on the organism to change when it is functionless. For example, the bacterial flagellum, the “motor” that powers bacterial cells, loses all functionality if a single component is removed. [2] Besides design, the only explanation of its development is blind chance, which seems less sensible. Atheism cannot account for these facts and thus collapses into nonsense.  [1] Ratzsch, Del. 2009. ""Teleological Arguments for God's Existence"" The Stanford Encyclopaedia of Philosophy.   [2] Davis, Percival and Dean Kenyon. 1989. Of Pandas and People: The Central Question of Biological Origins. Richardson: Foundation for Thought and Ethics. complexity, universe, life, atheism, chance, natural properties, design, creative agency, higher power, interdependent species, irreducible complexity, evolution, gradualism, bacterial flagellum, function, blind chance, teleological arguments, biological origins complexity, universe, life, atheism, chance, natural properties, design, nature, creative agency, higher power, interdependent species, irreducible complexity, evolution, gradualism, bacterial flagellum, motor, functionality, blind chance, teleological arguments, biological origins, intelligent design universe, life, atheism, chance, natural properties, design, complexity, human body, planets, stars, galaxies, bacteria, creative agency, higher power, interdependent species, irreducible complexity, evolution, gradualism, bacterial flagellum, motor, functionality, selective pressure, blind chance, teleological arguments, biological origins complexity, universe, life, atheism, chance, natural properties, design, creation, creative agency, higher power, interdependent species, irreducible complexity, gradualism, evolution, bacterial flagellum, motor, functionality, blind chance, teleological arguments, biological origins universe, life, complexity, atheism, chance, natural properties, design, creative agency, higher power, interdependent species, irreducible complexity, evolution, interconnectedness, bacterial flagellum, motor, functionality, natural selection, blind chance, teleological arguments, biological origins, intelligent design, cosmic order, fine-tuning"
test-religion-wcprrgrhbmi-pro01a	Cutting off bit of children’s bodies for no apparent reason is simply wrong  If this is simply a matter of performing a procedure with no apparent benefit to the patient – in most cases a young child – then it does rather raise the question of “Why”. If the procedure were, say, cutting off a toe or an earlobe then all involved would require a clear and compelling case for such a practice. There are grown adults that think that cutting off a finger is the next stage up from getting a tattoo or a piercing [i] . At best most people would consider such a practice odd, at worst unstable. However, these are grown adults who have made the decision to mutilate their bodies for themselves and as a statement they feel appropriate.  Consider society’s reaction if the fingers of unwilling adults were forcibly removed. What about unwilling children? What about the fingers of babies fresh out of the womb? The only sane response to such an action would be condemnation – and probably an arrest. The logic of this argument does not change if “finger” is replaced with “foreskin”.  Research undertaken by the World Health Organization found that the overwhelming determining factor in the decision as to whether a boy should be circumcised was whether the father had been [ii] .  Although the report suggest a correlation with a reduction in the possibility in the spread of AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa it also comments, “If correctly planned, increased provision of accessible, safe adult male circumcision services could also increase opportunities to educate  men in areas of high HIV prevalence about a variety of sexual and reproductive health topics, including hygiene, sexuality, gender relations and the need for ongoing combination prevention strategies to further decrease risk of HIV acquisition and transmission.”  Out with this area the rate of adult male circumcision is very low, suggesting that when the individual is of an age to give consent, they chose not to. Performing an act on a child that would not be consented to by an adult except in extremis would seem a fairly reasonable definition of child abuse.  [i] Shannon. “De-Fingered: Finger Amputations in BME News/Publishers’ Ring”. BME News. 11 March 2008.  [ii] “Male Circumcision: Global Trends and Determinants of Prevalence, Safety and Acceptability”. World Health Organisation and the Joint United Nations Council on HIV AIDS. 2007. child mutilation, bodily autonomy, non-consensual procedures, child rights, circumcision, male circumcision, child abuse, medical ethics, bodily integrity, surgery on children, informed consent, adult versus child decision, harmful practices, cultural practices, religious rituals, medical necessity, ethics in surgery, AIDS prevention, WHO guidelines, gender rights, reproductive health, health education, societal reactions, human rights, bodily harm child mutilation, non-consensual procedures, circumcision ethics, child rights, bodily autonomy, medical ethics, adult consent, global health, HIV prevention, harmful practices, cultural practices, human rights violations, medical interventions, child protection, anatomical mutilation, societal norms child mutilation, child abuse, circumcision, foreskin, non-consensual surgery, ethical concerns, pediatric consent, bodily autonomy, sexual health, HIV prevention, global health, cultural practices, human rights, unnecessary procedures, medical ethics, social reaction child mutilation, non-consensual procedures, circumcision, child rights, bodily autonomy, ethics, medical ethics, child abuse, irreversible procedures, societal norms, cultural practices, human rights, medical morality, sexual health, HIV prevention, WHO, United Nations, bodily integrity, consent, adult versus child procedures, public health child mutilation, non-consensual procedures, circumcision ethics, child rights, bodily autonomy, medical ethics, cultural practices, gender-based violence, pediatric surgery, health risks, HIV prevention, informed consent, social norms, human rights violations, surgical procedures, adult vs child consent, WHO guidelines, sexual health education, societal reactions, harm reduction
test-international-bldimehbn-con03a	Journalism should report the experiences of the vulnerable and oppressed just as much as those of the elite and powerful.  The idea that people are not widely interested in the lives of their fellow citizens is clearly untrue. Indeed, ‘people sell papers’ is one of the oldest sayings in journalism. However, there is also a moral obligation on journalists to report the news that impacts on the marginalized the most. This is demonstrably the case as it tends to those stories that bring to life disadvantage or the vulnerable just as much as those that report the misdeeds of the powerful that win journalists the recognition of their peers and the professional awards and prestige that goes along with that. Pulitzers and others are rarely handed out for reporting what is comfortable, mundane or safe. For example the 2012 Pulitzer for local reporting was for an article on the sex scandal at Penn State and Feature Writing on “haunting story of a woman who survived a brutal attack that took the life of her partner”. [1]  [1] ‘2012 Winners and Finalists’, The Pulitzer Prizes, journalism, vulnerable, oppressed, elite, powerful, marginalized, moral obligation, news reporting, social justice, disadvantaged, storytelling, media ethics, Pulitzer Prize, local reporting, investigative journalism, societal issues, human rights, activism, ethical journalism journalism, vulnerable, oppressed, marginalized, social justice, ethical journalism, investigative reporting, public interest, storytelling, moral responsibility, powerful, disadvantaged, social equality, societal impact, Pulitzer, awards, local reporting, investigative stories, moral obligation, feature writing, human rights, advocacy journalism, marginalized, vulnerable, oppressed, elite, powerful, social responsibility, storytelling, morality, reporting, social justice, investigative journalism, community impact, minority voices, ethical journalism, Pulitzer, awards, local reporting, sex scandal, Penn State, feature writing, trauma, survivor, social inequalities journalism, vulnerable, oppressed, marginalized, powerful, societal impact, moral obligation, storytelling, social justice, investigative reporting, ethical journalism, Pulitzer, awards, local reporting, human rights, social issues, victim stories, public interest, media responsibility, societal awareness journalism, vulnerable, oppressed, marginalized, reporting, social justice, ethics, moral obligation, powerful, elites, narratives, bias, fairness, social impact, investigative journalism, Pulitzer, local reporting, human stories, social inequality, gender violence, crime, ethics in journalism, social responsibility
test-education-pstrgsehwt-pro02a	Scientific opinion often changes; evolution may be accepted in the scientific community now, but it could well be rejected in future.  The opinion of the scientific community with regard to facts and theories has a great propensity to change with time. Once scientists adamantly maintained that the Earth was flat. For centuries it also maintained that there were two kinds of blood flowing through the human body. Science is not infallible and the prevailing theory is no more than the opinion currently in vogue among scholars. In light of new evidence, theories can change over time, giving way to better explanations [1] . For this reason, the evolutionists' dogmatic adherence to their position in spite of contrary evidence provided by Creationists is hard to understand. However, it becomes clear why the scientific establishment takes such a confrontational position toward Creationism when one considers that many eminent scientists and researchers have built their careers within the paradigm of evolution, and their research often depends wholly on its acceptance. These scientists would lose their exalted position in the light of a paradigm-shift in scientific understanding away from evolution. It is for this reason that scientists who adhere to established norms so often fight things like Creationism, even though they provide explanations where evolution cannot. For science to progress, these conservative impulses must be fought against, which is why it is essential that when science is taught, so are all the prevailing theories concerning branches of the sciences, including Creationism.  [1] Understanding Science. 2011. “Science Aims to Explain and Understand”. University of California Berkeley. scientific opinion, evolution, scientific community, facts, theories, change, scientific paradigm, historical misconceptions, scientific infallibility, scientific consensus, evidence, theory evolution, creationism, scientific resistance, scientific norms, paradigm shift, scientific progress, scientific education, scientific debate scientificopinion, evolution, scientificcommunity, facts, theories, scientificmethod, paradigmshift, flatearth, humanbiology, scienceinfallibility, scientificdogma, creationism, scientificparadigms, scientificprogress, scientificnorms, scientificdiscourse, scientificchange, scientificcertainty, scientificresearch, scientificeducation scientific opinion,evolution,scientific community,scientific theories,scientific facts,changing scientific beliefs,history of science,flat Earth,blood types,scientific fallibility,scientific paradigm,scientific evidence,creationism,scientific dogma,scientific controversy,paradigm shift,science education,scientific norms,scientific progress,scientific consensus scientific opinion, evolution, scientific community, scientific facts, scientific theories, paradigm shifts, scientific dogma, creationism, scientific establishment, scientific progress, scientific norms, scientific evidence, scientific debate, scientific explanations, scientific careers, scientific understanding, science education, scientific acceptance scientific opinion, theory change, evolution, scientific community, scientific facts, scientific theories, paradigm shift, dogmatism, creationism, scientific establishment, scientific norms, scientific progress, scientific evidence, career impact, scientific explanations, theory acceptance, scientific paradigms
test-society-ghbgqeaaems-con01a	There is no clear link between gender quota and economic growth  As Pande and Ford found in their report, countries often adopt gender quotas as a response to changing attitudes to women. However, these countries more often than not are Western advanced economies characterised by efficiency. [1] Therefore, the correlations between gender quotas and good economic performance cannot be attributed entirely to the gender equality measures.  Moreover, the competitiveness of the EU economies is damaged by domestic policies and the sovereign debt crisis which will have a larger negative impact on the European economies rather than this measure. Therefore, the expected spillover effects on the economy are unlikely to be realised. [2]  Such sceptic views on quotas when accompanied by bad economic factors are shared by international institutions like the International Labour Organisation (ILO). Breaking the glass ceiling may require affirmative action like gender quotas, but if supply-side barriers remain, even such proactive policies will not necessarily lead to the desired result of gender equality and economic advantages. [3]  [1] Pande, Rohini & Deanna Ford, “Gender Quotas and Female Leadership: A Review” , Background Paper for the World Development Report on Gender, 2011  [2] ibid  [3] Gerecke, Megan, “A policy mix for gender equality? Lessons from high-income countries”, International Labour Organisation, 2013, p.13 gender quotas, economic growth, gender equality, Western economies, efficiency, European Union, domestic policies, sovereign debt crisis, spillover effects, international institutions, International Labour Organisation, affirmative action, supply-side barriers, female leadership, high-income countries, policy effectiveness gender quotas, economic growth, women, attitudes, Western economies, efficiency, gender equality, economic performance, EU economies, domestic policies, sovereign debt crisis, spillover effects, international institutions, ILO, affirmative action, supply-side barriers, gender equality policies, female leadership, high-income countries gender quotas, economic growth, gender equality, European Union, domestic policies, sovereign debt crisis, competitiveness, spillover effects, international institutions, International Labour Organisation, barriers, affirmative action, female leadership, policy analysis, high-income countries gender quotas, economic growth, gender equality, Western economies, efficiency, European Union, domestic policies, sovereign debt crisis, spillover effects, international institutions, International Labour Organisation, affirmative action, supply-side barriers, gender leadership, policy impact, high-income countries gender, quotas, economic growth, gender equality, Western economies, advanced economies, efficiency, correlation, economic performance, EU, European economies, domestic policies, sovereign debt crisis, spillover effects, international institutions, International Labour Organisation, ILO, affirmative action, supply-side barriers, gender leadership, gender policies, high-income countries
test-free-speech-debate-fsaphgiap-pro02a	The people are interested in the health of their leader  The health of the leader of the state is an issue that the people and the media inevitably want to know about. There will always be a lot of interest in it. Occasionally this can be played by the administration as with Kissinger saying he was ill and using time to fly to Beijing to arrange for Nixon’s visit without press attention. But most of the time keeping things from the press is purely negative; it drives rumors.  This was the case of John Atta Mills, people were not allowed to know about his health. The presidential staff and communication members constantly lied about his health but there were two reports that he had died. Mills spent time in a US hospital, on returning to Ghana, he was made to jog around the airport to show the media that he was healthy. 1  1 Committee for Social Advocacy, 'Who and what killed President John Evans Atta Mills?', Modern Ghana, 13 August 2012, leader health, political transparency, media interest, government secrecy, rumors, presidential health, public perception, health reporting, presidential communication, political rumors, health confidentiality, Ghana politics, John Atta Mills, media manipulation, public trust leader, health, media, public interest, government secrecy, rumors, presidential health, information concealment, press management, political transparency, Ghana, John Atta Mills, health reports, hospital stay, media coverage, public perception leader health, political transparency, media interest, secrecy, rumors, presidential health, government communication, health scandals, Ghana politics, President John Atta Mills, media manipulation, health rumors, hospital, public perception, political accountability leader health, public interest, media, government transparency, rumors, political communication, health secrecy, presidential health, media manipulation, Ghana, John Atta Mills, presidential illness, health reporting, hospital visits, political rumors, public perception leader health, political transparency, media misinformation, government secrecy, presidential health, rumor management, public interest, health disclosure, Ghana politics, John Atta Mills, hospitalization, media coverage, rumors, political communication
test-philosophy-eppphwlrtjs-con03a	"Trial by jury is a fundamental right and should never be abridged.  Trial by jury is an essential check on abuse in the court system for three main reasons. First, it prevents governmental oppression by ensuring that non-state actors determine guilt 1. It is dangerous to allow the government—the same body which makes and enforces the laws—to also decide who is guilty of breaking the laws. Second, it checks against corrupt judges and prosecutors2. Judges are only human, and are susceptible to the same weaknesses, like prejudice and corruption, as the rest of us. Consequently, it is very dangerous to put the future of defendants in their hands. A representative group of jurors, approved by both sides, is far less likely to reach an unjust decision, since they are generally required to reach unanimous decisions to convict, and it is unlikely that an entire jury will be made up of biased, corrupt, or negligent people. Third, trial by jury allows for community input in the justice system (see Opp Argument 4 and response to Prop Argument 3 for more explanation). Thus trial by jury is essential to ensuring that innocent individuals are fairly treated, and is a fundamental right which ought never be denied. As Chairman of the Criminal Bar Association Paul Mendelle QC said, ""Some principles of justice are beyond price. Trial by your peers is one of them.""3  1.Robert P. Connolly, ""The Petty Offence Exception and Right to a Jury Trial""  2.Robert P. Connolly, ""The Petty Offence Exception and Right to a Jury Trial""  3.Clive Coleman, “Debating non-jury criminal trial” trial by jury, right, court system, governmental oppression, non-state actors, guilt determination, judicial bias, corruption, juror impartiality, community input, justice, defendant rights, fundamental rights, legal system, jury unanimity, peer justice, legal principles, criminal justice, judicial checks trial by jury, fundamental right, court system, abuse prevention, governmental oppression, non-state actors, guilt determination, judicial bias, corruption, juror impartiality, community input, criminal justice, legal rights, jury unanimity, justice principles, legal system safeguards trial by jury, fundamental right, legal system, government oppression, judicial bias, jury neutrality, community input, legal fairness, criminal justice, legal rights, jury abolition, trial rights, judicial corruption, legal safeguards, jury unanimity, defense rights trial by jury, fundamental right, legal system, justice, court system, governmental oppression, criminal law, jury trial, legal fairness, judicial bias, judge corruption, community input, citizen participation, legal rights, defendant fairness, legal principles trial by jury, fundamental right, court system, governmental oppression, jury, checks and balances, judicial bias, corruption, community input, justice system, legal rights, defendant fairness, legal principles, peer trial, jury decision, judiciary, legal system, justice fairness"
test-culture-tlhrilsfhwr-pro03a	Removing barriers to demobilisation, disarmament and rehabilitation  It can easily be conceded, without weakening the resolution, that war and combat are horrific, damaging experiences. Over the last seventy years, the international community has attempted to limit the suffering that follows the end of a conflict by giving soldiers and civilians access to medical and psychological care. This is now an accepted part of the practice of post-conflict reconstruction, referred to as Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) [i] .  The effects of chronic war and chronic engagement with war are best addressed by a slow and continuous process of habituation to normal life. Former child soldiers are sent to treatment centres specialising in this type of care in states such as Sierra Leone [ii] .  What is harmful to this process of recovery is the branding of child soldiers as war criminals. The stigma attached to such a conviction would condemn hundreds of former child soldiers to suffering extended beyond the end of armed conflicts.  Sentencing guidelines binding on the ICC state that anyone convicted of war crimes who is younger than eighteen should not be subject to a sentence of life imprisonment. Their treatment, once incarcerated, is required to be oriented toward rehabilitation.  Many child soldiers become officers within the organisations that they join. Alternately, they might find themselves ordered to seek more recruits from their villages and communities. For these children participation in the conflict becomes participation in the crime itself. What began as a choice of necessity during war-time could, under the status quo, damage and stigmatise a child during peace-time [iii] . Even if their sentence emphasises reform and education, a former child soldier is likely to become an uninjured casualty of the war, marked out as complicit in acts of aggression. When labelled as such children will become vulnerable to reprisal attacks and entrenched social exclusion.  Discussing attempts to foster former Colombian child combatants, the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers state that, “The stigmatization of child soldiers, frequently perceived as violent and threatening, meant that families were reluctant to receive former child soldiers. Those leaving the specialized care centres moved either to youth homes or youth protection facilities for those with special protection problems. While efforts continued to strengthen fostering and family-based care, approximately 60 per cent of those entering the DDR program were in institutional care in 2007.” [iv]  Crucially, fear of being targeted by the ICC may lead former child soldiers to avoid disclosing their status to officials running demobilisation programs. They may be deterred from participating in the DDR process [v] .  Moreover, the authority of the ICC is often subject to criticism on the international stage by politicians and jurists linked to both democratic states [vi] and the non-liberal or authoritarian regimes most likely to become involved in conflicts that breach humanitarian law. It cannot assist the claims of the ICC to be a body that represents universal concepts of compassion and justice if it is seen to target children- often barely in their teens- in the course of prosecuting war crimes.  As the Child Soliders 2008 Global Report notes, “Prosecutions should not, by focusing solely on the recruitment and use of child soldiers, exclude other crimes committed against children. Such an approach risks stigmatizing child soldiers and ignores the wider abuses experienced by children in conflict situations. It is on these grounds that some have questioned the exclusive child-soldier focus of the ICC’s charges against Thomas Lubanga. After all, the Union of Congolese Patriots (UPC/L), the armed group he led, is widely acknowledged to have committed numerous other serious crimes against children, as well as adults.” [vii]  [i] “Case Studies in War to Peace Transition”, Coletta, N., Kostner, M., Widerhofer, I. The World Bank, 1996  [ii] “Return of Sierra Leone’s Lost Generation”, The Guardian, 02 March 2000,   [iii] “Agony Without End for Liberia’s Child Soldiers”, The Guardian, 12 July 2009,   [iv] “Child Soldiers: Global Report 2008”, Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers, 2007, p103,   [v] “Child Soldiers: Global Report 2008”, Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers, 2007, p16,   [vi] “America Attacked for ICC Tactics”, The Guardian, 27 August 2002,   [vii] “Child Soldiers: Global Report 2008”, Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers, 2007, pp32-33, demobilisation, disarmament, rehabilitation, war, combat, suffering, post-conflict reconstruction, DDR, child soldiers, trauma, mental health, stigma, war crimes, ICC, juvenile justice, rehabilitation programs, social exclusion, reintegration, social reintegration, care centres, termination, criminalization, justice, international law, prosecution, child protection, conflict zones, human rights, community-based care, fear, deterrence, accountability, international community, justice system, war-affected children, non-governmental organizations demobilisation, disarmament, rehabilitation, child soldiers, war crimes, ICC, stigma, reintegration, trauma, post-conflict reconstruction, rehabilitation centres, youth protection, family care, DDR, international justice, prosecution, societal exclusion, conflict resolution, humanitarian law, child welfare, justice system, peacebuilding, legal reforms, psychological care demobilisation, disarmament, rehabilitation, post-conflict reconstruction, trauma, psychological care, stigma, war crimes, child soldiers, ICC, sentencing, rehabilitation, reintegration, social exclusion, specialized care, family-based care, DDR, international justice, humanitarian law, prosecuting war crimes, wider abuses, child abuse, justice, reconciliation demobilisation, disarmament, rehabilitation, war, conflict, post-conflict reconstruction, DDR, child soldiers, trauma, psychological care, stigma, war crimes, ICC, sentencing, rehabilitation, social exclusion, reintegration, foster care, international law, justice, prosecution, humanitarian law, protection, victims, offender, criminal justice, global report, non-governmental organizations demobilisation, disarmament, rehabilitation, child soldiers, war crimes, ICC, stigmatization, reintegration, post-conflict recovery, trauma, stigma, prosecution, justice, international law, war trauma, rehabilitation centers, social exclusion, compassion, child protection, legal guidelines, reconciliation, conflict resolution, peacebuilding, humanitarian law
test-environment-assgbatj-pro01a	Animals shouldn’t be harmed  The difference between us and other animals is a matter of degree rather than type [2]. Their bodies resemble ours, as do their ways of conveying meaning. They recoil from pain, appear to express fear of a tormentor, and appear to take pleasure in activities; a point clear to anyone who has observed a pet dog on hearing the word “walk”.  We believe other people experience feelings like us because they are like us in appearance and behaviour. An animal sharing our anatomical, physiological, and behavioural characteristics is surely likely to have feelings like us.  If people have a right to not be harmed, we must ask ourselves what makes animals different? If animals feel what we feel, and suffer like us, to condemn one to testing because of them being of a different species is similar to racism or sexism.[3] animal rights, animal cruelty, empathy, animal sentience, speciesism, suffering, ethics, morality, comparison, physiological traits, behavioral traits, pain, fear, pleasure, human-animal relationship, moral considerations, species differences animal rights, harm, consciousness, empathy, speciesism, suffering, feelings, morality, ethics, pain, behavior, physiology, anatomy, compassion, discrimination, animal welfare animal rights, animal suffering, ethics, speciesism, empathy, pain perception, animal consciousness, moral consideration, human-animal comparison, harm prevention animal rights, harm prevention, animal sentience, animal suffering, ethical treatment, species similarity, pain perception, animal cognition, moral consideration, testing ethics, speciesism, empathy, animal behavior, human-animal relationship, cruelty-free animal rights, animal suffering, empathy, speciesism, ethics, pain perception, animal behavior, moral consideration, compassion, species differences, animal consciousness, testing ethics, animal welfare
test-digital-freedoms-eifpgdff-pro03a	Internet regulation is an attempt by big interest groups to regulate the internet in their favour  Large companies have an active interest in shaping the structure of the internet. One example of this is the Stop Online Piracy-Act (SOPA), [1] wherein U.S.-based music and movie companies proposed that they themselves would be able to police copyright infringements against websites that are hosted outside of the United States. [2]  The phenomenon whereby companies succeed in shaping government policies according to their own wishes is called ‘regulatory capture’. Another example from the telecommunications industry is the lobby effort by several large corporations, who have succeeded in eroding consumer protection in their favour. [3] If the government wouldn’t have been involved in regulating the internet in the first place, big companies wouldn’t have had any incentive to attempt regulatory capture.  [1] 112th Congress, ‘H.R.3261 – Stop Online Piracy Act’  [2] Post, ‘SOPA and the Future of Internet Governance’, 2012  [3] Kushnick, ‘ALEC, Tech and the Telecom Wars: Killing America's Telecom Utilities’, 2012 internet regulation, interest groups, big corporations, internet structure, SOPA, copyright infringement, offshore hosting, regulatory capture, government policy, telecommunications industry, lobbying, consumer protection, internet governance internet regulation, interest groups, big corporations, regulatory capture, SOPA, copyright enforcement, online piracy, government policy, broadband lobbying, consumer protection, telecommunications industry, internet governance, corporate influence, digital rights, policy lobbying internet regulation, interest groups, big corporations, SOPA, copyright enforcement, overseas websites, regulatory capture, government policy, lobby efforts, consumer protection, telecom industry, internet governance, internet policy, corporate influence, digital rights Internet regulation, interest groups, big corporations, internet structure, SOPA, Stop Online Piracy Act, copyright enforcement, offshore websites, regulatory capture, corporate lobbying, internet policy, telecommunications industry, consumer protection, government regulation, internet governance, political influence, legislation, policy proposals internet regulation, interest groups, big corporations, SOPA, Stop Online Piracy Act, copyright enforcement, offshore websites, regulatory capture, government policy, telecommunications industry, lobbying, consumer protection, internet governance, political influence, corporate influence
test-environment-opecewiahw-pro04a	A dam could make the Congo more usable  While the Congo is mostly navigable it is only usable internally. The rapids cut the middle Congo off from the sea. The building of the dams could be combined with canalisation and locks to enable international goods to be easily transported to and from the interior. This would help integrate central Africa economically into the global economy making the region much more attractive for investment. Congo River, dam construction, navigation, internal usability, rapids, canalisation, locks, international trade, transportation, economic integration, infrastructure development, regional development, central Africa, global economy, investment, connectivity Congo, dam, navigation, internal use, rapids, canalisation, locks, international trade, transportation, economic integration, central Africa, global economy, investment, infrastructure dam, Congo, navigation, internal, rapids, canalisation, locks, transportation, international trade, economic integration, investment, central Africa Congo River, dam construction, navigation, canalisation, locks, international trade, infrastructure, economic development, transportation, regional integration, central Africa, global economy, investment, inland waterways, rapids, economic growth Congo River, dam construction, navigation, canalisation, locks, international trade, transportation, infrastructure, economic integration, central Africa, global economy, investment, rapids, connectivity
test-international-epvhwhranet-pro02a	Major changes need to be put to the people and the people must be trusted.  The Lisbon Treaty significantly affects the workings of each member country. It gives the European Union a legal personality, allowing it to sign international agreements and member countries are now made subject to majority voting [1]. The Lisbon Treaty does not only affect international policies, criminal law and national justice systems, it also gives power over to the Commission and European Court. Such major changes must be put to popular vote, the citizens of each EU member state have a right to legitimise or reject these changes that push for a more centralized European superstate. Furthermore the will of the people needs to be trusted, if a reform is intentionally ambiguous and complicated, which was one of the criticisms of the Lisbon Treaty [2], it is the job of the politician to explain the cause to the public. Voters should be included in the debate and key issues need to be highlighted not just ignored.  [1] European Commission, Your Guide to the Lisbon Treaty, viewed on 13 June 2011   [2] Foley, Kathy, ‘Lisbon treat: yes, no or eh?’, Sunday Times (13 January 2008). Lisbon Treaty, European Union, EU integration, member countries, international agreements, majority voting, legal personality, centralization, European superstate, citizen trust, popular vote, referendum, political transparency, public debate, civic participation, legal reforms, EU powers, European Commission, European Court, constitutional change, citizen rights Lisbon Treaty, European Union, member countries, legal personality, international agreements, majority voting, international policies, criminal law, national justice systems, European Commission, European Court, political reform, popular vote, citizen participation, centralization, European superstate, public trust, political explanation, voter engagement, democratic legitimacy Lisbon Treaty, European Union, member countries, legal personality, international agreements, majority voting, international policies, criminal law, justice systems, European Commission, European Court, popular vote, citizens, legitimacy, centralization, European superstate, public trust, reform, ambiguity, political explanation, voter inclusion, debate, key issues Lisbon Treaty, European Union, member countries, legal personality, international agreements, majority voting, international policies, criminal law, justice systems, European Commission, European Court, popular vote, citizen legitimacy, EU reforms, decentralization, European superstate, public trust, political explanation, voter inclusion, political transparency Lisbon Treaty, European Union, member countries, legal personality, international agreements, majority voting, international policies, criminal law, justice systems, European Commission, European Court, popular vote, citizen participation, political transparency, constitutional reforms, democratic legitimacy, European superstate, sovereignty, public debate, political explanation, voter inclusion, treaty criticism
test-religion-yercfrggms-con03a	Everything that begins to exist must have a cause. Since the Universe began to exist it must be caused:  Every human, every being, every object in the Universe is a finite and contingent being. These all have causes, yet a causal chain cannot be infinitely long. Humans are born, stars form from gases, even the Universe had a beginning 4.3 billion years ago. Nothing in the Universe causes itself. In order to escape the logical impossibility of the infinite causality loop it is necessary to posit the existence of an uncaused cause. This cause exists outside of the Universe, as it is cause of the Universe. [1] Without a creator, the Universe is a logical absurdity. Atheism cannot provide an alternative explanation to a creator, and thus fails quite literally from the beginning.  [1] Craig, William Lane. 1979. The Kalam Cosmological Argument. London: MacMillan. cause, beginning, existence, causality, contingent being, finite beings, causal chain, infinite regress, universe origin, uncaused cause, outside universe, creator, logical absurdity, atheism, Kalam Cosmological Argument, William Lane Craig cosmological argument, cause of the universe, infinite regress, uncaused cause, contingency, finite beings, universe's beginning, cosmic creation, William Lane Craig, Kalam argument, philosophical theism, causal chain, logical necessity, creator, metaphysics, existence, origin of universe cosmological, causality, universe, beginning, cause, contingency, finite, infinite, causal chain, uncaused cause, creation, origin, William Lane Craig, Kalam Cosmological Argument, theological, philosophical, existence, necessity causality, existence, universe, beginning, cause, contingent beings, causal chain, infinite regress, uncaused cause, outside universe, creation, theism, atheism, Kalam Cosmological Argument, William Lane Craig causality, universe, beginning, cause, contingent beings, infinite regress, uncaused cause, creation, William Lane Craig, Kalam Cosmological Argument, theism, atheism, logical argument, cosmology, origin of universe
test-health-dhiacihwph-pro01a	Easily affordable drugs will mean greater access  Generic drugs are much cheaper to produce, which is ideal for Africa’s struggling population. While there has been significant gross domestic product (GDP) growth in Africa, the actual distribution of wealth is relatively unequal. According to Afrobarometer, 53% of Africans still feel that their economic condition is poor [1] . This restricts their ability to purchase high cost drugs. Generic medication would reduce the price of these drugs, making them affordable to the average citizen. The patented drug Glivec, used for cancer treatment, costs £48.62 for 400 mg in South Africa while its generic equivalent (produced in India) costs £4.82 [2] . Increased access will result in higher levels of treatment, which in turn will reduce death rates from preventable diseases in Africa.  [1] Hofmeyr, Jan, ‘Africa Rising? Popular Dissatisfaction with Economic Management Despite a Decade of Growth’  [2] Op Cit affordable drugs, generic medications, access to medicines, drug pricing, Africa health, healthcare inequality, economic disparity, GDP growth Africa, drug patents, cancer treatment costs, essential medicines, health equity, disease prevention, pharmaceutical affordability, medical access Africa affordable drugs, generic medications, drug prices, access to healthcare, Africa healthcare, GDP growth, wealth inequality, medication costs, cancer treatment, drug patents, healthcare affordability, preventable diseases, health equity affordable drugs, generic medication, drug pricing, healthcare access, Africa, economic inequality, GDP growth, wealth distribution, medication cost, cancer treatment, Glivec, generic drugs, health disparities, disease prevention, medication affordability affordable drugs, generic drugs, drug cost, Africa, access to medication, healthcare affordability, GDP growth, wealth distribution, Afrobarometer, economic inequality, drug pricing, patent drugs, Glivec, cancer treatment, generic manufacturing, India, drug affordability, treatment access, preventable diseases, healthcare access, medication costs affordable drugs, access to medication, generic drugs, Africa, economic inequality, wealth distribution, GDP growth, Afrobarometer, poverty, drug pricing, healthcare affordability, cancer treatment, Glivec, generic equivalents, global health, disease prevention, health equity
test-religion-frghbbgi-pro01a	Religious belief is completely irrational  There is no evidence that God exists. Reported miracles, healings etc. are never reliably proved actually to have happened, and in any case everyone’s religious experiences are different and point to the psychological differences between human beings not to any objective divine reality. Belief in God is simply wish-fulfilment. It would be nice if there was a loving all powerful being watching over us, but there isn’t. religious belief, irrational, evidence, God, miracles, healings, verified, religious experiences, psychological differences, divine reality, wish-fulfillment, atheism, skepticism, scientific evidence, faith, divine existence, argument against God, rational inquiry religious belief,irrationality,evidence,God,miracles,healings,proof,subjective experiences,psychological differences,divine reality,wish-fulfillment,atheism,criticism,religion,faith,disbelief religiousbelief, irrational, noEvidence, GodExists, miracles, healings, proof, religiousExperiences, psychologicalDifferences, divineReality, wishFulfillment, atheism, skepticism, secularism, counterarguments religious belief, irrationality, evidence, God existence, miracles, healings, proof, religious experiences, psychological differences, divine reality, wish-fulfilment, atheism, skepticism, divine non-existence, faith, supernatural, theological debates, rationalism religious belief, irrational, evidence, God, miracles, healings, proof, religious experiences, psychological differences, divine reality, wish-fulfillment, atheism, skepticism, faith, scientific skepticism, divine existence, religious criticism
test-culture-mthbah-pro01a	There are too many advertisements in everyday life.  The sheer volume of advertising in our society is incredible. You cannot watch television, ride on a bus or even walk down the street without someone trying to sell you something or inform you of something. Recent research suggests people living in a city today sees up to 5,000 advertisements a day1. 50% of those surveyed said they thought 'advertising today was out of control'1. People shouldn't have to go about their lives having their minds saturated with such a vast quantity of, in most cases, redudant and profiteering information. They should be able to go about their daily lives in peace without being forced to watch, listen or view an advertisement.  1 Anywhere the Eye Can See, It's Likely to See an Ad. New York Times. advertisements, advertising, society, urban life, consumerism, advertising overload, visual pollution, media saturation, commercialism, public perception, advertising volume, advertising control, sensory overload, privacy concerns, marketing, information overload advertisements, marketing, advertising volume, consumer culture, media saturation, urban advertising, visual pollution, commercialism, consumer rights, advertising impact, public space, information overload, ethical concerns, advertising regulation, media literacy advertisements, advertising, society, urban, media, consumerism, marketing, commercialism, clutter, consumer awareness, visual pollution, media saturation, advertising overload, daily life, propaganda, information overload advertisements, advertising, society, volume, media, television, buses, streets, marketing, consumerism, saturation, overrated, redundant, profiteering, daily life, advertisements in society, advertising impact, media consumption, advertisement overload, advertising control advertisements, advertising, society, urban life, media saturation, consumerism, commercialism, public space, advertising volume, visual pollution, marketing, societal impact, information overload, media consumption, advertising control
test-education-pstrgsehwt-pro01a	There is a very real controversy regarding the origin and development of life, and children deserve to hear both sides.  Many scientists do not accept the conclusions of the evolutionists. People like Dr. Michael Behe have dedicated themselves to exposing the flaws in evolution and showing that there is very real disagreement within the scientific community. This controversy is highlighted in the many court cases, books, and televised debates occurring in countries all over the world [1] . Children deserve to hear about the controversy, and not to simply be fed one story set for them by the prevailing majority in the scientific community, even if that community cannot claim anything near consensus. Until consensus is reached and indisputable proof of one theory or the other given, both sides should be taught in schools.  [1] Linder, Doug, 2011. “The Evolution Controversy”. University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. science, evolution, controversy, origin of life, development of life, creationism, intelligent design, scientific debate, court cases, textbooks, teaching, education, consensus, evidence, scientific community, Dr. Michael Behe, flaws in evolution, alternative theories, public understanding evolution, creationism, origin of life, scientific controversy, Dr. Michael Behe, flaws in evolution, scientific disagreement, court cases, debates, education, teaching controversy, science curriculum, scientific consensus, alternative theories, intelligent design, evolution debate evolution, creationism, origin of life, scientific controversy, debate, court cases, scientific dissent, Dr. Michael Behe, flaws in evolution, scientific community, teaching biology, educational curriculum, science education, scientific consensus, evolution theories, intelligent design, origin debate evolution, origin of life, scientific controversy, creationism, intelligent design, Dr. Michael Behe, scientific dissent, court cases, textbooks, televised debates, scientific community, consensus, teaching evolution, educational debate evolution, origin of life, scientific controversy, creationism, intelligent design, scientific dissent, court cases, books, debates, teaching in schools, scientific consensus, Dr. Michael Behe, evolution flaws, scientific community disagreement, controversy awareness
test-politics-mtpghwaacb-pro02a	Collective bargaining leades to pay crises in the public sector  The public sector is often significantly overpaid. The workers within the public sectors of Western liberal democracies often get paid more than people of equal education and experience who are employed in the private sector. In the United States there is a salary premium of 10-20 percent in the public sector. This means that there is likely a waste of resources as these people are being paid more than they should be by the government.1  The reason this happens is that collective bargaining means that workers can often, through the simple idea that they can communicate with the government and have a hand in the decision making process, make their demands much more easily.  Further, governments in particular are vulnerable during negotiations with unions, due their need to maintain both their political credibility and the cost effectiveness of the services they provide. This is significantly different to private enterprise where public opinion of the company is often significantly less relevant. As such, public sector workers can earn significantly more than their equally skilled counterparts in the private sector. This is problematic because it leads to a drain of workers and ideas from the private sector to the public. This is, in and of itself, problematic because the public sector, due to being shackled to the needs of public opinion often take fewer risks than the private sector and as such results in fewer innovations than work in the private sector.  Biggs, Andrew G. “Why Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker Is Right About Collective Bargaining.” US News. 25/02/2011 collective bargaining, public sector, pay crisis, wage overpayment, public-private wage gap, salary premium, resource waste, union negotiations, government, political credibility, cost effectiveness, public opinion, private sector, workforce drain, innovation, risk aversion, labor unions collective bargaining, public sector, pay crises, wage disparities, overpayment, salary premium, resource waste, union negotiations, government, political credibility, cost efficiency, private sector, public opinion, worker drain, innovation disparity, labor costs, public employees, wage differences, labor market, public policy, economic impact collective bargaining, public sector, pay crisis, overpayment, salary premium, resource waste, government, union negotiations, political credibility, cost effectiveness, private sector, wage disparity, worker migration, innovation, public opinion, risk aversion, labor market, public policy, worker demands, government budget, labor unions, wage inequality, labor economics collective bargaining, public sector, pay crisis, wages, overpayment, salary premium, resource waste, government, unions, negotiation, political credibility, cost effectiveness, private sector, public opinion, worker migration, innovation, public administration, labor relations, wage disparity, policy implications collective bargaining,pay crises,public sector,wages,overpayment,salary premium,public-private pay gap,resource waste,union negotiations,political credibility,cost efficiency,public opinion,public sector versus private sector,worker migration,innovation,public expenditure,public sector wages,private sector wages,government negotiations,labour unions,public administration
test-religion-frghbbgi-pro02a	The problem of suffering  The world is full of suffering and pain among innocent people. If God is good and all-powerful then why is this the case? Either God does not exist or he is not worth believing in since he does not care about human suffering. suffering, pain, innocence, God's existence, divine goodness, omnipotence, theodicy, evil, free will, divine justice, faith, atheism, the problem of evil, religious questioning, theodical paradox suffering, pain, innocent people, God's goodness, omnipotence, theodicy, existence of God, divine justice, evil and suffering, faith, belief, divine intervention, free will, God's benevolence, moral evil suffering, pain, innocence, existence, God's goodness, divine omnipotence, theodicy, problem of evil, religious doubt, divine caring, faith, skepticism, divine justice, free will, moral evil suffering, pain, innocent people, problem of evil, God's existence, omnipotence, benevolence, divine justice, theodicy, faith, free will, evil and suffering, belief, spiritual dilemma suffering, pain, innocence, evil, theodicy, God's goodness, God's power, divine justice, existence of God, atheism, theodic dilemmas, religious doubt, divine benevolence, human suffering, faith, religious philosophy
test-philosophy-eppphwlrtjs-con04a	"Limiting trial by jury in some cases sets the stage for limiting it in other, unjustified, cases.  Humans are fallible, and so sometimes it is better to have absolute rules against certain actions, even if we recognize that in a perfect world, it might be better to allow such actions in very specific circumstances.1 It is for this reason, for example, that we never allow evidence obtained by illegal measures to be presented in court, even though such evidence would sometimes make it possible to convict. Similarly, even if removing trial by jury might be good in individual circumstances, it is too great a power to give to a fallible government which may misuse that authority. If there is a precedent of the right to trial by jury being removed in some circumstances, even if that removal is justified, it becomes much easier for corrupt governments to remove it for unjustified reasons, and it becomes correspondingly more difficult for us to condemn that decision as illegitimate.  1Brad Hooker, ""Rule Consequentialism"" trial by jury, judicial rights, legal evidence, government authority, legal precedent, justice, legal system, rule consequentialism, rights in court, judicial process, government power, judicial independence, legal safeguards, legal restrictions, justice system integrity trial by jury, legal rights, judicial process, justice, government authority, legal evidence, illegal evidence, legal standards, law practice, judicial independence, rule consequentialism, Brad Hooker, legal precedent, government corruption, legal ethics, civil liberties, judicial safeguards trial by jury, legal rights, judicial process, legal precedent, government authority, justice, legal evidence, illegal measures, court procedures, legal standards, rule consequentialism, fallibility, government power, justice system, legal ethics trial by jury, legal rights, judicial process, government power, legal precedent, justice, evidence law, rights restrictions, rule consequentialism, legal ethics, fallibility, judicial restrictions, legitimacy, government authority, legal safeguards trial by jury, legal rights, judicial procedure, government authority, legal evidence, illegal measures, justice system, judiciary, court processes, legal precedent, government power, rule consequentialism, Brad Hooker, legal ethics, justice, criminal law"
test-economy-beplcpdffe-pro04a	Online gambling encourages crime  Human trafficking, forced prostitution and drugs provide $2.1 billion a year for the Mafia but they need some way through which to put this money into circulation. Online gambling is that way in. They put dirty money in and win clean money back [8]. Because it is so international and outside normal laws, it makes criminal cash hard to track. There is a whole array of other crime associated with online gambling; hacking, phishing, extortion, and identity fraud, all of which can occur on a large scale unconstrained by physical proximity [9]. Online gambling also encourages corruption in sport. By allowing huge sums of money to be bet internationally on the outcome of a game or race, it draws in criminals who can try to bribe or threaten sportsmen. online gambling, crime, human trafficking, forced prostitution, drug money, mafia, money laundering, international, illegal betting, hacking, phishing, extortion, identity fraud, corruption, sport, sports betting, criminal activity, illicit funds, online crime online gambling, crime, human trafficking, forced prostitution, drug trafficking, mafia, money laundering, illegal gambling, online betting, criminal activity, hacking, phishing, extortion, identity fraud, international crime, law evasion, sports corruption, betting, match-fixing, sports bribery, criminal funding online gambling, crime, human trafficking, forced prostitution, drug money laundering, mafia, dirty money, international crime, money circulation, criminal cash, hacking, phishing, extortion, identity fraud, cybercrime, digital crime, sports corruption, match fixing, betting, international betting, bribery, threats, sports integrity online gambling, crime, human trafficking, forced prostitution, drug money laundering, Mafia, illicit funds, international crime, money circulation, money laundering, hacking, phishing, extortion, identity fraud, corruption, sports betting, match-fixing, criminal activities, illegal gambling, financial crime online gambling, crime, human trafficking, forced prostitution, drug money, mafia, money laundering, international, illegal activities, hacking, phishing, extortion, identity fraud, criminal cash, corruption, sports betting, betting fraud, sports corruption, money circulation, law evasion
test-environment-opecewiahw-pro01a	The dam would power Africa  Only 29% of Sub Saharan Africa’s population has access to electricity. [1] This has immense consequences not just for the economy as production and investment is constrained but also on society. The world bank says lack of electricity affects human rights “People cannot access modern hospital services without electricity, or feel relief from sweltering heat. Food cannot be refrigerated and businesses cannot function. Children cannot go to school… The list of deprivation goes on.” [2] Conveniently it is suggested that the “Grand Inga will thus provide more than half of the continent with renewable energy at a low price,” [3] providing electricity to half a billion people so eliminating much of this electricity gap. [4]  [1] World Bank Energy, ‘Addressing the Electricity Access Gap’, World Bank, June 2010,  p.89  [2] The World Bank, ‘Energy – The Facts’, worldbank.org, 2013,   [3] SAinfo reporter, ‘SA-DRC pact paves way for Grand Inga’, SouthAfrica.info, 20 May 2013,   [4] Pearce, Fred, ‘Will Huge New Hydro Projects Bring Power to Africa’s People?’, Yale Environment 360, 30 May 2013, electricity access, Sub-Saharan Africa, Grand Inga, renewable energy, hydroelectric power, Africa development, energy poverty, infrastructure, economic impact, societal impact, World Bank, energy gap, sustainable development, low-cost electricity, energy investment, human rights, electricity grid, energy policy, energy projects dam, Africa, electricity access, Sub-Saharan Africa, renewable energy, Grand Inga, hydro projects, energy poverty, electricity gap, sustainable development, human rights, World Bank, infrastructure, energy production, investment, societal impact, energy solutions, low-cost energy, electrification, energy policy dam, Africa, electricity access, Sub-Saharan Africa, energy, renewable energy, Grand Inga, hydroelectric power, infrastructure, sustainable development, human rights, economy, production, investment, social impact, World Bank, low-cost energy, electricity gap, development projects, power infrastructure, energy poverty, socio-economic barriers, environmental impact, energy policy Electricity access, Sub-Saharan Africa, Grand Inga, renewable energy, hydroelectric power, infrastructure development, energy poverty, electricity gap, economic impact, societal effects, human rights, healthcare access, education, food refrigeration, business operations, low-cost energy, DRC, energy projects, sustainable development, environmental impact electricity access, Sub-Saharan Africa, Grand Inga, renewable energy, energy infrastructure, electricity poverty, socio-economic impact, World Bank, energy development, hydroelectric power, electricity gaps, energy justice, sustainable development, energy policy, African energy projects, energy inequality
test-international-miasimyhw-con02a	Urbanisation without industrialisation, the dangerous livelihoods of migrants.  Across Africa a reality of ‘urbanisation without industrialisation’ is found (Potts, 2012). Economic growth, and activity, have not matched the urban phenomena across Sub-Saharan Africa. The sombre picture of urban economics questions - what do new migrants do as opportunities are not found?  More than 50% of Youth in Africa are unemployed or idle. [1] With migrants entering urban environments presented with a lack of safe and secure jobs unhealthy sexual politics are found, and precarious methods are used to make a living. The scarcity of formal jobs, means a majority of migrants are forced to work in informal employment. Informal employment will continue to rise creating its own problems such as being barrier to imposing minimum wages and employment security.  [1] Zuehlke, 2009 urbanisation, industrialisation, migrants, Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, economic growth, urban economy, youth unemployment, informal employment, precarious livelihoods, safe jobs, secure employment, informal sector, minimum wages, employment security urbanisation, industrialisation, migrants, Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, urban economy, unemployment, youth unemployment, informal employment, livelihoods, economic growth, urban migration, job scarcity, informal sector, job insecurity, minimum wages, precarious employment, sexual politics, migration challenges urbanisation, industrialisation, migrants, livelihoods, Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, economic growth, urban economy, youth unemployment, informal employment, job scarcity, insecure jobs, urban migration, precarious work, minimum wages, employment security, sexual politics urbanisation, industrialisation, migrants, Africa, urban economy, youth unemployment, informal employment, sub-Saharan Africa, economic growth, livelihoods, precarious work, safe jobs, job insecurity, minimum wages, urban migration, urban poverty, sexual politics, employment barriers urbanisation, industrialisation, migrants, Sub-Saharan Africa, economic growth, urban economy, youth unemployment, informal employment, precarious livelihoods, job scarcity, minimum wages, employment security, unsafe jobs, urban migration, economic disparity
test-society-tsmihwurpp-pro03a	The experience of Israel proves that profiling works  Israel has been using profiling for decades to identify those individuals at airports that should be stopped, questioned and have their luggage thoroughly checked [i] .  Despite the massive threats that Israel faces, the Israeli state does not feel the need to invade the privacy of most passengers because they simply know what and who they are looking for. This approach has meant that, despite high odds, hijackings and bombings are not the routine affairs on El Al flights that one might expect it to be.  As the focus for terrorist atrocities has now become the US and the UK, it simply makes sense to follow the example of a nation that has been such a target since its creation.  [i] “Exposing hostile intent”. SecuritySolutions.com. Israel, profiling, airport security, threat detection, luggage checks, privacy, hijackings, bombings, counterterrorism, TSA, passenger screening, security techniques, threats, airline security, terrorism, US, UK, risk assessment Israel, profiling, airport security, threat detection, luggage checks, privacy, hijackings, bombings, counterterrorism, El Al, terrorism, US, UK, security strategy Israel, profiling, airport security, terrorism, luggage checks, surveillance, threat detection, passenger screening, El Al, privacy, terrorist threats, security strategy, counterterrorism, security practices, intelligence, threat profiling Israel, profiling, airport security, counter-terrorism, passenger screening, luggage checks, privacy, threat detection, hijackings, bombings, El Al, national security, terrorism, surveillance, threat identification, security measures Israel, profiling, airport security, passenger screening, luggage checks, terrorism prevention, threat detection, privacy, security measures, hijacking prevention, bombings, counterterrorism, US, UK, security strategy
test-politics-mtpghwaacb-pro03a	Collective bargaining undermines the democractic process  The bargain between normal unions and private enterprise involves all parties being brought to the table and talking about the issues that they might have. However, the public sector represents the benefits of taxpayers, the politicians and the unions. The power that unions exercises means that negotiations can happen without the consent or involvement of the public sector’s stakeholders, the public.  Even though power in a democracy is usually devolved to the politicians for this purpose, given the highly politicised nature of union negotiations, government office-holders who supervise union negotiations may act inconsistently with the mandate that the electorate have given them. This is because public unions often command a very large block of voters and can threaten politicians with this block of voters readily. This is not the same as a private business where officials aren’t elected by their workers. As such, collective bargaining rights for public union undermine the ability of taxpayers to dictate where their money is being spent significantly.1  “Union Bargaining Just A Dream For Many Gov Workers.” Oregan Herald. 27/02/2011 collective bargaining, democratic process, unions, private enterprise, public sector, taxpayers, politicians, negotiations, public stakeholders, union power, democracy, politicization, government oversight, voter influence, public unions, private businesses, bargaining rights, taxpayer interests collective bargaining, democratic process, unions, private enterprise, public sector, taxpayers, politicians, negotiation, stakeholders, public interest, union power, politicization, public policy, voter influence, government officials, election mandate, public employees, private business, union rights, taxpayer rights, government accountability collective bargaining, democracy, unions, private enterprise, public sector, taxpayers, politicians, negotiations, stakeholders, public interest, union power, politicization, voter influence, elected officials, government, public funds, taxpayer rights, union negotiations, political influence, public policy collective bargaining, democractic process, unions, private enterprise, public sector, taxpayers, politicians, negotiations, public stakeholders, union power, democratic governance, politicization, voter influence, public policy, government negotiations, voter block, taxpayer rights, union influence, public interest, election mandate collective bargaining, democratic process, unions, private enterprise, public sector, taxpayers, politicians, negotiations, public stakeholders, union power, voter influence, election politics, government oversight, public unions, voter blocks, taxpayer rights, government accountability, labor rights, public finance, political influence
test-religion-frghbbgi-pro03a	The God hypothesis is unnecessary  Science provides us with the tools to form a comprehensive view of the Universe which does not include a supernatural being. From Galileo to Darwin to the modern day, scientists have continually uncovered the true natural mechanisms behind the creation and evolution of the universe. There are no gaps left for God to act in [1] - science has revealed a closed natural order governed by natural laws. Brain science has shown that there is not a ‘soul’ but that all our mental states are simply caused by brain activity. There is, therefore, no reason to believe in life after death - one of the main tenets of religious belief.  [1] Bube, Richard H, ‘Man Come of Age: Bonhoeffer’s Response to the God-of-the-gaps’, Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society,  , p.207 God hypothesis, science, natural mechanisms, universe, natural laws, evolution, brain science, mental states, consciousness, atheism, secularism, religion, supernatural, gaps in knowledge, natural order, scientific explanation, philosophy of science, biblical criticism, creationism, intelligent design God hypothesis, science, natural universe, supernatural being, Galileo, Darwin, natural mechanisms, universe creation, evolution, scientific discoveries, natural laws, scientific method, brain science, mental states, brain activity, soul, consciousness, life after death, religious belief, God-of-the-gaps, Bonhoeffer, theological critique, atheism, scientific skepticism, natural order God hypothesis, atheism, science, natural laws, universe, evolution, creation, Galileo, Darwin, brain science, mental states, consciousness, soul, life after death, religion, natural mechanisms, scientific worldview, supernatural, gaps in knowledge, natural order God hypothesis, science, natural universe, evolution, natural laws, brain science, mental states, no soul, no life after death, religion, atheism, natural order, scientific evidence, secularism, natural mechanisms, scientific progress God hypothesis, science, universe, natural mechanisms, evolution, natural laws, supernatural being, Galileo, Darwin, brain science, mental states, consciousness, soul, life after death, religion, gaps, natural order, scientific evidence, atheism, theological objections
test-free-speech-debate-fsaphgiap-pro04a	A lack of transparency can endanger the leader  A person is most likely to survive when they have an accident, a heart attack, or some other condition if they get prompt treatment and doctors are aware of any underlying conditions. Mills may well have lived, or lived longer if there had been more transparency about his death. There had been no prior warning that the president might be rushed to hospital despite the doctors having been called in the previous day. For the same reason his outriders were not available leading to indecision over whether to send off the ambulance. And finally he was initially turned away from the emergency ward because they did not know it was the President they were being asked to treat. 1 Transparency would allow procedures to be in place and advance notice given possibly gaining a few minutes and enabling survival.  1 Daily Guide, ‘How Mills died: Sister tells it all’, My Joy Online, 31 August 2012, transparency, leadership, healthcare, emergency response, medical treatment, government accountability, communication, crisis management, hospital procedures, decision-making, medical emergencies, policy, health awareness, doctor's communication, patient safety transparency, leadership, emergency response, healthcare communication, medical warning, hospital procedures, patient safety, medical urgency, damage control, information flow, decision making, crisis management, government accountability, medical history, health emergencies, death notification, hospital awareness transparency, leadership, survival, emergency response, medical treatment, health communication, hospital procedures, medical awareness, patient safety, underlining conditions, healthcare communication, crisis management, death warning, medical preparedness, Ghana politics, presidential health, hospital protocols transparency, leadership, survival, emergency response, medical treatment, hospital procedures, healthcare communication, crisis management, patient awareness, emergency ward, medical warning, hospital preparedness, health system, medical negligence, government transparency, President health, medical protocols, healthcare improvement transparency, leader, survival, medical emergency, prompt treatment, underlying conditions, Mills death, hospital procedures, ambulance, emergency ward, medical awareness, hospital communication, healthcare transparency, decision making, medical warning
test-economy-beplcpdffe-pro03a	Gambling is addictive.  Humans get a buzz from taking a risk and the hope that this time their luck will be in, this is similar to drug addicts [7]. The more people bet, the more they want to bet, so they become hooked on gambling which can wreck their lives. Internet gambling is worse because it is not a social activity. Unlike a casino or race track, you don’t have to go anywhere to do it, which can put a brake on the activity. The websites never shut. There won’t be people around you to talk you out of risky bets. There is nothing to stop you gambling your savings away while drunk. gambling, addiction, risk-taking, novelty-seeking, dopamine, compulsive behaviors, internet gambling, online gambling, social isolation, gambling addiction effects, gambling harm, problem gambling, psychological dependence, gambling environment, accessibility, online casinos, gambling risks, impulsivity, financial loss, gambling psychology gambling, addiction, risk-taking, dopamine, compulsive behavior, internet gambling, online betting, social isolation, gambling harm, financial loss, impulse control, gambling websites, addiction psychology, betting behavior, gambling prevention, responsible gambling gambling, addiction, risk-taking, thrill, habit, internet gambling, online betting, social isolation, compulsive gambling, gambling consequences, gambling environment, casino, race track, online casinos, gambling safety, gambling restrictions, problem gambling, addiction psychology, gambling harms gambling, addiction, risk-taking, thrill-seeking, addiction comparison, drug addiction, internet gambling, online gambling, social aspect, gambling environment, gambling habits, gambling consequences, responsible gambling, gambling control, gambling harm, gambling prevention gambling, addiction, risk-taking, gambling addiction, internet gambling, online betting, social activity, casino, race track, gambling behavior, problematic gambling, gambling harm, internet gambling risks, continuous access, gambling consequences, financial loss, gambling support, responsible gambling, gambling psychology
test-politics-dhbanhrnw-con01a	The right of self-defence must be exercised in accordance with international law.  There can be no right to such terribly destructive weapons; their invention is one of the great tragedies of history, giving humanity the power to destroy itself. Even during the Cold War, most people viewed nuclear weapons at best as a necessary defence during that great ideological struggle, and at worst the scourge that would end all life on Earth. Nuclear war has never taken place, though it very nearly has on several occasions, such as during the Cuban Missile Crisis. And in 1983 a NATO war game, the Able Archer exercise simulating the full release of NATO nuclear forces, was interpreted by the Soviet Union as a prelude to a massive nuclear first-strike. Oleg Gordievsky, the KGB colonel who defected to the West, has stated that during Able Archer, without realising it, the world came ‘frighteningly close’ to the edge of the nuclear abyss, ‘certainly closer than at any time since the Cuban missile crisis of 1962’. [1] Soviet forces were put on immediate alert and an escalation was only avoided when NATO staff realised what was happening and scaled down the exercise. [2] Cooler heads might not prevail in future conflicts between nuclear powers; when there are more nuclear-armed states, the risk of someone doing something foolish increases. After all, it would take only one such incident to result in the loss of millions of lives. [3] Furthermore, in recent years positive steps have finally begun between the two states with the largest nuclear arsenals, the United States and Russia, in the strategic reduction of nuclear stockpiles. These countries, until recently the greatest perpetrators of nuclear proliferation, have now made commitments toward gradual reduction of weapon numbers until a tiny fraction of the warheads currently active will be usable. [4] All countries, both with and without nuclear weapons, should adopt this lesson. They should contribute toward non-proliferation, thus making the world safer from the threat of nuclear conflict and destruction. Clearly, the focus should be on the reduction of nuclear weapons, not their increase.  [1] Andrew, Christopher and Gordievsky, Oleg. 1991. “KGB: The Inside story of its Foreign Operations from Lenin to Gorbachev”. New York: Harper Collins Publishers.  [2] Rogers, Paul. 2007. “From Evil Empire to Axis of Evil”. Oxford Research Group.  [3] Jervis, Robert. 1989. The Meaning of the Nuclear Revolution: Statecraft and the Prospect of Armageddon, Cornell Studies in Security Affairs. Ithaca: Cornell University Press.  [4] Baker, Peter. 2010. “Twists and Turns on Way to Arms Pact With Russia”. The New York Times. self-defense, international law, nuclear weapons, nuclear proliferation, nuclear disarmament, Cold War, Cuban Missile Crisis, NATO, Able Archer, Soviet Union, KGB, Oleg Gordievsky, nuclear deterrence, nuclear risk, nuclear arms reduction, nuclear stockpiles, nuclear arsenals, nuclear threat, nuclear conflict, non-proliferation, global security, arms control, strategic stability, nuclear disarmament treaties, nuclear safety, nuclear brinkmanship, nuclear proliferation prevention, multilateral treaties, nuclear diplomacy self-defense, international law, nuclear weapons, nuclear disarmament, Cold War, nuclear threat, Cuban Missile Crisis, Able Archer, NATO, Soviet Union, nuclear escalation, nuclear proliferation, nuclear disarmament, nuclear stockpiles, US-Russia relations, arms control, non-proliferation, nuclear conflict, nuclear safety, deterrence, arms reduction, global security self-defence, international law, nuclear weapons, nuclear proliferation, nuclear disarmament, Cold War, Cuban Missile Crisis, NATO, Able Archer, Soviet Union, KGB, Oleg Gordievsky, nuclear war, nuclear threats, nuclear arsenals, US-Russia relations, arms control, strategic reduction, non-proliferation, nuclear strategy, nuclear threat, nuclear conflict, global security, nuclear deterrence self-defense, international law, nuclear weapons, proliferation, disarmament, Cold War, Cuban Missile Crisis, NATO, Able Archer, Soviet Union, nuclear scare, nuclear conflict, nuclear arsenals, U.S. Russia, arms reduction, non-proliferation, global security, nuclear deterrence, nuclear threat, nuclear disarmament, military escalation, nuclear security self-defense, international law, nuclear weapons, destruction, Cold War, nuclear deterrence, Cuban Missile Crisis, NATO, Able Archer, Soviet Union, nuclear escalation, nuclear war, nuclear proliferation, nuclear disarmament, strategic reduction, U.S. Russia, nuclear stockpiles, non-proliferation, global security, nuclear conflict, arms control, military escalation, nuclear threat
test-environment-opecewiahw-pro02a	An immense boost to DRC’s economy  The Grand Inga dam would be an immense boost to the DRC’s economy. It would mean a huge amount of investment coming into the country as almost all the $80 billion construction cost would be coming from outside the country which would mean thousands of workers employed and spending money in the DRC as well as boosting local suppliers. Once the project is complete the dam will provide cheap electricity so making industry more competitive and providing electricity to homes. Even the initial stages through Inga III are expected to provide electricity for 25,000 households in Kinshasa. [1]  [1] ‘Movement on the Grand Inga Hydropower Project’, ujuh, 20 November 2013, Grand Inga dam, DRC economy, hydropower, infrastructure investment, renewable energy, electricity generation, economic development, foreign investment, employment, local suppliers, energy access, Kinshasa, Inga III, construction costs, foreign financing Grand Inga dam, DRC economy, hydropower, renewable energy, infrastructure investment, electricity generation, economic development, foreign investment, local employment, power supply, industry competitiveness, rural electrification, Kinshasa, Inga III, electricity access Inga dam, DRC economy, hydropower, renewable energy, infrastructure investment, foreign investment, job creation, local suppliers, electricity generation, energy access, economic development, Kinshasa, power capacity, Grand Inga project, infrastructure development DRC, Grand Inga dam, economy, investment, construction, employment, local suppliers, electricity, industry, households, Kinshasa, hydropower, infrastructure, development, energy, economic growth Inga dam, DRC economy, hydropower, infrastructure investment, renewable energy, electricity access, industrial growth, job creation, local suppliers, foreign investment, energy development, Kinshasa, power generation, large-scale projects
test-digital-freedoms-aihbiahr-pro03a	Internet access is a necessary part of the right to freedom of information and expression.  Freedom of expression and speech and freedom of information is a fundamental freedom and is article 19 in the universal declaration of human rights. This is usually taken to have three parts for governments to uphold: a duty to respect, for the government not to interfere with the freedom to impart information, a duty to protect, preventing interference with lawful communications and, a duty to fulfil, a duty to provide government held information. [1] Access to the internet falls within this. The duty to respect means that governments cannot block access for people wishing to use the internet to express themselves. The duty to protect means government should prevent others from interfering with internet users and the duty to fulfil could easily be taken just a little bit further to having to provide access to the internet. Freedom of expression therefore covers a freedom to access the internet as it already provides for a freedom to access mediums to express ones’ self.  [1] Callamard, Agnes, ‘Towards a Third Generation of Activism for the Right to Freedom of Information’, in Freedom of Expression, Access to Information and Empowerment of People, UNESCO, 2009 pp.43-57. p.44 Internet access, freedom of information, freedom of expression, Article 19, human rights, universal declaration, government duties, respect, protect, fulfill, lawful communication, government-held information, internet rights, digital rights, freedom of speech, digital freedom, access to information, information dissemination, communication rights, online expression, human rights law Internet access, freedom of information, freedom of expression, universal declaration of human rights, article 19, government duties, respect, protect, fulfil, lawful communications, internet restriction, access rights, digital rights, online expression, freedom of speech, information access, human rights law, digital communication, internet policy, government responsibility, internet freedom, information rights Internet access, freedom of information, freedom of expression, universal declaration of human rights, article 19, government duties, respect, protect, fulfil, lawful communications, government-held information, online freedom, internet rights, digital rights, internet access duty, freedom to communicate, internet censorship, free speech online, digital empowerment, activist rights, UNESCO, human rights law internet access, freedom of information, freedom of expression, human rights, article 19, universal declaration, government duties, respect, protect, fulfil, lawful communications, information provision, digital rights, online expression, internet freedom, government responsibility, digital access, freedom of speech, activism, UNESCO internet access, freedom of information, freedom of expression, article 19, universal declaration of human rights, government duties, respect, protect, fulfil, lawful communications, government-held information, internet rights, freedom of speech, digital rights, online access, internet freedom, human rights, UNESCO, activism
test-law-phwmfri-pro03a	Creates the perception that the rich are not immune to the consequences of their actions  Fines that are not proportionate to income may create the perception that the rich are immune to the consequences of their actions. This is because people see those earning the least struggling to pay a fine, whilst the rich are able to pay that fine easily, without making any significant sacrifices. Canada is an example of this being the case with two thirds of respondents on surveys saying that the Canadian justice system is unfair because it provides preferential treatment to the rich compared to how harsh it is towards the poor.1  Making fines proportionate to income would change that perception. People would then see the law being applied in such a way as to punish all, not just certain sections of society. This will improve perceptions of (and consequently, relations with) the justice and law enforcement systems.  It is important that justice is seen to be done, as well as occurring (sometimes referred to as the Principle of Open Justice), for several reasons. First, we operate a system of government by consent: people’s opinions of the justice system are deemed an important check and balance on the power of the law-makers. Consequently, if they are seen to ‘abuse their power’ by imposing a law seen to be unfair, they have an obligation either to adequately explain and defend the law, or change it.  Second, people’s perceptions of law enforcement in one area spill over into other areas: it is the same police force enforcing all aspects of the law, and so the differences in policy origin are obscured. Consequently, if people deem law-enforcement to be unfair in one regard, they are less likely to trust it in other circumstances.  Third, it is important that the justice system is seen to be impartial, rather than favouring any particular group, because it is only under such circumstances that its designations of acts as ‘crimes’ can be seen as a true reflection of what you ought and ought not to do, rather than just what would be in the interests of a given group.  1 ‘Justice and The Poor’, National Council of Welfare, 10 September 2012, perception, wealthy, consequences, income, fines, fairness, justice system, preferential treatment, socioeconomic disparity, proportional fines, public perception, legal fairness, Open Justice, government legitimacy, law enforcement, public trust, impartiality, social inequality, law enforcement fairness, criminal justice, legal system perception perception, rich, consequences, fines, income, fairness, justice system, Canadian, survey, preferential treatment, disproportionate fines, socioeconomic inequality, law enforcement, open justice, public opinion, legal legitimacy, trust, impartiality, legal fairness, law enforcement credibility, social justice, criminal justice, law application, societal perceptions, legal transparency perception, wealthy, consequences, fines, income, fairness, justice system, preferential treatment, income proportionality, law enforcement, public perception, equality, fairness perception, open justice, legitimacy, legal enforcement, societal trust, law application, social equity, legal legitimacy, administrative fairness perception, rich, immunity, consequences, fines, income, fairness, justice system, proportionality, societal impact, public opinion, law enforcement, open justice, legitimacy, inequality, preferential treatment, public trust, law enforcement perception, fairness perception, justice principles, social equity perception, rich, consequences, fines, income, fairness, survey, Canada, justice system, preferential treatment, inequality, proportional fines, law enforcement, public opinion, justice principles, open justice, government, consent, power, law-making, bias, trust, impartiality, fairness, social justice, legal equality, public perception
test-international-miasimyhw-con01a	Migration reasonings and exploitation.  A free labour market perceives migration in a predominantly neoclassical light - people migrate due to pull factors, to balance the imbalance of jobs, people move due to economic laws. However, such a perspective fails to include the complex factors enticing migration and lack of choice in the decision. Promoting a labour market, whereby movement is free and trade enabled, makes it easier to move but does not take into account the fact migration is not only purely economical. By focusing on a free labour market as being economically valuable, we neglect a bigger picture of what the reasons for migration are.  Without effective management a free labour market raises the potential of forced migration and trafficking. Within the COMESA region trafficking has been identified as a growing issue with the 40,000 identified cases in 2012 being the tip of the iceberg (Musinguzi, 2013). A free labour market may mean victims of trafficking will remain undetected. Moving for ‘work’, how can distinctions be made to identify trafficked migrants; and clandestine migration be managed?  A free labour market, across Africa, justifies cheap and flexible labour to build emerging economies - however, remains unjust. Promoting free labour movement needs to be matched with a question on ‘what kind of labour movement’? migration, reasons, exploitation, free labour market, neoclassical, pull factors, economic laws, complex factors, decision, movement, trade, economic value, broader reasons, forced migration, trafficking, COMESA, trafficking cases, victim detection, clandestine migration, management, Africa, cheap labour, flexible labour, emerging economies, justice migration, reasons, exploitation, neoclassical, pull factors, job imbalance, economic laws, complex factors, choice, free labour market, trade, economic value, forced migration, trafficking, COMESA, trafficking cases, victims, clandestine migration, management, cheap labour, flexible labour, emerging economies, justice migration, reasons, exploitation, free labor market, neoclassical, pull factors, job imbalance, economic laws, complex factors, decision-making, mobility, trade, economic value, broader perspectives, forced migration, trafficking, COMESA, trafficking cases, victim detection, clandestine migration, Africa, cheap labor, flexible labor, emerging economies, labor justice migration, reasons, exploitation, neoclassical, push factors, pull factors, economic laws, complex factors, decision-making, labour market, free movement, trade, economic value, migration causes, forced migration, trafficking, COMESA, trafficking cases, victims, clandestine migration, management, labour rights, justice, economic development, Africa, flexible labour, emerging economies, ethical considerations migration, reasons, exploitation, free labour market, neoclassical perspective, pull factors, economic laws, complex factors, decision-making, labour market, trade, economic value, forced migration, trafficking, COMESA, trafficking cases, victims, clandestine migration, labour movement, Africa, cheap labour, flexible labour, emerging economies, justice
test-culture-mthbah-pro03a	Advertisements are an attempt to brainwash customers.  People cannot just choose to ignore advertising, because advertisers use many underhand methods to get their message across. Posters have attention grabbing words, or provocative pictures. Some adverts today are even being hidden in what seem like pieces or art or public information so people don't realise they are being marketed to. The introduction of digital screens allows businesses to alter their advertising to respond to specific events, making advertisements not only everywhere, but seemingly all-knowing1. By targeting people's unconscious thoughts adverts are a form of brainwashing that take away people's freedoms to make choices.  1 Anywhere the Eye Can See, It's Likely To See an Ad. The New York Times. advertising, brainwashing, marketing, consumer influence, subliminal messages, subliminal advertising, attention grabbing, provocative images, hidden ads, covert advertising, digital screens, targeted advertising, unconscious influence, consumer choice, advertising methods, persuasive techniques, subliminal messaging, advertising perception, advertising ethics advertisements, brainwashing, consumer influence, advertising tactics, subliminal messaging, attention-grabbing, provocative images, hidden marketing, covert advertising, digital screens, targeted advertising, unconscious influence, consumer manipulation, marketing strategies, ethical concerns advertisements, brainwash, marketing, subliminal messaging, consumer influence, advertising tactics, attention grabbing, provocative images, hidden advertising, digital screens, targeted advertising, unconscious influence, consumer rights, advertising ethics, subliminal persuasion advertisements, brainwashing, consumer influence, advertising techniques, subliminal messaging, attention grabbing, provocative images, hidden advertising, covert marketing, digital advertising, targeted ads, unconscious influence, consumer rights, freedom of choice, marketing strategies, visual manipulation advertisements, brainwashing, marketing, advertising techniques, subliminal messaging, attention-grabbing, provocative images, hidden advertising, digital screens, targeted advertising, unconscious influence, consumer manipulation, subliminal messages, advertising ethics, advertising tactics, persuasive strategies, visual propaganda, consumer rights
test-economy-beghwbh-con01a	It will never work  The plan for the Hyperloop is sound technically but would it work politically? It is unlikely that the California high speed rail project will be scrapped simply because there is a new competitor on the block. The Hyperloop has the advantage of being cheap but it is cheap because it is being built in the middle of an existing highway, the interstate-5. Building the Hyperloop would therefore cause traffic chaos so there would not be much political support. [1] Build it elsewhere and land would need to be bought just as with proposals for high speed rail.  Maglevs are, like the Hyperloop, practically sound – one travels from Shanghai Airport into the center of the city [2] – but they have not been built. High speed trains, despite being slower, have been the preferred method for creating high speed transportation systems because they can easily connect into the existing rail infrastructure, a problem for both the Hyperloop and maglevs.  [1] Yarow, Jay, ’41 Years Ago, A Scientist Explained Why Elon Musk’s Hyperloop is Doomed’, Business Insider, 12 August 2013,   [2] Kidman, Alex, ‘Shanghai’s Maglev Train: Astonishingly Fast… and a little dull’, Gizmo, 12 September 2011, Hyperloop, high speed rail, California, political support, traffic chaos, construction costs, land acquisition, maglev, infrastructure integration, Elon Musk, transportation technology, high speed trains, Shanghai, maglev advantages, transportation infrastructure, political feasibility, project funding, transportation safety, high speed transportation, existing highway, land purchase Hyperloop, high speed rail, California, political feasibility, traffic chaos, land acquisition, maglev, high speed trains, infrastructure, Elon Musk, transport technology, competition, construction challenges, government support, urban planning Hyperloop, high-speed rail, maglev, transportation technology, political support, urban infrastructure, California, interstate-5, traffic chaos, land acquisition, existing rail, speed, cost, construction challenges, Elon Musk, tech competition, urban planning, transportation policy, infrastructure development, feasibility, public acceptance Hyperloop, high-speed rail, maglev, transportation technology, political feasibility, infrastructure, land acquisition, traffic chaos, highway, California, interstate-5, competition, Elon Musk, high-speed train, Shanghai Maglev, high-speed transportation, infrastructure integration, cost, feasibility, transportation infrastructure, government support Hyperloop, high-speed rail, politics, infrastructure, traffic chaos, land acquisition, maglev, transportation systems, existing infrastructure, Elon Musk, high-speed trains, California, interstate-5, Shanghai maglev, rail connectivity, transportation challenges
test-economy-beplcpdffe-pro02a	Online gambling affects families  A parent who gambles can quickly lose the money their family depends on for food and rent. It is a common cause of family break-up and homelessness, so governments should get involved to protect innocent children from getting hurt [5]. Each problem gambler harmfully impacts 10-15 other people [6]. The internet makes it easy for gamblers to bet secretly, without even leaving the house, so people become addicted to gambling without their families realising what is going on until too late. online gambling, family impact, gambling addiction, financial harm, family break-up, homelessness, government intervention, child protection, secrecy in gambling, internet gambling, addiction spread, social consequences, gambling-related harm online gambling, family impact, gambling addiction, parental gambling, financial loss, family break-up, homelessness, government intervention, child protection, social consequences, secret betting, internet gambling, gambling addiction effects, social harm, dependency, mental health online gambling, family impact, gambling addiction, financial loss, homelessness, family breakup, government intervention, child protection, online betting, secret gambling, internet gambling, social consequences, problem gambling, gambling addiction effects online gambling, family impact, gambling addiction, financial loss, family breakup, homelessness, government regulation, child protection, gambling harms, internet gambling, secret betting, addiction risk, social consequences online gambling, family impact, gambling addiction, financial consequences, family break-up, homelessness, government intervention, child protection, gambling harm, internet gambling, secret betting, addiction risks, social consequences
test-religion-msgfhwbamec-pro02a	Integration and the acceptance of Western values are important  Arranged marriages have not been a part of the cultures of most European countries for many years now. Part of the reason for this is because ideas about marriage have become more progressive, with people accepting that men and women of any orientation should be allowed to choose their own partners. This was even the case during the socially conservative era of the 1950s, when it was generally accepted in countries like Britain that people would court and meet their partners independently of their parents. [1]  Arranged marriages also conform to a view of women in particular which regards them as chattel. This does not fit in with the type of egalitarianism many European countries seek to practice, and thus does not conform to Western notions of individual rights. [2] It is also hypocritical to adopt a double-standard with diaspora communities, turning a blind eye to practices which many other majority groups find reprehensible. The rights and norms of a country of block of countries such as the EU must apply to all.  [1] Cook, Hera, ‘No Turning Back: Family forms and sexual mores in modern Britain,’ History & Policy -  (accessed on 19 September 2012)  [2] ‘Human Rights with Reference to Women,’ UKEssays.com -  (accessed on 19 September 2012) integration, Western values, acceptance, arranged marriages, European countries, cultural practices, progressive ideas, marriage rights, gender roles, gender equality, individual rights, diaspora communities, cultural norms, human rights, women's rights, social conservatism, British history, family structures, sexual mores integration, Western values, arranged marriages, European cultures, marriage progress, gender roles, individual rights, gender equality, diaspora communities, cultural norms, human rights, social conservatism, gender discrimination, EU, cultural assimilation integration, Western values, cultural acceptance, arranged marriages, European countries, marriage customs, gender roles, progressive ideas, individual rights, gender equality, diaspora communities, cultural norms, human rights, social conservatism, gender equality, societal norms, EU regulations integration, Western values, cultural acceptance, arranged marriages, European cultures, marriage customs, gender roles, progressive ideas, individual rights, gender equality, societal norms, diaspora communities, cultural practices, human rights, gender rights, social conservatism, cultural assimilation, multiculturalism, legal standards, gender stereotypes integration, Western values, arranged marriages, European culture, marriage norms, gender equality, individual rights, cultural assimilation, social conservatism, progressive ideas, diaspora communities, gender roles, human rights, LGBTQ+ rights, cultural practices, social change, conservatism, gender rights, women's rights, EU norms
test-religion-frghbbgi-pro04a	Religions have no true claim to special moral knowledge  Religions through the ages, and still today, have been agents of repression, sexism, elitism, homophobia, and - most of all - conflict, war, and racial hatred. The very nature of belief in received wisdom means that it must be, at its core, a conservative and regressive force. Moreover the positive moral rules that religions claim to promote tend to have existed independently of those religions – the world did not have to wait for the ten commandments to learn that murder and theft was wrong, but it waited until the 19th Century to reach a consensus that Slavery was wrong.  Whatever small amount of psychological comfort religious belief may give, the evils it is responsible for in the social and political worlds easily outweigh it. religions, moral knowledge, repression, sexism, elitism, homophobia, conflict, war, racial hatred, belief, conservatism, regressiveness, moral rules, ten commandments, murder, theft, slavery, 19th century, religious belief, social evil, political evil religions, moral knowledge, repression, sexism, elitism, homophobia, conflict, war, racial hatred, belief, conservatism, regressiveness, moral rules, received wisdom, Ten Commandments, murder, theft, slavery, 19th Century, religious belief, evils, social, political, psychology, comfort religion, moral knowledge, repression, sexism, elitism, homophobia, conflict, war, racial hatred, conservative, regressive, belief, received wisdom, positive morals, ten commandments, murder, theft, slavery, 19th century, consensus, psychological comfort, social harms, political harms religion, moral knowledge, repression, sexism, elitism, homophobia, conflict, war, racial hatred, conservative, regressive, belief, received wisdom, moral rules, ten commandments, murder, theft, slavery, 19th Century, psychological comfort, social harm, political harm religion, morality, repression, sexism, elitism, homophobia, conflict, war, racial hatred, belief, conservatism, regressiveness, moral rules, Ten Commandments, murder, theft, slavery, 19th century, psychological comfort, social harm, political harm
test-health-ahiahbgbsp-pro05a	Nip the problem in the bud  Smoking rates in Africa are relatively low; a range of 8%-27% with an average of only 18% of the population smoking 1 (or, the tobacco epidemic is at an early stage 2 ). That’s good, but the challenge is to keep it that way and reduce it.  A ban on smoking in public places at this stage would stop tobacco gaining the widespread social acceptability that caused it to thrice in the 20th century in the Global North. The solution is to get the solutions in now, not later.  1 Kaloko, Mustapha, 'The Impact of Tobacco Use on Health and Socio-Economic Development in Africa', African Union Commission, 2013,  , p.4  2 Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, “What we do: Tobacco control strategy overview”, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, no date, tobacco, smoking, Africa, prevalence, public health, tobacco control, low smoking rates, social acceptability, tobacco epidemic, public places, ban, early intervention, socio-economic impact, health, policy, prevention, social norms smoking rates, Africa, tobacco epidemic, public smoking ban, social acceptability, tobacco control, early stage, health impact, socio-economic development, prevention, legislation, early intervention tobacco, smoking rates, Africa, early stage, public place ban, social acceptability, tobacco epidemic, prevention, tobacco control, health impact, socio-economic development, global North, legislation, public health, policy, tobacco use, reduction smoking rates, Africa, tobacco epidemic, public smoking ban, tobacco control, social acceptability, health impact, socio-economic development, early stage, prevention, tobacco use, global North, policy, health strategy tobacco, smoking rates, Africa, public health, tobacco epidemic, smoking ban, social acceptability, tobacco control, health impact, socio-economic development, early stage, global North, prevention, policy, regulation
test-religion-wcprrgrhbmi-con01a	"There is no proven cause of harm and parents routinely make medical decisions for children to give their consent or otherwise  Circumcision is akin, in many ways, to vaccination; a routine and simple procedure with miniscule risks and compelling probable benefits. We acknowledge the right of parents to take these decisions on the behalf of their children, even if the benefits in question are primarily cultural and spiritual, and relativistic in character.  Parents routinely make decisions with far greater implications for their children’s futures in terms of their education and general welfare on a regular basis and this should really be seen as no different [i] .  As has been established, even in the most impromptu settings, male circumcision, unlike FGM, runs almost no risk of causing severe injury or infection. MGM does not endanger or restrict a child's development, or his ability to living and normal, fulfilled adult life. Parents make much more damaging choices for their children all the time - choices that do not involve modification of a child's body.  The cost of raising a child as a junior rugby player is an increased risk that the child may sustain life changing injuries. The cost of sending a child to a Montessori nursery as opposed to a curriculum-based institution is the possibility that they may lack personal discipline or respect for authority later in life.  Parents are still permitted to make these decisions, despite the impact they may have on a child’s development. Why not allow them to submit their children to a relatively minor and inconsequential aesthetic procedure?  [i] Dr. Brian Morris, Professor of Molecular Medical Sciences. ""Circumcision Should Be Routine; is Akin to a Safe Surgical ‘Vaccine’"". Opposing Views circumcision, parental decision-making, medical ethics, child welfare, routine procedures, consent, risks, benefits, cultural practices, spiritual reasons, child development, minor surgery, injury prevention, health benefits, cultural practices, elective procedures, pediatric health, religious rites, non-harmful procedures, risk assessment, evidence-based medicine circumcision, vaccination, parental consent, medical decisions, routine procedure, minor risk, benefits, cultural reasons, spiritual reasons, child development, injury risk, infection, male circumcision, female genital mutilation, risks, adult life, child welfare, injury, education, discipline, respect authority, aesthetic procedure, cost, risk assessment, parental rights, safety, medical ethics, cultural practices, spiritual beliefs, risks and benefits, Dr. Brian Morris circumcision, parental consent, child health, routine procedure, minor risks, benefits, cultural reasons, spiritual reasons, decision-making, child development, physical modification, risks, injury, infection, normal life, adult life, damage, child safety, alternatives, risks comparison, invasive procedures, medical ethics, pediatric decisions, cosmetic procedures, societal norms, safety comparison, vaccination analogy, Dr. Brian Morris circumcision, parental consent, medical decisions, child welfare, routine procedures, minor risks, benefits, cultural beliefs, spiritual reasons, informed consent, child rights, elective procedures, sexual health, neonatal, elective surgery, ethical considerations, cultural norms, health benefits, risks assessments, childhood development circumcision, vaccination, parental consent, medical decisions, child welfare, routine procedures, cultural practices, spiritual reasons, risk assessment, child development, gender differences, male circumcision, female genital mutilation, surgical safety, child rights, health benefits, risk comparison, ethical considerations, minor surgery, aesthetic procedures, cultural norms, Prof. Brian Morris"
test-international-sepiahbaaw-pro01a	Resource abundance has led to poor governance  Corruption in African governance is a common feature of African governance [1] , with resources being a major source of exploitation by the political class. Natural resources are often controlled by the government. As resources fund the government’s actions rather than tax, there is a decrease in accountability to the citizenry which enables the government to abuse its ownership of this land to make profit [2] . To benefit from resource wealth, money from the exploitation of mineral wealth and other sources needs to be reinvested in to the country’s economy and human capital [3] . Investing in infrastructure and education can encourage long term growth. However a large amount of funds are pocketed by politicians and bureaucrats instead, hindering growth [4] . Africa Progress Panel (APP) conducted a survey on five mining deals between 2010 and 2012 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They found that the DRC was selling off state-owned mining companies at low prices. The new offshore owner would then resell the companies for much more, with much of the profit finding its way to DRC government officials [5] . The profits were twice as high as the combined budget for education and health, demonstrating that corruption caused by resource exploitation detracts from any long term growth.  [1] Straziuso,J. ‘No African Leader wins $45m Good Governance Award’ Yahoo News 14 October 2013   [2] Hollingshead,A. ‘Why are extractive industries prone to corruption?’ Financial Transparency Coalition 19 September 2013   [3] Pendergast,S.M., Kooten,G.C., & Clarke,J.A. ‘Corruption and the Curse of Natural Resources’ Department of Economics University of Victoria, 2008 pg.5   [4] Ibid  [5] Africa Progress Panel ‘Report: DRC mining deals highlight resource corruption’ 14 May 2013, resource abundance, governance, corruption, African governance, natural resources, resource exploitation, political class, government control, accountability, land ownership, resource wealth, economic reinvestment, human capital, infrastructure, education, economic growth, political corruption, mining deals, Democratic Republic of Congo, state-owned companies, offshore ownership, profit redistribution, resource-driven corruption, long-term growth, Africa Progress Panel, financial transparency resource abundance, poor governance, corruption, African governance, resource exploitation, natural resources, government control, accountability, land ownership, resource wealth, reinvestment, economic development, human capital, infrastructure, education, long-term growth, political corruption, mining deals, Democratic Republic of Congo, state-owned enterprises, profit, offshore ownership, government officials, revenue, education funding, health funding, long-term growth deterrents resource abundance, poor governance, corruption, African governance, natural resources, political exploitation, government control, revenue management, accountability, land ownership, resource wealth, reinvestment, economic growth, human capital, infrastructure, education, political corruption, mining deals, Democratic Republic of Congo, profit misappropriation, offshore companies, state-owned enterprises, economic development, resource curse, transparency, financial misappropriation, governance challenges resource abundance, governance, corruption, African governance, natural resources, exploitation, political class, resource control, government accountability, land ownership, resource wealth, reinvestment, economy, human capital, infrastructure, education, economic growth, corruption funds, Africa Progress Panel, mining deals, Democratic Republic of Congo, state-owned companies, offshore ownership, profit, education funding, health funding resource abundance, governance, corruption, Africa, resource exploitation, natural resources, government control, accountability, land ownership, economic reinvestment, human capital, infrastructure, education, long-term growth, political corruption, mining deals, Democratic Republic of Congo, offshore ownership, profit, public budget, health, education, resource curse, extractive industries
test-law-tlcplghwfne-pro03a	"Needle exchanges can help social services to locate addicts who are in need of treatment  Needle exchanges allow drug addicts to see formal parts of the state that they often associate with negatively as institutions that can help them. This allows them to more positively associate with other state mechanisms such as rehabilitation clinics in the future.  This is further helped by clinic staff being able to recommend drug addicts to rehabilitation centres should they be looking for help and due to the more anonymous nature of clinic staff, drug addicts might ask for help from them as opposed to a closer person who they fear might judge them.  In addition, social services for addicts can be centred on needle exchanges. Rehabilitation clinics as well as simpler facilities such as washrooms can be centred there as well as clinics for disease diagnosis. Further, in the clinics themselves, posters and information pertaining to drug awareness can be circulated in order to help addicts.1, 2  1. Debra L. O’Neill. ""Needle Exchange Programs: A Review of the Issues"". Missouri Institute of Mental Health. September 27, 2004 www.mimh200.mimh.edu/mimhweb/pie/reports/Needle%20Exchange.pdf  2. Noffs, David. “Should Needle Exchange Programmes Be publicly Funded?” Close to Home Online, needle exchanges, social services, drug addicts, treatment, rehabilitation clinics, stigma reduction, anonymity, drug dependency, disease diagnosis, drug awareness, harm reduction, outreach programs, clinic staff, peer support, public health, substance abuse, needle exchange programs, community health, medical facilities needle exchanges, social services, addiction treatment, harm reduction, drug rehabilitation, anonymous access, health clinics, disease diagnosis, drug awareness, outreach programs, stigma reduction, public health, substance abuse, clinic staff, prevention strategies, government funding, community health needle exchanges, social services, addicts, treatment, rehabilitation, clinics, drug addiction, harm reduction, anonymous help, disease diagnosis, drug awareness, outreach, community health, public health, substance abuse, stigma reduction, health education, outreach programs, government funding needle exchanges, social services, drug addiction, treatment, rehabilitation, clinics, disease diagnosis, drug awareness, anonymous help, harm reduction, outreach, public health, stigma reduction, drug users, harm prevention, healthcare access, needle program, addiction support, clinic staff, health education needle exchanges, social services, addiction treatment, drug addicts, state institutions, rehabilitation clinics, anonymous assistance, clinic staff, drug help, disease diagnosis, drug awareness, posters, harm reduction, public health, outreach, stigma reduction, community health, needle exchange programs"
test-philosophy-pppthbtcb-pro01a	Legitimacy  In extreme cases, in which peaceful and democratic methods have been exhausted, it is legitimate and justified to resort to terror. In cases of repression and suffering, with an implacably oppressive state and no obvious possibility of international relief, it is sometimes necessary to resort to violence to defend one’s people and pursue one’s cause.  Every individual or (minority) group has the right to express its discontent. The state, being a representation of the people, should facilitate this possibility. Even more, the state should support the rights of minorities, in order to prevent the will of the majority suppressing the rights of people with other interests. If this does not happen, the state has failed to serve its purpose and loses its legitimacy. This, in combination with the growing inequalities and injustices amongst certain groups, justifies committing acts of terror in order to defend these rights, that were denied in the first place.  For instance, Umkhonto we Sizwe, a liberation organisation associated with the African National Congress in South Africa and led by Nelson Mandela, decided in 1961 to turn to violence in order to achieve liberation and the abolishment of Apartheid. The reason they gave was:  “The time comes in the life of any nation when there remain only two choices: submit or fight. That time has now come to South Africa. (...) Refusal to resort to force has been interpreted by the government as an invitation to use armed force against the people without any fear of reprisals. The methods of Umkhonto we Sizwe mark a break with that past.” [1]  [1] African National Congress. (1961, December 16). Manifesto. Retrieved August 3, 2011, from African National Congress: legitimacy, terrorism, violence, peace, democracy, repression, suffering, state legitimacy, minority rights, justice, inequality, injustice, political violence, liberation, apartheid, Nelson Mandela, Umkhonto we Sizwe, African National Congress, armed resistance, civil disobedience, political conflict, human rights legitimacy, violence, terror, repression, oppression, minority rights, democracy, peaceful methods, international relief, justice, inequality, injustice, justification, revolutionary violence, liberation, ANC, Nelson Mandela, Apartheid, Umkhonto we Sizwe, armed resistance, political violence, state legitimacy, civil disobedience legitimacy, violence, terror, repression, suffering, oppression, international relief, minority rights, state legitimacy, justice, inequality, injustice, activism, rebellion, Mandela, Umkhonto we Sizwe, South Africa, Apartheid, liberation, armed resistance, political violence, human rights, political repression, social justice legitimacy, violence, terror, peaceful methods, democratic, repression, suffering, oppressive state, international relief, minorities, rights, discontent, state legitimacy, inequalities, injustices, acts of terror, liberation, apartheid, Umkhonto we Sizwe, Nelson Mandela, armed resistance, justification, resistance, national liberation, political violence legitimacy, terror, violence, peaceful methods, democratic, repression, suffering, oppressive state, international relief, minorities, rights, discontent, state legitimacy, inequalities, injustices, acts of terror, liberation, apartheid, Umkhonto we Sizwe, Nelson Mandela, armed resistance, political violence
test-law-phwmfri-pro02a	The rich are now also deterred  Another purpose of fines is to provide a deterrent. If fines are applied at one rate regardless of income, they must be low enough not to be un-payable for those who do not earn much money. Consequently, they are set so low that they fail to have a deterrent effect on the richest in society, who are easily able to afford to break the law.  This is especially the case when you consider the sorts of crimes that are punishable by fines, e.g. illicit parking and littering. These crimes have an indirect harm, and thus it is easy for the rich to consider that once they have paid the fine they have paid for the damage done, even though in reality this is not the case.1  1 Gneezy, U., Rustichini, A., 2000. ‘A Fine is a Price’. Journal of Legal Studies., vol. 29 pp1-17 deterrence, fines, income-based fines, wealth, punishment, law enforcement, illegal activities, illicit parking, littering, social inequality, crime, economic disparity, legal penalties, compliance, deterrent effect deterrent, fines, income-based, punishment, legality, socio-economic disparity, crime, illicit parking, littering, indirect harm, rich, enforcement, justice, legal system deterrent, fines, income-based fines, inequality, punishment, law enforcement, socio-economic disparities, criminal justice, illicit parking, littering, indirect harm, deterrence effectiveness, price of fines, legal studies, Gneezy, Rustichini deterrent, fines, income-based, inequality, criminal justice, law enforcement, punishment, socioeconomic factors, deterrence theory, urban crime, parking violations, littering, indirect harm, punishment effectiveness, law breaking, monetary penalties, deterrence inequality, legal sanctions deterrence, fines, income-based fines, inequality, wealthy offenders, punishment, legal sanctions, social justice, law enforcement, crime deterrence, penalties, economic disparity, enforcement challenges, criminal justice
test-philosophy-npppmhwup-con02a	Affirmative action can create social tensions  Under the policy of affirmative action, there is a real danger that social tensions become inflamed. This is because in the process of benefiting minority groups it helps to disenfranchise the majority. For example in the 2001 riots in Oldham and other cities of Northern England one of the main complaints from poor white areas was alleged discrimination in council funding. [1] There was a possibility that the more privileged from minority groups such as upper-class blacks will be favoured at the expense of the marginalised within majority groups such as lower-class whites. Therefore, rather correct racial bias, affirmative action may inevitably deepen it.  [1] Amin, A., 2002. ‘Ethnicity and the multicultural city: living with diversity.’ Environment and Planning, 34, pp.959-980, p.963 affirmative action, social tensions, discrimination, minority groups, majority groups, social unrest, racial bias, inequalities, multiculturalism, urban conflicts, discrimination policies, social disparities, ethnicity, ethnic tensions, social cohesion affirmative action, social tensions, minority groups, majority disenfranchisement, ethnic conflict, racial bias, multiculturalism, urban riots, discrimination, social inequality, policy impact, community relations, racial favoritism, social division, urban diversity, public funding, inequality, social justice, race relations affirmative action, social tensions, minority groups, majority groups, discrimination, social conflict, race relations, social inequality, public policy, ethnic diversity, racial bias, social unrest, Northern England, Oldham riots, council funding, social disenfranchisement affirmative action, social tensions, minority groups, disenfranchisement, majority groups, social conflict, Northern England, 2001 riots, discrimination, council funding, racial bias, racial bias, multiculturalism, diversity, interethnic relations, social division, inequality, privilege, marginalization affirmative action, social tensions, minority groups, majority disenfranchisement, social conflict, racial bias, inequality, ethnicity, multiculturalism, urban riots, Northern England, council funding, social divisions, privileged groups, marginalized communities
test-digital-freedoms-aihbiahr-pro02a	The right to internet access fills a gap in traditional human rights.  In our traditional human rights there is a hole when it comes to a right to receive and be able to seek out information. Almost everyone would consider freedom of speech and freedom of expression to be human rights but these rights are not very effective if there is not a way for those who wish to access that information. Michael L Best contends that Article 19 of the universal declaration of human rights on freedom of expression implies some symmetry but that freedom of authorship is privileged over freedom of readership. [1] In short governments could allow freedom of expression while ensuring that those expressing dissenting views have a very minimal audience without breaking human rights.  A right to the internet is the perfect human right to fill this gap. The internet is estimated to have over 35 billion web pages, [2] and the most recent digital universe study estimates that 1.8 trillion gigabytes would be created in 2011. [3] The sheer size of the internet means that it is the ideal medium for providing this right to access information. [4] The internet is also increasingly accessible to everyone making it possible to be considered universal; it is no longer something that the poor cannot hope to have access to. There are already over 2.1 billion people using the internet worldwide including 118 million in Africa. [5]  [1] Best, Michael L., ‘Can the Internet be a Human Right?’ Human Rights and Human Welfare, Vol.4 2004, p.23 (n.b. this link comes up with a warning when opened, dont worry it is safe - ahelling)  [2] World Wide Web Size.com, ‘The size of the World Wide Web (The Internet)’, 17 April 2012 .  [3] McGaughey, Katryn, ‘World’s Data More Than Doubling Every Two Years – Driving Big Data Opportunity, EMC2, 28 June 2011.  [4] Best, Michael L., ‘Can the Internet be a Human Right?’ Human Rights and Human Welfare, Vol.4 2004, p.23  [5] Clayton, Nick, ‘Internet has More Than 2 Billion Users’, TechEurope The Wall Street Journal, 19 January 2012. internet access, human rights, freedom of expression, information seeking, Article 19, digital rights, universal access, digital universe, online freedom, internet statistics, digital divide, web pages, global internet users, digital equality, freedom of readership, online information, internet size, technology rights, digital inclusion internet access, human rights, freedom of expression, information access, digital rights, universal declaration of human rights, freedom of readership, government censorship, digital universe, web pages, internet users, global connectivity, digital divide, information inequality, web size, big data, internet accessibility, digital inclusion, technological human rights, global internet reach internet access, human rights, freedom of expression, freedom of speech, information access, digital rights, universal access, right to information, internet size, digital universe, global internet users, digital inclusion, online freedom, internet democracy, information seeking, freedom of readership, government censorship, digital divide, web pages, emerging connectivity, global internet reach internet access, human rights, freedom of expression, freedom of speech, information access, digital rights, universal access, internet volume, web pages, global internet users, digital universe, information equality, internet equality, digital inclusion, internet accessibility, human rights law, right to information, internet coverage, internet demographics, online freedom internet access, human rights, freedom of expression, freedom of speech, right to information, digital inclusion, universal access, digital rights, online freedom, internet population, digital universe, web pages, data creation, accessibility, information seeking, dissent, global internet users, digital divide, human rights law, internet governance
test-economy-bhahwbsps-con02a	"Smokers have a right to enjoy themselves.  Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that ""All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood""1. So, smokers have the same rights as non-smokers and should not be targeted because of how they choose to live their lives. Article 24 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that ""Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay"" 1.If some people get their rest and leisure by smoking with friends in a pub, it seems that governments should make it possible, by at least having smoking areas in pubs, restaurants, etc. A ban on smoking in all public places would mean smokers could never enjoy themselves like they want to, at least not legally. There are many groups which feel that the rights of the smoker are being ignored, e.g. ""Forest"".  1 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, General Assembly of the United Nations, smokers, rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 1, dignity, equality, freedom, conscience, brotherhood, non-smokers, discrimination, Article 24, leisure, rest, work hours, holidays, smoking areas, public places, smoking ban, public health, individual freedom, smokers' rights, government policy, social activities, Forest group smoking rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 1, Article 24, personal freedom, non-smokers, discrimination, public health, smoking areas, public places, smoking ban, leisure, personal choice, human rights, government policy, smoke-free environment, freedom of choice, social rights smokers, rights, human rights, universal declaration, dignity, equality, liberty, conscience, brotherhood, non-smokers, discrimination, leisure, rest, holidays, public places, smoking areas, bans, regulations, freedoms, responsible smoking, health, public health, government policies, social inclusion, advocacy, Forest, United Nations smokers, rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, dignity, equality, freedom, conscience, brotherhood, non-smokers, discrimination, Article 1, leisure, rest, holidays, working hours, public places, smoking areas, indoor smoking, public health, smoking bans, personal freedom, government policy, smokers' rights, public opinion, health regulations smokers, rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, dignity, freedom, equality, reason, conscience, brotherhood, non-smokers, targeted, lifestyle, Article 24, rest, leisure, working hours, holidays, smoking areas, pubs, restaurants, public places, ban, enjoyment, legal rights, groups, Forest, human rights, United Nations"
test-law-lgplhbssbco-con02a	The right to life means a right to death  When we speak of the right to life it means more than merely the right to be alive, it encompasses the right to self-ownership, the notion that one’s life is one’s own and that you are not beholden to anyone else by the mere fact that you are alive. It follows from this that there can be no duty on anyone to live beyond a point of their own choosing, and there should be no attempt to interfere with suicidal behaviour whether by individuals or by the law. [1]  [1] Chobli, Michael, ‘Suicide’, The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Edward n. Zalta (ed.), Fall 2009, right to life, right to death, self-ownership, autonomy, individual rights, suicide, personal liberty, moral philosophy, ethical considerations, human rights, liberty, voluntary choice, legal implications, philosophical debate right to life, right to death, self-ownership, autonomy, individual rights, suicide, euthanasia, life sovereignty, personal choice, moral philosophy, legal rights, autonomy in death, end-of-life rights right to life, right to death, self-ownership, autonomy, individual sovereignty, suicide, personal choice, moral philosophy, legal rights, bioethics, human rights right to life, right to death, self-ownership, autonomy, personal choice, euthanasia, assisted suicide, moral philosophy, legal rights, individual liberty, suicide rights, life and death, personal autonomy, ethical debate, law and morality, human rights right to life, right to death, self-ownership, autonomy, euthanasia, suicide, individual rights, legal theories, moral philosophy, personal sovereignty
test-international-aegmeppghw-pro01a	Turkey is a poverty stricken country and entry into the EU would help to raise the living standards for its entire population  The EU has welcomed poorer entrants than Turkey without disaster; Ireland, Spain, Portugal and Greece were all much poorer than the EU average when they joined and all are now well integrated and much more prosperous. Disastrous migration was forecast in their cases too, but did not occur. Nor is Turkey as poor as has been suggested; Turkey with a GDP per capita of $8215 in 2009 is richer than Romania at $7500 and Bulgaria with a GDP per capita of $6423 [1] both of which are already members. Turkey’s economy is also in the process of reform, including the restructuring of its banking system and IMF programmes; in the next few years this process will allow for faster, more sustained growth. Turkey provides a large new market for EU goods; should it be accepted into the single market the economic benefits would not be solely limited to that country.  Turkey’s inclusion in the EU would not threaten other members with overwhelming economic or immigration issues. It is possible that, as has happened with Bulgaria and Romania, that a delay is enacted for the Schengen passport-free zone [2] . This would give both the current EU and Turkey a period of time to adjust.  [1]  The World Bank, GDP per capita (current US$), 2009  [2]  ‘EU newcomers smart over Schengen delay’ by Chris Bryant, 21st Jan 2011 Turkey, EU membership, economic development, poverty, GDP per capita, IMF programs, economic reform, banking restructuring, European Union, accession benefits, migration, economic growth, market opportunities, Schengen zone, integration, prosperity, European integration, enlargement, economic challenges, poverty comparison, Romania, Bulgaria, EU newcomers, Schengen delay, economic benefits Turkey, EU, poverty, living standards, accession, economic development, GDP per capita, reform, banking system, IMF, growth, market, trade, integration, migration, Schengen, Bulgaria, Romania, prosperity, economic benefits, member countries Turkey, poverty, living standards, EU, integration, prosperity, migration, GDP per capita, Romania, Bulgaria, economy, reforms, banking system, IMF, economic growth, market, EU goods, single market, EU membership, Schengen, passport-free zone, economic development, EU enlargement, economic impact, migration policy Turkey, poverty, EU accession, living standards, economic development, GDP per capita, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Greece, migration, economic integration, reform, banking system, IMF, economic growth, market, trade, single market, EU benefits, Bulgaria, Romania, Schengen zone, passport-free zone, economic issues, immigration, enlargement, EU membership, economic reform Turkey, EU accession, poverty, living standards, economic growth, GDP per capita, Romania, Bulgaria, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Greece, migration, integration, EU members, Schengen zone, banking reform, IMF programs, market potential, economic benefits, reform process, EU enlargement, member states, economic stability, migration issues
test-environment-aeghhgwpe-pro02a	Being vegetarian helps the environment  Becoming a vegetarian is an environmentally friendly thing to do. Modern farming is one of the main sources of pollution in our rivers. Beef farming is one of the main causes of deforestation, and as long as people continue to buy fast food in their billions, there will be a financial incentive to continue cutting down trees to make room for cattle. Because of our desire to eat fish, our rivers and seas are being emptied of fish and many species are facing extinction. Energy resources are used up much more greedily by meat farming than my farming cereals, pulses etc. Eating meat and fish not only causes cruelty to animals, it causes serious harm to the environment and to biodiversity. For example consider Meat production related pollution and deforestation  At Toronto’s 1992 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Agriculture Canada displayed two contrasting statistics: “it takes four football fields of land (about 1.6 hectares) to feed each Canadian” and “one apple tree produces enough fruit to make 320 pies.” Think about it — a couple of apple trees and a few rows of wheat on a mere fraction of a hectare could produce enough food for one person! [1]  The 2006 U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report concluded that worldwide livestock farming generates 18% of the planet's greenhouse gas emissions — by comparison, all the world's cars, trains, planes and boats account for a combined 13% of greenhouse gas emissions. [2]  As a result of the above point producing meat damages the environment. The demand for meat drives deforestation. Daniel Cesar Avelino of Brazil's Federal Public Prosecution Office says “We know that the single biggest driver of deforestation in the Amazon is cattle.” This clearing of tropical rainforests such as the Amazon for agriculture is estimated to produce 17% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. [3] Not only this but the production of meat takes a lot more energy than it ultimately gives us chicken meat production consumes energy in a 4:1 ratio to protein output; beef cattle production requires an energy input to protein output ratio of 54:1.  The same is true with water use due to the same phenomenon of meat being inefficient to produce in terms of the amount of grain needed to produce the same weight of meat, production requires a lot of water. Water is another scarce resource that we will soon not have enough of in various areas of the globe. Grain-fed beef production takes 100,000 liters of water for every kilogram of food. Raising broiler chickens takes 3,500 liters of water to make a kilogram of meat. In comparison, soybean production uses 2,000 liters for kilogram of food produced; rice, 1,912; wheat, 900; and potatoes, 500 liters. [4] This is while there are areas of the globe that have severe water shortages. With farming using up to 70 times more water than is used for domestic purposes: cooking and washing. A third of the population of the world is already suffering from a shortage of water. [5] Groundwater levels are falling all over the world and rivers are beginning to dry up. Already some of the biggest rivers such as China’s Yellow river do not reach the sea. [6]  With a rising population becoming vegetarian is the only responsible way to eat.  [1] Stephen Leckie, ‘How Meat-centred Eating Patterns Affect Food Security and the Environment’, International development research center  [2] Bryan Walsh, Meat: Making Global Warming Worse, Time magazine, 10 September 2008 .  [3] David Adam, Supermarket suppliers ‘helping to destroy Amazon rainforest’, The Guardian, 21st June 2009.  [4] Roger Segelken, U.S. could feed 800 million people with grain that livestock eat, Cornell Science News, 7th August 1997.  [5] Fiona Harvey, Water scarcity affects one in three, FT.com, 21st August 2003  [6] Rupert Wingfield-Hayes, Yellow river ‘drying up’, BBC News, 29th July 2004 vegetarian, environment, pollution, deforestation, cattle, rainforest, greenhouse gases, livestock, water usage, resource depletion, biodiversity, climate change, food security, greenhouse gas emissions, Amazon, water scarcity, water resources, sustainability, global warming, meat production, land use, energy efficiency, environmental impact, reforestation, cereal farming, pulses, fish depletion, biodiversity loss vegetarian, environment, pollution, farming, deforestation, fast food, fishing, biodiversity, greenhouse gases, livestock, cattle, rainforest, Amazon, energy consumption, water usage, water scarcity, groundwater, rivers, food security, sustainability, climate change, greenhouse gas emissions vegetarian, environment, pollution, farming, deforestation, fast food, fishing, biodiversity, greenhouse gases, livestock, cattle, Amazon, water use, resource scarcity, water shortages, rivers, water pollution, sustainability, meat production, energy consumption, grain, water footprint, climate change, global warming, food security, ecosystems vegetarian, environment, pollution, farming, deforestation, cattle, fast food, fish, extinction, energy consumption, biodiversity, greenhouse gases, livestock, Amazon, rainforest, water usage, resource scarcity, water shortage, groundwater, rivers, population, food security vegetarian, environment, pollution, deforestation, fast food, fish, extinction, energy consumption, cruelty, biodiversity, greenhouse gases, livestock farming, Amazon rainforest, water usage, resource scarcity, water shortage, groundwater depletion, rivers drying, food security, sustainable eating
test-health-hgwhwbjfs-con02a	"Targeting schools will be an ineffective strategy.  Schools may seem like a perfect place to effect behavioral change in youth, since 95% of young people are enrolled in schools. [1]  But what researchers find is that changing the choices we have available does not necessarily lead to any behavioral change. Penny Gordon-Larsen, one of the researchers, wrote: ""Our findings suggest that no single approach, such as just having access to fresh fruits and veggies, might be effective in changing the way people eat. We really need to look at numerous ways of changing diet behaviors. There are likely more effective ways to influence what people eat.” [2]  In the case of school children is this point seems particularly salient. Given that high school students in the US average only 6 hours in school [3] and the widespread availability of fast and other forms of “junk food”, we can hardly expect that impacting this single environment of the school will lead to any lasting behavioral changes. Realistically, what we can expect is for school children to go outside the school to find their favorite snacks and dishes.  Even if, by some miracle, the ban would change the behavior of children in schools, there is still the matter of 10 hours (the ATUS suggests kids sleep an average of 8 hours per day) they will spend outside schools, where their meal choices will not be as tailored and limited.  [1] Wechsler, H., et al., 'The Role of Schools in Preventing Childhood Obesity', National Association of State Boards of Education, December 2004,  , accessed 9/11/2011  [2] Nordqvist, C., 'No Single Approach Will Solve America's Obesity Epidemic', Medical News Today, 11 June 2011,  , accessed 9/11/2011  [3] Bureau of Labor Statistics, 'American Time Use Survey', 22 May 2011,  , accessed 9/11/2011 schools, behavioral change, youth, intervention, diet, food choices, environment, fast food, junk food, outside environment, snack behavior, childhood obesity, school environment, outside influences, sleep hours, policy effectiveness, food accessibility, lifestyle, health behavior, obesity prevention schools, behavioral change, youth, diet, nutrition, fast food, junk food, obesity, intervention, environment, policy, children's health, outside environment, meal choices, school environment, food availability, health education, children's behavior, obesity prevention, school policy, food environment school-based intervention, behavioral change, youth, diet, nutrition, obesity prevention, food environment, snack choices, outside school behavior, fast food, junk food, policy effectiveness, childhood obesity, limited impact, environmental influence, parental influence, adolescent health, health education, dietary behaviors school-based interventions, youth behavioral change, diet modification, nutrition education, food environment, junk food availability, adolescent health, childhood obesity prevention, environmental influences, behavioral determinants, outside food choices, health policy, school nutrition policies school-based interventions, behavioral change, youth nutrition, diet behaviors, junk food, school environment, outside food choices, obesity prevention, childhood obesity, health education, adolescent health, school policy, fast food, dietary habits, food availability, health behaviors, behavioral strategies, time use, sleep, snack choices"
test-religion-yercfrggms-pro01a	Entirely natural theories can adequately explain the existence and development of the Universe and all it contains, making God irrelevant to the discussion of reality:  Physics and cosmology explain the development and evolution of the Universe and the bodies within it. Chemistry explains the interactions of substances and the origin of life. Biology explains the development of life’s complexity through the long process of evolution. God, or gods, is a superfluous entity in the discussion of existence; He is entirely unnecessary to human scientific understanding. [1] At best, believers can point to various missing links in science’s explanation, using God to fill the gaps. The God of the Gaps is a weak God whose domain grows smaller each day as science progresses. Furthermore, there is no evidence of the supernatural existing at all, if that is what God is meant to be. The burden of proof in a debate concerning the existence of something is on the individual making the positive claim. In a debate over the existence of God, it is up to the believer to provide evidence for that belief. [2] The rational position in the absence of evidence is atheism. It is not a positive claim about anything, but is merely the absence of belief in God, which makes sense in the light of there being no positive evidence of God’s existence. If believers claim God lives outside the Universe, or that He cannot be empirically identified due to His ethereal nature, then in truth they are saying nothing. Only the natural world exists insofar as humans can demonstrate. The supernatural is pure fantasy.  [1] Boyer, Pascal. 2001. Religion Explained: The Evolutionary Origins of Religious Thought. New York: Basic Books.  [2] Russell, Bertrand. 1952. “Is There a God?” Campaign for Philosophical Freedom. Available: natural theories, universe development, cosmology, physics, chemistry, biology, evolution, complexity, God, superfluous, science gaps, God of the Gaps, supernatural, evidence, burden of proof, atheism, belief, absence of belief, empirical evidence, supernatural fantasy natural theories, universe, development, physics, cosmology, chemistry, interactions, origin of life, biology, evolution, God, gods, supernatural, gaps, evidence, proof, believers, atheism, natural world, fantasy, philosophical debate natural theories, universe, development, God, relevance, physics, cosmology, chemistry, interactions, origin of life, biology, evolution, supernatural, gaps, evidence, burden of proof, positive claim, atheism, belief, absence of belief, empirical identification, ethereal nature, natural world, fantasy, religion, evolutionary origins, philosophical debate natural theories, universe development, cosmology, physics, chemistry, biology, evolution, divine, supernatural, god, gaps, evidence, belief, atheism, natural world, fantasy, scientific explanation natural theories, universe, cosmology, physics, chemistry, biology, evolution, divine existence, God, supernatural, gaps in science, evidence, burden of proof, atheism, belief, nonbelief, empirical evidence, supernatural fantasy, scientific explanation, religious thought, philosophical debate
test-international-aahwstdrtfm-con01a	Should recognise a democracy  São Tomé is a multiparty democracy and has been since 1995 with free and fair elections. [1] The country is eleventh on the Ibrahim Index of African Governance. [2] It should therefore be supporting its fellow democracy; Taiwan. As a country that was a colony of Portugal for five hundred years having only secured independence in 1975 São Tomé should not wish to support a country that colonises others such as Tibet and Inner Mongolia, seeks to colonise Taiwan, and engages in aggressive actions to seize small islands in nearby seas.  [1] Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, ‘Sao Tome and Principe’, U.S. Department of State, 2012,   [2] ‘The Ibrahim Index of African Governance’, Mo Ibrahim Foundation,  accessed 10/2/2014 democracy, São Tomé, multiparty, elections, Ibrahim Index, African Governance, Taiwan, colonial history, Portugal, independence, Tibet, Inner Mongolia, colonization, territorial disputes, island conflicts, democracy support São Tomé, democracy, multiparty, elections, Ibrahim Index, African Governance, Taiwan, colonial history, Portugal, independence, Tibet, Inner Mongolia, colonization, territorial disputes, island sovereignty, human rights, governance, international support, diplomatic relations democracy, São Tomé, multiparty, elections, African Governance, Ibrahim Index, Taiwan, colonial history, Portugal, independence, colonisation, Tibet, Inner Mongolia, territorial disputes, islands, governance, human rights, foreign policy São Tomé, democracy, multiparty, elections, Ibrahim Index, African Governance, Taiwan, colonial history, independence, Portugal, colonization, Tibet, Inner Mongolia, territorial disputes, democracy support, human rights, governance, Mo Ibrahim Foundation democracy, São Tomé, multiparty, elections, Ibrahim Index, African Governance, Taiwan, colonization, Portugal, independence, Tibet, Inner Mongolia, territorial disputes, islands, democracy support, global governance, human rights
test-sport-aastshsrqsar-pro03a	Most South Africans support quotas  In 2006, the South African Social Attitudes Survey revealed that most South Africans (56%) support a quota system [1] . This support remained roughly the same over a four year period. Sport should reflect the will of the population of the country, if the population wants quotas then there should be quotas. There is particularly strong support from quotas among black people (63%) implying they feel that something needs to be done in order to let them into the sport. Doing nothing will simply ensure the status quo with very few non-white rugby players remains indefinitely.  [1] Struwig, Jare, and Roberts, Ben, ‘The numbers game Public support for sports quotas’, South African Social Attitudes Survey, p.13, South African, quotas, public support, 2006, social attitudes survey, black population, sports inclusion, racial quotas, rugby, sports policy, social change, public opinion, racial representation South Africans, quotas, support, South African Social Attitudes Survey, 2006, public opinion, sports quotas, racial representation, black population, sport inclusion, social attitudes, racial equality, rugby diversity, affirmative action, demographic support South Africans, quotas, social attitudes survey, public support, sports quotas, racial representation, black support, sports inclusion, racial equality, affirmative action, demographic preferences, sports diversity, post-apartheid, South African sports, social change South Africans, quotas, support, 2006, South African Social Attitudes Survey, public opinion, sports quotas, racial disparities, black population, sports inclusion, diversity, rugby players, social attitudes South Africans, sports quotas, public support, 2006, social attitudes survey, racial representation, black community, sports policy, racial quotas, social inclusion, sports diversity, South Africa, rugby, minority representation, public opinion
test-science-eassgbatj-con05a	Research animals are well treated  Animals used in research generally don’t suffer. While they may be in pain, they are generally given pain killers, and when they are put down this is done humanely. [16] They are looked after, as healthy animals mean better experimental results. These animals live better lives than they would in the wild.  As long as animals are treated well there shouldn’t be a moral objection to animal research. This is exactly the same as with raising animals that will be used for meat. animal research, animal welfare, ethical research, humane treatment, laboratory animals, pain management, animal rights, research ethics, animal husbandry, animal suffering, experimental animals, moral considerations, animal care, research policies animal research, animal welfare, humane treatment, pain management, ethical considerations, laboratory animals, research ethics, animal pain relief, animal captivity, research protocols, animal welfare standards, scientific research, animal husbandry, ethical debate, animal rights animal research, ethical treatment, welfare, humane procedures, pain management, animal welfare, research animals, laboratory animals, animal suffering, humane euthanasia, animal care, scientific research, animal ethics, testing protocols, animal rights animal research, animal welfare, ethical treatment, humane euthanasia, pain management, laboratory animals, animal cruelty, animal suffering, animal treatment standards, research ethics, animal care, animal rights, scientific research, humane practices animal welfare, research animals, ethical treatment, humane euthanasia, animal experimentation, pain management, laboratory animals, animal rights, research ethics, animal care, animal suffering, animal wellbeing, animal treatment standards, domesticated animals, animal research debate, animal cruelty, humane research practices
test-culture-mthbah-pro02a	People are given too much choice, which makes them less happy.  Advertising leads to many people being overwhelmed by the endless need to decide between competing demands on their attention – this is known as the tyranny of choice or choice overload. Recent research suggests that people are on average less happy than they were 30 years ago - despite being better off and having much more choice of things to spend their money on1. The claims of adverts crowd in on people, raising expectations about a product and leading to inevitable disappointment after it is bought. A recent advertisement for make-up was banned in Britain due to the company presenting its product as being more effective than it actually was2. Shoppers feel that a poor purchase is their fault for not choosing more wisely, and regret not choosing something else instead. Some people are so overwhelmed that they cannot choose at all.  1Schwartz, The Tyranny of Choice, 2004.  2 Kekeh , Too Beautiful? British MP Draws Line in Sand for Cosmetic Ads , 2011. choice overload, happiness, decision fatigue, advertising, consumer behavior, expectations, disappointment, make-up ads, regulation, psychological effects, consumer regret, satisfaction, well-being, marketing, product effectiveness, societal impact choice overload, happiness, advertising, decision-making, consumer behavior, expectations, disappointment, regret, make-up advertising, product effectiveness, British regulation, consumer psychology, mental overload, satisfaction, social comparison, marketing ethics choice overload, decision fatigue, happiness, advertising impacts, consumer behavior, choice regret, societal well-being, commercial advertising, product effectiveness, consumer expectations, market dissatisfaction, psychological effects, British advertising regulation, cosmetic advertising, product disappointment choice overload, happiness, decision-making, advertising, consumer behavior, expectations, disappointment, materialism, regret, choice fatigue, psychological impact, marketing ethics, product effectiveness, consumer dissatisfaction choice overload, happiness, advertising, decision-making, consumer behavior, regret, expectations, disappointment, buyer's remorse, ultimatum effect, consumer psychology, product efficacy, visual advertising, cosmetic ads, British regulation, psychological impact, stock market choices, marketing ethics
test-economy-beplcpdffe-pro01a	Gambling is bad for you.  Gamblers may win money from time to time, but in the long run, the House always wins. Why should governments allow an activity that helps their citizens lose the money they have worked so hard to earn? The harm is not just the loss of money and possible bankruptcy; it causes depression, insomnia, and other stress related disorders [4]. The internet has made gambling so much easier to do and encouraged lots of new people to place bets so dramatically multiplying the harm. gambling, gambling risks, gambling harm, gambling addiction, financial loss, mental health, depression, insomnia, stress disorders, internet gambling, online betting, gambling regulation, societal impact, government policy, gambling harms, addiction prevention gambling, negative effects, addiction, financial loss, mental health, depression, insomnia, stress, internet gambling, accessibility, social impact, regulation, harm prevention, gambling addiction, economic consequences gambling, negative effects, addiction, mental health, depression, insomnia, stress, financial loss, bankruptcy, internet gambling, easy access, increased risk, gambling harms, societal impact, regulation, government policies gambling, addiction, financial loss, harm, mental health, depression, insomnia, stress, internet gambling, gambling regulation, society impact, economic consequences, gambling addiction, health risks, responsible gambling gambling, addiction, financial harm, mental health, depression, insomnia, stress, internet gambling, gambling addiction, societal impact, regulatory policies, public health, gambling industry, economic consequences, gambling laws
test-law-lghbacpsba-con03a	Client-Attorney Privilege is already qualified appropriately  In exceptional circumstances, solicitors are told that they may depart from the rule of confidentiality contained in Rule 4 of the Solicitors' Code of conduct. Note 9 states that there are some regulatory bodies that are entitled to be informed of apparently confidential client communications. [1] In cases of suspected money laundering, solicitors have a duty under the Money Laundering Regulations 2007 [2] to inform relevant bodies of any suspected money laundering or any handling of the proceeds of crime. This means that there is flexibility in the rule of client confidentiality and client-attorney privilege which allows for justice to take its course in serious circumstances.  [1] Rule 4: Confidentiality and disclosure, Solicitors’ Code of Conduct 2007,  accessed 18/05/11  [2] The Money Laundering Regulations 2007, legislation.gov.uk, No2157, 2007, client-attorney privilege, confidentiality, solicitor code of conduct, Rule 4, confidentiality exceptions, regulatory bodies, client communications, money laundering regulations, Money Laundering Regulations 2007, duty to report, criminal proceeds, legal ethical considerations, confidentiality flexibility, legal obligations, justice, professional conduct client-attorney privilege, confidentiality, solicitors' code of conduct, Rule 4, exceptional circumstances, regulatory bodies, confidential communications, money laundering, Money Laundering Regulations 2007, duty to inform, crime proceeds, legal confidentiality, legal ethics, professional conduct, legal exceptions, justice, regulatory compliance client-attorney privilege, confidentiality, Solicitors' Code of Conduct, Rule 4, exceptional circumstances, regulatory bodies, confidential client communications, money laundering, Money Laundering Regulations 2007, solicitor duty, legal confidentiality exceptions, legal ethics, legal regulations, information disclosure, crime proceeds, regulatory compliance Client-Attorney Privilege, confidentiality, Rule 4, Solicitors' Code of Conduct, Note 9, regulatory bodies, confidential communications, money laundering, Money Laundering Regulations 2007, duty, disclosure, legal privilege, exceptions, exceptional circumstances, solicitor obligations, crime proceeds, flexibility, justice, legal regulation client-attorney privilege, confidentiality, solicitor conduct, Rule 4, Solicitors' Code of Conduct, regulatory bodies, client communications, money laundering, Money Laundering Regulations 2007, duty to inform, legal confidentiality, exception, legal ethics, disclosure, legal regulation, criminal proceeds, legal obligations
test-religion-frghbbgi-pro05a	The Null Hypothesis  With regards to any proposition the only consistent and rational view is to assume that it is not true unless sufficient evidence is put forward to nullify that assumption.  The proposition need also be falsifiable, that is to say, there must be some potential fact that could be proven in order to disprove it. God is unfalsifiable because there is nothing. Null Hypothesis, falsifiability, scientific method, hypothesis testing, evidence-based reasoning, propositional logic, falsifiable statements, unfalsifiable, proof, disproof, scientific skepticism, empirical evidence, philosophy of science null hypothesis, falsifiability, scientific method, evidence, proposition, rational belief, falsifiable claim, disproving, unfalsifiable, God's existence, epistemology, scientific skepticism null hypothesis, falsifiability, scientific method, evidence-based, hypothesis testing, disproof, rational view, proposition, unfalsifiable, propositions, scientific skepticism, proof, disprove, philosophy of science Null Hypothesis, falsifiability, scientific method, evidence, proposition, disproof, unfalsifiable, rational view, assumption, scientific reasoning, proof null hypothesis, falsifiability, scientific method, hypothesis testing, evidence, rationality, proposition, disproof, falsifiable, unfalsifiable, proof, scientific skepticism, philosophy of science
test-economy-epsihbdns-con04a	Restrictions cause an incredible loss of potential  One of the best things about a functioning developed nation is that young people can choose their profession. Apart from this being beneficial for the individual, this means that the best suited person for a given trade will often be the same that pursues it. If we prevent people from moving freely we deprive the cities of talented people whose talents and skills are much better suited for urban professions than for rural jobs. In short, this policy would make farmers out of the potential lawyers, politicians, doctors, teachers etc. Indeed this is the whole basis of most models of migration, people leave rural areas because there is surplus labour in that area while the cities needs new workers. [1]  [1] Taylor, J. Edward, and Martin, Philip L., “Human Capital: Migration and Rural Population Change”, Handbook of Agricultural Economics, restrictions, potential loss, developed nation, youth, profession choice, talent, urban professions, rural jobs, migration, labor surplus, urbanization, human capital, rural population, economic mobility, employment, migration models restrictions, potential loss, freedom of movement, neural migration, urban professions, rural jobs, human capital, skilled migration, rural-urban migration, labor market, talent redistribution, migration models, urbanization, rural surplus labor, economic development restrictions, potential loss, free movement, talent migration, urban professions, rural jobs, rural-urban migration, labor surplus, human capital, migration models, rural population change, agricultural economics restrictions, potential loss, development, youth, profession choice, urban migration, rural-urban shift, skilled labor, talent migration, labor surplus, rural areas, urban jobs, migration models, human capital, regional development, economic mobility restrictions, potential loss, migration, urban professions, rural jobs, talent mobility, urbanization, labor surplus, rural-urban migration, human capital, economic development, migration models
test-health-ahiahbgbsp-pro04a	Reduces growth of tobacco  Less people smoking means less tobacco being purchased – something that would contribute to the reduction in the tobacco industry. The industry is known for its exploitative labour practices, from child labour (80,000 children in Malawi work in tobacco farming, can result in nicotine poisoning – 90% of what is grown is sold to American Big Tobacco 1 ) to extortionate loans. 2 Reducing the size of such an industry can only be a good thing.  1 Palitza, Kristin, “Child labour: tobacco’s smoking gun”, The Guardian, 14 September 2011,   2 Action on Smoking and Health, p3 tobacco, smoking, industry, child labour, exploitative practices, Malawi, nicotine poisoning, American Big Tobacco, loans, industry reduction, public health, tobacco farming, labour rights tobacco, smoking reduction, tobacco industry, exploitative labour, child labour, Malawi, nicotine poisoning, American Big Tobacco, loans, industry size, public health, tobacco farming, labor practices tobacco, smoking, industry reduction, child labour, nicotine poisoning, exploitative practices, tobacco farming, Malawi, American Big Tobacco, loans, industry size, health impact tobacco, smoking reduction, tobacco industry, exploitative labour, child labour, nicotine poisoning, Malawi, American Big Tobacco, tobacco farming, labour practices, industry reduction, public health, addiction, tobacco sales, social impact tobacco, smoking, industry reduction, child labour, nicotine poisoning, exploitative labour, Malawi, American Big Tobacco, loans, industry size, public health, tobacco farming, labour practices
test-religion-msgfhwbamec-pro03a	Women in arranged marriages in Europe are disproportionately likely to suffer abuse  Arranged marriages are often different when practiced in the home countries of many immigrant families in Europe, where women often have networks of friends and relatives to rely on. The danger with allowing arranged marriages to happen in EU countries are that the women at the centre are often far more vulnerable, away from their own family, unfamiliar with the local language and fully reliant on their husband’s family. This makes it easier for domestic abuses to go undetected which is simply compounding problems of underreporting. [1] It is therefore likely that there is more domestic violence within arranged marriages. [2]  This is shown even amongst women who still consented to arranged marriages but faced abuse from their husbands – such as with the case of Razia Sodagar, whose husband abandoned her for another woman after she failed to fall pregnant. [3]  This illustrates how it is not always easy to draw a clear division between arranged marriages and forced marriages, as the former can often bear the same characteristics as the latter. It would therefore be safer to outlaw both.  [1] ‘Ethnic domestic violence ‘hidden’’, BBC News, 20 September 2007,   [2] Gotrik, Jennifer, ‘India domestic abuse more common in ‘arranged’ marriages’, Womennewsnetwork, 12 September 2011,   [3] ‘Fighting Arranged Marriage Abuse,’ BBC, 12 July 1999 - women, arranged marriages, domestic violence, abuse, Europe, immigrant families, vulnerability, social networks, reporting, underreporting, forced marriages, language barrier, domestic abuse cases, Razia Sodagar, pregnancy, gender-based violence, ethnic violence, cultural practices, legal restrictions women, arranged marriages, domestic abuse, Europe, immigrant families, vulnerable women, underreporting, language barriers, isolation, domestic violence, forced marriage, cultural practices, intervention, legal reforms, ethnic minorities, gender violence, support networks, social integration women, arranged marriages, Europe, abuse, domestic violence, immigrant families, vulnerability, underreporting, language barrier, social networks, forced marriages, gender violence, cultural practices, legal measures, protective laws, migrant women, safety, family dynamics, social isolation, gender inequality women, arranged marriages, Europe, abuse, domestic violence, immigrant families, vulnerability, underreporting, language barrier, social networks, forced marriages, gender violence, cultural practices, legal measures, family dependence, domestic abuse cases, gender inequality, migration, women’s rights, social isolation, abuse detection, marriage consent Women, arranged marriages, Europe, domestic abuse, immigrant families, vulnerability, social networks, language barriers, underreporting, domestic violence, consent, forced marriages, legal policy, ethnic violence, case studies, Razia Sodagar, gender violence, cultural practices, legal reforms
test-religion-wcprrgrhbmi-con02a	A practice that is thousands of years old and has not been found to cause harm during that time is unlikely to now  Where there compelling evidence from medical science that a process that predates it had some proven harm then there might be good reason to restrict it but that evidence simply isn’t there. What is known is that circumcisions have been performed for millennia without causing widespread difficulties. In addition, historically, the procedure has been performed in circumstances far less safe than the confines of a modern, well-equipped hospital where it usually takes place now, and to no apparent ill effect.  Even using the term ‘abuse’ to describe such a practice shows a lack of respect for those people who are genuinely victims of abuse. circumcision, ancient practices, medical science, harm, historical safety, medical evidence, religious rituals, cultural traditions, health risks, procedural safety, abuse, ethical considerations, centuries-old, medical research, societal norms circumcision, historical practices, medical science, evidence, harm, safety, tradition, cultural practices, medical history, controversy, medical ethics, procedure safety, long-standing tradition, abuse, victimization circumcision, tradition, safety, medical science, historical practices, harm, evidence, millennia, procedure, health, medical ethics, cultural practices, wellbeing, abuse circumcision, tradition, medical science, harm, safety, history, long-standing practice, health risks, cultural practices, abuse, effectiveness, evidence-based, medical ethics, rituals, age-old practices circumcision, ancient practices, medical science, safety, harm, historical procedures, tradition, evidence, health risks, cultural practices, medical ethics, human rights, abuse, victimization
test-international-sepiahbaaw-pro02a	Environmental Damage  Both licit and illicit resource extraction have caused ecological and environmental damage in Africa. The procurement of many natural resources requires processes such as mining and deforestation, which are harmful to the environment. Deforestation for access purposes, timber and cattle has led to around 3.4 million hectares of woodland being destroyed between 2000 and 2010 and, in turn, soil degradation [1] . As Africa’s rainforest are necessary for global ecological systems, this is a significant loss. Mining and transportation also create damage through pollution and the scarring of the landscape. Mining produces various harmful chemicals which contaminate water and soil, a process which is worsened by illicit groups who cut corners to ensure higher profits [2] .  [1] Food and Agriculture Organization of the United States ‘World deforestation decreases, but remains in many countries’   [2] Kolver,L. ‘Illegal mining threat to lawful operations, safety and the environment’ Mining Weekly 16 August 2013 environmental damage, resource extraction, Africa, ecological impact, deforestation, soil degradation, mining pollution, illegal mining, landscape scarring, water contamination, soil contamination, timber exploitation, cattle farming, woodland loss, rainforest destruction, ecological systems, pollution, harmful chemicals, illicit groups, environmental impact assessment Environmental Damage, resource extraction, ecological impact, illicit mining, legal mining, deforestation, forest loss, soil degradation, water pollution, landscape scarring, chemical contamination, forest ecosystems, rainforest destruction, Africa, mining pollution, transportation damage, illegal groups, environmental conservation, sustainability, economic impact environmental damage, resource extraction, ecological impact, Africa, mining, deforestation, soil degradation, woodland loss, rainforest, pollution, landscape scarring, harmful chemicals, water contamination, illicit mining, illegal mining, environmental pollution, ecological systems environmental damage, resource extraction, Africa, ecological damage, environmental harm, mining, deforestation, natural resources, soil degradation, timber, cattle, woodland loss, rainforest, pollution, landscape scarring, harmful chemicals, water contamination, illicit mining, illegal mining, environmental impact, ecological systems environmental damage, resource extraction, Africa, ecological impact, illicit mining, deforestation, land degradation, soil erosion, rainforest loss, pollution, landscape scarring, hazardous chemicals, water contamination, illegal mining, environmental safety, biodiversity loss, forest destruction, mineral extraction
test-digital-freedoms-aihbiahr-pro01a	"Internet access as a new human right.  Access to the internet can be considered a separate human right in and of itself. The UN special rapporteur in June 2011 published a report that implied that access to the internet is a human right “The Special Rapporteur remains concerned that legitimate online expression is being criminalized in contravention of States' international human rights obligations.” [1]  The right to internet access can meet the necessary conditions to be a human right; as a right is should be universal, everyone should have access not just a few. The internet is becoming much more than just a tool but is becoming a fundamental part of society creating a new sphere of interaction that everyone has a right to have access to.  Creating a right to internet access would be addressing a specific contemporary problem as with other human rights that are specific such as a right to basic schooling, enshrined in article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human rights. Not having access to the internet is similar to not having basic schooling; it considerably narrows people’s options and their horizons. As Tim Berners-Lee, the founder of the world wide web, argues ""Given the many ways the web is crucial to our lives and our work, disconnection is a form of deprivation of liberty."" [2]  [1] La Rue, Frank, Report of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Human Rights Council, Seventeenth session, A/HRC/17/27, 16 May 2011, p.10 .  [2] Burkeman, Oliver, ‘Inside Washington’s high risk mission to beat web censors’, guardian.co.uk, 15 April 2012. internet access, human right, UN rapporteur, digital rights, online expression, universal access, societal participation, fundamental right, digital divide, internet censorship, human rights obligations, societal interaction, digital inclusion, Tim Berners-Lee, web accessibility, freedom of information, internet deprivation, global connectivity, online freedom internet access, human right, UN, special rapporteur, digital rights, online expression, international law, freedom of speech, digital divide, universal access, societal integration, right to information, technology rights, web deprivation, digital inequality, fundamental rights, global connectivity, Tim Berners-Lee, web accessibility, privacy, censorship, internet policy Internet access, human right, digital rights, UN report, special rapporteur, online expression, international obligations, digital divide, universal access, fundamental right, society, interaction, contemporary rights, basic schooling, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, horizons, liberty, web, deprivation, freedom of opinion, expression, digital society, access inequality, internet policy, digital exclusion Internet access, human right, digital rights, UN report, online expression, internet freedom, universal access, digital society, information rights, internet as essential service, connectivity, digital inclusion, Tim Berners-Lee, web accessibility, human rights obligations, digital divide, online censorship, freedom of information, internet policy, global connectivity Internet access, human right, digital rights, UN report, special rapporteur, online expression, internet as society, fundamental interaction, universal access, digital divide, basic schooling, human rights analogy, Tim Berners-Lee, web importance, internet deprivation, liberty, right to connect, internet censorship, freedom of speech, digital equality, access to information, global connectivity"
test-education-pteuhwfphe-pro01a	Delivering funding via a graduate tax is the best way to encourage more students to enter higher education  A graduate tax is the best way to increase access to higher education without massively burdening the government with an open-ended financial commitment. It is not a deterrent to the poorer students in the way fees and loans-based schemes are and which simply appear to block access, yet it still delivers sufficient extra capital to fund the increase of students entering university. Australia’s introduction of a graduate tax has been successful enough to allow university places to grow rapidly following its introduction with participation from both high and low income groups increasing by approximately one third. (Chapman, B. 1997). Therefore, a graduate tax removes the expensive barriers to entry that had previously kept out low-income groups, whilst not discouraging the high-income groups from tertiary education. graduate tax, higher education, university funding, access, student participation, lower income students, higher income students, Australia, educational finance, barriers to entry, student loans, government funding, educational policy, participation increase graduate tax, higher education, funding, access, government burden, financial commitment, student participation, university admissions, income groups, Australia, education policy, barriers, low-income students, high-income students, tuition fees, loans, educational affordability graduate tax, funding, higher education, access, government burden, student participation, low-income students, university funding, Australia, education policy, financial barriers, income groups, education funding model graduate tax, higher education, funding, access, government burden, financial commitment, student participation, university funding, income groups, education affordability, Australia, policy effectiveness, educational barriers, low-income students, high-income students graduate tax, higher education, student access, funding, government burden, financial commitment, affordability, low-income students, university funding, Australia, higher education participation, socioeconomic barriers, tertiary education, educational policy
test-environment-assgbatj-pro05a	It would send out a consistent message  Most countries have animal welfare laws to prevent animal cruelty but have laws like the UK’s Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, [10] that stop animal testing being a crime. This makes means some people can do things to animals, but not others. If the government are serious about animal abuse, why allow anyone to do it? animal welfare, animal cruelty laws, animal testing, UK Animals Scientific Procedures Act 1986, animal abuse regulation, legal exceptions, ethical considerations, government policies, animal rights, scientific research laws animal welfare, animal cruelty, animal testing, legislation, UK Animals Scientific Procedures Act 1986, animal abuse laws, government regulation, ethical testing, animal rights, scientific procedures, cruelty prevention animal welfare, animal cruelty, animal testing, scientific procedures, UK legislation, Animals Act 1986, legal inconsistencies, government responsibility, animal abuse laws, ethical considerations animal welfare, animal cruelty, laws, legislation, animal testing, scientific procedures, UK Animals Act, animal rights, ethical standards, government, regulation, enforcement, animal abuse prevention animal welfare, laws, animal cruelty, animal testing, scientific procedures, UK legislation, Animals Act 1986, animal abuse, legal inconsistencies, government policies, animal rights, ethical considerations
test-law-lgplhbssbco-con01a	This is not the role of the criminal law  Criminal legislation is not the vehicle for society’s pronouncements on questions of how one should live one’s life. It instead involves the entirely practical exercise of ensuring that individuals are able to live freely and enjoy their freedom without fear of external interferences like theft, violence or murder. Criminal legislation should guarantee a safe space for autonomous individual action - like suicide. criminal law, criminal legislation, society, personal life, individual freedom, autonomy, freedom from interference, safety, theft, violence, murder, suicide, legal rights, personal autonomy, protection, societal guidance criminal law, criminal legislation, individual freedom, autonomy, personal liberty, societal norms, safety, criminal justice, criminal rights, ethical issues, self-determination, personal responsibility, civil liberties, public safety, societal values, moral principles, legal boundaries criminal law, criminal legislation, societal pronouncements, personal life, individual freedom, external interference, safety, autonomy, self-harm, suicide, criminal justice, personal autonomy, legal boundaries, public safety criminal law, criminal legislation, societal pronouncements, individual liberty, personal freedom, external interference, theft, violence, murder, autonomous action, safety, free living, suicide criminal law, criminal legislation, society's pronouncements, individual freedom, autonomous action, safety, theft, violence, murder, personal autonomy, free exercise, legal protections, societal values
test-law-tlcplghwfne-pro02a	Needle exchanges protect the public  Needle exchanges allow drug addicts a convenient and safe place to throw away used needles. This directly protects the public from stray needles that are sometimes put in rubbish bins or left lying around. Specifically this protects children who often don’t know to avoid needles but it also protects sanitation workers and other staff from being accidentally struck by a needle.  Further, the families of those who are drug addicts can also be helped. Partners and loved ones are much more likely to come into contact with the drug addict and fluid exchange is possible. Given that this is the case, the benefits of needle exchanges also extend to these people.1  1. Franciscus, Alan. “Needle Exchange - A Matter of Public Health So why is the government playing politics with this ticking time bomb?” Hepatitis Mag, April 2003. needle exchanges, public safety, drug addiction, needles disposal, stray needles, children safety, sanitation workers, accidental needle sticks, drug addicts families, fluid exchange, public health, government policy, hepatitis, harm reduction needle exchanges, public safety, drug addiction, syringe disposal, stray needles, children safety, sanitation workers, needle injury prevention, harm reduction, public health, drug user support, fluid exchange, family protection, hepatitis prevention, government policy, health hazard, drug paraphernalia, community health, needle safety needle exchanges, public health, drug addiction, safe needle disposal, stray needles, children's safety, sanitation workers, needle safety, fluid exchange, harm reduction, hepatitis prevention, government policy, public safety, drug user safety, community health needle exchanges, public health, drug addiction, needle disposal, safety, stray needles, children safety, sanitation workers, risk prevention, fluid exchange, family support, harm reduction, hepatitis, public safety, drug policy needle exchanges, public health, drug addiction, needle safety, safe disposal, stray needles, children protection, sanitation workers, needle injuries, harm reduction, drug user families, fluid exchange, hepatitis prevention, government policy, public safety, drug harm reduction
test-philosophy-npppmhwup-con01a	Achievements should be earned not given  There is a great possibility that beneficiaries of positive discrimination may not be regarded as good role models as their achievements may be viewed as unearned. [1] A role model is someone others can look up to and admire for the things they achieved through hard work and talent – by parachuting people into university, their ability to act as a role model is undermined. It is also patronising to assume that young people from ethnic minorities can only look up to people who have the same colour skin, or went to the same type of school – in a society that admires diversity and cosmopolitanism, we should surely accept that anyone can act as a role model.  [1] The British Psychological Society. “The Hillary Clinton effect - how role models work for some people but not others”. Achievements, earned, positive discrimination, role models, unearned, admiration, hard work, talent, diversity, multiculturalism, ethnic minorities, patronising, society, British Psychological Society, Hillary Clinton Achievements, rewards, positive discrimination, role models, merit, success, diversity, ethnic minorities, societal norms, stereotyping, inclusivity, education, representation, meritocracy, role model perception, social equality Achievements, merit, positive discrimination, role models, hard work, talent, diversity, ethnic minorities, societal values, cosmopolitanism, social equality, representation, student motivation, social perception Achievements, earned, positive discrimination, role model, unearned, admiration, hard work, talent, diversity, cosmopolitanism, ethnic minorities, stereotypes, social equality, representation, mentorship, societal values Achievements, merit, positive discrimination, role models, success, hard work, talent, diversity, ethnic minorities, admiration, societal values, cosmopolitanism, British Psychological Society, Hillary Clinton effect
test-economy-bhahwbsps-con03a	This ban would put many pubs, clubs, etc. out of business.  If smokers are not allowed to smoke in pubs, they will not spend as much time in them, preferring to stay at home where they can smoke with their friends. This will put many pubs out of business. In fact, since the smoking ban was introduced in the UK, many pubs have closed and blamed their loss of business on the smoking ban1. The Save Our Pubs & Clubs campaign estimates that the smoking ban in the UK is responsible for 20 pub closures a week2. This is an unfair consequence for the many pub-owners across the world.  1 'MPs campaign to relax smoking ban in pubs', BBC News, 29 June 2011,   2 'Why we want government to amend the smoking ban', Save Our Pubs & Clubs, smoking ban, pubs, clubs, business impact, pub closures, UK legislation, smoking restrictions, pub owners, economic consequences, public health, social drinking, smoking regulations, campaign, government policy, pub industry smoking ban, pubs, clubs, business closure, UK, smoking restrictions, pub closures, economic impact, pub owners, smoking policy, public health, business decline, social habits, smoking legislation, campaign, peer influence smoking ban, pubs, clubs, business closure, UK, smoking restrictions, pub industry, smoke-free policies, economic impact, pub closures, pub owners, social habits, government regulations, public health, campaign, Save Our Pubs & Clubs smoking ban, pubs, pubs closure, UK, pub owners, impact of smoking ban, businesses, public health, secondhand smoke, legislation, smoking restrictions, economic effect, entertainment venues, government policy, smoking regulations smoking ban, pubs, pubs closures, UK, pub owners, smoking restrictions, business impact, pub industry, smoking policy, pub closure statistics, smoking ban consequences, pub revenue loss, legislation effects, pub culture, public health, economic impact, hospitality industry
test-law-phwmfri-pro01a	Rich and poor now face equality of impact of punishment  The purpose of a fine is to ensure that the offender faces the consequences of their actions. The extent to which a financial penalty feels like a negative consequence is relative to the amount of income someone has, not to the simple amount that the fine is. That is, if someone earning £200 per week is fined £100, that will feel more severe than a £100 fine would feel to someone earning £2000 per week.  Therefore, if you make fines proportional to the income someone has, all people feel the impact of the punishment equally, rather than the poor facing a punishment with a harsher impact on them than on the rich. criminal justice, fines, proportionality, income, inequality, punishment impact, socioeconomic disparities, financial penalties, justice reform, penal system, fairness, income-based fines punishment, fines, income disparity, proportional fines, equality, criminal justice, financial penalties, socioeconomic justice, impact of fines, income level, punishment severity, fairness, criminal sanctions punishment, fine, income proportionality, inequality, financial penalty, justice, social equity, punishment impact, income disparity, penal system, economic inequality, fairness, criminal justice, socioeconomic factors legalpenalties, fines, income proportionality, punishment impact, social inequality, criminal justice, economic disparity, fairness in punishment, income-based fines, criminal sanctions punishment, fines, income proportionality, equality, socioeconomic impact, criminal justice, financial penalty, offender accountability, fairness, income inequality, severity perception, penalty effectiveness
test-philosophy-pppthbtcb-pro02a	Terrorism can lead to discussion  In some cases, terrorism can result in the acknowledgement of certain groups. Therefore, terrorism is justified by its success in achieving results when peaceful means have failed. In many countries terrorists have succeeded in bringing governments to negotiate with them and make concessions to them. Where governments have not been willing to concede to rational argument and peaceful protest, terrorism can compel recognition of a cause. Nelson Mandela moved from terrorist to President. In many other countries we see this trend too – in Israel, Northern Ireland, in Sri Lanka, and in the Oslo peace process that led to the creation of the Palestinian Authority. [1]  [1] Palestine Facts. (n.d.). Details of the Oslo Accords. Retrieved August 3, 2011, from Palestine Facts: terrorism, justification, success, peaceful means, negotiation, concessions, government, recognition, rational argument, peaceful protest, Nelson Mandela, terrorist, President, Israel, Northern Ireland, Sri Lanka, Oslo peace process, Palestinian Authority terrorism, justification, success, peaceful means, negotiations, concessions, recognition, political violence, Mandela, terrorist to leader, historical examples, Israel, Northern Ireland, Sri Lanka, Oslo peace process, Palestinian Authority terrorism, justification, success, peaceful means, negotiation, concessions, government, recognition, cause, Nelson Mandela, terrorist, President, Israel, Northern Ireland, Sri Lanka, Oslo peace process, Palestinian Authority, terrorism debate, political violence, conflict resolution terrorism, justification, success, negotiation, concessions, governments, peaceful means, recognition, causes, Nelson Mandela, terrorist, peace process, Oslo accords, Palestinian Authority, conflict resolution, political violence terrorism, justification, success, negotiation, concessions, government, recognition, peaceful means, militant groups, Nelson Mandela, political change, conflict resolution, nonviolent protest, Palestinian Authority, Oslo Accords, peace process, intractable conflicts, insurgency, terrorism outcomes
test-environment-aeghhgwpe-pro01a	It is immoral to kill animals  As evolved human beings it is our moral duty to inflict as little pain as possible for our survival. So if we do not need to inflict pain to animals in order to survive, we should not do it. Farm animals such as chickens, pigs, sheep, and cows are sentient living beings like us - they are our evolutionary cousins and like us they can feel pleasure and pain. The 18th century utilitarian philosopher Jeremy Bentham even believed that animal suffering was just as serious as human suffering and likened the idea of human superiority to racism. It is wrong to farm and kill these animals for food when we do not need to do so. The methods of farming and slaughter of these animals are often barbaric and cruel - even on supposedly 'free range' farms. [1] Ten billion animals were slaughtered for human consumption each year, stated PETA. And unlike the farms long time ago, where animals roamed freely, today, most animals are factory farmed: —crammed into cages where they can barely move and fed a diet adulterated with pesticides and antibiotics. These animals spend their entire lives in their “prisoner cells” so small that they can't even turn around. Many suffer serious health problems and even death because they are selectively bred to grow or produce milk or eggs at a far greater rate than their bodies are capable of coping with. At the slaughterhouse, there were millions of others who are killed every year for food.  Further on Tom Regan explains that all duties regarding animals are indirect duties to one another from a philosophical point of view. He illustrates it with an analogy regarding children: “Children, for example, are unable to sign contracts and lack rights. But they are protected by the moral contract nonetheless because of the sentimental interests of others. So we have, then, duties involving these children, duties regarding them, but no duties to them. Our duties in their case are indirect duties to other human beings, usually their parents.” [2] With this he supports the theory that animals must be protected from suffering, as it is moral to protect any living being from suffering, not because we have a moral contract with them, but mainly due to respect of life and recognition of suffering itself.  [1] Claire Suddath, A brief history of Veganism, Time, 30 October 2008  [2] Tom Regan, The case for animal rights, 1989 animal rights, morality, veganism, animal suffering, sentience, utilitarianism, Jeremy Bentham, speciesism, ethics, animal cruelty, factory farming, animal welfare, abolitionism, Tom Regan, indirect duties, moral duty, compassion, species equality, humane treatment, slaughter methods, animal exploitation, ethical farming animal rights, morality, cruelty, veganism, utilitarianism, sentience, suffering, factory farming, slaughter, ethical treatment, Jeremy Bentham, Tom Regan, moral duties, animal welfare, compassion, speciesism, humane farming, animal exploitation, rights-based ethics, animal protection, ethical consumption animal rights, animal suffering, morality, animal cruelty, veganism, utilitarianism, Jeremy Bentham, Tom Regan, factory farming, animal welfare, sentience, ethical farming, slaughter methods, animal protection, indirect duties, moral philosophy, speciesism, humane treatment, animal ethics, vegetarianism, animal advocacy animal rights, morality, animal cruelty, sentience, utilitarianism, Jeremy Bentham, suffering, ethical farming, factory farming, animal welfare, veganism, animal protection, indirect duties, Tom Regan, moral obligations, life respect, humane slaughter, animal suffering, animal consciousness, ethical considerations, animal exploitation animal rights, morality, veganism, suffering, sentience, farm animals, factory farming, slaughter, cruelty, Jeremy Bentham, utilitarianism, indirect duties, moral obligations, ethics, animal welfare, animal protection, humane treatment, speciesism, moral philosophy, Tom Regan, respect for life
test-health-hgwhwbjfs-con01a	Schools should educate about healthy choices, not make them on the students’ behalf.  Although it might be very tempting for the government to try and attack the problem of childhood obesity by attempting to change, in essence, the very choices our kids can make, this is the wrong way of going about doing it.  The purpose of schools is education – the genesis of active and useful members of society. A large extent of what schools do is imprinting the ideas the society values. In most western countries those would be the ideas of fairness, democracy, freedom of expression, etc. The other side of the coin is the transference of knowledge, knowledge of mathematics, history, but also of biology, health and nutrition.  We see thus that the proposed ban on specific choices one makes in school, whether be it choices regarding food or choices regarding the clothes one wears, the ideas one expresses, and so on, is truly meaningless in the existing concept of education.  What the schools should be doing is putting more emphasis on getting the message of the importance of a healthy lifestyle across. Our kids should be taught that this lifestyle consists of more than just whether or not we chose to eat a hamburger and fries for lunch. In short, this ban falls short of truly educating the children about how important physical activity, balanced meals and indulging in moderation are.  They should also focus on the importance of choice, since in the case of childhood obesity, making the right nutritional and lifestyle choices is of paramount importance. But they should also focus on the importance of choice for a society and how all should take responsibility for their choices in such a society. education, healthy choices, childhood obesity, school policy, student autonomy, health education, nutrition, physical activity, lifestyle, societal responsibility, balanced diet, moderation, decision-making, government intervention, societal values, knowledge transfer schools, education, healthy choices, childhood obesity, government, personal responsibility, societal values, democracy, fairness, freedom of expression, knowledge transfer, health education, nutrition, physical activity, balanced meals, moderation, lifestyle, decision-making, responsibility, societal responsibility schools, education, childhood obesity, healthy choices, government intervention, societal values, knowledge transfer, health education, nutrition, physical activity, balanced diet, moderation, personal responsibility, societal responsibility, lifestyle choices education, healthy choices, childhood obesity, school curriculum, societal values, knowledge transfer, health education, nutrition, physical activity, balanced meals, moderation, personal responsibility, societal responsibility, lifestyle, decision-making, education philosophy education, healthy choices, childhood obesity, school curriculum, lifestyle, nutrition, physical activity, balanced meals, moderation, responsibility, society, decision-making, knowledge transfer, societal values, health education, personal decision, health awareness, behavioural education
test-international-aegmeppghw-pro02a	Turkey has precedents, such as Romania and Bulgaria, both of whom were accepted into the EU  Romania and Bulgaria, who have by far the worst human rights’ records, were prioritized over Turkey when they were granted the right of accession, joining the EU in 2007. The EU rewarded states that have made a big effort to democratize and change policy in order to be allowed in to the EU. By essentially procrastinating on Turkey's case, the EU are discouraging Turkey from making the required changes to their legislature and norms and thus hindering their chances of accession. Countries such as Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic were pressurized to reform at a rapid pace after being promised by the EU they would likely be in the EU in a relatively short period of time; Turkey has been given no such promises. Turkey should have even more 'right' to be in the EU as these states, as it formally applied for membership long before these states and should thus be given priority over them. Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria, European Union, EU accession, human rights, democracy, reforms, membership, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, promise, priorities, legislation, norms, eligibility, precedents Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria, EU accession, human rights, democratization, policy reform, member states, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, EU enlargement, promise, membership application, priority. Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria, European Union, EU membership, human rights, accession, democratization, policy change, EU enlargement, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, reform, promises, application, priority, membership criteria, norms, legislature, reform pressure, human rights records Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria, EU accession, human rights, democratization, policy reform, membership precedence, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, EU promises, legislative changes, accession criteria, EU enlargement, candidate countries Turkey, EU accession, Romania, Bulgaria, human rights, democratization, policy reform, EU enlargement, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, promise, membership, priority, reform pressure
test-philosophy-eppphwlrtjs-pro01a	"It may be necessary to limit trial by jury in terrorism cases, or other cases surrounding large national security issues.  There are three reasons why this is the case. First, terrorist groups may threaten jury members (see Argument 2 for more detail). Second, terrorism may politicize the jury (see Argument 3 for more detail). Third, the state may be limited in what information it can provide if jurors are present. The government may be unable or unwilling to present classified information for fear of intelligence leaks; for example if it does not want to reveal intelligence methods and sources to the public. This reluctance may make it very difficult to prosecute terrorists. The implication is that the unique national security issues terrorism trials pose may make juries untenable if we ever want to convict terrorists of serious crimes.1 1Laura K. Donohue, ""Terrorism and Trial by Jury: The Vices and Virtues of British and American Criminal Law"" terrorism, jury trial, national security, jury intimidation, politicization, classified information, intelligence leaks, prosecution challenges, terrorism cases, security issues, jury impartiality, legal constraints, government secrecy, terrorism prosecution, trial limitations jury, terrorism, national security, trial limitations, jury threats, politicization, classified information, intelligence leaks, prosecution challenges, terrorism trials, security concerns, government transparency, courtroom security, legal restrictions, classified evidence terrorism, jury, national security, trial limitations, jury intimidation, politicization, classified information, intelligence leaks, prosecution, terrorism trials, jury threats, government secrecy, legal challenges, security concerns, terrorism prosecution, jury feasibility jury, terrorism, national security, trial limits, jury intimidation, politicization, classified information, intelligence leaks, prosecution challenges, security concerns, terrorism trial issues, legal restrictions, adversarial process, jury safety, government secrecy jury, terrorism, national security, trial limitations, jury threats, jury politicization, classified information, intelligence leaks, prosecution challenges, security concerns, terrorism trials, juror safety, government secrecy, intelligence methods, legal constraints, trial fairness, jury reliability"
test-science-eassgbatj-con04a	Animal research is only used when it’s needed  EU member states and the US have laws to stop animals being used for research if there is any alternative. The 3Rs principles are commonly used. Animal testing is being Refined for better results and less suffering, Replaced, and Reduced in terms of the number of animals used. This means that less animals have to suffer, and the research is better. animal research, 3Rs principles, refinement, replacement, reduction, animal testing, ethical research, EU laws, US laws, alternatives to animal testing, animal welfare, research ethics animal research, EU laws, US laws, 3Rs principles, animal testing, refinement, replacement, reduction, animal suffering, ethical research, alternatives to animal testing animal research, 3Rs principles, refinement, replacement, reduction, animal testing, animal welfare, ethical research, EU laws, US laws, alternatives to animal testing, research ethics, animal suffering, scientific improvements animal research, EU laws, US laws, 3Rs principles, animal testing, refine, replace, reduce, animal suffering, ethical research, alternative methods, research ethics, animal welfare animal research, laws, EU, US, alternatives, 3Rs principles, refinement, replacement, reduction, animal testing, ethics, animal welfare, scientific research, laboratory animals
test-education-ufsdfkhbwu-con02a	‘Separation of town and gown’  There are two parties involved in this interaction, the state and the university. To pretend that is an entirely one way process is to ignore reality. Contrary to the belief of many Senior Common Rooms, states do not exist for the convenience of universities. Indeed universities quite happily accept the political and economic stability provided by states at exactly the same time as criticising the methods they need to use to maintain it.  However, ultimately universities are service providers from the point of view of the state, training and skilling the workforce. The university provides its expertise in exchange for funding and student fees. Where, exactly, the opinions of the faculty enter into such an equation is not clear and appears to have been assumed by proposition. Of course individual academics and students have the right to their own political views but the idea that a university as an institution has rights distinct from, say, a supermarket chain is impossible to justify. If a supermarket announced that it should be free to ignore local laws and adopt those of its base state instead, that would clearly be rejected. Just as when a food chain invests in a country for, say, beef, the arrangement is predicated on the understanding that both parties benefit and each has a little room for negotiation. [i] The same should apply here. If prop were to argue that Asian nations should relax there approach to cannabis so that it students could enjoy a more genuine ‘Western student experience’ the statement would be the subject of ridicule, so should this be.  [i] Smith, David, ‘Tesco should give us some of these billions’, guardian.co.uk, 15 May 2009, separation, town, gown, university, state, interaction, politics, economics, academia, funding, student fees, faculty, rights, institutions, service providers, legal frameworks, negotiation, international relations, globalization, higher education, political influence, institutional autonomy separation, town gown, university, state, politics, funding, student fees, academic rights, institutional autonomy, university-state relationship, service provision, political views, legal compliance, economic stability, higher education, commercialization, international influence, policy, negotiation, global education, student experience town and gown, university, state, politics, funding, higher education, academic freedom, institutional rights, service provision, public policy, stakeholder relationship, political influence, legal compliance, economic stability, university funding, faculty opinions, student rights, corporate analogy, negotiations, international standards, student experience, cannabis regulation, political views Town and gown, university, state, politics, policy, academic freedom, university-state relations, funding, service provision, political views, legal compliance, economic interests, negotiation, international relations, student experience, institutional rights, autonomy, economic dependence, public policy, legal laws, commercial interests Town and gown, university state relations, academic freedom, institutional rights, higher education policy, government funding, university autonomy, political influence, funding negotiations, stakeholder interests, university economics, legal compliance, global education policies, cross-national education, student experience, corporate influence, legal jurisdiction, ethical considerations, economic stability, university independence
test-international-bldimehbn-con02a	Citizens deserve the right to know what is happening in their name.  It is up to the public to decide whether those actions that are reported are right or wrong, journalists and broadcasters should not act as a filter in that process. Many of these actions – imprisonments, internments, brutality and others – are conducted by governments in the name of the people. Sometimes this is done under euphemisms such as ‘protecting public morality’ or in the name of a majority religion. This is used as a catch all as shown by the case of journalist Sofiene Chourabi who was arrested for ‘harming public morals’ in response to calling for a protest against the governing party in Tunisia. [1] It seems only reasonable that people have the right to know what is being done in their name, how their morality is being ‘protected’ or what their faith is being used to justify.  The failure to do so assumes that the public – individually and collectively – are either to foolish to understand or too callous to care. Either or both of those things may be true, although it seems unlikely, but it is certainly not the role of the individual journalist or editor to make such an assumption. Even was that assumption true, it still does not change the facts. In the words of C.P. Snow, “Comment is free but facts are sacred”. [2] These events happened, they happened to citizens of that country, they affect how the rest of the world views that country and how the government views and treats its citizens. On every count, that is news.  [1] ‘Tunisian journalist faces ‘public morals’ charge after criticizing government’, Amnesty International, 8 August 2012,   [2] ‘Comment is free’, guardian.co.uk, citizens rights, public awareness, government actions, journalism ethics, freedom of press, reporting bias, government censorship, repression, human rights violations, political imprisonment, internal internments, police brutality, euphemisms, moral justification, religious influence, journalist arrest, protest suppression, Tunisian politics, governmental transparency, information access, societal morality, public opinion, media role, fact reporting, censorship consequences citizens rights, transparency, government actions, journalism ethics, press freedom, censorship, repression, human rights, censorship, protests, democracy, public morality, faith, government justification, journalist arrest, media censorship, political repression, civil liberties, accountability, sovereignty, free speech citizens, right to know, transparency, government actions, journalism, media ethics, censorship, human rights, repression, state violence, imprisonment, internment, brutality, public morality, religion, political protests, freedom of speech, press freedom, censorship, censorship laws, journalist arrest, Sofiene Chourabi, Tunisia, public awareness, accountability, state justification, government oppression, collective awareness, factual reporting, C.P. Snow, information rights, media responsibility, citizen rights citizens rights, transparency, government actions, journalism ethics, media freedom, censorship, press independence, human rights, political repression, state violence, public morality, freedom of information, journalist rights, investigative journalism, government accountability, censorship laws, freedom of speech, press censorship, political protests, rights to know, government transparency, international human rights, citizen activism, social justice citizens, right to know, transparency, government actions, journalism, broadcasting, media bias, state repression, political imprisonment, internment, police brutality, euphemisms, public morality, religion, censorship, protest, Tunisia, Sofiene Chourabi, freedom of speech, whistleblowing, censorship, accountability, government justification, public interest, factual reporting, media ethics, human rights, press freedom
test-health-dhiacihwph-pro03a	Reduce the prominence of bad and fake drugs  The increased availability of high quality generic drugs will reduce the numbers of bad and fake pharmaceuticals on the markets. The cost of patented drugs has forced many to search for other options. This is exploited by the billion dollar global counterfeit drug trade [1] . Fake drugs are the cause of around 100,000 deaths in Africa every year. Bad drugs, which are substandard, have also found their way in to Africa; one in six tuberculosis pills have been found to be of a poor quality [2] . The widespread introduction of low cost, high quality drugs will hopefully ensure that consumers do not turn to sellers in market places.  [1] Sambira,J. ‘Counterfeit drugs raise Africa’s temperature’  [2] Ibid counterfeit drugs, fake pharmaceuticals, high quality generic drugs, substandard drugs, counterfeit trade, drug safety, drug quality, Africa healthcare, tuberculosis quality, low-cost medicines, drug regulation, pharmaceutical integrity, counterfeit medicine deaths, drug market, consumer protection counterfeit drugs, fake pharmaceuticals, low quality drugs, high quality generic drugs, drug safety, substandard drugs, drug regulation, Africa, counterfeit trade, drug deaths, tuberculosis medication, drug market, pharmaceutical quality, drug affordability counterfeit drugs,fake pharmaceuticals,substandard drugs,generic drugs,drug quality,drug safety,pharmaceuticals Africa,drug deaths,TB medication,low-cost drugs,drug regulation,marketplaces,drug trade,public health,drug authenticity counterfeit drugs, fake pharmaceuticals, drug quality, generic drugs, pharmaceutical trade, substandard drugs, drug safety, Africa healthcare, tuberculosis medication, drug regulation, counterfeit trade, drug deaths, counterfeit market, pharmaceutical quality, medication safety counterfeit drugs, fake pharmaceuticals, high-quality generic drugs, drug safety, substandard drugs, counterfeit trade, counterfeit mortality, drug quality, Africa health, tuberculosis medication, drug regulation, pharmaceutical quality control
test-culture-mthbah-pro05a	Advertisements tell children that they should have everything they want.  Advertising gives the impression, especially to children, that they can and should have everything they want. This makes people too interested in material things. People are becoming more selfish and obsessed with their possessions, and losing their values of patience, hard work, moderation and the importance of non-material things like family and friends. This harms their relationships and their personal development, which has serious effects for society as a whole. advertisements, children, materialism, consumerism, values, selfishness, possessions, relationships, personal development, society, material things, patience, hard work, moderation, non-material possessions advertisements, children, materialism, consumerism, selfishness, possessions, values, patience, hard work, moderation, non-material, family, friends, relationships, personal development, society advertising, children, materialism, possessiveness, values, patience, hard work, moderation, non-material values, family, relationships, personal development, societal impact advertisements, children, materialism, consumerism, values, selfishness, possessions, patience, hard work, moderation, non-material, family, friends, relationships, personal development, society advertisements, children, materialism, consumerism, selfishness, possessions, values, patience, hard work, moderation, relationships, personal development, society
test-law-lghbacpsba-con02a	It better enables Attorneys to advance their client's case  An attorney's main duty is owed to their client. Under Rule 1.04 of the Solicitors' Code of Conduct a solicitor “must act in the best interests of each client”. [1] It is part of the adversarial system that we have that two opposing parties in litigation argue for their best interests. The whole working of the adversarial system of justice is that each party knows the facts but argues the facts that most support their case. To take away client-attorney privilege is to undermine this way of achieving justice.  [1] Rule 1: Core duties, Solicitors’ Code of Conduct 2007,  accessed 18/05/11 attorneys, client, case, Rule 1.04, Solicitors' Code of Conduct, solicitor, best interests, adversarial system, litigation, privilege, justice, legal duties attorneys, clients, legal advocacy, Rule 1.04, Solicitors' Code of Conduct, client interests, legal duty, adversarial system, litigation, client-attorney privilege, justice, legal representation, advocacy rights, legal ethics Attorney, client, case advancement, Solicitors' Code of Conduct, Rule 1.04, best interests, adversarial system, litigation, legal privilege, justice, client-attorney relationship, legal ethics, legal duties attorneys, client, case advancement, legal duties, Rule 1.04, Solicitors' Code of Conduct, solicitor, best interests, adversarial system, litigation, legal privilege, justice, attorney-client privilege, adversarial system of justice, client rights attorneys, client, case, duty, Solicitors' Code of Conduct, Rule 1.04, best interests, adversarial system, litigation, privilege, justice, client-attorney privilege, advocacy, legal representation
test-international-appghblsba-pro02a	The historical reasons for which the state of Lesotho exists are no longer relevant in a post-apartheid South Africa  The reason why Moshoeshoe, the leader of Lesotho, wished to become a British protectorate was because of the Boers of the Orange Free State was trying to take their land. In 1966, when the Kingdom of Lesotho gained its independence from Britain, it remained separate from SA as it had been a separate colony. Lesotho was under direct rule while South Africa was a dominion. There was no incentive to change at the point of independence because SA was ruled by the apartheid regime. Lesotho was a strong public opponent of the regime and granted a number of SA refugees’ political asylum. The African National Congress, the ruling party in SA since 1994, was founded in Lesotho. Moreover, during the struggle against apartheid, the ANC’s armed wing organized its guerilla units from the enclave. [1] We can firmly say that Lesotho vas a very important actor in a post-apartheid SA, but the times have changed. The ANC is now in power in South Africa and SA and Lesotho are closer together than ever before.  [1] Smith, 2010, Lesotho, history, post-apartheid, South Africa, Moshoeshoe, British protectorate, Boers, Orange Free State, land disputes, independence, 1966, colonialism, decolonization, apartheid regime, political asylum, refugees, African National Congress, ANC, South Africa, apartheid resistance, guerilla warfare, Lesotho-South Africa relations, regional politics, former colonies, political history, geopolitics Lesotho, South Africa, post-apartheid, history, Moshoeshoe, British protectorate, Boers, Orange Free State, independence, 1966, British colony, direct rule, apartheid regime, refugees, political asylum, African National Congress, ANC, guerrilla warfare, Lesotho role, post-apartheid relations, political history Lesotho, historical reasons, post-apartheid, South Africa, Moshoeshoe, British protectorate, Boers, Orange Free State, land, independence, 1966, colony, direct rule, dominion, apartheid regime, political asylum, refugees, African National Congress, ANC, founded, guerilla units, enclave, importance, post-apartheid relations, change, timeline Lesotho, history, independence, Moshoeshoe, British protectorate, Boers, Orange Free State, colonialism, 1966, separation, South Africa, apartheid, direct rule, dominion, political asylum, refugees, African National Congress, ANC, 1994, anti-apartheid, guerrilla warfare, enclave, post-apartheid, regional relations, South Africa-Lesotho relations, diplomatic ties Lesotho, history, post-apartheid, South Africa, Moshoeshoe, British protectorate, Boers, Orange Free State, land disputes, 1966 independence, British colony, direct rule, apartheid regime, political asylum, South African refugees, African National Congress, ANC, guerrilla warfare, Lesotho's role, post-apartheid relations, regional politics, apartheid opposition, SA refugees, Lesotho political history
test-health-ahiahbgbsp-pro03a	Easy to introduce  A ban on smoking in public places would be simple to enforce – it is an obvious activity, and does not require any form of complex equipment or other special techniques . It would largely be enforced by other users of public places and those working there. If it changes attitudes enough, it could be largely self-enforcing – by changing attitudes and creating peer pressure 1 .  1 See Hartocollis, Anemona, “Why Citizens (gasp) are the smoking police), New York Times, 16 September 2010, smoking ban, public places, enforcement, peer pressure, attitude change, self-enforcing policies, social norms, compliance, peer enforcement, smoking cessation, public health, legislation, tobacco control, community compliance smoking ban, public places, enforcement, peer pressure, attitude change, self-enforcing, legality, social norms, public health, smoking restrictions, compliance, community enforcement, peer influence, policy effectiveness, social enforcement, anti-smoking campaigns smoking ban, public places, enforcement, peer pressure, social attitude change, self-enforcing policies, anti-smoking regulations, community enforcement, smoking cessation, public health, policy simplicity, peer enforcement, social norms, smoking restrictions, citizen involvement smoking ban, public places, enforcement, peer pressure, attitude change, self-enforcing policies, smoking regulation, social norms, compliance, public health, smoking restrictions smoking ban, public places, enforcement, peer pressure, attitude change, self-enforcing policies, smoking regulation, social norms, compliance, public health, smoking prohibition, community policing, legislation, social enforcement, behavioral change
test-law-sdfclhrppph-con01a	Free speech allows challenges to orthodox beliefs  Free speech is not merely a ‘nice thing to have’, it is a mechanism which brings real, tangible benefits to society by allowing people to challenge orthodoxy. States that do not allow orthodox beliefs to be challenged stagnate and decline.  Reducing restrictions on free speech to ‘special exceptions’ frustrates the whole point because it is precisely those special exceptions where established truth needs to be challenged. This is not restricted to matters of pure opinion – the modern scientific process relies upon professionals being able to vehemently disagree on matters of crucial fact. “Real science depends for its progress on continual challenges to the current state of always-imperfect knowledge.” [1]  [1] Sarewitz, Daniel, ‘The voice of science: let’s agree to disagree’, Nature, Vol 487, No.7, 5 October 2011, free speech, orthodox beliefs, challenges, society, benefits, freedom of expression, intellectual discourse, free speech restrictions, scientific process, innovation, progress, disagreement, knowledge, truth, free speech exceptions, societal stagnation, decline, open debate free speech, orthodox beliefs, challenge, societal benefits, stagnation, decline, restrictions, exceptions, truth, disagreement, scientific process, progress, knowledge, free expression, free inquiry, censorship, intellectual freedom, scientific debate free speech, orthodox beliefs, societal benefits, intellectual freedom, freedom of expression, societal stagnation, restrictions, exceptions, scientific process, debate, disagreement, knowledge advancement, truth, orthodoxy, progress, censorship, free inquiry, scientific skepticism free speech, orthodox beliefs, societal benefits, challenge orthodoxy, freedom of expression, societal stagnation, restrictions on speech, legal exceptions, truth challenges, scientific debate, scientific progress, skeptical inquiry, knowledge evolution, free speech rights, dissent, academic freedom, scientific disagreement free speech, orthodox beliefs, societal progress, free expression, tolerance, intellectual challenge, scientific debate, truth, societal stagnation, freedom of speech, knowledge advancement, free discourse, free thought, state restrictions, scientific method, disagreement, progress through challenge
test-international-sepiahbaaw-pro03a	Foreign companies gain most of the profits  The majority of investment in Africa by Trans National Companies (TNCs) goes towards resource extraction [1] . Many companies use transfer pricing, tax avoidance and anonymous company ownership to increase profits at the expense of resource abundant nations [2] . Production sharing agreements, where companies and states share in the profit of a venture, can often benefit the former over the latter. In 2012 Ugandan activists sued the government for one such deal where the country was to likely to receive only half the profits rather than three quarters [3] .  Kofi Annan, former United Nations Security General, has claimed that Africa’s outflow of funds by TNCs in the extractive industries is twice as high as inflows to the continent. Businesses such as Barclays have been criticised for their promotion of tax havens in Africa [4] . These allow TNCs to avoid government taxation for projects such as resource extraction, a symptom of the attitude of foreign companies to investment in Africa. The unfavourable inflow/outflow balance prevents reinvestment in Africa’s infrastructure, education and health services.  [1] African Development Bank ‘African Development Report 2007’ pg.110   [2] Stewart,H. ‘Annan calls for end to ‘unconscionable’ exploitation of Africa’s resources’ The Guardian 10 May 2013   [3] Akankwasa,S. ‘Uganda activists sue government over oil Production Sharing Agreements.’ International Bar Association 01/05/2012   [4] Provost,C. ‘Row as Barclays promotes tax havens as ‘gateway for investment in Africa’ The Guardian 20 November 2013 foreign companies, profits, Africa, transnational companies, resource extraction, transfer pricing, tax avoidance, anonymous ownership, production sharing agreements, profit sharing, Uganda, activists, government, Kofi Annan, capital outflows, inflows, TNCs, extractive industries, tax havens, foreign investment, infrastructure, education, health, reinvestment, multinational corporations foreign companies, profits, Africa, investment, transnational corporations, TNCs, resource extraction, transfer pricing, tax avoidance, anonymous ownership, production sharing agreements, profit sharing, Uganda lawsuit, Kofi Annan, fund outflow, inflow, extractive industries, tax havens, Barclays, foreign investment, infrastructure, education, health services foreign companies, profits, investment, Africa, Trans National Companies, TNCs, resource extraction, transfer pricing, tax avoidance, anonymous ownership, production sharing agreements, profit sharing, Uganda, activism, legal case, Kofi Annan, outflow, inflow, funds, extractive industries, tax havens, reinvestment, infrastructure, education, health, Barclays, economic impact foreign companies, profits, investment, Africa, transnational companies, resource extraction, transfer pricing, tax avoidance, anonymous company ownership, production sharing agreements, profit sharing, Uganda, activists, government lawsuit, Kofi Annan, outflow of funds, inflows, extractive industries, tax havens, reinvestment, infrastructure, education, health services, economic disparity, developing countries foreign companies, profits, Africa, investment, transnational companies, resource extraction, transfer pricing, tax avoidance, anonymous ownership, production sharing agreements, profit distribution, Uganda, legal disputes, Kofi Annan, outbound funds, inflows, outflows, extractive industries, tax havens, foreign direct investment, economic leakage, infrastructure, education, health, multinational corporations
test-culture-tlhrilsfhwr-pro02a	The failure of rule of law  As the anthropologist and lawyer Sally Falk-Moore observed “law is only ever a piecemeal intervention by the state in the life of society.” [i]  Laws are, ultimately, social norms that are taught, enforced and arbitrated on by the state. The value of these norms is such that they are deemed to be a vital part of a society’s identity and the state is entrusted with their protection. However, this ideal can be difficult to achieve. Debate as to which norms the state should be custodian of is constant. Where there is a disconnect between a law and the daily lives, aspirations and struggles of a society, it becomes unlikely that that law will be complied with. Generally, a state will not be able to give a pronouncement the force of law if it does not reflect the values held by a majority of a society.  Compliance with the law can be even harder to obtain in highly plural societies. Even in plural societies ruled peacefully by an effective central government (such as India), communities’ conceptions of children’s rights may be radically different from those set down in law. The Indian child marriage restraint act has been in force since 1929, but the practice remains endemic in southern India to this day [ii] . Governments can attempt to enforce compliance with a law, through education, incentives or deterrence.  What if the state that is intended to mount the “piecemeal intervention” of banning the use of child soldiers is weak, corrupt or non-existent? What if a state cannot carry out structured interventions of the type described above? Norms that state that the conscription of children is acceptable- due to tradition or need- will be dominant.  Situations of this type will be the rule rather than the exception in underdeveloped states and states where conflict is so rife that children have become participants in warfare. The ICC has jurisdiction to prosecute individuals with command over military units who use children as combatants [iii] , but how should the concept of a “commander” be defined in these circumstances?  In order for the juristic principles underlying the authority of the ICC to function properly, it is necessary for there to be a degree of certainty and accessibility underlying laws promulgated by a state. While ignorance of the law is not a defence before the ICC, it impossible to call a system of law fair or just that is not overseen by a stable or accepted government. This is not possible if a state is so corrupt that it does not command the trust of its people; if a state is so poor that it cannot afford to operate an open, reliable and transparent court and advocacy system; if territory with a state’s borders is occupied by an armed aggressor. Western notions of rule-of-law are almost impossible to enforce under such conditions. All of these are scenarios encountered frequently in Africa, and central and southern Asia.  Some regions within developing nations are so isolated from the influence of the state, or so heavily contested in internecine conflicts, that communities living within them cannot be expected to know that the state nominally responsible for them has signed the Convention of the Rights of The Child or the Rome Statute. Nor can the state attempt to inform them of this fact. Laws still exist and are enforced within such communities, but these are not state-made forms of law.  For an individual living within a community of the type described above- an individual living in the DRC, in pre-secession South Sudan [iv] or an ethnic minority enclave on the border of Myanmar [v] - the question is a simple one. Does the most immediate source of authority and protection within his world- his community- condone the role that children play in armed conflict? He should not be made liable for abiding by laws and norms that have sprung up to fill a void created by a weak or corrupt central state. There is little hope that he will ever be able to access the counter-point that state sponsored education and engagement could provide.  Child soldiers and their commanders are simply obeying the strongest, the most effective and the most stable source of law in their immediate environment.  [i] “Comparative Law in a Global Context: The Legal Systems of Asia and Africa”, Werner Menski, Cambridge University Press, 2006  [ii] “State of the World’s Children 2009”, UNICEF, United Nations, 2008  [iii] “Elements of Crimes”, International Criminal Court,   [iv] “Child Soldiers: Global Report 2008”, Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers, 2007, p315,   [v] “Child Soldiers: Global Report 2008”, Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers, 2007, p240, rule of law, social norms, state intervention, compliance, society values, plural societies, child rights, child marriage, child soldiers, military command, ICC jurisdiction, legal certainty, government stability, corruption, underdeveloped states, conflict zones, Africa, Asia, law enforcement, community authority, local norms, armed conflict, weak state, tribal law, international law, human rights, Convention on the Rights of the Child, Rome Statute, legal enforcement, non-state law, community justice rule of law, social norms, state intervention, legal compliance, legal enforcement, societal values, plural societies, child rights, child marriage, child soldiers, military law, ICC jurisdiction, command responsibility, legal certainty, legal transparency, state failure, corruption, weak states, conflict zones, armed conflict, Africa, Asia, community law, customary law, informal justice, alternative authority, territorial occupation, international law, human rights, Convention on the Rights of the Child, Rome Statute, legal void, law enforcement challenges, community-based authority rule of law, social norms, state intervention, compliance, societal values, plural societies, community norms, child rights, child marriage, child soldiers, military command, ICC jurisdiction, legal enforcement, government stability, corruption, conflict zones, armed actors, legal systems, international law, human rights, enforcement challenges, state authority, community law, non-state actors, legal legitimacy, territorial occupation, Africa, Asia, internal conflicts, local communities, law penetration, legal voids, social control, community sovereignty rule of law, societal norms, state intervention, legal compliance, cultural differences, plural societies, child marriage, child soldiers, state authority, legal enforcement, ICC jurisdiction, command definition, weak states, corruption, underdeveloped countries, conflict zones, Africa, Asia, community law, non-state law, territorial occupation, Convention on the Rights of the Child, Rome Statute, community authority, law void, informal law, ethnic minorities, armed conflict, state legitimacy rule of law, social norms, state intervention, society, compliance, legal norms, plural societies, child rights, child marriage, child soldiers, enforcement, state capacity, corruption, weak government, conflict zones, international law, ICC, jurisdiction, command structure, rule of law enforcement, development, Africa, Asia, community norms, local authority, customary law, armed conflict, state sovereignty, legal system, UN conventions, human rights, enforcement challenges, community-based law, sovereignty violations
test-international-epglghbni-con01a	Unification would be damaging for the economies of both parts of Ireland  The Republic of Ireland is currently in a crisis. It is the I in P.I.G.S, the European Union countries whose economies are bust and require a bailout package. It would not be to the benefit of either Northern Ireland joining such a fragile economy, nor would it be good for the Republic of Ireland, having the cut back on public spending whilst trying to integrate Northern Irish transport/police systems etc.  Northern Ireland is a weak economy anyway and a lot of employment comes from the public sector, 30% compared to the UK average of 21%.* The region is £9billion in the red or £5,502 per person, three times the UK average.** These jobs will obviously no longer be an option under re-unification and so there is likely to be mass employment amongst the newly integrated Northern Irish. To counter this, money from Republican taxpayers will have to go to subsidize business/building projects etc in the way the Germans in the West still subsidize the Eastern parts of Germany, over 50 years since the wall came down.  *HM Treasury, 2011, p.9   **Fitzpatrick, 2011, Irish economy, unification, economic damage, Ireland crisis, P.I.G.S, European Union, bailout, Northern Ireland, fragile economies, public spending, transport systems, police integration, weak economy, public sector employment, unemployment, UK comparison, national debt, subsidy, economic disparity, Germany reunification, regional disparities, fiscal challenges, cross-border relations, political stability Ireland, unification, economy, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, crisis, P.I.G.S, European Union, bailout, fragile economy, public spending, transport systems, police systems, employment, public sector, UK average, economic deficit, subsidies, regional development, post-conflict reconstruction, economic integration, welfare, fiscal policy, economic disparity Irish unification, economic impact, Northern Ireland economy, Republic of Ireland crisis, European Union bailout, P.I.G.S countries, public spending cuts, Northern Irish transport, police integration, weak economy, public sector employment, unemployment, regional deficit, UK comparison, government subsidies, economic disparity, post-reunification challenges, financial support, regional subsidies, economic division, historical context Irish unification, economic impact, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, economy crisis, P.I.G.S, European Union bailout, public spending, integration costs, transport systems, police systems, weak economy, employment, public sector, UK comparison, public employment, financial deficit, national debt, subsidy, economic disparity, Germany reunification, economic integration, fiscal policy Ireland, reunification, economy, crisis, European Union, bailout, Northern Ireland, public spending, integration, transport, police, employment, public sector, UK comparison, fiscal deficit, subsidies, economic disparity, political stability, economic risks, regional development, fiscal policy, economic integration
test-culture-mmciahbans-con02a	Prohibition is counterproductive  As tempting as it is to feel that banning is the solution to problems, it doesn’t work. Almost all states prohibits certain drugs, but that does not stop them being used. [1] Despite being banned in Ghana, skin whitening creams are still openly advertised on billboards [2] .  Counterfeit cosmetics of all types exist worldwide [3] , they are illegal for a variety of reasons, not least intellectual property abuse: banning skin lighting creams would simply give more space to the counterfeits. A ban could lead users towards either a homemade substance, or pills and injections which would almost certainly be more damaging as a result of a lack of regulation.  [1] See the Debatabase debate ‘ This House supports the legalisation of drugs’  [2] Al Jazeera English, “The Stream: Fair Beauty”, YouTube, 22 August 2013,  , roughly 18 minutes in  [3] RIA Novosti, “Counterfeit cosmetics: Turning beauties in to beasts”, RT, 08 November 2010, prohibition, counterproductive, drug laws, drug use, banned substances, skin whitening creams, advertising, counterfeit cosmetics, intellectual property, illegal cosmetics, regulation, homemade substances, pills, injections, legalization, drug policy, beauty industry, counterfeit products, regulation enforcement, public health prohibition, drug bans, drug use, effectiveness of bans, skin whitening creams, advertising, counterfeit cosmetics, intellectual property, legal regulation, homemade substances, pills, injections, regulation, legalization, drug policy, illegal drugs, cosmetic counterfeits, beauty products, Ghana, worldwide, banned substances prohibition, drug policy, effectiveness, illegal drugs, skin whitening, cosmetic advertising, counterfeit cosmetics, intellectual property, banning, regulation, homemade substances, pills, injections, drug legalization, drug enforcement, public health, law enforcement, cosmetic industry, banned substances, regulation loopholes prohibition, counterproductive, drug bans, drug use, skin whitening creams, advertising, counterfeit cosmetics, illegal cosmetics, intellectual property rights, regulation, homemade substances, pills, injections, drug legalization, international examples, cosmetic industry, beauty standards, illegal trade, enforcement, public health prohibition, drug ban, counterproductivity, drug use, illegal drugs, skin whitening, cosmetic advertising, counterfeit cosmetics, intellectual property, banned substances, homemade remedies, unregulated injections, drug legalization, drug policy, enforcement, substance abuse, cosmetic regulation, black market, counterfeit products, health risks, regulation and enforcement
test-religion-wcprrgrhbmi-con03a	"Parents have the right to use their best judgment, in the light of medical advice, as to what is in the best interest of their child  There is compelling evidence that shortly after birth is the best time to perform this operation and that the rate of complications at this age is generally agreed to be between 0.2 and 0.4 percent. When performed later in life the risk of complications increases ten-fold to between two and four percent. In the light of this it is appropriate to recognize the rights of parents to approve a procedure that would be riskier if elected later in life on behalf of their child [i] .  [i] Michael Benatar. ""How Not to Argue About Circumcision"". The American Journal of Bioethics. 2003 parents, rights, medical advice, best interest, child, circumcision, timing, complications, risk, early birth, later in life, evidence, ethical considerations, decision-making, bioethics parents' rights, medical advice, child's best interest, early circumcision, complication rates, age-related risks, parental decision-making, bioethics, circumcision timing, risk comparison, surgical outcomes, infant surgery, ethical considerations parental rights, medical advice, child's best interest, early circumcision, timing, complication rates, risk assessment, neonatal surgery, life-long risks, ethical decision-making, medical ethics, birth age, surgical risks, bioethics, Michael Benatar, circumcision debate parents' rights, medical advice, child's best interest, circumcision, timing, birth, complications, risk, age, informed consent, bioethics, Michael Benatar parental rights, medical advice, child's best interest, circumcision, timing, neonatal period, complication rates, age-related risks, Ethical considerations, medical procedures, parental decision-making, bioethics, risk assessment"
test-culture-mmciahbans-con01a	Personal autonomy  Like many other debates, this simply boils down to personal autonomy. Individuals should be free to take actions, even ones harmful to them as long as they do not harm others, at least not without good reason. Thus things that are almost entirely harmful such as smoking are allowed.  It is a matter of personal choice – to suggest otherwise non-white women do not have the capacity to make that choice. personal autonomy, individual freedom, personal choice, self-determination, harm principle, bodily autonomy, liberty, personal rights, autonomy debates, smoking, individual rights, ethical considerations, decision-making, free will, social debates personal autonomy, individual liberty, personal choice, harm principle, autonomy debates, personal decision-making, freedom of action, ethical autonomy, self-determination, voluntary behavior personal autonomy, individual freedom, personal choice, personal rights, autonomy debate, harm principle, individual liberty, informed decision-making, bodily autonomy, smoking, personal responsibility, ethical considerations, capacity to choose, gender issues, racial bias, agency personal autonomy, individual rights, personal freedom, bodily autonomy, harm principle, self-determination, personal choice, autonomy debates, ethical considerations, harmful behaviors, smoking, personal responsibility, moral values, gender and autonomy, racial bias personal autonomy, individual rights, personal freedom, self-determination, autonomy debate, harm principle, personal choice, individual liberty, ethical considerations, bodily autonomy, smoking rights, personal responsibility, individual agency, decision-making capacity, moral autonomy
test-digital-freedoms-aihwbasmn-con05a	It is better to monitor riots through the social media rioters are using  It is wrong to suggest that social networks only provide advantages to the rioters in a riot. Many of the networks that can be used are open to the public and even where they are not as with blackberry messenger the police and intelligence services can likely gain access. This means that the police can also benefit from rioters use of social networks. Allowing the rioters to communicate can help the police to track what the rioters are doing and potentially to intercept any plans before they can be put into action. The same logic is used with websites that promote extremist ideologies; it is often better to monitor them for the intelligence they provide. The police already monitor protest groups in this way during demonstrations and even use it to help police impromptu raves so will surely apply it to riots. [1] Yet the social media is useful in other ways, particularly after the rioting it can be used to work out who was involved and to provide evidence against them so making the police much more efficient at catching and charging rioters.  [1] Rawlinson, K., “Activists warned to watch what they say as social media monitoring becomes 'next big thing in law enforcement”, The Independent, 1 October 2012, social media, riots, monitoring, police, intelligence, surveillance, communication, extremism, protest groups, evidence, law enforcement, social networks, online communication, crime prevention, public safety, digital surveillance, information gathering, criminal activity, social network monitoring social media, riots, monitoring, law enforcement, police, intelligence, communication interception, extremist ideologies, protest groups, public networks, privacy, surveillance, evidence collection, rioter identification, social networks, internet monitoring social media, riots, monitoring, police, law enforcement, intelligence, communication, surveillance, extremism, protest groups, evidence, criminal justice social media, riots, monitoring, police, law enforcement, intelligence, communication, anti-riot tactics, social networks, extremism, protest groups, evidence, privacy, surveillance, open networks, Blackberry Messenger, preemptive action, criminal activity, public safety social media, riots, surveillance, law enforcement, police, intelligence agencies, communication, monitoring, extremist ideologies, protest groups, evidence collection, criminal identification, online networks, public access, Blackberry Messenger, plans interception, riot planning, social networks advantages, online activism, security, digital forensics, crowd control
test-environment-assgbatj-pro04a	Most animals can suffer more than some people  It’s possible to think of people that can’t suffer, like those in a persistent vegetative state, or with significant intellectual disabilities.  We could go for one of three options. Either we could experiment on animals, but not such people, which is morally not consistent. We could allow both, but do we want to do painful medical research on the disabled? Or, we could do neither.[9] animal suffering, human suffering, disabled individuals, persistent vegetative state, intellectual disabilities, medical research ethics, experimental ethics, moral consistency, animal testing, disability rights animal suffering, human suffering, ethical dilemma, medical research, animals vs humans, intellectual disabilities, persistent vegetative state, animal experimentation, moral consistency, disability rights, medical ethics, pain assessment animal suffering, human suffering, ethical dilemma, moral consistency, medical research, disabled individuals, vegetative state, intellectual disabilities, experimentation ethics, moral considerations animal suffering, human suffering, moral consistency, medical research ethics, disabled individuals, persistent vegetative state, intellectual disabilities, ethical dilemmas, research on animals, ethical considerations animal suffering, human suffering, ethical considerations, moral dilemma, medical research ethics, disabled individuals, vegetative state, intellectual disabilities, animal experimentation, moral consistency, ethical debate, research ethics
test-sport-tshbmlbscac-con01a	Collisions are dangerous and lead to injury.  Ray Fosse and Buster Posey (mentioned above in the Introduction) are just two examples of players who suffered major injuries in crashes at home plate. Texas Rangers star Josh Hamilton, reigning Most Valuable Player of the American League, broke his arm when he collided with a catcher in 2011. In August 2010, Cleveland Indians catcher Carlos Santana suffered a season-ending knee injury when he was hit by Red Sox runner Ryan Kalish. To go back a few more seasons, Braves catcher Greg Olson was having a career year in 1992 until Ken Caminiti broke his leg in a collision. There have been literally dozens of severe injuries suffered in bang-bang plays at the plate.  This high rate of injury should come as no surprise, given the physics involved in this type of play. A simulation with a crash-test dummy wired with sensors showed that a catcher can get hit by a runner travelling 18 miles per hour, resulting in 3,200 pounds of force—much worse than an American football hit, with much less padding. [1]  Teams make heavy investments in their players, paying them millions of dollars a year. Thus, serious injuries are very expensive, both because of the treatment required and because the player is missing many games. This is why the Oakland Athletics instructed their top catcher, Kurt Suzuki, to avoid blocking the plate—because their investment in him is worth more than whatever runs he allows by failing to stop the runner from scoring. [2]  When players are injured in these plays, it’s also bad for fans, who will lose the opportunity to see their favourite athletes on the field. As Bruce Bochy, Busty Posey’s manager with the Giants, told the media after he lost his star catcher to injury: “And here’s a guy that’s very popular in baseball. Fans want to see him play, and now he’s out for a while.” [3]  [1] Joel Siegel, Barbara Pinto, and Tahman Bradley, “Catcher Collision Ignites Baseball Rules Debate,” ABC News, May 28, 2011,  .  [2] Buster Olney, “Billy Beane issues home plate directive,” ESPN The Magazine, June 1, 2011,  .  [3] Tim Kawakami, “Bochy on Posey’s injury: ‘Hopefully the guys are not happy—I’m certainly not happy,’” MercuryNews.com (Talking Points blog), May 26, 2011,  . baseball, injury, collision, home plate, catcher, runner, player safety, physics, force, force measurement, crash-test dummy, impact, sports injuries, athlete safety, sports safety, sports injury prevention, sports injury risks, baseball rules, player investments, player injuries, game safety, injury costs, fan impact, team management, injury analysis, sports science baseball, injuries, collisions, home plate, catchers, runners, force, physics, simulation, injury prevention, team investment, player safety, injury costs, fan impact, rules debate, player data, sports safety, game strategy Baseball, home plate collision, player injuries, safety, injury prevention, catcher, runner, force impact, physics, simulation, crash-test dummy, injury costs, player investment, team strategy, blocking plate, sports safety, injury statistics, rule changes, gameplay, fan impact, sports economics baseball, injuries, collisions, home plate, umpire, catcher, runner, force, physics, simulation, crash-test dummy, safety, player health, expensive damage, team strategy, injury prevention, sports safety, injury cost, sports injuries, injury severity, game disruption, player investment, fan experience baseball, injuries, collisions, home plate, catcher, runner, force, physics, simulation, dummy, injury prevention, sports safety, player safety, sports injuries, injury cost, team investment, baseball rules, injury consequences, fan impact, player injury, injury statistics, collision force
test-education-pteuhwfphe-pro02a	A graduate tax would make university funding more sustainable  A graduate tax would potentially give universities more than they get from traditional funding, as a contribution would depend directly on a person’s salary rather than just being a flat rate fare for services rendered over a short time. For example a person earning £40,000 would pay about £125 per month. (Shepard, J. 2009) That over 20 years could amount to £30,000, more than enough to cover the costs of a university education in a way which is manageable. Admittedly that sum is based on a person rising like a rocket but it still hints at the possibilities of the tax and how it could bring in more money than simply universities rising their fees. Secondly, it would change as a person’s salary rises or falls over a twenty year period, being more sustainable and increasing the chance of the costs being recovered. Thirdly, rather than giving a person a required fee to pay it would be giving a person a chance to pay over a set time period, reducing the financial impact of the bill. graduate tax, university funding, sustainability, personalized contribution, salary-based payment, long-term funding, financial sustainability, education costs, revenue model, tax policy, funding reform, student loans, fee structure, economic stability, fiscal policy graduate tax, university funding, sustainability, income-based contributions, salary-dependent payments, long-term funding, tuition fees, flexible repayment, financial sustainability, higher education funding, revenue generation, tax model, funding reform, student loans, financial planning graduate tax, university funding, sustainability, income-contingent, contribution, salary-based, long-term funding, financial sustainability, education costs, affordable education, funding model, repayment period, income-driven repayment, tuition fees, public funding, financial accessibility graduate tax, university funding, sustainable finance, income-based contribution, tuition costs, salary-dependent payment, long-term funding, financial sustainability, education funding, government revenue, tax policy, student debt, income progression, progressive taxation, affordability, financial planning graduate tax, university funding, sustainability, traditional funding, income-based contribution, salary-dependent tax, financial sustainability, education funding models, long-term funding, repayment plans, income-linked repayment, revenue generation, higher education financing, tax policy, student debt, cost recovery, fiscal strategy
test-philosophy-pppthbtcb-pro03a	Terrorism can bring attention  Terrorism can raise the profile of a neglected cause. The hi-jackings of the 1970s and 1980s brought publicity to the Palestinian cause, helping to bring it to the attention of the world. [1] States can use their wealth and media to put across their side of the story; their opponents do not have these resources and perhaps need to resort to terrorism to publicise their cause. In this way, limited and focused use of violence can have a dramatic international impact.  [1] Tristam, P. (n.d.). The 1970 Palestinian Hijackings of Three Jets to Jordan. Retrieved August 3, 2011, from About.com: terrorism, attention, profile, neglected cause, hijackings, 1970s, 1980s, publicity, Palestinian cause, media, international impact, violence, publicity strategy, political violence, revolutionary tactics terrorism, publicity, political activism, media influence, international impact, Palestinian cause, hijackings, 1970s, 1980s, state resources, media campaigns, violence, public awareness, political strategy terrorism, attention, publicity, hijackings, 1970s, 1980s, Palestinian cause, international impact, media, propaganda, violence, political activism, asymmetric warfare, mass communication, ideological struggle terrorism, attention, cause, hijackings, 1970s, 1980s, publicity, Palestinian cause, media, state resources, violence, international impact, Tristam, jet hijackings Terrorism, attention, profile, neglected cause, hijackings, 1970s, 1980s, publicity, Palestinian cause, international impact, media, publicity, violence, political violence
test-international-appghblsba-pro01a	Annexation will allow the free movement of Basotho people, goods and services  For the Basotho in a landlocked country the free movement of their people is a right that is in large part dependent on the South African (SA) government rather their own national one. Its importance is shown by 40% of border crossings into South Africa being from Lesotho. Acknowledging the fact that Lesotho is an enclave state surrounded by SA, the ability of people to move freely depends on whether they are allowed to enter SA or not. There is corruption at border posts and the number of crossings results in long queues and slow service; 63% of border crossers experience problems. [1] This is sometimes made even more difficult by SA government actions as before the World Cup in 2010 when border restrictions were tightened making it almost impossible for Basotho to leave their country. [2] This happened due to the detention of several Lesotho nationals after a spate of criminal activities along the border.  The same situation applies to trade. Lesotho is dependent on the trade with South Africa, even for goods that come from beyond South Africa as Lesotho has no port of its own most goods will have to be transported through South Africa. This dependency is rising. In 1980, Lesotho produced 80% of the cereals it consumed. Now it imports 70%. [3] Annexation would eliminate these borders boosting trade between the countries, helping to make both richer. In the best interest of Basotho is to be able to control and be listened to by the entity that is metaphorically and literally feeding them.  [1] Crush, Jonathan, ‘The border within: The future of the Lesotho-South African international boundary’, Migration Policy Series No.26,   [2] Patel, Khadija, Lesotho and South Africa: ‘Good fences make good neighbours’, 19 April 2013,   [3] Smith, Alex Duval, ‘Lesotho's people plead with South Africa to annex their troubled country’, theguardian.com, 6 June 2010 Annexation, Lesotho, South Africa, border crossing, free movement, trade dependence, enclave, border restrictions, corruption, queues, slow service, World Cup 2010, criminal activities, border enforcement, import reliance, cereal production, economic dependency, trade boosting, sovereignty, border policy, migration, regional integration Annexation, Lesotho, South Africa, border crossings, free movement, trade dependency, landlocked country, enclave, border corruption, border security, border restrictions, criminal activities, border queues, border delays, border posts, immigration, visa policies, trade flow, port access, import reliance, cereal production, food security, economic integration, sovereignty, regional stability, economic development, bilateral relations, border control, border policies Annexation, Basotho, border crossings, South Africa, Lesotho, landlocked country, free movement, border posts, corruption, queues, border restrictions, detention, criminal activities, trade dependency, imports, exports, economic integration, border policy, South African government, port access, regional cooperation, enclave state, border control, border security, trade routes, border regulations annexation, Lesotho, South Africa, border, free movement, landlocked, enclave, border crossings, corruption, queues, border restrictions, World Cup 2010, detention, criminal activities, trade dependency, imports, cereals, ports, regional integration, economic growth, sovereignty, border control, diplomatic relations, trade routes, border posts Annexation, Lesotho, South Africa, border crossings, free movement, enclave, trade dependency, landlocked country, border corruption, border restrictions, World Cup 2010, criminal activities, border detention, goods import, cereal production, trade boost, sovereignty, border control, economic integration, Lesotho-South Africa relations
test-sport-otshwbe2uuyt-pro01a	Europe must not give approval to this regime.  Viktor Yanukovych fairly came to power in 2010 however since then he has set about attacking the country’s fragile democracy. There are numerous cases showing this democratic decline. For example changes to the constitution that occurred after the Orange revolution have been rolled back to give more power to the presidency. [1] Most visibly opponents of the regime such as Yulia Timoshenko have been jailed in politically motivated trials. At the same time there have been attacks on the freedom of the media and Ukraine has fallen down rankings of press freedom in 2010-11 with its score from freedom house falling from 56 to 59 with its ranking falling to 130th. [2]  Ukraine, like its neighbours Russia and Belarus, has become a ‘virtual mafia state’ where the SBU (Ukraine’s successor to the KGB) is all powerful and the elite are unaccountable. [3] It is becoming more and more corrupt as is shown by its fall down the Corruption Perceptions Index from 118th in 2007 to 152nd in 2011. [4] Ukraine is clearly going in the wrong direction and European leaders need to stand up and show that the will not allow this to continue.  [1] Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, ‘2010 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices Report’, U.S. Department of State, 8 April 2011.  [2] Karlekar, Karin Deutsch and Dunham, Jennifer, ‘Press Freedom in 2011: Breakthroughs and Pushback in the Middle East’, Freedom House, 2012, pp.7, 16.  [3] Luzio, Taras, ‘Ukraine, Like Russia, Is Becoming a ‘Virtual Mafia State’’, Atlantic Council, 1 March 2012.  [4] Transparency International, Corruption Perceptions Index 2011 , Transparency International, Corruption Perceptions Index 2007 . Europe, regime, Viktor Yanukovych, democracy, constitutional changes, Orange revolution, opposition, Yulia Timoshenko, political trials, media freedom, press freedom, Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, mafia state, SBU, KGB, corruption, Corruption Perceptions Index, accountability, European leaders Europe, Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych, democracy, constitutional reforms, Orange Revolution, political repression, Yulia Timoshenko, press freedom, media attacks, freedom house, virtual mafia state, SBU, KGB, corruption, Transparency International, Corruption Perceptions Index, political corruption, human rights, authoritarianism, regime, European leaders, democratic decline Europe, Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych, democracy, democratic decline, constitution, Orange revolution, political imprisonment, Yulia Timoshenko, media freedom, press freedom, Freedom House, rankings, mafia state, SBU, KGB, corruption, Corruption Perceptions Index, Transparency International, human rights, political repression, democracy rollback, authoritarianism, regime criticism, European response Europe, Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych, democracy, democratic decline, constitution, Orange revolution, political opponents, Yulia Timoshenko, political trials, media freedom, press freedom, Freedom House, virtual mafia state, SBU, KGB, corruption, Corruption Perceptions Index, Russia, Belarus, elite impunity, human rights, political repression, political stability, European Union, international response Europe, approval, regime, Viktor Yanukovych, democratic decline, constitutional changes, Orange revolution, political opposition, Yulia Timoshenko, political imprisonment, media freedom, press freedom, rankings, Ukraine, mafia state, SBU, KGB, corruption, Corruption Perceptions Index, European leaders, democracy, human rights, political repression, authoritarianism, political reforms, transparency, EU, regional stability
test-health-dhiacihwph-pro02a	Savings can be used in other sections of medical care  The decreased cost of pharmaceuticals allows African states to focus on other aspects of medical schemes. Pharmaceuticals are not the only aspect in treatment, there needs to be sufficient staff, medical equipment and infrastructure [1] . These requirements cost money, which the savings made on pharmaceuticals provide. In Europe, 50% of dispensed medicines are generic yet they cost only 18% of pharmaceutical expenditure, with a similar model predicted for South Africa. This allows the state to focus on other aspects of medical schemes [2] .  [1] Ibid  [2] Health24, ‘South Africans embrace generic meds’ medical savings, pharmaceutical costs, healthcare infrastructure, generic medicines, cost reduction, medical staff, medical equipment, healthcare expenditure, Africa, Europe, South Africa, medical schemes, pharmaceutical industry medical savings, pharmaceutical costs, healthcare funding, medical infrastructure, generic medicines, healthcare priorities, medical staff, medical equipment, healthcare expenditure, Africa, Europe, South Africa, pharmaceutical expenditure, cost reduction, medical schemes medical care, pharmaceutical costs, health savings, generic medicines, healthcare infrastructure, medical staff, medical equipment, healthcare funding, African healthcare, European healthcare, pharmaceutical expenditure, cost reduction, medical schemes, healthcare optimization medical savings, pharmaceutical costs, healthcare funding, African healthcare, generic medicines, healthcare infrastructure, medical staff, medical equipment, pharmaceutical expenditure, cost reduction, healthcare policy, South Africa, Europe, medication affordability medical care, pharmaceutical costs, savings, Africa, medical schemes, generic medicines, healthcare infrastructure, medical staff, medical equipment, pharmaceutical expenditure, Europe, South Africa
test-international-aegmeppghw-pro03a	"Turkey joining the EU would help the international fight against terrorism  Turkey is a key geo-political strategic ally to the West and should be integrated fully in order to ensure its continued cooperation. ""Turkey is a secular Muslim democracy and a crucial ally for the West. The eastern flank of NATO, straddling Europe and Asia, it played a critical role in containing the Soviet Union during the Cold War. In the 1990s, it helped monitor Saddam Hussein and protect Iraqi Kurds by permitting U.S. warplanes to use its bases. After the September 11, 2001, attacks, it became a staging area for coalition forces in Afghanistan, where Turkish forces eventually assumed overall command of the International Stabilization Force. Turkey continues to be a pivotal partner in the fight against al Qaeda and other terrorist groups, despite attacks by radical Islamists at home."" [1]  [1]  ‘Turkey’s Dreams of Accession’ by David Phillips, Foreign Affairs September/October 2004 Turkey, EU, terrorism, geopolitics, strategic ally, West, NATO, secular democracy, Cold War, Soviet Union, Iraq, Kurdish, U.S. military bases, September 11, Afghanistan, coalition forces, International Stabilization Force, al Qaeda, radical Islamists Turkey, European Union, EU, terrorism, geopolitics, strategic alliance, West, NATO, Cold War, Soviet Union, Iraq, Kurdish, U.S. bases, September 11, Afghanistan, coalition forces, International Stabilization Force, al Qaeda, radical Islamists, Turkey accession, foreign policy Turkey, European Union, EU, international security, terrorism, geo-political strategy, NATO, alliance, secular democracy, Muslim democracy, Cold War, Soviet Union, Iraq, Kurdish protection, U.S. military bases, September 11, 2001, Afghanistan, coalition forces, International Stabilization Force, al Qaeda, radical Islamists, security cooperation, strategic partnership Turkey, European Union, terrorism, international security, strategic alliance, geopolitics, NATO, Cold War, Iraq, Kurdish protection, U.S. military bases, September 11, Afghanistan, coalition forces, international stabilization, al Qaeda, radical Islam, security cooperation, accession, foreign policy Turkey, European Union, EU, terrorism, international security, geo-political, strategic ally, West, NATO, Cold War, Soviet Union, Iraq, Kurdish, U.S. military bases, September 11, 2001, Afghanistan, coalition forces, International Stabilization Force, al Qaeda, radical Islam, terrorist groups, Turkey accession, David Phillips, Foreign Affairs"
test-sport-aastshsrqsar-pro01a	Radical action needed for racial equality in South Africa  It is plain for all to see how unrepresentative rugby union in South Africa is. While there is not necessarily a deliberate policy of racism, it is very easy for biases to creep in. Across the division where the quotas will come in only about 6% of players are black, a number that should increase to 33%. [1] Quotas could help concentrate the mind to ensure that the best team is picked.  At grass roots level, there have been some cases of flat-out racial abuse of non-white players, including using racial terms that are particularly offensive in a South African context.  [1] Peacock, James, ‘Peter de Villiers says racial quotas are ‘waste of time’, BBC Sport, 15 August 2013, racial equality, South Africa, rugby union, representation, biases, quotas, black players, diversity, racial abuse, discrimination, inclusion, sports equity, grassroots, racial bias, player selection, racial terms, societal change racial equality, South Africa, rugby union, unrepresentative, biases, quotas, black players, diversity, racial bias, racial abuse, non-white players, discrimination, inclusion, representation, social justice racial equality, South Africa, rugby union, biases, representation, quotas, Black players, racial abuse, diversity, inclusion, sports discrimination, racial bias, grassroots level, racial terms, racial quotas, sports fairness racial equality, South Africa, rugby union, representation, biases, quotas, black players, diversity, racial abuse, inclusivity, discrimination, grassroots, racial terms, sports policy racial equality, South Africa, rugby union, representation, bias, quotas, black players, racial abuse, non-white players, discrimination, inclusivity, sports diversity, racial bias, team selection, grassroots, racial terms, offensive language
test-science-eassgbatj-con03a	Testing is needed for really new drugs  The real benefit of animal testing is making totally new drugs, which is about a quarter of them. After non-animal and then animal tests, it will be tested on humans. The reason why the risk is low (but not non-existent) for these brave volunteers, is because of the animal tests.  These new chemicals are the ones most likely to produce improvements to people’s lives, because they are new. You couldn’t do research on these new drugs without either animal testing or putting humans at a much higher risk. drug testing, animal testing, new drugs, clinical trials, human safety, pharmaceutical research, drug development, chemical testing, medical research, trial volunteers, testing methods, risk assessment, innovation in medicine drug testing, animal testing, new drugs, human trials, chemical safety, drug development, clinical testing, experimental drugs, pharmaceutical research, testing methods, low risk, volunteer safety, medical research, drug approval, testing ethics drug testing, animal testing, new drugs, clinical trials, human volunteers, low risk, chemical safety, drug development, non-animal testing, medical research, pharmaceutical research, safety assessments, innovative medicines drug testing, animal testing, human trials, new drugs, chemical testing, experimental drugs, medical research, clinical trials, pharmaceutical development, ethical considerations drug testing, animal testing, human trials, new drugs, chemical testing, medical research, drug development, testing methods, clinical trials, safety testing, pharmaceutical research, ethical considerations
test-politics-oapghwliva-pro01a	The present system of earmarking in Congress is wide open to abuse. The party leaderships in each house can use the offer of pork, or the threat to withhold it to enforce party discipline. “Logrolling” occurs whereby an earmark is obtained in return for support on an unrelated piece of legislation. All this leads to legislators who put party above country and vote for bad legislation in pursuit of their own vested interest. They basically “are federal dollars that members of Congress dole out to favor seekers — often campaign donors. In the process, lawmakers advocate for the companies, helping them bypass the normal system of evaluation and competition.”1Forcing pork out in the open by making Congress vote to defend it after a Presidential line-item veto is the best way to remedy matters. Overall the President is more accountable to the people as a whole than individual representatives, and with their national mandate, more able to stand up to powerful interest groups.  1 David Heath and Hal Bernton, $4.5 million for a boat that nobody wanted, The Seattle Times, 15/10/07 , accessed 5/5/11 earmarking, Congress, abuse, party leadership, pork, influence, party discipline, logrolling, legislation, vested interests, campaign donors, federal dollars, favoritism, legislation bypass, evaluation, competition, transparency, line-item veto, presidential authority, accountability, interest groups earmarking, Congress, abuse, party leadership, pork barrel, political pressure, party discipline, logrolling, legislation, vested interests, federal dollars, campaign donors, special interests, bypassing review, evaluation, competition, transparency, accountability, presidential veto, government reform, legislative process, influence, interest groups earmarking, Congress, abuse, party discipline, pork barrel, logrolling, legislation, vested interests, campaign donors, federal funds, favoritism, legislation bypass, transparency, accountability, presidential veto, national mandate, interest groups earmarking, Congress, abuse, party discipline, logrolling, legislation, vested interests, federal dollars, campaign donors, favoritism, bypass, evaluation, competition, pork, transparency, accountability, Presidential veto, interest groups, political corruption earmarking, Congress, abuse, party leadership, pork, party discipline, logrolling, earmark, legislation, vested interest, federal dollars, campaign donors, bypass, evaluation, competition, transparency, Presidential line-item veto, accountability, interest groups, reform
test-education-pstrgsehwt-pro05a	Communities should have a say in what is taught in schools, and many communities want to teach creationism.  Society is made up of communities with their own views on politics, religion, education, etc. School boards should be able to set curriculum based on the desires of the public, not just on what the scientific elites command to be taught. Children deserve to hear that their beliefs and those of their community are respected in the classroom. This is why Creationism, a belief held to varying extents in many countries, should be taught in the classroom. This is particularly true in the United States, where in several states the majority of people does not accept evolution, but have instead adopted Creationism, considering the evidence for the latter to be more convincing. [1] In a poll in 2009 a majority (57%) said that creationism should be taught in schools either without evolution or alongside it. [2] The teaching of Creationism should not be taught exclusively, but should share time with other prevailing theories, particularly those of evolution and abiogenesis. Furthermore, evolution taught exclusively threatens religious belief, telling children they are no more than animals and lack the spark of grace given by God. It is important for social stability that schools are allowed to teach what communities believe to be true.  [1] Goodstein, Laurie. 2005. “Teaching of Creationism is Endorsed in New Survey”. New York Times.  [2] HarrisInteractive. 2009. “No Consensus, and Much Confusion, on Evolution and the Origin of Species.” BBC World News America/The Harris Poll, 18th February, 2009. community involvement, curriculum control, creationism, evolution, religious beliefs, education policy, school boards, community values, academic freedom, scientific literacy, religious perspectives, teaching methods, pluralism, cultural diversity, educational debates, faith-based education, science education, public opinion, poll results, teaching balance, societal stability community, curriculum, creationism, evolution, religious beliefs, education policy, school boards, public opinion, scientific evidence, cultural diversity, religious freedom, science education, societal values, faith-based teaching, scientific consensus community, curriculum, education, creationism, evolution, societal values, religious beliefs, school boards, public opinion, scientific consensus, abiogenesis, teaching policies, religious freedom, American education, science curriculum, community preferences, faith-based education, scientific literacy, cultural diversity creationism, community involvement, curriculum choice, religious beliefs, evolution, science education, school boards, community values, beliefs respect, education policy, societal values, religious freedom, creationism curriculum, evolution vs creationism, scientific consensus, education debate, cultural beliefs, poll statistics, public opinion, teaching standards Community involvement, curriculum standards, religious beliefs, creationism, evolution, scientific education, school board autonomy, cultural diversity, faith-based education, religious freedom, educational policy, public opinion, evolution controversy, teaching methods, school curriculum, societal values, belief systems, science and religion, educational independence, community values
test-environment-aeghhgwpe-pro04a	Being vegetarian reduces risks of food poisoning  Almost all dangerous types of food poisoning are passed on through meat or eggs. So Campylobacter bacteria, the most common cause of food poisoning in England, are usually found in raw meat and poultry, unpasteurised milk and untreated water. Salmonella come from raw meat, poultry and dairy products and most cases of escherichia coli (E-Coli) food poisoning occur after eating undercooked beef or drinking unpasteurised milk. [1]  Close contact between humans and animals also leads to zoonosis – diseases such as bird ‘flu which can be passed on from animals to humans. Using animal brains in the processed feed for livestock led to BSE in cattle and to CJD in humans who ate beef from infected cows.  [1] Causes of food poisoning, nhs.co.uk, 23rd June 2009 vegetarian, food poisoning, meat, eggs, Campylobacter, bacteria, raw meat, poultry, unpasteurised milk, untreated water, Salmonella, E-Coli, undercooked beef, zoonosis, bird flu, animals, humans, animal brains, livestock, BSE, CJD, beef, infectious diseases vegetarian, food poisoning, meat, eggs, Campylobacter, bacteria, raw meat, poultry, unpasteurised milk, untreated water, Salmonella, E-Coli, undercooked beef, zoonosis, animal contact, bird flu, BSE, CJD, livestock feed vegetarian, food poisoning, meat, eggs, Campylobacter, bacteria, raw meat, poultry, unpasteurised milk, untreated water, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, E-Coli, undercooked beef, zoonosis, diseases, bird flu, animals, humans, animal brains, livestock, BSE, cattle, CJD, beef, infected cows vegetarian, food poisoning, meat, eggs, Campylobacter, bacteria, raw meat, poultry, unpasteurised milk, untreated water, Salmonella, E. coli, undercooked beef, zoonosis, animal contact, bird flu, livestock feed, animal brains, BSE, CJD, infectious diseases, food safety vegetarian, food poisoning, meat, eggs, Campylobacter, bacteria, raw meat, poultry, unpasteurized milk, untreated water, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, E.Coli, undercooked beef, zoonosis, animal contact, bird flu, BSE, mad cow disease, CJD
test-education-ufsdfkhbwu-con03a	Universities should exchange ideas not impose them  Of all possible institutions, for a university to suggest that it is not open to defending its ideas rather than insisting that they be artificially imported seems counter-intuitive. As Asian and European intellectual traditions increasingly interact as a result of economic interaction there are going to be clashes between and attempts to integrate the Confucian and Socratic approaches [i] . Part of that is the relationship between academia and the state. Western institutions seeking to establish themselves as a presence in Asia should at least be open to the idea that a different approach may have something to offer. After all a willingness to accept new ideas and attitudes is key to the ethic of any university – the assumption that such an exchange would only flow in one direction is astonishingly arrogant.  [i] This is true at every level, including simple things such as the approach taken by students to their studies. Inevitably, universities have responded to these in different ways in the two traditions.  Paton, Michael, ‘Asian Students, Critical Thinking and English as an Academic Lingua Franca’, Analytic teaching and philosophical praxis, Vol.32, No.1, pp.27-39 p.28 universities, idea exchange, open-mindedness, intellectual traditions, Asian, European, Confucian, Socratic, academic freedom, cultural interaction, globalization, academia, state, Western institutions, Asian perspectives, intercultural dialogue, educational approaches, critical thinking, language, lingua franca universities, idea exchange, openness, intellectual traditions, Asian, European, Confucian, Socratic, academia, state, institutional interaction, cultural clash, integration, academic approaches, open-mindedness, cross-cultural dialogue, international education, educational philosophy, critical thinking, lingua franca universities, idea exchange, open-mindedness, intellectual traditions, Asian, European, Confucian, Socratic, academic, state, cross-cultural, integration, economic interaction, cultural clashes, academic approaches, openness, new ideas, attitude, arrogance, student approaches, critical thinking, lingua franca, educational diversity universities, idea exchange, intellectual traditions, Asian, European, Confucian, Socratic, academia, state, cultural integration, cross-cultural dialogue, open-mindedness, academic attitudes, internationalization, cultural clash, educational philosophy, critical thinking, lingua franca, academic traditions universities, exchange of ideas, openness, intellectual traditions, Asian, European, Confucian, Socratic, academic freedom, cross-cultural interaction, interfaith dialogue, academia, state, Western institutions, Asian adaptation, cultural exchange, educational approaches, critical thinking, multilingualism, intercultural dialogue, academic collaboration
test-law-lghbacpsba-con01a	It supports the principle that everyone is entitled to a defence  In criminal, civil or commercial matters, it is important that everyone has equal access to the law. This ensures a fair and just system. In order to facilitate this principle, even those in the wrong need to know that what they say to their legal representative will not be used against them at a later date. It is this principle that provides equality in the court room and therefore the principle of client attorney privilege needs to be maintained. legal rights, defence rights, equal access, justice system, confidentiality, attorney-client privilege, legal representation, fair trial, criminal law, civil law, commercial law, client confidentiality, legal protections, legal ethics legal right, equal access, right to defense, criminal law, civil law, commercial law, justice, fairness, legal confidentiality, attorney-client privilege, legal representation, legal system, privacy, evidence protection, legal rights client attorney privilege, legal confidentiality, fair trial, access to justice, legal rights, criminal law, civil law, commercial law, legal representation, privileged communication, legal system fairness, equality in court legal rights, defense, access to justice, legal representation, attorney-client privilege, fairness, equality, criminal law, civil law, commercial law, confidentiality, legal communication, due process, legal system legal right, access to justice, defense entitlement, confidentiality, attorney-client privilege, fair trial, legal representation, criminal law, civil law, commercial law, legal confidentiality, legal principles, equality in court, legal rights protection
test-education-pstrgsehwt-pro04a	Creationism is as valid a scientific theory as those of evolution and abiogenesis, and should therefore be given equal time in the classroom.  Creationism can be drawn as an entirely reasonable scientific hypothesis, and it forms a coherent theory of the origin and development of life that opposes the naturalist theories of abiogenesis and evolution. Abiogenesis describes the development of life from nonliving materials and evolution seeks to explain the development and diversity of life through a gradual process of mutation and natural selection, yet no one has ever demonstrated either process sufficiently in the laboratory. In the case of abiogenesis, all experiments to create an environment similar to the supposed prebiotic soup whence life first sprang have resulted in no new life forming. In the case of evolution, evolutionists consistently fail to show the development of new kinds of organisms [1] . While there is no doubt that some change occurs within species, such as the breeding of wolves into dogs, it appears to happen only within certain limited bounds. Certainly no experiment or study has shown evolution to be capable of explaining such huge diversity in the world of living things. Creationism, on the other hand, offers the explanation that abiogenesis and evolution cannot. The diversity of life and its origin are rationally explicable as the product of intelligent agency. This is not a statement of religious belief, but of scientific observation. Describing the nature of the designer, however, is another question all together, one that need not be answered in order to accept that there is such a designer.  [1] Wells, Jonathan. 2009. “Why Darwinism is False”. Discovery Institute. Creationism, evolution, abiogenesis, scientific theory, classroom, scientific hypothesis, origin of life, naturalist theories, prebiotic soup, laboratory experiments, origin of life experiments, evolution experiments, species diversity, natural selection, microevolution, macroevolution, scientific observation, intelligent agency, designer, religious belief, scientific debate creationism, evolution, abiogenesis, scientific theory, classroom, hypothesis, origin of life, development of life, naturalist theories, prebiotic soup, laboratory experiments, mutation, natural selection, species diversity, intelligent agency, scientific observation, design, origin of life debate creationism, evolution, abiogenesis, scientific theory, classroom debate, origins of life, naturalism, mutation, natural selection, laboratory experiments, prebiotic soup, origin of life, biological diversity, organism development, intelligent agency, scientific observation, design, versus, scientific debate creationism, evolution, abiogenesis, origin of life, natural selection, mutation, scientific theory, intelligent agency, naturalist theories, prebiotic soup, laboratory experiments, biological diversity, scientific observation, intelligent design, evolution limits, origin of species, scientific hypotheses, creationist argument, scientific debate, origin of life theories creationism, evolution, abiogenesis, scientific theory, classroom, hypothesis, origin of life, naturalist theories, prebiotic soup, laboratory experiments, development of life, diversity of living things, natural selection, mutation, origin of species, intelligent agency, scientific observation, theoretical debate, design argument, religious belief, scientific discourse, origin theories
test-health-ahiahbgbsp-pro02a	Reduce smoking  A ban on smoking in public places would help reduce the rates of people smoking, by making it appear socially unusual – people will have to leave enclosed public places to smoke, each time they want to smoke. This is particularly important in Africa which is at an early stage of the tobacco epidemic where it can be prevented from ever coming to be seen as being normal.  The ban both through the new obstacle and the change in norms could reduce smoking rates. In England, nine months after such a ban, the fall in smoking rates (such as with much of the Global North) accelerated 1 - it has been claimed by up to 400,000.  1 Daily Mail Reporter, “Smoking ban spurs 400,000 people to quit the habit”, Daily Mail, 4 July 2008, smoking reduction, public smoking ban, social norms, tobacco control, smoking rates, policy impact, health behavior, Africa, epidemic prevention, social unacceptability, smoking cessation, behavioral change, England, global North, policy effectiveness smoking reduction, public smoking ban, social norms, tobacco epidemic, Africa, prevention, smoking rates, policy impact, behavioral change, smoking cessation, public health, smoking restrictions, social perception, health advocacy, tobacco control smoking, public places, smoking ban, social norms, tobacco epidemic, Africa, prevention, smoking rates, behavior change, public health, legislation, smoking cessation, health impact, social stigma, policy, England, Global North, impact, quit smoking smoking reduction, public smoking ban, social norms, tobacco epidemic, smoking rates, public health, policy impact, smoking cessation, social behavior change, Africa, early intervention, tabacco control, environmental obstacles, health awareness, behavioral psychology, England, Global North, legislative measures, quitting statistics, societal attitudes smoking reduction, smoking ban, public places, social norms, tobacco epidemic, Africa, prevention, smoking rates, behavior change, social unacceptability, smoking cessation, global health, England, tobacco control, legislation, public health policies, smoking prevalence, health promotion
test-health-dhiacihwph-pro04a	Unfair to apply same patent laws universally  It is unrealistic to expect poorer countries, such as those in Africa, to pay the same price as the developed world’s markets. Current patent laws for many countries dictate that prices for buying patented drugs should be universally the same. This makes it extremely difficult for African countries to purchase pharmaceuticals set at the market price of developed countries. In the US there are nine patented drugs which cost in excess of $200,000 [1] . To expect developing African states to afford this price is unfair and reinforces the exploitative relationship between the developed and developing world. Generic drugs escape this problem due to their universally low prices.  [1] Herper,M. ‘The World’s Most Expensive Drugs’ patent laws, drug prices, developing countries, African nations, pharmaceutical affordability, patent restrictions, generic drugs, drug pricing inequality, intellectual property, global health, access to medicines, pharmaceutical industry, market disparities, economic inequality, drug costs, healthcare equity patent laws, pharmaceutical pricing, developing countries, Africa, universal prices, drug costs, patent pharmaceuticals, access to medicines, generic drugs, market disparity, intellectual property laws, drug affordability, global health equity, exploitative relationships patent laws, drug pricing, developing countries, Africa, pharmaceuticals, generic drugs, market prices, intellectual property, healthcare equity, pharmaceutical costs, global health, drug affordability, patented medicines, drug accessibility patent laws, global patent policy, drug pricing, pharmaceutical affordability, developing countries, Africa, universal drug prices, patented drugs, generic drugs, drug costs, health equity, access to medicine, intellectual property, pharmaceutical industry, health disparities patent laws, pharmaceutical pricing, developing countries, African countries, drug affordability, patent law disparities, generic drugs, market prices, drug costs, healthcare inequality, intellectual property, global health, access to medicines, pharmaceutical patents
test-religion-msgfhwbamec-pro01a	Individual Freedom  Even if marriages are not made absolutely mandatory, covert family pressure can still propel people into unions where they will be unhappy. This is a form of restricted liberty as the consequences of people rebelling against arranged marriages can include being forced to leave home or suffering stigmatisation and reduced contact with family members. The stigma may also be the other way with the family feeling shame when their children reject their arrangements this in turn can lead to attempts at compulsion and even some cases like that of Shafilea Ahmed murder for the rejection of the marriage. [1] Clearly there is a thin line between arranged and forced marriages. Although things like stigmatisation are harder to police than physical intimidation or violence, it is only right that the state steps in to regulate these harms, giving people the legal mandate to challenge the practice as well as to discourage relatives from attempting it from the outset.  [1] Carter, Helen, ‘Shafilea Ahmed killed by parents for bringing shame on family, court hears’, guardian.co.uk, 21 May 2012, individual freedom, arranged marriages, forced marriages, family pressure, social stigma, coercion, coercive control, legal regulation, marriage autonomy, human rights, cultural practices, forced union, social consequences, family honor, gender roles, legal intervention, social coercion, societal pressure individual freedom, marriage pressure, family pressure, arranged marriage, forced marriage, social stigma, legal regulation, personal liberty, coercion, social consequences, cultural norms, social coercion, family dynamics, domestic violence, legal challenge individual freedom, arranged marriages, forced marriages, family pressure, coercion, stigma, social shame, rebellion, legal regulation, violence, intimidation, forced migration, state intervention, human rights, social norms, cultural practices, marriage rejection, family honor, legal challenge individual freedom, arranged marriages, forced marriages, family pressure, reproductive rights, social stigma, coercion, human rights, legal regulation, social coercion, cultural norms, marriage ethics, forced union, social justice, family honor, domestic violence, legal challenge, social pressure, violence prevention individual freedom, marriages, family pressure, unions, restricted liberty, rebellion, arranged marriages, forced marriages, stigma, social pressure, familial expectations, coercion, violence, state regulation, legal rights, social norms, gender roles, cultural practices, domestic violence, legal protection
test-culture-mthbah-pro04a	Advertisements try to make people feel bad about not having the product  Many adverts do more than just advertising products. Some try to make people feel inferior if they don't have the product, or if they have something which the product would change. Perceptions of beauty and fashion in particular have been terribly distorted. Many young people have low self-esteem, and lead unhealthy lifestyles because they feel they should be thinner and more attractive like the models they see in adverts. This leads to serious problems like eating-disorders and self-harm. Research that proved this effect also concluded that 'the media can boost self-esteem (happiness with one's self) where it is providing examples of a variety of body shapes. However, it often tends to portray a limited (small) number of body shapes'1.  1 Skinny models 'send unhealthy message'. The Guardian. advertisements, marketing, self-esteem, body image, beauty standards, fashion, media influence, body shapes, eating disorders, self-harm, unhealthy lifestyles, perception, beauty distortion, models, youth, happiness, representation, societal pressure, comparison, psychological impact advertisements, consumerism, self-esteem, body image, media influence, beauty standards, fashion, mental health, eating disorders, self-harm, societal pressure, body diversity, unrealistic ideals, media portrayal, youth, unhealthy lifestyles advertisements, consumer influence, body image, self-esteem, media portrayal, fashion, beauty standards, unrealistic expectations, eating disorders, self-harm, societal pressure, body diversity, model images, mental health, advertising ethics advertising, self-esteem, body image, beauty standards, fashion, media influence, marketing, body shaming, eating disorders, self-harm, youth, unhealthy lifestyles, representation, diversity, body positivity, societal pressures advertisements, consumerism, self-esteem, body image, beauty standards, fashion, media influence, advertising psychology, mental health, eating disorders, self-harm, societal pressure, unrealistic beauty, media representation, body diversity, body positivity, youth, unhealthy lifestyles, model stereotypes, body shapes
test-international-appghblsba-pro03a	Lesotho is in a dire condition and needs help from its closest ally  With about 40% of Basotho people living below the international poverty line [1] , Lesotho needs urgent help both from the economic and social perspective. A third of the population is infected with HIV and in urban areas; about 50% of the women under 40 have the virus. [2] There is a major lack of funding and corruption in the system is halting any progress. The Kingdom of Lesotho is clearly unable to deal with its issues and should be annexed by SA. Annexation is the only way in which the SA government is going to care about this enclave territory. Give Basotho citizenship and the right to vote in elections and they will be taken into consideration. Give SA the power to control and they will assume the responsibility for pulling the Basotho out of poverty, giving them a better social system and a country in which they can thrive. A simple look at the GDP per capita of each state shows the potential benefit to Lesotho and ability of SA to deliver. While Lesotho is stable at $1,700 per capita, SA has a GDP of $10,700 per person. Only by giving them full responsibility of the territory, the SA government is going to step in and make the necessary change.  [1] Human Development Reports, United Nations Development Project,   [2] The World Factbook, ‘Lesotho’, cia.gov, 11 March 2014, Lesotho, poverty, international poverty line, HIV/AIDS, urban areas, women, funding, corruption, annexation, South Africa, citizenship, voting rights, economic aid, social development, GDP per capita, stability, territorial control, human development, United Nations, World Factbook, assistance Lesotho, poverty, HIV, urban areas, women, funding, corruption, annexation, South Africa, citizenship, voting rights, economic development, social systems, GDP per capita, stability, governance, development aid, sovereignty, territorial control, demographics, international aid Lesotho, poverty, HIV, urban areas, women, funding, corruption, annexation, South Africa, citizenship, voting rights, economic aid, social development, GDP per capita, territory, governance, humanitarian assistance, stability Lesotho, poverty, HIV, urban areas, women, funding, corruption, annexation, South Africa, citizenship, voting rights, economic aid, GDP per capita, stability, development, international aid, territorial control, social system, impoverishment, UNDP, World Factbook Lesotho, poverty, HIV/AIDS, urban areas, women under 40, funding, corruption, annexation, South Africa, citizenship, voting rights, social system, economy, GDP per capita, stability, development, international aid, territory, governance
test-international-amehbuaisji-pro01a	The ICC is a force for good, and the all states should be seen to be standing fully behind it.  The International Criminal Court is a major breakthrough in providing a permanent and durable system that can effectively prosecute and independently try war criminals.  In the past there was no permanent framework for dealing with grave breaches of human rights protection, often allowing states to perform evil acts with impunity. Only for the very worst atrocities were special courts and tribunals set up. It should also act as a deterrent to future violations; it may not reduce conflict but will encourage states to keep a tighter rein on their militaries.  An attempt at a solution to the problem of enforcement of international criminal law is something to be applauded, for the same reason the criminal law on the domestic sphere is – it saves lives, protects human rights and provides civilization to what would otherwise be anarchy. ICC, International Criminal Court, war crimes, human rights, impunity, justice, international law, deterrence, crimes against humanity, tribunals, accountability, international justice, enforcement, human rights protection, international criminal justice, conflict prevention International Criminal Court, ICC, justice, war criminals, human rights, accountability, international law, tribunals, deterrence, enforcement, global governance, impunity, human rights protection, international justice, conflict prevention, legal system, global security ICC, International Criminal Court, war criminals, human rights, justice, impunity, permanent justice system, international law, deterrence, accountability, war crimes, crimes against humanity, international justice, global governance, accountability mechanisms ICC, international criminal court, war crimes, justice, human rights, international law, enforcement, accountability, tribunals, deterrence, sovereignty, impunity, atrocity prevention, international justice, peace, conflict, global governance International Criminal Court, ICC, justice, war criminals, human rights, impunity, international law, enforcement, tribunals, deterrence, conflict prevention, accountability, international justice, atrocity prosecution, legal framework
test-international-sepiahbaaw-pro04a	Resources are a source of conflict  There is a strong connection between the presence of natural resources and conflict within Africa. Natural resources, especially those with a high commodity price such as diamonds, are a useful means of funding rebellions and governments [1] . The 1991 civil war in Sierra Leone became infamous for the blood diamonds which came from mines with forced slavery. These diamonds were used to fund the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) for eleven years, extending the blood-shed. Continued conflict in the Congo is also attributed to the control of mineral wealth [2] and exemplifies how resources have negatively impacted Africa.  [1] Pandergast, 2008,   [2] Kharlamov,I. ‘Africa’s “Resource Wars” Assume Epidemic Proportions’ Global Research 24 November 2014 resources, conflict, Africa, natural resources, commodities, diamonds, rebellions, governments, Sierra Leone, blood diamonds, forced slavery, Revolutionary United Front, RUF, civil war, mineral wealth, Congo, resource wars, violence, economic impact resources, conflict, Africa, natural resources, diamonds, funding rebellions, Sierra Leone, blood diamonds, forced slavery, Revolutionary United Front, RUF, civil war, mineral wealth, Congo, resource wars, conflict resources, resource-driven conflicts resources, conflict, natural resources, Africa, diamonds, rebellions, government funding, civil war, Sierra Leone, blood diamonds, forced slavery, Revolutionary United Front, RUF, mineral wealth, Congo, resource wars natural resources, conflict, Africa, rebel funding, blood diamonds, Sierra Leone civil war, RUF, mineral wealth, Congo, resource wars, commodity prices, forced slavery, resource-driven conflict resources, conflict, Africa, natural resources, commodities, diamonds, rebellions, governments, Sierra Leone, blood diamonds, forced slavery, Revolutionary United Front, RUF, civil war, mineral wealth, Congo, resource wars, violence, resource-driven conflict
test-culture-mmciahbans-con03a	Banning these is papering over the issue  It would be all too tempting for governments to consider that a ban on these products would sort out issues of skin tone discrimination as they would be hidden away from public view.  Class and race are both divisive issues, and are often inextricably linked. Those with lighter skin will still have advantages over those with darker skin hues. The banning of whiteners will simply reduce the ability of individuals to change how others perceive them. We can all agree that there needs to be less colourism but that has to be achieved by reducing prejudices. Only broader education on the issue of skin colour discrimination can achieve such a change. skin tone discrimination, colourism, skin colour, prejudices, education, race, class, societal bias, whiteners, popularity, misperceptions, social injustice, racial disparities, beauty standards, racial equality skin tone discrimination, colorism, racial bias, prejudice reduction, skin whitening ban, societal division, beauty standards, racial inequality, color disparity, public perception, skin color prejudices, education on discrimination, societal change skin tone discrimination, colorism, whiteners, skin bleaching, racial bias, pigmentation products, social prejudice, beauty standards, skin color inequality, public health, societal attitudes, racial harmony, diversity, cultural perceptions, skin lightening harms skin tone discrimination, colorism, skin lightening, whiteners, racial bias, prejudice, societal inequality, education, racial issues, class discrimination, beauty standards, color bias, skin color, societal change, racial discrimination skin tone discrimination, colorism, whiteners, banning, societal prejudices, education, racial inequality, skin color, diversity, social justice, discrimination, beauty standards, racial hierarchy, identity, cultural norms
test-international-bldimehbn-con01a	The job of a journalist is to report the world and events as they see them. Cultural sensibilities do not alter the fact that these events have happened.  It is difficult to see how a matter that is undeniably controversial on the international stage and impacts on the perception of the perpetrating government around the world could not be deemed newsworthy [1] . It should not be the responsibility of journalists to determine whether or not viewers and readers might find something of interest but, rather, to report events that have happened and that may have an impact on the lives of consumers either as individuals or as a nation. By that standard, these matters are clearly news.  News organisations and individual journalists do not report on military, political, financial or terrorist actions because they agree with them but do so because of their impact on the world in which their consumers live. Often the very stories which are the most important to report – and do so impartially – are those very stories that evoke strong feelings on both – or all – sides. Al Jazeera gained its reputation by being willing to go where other Arabic channels had not gone such as showing Israeli guests speaking Hebrew which shocked the Arab world. [2] It should be willing to do the same with gay issues.  [1] CNN. Hala Gorani. The Struggle for Gay Rights in the Middle East. June 02 2006.  [2] Yeginsu, Ceylan, ‘Al Jazeera English Fresh outlook from the Middle East’, Global Media Wars, journalism, reporting, newsworthiness, international events, media ethics, cultural sensitivity, objectivity, impartiality, global impact, controversial issues, Middle East, Al Jazeera, gay rights, media coverage, press freedom, audience perception, sensationalism, political reporting, conflict coverage journalism, reporting, newsworthiness, international events, cultural sensitivities, impartiality, media ethics, political impact, global perception, controversial issues, conflict reporting, terrorism, military, political actions, financial news, media bias, societal impact, human rights, LGBTQ issues, Middle East, Al Jazeera, Israeli speakers, media coverage, Arab world, gay rights journalism, reporting, newsworthiness, international events, media ethics, cultural sensitivities, objectivity, controversial issues, global perception, government perception, impact, military, political, financial, terrorist actions, impartiality, audience interests, media coverage, Al Jazeera, Middle East, gay rights, media bias, freedom of speech, global media, Arabic media, Israeli speakers, LGBTQ issues journalism, reporting, newsworthiness, controversy, international events, government perception, cultural sensibilities, global impact, media ethics, impartial reporting, military, political, financial, terrorism, audience interest, emotional response, media coverage, Al Jazeera, Middle East, Israeli speakers, LGBTQ issues, gay rights, media bias, global perception journalism, reporting, newsworthiness, media, international events, perceived impact, political, military, terrorist, impartiality, cultural sensitivities, controversy, human rights, Middle East, gay rights, Al Jazeera, CNN, media bias, global perceptions, conflict coverage
test-culture-tlhrilsfhwr-pro01a	Cultural relativism and adapting to conflict  The issues underlying all debates on child soldiers go to the very heart of intercultural justice, politics and governance. International and supranational legislation notwithstanding, the notion that children should be protected from all forms of violence at any cost is expressly western.  The facts stated in the introduction are not sufficient to support the creation of a defence of cultural relativism to charges of recruiting and using child soldiers. “Cultures” are not simply sets of practices defined by history and tradition. They are also methods of living, of survival and of ordering societies that change and develop in response to societies’ environments. Within many communities, children are inducted (or induct themselves) into military organisations as a result of necessity. The traditional providers of physical safety within a society may have been killed or displaced by war. Communities left vulnerable by long running and vaguely defined conflicts may have no other option but to begin arming their children, in order to help them avoid violent exploitation. A great many child soldiers in South Sudan actively sought out units of the rebel army known to accept child recruits [i] . Following the death of parents and the dispersal of extended families, children gravitated towards known sources of safety and strength – organisations capable of providing protection and independence within nations utterly distorted and ruined by conflict.  Western notions of inviolate childhood, free of worry and violence, are merely a cultural construct. This construct cannot be duplicated in societies beset by forms of privation and conflict that have been alien to western liberal democracies for the last seventy years. Attempting to enforce this construct as law- and as a form of law that can trump domestic legislation- endangers vulnerable communities, inhibits the creation of democratic norms and can even criminalise the children it claims to protect.  [i] “Raised by war: Child Soldiers of the Southern Sudanese Second Civil War”, Christine Emily Ryan, PhD Thesis, University of London, 2009 cultural relativism, child soldiers, intercultural justice, conflict, governance, international legislation, supranational law, violence prevention, cultural practices, societal survival, military recruitment, war displacement, community safety, South Sudan, rebel armies, child protection, Western norms, childhood innocence, cultural constructs, conflict zones, legal frameworks, democratic norms, vulnerable communities, law enforcement, criminalization, privation, societal change cultural relativism, child soldiers, intercultural justice, violence protection, Western norms, cultural practices, societal survival, military induction, conflict zones, South Sudan, child recruitment, war impact, community safety, displaced families, protective organizations, childhood innocence, cultural constructs, conflict societies, legislation, democracy, criminalization, vulnerable communities cultural relativism, child soldiers, intercultural justice, international legislation, western norms, cultural practices, society adaptation, conflict zones, child recruitment, survival strategies, war impact, community safety, violence prevention, Western childhood constructs, legal implications, human rights, vulnerable communities, conflict zones, societal change, protective laws cultural relativism, child soldiers, intercultural justice, international legislation, supranational law, violence prevention, cultural practices, societal survival, conflict zones, South Sudan, rebel armies, child recruitment, war displacement, community safety, Western childhood, cultural constructs, conflict societies, legal frameworks, democratic norms, vulnerability, protection, conflict-driven recruitment cultural relativism, child soldiers, intercultural justice, violence protection, western norms, societal practices, cultural change, conflict zones, child recruitment, military induction, war impact, community safety, displacement, survival strategies, rebel groups, South Sudan, vulnerability, childhood constructs, cultural beliefs, legal frameworks, democratic norms, international legislation, domestic law, criminalization, war-related trauma
test-international-epglghbni-con02a	The majority of the inhabitants of Northern Ireland do not support unification  The Good Friday agreement affirmed “That if, in the future, the people of the island of Ireland exercise their right of self-determination … to bring about a united Ireland, it will be a binding obligation on both Governments [UK and Ireland] to introduce and support in their respective Parliaments legislation to give effect to that wish”.* However as yet the Northern Irish do not wish to exercise this right. In a recent survey conducted by The Northern Ireland Life and Times it transpired that, “Overall, 73 per cent believe the long-term policy for the North should be maintaining the union, with 58 per cent supporting devolution and 15 per cent in favour of direct rule. Just 16 per cent want a united Ireland, with 3 per favoring an independent Northern Ireland.” This is not just amongst the Protestant population. The survey also showed that, “just one in three Catholics (33 per cent) wants a united Ireland, while 52 per cent want the North to stay in the UK, with 46 per cent of Catholics happy with the devolved arrangements and 6 per cent favoring a return to direct rule from Westminster.”**  *NIO, 1998,   **Moriarty, 2011, Northern Ireland, unification, Good Friday Agreement, self-determination, Irish unity, UK, Ireland, legislation, public opinion, surveys, Northern Ireland Life and Times, unionist, nationalist, devolution, direct rule, Catholic, Protestant, political support Northern Ireland, unification, Good Friday Agreement, self-determination, Irish unity, UK government, Irish government, population survey, public opinion, unionist, nationalist, Protestant, Catholic, devolution, direct rule, independence, political preferences, Northern Ireland Life and Times, voting preferences, political support, sovereignty Northern Ireland, unification, Good Friday Agreement, self-determination, united Ireland, UK government, Ireland government, public opinion, survey, Northern Ireland Life and Times, unionism, devolution, direct rule, independence, Protestant, Catholic, political support, sovereignty, union referendum, political preferences Northern Ireland, unification, Good Friday Agreement, self-determination, Irish unity, UK, Ireland, legislation, public opinion, survey, Northern Ireland Life and Times, union, devolution, direct rule, independent Northern Ireland, Protestants, Catholics, political preferences, public sentiment Northern Ireland, unification, Good Friday Agreement, self-determination, Irish unity, UK Ireland relations, public opinion, survey, Northern Ireland Life and Times, support for union, support for devolution, direct rule, united Ireland, independence, Protestant population, Catholic population, political opinions, devolution, direct rule, Northern Ireland politics
test-sport-tshbmlbscac-con02a	Collisions are an example of violence that has no place in baseball.  Baseball is not a contact sport. It is not a sport that is supposed to rely on violence. This is one commentator’s point: “if you want to watch violent collisions, you can watch [American] football. Or hockey. Or MMA. There’s no reason baseball needs to have similar kinds of plays; it’s an entirely different sport with a different premise and different rules.” [1]  Baseball tries to make the game safe for its players. That’s why beanballs—pitches that endanger hitters—are disallowed. Baseball should not promote violence, and it certainly shouldn’t allow it when players’ careers hang in the balance.  [1] Dave Cameron, “It’s Time to End Home Plate Collisions,” FanGraphs, May 26, 2011,  . baseball, collisions, violence, contact sport, safety, beanballs, player safety, rules, game integrity, sportsmanship, injury prevention, sports regulation baseball, collisions, violence, contact sport, safety, beanballs, player injury, game rules, sportsmanship, football, hockey, MMA, player safety, sports regulation baseball, collisions, violence, contact sport, safety, beanballs, player injury, game rules, sports safety, sportsmanship, hitter safety, sports conduct baseball, collisions, violence, safety, contact sport, rules, beanballs, player injury, sportsmanship, rule enforcement baseball, collisions, violence, contact sport, safety, beanballs, player safety, rules, sportsmanship, injury prevention, American football, hockey, MMA, rules enforcement, player careers
test-education-pteuhwfphe-pro03a	A graduate tax would make access to higher education fairer and more equitable  A graduate tax would be fairer for everyone in society. Graduates earn considerably more than non-graduates, on average over £100,000 more in a lifetime (Channel 4 News, 2010.), experience lower rates of unemployment and greater job security, they therefore benefit hugely from higher education. They should therefore be expected to pay for the privilege of having an education which has put them in that position rather than having the rest of society fund there degrees, going to university should be an honor and not a privilege. While having a degree is useful it is not necessary for getting on with life, if someone wants to go to university they should have that opportunity regardless of their background but they should be expected to contribute to that education which is why the graduate tax works as students of all social classes can join university, not be loaded with debt and can contribute fiscally when viable. graduate tax,higher education,fairness,equity,society,graduates,non-graduates,lifetime earnings,unemployment,job security,cost,university access,financial contribution,social classes,student debt,education funding,university opportunity graduate tax,higher education,fairness,equity,society,graduates,lifetime earnings,unemployment,job security,funding,university access,student contribution,social classes,student debt,educational opportunity,public funding,financial contribution,educational equity graduate tax, higher education, fairness, equity, social society, graduate earnings, unemployment, job security, funding, university access, social class, student debt, fiscal contribution graduate tax, higher education, fairness, equity, societal benefits, income disparity, unemployment rates, job security, tuition, funding, social classes, university access, student debt, fiscal contribution, opportunity, social mobility graduate tax, higher education, fairness, equity, society, graduates, lifetime earnings, unemployment, job security, funding, university access, social class, education cost, public funding, student debt, fiscal contribution
test-environment-assgbatj-pro03a	It isn’t necessary  We don’t know how we will be able to develop new drugs without animal testing until we end it. We now know how most chemicals work, and computer simulations of chemicals are very good.[6] Experimenting on tissue can show how drugs work, without the need for actual animals. Even skin left over from surgery can be experiment on, and being human, is more useful.  The fact that animal research was needed in the past isn’t a good excuse any more. We still have all the advancements from animal testing in the past, but it’s no longer needed. [7] animal testing, drug development, alternatives to animal testing, computer simulations, tissue experiments, human tissue, ethics, scientific advancements, cruelty-free research, non-animal testing methods animal testing, drug development, alternatives, computer simulations, tissue experimentation, human tissue, ethics, biotechnology, non-animal methods, surgical tissue, chemical understanding, medical research, scientific advancements animal testing, drug development, computer simulations, tissue experimentation, alternative testing methods, ethical considerations, human tissue research, chemical mechanisms, non-animal research, surgical skin experimentation, scientific advancements, ethical alternatives animal testing, drug development, computer simulations, tissue testing, chemical behavior, alternatives to animal testing, ethical considerations, human tissue experiments, scientific advancements, research methods animal testing, drug development, alternatives, computer simulations, tissue testing, human tissue, ethics, non-animal methods, chemical research, medical advancements, drug testing methods, in-vitro, tissue experiments, cruelty-free, scientific research
test-philosophy-pppthbtcb-pro04a	Terrorism is relative  The definition of terrorism depends very much upon your point of view - the proposition does not need to defend every atrocity against innocent civilians to argue that terrorism is sometimes justified. A broad definition would say terrorism was the use of violence for political ends by any group which breaks the Geneva Conventions (which govern actions between armies in wartime) or ignores generally accepted concepts of human rights. Under such a broad definition, states and their armed forces could be accused of terrorism. So could many resistance groups in wartime or freedom fighters struggling against dictatorships, as well as participants in civil wars - all irregular groups outside the scope of the Geneva Conventions.  A narrower definition would say that terrorism was the use of violence against innocent civilians to achieve a political end. Such a definition would allow freedom fighters and resistance groups with a legitimate grievance to use force against dictatorship and occupation, providing they only targeted the troops and other agents of oppression. Yet even this tight definition has grey areas - what if the soldiers being targeted are reluctant conscripts? Are not civilian settlers in occupied territories legitimate targets as agents of oppression? What about their children? Doesn't it make a difference if civilians are armed or unarmed? Don't civil servants such as teachers and doctors count as agents of an occupying or oppressive state?  There will always be grey areas that might be justified, under the broader definition most armed forces in history could be accused of terrorism particularly acts such as the bombing of cities during World War II. While under the narrower definition the various resisitance groups during the same war would count. Perhaps at a half way house would be independence movements including the American Revolution. Terrorism, definition, violence, political ends, Geneva Conventions, human rights, resistance groups, freedom fighters, civil wars, state violence, armed forces, civilians, targets, occupation, legitimacy, grey areas, warfare, World War II, independence movements, American Revolution terrorism, definition, violence, political ends, Geneva Conventions, human rights, armed forces, resistance groups, freedom fighters, civil wars, irregular groups, state terrorism, civilian targets, warfare, justification, grey areas, historical acts, independence movements terrorism, definition, violence, political ends, Geneva Conventions, human rights, states, armed forces, resistance groups, freedom fighters, civil wars, irregular groups, wartime, justification, civilians, oppressive regimes, grey areas, legitimate targets, occupation, armed civilians, civil servants, collateral damage, World War II, urban bombing, independence movements, American Revolution terrorism, definition, political violence, Geneva Conventions, human rights, armed forces, resistance groups, freedom fighters, civil wars, irregular groups, state actors, wartime violence, civilian targets, legitimacy, grey areas, broad definition, narrow definition, moral ambiguity, historical acts, World War II, city bombings, independence movements, American Revolution terrorism, definition, political violence, Geneva Conventions, human rights, state violence, resistance groups, freedom fighters, civil war, irregular groups, civilian targets, legitimacy, armed conflict, occupation, guerrilla warfare, insurgency, ethical ambiguity, moral justification, historical context, war crimes, international law, proportionality, collateral damage
test-economy-bhahwbsps-con01a	This ban would be difficult to enforce.  Given the popularity of smoking, a ban on smoking in all enclosed public places would be difficult to enforce, requiring constant vigilance by many police officers or security cameras. It has been reported that smoking bans are not being enforced in Yakima, Washington 1, Atlantic City2, Berlin 3and other places. In New York City, the major has said that the New York Police Department (NYPD) are too busy to enforce the ban on smoking in their parks and on their beaches, and that the job will be left to citizens4.  1. Guenthner, Hayley, 'Smoking Ban Difficult to Enforce in Yakima', KIMA TV, 1 April 2011,   2. Sajor, Stephanie, 'Smoking Ban Not Enforced at Atlantic City Casinos', ThirdAge.com, 25 April 2011,   3. AFP, 'Smoking Ban not Enforced in Parts of Germany', Spiegel Online, 2 July 2008,   4. 'NYC Smoking Ban In Parks Will Not Be Enforced By NYPD: Mayor', Huffington Post, 2 November 2011, smoking ban, enforcement, public places, police, security cameras, compliance, challenges, urban areas, law enforcement, regional reports, city enforcement, municipal policies, citizen involvement, international cases, compliance difficulties smoking ban, enforcement, public places, police, security cameras, compliance, enforcement challenges, city reports, regional differences, citizen enforcement, law enforcement, public health, policy challenges, compliance issues, smoking regulation smoking ban, enforcement, public places, police, security cameras, compliance, Yakima, Atlantic City, Berlin, New York City, NYPD, enforcement challenges, enforcement reports, citizen enforcement, public health, smoking restrictions, legal enforcement smoking ban, enforcement, public places, police, security cameras, enforcement challenges, compliance, city policies, case studies, enforcement reports, public health, legal regulations, enforcement agencies, enforcement effectiveness, city enforcement, smoking restrictions smoking ban, enforcement, public places, police, security cameras, compliance, challenges, city cases, Yakima, Atlantic City, Berlin, New York City, NYPD, citizen enforcement, public health, policy, regulation, compliance difficulties
test-law-lgplhbssbco-con03a	We are all dying  Death is an inevitable fact of life. We will all die. Suicide is therefore not a matter of choosing between life and death per se, but of choosing the time and manner of death one wishes. We would all prefer a painless death over a slow and agonising one, and it is better to be able to prepare oneself and if possible anyone else who will be affected, so why should the difference between the two be a matter of luck and not one of choice? death, mortality, suicide, life, choice, euthanasia, painless death, end-of-life, mortality debate, dying, ethical considerations, personal autonomy, death preparation, suffering, death timing, end-of-life decisions death, mortality, suicide, euthanasia, end-of-life choices, painless death, suffering, preparation, autonomy, ethical considerations, life and death, quality of life, euthanasia debate, assisted dying, mental health, decision-making death, mortality, euthanasia, suicide, choice, dying, painless death, life and death, end-of-life, preparedness, autonomy, suffering, ethical dilemmas, euthanasia laws, quality of life death, mortality, suicide, life, inevitability, choice, pain, end-of-life, preparation, autonomy, euthanasia, dying, death planning, patient rights, quality of life death, mortality, suicide, end-of-life, painless death, euthanasia, dying, life choice, mortality planning, death timing, death manner, suffering, quality of death, autonomy, end-of-life decisions
test-science-eassgbatj-con02a	People will die if we don’t do animal testing  Every year, 23 new drugs are introduced in the UK alone.[13] Almost all will be tested on animals. A new drug will be used for a long time. Think of all the people saved by the use of penicillin. If drugs cost more to test, that means drug companies will develop less. This means more people suffering and dying animal testing, drug development, pharmaceutical research, ethical concerns, animal rights, medicine safety, drug approval process, UK regulations, life-saving drugs, medical advancements, cost of testing, public health, animal welfare, drug efficacy, healthcare impact animal testing, drug development, medication safety, public health, ethical considerations, pharmaceutical industry, medical research, drug testing costs, patient safety, drug approval process animal testing, drug development, pharmaceuticals, medical research, ethics, animal rights, drug safety, drug testing methods, UK healthcare, public health, life-saving medicines, penicillin, drug costs, innovation, animal welfare animal testing, drug development, pharmaceutical testing, animal rights, medical research, drug safety, ethical considerations, patient safety, UK drug approval, medical ethics, alternative testing methods, animal welfare, drug efficacy, public health, mortality, disease treatment animal testing, drug development, pharmaceuticals, public health, ethical considerations, medical research, drug safety, animal rights, legislation, medical breakthroughs
test-international-aegmeppghw-pro04a	Any country that fulfils the accession criteria should be allowed to join  Turkey was promised a chance to join the EU by a unanimous vote at the Helsinki summit in 1999, when its candidacy was unanimously accepted after three decades of consistent Turkish requests. As a candidate country Turkey should be allowed in once it meets the membership criteria which were first set out in the Copenhagen European Council of 1993. These were stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities, the existence of a functioning market economy as well as the capacity to cope with competitive pressure and market forces within the Union and the ability to take on the obligations of membership including adherence to the aims of political, economic & monetary union. [1] Clearly economic and political reforms are necessary, but that is true of all states attempting to join the EU and should not be used as an excuse to backtrack now. It would be hypocritical to apply one set of criteria to Central and Eastern European states and another to Turkey. Such blatant hypocrisy would have consequences, if the EU is seen to break its promise to Turkey it may turn a potential friend and partner into a suspicious and hostile neighbour.  [1]  European Commission Enlargement, Accession criteria, 30th October 2010 EU, European Union, accession criteria, Turkey, Helsinki summit, 1999, candidacy, Copenhagen criteria, 1993, stability, institutions, democracy, rule of law, human rights, minorities, market economy, competitive pressure, obligations, political reforms, economic reforms, hypocrisy, enlargement, accession, European Commission Turkey, EU accession, Helsinki summit, Copenhagen criteria, membership requirements, democratic institutions, rule of law, human rights, minorities, market economy, economic reforms, political reforms, EU enlargement, accession negotiations, candidate country, political stability, economic stability, market forces, obligation compliance, political and economic union, hypocrisy, European Union, international relations, diplomatic promises EU, European Union, accession, criteria, Turkey, Helsinki summit, 1999, candidacy, Copenhagen, 1993, stability, institutions, democracy, rule of law, human rights, minorities, market economy, competitiveness, obligations, political reforms, economic reforms, equality, hypocrisy, enlargement, European Commission EU enlargement, accession criteria, Turkey, Helsinki summit 1999, Copenhagen criteria 1993, institution stability, democracy, rule of law, human rights, minority protection, market economy, accession obligations, political reforms, economic reforms, consistency, hypocrisy, European Union, candidate countries EU, European Union, accession criteria, Turkey, Helsinki summit, 1999, candidacy, Copenhagen European Council, 1993, membership conditions, democracy, rule of law, human rights, minorities, market economy, competitiveness, political reforms, economic reforms, EU enlargement, accession process, compliance, political obligations, economic obligations, hypocrisy, European Commission, enlargement policy
test-sport-aastshsrqsar-pro02a	Broadening participation  The talent pool in South African rugby is not as racially diverse as one would expect from the “Rainbow Nation” – some commentators have argued that England and France produce more top level black players than South Africa [1] . This is because top level players are a result of development from the grassroots up.  Targets or quotas could not only improve the talent pool of today, but could broaden it for the future. A new generation of youth across all races in South Africa would be able to see that rugby union is a sport that accepts people from their backgrounds, making them more likely to participate in rugby union, either as players, coaches, referees or as a general part of the rugby fraternity.  [1] Blackwell, James, ‘South African Rugby Quotas – Right or Wrong?’, Sporting Mad, 16 September 2013, South African rugby, racial diversity, talent pool, Rainbow Nation, grassroots development, black players, quotas, inclusion, youth participation, rugby development, sport inclusivity, racial barriers, sports quotas, rugby participation, sports diversity, talent development, social inclusion Rugby, South Africa, racial diversity, talent pool, Rainbow Nation, grassroots development, quotas, inclusion, youth participation, sport acceptance, black players, rugby development, minority representation, rugby equity, sport growth, rugby diversity South African rugby, racial diversity, talent development, grassroots programs, quotas, inclusion, participation, youth, representation, Rainbow Nation, black players, sports development, rugby inclusivity, diversity initiatives, youth participation, rugby mentorship South African rugby, racial diversity, talent pool, grassroots development, quotas, inclusion, representation, youth participation, rugby development, sports equality, racial quotas, rugby fraternity, top level players, diversity initiatives, sports participation South African rugby, racial diversity, talent pool, Rainbow Nation, grassroots development, black players, quotas, participation, youth engagement, inclusivity, sport development, racial representation, rugby growth, sports equality, talent development, social inclusion
test-environment-aeghhgwpe-pro03a	Vegetarianism is healthier  There are significant health benefits to 'going veggie'; a vegetarian diet contains high quantities of fibre, vitamins, and minerals, and is low in fat. (A vegan diet is even better since eggs and dairy products are high in cholesterol.) The risk of contracting many forms of cancer is increased by eating meat: in 1996 the American Cancer Society recommended that red meat should be excluded from the diet entirely. Eating meat also increases the risk of heart disease - vegetables contain no cholesterol, which can build up to cause blocked arteries in meat-eaters. An American study found out that: “that men in the highest quintile of red-meat consumption — those who ate about 5 oz. of red meat a day, roughly the equivalent of a small steak had a 31% higher risk of death over a 10-year period than men in the lowest-consumption quintile, who ate less than 1 oz. of red meat per day, or approximately three slices of corned beef.” [1] A vegetarian diet reduces the risk for chronic degenerative diseases such as obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and types of cancer including colon, breast, stomach, and lung cancer because of it's low fat/cholesterol content. There are plenty of vegetarian sources of protein, such as beans and bean curd; and spinach is one of the best sources of iron.  [1] Tiffany Sharples, ‘The Growing Case Against Red Meat’, Time, 23rd March 2009 vegetarianism, health benefits, vegetarian diet, vegan diet, fibre, vitamins, minerals, low fat, cholesterol, cancer risk, red meat, American Cancer Society, heart disease, cholesterol buildup, vegetables, artery health, red meat consumption, chronic diseases, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, colon cancer, breast cancer, stomach cancer, lung cancer, vegetarian protein sources, beans, bean curd, spinach, iron vegetarianism, health benefits, vegetarian diet, vegan diet, fibre, vitamins, minerals, low fat, cholesterol, red meat, cancer risk, heart disease, vegetables, cholesterol-free, arterial health, red meat consumption, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, colon, breast, stomach, lung, vegetarian protein sources, beans, bean curd, spinach, iron vegetarianism, health benefits, vegetarian diet, vegan diet, fiber, vitamins, minerals, low fat, cholesterol, red meat, cancer risk, heart disease, vegetables, cholesterol-free, artery health, red meat consumption, chronic diseases, obesity, blood pressure, diabetes, cancer types, protein sources, beans, bean curd, iron, spinach vegetarian, vegan, health benefits, fibre, vitamins, minerals, low fat, cholesterol, red meat, cancer risk, heart disease, vegetables, cholesterol-free, arteries, red meat consumption, mortality, degenerative diseases, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, colon cancer, breast cancer, stomach cancer, lung cancer, vegetarian protein, beans, bean curd, spinach, iron, dietary guidelines vegetarianism, health benefits, vegetarian diet, vegan diet, fiber, vitamins, minerals, low fat, cholesterol, cancer risk, red meat, heart disease, vegetables, arteries, red meat consumption, mortality, chronic diseases, obesity, blood pressure, diabetes, colon cancer, breast cancer, stomach cancer, lung cancer, vegetarian protein sources, beans, bean curd, spinach, iron