“Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence.” ~Robert Frost

Debate Issue: Son of 1053 -  The Super Majority Measure, I-1185

Initiative 1185, the super majority measure. Is it an attack on democracy or way to save it? It’s the topic for the October 25th VillageSpeak Mock Debate and it’s on the November ballot. Shall a two-thirds vote of both houses of the Washington State legislature be required for any increase in state taxes?

VillageSpeak participants will have the opportunity to argue pros and cons in this hands-on debate. Clarence Moriwaki, a seasoned debater, public and media relations expert and President of the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial Association, will open the evening with an informative presentation about the debate process. Participants will hear pro and con statements by two experts, then will divide between the team captains for strategy sessions.

One team leader will be Peter Denis, a skillful arbitrator and Vice-President of Human Resources for the University of Washington. Denis arbitrates all employee negotiations at UW, and is active in the performing arts community on Bainbridge, serving as Vice-President and Secretary for Bainbridge Performing Arts, Board of Directors.

Another team leader will be Jon Doll (volunteer Executive Director of Island Music Center). Jon is a performing musician, actor, and organizational leader who began his musical life after joining a band as a singing drummer when he was in the ninth grade. He then mastered guitar well enough to teach and write music while attending UW and has continued to write and perform music all of his life. In addition, he is a founding member of two community theaters, has performed numerous acting roles over the years (sometimes roles in two to three different plays at the same time) and has served both private sector and nonprofit organizations in leadership roles.

Irony has it, this two-thirds majority initiative has already been passed four times by Washington voters (1993, 1998, 2007 and 2010). Yet, the sticking point has always been that any ballot measure may be eliminated by a simple legislature majority after two years.

Some voters believe Initiative 1185 is a walking stick for conservatives, others see it as a left-wing proposal to preserve people’s rights. What do you think?

All are invited to join in the fun. You’ll have the option to join-in the debate or just watch the fun from the counters.

Your Takeaway:

• entertaining evening filled with camaraderie
• learn how the other side thinks
• add new techniques to your persuasive skills

TICKETS:

Buy your tickets online to avoid the line wait at the door. Print out your ticket, bring it with you, plop it down at the entrance table, and you’re in. No sign-up, no long tedious lines, no change.

Email  RSVP, here. Or, get your ticket online and avoid the lines at the door:

 Suggested Videos & Reading List on Debate & Civil Politics >>

    History and Practice of Soapboxing

    “A soapbox is a raised platform on which one stands to make an impromptu speech, often about a political subject. The term originates from the days when speakers would elevate themselves by standing on a wooden crate originally used for shipment of soap or other dry goods from a manufacturer to a retail store.

The term is also used metaphorically to describe a person engaging in often flamboyant impromptu or unofficial public speaking, as in the phrases “He’s on his soapbox”, or “Get off your soapbox.” Hyde Park, London is known for its Sunday soapbox orators, who have assembled at Speakers’ Corner since 1872 to discuss religion, politics and other topics. A modern form of the soapbox is a blog: a website on which a user publishes one’s thoughts to whoever reads them.

 Political activists considered soapboxing a 1st Amendment right. Law enforcement authorities frequently viewed it as an impediment to the public right-of-way (New York City, October 1908).” ~wikipedia

 

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