I would first like to clarify my position moving forward in this debate, both to avoid confusion but also in an attempt to stymie the inevitable accusations from my opponent relating to a position I do not endorse.
'I do not support the total and unencumbered acceptance of all refugees, ignoring criminal records, terrorist activities or past violations. Furthermore, I would not support the acceptance of refugees if such a time came that in doing so it would endanger the lives of either the refugees themselves, or the existing habitative population.'
It seems slightly ironic to me that my opponent in this debate has chosen to argue against a motion that almost certainly has had an affect on his/her life to date. Kevutim (sp) has a display picture clearly representing the emblem of the nation of Israel, likely in this case taken from a passport. For anyone unfamiliar with the emblem, it depicts a menorah (multi-headed candlestick used to represent 'temple') flanked by two palms, commonly sited as 'sukhot', used in symbology to illustrate the four species. The emblem itself dates back to 1948, a time of huge political upheaval for the Jewish people, and of course the perpetration of one of the greatest human rights violations in our modern history. The nation of Israel, which still today is unresolved and at war with it's arab neighbours, came into existence as a result of the largest net migration of refugees in history. The parallels with the current refugee crisis are a stark reminder of how bias towards refugees can quickly turn into something much darker and more serious.
Most of us were refugees at some point in our past. Unless you're an aboriginal, you or your family were, if not refugees, immigrants. That you are able to prosper and thrive in a country like the US is testament not only to the productivity of migrant refugee productivity, but also the best example in the world of multiculturalism.
I find there is often a nasty undertone in this debate surrounding refugees, not least from the republican presidential debates. Why do we not accept refugees more readily? Is it because they look different, or sound different? Are we really so unsure of our own language and position in society that when defenceless and starving people arrive at our shores we feel the need to block them out? Surely we're better than that.
There is coherent argument against allowing refugees into western countries, none at all. Not from a financial perspective, nor one of cultural integration. We must remember the lessons of the past and remind ourselves to not repeat those mistakes.
Return To Top | Posted:
2016-02-15 07:02:39
| Speak RoundMuslims are running around raping people in Europe, no further argument needed.
Return To Top | Posted:
2016-02-15 16:49:12
| Speak RoundIncorrigiblePerspective: My opponent offers no counter argument. I consider him to have conceded the debate, Racist rhetoric is not an argument in itself... perhaps he has been following Mr Trump?
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Round Forfeited
Return To Top | Posted:
2016-02-29 16:51:01
| Speak RoundRound Forfeited
Return To Top | Posted:
2016-03-07 16:51:01
| Speak Round