January/February GPF Newsletter

Happy New Year, GPF!

As we begin the new year, I want to first take a moment to congratulate everyone who participated in the end-of-semester internal debate tournament! Your hard work and dedication throughout the fall semester truly paid off. The out-rounds were recorded and mailed out to all members, and they’ve been added to our shared Google folder for your review. If you don't have access or can't find them, be sure to contact your point person for assistance

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Now, let’s jump into what’s coming next. We’ve got exciting debates ahead, so let’s get ready to engage deeply with these important topics.

January Topic - "Resolved: The United States federal government should repeal Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act."

To get started, here are some articles to help you understand the arguments for and against the repeal of Section 230. This is a hotly debated issue, as Section 230 is often considered the "most important law protecting internet speech." Whether you're debating for or against the repeal, these resources will give you insight into the broader legal, social, and technological implications of this law.

1. Why Section 230 Needs to Be Repealed

   The Wall Street Journal discusses the argument for repealing Section 230, highlighting concerns about the power of tech giants and how this law might enable harmful content to proliferate. This piece makes the case that tech companies should be more accountable for content posted on their platforms.

   
   

2. The Case for Section 230: Why It’s Essential for Free Speech

   This article from CNBC provides a defense of Section 230, arguing that it has been crucial in enabling the free flow of information online. The article explores how the law supports innovation and ensures that platforms are not overly restricted in moderating content.

   
   

3. Section 230: A Key Debate in the Fight Over Online Speech

   NPR explores both sides of the Section 230 debate, offering a balanced view of how this law affects online speech and platforms. The article also examines potential consequences of changing or repealing the law, making it a must-read for understanding the debate’s broader impact.

   
   

4. Section 230: Why It Is Too Important to Abandon

   In this Washington Post article, the author argues that repealing Section 230 could lead to unintended consequences, including stifling free speech and reducing the diversity of voices online. It’s an essential read for understanding the counterarguments against repeal.

   
   

5. How Repealing Section 230 Would Change the Internet

   The Verge dives into the potential consequences of repealing Section 230, discussing how it would affect tech companies, content creators, and users. The article gives you a comprehensive understanding of how the internet as we know it could change under a new legal framework.

   
   

February Topic - "Resolved: The United States federal government should ban single-use plastics."

Now, shifting to a pressing environmental issue for February, our topic is: Resolved: The United States federal government should ban single-use plastics. This issue has gained significant attention as plastic pollution continues to impact our oceans and wildlife. Below are some articles to help you build your arguments on this critical environmental topic.

1. The Case for Banning Single-Use Plastics

   This New York Times article outlines the environmental and public health reasons why a nationwide ban on single-use plastics is necessary. It discusses the pervasive impact of plastic pollution on ecosystems and wildlife, providing strong evidence for banning single-use plastics.

   
   

2. Single-Use Plastic Bans: Why They're Necessary

   The Guardian highlights the success of single-use plastic bans in various countries and states, making a strong argument that such bans can have a significant impact on reducing plastic waste. This article is key for understanding the global momentum behind plastic bans.

   
   

3. How Single-Use Plastics Are Hurting Our Planet

   This BBC article provides a deep dive into the environmental consequences of plastic pollution, including its impact on marine life and the climate. It offers compelling facts and statistics to support the case for banning single-use plastics.

   
   

4. The Battle Over Plastic Waste: Should the U.S. Ban Single-Use Plastics?

   NPR examines the debate around banning single-use plastics in the U.S., considering both environmental and economic factors. This resource provides a nuanced perspective, showing both the benefits and the challenges of implementing a nationwide ban.

   
   

5. The Economic Impact of a Plastic Ban

   In this CNBC article, the author explores the economic arguments surrounding a plastic ban, addressing concerns about its potential effect on businesses. Understanding this side of the debate is important for constructing balanced arguments.

GPF Updates:

As many of you know, our team has expanded recently, and we’re thrilled to have new voices contributing to the GPF community. Moving forward, more team members will be posting their favorite articles, round recordings, and other valuable resources on the Resources Page. For January, we’re excited to have Maeve Goldman, our new Head of Curriculum Development, curating and posting resources. However, be sure to check back regularly, as more members of the team will be contributing as well.

Finally, remember to review the curriculum for the past month and schedule independent practice rounds with your fellow GPF members. Practice is essential to improving your skills, and discussing your arguments with others will help refine your points.

Let’s continue building on the momentum of a successful fall semester as we head into the new year! Keep up the great work, stay engaged with the resources, and be sure to reach out if you need support.

Cheers,

Joann.