CEDP'ers win the debate in Texas!!

The debate format was agreed to by both groups. The focus was a
"resolution to repeal the death penalty in Texas." Each side had a chance
to present their views and rebut each other's points. Each side had two
speakers. In the middle of the event was a designated half hour of
questions and comments from the audience.
Not surprisingly, our side won hands down (see Lily's comment below).
Other chapters, especially campus chapters, should discuss holding this type
of debate. It's a provocative, lively and engaging way of reaching out to
folks and meeting people who might be interested in getting involved with
the fight for abolition.
CONGRATULATIONS AUSTIN ON A JOB WELL DONE!!

Marlene

Comments below from Lily Hughes, Austin CEDP:

We totally won the debate, at the end, participants were polled, and we had
105 our side and 34 for theirs!
Our crack team did an outstanding job in presenting our arguments about
the dp's function within a racists and classist society. I almost felt sorry
for poor YCT, they had the same tired arguments about victims and
deterrence. But then when they said stuff about how "valuing life was a
western concept", I realized once again how disgusting their arguments are!

Lily

http://media. http://www.dailytexanon line.com/ media/storage/ paper410/ news/2007/ 01/30
/TopStories/ Opposing. Student.Groups. Debate.Death. Penalty-2685356. shtml

Opposing student groups debate death penalty
Longhorns Speak sponsors dialogue, large crowd attends

Stephanie Sanchez

Posted: 1/30/07

An estimated 180 students and faculty members gathered in Jester
Auditorium for a debate between the Campaign to End the Death Penalty
and the Young Conservatives of Texas, hosted by Longhorns Speak, a
nonpartisan organization that brings together students for dialogue.

"The hope is that students get a better understanding of why their
position is what it is," said Arun Venkataraman, a business honors
and government senior and president of Longhorns Speak.

The idea was initiated by the anti-death penalty group, which wanted
an active dialogue, Venkataraman said.

"I think it is a controversial issue a lot of people don't engage
and think about," said Merry Regan, a history and communication
studies junior and member of the anti-death penalty group.

Regan added that this forum lets people know about the realities of
the death penalty.

Bryan McCann, a graduate student in the College of Communication and
a panelist for the campaign, argued that there are racial disparities
in the individuals that end up on death row. He added that many times
these death row inmates do not have the funds to hire appropriate
attorneys.

A voice needs to be spoken for the victims of these crimes, said
Brianna Becker, government freshmen and panelist for YCT.

She said the death penalty is not abused in the system, and it
transcends any racial, gender or economic issues - it is the judicial
system at its best.

Becker said the campaign panelists were well prepared and very passionate.

"I thought the Young Conservatives of Texas could have done better,
personally. I think the Campaign to End the Death Penalty was very
articulate, and they presented their arguments very well," said
Joseph Wyly, a government junior and executive director of YCT. But
their arguments and evidence were not strong enough to convince him
to get rid of the death penalty and debate over broader social
issues, which is what is really needed, Wyly said.

"I think the [YCT] panelists were very vocal, and they brought up a
lot of excellent arguments," said Stephanie Cagniart, a member of the
anti-death penalty group. "However, none of the arguments they
brought up addressed our arguments."

Dana Cloud, associate professor of communication studies, said she
hopes students use the debate as an opportunity to think critically
about the issue.

"The debate was very lively," said Nikki Lockhart, a government and
history sophomore.

It was good to hear how the death penalty is implemented versus
people's personal principles on the subject, Lockhart said.

"We were very pleased with the turnout," Venkataraman said. "I think
a lot of people had already made up their mind, but were able to
express their views."