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Modern Debate

Some of our finest literary writing
Is found in rebuttal and debate
Especially when it is logical, reasoned,
Well-written, or cogently spoken
Like writings of Madison and Paine
And speeches of Lincoln and Douglas
Too often, these days, anger prevails
Striking as if with a sharp cutlass
What, I wonder, is to be the gain?
Taking a position for a token …
To gain notice for a season …
I have especially noticed of late
That debate seems more like fighting.

written January 20, 2022
[poem is composed using my reverse
rhyme scheme abcdef/g/fedcba

Copyright © L Milton Hankins | Year Posted 2022

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Caren Krutsinger Date: 1/22/2022 9:59:00 AM And herein lies much of the problem "Too often, these days, anger prevails" and the division. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 1/22/2022 10:11:00 AM Yep. There was a time, I think, when cooler heads prevailed. How much of this is provoked because people in power have such easy access to media and public reaction?

Shirley Hawkins Date: 1/21/2022 10:58:00 PM Debating can be progressive. Arguing is regressive. Enjoyed the read, Thank you Milt. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 1/22/2022 9:10:00 AM Shirley, I always appreciate your thoughts and love reading your comment. Thanks!

Rico Leffanta Date: 1/21/2022 10:42:00 AM Debates are now scripted by speechwriters rather than planners? I don't hear much said about realistic consequences and alternatives . . . .Aloha! Login to Reply Rico Leffanta Date: 1/22/2022 10:19:00 AM We are not all that certain Trump can even read . . . .(or comprehends what he can read) L Milton Hankins Date: 1/21/2022 12:17:00 PM A lot of truth to your observation, Rico. Apparently whoever scripted the last Trump-Biden debate couldn't put many words in Trump's brain!

Gershon Wolf Date: 1/20/2022 6:14:00 PM For sure. For certain. I intentionally watched the first Kennedy-Nixon debate (from 1960) on YouTube the same night as one of the Trump-Clinton farces back in 2016. The difference was (and is) jaw-dropping. Kennedy and Nixon really came prepared. Trump-Clinton was like Bozo slugging it out with Raggedy Ann. ~ gw Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 1/20/2022 6:55:00 PM Oh, I remember it well, gw. I, too, watched the Kennedy-Nixon debate, and although I voted for Mr. Nixon, I knew, after those debates, Kennedy would be our next president. Somehow, I think it was meant to work out as it did.

Maurice Rigoler Date: 1/20/2022 2:59:00 PM So true, Miton. It's one reason I rarely listen to political debates, unless Trump is one of the debaters - he's always good for laughs. / Maurice. Also I like your reverse rhyme scheme. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 1/20/2022 3:01:00 PM Aw thanks, Maurice. I have discovered I've been writing in that pattern for many years, more than I realized. I'm not sure there's anything unique about it, but I also tend to pronounce words and sentences backwards. I suppose we are all a bit weird in some respects, eh?

Paulette Calasibetta Date: 1/20/2022 1:54:00 PM Yes, long ago there was dignity in debate, today it seems there is no debate, just a vocal brawl. :)Paulette Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 1/20/2022 2:10:00 PM Indeed, Paulette. I'm afraid the day of reasoned argument is over. The prevailing attitude is if you don't agree with me, then you are flat-out wrong! In my opinion that attitude generates garbage.

Andrea Dietrich Date: 1/20/2022 1:22:00 PM Yes in the old days debate could be so fun but people are very sensitive today and not listening to any side but their own any more. I like your examples of Lincoln and the others. Lincoln was one of the greatest of orators, writers and debaters. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 1/20/2022 2:21:00 PM Indeed, and sadly so, Andrea. I always grew with criticism. Perhaps others, not so much.

John Lawless Date: 1/20/2022 1:11:00 PM er,,,if you don't take the bait then you won't have to debate the merits of "de-bait". I remember counseling several students that were on the "debating" team that before they entered the debate they should know more about the oppositions position than they did. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 1/20/2022 2:20:00 PM So true. I can remember handing out the same advice when judging forensics. In fact, you stand more chance of winning a debate if you know more about the oppositions' position than you do your own. Strange, but true. And, always assume the opponent will know more about your position than you think they do! Thanks, John.