CEDA Post Mortem-Responses to Achten, Snider, Darren Elliott, and

[MWilliams]

and Ken Delaughder.
Greg's argument concerning Towson has big numbers. 1st. Its called a hasty
generalization Greg. Second, many Regional Tournaments in the South Central
Region can barely operate. On the flip side of Towson, the Gator TOurnament
that used to go to Octos only had six open teams and could only go five rounds.
I think my Hast G is more telling than your Hasty G.
Tuna's argument to sanction them all. Interesting and scary that I may agree with Tuna on an issue. Ain't no love goin' on but it I think legitimizing alternative topics may be a way to go.
        Darren Elliott, no relation. Just wanted to protect you man from any
ill effects I may cause in my EVIL plot to destroy the Debate World.
Darren says expand the numbers of tournaments. I say not true for many parts of the country. The flight to Parly has virtually destroyed CEDA in my part of the
country. Most of my drives to CEDA tournaments this year have been 10+ hours.
2. Majority Rules. That's right Darren. That's how Democracy works. I'm just
trying to mobilize enough votes to win. Pretty Evil ain't it.
3. 20% don't control. I think they do. GO check out a book called the Irony
of Democracy by THomas Dye. You know, all the elites stuff. I think the needs
and dictates of the top 20% get met becuase those programs participate in the
business meetings and voting. Now, of course you are going to say that it is
simply good politics to let the majority rule and everyone can vote. I agree.
Funny thing, that is all I am trying to do--create and mobilize a new voting bloc.
4. Pointing fingers. I point the finger at myself and other coaches who do not
or will not vote for what they believe. Hell, I haven't even given a good
ad hom in the last 10 posts.

Last and Least is Breshears. First, don't use the "Dr." in the pejorative. I'm
never used it as a rhetorical tool to sway audiences. Just call me Scott, or
that son-of-a-bitch-from-lousyana.
A lot of stuff to cover in your rant. I'm sure I missed some of the issues but
I count 10.
1.Decrease because of budgets. True and not true. Yes some programs have dried up.  Not true because programs have left for Parly or just cut debate entirely.
My old school just went straight to I.E.s. True in a more insidious way, a
turn if you will. More programs, for budgetary reasons, leaving CEDA because theregional circuit is drying up. Driving 10 hours one way just to get to a
quaterfinals regional tournament is asking a lot. For many, it ain't worth the
time or money.
2. What's wrong with parly. Not going to get into it. Its a matter of preferences and tastes.
3. Losing touch with the community. Dude, what do you mean? My program actively
participates in CEDA tournaments. We went to 13 or 14 this year. Look at the
Regional Rankings for OUR Region. Look at the program at the top of the list.
I ain't losing touch. In fact, I believe your problem is that I stay in touch
with those that are disenfranchised from the CEDA community. I actually say
on edebate what many feel but do not want to engage in abusive discourse.
4. EVIL plot to overthrow CEDA. Get a grip. What I said was that by using
the "rules" of proxy votes, we can mobilize a new voting bloc. What the hell is so evil about advocating your position and trying to change things you don't
like. I find it AMAZING how people that advocate change in debate rounds, get
really pissed when someone advocates changes that may piss on their parade.
No takeovers. Don't want to be a Neo-Tuna whipping boy for a year. All I want are some changes.
5. Decline Began a long time ago. Yeah, so did species extinctions in the
Jurassic Period. Irrrelevant to the conversation. The point is that a dramatic
decline in programs began just a few years ago. Just look at the CEDA membershipabsent NDT crossover effects.
6. CEDA's extensive Regional Focus. Really? Where? It is rapidly becoming a
National TOurnament focus institution. Many regional tournaments barely break
to semis. Few can go to quarters without collapsing divisions. The
regional focus is being lost with the merger.
7. Much less radical measures like new topics for Novices. Guess What! That is
what I have been advocating for. I still think the topics matter and there
has to be a way to craft topics that will encourage more students to engage
in debate.
9. Near the end, you give the standard if you don't like it get the F--- out
argument. Well that mentality can only work so long. I believe that was a standard form of argument given by southern whites to Martin Luther King. Why should
I get out when I can mobilize for change from within. Why should I have to
recreate the wheel.
OOPs! 8. I'm EVIL. Yeah! Take a fukin' number. I've been called the Antichrist
by the best of them. Yes, it is so EVIL to advocate for change within a democratic framework. I'm not saying we should blow-up CEDA anymore. I couldn't find
a truck big enough to carry the bomb. My Anthrax shipment was lost by the
postal service. My AK-47 is in the shop getting a new silencer. All I want
are some changes.
10. Do Parly. See number 8 and 9. I'm not going to go into Parly world and try to change they way they do their thang. I'd much rather piss off peple in CEDA.
They don't break down and cry as much. Plus, I know what CEDA is, has been,
and could be if people are responsive to calls for change.
        One last thing, a 20 year prediction: CEDA/NDT will have to merge with
Parly because the numbers in CEDA/NDT will fall below the level of critical
mass needed to support itself. Gee! Has that ever happened before?
Scott Elliott