topics--MSU

[Harris, Scott L]

Some issues relating to papers.

THE MSU PROJECT:

While the paper reflects a good deal of thought and effort I have some
serious reservations.

1) The topic eliminates any discussion of issues effecting the 500+
currently recognized nations (other than at the level of resource
trade-offs).  We would learn a great deal about the 15 specified groups but
could not debate what might be considered the core of the literature
relating to indigenous peoples throughout America.

2)  I have serious concerns that the topic is too narrow (even acknowledging
all of the answers to this concern in the paper).  I think the topic makes a
good effort to create balance and would be ideal for a debate class.  I also
think it drains much of the creativity that makes debating fun completely
out of the debate process.  I have trouble seeing this topic evolving very
much over the course of a debate season.

3) I think the claimed diversity of advantages is a potential mirage since
they can be counterplanned out with action short of recognition.