This award-winning speech was given at the 2004 International Speech Contest series in Central Florida.
In Support of *gasp* Gay Marriage
It’s not often that two of my pet topics – individualism and childfree-ness – come together in one essay in this form, but there are times when you have to jump at the opportunity when it arises.
The Self-Obsolescence of Ultra-Liberal Academics
Like many conferences, the lessons to be taken away from Academic conferences often have very little to do with anything that people actually spoke about. In this particular case, one of the lessons to be taken away is how Queer Studies, Gender Studies, and African-American Studies appear to have successfully sealed their own death sentence.
Serving at the Pleasure of Government
The not-so-subtle encroachment of government will upon individuals cannot be taken lightly. Take a look at the Terry Shiavo and Rachel Boim cases.
Power and Humor
Did you know that when you make a joke, you are attempting to control a relationship? Yeah, I bet that was foremost on your mind as well.
California’s Slight of Hand
By now the story about teaching Islam in California’s government schools should be pretty well known. Most conservative organizations and authors lament the fact that no other religion is taught in those schools, as well as the fact that the negative aspects of Islam are often glossed over or ignored. These conservatives are, however, seriously missing the point.
Government, Our God
It’s interesting how history repeats itself if you know where to look. Sometimes, even if you don’t know where to look, serendipity looks you right in the eye and smacks you upside the head.
Whither the Race Debate
Sometimes it’s difficult to understand what’s truly at stake with race relations when it comes to Affirmative Action.
Can’t anyone argue for Iraq?
A basic rundown of some of the weak arguments against going into Iraq in the first place.
The Evidence Against Iraq
A controversial post that remains valid today.
Yes, Virginia. There is such a thing as a Stupid Question
I knew that when I returned to the classroom I was going to be subjected to all the familiar stupid student questions, but even I wasn’t prepared for this: “If I don’t turn in my paper, will I still get credit for it?” While many students have asked similar questions in class, this was the first time I had ever gotten it so blatant and overt. And so insane.
Security vs. Liberty: The Myth of “Nothing to Hide”
There have been several disturbing polls in the past year that are truly frightening. In them, a trend is emerging: the American citizenry is becoming more and more willing to trade in its precious freedoms (the little that they have) for the perception of security.
Philosophy of Grading
Perhaps there is nothing more controversial in a classroom as the grading procedures. I have long been an staunch critic of the traditional “percentage” system of grading, for a number of reasons. As I enter the classroom yet again, my controversial system is again called in question, and I feel that perhaps this might be a useful description of why and how I grade the way I do.
The Big Deal About Cheating
We’re told often that cheating is a bad thing, that it will only hurt the cheater in the long run. Cheating is like masturbation – everyone’s done it but no one admits it. If it is self-abuse (I’m talking about cheating now) then why should we care? Why do we get upset over someone who cheats?
Corporate Surprise
In the face of corporate scandals such as Enron, Global Crossing, and now WorldCom, very few companies seem to be getting good press. Let me explain to you why I have become an Adobe customer for life.
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