My sub-topics are:

1. Accidental Shootings: Discuss the increased risk of accidental firearm discharges in a school setting and the potential harm to students, staff, and teachers.

2. Lack of Proper Training: Highlight the importance of rigorous and ongoing training for law enforcement officers and the challenges of providing similar training for teachers who are not primarily trained for security or law enforcement roles.

3. Escalation of Conflicts: Explore how the presence of firearms among teachers may lead to situations where conflicts escalate unnecessarily, potentially harming students and teachers.

4. Psychological Impact: Discuss the potential psychological impact of arming teachers on both students and educators, including increased stress and anxiety in the learning environment.

5. Ineffectiveness in School Safety: Examine whether arming teachers is an effective strategy for preventing school shootings and whether there are more proven and less risky methods for enhancing school safety.

Sub topics/questions I turned into to look at:

Claim 1: Deterrence Effect (Claim of Fact): "The potential deterrent effect of arming teachers in schools is a significant consideration, as proponents argue that it might discourage potential shooters from targeting schools, reducing the likelihood of such incidents in the first place."

1. Counterargument for Claim 1 (Deterrence Effect): "Detractors argue that the presence of armed teachers may not necessarily deter potential shooters and could even escalate the situation. It may create a false sense of security or, in some cases, attract individuals seeking to challenge or evade armed resistance."

   
   

   
   

   Claim 2: Enhanced Response Time (Claim of Fact): "Arming teachers can lead to quicker response times during an active shooter situation, potentially saving lives by preventing or minimizing casualties. This highlights the importance of preparedness and immediate action in addressing school security."

   Counterargument for Claim 2 (Enhanced Response Time): "Some opponents assert that relying on armed teachers for quicker response times is risky, as it places the burden of security on educators who are primarily trained for teaching. Instead, they advocate for professional law enforcement to handle security in schools to ensure proper training and experience."

   
   

   
   

   Claim 3: Qualified and Trained Educators (Claim of Policy): "The qualification and training of teachers who are armed play a crucial role in ensuring responsible firearm handling and decision-making. Implementing rigorous training and qualifications is vital to address the concerns surrounding the use of firearms in schools effectively."

Counterargument for Claim 3 (Qualified and Trained Educators): "Critics may contend that even with rigorous training and qualifications, educators are not law enforcement professionals, and introducing firearms into a learning environment carries inherent risks. The potential for accidents, misuse, or misjudgment remains a significant concern."

The DACA program has been a positive and humane policy that benefits both young undocumented immigrants and the United States as a whole, as it provides opportunities for education, employment, and social integration, contributing to a stronger and more inclusive society.

Sub claims

1. Education and Skill Development: DACA allows young undocumented immigrants to pursue higher education, develop their skills, and contribute to the future workforce, which benefits the nation's economy and competitiveness.

2. Economic Contributions: Many DACA recipients are gainfully employed, paying taxes, and contributing to the U.S. economy, which bolsters economic growth and helps support social programs.

3. Social Integration: DACA recipients, having grown up in the United States, are integrated into their communities, fostering social cohesion and multiculturalism.

4. Protection from Deportation: DACA offers protection from deportation to individuals who were brought to the U.S. as children, preventing the breakup of families and offering stability to those affected.

5. Humanitarian Considerations: The program reflects a humanitarian approach by offering a pathway to legal status for young immigrants who did not knowingly violate immigration laws.

6. Support from Diverse Groups: Highlight the support for DACA from various sectors, including business leaders, educators, religious organizations, and advocates for immigrant rights.

7. Alternatives and Legal Limbo: Discuss the limitations of alternative immigration policies and the legal limbo faced by DACA recipients if the program were to be rescinded.

8. Positive Public Opinion: Cite polls and surveys that indicate a majority of Americans support DACA and believe it has a positive impact on society.

9. Long-Term Benefits: Explain how DACA recipients, once granted legal status, can further contribute to the nation as educated, skilled, and productive members of society.

10. National Identity: Discuss how DACA aligns with the United States' historical identity as a nation built by immigrants seeking a better life and contributing to the country's growth.

Sub Claims

1. Executive Overreach: One of the primary criticisms of DACA is that it was implemented through an executive order by President Barack Obama. Critics argue that this constitutes an overreach of executive authority and should have been addressed through legislative action.

2. Perceived Incentive for Illegal Immigration: Some argue that DACA serves as an incentive for more individuals to enter or stay in the U.S. illegally, as it provides potential benefits for those who meet the criteria.

3. Limited Coverage: DACA only covers a subset of undocumented immigrants who entered the U.S. as children. Critics argue that it leaves out other undocumented individuals, creating disparities and potential resentment among various immigrant groups.

4. Uncertainty and Temporary Status: DACA offers only temporary relief, subjecting recipients to a constant state of uncertainty and the risk of deportation if the program is rescinded. Critics argue that this uncertainty is detrimental to the well-being of DACA recipients.

5. Competing for Resources: Some argue that the resources spent on DACA could be allocated to other areas of immigration reform or used to address issues such as the backlog of legal immigration applications.

6. Potential Security Risks: Critics raise concerns about the possibility of DACA recipients having criminal backgrounds or engaging in criminal activities, despite the program's criteria.

7. Policy Ineffectiveness: Some argue that DACA doesn't address the root causes of undocumented immigration and that a comprehensive immigration reform is necessary to create a more effective and long-term solution.

8. Political Polarization: The issue of DACA has become highly politicized, contributing to divisions in Congress and society, making it difficult to find bipartisan solutions to immigration reform.

9. National Security Concerns: Critics have expressed concerns that the program could be exploited by those with malicious intentions who may attempt to fraudulently gain DACA status.

Sub claims

1. Historical Parallels: Explore the historical similarities between the institution of slavery in the United States and the development of the modern prison system. This could include discussing how both systems involved forced labor, dehumanization, racial disparities, and control over the lives of those subjected to them.

2. Contemporary Challenges: Discuss the ongoing issues and challenges within the modern prison system, such as overcrowding, harsh sentencing, racial disparities, and the impact on incarcerated individuals and their communities. Highlight how these challenges have raised questions about the parallels to historical injustices.

3. Reforms and Solutions: Examine the efforts, policies, and movements aimed at addressing the problems within the prison system and improving conditions for inmates. This could include discussing criminal justice reform, alternatives to incarceration, and rehabilitation programs.

Sub Claims

1. Increased Awareness and Diagnosis:

   • How has greater awareness of ADHD improved the lives of individuals who may have gone undiagnosed in the past?

   • What are the potential benefits of early ADHD diagnosis and intervention for children and adults?

2. Improved Academic and Occupational Outcomes:

   • What evidence supports the idea that appropriate ADHD treatment and support can lead to better academic and occupational outcomes?

   • How can accommodations in educational and workplace settings contribute to improved outcomes for individuals with ADHD?

3. Enhanced Understanding of Neurodiversity:

   • In what ways has the recognition of ADHD contributed to a broader understanding of neurodiversity?

   • How can society benefit from embracing the strengths and unique qualities of individuals with ADHD?

Cons:

1. Overdiagnosis and Misdiagnosis:

   • What factors contribute to concerns about overdiagnosis and misdiagnosis of ADHD?

   • What are the potential negative consequences of incorrect or unnecessary ADHD diagnoses?

2. Stigmatization:

   • How does stigma affect the self-esteem and well-being of individuals with ADHD?

   • What steps can be taken to reduce the stigma associated with ADHD?

3. Medication Side Effects:

   • What are the common side effects of medications used to treat ADHD, and how do they impact individuals?

   • What is the current understanding of the long-term effects of these medications on children's growth and development?

4. Inequality in Access to Care:

   • What are the disparities in access to ADHD diagnosis and treatment, and how do they affect outcomes for different groups?

   • What measures can be taken to address these inequalities?

5. Challenges in Education:

   • In what ways does the education system sometimes fail to accommodate the needs of students with ADHD, and what are the consequences?

   • How can educational policies and practices be adjusted to better support students with ADHD?

6. Potential for Misuse of Medications:

   • What are the concerns regarding the misuse or abuse of stimulant medications used to treat ADHD?

   • What steps can be taken to prevent and address this issue, particularly among adolescents and young adults?

While the debate over paying student-athletes is ongoing, the current system of amateurism in collegiate sports promotes fair competition, preserves the educational mission of universities, and maintains a level playing field for all athletes, making the case against direct monetary compensation for student-athletes.

Sub claims

Subclaim 1: Fair Compensation for Student-Athletes

Pro: Student-athletes dedicate significant time and effort to their sport, generating substantial revenue for their universities and the NCAA, and should be fairly compensated for their contributions.

Counterargument: Fair compensation can be a subjective concept. Some argue that student-athletes already receive compensation through scholarships, which cover tuition, room, and board. Direct payment could lead to disparities between athletes in different sports and erode the principle of amateurism.

Subclaim 2: Financial Support for Student-Athletes

Pro: Many student-athletes come from low-income backgrounds and struggle to cover their expenses. Paying them would provide essential financial support during their college years.

Counterargument: Critics argue that if student-athletes are paid, it may not benefit all equally. High-profile athletes might receive significantly more than those in less popular sports, leading to disparities and potential conflicts within athletic programs.

Subclaim 3: Economic Contribution of Student-Athletes

Pro: Student-athletes in high-revenue sports, such as football and basketball, generate substantial income for their universities through ticket sales, merchandise, and media rights. Payment would recognize their contribution to the university's finances.

Counterargument: While it is true that some student-athletes contribute to revenue, the vast majority of college athletic programs, including those in Division I, do not make a profit. Paying student-athletes could lead to financial strain for many universities.

Subclaim 4: Incentives to Stay in School

Pro: Payment could provide student-athletes with an incentive to stay in school, complete their education, and graduate, as they would receive compensation in addition to their scholarships.

Counterargument: Critics argue that if student-athletes are paid, there may be less motivation to focus on academics. This could lead to a decline in academic standards and the educational mission of universities.

Subclaim 5: Economic Freedom for Student-Athletes

Pro: Payment would give student-athletes economic freedom and the ability to manage their finances independently.

Counterargument: On the contrary, it could expose student-athletes to the same financial challenges and exploitation seen in professional sports, such as contract disputes, financial mismanagement, and pressures to provide for family members.

Subclaim 6: Impact on Education

Pro: Payment could enhance the overall educational experience for student-athletes by providing financial stability and allowing them to focus on their studies.

Counterargument: Critics contend that the primary focus of student-athletes should remain on education. The introduction of payment could shift the emphasis away from academics and compromise the core educational mission of universities.

Subtopic #1 Improved Access to Preventive Care:

-Having insurance that covers preventive medications increases accessibility to essential treatments, encouraging individuals to seek early interventions for health issues.

-Counterargument: Some might argue that access to preventive care should be a personal responsibility, not funded by insurance. They may believe that individuals should take charge of their own health and pay for preventive measures themselves.

Subtopic #2 Better Health Outcomes:

-Improved access to preventive medications can lead to better health outcomes by preventing the progression of diseases and reducing the need for more expensive treatments.

-Counterargument: Critics could claim that the long-term health outcomes of preventive medications are uncertain, and the cost of covering them may not be justified by the potential health benefits.

Subtopic #3 Rising Healthcare Costs:

-Providing comprehensive insurance coverage for preventive medications may lead to increased healthcare costs, which could have broader implications for healthcare affordability and sustainability.

-Counterargument: Supporters of comprehensive preventive medication coverage may argue that while costs may increase in the short term, they can lead to long-term cost savings by preventing the need for more expensive treatments and hospitalizations

Subtopic #4 Risk of Medication Misuse:

-Overly generous coverage may increase the probability of medication misuse or overuse, potentially leading to side effects or other health risks.

-Counterargument: Advocates for universal coverage might contend that measures can be put in place to monitor and regulate medication usage, reducing the risk of misuse

Subtopic #5 Resource Allocation:

-The allocation of resources to cover all preventive medications may divert funds from other critical healthcare needs, posing a challenge to healthcare systems.

-Counterargument: Proponents of extensive preventive care coverage may argue that reallocation of resources can be managed through effective healthcare policy and budget planning, ensuring that other essential healthcare needs are not neglected.

Subtopic #6 Balancing Coverage:

-Deciding which preventive medications to cover and at what level can be a complex task, as it involves balancing health benefits with cost-effectiveness.

-Counterargument: Those in favor of comprehensive coverage may emphasize the importance of establishing clear guidelines and evidence-based decision-making to determine which preventive medications should be covered, addressing concerns of overspending on unnecessary treatments

Sub claims:

1. Government should determine a concrete plan for identifying and removing non-native plants.

   *Counterargument: Colorado Department of Agriculture currently utilizes their Noxious Weed Department and classifies noxious weeds into lists.

2. Government should emphasize education about harms of non-native plants.

   *Counterargument: This could be a cost with not realistic funding.

3. The current method used to document non-native plants could be improved.

   *Counterargument: It has been efficient and effective as is.

4. Controlling nonnative plants through environmentally conscious methods should be preferred over alternative methods.

   *Counterargument: Removal through environmentally methods alone would be time consuming and costly with labor.

1. Providing access to birth control to girls after their first menstrual cycle empowers them to make informed decisions about their reproductive health, reducing the risk of unintended pregnancies and enabling family planning.

   Counter: Critics argue that early access to birth control may encourage sexual activity among young girls, potentially leading to risky behaviors.

2. Early access to birth control plays a crucial role in reducing unintended pregnancies, offering a preventive measure that can minimize the social, economic, and health consequences associated with teenage pregnancies.

   Counter: Critics express concerns about the potential side effects and health risks associated with the use of birth control methods by young girls, including hormonal changes and long-term health implications.

3. Access to birth control supports girls' reproductive health by regulating menstrual cycles, managing health conditions, and promoting overall well-being.

   COunter: Critics may argue that early use of birth control can interfere with natural processes and hormonal balance, potentially leading to unintended health consequences.

Sub claim 1- Animal testing is unreliable and not always applicable to human products.

Sub claim 2- There have been many advances in technology that can replace animal testing.

Sub claim 3- It brings pain and suffering to tested animals which the majority end up dying from.

Sub claim 4- The benefits of animal testing can now come through other tests and in the end, are not worth their suffering.

Sub Claims:

1. Profit Motive: Businesses that work in the healthcare area work with a budget in mind. This can lead to the prioritization of financial interests over patient care, influencing the cost of healthcare services and medications.

COUNTER: This prioritization might prompt the overlooking of essential treatments or the use of cheaper, less effective alternatives solely to maximize profits.

2. Innovation: The financial portion of business in healthcare has driven innovation in the field. With new medical technologies, pharmaceuticals, and treatment methods, these can improve patient outcomes and quality of care.

COUNTER: High costs associated with innovative technologies or medications can limit accessibility for certain populations, despite their potential benefits.

3. Access to Care: Business methods can affect the accessibility of healthcare services. In some cases, marketization can create financial obstacles for healthcare access in vulnerable populations, especially those without adequate insurance coverage.

COUNTER: Market-driven approaches might incentivize healthcare providers to focus on profitable services, neglecting essential but less financially rewarding aspects of care.

4. Insurance Companies: Commercial/Private health insurance companies play a huge role in healthcare financing. They can influence the types of services covered, cost-sharing arrangements, and the overall affordability of healthcare for individuals and families.

COUNTER: Cost-sharing arrangements can burden individuals and families, deterring them from seeking necessary care due to financial constraints.

5.Patient Education and Advocacy: Some businesses engage in patient education and advocacy efforts, empowering individuals to make informed healthcare decisions and advocate for their health needs.

COUNTER: These efforts might not reach underserved populations due to financial limitations or lack of tailored outreach efforts.

6.Regulation: Government policies play a critical role in shaping how businesses operate in the healthcare field. Regulation can set pricing, quality standards, and patient protections.

COUNTER: Insufficient regulation might lead to exploitative practices or substandard care to maximize profits, risking patient safety and well-being.

Subtopic 1: Student Well-being:

• Claim: A 4-day school week could improve student well-being by reducing stress and allowing more time for rest and extracurricular activities.

• Counterargument: Critics may argue that longer school days on the 4 days could lead to increased student fatigue and burnout.

• Refutation: However, by optimizing class schedules and providing adequate breaks, fatigue concerns can be mitigated.

Subtopic 2: Cost Savings:

• Claim: Transitioning to a 4-day school week can result in cost savings for the school district, potentially reallocating resources to improve education quality.

• Counterargument: Skeptics may raise concerns about the impact on teacher salaries and support staff, potentially leading to job dissatisfaction.

• Refutation: But cost savings can be reallocated to improve compensation packages, incentivizing educators to embrace the new schedule.

Subtopic 3: Academic Performance:

• Claim: A 4-day school week can lead to enhanced academic performance by providing students with more time for self-directed study and reducing classroom disruptions.

• Counterargument: Some may argue that less time in the classroom could negatively impact student learning.

• Refutation: However, optimizing teaching methods, curriculum design, and support systems can help maintain or improve academic outcomes.

Subtopic 4: Child Care and Extracurricular Activities

• Claim: Addressing child care challenges and extracurricular activities will be crucial in the transition to a 4-day school week.

• Counterargument: Opponents may contend that working parents will struggle with child care, and students may miss out on extracurricular activities.

• Refutation: By working with community organizations and providing alternative child care options, these concerns can be addressed, and extracurricular activities can be scheduled to accommodate the new school week.

• Subtopic 4: Teacher Well-being:

  • Claim: A transition to a 4-day school week can potentially improve teacher well-being by reducing their workload and providing more time for professional development and self-care.

  • Counterargument: Opponents may argue that longer school days on the 4 days can lead to increased teacher fatigue and burnout, potentially affecting their effectiveness.

  • Refutation: By ensuring a reasonable workload and offering support for professional development and self-care, the school district can mitigate potential fatigue and burnout, ultimately benefiting both teachers and students.

Sub Claim/Point/Reason 1

• Claim: The 'cuss jar' can promote positive language and behavior among students by discouraging the use of curse words and fostering a respectful classroom atmosphere.

• Counterargument: Critics may argue that the policy restricts students' freedom of expression and individuality.

• Refutation: While the policy encourages positive language, it should also respect students' individuality and allow for an open dialogue about language use.

Sub Claim/Point Reason 2

• Claim: Enforcing the 'cuss jar' may have unintended consequences, such as students using alternative derogatory language or feeling singled out.

• Counterargument: Some may suggest that the policy could lead to the use of euphemisms or insults that circumvent the rule.

• Refutation: Implementing the policy with clear guidelines and regular discussions about respectful communication can minimize unintended consequences and encourage genuine behavior change.

Sub claim 3/point/reason

• Claim: While the 'cuss jar' is one approach to promoting positive language, alternatives like classroom discussions on language use or guest speakers on the impact of language can also be effective.

• Counterargument: Critics may argue that alternatives may not be as immediate or impactful as the 'cuss jar.'

• Refutation: Effective alternatives, when thoughtfully planned and executed, can lead to lasting changes in behavior without the need for punitive measures, creating a more positive classroom environment.

Subtopic 4

• Claim: The physical exercise component of the 'cuss jar' can promote student well-being by encouraging physical activity.

• Counterargument: Some may contend that physical exercises might be an inadequate form of discipline and could lead to physical strain or discomfort for some students.

• Refutation: If physical exercises are included, they should be tailored to students' abilities and conducted in a supportive and non-punitive manner, ensuring both discipline and well-being.

Subclaim 1: Workforce Shortages Lead to Decline in Service Quality

Counterargument: Workforce shortages are a short-term issue that will naturally resolve as the economy stabilizes.

Refutation: While some workforce shortages may be temporary, the impact on customer service quality is undeniable. Shortages can lead to overworked and stressed employees, resulting in poor service. Long-term consequences, such as decreased customer trust and loyalty, are to be expected.

Subclaim 2: Employee Stress and Burnout Affect Service Quality

Counterargument: Employees should adapt to the challenging conditions of the post-COVID workforce, and their stress should not impact service quality.

Refutation: It is unrealistic to expect employees to consistently provide high-quality service when they are overworked and facing burnout. Stress negatively affects their ability to perform, and businesses should acknowledge this if they want to maintain good service.

Subclaim 3: Automation, Kiosks Cannot Fully Compensate for Workforce Shortages

Counterargument: Increased automation can replace human roles and maintain the quality of customer service.

Refutation: Automation has its limitations and may not be applicable in all customer service scenarios. It cannot fully replicate human interactions, especially in complex situations requiring empathy and nuanced responses. Businesses must strike a balance between automation and human service to maintain quality.

Subclaim 1: Influence of Cultural Norms

• Cultural norms, often propagated through media and society, significantly influence individuals' ideals of beauty and body image.

Subclaim 2: Impact on Body Dissatisfaction

• The portrayal of unrealistic beauty standards can lead to body dissatisfaction and self-esteem issues among individuals, as they compare themselves to these ideals.

Subclaim 3: Psychological Stress

• The pressure to conform to cultural beauty norms can result in psychological stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.

Subclaim 4: Promoting Body Positivity

• Efforts to promote body positivity, diversity in media representation, and education on healthy body image should be advocated to counter the negative impact of cultural norms on individuals' mental health and well-being.

Subclaim #1 

What is childhood neglect/abandonment? 

Subclaim #2 

What does childhood neglect intail and the sides of it

Subclaim #3

Signs of childhood neglect 

Subclaim #4 

Is childhood neglect harmful or helpful?

Subclaim: How is it not helpful or harmful and what results are documented from it.

Subclaim 1: Drugs such as Methylphenidate and Adderall should not be prescribed to children as its disadvantages outweigh the advantages.

Counterclaim 1: Some children need medication in order to function properly in activities such as going to school, and participating in social activities.

Refutation 1: Most children naturally have a great amount of energy, and it is shown that other treatments such as different learning environments, and behavioral therapy can make a significant difference. On top of that, prescribing children this medication so young can create an unhealthy dependency to it that could last their whole life.

Subclaim 2: There is an over-prescribing problem in America, specifically with prescribing ADHD medication to children.

Counterclaim 2: Some children need this medication in order to function therefore making this medication necessary to prescribe.

Refutation 2: Not only are there other options of treatment for this disorder, overprescribing can cause easy access of drugs such as methylphenidate and adderall which can cause abuse of these drugs in early adulthood.

Subclaim 3: Children’s brains react differently to these medications than adult brains do.

Counterclaim 3: There are no major side effects to children taking medication.

Refutation 3:  Most prefrontal cortexes are not completely developed until 27, taking medications such as methylphenidate and adderall at such a young age can cause abnormal prefrontal functioning and impaired brain plasticity as found in a study done on juvenile rats.

Subclaim 4:There are other treatments that can be just as beneficial that do not include pharmacological treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy.

Counterclaim 4: Some parents don’t have the time or money to try other behavioral therapies and need pharmacological treatments.

Refutation 4: Pharmacological treatments can be just as expensive as behavioral therapy, and most insurances should cover behavioral therapies. On top of that it is important to make sacrifices to help your children in the long run rather than finding a temporary solution that can cause cognitive functioning impairment in the future.

Sub-Claim 1: Countries with weak rule of law and high levels of corruption are more susceptible to human trafficking due to lack of enforcement and accountability.

Counterargument: While weak rule of law and corruption can create more opportunities for human trafficking, this does not mean that it is more prevalent than in countries with strong institutions. Other factors, such as economic inequality and the demand for cheap labor/exploitation can also contribute to human trafficking.

Sub-Claim 2: There have been countries with strong institutions and strong government enforcement who have records of members of the government (such as their own officers) who use their power to help traffickers to traffic people.

Sub-Claim 3: Human trafficking is more prevalent in countries with weak rule of law and corruption due to the lack of resources to combat it effectively.

Counterargument: Even countries with strong institutions can struggle with resource allocation, and additionally these countries may hide or underreport cases of human trafficking in order to "cover-up".

Subclaim #1: Professional advice prevents harm to women's health because doctors will monitor the body and do regular screening. They may also expand the options of birth control and what best suits everyone's needs.

Counter-Claim: Not every woman has access to a clinic or medical attention, nor do they want to miss school or work. Some even feel uncomfortable speaking about their sexual life.

Subclaim#2: By seeking professional advice birth control costs will be less.

Counter-Claim: For women with no Medicare or financial plan, visiting a doctor will be a lot more expensive.

Subclaim#3: Professional advice prevents misuse/abuse of the product.

Counter-Claim: Over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol, Advil, and so on are more harmful to the liver and have more of a possibility of overdosing.

Subclaim 1: Scientific discovery

Counterclaim: Space colonization exposes travelers to cosmic radiation which is harmful to the human body.

Refutation: New scientific findings and an improved comprehension of the cosmos may result from space colonization.

Subclaim 2: Reduced population pressure on Earth

Counterclaim: Highly populating a new planet could lead to negative environmental impacts just like we are experiencing here on Earth.

Refutation: Since space colonization would provide some of the world's expanding population with a new place to live, it would lessen the strain on Earth's resources and environment.

Subclaim 3: Access to new resources:

Counterclaim: Using resources in space could have downsides, including potential environmental impacts on celestial bodies and disruption of natural processes.

Refutation: Access to new resources that are rare on Earth, such as minerals, water, and energy, may be made possible through space colonization.

Subclaim 4: Technological advancement:

Counterclaim: The development of technologies and space exploration can be quite expensive. Excessive expenses may cause funds to be diverted from more crucial social necessities like healthcare, education, and eradicating poverty.

Refutation: Transportation, energy generation, and life support systems are just a few of the industries where space colonization may spur technical development that will contribute to our long-term survival and understanding of the Universe.

Subclaim #1: Equine Acuscope Therapy can help reduce inflammation and promote healing in horses

Subclaim #2: Equine Acuscope Therapy can enhance the recovery process for horses after injuries or even surgeries

Subclaim #3: Equine Acuscope Therapy can help relieve pain and discomfort in horses, which improves their overall well being

Subclaim #4: May help improve a horses performance and athletic abilities

Subclaim #1: Training required for teachers to be armed: Teachers in Colorado will have to go through a four level FASTER training and pass it with 100% to be able to move on with the process

Counterclaim: The training that is required is expensive and not all the teachers will be able to do the training.

Refutation: By making sure all of the teachers have the proper training and if the districts pay for the training then they will be able to get all of the training that they need

Subclaim #2: De-Escalation of conflict: If there is a conflict of a school shooting then there will be less conflict due to the amount of people that would be armed in a school.

Counterclaim: If there was a gun in a school then they students knowing that the teachers are armed it will create more of a conflict then if there was no guns.

Refutation: There is a lot of stats that will show if the students are comfortable with the teachers being armed.

Subclaim #3: Dramatically decreased response times to emergencies: The police response time is a lot slower then we need them to be in a situation like this and that means that there is already armed personal in the schools then it wont be so critical for them to respond faster then they already are.

Counterclaim: Once the police get there they will not know who is the threat is and there will just be confusion.

Refutation: The response time is at a all time slow and it is hard to get the situation slow when the cops haven't showed up yet

Subclaim #4: Attackers don't know who is armed and who is not: If the attacker goes into a building then they will not know who is armed and what way to go into, it will confuse the attacker.

Counterclaim: It will cause confusion for the other people that are involved to stop the shooting

Refutation: By working with the police officers to inform them of the teachers that are armed they would be able to create a plan incase of an emergency

Subclaim #5: Gun free zones just don't work: Gun free zones have more mass shootings in them because the attackers know there isn't any guns in that area so they just don't work

Counterclaim: there is gun free zones for a reason and they need to stay like that the reason they were put up

Refutation: It has shown over the years how gun free zones don't work and how they need to just got away so that people that have a concealed carry permit is allowed to use that permit to protect others

1 ) subclaim: raising the minimum wage will reduce turnover rates

Counterclaim: Local businesses will not be able to afford enough employees to be able to work

Refutation: If they have less turnover they will not have to spend the time or  money training newcomers

2 ) subclaim: raising the minimum wage would lower poverty levels

Counterclaim: jobs will have to lay people off because they can’t afford to pay them.

Refutation: It is very expensive and time consuming to lay people off 

3 ) Subclaim: raising the minimum wage would attract more employers to businesses

Counterclaim: It will raise the amount of applicants making it very difficult to be hired

Refutation: New protocols could be put in place for minimum wage jobs ensuring the people who need them have the best chance of being hired over someone who has a degree.

Sub claim 1: the cost of giving birth in a hospital is too high for the average American.

counterclaim: Reducing cost could mean paying highly trained doctors and nurses a less than deserved salary which would lead to pushback along with obtaining cheaper hospital tools.

Sub claim 2: doulas/midwifes are a good alternative to giving birth in the hospital.

Counter claim: Low risk pregnancies' tend to have better outcomes when using doulas/midwifes but high risk pregnancies' can turn fatal if not treated with highly trained doctors.

Sub claim 3: Health insurance can cover most of the cost

Counterclaim: while insurance can pay a large chunk it will raise your rates as you will be paying for another person and certain procedures may not be covered under specific plans.

Sub claim 4: Families may turn to unsafe practices to help reduce the cost of having a child such as having a at home birth without doctors and nurses

Counter claim: Many low risk mothers have at home and water births that turn out successful

Sub Claim 5: Hospitals exploit families by raising the cost to a unethical amount

Counter claim: Hospital bills vary depending on many factors such as how many children were born, types of medication, how long the stay was, surgeries, and other related reasons.

Subclaim 1: Reduction of poverty: A monthly payment without restrictions on which the funds can be used allows families to plan, and prioritize their most essential needs, which are different for everyone. Rather than needing to prove you don't make enough income to get a form of welfare, everyone would receive the same amount of money automatically, reducing government bureaucracy, and confusion among citizens. These funds go a long way to creating an economic "floor" to stand on by ensuring that basic needs can always be met.

Counterclaim: People who receive payments from the government won't work anymore.

Refutation: The State of Alaska offers an annual payment ranging typically from $1000-$3000 to all of its citizens. Alaska maintains a strong working culture and a low unemployment rate of 4.1%.

Subclaim 2: UBI would reduce crime: A direct flow of cash into everyone's bank accounts would eliminate the need for some people who have a low income to commit crimes to sustain a living such as theft, embezzlement, and violent crimes which often accompany them.

Subclaim 3: UBI would lead to more affordable healthcare, better education, and higher wages: Government payments would relieve stress on people's bank accounts, allowing them to more easily afford healthcare. UBI would also allow families to save more money for future education, and for extracurricular programs. Jobs requiring higher education typically yield a higher paying wage than those only requiring a high school degree or less, meaning a more educated population would lead to higher paying jobs. This in turn with UBI would create consistent financial stimulation of the economy with business investing their UBI back into the economy, and vice versa with consumers.

Thesis:

The death penalty in the United States judicial system is a flawed and very old-fashioned way of treating certain crimes such as treason, murder, or genocide.

SUB CLAIM 1

The line should be more clear for the death penalty. Many people could argue that the death penalty should be applied to cases of extreme crimes that cost other people's lives or go as an unconstitutional act against someone else. But they don’t really think about where to actually draw that line between whether they die or spend life in prison. It’s purely based on the opinion of the jury whether a person should live or die. 

SUB CLAIM 2

People from less fortunate backgrounds should still be given a fair trial and a good lawyer. This should really go without saying, as it is the 6th Amendment to have a fair and speedy trial and the right to have an attorney. People who can’t afford a very good lawyer usually end up losing the case whether they are innocent or not, it’s up to how the lawyer portrays their argument. Often when the person being accused comes from a poor background lawyers tend to use that against them.

SUB CLAIM 3

The Death Penalty doesn’t stop everyone from committing crimes. A criminal when committing a crime doesn’t think about the consequences until either during or after the crime is committed. Or even worse, the criminal sees the punishment and knows what's going to happen after the fact and still proceeds with the crime knowing the consequences. So, the point is criminals aren’t just going to stop committing offenses just because the consequences are dire, some people just want to commit a crime. 

SUB CLAIM 4

The necessity of being more conscientious about who we send to death row/prison. Incarceration rates per year are insanely high in the United States, and I don’t believe it's because we have more criminals than other states. I believe that multiple things have led to the increase in incarceration rates, such as increased sentencing laws, racial demographics in the U.S., and drug sentencing laws. All of these lead to having more people in prison. 

Sub claim #1: Technology has changed how we communicate with others by making it easier to contact people around the world.

Counter argument: There’s less socializing with other people and interpersonal skills.

Sub clam #2: Created new opportunities for our education and learning.

Counter argument:  Start to over rely on technology to educate and causing a lack of critical thinking.

Sub claim #3: Changed how we work, remote work that  has become more common.

Counter argument: Due to having more automation jobs it causes concern of job displacement for many people.

Sub claim #4: Changed the way we access new knowledge, and information.

Counter argument: Can lead to getting fake news and misinformation.

Sub Claim #1: The rise of AI puts human creativity at risk, as it overshadows the work of actual creators.

Sub Claim #2: It is incredibly easy for large companies to replace the work of their artists and writers with something that is AI generated, and that does not cost as much. 

Sub Claim #3: The use of AI is not as regulated as it should be. There are almost no laws about how it should be used.

Sub Claim #4: AI could become dangerous to other fields of work and we could eventually become overly dependent on it. 

Sub Claim #1: The environment is made up of thousands of deliacte intertwined ecosystems that rely on one another for survival. If we disrupt it for our improvements it will start a chain reaction in the environment and it will disrupt the stable ecosystems they are a part of.

Counter Argument: While it might make some ecosystems worse, it could make some better by removing them.

Sub Claim #2: The loss of access to the only animal known to have blue blood may mean that the entire portion of the medical field dedicated to creating new medicine will lose all of their progress.

Counter Argument: The improvements in the medical field might be worth it and it could help us survive without them.

Sub Claim #3: The crabs are the oldest living creatures on the planet, and we still haven't uncovered all the mysteries of the Earth, so the loss of our only living connection to the past will have effects on our research into the past.

Counter Argument: We still have a whole lot of discoveries to be made on Earth, the crabs might not be alone.

Sub Claim #1: Education opportunities: DACA gives young adult immigrants the opportunity to study and work on their dream job, and contribute to the USA with bilingual and well-educated doctors, teachers, business owners, etc. 

Sub Claim #2: Economic contributors: DACA students just like many others pay their taxes, and own houses contribute millions of dollars in mortgage payments and more than a billion in rental payments annually. DACA recipients contribute an estimated $13.3 billion to the US economy each year. 

Sub Claim #3: Protection from deportation: DACA protects young people from getting deported, this is important because most DACA students do not know another place that is not the USA because they were brought here by their parents when they were children and they could not decide whether they stay or not, which means that they did not knowingly they were violating immigration laws. 

Sub Claim #4: Opportunity: DACA gives illegal students the opportunity to do things the right way as many Americans argue, gives them social security and with that, the opportunity to study and work in the path that they want, get a driver's license, buy a house, etc. 

Sub Claim 1: Social media is a breeding ground for cyberbullying and harmful content. There are no regulations in place which leads to decline in users mental health as this content can trigger anxiety, depression, and other psychological distress.

Sub Claim 2: Social media platforms are driver by profit, their design methods often take advantage of users psychological vulnerabilities. It draws users back in and creates a strain on their mental and physical health.

Sub Claim 3: There is a large lack of structure on social media which creates the quick spread of misinformation and fake news. When false information spreads it can damage the mental health of users and give them a false perception of the world they live in.

Subclaim #1: Current depression and anxiety medicine provides temporary relief of the illness while psilocybin provides long term treatment, legalization of this drug may transform the future of treatment for mental illnesses. 

Subclaim #2: When used in the correct setting with a trusted professional present, the treatment  provides striking results. 

Counter Argument: Alternatively, legalization of the drug may lead to misuse when used unsupervised.  

Subclaim #3: Psilocybin treatment may lead to more psychological openness and overall increased life satisfaction. 

Counter Argument:  Bad experiences such as bad trips may affect these results. 

Sub-claim #1: There are many single use supplies that go into a life flight helicopter, that is thrown out once a patient is taken care of and flown to the hospital. But keeping the supplies that had not been used yet allows the cost of supplies to go down

Counter argument: To keep things as sterile and safe as possible getting new equipment for every patient is the safest way to go

Sub-claim #2: Much of the money that is paid by a patient or their family after a life flight doesn’t go towards the workers or the equipment of a helicopter, but into stakeholders pockets, which only benefits them.

Counter Argument: They provide the life flight team with jobs and equipment.

Sub-claim #3: Many people admit to not using life flight or any ambulance for that matter during an emergency because it costs so much and they simply can’t afford it.

Counterclaim: If the air ambulance didn’t cost anything it wouldn’t be able to get the equipment they need to keep someone alive and people still use life flight quite often

Subclaim 1:

Merely a fraction of the produced clothing is effectively sold.

Counterclaim- How can people control if all of the clothes made by the corporation are bought or not?

Subclaim 2:

These garments are hastily and inexpensively manufactured, resulting in short-lived items that are quickly discarded.

Counterargument- Since fashion clothes are made so quickly and cheaply, it makes them affordable and easy to buy, especially since clothes are expensive and many people have difficulty affording name-brand options.

Subclaim 3:

Powerhouse corporations such as H&M and Zara thrive on fast fashion, yielding substantial profits while subjecting their workers to unregulated and insufficient wages.

Subclaim 4:

A significant portion of the production is consigned to enormous waste fields, perpetuating widespread pollution.

Subclaim 5:

Fast fashion has evolved into mainstream fashion, becoming the primary means through which the majority of individuals obtain their clothing.

Subclaim #1: The contemporary ways in which we plan our spaces are a leading cause of Climate Change.

Subclaim #2: We can see that self-reported happiness ratings and walkability of areas are closely connected

Subclaim #3: Urban planning practices should be changed to ones focused more on planning around people, not cars, and focus on walkability and density.

counterclaim: Cars are an essential mode of transportation in a big country like the U.S

Subclaim #4: While some may argue that New urbanism may impact people's freedom, it is clear that people will have more freedom to use alternate transportation methods and different living situations using new urbanist principles. 

Subclaim #1: Many people believe mandatory reporting in the school system is very useful and allows for a positive option for kids who are in serious situations.

Counter Argument: There are many key factors that get overlooked and create a very confusing and possibly negative impact on the child.

Subclaim 2: The flawed nature of mandatory reporting creates a gap between students and teachers and creates an environment where a student may be put in a worse situation than they were in previously.

Counter Argument: Students who truly need help are not going to let the relationship gap prevent them from talking to a teacher or counselor.

Subclaim #3: The statistics from 2010-2019 shows that even though there is an increase in reports from 2015-2019, the amount of cases that were actually true were the same as 2010-2014.

Subclaim #4: People across the U.S. believe that mandatory reporting is incredibly helpful and a very important key to the well-being of children who are struggling with harm. They believe it is an incredibly valuable system that allows for the most benefit for kids.

Counter Argument: The system is valuable, but way too flawed in its nature which prevents the system from being incredibly helpful for a majority of students.

Sub Claim #1:Jobs increasingly require college degrees and college allows students to explore careers and earn better job placements. Over 80% of college students are able to finish their internships.

Counterargument: College does not guarantee a job or career.

Refutation: 99% of job growth for 11.5 million jobs between 2010 and 2016 have went to workers with associates degrees, bachelors degrees, or graduate degrees. Harvard business schools estimates that 65 to 85 percent of jobs are acquired through networking.

Sub Claim #2:Because students are able to acquire interpersonal and other skills in college, graduates are more productive as members of society. Students are able to find their passion while going to college with several opportunities to join student organizations and clubs. which helps to develop mature interpersonal relationships.

Counter Argument: Student Debt is at an all time high, impacting students, their families, and our society.

Refutation: Because students have higher paying jobs due to having a college degree it will be easier to pay off debts in the long run.

Sub Claim #3: College is a safety net and on average gives a 24%higher chance to be employed. 85% of college freshmen say that they went to college in order to obtain a better job. 58% of college graduates report being satisfied compared to 50% of high School graduates.

Counter Argument: Less than half of students graduate on time. More than 1 million students drop out of college every year.

Refutation: Government could take actions in in order to reduce the financial burdens that students have to overcome. Such as giving vouchers and cutting costs. Support mental health, teach students how to study.

Subclim 1: Private companies get to choose the place that they want to go to leading to unequal access to service. 

Subclaim 2: Private companies set the cost for their care making it as expensive as they want.

• COUNTERCLAIM: They could make the care as cheap as they want

Subclim 3: Private companies don’t have to follow the same guidelines set by the government, meaning that some of the care given by public companies could be left out of the care. 

• COUNTERCLAIM: The company isn't restricted by the government.

Sub Claim #1 With the increased population we will need all the farmland possible to produce enough food for the growing population. It takes about 3.25 acres of farm ground to feed the average person per a year.

Counterclaim, Their is plenty of farmland and with advancing technology we will need less land.

Sub Claim #2 If farmland runs out we will have to import foods which is cost effective and can carry plant pests and foreign animal diseases.

Counterclaim, Most countries like the US have to import food.

Sub Claim #3

Their is 893 billion acres of farmland in the US, with the average person needing 3.25 acres of food per year. That will equal the US farmland can feed 275 million people. Their is 331 million people in the US. we do not produce enough food for our country.

Counterclaim, Their is other countries that produce more food in the US.

Sub Claim #1: Once an electric vehicle is created, it does not produce any emissions when being driven.

Counterargument: Mining lithium and the other precious ores needed for EV batteries creates a lot of pollution.

Refutation: Once the lithium and precious ores are mined, they no longer pollute the earth.

Sub Claim #2: Once an electric vehicle is sent in to be recycled, most of the battery can be broken down and reused in new electric car batteries.

Counterargument:  The recycling of EV batteries can be hazardous and time-consuming for the people who have to recycle them.

Refutation: The recycling of electric batteries will keep advancing, and new, better methods will be found to recycle batteries.

Sub Claim #3: An electric vehicle, which contains a motor, needs less scheduled maintenance than a typical gas-powered car, which has an engine.

Counterargument: Lithium-ion batteries, which thousands are in electric cars, can easily catch fire and cause high-voltage shocks in an accident.

Refutation: Car manufacturers are using new methods in electric cars to ensure that if they get in a crash, the batteries won’t explode.

Sub Claim #4: An electric car motor has higher performance and is more efficient with the energy it consumes than a gas-powered car.

Counterargument: It takes time to charge the car. The distance a car can go on one charge is often shorter than gas-powered cars. The lifespan of an electric car is shorter than that of gas-powered cars.

Refutation: Charging electric cars is getting faster and faster. The batteries in electric cars will keep getting better as well.

Sub claim: Oil and gas companies are starting to invest in green energy strategies in turn helping the economy.

Counterclaim: If society suddenly abandons fossil fuels, it will cause economic problems throughout the world due to an industry being gone.

Sub claim: The use of wind turbines, electric vehicles, and solar panels is a proven way to reduce carbon emissions.

Counterclaim: The use of this technology has its environmental effects as well such as mining for lithium.

Sub claim: Nuclear energy can be pivotal to the switch to green energy because it doesn’t release carbon emissions and it is the most efficient form of producing electricity.

Counterclaim: Nuclear meltdowns, and the waste from nuclear energy is a consequence of using nuclear energy, and has detrimental effects on the areas around the power plants.

Sub claim: People are wrongfully convicted. Several people are wrongfully sentenced to death and their inocense doesn't get proven until its to late.

Sub claim- Doesn't Deter crime

There is no conclusive evidence that show that it does something to deter crime. There are other forms of punishment like imprisonment without parole that are effective deterrents without the morlay complexities associated with capital punishment.

Sub Claim -Disapropriiate Impact on vulnerable populations

The death penalty diasapropriatly affect economically disadvantaged individuals. Such as racial-bias and if people are able to use their rescources like have a good lawyer.

Sub Claim: Patients postpone care because of the cost of healthcare which can be dangerous to the person who needs care and possibly the people around the person who needs care.

Sub Claim: On average 112 million Adult Americans struggle to pay for the costs of healthcare due to the fact that the average price of healthcare is 12,000 dollars per person.

Sub Claim: There are multiple ways to lower healthcare costs for example getting rid of medical supplys that do not get used and find cheeper alternitaves for mdical supplys.

Counter claim: Healthcare is affective and ofers checkups , vacines, and helps lower the costs of medical bills in general.

sub claim 1: homework takes away from students family time and/or play time after school (which is an important factor for young kids development).

counterclaim: Homework gives parents and children time to work through the assignment together can connect.

sub claim 2: homework increases stress, anxiety for students, especially large amounts of it.

counter: homework can reduce screen time and increase better time management.

sub claim 3: large amounts of homework can lead to cheating, therefore it isn't helping students learn the material.

counter: having homework every night can develop good habits.

Thesis: While body cameras can invade people's privacy, police officers should wear body cameras because it brings safety to police officers and individuals , it is an efficient tool to complete evidence in a case to ensure a clear and fair evidence, and improves law enforcement equipment.

Sub Claim 1: Body cameras provide safety to police officer and individuals, it makes police officers act respectful because they are being recorded and makes individuals feel safe.

Counterargument: Body cameras invade people's privacy.

Sub Claim 2: Body cameras are an efficient tool, it completes evidence that is needed in cases. It assures and corrects people's testimonies.

Sub Claim 3: Improves law enforcement tools and new ideas to bring and guarantee justice.

Sub claim 1: Social Media affects teens socially- How does social media affect this generation socially?  Not only does social media affect us on a daily basis and help us pass time or distract us, it affects us socially in many aspects from communication in person or over the phone.

Sub claim 2: Social Media affects this generation psychologically- Social media is affecting how we think about one another and ourselves, it brings self esteem and mentality drastically down and motivation and drive.

Sub claim 3: Social Media affects this generation culturally- Social media is affecting our culture in how we see things, how situations affect us, and how we handle it.

Sub claim 1: In the almost 50 years since the ending of the Vietnam War, even still, not enough gratitude has been expressed towards the veterans who served. The welcome home that veterans of other wars have received has not been given to Vietnam veterans, which since he ending of the war, continues to affect their mental well-being.

Counter argument: There are organizations and non-profits today that are dedicated to giving support and gratitude towards veterans from all wars- many of them being Vietnam veterans.

Sub claim 2: Since its building in 1982, the Vietnam War Memorial has been a subject of debate within the American public and from Vietnam veterans due to the memorial's implication of "defeat" and deeming the veterans as "anti-heroic".

Counter argument: Despite the heated dispute over the memorial, in the more recent years, the American public and the remaining veterans have grown to be more fond of the memorial.

Sub claim 3: The United States became a divided country during the two-decade long war- a side who believed the war was justified, and a side who believed the war was not justified. At the time, America's presence in Vietnam grew because of the threat communism had on American democracy, a vital system in the government.

Counter argument: The Vietnam War had significant casualties in that during the time, 4 million Vietnamese people were killed and close to 60,000 Americans were killed.

Sub claim 4: The treatment towards Vietnam soldiers from the American citizens who did no believe the war was justified was gruesome and unfair. Vietnam soldiers were not "wearing their uniforms around in public". While there were true tragedies that took place during the war on both sides, the almost 3 million people who served in Vietnam, drafted or volunteered, risked their lives for the protection of their fellow citizens and their government, and violence and hatred is not what they should have returned home to. Even those who supported the war resented the veterans due to America's loss.

Counter argument: Many people could not understand how there were soldiers who volunteered to fight, who weren't just drafted, that seemed willing to attack innocent Vietnamese people, even if it was for the protection of their country.

Sub claim 5: Vietnam soldiers received a lot of hate from many Americans who believed the war was completely unjust and there was no excuse for the killings that took place, however many forget that much of the other hate the soldiers received was full of resentment from those who actually supported the war, but despised the soldiers because of America's loss.

Subclaim #1: Health care being more accessible for undocumented immigrants

Counterclaim: More people with be interested in immigrating to the United States

Subclaim #2: Will help raise the economy since they contribute money to the health care system

Counterclaim: Taxes for taxpayers will go up to provide more accessibility to healthcare

Subclaim #3: 34% of uninsured people will decline in California since more people will have access to it

Counterclaim: Prices for insurance will go up because the demand will be higher

Sub Claim #1: Hypersonic transportation would make for better accessibility for political leaders to be where they need to be on a global scale. 

Counterargument: Political leaders don’t need to be anywhere physically because everything in this world is online now. 

Refutation: Sometimes being in person for global events is necessary. For things such as UN meetings or other representative discussions or support campaigns. 

Sub claim #2: The commercial transportation industry would be greatly improved not only on a scale of efficiency, but also on a scale of entertainment. 

Counterargument: There is no need for airplanes to go that fast just to produce emissions.

Refutation: There are a lot of people on this planet that find it entertaining to fly in airplanes. Also, many scramjet engines (hypersonic engines) use hydrogen based fuels, which do not cause emissions. 

Sub Claim #3: Hypersonic tech would make for very effective national defense and military applications. 

Counterargument: Humanity should not promote the creation of weapons that can intentionally cause harm to others, and enemies could just make weapons that can take down hypersonic craft. 

Refutation: Hypersonic craft could and would most likely be used only for defense and surveillance (national security) due to the implausibility of attaching armament to vehicles going at such speeds. It would take very high tech precision targeting on any kind of defense weapon against a hypersonic aircraft, which as far as we know, nobody has. 

Sub Claim #4: The development of such technologies would unveil discoveries that could aid in many other different scientific experiments, growing global technology even further. 

Counterargument: The cost or risk in making these developments in the first place is not worth the reward, especially when you consider that that reward is not necessary to begin with.

Refutation: Many of the companies working on these developments today are privately owned, meaning a microscopic percentage of taxpayer money is actually going towards these developments. 

Subclaim 1: Qualifications and Job opportunities  The degrees offer access to novel job possibilities and represent a prerequisite for numerous professions.

Subclaim 2:  Knowledge & Education College contributes a structured environment to learn and obtain focusing knowledge in a particular field.

Subclaim 3: Network opportunities  It provides a different way to socialize with others, that including, classmates, roommates, suitemates, professors, etc; making beneficial networks for prospects of profession.

Subclaim 4: Improvement in oneself Higher education frequently obtains independence, problem solving skills and many more; contributing to improvement as an individual.

Sub claim 1: Almost 40% of people don't go to college because of the price of the tuition, causing them to have lower income jobs in the future.

Sub claim 2: The average amount of time to pay off college debt is 20 years, putting students in a hole as soon as they graduate.

Sub Claim 3: The state should have more funds towards universities to allow them to be able to lower their tuitions.

Counter claim: The cost of the tuition gives enough benefit to the universities and students in the university to keep the prices this high/

Subclaim 1: The switch to EVs reduces the dependency on the limited supply of fossil fuels.

Subclaim 2: Electric Vehicles produce far less emissions than traditional vehicles

Subclaim 3: Electric vehicles eliminate smog and small-scale pollution in cities causing better air quality.

Subclaim 4: Electric cars have fewer moving parts than gas-powered cars, requiring less maintenance and being generally more reliable.

Counter argument: The technology for manufacturing and charging EVs is not advanced enough to facilitate zero emissions.

Subclaim 1: Legalizing prostitution could lead to less crime related to prostitution as a black market for sex work would be eliminated. This would reduce human trafficking and exploitation of sex work because it would be regulated and monitored by the government.

Subclaim 2: Legalizing prostitution could better our economy due to the fact that if prostitution was legalized prostitutes would have to report this to taxes.

Subclaim 3: Legalizing prostitution would increase the safety and health of prostitutes by allowing them to healthcare, social services, and legal protection without getting in trouble.

Counter argument: Legalizing prostitution would increase more prostitution which could also lead to an increase in sex trafficking and an outbreak of sexually transmitted diseases.

Sub claim 1: the brain development of a 18 year old to an 21 year old is more mature.

Sub claim 2: Having a lot of responsibilities as you move out of the house, pay own insurance, not understanding all what voting for.

Sub claim 3:  By establishing consistent age restrictions across different aspects of society, we can create a more cohesive and fair legal system.

Subclaim 1: what is testing anxiety and how are people affected by it?

Subclaim 2: pressure on educators and parents. how does state testing affect teachers and their way of teaching?

Subclaim 3: state testing is not fair to all students because every student is different in their learning and test-taking style.

counter argument: state testing provides a standard for everyone to be and and where everyone should be at

Sub claim 1: Rodeo is safe for animals and people.

Counter claim 1: Rodeo is dangerous there are going to be accidents because it is a very active sport.

Sub claim 2: It prevents animal cruelty and abuse.

Counter claim 2: Livestock is bucked and tied up.

Sub claim 3: They have strict rules in a rule book. 

Counter claim 3: Although they are strict rules not everyone may follow them

Claim 1 - Athletes are constantly struggling to find a balance in their lives.

Counter 1 - Athletes need learn to manage their time affectively and pick their priorities.

Claim 2 - Athletes have devoted a majority of their lives to their sports therefore they deserve everything they have worked for.

Counter 2 - Athletes choose to devote their life to their sport, no one makes them.

Claim 3 - While school can be overwhelming for anyone, athletes have an extremely busy schedule with school, practice, games, and anything else that is required of them so adding a job onto that makes it extremely overwhelming.

Counter 3 - Athletes are willingly signing up to do this so they should have to deal with the consequences that come along with it.

Claim 4 - College athletes don't get the benefits as pro athletes such as health insurance and many more, they often get exploited by their schools and the NCAA.

Counterclaim - They are still in college, a majority of them are still on their parents insurance. They are still armature athletes therefore they should not get paid.

Sub Claim 1: College athletes should be paid because they do a lot for their school if they make it to be a professional their school looks good and has a good reputation. College athletes also struggle with paying for stuff like food and personal things.

Sub Claim 2: College athletes struggle with a healthy balance in their lives and some struggle so hard that they lose their scholarships because of it.

Sub Claim 3: College athletes struggle with paying for things such as personal or even food. College athletes also don't have extra funds to do extra things with friends or family.

Counterargument: The data companies collect gets sold to data brokers, allowing free services to remain free since it is one of their primary sources of revenue. 
Refutation: When companies sell your information, they make a profit and you get nothing in return. Additionally, it's equivalent to selling pieces of your personal life, which is typically the only time you have true privacy.
Sub-Claim #2: The data collected is dangerous to the consumer in case of a breach or leak, resulting in real-life consequences. 

Counterargument: Consumers should do better about protecting their information like passwords to be punished less when something like a data breach occurs.
Refutation: Data breaches can include things outside of your control, such as social security numbers and forms of identification like driver's license.
Sub-Claim #3: With subpoenas and warrants, data collection from tech companies can result in law enforcement getting information on you that they otherwise wouldn’t have.

Counterargument: You should not be afraid of law enforcement if you have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide.

Refutation: Law enforcement needs to be able to prove that you’re guilty, you don't need to prove that you’re innocent. Making it easier by allowing data collection only hurts you and any court case you might have.
Sub-Claim #4: Due to data collection becoming more and more prevalent on the internet due to the rise in digital population, federal agencies are beginning to go around subpoenas and warrants by buying data from brokers to discover things.

Sub claim: School shootings affect in so many ways, especially those in the building that are getting affected.

Sub claim: Legalizing marijuana and not controlling gun control is what tends to cause these actions.

Sub claim: It's proven that schools can take steps to reduce the number of school shootings that happen, and this can lead to fully being prevented with the correct actions from the school district and the state governors. 

1.  Claim 1: Chemicals in foods, products, and cosmetics can lead to health issues.

   1. Counterclaim 1: Many chemicals undergo rigorous testing for safety and are established with approved chemicals 

2. Claim 2: Chemicals in products can lead to an irregular hormone system, causing longer-term health issues 

   1. The FDA puts in strict guidelines to control the chemicals that disrupt the hormones, these are based on thorough research measuring the toxicity in these products

3. Claim 3: Some chemicals in products can trigger allergic reactions 

   1. Counterclaim 3: Allergies are different among individuals, and manufacturers provide ingredient lists to help consumers make choices 

Claim one: A rise of internet usage is leading to an increased sense and diagnosis of depression among teens.

Claim Two: An increased use of devices and blue light is leading to health complications in human beings (I.e. Decreased Eyesight, Longer periods of inactivity, and Attention issues)

Claim Three: A rise in dangerous Social Media trends has led to the deaths and injuries of multiple people and more action should be taken before such trends get out of hand. (Blue Whale Challenge, Cinnamon Challenge, Kiki Challenge, Kylie Jenner Lip Challenge, Etc)

Claim 1: Lots of times people bash into others and try to cancel them only because they have different points of view.

Claim 2: The stress of losing jobs or personal connections due to toxic cancel culture causes people not to speak their points of view to peers.

Claim 3: Many people don't know what cancel culture is from and what it means and use it in an offensive way instead of a proper way.

Sub Claim 1: Due to the effect that it has on the brain, social media is addictive both physically and mentally.

Sub Clam 2: The increasing reliance on and use of social media puts users at an increased risk of feeling depressed, lonely, anxious, and losing self-esteem.

Sub Claim 3: Social media can foster bullying, harassment, manipulation, and other actions that are seriously damaging and can affect anyone easily and gravely.

Counter argument: Connects people from all over the world, fosters a sense of community and understanding, and facilitates the spread of information and awareness of social issues.

Sub claim: Animal testing is very unnecessary as it causes animals to be in pain while they are getting tested.

Sub claim: The money that they put towards animal testing they can use on different ways of testing.

Sub claim: Different countries have stopped/banned animal testing due to cruelty, and animal testing should be banned everywhere.

Subclaim 1: This voting system aims for simplicity and causes an abundance of problems in the voting with choices.

Counterargument 1: “The system produces a clear choice for the electorate...this contributes to the strength, unity and stability"

SubClaim 2: Insincere voting tactics arise from voters and single-candidate districts that make the present voting system democratically flawed.

Subclaim 3: The Winner-Takes-All system causes mass amounts of misrepresentation and does not let minority or independent groups have a say in any of the federal government.

Counter Argument 2: "Here’s a simple measure of a fair distribution of House seats in our two-party system: each party ends up with the number of seats that corresponds to its share of the two-party popular vote."

Sub claim: Impacts minorities disproportionately - Capital punishment is disproportionately targeting lower class individual in economically disadvantaged areas. Which at the same time is often also areas with a higher demographic for people of color.

Sub claim: People can be wrongfully convicted. Although uncommon it happens enough to be of genuine concern. We cannot let that happen, and it has,

Sub claim: Ethically, killing is killing. And despite the crimes they have committed, living out a life sentence in prison is much more of a punishment than executing them.

The learning and development of students in school has been affected in a major way we have never seen before since Covid 19 and this pandemic is at fault for these halts in progression. 

2. Sub claim

Families' lives have been harder and harder with the rising prices in everyday goods and essentials, people cannot live the way they did before the pandemic.

3. Sub claim

The economy and the shift of the major change throughout consumers and price’s has caused businesses to struggle to stay afloat awhile very specific companies thrive. 

Critical Race Theory(CRT) is used as a talking point and/or political agenda against racial discrimination in many college campuses; however, when you look at the statistics of general American culture and the biases of the media, it's evident that the common American view of racial discrimination is skewed.

1. Sub claim

Modern media tends to push a political agenda that obscures facts by telling only one side of the story

2. Sub claim

American culture normalizes single-motherhood, which isn’t a problem until they can’t support their child/children because of a single income household, which also increases the likelihood of the child committing a violent crime because of the lack of a father figure and usually being raised in a high-crime area

3. Sub claim

CRT claims that post-civil rights era laws are still discriminatory towards people of color, while statistics say differently

4. Sub claim

Banning CRT is a restriction of free speech 

5. Sub claim

Critical Legal Studies(CLS) which many people use to promote CRT, fails to recognize the interaction between race and law

Subclaim I: The funding for Medicare for all is in the tax dollars many millionaires and billionaires don’t pay. It’s fully possible to increase those taxes.

Subclaim II: The private healthcare industry puts hundreds of thousands of Americans in medical debt yearly.

Subclaim III: Medicare for all has worked in many democratic socialist countries in Europe.

Subclaim IV: Medicare for all couldn’t be passed in our current legislative system and climate.

Subclaim V: The private healthcare industry works together to increase profits and decrease costs related to patient's health and care.

Sub Claim 1: Upcoming generations with their worries on vaccination due to the beliefs that they cause diseases and defects.

Sub Claim 2: Covid-19 has pushed many people around the world to get vaccinated but many feared due to the lack of testing.

Sub Claim 3: Many Americans believe that not getting your children vaccinated has more benefits than getting your children vaccinated.

Sub claim #1: Child Welfare workers are highly overwhelmed with the amount of cases they have; more help is needed within the workplace and the mental needs of these workers must be observed.

Sub claim #2: New laws/regulations should be introduced and implemented across the entire country, not just individual states.

Sub claim #3: Multiple levels within the Welfare workers should be put in place in order to focus on cases of urgency and those that are less worrisome such as fake reports.

• Subclaim 1: Corporate landlord exploitation and tenant’s rights erosion are serious and widespread problems that affect millions of renters in the USA, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic recession. The rental affordability crisis has worsened in the past decade, with 47% of renters being cost-burdened and 11 million renters being severely burdened in 2018. Moreover, corporate landlords, such as Blackstone Group, have increased their market share and power in the rental sector, and have often used predatory practices to maximize their profits at the expense of their tenants, such as raising rents, charging fees, neglecting repairs, evicting tenants without cause or due process, discriminating against low-income and minority tenants, lobbying against tenant protections, avoiding taxes, regulations, and accountability. These practices have negative impacts on tenant’s rights, well-being, and stability, such as affecting their health, education, employment, and social mobility.

• Subclaim 2: The local government of Loveland and Fort Collins, has the opportunity and responsibility to protect and empower renters from corporate landlord exploitation and tenant’s rights erosion, as it has the authority and capacity to enact and amend laws and regulations that affect the rental market and tenant’s rights. The local government officials of Loveland and Fort Collins are mostly middle-aged, educated, and politically moderate, and they have some experience with the issue as landlords, tenants, or policymakers. They are interested in this issue because it affects their constituents, their budget, and their reputation. They need convincing and compelling information, data, and sources that can help them understand the issue and its implications, and support their decisions and actions. They also have access to technical experts within their organization, such as housing planners, lawyers, economists, or social workers, who can provide advice, analysis, or evaluation on the feasibility, effectiveness, and impact of the proposed policies and programs.

• Subclaim 3: The local government of Loveland and Fort Collins, can achieve the point stated in my thesis by implementing laws, policies and programs for rent control, just cause eviction laws, tenant organizing and advocacy, and alternative housing models and community land trusts. These policies and programs can provide affordability, stability, security, and democracy for renters, by limiting rent increases and evictions, providing due process and legal aid, enabling tenant participation and representation, and offering more affordable, sustainable, and democratic housing options. These policies and programs have been proven to be effective and fair in other states and cities, such as California, New York, Oregon, Seattle, and Massachusetts, and they have received support from various sources, such as researchers, activists, policymakers, and the general public.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is highly misunderstood within the public, clinical spaces, and educational settings this widespread misinterpretation of ADHD symptoms and its current lack luster diagnostic framework highlights a critical need for heightened research initiatives aimed at redefining and refining our understanding of this condition, potentially necessitating a reclassification to encourage a more accurate and nuanced understanding for all.

Subclaim 1

The research currently available on ADHD has predominantly focused on young boys, neglecting potential differences in symptom manifestation in females. This gender bias has resulted in underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis in girls and women, thereby hindering a comprehensive understanding of ADHD across genders.

Subclaim 2

Outdated perceptions and limited information perpetuate social stigma around ADHD, leading to misconceptions that label individuals with ADHD as simply lacking discipline or willpower. This stigma hampers acceptance and support, contributing to the marginalization of those affected and impeding their access to proper care and understanding.

Subclaim 3

Representation in today’s pop culture often trivializes ADHD, commonly depicting it in an oversimplified or comedic manner, which undermines the seriousness of the condition. This portrayal diminishes public perception and prevents a deeper understanding of the complex challenges faced by individuals living with ADHD, leading to a lack of empathy and appropriate support.

Active and Health-Conscious Community: Subclaim: The community's commitment to health makes it more receptive to initiatives promoting well-being.

Counterclaim: Relying solely on the community's existing habits might not guarantee universal acceptance or participation in the proposed Blue Zone initiatives.

Potential Positive Impact on Public Health: Subclaim: The positive impact on well-being can extend beyond individual health to community vitality, supporting the city's overall development.

Counterclaim: Other factors, such as economic conditions or external events, could overshadow the impact of Blue Zone principles on public health outcomes.

Engagement of City Manager: Subclaim: Demonstrating the benefits of Blue Zone principles to the City Manager can lead to official support and endorsement, enhancing the program's effectiveness.

Counterclaim: The City Manager may question the long-term sustainability or cost-effectiveness of implementing Blue Zone principles, especially if immediate results are not guaranteed.

Potential Economic Benefits: Subclaim: A healthier population may lead to reduced healthcare costs, increased productivity, and a more vibrant local economy.

counterclaim: Other factors, such as economic conditions or external events, could overshadow the impact of Blue Zone principles on public health outcomes

Positive Environmental Impact

Community Empowerment and Involvement:

1. Sub Claim

   High levels of methane and CO2 in an ecosystem show a direct link with the invasive species population.

2. Sub Claim

   Methane produced by cows can be controlled better by implementing a different feed into their diet.

3. Sub Claim

   Seaweed being supplemented into a cow diet can prove to be beneficial in slowing down the rates of methane production.

4. Sub Claim

   The methane issue is even found in smaller farms with more local contributions to the surrounding environments.

5. Counterargument

   The methane issue is even found in smaller farms with more local contributions to the surrounding environments.

1. Sub Claim: causes psychological affects

2. Sub Claim: Not Cost Effective compared to life in prison /No evidence found that it affects deterrence

3. Sub Claim: about 4% of executions have been later found innocent

4. Sub Claim: (Inhumane) US actually prohibits both physical and mental forms of torture...which is what the death penalty is.

5. Counterargument: Brings peace and justice to families and our country/ they do not deserve quality of life.

Thesis: The Electoral College should be abolished to strengthen the US democracy.

1.     Sub Claim: The Electoral College is less democratic than the direct popular vote, which reflects the national will.

2.     Sub Claim: The Electoral College weakens the political participation in the most states.

3.     Sub Claim: The Electoral College does not protect small and rural states therefore it is not essential for the US federalism.

Counterargument: The Electoral College ensures qualified presidents and we have seen just five presidents who lost the popular vote throughout the US history.  

(Subtopic) increase education being taught in schools

(subtopic) government needs to step in and make stricter limits on the additives being allowed in foods

(subtopic) limit screentime and increase imaginative play

counterargument: Parents are in charge of the majority of what children and teens are eating and it is their responsibility to educate themselves properly on this topic.

sub claim: money should be spent on improving infrastructure rather than new projects that may or may not work.

sub claim: The Fort Collin's Bus fleet is in need of maintenance. This maintenance will improve the ease of access of wheelchair users by fixing hydraulic ramps, fixing wheelchair seating, and will improve the overall speed of the bus reducing transit times for all bus goers. "the metal plate problem", most buses don't have working ramp hydraulics so they instead use a very unsteady feeling metal plate instead that feels very unsafe.

sub claim: Fort Collin's roads need to be repaired to best support the needs of wheelchair users. Potholes are trouble for everyone fixing them not only makes driving easier but also prevents impassable areas for wheelchair users.

sub claim: Fort Collin's sidewalks and ramps are in need of dire repair. Massively uneven sidewalks slow wheelchair mobility massively and can be dangerous to certain styles of wheelchair. Fixing this not only helps with wheelchair access but they also make paths safer for bikes, scooters, rollerblades, and any other wheeled pedestrian transportation. Additionally the fixes that the city is making are unacceptably

Counterargument: Current infrastructure works well enough so money should be spent on new projects.

Subtopic: more in-depth investigations of cult cases need to be implemented.

Subtopic: schools need to explore the idea of more education surrounding cults in history and what makes a cult to save potential victims

Subtopic: the criteria for what makes a cult a cult needs to be constructed to bring awareness of what happens and the consequences for it

Counterargument: a cult is a religious practice. what stops the law from then prosecuting recognised religions?

1.      Sub Claim: There is already precedent showing that physical activity has nothing but positive effects on physical and mental health.

2.      Sub Claim: More trending data is emerging showing the concern of relapse and increased symptoms among those treated with medications as a first-line solution from providers.

3.      Sub Claim: Regardless of most health conditions, the recommended amount of physical activity is easy to manage and incorporate into a daily routine.

Counterargument: Physical activity is impossible for some people, and the actual risks of medication are low enough to justify the use as a first-line treatment.

1. Sub Claim

Economic challenges: such as job loss, low wages, and things like family conflict, domestic violence, and lack of social support networks can lead to homelessness, particularly among vulnerable populations.

2. Sub Claim

Systemic Issues: systemic issues such as discrimination, inadequate access to healthcare and mental health services, and gaps in social safety nets.

3. Sub Claim

Solutions: Raising public awareness about the root causes of homelessness and advocate for policies and funding that support effective solutions and address systemic issues contributing to homelessness. As well as foster collaboration within communities.

Counterargument: Some may argue that homelessness is primarily a result of individual choices or behaviors, such as substance abuse.

1. Sub-Claim: Each autistic individual has unique strengths, challenges, and needs, meaning there is a necessity for a more personalized and balanced approach to ABA therapy.

2. Sub-Claim: A balanced approach to therapy should integrate strategies from various therapeutic models, such as music therapy, exercise therapy, and play therapy.

   
   

3. Sub-Claim: Focusing on ABA undermines the ability of autistic people and their ability's. A more balanced approach should include encouragement to lead a more independent life.

Counterargument: ABA can teach autistic individual's skills that will help them integrate into society by targeting specific problem behaviors. ABA offers concrete strategies for behavioral interactions that improve the quality of life for these individuals.

sub claim: there is little evidence of the positive influences of pop culture being incorporated into individuals lives as compared to the negative aspects

sub claim: there is a concern of mental health issues being developed

sub claim: living in the world that is in front of you is more beneficial to an individuals success

sub claim: it is beneficial to spend time away from the media and electronics in general

(i am still working with the subclaims)

counterargument: pop culture or celebrity culture provides educational value, entertainment, and a source of inspiration for people.

teaches us about our past and how to interact with various types of people. it helps to build connection, fosters a sense of community.

can be used as a way to spread awareness, and promoting social change.

(also still working counteragurments b/c depending on how i go there can be a counteragument to each point)

1. Subclaim

   Negative voting is a behavior in voting but can be flawed by distracting from problems that need to be solved and focusing on irrelevant matters.

2. Subclaim

   When polarization is present it is made difficult to find common ground and for society to be able to work together, resulting in social tension, reduced social cohesion, and a loss of trust between individuals and groups.

3. Subclaim

   Negative campaigning can be superficial and be used as a way to intensify citizens negativity and hate towards the candidates of the opposing party.

1. Counterargument

   Although in consideration to all of the negative behaviors when voting in the U.S., those behaviors are subjective, and there are people out there who do favor a desired candidate, and who are willing to find a common ground with people who may have an opposite outlook and opinion.

1. Sub Claim: Regulation promotes equitable access to essential medications.

2. Sub Claim: Regulation alleviates financial burdens on individuals and healthcare programs.

3. Sub Claim: Regulation balances affordability with innovation.

4. Counter Argument: Government regulation could impact pharmaceutical innovation.

1. Sub Claim: The victims and their families can be kept in a state of trauma if they didn't want their story to be put out there like that.

2. Sub Claim: Being too unregulated can cause a lot of fear and anxiety within a community.

3. Sub Claim: True crime can still be entertaining and useful while still being ethical.

4. Counter Argument: Unsolved cases can sometimes be solved with the help of the public by releasing the stories as a form of entertainment.

5. Counter Argument: True crime can be a helpful tool for critical thinking or as a fear management system for women.

Sub claim 1: The touchable experience of handling physical media, from browsing through record stores to inserting a disc into a player really makes for a personal connection to content and gives a nostalgia feeling to the user.

Sub claim 2: Physical media formats such as Blu-ray discs and vinyl records often have a superior sound quality compared to streaming services. The higher quality offers a more engaging exposure to the content.

Sub claim 3: Owning physical media is more accessible and reliable when you don’t have the internet to rely on with streaming or movies/music being removed or altered without notice.

Sub Claim 1: Apex predators such as wolves cause the trophic cascade effect which will help balance Colorado's ecosystem.

Sub Claim 2: Wolves lived in Colorado for century's and bringing them back is the right thing to do.

Sub Claim 3: Studying how wolves interact with each other and with different species in the wild in Colorado could give scientists new information about wolves.

Counter Arguments: Wolves could potentially pose a threat to farmers' and ranchers' livestock. People who spend time outdoors deep in the wild could be attacked if the wolves are hungry or provoked. The cost of reintroducing the wolves can be quite high.

-Alex Donovan

Thesis: US based scientific and business groups should keep CRISPR-Cas9 open to the public but behind a questionnaire type system linked to both factions to make sure it is used properly and not abused for fanatical gain or for scientific experimentation on patients.

Subclaim: CRISPR has too much potential for good to be put to the side

Other subclass are in the works.

Sub Claim: resources, the amount of raw resources yet to be exploited in space is incredible. There is asteroid with enough gold, platinum and other rare earth metals to last an entire century.

Sub Claim: technology, "necessity is the mother of innovation", this is true for space as the economic potential and need of those thing in space are something we will devolve to get

Sub Claim: More space for us to live in, with an expansion into space we will probably build space habitats or enclosed cities on other celestial bodies

Sub claim: Countries who legalize sex work find it far easier to protect the workers themselves.

Sub claim: Policing directly harms the people the are trying to protect as people who are trafficked or bribed are then forced into the legal system.

Sub claim: The stigma sex workers face will only increase as sex work stays illegal, due to many equate laws to morality.

Counter argument: In the District of Columbia they have seen an increased risk of HIV and STIs. The incarceration rate for the city puts 1 out of every 50 people or double the national average.

SubClaim 1: Unlike previous periods women were allowed more freedom to speak in churches. This can help show women’s agency in history, which will change people’s perception of history in general

SubClaim 2: The personal accounts are valuable in this period because of how much they illustrate personal and spiritual lives of everyday people.

Counter-Argument: These freedoms exercised did not continue beyond this period and were not influential in a larger historical continuity.

Sub claim: Nuclear energy produces more energy that other forms of carbon neutral or negative forms of energy.

Sub Claim: Nuclear energy costs less to maintain than other types of energy overall and have the lowest maintenance rate of almost all energy types.

Sub claim: Nuclear energy is the second safest form of energy production and places first when it comes to death rate per terawatt hour.

Sub claim: Nuclear energy produces the least amount of waste compared to all other forms of energy production, further reducing the cost of nuclear energy.

Counterargument: All government reports show that nuclear energy is the safest form of energy when it comes to terawatt hours. It produces the least amount of waste, which most of can be reused. The overall cost to maintain a nuclear reactor costs a fraction of what it takes to create a solar or wind farm, and takes land.

Sub claim: Maturity and Communication - Competitive Rocket League often involves intense moments and requires clear communication. Younger players may lack the emotional maturity to handle frustration or criticism effectively, leading to arguments and toxicity within teams.

Sub claim: Time Commitment - Competitive Rocket League demands significant time investment for practice and scrims. Younger players may not have the same level of free time as older players, hindering their ability to compete at the highest level.

Sub claim: School and Social Life - The pressure to perform in a competitive setting could negatively impact younger players' academic performance or social life.

Counter argument: The change can grow the economic view (reaching a wider audience) of the sport and could help speed up the growth of the players (help them with anxiety and nervousness).

Unit I Subquestions:

1. How do rising housing costs associated with gentrification affect the displacement of long-term residents, and what are the implications for their economic stability and access to community resources?

2. In what ways does gentrification impact the cultural fabric of a neighborhood, including local businesses, community organizations, and social networks, and how do these shifts influence the neighborhood's identity?

3. What strategies or policies have been implemented in various cities to mitigate the negative effects of gentrification, and how successful have these approaches been in balancing economic development with preserving community cohesion and affordability?

   
   

Unit II Working thesis: Gentrification significantly impacts the socioeconomic fabric and cultural identity of urban neighborhoods by driving housing displacement, altering community dynamics, and diminishing affordability, necessitating a nuanced approach to balance economic development and preservation of community integrity.

Subclaim 1: Rising housing costs associated with gentrification lead to the displacement of long-term residents, exacerbating economic instability and reducing access to vital community resources.

Counterargument 1: While gentrification can lead to increased housing costs, it also often results in neighborhood revitalization and improved public services, such as better schools, transportation, and infrastructure. These improvements can benefit both long-term residents and newcomers, provided that measures are in place to mitigate displacement and maintain affordability.

Subclaim 2: Gentrification disrupts the cultural fabric of urban neighborhoods by introducing changes to local businesses, community organizations, and social networks, consequently altering the neighborhood's unique identity.

Counterargument 2: Although gentrification may alter the cultural fabric of a neighborhood, it can also introduce new opportunities for social and cultural exchange. The arrival of new businesses, organizations, and residents can breathe new life into a community and promote a diverse and dynamic environment.

Subclaim 3: Addressing the negative effects of gentrification requires thoughtful strategies and policies that balance economic growth with efforts to maintain community cohesion, affordability, and the preservation of a neighborhood's distinct character.

Counterargument 3: While balancing economic development and community preservation is important, some argue that gentrification is a natural and inevitable consequence of urban development. Critics may argue that attempting to control or hinder gentrification can stifle economic growth and limit the potential for urban revitalization.

Subclaim 1: The disproportionate targeting and incarceration of people of color within the criminal justice system perpetuate the historical legacy of racism and discrimination, serving as a contemporary form of racial oppression akin to slavery.

Subclaim 2: The exploitation of incarcerated individuals for low-wage labor within the prison industrial complex mirrors the economic subjugation experienced by enslaved people, maintaining the systemic oppression and exploitation of marginalized groups.

Subclaim 3: The intersection of race and gender exacerbates the impacts of the prison industrial complex, with Black and Brown women experiencing compounded disadvantages, such as higher rates of incarceration, harsher sentencing, and fewer resources for rehabilitation.

Counterargument 1: Some may argue that the prison industrial complex serves as a necessary deterrent to crime and contributes to public safety, asserting that the disproportionate representation of people of color in the criminal justice system is a reflection of broader societal issues rather than systemic racial bias.

Counterargument 2: Critics might contest that drawing parallels between modern-day incarceration and historical slavery diminishes the severity and specific horrors of chattel slavery, asserting that there are significant differences between the two institutions.

Counterargument 3: Some may argue that the prison industrial complex can provide opportunities for rehabilitation and personal growth for incarcerated individuals, challenging the notion that it serves purely as a mechanism of oppression and control.

Subclaim 1: The US prison system, which currently jails around 2.2 million people or 0.7% of the population, is deeply embedded in our modern-day justice system and economy (Revoked 1). In the past, companies like McDonald's, Victoria’s Secret, and Whole Foods relied on unpaid prison labor, but have since changed their contracts due to public backlash. Yet still, prisons remain a multi-billion dollar industry reliant on racial domination and mass incarceration that acts similarly to pre–pre-Thirteenth Amendment times

Subclaim 2: Just as it was nearly impossible to escape slavery before 1865, and similarly as hard to escape the convict-lease labor system after the abolishment of slavery, mass incarceration now operates as the system that keeps people of color subservient to racial domination and capitalism.

Subclaim 3: Once in the prison system, it is hard for inmates to leave it because the vast majority of prisons do not provide social services to their inmates. Prisons are focused on punishment rather than reentry into society.

Subclaim 4: Systemic inequality driven by federal, state, and local policies contributes to why the rates of people of color in prison are so much higher than the rate of white people in prison.  Policies that enforce segregation and destroy minority communities by building public infrastructure like highways and bridges through them displace people from their homes and businesses.

Subclaim 5: the social construction of race makes mass incarceration more of a threat to some communities than to others. The prison system also genders inmates’ experience with labor inside prison populations. The women’s prison system remains different from the men’s prison system, which will be investigated later in this paper.

Subclaim 6: Men’s prisons remain a way to exploit labor for the institution of capitalism. Men in prisons continue to do America’s unwanted work—work that has been comparable to the labor in sweatshops of the global south (Smith and Hattery 90).

Counterargument: While the prison industrial complex does involve the use of low-wage labor and disproportionately impacts people of color, comparing it to the brutality and dehumanization of chattel slavery may be seen as diminishing the unique horrors of the historical institution. This perspective argues that, despite their shared elements of exploitation, there are significant differences between the two systems in terms of legal ownership, severity of mistreatment, and the complete lack of agency experienced by enslaved individuals

Subclaim 1: Multiple large-scale, peer-reviewed studies have found no causal link between childhood vaccinations and the development of autism, debunking the widely discredited theory that vaccines are responsible for the rising prevalence of ASD diagnoses.

Counterargument: Critics may point to anecdotal reports or isolated cases linking vaccinations to autism, disregarding the scientific evidence and continuing to fuel vaccine skepticism.

Subclaim 2: Vaccines' primary function is to stimulate an immune response against specific pathogens, and there is no biologically plausible mechanism through which this process could cause the neurological and behavioral changes associated with autism.

Counterargument: Opponents might argue that the combination of multiple vaccines, their ingredients, or the timing of administration could overwhelm a child's immune system or cause adverse reactions, despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting these claims.

Subclaim 3: The observed increase in autism diagnoses can be attributed to factors such as improved diagnostic criteria, greater awareness of ASD, and more comprehensive screening measures, rather than a direct link to vaccination practices.

Counterargument: Some may argue that environmental factors, including vaccines, could play a role in triggering autism in genetically susceptible individuals, despite the absence of conclusive evidence supporting this assertion.

Subclaim 1: A ban on keeping exotic pets in the USA would not impact the sources these animals come from.

Subclaim 2: A nationwide ban on exotic pets would cause the demand for these animals to rise, supporting black market sales and smuggling.

Subclaim 3: Current regulations in the US have not been very effective. People always have and always will find ways to get around bans, and sometimes these "solutions" are dangerous. (Ex. prohibition, backstreet abortions)

Thesis: Although immigrants do take jobs and use the social services provided by the U.S. they also pay taxes and greatly contribute to the economy and infrastructure of the U.S..

SUBCLAIM 1: Immigrants greatly contribute to the workforce, especially in blue-collar occupations.

COUNTERARGUMENT 1: These jobs are in the U.S. therefore these jobs are intended and could be used by U.S. citizens.

SUBCLAIM 2: Immigrants contribute to economic growth by, working in the U.S., participating in the economy, and taxes.

COUNTERARGUMENT 2: immigrants can cause a strain on public resources. Illegal immigrants may use public resources like education, healthcare, and social welfare without paying taxes.

SUBCLAIM 3: Immigrants help demographics in the U.S. like age population, and birth rates that help population growth. Immigrant families also contribute to communities with social contributions by exchanging ideas and sharing culture.

COUNTERARGUMENT 3: immigrants tend to be younger so it could affect healthcare and education and some argue that cultural diversity might not be a good thing.

Subclaim 1: Genetically modifying plants and crops has saved endangered plant species by making them resistant to diseases and pests.

Counterargument 1: GMO crops are taking over the industry and the amount of organic crops are dwindling constantly. Organic crops are all natural which are better for consumption.

Subclaim 2: By genetically engineering plants to naturally be more resistant to pests there is less need for pesticide use.

Counterargument 2: Pesticide use may be lower but there is still a need for pesticides in food production no matter what.

Subclaim 3: Farmer’s crop yields have grown significantly since they started using genetically modified crops.

Counterargument 3: Although crop yields have improved since GMOs became popular in the agriculture industry, that does not mean they are 100% safe. There are concerns that foods containing genetically modified products cause cancer and can trigger unnecessary allergic reactions.

Unit 1 subquestions:

1. What are the rules on college athletes getting paid? What do student-athletes think about the rule compared to the coach's thoughts?

2. If college athletes did get paid who would pay them

3. Is NIL helping college athletes and keeping them focused on their education

Unit 2 working thesis:

College athletes should not be paid; this would worsen the current imbalances between sports programs, take funds away from academic programs, and mess up the divisions between unprofessional and professional sports

Subclaim 1: NCAA rules are that student-athletes are not allowed to be played by the university athletes are only allowed to reserve money by NIL this is an unfair system and could change the forces on college sports

Counterargument 1: allowing college athletes to get paid by NIL would help them get recognition for how much time they put in every and help them financially by paying off student loans and other personal expenses

Subclaim 2: NIL gets its money from sponsors and brands who promote products. Another way that colleges could pay their athletes is by using the money they get from ticket sales, merchandise, and media rights

Counterargument 2: By paying these athletes they would be getting fairness and equality they out in 4 hours a day and deserve to be ignored for the time they put in.

Subclaim 3: The NIL helps college athletes stay motivated to stay in college and complete their degrees pay-to-play culture is making sports more prioritized because they are getting paid rather than paying for education

Counterargument 3: This is helping athletes understand how to balance their work, study, and social life. Staying in school is a major factor because that means they can have better jobs in the long run

UNIT 2 WORKING THESIS: Overgrazing is one of the main contributing factors to grassland degradation, reducing vegetation cover, leading to the debasement of topsoil and a reduction in soil infiltration rates, which affects the diversity of native grass growth and influences a decrease in the population of grassland birds, arthropods, and mammals, however, the works of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) has been influencing the growth of these natural inhabitants of grasslands.

SUBCLAIM 1: Overgrazing contributes to grassland degradation, reducing vegetation cover, leading to the debasement of topsoil and a reduction in soil infiltration rates, which affects the diversity of native grass growth and influences a decrease in the population of grassland birds, arthropods, and mammals.

COUNTERARGUMENT 1: Grazing of cattle on rangelands is much the same as it was with bison many years ago, with studies even saying that the only negative effects being with herptile communities.

SUBCLAIM 2: According to studies done on CRP fields, the biomass in the leaves, stems, and plants as a whole had highly significant allometric scaling, leading us to conclude that CRP positively affects plant growth.

COUNTERARGUMENT 2: There is a current lack of studies on how plant traits affect above-ground biomasses that are affected by CRP. This leaves a major gap in our understanding of the mechanism of the grassland productivity decline.

SUBCLAIM 3: The Conservation Reserve program positively affects not only the vegetation in grasslands but also the animals and insects, which is seen in a study taken by the United States Department of Agriculture. Ducks, Ringneck Pheasants, Northern Bobwhite Quail, and grouse all saw significant growth in their population due to CRP.

COUNTERARGUMENT 3: Although there is lots of research done on the animals that CRP contributes to, understanding how it affects soil productivity and greenhouse emissions could better help us understand how it affects an ecosystem as a whole.

Sub claim 1: Supervised Injection Facilities increase harm reduction in cities where facilities are implemented, by decreasing the exchange of needles and syringes, diseases, and the disposal of used needles and syringes in public.

Counterargument 1: While Supervised Injection Facilities increases harm reduction, these facilities violate the federal drug policies and decriminalized substance use.

Sub claim 2:  Supervised Injection Facilities decrease drug/ opioid related deaths by providing a safe environment where users can receive medical services if overdose were to happen.

Counterargument 2: Although these facilities provide a safe environment, substance abusers may feel more encouraged to continue or start substance abuse.

Sub claim 3: Supervised Injection Facilities aim to improve the economy by saving resources and money where  medical and law enforcement could be allocated elsewhere.

Counterargument 3: Supervised Injection Facilities impact the economy in the areas which they are implemented as they allocate recourses and money into hiring medical providers, social workers, and equipment.

SUBCLAIM 1:  Individuals with a college degree typically earn significantly higher incomes over their lifetimes compared to those without a degree, indicating that the financial return on investment can be substantial for college graduates.

COUNTERARGUMENT 1: The rising costs of higher education, coupled with the burden of student loan debt, can deter prospective students from pursuing a college degree and limit their future financial flexibility.

SUBCLAIM 2: Attaining a higher education expands career opportunities and enhances job security, as many industries increasingly require advanced degrees for specialized and higher-paying positions.

COUNTERARGUMENT 2: In some cases, individuals may be able to secure well-paying jobs or pursue alternative educational pathways without the need for a college degree, such as vocational training or self-taught skills, raising questions about the necessity of traditional higher education.

SUBCLAIM 3: Beyond financial advantages, pursuing a college education fosters personal growth, intellectual development, and the cultivation of valuable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication, which can benefit individuals in various aspects of their lives.

COUNTERARGUMENT 3:  The opportunity cost of attending college, including time spent not working or gaining experience in a chosen field, may not justify the potential long-term benefits for some individuals, who might opt for immediate entry into the workforce or alternative career paths.

SUBCLAIM 1: Immigrants have increased and expanded job opportunities for other immigrants and US citizens

COUNTERARGUMENT 1: Although immigrants have expanded and offer job opportunities to many there are still a handful of US citizens that believe they are stealing their jobs.

SUBCLAIM 2: Immigrants start of young and come to the US at a young age for a better life and to help out their families and themselves

COUNTERARGUMENT 2: Studies have shown that most immigrants speak fluent English or are learning fluent English and 13% of those immigrants are people from the age of 18 or over. These immigrants have started businesses in blue collar jobs and people believe that if we deport them US citizens will get more tax money and they will be able to have a job in the field they like.

SUBCLAIM 3: Deporting immigrants would not only send the US into poverty, but it would also effect our agriculture and decrease the employment of blue collar jobs 

COUNTERARGUMENT 3: Not having employees who will be willing to go to work early in the morning and go home late at night would drop the level of productivity in the US and jobs wouldn’t get done in the amount of time they need too. Leaving immigrants jobless would mean that there is a high possibility that US citizens will be too.

Working Thesis Statement: The importance of wildlife has been affected by urbanization. Urbanization has its positive and negative effects on wildlife but, the positive effects cannot outweigh the negative effects.

SUB CLAIM 1: Pollution has had many harmful effects on wildlife by creating hazardous conditions for the animals to live in. It takes away the resources like the land that they live on and their food sources start to dwindle.

SUB CLAIM 2: Urbanization has forced animals to find new land to make new homes due to deforestation, habitat loss, and the extraction of freshwater.

SUB CLAIM 3: Urbanization is causing many species of wildlife to begin to go extinct. The lack of the land and resources forces many animals to not be able to reproduce.

COUNTERARGUMENT 3: Many over population species are beginning to have a normal amount of numbers when researchers are looking at how many of each species there are.

Sub Claim: Impacts on the environment, and how making cars is becoming eco-friendly.

Sub Claim: Cost to own, and maintain an electric car and the California law on electric cars.

Sub Claim: The use of an electric car for traveling and everyday use.

Counter-Argument: It takes more harmful pollution to make an electric car than it does to drive a traditional combustion vehicle.

Working Thesis Statement- To mitigate the impact of deforestation, we can promote sustainable forestry practices, support reforestation efforts, and advocate for policies that protect natural forests

SUB CLAIM 1- Will we lose some to most of our animals that keep our ecosystem stable?

COUNTER ARGUMENT 1- While some species are indeed at risk due to deforestation, many conservation efforts and ecological management strategies are effective at preserving biodiversity. Human technological advancements are constantly improving our ability to protect wildlife habitats, which helps maintain ecosystem stability. Plus, many species are adaptable and can adjust to changes in their environment, which means that not all animals are equal risk of disappearing

SUB CLAIM 2- What can we do as a society to help the impacts of deforestation

COUNTER ARGUMENT 2- While individual efforts are important, the most significant impact comes from systemic changes. This includes enacting strict environmental regulations, holding corporations accountable for unsustainable practices, and investing in large-scale reforestation projects. Additionally, technological advancements in agriculture can reduce the need for new farmland, thus decreasing deforestation pressures.

SUB CLAIM 3- Deforestation significantly cuts our carbon sinks, which increases climate change

COUNTER ARGUMENT 3- It can be mitigated by sustainable forestry practices, for example selective logging, and replanting the trees that were cut. This can help ease the pressure on the climate change issue.

Unit 1 Subquestion:

1: Why is one state paying more for houses then other states, when the housing sizes are the same.

2: When having prices so high for houses, why is it causing people to give up in life.

3: By having prices so high in certain states, why are people moving states

Unit II Working Thesis: Housing affordability should not stay the same. They need to lower the prices. People struggle with finding affordable houses, let alone the fact that everyday people are walking the streets to find somewhere to sleep for the night. Sure the government provides homeless housing, but being able to have affordable housing could make a difference in everyone's worlds.

Subclaim 1: Some state are selling houses higher then other states because they have to follow the law of supply and demand, but also because of food and services. Another reason is because economic factors.

Counterargument: While some states might have higher average housing prices, they may also offer higher average incomes or lower costs in other aspects, making housing relatively affordable when considering overall living expenses. For instance, although housing prices in California may be higher, the state also offers higher median incomes compared to many other states.

Subclaim 2: The growing affordability crisis compels individuals and families to relocate to more affordable regions, often disrupting social ties and destabilizing local communities.

Counterargument 2: Although supporters argue that changes in the population could encourage regional growth, attention needs to be paid to the fundamental problem of housing affordability in order to avoid community fragmentation and displacement.

Subclaim 3: Inflated housing costs can hinder the growth and viability of local businesses, adversely affecting the economic health and vitality of cities and towns.

Counterargument 3: Excessive housing costs have the potential to help specific industries, like real estate and construction, but they also have broader negative effects on inclusion and long-term economic viability.