I'm in a debate with my friend and I need some extra opinions?
207439
George Bush and the Republican party have been busy dismantling America.  They have cut the budgets of countless agencies that provide useful services to America, and removed  or muzzled experienced staff, replacing them with political hacks, and outright enemies of the agencies missions.  FEMA, EPA, USDA, CDC, CIA, FBI...\nThey have cut taxes and spent America into dangerous levels of debt, so that a future administration will be forced to cut social programs and guarantees of a safety net for the elderly and weak of our society.  \nThe Bush administration has also destroyed the ideals that America stood for.  The ones that we all learned as children, for honor, justice and freedom.  All reduced to meaningless slogans to taunt our secret prisoners and disappeared suspects with.
303343
Clarify the question?
404722
Option 1: take a controversial topic and defend one side. (like abortion, immigration, national security, homosexuality, etc.)\n\nOption 2: take a ridiculous topic and defend one side (like "the sky is purple" "people should eat elephants" "convicts should eat each other" "Canada should annex Zimbabwe" etc"\n\nOption 3: take a mediocre topic and talk about it (like "people are good" "I should have an A on this presentation" etc.)
306782
Ok. What about showing them different texts and asking if they think they are Fact or Opinion? You could use a newspaper editorial (opinion), a computer/car manual (fact) and a TV advert (always sure to raise a discussion that one - but best they realise it is opinion).\nAfter looking at these examples you could then get them to write a piece of Fact and Opinion based on these examples.
570653
i like to use a quote or a short story that deals with the issue.  it gives you some evidence at the very beginning, and it depending on the quote, it can give you a very powerful introduction, which is exactly what you want in a debate.
672258
Wow.  I think you should open the discussion in reference to homosexuality with your friend first to gauge a reaction.  If you feel like the reaction is positive, go from there.  Unfortunately, you need to discuss this a.s.a.p. with your girlfriend, she may already know, but just refuses to accept what's right in front of her.  She's your biggest issue first.
342893
tough one.  and not your call.  just support him in his decision if you're his friend!
636209
This is more of an opinion question than fact. It's a lot easier to write your own opinion than someone else's, so I suggest you do this on your own.\nSorry; I know that's not what you wanted to hear...
28362
I'm very happy to read most of these answers. You're on the right path and you've seen the truth. \n\nThe issue now is to be able to discuss your beliefs openly and respectfully. There's no reason that an atheist and a Christian can't have a civilized discussion, and Yahoo Answers is a perfect place to cut your teeth on these issues.\n\nTo the person who said that you are not an atheist, that you just haven't seen the truth. Well, that's exactly the kind of thing we're trying to avoid. That is disrespect. How would you feel if I said that you were not a Christian, that your head was just too clouded with myth and fear to see the truth? Hmmm. Pretty soon we would just resort to name calling and not get anywhere. You've undermined your argument quite effectively.\n\nListen to Scheb. Ask people about their beliefs and engage them with an open mind and kindness. They will say things that seem crazy. That's okay. You have to realize that your ideas seem just as crazy to them. However, through discussing these things with them, you'll both see that you are both people and the differences in belief can only come between you if you let them.\n\nNow I have some questions and some advice.\n\nFirst of all, what do you mean when you say that you luv [sic] the atheist life? Are there parties that I'm not being invited to? The atheist life, even though it comes with certain existential issues, isn't that much different than anyone else's life. We still have love, bills, good days, bad days, frustration, and everything else that accompanies the human condition. Or are you experiencing something that I'm not familiar with?\n\nAdvice: Cut out the SMS language. No one can take you seriously when you write "ppl" instead of "people," "2" instead of "to," and "u" instead of "you." It starts you off looking like a lazy kid. Don't give the other side the upper hand before you even begin a discussion. Seriously. Also, spelling and grammar count. As do capital letters. No one will take you seriously if you can't present yourself seriously.\n\nSorry if I'm a little harsh, but I'm glad to see that you've come to these hard won conclusions and I'm happy to have you around here to add your two cents.\n\nWelcome.
290000
It's nice that you have found a way to put religious differences aside and focus on just plain loving everyone. I personally do not believe in a god, and choose not to belong to any religion, but I respect those who do as long as they respect me. Everyone is built differently, everyone thinks differently, we can't judge anyone on the way that they are. \nI think debating is healthy, as long as both sides respect eachother, it can be a learning experience. I wouldn't stop the debates, but I would stop people from putting down other peoples religions because they're different.
579617
I believe you are being moral..they are two totally different issues to deal with..and both have options and room for opinions..=)
27681
As long as you two stay away from bigots, zealots, hypocrites, and holier than thou people you'll be ok.  If you respect each others religions then do what you do, and let him do what he does and be tolerant.  If you differ on opinion let it be a debate and not an argument;  If it starts to seem like it's headed in that direction just stop talking about it.
539306
Of course not.  You have the right to state your opinion.  Anyway, who cares?  You are taking care of your business, right?  Remember, never argue with an idiot.  If he wants to argue with you, point out your avatar at the top of the page that says "best answerer."
474291
Yes.  Some people are incapable of staying on track.  When someones arguments always start out with "Yeah, but what about....", there's no use in wasting the time trying to debate them.
481724
You could argue for or against globilization and look at how big companies affect things. Or you could use a topic I did, arguing for or against violence in video games and whether or not it affects childrens personalities, there's tons of great oppinions on this topic so this is the one I recomend.
659427
Well Bush, your beliefs are up to you. What exactly do you want to know? It seems like your question is "What should I believe in?", and no one can decide that for you.
229155
They may be a best friend that didn't hear you right IF it was something that happened every once in a while. But if it occures on a regular basis, then the answer would be no. A friend wouldn't put words into your mouth, or switch your words around like that. They would respect what you said, and not change it around on you. If they disagreed with you, they would simply tell you they disagreed. Mine have no problem letting me know when they don't agree with my opinion, so I would hope that others would as well.