09/26/2009 – The Hamilton Debate

Alumni and undergraduates came together in the Philodemic Room this weekend for the annual Hamilton Debate.  This year’s Hamilton was particularly special, as it represents the twentieth anniversary of the revival of the Philodemic Society.  Alumni Philodemica President Jordan Nardino (Class of ’00) brought many impressive alumni back to the Philodemic Room, and we were glad to share with them in debating “Resolved: America’s Best Days are Ahead of It.”

Hearty thanks and congratulations go out to the four keynoters: Mr. Paul Miller (COL ’99) on the affirmation; Mr. Jack Massey (SFS ’99) on the negation; Mr. David Gootzit (SFS ’99) on the affirmation; and Mr. Jordan Nardino (COL ’00) on the negation.  Also, the alumni present were proud to award Mr. Alex Henderson (COL ’12) with the Hamilton Medal for the best floor speech of the night.  The Society is proud of Mr. Henderson’s eloquence.

After the debate, the Society gathered in Riggs Library for a lovely reception.  In particular, the food was fabulous – finger food was enjoyed by all.

Please join us next Thursday at 8 pm for “Resolved: Human Society Should Allow the Practice of Liberal Eugenics.”

ELD

09/24/2009 – The Honduran Coup

Thursday saw the year’s first debate spiced with international flavor as we discussed “Resolved: The Coup in Honduras was Justified.”  The topic referred to the regime shifts in Honduras this summer, which resulted in former President Manuel Zalaya leaving the country at the force of his own military.  Starting off the night, Drew Peterson described the events of the summer, peppering his story with the political philosophy of John Locke.  Mr. Peterson emphasized Mr. Zalaya’s flagrant flouting of a Supreme Court ruling, arguing that restorers of law, not tyrants, are justified.  Brandon Butterworth countered with a defense of Mr. Zalaya’s actions, which were in defense of the poor and designed to institute reform.  Mr. Butterworth noted the marked decrease in democracy since Mr. Zalaya was deposed, and argued that the plot-planners were corrupt military, businessmen and political opponents who violated the rule of law.  Next up, the Society got a treat as Bibiana Pesant took the dais for her induction key note.  Miss Pesant drew a parallel between Honduras and Venezuela, arguing that Mr. Zalaya’s path has been forged before by corrupt leaders in Latin America and throughout history.  Following was Scott Olmstead, another superb speaker giving his induction keynote.  Mr. Olmstead showed that Mr. Zalaya’s actions were a selflessly-motivated appeal to the people, and he eloquently cited the words of Edmund Burke.

The floor speeches of the night were fabulous, with much talk of tyranny and tradition.  After an excellent debate and several inspiring closing speeches by the keynoters, the topic was affirmed, 30-18-2.  Afterwards, Miss Pesant and Mr. Olmstead were inducted into the Society to the joy of all members present.

The Society was also excited to welcome  Mr. Jordon Nardino (Class of ’99) back to the Philodemic Room this Thursday.  Moreover, we are looking forward immensely to welcoming back many ranks of alumni on Saturday, September 26 for the Hamilton debate.  Please join us for “Resolved: America’s Greatest Days are Ahead of Us.”

ELD

09/17/2009 – Athens Vs. Jerusalem

Last week, the Philodemic Society reclaimed its rightful home in the Philodemic Room to debate “Resolved: Athens has had more of an impact on the Western world than Jerusalem.”  The Society was joined by many spunky new debaters who adapted quickly to the Philodemic’s vigorous chair-knocking and “Huzzahs!”  Mr. Desnick started off the night fabulously with a well-thought-out defense of Athens.  He framed the debate as a chance to prove which city had shaped the Western world more, citing a “spirit of occidentalism.”  As an illustration of the cultural relevance of Athens, Mr. Desnick resolutely affirmed the modernity of Herodatus and the timelessness of Homeric literature.   Vice President Hale countered flawlessly, parrying with eloquent words on the holiness of Jerusalem.  Through the poetry of the psalms and his own delightful language, Mr. Hale showed the Society that Jerusalem is the Western world’s link upward to the heavens.

The floor debate that followed was diverse and inspiring; the Society heard many impassioned speeches on the democracy of Athens, the spirituality of Jerusalem, the literature from the Greeks and the trade routes through Jerusalem that criss-crossed the world.  Throughout the night, several non-members gave superb speeches, and we hope to see them back in the Philodemic Room again!  Mr. Desnick and Mr. Hale finished up the evening brilliantly, inspiring all with the equally powerful tales of Athenian democracy and the legacy of other worlds in Jerusalem.  In the end, Jerusalem won out – this resolution was negated, 15-26-2.

Please join us next week for “Resolved: The Honduran coup was a triumph for justice.”

ELD

09/10/2009 – Health Care Debate

Thursday was an exciting night for the Philodemic Society.  Friends new and old gathered in Riggs Library to debate “Resolved: The United States Should Establish a National Health Care System.”  After an elegant introduction by President Randy Drew, Madeline Bailey began the night with a well-researched keynote on the affirmation.  Noting that the United States carries a heavier cost burden for health care than comparable countries, Miss Bailey firmly asserted that we cannot continue to defend a failed system.  On the negation, Treasurer Brian Harbour championed the privatized system brilliantly.  He emphasized the need for a competitive insurance market, free of regulation, and also cited the benefits of tort reform.  Floor speeches by members and non-members were quite entertaining, setting a wonderful precedent for the rest of the year.  After a  fierce debate, the resolution was negated.  Our night concluded with great conversations and fabulous food at Martin’s Tavern, a truly good time had by all.

ELD

The Philodemic Technological Debate

The Philodemic Society is gearing up for a great Fall Semester.  Stay tuned for more information!