Kevin Kuswa

Judge Statement

Leap Year Day, 2000

Whew!! I just finished reading my philosophies (statements) from the past few years and I can't believe I put those things together! What a bunch of nonsense! Well, it could be worse--someone other than Kelly Congdon could have read them! Anyway, I guess I do have a few things to say. This judge booklet is actually a pretty unique place for expression. It's definitely restricted in access (maybe the debaters should also make statements), but the content restrictions are virtually non-existent. Without further rambling, a few suggestions: 1. Interpellate me into your perspective. If you feel strongly about an argument or a position, I believe you can encourage me to accept your conviction. 2. Scrutinize your opponents' evidence. In a majority of debates, I typically read between five and twenty cards during my decision and it isn't hard to determine the ones I'll most likely request. A well-reasoned qualification and indict debate can go a long way toward mapping the important evidence in the debate. 3. Tie it all together. Cross applications are inevitable in a decision process, and, to be honest, I like to make them. Arguing on a holistic level can keep me from drawing my own tangents. 4. Cross Examinations have a considerable effect on me--I come to understand arguments in certain ways and I get a sense of where strategies are heading. Asking for evidence in a hermetic way signals a less than explanatory direction. 5. Don't forget about the topic. Even though it's the end of the year, I enjoy hearing and thinking about the phrases in the topic in relation to the plan. I mean, what is (or isn't) "constructive engagement"? This preference speaks to topicality, but also to link and solvency debates. I also enjoy hearing and thinking about the specifics of each of the five regions, especially when such specifics lead away from larger projections concerning global political arrangements. The local and the glocal are infinitely more compelling than the global alone. 6. I'm particularly interested in the connections between performance and argument. What are the effects of diverse forms of advocacy? Performing and arguing both operate alongside identification, and incorporating these variables into strategy makes sense. Debate has always been more than just an exchange. Happy Y2K and good luck at the tournament. I'm looking forward to judging--if you were thinking about striking me, at least wait until I've judged you once or twice.

sincerely,