What the hell is going on here?

[ADeadSmitty]

Eh. People are passionate and excited about this stuff. I think it's good. Better than apathy.

[Phishfan]

Also the definition of debate includes exactly what everyone has been doing here. Some debates are civil, others are heated arguments. We have chosen topics along very devisive lines. I would rather debate about these topics than what someone's favorite ice cream flavor is. The problem is it seems to get into name calling with some people rather than a discussion about facts.

[Sunstroke]

I think it's good. Better than apathy.

Nobody here really cares about apathy anyways...

[JVides]

Nobody here really cares about apathy anyways...

How DARE you say this?  I'm a passionate advocate of apathy...eh, never mind.

[run_to_win]

Well the so called dozens of Mexicans you have been around have lied to you. They have no intention of staying temporarily. When they disapear, they haven't gone home, they have circulated to another area/followed the harvest. Not only are they proping up their own shithole country by sending money, they are breeding and filling up schools with their children, while we foot the bill for ESL and other classes.

Some, not many, do go back.  Other than that I agree with you on all points.  Some, even fewer, work towards citizenship.  Those are the best workers.

The kids never got any real education due to the constant uprooting, and when they reappeared, our teachers had to restrucutre the lesson plan to deal with them, which slowed us down.

Absolutely true.  Public education is a real hot-button issue for me, even more than PFT!    

[Frimp]

The biggest thing about debating is to know that it is going to get heated. I try my best to not let it get personal. Sometimes I screw up, but most times I'm able to control myself.

Debate is healthy, but we dont need to call names and make it personal. I may strongly disagree with someone, and I'll do my best to let them know why I think they are wrong. But, I usually step back if I see myself getting to the point of getting personal. (I admit I've crossed the line recently)

[run_to_win]

Maybe it's just semantics, but discussion is healthy. 

"Debate" reeks of "I'm so right that I don't even have to support my assertions nor answer your requests for clarification.  All I have to do is attack your intelligence.  All proof you offer to the contrary are just attempts to spin the debate."