BNE Extemp Topic Briefs

5.  Did David Cameron respond appropriately to the recent riots Great Britain?

The riots in Great Britain (more specifically in London) were in early August and were in response to the police shooting of a suspected gangster. A  protest was organized which turned violent and rioting ensued.  However, the violence escalated and spread to other parts of the city.  David Cameron, the Prime Minister, returned from his holiday early to help end the riots.  However the response was criticized for being too little late, as much damage was done, many were injured and five people were killed as a result of the violence.

Yes, Mr. Cameron responded appropriately

1. He ended his vacation - showed a sense of urgency

2. He supported the police

3. He correctly identified it as a crime of lawlessness and not civil disobedience

No, Mr. Cameron did not respond appropriately

1. He should've known the neighborhood's history

2. If it had been appropriate you wouldn't have seen the widespread vigilantism  

3. Spending cuts have contributed in the first place

6.  Can Rick Perry win the Republican nomination?

And how the million dollar question!  Not much to set up here.  The Presidential election is in 2012 and the Republicans need a nominee.  Incumbents are traditionally difficult to beat, unless the economy is bad (see Bush 41, Carter).  With Rick Perry currently leading in the polls, the question is can he carry that momentum to the Republican nomination?

Yes he can!

1. Republicans will see him as the second coming of Bush

2. He can capitalize on the Tea Party momentum

3. Republicans see him as the only one who can beat Obama

No he won't!

1. He's too extreme (social security is a ponzi scheme, views on global warming)

2. Moderates have the better chance and Mitt Romney is the moderate in the race

3. He's too similar to Bush