For me, it was the policy debate resolution that the US military should unilaterally intervene in other nations to promote democracy — it really pushed people to think about both sides of an issue, where many people had strong emotions

One memory that always makes me smile is an affirmative policy debate case argued by Jeff Shaw in the 1990s on this resolution that the US military should unilaterally intervene in other nations to promote democracy. Shaw took a creative pacifist approach to military intervention with a case to send six US Army Special Forces “Green Berets” to Africa to supply salt licks to rhinos to promote democracy (because rhinos are herd animals and herds are inherently democratic). Those of us preparing to face this case often chanted (with a certain degree of real fear) “rhinos, tigers and bears, oh my!”

I recently shared this memory with my good friend Tisha Oehmen, and she said it was also one of her fun memories of our time on the team.

There is no doubt that my experience in speech and debate helped me achieve success in my career and life. It opened my mind in many ways and taught critical thinking, high-quality communication, strategy, and creativity – and much more. I also met people who positively influenced my life both in college and during my entire career.

Part of Voices that Carry — celebrating 149 years of Oregon Forensics.