Introduction

Welcome to White Guys With Irrelevant Opinions. The idea for this forum of debate and intellectual pursuits began in 2003 when the founding White Guys, Lee and Jeffrey, began hosting debates on their websites and blogs. The first WGWIO, as it if often called, was published in the now-defunct Quarterly Report of the original Daily Jeffrey (also defunct). Subjects were chosen based on mutual interest of the debators and have included women's rights, Christmas, war vs. diplomacy, and a debate on the public school system. The final debate, on public schooling, included a guest debator, Nate, sitting in for Jeffrey. Records are unclear, but it is believed that Jeffrey died was therefore unable to fulfill his usual role. Jeffrey has since gotten better, and the debates continue.

For those familiar with the old style of debate, there have been several changes. First, since the original Daily Jeffrey no longer exists, the debate has been moved to a new forum. Blogger offers several advantages over the old system. For one, readers can see the debate develop over time as the learned participants offer their arguments as new entries. The new system also allows for the incorporation of comments, a nice feature to get the pulse of the audience. The most noticeable change, however, will be that Jeffrey and Lee have stepped down from their roles as debators and have graciously allowed two of history's greatest thinkers and orators to take their places. Have no fear, they are still "white guys" and the "opinions" are just as "irrelevant" "with," but these distinguished gentlemen are more suited to analyze and debate the critical issues of our time than were the original duo. Lee and Jeffrey are still around - moderating the debate, offering comments on points of interest, but they will no longer be the primary voices of White Guys With Irrelevant Opinions. I will allow each new debator to introduce himself during his opening statement, and I have no doubt that you will learn much about each as arguments are presented, rebutted, and defended.

General debate format will remain the same. An opening statement by each side, two rounds of debate per participant, and a conclusion for each. Order of debate will be determined by the ceremonial game of paper-rock-scissors. Moderators may change these rules or adapt them as necessary for changing debate needs (e.g. triple-threat debates). Now, onto the topic at hand: