Tournament: tournament | Round: 4 | Opponent: North Texas Anderson-Kersch | Judge: Russell
http://access.houstondebate.com/filter/crip

Contention 1 – War

Laura Hershey Writes…

Like most Americans, I’ve been struggling to figure out how I should respond to
AND
shut you up in the name of national loyalty. Peace to all.

(Laura Hershey, Writer, Poet, Columnist, and Disability Rights Activist. "War and Peace Are Disability Issues," Crip Commentary, 11/8/01. http://www.cripcommentary.com/cc110801.html)?

The 1AC’s historical account of disability in the war on terror is necessary to understand and resist violence

McSorley 13 Kevin McSorley is Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Portsmouth. He convened the War and the Body conference at the Imperial War Museum in June 2010, and co-­ organized the accompanying War and the Body exhibition at Blackall Studios, London. His expertise includes contemporary social and cultural theory; technology and the body; the sociology of war and violence. He has recently edited a special issue of the Journal of War and Culture Studies on ’War and Embodiment: Military and Cultural Practices’. He is currently conducting ethnographic research on the global arms trade and working on the monograph Violence, War and Society. McSorley, Kevin (Editor). War, Politics and Experience : War and the Body : Militarisation, Practice and Experience. Pg. 10
This book places the body at the centre of critical thinking about war, giving
AND
the increasingly problematic and paradoxical status of the body in recent Western wars.

Thus the Plan: The United States Federal Government should cripple the war powers authority of the President of the United States.

Contention 2 – the Body

The body is always, already a prior question – voting affirmative destabilizes the disembodied understanding of debate

Clifford 2012 (Stacy, "Making disability public in deliberative democracy", Contemporary Political Theory (2012) 11, 211–228. doi:10.1057/cpt.2011.11)
Haller’s experience reveals the pervasive disembodiment of deliberative theory. Rather than simply a verbal
AND
physical presence counteracts prejudicial stereotypes, elicits new debates and instills increased attentiveness.

Privileging rational discourse over embodied forms of debate – erases the difference of disability and violently reconstitutes the able body as the norm

Secomb 2K (Linnell, a lecturer in Gender Studies at the University of Sydney, "Fractured Community," Hypatia – volume 15, Number 2, Spring 2000, pp. 138-9shree)

This reformulated universalist model of community would be founded on "a moral conversation in
AND
the dominant modes of authoritative and rational conversation that assume homogeneity and transparency.

?

Our Affirmative is prerequisite to Debating about the topic or Debating about Debate

Berube 2003 (Michael, "Citizenship and Disability: Disability is a matter of civil rights, even if the Supreme Court doesn’t seem to agree.", http://www.alternet.org/story/15809/citizenship_and_disability)
Imagine a building in which political philosophers are debating, in the wake of the
AND
, which is to say, for the good of all of us.

Tournament: tournament | Round: Semis | Opponent: Texas Chowdhury-Malone | Judge: Murray, Topp, Varda
www.access.houstondebate.com

Tournament: Shirley | Round: 2 | Opponent: Concordia BS | Judge:
Contention 1 – The Periphery

In poignant testimony, Rehman's son, Zubair, described the day of the attack, the day before the Muslim holy day of Eid, as a "magical time filled with joy". He told lawmakers that the drone had appeared out of a bright blue sky, the colour of sky most beloved by his grandmother and himself, he said.
"As I helped my grandmother in the field, I could see and hear the drone hovering overhead, but I didn’t worry" he said. "Why would I worry? Neither my grandmother nor I were militants."
"When the drone fired the first time, the whole ground shook and black smoke rose up. The air smelled poisonous. We ran, but several minutes later the drone fired again. "
"People from the village came to our aid and took us to hospital. We spent the night in great agony in at the hospital and the next morning I was operated on. That is how we spent Eid."
Zubair said that fear over the drone attacks on his community have stopped children playing outside, and stopped them attending the few schools that exist. An expensive operation, needed to take the shrapnel out of his leg, was delayed and he was sent back to the village until his father could raise the money, he said.
“Now I prefer cloudy days when the drones don’t fly. When the sky brightens and becomes blue, the drones return and so does the fear. Children don’t play so often now, and have stopped going to school. Education isn’t possible as long as the drones circle overhead.”
According to Zubair, the fundraising took months.
His sister, Nabila, told lawmakers that she had been gathering okra with her brother and grandmother when she saw a drone and "I heard the dum dum noise."
"Everything was dark and I couldn't see anything. I heard a scream. I think it was my grandmother but I couldn't see her.
"All I could think of was running."
Rehman told lawmakers that he is seeking answers to why his mother was targeted. The strike has affected his wider family, who no longer visit because they fear the drones might kill them too.
In testimony that caused the translator to stop and begin to weep, he said: "Congressman Grayson, as a teacher, my job is to educate. But how do I teach something like this? How do I explain what I myself do not understand? How can I in good faith reassure the children that the drone will not come back and kill them, too, if I do not understand why it killed my mother and injured my children?"
He said that his mother was not the first innocent victim of drone strike, but that "dozens of people in my own tribe that I know are merely ordinary tribesman had been killed". He said that numerous families in his community and the surrounding area had lost loved ones, including women and children over the years.
"They have suffered just like I have. I wish they had such an opportunity as well to come tell you their story. Until they can, I speak on their behalf as well. Drones are not the answer."
Rehman said that although the Pakistani government accepted his claim and confirmed details, it said it was not responsible and he has had no compensation to help with the medical treatment for his children.
Rehman said: "In the end I would just like to ask the American public to treat us as equals. Make sure that your government gives us the same status of a human with basic rights as they do to their own citizens. We do not kill our cattle the way US is killing humans in Waziristan with drones. This indiscriminate killing has to end and justice must be delivered to those who have suffered at the hands of unjust."

Cited from The Guardian, “Drone strikes: tears in Congress as Pakistani family tells of mother's death,” 10/29/13

Contention 2 – The Center 

Alan Grayson (D-FL) organized an historic hearing on US drone strikes. It was the first time that drone strike victims told their stories to U.S. elected officials at a hearing. The Rehman family traveled halfway around the world from Pakistan to tell the story of their families loss; the killing of the families grandmother.  Only five members of Congress bothered to show up.  What does this show about the United States political leadership?  It is shameful.  Below are three articles describing the scene and the families ordeal.  We need to help them change the hearts and minds of Americans especially our elected leadership.  Please share this with the White House (http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/write-or-call) and your representatives in Congress.

Cited from Popular Resistance, “Congress Disgraces United States Fails to Show for Drone Hearing,” 10/30/13

Although the Hearing is a Step in the Right Direction – It is Problematic that only 5 Policy Makers Showed Up – Status Quo Counter Terrorism Policy Making is based on “Expert” Opinion That Fails to Engage with the Communities Affected by these Policies – The 1AC is an Affirmation of these Communities
Ahmed 13 (Akbar Ahmed. Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies @ American U, First Distinguished Chair of Middles East and Islamic Studies @ U.S. Naval Academy, Formal Political Agent at the South Waziristan Agency, Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institute. The Thistle and the Drone: How America’s War on Terror Became a Global War on Tribal Islam. Washington D.C.: Brookings Institute Press, 2013. Print. Pg. 342)
Another paradox is that the experts, who have monopolized resources, media attention,
AND
, is imperative for any attempt to create a realistic picture of society.

The “War on Terrorism” is the Center’s War against the Periphery – Through Targeted Killings The US has disrupted the Balance that was Present between Pakistan’s Center and Periphery – US Counterterrorism Policy is Empowering the Pakistani Central Government to Wage its War Against the Tribal Communities Between the Borders of Pakistan and Afghanistan
Ahmed 13 (Akbar Ahmed. Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies @ American U, First Distinguished Chair of Middles East and Islamic Studies @ U.S. Naval Academy, Formal Political Agent at the South Waziristan Agency, Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institute. The Thistle and the Drone: How America’s War on Terror Became a Global War on Tribal Islam. Washington D.C.: Brookings Institute Press, 2013. Print. Pg. 260)
For Muslim societies on the periphery, the present phase of history, this age
AND
, America's war on terror had become a global war against tribal Islam.

Contention 3 – the Jirga

In order to understand the conflict taking place in the tribal regions of Pakistan, It is important to understand how governance in that region works – Although seeming lawless, the tribes govern themselves through a code known as Pukthunwali – This includes the Jirga as the primary mode of conflict resolution
Latif and Musarrat 12 (Abid Latif, Masters Phil Scholar in Department of Political Science @ The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Dr. Razia Musarrat, Professor and Chairperson in Department of Political Science @ The Islamia U of Bahawalpur. “Socio-political issues of Fata, a historical And contemporary perspective,” 10/7/12. Online. DOI:10.5296/jpag.v2i4.3208)
2. Peculiarities of FATA FATA is administratively divided into seven political agencies, Khyber
AND
principles, as these are imbibed into the heart of every tribal person.

Thus: the grand Jirga is resolved: The United States Federal Government should eliminate the authority of the President of the United States to conduct targeted killing in Pakistan.

Our advocacy solves.
Sikandari 12 (Saqib Sikandari, Writer for The Frontier Post: Voice of the Federation, “Jirga demands end to drone strikes; rejects Fata merger with KP,” 9/30/12)
BANNU: A grand tribal Jirga was held on Sunday which unanimously demanded halting of
AND
and peace loving people and protecting thousands of miles border without being compensated. 

Only a genuine affirmation of the periphery allows us to reform the way we deliberate with and about the periphery – The Status Quo represents a policy of exclusion – the 1AC opens the realm of deliberation to the voices of periphery – The Center’s Affirmation of the Jirga is a method to bridge the gap between the two
Ahmed 13 (Akbar Ahmed. Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies @ American U, First Distinguished Chair of Middles East and Islamic Studies @ U.S. Naval Academy, Formal Political Agent at the South Waziristan Agency, Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institute. The Thistle and the Drone: How America’s War on Terror Became a Global War on Tribal Islam. Washington D.C.: Brookings Institute Press, 2013. Print. Pg. 350-2)
An examination of the administration of tribal societies over time and across many societies confirms
AND
minority community the Holocaust that took place in Europe in the last century.

Contention 4 – Cycles of Revenge

US Militarization of the Center against the Periphery Created the Conditions for the Rise of the Taliban in Pakistan – The Cycle Began From Intervention – But Continues because the Center’s dishonoring of Pukthunwali and the Jirga
Ahmed 13 (Akbar Ahmed. Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies @ American U, First Distinguished Chair of Middles East and Islamic Studies @ U.S. Naval Academy, Formal Political Agent at the South Waziristan Agency, Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institute. The Thistle and the Drone: How America’s War on Terror Became a Global War on Tribal Islam. Washington D.C.: Brookings Institute Press, 2013. Print. Pg. 69-70)
The Rise of the Taliban in the Tribal Areas Musharraf s invasion was preceded by
AND
terror in the hearts of Pakistanis at the very mention of its name.

What has Resulted is a Constant Cycle of Revenge and Counter Revenge between the Center and the Periphery
Ahmed 13 (Akbar Ahmed. Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies @ American U, First Distinguished Chair of Middles East and Islamic Studies @ U.S. Naval Academy, Formal Political Agent at the South Waziristan Agency, Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institute. The Thistle and the Drone: How America’s War on Terror Became a Global War on Tribal Islam. Washington D.C.: Brookings Institute Press, 2013. Print. Pg. 73-5)
The TTP Timeline of Terror After the Red Mosque incident, the TTP, what
AND
of Paki-stani soldiers they consider to be kafir, or nonbelievers.

The Jirga will provide an Effective Method of Conflict Resolution – It will End the Cycles of Revenge
Ahmed 13 (Akbar Ahmed. Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies @ American U, First Distinguished Chair of Middles East and Islamic Studies @ U.S. Naval Academy, Formal Political Agent at the South Waziristan Agency, Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institute. The Thistle and the Drone: How America’s War on Terror Became a Global War on Tribal Islam. Washington D.C.: Brookings Institute Press, 2013. Print. Pg. 24-5)
"As already mentioned, the obligation to take revenge is also an integral part
AND
to provide a measured response aimed at correcting an injustice and ensuring stability.

The status quo creates mobile Zones of Exception. Only the aff solves.
Gregory 2013 “Moving targets and violent geographies “ 1 Derek Gregory Peter Wall Institute for Advanced Studies University of British Columbia, Vancouver http://geographicalimaginations.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/derek-gregory-moving-targets-and-violent-geographies-final.pdf

Fourth, individuation impels the war to go wherever the individual-as-target
AND
by ‘mobile zones of exception’ that so deeply disturbs most critics. 105

Tournament: Shirley | Round: 4 | Opponent: Nevada Las Vegas Velto-Rodriguez | Judge: Galloway

1AC

Contention 1 – The Periphery

In poignant testimony, Rehman’s son, Zubair, described the day of the attack, the day before the Muslim holy day of Eid, as a "magical time filled with joy". He told lawmakers that the drone had appeared out of a bright blue sky, the colour of sky most beloved by his grandmother and himself, he said.
"As I helped my grandmother in the field, I could see and hear the drone hovering overhead, but I didn’t worry" he said. "Why would I worry? Neither my grandmother nor I were militants."
"When the drone fired the first time, the whole ground shook and black smoke rose up. The air smelled poisonous. We ran, but several minutes later the drone fired again. "
"People from the village came to our aid and took us to hospital. We spent the night in great agony in at the hospital and the next morning I was operated on. That is how we spent Eid."
Zubair said that fear over the drone attacks on his community have stopped children playing outside, and stopped them attending the few schools that exist. An expensive operation, needed to take the shrapnel out of his leg, was delayed and he was sent back to the village until his father could raise the money, he said.
"Now I prefer cloudy days when the drones don’t fly. When the sky brightens and becomes blue, the drones return and so does the fear. Children don’t play so often now, and have stopped going to school. Education isn’t possible as long as the drones circle overhead."
According to Zubair, the fundraising took months.
His sister, Nabila, told lawmakers that she had been gathering okra with her brother and grandmother when she saw a drone and "I heard the dum dum noise."
"Everything was dark and I couldn’t see anything. I heard a scream. I think it was my grandmother but I couldn’t see her.
"All I could think of was running."
Rehman told lawmakers that he is seeking answers to why his mother was targeted. The strike has affected his wider family, who no longer visit because they fear the drones might kill them too.
In testimony that caused the translator to stop and begin to weep, he said: "Congressman Grayson, as a teacher, my job is to educate. But how do I teach something like this? How do I explain what I myself do not understand? How can I in good faith reassure the children that the drone will not come back and kill them, too, if I do not understand why it killed my mother and injured my children?"
He said that his mother was not the first innocent victim of drone strike, but that "dozens of people in my own tribe that I know are merely ordinary tribesman had been killed". He said that numerous families in his community and the surrounding area had lost loved ones, including women and children over the years.
"They have suffered just like I have. I wish they had such an opportunity as well to come tell you their story. Until they can, I speak on their behalf as well. Drones are not the answer."
Rehman said that although the Pakistani government accepted his claim and confirmed details, it said it was not responsible and he has had no compensation to help with the medical treatment for his children.
Rehman said: "In the end I would just like to ask the American public to treat us as equals. Make sure that your government gives us the same status of a human with basic rights as they do to their own citizens. We do not kill our cattle the way US is killing humans in Waziristan with drones. This indiscriminate killing has to end and justice must be delivered to those who have suffered at the hands of unjust."

Cited from The Guardian, "Drone strikes: tears in Congress as Pakistani family tells of mother’s death," 10/29/13

Contention 2 – The Center

Alan Grayson (D-FL) organized an historic hearing on US drone strikes. It was the first time that drone strike victims told their stories to U.S. elected officials at a hearing. The Rehman family traveled halfway around the world from Pakistan to tell the story of their families loss; the killing of the families grandmother.  Only five members of Congress bothered to show up.  What does this show about the United States political leadership?  It is shameful.  Below are three articles describing the scene and the families ordeal.  We need to help them change the hearts and minds of Americans especially our elected leadership.  Please share this with the White House (http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/write-or-call) and your representatives in Congress.

Cited from Popular Resistance, "Congress Disgraces United States Fails to Show for Drone Hearing," 10/30/13

Although the Hearing is a Step in the Right Direction – It is Problematic that only 5 Policy Makers Showed Up – Status Quo Counter Terrorism Policy Making is based on "Expert" Opinion That Fails to Engage with the Communities Affected by these Policies – The 1AC is an Affirmation of these Communities

Ahmed 13 (Akbar Ahmed. Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies @ American U, First Distinguished Chair of Middles East and Islamic Studies @ U.S. Naval Academy, Formal Political Agent at the South Waziristan Agency, Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institute. The Thistle and the Drone: How America’s War on Terror Became a Global War on Tribal Islam. Washington D.C.: Brookings Institute Press, 2013. Print. Pg. 342)
Another paradox is that the experts, who have monopolized resources, media attention,
AND
, is imperative for any attempt to create a realistic picture of society.

The "War on Terrorism" is the Center’s War against the Periphery – Through Targeted Killings The US has disrupted the Balance that was Present between Pakistan’s Center and Periphery – US Counterterrorism Policy is Empowering the Pakistani Central Government to Wage its War Against the Tribal Communities Between the Borders of Pakistan and Afghanistan

Ahmed 13 (Akbar Ahmed. Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies @ American U, First Distinguished Chair of Middles East and Islamic Studies @ U.S. Naval Academy, Formal Political Agent at the South Waziristan Agency, Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institute. The Thistle and the Drone: How America’s War on Terror Became a Global War on Tribal Islam. Washington D.C.: Brookings Institute Press, 2013. Print. Pg. 260)
For Muslim societies on the periphery, the present phase of history, this age
AND
, America’s war on terror had become a global war against tribal Islam.

The problem is not just the outcome of these deliberations – it is the process – a process which privileges Americans who do NOT live under drones ABOVE Pakistanis who do – we should shift the debate from the center to periphery

Gregory 2013 "Moving targets and violent geographies " 1 Derek Gregory Peter Wall Institute for Advanced Studies University of British Columbia, Vancouver http://geographicalimaginations.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/derek-gregory-moving-targets-and-violent-geographies-final.pdf
It is here, too, that the ’remote split’ that characterizes these operations
AND
that matrix should remain the primary target of critical analysis and political action.

Contention 3 – the Jirga

In order to understand the conflict taking place in the tribal regions of Pakistan, It is important to understand how governance in that region works – Although seeming lawless, the tribes govern themselves through a code known as Pukthunwali – This includes the Jirga as the primary mode of conflict resolution – it is not hypothetical – this debate IS a Jirga – we are performing our method

Latif and Musarrat 12 (Abid Latif, Masters Phil Scholar in Department of Political Science @ The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Dr. Razia Musarrat, Professor and Chairperson in Department of Political Science @ The Islamia U of Bahawalpur. "Socio-political issues of Fata, a historical And contemporary perspective," 10/7/12. Online. DOI:10.5296/jpag.v2i4.3208)
2. Peculiarities of FATA FATA is administratively divided into seven political agencies, Khyber
AND
principles, as these are imbibed into the heart of every tribal person.

Thus: the grand Jirga is resolved: The United States Federal Government should restrict the authority of the President of the United States to conduct targeted killing in Pakistan.

The affirmative is a Jirga and affirms the consensus of the grand Jirga in opposing US drone strikes in the FATA.

Sikandari 12 (Saqib Sikandari, Writer for The Frontier Post: Voice of the Federation, "Jirga demands end to drone strikes; rejects Fata merger with KP," 9/30/12)
BANNU: A grand tribal Jirga was held on Sunday which unanimously demanded halting of
AND
and peace loving people and protecting thousands of miles border without being compensated. 

Only our method - a genuine affirmation of the periphery allows us to reform the way we deliberate with and about the periphery – The Status Quo represents a policy of exclusion – the 1AC opens the realm of deliberation to the voices of periphery – The Center’s Affirmation of the Jirga is a method to bridge the gap between the two

Ahmed 13 (Akbar Ahmed. Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies @ American U, First Distinguished Chair of Middles East and Islamic Studies @ U.S. Naval Academy, Formal Political Agent at the South Waziristan Agency, Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institute. The Thistle and the Drone: How America’s War on Terror Became a Global War on Tribal Islam. Washington D.C.: Brookings Institute Press, 2013. Print. Pg. 350-2)
An examination of the administration of tribal societies over time and across many societies confirms
AND
minority community the Holocaust that took place in Europe in the last century.

The Jirga will provide an Effective Method of Conflict Resolution – It will End the Cycles of Revenge

Ahmed 13 (Akbar Ahmed. Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies @ American U, First Distinguished Chair of Middles East and Islamic Studies @ U.S. Naval Academy, Formal Political Agent at the South Waziristan Agency, Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institute. The Thistle and the Drone: How America’s War on Terror Became a Global War on Tribal Islam. Washington D.C.: Brookings Institute Press, 2013. Print. Pg. 24-5)
"As already mentioned, the obligation to take revenge is also an integral part
AND
to provide a measured response aimed at correcting an injustice and ensuring stability.

Contention 4 – The Community

Our argument is not just "in" this round, it is about this round. Our argument is not just "in this community, it is about this community. Debate is not hospitable. Debate is caught in cycles of revenge between the center and the periphery. We believe the method of the 1AC is a means to deliberate about "how we debate about drones" AND "how we debate about debate". The crisis of mutual preference judging, the underrepresentation of minorities, the marginalization of women, the inaccessibility of the community, the balkanization of the community into "right" and "left" – these are all problems we invite you to discuss with us. The outcome of these deliberations is less important than the process, just as the outcome of the 1AC is less important than its processes. We need to deliberate about how and what and why we debate. That’s what the 1AC is about. That’s what this debate is about. We think the debate community is asking the wrong questions about drones and asking the wrong questions about debate.

Now under the framework of the Pakhtunwali – we conclude with an open and unconditional invitation to join this Jirga – melmaste. If you Panah (accept our invitation to the jirga) we offer Nanawatay (apologies and forgiveness for any wrongdoing) to end bandal (cycles of revenge, mistrust and hostility)

Tournament: Ndt | Round: 3 | Opponent: Harvard Dimitrijevic-Taylor | Judge: Buntin, Herndon, Kurr
http://access.houstondebate.com/archives/1921

Tournament: Ndt | Round: 1 | Opponent: Minnesota Crunkilton-Ehrlich | Judge: Barouch, Kimball, Lee
attached below