Here are the answers for this week’s Extemp Central news quiz. Check back on Monday for a fresh quiz and more updates.
Month: August 2010
Before each new extemp season, a set of pre-season rankings serve as a valuable starting point. Competitors like to know how they match up against each other and are interested to see who is returning to the circuit. Extemp Central looked over last year’s results and put together a pre-season top ten based simply on last year’s National Points Race standings. The logic goes that the standings showed finishes that were accumulated by competitors during last season at major tournaments and since points in the National Points Race are only given out for final placings (with the exception of nationals), all of the competitors below had some major showings last year.
Here is your R&D for August 5th:
Ruling against Prop. 8 could lead to federal precedent on gay marriage from the Los Angeles Times
Yesterday, a federal judge ruled that California’s Prop. 8, which barred gay marriage in the state, was unconstitutional.
Obama’s Iraq speech: another missed opportunity from Foreign Policy
Peter Feaver of Foreign Policy says that President Obama’s Iraq speech was a missed opportunity for bipartisanship and admitted past mistakes.
Trade deal casts shadow on Taiwan from the Asia Times
The ECFA between China and Taiwan is ruffling feathers as supporters of an independent Taiwan fear more economic integration with China will drastically change political relations.
ObamaCare Meets the Voters from St. Louis Today
On Tuesday, Missouri voters rejected the individual mandate of President Obama’s health insurance plan. Does this vote matter?
Italy minister says snap polls possible in autumn from Reuters
Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi survived a confidence vote, but says that snap elections might be held this fall.
Here is your R&D for August 4th:
Earmarks Could Help Candidates in Midterms; Palin and Tea Party Connections Could Hurt from the Pew Research Center
In a useful poll, the Pew Research Center evaluates the willingness of voters to back candidates who bring money back to their district, have President Obama campaign for them, and are independent. There is also additional polling on energy policy.
GM, Ford and Chrysler Sales All Lag Estimates from Bloomberg
American automaker sales came in below estimates because of consumer fears about the economy.
The real reason Dems are tying GOP to Bush from the Washington Post
Does the Democrats “blame Bush” strategy still carry weight with voters? According to this Washington post article it does.
Pakistan’s Zardari says ‘losing war’ against Taliban ahead of David Cameron meeting from the Christian Science Monitor
In a chilling revelation, Pakistani President Asif Zardari has admitted that his country is losing its fight against the Taliban. Find out why in this article.
How To Lower Unemployment from the Brookings Institute
William A. Galston in an article in the New Republic argues that America needs a new model to fight unemployment.
1. Should the Bush tax cuts be made permanent for all income brackets?
2. How can the U.S. become less dependent on foreign oil?
3. Are concerns about Elena Kagan’s views on the second amendment overblown?
4. Will Rangel and Waters ethics problems harm Democrats chances in November?
5. Is the You Cut project all bark and no bite?
6. Does the Fair Sentencing Act effectively solve the racial discrepancy in sentencing for cocaine possession?
7. Will Rupert Murdoch’s online business model succeed?
8. How can state legislatures make Congressional districts more competitive?
9. Why is President Obama losing the support of independent voters?
10. Can Rand Paul win his Senate race?
Here is your R&D top five for August 3rd:
The No-Win War by the Washington Post
Columnist Eugene Robinson discusses the frustrations of the Afghan war and how the U.S. has no real definition of victory.
Planned Arrest Warrants Create Political Challenge for Lebanon’s Hariri from Der Spiegel
Lebanon’s coalition government may grow more unstable after revelations that some members of Hezbollah may have played a role in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
Price for a potential Israeli strike on Iran? A Palestinian state from the Christian Science Monitor
In an interesting opinion-editorial column, Andy Zelleke and Robert Dujarric propose that the U.S. should allow Israel to attack Iran if they agree to give the Palestinians a state.
Obama reaffirms Iraq withdrawal timeline from the Los Angeles Times
President Obama is attempting to paint a bright picture of the Iraq war as troop reductions continue on schedule.
Connecticut Looks Into E-Book Price Deals from the New York Times
In a controversial move, Connecticut Attorney General and Democratic Senate candidate Richard Blumenthal is investigating deals by Amazon and Apple to offer cheap electronic books. Blumenthal alleges that these deals might be harmful to consumers.
1. Will Dmitry Medvedev run against Vladimir Putin in 2012?
2. How can India quell violence in Kashmir?
3. Will Cuba’s decision to allow for more private employment rejuvenate its economy?
4. Would a sales tax increase hurt the Japanese economy?
5. Why are oil prices at a three month high?
6. Will new sanctions against North Korea force it to change its belligerent behavior?
7. Would a reduction of trade barriers help the African economy?
8. Are privately funded armed forces a better method to fight Somali piracy?
9. Will recent floods weaken the Pakistani government?
10. Is it in Israel’s best interest to cooperate with the UN’s Gaza flotilla probe?
Here is your R&D top five for August 2nd:
Raise My Taxes, Mr. President! from Newsweek
Columnist Fareed Zakaria argues that the country can’t afford the Bush tax cuts.
Corrupt or just clueless? You decide from the Chicago Tribune
Editorial columnist Clarence Page discusses recent Democratic corruption scandals on Capitol Hill.
The Palestinians, Alone from the New York Times
Efraim Karsh, a professor of Middle East and Mediterranean studies at King’s College discusses how Arabs are losing interest in the Palestinian question.
Terrorism row: David Cameron refuses to back down on Pakistan terrorism remarks from the UK Telegraph
British Prime Minister David Cameron is in hot water over comments about Pakistan’s commitment to the war on terrorism.
In Iowa Tour (Already), Republican Tests His Voice from the New York Times
Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty is already testing support for a 2012 presidential bid in Iowa.
Here is your first short answer Extemp Central news quiz for the 2010-2011 season. Good luck!
Here is your first multiple choice Extemp Central news quiz for the 2010-2011 season. Good luck!