Patrick Mahoney Wins Wake Forest
Patrick Mahoney and Joan Gass
Patrick Mahoney and Joan Gass
WINSTON-SALEM, NC – Following a grueling break to double-octafinals and several outround victories, this year’s national circuit event in North Carolina ended with a Texas showdown: Patrick Mahoney from Strake Jesuit and Joan Gass from Hockaday advanced to the final round. On a 5-0 decision, Patrick, the thirty-second seed, defeated Joan to claim this year’s title. Congratulations to both debaters!
Patrick is coached by Jerry Crist, Murvin Auzenne, and Gary Johnson. Joan is coached by Stacy Thomas and Tom Evnen.
DOUBLES
(32) Strake Jesuit PM def. (1) Hockaday RB (Rachel Bell)
3-0 (Andy Charrier, Steve Kinsella, B. Powers)
(31) Henry W. Grady JH def. (2) Starr’s Mill MB (Meg Beyer)
2-1 (Tom Evnen, Bogeajis, *Jay Rye)
(30) OHSODEF SG def. (3) Lakeville South LS (Lizzie Schwegman)
2-1 (C. Daily, Yash Choksi, *Andrew Field)
(4) Montgomery Academy WJ def. (29) Miami Palmetto HK (Haley Kornfield)
3-0 (Caugherty, Jim Casey, Mankowski)
(5) W.T. Woodson CH def. (28) Cary Academy KC (Kevin Cotter)
2-1 (Doug Dennis, Billings, *R. Hooker)
(6) Battle Ground Academy EM def. (27) Lake Highland Prep SG (Sophie Grace)
2-1 (Caugherty, Mankowski, *Jim Casey)
(26) Thomas Jefferson NR def. (7) Ravenwood High SZ (Sasha Zheng)
2-1 (R. Zhang, H. Rodkin, Henderson*)
(8) Michael Krop JB def. (25) Loyola Blakefield JH (Joe Hsu)
2-1 (M. Herrera, Peter Zhou, *E. Grow)
(9) Hockaday AMc def. (24) Walt Whitman AI (Alex Imas)
2-1 (Jim Miller, Sean Bennett, *Mark Mahoney)
(23) Hockaday JG def. (10) Presentation NA (Nadia Arid)
2-1 (Andy Charrier, Steve Kinsella, *B. Powers)
(11) Millburn GH def. (22) Meadows DD (Danielle DeLee)
2-1 (R. Zhang, Henderson, *H. Rodkin)
(12) Cary Academy CH def. (21) The Meadows School MS (Mike Spirtos)
2-1 (Jay Rye, Bogeajis, *Tom Evnen)
(13) Hillsborough PR def. (20) Blacksburg AV (Ann Vu)
3-0 (M. Herrera, Peter Zhou, E. Grow)
(19) Thomas Jefferson BF def. (14) Hockaday JZ (Jennifer Zavaleta)
2-1 (R. Hooker, Billings, *Doug Dennis)
(15) Rosemount JD def. (18) Leland AM (Ankur Mandhania)
2-1 (C. Daily, Andrew Field, *Yash Choksi)
(16) Charolotte Latin TS def. (17) Lake Highland Prep JT (J.R. Thorsen)
2-1 (Jim Miller, Sean Bennett, *Mark Mahoney)
OCTAS
(32) Strake Jesuit PM def. (16) Charlotte Latin TS (Trent Serwetz)
2-1 (R. Zhang, Michael Boyle, *Sean Bennett
(15) Rosemount JD def. (31) Grady JH (John Helsel)
2-1 (R.J. Pelliciotta, Ryan Lawrence, *Andrew Field)
(30) OHSODEF SG def. (19) Thomas Jefferson High BF (Ben Field)
2-1 (Jay Rye, Peter Zhou, *Henderson)
(13) Hillsborough PR def. (4) Montgomery Academy WJ (Walt Johnson)
3-0 (R. Zhang, Michael Boyle, Sean Bennett)
(5) W.T. Woodson CH def. (12) Cary Academy CH (Clay Hane)
2-1 (Yash Choksi, Tara McLellan, Morehead)
(6) Battleground Academy EM def. (11) Millburn High GH (Greg Hertz)
2-1 (Jay Rye, Henderson, *Peter Zhou)
(23) Hockaday JG def. (26) Thomas Jefferson High NR (Nina Ran)
3-0 (Yash Choksi, Tara McLellan, Morehead)
(8) Michael Krop JB def. (9) Hockaday AMc (Abby McCartney)
2-1 (R.J. Pelliciotta, Ryan Lawrence, *Andrew Field)
QUARTERS (TOC Bid)
(32) Strake Jesuit College PM def. (8) Michael Krop JB (Justin Bromberg)
3-0 (Michael Boyle, Crawford, Mankwoski)
(23) Hockaday JG def. (15) Rosemount JD (Dan Johnson)
2-1 (Tara Tedrow, Peter Zhou, *S. Ridley)
(30) OHSODEF SG def. (6) Battle Ground Academy EM (Evan Mayo)
3-0 (Ryan Lawrence, R.J. Pelliciotta, S. Isinhue)
(5) W.T. Woodson CH def. (13) Hillsborough PR (Poorav Rohatgi)
3-0 (Yash Choksi, Steve Kinsella, Tom Evnen)
SEMIS
(32) Strake Jesuit College PM def. (5) W.T. Woodson CH (Caitlin Halpern)
3-0 (Tara Tedrow, S. Ridley, Tom Evnen)
(23) Hockaday JG (Joan Gass) def. (3) OHSODEF SG (Suraj Gowda)
2-1 (*Ryan Lawrence, S. Isinhue, Mankowski)
FINALS
(32) Strake Jesuit College PM def. (23) Hockaday JG (Joan Gass)
5-0 (Crawford, S. Insinhue, Jason Mika, Tara Tedrow, Sean Ridley)
CHAMPION
(32) Strake Jesuit College PM (Patrick Mahoney)
–
TOP SPEAKERS
1. J.R. Thorsen (Lake Highland Preparatory School, FL)
2. Walt Johnson (Montgomery School, AL)
3. Ankur Mandhania (Leland High School, CA)
4. Caitlin Halpern (W.T. Woodson High School, VA)
5. Evan Mayo (Battle Ground Academy, TN)
6. Sasha Zheng (Ravenwood High School, TN)
7. Justin Bromberg (Michael Krop High School, FL)
8. Ben Field (Thomas Jefferson High School, VA)
9. Ann Vu (Blacksburg High School, VA)
10. Greg Hertz (Millburn High School, NJ)
Popularity: 1% [?]
test
Posted from: 71.240.178.204
September 18th, 2005 14:16
yay for texas called it! go texas! congratz and way to represent!
Posted from: 151.213.182.231
September 18th, 2005 14:17
Congratulations on making it to finals Patrick…
Posted from: 137.22.113.163
September 18th, 2005 14:17
TX CLOSEOUT
Posted from: 208.54.95.129
September 18th, 2005 14:20
last year the 31st seed won. this year the 32nd?
Posted from: 68.126.181.159
September 18th, 2005 14:49
Are there going to be JV results posted as well?
Posted from: 141.161.113.144
September 18th, 2005 14:53
Caitlin and Joan rock my world.
Posted from: 141.161.113.144
September 18th, 2005 14:57
Caitlin and Joan rock my world.
Posted from: 207.158.110.2
September 18th, 2005 14:59
i hear sumi won jv… shes hella legit
Posted from: 24.162.51.217
September 18th, 2005 15:34
Patrick Mahoney is also coached by “Big” Gary Johnson.
Posted from: 208.54.95.129
September 18th, 2005 15:35
Patrick Mahoney. YES. This is such overdue victory…I knew you could do it.
Congratulations to Patrick and to Joan! If there was any doubt, this should settle it: Hockaday is the squad to fear. To earn a bid as a sophomore — and appear in the final round of a quarters bid tournament — is quite an accomplishment. Congratulations, Joan!
Posted from: 207.158.110.2
September 18th, 2005 15:37
YESYESYESYES
GO PATRICK!!
patrick is also coached by gary johnson
Posted from: 68.196.125.181
September 18th, 2005 15:37
pmahoney, you rock. CONGRATS !!
Posted from: 70.251.240.190
September 18th, 2005 15:40
An INCREDIBLE set of congratulations are in order for one Miss Joan Gass of Hockaday on a STELLAR showing in North Carolina. Sophomore power!!
Also much much love to Abby, Jennifer, and Rachel for clearing and also to sophomores Audrey and Hayley for being just plain awesome.
Posted from: 152.17.52.92
September 18th, 2005 15:46
YAY for joan!!! she is amazing and is a sophomore… watch out for her. we all love her and are so proud!
and jon is right- go hockaday
Posted from: 70.251.240.190
September 18th, 2005 15:49
An INCREDIBLE set of congratulations are in order for one Miss Joan Gass of Hockaday for a STELLAR showing in North Carolina. Sophomore power!
Also, much much love to Abby, Jennifer, and (2nd-year) Rachel for clearing, and to sophomores Hayley and Audrey for being just plain awesome!
Posted from: 68.92.204.72
September 18th, 2005 15:50
Holy crap, good job Patrick.
Posted from: 70.60.250.107
September 18th, 2005 16:02
Congrats to everyone who competed, broke, and bid at Wake. I had a lot of fun debating this weekend and seeing new/old friends.
But most of all, mad props to Patrick Mahoney, the most legit kid EVER. I’m so happy you won, and wish you lots of success this season. I really had fun in our quarters round.
And as per Patrick’s in round request during finals, he ran a hella cool performative irony that is worthy of lots of discussion.
Posted from: 70.251.240.190
September 18th, 2005 16:04
An INCREDIBLE set of congratulations are in order for one Miss Joan Gass of Hockaday for a STELLAR showing in North Carolina. Sophomore power!
Also, much much love to Abby, Jennifer, and (2nd-year) Rachel for clearing, and to sophomores Hayley and Audrey for being just plain awesome!
Posted from: 207.158.110.2
September 18th, 2005 16:08
wow. the first 3 seeds lost in double octos? i guess 4-2 is the way to go
Posted from: 68.94.5.189
September 18th, 2005 16:10
joan u are such a stud. A huge MASSIVE congratulations to this girl. everyone watch out, she will do even more AMAZING things in the three years to come.
i heart you joaney
Posted from: 68.94.5.189
September 18th, 2005 16:18
joan you are such a stud. you deserve a HUGE congrats. everybody should watch out, she’s going to do even more amazing things in the years to come.
i heart you joaney
Posted from: 207.158.110.2
September 18th, 2005 16:21
YAYY PATRICK MAHONEY! YOU’RE A STAR!!
Such a deserved bid and victory!!!
Posted from: 134.173.121.69
September 18th, 2005 16:22
Joan <3
Posted from: 70.244.52.131
September 18th, 2005 16:24
patrick m…defently the bomb. Way to represent tejas. Ur my hero
Posted from: 70.244.52.131
September 18th, 2005 16:24
patrick m…defently the bomb. Way to represent tejas. Ur my hero
Posted from: 70.244.52.131
September 18th, 2005 16:24
patrick m…defently the bomb. Way to represent tejas. Ur my hero
Posted from: 128.42.163.18
September 18th, 2005 16:25
Congrats Patrick. It’s too bad you won’t be getting any credit at school on Monday considering you were supposed to be sick this weekend. :)
Posted from: 128.42.163.18
September 18th, 2005 16:30
Congrats Patrick. It’s too bad you won’t be getting any credit at school on Monday considering you were supposed to be sick this weekend. :)
Posted from: 67.166.230.128
September 18th, 2005 16:45
I would like to reaffirm my previous comment about the badass rating of Patrick.
Patrick is uber legit, good job man.
Posted from: 68.85.215.204
September 18th, 2005 16:58
congrats to everyone from the Aiyer/Fitch lab who cleared this weekend, as well as Sophie & JR from LHP :)
Special congrats to Patrick for winning a tournament despite showing up to lab periodically late and being obsessed with ’90s British pop sensation Haddaway :)
Posted from: 68.192.190.207
September 18th, 2005 17:04
Holy shit. Patrick rocks. Congrats, dude!
Posted from: 207.172.150.102
September 18th, 2005 17:43
Patrick is the man. Congratulations!
Posted from: 66.26.40.201
September 18th, 2005 18:36
I want to say congratulations to Caitlin Halpern. I thought that your speaking and your overall style was great and what LD should be about. Good luck in the future and good job
Robert (JV LD), nice job homes. congratulations
Posted from: 24.47.40.109
September 18th, 2005 18:53
Awesome job Poorav!!! Wtf man you never told me you wanted a TOC bid…
I have a riddle for you Trebec…
Posted from: 152.163.100.203
September 18th, 2005 18:59
Patrick is also coached by Brian Kwik
Posted from: 69.154.88.67
September 18th, 2005 19:35
joan is the sweetest person on this earth!seriously kids, this is one awesome person. CONGRATS. i love you joani :) alot. way to represent ur hockadaisies!!
~b~
Posted from: 151.200.23.118
September 18th, 2005 19:58
I want to make a couple comments (all of them positive, don’t worry, I’m sure Duby could still turn them ;) ):
1. I really thought that most of the rounds I saw were very good, including the JV rounds I watched. I apologize for not covering JV in its entirety or Octo’s, but since Lakeville brought me in to judge I basically spent my time “being available” to judge rounds since there was a bit of a shortage on judges, especially in outrounds, with some schools not staying past the round in which their competitor was eliminated in.
2. That leads to point 2 – although I’m sure there are people I missed, I think commendations are deserved to the entire Lakeville coaching/judging team (and debate team for doing well) of Peter Zhou, Steve Kinsella, and Andrew Charrier for judging way past their obligation; similarly, I’m sure I’ll miss some people, but I do know that Dean Rhodes, Ryan Lawrence, RJ Pelliciota, Dan Meyers, and Tom Evnen also took way more ballots than their requirement in prelims and elims in order to make sure the tournament ran smoothly. I also think the Wake Forest debate/tab team should be commended on being able to have some alternate people to pick up ballots that were fairly familiar with LD (I think Tara won some religious tournament – I don’t really remember ;) ).
3. I think both Pat Mahoney and Joan Gass deserve a major congratulations for doing so well; I think I saw Joan in the down-2 round in prelims and I know I saw Mahoney in Octo’s and Quarterfinals – I was very impressed with their skill and debate ability. I think their coaches should be commended; and although it may seem a bit biased, I definetely think Tom Evnen and Stacy Thomas should be commended for running a very solid program (Second in Vassar RR, Second in Wake Forest) that also produces very confident and unique debaters. Obviously, I also think Pat Mahoney has some good coaching ;) , but I just thought this weekend made obvious that Hockaday is running a very tight ship.
4. In consistency with typical VB results, I’m going to see if I can figure out full Octo’s panels. I know my panel was Zhang (not Min), Sean Bennett, and me, and we judged Pat Mahoney’s round and Poorav Rohatgi’s round (Bennett dissented in Mahoney’s round). I know RJ and Ryan were another panel along with a third person whose name I didn’t recognize, and that only leads two left to decipher – hopefully this will be doable, just so you can see that the bid wasn’t awarded by random numbers but by competition in front of some very competent and, for the most part (exception being me), experienced critics and/or coaches.
Posted from: 70.251.78.205
September 18th, 2005 21:02
I’m really proud of you Joan for being a finalist, but even more so for your hard work, educational focus, and positive attitude. Congrats Abby, Jennifer, and Rachel. I wish I could be in two places at once to have shared in this success with you all. Thanks, Tom, for taking care of my girls.
Posted from: 68.91.112.128
September 18th, 2005 21:46
Holy crap.
Patrick, you are a genious.
Posted from: 68.91.112.128
September 18th, 2005 21:53
*Genius
Posted from: 69.151.144.72
September 18th, 2005 22:24
We still have to discuss the fact that I RAN AN IRONY AC… my solvency was dependent on that people knew I ran it in finals at Wake Forest (and won, despite the noted ‘traditional’ reputation of the tournament). Ok, I’m done solving now. Kthxbye.
Posted from: 141.161.113.144
September 18th, 2005 23:31
Wait. Irony Won? At WAKE? WOW.
Posted from: 24.6.37.58
September 19th, 2005 00:12
congrats to MSJ SG – suraj keeping the dynasty alive
Posted from: 24.6.37.58
September 19th, 2005 00:41
cali love for ohsodef sg
Posted from: 216.100.32.10
September 19th, 2005 00:48
congrats, mahoney…keep owning it up, buddy.
What’s this irony case about, exactly?
~AM
Posted from: 208.54.95.129
September 19th, 2005 03:31
I can’t think of anyone more deserving than Patrick to win this tournament. Congrats, man. Expect to see more great things from this kid…
Posted from: 198.86.93.254
September 19th, 2005 06:26
Who won COngress?
Posted from: 208.54.95.129
September 19th, 2005 08:39
congrats to patrick, awesome job man
congrats to jbromberg as well, good job repping S. fla
SPIRTOS – wtf?
Posted from: 66.68.157.190
September 19th, 2005 10:04
I thought it was kind of cool that Texas closed out finals for a tournament on the other side of the country. Major congratulations Patrick. As everyone seems to agree, a nicer more deserving person could not be found.
Posted from: 152.17.63.173
September 19th, 2005 10:32
600 badass points for Patrick for the case, although your solvency seems to be a bit lacking. Toucher.
Posted from: 12.216.148.58
September 19th, 2005 10:37
Shout out to Dan Johnson, reppin Arton/Rose CPS 05′…Great work man.
Posted from: 66.169.199.85
September 19th, 2005 12:20
Mad respect for patrick and congrats to suraj on reppin msj
Posted from: 68.127.188.130
September 19th, 2005 13:13
Congrats to Nadia Arid for breaking, Sumi Sinha for winning JV, and a special shout out to Suraj Gowda for picking up his first bid!
Posted from: 12.215.46.59
September 19th, 2005 13:46
yay Patrick!! great job!! : ) …and I must say the irony case is pretty sweet. Congratulations
Posted from: 65.117.146.2
September 19th, 2005 15:45
Alex Imas failed to bid at wake.
Posted from: 152.163.100.203
September 19th, 2005 15:48
Congrats Patrick… you’re so my hero, lol, the irony case was awesome and justin and I couldn’t stop laughing for the first 3 minutes! A very well deserved victory!!
Posted from: 66.139.199.2
September 19th, 2005 16:26
For those who haven’t noticed yet, the past two weekends have included huge accomplishments for two Hockaday sophomores: Lindsay winning 2nd at Vassar and Joan reaching finals at Wake. These girls are both extremely talented debaters and wonderful people, and the fact that they are doing so well after being in this activity for only a year makes me SO proud of both of them. They are also truly in it for the right reasons — exactly the kind of people I want on my team. I know we can expect great things! Congratulations!
Posted from: 24.158.154.19
September 19th, 2005 16:40
(5) W.T. Woodson CH def. (13) Hillsborough PR (Poorav Rohatgi)
3-0 (Alex Choksi, Tom Evnen, Steve Kinsella)
The name of the first judge is Yash Choksi, not Alex.
Posted from: 66.174.76.208
September 19th, 2005 18:07
I’ll make sure that Jon or Ryan fix that right away (Jon’s moving at the moment, so I apologize if it takes a bit longer than normal). Do you by any chance know if he judged on an octo’s panel?
Posted from: 207.172.150.102
September 19th, 2005 18:26
“Alex Imas failed to bid at wake.”
Very observant.
Posted from: 68.117.51.120
September 19th, 2005 18:57
I dropped to Joan in Quarters, and I have to say, ROCK ON JOAN. You did awesome. I hope to see you later in the seaon and maybe have a different outcome ;)
Posted from: 24.162.51.217
September 19th, 2005 18:59
I wrote “half” of that Irony AC, which included cutting the Michael Savage cards. That took dedication.
Posted from: 24.162.51.217
September 19th, 2005 19:14
By the way, I recommend Michael Savage’s SAVAGE NATION. He covers a variety of topics, all of his positions laughable. A good read.
Also, I’m sure Patrick would like to recognize Aaron Cichon, a student at Strake Jesuit who wrote a very racist case for the pofo topic last year in Mr. Crist’s freshman speech class. It was he who gave us the ideas for the ironic part of the AC.
Some of the cards we used/were considering:
Michael Savage: “Man, this is what we’re fighting for. We’re working to preserve the freedom that enables a family to play and love each other without fear of being harmed. Which is why we must do everything in our power – including racial profiling as needed – to snuff out those who are here, right now, waiting to snuff out the American dream.”
“This will shock you, but it’s a fact: 25 to 30 percent of all prisoners in our jails today are illegal immigrants. You better read that again. Do you understand what that means to your paycheck? Americans are being taxed to fund the cost of housing, feeding, entertaining, and guarding one in the four prisoners who don’t even belong in this country! That’s insanity”
“There’s a third class who come to America. These dirty thieves come here not to mooch, not for the ACLU-care benefits, not to study, not for the host of other liberal handouts. They come to kill us. They come to poison your daughter’s lunch box. They come to fly planes into buildings. These snakes pretend to be one of us. They might blend in as they await their orders to stab America in the back.”
Pat Buchanan: “Who can guarantee that, of the untold millions of illegals here, and the scores of thousands ordered deported for crimes who have disappeared into our midst, none is a terrorist waiting for orders to blow up a subway or mall and massacre American citizens? Most of these illegals come to work to send money back to their families. They are not bad people. But because they are predominantly young and male, they commit a disproportionate share of violent crimes. Why should U.S. citizens be assaulted, robbed, raped and murdered, and have their children molested, because their government will not enforce its own laws? Is this not an indictment of democracy itself? What dictatorial regime would put up with this?” Buchanan also attacks various ethnic groups in the US (“hyphenated Americanism”) — including Jews, Blacks, Hispanics, Greeks, and Armenians — for exerting too much political influence and weakening the foundation of the United States’ traditional Anglo-Saxon culture.
Irony solves.
Posted from: 207.193.176.61
September 20th, 2005 09:12
They give out a packet as this bad boy?
Posted from: 207.158.110.2
September 20th, 2005 10:30
ironically (pun intended), irony lost in the final round of greenhill.
Posted from: 66.174.76.201
September 20th, 2005 10:49
Wait…
I have a t-shirt that says Member – Savage Nation.. I have a signed copy of both Pat Buchanan’s Death of the West and Michael Savage’s latest book, not to mention earlier works like Savage Nation – and you didn’t run this case in front of me? I had to vote on Marxism for your bid?
Wouldn’t it be ironic if I tried to get Dr. Louden to change the ballot ;)
Seriously, it would be consistent with being a nice guy to email me the case ;)
Posted from: 4.130.200.219
September 20th, 2005 20:07
DAMN PATRICK
Posted from: 24.158.154.19
September 22nd, 2005 17:18
When are Wake’s pictures going to be online?
Posted from: 66.174.76.201
September 26th, 2005 21:12
OMG JOAN!!!! CONGRATS!!! I love to hear about all the amazing Hockaday debaters doing so well. Good job to everybody!
Posted from: 66.174.76.201
September 26th, 2005 21:13
OMG JOAN!!!! CONGRATS!!! I love to hear about all the amazing Hockaday debaters doing so well. Good job to everybody!
Posted from: 162.40.186.123
December 11th, 2005 17:57
This is a response to the post by Brian Kwik (#63):
So, everyone who is a conservative is supposed to agree with other conservatives who are in “professional politics” (meaning that they are nationally recognized)? Not everyone in America is a “Bush-bot” like Rush Limbaugh or Sean Hannity. Here is what Buchanan has posted on his website, theamericancause.org:
“Since he [President Bush] took office in 2001, Bush said in Tucson, Ariz., U.S. border agents have apprehended and sent home 4.5 million illegal aliens, ‘including more than 350,000 with criminal records.’”
What is so ironic about the Michael Savage and Pat Buchanan quotes? They have the same positions on abortion, affirmative action, foreign aid, gun rights, immigration, and taxes – all of the biggest issues that really matter.
One last thing: any sensible human being should know that ALL of the positions described in Michael Savage’s book THE SAVAGE NATION are not laughable, as you say, Brian Kwik. Certainly, if you disagree with Savage about something, you may find it funny that he says it. But the pro-life stance he takes is “laughable?” How about anti-terrorism – is that funny, too? What about his standing up for the tradionial family: were you rolling on the floor, trying to keep your sides splitting from the humor?
If they are, then I would like to know what turkey baster you were born in. Your opinions were most likely taken from your parents – as they raised you, correct? or am I incorrect in that assumption, too? – and no child could possibly withstand the tools an abortionist uses to rip an unwanted child to pieces.
Posted from: 207.172.150.102
December 11th, 2005 19:07
I’m gonna respond to this cause it’s funny.
“What is so ironic about the Michael Savage and Pat Buchanan quotes? They have the same positions on abortion, affirmative action, foreign aid, gun rights, immigration, and taxes – all of the biggest issues that really matter.”
Yeah, and their positions are laughable.
“One last thing: any sensible human being should know that ALL of the positions described in Michael Savage’s book THE SAVAGE NATION are not laughable, as you say, Brian Kwik. ”
They are if you’re educated.
“But the pro-life stance he takes is “laughable?””
Yeah, it’s laughable. It’s also archaic, but laughable is part of it.
“How about anti-terrorism – is that funny, too? ”
To essentialize it like that? Yeah, it’s funny. Us against the terrorists, right? Yes, the position is absolutely laughable.
” What about his standing up for the tradionial family: were you rolling on the floor, trying to keep your sides splitting from the humor?”
Yup. Between getting irritated by the reactionary homophobia that is vital to the “traditional family” position. It would be hilarious if it weren’t so offensive and stupid.
” and no child could possibly withstand the tools an abortionist uses to rip an unwanted child to pieces.”
Fallacy. Appeal to emotion. In all honesty, if someone doesn’t want their baby, they should probably have it aborted. Not three weeks before it’s due, but within a reasonable time frame.
And yeah, your positions are pretty laughable, too.