CX Questions

Will your plan create a market largely controlled/manipulated by the government?

Yes

The affirmative plan will drastically change the market.  These changes will ultimately mean that the government has more control and individuals have less. Empirics demonstrate that the government will almost always do a subpar job in economic markets.  Because the government is not forced to compete for funds and market shares like most businesses, they operate much less efficiently.  This decrease in efficiency means that United States citizens are receiving lower quality services than they would paying for them on a free market.

Further reading:

• Brett J. Skinner and Mark Rovere, "Generic Drugs in Canada, Overpriced and Underused," Fraser Forum, February 2009.
• Brett J. Skinner and Mark Rovere, "The problem with central planning: How successful are Canada's drug policies?," Fraser Forum, February 2009.

• Daniel Yi, "Most ER Patients Are Insured, Study Says; The uninsured, long blamed for crowding in the emergency room, account for 15% of visits," Los Angeles Times, March 29, 2006.

No

The affirmative team is drastically altering an economic market by completely removing government regulations.  These regulations are necessary because, even in staunch circles, a completely free market is dangerous.  The government must, at some basic level, create an system of checks and balances for the economic markets.  When businesses are allowed to roam, free of oversight, individuals will be abused.  This abuse will decrease the quality of life for those injured and also for everyone else in society who must suffer that business' abuse.

Further reading:

• John Kenneth Galbraith: 20^th century economist who often stressed the need to balance public and private sectors, or the private sector would destroy America.

Is there oversight or expectations connected to the money/services the government will give?

Yes

Basic assumptions that all people can escape poverty and absolutely flawed.  Some members of society do not have the capability to become self-sufficient.  Disabilities, youth, or health issues function as barriers to self-sufficiency.  These individuals may not be able to meet the expectations that the affirmative team lays out.  Meaning that these people will be forced into a cycle of poverty they cannot escape.  If they have children, they will also suffer because of the poverty.

Further reading:

• Disability money: Federal money given to individuals that cannot work because of a physical disability.
• Cabrini Green: Housing project in Chicago characterized by high crime, poor education, and low oversight.

No

The affirmative makes a crucial mistake when they begin a new social program that expects nothing from the recipients.  This mentality will breed a strong sense of entitlement, ultimately leading to increases in poverty, not decreases.  Before President Clinton's reforms in 1996, welfare rolls were bloated with people simply living off of the money.  The reforms (TANF) implemented requirements for those receiving welfare in order to produce independent, self-sufficient individuals. 

Further reading:

• TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families): State-established requirements (for Federal money) to continue receiving benefits.
• Teach for America: Federal program that pays back college loans for work in public school.

What percentage of your target population currently possesses the service you are providing?

Small amount

No argument

Large amount

When the government provides a service to people, it must be a service not readily available on the free market.  In the case of S-CHIP, the majority of children posses private insurance (through their family).  However, when they are offered government insurance, they leave their private insurance for S-CHIP.  This displaces children who actually need it, taxing the system, and hurting those individuals that truly need it.  As a result, services should be restricted to target populations that do not have access.

Further reading:

• Social security: Social security is given to everyone who pays in, not just those elderly that need it.

Can a private organization accomplish what your plan does?  If not, why?

Yes

Then they should be doing it.  Cross-apply arguments from government controlled markets and demonstrate how

Further reading:

• Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation/Warren Buffet: Donated billions of dollars to aid in health and poverty issues worldwide.
• AIDS Foundations: Many private, charitable organizations work on AIDS research, prevention, and care. 

No

Then we have to give incentives for private organizations to do these things.  A market or area of need completely controlled by the government will never evolve.  Government controlled sectors stagnate and cannot provide efficient services for all people.  The government should give companies incentives to enter this sector/market.  In doing so, the government can start the process to a more efficient system.

Further reading:

• Energy incentives: Federal and state money is often given to companies or groups to encourage the research, development, and production of certain fuels (like renewable).