topic is if we the united states need to send more troops to Afghanistan.

As a veteran of the Afghanistan War i am in favor of NOT sending more troops to Afghanistan.

Knowing My Enemy, Knowing Myself

"The mark of an educated mind is to be able to entertain a thought without having to accept it." Unknown

If a book is false in its facts, disprove them; if false in its reasoning, refute it. But for God's sake, let us freely hear both sides if we choose. -Thomas Jefferson, third US president (1743-1826)

What to Write: 6 Paragraphs

1. Write a paragraph expressing one side's position on the argument. Label it VIEW #1

2. Write a second paragraph expressing the other side's position on the argument. Label it VIEW #2. Strive to deliver both positions with equal passion, clarity, deliberation, and supported logic.

3. Write a third paragraph that explains the different definitions or beliefs about the roles of the government that are embedded in the positions. Label it ANALYZING THE ISSUE

Be sure that you explain your points. For example, don't just say, "Both sides have different definitions of when life begins. Briefly, explain what these different views are.

4. Write a fourth and fifth paragraph (also under the label ANALYZING THE ISSUE) that discuss how any of the following course concepts factor into the two-valued argument.

You might consider:

· How does power factor into the argument?
· What role do intensional and extensional orientations play?
· Is this a two-valued argument that should be multi-valued?
· How does the language of one or both sides slant the position of their opponents?
· Are there "purr" and "snarl" words regularly associated with either side's positions? What do those reveal about the arguments themselves?

How do the sides use words with built-in judgments?

· How do abstraction or indexing factor into the argument?

· What inferences are being made?

· What role does report language play?

· What role does direct or indirect language play?

5. Finally, write a sixth paragraph explaining how you arrived at the position you currently hold. Label it REFLECTION. Consider any of the following questions in your response:

? How did you arrive at the position you have on this issue? Is it something you were taught? Something you arrived at when you grew up?

? Do you hold the same position as your family? Do you hold the same position you held when you were younger?

? Did you find anything in the opposing position that seemed reasonable after you thought about it?

? Did the exercise confirm, weaken, or deepen your own position?