Burns,+Richard

Name: Richard Burns Head Coach, Buchholz High School, Gainesville, FL

Lincoln-Douglas judge paradigm:

I prefer straight-forward values clash within a framework of clear value criteria. I seldom respond well to critique cases. I like a good mix of real-world evidence and strong philosophical underpinnings.

I do NOT like speed. Debate is a communicative event and anything much faster than a normal talking pace reduces the effectiveness of the communication. I also do not like spread cases, as I feel they generally substitute quantity for quality, and invite one-way hash arguments. Hitting the broad side of a barn with a shotgun does not make one a marksman. Give me a case focused on a handful of solid, well-reasoned, evidence-supported arguments and you will do well.