T’was the dusk of 2023. The speakers were nestled, all snug in their views;
While visions of discourse in their minds did peruse;
Intelligence Squared we bid adieu;
To Open to Debate we greeted “How do you do?”
We started 2023, you see,
With globalization backfiring and threats to American democracy;
We said hello to X and wondered if Musk was killing Twitter
(whether we like the name, society still bickers);
China’s power peaking; the sex offender registry;
Should TikTok be banned for you and me;
If more harm than good would come from ChatGPT;
Or legalizing marijuana was a mistake; a debate that came to be;
We had conversations about the science of changing minds, “winning” an argument, and curious conversations in divided times;
Non-compete clauses and if men are finished;
Obsessions with race; if Millennials’ fates will be diminished;
Whether too far left the Democratic Party be
and if the banking system is safer than 2008, you see;
Florida eating New York’s lunch and climate change;
Which directions Modi or Netanyahu’s governments were heading, opinions were exchanged;
Book bans; the debt ceiling; SCOTUS’ original meaning of the Constitution;
Pursuing minor crimes or raising the retirement age, such a noble contribution;
Two debates on Ukraine: to be admitted to NATO or get Russia’s frozen assets;
If social media was bad for kids’ mental health, many placed their bets;
A too-cautious FDA; erasing bad memories; color blindness;
If objectivity is essential and artists borrowing from cultures is a loving kindness
Will we have an abundant future or does economic growth cost too much
Does America need a third party, a question many feel in touch
Whether DEI mandates are a tragedy;
Or if wokeness is killing comedy;
If at all events, free will is a fact;
What will be the outcome of 2024
If No Labels is involved, some are unsure;
In case you doubt this was human-written, “What hogwash!” “Such a farce!”
Let this tale prove AI will not kill the creative arts;
Thank you to our listeners and donors who’ve been with us for another year;
There’s more yet to come, have no fear;
Though discourse can be had and leave you tired and weary
Open-minded, civil debate will always live on, ‘tis not a theory;
Now go on and have discussions;
Bring forth cheer, not concussions;
Happy holidays to all and have a happy new year!
Written by: Gabriella Mayer, Editorial & Research Manager
