To the editor:
In my first year teaching at East Providence I was “volunteered” to accept the position of the debating team moderator. Oh, yes, back in 1963 the high school had such activities! We also offered courses in Journalism and Civics.
I also “volunteered” to serve as the folk club advisor. That was the fate of a first year teacher.
I can’t count how many times I told my fledgling debaters the story of the legendary Greek orator, Demosthenes. As a young boy poor Demosthenes suffered from severe speech difficulties. It is said he placed pebbles, yes, pebbles, in his mouth to improve his oratory abilities. Of course, he is considered to be probably the greatest orator on Greek history.
My only real qualifications can only be attributed to two of my mentors. The of these was my senior year high school (E.P.) English teacher, Miss Beatrice Smith. Four foot-four, Miss Smith was, as we used to say, tougher than nails. We literally “shook in our boots” when she our weekly themes.
The other mentor was the truly legendary Father Anthony Skalko. Father Skalko was a professor of Public Speaking at Providence College. To the good father, mediocracy in public speaking was the eighth “deadly sin.” I can only attribute the A I received in his course to the training of Miss Smith.
As a debate coach, I tried to stress the basic principles: clear delineation of the facts backing your hypothesis; a solid structure of argumentation; a well reasoned rebuttal procedure. Also, there is the ability to know the strengths and weaknesses of your adversary.
Unfortunately, in today’s toxic political atmosphere the basic principles of the debate have been “tossed out” the window. Critical thinking has been replaced by blatant falsehoods, name calling and hate baiting. The demonizing of fellow Americans has become the “norm” of public discourse.
True debate is like a good game of chess. The enjoyment is in the competition. Your opponent is not evil! At the end of a good debate the participants genuinely shake hands and respect one another. The object of solid debate is to solve society’s problems, not exacerbate them.
I sincerely hope my long exposition contributes something. One attribute I often got a failing grade on was brevity. Sorry, Miss Smith!
Bob Fontes
East Providence

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