Des Moines Register U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley Guest Column

Published in Des Moines Register.

Guest Columnist: Senator Chuck Grassley

In these uncertain and divisive times, it’s critical for us to remember the importance of speech and debate and exemplify respectful discourse and thoughtful discussions.

Today, screens are constantly fighting for our attention.

The 24/7 news cycle and ever-present social media dominate our days and drive conflict.

In short, it’s getting more and more difficult to thoughtfully debate the big issues.

Since our nation’s founding, speech and debate have been the cornerstone of this country, inspiring documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

Every day, students across the country follow in this great tradition of discourse through speech and debate clubs.

I’m proud the organization governing these programs, the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA), is based in the heart of America: Iowa.

NSDA has over 141,000 student members in schools across the United States.

Each year, it welcomes students from every corner of the country for its annual tournament. When Des Moines hosted the tournament last year, I was honored to speak at the event and see firsthand the promise of these bright young men and women.

Through academically rigorous speech and debate training, competitions, and education, NSDA has devoted its mission for the past century to preparing generations of men and women to engage in the public sphere.

Amid this digital age of distraction and siloed schools of thought, speech and debate students are developing key skills like critical thinking, effective communication and leadership.