Debate axiom: "The Big But Rule"

As a young impressionable freshman in high school, going to debate after school was always exciting. Our debate coach Mr. Ryan started out the year by having a debate and involving all of us. He said he wanted to see where we were at.

After the first debate, he spent a few moments of praise and then went over some pointers about the arguments presented.

"Do you all know about the BIG "BUT" rule? " he asked.

I was a little shocked by the question.

Then he went on:

"Whenever someone says to you, " I believe in academic freedom,.....BUT......." you automatically know that the first phrase is a lie.

I never forgot the rule. I heard the big "BUT" phrase a lot last week. It brought back memories.