Mar 18-31
1) Should euthanasia ever be allowed? If so, under what conditions? If not, why not?
2) Should a person be able to decide whether or not to die, and when?
3) If euthanasia should not be allowed, what should be done for terminal patients who wish to die?
4) How did Ancient Society impact the development of our own society?
5) Some things are easily traced back to Ancient ideals and principles; "Democracy" is a prechristian Greek concept, for example. What other traces of our world today got their beginnings in Ancient principles?
6) Read the cartoon picture from "Fabulously Funny." What do you think the artist is trying to say through his drawing? Do you agree or disagree?
7) How can we prevent rape from happening? Why do you think women are raped more than men? Is anyone to blame when rape does happen?
8) Why and how do the politicians' sexual lives affect their positions?
9) Do you think it was a right decision for Eliot Spitzer to resign from his position? Does he deserve it?
Mar 10 -17
1) Why do you think humans and other animals sleep and/or dream?
2) Americans as a whole are losing sleep. Do you think this is specific to American culture, or is it present in other cultures as well? What is it about American culture that causes us to lose sleep?
3) What are some things that can be done to help people get more sleep? How effective are they?
4) How did Ancient Society impact the development of our own society?
5) Some things are easily traced back to Ancient ideals and principles; "Democracy" is a prechristian Greek concept, for example. What other traces of our world today got their beginnings in Ancient principles?
Feb 28 - Mar 2
1) How large of an impact are humans currently having on the environment?
2) What actions are being taken to reduce this human impact? Are these actions being enacted by the government, or are they voluntary?
3) What is the general attitude about the environment about people in any given society (such as Americans, Europeans, Asians, etc)?
4) Are violent criminal acts against family members common in our society? In the rest of the world? Have they become more common over the years, or does the media just report them more often?
5) Should those charged with the rape or murder of a family member be sentenced more harshly for their crimes than someone else? Is the crime more heinous to you? What should be done to prevent these crimes?
6) Have you ever wondered where "things" came from and checked to find out? See if you can find the origin of something and trace its lineage to today. Is it still relevent? How much has it changed?
7) Over the past few weeks, the race between Sen. Barack Obama and
Sen. Hillary Clinton has become more intense. Recently, they have
began attacking each other on things such as: health care, negative
ads, and plagiarism. Do you think these kind of campaigns are the
change America needs? Why or Why not?
8) Sen. Obama has been served with allegations that he lacks
patriotism. Do you find these allegations to be true? If so, why do
you feel that way? If not, why do you think the conservatives have
made such a big deal about them?
9) On Saturday, Sen. Clinton was handed two negative ads after a
campaign in Ohio. Shortly after, she spoke to the press calling Sen.
Obama on these ads. Do you think Sen. Clinton made the right choice by
addressing these ads? Why or why not?
10) Lastly, out of the democratic candidates, who do you think has a
clearer stance on the issues? If you don't know the issues, you can
check either one of their websites!
11) Who do you think benefits or at risk more between males and females in being friends with benefits? Is it truly beneficial?
12) After reading the information given, what is your conclusion on asexuality?
13) What do you think of Iran's female Schumacher's situation? Did she deserve to be banned?
14) When is the appropriate age for "kids" to learn about sex? Should they be as young as 9 years old or younger? Why do you think France is more open to having their young children learn about sex than America?
Feb 18 - Feb 27
1) What is the purpose of marriage?
2) What benefits are there to married individuals (whether mental, physical, political, etc)?
3) Different religions have different traditions for marriage, both of the ceremony and roles after the ceremony. Are some of these traditions outdated for our society, or are they acceptable (and under what circumstances)?
4) The insanity defense is currently permissible in most states. Is this a cop out or is there a serious need for such a defense? Should a history of mental illness be required in order for the defense to be used?
5) How does the insanity defense work? How often do we currently use the defense and how often is it successful? Who has a say when mentality is questioned? Who should have the final say? Doctors? Lawyers? Judges?
6) Does the use of medication and/or drugs make a difference when mentality is questioned? Are effects of medications or of stopping medications reason to reduce charges or is it simply an excuse?
7) What changes do you think would happen if a woman came to lead the United States? (Be sure to back up your opinions with at least some research!)
8) What would you name as some of the most important events in History led by women?
9) Many times in the past a candidates family has played a huge role in their campaign. Do you think you have seen this more this campaign? Do you think it is a good or bad thing for family to get involved?
10) Former President Bill Clinton and Michelle Obama, have both been very active in their spouses campaign trail? Which one do you think is more valuable to their spouses campaign? Why? Which one do you think is more valuable to our country? Why?
11)It's inevitable that a candidates family will be mentioned at some point in their campaign, do you think the media should harp on it as much as they do? Why or Why not?
12) Recently, the UN has considered recognizing the independence of Kosovo from Serbia, a country which, under the rule of Slobodan Milosevic, ordered the genocide of the ethnic Albanians, who make up a majority of the people living in Kosovo, in the mid-1990's. Given Russia's struggles with Chechnya, why do you think Russian president Vladimir Putin would oppose a state of Kosovo?
13) Putin has also repeated threats pending a planned United States missile shield in Eastern Europe. Is Putin right to target Ukraine if the US implants a missile defense system throughout Europe?
14) How much have civil rights actually improved in Russia since the collapse of the Soviet Union?
15) How important is our gender identity, sexual orientation and gender expression? Is it something that we identify ourselves or do other people identify our identity for us?
16) Would having a humanoid as a sex partner be a good idea? Will that have any effect on human-human or human-robots relationships?
17) Should sex predators be banned from websites such as myspace, facebook, etc?
18) What is your reaction to peer-to-peer sex education system that a New Jersey high school started? Do you think it was a good idea? Why do you think parents have such strong reactions to this?
Feb 11 - Feb 18
1) Some have said that Islam is not a true religion because believers cannot choose not to believe. How do other religions look at conversion away from their religion?
2) Why are some traditions for conversion so much more involved than others?
3) What are some reasons people have for converting from one religion to another?
3) Over the course of the week, news reports have been riddled with crime spree reports. In your opinion, do these things happen one after another because of coincidence or for some other reason?
4) Should the national media devote more or less time to such crimes? Would it help cut down on such crimes either way?
5) Why does the United States have such a problem with crimes of this nature? Is it a testament to our society or is it bigger (or smaller) than that?
6) The youth vote could be the deciding factor for this election. Do you think that the youth vote is more important or less important than it has been in the past? If you feel that it is more important, what issues do you think are affecting the youth vote?
7) Many parents of younger children have chosen to teach them about the presidential race. Do you think that the voting age should be lowered, raised, or do you think it should stay the same?
8) There's no doubt that younger voters are going out to the polls, but they may not be the deciding factor for the republicans. Who do you think will be the deciding factor in the Republican Primary? Why?
9) President Mugabe has gone on record saying that America is not the model of democracy for the world. Do you believe that, given his current rule, he is entitled to such opinions?
10) Kicking white farmers off their land: Is that racism?
11) Ex-PM running for president: Is he unpatriotic?
12) If it's illegal to sell sex toys, are sex toys illegal? Why or why not?
13) When it comes to sex, how important is the age? Do people really need to be 18 until they can have sex legally?
14) Many people would label America as a sex-obsessed culture. Do you think that's true? How will this point of view on America have an impact on our society as a whole?
15) How would you explain the higher rates of teen sexual assaults? Is there anything to blame in particular?
Feb 3 - Feb 10
1) In the race for the Presidency, many are focusing on religion in one way or another. Is this acceptable, or should religion be as separated as possible from Politics?
2) Is it logical to assume that a President would base his (or her) positions solely on religious values? Should Americans then vote for a President who would not?
3) Religion is clearly an issue in other government's laws. Which system is better, and why?
4) Describe what experts are claiming is meant by "Pusuit of Happiness". Is it how you interpretted it? Does this explanation change anything?
5) This Tuesday many Americans will go out and vote. Recently, Sen. John Edwards and Rudy Giuliani dropped out of the race. Who do you think their old voters will support? Why do you feel this way?
6)Many of the candidates have bought t.v. ads in states that participate on Super Tuesday. Do you think this ads will have any affect on their campaign? Why or Why not?
7)Regardless of who you support, Who do you think will win the majority of the delegates on Super Tuesday? Why do you feel this way?
Jan 28 - Feb 3
1) Many of the articles in this week's feed deal with religious practices, particularly the practice of religion in state institutions, such as prisons. Should prisoners be allowed to freely practice their religion, even if it means making special accommodations?
2) How far should employers go in permitting outward displays of religion (such as headscarves for Muslim women, skull caps for Jewish men, necklaces with crosses on them for Christians, etc)?
3) Do you think religious discrimination or racial discrimination is more common in America today? Why?
4) Do celebrities get special consideration in the court system? If yes, is it more lenient punishment or more severe and what makes the difference?
5) What role does the media play in celebrity crime and punishment? Should that change and if yes, how would you propose it be changed?
6) For the past two weeks, the price of oil has ranged from $90 - $100. At the pump, a gallon of gas is about $3.00. Many of us depend on Gasoline to live our lives, do you think this a good thing or a bad? Besides the cost at the pump, is there another price we pay for oil?
7) Universal Health Care has been a very huge part of the election this year. How do you feel about Universal Health Care? Is it a good or bad idea?
8) Technology in America has been growing rapidly for the past 30 years. Do you think that people with out things such as the internet suffer more than people without it ? Why or why not?
9) Simply put, What are your feelings about NAFTA? Do you support it? Why or why not?
A10) Super Tuesday is coming up. Do you think the outcome will predict the next president of the United States?
11) With many believing that the economy is going into a recession, people are beginning to become concerned about their jobs. Do you think this should be issues that impacts people's votes? Why or Why not?
12) What are the issues that are affecting your vote? Why are these things important to you?
13) What is FARC? What do they stand for? Why do people care?
14) Which do you prefer: FARC or the Columbian government?
Jan 20 - Jan 28
1) Humans are meant to be social beings, so are all types of relationships good?
2) Is there truth to the idea that different parenting techniques work better? Or is it all subjective, based on the personalities of both the parents and the child(ren)?
3) How do you define a close friend, and are there limits to the relationship (would you keep secrets from them, always tell them the truth, refuse romantic relationships with them, etc)?
4) What is your stance on Truman's decision to use the Atomic Bomb to end World War 2?
5) What factors led to the Civil War?
6) Many citizens are concerned with many issues that will affect their vote. One of most important issues is that of the falling economy. What is your take on the economy? What candidate do you agree with the most? Why?
7)Congress agrees that the country is headed into a recession, but are split on what to do about it. What is your take on how congress is handling this issue? Do you think they could be doing a better job? If so, Why? If not, why do you feel this way?
8)Simply put, Do you think there is a candidate out there who can actually fix this crisis? If not, who do you think should be running for President?
9) Since Shirley Temple Black, actors have become increasingly involved in politics. Does bringing the draw of pop culture into the political world strengthen or cheapen politics?
10) Do the stereotypes about actors give them an advantage or disadvantage in the political arena?
11) Can our sexual orientation change as we grow older or is it something set from birth?
12) How important is it for parents to talk about sex with their children? Should parents try to stop their kids from having sex at all?
13) Do you think society cares who and how many people you've had sex with? Why?
Jan 13 - Jan 20
1) The origins of racism has been subject for debate among historians and philosophers for years. Some believe racism is an inherent trait from which we cannot escape, others believe it started as a political movement that went haywire. What are your thoughts?
2) Clearly, racism has a deeply ingrained history, regardless of its origins. How has the history of racism shaped the country or the world? How might the world be different if racism had never been born?
3) What are some methods to effectively fight racism? Can racism ever be annihilated?
4) The candidates going up for this election are clearly making history. For the first time ever we have a woman and an African- American that stand a chance in winning the primary and possibly the white house. What is your opinion of Sen. Obama's (IL) and Sen. Clinton's (NY) bid for the white house? Do you think this country is ready for a president from a minority group? Why or Why not?
5) More than likely the population of minority voters will determine the election. Many of these groups are torn between Sen. Obama (IL) and Sen. Clinton (NY). Who do you think these groups of people will vote for? Why do you feel this way?
6) With Gov. Richardson (NM) recently dropping out of the race, many are left to wonder where the Latino vote will go. Many candidates are starting to try and earn the support of this group. Who do you think will earn the respect of these voters? Why do you feel this way?
7) There is much dispute over who won the Kenyan elections. Would bringing in an outside vote count help or hurt the democratic process?
8) In Kenya and many other African countries, riots and protests are standard practice following elections. Given that in the U.S. things were calm following the contraversial 2000 presidential election, what does this say for the value that Americans have in their power of franchise?
Jan 07 - Jan 13
1) Is society becoming more tolerant as a whole towards different religions, or less tolerant? Why?
2) Are individuals tolerant of practices within their own religion (religion as a whole, sect, etc)? Why or why not?
3) Should religious practices be tolerated under any circumstance, or only some? What criteria should be used to tolerate them, and under which conditions are they acceptable? For example, is wearing a headscarf in public acceptable only when a dress code isn't in place, or should it be acceptable all the time?
4) Some crimes capture the attention of society because of those accused of taking parent. Cases involving parents, children, spouses, teachers and clergy all seem to horrify us, despite how seemingly common they have become. Why is this?
5) Some feel that in particular cases (such as a parent murdering a child), punishment should be more severe than in stranger-victim cases. Do you think relationship between victim and offender should play a role in sentencing or should it be the same across the board?
6) Is the death penalty a more acceptable punishment in such cases? Does it act as a deterrent in such crimes specifically or does it make no difference?
7) If historians were allowed the chance to quiz presidential candidates on history, what pieces of history should the candidates be quizzed on? And would the candidates' answers make a difference in whether or not you voted for them?
8) Do you think our political figures hold the same overall values and goals as political figures in the past? Why or Why not? Are these changes in values acceptable changes based on societal needs?
9) Recently Sen. Obama and former Governor Huckabee won the Iowa caucuses. Do you think one of them is the best person for the job. If not, who do you think is?
10) After Iowa's Caucus many are beginning to wonder if Obama and Huckabee will take the whole primary. Do you think Iowa predicted the correct outcome of the election? Why or why not?
11) Last night the candidates held a debate in New Hampshire. Do you think this will affect their chances there? Why or why not?
Dec 31- Jan 06
1) Some religious traditions now appear to be beneficial to health (i.e. a monthly fast). Do you think these traditions started by chance, or were started because they were beneficial?
2) What are some traditions that are more harmful than helpful? Should these traditions be outlawed?
3) Does the court have the right to overrule religious practices when children are involved? What should the criteria for overruling these practices and traditions be?
4) The use of Prison Ministry programs to help reduce rates of recidivism has long been a controversial subject. Do you feel that these programs are a reliable method of reducing recidivism?
5) The effects of prison ministry programs on recidivism rates has had mixed reviews. Should the government continue to fund research or is it time to leave it alone and find something else? What areas should funding be focused on?
6) If you were responsible for implementing programs to effectively reduce recidivism, what would your programs include? What wouldn't they include? Does religion play enough of a role in effective rehabilitation to allow for its inclusion in such programs?
7) In May of 2005, Natalee Holloway visited the country of Aruba. While in the country she disappeared. Not much has been done to help find the missing girl. Is there a way Americans can feel more secure in a foreign country? If not, Do you think it would be better for Americans to stay home instead of venturing into other parts of the world?
8) The same person has been arrested three times since Holloway's disappearance. In your personal opinion do you think this man is responsible? If so, why?
9) Millions of children go missing every year. Most of the time we never hear about it. Do you think this particular case should be getting so much media coverage? Why or Why not?
10) How do various trade treaties and organizations such as the GATT Treaty, NAFTA, the WTO, the World Bank, and the IMF affect third world economies? Is this a consequence of free trade or institutionalized globalization?
11) The US and other First World countries have engaged in military defense of Third World governments over the past few decades. How has this guardianship affected Third World countries and the development of their governments?
12) The US currently holds economic sanctions against 9 countries, all of which are Third World countries. Does this demonstrate a genuine concern about the positive development of these nations or an attitude of economic domination from First World countries?
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