Gun laws: PLEASE RESPOND NO MATTER WHAT CLASS YOU ARE IN! THANKS, JOHN

In light of what happened at Virginia Tech last week, what do you think of the gun laws in the United States? Should it be harder for some people to buy a gun than it is now? For instance, it was technically illegal for the VT killer to buy firearms because he had been diagnosed as emotionally troubled by a psychologist, and yet he still managed to easily purchase two guns and ammunition. What good are laws if they are easy to break without being caught? Do you believe laws should be changed to make it much tougher for potential killers to buy weapons? If so, how could the laws be better regulated and enforced?

Kelby Hausman

PLEASE ANSWER THIS QUESTION!

depleting our natural resources

Are our children and children's children going to pay the price of our neglect and abuse of our natural resources?
-How much of our energy resources do we have left?
-Is there enough for generations to come?
-Is pollution of our natural resources affecting out environment?
-What is causing the changes?
-What can we do as individuals to change or reduce the impact on our natural resources?
-Did we already know some of the technology being introduced today that may have changed the course in which our environment is heading toward permanent damage?
-Does our environment today changethe DNA makeup of future children?

Linda Francis (12:00)

Sports Today Vs. Sports Back Then

Are some sports today as exciting as they were back in the 90s? If not, which ones do you think are less exciting? Why have these posrts become boring? Have our lives became so busy we don't have time for sports anymore? Why? Are sports just not fun to watch anymore? Is it because of the money? Fame? Advertising? Too much focus on the individual over the team?

Thanks for your thoughts.

Lance (12:00 class)

Does probation really serve its purpose?

In todays justice system probation is the most commonly used type of punishment. Many people argue that probation is just a mild slap on the wrist. Others think that this is very good for the offenders as well as the government in that the government isnt losing money sending people to jail for small crime. How do you think probation stands?

SEXISM

Does sexism actually exist, or is it a myth? If sexism does exist, who or what is to blame? What are the effects of sexism on society and on individuals? Do you think society or the media have any effect on sexism? How does sexism block opportunities for females?

Please take a minute to check any of these sites for more information.


www.achillesheel.freeuk.com/br17_4.html
www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/07/13/1089694360291.html
www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,,1954568,00.html
www.education.guardian.co.uk/gendergap/story/0,,849552,00.html

Thank you for your comments.
Bahaa Abu Salim (11:00)

The Idea of Religion

Do you feel that religion is an important part of faith?

Reminder: Faith by Dictionary.com: "The trust in God and in His promises."Religion: "The practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith."

Please don't be discouraged if you don't believe in any God figure. Use what you know about faith, religion, and your own ideas to answer the questions. Do you believe that being a good person is enough to the point that religion is not relevant?Do you think the world would be a better place without the idea of religion but rather based solely on faith?

Thanks for your help!

Ryan Bales (12:00)

Will racism ever die?

Do you think racism remains a serious problem in the United States? In Illinois? In Champaign-Urbana? What do you base your views on? Please give me your thoughts on this subject. If you have any personal experience with racism, I'd like to hear that, too. Thanks for your help!

Jericka Tiger (9:00)

Too Much TV ?

What's wrong with watching TV?
Do you think TV is bad for kids? Why or why not? How much TV should kids be allowed to watch in one day?Is playing video games on TV or on a computer about the same as watching TV, or is one worse than the other? Is it okay for kids to watch several hours of TV a day if they are watching good shows, like PBS, AE, the Nature channel, and the History channel? Do you have any other comments on the influence of TV on kids in the United States?

Okay, now, help me out with this . . .

Willie Tanner

(12:00 class)

Domestic Abuse

Do you know of anyone who has been a victim of domestic abuse or family violence? If so, what in your view were the consequences of the abuse? How common do you think domestic abuse is in our society? What are the possible causes and effects of domestic abuse? How can this problem be dealt with better in our society?If you need more information on this subject, you might have a quick look at this site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestic_violenceThank you for your time.

Cristobal Gonzalez (9:00 class)

Corrupt police force

Why are the Chicago Police among the most corrupt in the nation? What are your views and thoughts pertaining to a possible solution to this problem?

Thanks for your comments--

Nick (11:00)

Are Americans too sensitive and politically correct?

The recent controversy over what Don Imus said on his radio show made me wonder if people sometimes overreact to what others say. You might or might not agree about the result of this controversy (Imus was fired), but in general do you think people are too sensitive or too eager to be offended? If everyone was worried about saying something that might be offensive to someone else, wouldn't that mean a lot of things that should be said would not be said, simply because of political correctness? Do you think some people take political correctness too far? Also, do you think Imus should not have been fired for a single mistake, even if it was a big one? Everyone makes mistakes, and he said he was sorry and that he was misunderstood--should he have been fired?
Any other comments you have on this topic would be appreciated!

A.J. Monroy (11:00)

Global Warming and The Greenhouse Effect

Do you think global warming is a serious problem that needs to be dealt with urgently? What do you think the biggest cause of global warming is? How can we effectively stop or reduce the amount of pollution we put into the atmosphere? Could there be a solution to take some of these gases back out of the air? Are we really worried about the climate we will leave behind for our children? And will there ever be a total global flood because of the ice caps melting?

Jimmy Butler (12:00)

Are people too materialistic?

What’s your opinion on people today being more and more materialistic, and less humble?

If your have no comment on that, please try to answer some of these questions.

Can a person be judged to be materialistic by how he spends his resources?
Is collecting material goods an important concern?
Are you materialistic if you pursue wealth and luxury?
Are you concerned more about money than people?
How far would you go for money?
How much do you care about your external validation?
Is material success the highest purpose/goal?
What are we here for?
Does it matter how I treat others as long as I get/have what I want?
If life is about materialism why should I live a moral life?
If you are not distinguished, why do people look at you as if you are inferior to them?

Thanks for your help!

Nolberto (11:00)

Learning Disorders

Do too many people these days use learning disorders as excuses for poor effort or poor attitude in school? Learning disorders such as dyslexia, dysgraphia (a learning disability resulting from the difficulty in expressing thoughts in writing and graphing), and dyscalculia (math dyslexia) are real conditions and cause real problems for many people, but it seems that in recent years you hear more and more about people who have even light cases of these disorders and other conditions such as ADHD who use them as excuses not to try their hardest. Instead they take the easy way out and let their disorder limit or define them. Do you think this is a problem in our society or educational system? Do you have any other thoughts on this subject?

Thanks for your comments!


Travis Lambasio (9:00)

Drinking Age

What should the legal drinking age be? Would reducing the drinking age to 18 or 19 really cause that many problems, especially since college students will pretty much drink no matter what? Many people suspect that drinking alcohol before the age of 21 can cause developmental problems. Do you agree or disagree with that statement? Do Young adults under the age of 21 experiment with alcohol because it is dangerous and illegal, or another reason?



Thanks for your comments,



Chad Peters 9:00A.M.

Affirmative Action

Is affirmative action justified? Affirmative action allows people from minority groups a step up in university admissions, job opportunities, etc. because of the applicant's race, but it does this by disadvantaging another applicant. Is it fair to balance one disadvantage with another? Is affirmative action a good solution or a solution that is the same as the problem it is intended to solve?

If you don't know much about AA, you can check out the basics at this site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Affirmative_action

Megan Qualls (11:00)

Eating Disorders to better Society's Ideal Body Image

In today's society are young girls and women obsessed with their body image?
Do you feel there is too much pressure on women to become model thin?

Are you aware of websites offering advice on how to become anorexic or bulimic?
http://www.ceruleanbutterfly.com/

• Do you think this is a growing problem in young girls? Why or Why not?
• Do you feel the media is to blame-showing advertisements or commercials of thin models and celebrities?
• Why do you think young girls and women want to be thin?
• Do young girls or women think we have to be thin, in order to be considered beautiful?
• Should there be more supportive websites to encourage healthy body image?
• Are there too many commercials and advertisments on weight loss programs and pills?
• Are you aware that Dove has a new commercial supporting less than perfect women (not model thin, but average)?
• Are young girls developing eating disorders to stay thin?
• Who placed the so called requirements of what size is the perfect body image?
• What do you think is the ideal body image? Why?
• Do you think Marilyn Monroe/Anna Nicole Smith had the ideal body image (size 14)?
• Should there be more preventative action on eating disorders? More support groups, advertisments, counseling at the schools and colleges?

Thanks, Cheri Adkins

When does spanking our children go too far? Why do we feel that spanking our children is the right thing to do? Will it really help our children grow if we do not spank them? How would you be able to punish our children without hitting them? Does it really go too far in the eyes of the law? When does physical punishment become just too much?When DCFS steps in, is it really necassary for them to interfere in your life in certain situations?


Here is good link to more information www.stophitting.com
Thank you for your comments

Jennifer Jocelyn (11:00)

What is the most important lesson you would like to teach your children? Are their life lesson's you were raised with that you would like to pass on? If so, what are they? And what about life lessons or siutations you were raised in that you would do everything in your power so that your children would not have to experience the same thing?

Christie Johnson (11:00)

Is the United States winning the war on terrorism?

It seems that every day we hear more protests and threats towards our country. We also hear about soldiers and civilians being killed en masse. Are we conducting this fight the correct way?

Douglas King (9:00)

MLG, and the future of competitive gaming.

The 2007 MLG (Major League Gaming) completed their first tournament of the season just recently, thus insuring the gaming community a competitive season. MLG and other competitive video gaming leagues are very popular these days due to the increase in video game publicity and new technology. But should we recognize the MLG and other video gaming leagues as main stream sports. Should MLG have the same publicity as basketball or football or is competitive video gaming just a waste of your time, you decide.

http://www.mlgpro.com/

Isaac Mitchell (9:00)

Champaign-Urbana Smoking Ban

Should the smoking ban in Champaign and Urbana expand to be state wide? Why or why not?Should the ban become nation wide? What places should be exceptions to the ban and why?

Jeremy Miller (9:00)

How to act in public

What is the appropriate way to act in public? Is there a good way to act or a bad way to act in public be it a store or nice restaurant? For example if you were at a restaurant how should you expect yourself to act or those around you for that matter? Should you make yourself act in a certain way when you are in public? If you were again in a store or restaurant and you see a bunch of people coming in or out, would you open the door for them or let them get it themselves? Should you as a person set rules for yourself to act upon when are in public?


Jarrod Winder (9:00)

Unhealthy habits?

Are we promoting unhealthy habits in our children? Does our society lead our children to become unfit or obese TV freaks and computer geeks? Do we let them see too much violence on TV and in video games? Too much sex? Do we promote kids being overweight and not getting enough exercise? What do you think will be the long-term consequences of subjecting our children to too much too early? If you have children yourself, what are your policies on eating, exercise, TV, and video games for your kids? If you don't have children, how do you expect you'll handle these issues when the time comes? How did your parents handle them? What was the result?

Thanks for your comments.

Amy Marx (11:00)

probation vs. parole

The criminal justice system has had many sorts of punishments, howerver the most common is probation. Has this been as successful as we wanted it to be? I believe that we need to be more harsh on parole's and people on probation. What do you think?

Smoking ban in the land of the free

Smoking bans are growing across the United States now more than ever before. Are bans the right thing to do, or are they conflicting with our rights and freedoms as Americans? Some states are banning only indoor smoking, while others are banning both indoor and outdoor smoking. We have bans in restaurants, bars, and clubs, but service industries (lawyers, financial consultants, etc.) are exempt and can decide for themselves to permit smoking or not on their premises. Some bans come with exceptions, such as smoking might be permitted if smoking areas are closed off from the nonsmoking side and properly ventilated.

What do you think of smoking bans? How should they be handled?

Thanks for your comments!

Dustin Claypool (8:00)

Should Abortion be illegal?

Should abortion be illegal in the United States? Could you live with yourself the rest of your life knowing that you killed your child? Should people who get abortions be sent to jail? What are your views on abortion? In what cases would you say an abortion is morally permissible?

Stephen Simmons 12:00

Does the Champaign Police Department take their authority TOO far?

The police are supposed to be the ones you are able to go to for help when something is wrong. They are the ones who are here to protect the city from crime and make sure the streets are safe. Growing up, this has not been the case for me, and every day it seems like police crime gets worse and worse. How do you feel about our police department in Champaign? Are there times when they take situations too far, or do you believe they are right in doing their job? Do you know of anyone that has been in an incident or have seen incidents where the police take things too far? Have you ever had issues with the police?

Oshawa Wardlow (12:00)

Unhealthy Americans

Do you feel the overall health of American citizens is in poor shape? If so, when did this problem first start? Who is to blame for the problem? What can we do to start improving everyone's health? If not, what are Americans doing to keep themselves in such good physical condition?

Luke Brown (12:00)

Racism?

Is racism still prevalent in the United States? Do people still make decisions based on the color of someone's skin? Do people still make racial jokes? Are we as a society still racial profiling?

Michaela (12:00)

How do you feel about hunting?

I feel that hunting is okay . . . how do you feel? I think that if there was not hunting or trapping there would be a surplus of animals that would cause injury and death to people, such as in the kind of car accident shown in this photo. Hunting is not the reason that animals become extinct, which many people say is the problem. Many of the conservation clubs around the USA are made and supported 90% by hunters. So, in fact if there was no hunting, there might not be any habitat left for the animals. I think that anti-hunters need to stop looking at hunting as barbaric and accept that it is just a way of life for many people. So, give me your thoughts . . . are you for or against hunting? Why do you feel this way?

--Charlie Ramshaw (12:00)

Should you be able to give your kids a smack when they need it?

Are parents today bringing their kids up without repercussions for their actions? With the youth of today acting out of control, should parents be able to give their children a smack when they need it?

Thanks for reading, and leave a comment!

Andrew Halleran (Noon Class)

What is your opinion on capital punishment? - Josh Kaufman

Do you think capital punishment should be inforced here in America as a form of punishment or not? What are your reasons as to why you feel the way you do? What are the strengths and weaknesses of capital punishment in your opinion? Do you think there is anything that can be done to change the way we approach capital punishment as a country?

Thanks. Josh Kaufman (noon class)

Is ethanol good or bad?- Phillip Poppe

Is ethanol good or bad as a fuel source? Why do you think so? What do you know about ethanol as a fuel source? Although the gas with ethanol is cheaper than regular gas, your miles per gallon is not as good as with regular gas. Knowing this, would you still fill your car up with ethanol gas? Do you believe that there will be enough corn to produce ethanol for the fuel of cars? Would you be in favor of researchers looking for other crops in order to produce ethanol? Do you think there is anything bad that could come from using ethanol as a primary source of fuel in the United States?
For more information, please take a few minutes to visit some of these web sites before you answer:

http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/altfuel/ethanol.html
http://journeytoforever.org/ethanol.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethanol
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethanol_fuel
http://www.ethanol.org/
http://www.ethanol.org/whatisethanol.html

thanks for your input-- Phillip Poppe (12:00)

animal abuse

Every day animals are put into a humane society or become stray because of an owner abusing their pet. Cats and dogs are heard of the most by being a number one pet for many. When an animal gets abused the owner may go too far and kill their pet. Do you think it is right to let cats and dogs stay with someone and not get treated right? Is it fair to let a dog stay in a cage or any other animal get put to sleep for no real reason? If you have comments on any other aspects of the animal abuse issue, please let me hear those, too.

Thanks! Katrina (11:00)

depleting our natural resources

Are our children and children's children going to pay the price of our neglect and abuse of our natural resources?

-How much of our energy resources do we have left?

-Is there enough for generations to come?

-Is pollution of our natural resources affecting out environment?

-What is causing the changes?

-What can we do as individuals to change or reduce the impact on our natural resources?

-Did we already know some of the technology being introduced today that may have changed the course in which our environment is heading toward permanent damage?

-Does our environment today changethe DNA makeup of future children?

Linda Francis (11:00)

Graffiti: Art or Crime?

We see it in the subways, on freight trains, on viaducts, on public restroom walls, even on classroom desks: graffiti. The question is if it is an art form that must be perfected, or an act of criminal deviance that must be suppressed. Is there a division on what constitutes graffiti? Is the carving of intitials in a bar bench and and bathroom wall quips different than spray paint art? Should the choice of canvas constitute whether or not it can be considered art?

Aaron Peters (11:00)

What you say or How you say it?

Do you think it's wrong that if I grab a woman's butt, and she slaps me, she is fighting for her rights, but if a homosexual grabs my butt, and I punch him, I'm a homophobe? What if i word it different; Do you think it's wrong that if a woman is sexually assaulted, and she fights back she is fighting for her rights, but if a man is sexually assaulted and he fights back he has tendencies?
How about if i say, psychopaths are just misunderstood people? What about, psychopaths are just people with mental disorders? Is it what you say or how you say it? Take for another example, if i were to say "L.A. has become a mecca for homosexual migration, i would be in the right, but I am implying many things that may not be true. As to saying that L.A. is full of gay people is just being honest. There are many things you could say to mean the exact same thing in the end, but if you do not word it just right you could hurt someones feelings. Then there are some things that no matter how you say them they mean the same thing. So i ask you, which is more important to society today; What you say or How you say it? Any comments on this matter would be appreciated.

Thanks, Keith Hammock (11:00 class)

Tainted Youth

Are our generations to come really tainted youth? Every year I hear stories in the news and gossip at school about kids younger and younger doing really risky things. Every year you hear of kids doing things such as planning shootings, having sex, and doing drugs before they are even 13 years old. Is there any hope for our future generations--or am I just being paranoid? Your thoughts?

Thanks. Justin Crowley (9:00)

Sports Today Vs. Sports Back Then

Are sports today exciting as they were back in the 90s? If not which ones? Why are they boring? Have our lives became so busy we don't have time for them anymore? Why? Are they just not fun to watch anymore? Is it because of the money? Fame? Advertising?

Lance Hanmer (9:00 class)

Too stict of laws and overcrowded prisons

Over the past couple decades prisons and jails all over America have been becoming overcrowded. What is the reasoning behind all of this? Is America becoming to strict on crime? Are there any crimes that should be taken out of the system to eliminate the overcrowding in prisons? Are some people really worth the money to put behind bars?

Brandon Sherfey (9:00)

How is Bush as President?

Is George W. Bush doing a good job as president?

How do you think he's doing with the Iraq War? Afghanistan? Social security? Immigration? Anything. What is your opinion? Let me know!

Thank you for any comments.

Blake Widmer (9:00 class)

The Idea of Religion

Do you feel that religion is an important part of faith?
Reminder:
Faith by Dictionary.com: "The trust in God and in His promises."
Religion: "The practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith."

Please don't be discouraged if you don't believe in any God figure. Use what you know about faith, religion, and your own ideas to answer the questions.
Do you believe that being a good person is enough to the point that religion is not relevant?
Do you think the world would be a better place without the idea of religion but rather based solely on faith?

Ryan Bales, English 101, 9:00 a.m. spring 2007

Destini's Question

Do you support the legalization of gay marriage? Why or why not? What do you think are the possible disadvantages of allowing gay people to marry? What are the possible benefits? If your brother or sister were gay, would you want them to be able to marry the person they love and enjoy the same benefits of marriage that heterosexuals have?

Thanks for your comments!

Destini (9:00 class)

Animal Testing

Some people think that animal testing is cruel and inhumane. Is it morally wrong to use animals in research for our own benefit? Hundreds of animals die every day for scientific research. It has been found that only 5-25% of the side effects caused by medicines are accurately predicted. This leads me to wonder what is actually being gained by animal experimentation? Every day a human being will talk about his or her rights. If a person feels their rights have been taken away from them they will fight back. Therefore is it not hypocritical for humans--who are generally obsessed with their own rights--to torment and kill innocent and defenseless animals? Why shouldn't animals recieve the same rights as humans? Do you think that animal testing should be put to an end? Is it really worth all the pain these animal have to go through? Whats more important, money or life?

Thanks for your comments!

Amanda Borders (12:00 class)

Punishment for Sex Predators?

Should rapists and pedophiles get harsher prison sentences when convicted?

Many individuals who are put in prison for rape get out after only serving half of their sentence and end up repeating the same crime.

They ruined their victims' lives, so should the rest of their life be taken from them? What do you think the punishment should be? Should the punishment be different if the victim is 20 years or older compared to a baby to 19 years old? Or should the punishment be the same because all rape is wrong no matter the age or sex of the victim?

Thanks for your comments!

Kahla Ryder (12:00)

Elizabeth's question on the number of deaths caused by auto accidents

In your view, why are so many people killed in traffic accidents?

Is drinking and driving causing most of the accidents?

Is not wearing your seat-belt to blame in many deaths?

Do you think teenagers are more likely to be involved in accidents because they are inexperienced drivers? If so, what can be done about this? What is your point of view on the new law that was passed stating a sixteen-year-old can only have one passenger for the first six months after receiving their license?

Thanks for your comments! Elizabeth M. (12:00 class)

Randy's question on Affirmative Action

Affirmative action does have good intentions, but is it fair? Is it not racist that someone gets a job only because of his ethnicity even though gender and color are totally irrelevant.? Shouldn't whoever is thought to be the hardest worker get the job? What are the pro's and con's of AA?

If you don't know much about AA, you can check out the basics at this site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Affirmative_action

Thanks! Randy (12:00)

Zach Lutz's question on Marijuana

How many of your friends smoke or have smoked marijuana and/or have you ever smoked marijuana? Should marijuana be legalized? Should it be legal to possess and grow or one of the other? If legalized, should it be put on the market, or do we keep its distribution on the streets? Any other comments you have on this subject would be appreciated.

Thanks for the input,

Zach Lutz (12:00)

Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage

Should same-sex marriage be legalized in all 50 states? Do you know anyone that is gay? Doesn't everyone deserve to be treated equally? Doesn't everyone have a right to be happy? What effect does same-sex marriage have on you? What disadvantages do you think legalizing gay marriage would have for our society?

Thanks for your input!

Ashleigh Cloyd (12:00)

Cody's question on the drinking age

Should the drinking age stay the same or be lowered?

Some people say that if you can die for your country you should be able to have a beer. Is that right?

What are some of the pros and cons of lowering the drinking age?

Thanks for the feedback

Cody Sullivan (12:00)

Should we be forced to take math?

Should math classes that are not related to your major be required in college? Why or why not? In genral, do you think that students should be more free to choose their own curriculum rather than be forced to pay for and take classes that have little to do with their major? Math is one example. Another example is foreign language. Do you think it's a good idea to require students to become "proficient" in a foreign language in order to earn an LAS degree?

Thanks Laynie Shields 12:00

Nigel's question on the employment of ex-cons.

Do ex-cons deserve the same equal employment opportunities that people who have never been convicted of a crime do? In our society many ex-cons, whom have served their punishments either in prison or probation, are often not given jobs they apply for, even when they are qualified. So why should they not be offered those jobs? They made a mistake and got themselves into trouble, but they served their punishment...why should they be punished for the rest of their lives? People have to have jobs to live, and when an ex-con cannot find a job, how is that person supposed to become a part of society? How are they supposed to stay out of trouble when they can't even find the money to support themselves?

Thanks for your help-- Nigel (11:00)

Matt's question on whether or not college athletes should be paid

This has been a very controversial issue among the NCAA for the past few years. Should college athletes be paid? College football and basketball players bring in millions to their universities; should they see a share of that money? We are not talking about giving them millions of dollars like the pros, but what about $200 a week? Or are they already getting enough by getting a free education and free housing at the university? I would appreciate any feedback you have on this topic.

Thanks for your comments-- Matt (11:00)

Patrick's Question on College Life

Why is drinking such a staple in the life of a college student?

• What activities should be promoted to students over drinking?


• Is it possible to have fun and make a lot of friends without drinking?


• What can be done to inform future college students of the negatives of drinking?

Thanks! Patrick (11:00 class)