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)