Amnesty for illegal immigrants?

Do you know how many illegal immigrants are currently living in the United States? Many of these people are working and contributing to United States culture, but they are not allowed citizenship and do not have the rights that the American citizens they live among enjoy. Many of them are also unable to pay taxes due to their illegal status. Do you think our country should grant amnesty to illegal immigrants who currently live here so that these people don't feel like criminals and can begin to do their share by paying taxes? What do you see as the advantages and disadvantages of amnesty for illegal immigrants?

Thanks for your comments--

Cesar Munoz (9:00)

Would you date outside your race?

How do you feel about Interracial Dating? In your opinion, are white women taking all the "good" black men from black women? Or is that just a myth? To you, what is considered a "good" black man? And if you are in an interracial relationship, who made the first gesture to talk to the other sex first? Are white women bolder than black women when it comes to the opposite sex and race? If you have any other comments on the pros and cons of interracial dating, I would like to see them.

Thanks for your help!

Katie Connolly (1:00)

Raising your children

If you could teach your children one thing throughout their lives what would it be?

 If you had to pick only one  lesson for your children/future children to learn what do you think it would be, and how would you go about teaching it to them? 

What is most important to you when it comes to raising a child? 

What do you wish your parents had done differently throughout your childhood? 

thanks!!! :) 

Abby Pennington (12:00) 

Too much violence?

What are your views about violence in the media? Do you think it affects young people in our society? Do you think violence in the news is a good or a bad thing? Please explain. Do you think there is too much violence on TV, in movies, and video games? What would you change about violence in the media? Since violence apparently sells, is there any way to cut down on media violence without changing censorship laws? Would you support tougher censorship laws, or do you think such laws violate our rights?

Many studies have shown a likely connection between media violence and increased violent behavior in viewers. Please read some of this article for more information before you respond (reading just the first few paragraphs is probably enough):

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0377/is_n111/ai_14152768

Thank you!

Allison Hayes (1:00)

Does Religion Stop At Eighteen OR Is It Lifelong?

Why do you think that once some teenagers turn eighteen or start college, they stop attending church regularly (assuming that particular person has been going to church since they were a kid)? Is it because their parents can’t force them to go anymore? Or did they even want to go in the first place? Could it be because of the friends that they hang out with? How can you tell who your true friends are? Is this you? Have you gone to church for many years and suddenly stopped? Is religion even a factor in your life? If so, at what age did religion start to affect your life? Also, if this is/was you, how do/would you get back into going to church or being “religious”?

Jeff Hinkley (1:00)

Digital money

How do you feel about getting rid of US currency and making everything digital from a card with a thumb print or number code?

Would it stop the drug trade?
How could you be robbed?
Would it help make life easier or harder?
Would this allow the government to have to much control?

$$$ Ryan Brown (1:00)

Children in Athletics

Do you believe that children who are involved in athletics are better off in the future? Many people believe that the lessons they learned through athletics help them work and interact with others, learn responsibility, and help them work harder. After covering sports for a local news station for about a year now, I've witnessed first hand the pressure and how crazy parents get about their children in athletics. Do you believe parents put too much pressure on their children to do well in sports? And maybe not enough pressure to excel in school?

Justin Stout
(1:00)

$$ Do athletes make too much? $$

Do professional athletes make too much money? The best players in the MLB make anywhere from $12 million to $28 million per year. Keep in mind that players also have endorsement deals that are not included in their salaries. If you think athletes are overpaid, what is a reasonable salary for professional athletes? Explain.

Bobby Wilsey
(1:00)

Teen Pregancy

What is your take on teen pregnancy? Do you feel that peer pressure is the key reason for teen pregnancy? Do you feel that getting pregnant is the new black? (As in it being the new thing to do) How young of an age would surprise you? Do you think it is ideal for a 12 year old or 13 year old to get pregnant? What age do you feel is okay to get pregnant at? Why?

Olamipo Agunloye (12:00)

Why walk away?

When a woman or a teenager gets pregnant, why would the father of the child walk away?

Becoming a parent is one of the most exciting times in an adult's life and you would think that the father of the child would want to be a part of that. I do not see how fathers can just walk away and not have any thought about it when that baby is a part of them too. But it seems to happen all the time. Why? Obviously, it takes two people to make a baby, and the woman can't walk away--what does it say about a man when he does?

Jennifer Woodward (12:00)

Electric cars--our vehicles of the future?

Do you think that electric powered cars should be more popular and are they practical? With gas prices at an all time high and pollution getting worse as time goes on, do you think that we should switch to electric cars? Do you think that in the long run that that you will save money by buying an electrical car? Other than the expense of the electrical cars what are some cons of having them?

Omar Al-Chaar (12:00)

Racism in Todays Schools and Society???

Even in today's society Racism is still an issue whether it's in schools, in the work place, on the streets, or in general.

1) What do you think about racism in today's schools?

2) Are minority children scrutinized for being differnt?

3) How do you feel about mixed relationships? As well as mixed children?

4) Are there inequalities in the work place through race or gender?

5) Do you feel that people look at you differently because of race or differences?

6) Is the Government to blame by dividing us into race, religion, class, and gender?

7) Are our racial opinions influenced by others' opinions and views? (such as your society of people, parents, or family views).

Thank you for your help!

Michelle Carr (12:00)

Laws against alcohol abuse

http://www.isp.state.il.us/traffic/drnkdriving.cfm -This link provides information on laws today against alocohol abuse.

Are the laws against underage drinking too harsh?

How do you feel about the Zero tolerance law?

Do you feel the same about the laws against drinking and driving?

The loss of driving privileges is greater if you refuse to take a sobriety test. Do you agree with this?

Kristen Duitsman (12:00)

To birth or not to birth? That is the question.

Most people would agree that abortion is not an ideal choice in any situation, but do you believe that abortion must remain legal so that in the most unfortunate pregnancies (caused by rape or incest or when the mother is too young or when the mother's own health or life is endangered by carrying the baby) a woman can choose not to have the baby? In your opinion, what is more important--the right of the woman to choose what to do with her own body, or the right of the unborn fetus or embryo?

Kelsey Williams (9:00)

Smoking and Cancer

Much of the population of the United States has taken up smoking; though a lot of these people know that smoking can lead to lung cancer, they continue to smoke.

What are your views on this?

What may be some reasons that you think people continue to smoke when they already know the consequences?

Rachel Rudder (12:00)

Evolution In Schools

Theories over where we came from draw some of the strongest responses; everyone thinks they're right, but no one can really prove it. Did we evolve from chimps, were we placed here by some omnipotent presence, or did the Flying Spaghetti Monster put us here with his noodly appendage in the hopes of seeing us turn into pirates? The validity of teaching Evolution in schools is still hotly debated, and while there are facts that back up Evolution, others will claim that other facts exist that would prove their claim to creation equally valid.

Was Darwin right or wrong? Is there a reason to teach Evolution in schools while leaving out the various forms of Creationism? Which one do you personally think is right?

Thank you!

Patrick Smith (12:00)

Parents who want their children back . . .

Many children today in the United States become wards of the state because of their parents' drug habits or financial situations. This happens much more often than many people realize.
I would like your views on these questions:

1. Should children be given back to their parents after they have been rehabilitated? How will the state know that the parents are ready to be responsible parents to their children?
2. Should restrictions be placed on biological parents ? That is, until the parents have somehow proven they are ready to be good parents, should their time with their children be restricted? Should their parenting behaviors be monitored somehow?

Thanks for your time--

hillary fears (9:00)

G U N S

What are the limits on gun control?
How can we keep guns off the streets?
Is using a gun for self defense reasonable?
Is using a gun to defend family inside a household alright?
Does keeping a gun inside of a house affect the suicide rate?
How can the violence among adolescents be controlled?

Tom Miller (9:00)

Is A Life or School More Important

Children in the US are expected to go to school all the way from kindergarten to the 12th grade. Many of these years of school are wasted on classes that the student will not need in their future life. After the completion of the 12 or 13 years the student will recieve a high school diploma, which is near worthless in comparsion to a college degree, in the emoployment realm. So are all these years of school really necessary for a someone to get a proper education?

1. Should children have to go to school 12 or 13 years of their lives?
2. Should all schooling prior to college be like college, such that each class lasts only a semester and not an entire year?
3. What would be the advantages and disadvantages of making some major changes in our education system?
Such Changes As: Shorter Classes, Stronger Teaching Staff, Separating Children Upon Their Learning Levels and Not Age
4. What are the primary problems you see with our schools today (grades K through 12)? What changes would you like to see made?

Eric Andrews (9:00)

Today's new generation of students is so much more violent then ever. Why do you think that is?

1. Could it be the enviroment they live in?

2. Maybe they have absent parents who dont pay any attention to them.

3. Maybe they have parents that pay attention, but spoil them with things to show a sign of love.

4. It could be due to gangs.

5. Maybe they're trying to fit in.

6. It might be because of the media and how they portray things

7. Video games and movies might be a strong influences.

Please give me your thoughts on this issue. Thank you.

Nicole Osby (9:00)

War Against Terrorism

The War Against Terrorism How has the war affected our nation? Do you think that after September 11, where some three thousand were killed, that we should have retaliated the way we did with war? Are we making a change over seas? Why do you think so or why not? Here is a link to aid in your comments on the war: http://www.globalissues.org/Geopolitics/WarOnTerror.asp

Elizabeth Moore (9:00)

Do you believe that spanking your children is ok?

Do you believe that spanking your children is ok?

Do you call spanking child abuse?

What do you think is acceptable to discipline your children?

Do you think you'll spank your children/or have spanked your children?

How do you think it affects children emotionally?

Were you spanked as a child and How did that make you feel?

If you were spanked, do you think your parents disciplinary actions were helpful?

Thanks for your input--

Katelyn Watterson (9:00)

Illegal Immigration

Should illegal immigrants be allowed in America?

If you don't have an opinion, then check out these web sites: http://ezinearticles.com/?Should-Illegal-Immigrants-be-Allowed?&id=189646 http://www.immigrationdebate.com/

Steve Gratkins (9:00)

Euthanasia, legal or illegal?

Should physician assisted suicide continue to be illegal? Physician assisted suicide, also known as Euthanasia, is illegal in 49 out of 50 states. This is the procedure where the physician provides a lethal prescription to a terminally ill patient who intends to end their life. Passively, assisted suicide already takes place by patients refusing treatment, which ultimately results in their slow and untimely death.

- Could you be the one to prescribe a fatal dose of drugs?
- Is euthanasia an issue with which the government should even be concerned?
- Should physician assisted suicide be a personal choice based on values, beliefs and religion?

To find more information on this subject, read the following links:
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/euthanasia-voluntary/
http://euthanasia.com/


Please remember, I am asking whether this should be legal or illegal, not whether the issue is morally or ethically right.

Michael Endris (9:00)

Long Distance Relationships

Long distance relationships: Do they work out? Is it harder to trust the other person with them far away? What things does each person need to contribute in order to make things work? Have you ever been in a long distance relationship? What was the hardest thing about it? Is it harder when the distance is really far away (states away instead of cities away)?

Long distance with military people: Is it worth the wait? How do you know the person is faithful?

Thanks for your help! -Christina Dow (9:00)

Presidental Election

Who will be the next president?

Which is more important for this country--a first woman president, or a first African American president? Or do you think we need neither at this point?

Do you believe any of the candidates running for president is trustworthy?

Do we need a democrat or republican in office for the next term?

If you don't care about any of the questions or about the presidential election or politics in general, please try to explain why.

Kathy Allen (9:00)

Why homeschool?

What do you think of home-schooling?

Which do you think is better, home-schooling or public schools? Why do you think so?

Why do you think more parents today are choosing to home-school their children?

Do you think there's any stigma attached to kids who are home-schooled?

Would you home-school your own kids? Why or why not?


Melinda Griffith (9:00)

Can we improve hunting?

What is your opinion on hunting? Are some types of hunting better than others? Is trapping an ethical way of hunting? What animals need more hunting pressure than others? What do anti-hunters dislike about hunting? Are there ways of improving the practice of hunting? How can more people get interested in hunting? This is a good article on hunting and its impact to look at before answering these questions-----http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2007/11/hunters/poole-text.html

wes bierma (9:00)

What drives people to drink?

Is alcoholism mainly genetic or environmental? What do you think are the main causes of alcoholism? Do you think that there are people out there who blame their alcoholism on genetics to make themselves feel better and maybe a little less guilty that they are, in fact, alcoholics? Do you see alcoholism mainly as a disease or condition that happens to someone, and there's little they can do about it, or do you see it as something people bring on themselves through bad judgments?

Thanks for your help!

Lesley Suding (9:00)

All Things Considered, Do You Think Video Games Are Good Or Bad?

Some things to think about:

-Do some games help younger children with brain function and hand-eye coordination?

-What is the effect of video games on teenagers? Do they become more lazy, more violent?

-Can video games aid older adults in keeping both mind and body active?

What other considerations come into play when deciding whether video games do more harm or good in our society?

How many hours a day or week do you spend playing video games on average?

Jeff Ogden (9:00)

What's the biggest social problem in America today?

What's the biggest social problem in America today?

Please tell me . . .

Are you male or Female?
Do you attend church on a regular basis: Yes or No?

Please rank these five problems from 1 to 5 (1 being worst, 5 being the least of a problem):

Obesity
Drunk Driving
Unemployment
Abortion
Racism

If there is a social problem that you think is worse than any of these listed, please name it.

Are steps being taken to beat or deal with the problem you listed as number 1? If so, what are they? Can you think of another way of handling the problem that's not being tried yet?

Thanks!!

Travis Bedwell (12:00)

Kristine's blog on same-sex marriages

Should people of the same sex be allowed to get married? If they get married should they be allowed to adopt children? What are your views about same-sex rights? Do you think same-sex relationships are okay? Why or why not?

Thanks!

Kristine D'Urso (12:00)

STOP RIGHT HERE!

SPRING 2008 STUDENTS--
DON'T ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS BELOW THIS NOTE.
THEY ARE FROM LAST SEMESTER. THANKS--JOHN

cheating . . .

Why do you think people roam outside their relationship for sex or companionship with someone else? Sometimes even when a person claims to be in love with a spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend, he or she still can't stay faithful. Why is that?

Do you think cheating is sufficient cause for divorce? Do you think most couples can work things out after one of them has cheated? How could the cheater regain trust?

Have you ever been cheated on in a relationship? Why did it happen? What was your experience, and what did you learn from it?

Thank you for your help!

LesLee Watkins (7:00)

Obesity

-Does the nation today encourage activities that cause obesity? If yes, how so? If not, what causes obesity in most Americans today?

Please refer to this website before answering:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obesity

Brianna Bugbee (noon)

smoking ban

As of jan 1 2008 the state will be smoke free, all businesses will be smoke free and all government buildings and vehicles. do you think its right that the government can tell a privately owned business that they can't allow their customers to smoke in their place of business? Do you think it should be up to the business to decide what they allow patrons and employees to do on their premisis? Tell me how you feel about the smoking ban.
Thomas Wood (7:00am)

Deadbeat Parents

How do you feel about parents who don't support their children financially? Do you think tougher consequences should be implemented? If jail time were a penalty for non-compliance to pay, would they be more inclined to support their children? Does the custodial parent have the right to deny visitation if the other parent doesn't take responsibility for their children? Are the majority of non-compliant parents absent from their children's lives altogether? Why? Is their ever a good reason for not paying child support? What negative effects do deadbeat parents have on their children's lives? Do you know someone who chooses not to support their kids? If so, how do you feel about their choice? Are the child support enforcement agencies doing enough to collect payments? Is the system flawed? What more can be done?
Jennifer Wilson (9:00)

Adolescent Adderall Usage

Adolescent Adderall Usage

The U.S. has inevitably fallen to the pescription drug trend. Whatever your complication may be the doctors always have the answer, usually in the form of a tiny colored pill. This statement could not be more true when it comes to kids with "ADD" and/or "ADHD". If any child, teenager, or young adult is acting up in school or recieving bad grades they will without a doubt be prescribed to adderall. Although adderall has proved to help people no one truly knows the affects. Is adderall just another "quick fix" drug? Does it contain unwanted prolonged side affects? Will people prescribed to it be able to function without it? Does anyone really know what complications it can create since our generation is the first to take it? What will you take after you build an unhealthy tolerance to the drug? Is there another drug on the market that can take its place? How many kids are taking adderall who don't really need it? Why does adderall contain meth like substances? Is adderall dangerous? Is adderall just a scam to make money by the drug companies? Do these companies really care about our youth's well-being or do they just want another dollar at our expense? Are the tests to determine if you need adderall even reliable? Is it addictive? Is it being used more recreationally then for its true purpose? What do you think about adderall?

Blake Eakes (noon)

Animal testing . . .

Should animal testing be banned?
Animal testing has provided us with the immunizations against polio, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, hepatitis, pertussis (whooping cough), measles, tetanus, pneumococcal pneumonia, and influenza. The flu vaccine people will be going out to get soon is even injected and incubated in a fertilized chicken egg.
Vaccines discovered are also used for our companion animals and food animals.
We would not have pacemakers, organ transplants, artificial joints, and other breakthroughs used in Veterinary medicine for our companion animals either.
Without these discoveries the human race would not be living as long as we are now.
Laparoscopic surgeries were advanced on pigs instead of humans.
Many animals have suffered due to the testing done in many research facilities, but times are changing and research facilities are practicing using more humane procedures, including sedating, giving treats, and following the welfare act by providing environmental supplements. Diabetes sufferers are another group of people who thanks to animal testing are dealing with much less painful treatments, i.e. no more insulin injections. They can now use patches, inhalants, and sprays that have all been tested on animals.
Thank you to everyone who has already answered. This is just a few examples to show the other side to animal testing since someone else has already gone for the opposite view. Any comments or insights to the other side are of course welcome.

Bobbi (9:00)

Smoking or drinking?

Is smoking marijuana safer than drinking alcohol? If so, why do you think weed is illegal and alcohol is legal? Do you think the side effects are the same or different?

Tiffany Fields 9:00

Underage Drinking?

Why is there so much underage drinking?
Is underage drinking a problem in our society? Why/why not?
What would be the advantages and disadvantages to changing the legal drinking age?
If you were in charge, what would you make the legal drinking age?

Justin Henrichs (9:00)

"To be or not to be Abstinent? That is the question!"

The world is ever changing, but should our morals change with the times? Have the morals of past generations been discarded or overlooked? With sex before marriage, does the good outweigh the bad? Should we wait until marriage to have sex?

Miranda Wilson (9:00)

Cell phones and cars. Do they really go together?

Is talking on a cell phone and driving really all that dangerous? Should talking on your cell phone be banned while a person is driving? What about the hands-free devices that still can allow people to talk on the phone while driving, does that still affect their ability to drive focused? Should talking on cell phones and driving become illegal such as drinking and driving? What type of punishment should it receive if it does become illegal and what should the punishment be? Do you really think that talking on a cell phone is really that much of a distraction? Any other comments would be greatly appreciated.
Frankie Gaskill (9:00)

Is child obesity out of control?

Is child obesity out of control?
The number of children who are overweight has doubled in the last decade. Currently one child in five is overweight. There are many causes of obesity. Even though genetics plays a big part, genes alone can't account for the huge increase in rates over the past few decades. The main reasons are the same as adult obesity: eating too much and moving around too little. Almost half of children aged 8-16 years watch three to five hours of television a day. Kids who watch the most hours of television have the highest incidence of obesity.
So how do we prevent this from happening?
Should their be mandatory p.e. classes every day or should our children be on strict diets?
What do you know about child obesity?
How do we encourage activity?
What are the effects on the child?
What causes it?

Abby Dillingham (9:00)

Gender equality . . .

What are some of the common associations made with the female gender? How about the male gender? Do you see these as overall accurate in your experience? Are most men really less emotional and more rational? Are women truly more sensitive than men? Are men more influenced than women by visual stimuli? If so, is this part of why porn attracts more men than women?

What other comments do you have about the genders? Do male and female brains work differently?

If you could start over again, knowing what you think you know now about men and women, which gender would you choose to be and why?

Thanks!

Dave Cassout (7:00)

Are American's Unhealthy?

With the obesity rate constatly rising, more and more people are getting diagnosed with deadly diseases. People need to stop eating unhealthy and kick start their exercise regimen. How do you think body image marketing has an affect on teens? What do you think causes teens to have eating disorders? What do you think are some ways to control body image marketing? Do you think that you must have the "perfect" body in order to be accepted in society? If so why or why not? What are the negative effects celebrities have on teeneagers when it comes to their body image? Thanks for taking your time to comment....

Haley Stewart (7:00)

Worldwide School Shootings

Did you know that from 1996 to 2007 there have been fifty worldwide school shootings? Why have school shootings become so common over the past eleven years? What are the causes of school shootings in your opinion? What can we do to prevent future school shootings worldwide?




Demaris Winston 7:00am

Music:The end of the World as we Know it?

Music is diverse. Rap, R&B, Rock, Metal, Country, Folk, Classical, Christian, etc. Name your favorite artist, and why. How did you get into it? Did a sibling influence you? Friends? Schoolmates? Why do you like it, and Do you apreciate other styles? Can music corrupt youth, and if you say yes, why and what kind?

Michael Logue(7:00)

marijuana ???

Why do you think marijuana is bad? Do you think that marijuana is addictive ? What about the side effects--are there any? Should it be made legal to use for medical purposes? Does marijuana have any medical value? Should it be legal for general use like alcohol? Is it a gateway or stepping-stone drug? Should the people selling the drug be punished? If so, how severe?

Ben (7:00 am)

Too Many Drunken Athletes?

The past few years have brought many controversies about athletes drinking in high school or in college. Even though some athletes are of age to drink, it does not change the fact that they have signed training rules saying that they will oblige to certain rules. Should athletic training rules be more strongly enforced when it comes to athletes drinking underage or of age? What should the consequences be if they are caught? Even if they are the star of the team, should they still be tried as equally as everyone else or should they be given a free pass?

Thanks for your help!

--Tim Swan (7:00)

The Death Penalty

What are your views on the death penalty? Do you support it? Do you think it is a form of cruel and unusual punishment? Should it be a life for a life? Does it violate human right? Which is worse, life in prison or the death penalty? Does the death penalty act as a deterance and stop people from committing other crimes?

Thanks,
Ryan Lowry (7:00)

Global Warming Controversy

The Global Warming Controversy is a dispute about nature and consequences of global warming. The biggest issue is whether or not humans have anything to do with this increase in global temperature, or if this is something the Earth regularly goes through. What are your views on global warming? Why is global warming a problem? What can we do about global warming? Is it really a problem, or are we just in between ice ages? Earth has always warmed and cooled, so why do scientists think that humans are causing global warming? 

Please visit these sites to get different views on the controversy if  you are unfamiliar with the subject. Thank you.

http://mysite.verizon.net/mhieb/WVFossils/ice_ages.html
http://www.ucsusa.org/global_warming/science/global-warming-faq.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_warming_controversy

Chris Bohnhoff (Noon Class)

Global Poverty

Did you know?

In America: According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, 1.2 million children are homeless on any given night. Supporting this figure are estimates from the U.S. Department of Education that report almost 400,000 homeless children were served by the nation's public schools last year. Since more than half of all homeless children are under the age of 6 and not yet in school, a minimum of 800,000 children can be presumed to be homeless.
In other countries: Sub-Saharan Africa is home to some 45 million orphaned children. That’s more than the total number of all children under the age of 18 living in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Norway and Sweden combined. Nearly a third of these children have lost their parents to AIDS. AIDS is particularly brutal to children because it often wipes out the entire family network. Since the extended family is typically the only safety net these children have, AIDS orphans are critically vulnerable. Without family members to care for them, these children will almost always end up on the streets – where they face terrible odds for survival. They will eat other peoples garbage, drink water that is dirty and full of disease, and have no safe place to sleep.
Do you think Americans are concerned enough about the problem of poverty?
Are they more concerned with one over the other, and should they be?
Is the government trying to hide poverty that exists in the United States?
Do you feel that the homeless in America are to blame for their condition because at one point in time they had opportunity, whereas in ‘undeveloped’ countries they “were born into their condition” ?
Are those living in poverty in ‘undeveloped’ countries more important to feed than Americans living in poverty?
Since America is the wealthiest country in the world, do you think Americans and non-profit organizations are doing their part in helping this situation? Should they do more or less?
With so many children around the world living in poverty and the holiday shopping season fast approaching, how can we as wealthy Americans be less selfish during this time and do something for these children who would be thankful to just have a meal? How can we learn to be generous? How can we use our abundance for the betterment of others?

Hannah Dodd (9:00)

Euthanasia

How do you feel about mercy killing, otherwise known as Euthanasia? Doctors use this method to kill humans and animals that are otherwise dead to the world, or defective. Do you feel that this form of killing is ethical, or right in any way? In what cases would you approve in using the Euthanasia methods, if any?

Thanks--

Cameron Brown (7:00)

truth about immigration

Is immigration hurting our country, helping it, or having no effect on it at all. How does it make us as a country who represents freedom and democracy look, if we turn our back on the poor and poverty stricken who come here for a chance at a better life for them and their family? Does the phrase on the statue of liberty not say we are a country who welcomes the tired, hungry, and poor? Would you as an American raise your children in a home with only brick walls, no ceiling, no clean water, as bug and roach infested as a place can be, fully equipped with earth floors and no ceiling, because it's what you are born in to, or would you take the first chance you had to get your family somewhere safer and better where they may have opportunities they deserve as humans?

Brett Hall 12:00 pm

Is Abortion Murder?

Abortion has been a highly argumentive subject for many years. While some feel it is acceptable, others argue that it's murder to an innocent life. When is abortion acceptable and when is it not? Or is it acceptible at all?

Thank you for your honest opinion!

-Jill Reinhart (12:00)

Should the legal drinking age be lowered?

Do you think the legal alcohol consumption age of 21 is right or should it be lowered to 18 or 19? Why? Do you think the penalty for drinking underage is too harsh or is it too lenient? Have you ever drank illegaly underage? Why did you do it or why haven't you done it? If so do you really think people that are 18 or 19 can't handle the resposibily of drinking responsibly? Why?

Jimmy Gourdier (noon class)

Death: The Unknown Fear?

How often do you think of dying? After death are you going to heaven or hell? Do you believe in reincarnation? Will being a good person while alive assure you a ticket into heaven after death? Do you believe in HELL? Are there roaming Spirits that refuse to die or don't know they are DEAD? Should there be a fear of death?

Theresa Newman (noon)

Health Care

Do you think America's health care system is as effective as it could be?

--Does it cater to the needs of all?

--How does it compare with the health care systems of other modernized nations?
•Canada?
•Various nations in Europe?
•Various nations in Asia?
•Australia?

--In general, are the majority of American hospitals adequately staffed? (Concerning not only quantity, but also quality)

--In general, are the majority of American hospitals adequately equipped?

--Do you see insurance companies as anything less than "ideal"?

Tristan Cogswell (Noon)

Sexual Assault Crimes and Punishments

Sexual Predators who are put in prison for rape get out after only serving half of their sentence because they are “well-behaved” prisoners and end up repeating the same crime. Should rapists and pedophiles get harsher prison sentences when convicted? If so what type of punishments should they receive? Should the punishment be different if the victim is 20 years or older compared to a baby? Or should the punishment be the same because all rape is wrong no matter the age or sex of the victim? Should a sexual assault attempt result in the same punishment has a conviction in sexual assault?

Nick Hanke Eng 101 noon time

Tasers-Should They Be Allowed?

Should police officers be allowed to use tasers? Why do you think the use of tasers is so controversial? Should civilians be able to use tasers? Why or why not? Do you believe that people need a license in order to use them? What form of taser should be allowed? Why do you think they have different types of tasers?

Liz Doty (12:53pm)

Chief Illiniwek; Icon or Mockery?

Why should the chief be completely banned from association with the University of Illinois? Why would the tribe that totally annialated the tribe that the chief was from be the ones to protest against him? Are we respecting the chief or making a mockery of him? How can these protestors be able to make us forget the chief? Why are we not allowed to purchase chief appearal or celebrate him in parades? How can people speak out to bring the chief back? Is there hope that the chief will one day return and input spirt into our hearts?

Christopher L. Cole (12:00)

Michael Vick's Punishment

Does Michael Vick's punishment seem fair for his crimes? Should the sentence be longer or shorter? Considering his celebrity, should he be given preferential treatment, or be charged as a regular criminal? If you were the judge/jury, how would you have handled the case? What if you were Vick's lawyer--how would you have handled it? If anyone has any input, please don't hesitate to put your two cents in. Thanks.

Jarett Crump (12:00 class)

Check out this link for more info or google michael vick dog fighting..

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2884063

Domestic abuse: more common than you think.

Do you think that domestic violence is a common occurrence? Do you think that you would ever find yourself in an abusive relationship? Are you the kind of person who had always said you would never be in an abusive relationship, and then found yourself in one with no way out? What would you tell your friend if she were in an abusive relationship? Do you think that abuse is a learned behavior from your youth? Is there a lot of abuse in your family?

Kassi Royalty(12:00)

Body Image

Do people place too much emphasis on the way they look?
Are society's expectations too high?
Are the stars of today a good representation of what we should model ourselves after?
Do you feel the media is to blame-showing advertisements or commercials of thin models and built celebrities?
Should there be more supportive websites to encourage healthy body image?
Are there too many commercials and advertisments on weight loss programs and workout pills?
Who placed the so called requirements of what size is the perfect body image?
What do you think is the ideal body image? Why?
Why do people feel so self conscious about their bodies?
Are men not considered masculine if they are not built and are women not feminine if they are not thin?

Zach Burnett (12:00)

Materialism

Do you believe that money can't buy happiness? Do you think that America is too materialistic? Do you think that people judge others on what materialistic possessions they have? Do you shop to make yourself happy? What do you think about poorer countries? Do you think that they are happier? Why do you think that poor kids in Africa are happy? Would you rather be poor or rich? What if you had to choose to be rich and miserable or poor and happy? Why?

Dani (12 o'clock)

Sports Back Then vs Sports Today

Sports Today vs Sports Back Then. Are sports today exciting as they were back in the 90's? If not, which ones? Did the athletes care about the game more back then? I personally think athletes back then played for the game, not endorsement deals and money. Sure everybody wants money, but the athletes today just seem like they only care about that, and themselves. Some sports today just aren't as fun t0 watch anymore. Why though? Is it because they all want fame? Advertising? Think about some of the athletes in the 90's, tons of them were and still are recognized as the greatest athletes of our time. Michael Jordan, John Elway, Barry Sanders, Deon Sanders, Jerry Rice, Karl Malone, Reggie Miller, Shawn Kemp, Wayne Gretzky, John Daley, and so much more. What do you think? Were sports back then more exciting than sports today?

Trevor Kohlrus (12:00)

Under God?

U.S. District Judge Lawrence Karlton ruled that the pledge's reference to one nation "under God" violates school children's right to be "free from a coercive requirement to affirm God."

Should "under god" be taken out of the pledge of Allegience?

why or why not?

Should students be allowed to sit while the pledge is being said in class?

Please explain why you feel this way. For more information, see this site:
http://www.homeofheroes.com/hallofheroes/1st_floor/flag/1bfc_pledge.html

Lindsay Brooks (noon)

Discrimination?

Is discrimination a problem in our society? Why or why not?
Have you ever discriminated against someone for how they look?
Why do you think people make these judgments?
Do you think anyone discriminates or labels you? What do they say about you?
How do you decide on how to label someone?
Do you tend to label for more positive or negative reasons?
What makes a label positive or negative?
How do you think these people would feel if they knew what you labeled them?
How many of these labels do you think are just/true?

Rachel Edwards (Noon Class)

same sex partnership

should people of the same sex be allowed to get married?

Should they be allowed to adopt children?

What are your views in general about same sex partnership?

Do you think it is ok? Why or why not.

April Higgens Eng 101-9am

Tattoos -- Agree or Disagree?

Are you aware that 36% of 18 to 25 year olds have tattoos and 40% of 26 to 40 years olds have some as well. Today tattoos are common although some still disagree with them. What are your thoughts on tattoos? Do you have any tattoos? Why did you get a tattoo? Or have you ever considered getting one? What changed your mind? Do you think there is a certain sterotype if you place the tattoo on a certain part of the body i.e tramp stamp? If you disgree with tattoos, why? Do you judge individuals with tattoos?

Thanks, Kristin Knowles (9:00)

Abortion

Is it ok for a female to have an abortion?
Under what circumstances is an abortion ok?
If you are a girl and you get pregnant, would you have an abortion?
If you are a boy, and you get someone pregnant, would you want them to get an abortion?

Janyce Burks (9:00)

Is it your choice?

"...even assuming that circumcision could help to protect against HIV infection, it would not be necessary to carry it out on unconsenting infants. One could wait until the person was about to become sexually active and could decide for himself. " -Dr Margaret Somerville-

Do you believe that parents have the right to choose circumcision for a newborn?

If you consider that the statistics for women developing breast cancer (12.7%) are considerably higher than males developing penile cancer (.09%), do you think we should perform routine mastectomy on teenage girls?

What do you know about the procedure of circumcision?

What do you think are the pros and cons?

(Renee Hart) 9am class

Video Game Violence

Do you think that aggression and violence in children are the result of playing video games? Do you think that when children do play video games, it makes them want to act out the characters in them? Or is the media just blaming video games for children's violent actions? Should parents be buying their young children these video games? Please voice your opinion. Thanks.

Alyssa Surber (9:00)

To Kill Or Not To Kill, That Is The Question...

What are your views on the death penalty? Do you think that certain criminals should be put to death and others shouldn't? Do you think it is up to a jury to decide whether or not someone lives or dies because of their actions? Should it be made illegal to put someone to death because they killed someone? I would just like to know your overall thoughts about this subject. Thank you!

Morgan MacFarlane (9:00)

Global War on Terror

Do you feel that the U.S. is safer since the inception of the global war on terrorism? Should we be in Iraq? Afganistan? Are these operations worth the lives of our service members? Should the government have the extended powers that have been granted to it by the PATRIOT Act (i. e. warantless survailance or indefinite detention of non-U.S. citizens)? Is the world safer? Is the world on our side? How long should should we keep this up?

Scott Kimball( 9:00)

Homeschool or Public School?

Two million of the children in the United State are homeschooled. What are your opinions or views on home schooling? Public school? Do you think one is better than the other? Why? Are homeschoolers really "socially impaired"? Do public-schoolers have more friends? Do homeschoolers seem smarter than kids who go to public school? Are children who are homeschooled closer to their parents and siblings? What do you say the pros and cons of both are? Academically speaking, are public schools not teaching enough higher education or do you see homeschooling as "the easy" button and being able to blow school off?

Thanks!

Elizabeth Kerns (9:00)

Prison Conditions

What do you think about the conditions that criminals endure at the prisons? Do you think that the conditions are too harsh or too lenient? I recently visited the Champaign County Jail on a class trip and saw that all the prisoners were free to do whatever they wanted. They were allowed to watch TV, play games and cards, work out and play basketball at any time. Some of these prisoners were convicted of rape, murder, and child molestation. Do you think that these criminals should be given the same treatment as other criminals that have committed lesser crimes? Should our tax money be going to a place that lets murderers and rapists watch
TV and play cards any time they feel like it?

Kirby Reifsteck (9:00)

Plastic Surgery

What are your views on plastic surgery?

When do you think it's a good idea for someone to have plastic surgery?

When do you consider plastic surgery to be wrong?

Under what circumstances is it okay to get plastic surgery?

Things to think about . . .

What age is it okay to get plastic surgery?

Do you think it's okay for someone who is young and beautiful to alter themselves?

Is botox considered plastic surgery?

Is it okay for someone who was in an auto accident to receive plastic surgery?

Is plastic surgery worth the risk?

Is plastic surgery too costly?

Thank you for your opinions!

Chelse Lindenbaum (9:00 class)

Sex. Is it that important?

Should we wait to have sex?

Should we rush into it or wait until we are married?

What do you see as the advantages to having premarital sex? The disadvantages? Do you think more marriages would last longer if couples showed their faithfulness to one another by abstaining from sex until after marriage? Would it make the relationship stronger if you wait?

Jaime Carpenter 9:00

Should we have Compassion International(ly)?

What do you think about helping and supporting children through Compassion International or other ministries of the same kind?

(here is Compassion International's website, if you'd like to read about them: http://www.compassion.com/default.htm)

Should we donate to that kind of program? Why?

Should we not donate? Why not?

Do you support a child from another country? If not, would you?

Thanks so much for your time. I greatly appreciate it!

~Megan Mercier (9:00)

Americans--Unhealthy or Not?

Are Americans unhealthy? How do we compare with other countries in how we eat, how much we eat, and how often we eat. If we are unhealthy, is it because we eat unhealthy foods or just too much food? Are Americans more dependent on fast food than other countries are? How does this affect obesity rates? Are Americans more inclined to have high cholesterol, and at higher risk for things such as heart disease. Are Americans more inclined to develop eating disorders in comparison to people of other countries? Bottom line--why are we so unhealthy?

(9:00)

Dustin Piercy

SMOKE ANY WEED LATELY?

Should smoking marijuana be legalized?

What are your feelings on this?

Do you think weed is bad for your health?

Do you think that marijuana can be used as medicinal purposes ?

Is weed beneficial? If yes ,why? if no, why?

Why are so many Americans against smoking weed?

Kelly Martinez (7:00 a.m.)

Here are a few sites to view on the subject.

http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2006/NEW01362.html

http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2002pres/marijuana.html

Thank you for all your comments!

Alcohol Abuse

Are you aware that 65% of kids get their alcohol from friends and family?
Would you ever consider supplying a younger sibling, or child with alcohol if they asked you?
Do you believe that the earlier a child/teen starts consuming alcohol, the more likely they are to become dependent on it?
Do you think that alcoholism is a disease?
Have you ever known anyone who is an alcoholic?
If so, what type of behavior did they display when they were intoxicated?
Why do you think that person turned to alcohol instead of a family member or friend?

Thanks for your opinions!
Brittney (7:00)

What are your views on euthanasia?

Should euthanasia (physician-assisted) suicide be legal?

Should a person have the right to decide when to die?

Have you ever watched a person, or an animal die slowly and painfully?

Have you ever watched a loved-one waste away, when they didn't know what was going on around them, with a bag attached to them for food, until they finally died?

Should a person have the right to die to save their family from huge medical bills, when

when they know they are going to die?

If you believe in euthanasia, what restrictions do you think should be placed on it?

Euthanasia: (Greek, "good death") is the practice of killing a person or animal, in a painless or minimally painful way, for merciful reasons, usually to end their suffering.

Thank you for your thoughtful responses.

Steve Kidd (07:00)

Isolationism

Should the U.S. become more isolated? ( Improve our sovereignty, restrict imports and immigration, stay out of foreign affairs, drop out of the United Nations, and focus on our country only)

Do you think isolation would improve or hinder our economy and national security? How isolated should we become, as far as an "iron curtain"?

Should we open our borders and enter more international trade agreements?

Should we protect our sovereignty or should we give in to the United Nations and let them tax us and decide our laws?

What are some advantages and disadvantages of isolation?

Thanks for your input--

Daniel Hooker (7:00)

Your view on Child Molesters

Should there be a harsher punishment for Child Molesters?

Should they be branded for the rest of their lifes by putting their picture on the internet and all over the place viewing them as a child molester?

Should they be killed or should they live?

Do you think that Child Molesters have mental problems or is it genetics?

Should we do more to bring justice to the children they molest?

Thank you for your views.....

Shawn Harshbarger (7:00)

Michelle's questions about Tattoos

What are your likes and dislikes about tattoos?

Have you ever thought about getting a tattoo?

If so, what where your thoughts, where would you place it, what motived you to think about getting a tattoo?

If you don't like tattoos, why?

What do you think of when you see people with tattoos?

How many tattoos are ok and what is too much?

If you don't like tattoos, do you judge people with tattoos?

Do you link all people with tattoos together?

Michelle Frischkorn (7:00)