Welfare--when should people get help?

First, I apologize ahead of time for this long question! I am mainly trying to get your thoughts on the United States welfare system.

Welfare: a state-assisted program supported by the government to help needy families live a fair and healthy lifestyle. Welfare is for people who are poor or who are at or below the poverty level. Welfare might include giving these people cash, food stamps, low-income housing, school, vouchers for children, financial aid, and medical benefits. People who receive welfare are grouped into such categories as the unemployed, people with illness, people with a disability, the elderly, and veterans of the armed services.

As for people in the "elderly" category, there is often an age requirement on who can get help; in each state this limit is different. In some states, you must be at least 70 to get help; in other states the age is lower. In some cases, elderly people who are only two years younger than the state's age requirement are in desperate need of immediate health care . . . if they don’t get help, they’ll die.

Also, what about people who cannot work at all and the state finds them employable and they won’t give them any funds--how are they supposed to survive? Keep in mind they can't work--they want to, but they can't.

As caseloads for all the programs have soared, so have costs. The food stamps program has risen 80%, up to $70 billion. Welfare is up 24%, up to $22 billion.

Because of the current overwhelmed state of most of the welfare programs, they won't even help the unemployed in some cases--they won’t give you anything unless you have children. Of course, this makes people want to go have children, just to get funds.

Even in the state of Illinois, if you don’t have any children and are still employable but don’t have a job, they will only give you food stamps--no cash, and no medical. Do you think this is fair?

What about cases like this: Say a boyfriend & girlfriend or husband & wife split up or divorce. If the woman wasn’t working and decides to go to the government and ask for help, do you think they should help her?

The government usually won’t help anyone who is employable because all the funds are used up. These funds are used up, in part, by people lying on their taxes, by people who work under the table, and so on. A lot of the people who receive help from the government don’t really need the assistance; they just want to put extra money in their pockets. Is this fair to the people who are starving and have no place to live? How do we deal with this situation?

How does it make you feel when people just sit on their ass the whole day and don’t lift a finger to do any work for themselves, that they just live off the government? How does it feel as a taxpayer to pay for other people who take the system for granted, in return taking money or funds from people/children who really need it?

What do you think about people who use their welfare cash for alcohol or drugs? It means that money/ food wasn’t a necessity. How does that make you feel? They are taking food from a child’s mouth who was hungry just so they can get drunk or high?

Any other thoughts on the welfare program? Yes, the system is terribly abused, and some people take terrible advantage of it, but we can't just do away with it, right? So what can be done?

Thank you for your help!

Lori

Marijuana Legalized?

Many people, mostly those of the older generation, are completely against legalizing marijuana for any reason, but why? It's known to be safer than Alcohol and Cigarettes, and doesn't pose any sort of danger or risk, but is still illegal in most of the U.S.A. The fact that it is labeled as a "drug" is enough to scare many people into outlawing it, but Alcohol and even Caffeine are some lesser known "drugs." Would making Marijuana legal be enough to pull America out of it's recession like many people say? Or would it truly cause more problems that it solves?

Would you be for or against legalizing Marijuana, and why?

Jan Johnson

To spank or not to spank a child?

Do you think that there should be some kind of disciplinary action in the school system like there was in the older days? Is it ok for children to come to class and be rude and violent towards the teacher? Do you think that the disciplinary actions that are in effect in today's school systems are resulting in positive feedback from a disobedient child? What are some effective ways to discipline a child without it being considered child abuse?

Makeisha Riley

Should There Be an Age Limit on Social Networks?

Did you know that 43% of online sexual solicitors were identified as being adolescents (under 18), 30% were adults between the ages of 18 and 21, and 9% were adults over the age of 21. That means that almost half of the sexual solicitors could be taken off the internet if there was a mandatory age limit for social networking. What do you think? Should there be a mandatory age limit on social networking web pages such as facebook, twitter, and myspace? Are you involved in social networking yourself? Would you like social networking pages more or less if there was an age limit involved? Social networking can often be important for real world issues, such as elections. In 2008, President Obama had almost 3 times as many followers as McCain on facebook and myspace. Do you think this played a role in the elections?

So what do you think? Would you be alright with having to verify your age to show that you are allowed on social networking web sites? Or would you rather have everyone, regardless of age, be allowed on these web sites?

Jake Bock

Should bully breeds be banned?

In the 1950s, bully breeds were America's dogs, but today "dangerous dog" laws and breed restrictions are in place in many states and counties.

What do you think is a dangerous dog? What kind of dogs do you think fall under the breed restrictions? Why do you think so?

The ASPCA's position is to oppose any state or local law to regulate or ban dogs based on breed. Do you agree or disagree with the ASPCA? Why or why not? The ASPCA favors effective enforcement of breed neutral laws that include, enhanced enforcement of dog license laws--making sure dogs are properly licensed in each county within a specified amount of time, enhanced enforcement of leash/dog-at-large laws, focus on the behaviors of owners and dogs--obedience training, muzzling, supervision and etc, laws that hold owners financially and criminally liable for failure to follow animal control laws and laws that prohibit chaining or tethering.

Do you think that imposing these laws would decrease the fear of the bully breed? Why or why not? Do you think if these laws were imposed in our state it would make bully breed owners more responsible? Why or why not? Do you think insurance companies should be allowed to deny homeowners insurance to people who own a dog from the bully breed category? Why or why not? You can find information on the ASPCA positions and policies at the following link;

http://www.aspca.org/about-us/policy-positions/

Policies on Dangerous Dogs

Thanks for your thoughts!

Amber

Motor cycle safety

Do you think that everyone who rides a motorcycle should have to go through a safety course and be limited to the size of motorcycle they ride until they are able to test into the size of motorcycle and classification they want to ride? Do you think the helmet law should be passed in Illinois?

Kevin Hall

Illinois Smoking Ban in Bars

Do you think the smoking ban in bars in the state of Illinois should be lifted? Why or why not? Do you feel this law violates or infringes on the rights of people one way or the other? Do you feel this law has helped or hurt the bar business?


Buddy Carpenter

The Earth is Our Responsibility

For over two hundred years now, especially since the industrial revolution, mankind has contributed to the pollution of the earth. This mass pollution has devastated our water ways and other natural resources. We are dependent upon oil, and we have a need for alternative energy sources, which will enable us to shift our uses of energy to cleaner more renewable sources of energy.

What do you feel can be done in order to clean up the earth, and do you feel that mankind and all nations have a responsibility to invest in cleaning up the earth? Do you think this should be a priority, and should the largest nations do more than smaller ones?

How do you think an effort to clean up the earth, and step up the use of alternative energy sources would affect the job market?

You may feel that we can just go on with the level of concern and effort to clean up the earth that we presently have. If so, speak on it.

Khattab

SUMMER STUDENTS--STOP HERE

DON'T ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS BELOW THIS. THEY ARE OLD ONES. THANKS!

JOHN

Tattoos & Piercings

What do you think about tattoos and piercings? Would you ever get a tattoo or a piercing? Why or why not? Which one do you prefer and why? Are there any benefits to getting tattoos?

Some people say decorating your body disobeys the word of God . . . any comments on that?

Do you judge people by their tattoos or piercings? If you don't like them, would you not date someone who has them?

Jenny (11:00)

Equal Opportunities for Special Needs Students

All students deserve an opportunity to get a good education. In most of today’s public schools special needs students are separated from the general student body. The point of this is to give them a more individualized learning plan and more one-on-one help, but some people think that separating them from the general student body is just going to make it harder on them in the real world. Do you think that they should be separated or more incorporated into classes with other students? What are some ways for them to be socialized with the other students while still getting the education and help that they need?

Allison P (11:00)

Big Bang or Creationism?

Ever since the first human came to be on planet earth, we have been asking questions and trying to find answers to everything. One question still remains unanswered: how did we come into existence? Was there a big explosion or “Big Bang” that started it all, or were we created by a higher power. If we were created, did He just create us or did He create the entire universe, too?
Is there any concrete proof to support either idea? Or will this question continue to go on unanswered?

Alex Kocher (11:00)

Standard Achievement Tests

In the United States, beginning in third grade, students are required by law to take standardized tests. Tests such as Illinois Standard Achievement Tests and the ACT ask multiple-choice questions where only one answer is correct. Is this form of evaluation testing memorization and good test taking skills or actual knowledge that the student has gained from the school? Are teachers being forced to teach only what the state says is important?

Students who speak other languages such as Spanish are also forced to take the standardized tests in English. Students coming from households where English is not the spoken language do not begin learning English until third grade, the same year they must start taking the ISAT or some other test. Schools are funded based on how well their students perform, but if the students in the school do not read English well enough to be able to read the questions, how can they possibly be successful at taking the tests? Since the students cannot even read the test questions, why should they even attempt to answer the questions? Should the tests be offered in other languages? Is there another way that student progress could be monitored other than taking standard achievement tests? Do you think these tests really measure academic achievement? What comments do you have about standardized testing in general?

Morgan R. (11:00)

Long-Distance Relationship

How long can you be faithful to someone until you get to see him/her again?

Would you rather have a long distance relationship or a relationship where you see/spend time with that person every day?

Do you believe your love will last during a long-distance relationship?

What do you think are the biggest obstacles to overcome for an established couple entering a long-distance relationship?

Should a new couple ever try a long-distance relationship?

Thanks for your help!

Samantha E. (11:00)

Should Welfare Recipients Get Drug Tested?

Should people who receive government welfare be drug tested? Do you think people who receive government aid should be spending money on necessities rather than drugs? or is it their choice what they spend their money on? but is it their money? Is it the taxpayer's money? Is it constitutional to drug test them? Do you think this is a big issue in today's government spending? Do you think the amount of people on welfare would decline if drug testing was implemented?

-Brett Scott (11:00)

How much do we help?

Does it benefit the United States to continue to take the lead in international affairs? In your opinion, why does the U.S. often take the initiative when we perceive or learn of a problem another country is having? Eldridge (11:00)

Healthy lunches?

Should schools get rid of unhealthy food and start serving healthier foods to their students? Would students get better grades if they were to have healthier lunches?

Here are some recent findings:

Most students who eat school lunch tend to weigh more than those who bring lunch from home.

Schools don’t give a wide variety of fruits or vegetables to students.

Schools put greasy food out where the students can see it but they hide the fruits and vegetables so the students are more likely to grab the bad food.<

It’s the same as eating breakfast, if you eat breakfast before school you tend to be more awake and be able to pay more attention. If you eat something healthy or something somewhat nutritious then you have a better chance of being more awake after lunch and will be able to listen in class.

So, what do you think--are unhealthy lunches in schools a problem that needs to be addressed? What was your experience with school lunches?

Hillary Moore (11:00)

Animal Testing--right or wrong?

There has been great controversy on whether animals should be used for cosmetic and scientific research and testing. Some people say yes because they say there is no other way to test these products to see if it is safe for human use; others say no because the animals have rights and that scientists need to find an alternative ways to conduct their experiments. So who's right? Should animals be used for testing? Or should scientists work harder on finding other alternatives? Please explain your reasons for your views.

~Lauren (11:00)

Drink legally at 18?

Do you think the legal drinking age should be lowered to 18 years of age? Do you think kids of 18 can handle themselves? Should they be able to attend bars? Should DUI be more strict? Will the liver at 18 years old be mature and able to handle the alcohol? If you are allowed to buy tobacco and can legally have sex and can vote in elections and can get drafted to help protect our country, should you also be able to drink legally at age 18?

Landon Weitekamp (11:00)

Pay college athletes?

Should NCAA players be paid to play? Should it be for all sports in NCAA? If no, for what sports should athletes be paid, and why?
Will there be a limit to how much a player can make? Can division II and III schools pay their players too?
Do the players deserve money? If so, why? Will players still take advantage of the system if they don’t get paid? Do you think a scholarship is enough for players already? Where will the money come from? Will teams still be fair, or will the teams with more money dominate?

There have already been many cases of college athletes taking bribes and cheating for eligibility; is it time we made the change to pay our athletes in college to avoid these problems or will the problems get worse?

Jake Rone (11:00)

War on Terror

Do you find the war on terror in the Middle East to be necessary? After the many years that have passed since 9/11 do you think that we are causing more harm to these people? Why do you feel we have stayed and sent so many soldiers over to complete this task? Do you feel that our country is wasting young lives and wasting money by being involved in their affairs?

Darci (11:00)

Marijuana--Legalize it, or not ?

Marijuana--Should it be legalized? Most people have their own opinions to everything, of course, but is marijuana as bad as some say it is? Why is marijuana illegal in some states, but about 10 other states have passed state for it to be legal? Some say marijuana is helpful for some medical conditions and to reduce stress, among other benefits . . . what's your opinion? Would legalizing marijuana be harmful or helpful to our society? Would it stop drug wars? Could marijuana be a cure for some conditions? What are the disadvantages of legalization?

Shannon Adams (11:00)

unadopted orphans . . .

What if you didn't have a family? Where would you be? Who would you love? Who would you laugh and cry with? Can you imagine being an unwanted orphan who was never adopted by a family but just passed from one foster family to the next? ? Some people can relate to this, but others can't imagine a life without a family, no matter how dysfunctional the family might be. Some people pay attention to how many orphans there are in the world, but I feel that when the number is in the millions, it's way too many.

Do you have any experience with orphans?

If you were an unadopted orphan, how would you go about finding happiness? If you never found a family, could you accept other children in the same situation as your friends and family? That is, could you create a nontraditional family of your own made up of people who had similar circumstances to your own but were not blood relatives? What does it mean to be a "family" anyway, in your opinion?

Chylisa Holmes (11:00)

Oil Depletion

Why are oil prices on a constant rise? Do you think the high cost of gas today reflects a shortage of fossil fuel resources at a global level? If so, what are some influences causing oil depletion? Where should we start looking for other resources besides oil? Should the United States continue drilling in Alaska? How about in the gulf? What effect did the recent oil spill have on oil depletion? What can people do to better conserve oil in America?

Josh Witt (11:00)

Success

How do you define success? What does it take for you to accomplish it? Who do you feel are successful? Who helps you reach your success in life? When you hear someone say "he's a very successful man," what do you picture, or what does that make you think of? When you hear someone say, "she's a very successful woman," what do you picture, or what does that make you think of?

Thanks for your help!

Tavaruss (11:00)

Felons and the Job Market

Do you think it is discriminatory against felons to not give them a job if their criminal background has nothing to do with the job they are applying for? For instance, a felon is applying to work as a cook in the dietary department of a nursing home, and they have many years experience in food service and are well qualified for the position, but are turned down for the job because of their record. However, their criminal background has nothing to do with abuse, whether it be sexual abuse, battery, assault, or even elderly abuse, should they still be denied employment?

Prisons are overcrowded with many people who once they get released to begin with, they end up getting sent back to prison because they can't obtain employment, are pretty much shunned by society, and then have to turn to selling drugs or prostitution just to get by to make their bills. Sure, they did their crime and they have done their time, so why do they have to continue to be punished by society and employers even after they have paid their debt to society? Do you think it is discriminatory to these people who are well qualified, but get turned down because of mistakes they have made? Shouldn't it depend on what the convictions are on whether they can work in a certain field or not?

Obviously a person who is convicted of robbery or some sort of theft shouldn't be able to work in a bank, but shouldn't that person be able to work as a food service employee in a nursing home, or maybe be a factory worker who works in quality control? The job market these days is bad enough for people who have clean records, but shouldn't felons have the same chances to better their lives and become a better person and be able to pay their bills and not have to turn to committing crimes again just to eke their way through life, constantly looking over their shoulder for fear of going back to prison because they are turned away from so many employers?

Melinda (11:00)

Concealed Carry in Illinois

Should Illinois pass a law that allows trained and registered citizens in the state to carry a concealed firearm? Would carrying a concealed firearm prevent crimes? If so, what type of regulations and permitting processes should be put into place to control who carries and who does not?

Every state in the United States except for Wisconsin and Illinois have some type of concealed carry law in place. Most of the states require a class, a certain level of accuracy, age limits, background checks, and fingerprinting. Statistics say that once concealed carry laws were put into effect, violent crime rates have gone down substantially.

Clayton B. (11:00)

NBA Draft Regulations

Why do you think the NBA draft regulations were changed so that high school athletes must participate in at least one year of college before entering the professional draft?

Since 2005, the NBA has changed the minimum age for players from 18 to 19. Athletes like Sebastian Telfair and Lebron James (shown in photo) have both made successful careers in the league after being drafted straight from high school. Being so young and energetic, they have created an intensity in the league that might have been absent without them.

By today's rules, players like Carmelo Anthony and Derrick Rose must commit themselves to a single year of college before entering the draft. Do you think forcing these players to wait to profit from their talents benefits them in the long run? Why is going to college such a big deal, when these men are gifted with a skill that they intend to make a shot at a career with? When you stop to think about it, both these players (Telfair & James) have shoe contracts with brands like Nike and Adidas. They are young and in the public eye already, so is delaying them on their road to stardom a mistake? The implementing of these new (2005) rules is making it harder for talented athletes who are in the same position to make a career with their talents.

So, what do you think--is the rule forcing basketball players to play at least one year of college a fair rule? Is the rule beneficial and fair for everyone--the players, the universities, and the NBA? Or is the rule not beneficial and not fair to players?

Tyler Ribbe (11:00)

Death Penality

Illinois abolished the death penalty March 9, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn signed the bill and said doing so was "the most difficult decision" that he had ever made as governor, but he felt "it was the right step forward for Illinois."

Quinn also commuted the sentence of all 15 inmates on death row, and now they will serve a life sentence instead of the death row punishment.

My question to you is how does this make you feel about the decision of the Illinois law makers and Governor Pat Quinn? Also, how do you feel about the death penalty in general? What are the advantages and disadvantages of a state having the death penalty?

Tyler Farmer (11:00)

Is abortion ever okay?

Is choosing to have an abortion ever the right thing to do morally? Is choosing to abort your baby ever morally okay? Or do you think abortion is always morally wrong?

What if conception of an embryo was caused by rape or incest? What if the mother cannot emotionally care for an infant? What if having the child puts other children in the home at a higher risk--less money for food to eat, clothes to wear, shelter, or medical attention? What if adoption can't guarantee a loving home? Is abortion an okay choice in any of these cases?


Peggy B. (1:00)

marijuana--should it be legal?

What do you think is the real reason our country will not legalize marijuana? Studies have shown that more people use marijuana than any other substance and that sellers make more profits from selling marijuana than from any other drug. Many people argue that marijuana is a plant that can help or even cure diseases and that marijuana is a relatively safe drug. Many studies suggest that smoking cigarettes is worse for you than smoking marijuana. So, what do you think--why hasn't marijuana been legalized by now? What are the advantages and disadvantages to legalizing marijuana?

Dea'Shanay (1:00)

Are You Thirsty?

The FDA has once again turned its eyes toward one of America's addictions--this time it's energy drinks. Though the ban has yet to be in effect, the process is in motion right now. The ban would target energy drinks that have more than 80 milligrams of caffeine, which is equivalent to a cup of coffee. Anything more than that and you must be over the age of 19 to purchase it. A popular drink called Four Lokos has been blamed for the cause of deaths in the state of Florida. Three states have banned the energy drink from its stores so far. One FDA official says," The concept is the same thing as for smoking. Why put foreign contents in your body?" Should energy drinks be banned? If not, should there be a certain age limit on them?

Rocky V. (1:00)

Do you think women degrade themselves by being in music videos?

Music Videos . . . Do you think men are degrading women in their music videos, or are women degrading themselves? Do you think the issue of degrading women (or men) in music videos is not a big issue or problem? Why or why not? Are the women in these music videos influencing young women in today's society? If so, how?

Slim (1:00)

Community colleges or universities?

With universities regularly raising tuition, community colleges are becoming more and more popular as less expensive alternatives to major universities. Do you think community colleges like Parkland are going to become the "new" universities? Are universities like the University of Illinois, which just approved a tuition increase (for the second year in a row), pricing themselves out of reach of many students' budgets? Do you think potential employers will start to look at Associates degrees closer than they ever have before?

Jared (1:00)

Serious Relationships At A Young Age

Do you think it's healthy for teenagers to consider themselves in a serious relationship? At that age do you think either the boy or girl is ready for what serious relationships bring: babies, serious commitment, and marriage?

When you're in a serious relationship, do you think you tend to make choices considering what is best for the relationship instead of what's best for you? Should teens be doing that--putting the priorities of a relationship before the prioroties of what's best for them as individuals?

Do you think the biggest regrets people have are from their teenage years? Do you think teens sometimes waste a lot of time and energy on something that wasn't meant to last?

Stephanie Odom (1:00)

How can we tell what's right or wrong?

As you know, the world is widely different, made up of individuals with their own tastes and styles. Different regions of the world have different lifestyles and behaviors based on the beliefs and systems valued in their culture. People in one culture are often raised to have different values from those raised in other cultures. What we in our culture see as normal might be seen as stupid or inhumane by people in other cultures. Sometimes individuals within one culture even pick fights with individuals in other cultures to try to force them to see things as they see them. How can we call ourselves civilized human beings when we turn on each other and even kill each other over cultural disagreements? Why can't people get along with others despite their differences? Who is to say who is right or wrong when entire cultures are in conflict with other cultures? If no one is right and no one is wrong, why do people kill each other over their disagreements?

Daniel (1:00)

Alcohol vs. Smoking? Jail time for weed possession?

Alcohol vs. Marijuana

Why do you think that the government thinks it is okay to drink alcohol but it isn't okay to smoke marijuana?

Every year 85,000 people die from being intoxicated with alcohol, but there has not been one known cause of death due to marijuana, why is that?

Why is alcohol legal when it kills people every year, and impairs your abilities to where you can no longer function?

Do you think that things would be a lot different if marijuana was legalized?

In the year 2006 they arrested 829,625 people for marijuana. Do you think they should have to go to jail for just possessing marijuana when more serious crimes like rape and sexual assault should be taken more seriously?

-Nikki (1:00)

Abortion . . . who makes the decision?

WHO SHOULD MAKE THE DECISION TO HAVE AN ABORTION, JUST THE WOMAN OR BOTH PARENTS? WHO SHOULD PAY FOR IT?

IN WHAT CASES IS IT OKAY FOR A WOMAN TO DECIDE ON HER OWN TO HAVE AN ABORTION? IN WHAT CASES IS IT OKAY FOR THE WOMAN TO NOT EVEN INFORM THE FATHER OF HER DECISION TO HAVE AN ABORTION?

JaTaun (1:00)

SPRING 2011 STUDENTS: STOP HERE! EVERYTHING BELOW THIS IS OLD.

stop here! don't answer any questions below this!

--john 3/16/11

Teen Pregnancy

Why do many teens today think it's okay to have babies at a young age, such as 16 or 17? Is this a big problem in our society? How long do you think teenagers should wait to have kids?

For more information, please visit this site.

http://www.mainstreetmom.com/par_babes_have_babes.htm

Thanks.

Darrian Carter (noon)

Black Women . . .

Do you think black women are degraded and stereoptyped by negative statistics?
Examples:
Most black women are loud and ghetto.
Most black women need welfare.
Most black women drop out of school and have kids too early.

Do you think it's fair that just about every African American woman other than Oprah and Michelle Obama are grouped together and stereotyped negatively?

Do you think it's fair that a black woman can't run a company or become CEO unless the company is black owned? "A black woman has zero chance of rising up through the ranks to the top of a white company no matter how hard she works or intelligent she is."

Do you agree with this statement?

If you view this issue as a problem in our society, can you think of any way to solve it?

Thanks for your thoughts on this!

Martina Harvey (noon)

Stars or the real world

Is it right that every time we turn on the television six channels are reporting Lindsey Lohan going to jail but the soldiers who die overseas go unnoticed by the general population? Why is it that American society is so obsessed with what their favorite celebrity is doing instead of what's happening in the world? Do you see this as a problem?

Dylan Yeazel (noon)

Is steroids cheating?

When most people think of steroids they think it is down right discussing. They think people take steroids and they magically become sports god, a sports god that cheated. Well the thing is steroids doesn't make you connect with a baseball nor does it make you drain a three pointer. It does make you stronger and lets you have more endurance. But lets say you take a batter on steroids and place him against a pitcher on steroids now doesn't that even the playing field. Also say every professional athlete in every sport was on steroids, think of how barbaric sports would be, and how competitive people would be trying to break unbreakable records. Would it not make golf even interesting to watch, heck it may even make figure skating interesting, but lets not push it. If an athlete wants to help better there carrier, they take steroids to help them. By them doing that they know the effects it has on there body and the consequences they will have to deal with if they get caught on them. So should steroids be aloud in professional sports? Would it make sports more interesting?

Micah Pope (noon)