Let It Fly?

Is the Confederate flag a symbol of racism?

Should Confederate states be allowed to fly their flag?

If so, how should it be displayed relative to the American flag?

If no, why not?

What do you think when you see a rebel flag hanging on a house or truck?

Thanks for your thoughts--

Dustin Armstrong (1:00)

Legal Prostitution Pros/Cons

If Prostitution were to be legalized in Illinois,would you be for it or against it?And if for it ,how do you think it should be regulated? Should it be taxed ?


Thanx--


Jerry Reinstorf (1:00)

Abusive Relationships

When do you call it quits in an abusive relationship? Do you wait until you are physically hurt? Do you wait until you have no self-confidence? Do you wait until your child(ren) has been taking away from you? Do you wait until your life comes really close to death? Why do women stay in abusive relationships risking there own life plus loved ones?

-LaTia Alexander(4:30)

What is your opinion on tattoos?

People more and more are getting tattoos, and are thinking of different and new ways of getting them. Now they have glow in the dark ink and people getting tattoos on their eyes and tongues. What is your opinion on tattoos? Why do you think people get them? If they do get them what do you consider too far and too much? Is gender an issue when it comes to having too many, and why?

Shayna Garrelts (4:30)

Latinos

How do you feel about Latinos in this country?

Do you think Latinos in the USA are nessessary here?

Do you think that the goverment(or whoever) is being unfair by not giving Latinos some rights?

Do you think voting is important to you?? Well if it is, what do think about the Latinos that come here to the USA for a "better" life that can't even vote?

Same for driving. Do you think Latinos should be able to get a drivers license?

Have you ever descriminated against a Latino because of their status? If so, for what reason?

Do you think it would be a good idea for Latinos to get all benefits that a USA citizen has?

Did you know that some people who are trying to cross the border die of dehydration or exposure to the elements on their way? Others simply disappear without a trace, and their families never hear from them again. Should something be done to prevent this from happening?

--Marisol Oliva (4:30)

What should we do about the legal drinking age? Should it be lowered , should it be raised, should there be stiffer penalties in order to control underage drinking? Should bars only allow people that are of legal drinking age to enter?

Max White (4:30)

Is the U.S. too uptight about sex?

Are Americans too uptight about sex? Are they too open about the topic? Does the media have any influence on how we, as Americans, look at sex? Which has more effect on sex: religion, moral values, or the media? Are Americans over-sexed?

*~Lynette Reitmeier~* @ 4:30

The Transition into the White House

As we all know U.S. Senator Barack Obama has been elected into the 44th presidency of the United States of America. But, he doesn't move into the oval office tomorrow. How do you think the transistion into the White House will go for Obama? How will the shift of power from George W. Bush transfer over to Obama? Will the transition move smoothly from the Republican party to the Democratic Party? Will Obama have enough time to prepare himself for handling one of the biggest financial crises in American history? All of this is to be done in less than 3 months when Obama is to be innaugurated on January 20, 2009.

--Melvin Mitchell (4:30)

Are hybrid cars really as green as people say they are?

If gas prices start going back up after the Presidential election, would you still keep your gas guzzler or go to hybrid cars? Would it pay off in the long run or be a waste of money? Are hybrid cars really as green as people say they are?

Thanks--

Chris Waters (1:00)

STOP RIGHT HERE!

FALL 2008 STUDENTS

DON'T ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS BELOW THIS. EVERYTHING FROM HERE ON DOWN IS OLD STUFF. THANKS.

Death Penalty

What is your opinion of the death penalty?

Do you think a group of jurors, who may be biased, have the right to decide whether someone should live or die?
What do you think about the fact that it often costs taxpayers more to fund a death penalty program than to jail a convict for life?
Do you think killing someone for a crime, no matter how heinous, is much different than committing a crime?
Is it fair that only some people who commit first degree murder are sentenced to death? Do you find that arbitrary or do you find it just?

If you don't know a lot about the death penalty or don't have a strong opinion about the topic, feel free to go to www.deathpenaltyinfo.org and read a little about it!

Thanks,
Kaitlin Nelson

INFERTILITY!!!!!

What emotional role would infertility play in your life, and what could you do to prevent it?

Infertility is the inability to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months of unprotected intercourse. Primary infertility is the term used to describe a couple that has never been able to conceive a pregnancy. Infertility affects both men and women. About 30 - 40% of all infertility is due to a "male" factor such as:Decreased sperm count,environmental pollutants, hormone deficiency,
Scarring from sexually transmitted diseases that were either left un-treated or reoccured, and a low sperm count. Some factors that affect sperm count are:Heavy marijuana use and use of
prescription drugs such as cimetidine, spironolactone, and nitrofurantoin.

About 40-50% of women are affected by infertility. Most common causes are abnormal egg transport from the cervix through the fallopian tubes, hormone imbalance, ovarian cysts,pelvic infection also known as: PID or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. Other common factors include,
poor nutrition, problem with ovulation and scarring of the female organs or endometriosis. There are also age related factors that prevent couples from acheieving pregnacy due to a woman's egg supply being reduced as she gets older and it is said that a woman's peak fertility age is early-mid 20's.

Pain Killers

Is society too dependent on pain killers? Should people be able to take certain pain medicines if they feel they need to? Should doctors consider more whenever they perscribe a pain medicine? Keep in mind how addictive they can be and how some abuse pain killers to get high, skinny, etc. How do pain killers affect their lives and the rest of society? What can be done to prevent these problems?

Thank you for you time and responses!

Jamie

Legalize Marijuana?

Legalize Marijuana?


Should smoking marijuana be legalized? Why not? What about for medical use? If so, should it be taxed by the government? Do you think the crime rate would drop if it was legalized? Do you think private companies should grow and market it? Should you be able to smoke it out in public, or should it have laws similar to alcohol? What should the minimum age limit be? If it was legalized would you try it?



Thank you for your input, Jeff

Racism in Schools

Is racism still a problem in U.S. schools today? If so, what is the cause of it? Do parents instill racist views in their children? Is there anything schools can do to stop it? How should schools handle racism among students?

Thanks! -Olivia Arnold

GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS

It seems people everywhere are jumping on the band wagon, whether they need it or not. A lot of pressure is being put on different city budgets across the state. Government programs are supposed to be a hand up, not a way of life. Do you think these programs are a burden to society? How do you feel about people cheating the system? Why is it some people needing help are refused? What do you think about a woman having a baby every two years and is on the program so she doesn't have to work to support herself or her children?

Thanks for your response, Jesse

Same-Sex Marriage

What are your views on same-sex marriage? Should it be allowed? Should same-sex couples be forced to accept a "separate-but-equal" approach towards the recognition of their union (civil unions, domestic partnerships)? If you feel that they should be allowed domestic partnerships/civil unions but not marriage, do you feel they should have the same rights as a heterosexual married couple? Should religion play a role in the government's decision of whether to allow same-sex marriage or not? Do you know any same-sex couples? If so, has their relationship affected your views on the topic?

I have tried to include all sides of the argument in the links below--the first being neutral (ideally), second being pro-marriage, and third being opposed. The fourth link is to a list of the 1138 rights only allowed to married couples.
Wikipedia's article on Same-Sex Marriage
Human Rights Campaign's page on Same-Sex Marriage
American Family Association's page on the "homosexual agenda"--articles #3,4,5,6
List of 1138 rights associated with marriage
Map of same-sex rights in Europe
Map of same-sex rights in USA

Thanks for your time and thoughts,

Scott

Illegal Immigration

What do you think about illegal immigration? What do you think should happen to all the illegal immigrants already living and working in the United States? Should children born in the United States to illegal immigrants be allowed the same health benefits that the children of the legal poor receive?

Thanks for your input.
Ginger

Age Differences in relationships

Does a 20-year difference in age make a significant difference in a relationship and can such a relationship stand the test of time? Do your views change if the relationship is interacial?

What do you see as the primary drawbacks or benefits to a relationship in which one person is several or many years older than the other?

How much older/younger than you would you allow your partner to be? Why?

Thank you for your help!

George A. Washington III

Music...or Football?

Because of low funding from the state, several schools nationwide are cutting art programs such as music and drama, before sports. Should the students quit the play and "get ready, set, hut!" or turn in their uniforms and be able to sing "Do-Re-Mi?" Any other suggestions?

Thanks!!

Maria Mathine

same-sex relationships

How do you feel about same-sex marriage? Should people of the same sex be allowed to get married? What are your views on same-sex rights? Do you think same-sex relationships are okay? Why or Why not?

Thanks for your help Edwina Rae

Excuse for drug abuse?

In today's world most of us know the trials caused by drug abuse, whether it be through personal experience or the experiences of someone you know. And one of the things that comes with these experiences are a list of excuses that either justify a user's addiction or paint them as a helpless victim. What I want to know is if there are any excuses that can justify drug abuse? Are abusers truly just innocent victims? And if the user is not to blame, then who is?

Thanks for your help--

Matt

Violent Crimes in Schools

Violent Crimes in Schools? Is there any way to prevent this violence from happening? What are some ways to stop this? Do the schools need to have better Security? Are the parents to blame? Are weapons too easy to get a hold of?

~Katherine Schluter~

Mentally ill people and the work force

Should the mentally ill be allowed in the work force? Should all people applying for a job take tests determining whether they are mentally stable? What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of doing mental tests before giving someone a job? Please explain if you think a mental test before employment should or should not be done.

Hey friends =D! Please view this question from all angles, and then choose a side. Thanks for your time!

~!~Cassandra Griffith~!~

STOP RIGHT HERE . . .

SUMMER STUDENTS: PLEASE DON'T ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS BELOW THIS. THANKS! --john

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)

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)

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

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 Olivinton (1:00)

Teen pregnancy--is it a problem in the U.S. ?

Each year approximately 750,000 women between the ages of 15 and 19 become pregnant. In several states, more than half of these pregnancies end in abortion. The United States has the highest rate of teenage pregnancies when compared to other countries of similar status. Teenagers who have babies are less likely to finish high school. Given these statistics, do you think teenage pregnancy is a serious problem in the United States? Please explain your views.

Thank you!

Twila Douglas (1:00)

Do you think being a professional athlete would be the most ideal job? What are some advantages and disadvantages of playing a pro sport? Would the fame be worth some of the shame?

John Perkins (9:00)

Do you think it's right . . .

Do you think it's right for parents to get their children into child beauty pageants? How about steering them in the direction of acting, singing, or dancing at a young age? Would you do either of these to your children if the chance came up? What are the advantages and disadvantages of influencing your children this way? How might the child be affected? Do you see this kind of influence as being overly pushy or controlling? Is this any different from steering your kids into sports at an early age?

Thanks for your comments--

Stephanie Costa (12:00)

Violent Crimes in School

Over the past few decades, more and more instances of violence in schools are showing up in the media. Is there any way to prevent this violence from happening? What are some logical ways to stop the violence? What is provoking the people into doing these acts? Should security in all schools be increased because of it? Should schools increase awareness about this topic to students?

Thanks for your comments!

Jason Brown (12:00)

Global warming: is it real?

Do you think Global Warming is a real issue? How is global warming affecting us today? Do you think the Earth will look different and feel different in 30 years? Some people think scientists are creating theories and throwing out numbers irresponsibily. Others believe these theories are real. If you do think global warming is real, do you think we are trying hard enough to fight it? Any comments you have on this subject would be appreciated.

Here are some sites to have a look at:

http://ecobridge.org/content/g_evd.htm

http://prisonplanet.com/articles/march2007/090307warminghoax.htm

http://fightglobalwarming.com/

Thanks for your time--

Apifany Hurst (9:00)

How big is too big?

Over half the United States adult population is at least slightly overweight, and many are significantly overweight or obsese, as you can easily see by looking around.

How do you feel about overweight people? Do you think the world today is being overcrowded by overweight people? Do you think we treat people who are overweight different from other people? If so, how and why? Are people who are overweight discriminated against in our culture? Or is the opposite happening--as a greater percentage of people are overweight, is being overweight or obese becoming more accepted?

What are the causes of the increasing number of overweight and obese people in our society? What can be done about this problem? Please explain how you feel about the situation. Do you have a problem with overweight people? Explain.

Thanks for your help!

Greg Owens (1:00)

Ready for an African Amercian to Run the Country?

In what way do you think an African American President would change America or the World for that Matter? Do you believe that it is unwise for an African American to be president considering the risks and the history of rascism in America? Why do you think that America hasn’t had an African American President yet?

--Melissa Renee Jones (12:00)

. . . check out this site if you want to:

http://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/thisweek/2007/04/30_african-am_pres.asp

Should we wait and save ourselves?

Should we wait and save ourselves? Should we save ourselves until marriage? Should we wait till we meet the right person? What if the "right" person turns out to be the wrong person in the end? How can we be sure of their fidelity after we give them our ultimate gift? Is sex before marriage the wrong choice? And if we don't wait, what if they leave us afterwards? By waiting do we in fact save ourselves?

Thanks for your time!

Yiveni Cardoso (1:00)

Legal Drinking Age

Do you think that the legal drinking age should be reduced to age 18? Why or why not? Are people too immature to begin drinking at this age? If so, why do you think this? What are the advantages and disadvantages of lowering the drinking age?

Jessica Ebeling (1:00)

Kids with guns

Where do you place the blame for the recent increase in school shootings? Is it the fault of some sort of media, such as video games, music, or movies? Do you think the news media gives too much attention to the shootings, attracting other troubled people to try to "make a name for themselves," too? Do you think parents are sometimes too lenient or too absent from their children's lives? Or are the people committing these crimes just nuts to begin with?

I wish to know what you think.

Thanks!

Rob Joyce (1:00)

How do men and women significantly differ when it comes to relationships?

-Do they view sex differently?
-Do they have different values and goals when it comes to the relationship?
-How do they feel about their partners' friends who are of the opposite sex?

- What is the most important quality that they look for in a girlfriend/boyfriend?


Thanks!

Emily Stege (12:00)

Legalizing marijuana

Do you think marijuana should be legalized in the United States? Why or why not? If you think marijuana should not be legalized, what's your view on medicinal marijuana? Should marijuana at least be/remain legal for people with symptoms that can be alleviated by smoking it?

Thanks for your help--

George Rayyan (12:00)

Citizenship and health care rights for ALL children?

A problem caused by the onslaught of illegal immigrants into the United States is how to treat their children. Even those who feel that illegal immigrants should have no rights until they become legal citizens can't really blame the children for the choices of their parents, right?

This being the case, should ALL children born in the United States receive the same rights to health care as those children legally born here? Why or why not? Should all children born in the United States automatically be legal American citizens? Why or why not?

Thanks for your input!

Ben Goin (1:00)

What system works the worst?

What is Wrong with America?

Most of our national systems don't seem to work nearly as well as they could. The education system is failing; the welfare program is riddled with abuse; the justice and penal systems are seriously flawed in many ways; we have no working national health care system; social security is heading into trouble; our political system wastes millions and millions of dollars every election year and still results in weak presidents; our national debt has skyrocketed; more and more people are homeless, with more families than ever living on the street; we can't come up with an immigration policy that works; the rich get richer while the poor get poorer; violent crime is still rampant in all big cities.

Of all that appears to be wrong with our society, which system do you think is the worst, and why? How did we get this way? How can we get out? Can you name even one system that works as well as it ought to?

Thanks for your help!

Justin Peacock (1:00)

Is abortion ever okay?

What does the word "abortion" mean to you? When is an abortion okay, and when is it not? Do you think abortion should be legal or illegal? Do you think the government should be able to make decisions for pregnant women, or should they mind their own business?

Please give me any thoughts you have on the subject of abortion.

Thanks for your help!

Khayri Patterson (12:00)

Favorite movie?

I believe movies are the best type of entertainment in society. There are many different types of movies, ranging from expensive to cheap, short to long, funny to sad, and even silent to sound films. What are your three favorite movies of all-time and who is your favorite director? What made you enjoy these movies and if you have an all-time favorite why so? What do you like most about your favorite director?

Thanks for your comments.

Luke Marry (1:00)

President Bush -- a victim of the press?

Do you think that George Walker Bush is truly a terrible president, or is he overly vilified by the media? If the media is too hard on him, what caused this to happen?

thanks!

Harry Coleman (9:00)

Hydrogen cars--a good idea?

With the high cost and the eventual shortage of fuel to run the cars we have today, is hydrogen cars the way to go in the future? What would be the advantages or disadvantages of hydrogen cars compared to other alternatives, such as hybrids or electric cars? How would we fuel up a hydrogen car and not have to worry about the car exploding in hot weather or in crashes?

Please take a minute to read some of the article at this link before you answer: http://www.hydrogencarsnow.com/blog2/

thanks for your comments--

Mike Handal (9:00)

Is the U.S. too focused on materialism?

Materialism

Do you think that America is too materialistic? Do you believe that money can buy happiness? Do you think that people judge others on what materialistic possessions they have? Do you shop to make yourself happy? Do you think Americans are happier because they possess more than people in other countries do? If materialism doesn't lead to happiness, why are people so materialistic?

thanks--

Bryan Skaggs (9:00)

Abortion--is it murder?

Should abortion be illegal or legal? If legal, what is the latest the mother could have the abortion? Six months? Three months? If illegal, why do you think it should be illegal? Is abortion murder or not? Should the mother be scrutinized if she does have an abortion? What if she has three of them? Should there be a limit on how many abortions a woman is allowed to have?

Thanks for your comments.

Jeremy Camfield (1:00)

A new kind of court?

When people with emotional or mental disabilities are accused of committing a crime, should they be tried for the crime outside of the usual court system? Should a special court system be established for such people?

When people with emotional or mental disabilities are accused of committing a crime, should they be tried for the crime outside of the usual court system? Should a special court be established for such people? If so, how do you see this court differing from the criminal court we have now? Do you think people with extreme cases of mental or emotional disability should even be tried at all? How about milder cases? What do you see as the advantages and disadvantages of having a separate court designed for people who are determined to be mentally or emotionally disturbed?

Thanks for your comments!

kaleen bittner (9:00)

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)