Polls on Social and Political Issues
It's difficult to get people to agree on most political or social issues. Whatever the topic, ten different people are likely to have ten different opinions - and that is especially true with atheists because atheism doesn't imply any particular political or social ideologies. Here, though, you can find out what sorts of trends exist among atheists, agnostics, skeptics, and other nonbelievers.
Should Fathers Take Charge of the Daughters' Sexuality?
Religious conservatives are making a strong push to place fathers in charge of their daughters' sexuality and 'sexual purity.' It used to be the case, obviously, that men basically owned their children and controlled daughters' sexuality, but that changed as women gained the right to act as autonomous human beings. So, religious conservatives want to roll that back.
Religious conservatives are making a strong push to place fathers in charge of their daughters' sexuality and 'sexual purity.' It used to be the case, obviously, that men basically owned their children and controlled daughters' sexuality, but that changed as women gained the right to act as autonomous human beings. So, religious conservatives want to roll that back.
Is Marriage Better when Wives Submit to their Husbands?
Traditional Christianity teaches that women should submit to men generally, and that wives in particular should submit to their husbands. Conservative Christian organizations have been emphasizing this teaching more and more because modern society has tended to reject it. Are they right, though, that marriage would be better if women simply submitted instead of insisting on equality?
Traditional Christianity teaches that women should submit to men generally, and that wives in particular should submit to their husbands. Conservative Christian organizations have been emphasizing this teaching more and more because modern society has tended to reject it. Are they right, though, that marriage would be better if women simply submitted instead of insisting on equality?
Are Liberals Too Hostile To Religion & Christianity?
Liberals are often critical of what they perceive to be the excesses and arrogance of the Christian Right, but some fear that this may help promote the perception that liberals are necessarily hostile to religion and Christianity generally rather than just to some forms of it. Is such a perception true?
Liberals are often critical of what they perceive to be the excesses and arrogance of the Christian Right, but some fear that this may help promote the perception that liberals are necessarily hostile to religion and Christianity generally rather than just to some forms of it. Is such a perception true?
Does the Christian Right Ignore Important Christian Values?
Perhaps the most important catch-phrase of the Christian Right is 'family values' and a significant amount of their political, social, and cultural agenda is predicated on the defense of 'family values.' One of the problems with this is that the Christian Right has a very narrow conception of what qualifies as a threat to 'family values.' It's almost all about sex, never money or materialism.
Perhaps the most important catch-phrase of the Christian Right is 'family values' and a significant amount of their political, social, and cultural agenda is predicated on the defense of 'family values.' One of the problems with this is that the Christian Right has a very narrow conception of what qualifies as a threat to 'family values.' It's almost all about sex, never money or materialism.
Has Reality Played a Big Role in the Bush Administration's Policies?
It's common for people to counter the actions and arguments of the Bush administration with their own arguments based upon what they believe to be facts. This may be a mistake because so much of what the Bush administration does is predicated on ideology - and ideology can be more about the construction of fantasy rather an a foundation on facts or reality. What do you think?
It's common for people to counter the actions and arguments of the Bush administration with their own arguments based upon what they believe to be facts. This may be a mistake because so much of what the Bush administration does is predicated on ideology - and ideology can be more about the construction of fantasy rather an a foundation on facts or reality. What do you think?
Has the Internet Become Too Commercialized?
The presence of commercial advertising on the internet isn%u2019t surprising, given the fact that decent sites can be expensive to maintain. There are reasons to think that commercial advertising undermines important aspects of the mission of some sites, though, so perhaps people should take a step back and think about what the increasing commercialization of the internet may mean.
The presence of commercial advertising on the internet isn%u2019t surprising, given the fact that decent sites can be expensive to maintain. There are reasons to think that commercial advertising undermines important aspects of the mission of some sites, though, so perhaps people should take a step back and think about what the increasing commercialization of the internet may mean.
Should Even Conservative Gays Support the Republican Party?
A significant number of conservatives are homophobic and this is why they are so opposed to civil and legal equality for gays. That means that conservative gays who support the Republican Party are supporting efforts to deny themselves equal rights. Even if they agree with the GOP on so many other things, does this make sense for them to do?
A significant number of conservatives are homophobic and this is why they are so opposed to civil and legal equality for gays. That means that conservative gays who support the Republican Party are supporting efforts to deny themselves equal rights. Even if they agree with the GOP on so many other things, does this make sense for them to do?
Is Evolution the Cause of All Society's Ills?
The Christian Right seems to believe that if only everyone followed their brand of Christianity faithfully, everything in society would be good and right. The presence of social problems thus leads them to search out anti-Christian influences which are causing the problems. One of the top items on their list is the teaching of evolution. Are they right?
The Christian Right seems to believe that if only everyone followed their brand of Christianity faithfully, everything in society would be good and right. The presence of social problems thus leads them to search out anti-Christian influences which are causing the problems. One of the top items on their list is the teaching of evolution. Are they right?
Do People Have a Right to Privacy?
Most people are concerned with their privacy, at least when it comes to their own privacy - but just what is privacy? That's a difficult question to answer, in part because the question of privacy is so complicated and filled with so many contradictions. There are many different kinds of privacy which we may or may not have a right to...
Most people are concerned with their privacy, at least when it comes to their own privacy - but just what is privacy? That's a difficult question to answer, in part because the question of privacy is so complicated and filled with so many contradictions. There are many different kinds of privacy which we may or may not have a right to...
Should Schools Teach the Mormon Beliefs?
Mormon faith is predicated upon a simple and testable idea: ancient Hebrews traveled to the Americas and established here a civilization. Whether this is true or not can be determined by basic DNA tests. Do the peoples of America have any genetic connection to Semites from the Middle East?
Mormon faith is predicated upon a simple and testable idea: ancient Hebrews traveled to the Americas and established here a civilization. Whether this is true or not can be determined by basic DNA tests. Do the peoples of America have any genetic connection to Semites from the Middle East?
Should the Media Refuse to Publish Offensive Material?
In America, newspapers and television news programs have fallen all over themselves to avoid reproducing the Danish cartoons of Muhammad in order to avoid 'offending' people who might riot and murder when they are offended. It is argued that because the material offends, it must therefore be kept out of the public view. Should all offensive material really dealt with like this?
In America, newspapers and television news programs have fallen all over themselves to avoid reproducing the Danish cartoons of Muhammad in order to avoid 'offending' people who might riot and murder when they are offended. It is argued that because the material offends, it must therefore be kept out of the public view. Should all offensive material really dealt with like this?
Should it be Legal to Mock or Disrespect Religion?
Protecting freedom of expression and speech is absolutely critical for freedom in a liberal democratic society. When freedom of expression is not protected, the result is oppression and tyranny. Should poking fun at religion be allowed, though? Should the media be able to insult religious beliefs? Some believe that it should be illegal to disrespect religion because this hurts people's feelings...
Protecting freedom of expression and speech is absolutely critical for freedom in a liberal democratic society. When freedom of expression is not protected, the result is oppression and tyranny. Should poking fun at religion be allowed, though? Should the media be able to insult religious beliefs? Some believe that it should be illegal to disrespect religion because this hurts people's feelings...
Does Religion Play Too Much or Too Little of a Role in People's Lives?
Religion is very important for a lot of people - so important, in fact, that it's common for religious believers to be incredulous that others don't accept their religion and may not accept any religion at all. They just can't imagine why others wouldn't care about religion, personally, and may even object to religion.
Religion is very important for a lot of people - so important, in fact, that it's common for religious believers to be incredulous that others don't accept their religion and may not accept any religion at all. They just can't imagine why others wouldn't care about religion, personally, and may even object to religion.
Has Western Culture Become Atheistic and Irreligious?
For a lot of Christians, 'atheist' is a label designed to denigrate, not describe. People who don't adhere faithfully to religious doctrines are 'practical atheists.' The broader culture is 'atheistic' because if fails to embody or enforce the religious dogmas which someone deems critical. Is any of this sensible or reasonable?
For a lot of Christians, 'atheist' is a label designed to denigrate, not describe. People who don't adhere faithfully to religious doctrines are 'practical atheists.' The broader culture is 'atheistic' because if fails to embody or enforce the religious dogmas which someone deems critical. Is any of this sensible or reasonable?
Will Iranians be able to Make Iran More Secular?
In Iran, Muslims know what it is like to live under an Islamic government - and they aren't joyful about it. The failures of the government, and there are many, become failures of Islam and for this reason many Muslim clerics would like to see a greater separation of church and state.
In Iran, Muslims know what it is like to live under an Islamic government - and they aren't joyful about it. The failures of the government, and there are many, become failures of Islam and for this reason many Muslim clerics would like to see a greater separation of church and state.
Will Iraq Become a Secular Democracy or a Theocracy?
The current explanation for America's invasion of Iraq is the need to spread democracy throughout the region and thereby ensuring freedom and safety not only for people in the Middle East, but elsewhere as well. This is certainly a laudable goal, but is there any evidence that it will work? Will Iraq become a secular democracy or will it become a theocracy?
The current explanation for America's invasion of Iraq is the need to spread democracy throughout the region and thereby ensuring freedom and safety not only for people in the Middle East, but elsewhere as well. This is certainly a laudable goal, but is there any evidence that it will work? Will Iraq become a secular democracy or will it become a theocracy?
How Powerful Should the Government Be?
Early democratic theorists in the West grew up in the context of generally un-democratic states where government held absolute power, but was limited in its relationship with the rest of society. Today's democratic governments have limited power, but are extensive in their relationships with society. Modern democratic societies seem to require larger, more expansive governments...
Early democratic theorists in the West grew up in the context of generally un-democratic states where government held absolute power, but was limited in its relationship with the rest of society. Today's democratic governments have limited power, but are extensive in their relationships with society. Modern democratic societies seem to require larger, more expansive governments...
Will Liberal Catholics In America Reform Their Church?
Probably the largest and most influential group of liberal Catholic believers is the Voice of the Faithful. They seek to reform church policies when it comes to organization and control. The problem is that Voice of the Faithful is primarily older and white, which is not the demographics of the church%u2019s future. They won't get anywhere if they cannot attract a membership which will endure.
Probably the largest and most influential group of liberal Catholic believers is the Voice of the Faithful. They seek to reform church policies when it comes to organization and control. The problem is that Voice of the Faithful is primarily older and white, which is not the demographics of the church%u2019s future. They won't get anywhere if they cannot attract a membership which will endure.
Should Public Schools Use Abstinence-Only Sex Education Programs?
The Bush administration wants abstinence-only sex education so badly that they have tied federal funding to the existence of such programs in public schools. They don't care if the programs work or not - they endorse these programs because they are consistent with a religious ideology, not because there is any evidence of effectiveness.
The Bush administration wants abstinence-only sex education so badly that they have tied federal funding to the existence of such programs in public schools. They don't care if the programs work or not - they endorse these programs because they are consistent with a religious ideology, not because there is any evidence of effectiveness.
Is Christianity Inherently, Necessarily Anti-Semitic?
American Christians today have rejected the overt, bigoted anti-Semitism that characterized Christianity of the past. They no longer conspire to keep Jews out of housing, jobs, universities, and other places in society. This bigotry has not been entirely replaced by acceptance, though - it has been replaced in many ways by a quieter contempt.
American Christians today have rejected the overt, bigoted anti-Semitism that characterized Christianity of the past. They no longer conspire to keep Jews out of housing, jobs, universities, and other places in society. This bigotry has not been entirely replaced by acceptance, though - it has been replaced in many ways by a quieter contempt.
Should Charities Accept The Donations Of Wiccans?
A Wiccan coven in Ramah, Colorado, caused trouble because they wanted to raise money for charity and local Christians couldn't stop them. Eventually, the hospital they wanted to raise money demanded that their name be removed from all literature for the event - they don't want charity from pagans. Was this just? Should Wiccans just sit down and shut up lest they disturb Christians?
A Wiccan coven in Ramah, Colorado, caused trouble because they wanted to raise money for charity and local Christians couldn't stop them. Eventually, the hospital they wanted to raise money demanded that their name be removed from all literature for the event - they don't want charity from pagans. Was this just? Should Wiccans just sit down and shut up lest they disturb Christians?
Is America Developing An Imperial Presidency?
Just how much personal power should a president have? In times of crisis or uncertainty, people seem to have a need to look up to a strong leader who will rescue them and lead them into a brighter future - thus the inclination to invest more and more power in a single office or single person. This is a dangerous trend, though.
Just how much personal power should a president have? In times of crisis or uncertainty, people seem to have a need to look up to a strong leader who will rescue them and lead them into a brighter future - thus the inclination to invest more and more power in a single office or single person. This is a dangerous trend, though.
Have Americans Rejected Conservatism?
It%u2019s clear that many basic conservative positions on legal questions are well outside the mainstream, but at the same time a significant number of Americans continue to consider themselves %u201Cconservative.%u201D Unless all of those people simply don%u2019t understand themselves, something else must be going on. Are Americans really conservative, or is conservatism being rejected?
It%u2019s clear that many basic conservative positions on legal questions are well outside the mainstream, but at the same time a significant number of Americans continue to consider themselves %u201Cconservative.%u201D Unless all of those people simply don%u2019t understand themselves, something else must be going on. Are Americans really conservative, or is conservatism being rejected?
What Will Future Be For Christian Extremists In America?
Quite a few in the Christian Right openly challenge the legitimacy of large portions of the American political system. They want to substitute God's laws for civil laws, to remove categories of cases from court review, and to privilege Christians over everyone else in society. What is preventing them from using violence? Where will they go in the future?
Quite a few in the Christian Right openly challenge the legitimacy of large portions of the American political system. They want to substitute God's laws for civil laws, to remove categories of cases from court review, and to privilege Christians over everyone else in society. What is preventing them from using violence? Where will they go in the future?
What Do You Think Of C.S. Lewis' Narnia Books?
The Narnia books from C.S. Lewis are read and enjoyed by people all over the world - sometimes because of the religious elements, sometimes despite them. They are even popular with some atheists, even though the books were written with an overt and deliberate Christian agenda. What do you think?
The Narnia books from C.S. Lewis are read and enjoyed by people all over the world - sometimes because of the religious elements, sometimes despite them. They are even popular with some atheists, even though the books were written with an overt and deliberate Christian agenda. What do you think?
Would Jesus be a Christian in America?
Many Christians ask 'what would Jesus do,' but perhaps they should take a step back and ask if Jesus would even admit to being a Christian in the context of contemporary American Christianity. What, if anything, do American Christians today have to do with the principles and commands attributed to Jesus in the Bible?
Many Christians ask 'what would Jesus do,' but perhaps they should take a step back and ask if Jesus would even admit to being a Christian in the context of contemporary American Christianity. What, if anything, do American Christians today have to do with the principles and commands attributed to Jesus in the Bible?
Daily Poll: Will Intelligent Design Harm Conservatism?
Anti-science programs are playing an increasing role in American conservatism. The biggest example is the advocacy of Intelligent Design: a direct attack on a basic scientific theory because religious ideology demands it. The question is, will the anti-science attitudes of conservatives come to hurt them later?
Anti-science programs are playing an increasing role in American conservatism. The biggest example is the advocacy of Intelligent Design: a direct attack on a basic scientific theory because religious ideology demands it. The question is, will the anti-science attitudes of conservatives come to hurt them later?
Is Divorce too Easy in America?
The arguments being used by the Christian Right today against gay marriage are similar to those once used against the liberalization of divorce laws. Today divorce is much easier than it was in the past because society has decided that divorce is a civil matter, subject to civil laws voted on by our elected representatives - not religious laws ...
The arguments being used by the Christian Right today against gay marriage are similar to those once used against the liberalization of divorce laws. Today divorce is much easier than it was in the past because society has decided that divorce is a civil matter, subject to civil laws voted on by our elected representatives - not religious laws ...
Does Bush think he is receiving orders from God?
I've written before about how George W. Bush believes that God gives him instructions about whom the American military should be told to attack and that he is doing God's work in the world. At a meeting with a Pennsylvania Amish family, Bush repeated his belief that God speaks through him. Are these reports true, though?
I've written before about how George W. Bush believes that God gives him instructions about whom the American military should be told to attack and that he is doing God's work in the world. At a meeting with a Pennsylvania Amish family, Bush repeated his belief that God speaks through him. Are these reports true, though?
Should America Care About Being Popular?
America's recent policies on the environment, the Middle East, and other issues has led to a steep decline in American popularity around the world. Is this something that citizens or politicians should be worrying about or is it ultimately irrelevant?
America's recent policies on the environment, the Middle East, and other issues has led to a steep decline in American popularity around the world. Is this something that citizens or politicians should be worrying about or is it ultimately irrelevant?
Restricting Muslims' Civil Liberties
A recent survey has found widespread support for cutting the civil liberties of Muslims and people from the Middle East. The strongest support comes from those who are the most religious and who are Republican. How do you feel about some of the proposals?
A recent survey has found widespread support for cutting the civil liberties of Muslims and people from the Middle East. The strongest support comes from those who are the most religious and who are Republican. How do you feel about some of the proposals?
Should Abstinence Programs That Lie Be Used?
Abstinence programs are popular with Christian Right: if sex is going to be mentioned in schools, it's only going to be mentioned in a manner that discourages it. Unfortunately these abstinence programs seem to be teaching all kinds of lies and myths in order to get the message across.
Abstinence programs are popular with Christian Right: if sex is going to be mentioned in schools, it's only going to be mentioned in a manner that discourages it. Unfortunately these abstinence programs seem to be teaching all kinds of lies and myths in order to get the message across.
Should Boy Scout Bigotry Be Defended?
Senate Republicans would like to pass legislation that would assert that no federal law, directive, rule, or instruction would prevent any federal agency from supporting the Boy Scouts. Thus, the BSA would be able to discriminate without the repercussions that other groups deal with.
Senate Republicans would like to pass legislation that would assert that no federal law, directive, rule, or instruction would prevent any federal agency from supporting the Boy Scouts. Thus, the BSA would be able to discriminate without the repercussions that other groups deal with.
Which Alternative Should Israel Follow?
Everyone knows that the situation between Israelis and Palestinians is very difficult. Everyone would like to see some sort of peaceful resolution. Not everyone seems to fully appreciate just how narrow and unpleasant the available options are. What should they do?
Everyone knows that the situation between Israelis and Palestinians is very difficult. Everyone would like to see some sort of peaceful resolution. Not everyone seems to fully appreciate just how narrow and unpleasant the available options are. What should they do?
Should Westerners Try to End Female Circumcision?
Female Circumcision, often commonly labeled Female Genital Mutilation, is practiced widely in some cultures but banned in most western nations. Are such bans justified? After all, who are western liberals to decide that certain cultural practices shouldn't be permitted?
Female Circumcision, often commonly labeled Female Genital Mutilation, is practiced widely in some cultures but banned in most western nations. Are such bans justified? After all, who are western liberals to decide that certain cultural practices shouldn't be permitted?
Can Military Force Be Used to Democratize the World?
America didn't get to the point where it is overnight - the original American government was far less democratic than it is now and there are plenty who argue that it has a lot of room for improvement. But can America impose democracy elsewhere via military force?
America didn't get to the point where it is overnight - the original American government was far less democratic than it is now and there are plenty who argue that it has a lot of room for improvement. But can America impose democracy elsewhere via military force?
Does Vietnam Still Matter?
The presidential campaign of 2004 featured a lot of discussion about Vietnam and the two main candidates' actions during that role. Many have complained that the campaign should deal more with current issues, not a war from 30 years ago, but is Vietnam really so irrelevant?
The presidential campaign of 2004 featured a lot of discussion about Vietnam and the two main candidates' actions during that role. Many have complained that the campaign should deal more with current issues, not a war from 30 years ago, but is Vietnam really so irrelevant?
What's George W. Bush's Job Performance Like?
Some people think that George W. Bush is doing a fantastic job - especially where the fight against terrorism is concerned. Others, however, think that he is one of the worst presidents in America's history. Where do you stand on President Bush's job performance?
Some people think that George W. Bush is doing a fantastic job - especially where the fight against terrorism is concerned. Others, however, think that he is one of the worst presidents in America's history. Where do you stand on President Bush's job performance?
What's the Most Important Issue Facing America?
Political debates often revolve around what different candidates think the most important issue is. Should people focus more on international terrorism or domestic economic problems? Is health care a hot issue or not? Well, what do you regard as the most important issue today?
Political debates often revolve around what different candidates think the most important issue is. Should people focus more on international terrorism or domestic economic problems? Is health care a hot issue or not? Well, what do you regard as the most important issue today?
As an atheist, what is your political orientation?
The only thing all atheists have in common is the absence of belief in gods - nothing more, nothing less. Beyond that, atheists can have all sorts of beliefs when it comes to philosophy, metaphysics, ethics, and politics. What are your political beliefs - where in the political spectrum do you fall?
The only thing all atheists have in common is the absence of belief in gods - nothing more, nothing less. Beyond that, atheists can have all sorts of beliefs when it comes to philosophy, metaphysics, ethics, and politics. What are your political beliefs - where in the political spectrum do you fall?
Is Bush Manipulating Science for Political Reasons?
There have been a number of incidents where it appears that science has been manipulated for the sake of political or even religious preferences - putting creationist tracts at the Grand Canyon, for example. Is this part of a pattern of subordinating science to politics?
There have been a number of incidents where it appears that science has been manipulated for the sake of political or even religious preferences - putting creationist tracts at the Grand Canyon, for example. Is this part of a pattern of subordinating science to politics?
Do You Trust Electronic Voting Machines?
Many places in America are trying to move to electronic voting machines, thinking that they are more reliable than the old paper ballots. Some are arguing, though, that these machines are inaccurate, leave no paper trial for checking results, and are vulnerable to hacking. They ever worry that the companies that make them are untrustworthy and could tamper with the results.
Many places in America are trying to move to electronic voting machines, thinking that they are more reliable than the old paper ballots. Some are arguing, though, that these machines are inaccurate, leave no paper trial for checking results, and are vulnerable to hacking. They ever worry that the companies that make them are untrustworthy and could tamper with the results.
Government Funding of Faith-Based Discrimination
Bush's proposed faith-based initiatives are about more than letting religious groups get government funding and administer government services - they can already do that. What is being sought is to allow them to discriminate for religious reasons while using government money. Many argue that religious groups should have to choose between public funding and discrimination.
Bush's proposed faith-based initiatives are about more than letting religious groups get government funding and administer government services - they can already do that. What is being sought is to allow them to discriminate for religious reasons while using government money. Many argue that religious groups should have to choose between public funding and discrimination.
Postponing Elections in the Event of Terrorism
There has been some discussion about setting up the conditions for postponing federal elections in the event of a large terrorist attack. At first glance this seems like it might be reasonable - after all, if people are scared they might not vote or they might vote differently. ,There are, however, strong arguments against it. What do you think?
There has been some discussion about setting up the conditions for postponing federal elections in the event of a large terrorist attack. At first glance this seems like it might be reasonable - after all, if people are scared they might not vote or they might vote differently. ,There are, however, strong arguments against it. What do you think?
Republican Party Hiding Christian Right Connections?
It has been argued that the Republican Party has, at times, down played their close ties to radical Christian Right groups in order to appeal to moderate voters who wouldn't support the groups' extreme agenda - for example, by not inviting certain activists to speak at the Republican convention. Do you think that has been happening or is this just a case of selective use of data?
It has been argued that the Republican Party has, at times, down played their close ties to radical Christian Right groups in order to appeal to moderate voters who wouldn't support the groups' extreme agenda - for example, by not inviting certain activists to speak at the Republican convention. Do you think that has been happening or is this just a case of selective use of data?
Was George W. Bush AWOL or even a Deserter?
More and more people are asking whether George W. Bush was not simply AWOL in 1973 but, in fact, a deserter according to military definitions. Either accusation is pretty serious but at the same time the evidence against him is serious as well. What do you think?
More and more people are asking whether George W. Bush was not simply AWOL in 1973 but, in fact, a deserter according to military definitions. Either accusation is pretty serious but at the same time the evidence against him is serious as well. What do you think?
President: Regular Guy or Elite?
In almost every election, and certainly in every presidential election, the candidates compete to be seen as the most "regular guy" in the crowd. The premise seems to be that only a "regular guy" can understand and address the needs of the average citizen. Is this a valid position? Should candidates really shun the label "elite"?
In almost every election, and certainly in every presidential election, the candidates compete to be seen as the most "regular guy" in the crowd. The premise seems to be that only a "regular guy" can understand and address the needs of the average citizen. Is this a valid position? Should candidates really shun the label "elite"?
Is FOX News really 'Fair and Balanced'?
Fox News is well-known for the slogan that they are "fair and balanced," a statement greeted with much derision by critics. Some, though, are going a bit further and are challenging this phrase as "deceptive advertising" with the Federal Trade Commission. Are they really fair and balanced?
Fox News is well-known for the slogan that they are "fair and balanced," a statement greeted with much derision by critics. Some, though, are going a bit further and are challenging this phrase as "deceptive advertising" with the Federal Trade Commission. Are they really fair and balanced?
Should the American Media Be More Critical / Skeptical?
Some have complained that the major news media in America have been acting as little more than the unofficial propaganda arm of the United States government, dutifully repeating whatever they are told without bothering to check, question, or challenge. Do you agree or are such allegations overblown?
Some have complained that the major news media in America have been acting as little more than the unofficial propaganda arm of the United States government, dutifully repeating whatever they are told without bothering to check, question, or challenge. Do you agree or are such allegations overblown?
Can the President Ignore Anti-Torture Laws?
Military lawyers have argued in a memo that the president has the authority to set aside laws as he sees fit and, therefore, just about anything subordinates do while under the president's orders should be permitted. Is this an argument for dispensing with the rule of law and substituting for it the rule of one person, a dictatorship, or is it a needed tactic in the war on terrorism?
Military lawyers have argued in a memo that the president has the authority to set aside laws as he sees fit and, therefore, just about anything subordinates do while under the president's orders should be permitted. Is this an argument for dispensing with the rule of law and substituting for it the rule of one person, a dictatorship, or is it a needed tactic in the war on terrorism?
Concentration of Power Over Voting Machines - A Problem?
More and more places are moving to electronic voting instead of the old paper ballots. Did you know that two brothers, Bob and Todd Urosevich, own the companies that will count about 80% of all votes in the next presidential election? Do you suppose that this is a bit too much power and responsibility to be placed in the hands of too few unaccountable people?
More and more places are moving to electronic voting instead of the old paper ballots. Did you know that two brothers, Bob and Todd Urosevich, own the companies that will count about 80% of all votes in the next presidential election? Do you suppose that this is a bit too much power and responsibility to be placed in the hands of too few unaccountable people?
Should Atheists Vote Republican?
There are plenty of conservative atheists who tend to vote for Republican candidates, but is that a mistake? The Republican Party takes a strong position against many things important to even conservative atheists, like maintaining the separation of church and state. It's also beholden to the Christian Right. Are atheists who vote Republican just hurting themselves?
There are plenty of conservative atheists who tend to vote for Republican candidates, but is that a mistake? The Republican Party takes a strong position against many things important to even conservative atheists, like maintaining the separation of church and state. It's also beholden to the Christian Right. Are atheists who vote Republican just hurting themselves?
Should Anti-Gay Politicians Be Outed?
Some of those who have been involved in crafting anti-gay legislation and policies are themselves gay - and as a result, some gay activists have worked to out them and reveal the truth. It has been argued that such outings are inappropriate because a person's sexuality should remain private. That's a reasonable argument, but it is good enough?
Some of those who have been involved in crafting anti-gay legislation and policies are themselves gay - and as a result, some gay activists have worked to out them and reveal the truth. It has been argued that such outings are inappropriate because a person's sexuality should remain private. That's a reasonable argument, but it is good enough?
Should the President Act on Instructions from God?
President Bush has been quoted as saying that God instructed him to 'strike at al Qaida' and then to 'strike at Saddam.' Do we really want a president who is listening to and obeying orders from his god from than from his constituents, the citizens of the United States who elected him?
President Bush has been quoted as saying that God instructed him to 'strike at al Qaida' and then to 'strike at Saddam.' Do we really want a president who is listening to and obeying orders from his god from than from his constituents, the citizens of the United States who elected him?
Does Ann Coulter Accurately Represent American Conservtism?
Ann Coulter is something of a unique figure in American politics. A British journalist recently had a chance to sit down and talk to Ann, trying to figure out why she says what she does and whether she actually believes what she says. Do you consider her an accurate reflection of where American conservatism is today?
Ann Coulter is something of a unique figure in American politics. A British journalist recently had a chance to sit down and talk to Ann, trying to figure out why she says what she does and whether she actually believes what she says. Do you consider her an accurate reflection of where American conservatism is today?
Is Criticizing the Government a Form of Treason?
There are a number of people who attempt to equate free speech with treason. For them, the revelation of misdeeds of the government or even just criticisms of the government are the same as betrayal of one's country. Do they have a point or are they undermining the freedoms they pretend to be defending?
There are a number of people who attempt to equate free speech with treason. For them, the revelation of misdeeds of the government or even just criticisms of the government are the same as betrayal of one's country. Do they have a point or are they undermining the freedoms they pretend to be defending?
Should Ex-Felons Be Allowed to Vote?
A few states not only prevent prisoners and parolees from voting, but also convicted felons who have completely served their sentences and are "free" now. This includes Florida. Why - because voting would be dangerous to society? No, because they wouldn't vote Republican. Is that ethical?
A few states not only prevent prisoners and parolees from voting, but also convicted felons who have completely served their sentences and are "free" now. This includes Florida. Why - because voting would be dangerous to society? No, because they wouldn't vote Republican. Is that ethical?
Should Americans with Dementia Be Allowed to Vote?
American voters are increasingly demented - literally. More and more Americans are suffering from one form of dementia or another and there is nothing that stops them from voting in elections. Indeed, they sometimes turn out in higher numbers (percentage-wise) than the rest of the population.
American voters are increasingly demented - literally. More and more Americans are suffering from one form of dementia or another and there is nothing that stops them from voting in elections. Indeed, they sometimes turn out in higher numbers (percentage-wise) than the rest of the population.
How Will You Vote in the 2004 Presidential Election?
Many have claimed that the 2004 presidential election is the most important in recent memory - it will decide the course of the war in Iraq, the course of the war on terrorism, and the future of America's international standing. How do you plan on voting?
Many have claimed that the 2004 presidential election is the most important in recent memory - it will decide the course of the war in Iraq, the course of the war on terrorism, and the future of America's international standing. How do you plan on voting?
Who Will Win the 2004 Presidential Election?
A significant percentage of people who vote in an election vote for someone who doesn't win. Thus, regardless of how you vote in the 2004 presidential election, the person you vote might lose. So who do you think will win the election, regardless of how you vote - or even if you don't vote?
A significant percentage of people who vote in an election vote for someone who doesn't win. Thus, regardless of how you vote in the 2004 presidential election, the person you vote might lose. So who do you think will win the election, regardless of how you vote - or even if you don't vote?
Did George Bush Steal the 2000 Election?
Many Americans believe that George W. Bush lost the 2000 presidential election - he received fewer popular votes and the counting of votes in Florida was illegally halted. They say the Supreme Court unethically gave him victory and Al Gore is the legal president. Do you agree?
Many Americans believe that George W. Bush lost the 2000 presidential election - he received fewer popular votes and the counting of votes in Florida was illegally halted. They say the Supreme Court unethically gave him victory and Al Gore is the legal president. Do you agree?