Gastonia, NC Correspondent-“Sin” taxes are nothing new. Every time a municipal, state or federal government needs to raise some fast cash, it slaps new taxes on things we feel guilty for using anyway, such as alcohol or tobacco. The voices against such increases are muted because no one wants to be seen as championing an … Continue reading Philadelphia became the first major city to pass a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on sugary drinks. Is this really in the best health interests of the people or is this another government tax and spend overreach? Will this realistically curb consumption of sodas?
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Is it fair game to question the independence and objectivity of judges and jurors when political persuasion or race may prejudice their decisions or give the appearance of prejudicial their decisions?
Gastonia, NC Correspondent-We in this country spend entirely too much time looking for prejudice under every rock. Are there people in the world who are prejudiced? Yep! They’re called humans. Every single blessed one of us has prejudices. We are hardwired to have them. Humans are a tribal society, and as much as the granola-ridden … Continue reading Is it fair game to question the independence and objectivity of judges and jurors when political persuasion or race may prejudice their decisions or give the appearance of prejudicial their decisions?
Should parents of child who climbed in gorilla enclosure at the Cincinnati Zoo, causing Harambe to be killed, be held criminally responsible for the child’s behavior in the death of a critically endangered species?
Myrtle Beach, SC, Orlando, FL June 13, 2016 Myrtle Beach Correspondent-Let me start by saying I’m not a parent so you can take my opinion with a grain of salt. That being said this is probably not a case of a “bad mother” more-so a case of “bad-judgment” or lack of common sense. It is … Continue reading Should parents of child who climbed in gorilla enclosure at the Cincinnati Zoo, causing Harambe to be killed, be held criminally responsible for the child’s behavior in the death of a critically endangered species?
With the precipitous decline in bee colonies as a result of toxic chemicals/pesticides is it time to ban the use of pesticides?
Owatonna, MN Correspondent-The knee-jerk reaction is to think, “Of course we should ban the use of pesticides. They are poisonous, sometimes carcinogenic, and often harm wildlife or beneficial plants.” One of the best-known examples of successfully banning a pesticide took place in the 1970s when the World Health Organization (WHO) banned the chemical DDT in … Continue reading With the precipitous decline in bee colonies as a result of toxic chemicals/pesticides is it time to ban the use of pesticides?
Should the US apologize to Hiroshima survivors when President Obama visits next week?
Owatonna, MN Correspondent- “War is hell.” Famous words from General William T. Sherman during the Civil War. People die and are injured by acts of war. Innocent people in many cases. All because their leaders’ egos get in the way of peaceful coexistence. In the case of the Hiroshima survivors, why must they be singled … Continue reading Should the US apologize to Hiroshima survivors when President Obama visits next week?
How far is too far with respect to court cases and cell phone data (ex. Records, texts, pictures, content)? Should cell phone data be limited to certain types of cases?
Prescott Valley, AZ Correspondent- Cell phone data and court cases appear to be linked in the world of instantaneous reporting of almost every event taking place across the country. Strong visuals and video activity as well as texts, phone conversations, records and other content can reveal considerable evidence, but whether a court case should be … Continue reading How far is too far with respect to court cases and cell phone data (ex. Records, texts, pictures, content)? Should cell phone data be limited to certain types of cases?
When do High School pranks go too far, and what sort of punishment is appropriate? For example; Arizona Student faces 69 charges of indecent exposure and 1 felony charge of furnishing indecent material to minors for yearbook photo prank. Is this too harsh or a good enforcement of the law?
http://wlos.com/news/offbeat/hs-football-player-charged-after-exposing-himself-in-yearbook-team-photo \ Owatonna, MN Correspondent- One of the realities of modern life is children grow up much faster than they used to, have access to all that is good and bad in the world via electronic media, and also seem to have a lower level of morality and modesty. As a result, incidents like the student … Continue reading When do High School pranks go too far, and what sort of punishment is appropriate? For example; Arizona Student faces 69 charges of indecent exposure and 1 felony charge of furnishing indecent material to minors for yearbook photo prank. Is this too harsh or a good enforcement of the law?
What are the ramifications if the Sandy Hook families succeed in the wrongful death case against Remington, the maker of the gun used in the Sandy Hook attack?
Gastonia, NC Correspondent-The Sandy Hook massacre was one of those events that proves to me that even after 16 years as a news editor, starting just a year before the 9/11 attacks, there are still things that can shock and horrify me. I have sons who were the age of the children mowed down in … Continue reading What are the ramifications if the Sandy Hook families succeed in the wrongful death case against Remington, the maker of the gun used in the Sandy Hook attack?
Is tort reform a key element of driving down the cost of malpractice insurance for doctors and keeping healthcare costs in check?
Gastonia, NC Correspondent-Now here’s an issue I haven’t heard about in a while! The brouhaha over Obamacare and its attendant bureaucratic explosion has driven tort reform and malpractice reform from the front of the health care discussion, but the problem is still very much in existence. There are bad doctors just as there are bad … Continue reading Is tort reform a key element of driving down the cost of malpractice insurance for doctors and keeping healthcare costs in check?
Should the United States re-write laws to allow Puerto Rico to go through the bankruptcy process and should the taxpayers fund a bailout of Puerto Rico? Does this create a precedent for other cities, states, and municipalities that want taxpayer funded bailouts?
Prescott Valley, AZ Correspondent-As Puerto Rico is an island territory of the United States as opposed to a city or town, neither should laws be re-written to allow Puerto Rico to go through the bankruptcy process nor should taxpayers fund a bailout of Puerto Rico. Though Puerto Rico is under American law and the Constitution … Continue reading Should the United States re-write laws to allow Puerto Rico to go through the bankruptcy process and should the taxpayers fund a bailout of Puerto Rico? Does this create a precedent for other cities, states, and municipalities that want taxpayer funded bailouts?
