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?
Politics
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 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?
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?
Is the lack of civility in American politics a reflection of a general lack of civility in America? How do we address this problem (if you see it as a problem)?
Prescott Valley, AZ Correspondent-The lack of civility in American politics is a reflection of a general lack of civility in America and it does need to be addressed at the highest levels in both the Republican and Democrat parties. Way too many political figures have failed to uphold the rule of law and have betrayed … Continue reading Is the lack of civility in American politics a reflection of a general lack of civility in America? How do we address this problem (if you see it as a problem)?
With state legislatures and the federal government passing new laws almost every day, are we starting to over-criminalize America?
Correspondents were given the following link for this opinion article: Manhattan Institute: Overcriminalization Owatonna, MN Correspondent-I have long believed American society has become far too burdened with laws. If one operates on the premise that for every law there is at least one corresponding lawbreaker, then each law passed gives us at least one if not … Continue reading With state legislatures and the federal government passing new laws almost every day, are we starting to over-criminalize America?
Should Apple help the FBI unlock iPhones that may have information relating to terrorist activities or other criminal activities?
Myrtle Beach, SC Correspondent-Absolutely they should! For several reasons they should. Let’s look at this from a legal standpoint. Your phone, text messages, emails, everything is discoverable evidence in a criminal case. So, let’s play this out. Apple decides NOT to unlock this phone. They basically are opening the flood gates to criminals, terrorists, etc. … Continue reading Should Apple help the FBI unlock iPhones that may have information relating to terrorist activities or other criminal activities?
