Sheffield, Jamaica Correspondent-Whether you’d like it or not, let me first add that our country, the world on a whole, is suffering from moral laxity. What was seen as abnormal by societal and Biblical standards years ago, are now frowned upon. Then, it’s no surprise same sex marriage has been legalized. Could it be that we’re running in the lowest sink of debauchery? ABSOLUTELY! As if legalizing same sex marriage was not abhorrent enough, there’s talk to legalize polygamy. Continue reading
Society
Symposium 2015: Should unemployment and welfare benefits be tied to community service?
Prescott Valley, AZ Correspondent-More and more Americans unable to find work are drawing unemployment and welfare. The negative side of this pervasive problem is that getting paid for too much free time becomes an open invitation to an irresistible lifestyle for some. Who wouldn’t like to get paid for doing nothing? This way of life has developed a group of complacent individuals otherwise known as freeloaders or leeches. Though some are genuinely concerned about finding work and the satisfaction of providing for themselves and their families, the lackadaisical types are more comfortable maintaining a moocher lifestyle. Continue reading
Symposium 2015: Do video games contribute to youth violence?
Gastonia, NC Correspondent-The first time I became aware of the issue of kids being influenced by violent video games was back in the dark ages, when Punch-Out was one of the hot arcade commodities. Continue reading
Symposium 2015: Do drones present a threat to individuals’ privacy and security?
Prescott Valley, AZ Correspondent-Though drones have been used in a number of federal and state government surveillance programs to combat local crime, they have also been used to scrutinize southern border intrusions, terrorist activity, weapons running, and seek and destroy efforts in Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran and other Middle Eastern war zones. In spite of the sometimes questionable use of drones for protective and combative efforts, their domestic use has been challenged concerning the threats that drones pose to an individual’s privacy and security. Continue reading
Symposium 2015: Has social media’s impact on society and the world done more good or more harm?
Sheffield, Jamaica Correspondent-Social media is the ultimate news platform. Whatever information you can think about collecting, social media is the aggregator. Exerting such power, it’s not surprising people of various socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds flock to social media, to find what they want. The innovation of the #hashtag has made it even more seamless for people to discover what they want. With a simple search, they have information right at their fingertips. Continue reading
Symposium 2015: Do schools need more authority to discipline students? If so, how do we accomplish this?
Sheffield, Jamaica Correspondent-Through a video watched on Facebook, I was quite appalled by the level of indiscipline in the classroom. Teachers have no authority whatsoever with regards to disciplining children. Students do absolutely whatever they want, even in the presence of their teacher. Also, think about the level of violence meted out to teachers daily. These include verbal and at times, physical abuse. Should we allow the morals of students to collapse in the classroom or do schools need more authority to discipline students? Continue reading
Symposium 2015: should all states mandate water conservation at some level?
Prescott Valley, AZ Correspondent-Not all states have mandated water conservation, but there are those that should implement it at some level, as water tables and underground aquifers are in the process of depletion due to drought and unfavorable environmental conditions in many states across the nation. Continue reading
In light of the recent proposed boycotting of The Oscars, should the standards be changed to ensure more diversity or should nominees be judged on their work alone? Does the boycotting have merit or is it hypocritical seeing as the BET awards are mainly African American?
Myrtle Beach, SC, Orlando, FL January 28, 2016
Prescott Valley, AZ Correspondent-In light of the recent boycotting of The Oscars, the standards have indeed been quickly overhauled to ensure diversity. The Academy recently announced that a number of its current rules would be changed to promote diversity in its membership. Any new rulings would not go into effect until after the 2016 Oscars, and from there it would be retroactive for all current members. Continue reading
Symposium 2015: In light of recent terrorist attacks, should the federal government increase domestic surveillance? How far should a domestic surveillance program be allowed to go?
Owatanna, MN Correspondent-If the federal government expects domestic terrorist attacks in the future, then unfortunately, they should increase domestic surveillance. This is unfortunate because government is always too eager to place everyone in the “suspicious” category, presume guilt instead of innocence, and end up harassing or worse citizens whose behavior may not conform to arbitrary standards of proper conduct. Continue reading
Symposium 2015: Should the federal government increase progressive taxation or the federal minimum wage as a way to address income inequality?
Gastonia, NC Correspondent-There’s a reason why Robin Hood is one of the most enduring characters in literature and film. We all love the idea of an outlier, a third party who swoops in to balance the scales, right the wrongs and (of course) rob from the rich to give to the poor. When I was a high school student in Texas, Gov. Mark White introduced a school funding plan that would take some funding from wealthy districts and give it to disadvantaged ones in the hopes of leveling the playing field for all. It was, of course, dubbed the “Robin Hood Plan.” Continue reading
Thinking Outside The Boxe 