Myrtle Beach: This is a fully loaded question. Let me begin with saying I am not a parent so my opinion is formed based on what I see from friends, family, and the news; so take it with a grain of salt. There is undeniably a problem in our society with our youth. Where does the problem lie? It is so simple for parents to say “I can’t watch my kid 24-7”. While, this statement may be true, I think a “good” parent shouldn’t have to! Continue reading
Society
2014 Symposium: Is political correctness infringing our freedom of religion (if you’re a Christian)?
Asheville: For all the derisive ways in which “political correctness” is discussed, at its core, it is about a simple concept: courtesy. We call others by the names they choose. It is no inconvenience to us, and it is a great service to them. We expand shared space to make room for the customs and traditions of others. Continue reading
2014 Symposium: Is it time to re-think a space program?
Raleigh: Since the times of Cold War when the U.S.A. and the U.S.S.R. have engaged into fierce military and non-military competition, the development of space programs was crucial for both of these countries. Consequently, both countries (and later some other countries) have devoted significant financial and human resources to developing space programs. For the United States, the Apollo landing has proved to be a crowning moment and since then, the country has allocated a lot of money for its space program. For example, federal budget granted to NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) totaled 526.18 billion dollars in the period from 1958 to 2011. Most recently, NASA has requested 17.5 billion dollars from the federal budget for its 2015 program which will be largely devoted to major astrophysics and planetary exploration programs. Continue reading
2014 Symposium: Should pet owners be able to deduct a portion of their pet care?
Myrtle Beach: As the proud parent of a rescued dog of course my answer is yes! However, despite my obvious bias I do believe there is honest merit to this question. In many states overpopulation in shelters is a very big problem. This is another topic all together. But adoption is the main way to control this overpopulation. Continue reading
2014 Symposium: Should the government be involved in the politics of sports (LA Clippers, Ray Rice, and Washington Redskins)?
Asheville, NC: Government is actively involved in the regulation of sports. Legal monopolies are granted to the MLB, the NBA, and the NFL. All three organizations are also granted tax-exempt status despite their enormous profitability. Professional sports organizations receive billions in bonds, tax deferral, and civic money for the construction of new stadiums and other facilities. The degree of co-mingling between government and sports organizations is already quite dramatic. Continue reading
2014 Symposium: Do celebrities have a responsibility to be positive role models for young Americans?
Myrtle Beach: It’s no secret that there is a problem in our society with “image.” Most Americans are interested, if not obsessed, with celebrities in general or at least a select few. In our digital age it’s very easy for us to stay up to date on the latest drama with Justin Bieber or see Lindsey Lohan’s latest mug shot. As a society we are obsessed! The problem with this obsession is that not only do adults have access to this, but our children have access as well. Our young, impressionable youth are able to stay up to date on the latest celebrity sex tapes. Ultimately, parents should be responsible. But in this digital age the youth of this country are constantly bombarded with celebrities. Continue reading
2014 Symposium: Should illegal immigrants be allowed to serve in our military in lieu of deportation?
Myrtle Beach: On the surface I would say yes to this. It would allow them to earn their citizenship, and would strengthen our military. But would it really? If you delve deeper into this you will see the flaw. Continue reading
2014 Symposium: Is the United States as a whole handling missing person’s cases properly?
Cartwright: I’m not going to comment on the law enforcement working on missing person’s cases. They have a very difficult task and limited resources. Continue reading
2014 Symposium: Are you willing to pay $5 or more per gallon for gas if it helps the environment?
Raleigh: The impact of people’s actions on the environment has been at the center of public debate for a long time. Many researchers, scientists and concerned citizens have pointed out that if people do not change their ways, the future of our planet can indeed be dire. One of the biggest factors which negatively affect our environment is the increased volume of transport on our roads. According to IHS Automotive report from 2014, United States has about 253 million cars and trucks on the road with the average age of a car about 11.4 years. What do all these cars do to our environment? Continue reading
2013 Symposium: Welfare, Food Stamps, and WIC Are All Programs That Need Reformed, How Can We Do It? Is Welfare Drug Testing Working? Or Is It A Waste Of Tax Payer Money?
Cartwright: Drug test all recipients of these programmes. Utah announced a couple months ago that it saved over $350,000 in the first year that it required drug testing for welfare recipients. Second, let’s have the IRS audit the welfare, food stamp, and WIC programmes. These programmes are rife with fraud and waste. I know of instances where foreign college students here in Orlando are getting food stamps. Really? Why are we giving benefits to foreigners and able bodied college students at that? This is ridiculous! The system is clearly broken and needs to be cleaned up. Continue reading
Thinking Outside The Boxe 