Weekly Correspondents’ Forum 2016

Is the Americans with Disabilities Act being abused by some pet owners and “lovers”? Should businesses have more pet-friendly policies to avoid potential discrimination claims, or should the ADA laws require licensure of service animals?

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Myrtle Beach, SC, Orlando, FL February 23, 2016

Prescott Valley, AZ Correspondent-The Americans with Disabilities Act appears to have been abused by those pretending to require a service dog just so they can have their beloved pet by their side whether in a store, restaurant, or somewhere else where dogs are not allowed. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is a federal crime to use a dog under false pretenses and many states have laws against pet owners who would misrepresent their pet as a service dog. Continue reading →

When more kids can list the cast of Jersey Shore than name the Vice President, is it time to institute exit exams from high school and stringent entrance exams for college so that we ensure American youth are versed in basic American history and civics?

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Myrtle Beach, SC, Orlando, FL February 11, 2016

Sheffield, Jamaica Correspondent-History is important to the American society. Too often kids are able to list TV show casts such as Jersey Shore, but aren’t able to name the Vice President. That is quite sad. However, this problem can be tackled if educational facilities were to institute stringent examinations. These exams should be set and taken by students who are leaving high schools and those to be admitted in colleges. Continue reading →

Should sanctuary cities be prohibited from receiving federal funds or any federal assistance?

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Myrtle Beach, SC, & Orlando, FL February 8, 2016

Prescott Valley, AZ Correspondent-Sanctuary cities should be prohibited from receiving federal funds or any federal assistance. At the present, sanctuary cities continue to receive such funding, and it is the state and federal government’s responsibility to see that funds are barred from being distributed to any sanctuary city. When federal immigration laws are being ignored, there is no choice but to cut funding to any locality, not in compliance with the law. 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?

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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 →

Donald Trump has proposed a tariff on goods imported from China. Would this ultimately hurt or help the American economy?

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Myrtle Beach, SC, Orlando, FL January 22, 2016

Owatonna, MN Correspondent-On the surface, the United States government imposing a tariff on a country that doesn’t play fair when it comes to trade, like China, sounds like a good thing to do. We stand up to a cheater, exert our sovereign rights, and possibly add tax revenue to the balance sheet. A tariff would prevent China from artificially cutting their prices on their exports, thereby gaining market share at the expense of US producers or producers from other countries. Continue reading →

Do the benefits of GPS trackers, phone GPS, insurance vehicle plug-ins, etc. outweigh the invasion of privacy?

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Myrtle Beach, SC, Orlando, FL January 7, 2016

Owatonna, MN Correspondent-Data collection via GPS, cell phones, website tracking, etc. is intrinsically neutral. However, the collected data can be used for good and bad purposes, so the onus is on the data collector to use that data prudently. It’s also imperative for the individual to be aware of what data they are voluntarily sharing and know the possible consequences of that data being used against them. Continue reading →