Gastonia, NC Correspondent– The Basic Universal Income is a pipe dream much beloved by overly peppy future theorists, fuzzy headed socialists and the sort of people who think that if you put a freshly baked cookie on the table among six children, they’ll divide it up evenly out of the goodness of their hearts. Continue reading
Weekly Correspondents’ Forum 2017
Should apprenticeship/vocational programs eventually replace four-year college degree programs in America?
Gastonia, NC Correspondent-Apprenticeship is a concept that stretches back to the Middle Ages and before. Of course, back then it usually consisted of parents essentially consigning their male children to indentured servitude in hopes they’d be taught a trade that would eventually profit the family. These days, the system isn’t quite as abusive, and it gives the apprentices a chance to learn a trade from the ground up. Continue reading
Does removing names of racist historical figures from public buildings and landmarks adequately compensate for the negative aspects of America’s history?
Owatonna, MN Correspondent-John C. Calhoun, the pro-slavery senator and vice-president from the pre-Civil War era, is being eradicated from the history books in some locations, apparently due to his politics. His name has been removed from a building at his alma mater, Yale University. A Minneapolis lake bearing his name for almost two centuries may revert to its original Dakota name, Bde Maka Ska (White Earth Lake), because the area around the lake is sacred to the Dakota people and Calhoun advocated repression of Indian tribes as well as slavery. Continue reading
Will the constant use of emojis and emoticons lead to the downfall of communication skills?
Sheffield Jamaica Correspondent-I love expression. Like body gestures and sign language, emojis and emoticons are great ways to express oneself, especially in situations where the right words cannot be found to convey what is being expressed. To supplement, it’s quick, easy, and even an idiot can send one. You’ll agree, not all idiots possess proper communication skills, right? Continue reading
Do terrorist attacks in Europe prove that a travel ban is necessary?
Prescott Valley, AZ Correspondent-Attacks in Europe do prove that a travel ban is necessary. With countries in Europe dealing with current terrorist activities along with almost literal refusals to protect themselves from dangerous activists within and outside of their countries, something has to be done to prevent potential terrorists from entering the United States and other countries. Continue reading
Is there a balance between the Internet of Things and Security? Have we compromised our security for the convenience offered by the Internet of Things?
Gastonia, NC Correspondent-Kellyanne Conway made news this week for her statement that our microwave ovens could be spying on us. Internet memes by the thousands sprang up, showing everything from Kellyanne herself to Chris Hansen of “To Catch A Predator” fame to the Eye of Sauron peeking out from microwaves on counters, over stoves and in cabinets. Continue reading
Should Puerto-Rico become the 51st state?
Prescott Valley Correspondent-Puerto Rico should not become the 51st state for a number of reasons. Puerto Rico currently owes $74 billion to creditors that hold its tax-exempt bonds along with $40 billion in unfunded pension liabilities. Bankruptcy proceedings are currently underway. Continue reading
Is Inflation a tax? If so, is it the most regressive tax we pay?
Prescott Valley Correspondent-With inflation not being under direct government control or managed by a federal or state taxing authority, like the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), it is not going to be considered a direct tax, though inflation certainly has effects that are tax-like in nature. Continue reading
What are the benefits of local Farmers Markets versus large grocery chains and big box stores?
Prescott Valley, AZ Correspondent-There are a number of benefits of utilizing local farmer’s markets versus large grocery chains and big box stores. For one thing, produce shoppers are interested in freshness rather than lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries and other fruits and vegetables that have been harvested too soon and have been sitting in vegetable and fruit bins longer than they should have been which contributes to lower nutritional value, freshness and taste. Continue reading
Does Russia pose any real threat to the world or is it like “Dennis The Menace” just an annoyance?
Prescott Valley Correspondent-Russia always poses some kind of threat to the world, whether real or imagined, simply because of its espionage capabilities as well as its land mass, nuclear power arsenal, and geographical location in conjunction with the Middle East, Europe and other countries that have separated from the old Soviet Union. Continue reading
Thinking Outside The Boxe 