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Updated May 1, 2012 10:23 PM
How To Fund the Arts in America
How can public and private organizations work together to stabilize arts funding?
Recent Discussions
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Updated May 1, 2012 2:11 PM
Motherhood vs. Feminism
Has women's obsession with being the perfect mother destroyed feminism?
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April 29, 2012
Are Banks Making Too Much Money From Fees?
Do the fees banks charge customers need to be more closely regulated, or are they necessary for the health of the banks, …
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April 26, 2012
A Glimpse of Nature, No Sunscreen Required
Do nature shows connect viewers with the natural world, or contribute to "nature deficit" and keep us indoors?
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April 25, 2012
Whitewashing on the Small Screen
Should there be more of a push to feature minorities in lead roles, or does this get in the way of truthful …
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April 24, 2012
Are ‘Family Values’ Outdated?
Is the Republican ideal of family just a rhetorical device, or is it still a worthy goal for public policy?
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April 23, 2012
In Europe, Now What?
Is this the end of austerity? What happens to Europe if the Germany-France alliance is broken?
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April 22, 2012
How States Should Approach Immigration
Arizona and Alabama have run into controversy. What are the alternatives to their policies?
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April 19, 2012
Is Prostitution Safer When It’s Legal?
Can legalized prostitution ever be safe and free of exploitation? Or should laws against prostitution remain?
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April 18, 2012
Do Wealthy Colleges Deserve Their Tax Breaks?
Should government change its tax exemption policies for universities as a way of equalizing educational resources in America?
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April 17, 2012
Is Veganism Good For Everyone?
Maybe some of us simply weren't built to be vegans. Is the diet good for everyone?
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April 16, 2012
Is Support for Gay Rights Still Controversial?
The Republican state senators who voted for same-sex marriage have not paid a price. In fact, it may be a net gain …
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April 15, 2012
Do We Need More Advice About Eating Well?
Maybe Americans would be healthier if we understood nutrition better. Or maybe we know enough, and eat poorly for other reasons.
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April 12, 2012
Are Hard-Line Cuban-Americans Strong as Ever?
Is the response to Ozzie Guillen's kind words for Castro a sign of strength or weakness for Cuban-Americans?
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April 11, 2012
Does Romney Still Need to Court Conservatives?
Does Romney still need to appeal to conservative Republicans, or should he start focusing on the broader electorate?
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April 10, 2012
Why Do Americans Balk at Euthanasia Laws?
What would need to change before the U.S. would legalize physician-assisted suicide?
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April 9, 2012
One Sick Dog, One Steep Bill
Is it ethical to spend $25,000 at the vet? Is it O.K. to have a pet if you can't afford such treatments?
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April 8, 2012
Are Some Buildings Too Ugly to Survive?
Do even ugly buildings deserve to be saved, if they are architecturally significant?
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April 5, 2012
Should Los Angeles New Yorkify?
If skyscrapers popped up and mass transit displaced cars, would Hollywood lose its charm, or just become more livable?
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April 4, 2012
Bringing Dollars and Cents Into This Century
How should the U.S. update its currency? By going digital? Or replacing "In God We Trust"? Or redesigning bills so the blind …
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April 3, 2012
Should the U.S. Leave Afghanistan Now?
With support for the American effort in Afghanistan dropping here and there, why wait until 2014 to leave?
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April 2, 2012
Are the Olympics More Trouble Than They’re Worth?
London and Rio de Janeiro saw the Games as an opportunity. But will the cities change for the better, and at what …
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April 1, 2012
Rethinking How We Teach Economics
What have we learned in the last five years that should be imparted upon future generations of economists?
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March 29, 2012
Brazil’s Racial Identity Challenge
Would this South American nation benefit from U.S.-style affirmative action?
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March 28, 2012
The Power of Young Adult Fiction
The Hunger Games: Why have young adult books become so popular so quickly — even with not-so-young adults?
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March 27, 2012
The Ryan Budget: Policy, or Just Politics?
Paul Ryan and the House Republicans have offered a radical outline, and it is drawing fire from the right as well as …
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March 26, 2012
Stopping Assad, Saving Syria
How should the United Nations Security Council address the escalating violence in Syria?
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March 25, 2012
Is the Court Being Thoughtful or Partisan?
Are the Supreme Court justices giving due consideration to the health care law, or preparing to engage in 'judicial activism' to reduce …
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March 22, 2012
Islam in the Melting Pot of Marseille
Why has Marseille been more peaceful than the rest of France? Is it a model of peaceful integration that could be repeated …
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March 21, 2012
Killing, With the Law on Your Side
Do Stand Your Ground laws provide too much criminal immunity when innocent people are shot by someone who feels threatened?
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March 20, 2012
Save a Mind, Draft a Body
The arrest of Staff Sgt. Robert Bales has raised questions about multiple deployments. Would military conscription help alleviate the stress of combat?
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