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Bush Readies the Offshore Drill, Should Congress Say Yes?

LibertySugar — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 06:00:06 -0700

President Bush thinks offshore drilling might be the Nicorette gum America needs to kick its oil addiction. Yesterday Bush lifted the executive ban on offshore drilling imposed by his father, removing one hurdle for exploration. Bush explained:"This means that the only thing standing between the American people and these vast oil resources is action from the US Congress. Now the ball is squarely in Congress's court."Answering Bush, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said:

“Once again, the oilman in the White House is echoing the demands of Big Oil. The Bush plan is a hoax. It will neither reduce gas prices nor increase energy independence."

Considering the current oil crisis, Bush thinks America has no choice but to take advantage of its own resources. Opponents fear environmental impact, and say the plan would take a decade to produce results, while ignoring alternative energy priorities. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says oil companies should explore the 68 millions of acres already available. Should Congress follow the President's lead? Source

Bush Readies the Offshore Drill, Should Congress Say Yes?

Yay! America must take advantage of all its oil resources, while trying to kick the habit.

Nay. Long-term solutions should help us kick our oil addiction, not feed it.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Will Impounding Johns' Cars Put Prostitution to Bed?

LibertySugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:00:00 -0700

Looking to punish demand, and not just supply, Easton, PA, is considering a law that would allow police to seize the cars of anyone seeking a prostitute. Any vehicle used to solicit or patronize sexual services would be subject to impounding. If a john gets convicted of soliciting a prostitute, the city could sell his car.Since officials usually target the workers, it's somewhat refreshing to see equivalent attention paid to the customer criminals. Even so, I'm not sure any law will help end the timeless sale of sex. Will this measure put the issue of prostitution to bed? Source

Will Impounding Johns' Cars Put Prostitution to Bed?

Yay! This will send the right message, and people will think twice before soliciting sex.

Nay. This extreme reaction does not fit the crime.

Maybe. But I don't think it would really deter someone looking for sex.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Should Insurance Rates Be Raised With Climate Change Risk?

LibertySugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 06:00:24 -0700

Insurance companies have incorporated climate change assumptions into their disaster probability calculations, thus withdrawing coverage or charging staggering rates on parts of the US East and Gulf coasts. According to the Wall Street Journal, there is a scientific consensus about rising sea temperatures, and practically a consensus that the temperature is tied to greater hurricane activity. But, science has not definitively concluded how or if this will impact the US coastal area now facing rising premiums. Even so, insurers are adjusting their coverage plans in reaction to the horrific 2004 and 2005 hurricane season. The article reports that companies are treating disasters like Katrina and Rita as the norm, not the exception.Should insurance companies wait for science to make a unanimous connection between climate change and increased risk in these specific regions before they raise the rates?Source

Should Insurance Rates Be Raised With Climate Change Risk?

Yay! Responsible insurance companies must adjust now to changing climate risks.

Nay. Insurance companies are just using uncertain science to make a profit.

Forget science! High rates might convince people to stop living in dangerous places.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

No Death Penalty, But Should Rapists Face Castration?

LibertySugar — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:45:43 -0700

Convicted rapists and other sex offenders now face chemical castration in Louisiana, under legislation signed on the day the US Supreme Court struck down the state's child-rape death penalty. California was the first state to subject its sex offenders to the procedure popularized by the Nazis who wanted to prevent "undesirables" from procreating.Upon signing the law, Louisiana's governor Bobby Jindal said: "I am glad we have taken such strong measures . . . to put a stop to these monsters’ brutal acts."On a side note, Governor Jindal is all sorts of interesting. Currently the youngest US governor, and the nation's first of Indian decent, the potential McCain VP has defended intelligent design and written about his participation in an exorcism. Not everyone supports chemical castration like Governor Jindal. While it can reduce physical urges, critics argue, psychological counseling is needed to address mental addiction behind assaults. Do you favor sentencing sex offenders to chemical castration?Source

No Death Penalty, But Should Rapists Face Castration?

Definitely! They obviously can't control themselves.

No way. It's not their privates that cause them to assault, it's their brains!

Maybe. But we should pair it with psychological treatment, too.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Yay or Nay? Would You Knock Out Your Political Opponent?

LibertySugar — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:01:00 -0700

The Democratic candidates are beating each other up, literally . . . well at least virtually. The New York Post presents: Democratic Fight Night —an online game where Barack Obama meets Hillary Clinton in the ring. There is no skill required, and no policy to be found. You simply pick a candidate, scroll your mouse toward the other, and click to punch! Soon, blood and bruising will appear until your opponent is knocked out. Is this brutal "game" just the Post's way of making obvious its desire to see a fight? Is the media eager to escalate the bloody match-up narrative because drama sells? Or, is this creative commentary on this historically gruesome primary season? Source

Yay or Nay? Would You Knock Out Your Political Opponent?

Yay! This is what they're doing, so why not join in.

Nay. This is ridiculously violent, and not even funny or insightful.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Would You Wear a CNN Headline on Your Shirt?

LibertySugar — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 10:30:46 -0700

Apparently CNN is the network with all the news that's fit to wear. For some unknown reason (April Fool's is over), CNN is offering t-shirts featuring headlines from its online video reports. Um, random. With your headline of choice, and the tagline, "I just saw it on CNN.com," the shirts come in flashing, custom-styles like: crew-neck, black, white, or gray. All for the low-low price of $15 (plus tax and shipping costs, of course).Is this shameless promotion, or a humorous way to spread news? Source

Would You Wear a CNN Headline on Your Shirt?

Yay! It's a creative way to sport my news-junkie pride.

Nay. If I'm going to be a walking-advertisement, it has to be fab!

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

50 Cents More Per Gallon of Gas to Save Earth?

LibertySugar — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 12:01:09 -0700

Americans say action is needed to confront global warming, but that action better not affect their pocket books. The National Center For Public Policy Research found that 48 percent of Americans are unwilling to spend even a penny more on gas taxes, in order to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.John Dingell, a Democratic congressman from Michigan, has proposed a 50 cent tax per gallon of gas. By raising the price of gas, Americans would decrease harm to the environment and become less dependent on foreign oil. The funds could be used to finance public transportation or alternative-energy research. But, Dingell's plan found support among only 18 percent of Americans that said they would be willing to pay 50 cents or more. In Europe, consumers pay anywhere from $4 to $5 in taxes, on top of the price of gas.Is it a luxury to care about the environment? Do we need a financial motive to conserve gas, and do what we know is right?Do you favor a 50-cent tax as a way to urgently halt greenhouse-gas emissions? Source

50 Cents More Per Gallon of Gas to Save Earth?

Yay! Getting off gas will help the environment and US national security.

Nay. Gas tax disproportionately hits the poor.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

McCain's Iran/al Qaeda Gaffe: Big Deal?

LibertySugar — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 12:00:37 -0700

During yesterday's press conference in Jordan, John McCain repeatedly said that Iran is supplying al Qaeda. McCain asserted that Iranian operatives are "taking al Qaeda into Iran, training them and sending them back." Problem is, the Sunni-dominated al Qaeda does not receive any help from Iran, a predominately Shiite country.If your read the Wall Street Journal or the Washington Post, you probably haven't heard about this. If you watch Keith Olbermann on MSNBC, you saw the video at least four times on last night's program. In the video, McCain finally corrected himself, after Senator Joe Lieberman whispered something in his ear.This misstatement may reveal the tendency of certain politicians to generously invoke al Qaeda as a way to conjure up national-security fear. If Americans and their politicians had a more sophisticated, or at least accurate, understanding of the situation in the Middle East, would we be better prepared to face threats at home and abroad? Should McCain be given the benefit of the doubt, since international intelligence might be more complicated than we know? Or, do his misstatements make you question if he is ready to be commander in chief? Source

McCain's Iran/al Qaeda Gaffe: Big Deal?

Yay! Oversimplification of threats and false connections have proven dangerous.

Nay. It's a simple slip of the tongue, and it is true that Iran is causing trouble in Iraq.

Other. I'm really fired up about this and I'll explain why.

Would You Confess Your Sins Online?

LibertySugar — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 11:00:34 -0700

According to a recent Georgetown University study, priests are seeing a decline in sinners showing up to confess in person. As a result, they are bringing confessional to unlikely places, like shopping malls! Forgive me father, for I have spent $545 on a pair of Marc Jacobs Surrealist Patent Pumps. Well, apparently the innovation doesn't stop there. E-confessions are becoming a hit on sometimes disturbing anonymous websites. On Camfest you can watch videos of sinners confessing extramarital affairs. On IveScrewedUp a recent post read: "I have killed four people. One of them was a 17 year old boy." Someone's idea of a bad joke, or a desperate attempt to clear the conscience of a criminal?What do you think? Would you take part in Confession 2.0 and offer up your sins online?Source

Would You Confess Your Sins Online?

Yay! I do everything else online, why not do some atoning?

Nay. Confessing sins is sacred and not about convenience.

Would You Buy a First Cleaning Lady?

LibertySugar — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 03:00:41 -0700

I have to admit that when I first saw the Hillary Clinton "First Cleaning Lady" version of this toilet tool, I was offended. I thought it was just another example of dirty politics. But, then I saw that the makers of these toilet bowl cleaners are equal opportunity mockers, and decided the bowl buddies were just a weak attempt at being funny. Would you express your disagreement with a public figure by using a toilet bowl cleaner created in his or her image?

Would You Buy a First Cleaning Lady?

Yay! It's a creative way to dump on an opponent.

Nay. Has public discourse really sunk this low?

SNL Spoofs the "3 a.m." Ads — Giggles or Groans?

CitizenSugar — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 11:48:45 -0700

SNL seems to be back in the business of serious political skewering. Though I think their big laughs are a little sporadic, they're still pretty current. Last night they opened the show with a parody of the now infamous "3 a.m." ads. Well, they got her famous yellow jacket right! What do you think? Was it worth staying up for? Is SNL better than ever?

SNL Spoofs the "3 a.m." Ads — Giggles or Groans?

Yay! Hill-arious, as usual!

Nay. I fell asleep halfway through.

Other . . . I'll tell you in the comments.

Virgin Mary Pretzel to Be Worth Thousands — Would You Bid?

CitizenSugar — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 16:30:39 -0800

In the interest of scooping CNN (sorry Wolf) I've got to tell you which hot deity-meets-food phenomenon is currently tearing up eBay. Oregon radio station 101.5 is auctioning off a Virgin Mary-shaped pretzel, and the bid is sky rocketing. Up to $1,500 already, the Donkey Show (the proud owners of the salty snack) will be on CNN tomorrow talking about how they found God (or a gob of money) in the grocery store. People are bidding like crazy. Would you?

Virgin Mary Pretzel to Be Worth Thousands — Would You Bid?

Yay! Shopping victoriously for a miracle. What do you have to lose?

Nay. Come on. Pretzels are for beer, not prayers.

Other . . . I'll tell you in the comments.

Yay or Nay? Are Americans Hostile to Knowledge

LibertySugar — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 15:00:00 -0800

I know all of you wonderful CitizenSugar readers love knowledge, but some think you are a minority in America. A recent New York Times article consulted a bunch of scholars about America's hostility to knowledge. These self-proclaimed nerds indicted Americans for being ignorant about essential scientific, civic, and historical knowledge, and even worse — for not thinking any of it matters! T. J. Jackson Lears, a cultural historian, said that "when political problems seem intractable or somehow frozen, there is a turn toward cultural issues." Hm. Sound familiar? Do you see anti-intellectual tendencies in America?Source

Yay or Nay? Are Americans Hostile to Knowledge

Yay! The fact that "nerd" is an insult proves the point.

Nay. Most Americans I encounter appreciate intellectualism.

Yay or Nay: Was MSNBC's "Pimp" Comment Out of Line?

CitizenSugar — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 20:05:12 -0800

On MSNBC this week, Reporter David Shuster made a controversial remark about Chelsea Clinton's involvement in her mother's campaign to Tucker Carlson. He said this,

"Doesn't it seem like Chelsea's sort of being pimped out in some weird sort of way?"

After making the comment, he apologized saying,

"I used a phrase that was inappropriate. I apologize to the Clinton family, the Clinton campaign and all of you who are justifiably offended. ... All Americans should be proud of Chelsea Clinton, and I am particularly sorry that my language diminished the regard and the respect she has earned from all of us, and the respect her parents have earned in how they raised her."

He was temporarily suspended because of the remark. Now, Hillary Clinton is considering withdrawing from a MSNBC debate on February 26th, saying,

"Nothing justifies the kind of debasing language that David Shuster used, and no temporary suspension or half-hearted apology is sufficient."

Was the comment out of line? Is this reaction justified?Source

Yay or Nay: Was MSNBC's "Pimp" Comment Out of Line?

Yay! It was a distasteful choice of words, he deserves to be punished, and Hillary should absolutely skip the debate.

Nay. It was an off-hand comment — dumb — but it's being blown totally out of proportion.

Yay or Nay? Is Campaigning Tougher Than Being President?

LibertySugar — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 09:30:21 -0800

Super Tuesday is taking over the nation and the news cycle today, though it's far from the finish line. Campaigning almost around the clock to get even this far, the candidates are losing their voices and looking a little rough around the edges. The stress of the campaign infamously brought Hillary Clinton to the verge of tears. This year the campaign season is longer than ever. Candidates still have to spend countless months delivering stump speeches, competing in debates and defending themselves against personal attacks from opponents. Perhaps the rigorous campaign schedule is a good warm up for the tough job of President. But — do you think it is actually more difficult to run for President than it is to be president? Source

Yay or Nay? Is Campaigning Tougher Than Being President?

Yay! Campaigning is more psychologically and emotionally draining than being President.

Nay. If they can't handle a campaign how will they handle challenges facing the nation?

Yay or Nay: Do "Presidential" Looks Matter?

CitizenSugar — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:01:56 -0800

Since the invention of TV, candidates cannot ignore the visual messages they give voters. A voter often chooses a candidate she deems more "presidential" looking. Appearances first became important during the 1960 election between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon. At the first televised debate, Nixon's sweaty upper lip and five o'clock shadow, compared to Kennedy's tanned and youthful appearance, gave Kennedy an intangible advantage. Pollsters are paying attention to which candidate voters perceive as more presidential this election season. Do you vote for the candidate that looks like a president?Source

Yay or Nay: Do "Presidential" Looks Matter?

Yay! If I can't imagine a candidate as president, it's hard to vote for him/her.

Nay. I vote strictly on the issues.

Yay or Nay: Do Recorded Campaign Calls Change Your Mind?

CitizenSugar — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 15:07:53 -0800

Guess who called me last night?! Mitt. My good friend Mitt Romney. It's weird though — he didn't even ask how I was doing — it was one of those recorded campaign calls that are currently zapping their way by the millions through every state up for grabs on Super Tuesday. As I hung up midrecording, I wondered — do these things ever change anyone's mind? Does anyone sit and listen to the whole message, and come to a different conclusion at the end? Are they a smart concept because a voter can sit and hear a message from the comfort of their home, or are they just a big nuisance? I think I could get behind one round of calls by the parties on election morning reminding people to vote, but it strikes me as the laziest, most ineffective method of campaigning. Am I wrong? Do these phone calls stand a chance of changing someone's mind?Source

Yay or Nay: Do Recorded Campaign Calls Change Your Mind?

Yay! Candidates need to use every outlet available to get their message out.

Nay. I'd consider not voting for someone who made a robot call me at home.

Yay or Nay: Citizen Congress a Good Idea?

LibertySugar — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 15:00:06 -0800

I was cruising candidate websites when I found this crafty idea on John Edwards's site:

Edwards believes in the wisdom of the American people and the power of deliberation. Every two years, he will ask 1 million citizens nationwide to participate in Citizen Congresses combining local town halls with the latest technology to create true national discussions, unfiltered by interest groups. Americans will discuss the challenges and trade-offs facing our country and offer advisory opinions to leaders.

Edwards points to past examples of citizen-centered projects, which have given the people a say in: the World Trade Center memorial, the redevelopment of New Orleans, and health-care reform in California.If you're hot on the idea, the book Deliberative Democracy proposes an even more revolutionary idea: the creation a fourth branch of government as a way of giving the people a voice of their own.Does a Citizen Congress sound good?Source

Yay or Nay: Citizen Congress a Good Idea?

Yay! Deliberation will produce creative and democratic policy.

Nay. People will avoid it like jury duty, or simply argue while they're there.

Yay or Nay? Cute or Demeaning?

CitizenSugar — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 07:17:16 -0800

Well, on the one hand, it's good to know she's voting . . . Is this t-shirt a nightmare or a novelty?

Yay or Nay? Cute or Demeaning?

Yay! Cheeky, funny, and true!

Nay. Talk about selling yourself short.

Yay or Nay? Does the US Nomination Process Make Sense?

LibertySugar — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 00:01:53 -0800

Democrats and Republicans choose nominees through a less than straightforward series of caucuses and primaries. Each party and each state has its own set of jumbled-up rules.The extreme media attention given to the early voting states can be unpopular — some say it skews the race in a way that ignores true electorate preferences. For example, Iowa, the first state, is extremely homogeneous (the population is 95 percent white) and cares a lot about corn subsidies. But it's not all negative. The early states hold candidates responsible to groups of sophisticated voters who cannot be bought off by deep pockets. In addition, the Democratic Iowa contest doesn't use secret ballots, so voters must articulate reasons for supporting a candidate. Finally, the attention given to early small states is one of the few chances for these states to remain relevant on the national scene.This year, it might all be different! The realities have been turned upside down. Neither party has a clear frontrunner, and it might come down to Super (Duper?) Tuesday when 24 states vote. Mass media campaigns and big states might actually wield some influence, for better or for worse.So what do you think — is the US nomination process good for democracy? Source

Yay or Nay? Does the US Nomination Process Make Sense?

Yay! This tradition makes candidates go beyond sound bites.

Nay. The extremely undemocratic process disproportionately shapes the race.

Yay or Nay? Would You Wear This?

CitizenSugar — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 11:28:36 -0800

I'm all for strong political views, but slap it on a t-shirt and I'm asking: Is a shirt slogan the most effective soapbox?

Yay or Nay? Would You Wear This?

Yay! If you don't like my shirt, you don't have to look.

Nay. Tacky, tacky, tacky.

Yay or Nay? Do You Love the Troops, Hate the War?

CitizenSugar — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:00:32 -0800

I saw this message on a car while I was waiting for the bus. With candidates from both parties (not to mention Congress, soldiers, Marines, military families, and the world) having so much at stake in the war, is this a productive stance? Can you support the troops while hating the conflict?

Yay or Nay? Do You Love the Troops, Hate the War?

Yay! Supporting the troops means bringing them home.

Nay. My support is unconditional.

Yay or Nay? Respecting the President...

CitizenSugar — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 12:05:00 -0800

George W. Bush. Based on the debate following this post yesterday, your feelings about President Bush are pretty passionate.I'm willing to bet even reading his name evokes a definite reaction—and it's clear that reaction varies pretty wildly from person to person. But whether you love him or hate him, my question is this: even if you don't agree with a president's job performance, does the Office itself deserve respect?Source

Yay or Nay? Respecting the President...

Yay! Dissention is fine, but tearing down our leaders hurts us all.

Nay. Respect isn't part of the job perks—it's earned.

Yay or Nay? Campaign Thongs

CitizenSugar — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 03:04:30 -0800

I'm all for showing support for your candidate of choice—but what do you think of this very intimate way to campaign?

Yay or Nay? Campaign Thongs

Yay! Cute and clever.

Nay. I don't want my politics near my panties.

Yay or Nay? Albright on Bush's Legacy

LibertySugar — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 16:37:31 -0800

Former Secretary of State Madeline Albright recently characterized the Bush Administration as one of America's "worst presidencies." In D.C. promoting her latest book, Albright told a crowd: “This is a purely practical point here, and I think there’s a lot of work to be done. And I think the judgment is that this is one of the worst presidencies we’ve had and people will wonder what it is that the role of the vice president is.”

Specifically, Albright criticized Bush for not doing enough to take on climate change and energy issues.Do you agree with Secretary Albright? Will George W. Bush's administration go down as one of the worst in history?Source

Yay or Nay? Albright on Bush's Legacy

Yay! Our country is worse off because of Bush.

Nay. Bush has been a strong leader in difficult times.

Yay or Nay? Using Your Kids to Make a Political Statement?

CitizenSugar — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 10:28:34 -0800

You've got your campaign lawn sign firmly in place, and you're looking for the next logical place to advertise your political intentions. How about right across the chubby chest of the closest baby? But is blazoning your beliefs on your kid, kosher campaigning?

Yay or Nay? Using Your Kids to Make a Political Statement?

Yay! It's harmless and adorable.

Nay. It's not free speech if they can't even talk yet.

Yay or Nay? Campaign-Kids' Blogs?

CitizenSugar — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 03:36:47 -0800

Candidates with tech-savvy offspring are featuring their kids' blogs as a part of their campaign. Cate Edwards and Meghan McCain both pen blogs about their experiences on the campaign trail. Are these blogs an asset to the process?

Yay or Nay? Campaign-Kids' Blogs?

Yay! It's good to see the campaign from a younger perspective.

Nay. It's a gimmick (and a little annoying).

Yay or Nay? Would You Want to Be President?

LibertySugar — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 16:00:37 -0800

It's almost impossible to keep track of everyone vying for the job of president of the United States. It definitely has its perks, including an amazing airplane and hearing "Hail to the Chief" every time you walk into a room. But I'm still not convinced that I would give up privacy, free time, and peace of mind for a job of endless stress, momentous responsibility, and constant danger. So what about you? Would you suck it up to be the "leader of the free world"?Source

Yay or Nay? Would You Want to Be President?

Yay! It's good to be Chief!

Nay. No thanks.

Yay or Nay?: The Daily Show Rules?

CitizenSugar — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 13:00:10 -0800

When the writers' strike sent the late-night shows into hiatus, did 11 p.m. find you staring forlornly at the set pining for your Daily Show fix? Did it make you realize how much you'd been relying on Mr. Stewart to keep you informed?

Yay or Nay?: The Daily Show Rules?

Yay! Current events and funny to boot. Perfect.

Nay. Don't tell Jon, but the show's gotten a little boring.

Yay or Nay? Is a Countdown Productive?

CitizenSugar — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 01:36:30 -0800

You've probably seen 2009 Presidential inauguration countdowns in various formats, like the keychain pictured above. While countdown accessories certainly broadcast the opinion of the owner, do you think they add anything useful to the political discussion?

Yay or Nay? Is a Countdown Productive?

Yay! They're a great conversation starter!

Nay. They're a silly substition for a well-reasoned debate.