Is Arab democracy good for the US?

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The popular uprisings of the Arab Spring have left a leadership void that Islamist parties have been quick to fill. Will the Islamists, who once embraced violence, slowly liberalize as they face the difficulties of state leadership? Or will it mean the growth of anti-Americanism and radicalization in the region? The Panelists are Reuel Marc Gerecht, Daniel Pipes, Brian Katulis, and Dr. M. Zuhdi Jasser.

Are Super PACS Good For Democracy?

The product of two court decisions, Citizens United and SpeechNow.org v. FEC, Super PAC spending is on course to make 2012 the most expensive presidential election in history. These supercharged political action committees may spend and receive unlimited amounts of money from individuals, corporations, and unions to advocate for political candidates, as long as they are independent of the candidates' campaigns. How have Super PACs changed the political landscape? Are they good for democracy? The Debaters are David Keating, Jacob Sullum, Trevor Potter, and Jonathan Soros.

No Fracking Way: The Natural Gas Boom is Doing More Harm Than Good

Can natural gas be part of a clean energy solution, or is it a dangerous roadblock to a fossil-free future?

Ban College Football

Corruption and a growing concern for head injury have put college football in the spotlight.  Are football program’s millions in profits exploitation? Or are they still a celebration of amateur sport?  Does football’s inherent danger and violence have any place in institutions of higher learning?  Or does it provide young men with educational opportunities they would not otherwise have?

When it comes to politics, the Internet is closing our minds

Does the internet poison politics? It’s been argued that the rise of “personalization,” the use of algorithms to filter what you see online, and easy access to the like-minded, has served to reinforce our pre-conceptions.  Is the information bubble a myth, or is it undermining civic discourse?  Is the rise of social media really broadening our world views, or narrowing them?

China does capitalism better than America

For all appearances, China has emerged unscathed from the global economic crisis, in stark contrast to its biggest debtor, America.  China’s admirers point to its ability to mobilize state resources, quick decision-making and business-friendly environment as reasons for its economic ascendency.  But can its brand of state-directed capitalism overcome rampant corruption and the threat of growing inequality, or will the American model of innovation and free-markets prevail?

Obesity is the Government’s Business

With 33% of adults and 17% of children obese, the U.S. is facing an obesity epidemic. A major risk factor for expensive, chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, it costs our health care system nearly $150 billion a year. Should government intervene, or is this a matter of individual rights and personal responsibility?

The UN should admit Palestine as a full member state

On September 23, 2011, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas appeared before the U.N. General Assembly to request full membership for the State of Palestine. America’s veto power renders their bid largely symbolic, but there could be leverage gained– like indirect recognition of statehood– in the process. After 20 years of failed talks with Israel, can this plea to the international community be the only path left to a two-state solution, or have the Palestinians set the peace process back by bypassing negotiations?

In the words of Blaise Pascal, mathematician and Catholic, “Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from a religious conviction.” Does religion breed intolerance, violence, and the promotion of medieval ideas? Or should we concede that overall, it has been a source for good, giving followers purpose, while encouraging morality and ethical behavior?

In a modern, post-industrial economy that seems better suited to women than men, many are wondering if men have been permanently left behind. Education and employment statistics point to a clear and growing dominance in women’s status at home and in the workplace. Are men primed for a comeback or have the old rules changed for good? The debaters are Hanna Rosin, Dan Abrams, Christina Hoff Sommers, and David Zinczenko.