Questions to Ponder...
Usually I write a column dedicated to a single topic, and argue my point of view. This week, I shall try something different. I will ask some complex (and not so complex) questions in the interest of generating civil discourse and critical thinking on campus. If you'd like to e-mail me your answers or comments, please feel free to do so.
So, without further adieu, let the questioning begin!
How can anyone contend that atheism, a belief held by less than 10 percent of the general public, is somehow "rational"?
When Phil Bredesen was campaigning for governor last year, two of his key promises were to restructure both TDOT and TennCare. Has he done either?
Many in the elite media scoffed when Eastern European countries like Poland, Latvia, and Albania joined our side during the war in Iraq. I, for one, was happy to have them on board. These countries know something about oppression. Besides, if you were in a foxhole, who would you rather have with you - a pampered, whiny Frenchman, or a tough-as-nails, freedom loving Albanian?
Why do people believe that criminals, who have no respect for our laws to begin with, would obey gun control laws?
So abortion, which is not mentioned in the constitution, is a constitutional right, but gun ownership, which is mentioned, is not?
Shouldn't those who oppose President Bush's tax cuts simply volunteer to return their share to the government, instead of insisting everyone else do so?
All intelligent Americans agree that racial discrimination is wrong. So how can some Americans support combating discrimination with, well, discrimination (racial quotas)?
How can Democrats claim to be the party of civil rights when virtually every segregationist was a Democrat?
It never ceases to amaze me when Bush's critics refer to him as a "right wing extremist." Did they miss that he supports prescription drug entitlements in Medicare, additional spending on education, and signed campaign finance reform? Do these actions sound like "right wing extremism" to you?
Aren't the continuous ravings of the Bush haters somewhat amusing?
When someone accuses Bush of lying, aren't you tempted to say, "Yes, it's a shame he can't be an honest president, like his predecessor"?
Isn't it incredible how many of the same people who excused Clinton's philandering are now the ones most outraged by the allegations against Arnold Scharzenegger?
This question is a key factor in whether you are a capitalist or a socialist: Which do you trust more, the market, or the government?
If WMDs aren't found in Iraq, does it make the fact that we liberated 26 million people any less worthwhile?
Remember how Tony Blair was a hero to so many American liberals? Now they hate him. Isn't that a good sign that he's done something right? And isn't Britain lucky to have him as Prime Minister, even if they don't realize it now?
Wouldn't it be a good idea to use oil revenues from Iraq to fund its reconstruction?
Isn't it telling that Cuban Americans, who know well the horrors of socialism, vote solidly Republican?
Does anyone know who Whitaker Chambers was? Honestly, I don't think I've ever heard him mentioned in any history class.
Isn't it interesting how liberals revile the Pope when he opposes abortion and gay marriage, yet suddenly "find religion" when he opposes war in Iraq and the death penalty?
Al Gore is reportedly interested in starting his own television network. Will the call letters be WZZZ?
Scottish historian Alexander Tyler said, "A democracy can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves money from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most money from the public treasury." Given the current situation with pork barrel expenditures and the welfare state, how close are we to proving Tyler right?
Supporters of Democratic filibusters against President Bush's court nominees claim they are trying to prevent Bush's "court packing." How many of them realize that it was Franklin D. Roosevelt who tried to pack the Supreme Court with additional judges in order to get his New Deal validated?
Some in California say the recall of Gray Davis is a wakeup call to President Bush. So the recall of a Democratic governor and the election of a Republican in a heavily Democratic state is a negative statement to a Republican administration?
George McGovern on Howard Dean: "His campaign reminds me a lot of what we did 30 years ago." How thrilled is Dean to hear this?
Why is Joe Lieberman, the most sane and rational of the Democratic presidential hopeful, doing so poorly? (Wait, did I just answer my own question?)
Wouldn't it be great to see more of Dennis Kucinich?
Isn't America the greatest country in the world?
John Brown is a senior in political science and history at the University of Tennessee @ Knoxville. Wouldn't you like to contact him at jbrown44@utk.edu, or visit www.johnnorrisbrown.com? Did you know this column originally appeared in the October 14, 2003 edition of The Daily Beacon, available here?