How would you describe the media coverage of the swine flu?

DISCUSSION

Jonathan Moreno discusses the application of beta-blockers, which could be used to eliminate Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in military personnel. However, these drugs raise serious ethical concerns, as they would essentially create “guilt-free” soldiers.

In your opinion, do the benefits of relieving PTSD outweigh the potential consequences of creating an army without a conscience?

In this chapter of Mind Wars, Jonathan Moreno says, “Medical and science breakthroughs can also be used for purposes unrelated to the goals of the researchers.” What do you think about this dual use possibility?

What, if anything, do we owe detainees who were later discovered to be in the wrong place at the wrong time?

“The answer to this question is a qualified no,” according to Ottar Bjornstad.

Read the full answer at Research Penn State.

Ambassador Butler refers to nuclear weapons as “dinosaurs” whose day is done. What role do nuclear weapons play in modern society?

Has political correctness impaired racial dialogue?

The International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers traveled to the Vatican in 2008 to address papal bulls. (Read the full article.)

Do you think the Pope should rescind the papal bulls?

Ian Sample from the Guardian blogs about the science of the brain and its role in the wars of the future. Read the article and join the discussion.

What lifestyle changes have you made because of the swine flu?

What role should the international community play in regards to genocide?

How accurately do shows like CSI portray forensic science?

With the many problems facing the U.S. government, how high a priority should environmental issues be?

What is the future of traditional print media (magazines, newspapers, etc.)?

Where do you stand on the health care debate?

Submit your questions now for Thursday’s chat with Chris Calkins.

If your neighbors were being hunted down and came to your door begging for help, would you risk your life to save theirs?

Can a positive attitude overcome any circumstance?

Which do you think has a greater capacity to influence people: fiction or non-fiction?

Temple Grandin does not regret being autistic; in fact, she considers her autism a gift. Should we be trying to “cure” autism or instead focus our efforts on acceptance and accommodations?

In his 1999 autobiography, Randall Robinson said, “Blacks and whites understand almost nothing of each other in America.”

Do you agree? And to what extent have things changed? 

In 1969, President Nixon created the Task Force on Women’s Rights and Responsibilities that aimed to recruit and train women for upper-level governmental position.

Does the government have a responsibility to actively create opportunities for minority groups?

Does community-based conservation have a better chance of succeeding than others that have come before it?

If more people knew what went into making stuff, and what went into disposing of it, would consumer habits change?

There are generally considered to be three types of learners: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. Should schools tailor curriculum to suit the style of the learner?

How does a person’s heritage impact his/her sense of self?

Which Ken Burns film had the greatest impact on you?

Should college athletes be able to unionize?

What responsibility does the world have in fighting the AIDS pandemic?

Where should immigration reform rank on the nation’s list of priorities?

Would you be willing to pay more for a product (such as chocolate, diamonds, or silk) if you were guaranteed that it was produced without slave labor?

What do you consider to be today’s most reliable source for news?

Scientists are getting closer to making time travel a reality. If a time machine were to be created, how would it best be put to use?

Beginning in 2004, the Royal National Theatre began to offer a fixed number of $18 tickets, turning people who had never gone to the theatre into enthusiastic audience members. Would lower ticket prices in the U.S. make you a theatre-goer?

If you could have covered the White House during one presidential administration, which would it be?

What’s your favorite book by Alexander McCall Smith?

What measures are needed to protect young athletes from concussive brain injuries, especially in the game of football?

What regulations would help prevent illegal sports gambling in the future?

When is it necessary to focus on issues of race, culture, and diversity? At what point does it become problematic?

What steps could society take to be more “autism-friendly?”

What is the role of art in social commentary? 

Some Americans say they support our troops, but not the war. Do you think it’s possible to do both?

Would you want to know if you had a genetic predisposition for Alzheimer’s disease?

What do you consider the most pressing issue facing Pennsylvania today?

What do you think Penn State administrators need to do to move forward?

Some say it’s “the technology most adapted to the essence of the human species—sociability.”  But is technology making us free—or permanently tethered?

Do you believe in human-induced global warming? Why or why not?

What is your favorite Saturday Night Live skit?

Keisling advocates for congress to pass the comprehensive Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which would protect workers based on sexual orientation and gender identity. How important are such laws in changing attitudes?

Joseph Valente says his deafness is NOT a disability. Do you consider deafness a disability? Why or why not?

What’s your opinion of the often made assertion: “We fight terrorists in Iraq/Afghanistan so we don’t have to fight them here?”

Should water-rich countries such as the United States and Canada take advantage of their bountiful supply of water by selling it for profit—like gas, oil and timber? Or should water trade be banned because “water belongs to everyone and no one”?

There have been many parenting experts and strategies through the years; which helped you most with your children?

Under what circumstances, if any, should youth be tried as adults?

The overwhelming majority of Americans want sex education in schools, but what and how should it be taught?

Is the United Nations still relevant after all of these years?  Why or why not?

The United States represents 5% of the world’s population and 25% of the world’s prisoners. What reforms would you advocate to reduce our nation’s incarceration rate?

Which visual artist would you like to see Michael Maglaras focus his camera on for his next documentary?

What role should coal play in America’s energy future?

Under what, if any, circumstances would you support U.S. war against Iran?