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Josh Haner/The New York Times
July 7, 2016
Clean Coal, or a Dirty Shame?
Given the major problems at a plant using carbon capture technology, is the approach economically feasible and environmentally necessary?
Recent Discussions
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July 5, 2016
A Double Standard for Clinton, or the Right Standard?
Has Hillary Clinton gotten off easy or is James Comey, director of the F.B.I., setting a standard that should be followed in …
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July 5, 2016
Biometrics and Banking
Is it safe to trust banks with fingerprints and face scans?
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June 30, 2016
PG-13 Blockbusters and the Sugarcoating of Violence
Is it dangerous to depict violence without its gory consequences?
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June 28, 2016
Should the Veterans Health Care System be Privatized?
The federal Commission on Care, set up to study the future of Department of Veterans Affairs health care, is to present its …
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June 28, 2016
How to Save Venezuela
What should be done to address the civil, economic and humanitarian crisis in the country?
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June 22, 2016
Opening India to Foreign Investors
What are the promises and problems with India's new economic liberalization and what will it mean to the average Indian?
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June 21, 2016
Knowing When a Marriage Is Over
When is it time to give up on a marriage or a relationship? What should be a definitive breaking point?
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June 20, 2016
The Consequences of a Brexit
What would this move mean for Britain, Europe and the global economy?
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June 16, 2016
Have Christians Created a Harmful Atmosphere for Gays?
Church-backed efforts to fight L.G.B.T. rights have been blamed for feeding a hateful atmosphere that accommodates attacks on gays.
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June 15, 2016
Can Gun Control Still Pass Muster in the Supreme Court?
By recognizing an individual right to bear arms in overturning handgun bans, the court seemed to put gun control efforts in jeopardy. …
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June 14, 2016
From Sanders Supporter to Clinton Voter
What can be done to make sure Sanders supporters become Clinton voters in November?
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June 9, 2016
Should For-Profit Colleges Benefit From the G.I. Bill?
G.I. Bill money doesn't count against for-profit colleges' cap on federal funding. Veterans groups say many charge a lot but provide little.
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June 8, 2016
A Judge and an Unpopular Sentence
Is recall from the bench appropriate for the light sentence in the Stanford rape case?
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June 7, 2016
What Does Appropriate Office Dress Mean in 2016?
Official dress codes have become much more relaxed in recent years. How does that change what professionals wear?
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June 6, 2016
Do Dramas About Slavery Stifle Tales of Black Lives Now?
Does Hollywood's focus on historic injustices against African-Americans let it avoid dealing with the problems of today?
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June 2, 2016
$100 Million to Change the World
Can enough money "solve" a social problem?
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June 1, 2016
Should Students Lead Parent-Teacher Conferences?
These formal meetings are increasingly being led by the student. Is that an improvement?
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May 31, 2016
Should Guns Be Permitted on College Campuses?
Supporters say guns makes campuses safer. Opponents question the effect guns have on public safety and academic freedom.
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May 27, 2016
The Ethics of Investing in Another’s Lawsuit
Should third parties be allowed to invest in litigation, or does that unduly influence the outcome?
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May 26, 2016
Should Overcrowded National Parks Have Restricted Access?
Tourism is degrading popular natural sites with increased crowds, pollution and conflicts between humans and wildlife.
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May 25, 2016
Does the Airline Industry Need to Be Regulated Again?
Competition has shrunk, along with seating. Fees have risen, fares stay high and service is a problem. Should the government take action?
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May 24, 2016
If Catholic Women Could Be Deacons
Pope Francis says he will set up a commission to study whether women should serve as ordained ministers assisting the bishop and …
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May 23, 2016
Can Citizens Sue Over Climate Change?
Their arguments are often unconventional, but some suits brought by youth advocates are making progress.
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May 19, 2016
A Challenge in the Philippines
How should the United States deal with President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, given questions about his human rights record and foreign policy?
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May 18, 2016
Is a Deadlocked Supreme Court Such a Bad Thing?
Could the court's ideological deadlock actually lead to greater collegiality and more compromise?
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May 17, 2016
Is Facebook Saving Journalism or Ruining It?
Is the company providing a broader platform for news, or is it too controlling of people's access to it?
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May 16, 2016
Should Brazil Postpone the Olympics?
The country is in the midst of a political and economic crisis, not to mention a Zika outbreak, and the Summer Games …
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May 12, 2016
Is Tyranny Around the Corner?
Are Americans tired of democracy's failings and looking for an autocrat to take charge, or just yearning for more democracy?
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May 11, 2016
How Much Help From the G.O.P. Does Trump Need?
Many Republicans are still wary or opposed to Donald Trump’s candidacy. But he needs their money and organizational support.
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May 10, 2016
Will Regulating E-Cigarettes Mean Fewer Will Quit Smoking?
The British approve of electronic cigarettes. The U.S. doesn't. How will the F.D.A.'s decision affect anti-smoking efforts?
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