Issues and Controversies

Just released: full coverage of the 2011-12 National High School Debate Topic!

• Expanding the Space Program: Should more taxpayer money be invested in the U.S. space exploration program, and if so, in what areas? [ More high school debate topics]

Highlights of related coverage:

• The History of Mars Exploration
  
  
• NASA Scientists Debate Asteroid Deflection Strategies
  
  
• Scientists, Legislators Debate the Future of the International Space Station
  
  
• Editorial cartoon: Expanding the Space Program: Retiring the U.S. Shuttle Fleet

Recently featured controversies:

• Physicians Endorsing Pharmaceuticals: Is it ethical for a doctor to accept payment from a drug company for lecturing other doctors on the benefits of a particular drug? [ More on medicine and health]
  
  
• Editing the Classics: Should objectionable content be edited out of classic literary works that are also controversial, to make them more accessible to a greater number of young people? [ More on censorship and the arts]
  
  
• Calorie Counts on Menus: Should all chain restaurants and fast-food establishments be forced to display the number of calories in each menu item, or does such information make no difference to most people who eat out? [ More on government regulation]

Cartoon of the month:

• American Exceptionalism: Busy Spreading Democracy [ More editorial cartoons] [More on international affairs]