President Obama recently declared an end to combat missions in Iraq.
Considering the loss of more than 4400 lives along with approximately $700 billion spent over seven years and the fact that there were no weapons of mass destruction, in hindsight, was the war in Iraq worth the cost?
Tensions are mounting between the Democrats and Republicans over the Bush tax cuts.
How do you feel about allowing the Bush tax cuts to expire at the end of the year, and will raising taxes on the rich slow down the economy even more as some have suggested?
Recent comments by President Obama defending and then somewhat retracting his support of a proposed Islamic Center and Mosque in New York has drawn the ire of critics from both the right and left.
How do you feel about the prolonged controversy surrounding the center?
Less than three months away from the midterm elections, Former Virginia Governor Doug Wilder has shifted the focus to 2012 by suggesting that President Obama dump Joe Biden in favor of Hillary Clinton?
How do you feel about a VP shake-up in 2012?
Leading Republicans have called for a review and possible repeal of the 14th amendment in an effort to deny birthright citizenship to children of undocumented immigrants.
How do you feel about proceedings to review the 14th amendment?
A day before the Arizona immigration law was scheduled to take effect – a federal judge granted an injunction against some of the most controversial parts of the law.
What do you think? Do you agree with the judge’s decision?
Virginia Democratic Senator Webb has called for an end to affirmative action diversity programs suggesting that these programs have marginalized and disadvantaged struggling whites.
How do you feel about the need for continued affirmative action programs in America?
According to a recent poll, only 45% of voters approve of the President’s performance.
Do you think President Obama has been effective as a leader and will the midterm elections be a referendum on the President?
RNC Chairman Michael Steele has taken a lot of heat for suggesting that the war in Afghanistan cannot be won.
Do you agree with his contention? How would you define success in Afghanistan?
House Minority Leader John Boehner recently suggested raising the Social Security retirement age to 70 years old.
What do you think about increasing the Social Security retirement age by five years?
Utah Senator Orrin Hatch recently proposed legislation that would require people receiving unemployment benefits to be tested for drug use.
What do you think? Should those seeking unemployment benefits be subjected to drug testing?
There has been a lot of discussion surrounding the viability of a boycott of British Petroleum.
How do you feel about a boycott of BP?
California has joined an increasing number of states that now have some form of open primaries that do not require voters to be affiliated with a political party to vote for partisan candidates.
Do you favor the open primary system or should voters have to declare an affiliation in order to vote in a primary?
Recent polls indicate that President Obama’s approval rating has declined in the midst of the BP Gulf oil crisis.
How would you rate the President’s overall job performance?
A proposal to build a Mosque and Muslim cultural center near Ground Zero has sparked opposition from a September 11th victims’ group and the Tea Party.
What do you think? Is the opposition justified?
The Obama administration has faced a flurry of criticism regarding BP’s handling of the spillage in the Gulf.
Who do you think should be held accountable, BP or the President?
Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan is receiving a mix of criticism and praise from both Republicans and Democrats.
What do you think? How do you feel about a nominee that lacks judicial experience?
The Obama administration recently expressed support of a repeal of the moratorium on offshore drilling along the East Coast.
In light of the horrific Gulf Coast oil spill, should we permanently ban the expansion of offshore drilling?
One year removed from consideration for the Olympics, Chicago leaders are divided over suggestions to bring in the National Guard to combat the city’s growing violence.
Should the National Guard be used to fight crime on city streets?
The Governor of Arizona signed an immigration reform bill that has sparked much controversy and characterized by the President as being “misguided.”
Do you agree with the Governor’s decision? What do you think about the bill?
A recent Gallup Poll revealed that 50% of registered voters feel that President Obama does not deserve re-election.
Based on performance, do you think President Obama deserves a second term?
Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell recently acknowledged that the omission of slavery from his proclamation declaring Confederate History Month was a mistake.
Does his amendment to include slavery give credence to the celebration of the Confederacy?
Allegations of sexual abuse and cover up continue to plague the Roman Catholic Church.
Do you think the Church’s response was adequate? If not, what actions should be taken by the Church?
Sarah Palin recently proclaimed the Republican Party as the party of “Hell No.”
Do you think this strategy of opposition and obstruction will benefit the Republicans in the November elections?
Health care reform has been a long and drawn out process.
What do you think of the outcome? What will it mean for the President and the country?
Discussions in Washington concerning immigration reform have sparked controversy on the proposal of a national worker ID card.
What do you think about a mandate that would require all American workers to have a biometric identification card?
In today’s record unemployment, finding a job is no easy feat. Several states may ease the process with a ban against credit checks on job applicants.
Should a job seeker’s credit history or credit score be used to determine their eligibility for hire?
In addition to body scanners, TSA screeners will be allowed to randomly swab airport passengers’ hands for detection of explosives.
Do you think this procedure can be implemented without discrimination or profiling?
Questions are being raised on whether the census should include those that are incarcerated.
Should inmates be counted in the census? If counted, should the census register them under their prison address or their home community?
Toyota, the world’s largest automaker is facing multiple lawsuits due to massive recalls for acceleration and braking problems.
What will Toyota have to do to regain consumer confidence?
There is mounting opposition to Attorney General Eric Holder’s decision to try the 9/11 terror suspects in civilian court opposed to a military tribunal.
Should the trial of the 9/11 terror suspects be held in a civilian court or in a military tribunal?
Partisan politics and bickering have nearly brought Capitol Hill to a screeching halt.
What needs to happen to get Democrats and Republicans to govern in a bipartisan manner?
The question of providing merit pay and added incentives for effective classroom teachers has many lawmakers and teacher unions on opposing ends.
Do you think performance based incentives for teachers will improve student achievement?
We just celebrated the birthday of Dr. King and it's obvious that we have a long way to go in race relations, with racially insensitive comments coming from both the right and left.
What actions do you think should be taken in an effort to improve race relations and unite our country?
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid stated during the 2008 presidential campaign that Barack Obama could win because of his “light-skinned” appearance and speaking “with no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one,” according to sources.
How do you feel about this comment and what exactly is a Negro dialect?
New Hampshire became the fifth state in the U.S. to allow same sex marriage with the District of Columbia expected to be next.
Do you believe marriage is a civil right for gays and lesbians?
Federal officials imposed new restrictions and heightened screenings that will likely lengthen lines at airports and change the routine of air travel after the recent failed terror attack on a US airliner.
Will these changes affect your plans and willingness to fly aboard US commercial airlines?
During an interview, President Obama gave himself “a good solid B- plus” for his first year in office.
Do you agree? How would you grade the President?
Five college age students from Northern Virginia were arrested last week in Pakistan, suspected of seeking training in jihad from an al-Qaeda linked terrorist group.
Do you think the threat of homegrown terrorism is on the rise in the United States?
President Obama has announced his decision to deploy 30,000 additional troops to Afghanistan.
Should we be sending more troops? Is the President’s timetable for withdrawal of troops by 2011 realistic?
A Virginia couple crashed the first State Dinner of the Obama administration and actually shook hands and took pictures with the President.
Should the failure to follow basic security procedures by the Secret Service cause us to question our homeland security as a whole?
A county in central Virginia plans to offer high school students an elective class on the Bible next year. The issue has sparked controversy on both sides of the matter. The question has been raised whether the course can be taught free of religious indoctrination and bias.
Should the Bible be taught in public schools? What do you think?
The Fort Hood shootings were a horrible tragedy. Although it remains unclear how this could have happened, there is growing speculation that the incident was a terrorist attack.
Do you think the incident was an act of terrorism or the act of a deranged gunman?
Gubernatorial elections were held last week in NJ and VA along with a congressional race in New York. Both parties declared victory even in the midst of significant losses.
What message do you think was being sent to both the Republican and Democratic Parties?
A recent Gallup poll reveals that only 56% of Americans believe that a solution to America’s race problems will be worked out, roughly the same as reported in 1964.
Do you think race relations will always be an issue in the United States and why?
Reportedly, after months of taking incoming fire from Fox News, the White House fired back with negative criticism.
Do you think the White House crossed the line?
There is growing support calling for a moratorium on executions in the state of Texas, sparked by recent reports that an innocent man may have been executed.
What do you think about a moratorium on the death penalty?
The State of Arizona recently passed a law that allows taking a concealed weapon into a bar, providing it’s not prohibited by the establishment.
Would you patronize a bar that allows guns?
In the state of New York there is a mandate for all health care workers to take the H1N1 flu vaccine. There are other states considering the same requirement.
How would you react if your employer mandated that you to take the flu vaccine?
Recently at the G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh, protesters were reportedly dispersed by officers using pepper spray and sonic weapons known to be used in US military operations.
Should local law enforcement be allowed to use military weaponry against protesters?
Rep. Joe Wilson refuses to render an apology on the House floor for his comment during the President’s address to Congress last week.
What action do you think should be taken for not publicly apologizing to Congress?
The CEO of Richmond Virginia’s SPCA accidentally left her dog in a hot car, where the dog later died after several hours. Emotions are mixed with some feeling that the CEO should resign.
What action, if any, do you think should be taken?
During several of the Town Hall meetings for health care reform, those wishing to exercise their Second Amendment right to bear arms have been in attendance with handguns and assault rifles.
While no incidents were reported, does possession of weapons in this type of setting post a potential threat?
An Australian court ruled that a 49-year old quadriplegic should not be administered food and water against his wishes. The patient is fed though a tube in his stomach. The ruling set a legal precedent in Australia.
Should a patient be given the legal choice to administer their own treatment even if it includes death?
President Obama has been in office for 200 days. Based on the country’s present global and economic conditions, how would you rate his performance?
A 2004 Gallup Poll revealed that 67% of African Americans and 63% of Hispanic Americans feel racial profiling is widespread in traffic stops compared to 50% of White Americans.
Have you ever been a victim of racial profiling? Share your experiences here with the Tanya Free community.
Last week the FBI busted an organ trafficking ring; an alleged 10 year scheme involved in the buying and selling of kidneys for transplants. While it is illegal under federal law for anyone to buy or sell organs for transplant, there is support to change the law to permit a system of regulated compensation for donor kidneys. What do you think?
Should a person be allowed to buy or sell their organs for a transplant?
First the students, now there is a growing trend requiring teachers to abide by a dress code.
Should teachers be required to adhere to a dress code?
Airlines are doing it - now ambulance providers. A provider in Kansas is charging more for its services to patients that are overweight.
Should companies be allowed to charge extra because of weight?
Alaska Governor Sarah Palin announced her resignation. The eighteen month early departure has sparked much speculation and many questions.
What do you think about Governor Palin’s decision to step down from office?
Health care reform is a complex issue that has the current administration seeking support to make it happen. While many agree that reform is necessary, there is much disagreement on how to revamp the system.
How would you design the health care system to make it fair to everyone?
The civil unrest in Iran has been in the media since the country’s recent presidential election. President Obama has refrained from taking a stance with either side despite the fact some US congressional leaders would like the President to lend support to the Iranian protesters.
Should the President intervene in support of the protesters?
Late night host David Letterman made controversial jokes about Sarah Palin and a member of her family. Palin found the jokes to be offensive and inappropriate. Letterman later apologized, but protesters are calling for Letterman to be fired. What do you think?
Should Letterman be given a pink slip?
Supreme Court Nominee Judge Sonia Sotomayor has been quoted as saying “I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would, more often than not, reach a better conclusion,” and added "than a white male who hasn't lived that life." This comment has sparked accusations of racism from critics.
Do you find this comment to be racist?
Last week, the California Supreme Court upheld Prop 8 that bans same sex marriages.The ruling comes on the heels of several states that recently allowed same sex marriages. The controversial issue is being challenged on a state by state basis. What do you think?
Should same sex couples have the right to get married?
A 13-year old cancer patient and his parents elected to discontinue conventional medical care and opted for holistic treatment until a court order intervened.
Should a court be allowed to override a parent’s plan of care for their child?
President Obama delivered the commencement address at Arizona State University followed by him giving one at Notre Dame. The President received an honorary degree from Notre Dame but his achievement failed to merit an honorary degree from Arizona State University.
Should Arizona State University have honored the President with a meritorious degree?
New York has resurrected a twelve year old law that allows public homeless shelters to charge those staying at the shelter a portion of their income.
Do you think a person should have to pay to stay at a shelter?
A legislative hearing was held recently to address the reform of the current federal cocaine sentencing structure that fails to appropriately reflect the differences and similarites between crack and powder cocaine. Reports indicate that it takes 100 times more powder cocaine to cause the same harsh mandatory minimum sentence as crack cocaine.
Do you think the law should be reformed?
The American auto industry is on the verge of collapse. GM announced it will no longer manufacture its Pontiac brand.Do you think this is the beginning of the demise of the American automobile industry?
President Obama has been in office for three months. Has he kept his campaign promises? How do you think the President is doing so far?
Purchasing a gun, depending on the state, can be as easy as buying a cup of coffee. Should there be universal requirements such as background checks, psychological testing or a waiting period prior to purchase?
President Obama requested support from NATO allies for the
Should the
Should marijuana be decriminalized?
After public outrage over the $165 million in AIG bonuses, CEO Edward Liddy asked bonus recipients to return at least half of what they received. Voluntarily, some actually agreed to return 100 percent of the money. During an investigation, New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo reports 9 of the top 10 bonus recipients returned the money – a recovery of about $50 million. A drop in the bucket considering $115 million remains outstanding.
Should AIG request the bonuses be returned? Would you return the money?
AIG awarding $165 million in bonuses has ignited public outrage. How can the failing Wall Street giant - AIG and others like Citigroup and Bank of America award bonuses and other perks, and continuously, at the expense of the American taxpayers?
The President accepts responsibility stating "the buck stops with [him]." And in essence, it's his job to fix it.
What should the President do to fix it?
During a joint address to Congress a few weeks ago, the President announced that "...95 percent of working households in America will receive a tax cut, a tax cut that you will see in your paychecks beginning on April 1." Good news for 95 percent of us and hopefully good for the economy.
How do you plan to stimulate the economy with your cut?
On Tuesday, the President gave a joint session address to members of Congress speaking on a host of issues - jobs,tax relief, the financial system, healthcare reform and education to name a few. After the President's speech, Republican Governor Bobby Jindal, of Louisiana, gave the GOP response,keeping with party principles. Assessment by the media and pundits are in, but what the American people think is what really counts.
So, good or bad what do you think of the President's speech and that of the GOP's response?
A cartoon that appeared in the Wednesday February 18th edition of theNew York Post has sparked a lot of controversy. The caption makes reference to a stimulus bill with a caricature of violent imagery along with questionable racial undertones. Civil rights groups have called for an apology and are planning a protest.
Do you think the cartoon is inappropriate?
Brett Favre announced Wednesday, yes-you guessed it, his retirement. A call or play, depending on how you look at it, the quarterback made eleven months ago that led to a long and drawn out Brett Favre saga.
Will Favre really retire this time or will the saga continue?
Wednesday, President Obama placed a $500,000 salary limit for corporate executives of companies that receive government bailout funds. On average, the executive's compensation range well in the millions.
Do you think the $500,000 cap is to low, or too high?
The maker of the Beanie Babies is promoting two dolls with name likeness of the First Daughters Malia and Sasha. The company denies the dolls are modeled after the First Family's two daughters though the dolls bear the names Marvelous Malia and Sweet Sasha. A spokesperson for Mrs. Obama stated "it is inappropriate to use young private citizens for marketing purposes."
Do you think the company crossed the line?
Timothy Geithner, President Obama's pick for Treasury Secretary, appeared before the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday. Geithner faced questions regarding his failure to pay $34,000 in self-employment taxes between 2001 and 2004. Geithner apologized for what he called "careless, avoidable and unintentional errors."
Do you think Geithner should be confirmed as Treasury Secretary, which includes oversight of the IRS?
President Bush gave his final press conference on Monday - summing up the last eight years of his presidency. For a president who seldom held press conferences and interviews, he is suddenly all over the TV. Larry King on Tuesday night and a farewell address to the nation at 8pm tonight on network TV.
Will you be watching? Whether you do or not, what do you think the President should say to the American people?
Having a job in this troubled economy is a blessing. Across the country, companies are struggling to stay afloat. In Fayette County, Georgia there is a prosposal to cut salaries in exchange for additional time off.
How much of a pay cut would you be willing to accept in order to keep your job?
Former NFL quarterback Michael Vick, who is currently serving a 23 month prison sentence for his role in a dog fighting operation, could be moved to a halfway house in January. He is scheduled to be released from federal custody by the summer of 2009.
Should the once football star be given a second chance to play in the NFL?
The Twilight Zone!
On Tuesday the Governor of Illinois,Rod Blagojevich,was arrested for federal corruption charges. Charges that allleged the Governor attempted to sell the President elect's former Senate seat. The scandal, according to U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald "...has taken us to a new low" one that "...would make Lincoln roll over in his grave." Without skipping a beat, the Governor returned to work with full governing authority with the power to name a replacement or appoint himself to the vacant Senate seat if he desires.
Are we in the Twilight Zone- where corruption in our government is rampant and it is business as usual?
The uncertainty of our economy is officially being labeled a recession and has been since last year.The current condition of our financial institutions,auto industry and hundreds of layoffs each week,compared to economic conditions last year are far more devastating.
Are we on the brink of a Depression?
There is a lot of media buzz about President Elect Barack Obama's cabinet selections, which includes many familiar faces that served in President Clinton's administration. Somewhat of a fresh pick, Senator Hillary Clinton is being considered for Secretary of State and is receiving a lot of media attention. Although it appears the hatchet has been buried between the two,everyone is not convinced.
What do you think about Hillary being selected for Secretary of State?
America has spoken and the next president of the United States - President Elect Barack Obama. Congratulations America, for turning the page and making history that unites us as one people. And,together we stand with President Elect Barack Obama to restore opportunity and prosperity in America for all Americans.
How Do You Feel About It?
Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin appeared out of nowhere and onto the national scene, drawing larger crowds than running mate John McCain. After several interviews and her apparent inability to clearly define the duties of the vice president on at least four different occasions, it is crystal clear to me that Sarah Palin does not possess the skills,qualifications or experience necessary to be second or first in command if the circumstance arises. In my opinion, this is a direct reflection of John McCain's judgment and what we could expect if he is elected.
What was John McCain thinking? Was he simply picking a female for the "wow factor" or was it designed to appeal to the Hillary faithful,or to recruit the bubba vote?
After three debates and less then 19 days before one of the most critical elections ever, there are still many undecided voters.
Why are there so many undecided voters?
The presidential election has gotten very ugly, adding to the already high tensions over our failing economy and financial crisis.
What does it say about a candidate that engages in such cheap despicable attacks?
Check out this week's Tanya's Tips at the left entitled CHANGE !
Many tuned in for the presidential and vice presidential debates.
Which presidential candidate is ready to fix the mess our country is in, if elected?
The President outlined a plan to bail out Wall Street from all of its financial bad debt.
Should the government be in the business of bailing out Wall Street with our taxpayer dollars?
Sarah Palin’s pregnant teenage daughter has sparked discussion about the teen pregnancy epidemic.
Which approach is most effective in addressing the issue, sex education curriculums or abstinence programs?
Now that the Democratic and Republican conventions are over and each of the presidential candidates has had an opportunity to speak to the American people - the question which candidate addressed the real issues that the American people really care about and which candidate as president will make those issues a top priority in January 2009?
We have watched the historic democratic convention and this week John McCain, Sarah Palin and the republicans get their turn. Each party expects a double digit bump in the polls wooing the undecided.
Undecided voters, what do you need to hear to make a decision?
This past Saturday, Senator Obama chose Senator Joe Biden to be his running mate. There are mixed views on whether the choice is a plus.
What do you think?
Controversy is brewing around lowering the drinking age from 21 to 18. One side thinks the current law encourages binge drinking and the other side feels it will increase the number of driving fatalities.
What do you think?
Do you believe John Edwards has a future in politics?
