The Debates

Should the US normalize diplomatic relations with Russia?

Can the US ever negotiate with Russia without rewarding aggression—or does permanent isolation guarantee an adversary with nothing to lose? The answer reshapes everything from Ukraine policy to nuclear arms control.

Should Elon Musk have a position in Trump's White House?

Should a billionaire who runs companies dependent on government contracts and regulation get a formal role advising the president? The question forces a choice: do we want outsider business expertise reshaping government, or is that exactly how democracies get hollowed out?

Should the US condition military aid to Israel on Gaza conduct?

Does the US have more leverage to influence Israeli conduct by threatening to withhold aid, or does conditioning military support to a strategic partner actually weaken American security interests and abandon an ally under pressure?

Should Trump's tariffs on Canada and Mexico stay in place?

Trump's tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods are already reshaping prices at checkout counters and factory floors across the US — but do they protect American workers and manufacturing, or just push costs onto consumers and invite retaliation? The answer depends on whether you think short-term pain builds long-term strength.

should states have more control then federal

When Washington and the states collide, who should win? The answer depends entirely on which level of government you trust less — and right now, both sides have reasons to fear the other.

Iran ceasefire

When a regime that chants 'Death to America' agrees to stop shooting, do you call it a diplomatic win or a dangerous legitimization — and who actually pays the price if you're wrong?

Is transgender surgery ethical for kids?

When a teenager says their body is wrong, who gets to decide what comes next — the child, the parent, the doctor, or the state? The fight over gender-affirming surgery for minors puts every one of those answers in direct conflict.

Mk ultra

Is 'MK Ultra' a genuine news story today, or has it become the ultimate Rorschach test — where every generation finds the conspiracy it was already looking for?

Is Iran war better for US or Israel?

When American and Israeli interests diverge over a potential war with Iran, whose calculus should drive U.S. military policy — and at what point does supporting an ally become fighting their war?

Federal Reserve holds rates steady at April meeting

With inflation still above target and recession fears mounting, the Fed just chose to do nothing — is that the most responsible move a central bank can make, or is 'steady' just another word for falling behind?

Should the Fed cut rates before tariff effects fully hit the economy?

If the Fed cuts rates now, it risks pouring fuel on tariff-driven inflation — but if it waits, it may let a slowdown harden into a recession. Is the central bank being prudent, or is it already behind the curve on both threats at once?

Stock market plunges after Trump announces new semiconductor tariffs

When the president slaps tariffs on the chips that power everything from your phone to your car, is he protecting American industry or tanking the economy to win a trade war — and who actually pays the price?

Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady amid tariff uncertainty

The Fed is frozen — holding rates steady while tariffs threaten to push prices up and growth down at the same time. Who pays the price when the central bank's only tools can't fix a problem made in the White House?

Florida legislature passes permitless carry expansion

When anyone can carry a concealed weapon without a permit or training, does Florida become safer because criminals can't predict who's armed — or more dangerous because the state just removed the last checkpoint between impulse and a loaded gun in public?

Supreme Court rules 8-1 against Colorado conversion therapy ban Chiles v Salazar

If a licensed counselor sincerely believes talk therapy can change a child's sexual orientation, does the First Amendment shield that practice from a state that calls it psychological abuse? The Court just said maybe yes — and the lone dissent warns that answer will cost real kids their wellbeing.

Talbot house relocation

Should taxpayers or preservationists foot the bill to move the Talbot house, and who decides what local history is worth saving?