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Ed Ou for The New York Times
Updated September 20, 2012 12:04 AM
An Autocrat, but Still an Improvement?
How should the U.S. relate to regimes that, although authoritarian, have moved toward prosperity, like Paul Kagame's in Rwanda?
Recent Discussions
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Updated September 19, 2012 12:54 PM
Just the Scandal of the Week, or a Turning Point?
A gaffe or scandal can end a campaign, or blow over in days. What makes one controversy fatal, and another a flash …
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September 17, 2012
Professors and the Students Who Grade Them
Are college students' evaluations of their instructors a useful way to assess professors? What might be more effective?
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September 16, 2012
Getting Your Prescriptions, Without a Prescription
Should more medications be made available over the counter, like Claritin was in 2002?
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September 13, 2012
Sweet 16 … and a Runway Model
Guidelines released this year stipulate that girls must be 16 to walk the runways. Is this an appropriate age? Or still too …
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September 12, 2012
Does Mideast Democracy Complicate Diplomacy?
Can the United States stay engaged with modern democratic Middle Eastern countries that have sizable anti-Western populations?
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September 11, 2012
Must Teachers and School Officials Be Foes?
Do relations between teachers and officials need to cool off and become more cooperative, or can needed change come only through confrontation? …
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September 10, 2012
Is Organic Food Worth the Expense?
A recent study questions the nutritional value of organic food, but are there other benefits? Is it smart to go organic in …
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September 9, 2012
How Big Should the Defense Budget Be?
What is an appropriate level of defense spending when the federal budget is strained and the United States faces few major military …
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September 6, 2012
More Than Just a ‘Category 1’
How could we improve the rating systems for natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes?
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September 5, 2012
Was Bryant Park a Better Location?
New York Fashion Week left the garment district three years ago. Was that a smart move?
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September 4, 2012
Do We Need to Hear From the Candidate’s Spouse?
What role should spouses of the nominees play at conventions? Is it appropriate (or useful) for them to give speeches?
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September 3, 2012
Women’s Tennis: Is Best of Three Sets Enough?
Should women play five sets like the men? Or is it fair and appropriate for women to play best of three sets?
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August 30, 2012
Is Teach for America Working?
Has bringing in smart, young college graduates improved the education that American children are receiving?
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August 29, 2012
Is the Deficit Urgent, or a Distraction?
There is no consensus about whether the U.S. can sustain the economic recovery while also fixing the broken budget.
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August 28, 2012
The Staying Power of Arab Monarchies
Why have the royal families in the Middle East been able to hold onto power and outlast the Arab Spring?
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August 27, 2012
Step Aside; Double-Wide Stroller Coming Through
Are modern parents being rude when they impose on other people on sidewalks, planes and bar stools? Or just doing what's best …
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August 26, 2012
Do Party Conventions Matter Anymore?
Increasingly elaborate and scripted, are political conventions worth the cost?
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August 23, 2012
Has Support for Israel Hurt U.S. Credibility?
Is support for Israel so entrenched in American politics that the U.S. has lost credibility and influence in the Middle East?
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August 22, 2012
Were Todd Akin’s Comments So Outrageous?
Were the Republican Senate candidate's views on abortion and rape extreme or mainstream?
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August 21, 2012
Should the Fed Risk Inflation to Spur Growth?
The specter of runaway inflation has haunted many economists since the 1970s. But is this fear keeping the economy stagnant?
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August 20, 2012
What Makes Protest Effective?
Amid the Occupy Wall Street and Tea Party movements, bus tours with illegal immigrants and nuns and jailed activists in Russia, what …
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August 19, 2012
Do Prosecutors Have Too Much Power?
When one party decides whether to bring charges, what charges to bring and whether to offer a plea bargain, is the justice …
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August 16, 2012
Should We Stop Taxing Capital Gains?
Would eliminating taxes on investment and savings help the economy grow or simply create more inequality?
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August 15, 2012
Can’t Afford Foreign Aid, or Can’t Afford to Cut It?
With so many Americans struggling, and with the federal budget in dire straits, aiding other nations may be profligate.
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August 14, 2012
How Can Women Gain Influence in Hollywood?
Writers, directors and producers discuss how to break the "celluloid ceiling."
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August 13, 2012
Is Our Children Learning Enough Grammar to Get Hired?
Are schools undervaluing grammar, given that employers may rule out applicants with sloppy writing?
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August 12, 2012
Is the Threat From Hate Groups Overlooked?
Has the government's focus on Muslim terrorists made us neglect the threat from white hate groups? Should law enforcement pay more attention …
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August 9, 2012
What Should Be Eliminated From the Olympics?
The case for paring down the Games: no more tennis, a lot less swimming, no mismanaged boxing, and an end to sailing.
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August 8, 2012
How to End the Chaos in Syria
Syria is descending toward civil war, if it is not already embroiled in one. What can be done to stop this, or …
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August 7, 2012
Should Doping Be Allowed?
It's a constant scandal in cycling, baseball and at the Olympics. Testing doesn't eliminate the drugs. Should we just accept them?
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