(a continuation) #11. James Polk With the border region of Mexico and the United States in dispute, James Polk initially set out to achieve diplomatic reconciliation. But when Mexico declined his initial buy-out offer, Polk deemed Mexican presence in this disputed region enough to declare war. Over time, U.S. military strength caused Mexico to concede and accept financial terms less than originally offered. While this resulted in a substantial increase of American land, it also enraged a neighboring country where resentment of this action still lingers today.

When a candidate says they plan on "making tuition more affordable", does this just mean they plan on paying for part of it, or that they actually plan on establishing a competitive schooling market that would, by nature, decrease costs?

"and you haven't been talking about the candidates." Not specifically. But, I believe what we're doing here is more valuable. By thinking through broader topics, we come to this discussion table with less baggage and are better learning how to reason - so that when we hear the candidates make their arguments, we'll be able to make better judgments. That being said, for those of you interested in the fascinating political match up that's taking place this year, there are two sets of interviews that I highly recommend. Interviews that force the candidates to go beyond the practiced answer, so that we can try and learn and empathize what the candidate truly believes in. 1) The Saddleback Civil Forum Interviews of both candidates by pastor and author, Rick Warren. In these lengthy interviews of both candidates, the questions focus on each candidate's philosophy and worldview more than specific policy matters. Absolutely fascinating. 2) Obama's appearance on the O'Reilly Factor (Part 1 of 4 linked here) O'Reilly angrily presses Obama to offer specifics on his soundbyte proposals, and we get them. I would love to see a McCain interview handled in this same way. Unfortunately, the first person that comes to mind is the late Tim Russert.

It's a biological question. The question is: when does a child obtain human rights? It seems as though a majority of theists believe that life, and therefore, human rights, begin at conception. And that the majority of non-theists believe that this point comes later, for example, when the child is able to achieve viability outside the womb. Religion or lack, thereof, is obviously influencing our answers to this biological question. Why is this?

For the next week, enter conversations trying to learn rather than trying to win. What the other person believes. And why they believe it. Feel free to question the logic, but for the sake of your understanding. Report back with your findings.

It seems as though a lot of political issues boil down to these two arguments. One, the argument of liberty. Stating that people are free to pursue their own happiness as long as that pursuit does not harm anyone else, and that the government has no constitutional authority to be involved. Second, the argument of justice. That the consequences of this government inaction would create injustice. Are we playing with poor definitions here, or is there an inherent dilemma between these powerful words?

Is mandatory service today the best way to encourage willing service tomorrow? Legislation has been proposed that would force high school students to participate in a set number of hours of community service per year. Not just to make it into the National Honors Society, or for a better chance to make the college of their choice. But, simply to graduate from high school. There would be much good that would come from this, specifically the tremendous amount of community service that would get done from this new market of forced labor. Willing service would obviously be a much more beautiful picture. True love offered without coercion. But, until that happens, should we force it, in hopes that seeing the need would spur willing action post- high school?

Let's clear it up.

Toys that contain lead or phthalates can be harmful to children. So, the U.S. recently signed into law legislation that prohibits both, the strictest ban in the world.

It helps no one.