Should English be the USA official Language?

Declaring English the official language is essential and beneficial for the U.S. government and its citizens. Official English unites Americans, who speak more than 322 languages (2000, U.S. Census), by providing a common means of communication; it encourages immigrants to learn English in order to use government services and participate in the democratic process; and it defines a much-needed common sense language policy per http://us-english.org/view/8.   I really did not know this was such a big debate until I started reading more about English as the official language in US.    There are some 31 states have made English the official language for their states.  I just believe that English is important to our society (a common bond) yet having other people speaking more than 322 languages is astounding.    What riches these languages / cultures can bring to this country.    People are quickly learning English while others are quickly learning other languages which will bring us closer in communicating with others.    Now Minnesota is looking at declaring English as Minnesota's official language.    

Should surrogate motherhood be either banned or regulated by law?

I think it is wonderful that a woman would be a surrogate to another woman/man.  These women are rare and it takes an unselfish woman to carry a child for someone else.   Becoming a surrogate mother is not for everyone since it does take a special person yet they need to be rewarded.   Therefore it should be regulated by law and not be banned.   I know so many families that would like to go through a surrogate program yet they do not believe all programs are safe.   If this is regulated by law, then every party involved would be protected including the child.  I have not read much about surrogate yet the movies out there shares with the audience the pro's and con's using a surrogate.   The surrogate is giving up her life for another child that will be with another woman/man and she will need to not bound with that child yet having the child with you for 9 months, how can you not bound.  On the other hand, the surrogate family are so anxious for this child with open arms, would they do anything that would jeopardize the surrogacy?   All agencies should be regulated by law to ensure that all parties are being supportive in this life changing experience.

Should mandatory (or voluntary) prayer be permitted in public schools?

Prayers should not be mandatory in public schools because the separation of church and state which is one of the foundations of our democracy.  As for voluntary prayer, this should not be restricted because it is voluntary.   As long as the teacher, principal and school do not lead the prayer or enforce praying then it should be allowed.   A moment of silence would allow those who want to pray and others who choose not to pray to do so.  Our children really need to time to clear their minds and be prepared to learn.

Should adoption records be open rather than sealed?

I guess I have not really thought about adoption having the records sealed or open.   One thing I do know that if I was adopted, I would want to know more about my parents medical records.   This would be the main reason I would say to have the records opened.   For any other reasons than medical concerns, I would agree to keep the records sealed.  I have searched for more information and found this website very  interesting how adoptee feel about open vs sealed records.

http://www.bastards.org/   Bastard Nation advocates or the civil and human rights of adult citizens who were adopted as children. Millions of North Americans are prohibited by law from accessing personal records that pertain to their historical, genetic and legal identities. Such records are held by their governments in secret and without accountability, due solely to the fact that they were adopted.

Should victimless crimes such as prostitution and other sexual activity between consenting adults be free from governmental interference?

Definition: 
Victimless crimes are those that are of the nature of illegal gambling, drug use, and selling sex, where the victim does not experience harm and is indeed a willing participant.

Bottom line...a crime is a crime!  It is an illegal act or activity, it's a crime.   
Tell me what damages would occur in gambling, prostitution or illegal drug use that a person would experience harm.   Gambling a person may experience financial harm, where prostition may experience disease or bodily harm.  Illegal drug use can place the person in danger buying, selling or using the drugs.  Let's not forget about the family members that will be hurt in the long run.  

Start spreading the message of positive values by clicking on this link.    http://www.values.com/

Should a rating system be required for song lyrics?

In my opinion there should be a rating system in place like they have for movies and video games.   How would you accomplish this???  When it is so hard to censor movies/games.   It is not just up to parents to enforce it, society will need to step in to help minors.   I believe in free speech but I also believe we as a society should set good examples to all children!   All I know when I grew up I did not hear music that downgraded people because of their gender, race etc.  Now I listen to the music my grandchildren are playing and I get shocked when I actually hear the lyrics.  Artist have the responsibility to be role model since they do have an influence on children in what they listen to.     Unfortunately, artists are getting richer while are children are having issues in life and need support.   Some songs they could do without.   Children are our future, and if their musical choices are filled with negative things, then it is society responsibility to do something about it.  

Should children be required to attend school past the age of sixteen?

Of course the obvious answer is "Yes".   Staying in school opens many doors to the future of their education which will open up many other doors to their future possibilities.  At sixteen you are still learning, developing your personality to be a competent individual in society.  

Unfortunately, there are so many children that do not have the same opportunities as other children do.   From poverty to lack of parental guidance, there are children who at times has to fend for themselves.

1.   Parent(s)/caregiver may not have the ability to care for a teen. 

2.   Troubled teen (drugs, gangs, prostitution, criminal activities)

3.   Disabilities

4.   Pregnancy

5.   Teen has to take care of themselves (and/or siblings)

6.   There may not be any good role models to share the importance  

      of education

7.   Bullying

8.   Sexual orientation (not accepted by parents/school)

9.   And many more....



Where do I go from here?



How can we keep teens in school?     Parents need to communicate with their teens.   Parents need to show how concerned they are to their teen and their future development.   There are many great support groups for teens and their parents (school, community centers, churches etc.).  Parents & schools should be communicating on a regular basis instead of the parents waiting for the teens report card when it may be too late. If a teen has no support at home or is homeless, then society needs to reach out to the teen by having visible resources that are confidential so the teen feels comfortable in receiving help.   So as you can see, many teens have so much to deal with environmentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually and mentally that we need to find funding to promote proper education.

http://www.parentingteens.com/index/Troubled+Teens