My daughter's scholarship essay

[Major Captain Silly]

I thought some of the intelligent people I've noticed here can give us some ideas for an essay my daughter needs to write for a scholarship. Here's what they want:

"Please formulate a question about an issue of current or enduring significance about which thoughtful people disagree. Then in an essay of approximately 600 words, present your analysis of the issue you have raised and your response to the question"

We've gone through war in Iraq, Stem cell research, and smoking bans. So far, smoking bans are winning. I'm looking for any other ideas that might be original and insightful.

Thanks!

MCS

[JaKaAch]

The illegal immigration debate is hot right now. Sanctuary cities.

I also get a kick out of BIG oil always getting blamed for high gas prices.

[smokinpoke]

Originally Posted by Major Captain Silly

I thought some of the intelligent people I've noticed here can give us some ideas for an essay my daughter needs to write for a scholarship. Here's what they want:

"Please formulate a question about an issue of current or enduring significance about which thoughtful people disagree. Then in an essay of approximately 600 words, present your analysis of the issue you have raised and your response to the question"

We've gone through war in Iraq, Stem cell research, and smoking bans. So far, smoking bans are winning. I'm looking for any other ideas that might be original and insightful.

Thanks!

MCS

I like the Stem Cell idea. One other is should the military be more of a reactionary role or one of a world police.

[glking]

Unfortunately, it probably depends more on the group providing the scholarship, than the topic or its content.

Is this group religious, or liberal, or etc.?

Pick a topic that is important to that group, give it the proper slant, and hope for the best.

[Irons]

Gentic modification of food
Patriot Act's long term effect on the balance of power
Effects of the European Union ability to work cohesivly.
Untied States roll in future space exploration and colonization
South East Asia's polictics and trouble, the effect on world politics

[Mystophales]

You could always go with a debate that has gone on for decades now...

Does it "Taste Great" or is it in fact "Less Filling". The world needs an answer

On a serious note you can't get more polarizing that the issue of abortion or Evolution vs. Creationism.

[bama]

Educational competition: Vouchers, charter schools, education tax credits, etc.

[AAlmeter]

What is the purpose/scope/limits/abilities of our government?

Essentially....

Was our governmnet established to justly punish those who take away our ability to pursue "happiness"?

or

Was our government established to protect us from harm and help us attain "happiness"?


I think its a subject that has been around longer than old Johhny Locke and encompasses a lot of current debates. For example, does/should the government have the ability to:

-determine how much (or little) money we make
-force us to wear seatbelts
-take away our means of self defense
-support one religious belief over another, whether it be Christianity of Judaism or Athiesm over Catholicism
-tell us how much we need to save for retirement, when we can retire, and how much we will get when we retire
-tax necessities such as food, clothing, income, and shelter
-determine whether or not our dairy products can be consumed unpasteurized
-tell you whether or not you can hire/fire a gay babysitter
-tell you what doctor to go to, and how much he/she can charge
-tell you where you can/can't go to school
-tell you whether or not you can smoke that cigar
-or have that glass of scotch
-or smoke that joint
-take away your land to build a highway...or a mall...or just because you have more of it than the average joe

et cetera, ad infinitum, quid quid latine dictum sit, altum videtur, amen.


The only difficult part would be trimming it to 600 words (for me at least). I think this is an exercise everyone should do regardless of whether or not they are getting a scholarship for it. We'd be in a lot fewer messes if people would think every now and then.

[uncballzer]

I like the smoking ban issue--it's something you can help her with (quality time), plus you'll have a better idea in the future for a rebuttal against someone who is for smoking bans. I found Joe Jackson's essay to be amazing (d/t a post from someone a few days back) in the pro-smoking section.

http://www.joejackson.com/pdf/5smoki...okingissue.pdf

[jagmqt]

glking asks a good question...where is she sending the essay...the group offering the scholarship makes a huge difference on topic suggestions...if it were the american heart association...i would think the smoking ban would be appropriate...if it is the Zonta club, i'd look into some title 9 issues, there are still universities struggling with funding...if it's the UAW, disccuss WalMart and their employees, if it's the MEA, discuss teacher salaries and educational funding, or charter schools...

I guess what I'm trying to get at, Major, is give us a little more info, I'm sure we can help out, not just with topics, but perhaps avenues for information as well...

And I noticed in another thread you posed a question to everyone...perhaps you should ask your daughter...does she like mashed potatoes? What about cake?

jag

[chibnkr]

Quasi-nationalized healthcare (and why it, and limiting the profits of insurance companies) is a terrible idea.

[j6ppc]

Compulsory National Service / Draft.

[Major Captain Silly]

Originally Posted by jagmqt

glking asks a good question...where is she sending the essay...the group offering the scholarship makes a huge difference on topic suggestions...if it were the american heart association...i would think the smoking ban would be appropriate...if it is the Zonta club, i'd look into some title 9 issues, there are still universities struggling with funding...if it's the UAW, disccuss WalMart and their employees, if it's the MEA, discuss teacher salaries and educational funding, or charter schools...

I guess what I'm trying to get at, Major, is give us a little more info, I'm sure we can help out, not just with topics, but perhaps avenues for information as well...

And I noticed in another thread you posed a question to everyone...perhaps you should ask your daughter...does she like mashed potatoes? What about cake?

jag

It is the Herman B Wells Scholarship for Indiana University. My research on Wells has shown him to be pretty middle-of-the road as far as politics. One of his accomplishments was to help to integrate the IU student population. Here's a link to the scholarship info:

http://www.indiana.edu/~wsp/index.html

Thanks!

MCS

[taltos]

Easy topic; Bobby Knight, saint or sinner. Second topic; Was Larry Bird a pussy for leaving IU and going to Indiana State?

[uncballzer]

Originally Posted by taltos

Easy topic; Bobby Knight, saint or sinner. Second topic; Was Larry Bird a pussy for leaving IU and going to Indiana State?

SINNER!!!--THEY SHOULD HAVE KICKED HIM OUTTA BBALL FOR GOOD! GO HEELS!