For Discussion: America: Home of the Free, Land of the Brazen?

Genocide, forced sterilization, human medical experiments, repression of free speech, repression of freedom of religion, repression of the press, racism, forced labor, invasion of neutrals, imperialism, concentration camps, military atrocities...a list evils from the Nazi regime? In fact, the United States has been guilty of or accused of being guilty of all of the aforementioned acts. So how can we pledge allegiance to a flag that represents such a poor record in the world? Isn't that much like saying our bedtime prayers to Darth Vader?

Is the United States no better than any other country? Is the United States actually a force for great evil in the world? If so, how can we change from our wicked ways?

--Cicerone

For Discussion: A Jury of Your Peers

Most Americans dread the appearance of a jury summons in their mailbox. Many will do all they can to avoid serving on a jury. A large number refuse to show up. Can a jury of unwilling participants, randomly selected and not clever enough to escape jury duty ever really render an impartial and fair verdict?

Considering the movie 12 Angry Men and your own experience, is the jury system fair? What would make it more fair? Would you rather have a judge (a bench trial) or a jury (a jury trial) decide a case that you were involved in?

--Cicerone