Wailele 2016

Hawaii’s lieutenant governor and some in the state’s tourism industry aren’t laughing over a “Saturday Night Live” skit they fear could deter people from visiting the islands.

The four-minute skit, an exaggerated portrayal of how annoying and frustrating it can be to deal with tourists, depicts a pair of disgruntled locals who sing and dance for mainland visitors.

What do you think?

New research by the American Association of University Women Educational Foundation shows that just one year out of college, women working full-time earn only 80 percent of their male colleagues’ salaries, even when they work in the same field. Ten years after graduation, the pay gap widens, with women earning 69 percent of what men earn.

Why do you think this is so?

Do you think this is fair?  Why or why not?

What would you do to change this situation?

In a recent survey, 52% said the U.S. should spend more.

“NASA has paid for itself many times over by leading to the development of things likd GPS and weather satellites. It’s such a good investment that its budget should be increased.”—-Craig Chrisco, Petaluma, Calif.

“U.S. leadership in space is critical. China, Russia and others will launch weapons into space that are aimed at the earth. Funding NASA is needed to protect our country.”–S.H., League City, Tex.

41% said the U.S. should spend less.

“NASA funds could be put to better use for things on earth, like health care and education. We have no need to go to the moon again or other planets.”–J.D., Blue Springs, Missouri

“NASA should concentrate on robot missions, which have been successful in the past. Space station programs should be moved to the commercial sector; this would cut costs and promote competition.”–R.N., Baltimore, Md.

7% said the current U.S. spending is fine.

What do you think?

The Electoral College consists of 538 popularly elected representatives who formally select the President and Vice-President of the United States. The Electoral College is an example of an indirection election.

Rather than directly voting for the President and Vice President, United States citizens cast votes for electors.

Why do you think some of our Founding Fathers wanted Congress to select the President? (Remember that in colonial times, not everyone could read, and there was no radio, TV or Internet to update people on national events.)

Do you think the U.S. President should be chosen by popular vote?  Why or why not?