Position Statements 2

Econ 0858 (The American Economy) Spring 201 7 Some Possible Topics for Position Statements 1 and 2 Position Statement #1 (Due Monday, March 20 th )  Should the minimum wage be eliminated, left alone, or increased? If you believe it should be increased, state how much it should be increased and why.  Lega lization / decriminalization of drugs Should marijuana be decriminalized (or legalized)? Yes or No Should all drugs be decriminalized (or legalized)? Yes or No Should the U.S abolish the death penalty? Yes or No  Global warming Should the U.S. commit mor e resources to the global warming issue? Yes or No Should the U.S. energy policy include a carbon tax? Yes or No  Progressive tax system (income inequality) Should the Federal Income Tax system be more progressive (reduce income inequality)? Yes or No Should the federal government be doing more to reduce poverty in the U.S.? Yes or No, and if so, what should they do?  Social security Should Social Security be privatized? Yes or No (If you argue that it should be privatized, define what you mean by p rivatization.) What should be done to fix the social security problem? (remember to use economic arguments)  Immigration Do illegal immigrants hurt the U.S. economy? Yes or No, and what should the government do about it (what changes should be made)?  Pos ition Statement #2 (Due Monday, April 17th )  Health care Should the U.S. have nationalized health care? Yes or No Should medical malpractice awards be limited? Yes or No Should the Affor dable Care Act (ACA) be repealed? Yes or No What should replace the Affor dable Care Act ? (arguments for and against your proposal)  Agriculture Should U.S. farm subsidies be reduced or eliminated? Yes or No Should the U.S. subsidize the development of biofuels (e.g., ethanol)? Yes or No Should the U.S. eliminate food tariffs and subsidies that have ha rmful effects on underdeveloped countries?  Tariffs and quotas Do U.S. trade tariffs help the U.S. economically? Yes or No Econ 0858 (The American Economy) Spring 201 7 Is Fair Trade policy superior to Free Trade policy? Yes or No (If you choose this, be sure to define what you mean by fair trade .)  Market power (e.g., Wal -Mart) Is Wal -Mart good for the American economy? Yes or No Is market power good for the American economy? Yes or No  The National Debt Does the size of the national debt present an economic problem to the U.S.? Yes or No If the re is another topic or issue you would like to present, please see me for approval.