Does nuclear power have the potential to be a clean, reliable, energy source? What are the barriers to nuclear energy? What are the risks? Are the benefits worth it? We hear two perspectives in this edition of Both Sides of the Issue.IS NUCLEAR ENERGY THE...
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Both Sides: Should We Tear Down Dams?
Dams can be used to generate clean, reliable energy, but is there still an environmental cost? What kid of impact do dams have on wildlife? Are they causing salmon to go extinct? We learn about and compare two stories of dammed rivers in this edition of Both Sides of...
Censorship
Are you searching for resources to discuss censorship with your students? Use our “Censorship” module to explore subjects such as free speech, media bias, disinformation, constitutional rights, and limiting political speech. Enrich your lesson plans with our free...
Both Sides: Greedflation
After years of high inflation, some prices remain high. But what's the exact cause? Is corporate greed responsible, or is it due to the government printing too much money? Are big monopolies taking advantage of us, or are politicians to blame? We take a look at...
Both Sides: Does Capitalism Reduce Poverty?
Global poverty has drastically declined, but is that because of global capitalism, or in spite of it? Does capitalism reduce poverty, or perpetuate it? Do the innovations and wealth generated by markets lift the global poor up, or are capitalists responsible for...
Outlawing Price Gouging
VIDEO DESCRIPTION“Gouging” becomes an issue every hurricane season. After big storms, some people raise prices. Then politicians and the media freak out. Both demand tougher laws against...
Government Fueled Fires
VIDEO DESCRIPTIONThe massive, deadly wildfires in America’s West are caused by climate change,” smirks California governor Gavin Newsom. In reality, bad forest management and excessive...
How Rent Control Hurts Renters
VIDEO DESCRIPTIONEverywhere it's tried, rent control harms the people it's meant to help. Yet politicians continue to implement it. AVAILABLE RESOURCES Printable PDF AVAILABLE RESOURCESClick to...
UNDIVIDE US
VIDEO DESCRIPTIONUNDIVIDE US challenges the idea that citizens who disagree are not capable of civil conversation and demonstrates the truth that, even in our differences, the American...
Both Sides: Globalization Revisited
Globalization has been a hotly debated topic for decades. Is global trade a good thing? Does it benefit the United States as a whole, or are American workers being sold out to help big corporations? Do trade agreements destroy American jobs, or are more jobs created...
Both Sides: Is Capitalism Freedom?
Does capitalism make us more free or less? Does it leave us at the mercy of employers and big corporations, or does it respect our ability to make our own choices? What is economic freedom? Should it be treated differently from other types of freedom? We learn about...
Both Sides: Is the National Debt a Problem?
The national debt continues to grow, but should we be worried? Do we need to cut government spending, or is the growing debt actually sustainable? What is "Modern Monetary Theory" and how does it apply? And what are the consequences of so much government spending?WHY...
Both Sides: Renewable Energy
The more we hear about climate change, the more demand for cleaner, greener energy grows. But are wind turbines and solar panels the answers we're looking for? Are they reliable enough? Are they affordable enough?THE FUTURE OF CLEAN ENERGYWIND AND SOLAR MAKE OUR GRID...
Protecting Free Speech
VIDEO DESCRIPTIONAmericans often take free speech for granted, but if we look around the world, it might change our perspective.AVAILABLE RESOURCES Printable PDF AVAILABLE RESOURCESClick to...
Both Sides: Are We Killing the Bees?
Bees play a very important role in our ecosystem, but are they in danger? Is the bee population in decline, and if so, are humans responsible? What should we do about it? We hear two points of view in this edition of Both Sides of the Issue.THE DEATH OF BEES...
Both Sides: $20 Minimum Wage
California raised its minimum wage to $20 per hour for fast food workers, and other states and cities are considering doing the same. But is that a good idea? Does it really help workers, or does it lead to fewer job opportunities? And how does it impact prices? We...
Both Sides: Billionaires Revisited
In this follow-up to Both Sides: Billionaires, we take another look at the topic. Should billionaires exist? Are the super wealthy exploiting the rest of us, or do we all benefit from their success? And what role does the government play in all of this?SHOULD...
The Landlord Squats Back
VIDEO DESCRIPTIONIf you find someone squatting in your house, it turns out that there’s often very little you can do to get them out, because laws meant to protect tenants also protect...
Both Sides: Globalization
Globalization has led to unprecedented levels of trade between nations around the world. But who are the winners and losers of globalization? Is it good for the U.S., or has our reliance on other countries killed American manufacturing? Does globalization help lift...
Better Than Charity
VIDEO DESCRIPTIONWhat's the best way to help the world? Government programs? Charity? There's something better than both.AVAILABLE RESOURCES Printable PDF AVAILABLE RESOURCESClick to Login or...
The Recycling Religion
VIDEO DESCRIPTIONFor decades we’ve been told recycling helps the Earth. But does it really?AVAILABLE RESOURCES Printable PDF AVAILABLE RESOURCESClick to Login or Register to Access These...
Electric Cars: Inconvenient Facts, Part 2
VIDEO DESCRIPTIONDo you think every car should be electric? In this video (and Part 1), John shares some inconvenient facts that might change your mind.AVAILABLE RESOURCES Printable PDF...
Electric Cars: Inconvenient Facts, Part 1
VIDEO DESCRIPTIONShould all cars go electric? Some politicians and activists think so, but John thinks they're guilty of magical thinking.AVAILABLE RESOURCES Printable PDF AVAILABLE...
Both Sides: Degrowth
In an attempt to solve the issues of climate change and income inequality, some activists are arguing for "degrowth." But others argue that economic growth actually helps us solve these issues, and that degrowth could lead to disaster. So what is degrowth? What future...
Both Sides: Artificial Intelligence vs. Jobs
Is artificial intelligence going to destroy the job market? What will happen to workers who are replaced by AI? Will innovation create new, better jobs to replace the old ones? Can we look to past innovations to predict AI's impact, or will AI's impact be unique? Here...
Both Sides: Monopolies Revisited
In this follow-up to Both Sides: Monopolies, we take another look at how businesses can become monopolies, and what should be done about it. Do we need more enforcement of antitrust laws? Does the federal government need to intervene in order to protect consumers from...
Does the Constitution Need to be Amended?
VIDEO DESCRIPTIONJohn asked a variety of lawyers, experts, media members, and people on the street how they would improve the Constitution.AVAILABLE RESOURCESClick to Login or Register to Access...
A Recipe for Big Government: Food Insecurity
VIDEO DESCRIPTIONThe government tells us 33 million Americans suffer from food insecurity. But is that really true? John investigates food insecurity and food deserts.AVAILABLE RESOURCESClick to...
5 Socialism Myths, Part 2
VIDEO DESCRIPTIONSocialism is now as popular as capitalism among young people. In this video (and Part 1), John debunks some socialism myths.AVAILABLE RESOURCESClick to Login or Register to...
5 Socialism Myths, Part 1
VIDEO DESCRIPTIONSocialism is now as popular as capitalism among young people. In this video (and Part 2), John debunks some socialism myths.AVAILABLE RESOURCESClick to Login or Register to...
Both Sides: Are Tipped Workers Being Exploited?
Is it fair to pay employees who receive tips a lower wage than other workers? What would be the impact if we raised the subminimum wage? Would restaurants struggle, or would they actually benefit? Would tipped workers be better off, or would they lose their jobs?THINK...
Both Sides: Free Speech
Should there be limits on the freedom of speech? Is online speech different from offline speech? Do we need censorship on social media? What is the value of the freedom of expression? Does free speech leads us to truth, or is it too easily weaponized to spread...
Both Sides: Foreign Policy
How should America approach foreign policy? Is the United States obligated to maintain a military presence around the world? Is war necessary to maintain peace, or are there better options? PolicyEd and Learn Liberty provide us with two opposing perspectives on the...
Both Sides: Self-Driving Cars
Driverless cars are already on the road, but are they really the future of transportation? Proponents say self-driving cars will reduce accidents and pollution, but others say that they're too dangerous. What are the benefits of cars driven by artificial intelligence?...
Both Sides: Banning TikTok Revisited
In this follow-up to Both Sides: Banning TikTok, we take another look at the controversial social media app. Politicians continue to discuss a nationwide ban, fearing that the Chinese government can use TikTok to spread misinformation and invade our privacy. But is it...
Both Sides: Can Capitalism Save the Environment?
In this follow-up to Both Sides: Can Socialism Save the Environment?, we take a look at the topic from a different perspective. Is capitalism killing the planet, or could it save the planet? Is economic growth the answer, or do we need degrowth? And what can we learn...
Both Sides: Does Capitalism Exploit Workers?
Is the economic system of capitalism inherently exploitative? Do employers exploit their employees to make a profit? Or does competition lead to mutually beneficial outcomes for all parties? Professor Richard Wolff and Matt Zwolinski, PhD share their opposing points...
Both Sides: Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act was passed in the United States in an attempt to help pregnant employees. But does it really help them? Will there be unintended consequences of the law? What will be the ramifications for employees and employers?NEW LAW PROTECTING...
Both Sides: Free Trade vs. Protectionism
Is free trade good for the economy, or should countries be self-sufficient? Is the United States too reliant on other countries when it comes to manufacturing and agriculture? Your students can hear two sides of this argument in the videos below.PROTECTIONISM: THE...
Both Sides: Term Limits
Should senators and members of congress be subject to term limits? Would it reduce the number of career politicians? Would that be a good thing, or do we need experienced politicians who devote their careers to government? How would it affect partisanship?TERM LIMITS:...
The Nuclear Option
VIDEO DESCRIPTION"Climate change is the existential threat!" warns Bernie Sanders and others. But if he really believed that, he should support nuclear -- the only technology that has a track record of rapidly replacing fossil fuels.AVAILABLE RESOURCESClick to Login...
Elections
Are you searching for resources to discuss voting and elections with your students? Use our “Elections” module to explore subjects such as why politicians don't cut spending, the value of voting, and how to become an informed voter. Enrich your lesson plans with our...
Both Sides: Artificial Intelligence
What is the future of artificial intelligence? Will it take our jobs, or help us do our jobs more easily? Should AI be regulated by the government? In this edition of Both Sides of the Issue, you can hear two perspectives on this topic.IF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TAKES...
Both Sides: How to Solve the Housing Crisis
Housing prices have risen rapidly, leading to a crisis in which people are struggling to find and afford homes. How do we solve the housing crisis? Should the government provide housing for people? Should we remove regulations so that private companies can build...
Both Sides: Were the Atomic Bombings Necessary?
WERE NUCLEAR WEAPONS REQUIRED TO END THE WAR?WAS THE ATOMIC BOMB NECESSARY?AVAILABLE RESOURCES
Wikipedia’s Bias
VIDEO DESCRIPTIONWikipedia is a great resource, and a great example of spontaneous order. But does it have a political bias? John takes a closer look.AVAILABLE RESOURCES Printable PDFAVAILABLE...
Both Sides: Is America Going Broke?
WHY THE U.S. CAN'T GO BROKESOCIAL SECURITY & MEDICARE ARE BROKEAVAILABLE RESOURCES
Both Sides: Can Socialism Save the Environment?
ONLY SOCIALISM CAN SAVE THE PLANETSOCIALISM RUINS THE ENVIRONMENTAVAILABLE RESOURCES