USA TODAY's Debate: Voices and Perspectives

Same-sex marriage is a sharply divisive issue in the United States. Yet in the twenty-first century, cities and states across the nation are beginning to make available a range of legal options for same-sex couples who want to make a commitment to each other. These options include domestic partnership, civil union, and marriage. Advocates in favor of legal marriage point to the many benefits that come with the institution of marriage: tax advantages, adoption and inheritance rights, health-care protections, and general social recognition. Opponents, on the other hand, believe that marriage is an institution reserved for one man and one woman. Making sense of the debate involves asking tough questions: • Do all Americans, regardless of sexual orientation, have a right to legal marriage? • What are the benefits and disadvantages of allowing same-sex couples to marry? • Does same-sex marriage threaten or strengthen families? • Should U.S. courts or the American voting public make the final determination about same-sex marriage? To answer these questions, this book examines the history of the gay rights movement in the United States and the struggle for equal protection under the law, including the right for same-sex couples to marry. It provides the opinions and perspectives of leaders, activists, politicians, and ordinary Americans on both sides of the issue. Supplemented with quotes, anecdotes, and discussions from the pages of USA TODAY, The Nation's No. 1 Newspaper, this book will broaden your understanding of all sides of the issue and help you form your own opinion, either for or against same-sex marriage.

Americans are divided over the future of the U.S. space program. Some say it's time to send astronauts back to the Moon, as well as to Mars for the first time. They believe that exploring these worlds will lead to all sorts of payoffs, including new scientific knowledge, new sources of energy, and perhaps even future homes for humans. Others strongly disagree. They argue that the dangers and costs of crewed space exploration are too great to be justified. They believe that robots can do a better job of exploring the Moon, Mars, and other parts of space-for much less money and with no risk to human life. Understanding this debate involves looking at the facts and figures and talking to experts on both sides. It also involves some probing questions: • In a time of economic crisis, should the United States be spending billions of dollars on crewed space exploration? • How would science, industry, and human society benefit from crewed missions to the Moon and Mars? • Who should foot the bill-the United States, a consortium of nations, or private business? To answer these questions, this book looks at the costs of crewed missions to Mars and the Moon, as well as the potential payoff; the dangers of space exploration, both physical and psychological; and the potential for human settlement on Mars. We'll hear a variety opinions-from astronauts, astronomers, U.S. presidents, and NASA officials. Supplemented with quotes, anecdotes, and discussions from the pages of USA TODAY, The Nation's No. 1 Newspaper, this book will broaden your understanding of the issue and help you form your own opinion, either for or against crewed missions to the Moon and Mars.

Americans are sharply divided on the issue of gun control. Some people believe that inadequate gun laws make the United States a dangerous place. They believe that stricter laws could keep guns away from children, criminals, and people with serious mental illness. Gun-control supporters say that reducing the number of guns in society also reduces the number of gun deaths. Other people strongly disagree. They believe that the shooters-not their guns-are to blame for gun-related deaths. Gun-rights activists argue that most gun owners are law-abiding citizens who actually prevent crime. They point out that existing gun laws strip Americans' basic rights while failing to keep guns away from dangerous people. Making sense of the gun-control debate involves looking at the facts, studying the statistics, examining the laws, and listening to views on both sides. It also means asking tough questions: • Where do we draw the line between acceptable self-defense and excessive protection? • When should a person have to forfeit his or her gun rights? Is it ever OK for the government to restrict gun rights? • Should Americans be able to own any and all arms? Or should the government control which weapons are allowed? • Do background checks slow the flow of guns to people who shouldn't have them? Or are they useless invasions of privacy? • How can the government balance individual rights and the safety of society? To answer these questions, this book examines the history of U.S. gun ownership as well as current federal, state, and local laws. It provides the opinions and perspectives of government leaders, historians, activists, and ordinary Americans on both sides of the issue. Supplemented with quotes, anecdotes, and discussions from the pages of USA TODAY, The Nation's No. 1 Newspaper, this book will broaden your understanding of all sides of the issue and help you form your own opinion, either for or against gun control.

This book looks at the history of drug laws in the United States, the modern-day War on Drugs, and the medical marijuana movement. It provides the opinions and perspectives of police officers, politicians, and the U.S. "drug czar."

Americans are sharply divided on the issue of Internet censorship. This book examines the history of censorship in the United States as well as current federal, state, and local laws. It provides the opinions and perspectives of government and business leaders, activists, and ordinary Americans on both sides of the issue.

This book examines the history of gambling as well as current federal, state, and local laws. It provides opinions and perspectives on both sides of the issue. It also presents the perspectives of people closely involved in gambling, such as professional poker players, compulsive gamblers, and industry members.

This book examines the history of human energy use as well as the latest energy developments in the United States. It provides the opinions and perspectives of government and business leaders, activists, and ordinary Americans on both sides of the issue.

Once embraced only by environmentalists and "health nuts," the organic agriculture movement is flourishing in the United States. With this popularity has come a heated national debate. Supporters of organic farming are concerned about the use of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, antibiotics, growth-hormones, and genetic modification in traditional agriculture. They favor natural farming practices, which they believe produce healthier food, as well as being safer for the environment and more humane to livestock. Defenders of conventional agriculturists question the health benefits and financial costs of organic foods. They also worry that organic agriculture cannot feed the world's growing population. To make sense of this debate, Organic Agriculture takes a hard look at statistics, legislation, and expert opinions from both sides of the issue. It asks tough questions such as: • Does conventional agriculture endanger the environment and human health? • What are the benefits and drawbacks of genetically modified crops and livestock? • Are organic methods of raising livestock more humane? • Is organic food safer and more nutritious than conventionally grown food? • What are the pros and cons of labeling certified organic products? To answer these questions, this book examines the history of the organic movement. It provides a variety of studies, reporting, and opinions from scientists, farmers, activists, agribusiness leaders, journalists, consumer groups, and ordinary Americans. Supplemented with quotes, anecdotes, and discussions from the pages of USA TODAY, The Nation's No. 1 Newspaper, this book will broaden your understanding of all sides of the issue and help you form your own opinion, either for or against organic agriculture.