• OPEN DISCUSSION - For the first 30 minutes of the Thursday night forums we will have informal open discussion. This will allow for late arrivals, food & drink ordering, and new attendees to become acclimated.
• ANNOUNCEMENTS - Any events, news, or other items that you feel are of interest to the group can be announced at the start of Free Inquiry Forum.

TOPICS for Thursday (8/26/04) & Monday (8/30/04):

1. What does it mean to wage a war against "terrorism" and can such a war be won? How do you know when you are winning or losing such a war? Are terrorist tactics by certain extremist groups the result of a calculating and smart enemy or a sign of desperation? What are the main motivators for suicide bombers? Discuss the mindset of Al Qaeda followers.
2. Is alcoholism a disease? Is addiction a disease? Is AA, or any other substance abuse treatment program, any more effective than going cold turkey, doing things in moderation or getting medical help? What accounts for cultural differences in alcoholism?
3. Will the attacks on Kerry's war record hurt his chances of getting elected? Should Bush condemn the Swift Boat Veterans For Truth ads? Did Kerry wait too long to respond to these ads? Why did Bob Dole claim that John Kerry doesn't deserve the Purple Hearts he won in Vietnam?
4. Hurricane Charley has reportedly brought out the worst in some merchants, as the Florida attorney general's office has been inundated with complaints about price gouging. Examples cited: $10 bag of ice in Orlando, $3 gallons of gas, and $2,000 power generators. Why is illegal price gouging such a problem? Why would so many people want to take advantage of others who have been affected by a disastrous event?
5. Open Discussion

Quote of the week: "I respect his record. But three Purple Hearts and never bled that I know of. I mean, they're all superficial wounds. Three Purple Hearts and you're out." [Bob Dole speaking about John Kerry's military record on CNN's "Late Edition" - Source ]

TOPIC ARCHIVES

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