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Recent Discussions
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April 7, 2009
How Hard Is It to Fire a Rocket?
A look at missile technology and North Korea's failed launch of a long-range rocket.
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April 7, 2009
Obama’s European Scorecard
Did President Barack Obama redefine the U.S.-European relationship in his debut trip abroad?
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April 6, 2009
The Economy’s ‘Green Shoots,’ Real or Imagined
What are the bright spots in the economy, if any?
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April 4, 2009
101 Uses for a Deserted Mall
As the recession deepens, what does the future hold for suburban shopping centers?
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April 3, 2009
When a Court Decides Who Can Marry
Experts comment on the decision made by Iowa's Supreme Court to allow same-sex marriage in the state.
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March 31, 2009
After Detention, Where Can the Uighurs Go?
The possible release of 17 Uighurs who have been held for seven years at Guantánamo Bay poses thorny political and legal problems.
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March 30, 2009
G.M. and U.A.W.: The Noose Tightens
Is the government's ultimatum a sign of hope or doom for the auto industry?
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March 26, 2009
Why Our Love of Small Cars Didn’t Last
Should we raise gas taxes to encourage consumers to buy fuel-efficient vehicles?
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March 25, 2009
So Much for the 401(k). Now What?
Given the recent huge losses in retirement accounts, what might replace the 401(k) as the dominant savings vehicle?
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March 25, 2009
Reader Views: Migrants and Low-Wage Jobs
Readers share their thoughts about immigrants in the U.S. labor market.
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March 24, 2009
Will the Geithner Plan Work?
Paul Krugman, Simon Johnson, Brad DeLong and Mark Thoma on the government plan to buy up bad mortgage assets.
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March 23, 2009
Low-Wage Workers in This Economy
Experts react to the second article in The Times's immigration series.
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March 21, 2009
Washington’s Not-So-Secret Garden
Why are the Obamas the first since the Roosevelts to plant a vegetable garden at the White House?
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March 20, 2009
Food, Glorious Food Myths
What are some common misconceptions about what and how we eat?
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March 19, 2009
Civilians Caught in Urban Combat
In war, are there rules of engagement that can minimize civilian causalities?
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March 18, 2009
The Competition for Low-Wage Jobs
As the recession deepens, will workers born in the U.S. go after jobs that are predominantly occupied by immigrants?
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March 17, 2009
When Bonus Contracts Can Be Broken
Having received $170 billion in taxpayer bailout money, A.I.G. paid out $165 million in bonuses to its employees last week. How ironclad …
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March 12, 2009
Is Madoff Wall Street’s Greatest Villain?
Why does the Madoff case fire up more public outrage than other swindles, apart from its size?
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March 11, 2009
Educating Immigrants: Voices of Experience
Readers share their personal experiences and observations on immigration and education.
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March 9, 2009
The New Frugality: No Passing Fad
Are new habits of thrift likely to last past an economic recovery?
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March 6, 2009
The Lure of Rocks From Outer Space
Asteroid 2009 DD45 flew by Earth in a "near miss." What is it about space objects that captures our attention?
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March 5, 2009
What to Do When You Lose Your Job
In this sinking economy, how should laid-off workers weather the economic storm?
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March 4, 2009
Talking to Syria
What are the risks and opportunities for the U.S. to resume diplomacy with Syria?
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March 3, 2009
Let the Record Be Unbroken
Certain feats in sports don't seem to get any easier with time. Which records will be hard, and maybe impossible, to break?
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February 27, 2009
Do We Need Network TV?
As TV programming splinters to appeal to thinner slices of the audience, what replaces that communal experience?
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February 27, 2009
Pedestrian Malls: Back to the Future
Mayor Michael Bloomberg wants cars barred from several blocks of Broadway, including Herald Square and Times Square. But do car-free zones really …
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February 26, 2009
When to Take a Federal Handout
Several governors may refuse stimulus money to expand unemployment benefits. Should they reconsider?
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February 25, 2009
Toilet Paper and Other Moral Choices
Apart from the choice of toilet paper, what are the simplest changes that Americans can adopt that would make an environmental difference?
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February 25, 2009
Ideas for Fixing Health Care
President Barack Obama said health care reform cannot wait another year. Some experts offer their ideas for how to get reform off …
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February 23, 2009
Does Bipartisanship Matter?
Only three Republicans in Congress supported the stimulus plan, despite President Obama's overtures. Should he give up on bipartisanship?
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In Room for Debate, The Times invites knowledgeable outside contributors to discuss news events and other timely issues. Reader comments are moderated Monday through Friday.
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