Insight NowDebate the issues
In August, Insight Now takes a hiatus
MPR News would now like to take advantage of the summer season and look at ways to retool this online space.
So for the month of August, Insight Now will go on hiatus.
Insight Now has been up and running for more than a year now. This online public square has changed into one that features a debate over a week, one that allows not only the primary debaters to develop their arguments, but also you, the participant.
This space has yielded some fruitful, in-depth discussions. Among the best were:
Should government keep financially supporting ethanol?
Should the state rate early childhood programs?
Should public dollars support a new NFL stadium?
Should Minnesota approve a Voter ID law?
Please stay tuned to this page for updates on the space, especially as we get closer to September and Labor Day.
Discussions Share your thoughts
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Are we going about Wind Power all wrong?Most recent by Roger_ODaniel November 2010 Statewide - Environment
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How do we respond when work isn't fulfilling.. and the economy stinks?Most recent by Roger_ODaniel September 2010 Statewide - Economy
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What debates should we hold at Insight Now? (The Open Mic)Most recent by Eduardm July 2011 About Insight Now
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Should the state stay out of the marriage business?Most recent by dana_reynolds June 2011 Statewide - Social Issues
Online Forums Join our weekly gathering
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MN-03 DFL candidate forum
A discussion with the two Minnesota Democrats vying for the DFL nomination and the chance to unseat Republican incumbent Erik Paulsen.
Posted on February 2 -
MN-08 DFL candidate forum
Campaigning is underway in Minnesota's 8th Congressional District. Four Democrats are seeking the DFL nomination and the opportunity to challenge Freshman Republican Chip Cravaack next November. MPR News hosted an online candidate forum featuring the Democratic candidates.
Posted on November 8 -
Using mid-level practitioners to meet the need of health care workers in rural Minnesota. (The moderator's message).
There is a shortage of health care providers in rural Minnesota. Should the state expand the use of mid-level practitioners and widen the use of community paramedics and dental therapists to fill in for nurses, doctors and dentists? The debate during the week of July 25 looks at a difficult problem in health care for rural Minnesota and possible solutions. Join in.
Posted on July 25 -
What's causing the state's budget problems, too much spending or too little revenue? (The moderator's message).
An announced budget deal by Minnesota leaders last week might signal relief from a paralyzing shutdown. But this budget agreement does little, if anything, to deal with the real problem in state finances: The systemic imbalance that has caused the state's budget recurring budget shortfalls. How can Minnesota address the perpetual imbalance. Should they look to real spending cuts? Should they increase taxes of some kind? In short, is the primary budget problem one of too much spending, or too little revenue? The debate beginning July 19 will look at this vexing issue.
Posted on July 19 -
Should our organ-donor policy change so that people are presumed donors unless they opt out? (The moderator's message)
America has an organ-donor crisis, says an organization that advocates for those in need of organ transplants. Has the time come to change organ donation policy from one where you opt in to the donor program to one where you are automatically considered a donor unless you opt out. This week's online debate will look at the proposal, called "presumed consent," an idea that is hotly debated in bioethics. Join in the discussion during the week of July 11.
Posted on July 11 -
Should the state require corporations to reveal individual donors for ballot amendment campaigns?
Campaign finance reform and the same-sex marriage ban are wrapped up in this week's online debate at MPR. On Thursday, a state oversight board could change the rules governing campaign financial donations for ballot initiatives -- such as the amendment banning same sex marriage. Would this mean reprisal for donors? Or greater financial transparency during this sensitive campaign? During the week of June 27, MPR's Insight Now Debate will focus on this issue. Join the discussion.
Posted on July 1 -
If the private sector can do it, should the government get out of it? (Wrap-up of 6/13-6/17 debate)
Tim Pawlenty, David Brooks, Bobby Jindal - they have all talked about the role of government in recent weeks. But let's face it, we are always talking about whether government should engage in this service or make this product. It's the foundation of our public policy value system. During the week of June 13, Insight Now debated the essential role of government by asking - "If it can be done by the private sector, should it be done by the government?" That culminated in a one-hour discussion on MPR's Midday program - that serves as a kind of synopsis of the online debate. Check it out.
Posted on June 17 -
Should Congress allow construction of a proposed $690 million Stillwater bridge? (Wrap-up of the 6/6-6/9 Debate)
The need for a better bridge to link Minnesota with Wisconsin has long been in conflict with keeping the lower St. Croix River region a scenic wonder. Now there is new energy to get Congress to green light a new proposed $690 million Stillwater bridge. During the week of June 6, MPR held an online debate on the pros and cons of this bridge. Subject of safety and sprawl arose, along with a belief by some that no middle ground is ever sought. Read (and hear) the wrap-up of the debate ... then add your own thoughts to the mix.
Posted on June 10 -
Will a push to increase college enrollment lead to lower standards? (Wrap-up of the 5/31-6/3 Debate)
Why do families spend tens of thousands of dollars for young people to get college degrees? A worthy question, considering how tuition has skyrocketed, along with the enrollment levels at schools. But MPR's Insight Now asks a more pointed question: Has a push to increase college enrollment cheapened college standards? During the week of May 31, we debated the question. Read our synopsis... then make your own judgment.
Posted on June 3 -
Should government continue subsidizing ethanol? (Wrap-up of 5/23-5/27 online debate)
The promise of ethanol as America's path to energy self-sufficiency has waned in recent years. U.S. taxpapers still support the industry with some $6 billion in federal money annually. Now Congress may curtail that funding. Yet Minnesota relies on ethanol production as an industry and many still see it as a way to wean the nation from oil. During the week of May 23, MPR's Insight Now focused on whether the nation should financially support ethanol. Read a synopsis of this robust debate, then add your own views to the conversation.
Posted on May 27 -
Should public money pay for a new Vikings stadium? (Wrap-up of 5/16-5/20 online debate)
Many participants in the Insight Now online debate on Vikings stadium showed a dislike for public dollars going to pay for the facility. The proposal in Arden Hills calls for a county sales tax increase and state financing. And yet these sports stadium and arenas get built. Why? Our debate sheds light on one possible reason: Civic Pride. Read our wrap-up of the debate that began May 16. And then add your own two cents.
Posted on May 20 -
Should the state change gun laws to expand the right to self-defense? (Wrap-up of 5/9-5/13 online debate)
Minnesota lawmakers will decide whether to expand the right to use a gun in self-defense. Proponents of this bill say it will make it easier for someone to protect themselves from intruders. Opponents worry that it will weaken the standard of "reasonable use of force." MPR's Insight Now held a week-long debate on this gun law change. Read a short review, look at the arguments, then comment yourself.
Posted on May 13 -
Should Minnesota require photo ID's to vote? (Wrap-up of 5/2-5/6 online debate)
The GOP-led House has approved a bill that requires photo ID's to vote. DFL Gov. Mark Dayton appears likely to veto it. But Republican legislative leaders are also pushing to put the measure up before Minnesota voters as a constitutional amendment. MPR's Insight Now held a week-long online debate on Voter ID. Read the summary of that debate... see the arguments... then join in.
Posted on May 6 -
Should Minnesota use tax increases to balance the budget? (Wrap-up of 4/25-4/29 online debate)
DFL Gov. Mark Dayton continues to hold firm on his income tax increase while Republicans controlling the state legislature argue that raising taxes would kill job creation. Now the deadlock must be debated and answered, since the state budget deadline is just four weeks away... and the leadership must fill a $5 billion hole in the budget for the coming fiscal period. During the week of 4/25, Insight Now held an online debate on whether tax increases should be done to cover the state shortfall. Read the synopsis ... see the arguments ... continue to weigh in.
Posted on April 25 -
Should the state rate the quality of early childhood programs? (Wrap-up of 4/18-4/22 online debate)
The state is wrestling with whether to rate child care and early childhood programs. Those in favor of this say it would give parents a way to judge these programs. Those opposed say it would be bureaucratic and put government in the role of being a parent. Insight Now held a full debate on the issue. Read the synopsis ... see the arguments ... continue to weigh in.
Posted on April 22
