Politics

Should campaign ads be required to display their biggest funder's name? The person paying for persuasion should be as visible as the slogan.

Should political parties be allowed to expel members for dissenting votes? A party's promises mean little if its lawmakers routinely undermine its platform.

Should public officials face personal liability for unlawful surveillance? Officials should not hide behind taxpayers after knowingly violating privacy rights.

Should countries require a referendum before joining a war? Citizens who bear the costs should decide whether the country enters a major conflict.

Should sanctions be lifted when civilians suffer more than political leaders? Punishing a population is a poor substitute for changing a government's behavior.

Should cities give undocumented residents access to municipal services? A city cannot function well by pretending some residents do not exist.

Should governments fund legal defense for people facing deportation? A life-changing legal proceeding should not depend on someone's ability to hire counsel.

Should elected officials be required to send their children to public schools? Leaders designing public education should live with the system they govern.

Should whistleblowers keep leaked documents if authorities demand their return? Evidence of serious wrongdoing should not vanish because the accused institution claims ownership.

Should governments negotiate with hostage takers to save citizens? Refusing negotiations can turn individual lives into symbols of national toughness.

Should national service include mandatory civilian work for every adult? Shared service could make citizenship a duty rather than only a bundle of benefits.

Should governments compensate people acquitted after lengthy pretrial detention? A person who loses years without a conviction deserves meaningful compensation.