Marijuana has been a hotbed of controversy throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Marijuana use has increasingly gained a foothold of acceptable use within the population and the issue of legalization continues to gain momentum. Many still condemn the legalization of marijuana, however, portraying the drug as worse than cigarettes and alcohol.
Euthanasia recently became one of the most controversial issues in America. Euthanasia refers to ending a life to relieve suffering. Opponents of the practice characterize euthanasia as voluntary suicides or involuntary murders, while proponents see it as the patient's right and physician's duty to alleviate incurable suffering from the body.
The issue of gun control is especially volatile in America due to our fascination with guns and higher statistics of gun-related violence than most other countries. The Constitution is often used to incite supporters of guns into action, defending the rights bestowed on them by our forefathers. Opponents of guns, however, believe modern times require increased legislation on what kind of weapons should be allowed and who has access to them.
Few things get people as riled up as the discussion over abortion. Pro-choice advocates cite the mother's right to do what she pleases with her body, while pro-life advocates believe abortion is murder. The argument has been violent at times, with pro-life advocates attacking abortion clinics and doctors.