For what it's worth, a CheckBoxList renders just fine on my Sitecore 6.5 box.
There is a ListItem control in System.Web.UI. WebControls but also there is a Sitecore control called ListItem in Sitecore.Web.UI.HtmlControls. Could there be some confusion in your code as to which one you are referring to?
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.