StotBlog

President Obama's Jobs Speech

2011-09-08T23:10:00.002-04:00

In his speech to a joint session of Congress, President Obama urged Congress to "Pass this bill right away", referring to his plan to create jobs for Americans. Click here to read an article about the President's speech, and then respond to one or more of the prompts below.

1. How does television give the President the ability to put pressure on Congress to pass his plan to create jobs for Americans?

2. Do you think Americans will react favorably to the President's speech? Why or why not?

3. How important was it that the President proposed ways to pay for his $450 billion jobs proposal? Explain why you think so.

4. Which parts of the President's jobs plan did you like, and why? Which parts didn't you like, and why?

What did you think of the Republican Presidential Debate?

2011-09-07T15:42:00.004-04:00

Tonight, Republican candidates for their party's presidential nomination with face off in a televised debate. Click here to read an article describing five things to watch for in the debate. Then respond to one or more of the following writing prompts:

1. Did you see evidence of any or all of the 5 things the article said to watch for? If so, which ones? Describe what happened in the debate in one or more of the 5 areas. Why does what you saw matter?

2. In general, what would make a candidate successful in a debate of this type? Are these the same qualities that would make a presidential candidate a good president? Why or why not?

3. Of all the candidates who participated in the debate, which one impressed you the most? What specifically did he/she do that impressed you? Was it enough to make you want to vote for that candidate?

4. Of all the candidates who participated in the debate, which one was the least impressive? Why do you think so?

Should the U.S. stop subsidizing fossil fuels?

2010-11-09T18:08:00.002-05:00

Fossil fuels like coal and oil run the world, but we are slowly running out of them, and they are causing severe damage to the environment. Some people think we need to get more serious about developing and using alternative energy sources and lessening our dependence on fossil fuel energy.

Click here to read an article from the BBC about a proposal to stop fossil fuel subsidies. Then address the following writing prompts:

Do you think the U.S. should stop subsidizing fossil fuels? Explain why or why not.

Do you think the U.S. should stop subsidizing fossil fuels if other countries do not? Explain why you think the way you do.

2010 SUMMER PROJECT: Troublesome Higher Education Stats

2010-08-08T22:32:00.003-04:00

The United States is still the world's superpower in many ways, but not in percentages of people with college degrees anymore. Click here to read an op-ed piece from the New York Times about this issue, and then address one or more of the following prompts:

There are many causes for the statistics on college degrees in this article. Describe the ones you think are the most important.

How might the U.S. having lower percentages of college grads than other developed nations impact our country?

What solutions can you think of to solve this problem and increase our college graduation numbers?

2010 SUMMER PROJECT: Elena Kagan Confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court

2010-08-05T16:14:00.003-04:00

Today the U.S. Senate confirmed Elena Kagan as the 112th U.S. Supreme Court Justice, but only the 4th woman in history to serve on the highest court in the land. Click here to read an article about her confirmation, and then address one or more of the prompts below:

The U.S. Constitution stipulates that all federal judges, including U.S. Supreme Court justices, are appointed for life. Do you agree with this concept? Why or why not?

Does it matter that Elena Kagan is only the 4th woman ever to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court? Explain why.

Why do you think the nomination and confirmation of federal judges has become so much more political,partisan and controversial in recent years? Is this good or bad for our political system? Why?

2010 SUMMER PROJECT: Is it OK to say the F Bomb on TV?

2010-07-13T16:09:00.002-04:00

Back in the 70s, comedian George Carlin did a routine called "The 7 Words You Can't Say on Television". (Bet your parents remember it.) A lot has changed since then, but there is still controversy over obscene language on the public airwaves (TV or radio consumers don't pay for). Today, a federal appeals court ruled on a case that challenged the 2004 FCC (Federal Election Commission) Fleeting Expletive policy which established a fine for the use of obscenity on TV or radio. Click here to read an article about how the court ruled. Then address one or more of the following prompts:

Do you agree with the appeals court's ruling? Why or why not? Be sure you understand specifically what the court's decision actually was before you respond.

Do you think obscene language should be allowed over the public airwaves (TV or radio)? Why or why not? Note: This is a DIFFERENT question than the first one.

2010 SUMMER PROJECT: Is There Such a Thing as Too Much Democracy?

2010-07-08T16:06:00.002-04:00

California voters don't think so. On June 8 of this year, they voted in favor of Proposition 14, a ballot referendum. For this post, you need to first find out what a primary election is and also what a referendum is.

Next, click here to read an article that appeared in the New York Times before the June 8 referendum was held. Afterwards, address one or more of the following prompts:

Why is Proposition 14 called "the latest ballot initiative to act as an electoral protest for California voters"? What might they be protesting?

Californians have made a number of changes in their electoral process in the past decade. Do you think people voting on such issues is helpful or harmful to democracy? Explain why.

What are some possible advantages and disadvantages of the new election process Californians adopted when they voted for Proposition 14?

If you were a California voter, would you have voted for or against Proposition 14? Why?

2010 Summer Project: A New Way to Fight a War

2010-07-08T13:55:00.003-04:00

The war in Afghanistan is the longest in American history. Yet even with the 30,000 additional troops sent this year to Afghanistan by President Obama, most experts think we are a long way from achieving success there. During the 1980s, the Soviet Union occupied Afghanistan militarily but eventually had to withdraw after 10 years of frustration. Why is military success so difficult to achieve there, even for world superpowers? With this question in mind, the U.S. military has been forced to develop a different way to fight. Click here to read (or listen to!) an article about what the U.S. military is doing to achieve success in Afghanistan. Then address the following prompts:

Do you think this new strategy will work? Why or why not?

President Obama pledged to begin bringing our troops home from Afghanistan by next summer, but now that commitment is in question due to the unexpectedly strong resistance of Taliban forces. Should the President stick to his original pledge, or do we need to stay until we achieve our goals in Afghanistan? Explain why you think so.

2010 SUMMER PROJECT: Should the U.S. Mandate Paid Parental Leave?

2010-07-07T12:15:00.003-04:00

The goal of a business is to make a profit, right? Or do American businesses have additional obligations to promote the good of our society? The issue of mandatory paid parental leave is an example of this debate. Click here to find out where the U.S. stands among the nations of the world in terms of our status on this issue. Be sure to look at the chart at the end of the article. Then address the following prompts:

State your position on this issue and explain why you feel the way you do. For a challenge, argue the opposite of what you actually believe!

Does it matter to the U.S. what other nations in the world are doing on this issue? Why or why not?

2010 SUMMER PROJECT: To Drill or Not to Drill

2010-06-22T22:59:00.003-04:00

Shortly after the explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico, the Obama administration declared a moritorium (go look it up!) on deepwater oil drilling. Today, a federal judge struck down that moritorium. Find out why the judge did this and how the Obama administration is reacting by clicking here to read an article about the decision. Then address the following prompts:

Do you agree or disagree with the judge's ruling? Why or why not?

Why do you think the Obama administration imposed the moritorium in the first place?

If you agree with the moritorium, what kind of regulations do you think should be in place before deepwater drilling is allowed again?

According to Gallup polling data, Americans' perception of how President Obama is handling the oil spill is lower than his overall approval rating. Should we hold the President accountable for the spill? Why or why not?

2010 SUMMER PROJECT: Deliberative Democracy

2010-06-18T11:16:00.003-04:00

Hopefully, some of you followed the fierce debate over healthcare reform this past year. Now that the legislation has passed, many Americans are fearful of its impact, at least in part because the issue is so complex that most of us don't have the time or inclination to understand its intricacies (It's over 2000 pages long!). As our society becomes more and more complex, it seems that only the technocrats (look it up by clicking the link)have the ability to understand and make decisions about how to govern. Doesn't sound much like a democracy, does it? Have we outgrown democracy? Or can democracy be adapted enough to survive and thrive in our complex modern world?

Click here to read a recent article on a possible solution, "deliberative democracy", from The Economist magazine. Then address one or more of the following prompts:

Do you think there is currently a problem with our democracy due to the increasingly complex nature of our society? Why or why not?

Do you think deliberative democracy, as described in the article, would be a better system for creating public policy than our current system, which involves the election of representatives who make complex decisions for us? Why or why not?

What obstacles might be faced in trying to implement such changes to our current system of governing?

2010 SUMMER PROJECT: Take It Global

2010-06-18T10:11:00.003-04:00

"Take it Global". That's the advice First Lady Michelle Obama gave the graduates of the George Washington University Class of 2010 when she gave the commencement address in May. She was suggesting that the graduates continue their community service and expand it to other areas of the world. This is a reflection of the ever increasing globalization with which the United States and all other nations are faced, due economic, environmental, cultural and other interdependence. More than any other generation before you, this is the world you will enter shortly. "...We are no longer isolated from what happens on the other side of the world....it’s in our best interest to look beyond our immediate self-interest, and look out for one another globally....so many of today’s challenges are borderless, from the economy to terrorism to climate change, and that solving those problems demands cooperation with others", Mrs. Obama said.

Clearly, her message applies to all of you, as well as the GW grads. Why should you consider service abroad? Michelle Obama gave several reasons in her speech. "When you serve others abroad, you’re serving our country, too. You’re showing the world the true face of America –- our generosity, our strength, the enduring power of our ideals, the infinite reservoir of our hope. And yes, serving abroad will make you stronger, more competitive, a more valuable asset for a career in the public or private sectors."

This blog post is designed to help you explore one avenue of global community service: the Peace Corps. First, click here to find out what the Peace Corps is. Next, discover where Peace Corps volunteers serve by clicking here. Then, to learn more about what types of things Peace Corps volunteers do, click here. Finally, click here to choose at least one location on the world map to explore in depth the activities of a Peace Corps volunteer. Just move your cursor over the various blue dots to see the different types of work the volunteers are doing, and click on one or more that interest you. Many of the stories have slide shows or videos or audio reports that accompany them and make them more interesting.

Having done all of the above, address at least 2 of the following prompts:

Do you agree with Michelle Obama that global community service makes a difference to U.S. relations with the rest of the world? Why or why not?

Based on the specific volunteer and location you learned about, how is this volunteer impacting the community he or she is serving? Provide specific examples from what you read, watched, etc.

Do you think you would be interested in global community service such as the Peace Corps? If so, where would you want to serve? What type of work would you like to do? Why is this type of service personally important to you?

2010 SUMMER PROJECT: Why Immigration Reform Matters Politically

2010-06-06T21:44:00.004-04:00

(Note: This post is mostly geared to AP Government, but AP World History students are welcome to respond to it too.)

Immigration reform is a major topic of conversation and concern for Americans these days. Due to the reluctance of Congress and the Obama administration to tackle this difficult issue, Arizona has passed a state law designed to cut down on illegal immigration that has provoked controversy not only in Arizona but across the country as well. Critics argue that it allows law enforcement officials to use racial profiling to identify illegal immigrants, while advocates of the law deny this and stress the need to take action to stem the flow of illegal immigrants into the U.S.

A new NBC/MSNBC/Telemundo public opinion poll offers insight into the political implications of this issue.

First, what is a public opinion poll? Find out by clicking here. (You might want to bookmark the political dictionary homepage for future use.)

Then, click here to read an article that analyzes the results of the poll. (On a personal note, one reason I chose this article is because in my former life working in professional politics, I worked closely with Bill McInturff, one of the pollsters interviewed for this article.)

Finally, address one or more of the writing prompts that follow. A word of advice: many of us have strong opinions on the topic of immigration. Please be respectful and appropriate in your comments in order to preserve the spirit of healthy public discourse that is the intent of this blog...and in order to get credit for your posts. In this particular instance, I am more interested in your ability to provide objective political commentary on this topic than in your personal opinion on the immigration issue.

Here are the prompts:

In light of the poll results, what might the "short-term gains" Republicans could make look like, given the upcoming elections for Congress, governors and other offices this fall?

The article provides an example of how information from public opinion polls can be used by political parties and campaigns to make decisions about how to spend their money to elect candidates to office. What do you think it means when the article says, "If he were a GOP political strategist, Hart says, 'I know where I’m putting my mail money and targeting money.'"?

Why do both Hart and McInturff think Republicans may have long-term problems, based on the poll results? What might be the consequences for Republicans?

If you were a Republican political worker, what course of action would you be inclined to take to help your party, based on the short and long-term consequences of the poll results?

2010 SUMMER PROJECT: What in the world is GLOBISH?

2010-06-06T21:11:00.004-04:00

Most of you have taken or are taking a foreign language in school, presumably to communicate effectively with people from another country or countries. But what if there were a "language" that was designed to be used to communicate with people from around the world?

It turns out that there is one being developed. It's called Globish.

Click here to read an article from the New York Times about Globish, and then respond to one or more of the following writing prompts:

Why is globish emerging NOW, as opposed to 25 years ago, or 50 years ago, or 100 years ago?

Let's say globish catches on, and many people around the world learn to use it. What might be some positive consequences of this? Are there any possible negative consequences of it? If so, what might they be?

Do you think it might be important for you, as a young American and soon-to-be citizen of the world, to learn globish? Why or why not?

2009 Summer Projects Start Here!

2010-06-06T21:08:00.001-04:00

***** If you are looking for posts for the 2010 Summer Project, STOP HERE. The posts that follow are from 2009 and therefore are not eligible for 2010 Summer Project responses. *******

SUMMER PROJECT: Money and Health Care

2009-08-20T20:59:00.003-04:00

This post applies more to AP Government than AP World History, but anybody in either class can respond to it.

As if the health care reform issue weren't complicated enough for the average American, consider the role special interest groups play in framing the national debate. This situation is not unique; special interest groups are a serious force to be reckoned with in the American political system.

Click here to read an article that does an excellent job describing why the various special interest groups care so much about this issue and what they're doing to ensure their groups' concerns are protected in any health care reform legislation. Then respond to one or more of the following questions:

Why DO the special interest groups described care so much about this issue that they're willing to spend huge sums of money to impact health care reform legislation?

In your opinion, are the activities of special interest groups such as those described in this article a more positive or negative force in American politics? Explain why.

As a citizen, why might it be important to know what groups are sponsoring some of the ads on health care reform?

What does Mary Matalin mean when she says in the article, "They're stakeholders when they're with you, and they're interest groups when they're against you"?

SUMMER PROJECT: Is America Ready for Women in Combat?

2009-08-16T16:05:00.003-04:00

OK, Rex Truax, this one's for you: you wanted controversial issues, you got it.

Historically, women were not permitted to serve in combat roles in the U.S. military. However, that seems to be changing with our experience in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Click here to read a New York Times article about this issue; then respond in writing to one or more of the following questions:

Why do you think women in the U.S. have not been allowed to serve in combat roles? What has changed, if anything, that makes a change in this policy possible?

In your opinion, should women be permitted to serve in combat roles? Be sure to explain WHY or WHY NOT.

Should American public opinion play a role in determining whether women should serve in combat roles? (The article will tell you how Americans do feel about this issue.)

If the draft were ever reinstated in our country, should women be drafted, just as men are? Why or why not?

SUMMER PROJECT: Media Censorship in Venezuela? Or More Democracy?

2009-08-02T10:56:00.003-04:00

The Venezuelan government has shut down the operations of 34 radio stations, many of which have been critical of President Hugo Chavez and his policies. The government says closing these stations will create a stronger democracy in Venezuela, because about a third of Venezuelan radio stations are owned by 27 families.

Click here to read an article about the radio station closings, and then respond to one or more of the following prompts:

How important is a free press to democracy? How could closing media outlets pose a threat to democracy in Venezuela? Do you agree with the Venezuelan government that closing some radio stations will strengthen democracy there?

How do you think international scrutiny of the radio station closings will affect this situation, if at all?

Do you think this type of situation could occur in the U.S.? Why or why not?

According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, spin control is "the act or practice of attempting to manipulate the way an event is interpreted by others". Is spin control taking place in this situation? If so, who are the spin doctors (those who practice the art of spinning)? Does our own point of view affect our answer to this question? How so?

SUMMER PROJECT: Online Grassroots Politics: "Take Back the Beep!" Campaign

2009-07-31T12:29:00.003-04:00

Don't you hate that 15 seconds of useless airtime when you call someone and want to leave them a voicemail? Did you know the cell phone companies are making MILLIONS of $$$ from us consumers for those collective 15 seconds? Why not just have a beep? We KNOW what to do!

David Pogue, tech blogger and columnist, wrote an article in the NY Times recently that started the "Take Back the Beep!" campaign in which millions of annoyed cell phone users are writing to their cell phone carriers to get rid of that dead 15 seconds we're paying for.

Want to get into the act? Here's a link to a website that provides the email addresses for all the major cell phone carriers so you can express your opinion.

If you twitter and you're interested in technology, you might want to start following David Pogue @Pogue, where you'll be able to get updates on how the campaign is going.

As an avid observer of politics and social networking technology, I can't wait to see if it works! Join the cause if you're interested, and/or respond to one or more of the following prompts:

In what ways do cyber campaigns like this one alter politics and policy making in America?

Do you think online grassroots campaigns like this one are positive or negative forces in American politics? Explain why.

Predict how and why the major cell phone carriers will respond to this campaign.

SUMMER PROJECT: Should/can judges be above politics?

2009-07-13T16:22:00.004-04:00

Today, the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee began its hearings to determine whether to confirm President Obama's first nominee, federal appeals court judge Sonia Sotomayor, to be a justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. By the time some of you read this post, Judge Sotomayor may already have been confirmed -- or rejected -- by the Senate.

Click here to read the article about the first day of the confirmation hearings, and then address one or more of the following prompts:

How do these hearings provide an example of the Constitutional concept of checks and balances?

If confirmed, Sotomayor would be the first Hispanic American and only the third woman to ever serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Do you think diversity on the nation's highest court is important? Why or why not?

Some Senators are concerned about comments made by Judge Sotomayor in a 2002 speech when she said that, "I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would, more often than not, reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that life." What do you think she meant by this? Do you share these senators concerns? Why or why not?

All federal judges are first nominated by the President and then confirmed by the Senate. Knowing that, do you think there is any way for them to be "above politics"? Why or why not? Should they be?

SUMMER PROJECT: Can $25 Help Change the World?

2009-06-19T12:12:00.003-04:00

The article posted here is actually several years old, but still applicable. It's about an online organization called Kiva that allows people around the world to loan small amounts of money (as little as $25!) to other people in developing nations who are trying to start businesses to improve the economic viability of their lives, their communities and their nations. Click here for a link to the article.

One reason I am posting this article is that my husband Glen and I have become involved with Kiva and have been making loans to some of these entrepreneurs (look it up if you don't know what that means!) in other countries, but we want to have my students decide where to loan that money in the coming year. To do this, you need to become familiar with Kiva so please check out the Kiva website and explore its features.

A related reason I'm posting this article is that I think students learn more when they do more than just read about what's going on in the world. Our Kiva class project will allow you to become actively engaged in what's going on in the developing world by having an economic impact on the lives of those to whom we lend. Maybe it's just a few lives that are being impacted, but when you add up all the loans being made by individuals around the world through Kiva, the potential for change is immense.

Once you've read the article and checked out Kiva's website, respond to one or more of the following questions:

Should we as people of the richest nation in the world lead the way in helping developing nations, simply because it's the right thing to do (moral idealism)? Or should we do it because we might get something in return (political realism)? What benefits might result from assisting developing nations?

Does Kiva refute the argument that technology isolates people? Why or why not?

Are you surprised that virtually everybody who receives a loan from Kiva pays it back? If so, why are you surprised? If not, why not? Are your personal biases about developing nations reflected in your response? What is your image of the typical loan recipient?

Why do you think Kiva has taken off the way it has?

SUMMER PROJECT: And you thought Facebook was just for fun...

2009-06-16T20:47:00.004-04:00

I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm pretty addicted to Facebook and Twitter. I love finding out what friends and family are up to and what they're thinking about. But social networking isn't just for socializing; it can be used for business, educational and even political purposes. In Iran, for example, where the results of the recent presidential election have resulted in massive demonstrations and political upheaval, the government has shut down access to events in the country to members of the foreign media. Find out how individuals in Iran are getting information out to the rest of the world, including the U.S., by clicking here. Then respond to one or more of the following prompts:

Why is it so important that "technology is able to play its sorely needed role in the crisis"?

Who might try to shut down access to social networking sites by Iranians? Why?

Why do you think the U.S. is trying to stay out of the election outcome dispute in Iran?

Can you think of other ways that social networking could be used politically in the U.S. or any other country? Please describe.

SUMMER PROJECT: English Milestone: One Millionth Word

2009-06-11T12:45:00.003-04:00

At 5:22 a.m. on June 10, the English language gained its one millionth word, according to the Global Language Monitor. Find out what that word is when you click here to read the article! Then comment on one or more of the questions below:

Do you think including words (or word phrases) like "Obamamania," "defriend," "wardrobe malfunction," and "zombie banks" are legitimate additions to English, or should we be pickier about what we include? Explain why or why not.

I like this article because it provides one more example of globalization, in this case, by one language. Is this a positive development in your opinion? Why or why not? If your answer is yes, would you feel the same if the dominant language was something besides English? Why or why not?

SUMMER PROJECT: Health Care Reform

2009-06-09T13:55:00.004-04:00

I found a terrific article that paints the big picture of some of the problems with the American health care system. Click here to read it.

During the school year, we will occasionally use a procedure called the Inventional System of Problem Solving. Below are some of the questions that the problem solving model poses. To respond to this post, please address some of these questions, based on the article and any other background knowledge you have on the issue of healthcare and healthcare reform (do some additional research if you need to):

What evidence exists that there is a problem with our healthcare system?
What harm is resulting from the problem?
How widespread is the problem?
What is causing the problem?
Is the status quo (the way things currently are) at fault?
Should the present system be changed?
What are some possible solutions to the problem (either partial or comprehensive)?
What might be some positive outcomes from these solutions?
What might be some negative outcomes from these solutions?

SUMMER PROJECT: Obama's Speech in Cairo

2009-06-06T16:50:00.003-04:00

On June 4, President Obama made a speech at Cairo University in Egypt that was televised in many parts of the Islamic world (except Iran which blocked satellite transmission of the speech).

Click here to read a commentary on the president's speech, and then respond to one or more of the following prompts:

What do you think President Obama was trying to achieve in making his speech in Cairo?

Perform an internet search for the author of this article, Arsalan Iftikhar, and comment on how his background might impact his point of view in this article.

Do you agree with Arsalan Iftikhar's analysis of the president's speech? Why or why not?

The author of the commentary points out that "President Obama concluded his remarkable Cairo address by highlighting the individual mandates for peace in each of the major Abrahamic religions". Why do you think the president may have chosen to do this? Do you think it's appropriate that he did so? Why or why not?

Why do you think would Iran block the transmission of the speech so that Iranian's couldn't watch it?

Study the cartoon on this post. Who are the people in it? What's up with the big ears? Why do some of the people look happy and some of the people look grumpy, and how is that related to age and gender? What is the cartoonist trying to say?

SUMMER PROJECT: China and the Missing Modernization

2009-06-06T15:57:00.005-04:00

This week marked the 20th anniversary of the Chinese government's violent crackdown on demonstrators in Beijing's Tienanmen Square. While China has made enormous progress toward achieving the "Four Modernizations" (agriculture, industry, technology and defense) it set forth in 1978, the so-called "5th modernization" of democracy remains a direction the Chinese government has been totally unwilling to go. Click here to read an article about the 20th anniversary of the Tienanmen Square incident; then respond to one or more of the following questions:

Why do you think the Chinese government is so unwilling to pursue steps toward democracy?

Do you think the U.S. government should apply more pressure on China to embrace democracy? Why or why not?

Freedom of the press is a fundamental principal of any democracy. How are advances in communications technology such as the internet threatening the choke hold the Chinese government has on the spread of democracy?

In our increasingly globalized world, do you think democracy is inevitable in China and other countries that are resisting it? Why or why not?

SUMMER PROJECT: North Korea: Growing Threat to International Security?

2009-05-27T09:44:00.006-04:00

On May 25, North Korea conducted another nuclear test, provoking the condemnation of the U.S. and many other nations. Click here to read an article about this increasingly tense international dilemma, and then respond to one or more of the following questions:

How should the United States respond to the aggressive behavior of North Korea? Consider one of the following options, or come up with your own:

1) The U.S. should take whatever UNILATERAL (look it up) action it deems necessary to protect its national interests, including the option of military response. As the world's policeman, it is up to us to shoulder the burden in order to solve this problem.

2) The U.S. should consult with the nations of the world to formulate a MULTILATERAL (look it up) plan of action in which the nations of the world make a decision and contribute financially, militarily, etc., to the solution, which might involve economic sanctions, military action or other options.

3) The U.S. should focus on our own problems and security needs and stop trying to solve the problems of the rest of the world. This may mean abandoning some of our alliances with other nations.

4) The U.S. should provide foreign aid to North Korea in the form of food for its people and economic assistance to draw it out of its isolation and encourage it to join with the peace-loving countries of the world.

SUMMER PROJECT: New Supreme Court Nominee

2009-05-26T18:05:00.005-04:00

President Barack Obama has nominated federal appeals court judge Sonia Sotomayor as a U.S. Supreme Court justice to replace retiring justice David Souter. To become a member of the Supreme Court, the U.S. Senate will now have to confirm her nomination. Click here to read an article about this nomination, and then respond in writing to one or more of the following questions:

Why do you think the Constitution requires the U.S. Senate to confirm the president's appointments of federal judges?

Do you think it was important and/or desirable for the president to nominate a woman? a Latina? Why or why not?

Why might Senate Republicans feel they need to "tread lightly" during her confirmation hearings?

Twitter: A Tool for Organizing Political Upheaval?

2009-04-08T10:31:00.002-04:00

Here in the U.S., Twitter, Facebook and other social networking applications are mainly used by young people for fun. But in Moldova, a small former Soviet republic, young people are using it to organize protests against the Communist government. Here's the link:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/08/world/europe/08moldova.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss

Questions to ponder:

Should we be alarmed or excited about the potential of online social networking to generate political expression and change in Moldova and other places around the world? Explain why you think so.

How could online social networking be used in the USA -- to generate positive political change by youth for youth? Describe a SPECIFIC example in which an issue or cause or movement or candidate might benefit from grassroots organizing driven by online social networking.

Right to Watch Porn vs. School Funding

2009-04-06T16:45:00.002-04:00

While we were all on spring break, students at the University of Maryland were fighting some Maryland state legislators over their right to show a XXX porn film as a student activity. Read the article on the link below to find out what happened:

http://wjz.com/local/movie.sex.education.2.974390.html

Then ponder and respond to some or all of the questions below:

Do students at a public university (i.e., funded by taxpayers) have the Constitutional right to free expression in choosing to show a porn film as a student activity? Why or why not?

Do you think it's appropriate for state legislators to threaten to withhold funding for the university if the porn film is shown against their wishes, or is this an abuse of their power?

What if state legislators object to a book or a professor's lecture or a student organization on campus and threaten to withhold state funding to the university? Could censoring the porn film lead to further restrictions on free expression?

If you were a student leader at the University of Maryland, what would you have done in this instance: shown the film or canceled the movie event?

Who Says "Men in Black" is Fiction?

2009-04-06T16:18:00.003-04:00

Another article that begs the question, "Just because we CAN do it technologically, does it mean we SHOULD?" Read the article at the link below that describes how scientists may be able to erase certain painful memories in humans:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/06/health/research/06brain.html

What are the pros of this breakthrough technology?

What are the cons?

Assuming it works as well on humans as well as it does on animals, on balance, do you think it should be legal to use this treatment on humans? Why or why not?

Death Penalty Debate

2009-03-19T07:42:00.003-04:00

New Mexico is the most recent state to repeal the use of the death penalty in its criminal justice system. Read the article below:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/03/18/new.mexico.death.penalty/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

and then comment on or more of the following questions:

What are some arguments Governor Richardson and others in New Mexico offered in support of this change?

What might be some reasons to keep using the death penalty?

Should public opinion play a role in deciding whether a state uses the death penalty? Why or why not?

What is your opinion on this issue? Be sure to substantiate your position with sound, logical arguments.

Texting at School...A Conundrum

2009-02-22T13:34:00.002-05:00

First of all, if you don't know what a conundrum is, go look it up at http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conundrum.

Then, check out the article "6473 Texts a Month, But at What Cost?" at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29328966/page/2/.

Finally, share your thoughts on this important topic right here on the blog. Schools all over the country are struggling with this issue, so it's a very important dialog that needs to happen among administrators, teachers, parents and students. So I'm hoping some people from all those groups get into the discussion.

Here's the question you should consider and address: When it comes to cell phones, how can schools best serve their students to maximize learning and prepare them for the 21st century?

Tech Czar

2009-01-11T14:07:00.003-05:00

Barack Obama is being hailed as the most tech savvy president we've ever elected. So perhaps it's not surprising that he has a plan to appoint the first national chief technology officer ever. The article at the link below is co-written by Jimmy Wales, the founder of Wikipedia. First, read the article:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/01/07/wales.obama.cto/index.html

Then, respond to one or more of the following questions:

Do you think it's a good idea for the U.S. to have a CTO (Chief Technology Officer)? Why/why not?

Based on Jimmy Wales ideas, what the goal(s) of the CTO be? How would these goals benefit Americans and American society?

Do you think it's possible for the CTO position to be "non-political" as Jimmy Wales suggests? Why/why not?

Athletic Gene Testing: Next Sci-Fi Movie?

2008-12-01T15:42:00.000-05:00

It was only a matter of time before we discovered how to tell if young children had the genetic potential to become world class athletes. The article linked below describes a genetic test that supposedly can determine whether a young child has the inborn ability to be good at particular sports or none at all. Some people think it's great, while others think we humans are messing technologically in areas in which we don't understand the consequences to children and to society.
Check it out at

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/30/sports/30genetics.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=born%20to%20run%20little%20ones%20get%20test%20for%20sports%20gene&st=cse

and then consider answering one or more of the following questions:

Do you believe the test really determines a child's potential in sports? Why or why not?

Do you think it's a good or bad idea for parents to have their children tested in this way? Why or why not?

Do you think developments in genetic research like this one have the potential to be more beneficial or more damaging to our society? Explain your answer.

The Ethics of High School Students

2008-11-30T21:58:00.000-05:00

The article linked below describes the results of a major study recently completed regarding lying and cheating by U.S. high school students. Almost 30,000 students from 100 high schools around the country participated in the study by completing surveys. Among other results, the researchers found that 30% of high school students have stolen from a store in the past year, and 64% have cheated on a test.

First, read the article:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081130/ap_on_re_us/students_dishonesty

Then, respond to one or more of the following questions:

Do you agree or disagree with the explanations provided for why some high school students cheat and/or steal? Explain your position.

Do you think these levels of dishonesty are cause for alarm in our society? Why or why not?

Do you think these levels of dishonesty are higher, lower, or about the same as at other times in our history? Explain your answer.

Terrorist Attacks in India

2008-11-30T21:48:00.000-05:00

This past weekend, the city of Mumbai (formerly Bombay) in India was attacked by terrorists who have yet to be identified. Over 160 people, including 6 Americans, were killed. The article I have linked below, entitled "What They Hate About Mumbai" is written by a man who grew up there. He offers an explanation for why the terrorists chose to attack Mumbai. Here's the link:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/29/opinion/29mehta.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=what%20they%20hate%20about%20mumbai&st=cse

Questions to ponder:

What reasons does the author give for why terrorists chose to attack Mumbai?

The terrorist group al Qaeda has targeted the United States on a number of occasions. Are the reasons Mumbai was targeted similar to the reasons the U.S. has been a target? Explain your answer.

Do you agree with the author that the best response to these terrorist attacks is for people to keep going to Mumbai? Why or why not?

Global Economic Downturn Making the World a More Dangerous Place?

2008-11-28T12:54:00.000-05:00

This is the perfect article for both World History and Government students. The author makes the argument that as the global economy gets worse, security risks for the United States become greater. Historically, this is always true. As economic conditions worsen for some groups, jobs become less available, and people have few means of supporting themselves and their families, people act out on their frustrations and fears, and violence is the result. Consider this pattern as you read the article:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/14/AR2008111403864.html?referrer=emailarticle

Can you think of any other times in history when economic problems have resulted in more violence? Describe them in your answer.

In light of the perceived increased security threats to the U.S. and around the world, what should be the U.S. response to these circumstances?

The U.S. is currently experiencing our own economic downturn and running a national debt in excess of $10 trillion. Do we have the ability to beef up our security by devoting more money to intelligence and defense capability? Explain your answer.

Is Socialism Becoming as American as Apple Pie?

2008-11-28T12:47:00.000-05:00

Time to start blogging again! Here's an article that should ruffle some feathers. Whether you're liberal or conservative, you have to admire the insight and skill with words of columnist George Will. He is well known for his conservative views, but conservatives, or at least Republicans, take a hit in this Washington Post article. Here's the link:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/14/AR2008111403045.html?referrer=emailarticle

Questions to consider:

What evidence does George Will provide for socialist principles being practiced in the U.S.?

In your opinion, what is the appropriate role of government in the economy? Should we be bailing out companies at taxpayer expense? Why or why not?

Olympic Controversies

2008-08-22T17:36:00.000-04:00

Zach Solomon sent me the links below for two articles on the Olympics. The first is about the controversy over the gold medal awarded to a female Chinese gymnast for her performance on the uneven parallel bars, even though an American gymnast received the same score. The situation is complicated by allegations that the Chinese gymnast does not meet the mimimum age requirement of 16. If you'd like to comment on this article (NO SUMMER PROJECT CREDIT CAN BE EARNED FOR COMMENTING ON THIS ARTICLE), it can be found at

http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/summer08/gymnastics/news/story?id=3540418

The second article is about the controversy over a photo of the Spanish basketball team showing all the players stretching the skin around their eyes to make them look squinty, presumably mocking the Chinese. If you'd like to comment on this article (SUMMER PROJECT CREDIT CAN BE EARNED FOR COMMENTING ON THIS ARTICLE), it can be found at

http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/summer08/basketball/news/story?id=3541355

Please do not repeat the mistake of the Spanish basketball team by being disrespectful in your comments to any of the individuals or groups named in the articles, lest you incur the angst of the ENTIRE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY (not to mention your teacher)!

Presidential Politics by the Numbers

2008-08-21T17:34:00.000-04:00

While the Olympics are winding up, the political season is about to move into full swing with the upcoming party national nominating conventions just around the corner! In the past few months, I'm sure you've all heard news commentators reporting on "the latest polling numbers" with regard to the presidential election. The latest MSNBC/Wall Street Journal poll provides some interesting insight regarding the dynamics of the campaign. Click on the link below to view a video clip highlighting some of most interesting findings of the poll:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26316412#26316412

Then comment on one or more of the following findings of the poll:

* Reduction of Obama lead over McCain
* Generational differences in support for each candidate
* Implications of allegiance of undecided voters to Hillary Clinton
* Candidate strengths on certain issues
* McCain's "Bush Problem"

Note: This post is not about your preference for one candidate over the other; it's about objective political analysis. Do your best to adhere to the OBJECTIVE part.

To Drink or Not to Drink...that is the Question for College Presidents

2008-08-19T12:07:00.000-04:00

Here's an issue that may affect many of you in the not-so-distant future: the legal drinking age in the U.S. This issue causes a lot of controversy in this country; people feel very strongly about it on both sides. Read the following article about the Amethyst Initiative, an organization of college presidents that is advocating the re-lowering of the drinking age to 18 years of age:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26271328/

Then think about the pros and cons of this issue. You might even want to do some additional research to help you decide what you think. If you choose to respond to this post, address the following debate proposition:

The legal age for persons to drink alcohol in the United States should remain at 21 years.

In formal debates, the issue to be argued is always stated in terms of the status quo position; that is, how the issue currently stands.

When you write your response, tell us whether you are making a pro or con argument. If you agree with the proposition above, you are making a pro argument. If you disagree with the proposition, you are making a con argument.

The most important part of your response is to SUBSTANTIATE YOUR POSITION!!! Tell us why your position is correct. Using legitimate information you find outside of the article will make your position more persuasive. If you use outside information, tell us where you got it.

Olympic Manners

2008-08-19T11:56:00.000-04:00

SUMMER PROJECT: If you have been watching the Olympics as obsessively as I have over the past week and a half, you've probably lost out on a lot of sleep, staying up until all hours of the night just to catch the latest news on Michael Phelps, Shawn Johnson and all the other Olympians.

Prior to the opening ceremony, Chinese citizens living in Beijing received a book telling them how to behave when the throngs of foreign guests arrived for the Olympics. Here's a link to an article about the code of behavior the Chinese were expected to observe:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/07/31/beijing-issues-style-guid_n_116041.html

Questions to ponder:

Why would the city government in Beijing care so much about how its citizens act in front of foreign visitors?

How do you think Americans would react if our government tried to do the same thing? Would we react differently than the Chinese people? If so, why?

Comment on any of the behavior rules discussed in the article.

Could Climate Change Affect Our National Security Negatively?

2008-06-23T23:09:00.000-04:00

SUMMER PROJECT: Here's a great topic for AP World History students, but AP Government students might want to tune in to it as a foreign policy issue. The new National Intelligence Assessment that was recently delivered to Congress draws a link between climate change and U.S. national security which could be endangered, according to the study. Instead of an article to read, the link below will take you to a segment that recently aired on National Public Radio to which you can listen:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91819098

After listening, consider responding to the following questions:

According to the National Intelligence Assessment, how might climate change threaten our national security?

Can you think of any other times, circumstances or places in history when climate changes caused major problems for human societies and forced them to make significant changes in their lives in order to survive? If so, describe them.

Do you think the National Intelligence Assessment is a realistic portrayal of what may happen in the future? Assuming it is, what would it take to prevent it from occuring?

A Way Out of High Gas Prices? Or Just a New Set of Problems?

2008-06-23T22:43:00.001-04:00

SUMMER PROJECT: Recently, President Bush and some Members of Congress have been promoting the idea of opening up areas where it is currently illegal to drill for oil in order to alleviate the high price of gasoline for Americans and our heavy dependence on foreign oil. However, some others are critical of this idea. Click on the link below to read about why they object and what the response of the oil companies is.

http://money.cnn.com/2008/06/23/news/economy/oil_drilling/index.htm?eref=rss_topstories

Then respond to some of the following questions:

What are some advantages to allowing drilling in some areas that are currently off limits? What about disadvantages? Based on these pros and cons, what is your evaluation of whether we should permit drilling on these sites and why do you think so?

Defending Our Right to Offend

2008-06-11T14:42:00.001-04:00

SUMMER PROJECT: This one may spark some spirited debate. The New York Times article linked below examines how much farther the United States has been willing to go to protect free speech -- even offensive hateful speech -- than other developed nations have.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/12/us/12hate.html?pagewanted=3&_r=1&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

Questions to Ponder:

According to the article, what criteria are necessary in order for our court system to restrict free speech in the United States?

Describe a hypothetical case for us to consider whether it is an example of the type of speech that should be restricted in the U.S.

Do you think the U.S. should become more strict about what types of speech are protected by law? Why or why not?

Could you live to be 100?

2008-06-11T14:22:00.000-04:00

SUMMER PROJECT: Life expectancy for Americans has been rising steadily, but it's still lower than that of at least 30 other countries. Read the article at

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080611/ap_on_he_me/med_life_expectancy

and then add your thoughts on the following questions:

Why might the life expectancy for Americans be lower than that of 30 other countries?

Are there any down sides to the fact that Americans are generally living longer? If so, what?

What might account for the differences in life expectancy between men and women?

Sky-high gas prices: Good news or bad news?

2008-05-27T10:57:00.001-04:00

SUMMER PROJECT/Current AP World History: If you have to fill a gas tank right now, you're probably not too happy about the high price of gasoline. But is there a silver lining? Read the article at

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/05/26/gas.driving/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

and consider the following questions:

What are some potential negative impacts that soaring gas prices have for individuals and societies? Are they long or short term?

What are some potential positive impacts that soaring gas prices have for individuals and societies? Are they long or short term?

What is the appropriate role for government in this situation, and why do you think so?

What is an inappropriate role for government in this situation, and why do you think so?

Free Speech or Terrorist Propaganda?

2008-05-20T18:49:00.001-04:00

SUMMER PROJECT/Current AP World History: I'm thinking this might be a good topic for our debate day with Ms. Banks class. Read the article at the link below so you can post and/or be ready to participate in our class debate:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/05/20/youtube.lieberman/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

Questions to ponder:

Should Youtube remove the videos from al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations? Some of them? All of them? Why or why not?

And where is YOUR flag lapel pin???!!!

2008-05-20T11:27:00.001-04:00

SUMMER PROJECT/Current AP World History: If you've been following recent presidential campaign coverage, you probably know that the media has been buzzing about whether or not it's important for Barack Obama to wear an American flag lapel pin, as so many political figures do. Read the commentary at the link below for one point of view on this topic:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/05/19/roland.martin.05.19/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

Questions to ponder:

Do you agree or disagree with Mr. Martin's assessment of this issue? Why or why not?

Do you think American voters care about this topic as much as the media seems to? If not, why does the media continue to press the issue?

Does the news media respond to what the public cares about, or does the public respond to what the news media cares about? Why do you think so?

Is it time for Hillary to drop out NOW?

2008-05-08T08:26:00.001-04:00

OK senior government students (AP World can join in too!), here's one more post for old times sake. After this past Tuesday's primaries in North Carolina and Indiana, there is increasing pressure within the Democratic party for presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton to concede the party's nomination to Barack Obama.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/05/07/democrats.race/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

Questions to ponder:

Should Clinton quit the race now in the best interest of the party? Why or why not?

Are you up for the Obama/Clinton ticket in November? Or should Hillary decline the Vice Presidential slot if asked, and take her chances in 2012?

P.S. DON'T FORGET TO VOTE IN THE WEST VIRGINIA PRIMARY ON MAY 13!!!!!!!!

Resisting Globalization

2008-05-08T08:17:00.000-04:00

At the beginning of our study of the Contemporary Period, we noted that while western culture has spread around the globe, there are some areas of the world actively resisting what they perceive to be negative cultural influences from the West. This article on the hard line of the fundamentalist Islamic government in Iran against the iconic "Barbie" doll is an example.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080428/od_uk_nm/oukoe_uk_iran_toys_1

Questions to ponder:

Why might the theocratic government in Iran react so negatively to "Barbie"? From their point of view, what image does "Barbie" project about values in the United States and other western societies?

Do you think they will succeed in keeping "Barbie" and other western cultural influences out of their society? Why or why not?

Deja Vu and the Food Riots

2008-04-14T16:01:00.000-04:00

For all current and previous students of World History, here's an article that should remind you of the circumstances of the French Revolution. Due to rapidly increasing prices for grain in the world, and the fact that many poor people around the globe can't afford to buy enough of it to feed themselves and their families, riots are breaking out in many locations. Read the article at the link below:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/04/14/world.food.crisis/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

Then address ne or more of the following questions:

Do you agree that the high demand for corn to make ethanol is creating a corn shortage that's driving up the price of grain generally, or is something else going on to cause such steep price increases? If so, should we stop making ethanol, and in turn, continue to burn fossil fuels (i.e., oil) that may contribute significantly to global warming?

Is it the responsibility of governments around the world, and in particular the United States (the richest nation on earth), to provide money to people who are rioting over high grain prices because their children have no food? (Government students, think of this in terms of our discussion of political realism vs. moral idealism.)

Life Expectancy Gap Getting Bigger between Rich and Poor

2008-03-30T19:14:00.000-04:00

If you're not inclined to get into the presidential campaign fray in the post below, here's another chance for you to work on your class participation grade for the 4th nine weeks. First, read the New York Times article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/23/u s/23health.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Then consider the following questions:

Is it the responsibility of the government to try to close the life expectancy gap between rich and poor? Why or why not?

What might be some results if this gap continues to widen?

Should Hillary Clinton drop Out?

2008-03-30T19:08:00.000-04:00

That question should incite a passionate debate among bloggers to start off the 4th nine week grading period with a bang!

Here's the article:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7321119.stm

When commenting, please tell us whether or not Senator Clinton should drop out of the Democratic presidential nomination contest or if she should stay in it, especially since it appears she's about to win a big state, Pennsylvania. Then tell us why you're right.

Remember to be civil and respectful of each other's opinions!

Is China's Business Our Business?

2008-03-17T17:49:00.001-04:00

Following up on the extra credit presentation of Katarina Napfel in AP World History today, I'm posting an article on how an American film crew was detained in a hotel so crew members could not film a clash between Chinese police and Tibetan monks:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/17/tibet.american/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

Questions to discuss:

Should the United States get involved in the internal affairs of the Chinese over the conflict with Tibet over their independence? Why or why not? Should we simply mind our own business and focus on our own problems, or is it our moral obligation as the leader of the free world to intervene when people are fighting for freedom?

Even if you're not in AP World History, feel free to comment! Government students, this fits right in with our study of foreign policy.

President Bush Vetoes Waterboarding Ban

2008-03-08T23:11:00.000-05:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/09/washington/09policy.html?_r=1&ex=1362718800&en=9e9816fe337b5e0b&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin

Questions to discuss:

Do you think the United States should be using waterboarding as an interrogation technique? Why or why not?

The NY Times article indicates that George Bush has consistently demonstrated his belief in the strong use of executive power by the President. Do you think the Bush presidency has gone too far in using the power of the Presidency in areas that aren't appropriate? Or is it desirable for a president to use whatever power is available to him or her to act decisively and forcefully in difficult times?

"Militancy will go away with jobs"

2008-03-05T23:20:00.000-05:00

That's the quote from one of Pakistan's newest Members of Parliament, 25 year old Kamran Khan. Do you agree with him that lack of economic opportunity drives violent militancy, in Pakistan and in other parts of the world? Why or why not? What about in our own country? Is this a pattern in World History? Read the article at the link below:

http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/03/05/733456.aspx

See what you think.

President Bush Endorses John McCain

2008-03-05T22:44:00.000-05:00

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/03/05/mccain.bush/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

Question to discuss:

Will President Bush's endorsement help or hurt John McCain's bid to become the next President? Why?

The President as Chief Communicator

2008-03-02T12:05:00.002-05:00

I've been saying it for months, and now the Washington Post agrees with me! My contention has been that, politics aside, Barack Obama and Ronald Reagan are practically the same guy when it comes to their ability to communicate effectively with the American public.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/28/AR2008022802559.html?referrer=emailarticlepg

Question to ponder:

Do you agree with the premise of the article that a President's ability to persuade the American public through his or her speeches and other communications can make or break that person as President? Why or why not?

Changes in Religious Faith in America

2008-02-25T16:00:00.000-05:00

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/25/AR2008022501182.html?nav=rss_email/components

Question to ponder:

Why do you think so many Americans are discarding the faith tradition of their upbringing and dropping out of organized religious affiliation altogether?

What changes in our society might you expect to see in the future as a result of so manyAmericans discarding their religious traditions?

Welcome to my blog!

2008-02-22T13:39:00.004-05:00

Hello everyone!

The purpose of this blog is to supplement my classes and continue our class discussions. It occurred to me that this might be a good idea when we missed a bunch of snow days, resulting in the untimely death of the brain cells of my students. No problem! We'll just have school online! I also think that if we're going to SAY we're going to be 21st Century Learners, then we darn well better find ways to do it, lest we be the worst kind of hypocrites. This blog seems to be one way we can accomplish that.

Finally, for those of you who aren't too keen on verbal participation in our discussions during class, this blog will serve as an opportunity for you to improve your class participation grade without actually speaking out during class. Just visit the most recent posts on the blog, read one or more of the articles, and post your comments. Hopefully, we can get some good debates going right here! It's easy for me to keep track of your online participation here so you can get some credit in your class participation grade.

So bear with me while I figure out what I'm doing here. I will begin by directing you to several news stories that I believe are of interest to my classes in that they provide current applications to ideas, people, places and events that connect with either U. S. Government or World History. But regardless of which class you're in, you can benefit by being aware of what's going on in the world in which you are about to launch yourself. As my dad always says, "It's a great day to joust with the world!"

****************************************************************************
U. S. Recognition of the New Nation of Kosovo:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080221/ap_on_re_eu/serbia_kosovo_independence

Questions to ponder:

Why are the rioters so angry? Why are taking it out on the United States?
Should the U.S. have extended Kosovo diplomatic recognition? Why or why not?

*****************************************************************************

The Presidential Campaign:

Latest polling data: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/21/AR2008022102097.html?referrer=emailarticle

The Obama Delusion:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/19/AR2008021902336.html?referrer=emailarticle

Questions to ponder:

What accounts for Obama's surge of momentum? Why is Hillary losing ground?

Do you agree or disagree with the premise of "The Obama Delusion"? Why?

*************************************************************************************

If I can figure out how to allow you to respond to these questions here, I'll be very impressed with myself. Come back soon!