2000 Election

Even though V.P. Al Gore had won the popular vote in the 2000 election, he lost the electoral vote to Governor George Bush. Do you agree that the current voting system we have is o.k. (with the electoral college) or should it be reformed to something else? Explain.

Watergate Scandal

During Watergate, Nixon invoked his power of executive privilege regarding his secret tapes. Nixon used the power of the President to cover his illicit activities. To what extent should a president be allowed to maintain privacy in the Oval Office?
+ Why do you think this?
+ What does the President have the right to keep secret?
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In 200 words, tell me what you believe the President has the right to keep from the American people and why he should be able to keep this information away from the public.

National Health Care, Right or a Privilege?

This week we are going to be watching a short video describing our nation's newly passed Health Care Reform. This new legislation makes health care available to any and every American citizen. You have the right to obtain health coverage. An insurance company can not deny you because of a preexisting ailment.
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The short video clip you just watched ends with the topic of health care being a right or a privilege. In 200 words or more, I would like you to tell me whether or not you believe that health care is a right or a privilege? Try to give examples in your description.
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This is our second blog of the 9 weeks and after this blog is due, you will be on Spring Break! I hope you all enjoy your week off and are re-energized for the final 7 weeks!!!

Cold War Conflicts

This is the last blog of the 9 weeks, let's end the 9 weeks on a positive note! Pick one of the following conflicts during the Cold War and describe its effects.

- The Korean War
- The 2nd Red Scare (Fear of Communism)
- Secret development of the Atomic Bomb

For more information on these events, check out Chapter 25 in your book. This blog is 200 words or more and due Friday, March 12th.

Glogster

World War II Blog

The Simpsons have made themselves in a household name by being a mainstay for the FOX Network for over twenty years. Who would have known that we could use The Simpsons to mold our next blog over World War II. I am using a quote from Bart Simpson to ask you the following question.
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Bart Simpson, "Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, contrary to what you've just seen, war is neither glamorous nor fun. There are no winners. Only losers. There are no good wars, with the following exceptions: The American Revolution, World War II, and the Star Wars trilogy. If you'd like to learn more about war, there's lots of books in your local library--many of them with cool, gory pictures."
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Why does Bart believe World War II was a glamorous war? Use examples that we have learned and in 200 words or more, explain why you believe World War II was a glamorous war. This blog response is due Friday, February 26th.

Earthquake in Haiti

Over the past couple of weeks, we have seen a tragedy strike the island nation of Haiti and then an aftershock shake the Caribbean. The world expects the United States to step in and contribute to the relief efforts, and we have. You have government officials, celebrities, and athletes all asking people to donate. People like Ben Stiller, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, George Clooney, and Dwyane Wade have gone as far as donating a million dollars of their own money. They have sponsored telethons like ‘Hope for Haiti,’ and many athletes have used their platform to push the cause for Haiti.
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Option 1: I want to know if you or your family has donated to the relief efforts for Haiti. Why or why not? Would you rather donate money to a cause like this, or would you be more willing to donate your time and physical capabilities? Who is more likely to convince you to donate; a celebrity, an athlete, a government official, or someone close to you?
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Option 2: The entire world expects the United States to lead the relief efforts in Haiti. They expect the United States to donate money, manpower, and supplies to the Haitians. How do you feel about this? The U.S. debt keeps rising, but we are expected to be a leader in this and other global crisis’. Should the United States worry about our own deficiencies, or should we be the global leader that everyone expects us to be?