Your thoughts and feedback are appreciated!

As I sit down to write this it is hard to believe that another quarter has passed. When we started out together it was still warm and sunny and now there is no doubt that winter is here. I really had a good time with all of you in class. I can see how many of you became more vocal as the quarter went on and I hope you can say you learned something in this class!

For our last blog post I would like you to give me your thoughts and feedback on this class. "What did you like most or least? Is there anything I could change to make the class better?" Answers are due no later than Thursday, December 17th, 2009. After that the blog will be down until class resumes next year.

I wish you all the best in your future endeavors and hope that you stay in touch with me. Have a wonderful, safe and blessed holiday season!

Do the unemployed look like you?

This week I was driving to work, flipping through the radio channels, when I happened to come across Reverend Al Sharpton on the Tom Joyner morning show. Now we all know that we are facing some of the worst unemployment rates since 1983. There are currently over 15 million Americans looking for work. The national unemployment rate of 10.2% is just that, an average. It means some places that have been hardest hit by the recession have rates that are much, much higher. That being said, it shocked me when Reverend Sharpton stated that in New York City the unemployment rate for African-American males is 50%!

It's not just coming from Reverend Sharpton and its not just New york City either. There is ample evidence that racial inequities remain when it comes to unemployment. The disparity for the first ten months of 2009 has been even more profound for those with colleges degrees. The unemployment rate for African-American college graduates has been nearly twice that of their white, male counterparts. Check out this interactive graphic from the New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/11/06/business/economy/unemployment-lines.html

This week in class we will discuss Affirmative Actions programs and what equality means in America. We will look at how far the gap is between the ideals of America versus the reality. So my question to you this week is "Why do you think this disparity still exists in 2009 an what can we do about it?". Answers are due no later than Thursday, December 10th, 2009. By the way, I have fixed the link and have checked it twice so I really encourage you to check it out. This will also be the last week to make up any remaining blog posts you may have missed. I will not accept late blog posts after Thursday, December 10th, 2009.

Thankful for Thanksgiving

Don't you just love it when your class falls on a day that you end up getting off for a holiday? As an instructor, it makes things a little harder, but as a student, I was always very grateful. Now, I have made it clear in class that Thanksgiving is not my favorite holiday. I don't like the way schools fictionalize a story that sounds good, while ignoring the sad facts about how we really treated Native Americans in this country. That being said, I have learned to treat Thanksgiving as a reminder of all the things I am thankful for.

This year, as always, I am thankful for my faith, my family and my friends. I am blessed to be surrounded by people who love me. I am also thankful that I have two jobs in an economy where people often can't find one.

So, in honor of the holiday my question to you this week will be an easy one. "What are you thankful for this holiday season?". Answers are due no later than Thursday, December 3rd, 2009. Please be aware that you have almost two weeks until your blog post is due, because we will not have class next week. Have a happy and safe holiday weekend!

A sad day in America

As I sit down to write this blog shortly after Veteran’s Day, it saddens me to write about the recent events that took place at Fort Hood, an army base located outside of Killeen, Texas. On November 5th, a gunman opened fire in the Soldier Readiness Center of Fort Hood, killing thirteen people and wounding thirty others. Major Nidal Malik Hasan, an army psychiatrist accused in the Fort Hood shootings has been charged with 13 counts of premeditated murder in the military's legal system, making him eligible for the death penalty if convicted.

Since the shootings, there have been many reports on Maj. Hasan’s background, including that he was harassed by military officials for his Muslim faith, was scheduled to be deployed to Afghanistan and that he asked to be discharged from service. Other reports state that Army officials saw no warning signs from the man authorities say is responsible for the worst mass killings on a U.S. military base.

Recently in class we discussed the role of the media, and why it sometimes called our fourth branch of government. For the blog this week, I would like you to review several sources of coverage on the Ft. Hood shootings. My question to you this week is, “What bias do you see in the media sources that you accessed? Were you able to find two different sources that contradicted one another?” You must access at least two sources and name them in your post to get full credit. Answers are due no later than Thursday, November, 19th, 2009. To our veterans, I would like to say that I personally honor and thank you for your service to our country.

It Pays to Have Friends in High Places...

Last week in class, we discussed campaign finance reform and I told you that I may re-post something I have posted previously in another class. So, as promised, here it is.

This past Presidential election was the most expensive race in history, with candidates literally raising millions of dollars to finance their campaigns. During the primary contest, then candidate Obama pledged not to accept campaign contributions from lobbyists. In fact, Obama returned thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from registered federal lobbyists during the course of his campaign. However, Obama did take money from individuals who while not registered lobbyists, were still employed at lobbyist firms. This activity, along with Obama's past contributions from lobbyists in previous races drew criticism and charges of hypocrisy.

The top spenders in the 2008 Presidential election, ranked in order from highest to lowest, were as follows: US Chamber of Commerce, Exxon Mobil, AARP, PG&E, Northrop Group, American Medical Association, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, American Hospital Association, General Electric and Verizon Communications. It is no coincidence that one can see two of our countries' biggest domestic issues reflected in this list; health care and energy.For more information on who gave what to whom, check out the Center for Responsive Politics at: http://www.opensecrets.org/. This website will give you the full details on campaign finance and show you who has supported your politicians in the past.

My question to you this week is, "Do you think it is okay for candidates to take money from lobbyists? If it were up to you, how would you reform our campaign finance laws?" Answers are due no late than Thursday, November 12th, 2009.

To get it or not get it....that is the question.

With flu season already in full-swing, there has been much discussion regarding the quality and quantity of vaccinations, especially the H1N1 vaccine. The federal government has launched a massive public relations campaign to encourage those who can to get the vaccine. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has repeatedly said that the H1N1 vaccine is “safe and secure”. The Center for Disease Control has also encouraged individuals to get the vaccine, especially those individuals in high-risk categories such as pregnant women, children and healthcare workers.

Over five thousand people worldwide have died from H1N1, six hundred in the United States alone. Thousands of more people have been infected. More than 90% of adults who got the vaccine are now immune to the virus. In addition, unlike some other vaccines, the H1N1 vaccine can’t give you the flu because the vaccine doesn’t contain a live virus. Still, some feel the risk of getting the vaccine outweighs the risk of getting the flu.

The vaccine contains a preservative called thimerosal, a form of mercury. Although the vaccine only contains trace amounts of mercury, even less than a can of tuna, the thought of injecting themselves or their children with anything containing mercury is still enough to frighten many parents. Many people have said they will not get the vaccine because it was too hastily prepared and isn’t safe because the side effects and their implications are still unknown. Some say the side effects of getting the vaccine are limited to headaches and muscle soreness. Others say the side effects can range from flu-like symptoms to nerve damage.

So my question to you this week is “Would you get the H1N1 vaccine? Why or why not? Would you allow your child to get it?” Answers are due no later than Thursday, November 5th, 2009. Have a happy and safe Halloween!

Can marijuana save the economy?

This week, I would like to revist a topic I have previously blogged about to get your opinion. Could legalizing marijuana be the answer to saving our economy? We all know that the war on drugs is an expensive battle. A great deal of time, money and resources go into catching those who buy or sell illegal drugs, prosecuting and incarcerating them. There is no way to effectively measure the amount of revenue marijuana brings in, but legalization would eliminate the risk buyers and sellers take now, causing the demand to rise. Increased demand could bring in more revenue for the government, if marijuana was being taxed similarly to alcohol and tobacco.

California State Assembly member Tom Ammiano introduced legislation last month, that would legalize marijuana and allow California to regulate and tax its sale. Marijuana is already California's biggest cash crop, bringing in $14 billion in annual sales. California's tax collectors estimate the new bill would bring in $1.3 billion in additional revenue each year. California was one of the first states to legalize marijuana in 1996. US Attorney General Eric Holder recently announced that states should be able to make their own rules on medical marijuana.

However, despite the fact that legalizing marijuana may bring a much needed revenue, opponents say legalizing pot will only add to social woes; increasing crime, drug addiction, mental health disorders, and driving up insurance rates.So my question to you this week is "Should the United States legalize marijuana, medicinally or otherwise?" Answers are due by Thursday, October 29th, 2009.

"Don't Ask, Don't Tell"?

This week we will begin a discussion on same sex marriage. We will learn how homosexuals have almost no legal protections in the United States. To further expand our discussion I would like to devote this week's blog to examining the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy regarding homosexuals in the military.

The policy was enacted by President Clinton in 1994. President Clinton who initially said he wanted to overturn the ban on homosexuals in the military, ended up compromising for the controversial "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. The policy makes it illegal for commanders to ask their subordinates about their sexual orientation, and it also bans homosexuals from openly discussing or engaging in openly homosexual behaviors. Over 13,000 troops have been discharged under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy since its was first introduced.

President Obama has repeatedly said he wants to end the Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy and allow homosexuals to serve openly in the military, however he has yet to set a time table. You can view President Obama give his thoughts at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2xzRMLmEoI.
Regardless of the outcome of this policy, it is certain to be controversial, with both supporters and opponents fueling the fire.

So, this week I would first like you to view President Obama's comments. My question to you is "Do you think "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy should be overturned? Do you think there should be a new policy regarding homosexuals in the military in its place? Why do you think this is such a controversial issue?" Answers are due no later than Thursday, October 22nd, 2009.

Free at Last?

This week in class we started our study of the Constitution and the freedoms that it guarantees us. You can order your own free copy of the Constitution at: http://www.constitutionfacts.com/index.cfm?section=bookstore&page=freeCopy.cfm
In previous classes, I have asked students about what freedoms they value most. It always prompts a good discussion and many times we realize just how much we take for granted living in America.

Since this is a new quarter and a new class, I would like to pose a slightly different question: “What freedom is missing from the Constitution? Is there a right that we should have, but don’t? What other freedoms would you like to have?” Answers are due no later than Thursday, October 15th, 2009.

Your Thoughts and Feedback Are Appreciated!

As we wrap up another quarter, I would like to say that I have really enjoyed this class. I think we had good discussions, and I hope you learned something! You all make me realize why I love my job. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
For our last blog post, I would like to know your thoughts and comments on this class. "What did you like most? What did you like least? Is there anything I can change to make the class better?" I always take your feedback to heart, so please be honest! Answers are due no later than Monday, September 21st, 2009. After that, the blog will be down until class resumes next quarter. Have a wonderful fall break!

Write your own destiny - make your own future

As you have probably heard, President Obama is giving a “Back to School” speech today that will be aired live across the country. The President will speak to students directly about working hard and the benefits of staying in school. You can access the full transcript of what President Obama intends to say at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/MediaResources/PreparedSchoolRemarks/

The speech has sparked a huge controversy as some feel the President is pushing his own political agenda. School districts in Texas, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Virginia and Washington have decided not to show the speech live to students. Other school districts are allowing parents to have the children “opt out” of a live showing. Oklahoma Republican state Senator Steve Russell even went as far as to say “As far as I am concerned, this is not civics education — it gives the appearance of creating a cult of personality. This is something you'd expect to see in North Korea or in Saddam Hussein's Iraq."

Now, I admit, I only read the transcript of what Obama is going to say this morning as I sat down to write this blog. That being said, the controversy it has generated has really irked me. America was founded on the principle of free flowing information. In my opinion, restricting that information causes more harm than good. Regardless of whether or not I agreed politically with the President, I think I would be honored if the President decided to come to my child’s school. I was raised to respect people in authority, even if I didn’t always agree with them, be it my parents, my teachers, or yes, even the President. To me, it seems this would be a good opportunity for parents to talk to their children about what they are learning in school. Instead, many have turned it into just another political argument with both sides slinging attacks.

So this week I would first like you to read the transcript of the speech, or if you are able, watch it live on television. My question to you this week is, “What do you think of the speech and the controversy surrounding it? Would you allow your children to watch it in a classroom setting? Why or why not?” Answers are due no later than Monday, September 14th, 2009.

The Dream Shall Never Die

I would be remiss if I did not devote this week’s blog to remembering the life of Senator Edward Kennedy who passed away August 26th, 2009 after a year long battle with brain cancer. Kennedy served 47 years in the Senate and was a strong advocate for healthcare reform, education, civil rights and immigration.

I spent this weekend watching all of the inevitable biographies, past television appearances and speeches that come on whenever someone famous passes on. To be sure, Kennedy’s life had its ups and downs. He suffered political setbacks and at times, personal setbacks as well. However, as I watched, the one thing that struck me was how much Senator Kennedy had seen and endured throughout his lifetime. I thought of the assassination of his two brothers, and Dr. King. I thought about Senator Kennedy having to pick up the slack while a whole nation watched. I thought about Vietnam and the revolution of the 1960’s. I thought about Nixon and the Watergate scandal that rocked our country to its core.

It got me thinking about how our generation will define itself. Years from now, what will be our legacy? So my question to you this week is, “What do you think defines our generation? What will you be telling future generations about the events that you lived through?” Answers are due no later than Monday, September 7th, 2009. Have a Happy and safe holiday weekend!

Should the United States torture?

This week, the CIA released their 2004 inspector general’s report revealing the full extent of harsh methods used on terror suspects. The report found that CIA investigators routinely staged mock executions, and used power drills, guns, and waterboarding techniques to extract information from the detainees.

These “enhanced interrogation techniques” have caused moral, ethic and legal debates across the country. President Obama has gone so far as to call some of these techniques “torture”. As the debate rages on, many feel is boils down to one question, “Did the harsh methods like waterboarding cause terrorist suspects to give up valuable information?” Like so many things in Washington, it depends on who you ask.

The program’s defenders, most notably former Vice President Dick Cheney have long claimed that the detainees broke down under the coercive techniques and gave up crucial tips. The information they provided helped foil imminent terrorist plots against the United States, and thus saved American lives. One the other hand, the inspector general’s report says it “did not uncover any evidence that these plots were imminent.” The report also raises the fundamental questions of whether the interrogators needed to use enhanced techniques at all. The report states that at least in some instances, they were used “without justification.”

So my question to you this week is, “What do you think of the ‘torture’ debate? Should the United States engage in these practices if it means keeping us safe?” Answers are due no later than Monday, August 31st, 2009.

Who made the best President?

This week's blog post will be short and sweet. In a previous blog, I asked students who they thought would've made a great President that never held the office. This week, I would like to focus on those men that have held the office.


My question to you this week is threefold: "Which President did the best job on domestic issues ? Which President did the best job on foreign policy? Who do you think was the best President overall?" Make sure you state why you feel the way you do. If you aren't sure, then look it up! You must answer all three questions to get full credit for this week's blog. Answers are due no later than Monday, August 24th, 2009.

Have you driven a Ford lately?

I've never been much of a car person. I drive a 1999 Nissan Sentra and usually, when people ask what kind of car I drive, I just say "A black one". I get flat tires regularly and this summer my air conditioning went out. For years family and friends have suggested I look into getting a new car, but as long as it gets me where I am going, I'm okay with driving a car that is a decade old. That is, until recently.

It started when the US car companies found themselves in real trouble. I began finding myself drawn to commercials offering no interest financing and other great deals designed to lure people like me into the showroom. Then I began seriously considering it when I heard about President Obama's "Cash for Clunkers" program. Today I heard news that might just push me over the edge and into the dealership.

GM is now marketing the Chevrolet Volt, a rechargeable electric car that will get 230 mpg! That is more than four times what the Toyota Prius gets. The Volt is powered by an electric motor and battery pack. The battery pack can be recharged from a standard home outlet. The Volt will cost roughly $40,000 and will be available in 2010.

Now, $40,000 is way out of my price range for car, but it did get me thinking. Will my next car be electric or a hybrid? Is there really any other solution? And what does that mean for the American big three auto companies? Will my future children laugh when they hear mommy used to drive a car that used gas? So my question to you this week is "What do you think of electric or hybrid cars? Are they the wave of the future or just a modern day fad? How do you think this will impact the American auto makers?" Answers are due no later than Monday, August 17th, 2009.

Should newspapers be saved?

This week, I would like to revisit a topic I have previously blogged about. Recently, we studied how the media affects our political culture. In a few weeks, we will discuss why media is sometimes called the fourth branch of government. The media's influence on politics has always affected how we view our politicians; from the times of the penny press, FDR's fireside chats and the televised Kennedy/Nixon debates. However, it is now possible that some major cities will soon no longer have a newspaper.

In a recent cover story, Times author Walter Issacon notes that although readership is on the rise, fewer consumers are paying. According to a Pew Research study, more people got their news online for free last year, than paid for it by buying newspapers and magazines. The newspapers, which traditionally have counted on sales from subscriptions and newsstands are now only relying on advertising dollars, thus making the content beholden to the advertisers themselves.Walter Issacon makes a case for charging for the news we access. Whether we pay an online subscription fee for the newspaper of our choice, or we are simply charged a "user fee" for each article we access, Issacon stresses that charging for content might just be the only way to save our newspapers.

You are all creative students, who produce artistic content that I am sure you would like to get paid for, yet at the same time, I am sure many of your access news for free off of the Internet. So my question to you this week is, "Do you think we should be charged for the news we access, and if so, with what kind of fee?". Answers are due no later thanMonday, August 10th, 2009 .

Does Racial Profiling Still Exist in America?

Recently, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., a Harvard University professor, was arrested at his home in Cambridge, Massachusetts and charged with disorderly conduct. Gates, who is African-American, had just returned from a trip to China. As the front door of his home would not open, Gates entered through his back door. He could not however, open the front door even from the inside. Gates went back outside, and with help from his driver, forced the front door open.

In a subsequent release of the recorded 911 call, the caller can be heard reporting a possible burglary, stating in part, “they had to use their shoulder to try and barge in, and they got in”. The caller also stated at one point that she noticed “two suitcases” and was “not sure if these are two individuals who live there”.

What happened next is in question. According to the police report, Officer Crowley arrived on the scene and asked Gates to step outside, and he refused. The report also states that Gates initially refused to provide ID and that he accused the officers of racial bias. Gates’ version is much different. According to him, when he went inside to get his ID, the officer followed him inside without permission. Gates says he provided both his license and his Harvard ID, identifying him as residing there. Gates says he repeatedly asked the officer for his name and badge number, but the officer did not provide it. Gates said the officer asked him to step outside, where he was subsequently arrested for disorderly conduct.

The charges against Gates have already been dropped, but the firestorm of controversy still remains heated. Officer Crowley has publicly stated he will not apologize for his actions. In a recent interview, President Obama said he did not know “what role race played” in the incident, but that “the Cambridge police acted stupidly in arresting somebody when there was already proof they were in their own home”.

My question to you this week is “Do you think the police officer’s conduct was wrong? Why or why not? Do you think the police still use racial profiling?” Answers are due no later than Monday, August 3rd, 2009.

What's Love Got to Do With It?

This week we started a discussion on same sex marriage.
Same sex couples have practically no rights or protections under the law.

Take what happens when someone in a same-sex couple gets sick or injured. The Human Rights Campaign reports that the Family Medical Leave Act, a federal law granting 12 weeks of unpaid leave to allow someone to care for a spouse, does not apply to same sex couples. Depending on the state, hospitals may or may not allow someone to visit their same-sex partner when visits are limited to "family" only. Oftentimes, same-sex partners are not allowed to make decisions regarding their partners medical decisions, even if they have obtained power of attorney. If someone in a same-sex couple dies without a will, their partner may not have a right to inherit property. Same-sex partners may also not be eligible for bereavement leave from their job.

My question to you this week is "How would you resolve the issue of same-sex couples having rights when it comes to their partner's medical decisions? What rights should they have, if any? Do you think those decisions should be left up to the same-sex partner or the person's 'family'?" Answers are due no later than Monday, July 27th, 2009

Are you proud to be an American?

This week we started our study of the Constitution and the freedoms that make us uniquely American. You can order your own free copy of the United States Constitution from: http://www.constitutionfacts.com/index.cfm?section=bookstore&page=freeCopy.cfm

There are things about America that I don't like; paying taxes, crooked politicians and corporate greed. However, despite those things, I am still proud to be an American. I am proud to live in a diverse country where we can participate in our own political process. I am proud that we have the freedom to practice our own religion and speak our mind. Each quarter as we review the Constitution, I am reminded of all the freedoms that we have which I tend to take for granted.

So my question to you this week is, "Are you proud to be American? If so, why? If no, why not?" Answers are due no later than Monday, July 20th, 2009.

Your Thoughts and Feedback Are Appreciated!

As we wrap up another quarter, I would like to say that I have really enjoyed this class. I think we had good discussions, and you made coming to class feel like fun instead of work. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

For our last blog post, I would like to know your thoughts and comments on this class. "What did you like most? What did you like least? Is there anything I can change to make the class better?" I always take your feedback to heart, so please be honest! Answers are due no later than Sunday, June 14t, 2009. After that, the blog will be down until class resumes next quarter. Have a wonderful summer break!

Who is Sonia Sotomayor?

Recently President Obama nominated Sonia Sotomayor to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice David Souter. Although she has yet to go through the nomination process, it is generally believed she will be confirmed, barring any sudden scandals.

As we have learned in class, Supreme Court Justices serve for life. Their decisions determine how our rights as American citizens are interpreted and yet many people know nothing about them. I had never heard of Sonia Sotomayor until I heard her name being mentioned as a possible candidate. I was immediately interested to know her viewpoints on many of the topics we have studied in class; same sex marriage, 1st Amendment rights, abortion, gun control, and immigration.

My questions to you this week is two-fold. First, "If you could ask a potential Supreme Court Justice anything as part of the nomination process, what would it be? What issue is most important to you?" Second, "How do you think Sonia Sotomayor feels about the issue you chose? How would she rule?" If you don't know how Sonia Sotomayor feels about a certain topic, look it up! Chances are, you will be able to find a brief synopsis of a case she has ruled on to back up your answer. Answers are due by Sunday, June 7th, 2009

Freedom of Health vs Freedom of Religion

You may have recently heard or seen the news regarding the case of Daniel Hauser, a 13 year old, who has been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Hodgkin’s lymphoma is one of the most curable types of cancer, however Daniel and his parents are denying further standard treatments saying the treatments would violate their religious beliefs. The family are members of Nemenhah, a American Indian organization that prefers natural healing methods.

Back in February, Daniel underwent one round of chemotherapy, yet when he became ill, his parents refused to send him in for a second treatment. For the past several months, they have ignored the advice of cancer specialists and turned to natural therapies, such as herbs and vitamins.

A judge ruled the parents have medically neglected Daniel and ordered Daniel to have updated chest x-rays as well as see an oncologists for re-evaluation. After the x-ray showed the tumor in Daniel’s chest had grown, the mother and son left town. At the time of this writing, both Daniel and his mother have returned, but are still refusing to comply with any court orders that would require Daniel to undergo chemotherapy.

Cases like Daniel’s are often presented as issues of “health freedom”, parental rights, or the right of a minor to control his or her body. The court seems to have only three options: to try and convince Daniel’s parents to allow Daniel to have the treatment, to force Daniel to undergo treatment by taking physical custody of him, or to let Daniel pursue his own course of action and possibly die.

My question to you this week is, “What do you think the court should decide? Should it be the court or the parents decision?” Answers are due by Monday, June 1st, 2009.

Celebrating a 3 day weekend? Thank a veteran!

I have been looking forward to the three-day weekend coming up for a long time. We always get together as a family and have a big cook-out. The pools re-open, I get a free day off of work and more importantly, summer begins!

It dawned on me as I sat down to write this post, that the true meaning of Memorial day is often lost. Most people know that Memorial Day is to honor soldiers who have died in combat, but did you know that a national moment of remembrance, in the form of a moment of silence, takes place at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time? Another tradition is to fly the flag at half-staff from dawn until noon local time. Many people observe the holiday by visiting graves and cemeteries to honor family members who have died. Hundreds of volunteers place American flags on veteran grave sites across the country.

Both of my grandpa's are WWII veterans. I remember how seriously my grandma took Memorial Day and her responsibilities to honor my grandpa, the flag and our country. I realize that those duties have been lost on my generation, in lieu of BBQ, beer and the Indy 500. It made me realize that it is time to step up to the plate. So, this weekend, I pledge to do something to honor my grandpa's and others who have died in service of this country. My question to you this week is "How do you celebrate Memorial Day? Do you do anything to honor it's true meaning?" Answers are due no later than Sunday, May 24th, 2009. Have a happy and safe holiday weekend!

It pays to have friends in high places...

Last week in class, we discussed campaign finance reform. This past Presidential election was the most expensive race in history, with candidates literally raising millions of dollars to finance their campaigns.

During the primary contest, then candidate Obama pledged not to accept campaign contributions from lobbyists. In fact, Obama returned thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from registered federal lobbyists during the course of his campaign. However, Obama did take money from individuals who while not registered lobbyists, were still employed at lobbyist firms. This activity, along with Obama's past contributions from lobbyists in previous races drew criticism and charges of hypocrisy.

The top spenders in the 2008 Presidential election, ranked in order from highest to lowest, were as follows: US Chamber of Commerce, Exxon Mobil, AARP, PG&E, Northrop Group, American Medical Association, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, American Hospital Association, General Electric and Verizon Communications. It is no coincidence that one can see two of our countries' biggest domestic issues reflected in this list; health care and energy.

For more information on who gave what to whom, check out the Center for Responsive Politics at: http://www.opensecrets.org/. This website will give you the full details on campaign finance and show you who has supported your politicians in the past.

My question to you this week is, "Do you think it is okay for candidates to take money from lobbyists? If it were up to you, how would you reform our campaign finance laws?" Answers are due no late than Sunday, May 17th, 2009.

Obama's Presidential News Conference

This week's blog will be a short post. As you all know, President Obama held a prime time news conference last Wednesday. Hopefully, some of you caught it live, but if not, you can access a full transcript of the address at the following link:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2009/04/barack-obama-news-conference-text.html

My questions to you this week are, "What do you think President Obama answered best? What did you think he could have done a better job on? Was there an issue that wasn't addressed that you wish would've been?"

Answers are due by Sunday, May 10th, 2009.

Just say no...to strip searching?

The Supreme Court will be deciding a case soon that could redefine student privacy rights and outline important guidelines for school officials on contraband such as weapons, drugs or alcohol.

Savana Redding was a 13 year old honor student, when she was called into the principals office one day. Another student had been caught with unauthorized medication and fingered Savana as the one who gave them to her. The principal questioned Savana, who denied any knowledge of how the other student acquired the pills, or why she would accuse Savana. A search of Savana's backpack turned up nothing, so Savana was told that a strip search would be conducted.

A female administrative assistant and the school nurse conducted the search. Savana says that after forcing her to strip down, she was told to pull out her bra and shake it and then remove her underwear. Savana says that several times during the search she asked that her mother be called to no avail.

School officials said their first priority is keeping all of their students safe, and that means absolutely no tolerance for weapons, drugs or alcohol of any kind. In this day and age, school officials feel they must use every possible resource and method to secure their school and students.

So my question to you this week is, "Should schools be allowed to strip search students to look for contraband? What rights should students expect regarding their privacy?" Answers are due no late than Sunday, May 2nd.

In Memory of.....

This weekend I attended the funeral of my cousin. Although I was grieved and saddened at the loss, I was also hopeful that out of her death would come something good. My cousin had made arrangements prior to her death to donate her body to medical research. Scientists will use her remains to look for cures for cancer, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and many other diseases that affect millions of Americans. For more information about donating your body to medical research, visit the following link:
http://www.medcure.org/

We have probably all been to the BMV and been asked if we wish to donate organs. I have been an organ donor since I have been old enough to make the decision for myself. Did you know that 92,000 people are currently on the waiting list for organ transplants and another 3,700 candidates are added each year? 18 people die everyday, waiting on organ donations that could save their life. If you wish to make a decision regarding donation, please visit the following link:
http://www.indianalastwishregistry.org/Default.aspx

Still, organ donation is a controversial issue. There is a lot of misinformation out there, and even knowing all the facts, some people still don't feel it is ethical or moral to donate organs. Some people are scared of organ donation. Some individuals may wish to donate, but their family opposes their decision after death. So my question to you this week is, "How do you feel about organ donation? What about donating your body to medical research? Do you think family members should have the last say?" Answers are due by Sunday, April 26th.

All You Need is Love?

In this class we will discuss same sex marriage, and whether or not gay and lesbian couples should have the same rights when it comes to marriage as everyone else. For this week’s blog, I would like to expand on that issue and discuss same sex adoptions.

Efforts to ban gay and lesbian couples from adoption are heating up all across America. Florida has banned same sex adoptions since 1977. In Mississippi, gay singles can adopt but gay couples can not. In Utah, all un-married couples are banned from adoption. Currently, sixteen additional states are considering bans of same sex adoptions, including Indiana.

Opponents of same sex adoptions, often say that children being raised with same-sex parents will have psychological issues, be bullied or teased at school, have unclear gender role models and perhaps even become gay or lesbian themselves.

Supporters of same sex adoptions include the National Adoption Center, the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association and the American Pediatrics, all of which state that adoptions by gay or lesbian couples do not negatively affect children.

The issue of same sex adoption is one that inspires debate across America and will probably be left up to the courts to decide, however one thing is clear: we all want what is best for our children. So my question to you this week is, “What do you think of same sex adoptions? Why do you feel the way you do?” Answers are due by Sunday, April 19th.

Live Free or Die!

This week in class we began our study of the Constitution. The United States Constitution is widely recognized and studied as one of the most democratic documents ever written. Most of the freedoms that make us uniquely American can be found in the United States Constitution.

You can order your own free copy of the United States Constitution from: http://www.constitutionfacts.com/index.cfm?section=bookstore&page=freeCopy.cfm

So, this week I started thinking about what freedoms I value most. I think the one I am most grateful for is Freedom of Religion. We are very blessed to live in a country where we are free to practice or not practice our religion as we see fit.

So, my question to you this week is, “What freedoms do you value the most? Why are they important to you?” In addition, I would like you to take a short quiz on the Constitution and include your score and results in your answer. Your score on the quiz will not affect your grade.

The quiz can be accessed at the following link:
http://www.constitutionfacts.com/index.cfm?page=quiz.cfm

Answers are due by Sunday, April 12th. Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Can marijuana save the economy?

Could legalizing marijuana be the answer to saving our economy? We all know that the war on drugs is an expensive battle. A great deal of time, money and resources go into catching those who buy or sell illegal drugs, prosecuting and incarcerating them. There is no way to effectively measure the amount of revenue marijuana brings in, but legalization would eliminate the risk buyers and sellers take now, causing the demand to rise. Increased demand could bring in more revenue for the government, if marijuana was being taxed similarly to alcohol and tobacco.

California State Assembly member Tom Ammiano introduced legislation last month, that would legalize marijuana and allow California to regulate and tax its sale. Marijuana is already California's biggest cash crop, bringing in $14 billion in annual sales. California's tax collectors estimate the new bill would bring in $1.3 billion in additional revenue each year.

California was one of the first states to legalize marijuana in 1996. US Attorney General Eric Holder recently announced that states should be able to make their own rules on medical marijuana. However, despite the fact that legalizing marijuana may bring a much needed revenue, opponents say legalizing pot will only add to social woes; increasing crime, drug addiction, mental health disorders, and driving up insurance rates.

So my question to you this week is "Should the United States legalize marijuana, medicinally or otherwise?" Answers are due by Saturday, March 21st, 2009.

Can the United States Save Darfur?

The conflict in Darfur in an ongoing military conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan, the largest country in Africa. It began in 2003 and is seen by many as a conflict along ethnic and tribal lines. One side is composed of the Janjaweed, a militia group recruited from the camel-herding, nomadic Arab tribes. The Sudanese government, while denying the it supports the Janjaweed, has provided money and assistance to sustain attacks against the rebels. The "rebels" comprise the other side of the conflict, and consist mostly of armies recruited from Black ethnic groups, who make a living farming the land.

The conflict is caused by the Arab tribes searching to find water for their camels. In doing so, they take over the land occupied by the Black farmers. The Janajaweed have systematically burned villages, and committed mass murders and rapes. An estimated 3 million people have been displaced, and more than 200,000 have been killed since the conflict started. The United States has classified the conflict in Darfur as a genocide, however the United Nations has yet to describe it this way.

Last week, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for the Sudanese President, al-Bashir, charging him with war crimes and crimes against humanity. In response, Bashir has launched a crackdown on humanitarian aid in the region, forcing dozens of major aid institutions to leave the area.

My question to you this week is, "Should the United States get involved in Darfur, and if so, how? Should we use diplomatic, humanitarian or military efforts?" Answers are due by Sunday, March 15th at 6:00 p.m.

Should Newspapers Be Saved?

Recently, we studied how the media affects our political culture and why it is sometimes called the fourth branch of government. The media's influence on politics has always affected how we view our politicians; from the times of the penny press, FDR's fireside chats and the televised Kennedy/Nixon debates. However, it is now possible that some major cities will soon no longer have a newspaper.

In a recent cover story, Times author Walter Issacon notes that although readership is on the rise, fewer consumers are paying. According to a Pew Research study, more people got their news online for free last year, than paid for it by buying newspapers and magazines. The newspapers, which traditionally have counted on sales from subscriptions and newsstands are now only relying on advertising dollars, thus making the content beholden to the advertisers themselves.

Walter Issacon makes a case for charging for the news we access. Whether we pay an online subscription fee for the newspaper of our choice, or we are simply charged a "user fee" for each article we access, Issacon stresses that charging for content might just be the only way to save our newspapers.

You are all creative students, who produce artistic content that I am sure you would like to get paid for, yet at the same time, I am sure many of your access news for free off of the Internet. So my question to you this week is, "Do you think we should be charged for the news we access, and if so, with what kind of fee?". Answers are due Sunday, March 8th, 2009 by 6:00 p.m.

Mobile Chernobyl?

Did you know that spent nuclear fuel is the by-product of producing electric power at nuclear power plants? Currently the United States has over 70,000 metric tons of this waste stored at 121 sites across the country. This spent fuel waste is both thermally and radioactively hot, and is initially placed in "spent fuel pools" at the nuclear reactor sites to cool down. When the pools and on-site storage are full, the cooled spent fuel must be stored somewhere else. So, what should we do with all this waste?

In 1982, the Nuclear Waste Policy Act made the US Department of Energy responsible for finding a site, building and operating an underground disposal facility called a geologic repository. Yucca Mountain Repository is the proposed site to store spent nuclear reactor fuel and other radioactive waste. The repository is located within Yucca Mountain approximately 80 miles northwest of Las Vegas. The nuclear industry is pushing Congress for funding to establish Yucca Mountain as the nation's permanent storage site. If they are successful, 100,000 shipments of high-level radioactive waste will be transported through 43 states. As the "Crossroads of America" much of that waste would be transported through Indiana, which currently has no nuclear reactors. Click here to see a map of the nuclear reactor sites in the United States. http://www.nrc.gov/reactors/operating/map-power-reactors.html

Supporters of the Yucca mountain project say nuclear energy is cheap and clean and the transportation of the nuclear waste to Yucca Mountain will be safe and secure. Opponents of this plan say Yucca Mountain is not geologically stable and that transporting nuclear waste across country will lead to nuclear accidents. So my questions to you this week is "Do you agree or disagree with the Yucca Mountain Repository as a place to hold our nation's nuclear waste? Do you think we should continue to use nuclear power? Why or why not?". Your answer must be 10 sentences minimum and is due Saturday, February 23rd by 6:00 p.m.

An Ode to Presidents

This Monday, the nation celebrates George Washington's birthday, commonly known as President's Day. So, in honor of our first President, I decided to blog this week about the men who have served our nation as "Commander in Chief".

Some of our Presidents have had great courage. George Washington and Dwight D. Eisenhower commanded troops in battle in two of the most important wars in our nation's history. Without their courage, it is hard to say if America as nation would be where it is today.

Some of our Presidents have been great scholars. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, which remains a model of democratic thought and is studied in political science classes around the world to this day. Woodrow Wilson was the only President to earn a doctorate degree, which he earned in political science.

Some of our Presidents have been great orators. John Adams was considered the "voice" of the revolution. John Kennedy's inauguration address inspired a new generation of Americans to serve their communities. Ronald Reagan was known as "The Great Communicator" and is credited with helping to end the Cold War.

My question to you this week is "Throughout history, who do you think would've made a great President that never held the office?" My answer is Benjamin Franklin. We all know of Benjamin Franklin's famous lightening rod experiment, but did you know he invented many other things including the Franklin stove, bifocals, batteries and the glass 'armonica'? He also formed our nation's first library and fire departments, and founded the University of Pennsylvania. Franklin was a great statesmen, diplomat and politician. He is credited with developing the ideals of the American character. Had he not been so advanced in age, it is possible he would've added 'President' to his long list of accomplishments.

So, "Who do you think would've made a great President that never held the office?" Answers must be 10 sentences minimum and are due by Friday, February 20th at 8:00 a.m.

What goes up when things go down?

With the economy in such bad shape, most Americans are tightening their purse strings and trying to save money any way they can. Most industries have seen their books fall into the red as sales and revenue have plummeted. There are however, a few industries that have seen growth, even in the middle of this economic crisis.

Medicinal and biological products have seen an increase of 2-7% in the past year. Proving that yes, people still get sick and require treatments, even in a recession. Exemplifying the economic principle of substitutes, car maintenance items are up 10-15% and passenger transportation is up 4-12%. Pet supplies are up as well; approximately 4-12% in the past year. Cats and dogs don't eat less or use less litter just because the economy is in a down slide. Video games saw an increase of 14% due to their best sellers Madden NFL 09 and Wii Fit. Video games give people an "escape" much like watching television and more people are at home due to our ever-soaring unemployment rate.

My questions to you this week is "What have you cut back on during the recession? What are the things you can't live without?" You answer must be a minimum of 10 sentences and is due no late than Friday, February 13th at 8:00 a.m.

A new era of responsibility

Last week, as our nation inaugarated a new President it was hard not to feel as though we have entered a new era. In fact, President Obama stated as much in his inaugaral address saying in part, "What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, the nation and the world. This is the price and the promise of citizenship". Just the day before, President Obama had backed up his message by volunteering at the Sasha Bruce House, a shelter for teenagers in Washington DC, where he helped paint the interior.

American companies have also stepped up with programs designed to get Americans involved in our own well-being. Starbucks has challenged customers to commit 1 million hours to community service. Target is donating 5% of their income through community service grants for programs that support education, arts, social services and volunteerism.

Hollywood starts Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore have produced a video entitled, "The Presidential Pledge" in which Hollywood stars renew their commitment to volunteerism and civic engagement. The video can be accessed at the following link: http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.channel&ChannelID=441715416

My question to you this week is, "What can you pledge in 2009 to help your community, your school, your nation or your planet?" "How do you plan to carry this out?" Answers must be at least 10 sentences long and are due by Friday, February 6th at 8:00 a.m.