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!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
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 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.
Tuesday, September 1, 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!
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!
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