Your Thoughts And Feedback Are Appreciated!

I love the quarters that are followed by a three week break. That being said, I always feel excited to come back to the school and kick off another great year. I hope you can all say that you learned something in this class, and that you keep in touch, and continue to post on the blog whenever you want.

The holiday season is already in full swing. I hope this season you remember all thing things that are truly important. I wish you a wonderful holiday full of good rest, good food and good friends.

With that being said, my final question to you is, “What did you like or dislike about the class?  What could I do to make the class better?”  Answers are due no later than Wednesday, December 12^th, 2012. For those of you who are graduating this quarter – congratulations! Your hard work has finally paid off!

 

The Best Part About Censorship is @*!

This week in class, we will discuss freedom of speech and what kinds of expression are not protected under the Constitution, including obscenity and pornography. Since you should all be working on preparing the visuals for your final project, I thought this would be a good time to discuss censorship.

Did you know that the school often regulates or censors what types of student work can be displayed in the hallways? In the past, I’ve been told not to display student projects that reference drugs or sex and/or have graphic images. Some would say that the school has an interest in protecting their image. Parents and prospective students tour the hallways and it’s important not to offend anyone. Still others would say that the school is practicing a form of censorship. Political art makes a statement and pushes the boundaries of what is appropriate. How can a school that promotes creative and artistic license, censor student work?

So my question to you this week is, “Do you think the school has a right to censor student work that is being displayed in the hallways? Why or why not?” Answers are due no later than Wednesday, December 5^th, 2012.

Giving Thanks!

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 that I really like, in an economy where people often can’t find one. I really enjoy being surrounded by the crazy, creative energy that is all of you.

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 Wednesday, November 28th, 2012. I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday full of good food, good friends and good conversation! Enjoy your break!

Land Of The Free, Home Of The High?

Last week, Massachusetts joined 17 other states that allow the medical use of marijuana.  Going even further, Washington and Colorado passed initiatives that would make them the first states in the country to allow the recreational use of marijuana – a direct violation of federal law under which marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I narcotic.  A few years ago, I blogged about the financial impact that legalizing marijuana could have on our economy.  You can read my thoughts and your fellow students’ comments here: http://historicalandpoliticalissues.blogspot.com/2009/10/can-marijuana-save-te-economy.html

Supporters of these new initiatives say the government should set up a system that licenses, regulates and taxes commercial distributers of marijuana.  Some point out that marijuana may be less harmful that other legal drugs such as alcohol or cigarettes.  There is a growing movement pushing for the government to reschedule or de-schedule marijuana as a schedule I narcotic.  Schedule I narcotics also include heroin, LSD, and MDMA, commonly known as “ecstasy”.

Opponents argue that the drug impairs memory and coordination, limits driving ability and therefore endangers the public.  Legalizing marijuana could cause an increase in teenage use of the drug, and serve as a “gateway” to other hardcore drug use.

Regardless, these new laws have put the federal government, specifically President Obama in a bit of a bind regarding how he should handle the situation.  It’s a great example of how federalism can work or not work in our country.  So my question to you this week is, “What do you think of these new initiatives?  Do you think legalizing marijuana for recreation use is good for our country?”  Answers are due no later than Wednesday, November 21^st, 2012.  Also, please note that there will be NO class on Thursday, November 22^nd due to then Thanksgiving Day holiday – however, there WILL be a new blog post, so don’t forget to post!

I Am What I Am Because of Others

This week our nation elected President Barack Obama to a second term.  As I watched President Obama give his second victory speech, it brought me back to when he was first elected.  I started this blog the week of his inauguration, almost four years ago.  I have loved reading your responses and learning more about you each and every quarter.

Those of you who know me, know that I’m a big believer in volunteerism and giving back to your community.  I grew up relatively poor and I know first hand what it's like to humble yourself and ask for help.  I remember all the people who donated time and money so that I could dream big, and I feel a responsiblity to pay that forward.  I want my life to be dedicated to service of some kind.  I know I may not be changing the world, but at least I’m leaving my little corner a little better than I found it. 

Sooner than you think, you will be graduating from college and entering what I like to call the real world.  As an educated, creative member of society you have a responsibility to leave your mark somehow.  So my question to you this week is, “If money were no object (meaning that you didn’t have to worry about how much money your project would cost) what is one thing you would do for your school, or your community, or your planet?”  Really think about it.  Sometimes the best ideas are the simplest ideas.  Answers are due no later than Wednesday, November 14^th, 2012.  Sunday, November 11^th is Veteran’s Day.  To all those who serve in the armed forces – thank you for your service.  You are true American heroes!

You've Got To Fight For Your Rights!

Last week, I was leaving AI on my way to my other job, when I passed by Planned Parenthood on 86^th street.  As usual, a group of “Right to Life” protesters were standing out by the road with posters encouraging people to choose life. Like many of you, I’ve seen these protesters many times outside Planned Parenthoods across the city.  What was different about this time was that they had a boy, approximately 10 years old with them, proudly holding up his own sign.

Now I must confess that I’ve been known to protest a few things in my day, but something really bothered me about that little kid being a part of it.  I believe in the people’s right to peacefully assemble and protest. However, I also remember being in college, having no health insurance, and going to Planned Parenthood for all my female health needs.  They offer so many other services besides abortions, but nevertheless, I still had to walk through a horde of protesters, screaming insults at me and putting graphic photos of aborted babies in my face.  It was very traumatic and I can only imagine how young women who are actually getting abortions feel.  It seems that they’re making what is already a traumatic situation, much, much worse.  So when I saw this little boy actively participating, it made me wonder what he was actually learning from the process.

All of that being said, the more I thought about it, the more I realized that in America everyone has the right to speak their mind.  The rights of free speech and freedom to assemble are some of our greatest liberties.  To suppress someone’s free speech is to suppress all of our voices.  I don’t have to agree with what is being said, to agree with their right to say it, distasteful as it may seem.

So my question to you this week is, “What do you think of the “Right to Life” protesters?  Do agree with protesting in this way?”  Answers are due no later than Wednesday, November 7^th, 2012. To find your polling place for Tuesday’s election, please go here: http://maps.indy.gov/VIP/  To those of you with family & friends affected by Hurricane Sandy, my thoughts and prayers go out to you.  To donate to the disaster relief efforts, please go here:  http://www.redcross.org/

Trick-or-Treat-or-Not

Halloween is just around the corner.  I love Halloween.  It’s definitely one of my top three favorite holidays along with New Year’s Eve and the 4^th of July. There is nothing better as a kid, than running around in costume in the dark getting tons of candy.  As an adult, I love getting dressed up and waiting to scare the children that come to my house.

Which is why it really disturbs me that some public schools aren’t even allowed to celebrate Halloween anymore.   According the Seattle Public School district, “costumes could offend or upset students who come from other cultures”.  The pagan origins of modern Halloween can be found in the Celtic celebration of Samhain, or "End of Summer." The Celts believed that on this agricultural harvest festival the dead revisit the land of the living and communal fires were needed to ward off evil. Many feel that celebrating Halloween is somehow promoting paganism, witchcraft and the occult.

I’m not sure how dressing up as a comic book hero and knocking on doors for candy is related to paganism, but it did get me thinking.  In a few weeks, we will be discussing our First Amendment rights, and the separation of church and state.  Halloween isn’t the only holiday that schools have banned in the interest of not offending anyone.  So my question to you this week is, “What do you think of school’s celebrating holidays?  Should they celebrate all holidays, some holidays or none at all?”  For an added twist, “What are your Halloween plans?”  I’d love to hear what you’re dressing up as!  Answers are due no later than Wednesday, October 31^st, 2012.  Have a happy and safe Halloween! 

Look Who's Talking

The second round of Presidential debates happened this past Tuesday.  Governor Mitt Romney and President Barack squared off in a town hall style of debate, which meant undecided voters got to ask them questions on topics related to the economy, women’s rights, and foreign policy, amongst other things.  In case you missed it, you can watch the full debate here: http://www.nytimes.com/video/2012/10/16/us/politics/100000001849654/timescast-politics-presidential-debate.html?partner=rss&emc=rss#100000001849654

I must say I thought this was a good and entertaining debate. Yes, I am nerdy enough to consider Presidential debates entertaining!  After being bored out of my mind during the first debates, I was glad to see a variety of issues come up in this one. I did think at times both candidates were a little disrespectful to the moderator, but overall it was a spirited conversation.

So my question you this week is two-fold. First, I would like to know, “If you could ask the candidates one question in this style of debate, what would it be?”  Second, I would like you to research how you think both candidates would answer.  Both Romney and Obama have long records having served as Governor and President respectively.  They have also completed two debates and have been on the campaign trail for months, so there should be no shortage of information regarding how they feel about specific issues.  Answers are due no later than Wednesday, October 24^th, 2012.  You must answer both parts to receive full credit.

Celebrating National Coming Out Day - Part 3

This week, we will start a discussion regarding same sex marriage in class. It happens to coincide with National Coming Out Day which is October 11^th. National Coming Out Day, which began in 1987 promotes a safe world for LGBT individuals to live truthfully and openly. You can read about the controversy that happened here in Indianapolis two years ago on National Coming Out Day and what your fellow students had to say about it here: http://historicalandpoliticalissues.blogspot.com/2010/10/celebrating-national-coming-out-day.html

This year, in honor of National Coming Out Day and in support of a more tolerant America, I decided to blog about the rise of bullying due to sexual orientation. In a previous class, we discussed the issue of cyber-bullying. You can read my thoughts and the student comments here: http://historicalandpoliticalissues.blogspot.com/2010/09/cyber-age-of-bullying.html

The first time I remember hearing about this issue was in 1998, when Matthew Shepherd was targeted, tortured and murdered because of his sexual orientation. I’m sure other hate crimes such as this had happened prior to this event, but it was Matthew’s murder that sticks in my mind most. Tomorrow marks the 14^th anniversary of Matthew Shepherd’s death. Today, hate crimes and bullying based on sexual orientation remain on the rise. Consider the following:

• According to the Gay Lesbian Straight Educator’s Network, students hear anti-gay epithets over 25 times a day and teachers fail to respond 97% of the time
• According to the Task Force on Youth Suicide, gay youth are 3 times more likely than straight youths to commit suicide. In fact, 30% of all youth suicides have been linked to issues the youth faced concerning their sexual identity
• The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force reports 28% of gay students drop out of high school
• In a survey done by the National School Climate Task Force, 64% of gay students feel unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation

So my question to you this week is, “What do you think can be done to prevent bullying or hate crimes against homosexuals? How should students, parents and the community raise awareness of this issue? Be specific!” Answers are due no later than Wednesday, October 17^th, 2012.

Choose Your Own Adventure

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

Normally, our first blog post has something to do with the freedoms you value most and whether or not you are proud to call yourself an American. This quarter, I would like to start with something different. A good portion of this class will be spent discussing current events and political issues that affect our everyday lives. For this post, I would like you to tell me at least one issue that you are interested in studying. To help you out, you can look over the blog posts that we've had in the past several years to get an idea of the type of things we've covered. Many of the topics are pretty controversial and I do my best to not censor the information available to you.

So my question to you this week is, "What is one issue that you are interested in studying in this class?" Answers are due no later than Wednesday, October 10th, 2012. I hope all of you had a wonderful fall break!

Yout Thoughts And Feedback Are Appreciated!

Another quarter has almost passed.  When we started out together, it was hot, dry and summer was in full swing. Now, there’s no doubt that fall is just around the corner. It’s been a pleasure getting to know all of you this quarter and I hope that you stay in touch, continue to post on the blog whenever you want, and most importantly vote in the upcoming election.

Tomorrow in the 11^th anniversary of the September 11^th attacks.  I hope that we all remember the unity that we felt that day – and that we take the time to call a loved one, be there for a friend, or help a stranger. Our country grows stronger when we stand united, not divided.

With that being said, my final question to you is, “What did you like or dislike about the class?  What could I do to make the class better?”  Answers are due no later than Sunday, September 16^th, 2012. For those of you who lost loved ones in the September 11^th attacks – my heart and prayers go out to you.  For those of you serving in our armed forces – thank you.  You are truly American heroes.  For those of you who are graduating this quarter – congratulations!  Your hard work has finally paid off.  To everyone else – may you enjoy a nice fall break.

Imported From Detroit

Next week, I'll be traveling to Detroit for work.  It may sound weird to some, but I love visiting Detroit. Yes, I know, Detroit isn’t usually on people’s list of top vacation spots, but I love it all the same. I love driving across the bridges, eating in Greek town, visiting the Museum of Modern Art and hanging out at Belle Island. Whether you call it the “Motor City,” “Motown,” or just the “D,” there’s no doubt that Detroit is a classic American city full of culture, diversity and fun.

Which makes it all the more sad to realize that no city in the country has been harder hit by the recession than Detroit. Home to the top three American automakers, Ford, Chrysler and General Motors, Detroit was once seen as a thriving metropolis where people could go to find good jobs. Today, Detroit’s official unemployment rate is slightly below 30% and some figures quote it actually closer to 50%. To put that in perspective; the national unemployment rate is 8.3%. American car companies, that once dominated the auto industry, now are often seen as having inferior quality and reliability compared to their Japanese counterparts.

Some say American car companies are struggling because of their focus on SUV’s. When gas prices started to rise, Americans began looking for smaller, compact cars, which are often foreign. Others say American companies missed the boat when it came to developing green cars with better emissions. We can no longer sell most American cars abroad, because we don’t meet the rest of the world’s fuel efficiency standards. Finally, some say American car companies just mis-managed their funds, giving corporate executives large bonuses, while ignoring their plants, technology and workers.

So my question to you this week is, “What do you think of American cars? Are they inferior to foreign ones? What do you think can be done to strengthen the American auto industry?” You must answer all questions to earn full credit. Answers are due no later than Sunday, September 9th, 2012.

The Cyberage of Bullying

It's raining as I write this.  It has nothing to do with this post, but I just wanted to point it out.  It is RAINING!! Gosh, that feels good to say!

Growing up, my school, like almost every other school in America, had different “cliques” of students. There were the “jocks”, the “nerds”, the “band geeks”, the “Goth kids,” … the list could go on and on. In the interest of not offending anyone, (I probably already have – sorry to those of you who play instruments) I won’t continue, but you get my point. Some kids got bullied, some kids did the bullying and that’s just the way things were. Nowadays, school bullying is on the rise, and the issue is heating up all around the country.

Statistics on the rates of bullying and cyber-bulling vary between studies depending on the measures used and the population studied, however the general consensus is one out of every three students in bullied in school. School bullying can cause physical and mental harm to students. Students affected by bullying have lower attendance and grade point averages, and a higher propensity towards violence and criminal activity.

Indiana State Senator Tom Wyss said that while Indiana school systems may have bullying policies in place, he wants to make sure they are enforced. “We’ve got a lot of school systems where the administrators aren’t really following through like they should,” Wyss stated. Indiana law defines bullying as “any verbal, physical or other act committed by a student with the intent of harassing, ridiculing, intimidating or harming another student”. The law sounds pretty inclusive, but cyber-bulling isn’t specifically covered, which is another aspect Wyss is trying to change. It seems more and more students are victims of cyber-bullying, in which technology is used to harass, tease and spread rumors about students.

So, my question to you this week is two-fold. “Do you think bullying is on the rise, or are parents and the media making too big of deal out of it? Realistically, what do you think could be done to stop school bullying?” You must answer both parts to get full credit. Answers are due no later than Sunday, September 2nd, 2012.

Who Is Paul Ryan?

By all accounts, it seems Paul Ryan will be Mitt Romney’s choice for the Vice-President nomination on the Republican ticket.  Ryan currently serves the 1^st Congressional district of Wisconsin, in the House of Representatives, a seat he has held since 1998.

As soon as Ryan’s name was announced, political commentators began re-hashing his voting record and digging up as much information as possible about the man who may very well be our next Vice President.  A staunch Catholic, Ryan is pro-life, and doesn’t support same sex marriage.  He also caused controversy with his ambitious plans for Medicare and Medicaid, in which he wants to privatize both for those individuals currently under 55.

Often students tell me they don’t vote, because they don’t know enough about the issues or the candidates.  So, my question to you this week is, “What is one fact that you found about Paul Ryan?  Does this information make you more or less likely to vote for him?”  You can’t use a fact someone else has already posted.  Do the research, and find something new!  Answers are due no later than Sunday, August 26^th, 2012.

I Was Here

August 19^th is World Humanitarian Day, a global day celebrating humanity and the spirit of people helping people. It’s also the anniversary of the 2003 bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, which killed 22 people.  World Humanitarian Day recognizes those who face danger and adversity to help others.  This year, the campaign aims to get 1 billion people around the world active. You can see a promo clip for the campaign done by Beyonce, here: http://www.complex.com/music/2012/08/video-beyoncs-message-for-world-humanitarian-day-2012

Those of you who know me know that I’ve always believed in giving back and contributing something to the society. I hope to leave the world a little better than I found it. So this week, I’m interested to know “How could you change your little corner of the world?”  I’m challenging you to think outside of the box. Sometimes the simplest, random acts of kindness are the best idea of all.  Answers are due no later than Sunday, August 19^th, 2012. Leave your mark.

Eat More Chicken?

I like Chick-fil-A.  I mean really like it.  As in they have the best chicken of any fast food restaurant, period. They also have really great customer service. So when I recently heard that Dan Cathy, the President of Chick-fil-A said that homosexuals “shouldn’t be able to redefine traditional marriage” it didn’t make me want to start boycotting them.  Most everyone already knows that the owners of Chick-fil-A are conservative Christians, which is why they’ve always been closed on Sundays. I don’t agree with Cathy’s message, but I do like his chicken.  Quite frankly, I’m not that concerned with whether or not we agree on controversial political issues. I just want my chicken.

However, others must not feel the same way because on August 1^st, conservative Christians staged a “Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day” in which thousands of people came out to support Chick-fil-A and thus, in their view, also support the traditional definition of marriage. With lines out the door across the country, Chick-fil-A has said they set an all-time sales record that day. 

Not to be outdone, supporters of same sex marriage staged their own “Kiss Day” on August 3^rd, in which thousands of same sex couples went to Chick-fil-A and kissed, presumably to show Cathy there is nothing wrong with being homosexual.

Now, I’ve been known to support a good boycott now and then, but I just wasn’t sure what all the fuss was about.  I believe everyone is entitled to their own opinions.  Cathy didn’t say he wouldn’t serve homosexuals, he simply stated his personal beliefs. That being said, I’m tired of some conservative Christians putting more effort into promoting hate than they put into doing productive things that would benefit society. As a Christian myself, I have to agree with one commentator who said, “I wish the lines of people that came out to support Chick-fil-A would be just as long at our local food banks and homeless shelters”. What is even worse is that in doing my research for this post, I found a list of anti-homosexual organizations that Chick-fil-A supports financially.  You can check out the list, and what each organization stands for here: http://equalitymatters.org/factcheck/201207020001

So my question to you this week is, “What do you think about the recent controversy surrounding Chick-fil-A?  Do you plan to support or boycott them?  Do you think someone’s political views should have an impact on their business?”  Answers are due no later than Sunday, August 12^th 2012.  As for me, finding out what kind of organizations Cathy supports has made me reconsider my opinions on the issue.  Maybe I do want to be more careful about where I spend my money and where that money goes.  Regardless, they still have good chicken.

Choose or Lose!

In our first blog post, many of you said you wanted to learn more about the candidates and the issues in the upcoming election.  We will be discussing this more in class, but for this week's blog post I would first like you to take a short quiz that will show you which candidate you are most likely to agree with based on your answers.  You can access the quiz here:
http://www.selectsmart.com/president/

After you take this quiz, tell me "Did you agree with the results?  Is that who you were planning to vote for?  What did you learn about your political views?"  Answers are due no later than Sunday, August 5th, 2012. Now back to the Olympics....gymnastics are on!

Out Of A Dark Night Comes A Brighter Day

It is will a heavy heart that I am blogging this week about another senseless tragedy that took place last weekend in Aurora, Colorado.  I’m sure by now you all have heard how suspected shooter, James Eagan Holmes, 24 walked into a midnight screening of the Dark Knight Rises, and open fire, killing 12 people and injuring 58 others. Holmes was dressed in armor similar to that worn by SWAT members, and at the time of this writing, there is no known motive for the shooting spree. Holmes did have his apartment extensively “booby trapped” and authorities had to use a robot on Saturday to disable the elaborate network of improvised explosive devices.

The shooting has focused the nation’s political dialogue on our country’s gun laws. Some have felt that we need stricter gun laws to prevent tragedies such as this from happening.  According to Senator Dianne Feinstein, “weapons of war don’t belong on our streets”. Colorado Governor, John Hickenlooper, expressed skepticism that tougher gun laws would’ve prevented the tragedy stating, “If there were no assault weapons available – this guy’s going to find something right?” Senator Ron Johnson agrees, “I don’t think society can keep sick, demented, individuals from obtaining any type of weapon to kill people.  Somebody who purposely wants to harm another individual is going to find a method to do so”.

I’ll be frank – I’m torn on this issue. I don’t come from a family that owns guns.  I don’t think I would want one in my home.  That being said, I strongly support the U.S. Constitution and the people’s right to bear arms. I just think there should be better background checks, waiting periods, etc.  I think the real problem here is a lack of mental healthcare in this country – which might be a whole other blog. I know I don’t have all the answers, but it’s clear to me that something must be done to stop, (or at least try and stop) this senseless violence.

So my question to you this week is, “How do you feel about our country’s gun laws?  Do you think they should be stricter? What should the government’s responsibility be, if anything, in preventing crimes like this in the future?”  Answers are due no later than Sunday, July 29^th.  My thoughts and prayers go out to anyone affected by senseless violence, especially the community of Aurora, Colorado.

Sometimes The Best Man For The Job, Isn't A Man.

The Summer Olympics begin next week! For those who know me, you know that I am a HUGE fan of the Olympics. I love the artistry of the opening ceremonies. I get all caught up in the emotional stories of the athletes who have struggled so hard and overcome so many obstacles just to make their Olympic dreams come true. I watch sports I've never even heard of before (like curling) and I always, always cheer for the underdog.

The London Olympics made history last week when it was announced that for the first time in history, women athletes will be competing from every nation. Although Saudia Arabia still prohibits women from joining gyms and participating in public and organized sports, they are joining the countries of Qatar and Brunei, and sending women to the Olympic Games for the first time.  In addition, The United States will also be fielding more women than men – another first. Considering that in the 1984 games, women weren’t even allowed to run the marathon, and in the 1996 games 26 countries didn’t even send women athletes, we’ve come a long way.

I’ve never been that into playing sports – I’m way too uncoordinated.  That being said, I support anything that empowers women and gives them a voice.  The U.S. State Department recently created the US Council to Empower Women and Girls through sports.  Their mission is to engage both domestic and international audiences to promote sports as a means to empower women.  So my question to you this week is, “How do you think playing sports empowers women?”  Really think about it.  “What kinds of opportunities do women playing sports at an Olympic level have? What effect does that have on other women and young girls?”   If you’ve ever played sports before, I’d like to hear more about your experiences.  Answers are due no later than Sunday, July 22^nd, 2012

Choose Your Own Adventure

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

Normally, our first blog post has something to do with the freedoms you value most and whether or not you are proud to call yourself an American. This quarter, I would like to start with something different. A good portion of this class will be spent discussing current events and political issues that affect our everyday lives. For this post, I would like you to tell me at least one issue that you are interested in studying. To help you out, you can look over the blog posts that we've had in the past several years to get an idea of the type of things we've covered. Many of the topics are pretty controversial and I do my best to not censor the information available to you.

So my question to you this week is, "What is one issue that you are interested in studying in this class?" Answers are due no later than Sunday, July 15th, 2012. I hope all of you had a wonderful summer break and a happy 4th of July!

Your Thoughts and Feedback Are Appreciated!

Another quarter has come and gone. I hope you can say that you learned something from this class. It has been a pleasure getting to know all of you and I wish you much success in your future.

For our last blog post, I would like to get your thoughts and feedback on the class. "What did you like or dislike about the class? What could I do better as an instructor?" Answers are due no later than Wednesday, June 13th, 2012. After that, the blog will be down until class resumes next quarter. To all of you who are graduating - congratulations!  All your hard work finally paid off!  To everyone else - I hope you enjoy a nice summer break filled with good rest, good friends and good conversation.

Something Special In The Air

Last Wednesday I saw a headline which read, “Women kept off flight for offensive t-shirt”.  For some reason, I assumed the t-shirt referenced terrorist attacks, Osama bin Laden, or bombing airplanes.

So I was a little shocked when I read the article to find out that the offensive t-shirt contained a pro-choice message, which read, “If I wanted the government in my womb, I’d f*** a senator”.  The woman in question was apparently returning from a pro-choice rally in Washington D.C. when she was told by an American Airlines flight attendant that the captain wanted to speak with her.  The captain then told her the shirt was inappropriate, and ordered her to change or she would not be permitted on her connecting flight.

Much controversy has arisen regarding whether or not the airline has the right to censor what passengers wear.  A spokesperson for the airline said, “The only reason she was asked to cover up her t-shirt was the appearance of the ‘F-word’.  The pro-choice message is irrelevant to our policy and had to bearing on our decision to ask her to cover up”.

We recently discussed censorship in class and what speech is considered “protected” under the First Amendment.  So my question to you is, “Do you think the airline should be allowed to censor what passengers wear?  If no, why not?  If yes, what kinds of messages should be censored?”  Answers are due no later than Wednesday, June 6^th, 2012.

Celebrating a 3-Day Weekend? Thank A Veteran!

I have been looking forward to the three-day weekend coming up for a long time. This year, I'm hosting a big cookout at my house for family and friends. 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 Wednesday, May 30th, 2012. To those of you that have volunteered to serve our country so that life is better for all of us - I honor and salute you! Have a happy and safe holiday weekend!

Got Milk?

Many of you know that I became an aunt for the first time in March.  Since I don’t have any children of my own, I’ve really learned from my sister about what new moms have to go through; sleepless nights, crazy hormones and breastfeeding – which can be a lot more complicated than I ever thought.

Now I’m not a person easily offended, and I definitely don’t get offended when mothers have to breastfeed their babies in public. That being said, I was shocked when I saw the cover of Time magazine last week in which Jamie Lynn Grumet, 26, was featured breastfeeding her 3 year old son.  You can see this cover, which has caused a lot of controversy here: http://www.time.com/time/covers/0,16641,20120521,00.html

 The article which accompanied the photo was on “attachment parenting,” which encourages parents to be “physically and emotionally available and responsive” to their children. Save the Children, and other world health organizations recommend breastfeeding for the first two years of a child’s life. Grumet herself stated that she was breastfed until the age of six.  Critics argue that a child is able to eat by that age and the mother is no longer needed as a nutrition source.  Some even went as far as to call Grumet’s actions molestation.

 So my question to you this week is, “What do you think of the Time magazine cover?  Do you think their use of shock advertising was effective? How long do you think it’s appropriate for mothers to breastfeed their children?”  Answers are due no later than Wednesday, May 23^rd, 2012.

All You Need Is Love?

We discussed same sex maariage in class when we covered the Full Faith and Credit Clause.  I had no plans to blog about it this quarter, until this past week, when President Obama became the first President in history to go on the record in support of same sex marriage.  Since we have already discussed your views on 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 Wednesday, May 16th. To all the mothers out there - Happy Mother's Day!

Will Osama Help Obama?

This week marked the first anniversary of the death of Osama bin Laden. Last year, when bin Laden was killed, I wrote a blog asking students if they thought it was appropriate for Americans to publically celebrate his death.  You can read my thoughts, and your fellow students’ responses here: http://historicalandpoliticalissues.blogspot.com/search?q=osama

As we all know, 2012 is a presidential election year.  Many are wondering exactly how the capture and killing of bin Laden will factor into President Obama’s campaign. Many feel it’s the Navy Seals that deserve most of the credit.  According to Mitt Romney who is also running for President, President Obama did nothing special, stating, "There is no way that anyone sitting in that White House would not have at least done what he did."

That’s simply not true, says former President Bill Clinton, “Suppose the Navy Seals had gone in there and it hadn’t been bin Laden.  Suppose they’d been capture or killed.  The downside would’ve been horrible for [President Obama].” According to a Washington Post – ABC poll, American see President Obama as stronger than Romney on international affairs, with 53% saying they felt Obama was the stronger candidate on foreign policy versus 36% for Romney.

So, my question to you this week is, “Do you think President Obama should use the capture and killing of Osama bin Laden during his Presidential campaign?  Do you think it will help or hurt his re-election chances?”  Answers are due no later than Wednesday, May 9^th, 2012.

Earth Without Art Is Just "Eh"

Earth Day was this past Sunday, April 22^nd. Earth Day began in 1970, following the 1962 publication of Silent Spring, by Rachel Carson.  Carson’s book raised awareness on our country’s use of pesticides and their pollution of the environment, and she is often credited as starting the modern environmental movement.  Earth Day originally started as a day of education about environmental issues, and has expanded ever since.  Since 1990, Earth Day has been celebrated globally, with 140 nations participating.

Those of you who know me, know that I like to live as environmentally-friendly as possible. I recycle, use re-usable bags and containers, and try to cook with as much local food as possible. Buying my first home last year has opened up new ways of living more sustainably.  In addition to using compact fluorescent light bulbs inside the home, I have been able to install a photocell that harvests solar energy to run my outdoor lights. I started a small garden, and soon, IPL will be coming out to install my low-flow shower and faucet aerators. To me, it has become a lifestyle and I’m always looking for new ways to use less.

In a few weeks, we will be discussing climate change and its effects on the planet. I know there’s a lot of controversy around the issue, but quite frankly, I think this is one of the biggest issues your generation may have to face. So my question to you this week is, “Do you think humans contribute to global warming? What would you be willing to do to help lower your effects on the environment?”  Answers are due no later than Wednesday, May 2^nd, 2012

I Owe My Soul to the University

All of my schooling was paid for through student loans.  My parents couldn’t really afford to help me out much.  I worked full-time all through college, but it barely covered the cost of my housing and my living expenses. So, when the government said they’d give me a bunch of money to help pay for college – I took it. My younger self didn’t think too much about the burden my older self would have to bear when it came time to start paying it all back.  So, when I got an email this week asking me to sign a petition to support the Student Loan Forgiveness Act of 2012 (H.R. 4170), I took notice.

Since 1999, average student loan debt has increased by 511%.  In 2010, total outstanding student loan debt exceeded total outstanding credit card debt in America for the first time ever.  That’s right – even in our “credit happy” society, Americans still owe even more on their student loans. In 2012, total outstanding student loan debt is expected to exceed $1 trillion.

In response to this crisis, U.S. Representative Hansen Clarke of Michigan has introduced H.R. 4170, the Student Loan Forgiveness Act of 2012, which would extend a helping hand to those struggling under massive amounts of student debt.  You can read more about the provision of the bill here: http://tinyurl.com/7akydbk

So, my question to you this week is, “Do you think student loan debt is as much of a problem as it’s been reported? Do you think forgiving student loan debt after 10 years will help or hurt the economy?”  Answers are due no later than Wednesday, April 25^th, 2012.  If you wish to sign the petition supporting the bill, you can electronically sign it here: http://signon.org/sign/support-the-student-loan.fb1?source=c.fb&r_by=525506

Justice for Trayvon

By now, most of you have probably heard of Trayvon Martin, the 17 year old, African American boy who was fatally shot by George Zimmerman on February 26^th. By all accounts, Martin was walking to the store, when he was spotted by Zimmerman, the community watch coordinator.  Zimmerman called police to report suspicious behavior by Martin which he described as, “just walking around, looking about” in the rain. He also reported that Martin looked like, “he is up to no good, on drugs or something”. When Zimmerman told the police dispatcher that Martin had begun running and that he was following him, the dispatcher said, “we don’t need you to do that”.  You can hear the full audio of Zimmerman’s 9-1-1 call here: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/videogallery/68871920/News/George-Zimmerman-911-call-reporting-Trayvon-Martin

What happened next is disputed, but what we do know is that whatever happened resulted in the death of Trayvon Martin.  Zimmerman claimed self-defense under Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” provision which states that a person does not have to retreat before using deadly force, if he believes it is necessary to do so to prevent great bodily harm to himself. Zimmerman has stated that Marin approached him, began beating him, breaking his nose and smashing his head into the ground, before Zimmerman was able to get to his gun. Martin’s girlfriend, who was on the phone with Martin shortly before the shooting, said Martin was scared and was wondering why Zimmerman was following him. Zimmerman was not charged at the time of the shooting.

Since that time, public outrage over the handling of the case has resulted in numerous protests and demonstrations across the country.  The FBI opened an investigation to determine if Martin’s rights had been violated.  Many are calling it a racially motivated hate crime. On Wednesday, 45 days after Martin’s death, Zimmerman was charged with 2^nd degree murder.

My question to you this week is two-fold. “Do you think race had anything to do with the shooting, or the way police handled the case? Do you agree with Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” provision?  Why or why not?”  You must answer all questions to earn full credit.  Answers are due no later than Wednesday, April 18^th, 2012.

Choose Your Own Adventure

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

Normally, our first blog post has something to do with the freedoms you value most and whether or not you are proud to call yourself an American. This quarter, I would like to start with something different. A good portion of this class will be spent discussing current events and political issues that affect our everyday lives. For this post, I would like you to tell me at least one issue that you are interested in studying. To help you out, you can look over the blog posts that we've had in the past several years to get an idea of the type of things we've covered. Many of the topics are pretty controversial and I do my best to not censor the information available to you.

So my question to you this week is, "What is one issue that you are interested in studying in this class?" Answers are due no later than Wednesday, April 11th, 2012. I hope all of you had a wonderful Spring Break!  For those of you who celebrate - Happy Easter! 

Your Thoughts and Feedback Are Appreciated!

I love my job. I love teaching a subject that I'm really passionate about, but even more importantly, I love being surrounded by the crazy, creative energy that is all of you.  Although I enjoy all of my students, every once in awhile, I get a class that is just "special".  They just gel as a group...we have good discussions, we have fun and we learn something!  For me, you were one of those classes.

I've had a great time with all of you this quarter.  I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. I hope you all stay in touch and continue to post on the blog whenever you want. So for your last blog, I would like to get your feedback on the class. "What did you like most/least?  What could I do to make the class better?"  Answers are due no later than Wednesday, March 21st, 2012.  After that, the blog will be down until class resumes next quarter. For those of you who are graduating - congratulations!  All your hard work paid off.  To all of you - Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Erin Go Braugh!  This Irish girl is signing off for the last time.

You Are Beautiful!

I’ve always been consciously aware of society’s pressure on young girls to be thin, pretty and popular.  As a young teen, I pored over beauty magazines and strove to match the images I saw in them.  “Will I ever have those curves? Will my skin ever be that clear?  Will my hair ever have that much volume?” Finally, I grew up, learned to love myself and learned how to support other women of all shapes and sizes. 


So I was so disappointed last week, when I saw that young girls were posting You-Tube videos of themselves and asking the world to weigh in on whether they were pretty or not.  You can check out some of the videos and read the viewers comments here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8D9mqqkgH-0


The criticism and negative comments they receive can have a devastating impact on a young girl’s self-esteem. Cases of anorexia and bulimia have been found in girls as young as 5.  The media bombards us with images of stick-thin models and airbrushed actresses that put even more pressure of girls to achieve the “ideal image”. Consider these startling statistics from a recent survey of girls ages 12-18, by Sugar magazine:

·         78% said they worry about their weight

·         1:5 have been criticized by a family member for “being too big”

·         51% said their parents have hurt their feelings talking about their size

Today is International Women's Day! So to celebrate, my question to you this week is, “What do you think can be done to ensure young girls are raised with a healthy body image?” Ladies, I would love to hear how and if you were affected by this as young girls.  Guys, I would like to know how you think men contribute to what women think the ideal body image is. Answers are due no later than Wednesday, March 14^th. P.S. This weekend Daylight Savings Time begins – so don’t forget to change your clocks!

It Takes A Village

It is with a heavy heart, that I am blogging this week about another senseless school shooting tragedy.  On February 27^th, seventeen year old T.J. Lane walked into Chardon High School and opened fire, ultimately killing three students and wounding several others. It was reported that teachers locked down their classrooms, covered windows and had students get low to the ground, all consistent with what they had been trained to do.

There have been various reports regarding what set Lane off that morning.  Some reported that he was an “at-risk” kid who had a troubled home life.  Others reported Lane was upset about a recent breakup.  Still others reported that Lane was seen as a “loner” and oftentimes bullied by classmates. Back in 2010, I blogged about the rise of cyber-bullying.  You can read my thoughts and what your fellow students had to say here: http://www.historicalandpoliticalissues.blogspot.com/2010/09/cyber-age-of-bullying.html

For this week, I’d like to know, “What do you think can be done to stop attacks at school such as this?  Who is to blame – the shooter, the students, the parents, the teachers or the community as a whole?” I’d like you to think about your answer from a security, social and educational standpoint.  Answers are due no later than Wednesday, March 7^th, 2012.

Should Hoosiers Have Right-to-Work?

Union members went to federal court yesterday to try and block Indiana’s new Right-to-Work law from being enforced.  Since several of you have asked me about this new controversial law in class, I thought now would be a good time to blog about it.

Governor Mitch Daniels signed the Right-to-Work legislation last month, making Indiana the 23^rd state to ban unions from collecting mandatory fees for representation.  Democrats objected and actually boycotted the Indiana House of Representatives for several days in an attempt to keep the bill from being voted on.  Unions have also protested the bill they call the “Right-to-Work-for-Less”.

Governor Daniels says the new law will help “capture jobs” for which Indiana is not currently being considered.  Proponents agree with Governor Daniels and say the new legislation will prohibit unions from requiring new and existing employees to become union members and pay dues for services they may not want or need. Opponents of the law say it creates a “free rider” problem, in which non-union employees benefit from the union’s collective bargaining power without having to pay dues. They also cite discrimination because public employees can’t opt out of the union like a private-sector employee could.

So, my question to you this week is, “What do you think of Indiana’s controversial new law? Is it good for Hoosiers?”  Getting a good grasp on legislation such as this can be difficult, so you may have to do some research and consult several sources before you post your answer.  Answers are du no later than Wednesday, February 29^th, 2012. Happy Leap Year!

Your Next President Could Be A Mormon

In a few weeks, we will be discussing our First Amendment freedoms, including freedom of religion.  For the past six months, the Mormon Church has run an advertising campaign in nine U.S. markets, including Indianapolis. The advertisements, which include television, radio and billboards feature Mormons talking about their lives and faith. The ads are designed to show that Mormons are everyday people leading everyday lives. Although the Mormon Church officially supports no presidential candidate, many feel these ads have come at just the right time as there is a candidate of the Mormon faith running for President, Mitt Romney.

There has been a lot of controversy over a Mormon running for President. Last week, pastor Robert Jefferies called Romney’s faith a “cult”. Romney has also endured repeated questioning in interviews about his faith and his personal beliefs. Shows like Sister Wives, and reports of raids on polygamist compounds leave many Americans buying in to the stereotype and feeling that Mormons are just plain weird. It begs the question, “Is America ready for a Mormon President?”

Now I make no secret of my Christian faith. That being said, I strongly believe in the separation of church and state. I also have Mormon family members. They don’t have multiple wives, live in Utah or wear homemade clothes. My cousins all went to public school, listen to music, watch movies and wear the latest fashions. In fact, if not for the fact they abstain from caffeine, I would forget they were Mormon at all.

So my question to you this week is, “Do you think America is ready for a Mormon President? Do you think a candidate’s religion should be discussed when running for public office?” Answers are due no later than Monday, October 24th, 2011.

Imported From Detroit

It may sound weird to some, but I love visiting Detroit. Yes, I know, Detroit isn’t usually on people’s list of top vacation spots, but I love it all the same. I love driving across the bridges, eating in Greek town, visiting the Museum of Modern Art and hanging out at Belle Island.  Whether you call it the “Motor City,” “Motown,” or just the “D,” there’s no doubt that Detroit is a classic American city full of culture, diversity and fun.

Which makes it all the more sad to realize that no city in the country has been harder hit by the recession than Detroit. Home to the top three American automakers, Ford, Chrysler and General Motors, Detroit was once seen as a thriving metropolis where people could go to find good jobs.  Today, Detroit’s official unemployment rate is slightly below 30% and some figures quote it actually closer to 50%. To put that in perspective; the national unemployment rate is 8.3%. American car companies, that once dominated the auto industry, now are often seen as having inferior quality and reliability compared to their Japanese counterparts.

Some say American car companies are struggling because of their focus on SUV’s.  When gas prices started to rise, Americans began looking for smaller, compact cars, which are often foreign.  Others say American companies missed the boat when it came to developing green cars with better emissions. We can no longer sell most American cars abroad, because we don’t meet the rest of the world’s fuel efficiency standards. Finally, some say American car companies just mis-managed their funds, giving corporate executives large bonuses, while ignoring their plants, technology and workers.

So my question to you this week is, “What do you think of American cars?  Are they inferior to foreign ones?  What do you think can be done to strengthen the American auto industry?”  You must answer all questions to earn full credit.  Answers are due no later than Wednesday, February 15^th, 2012.

Baby, It's Warm Outside!

On the way to work this morning, I had a flashback to this past summer when we had what I considered a massive heat wave. Other than being pretty cranky due to not having air conditioning in my car, it didn’t affect me too much.  You can read my thoughts, as well as what your fellow students had to say here: http://historicalandpoliticalissues.blogspot.com/2011/07/devil-calledhe-wants-his-weather-back.html

So this winter, I was all prepared for a pretty severe winter to match the severe summer weather we had already had. Back in November, I ran the Drumstick Dash, and I remember thinking “How nice that it’s not too cold.”  On Christmas day, I took my parents’ dog for a walk and actually extended the walk because the weather was so nice. By the time January rolled around, I was bracing myself for the massive snowfall I was sure was going to hit.  I mean, its Indiana…in January….that means snow…right? Now here we are kicking off February with temperatures in the mid-fifties and sixties. Granted, Puxatawny Phil the groundhog did forecast six more weeks of winter this morning, but if its anything like the winter we’ve been having it will feel more like Spring.

In a few weeks, we will spend sometime in class discussing global warming, or climate change as some refer to it, and in light of our weather this week, I thought we could kick off the conversation right here on the blog.  I’m not one to complain about temperatures in the sixties, but even I’m starting to feel that something isn’t quite right.  So my question to you this week is, “Do you think our unusually high temperatures are due to global warming, or is it just a freak of nature? If you do think it’s occurring, what if anything could we do to stop the effects of global warming?” Answers are due no later than Wednesday, February 8^th, 2012.  Have a happy and safe Super Bowl weekend – and stay tuned for a post about how Indianapolis prepared to host the Super Bowl and how much it cost in the upcoming weeks.  Go Giants!

America:Built to Last

President Obama gave his last State of the Union address for his first term on Tuesday night. Each year, the President gives a big speech to a joint session of Congress and the American people to update them on, well…the state of the union. I hope some of you caught all or part of it, but just in case you missed it, you can access the video link here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/state-of-the-union-2011

In his speech, President Obama discussed creating an American economy that is “built to last, where hard work pays off and responsibility is rewarded”. So for this week's blog post, I would like to know, what was one thing you liked about President Obama's ideas for the future? What was one thing you didn't like, or thought he didn't speak enough about?" Answers are due no later than Wednesday, February 1st, 2012.

Can You Imagine a World Without Free Knowledge?

Last week, many of you stated on the blog that you wished to learn more about HB 3261, known better as the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA). You may have noticed yesterday that many of your favorite websites were blacked out in protest to this controversial bill.  So what is exactly is it all about?

The bill is an effort to stop copyright infringement, specifically infringement committed by foreign websites.  In addition to levying heavy penalties and fines on those who post copyrighted information without permission, the bill would ban online advertising networks and payment facilitators from doing any business with the allegedly infringing website, bar search engines from linking to such sites and require internet service providers (ISP) to block access to such sites.

Supporters of the bill say it protects intellectual property and bolsters enforcement of our copyright laws.  Opponents say the legislation violates our First Amendment right of free speech and could fatally damage the free flow of information on the internet. To find out what your legislators think about SOPA and to contact them and tell them what you think, go here: http://sopatrack.com/

I’m sure many of you have accessed copyrighted information without permission.  At the same time, you are all artists and designers who presumably will create your own work and want to get paid for it. So my question to you this week is, “What do you think about the Stop Online Piracy Act?  Do you think internet content should be more regulated like some of our other media sources, or is it fine the way it is?”  Answers are due no later than Wednesday, January 25^th, 2012.

Choose Your Own Adventure

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

Normally, our first blog post has something to do with the freedoms you value most and whether or not you are proud to call yourself an American. This quarter, I would like to start with something different.  A good portion of this class will be spent discussing current events and political issues that affect our everyday lives.  For this post, I would like you to tell me at least one issue that you are interested in studying.  To help you out, you can look over the blog posts that we've had in the past several years to get an idea of the type of things we've covered.  Many of the topics are pretty controversial and I do my best to not censor the information available to you.

So my question to you this week is, "What is one issue that you are interested in studying in this class?" Answers are due no later than Wednesday, January 18th, 2012. I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday season!  Happy New Year!