Where is America heading in 2012? (Please respond by Friday, December 16)

For our last blog of 2011, I wanted to end with a question for all of you to think about: What type of year do you see 2012 being for the United States of America? Who do you think will win the race for the White House? Do you think we will be able to lower unemployment and create more jobs over the next year? Will the economy improve? Is it possible for Democrats and Republicans to try and actually work together to get things done? Will there be some type of major event to occur over the next year? Post your honest responses below. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Mission Complete in Iraq? (Please respond by Friday, December 9)

In a recent interview conducted with the TODAY Show, Vice President Joe Biden was asked a variety of questions about the United States withdrawal of troops from Iraq in 2012. After watching the 6 minute video below, my question for all of you is pretty simple: did the United States of America succeed or fail in their mission in Iraq? Do you think the U.S. leaving Iraq in 2012 is a good idea? Do you believe leaving Iraq in 2012 is simply a campaign strategy by the Obama Administration? Please leave your honest opinions.

Iraq Interview with Vice President Biden

Who Should You Vote For in the Presidential Election? (Please respond by 3:00 PM on Friday, December 2)

For our blog this week, I found a creative way to see who all of you might vote for if the presidential election were this week. Please sign up for a free account on the link I have posted below. Once you sign up, the site will instruct you to follow some pretty simple steps about what issues might be important to you followed by a series of questions. Please use your school email when signing up. After you have been "selected" with your presidential choice, post your choice on here. Do you agree or disagree? Could you see yourself voting for this person if the election were today? Have fun!

http://www.electnext.com/

Political Endorsements (Please respond by Friday, November 18)

As far as most of us know, political scientists have not found any direct evidence that elected officials' endorsements make much difference with the electorate. However, this is a concept we must learn about in this class.  Take a look at the video I have included in this post from current Virginia governor Bob McDonnell (R). He released this campaign ad in support of George Allen (R) for senator of Virginia in the 2012 election. Allen will be running against Tim Kaine (D), former Governor of Virginia and director of the Democratic National Committee. This race will be one of the biggest in the country next year as Virginia will be heavily targeted in the presidential competition. After viewing this ad, do you see any correlation between endorsements and voters heavily using those ads when deciding on whom they will vote for? How effective do you believe this ad was? Could this ad help or hurt George Allen in his election campaign?

Open Blog Post (Please respond by Friday, November 11)

We are going to try a rather unique approach to the blog for this week. Here are your tasks:

1) Post a comment on a news story/issue/something you have found happening in the world of politics, United States, or the world stage. The goal in finding something to post on is to generate further responses from your classmates.

2) After you have posted your story, comment on another story which one of your classmates has posted. Simply give your feelings or reactions to what they have said.

This obviously will involve you having to do some research to look for a good story. Here is my only rule: ONCE SOMEONE HAS POSTED A STORY, YOU CANNOT USE THE SAME STORY! We are going to use the first come, first serve policy. This means you might need to find another topic or story. Please email me with questions.

Herman Cain Ad (Please respond by Friday, November 4)

This ad has been getting a lot of attention in the media for its simplicity.  Other than the recent Rick Perry ad in Iowa, it like the other candidate ones, has been only online. Of course, while Cain's ad is being ridiculed, he is ahead in the polls.  The link is a nice one as it explains how the poll was done and what the questions are. Take a look at these polls numbers from last week to help your response. What are your thoughts on this video? Helpful or harmful to Herman Cain? What type of chances do you give Herman Cain at this moment for winning the Republican nomination?

Future of Libya (Please respond by Friday, October 28)

Due to the recent death of former Libyan ruler Moammar Gadhafi, much debate has been circulating through the media about what kind of future the country of Libya will have moving foward. Please read the following article which will provide you with some background into his death as well as questions about the future.

Future Challenges in Libya

Now it is your turn to voice your opinions. What kind of future do you think this country has? Do you think we should be concerned about this country succeeding in their attempts to revamp their government moving forward? How much should the United States be involved in the rebuilding efforts? Should the rebuilding efforts be more in control of the Libyan people or NATO?

2012 Republican Field Pathetic? (Respond by Friday, October 21)

In response to some of the latest chatter about the 2012 presidential election, I want you to read a recent article published by CNN.


Republican Candidates


What are your thoughts? Is the 2012 Republican field that pathetic? Which of these individuals do you think could potentially defeat President Obama?

Occupying Wall Street (Please respond by Thursday, October 13)

After talking about the Wall Street demonstrations last week in class, I thought this might make for an interesting blog discussion this week. I have included an article from CNN, which I would like all of you to take a look at. Do you think these protests have any support in America or is it all just a waste?  Does this movement have the ability to sweep across the United States and bring change to the world of business? Could you ever see yourself participating in a demonstration similar to this?


Wall Street Demonstrations

Unemployment Landscape of U.S. (Please respond by Friday, October 7)

I found an interesting chart published in the New York Times I wanted to share with all of you for our weekly blog. Take a look at this chart of unemployment throughout the U.S. over the past few years:

Unemployment Graphs

After viewing these graphs, share your honest thoughts. Why is unemployment dispersed the way it is throughout graphs? Do you notice any trends? What specific factors can you think of which might explain some of the trends in these graphs?  Do you think there is any light at the end of this dark tunnel we have been traveling as a country the past few years?

Romney vs. Perry (Please respond by Friday, September 30)

As the Republican candidates continue to debate who would be the best individual to represent the party in next year's election vs. President Obama, I have included a brief video of the debate on Thursday, September 22.

Romney vs. Perry debate

After watching this video, please share your reactions. What do you think about Romney and Perry? Who would you say is the front runner currently to receive the nomination of the Republican Party? Who would you vote for? Share your honest thoughts.

Should All Young Women Be Vaccinated? (Respond by Friday, September 23 at 8:00 AM)

In connection with our current chapter on Federalism, I thought the ongoing debate over Michelle Bachmann's comments to Rick Perry during last week's Republican debate would make for a perfect discussion topic. Watch this brief four minute video below about the HPV vaccine available for young women.What are your thoughts? Does this vaccination encourage young girls to engage in sexual activity? Is this vaccine crossing the line between states rights and individuals rights?

Please briefly review elsewhere on the internet Bachmann's controversial comments before responding.

HPV Vaccine Video

American Jobs Act (Responses due by Friday, September 16th at 8:00 AM)

As all of us are aware of by now, President Obama presented a proposal to the U.S. Congress on September 8 called the American Jobs Act. This act, among other things, is ultimately designed to hopefully get millions of unemployed Americans back to work. I have included a link to an article written by The Wall Street Journal containing key points of the speech.

Wall Street Journal Article

After reading this article, please post your overall thoughts. Do you think this was an effective speech for the president? What are the chances lawmakers pass this proposal? Is it too late for President Obama to propose such an ambitious plan? What might your suggestions be for getting Americans back to work?

Dinner or Run for Office? (Post by Friday, September 9 at 8:00 AM)

In order to ease everyone into writing on the blog this year, I thought I would use a couple rather creative questions to see what some of your political preferences might be.  Please answer 1 of the following questions:

A) If you could have dinner with 3 famous Americans from the world of politics, who would you choose and why?  Please be detailed in your response!

B) If you could serve in any elected or appointed position in the National government, which position would you choose and why? Please be detailed in your response!

Just as a reminder, here are some of the aspects of your responses I will be looking at at the end of each quarter when I assess your blog grade:

Excellent
-use of higher order thinking in response to the problems, statements, and/or questions listed in the assignment
-introduces a new perspective to the topic at hand
-concludes with application to the outside situation
-generates further analytical responses from class members

Basic
-articulates comprehension in response to the problem, statements and/or questions listed in the assignment
-compares posting to other posted messages, text material, or class content

Approaching Basic
-minimal response to problems, statements, and/or questions listed in the assignment
-restates central issues in context of content
-plainly states the authors beliefs and practices respect among classmates


Unacceptable
-discussion shows no understanding of problems, statements, and/or questions listed in the assignment

Concerned about America? (Post due by Friday, Sept 2 at 8:00 AM)

For our first blog post of the year, I wanted to start off with a basic question which seems to be in the news nearly everyday. My question to all of you is very simple: what is your biggest concern about the United States today? Please make sure your thoughts are insightful, yet also respectful to your fellow classmates.

Another Crisis on the Horizon?

As I was engaging in my normal Sunday morning routine of enjoying a fresh cup of coffee and reading The New York Times, I came across an article I thought would be interesting to use in our weekly blog. All of you are in the midst of searching for your ideal college that will best fit both your personality as well as your future interests. College’s are breaking the backs of students in an age where a college education is vital to finding a job. Tuition rates are rising faster than inflation and family incomes combined. Your generation is so incredibly vital to the future of our economy and workforce. After reading the following article, I want to hear your voice: who is responsible for the unbelievable tuition rates? Can this huge problem be fixed, or is it too late? How can an average high school student find ways to pay for a college tuition? Feel free to give suggestions!

Another Debt Crisis is Brewing

Analysis of the Presidential Race Thus Far (Please respond by Friday, May 20)

This NY Times video has an analysis of the four announced candidates so far for president as well as thoughts on how all the candidates (and not so sure candidates like Daniels) did this past week.'

http://video.nytimes.com/video/2011/05/13/us/politics/100000000818107/caucus--the-youtube-primary.html

What are your thoughts on the candidates? Any favorites in your mind? People who should just drop out of consideration right now?  How much of a chance do you give any of these individuals in defeating President Obama in 2012?

Foreign Intervention

With all of the talk in the news lately about U.S. involvement with foreign countries, I thought this would be an interesting question to get your input on.

If you were to choose 3 countries in which the United States should be involved in protecting or intervening to help/create peace/stability, which 3 would they be? Why?

Ohio 'Heartbeat' Abortion Bill

As the ongoing debate about abortion continues to divide Americans, there is a bill currently being debated in the Ohio House which will undoubtedly only cause further controversy. Ohio lawmakers are expected to vote on the issue this Wednesday, March 30. Please read the article below which was in the Cleveland Plain Dealer on Wednesday, February 9. This article will provide you with some background before you comment on this proposed legislation.

'Heartbeat' Bill Background

What are you thoughts on this proposal? Is this unconstitutional as some have claimed? Please be respectful in commenting on others comments.

Should we limit the power of the Supreme Court? (Please respond by Friday, March 18)

The Constitution allows Supreme Court Justices to serve for life in office "under good behavior." The Founders involved both the Executive and Legislative Branches in the choosing of the justices as a mean of a check on their capability and potential to serve. It was originally questionable about what "good behavior" meant, but it is now largely defined as anything but an impeachable offense. Despite this constitutional provision, only 1 state (Rhode Island) has placed it in their own state constitution. From 1789 to 1970, justices stayed on the Supreme Court for an average of 15 years, retiring at the average age of 68; during this time, vacancies arose about every two years. From 1970 to today, justices have been serving for an average of 25 years and retiring at an average age of 78; now, vacancies typically arise only every 3+ years.

Both liberal and conservative groups have expressed dismay at different points in history at decisions made by the Supreme Court and the perceived "eliteness" of life tenure. This anger is often manifested in calls for more checks on the Supreme Court. Thomas Jefferson has questioned the power of the Court by bringing forth the notion that judicial review undermines the democratic process. FDR felt that the legislative process was threatened by the Court and proposed what became known as the "Court packing scheme."

However, on the other side, the ability to serve for life as well as to not be elected frees the Justices from common political pressures, such as deciding cases to please the public. Some believe that setting limits on time served will cause too much frequent change in the Court bringing an instability to precedent and legal interpretations.

What is the best means of ensuring that the Supreme Court remains accountable for their decisions?

Oil Prices & Middle East Events (Please respond by Friday, March 4)

It is important for all of us to be aware of the rising prices of oil here in the United States and the connection it has to all of the events occurring in the Middle East over the past several weeks. Please watch this brief two minute video from CBS about rising oil prices:

Libya turmoil and oil prices

Here is an article with more information for your reading:

Oil Price Spike

Thoughts? reactions? What do you think will be the end result from this entire situation?

Model of Presidential Leadership (Please respond by Friday, Feb 25)

Every new president is given a multitude of advice regarding how to perform as a president. In addition, many media outlets enjoy comparing him to past presidents in a variety of measures from policy to mannerisms. Yet, what often lacks is the description of what the ideal president is or how the model president should act.

Every president is asked to take on a multitude of roles and thus fill many different shoes. Therefore, the ideal president must meet many different criteria.

If you were to give an incoming president five characteristics he or she must possess in their new role, what would they be?

Crisis in Egypt (Please respond by Friday, February 18)

As the historical situation in Egypt continues to unfold before our very eyes, opinions on this issue in the United States continue to evolve.  The latest announcement by President Mubarak that he will cede power to his hand-picked vice president has caused an uproar amongst some of the citizens of Egypt. What is your opinion on this? What role do you believe the United States should play in this international crisis? Should this be a cause for concern in future relations in the Middle East? Please read this article published in The Washington Post on Friday, February 11, 2011.

Demonstrations Across Egypt

Health Care and Federalism (Please respond by Friday, February 11)

Health Care and Federalism (Please respond by Friday, February 11)

"[The Congress shall have Power] To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian tribes;"
~Article I, Section 8, Line 3 of the U.S. Constitution

In 2010, the United States Congress passed landmark health care reform. Among the law's intentions is the closing of the "uninsured gap" that sees nearly 50 million Americans living without health insurance.

From the outset, this legislation has been controversial - not a single Republican voted for the law that President Obama signed in late March. Democrats have pushed for some version of national health insurance since the presidency of Harry Truman, and in recent decades, Republicans have stood staunchly against most attempts at reforming the national health care system.

What mostly divides the parties on the health care issue is a question of federalism: does the Constitution provide the power to Congress to regulate the health care industry?

More than 20 states (most with Republican governors or attorneys general) have joined various lawsuits against the new law. These suits take aim at the so-called individual mandate, a requirement that all Americans buy health insurance or pay a fee. Critics of the mandate claim the national government does not have the power to require individuals to purchase health coverage.

In the months since the suits were filed, judges in federal courts have ruled for both sides, likely foreshadowing an eventual decision by the Supreme Court.

This week, Judge Roger Vinson of Federal District Court in Pensacola, Fla., concluded that "It would be a radical departure from existing case law to hold that Congress can regulate inactivity under the Commerce Clause.” The plaintiffs that brought the case claim the mandate is an unprecedented effort to regulate inactivity because citizens would be fined for NOT participating in commerce (purchasing health insurance).

Whether Congress has the power under the commerce clause to require citizens to purchase health insurance will likely remain an issue for debate until the Supreme Court decides.

Please respond to the question posed above and share your opinions. Feel free to comment on others thoughts as well.

America's Direction (Please respond by February 4)

After voting in the poll at the bottom of the page, explain your thoughts about the direction of America. Can President Obama solve some of the problems facing America? What needs to happen over the next year?

Spending Cuts (Please respond by January 28)

Please click the following link and the read this article published in The Washington Post about spending cuts:

Spending Cuts

Opinions?