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