Go to Second Opinion

There will be no posting of discussion questions on this site for awhile. This year I have no high school students. Please go to Second Opinion blog link to read the latest questions and feel free to post your opinion to it.

If you were President

If You Were President... What would you do to keep immigrants from entering U.S. illegally? And what would you do about the illegal immigrants already in our country?

Student expenses?

What expenses should a student pay for? and why? (ex. car insurance, gasoline, clothes, dates, meals)

End of course exams?

Should passing an end of course exam thats given by the state be necessary to receive a diploma from high school?

5 years read about same sex parents

Recently a school teacher read a story to her 5 year old class. The story was about a little boy and his same sex parents.

Select a topic below and and post your Point that you want to make about it.

• Why do you feel that this is way to early to tell children about homosexual lifestyles.
• Why do you think it is appropriate for 5 year old children to know about homosexual lifestyles.
• Do you think the teacher should be disciplined for intentially reading this type of story to this age group?

National Anthem in Spanish?

Should we make the National Anthem in Spanish as well as English

Just books and no computers

Point Is and Second Opinion will not be putting up any new blog subjects for the next couple of weeks. We are preparing for our end of course exams in 2 weeks. Thanks for checking us out each week and stating your opinions.

Scarlet Letter legislation

Proposed legislation in California would have a convicted DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) driver now have dark red license plates with DWI placed on it.

This is reminisate of the Scarlet Letter. What do you think about this proposed law?

Illegals or Americans?

Half a million people marched in Los Angeles, as the L.A. Times puts it, "The marchers included both longtime residents and the newly arrived, bound by a desire for a better life and a love for this county." A protestor said that "this is a country for everybody who wants to live a better life and this is a free world."

These people are protesting legislation that would make it a felony to be in the U.S. illegally, impose new penalties on employers who hire illegal immigrants, require churches to check the legal status of people they help, and erect fences along one-third of the U.S.-Mexican border.

Do you think the 12 million illegal hispanics are actually Americans and have the right to protest against this law? Or do you think that these tough proposed laws is justified?

Military Deaths: Clinton vs. Bush

If war critics are going to say that America has paid a "heavy toll" for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq don't you think it is worth pointing out a fact that the total of military deaths under George Bush in his first 4 years is just a little higher then what we've paid at a time when we were relatively at peace during the Clinton years?

1992-1996 Clinton ------ 2001-2004 Bush ---- 1997-2000 Clinton
Total deaths - 4302----- Total deaths - 5187 - Total deaths- 3198
Due to accident - 2239----- Due to accident - 2109
Due to hostile action - 1 --- Due to hostile action 1102
Due to homicide - 288 ---- Due to homicide - 181
Due to illness - 774 ------- Due to illness - 859
Self-inflicted - 906 ------- Self-inflicted - 632
Terrorist attack - 55------ Terrorist attack - 55
Undeter/Pending - 37 ---- Undetermined/Pending - 258

Jimmy Carter's last year in office 2,392 active duty service members died in 1980, than in either 2003 or 2004, when the Iraq war was being fought (1,410 and 1,887, respectively). No military actions were conducted during 1980 other than the failed effort to rescue the hostages in Iran, in which eight servicemen lost their lives.


a- Why are the biggest critics of the war in Iraq done by Democrates? Why is it that every death is also a front-page news story? Looking at the chart of Clinton and added Carter info. Their apparently was a lot of deaths in the military when they were president. What was accomplished when they were president and had so many deaths?
b- What has Bush done in his first 4 years in comparison to Clinton's first 4 years?
c- Why do the critics continue to update the total deaths each day? Did they do that during Clinton's term of office?
d- What does the chart above or on DOD's web site tell you about military deaths?

What is worth dying for?

"You've got nothing to live without something to die for". Author unknown

Abdul Rahman is living it and showing us what it is to find that knowing Jesus is worth dying for. He's currently being tried under Sharia (Islamic) law in Afghanistan, simply because he's become a Christian. Authorities in Afghanistan are in the process of condemning a Christian to death on the ground that he used to be a Muslim. The Afghani, Abdul Rahman, admits that he converted to Christianity 16 years ago, and a captured Bible is a key piece of evidence in his prosecution. Unless something dramatic happens to change the dynamics of this legal proceeding, he will be sentenced to death for being a Christian.

Make a point on one of the following questions?
a- Should the US get involved in this mans case? How could they?
b- What kind of religion condemns a man to die because he believes in a different God?
c- Is their anything you can do as a Christian to help this person?
d- Do you believe in anything so strongly that you are willing to die for?

Teacher paychecks?

Off because of spring break, lets start back with an easy question.

a.-Should school teachers receive automatic pay raises each year?
b.-How much of a pay raise should a teacher get each year?
c.-Should get pay raises only if the students pass tests proving that the student was well taught? d.-When should a teacher not get pay raises?

Is she a Heretic, Infidel or an Intellect?

Heretic- A person who holds controversial opinions, especially one who publicly dissents from the officially accepted Islamic teachings
Infidel- An unbeliever with respect to a particular religion, especially Christianity or Islam. One who has no religious beliefs. One who doubts or rejects a particular doctrine, system, or principle.
Intellect-The ability to think abstractly or profoundly.
A person of great intellectual ability.

Click on the picture then view video.
Al-Jazeera TV (Qatar)

-What do youo think about this lady and what she says? Use one of the terms listed above in your answer.
Take note on points she makes on Christians not blowing up churches, Buddist don't blow up Buddas, but Muslims blow up thier own places of worship in a show of protest.

Violation of Amendment 1?

Recently a picture similar to this one was taken out of a school on the grounds that it violates Amendment #1.

The caption of this painting is George Washington Praying at Valley Forge

What Point do you want to make? select a topic
a- How do you see that this picture violates the first amendment?
b- Why should this picture be allowed in a school?
c- Why should a history teacher use this picture in his classroom?
d- Why is it offensive to an athiest student if this picture is allowed to be on display in a history classroom?

Are we being Separate or Equal?

Amendment 14 basically states that "all citizens are equal before the law..."

"This topic is at the request of my students".

Last week in class I was reviewing the signficance of the date March 2 in Texas History. For you that are reading this and do not know its the date of Texas declaring its Independence from Mexico. A student who often interjects a view that is interially different asked if this was the white mans day? You know like the black man as a day to celebrate. June 19th

The students wanted to express their Second Opinion on when do the white people have their day to celebrate? Whites are left out on Juneteenth, NAACP image awards, Congress black caucus , Black History month , Martin Luther King holiday , Black Entertainment TV channel , Black Caucus Awards (for literature) .

Your Point Is:select a topic
1. Why is it wrong for one group of the American public to have segregated special events or organizations?
2. The "separate but equal" doctrine adopted in Plessy v. Ferguson, 163 U.S. 537, has no place in the field of public education only.
3. If the white man wants to have an only white man/women allowed then its called being prejudice and its a violation of Amd. 14th. You must give the black the same opportunity. How is this right that one group can be segregated but the other can not?
4. What would happen if we had a White Person Image awards, White History Month, White Entertainment Channel, Confederate History Month , etc.

Put me in Coach!

Greece Athena High School basketball team student manager with autism, Jason McElwain, suits up (as number 52) for his first varsity game and scores 20 points. He scored 6 three-pointers.

View video #1

View video

Disney officials called Jason's parents, Dave and Debbie McElwain, on Thursday afternoon (Feb. 23rd, 2006) to inquire about the possibility of doing a movie.

Charlotte - Sentenced to die

Doctors in England have won the power to withhold life support from two-year-old brain-damaged child Charlotte Wyatt--against the adamant wishes of her parents:

Charlotte, who was born three months prematurely and weighed only 1lb, is profoundly mentally and physically disabled and suffers from chronic lung disease.

What do you think? Is it time to let go and let the child die?

Let baby Charlotte die
By Nicole Martin and Sally Pook
(Filed: 08/10/2004)

Parents vow to battle on after judge
rules against reviving their sick baby
By Nicole Martin
(Filed: 22/04/2005)

Students say not fair!

Select a possible senario below and express your Point.

In a high school classroom of about 25 students 1/4 of the students are receiving AP credit. The entire class is taught as if all students are AP. The students seem to read harder books, are given harder tests, have harder essay questions and are assigned more homework than the teacher's other two classes. The teacher even acknowledges that the other two classes are not taught the same as the class with the AP students. The AP students supposedly write an extra paper each six weeks to receive AP credit.

- The students in the AP class feels this is not fair. If you agree how could this situation be rectified?
- A response can be that life is not fair so what positive thing can be gained from this situation?


Scenario 2:
Two teachers teach the same subject. In comparing the teachers style of teaching one seems to be a lot harder. Students with harder teacher feels this difference is not fair. For some students it makes staying eligible for athletics harder. Students concerned with class rankings also call unfair.

- What is good or bad about this senario?
- Which teacher would you want and why?

Was it just a dream?

What Point do you want to make on one of the questions below?

-Is Black America living up to Martin Luther King Jr's dream, or are they failing to bring the vision to life?

-Is poverty in the US increasing, or is America still the land of milk and honey?

-What would Martin Luther King think of his dream at this point in American history?

-Why is there such a large population of blacks in America, who are behind bars?

-Is affirmative action necessary to help blacks in America succeed?

Houston eyes cameras at apartment complexes

Amendment 4. --Protection against unreasonable searches by law enforcement officers.

Houston's police chief on Wednesday proposed placing surveillance cameras in apartment complexes, downtown streets, shopping malls and even private homes to fight crime during a shortage of police officers.

Houston is facing a severe police shortage because of too many retirements and too few recruits, and the city has absorbed 150,000 hurricane evacuees who are filling apartment complexes in crime-ridden neighborhoods.

"I know a lot of people are concerned ..., but my response to that is, if you are not doing anything wrong, why should you worry about it?" - Police Chief Harold Hurtt.

And your "Point" on one of the following questions "Is"

a- Why do you think this is a violation of Amendment 4?
b- Why do you think it's best to sacrifice privacy for protection?
c- What part of this plan is acceptable to you?
d- Has the "temporary" relocation of New Orleans's citizen's affected crime in the cities where they were relocated? (Might need to research this for facts)

Amendment 1: Right to Petition

View video

The video is being protested againstby Democrates. Below is the means for people to voice their displeasure of the video.

If you feel that this ad is doing a disservice to our troops and is misleading at best, and pure propaganda at worst, please call:

KARE 11 at 763 546 1111
WCCO at 612 370 0611

to ask for the removal of the ads. Letters to the Editor in your local paper would be helpful to point out the untruths being communicated to citizens as fact. Thanks in advance for being a voice of truth, and for all that you do to improve the state of our nation and state.

DFL Chair Brian Melendez will be holding a press conference at the State Capitol today at 2:30 to ask that this ad be pulled from the air waves. He will be joined by congressional candidate and veteran Tim Walz. Please tune in to your evening news to see coverage of this important event.

Sincerely,
DonnaDonna Cassutt, Associate Chair, Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party

view second video under the original video

Express your Point on one of the following topics.
-----Why should this video be seen or not?
-----Why would groups not want this video to be seen?
-----Point out the info in video that is misleading and apparently false.

Not guilty! He does not speak English!

A North Carolina judge threw out the roadside breathalyzer test results of a Spanish speaker, saying that the officers had a duty to give him his rights in Spanish. The decision by Durham County District Court Judge Richard Chaney in a case against Francisco Pereyra is the latest in a string of judgments that have dismissed breathalyzer results due to the language barrier. Chaney's judgment on the rights of Spanish speaking DWI offenders went a step further, when he added "If you're talking about someone who speaks Chinese, you have a different issue."

---Do you agree that the Spanish speaking driver should not be charged for drunk driving? Is not speaking English a good defense?

Legend of Valentine

During the third century there was a priest named Valentine who lived in Rome while it was being ruled by an emperor named Claudius. Known as “Claudius the Cruel,” he did all he could to live up to his name. Rome was in the early stages of its decline and the emperor wanted to keep it from eroding any further. Hence, he began a quest to rebuild his army. He sounded the clarion call for volunteers, only to discover that most men were tired of war and didn’t want to leave their wives and families. Enrollment numbers were very minimal, making Claudius furious. The cruel one came up with an idea; if men were not married, there would be no wives or families to abandon, so they wouldn’t mind joining the army. (Of course, this was during a time in history when people couldn’t even imagine having children out of wedlock.) Therefore, the emperor decreed that marriages would no longer be allowed. With untold numbers of broken hearts stumbling dizzily through a sea of unrequited love, a hero was desperately needed. Valentine, coming to the rescue, defied the heartless edict and performed the nuptials in secret. Evidently, some cynical loveless squealer dropped a dime (or a denarius, as it were) on the priest. As a reward for his noble deed, Valentine was apprehended and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off.
While awaiting his execution, many young people, their hearts filled with admiration for the courage and chivalry displayed by the priest, threw flowers and notes toward his cell window. They wanted him to know that they also believed in love and that they respected him for his sacrifice. In addition, they had his name sewn on the sleeves of their garments and paraded around the city to demonstrate their affection. This practice became known as wearing one’s heart on one’s sleeve. Meanwhile, the captive priest struck up a friendship with the daughter of the prison guard. Her father allowed her to talk with Valentine and help him through the difficult days before facing the torture and ultimate death. On the day of his execution, he left the young woman a note thanking her for the friendship and loyalty. He signed it, “Love from your Valentine.”
According to legend, that note began the tradition of exchanging messages of love. Valentine died for his convictions on February 14, 269 A.D. Of course, all of the foregoing could be riddled with inaccuracies, but in every legend there is some factual foundation. Some historians have said that Valentine was executed and became a martyr because he refused to give up Christianity. In any event, he was granted sainthood by the pope and the story has lasted for about 1800 years. Like many great events in history, Valentine’s Day has become a retailer’s dream.

---What did you do to remember your Valentine?
---What has been the best Valentine gift you have received?

Cheating or not?

I've been gone for a week. So sorry for no "Point Is" postings.

A student in another state searching the internet came across a web site by a teacher in another state that puts assignments, notes, a calendar and practice test up for his students. The student in the other state used the practice test since it was the same text book and subject she was on. The student aced the test (made a 100 on it). The students teacher accused the student of cheating, (getting a copy of his test). The student was forced to tell the teacher how she passed the test and told him about the study test she found on the internet.

Need your opinion on: select the topic
--. Explain why this is or is not cheating.
--. Explain why the teacher should fail the student.
--. Explain why the teacher should give the student the grade she made.
--. Explain why the teacher in the other state should take down his web site or not?

Super Bowl Commercials

Which was you favorite Superbowl commerical and why?

a. Fedex caveman
b. Budweiser magic refrigerator
c. Clydesdale horse pulling trailer
d. Careerbuildr.com - monkies in the office
e. touch football - guy tackling woman
f. save your self - the bear was attacking
g. Clydesdale playing football with a streaker
h. or another not listed

No Freedom of Speech against Islamic Religion?

The Islamic religion is upset that cartoons published in European newspapers are offensive to their prophet. Scroll down page.

Go to Download and watch the video of picture on right

Editorial cartoons exist to challenge political thought and expose hypocrisy.

Justify a position on one of the topics below:
a. You support the right of the newspapers to publish the cartoons.
b. That the Islamic religion is not a subject ofexpression of Free Speech.
c. What happens if one disallows another group to the right of freedom of speech?
d. What does the use of violence prove?

Super Bowl

What team will win the Super Bowl Sunday? Also what do you predict the score to be?

State of the Union

Tuesday night the President gave the State of Union address. According to the Constitution this is done every year.

What was said that you were impressed with?
a. about the economy
b. about the war in Iraq
c. health insurance
d. Social Security
e. when the Democrates obviously did not agree with what he said
f. When the Republicans gave him a standing ovation.
g. about the cost of oil / gasoline prices / his solutions

Brokeback Mountain

An epic love story, set against the sweeping landscapes of Wyoming and Texas, that tells the story of two young men--a ranch-hand and a rodeo cowboy--who meet in the summer of 1963 while driving cattle on a mountain range. They unexpectedly forge a lifelong connection, one whose complications, joys and tragedies provide a testament to the endurance and power of love.

Is this a must see movie?
a. Do you get the impression from the movie advertisement that this is about two gay cowboy lovers?
b. Do you get the impression from the movie advertisement that this movie is about the consequence of destroying family relationships?
c. Do you get the impression from the movie advertisement that this movie's gay lifestyle is universally acceptable?
d. Is there a sublimal message that this story is based in Wyoming (Vice-President Cheney's home) and Texas (President Bush home)
e. Do you think movies and TV shows are used to advance ideology? In this case homsexualty is an acceptable lifestyle? It's already won best picture awards.

The Book of Daniel

NBC is promoting "The Book of Daniel" as a serious drama about Christian people and the Christian faith. The main character is Daniel Webster, a drug-addicted Episopal priest whose wife depends heavily on her mid-day martinis. The Webster family is rounded out by a 23- year old homosexual Republican, a 16-year old daughter who is a drug dealer, and a 16-year-old adopted son who is having sex with the bishop's daughter. At the office, his lesbian secretary is sleeping with his sister in law.

NBC considers The Book of Daniel a positive portrayal of Christ and Christians.

What do you think? Select a question and opin.
a. Is NBC correct that this TV show is an accurate portrayal of Christ and Christians?
b. Why do you think a major TV network would make a show like this?
c. Why do you think the show lets you know that the son is a Republican?
d. Is this show meant to have a moral, spiritual or intellectual worth?

Would you vote for Hillary Clinton?

A recent poll says 51% of the public would definitely not vote Hillary Clinton if she ran for president. Only 15% said they would vote for her.

If you were asked in a poll what would you say and why?

One question for the President

If you had the opportunity to ask President Bush one question what would it be? and explain why it would be your question.

Kerry as Commander in Chief

John F. Kerry came close to being our president. Most likely he will try again in 2008. Listen to this quote by John Kerry and see if he is ready to be the Commander in Chief.

Click onDownload the video
What do you think?

Bin Laden offers Truce!

"We do not object to a long-term truce with you on the basis of fair conditions that we respect. We are a nation, for which God has disallowed treachery and lying. In this truce, both parties will enjoy security and stability and we will build Iraq and Afghanistan, which were destroyed by the war. "

What do you think?
A. Should Bush accept the word of Bin Laden that he is offering a truce?
B. Should never accept a truce and continue the war on terror.

Whose a Racist?

racist- (n) one race is biological superior to another
Ray Nagin Mayor of New Orleans said

"It's time for us to come together. It's time for us to rebuild New Orleans — the one that should be a chocolate New Orleans," the mayor said. "This city will be a majority African American city. It's the way God wants it to be. You can't have New Orleans no other way. It wouldn't be New Orleans."

select a question below and justify a position on it
a. Is it only racist when a white person makes a derogatory remark against Black Americans?
b. Do you feel this statement is a racist remark? Would it be racist if a white person had said it?
c. How could this statement have been made that would not offend any Americans?
d. If we are all Americans would it be better to just refer to all as Americans instead of what color they are?

"Worlds Greatest Terrorist"

Harry Belafonte speaks as Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez looks on

"No matter what the greatest tyrant in the world, the greatest terrorist in the world, George W. Bush says, we're here to tell you: Not hundreds, not thousands, but millions of the American people … support your revolution," Belafonte told Chavez during the broadcast.

Question to ponder:

a. Is this an opinion or a fact when he says that the president is the "Worlds Greatest Terrorist?
b. Should Americans be allowed to voice opinions about American without consequences?

Is Abortion a Constitutional Right Because Free Speech Is

Democrate Dick Schumer asked Judge Alito is abortion a Constitutional Right since Free Speech is.
Click on link below and then go beneath picture to download the sound.
Democrate Schumer: Abortion Is a Constitutional Right Because Free Speech Is (VIDEO)

What do you think? Is Abortion a Constitutional Right just becasue Free Speech Is?

Judge the Judge - Amendment # 8

In Vermont a judge sentenced a man to 60 days in jail for sexually molesting a child since she was 6 years old to age 10 years old. Amendment #8 forbids cruel and unusual punishment.

What do you think?
1. does the punishment fit the crime
2. should this judge be replaced from the bench

Here comes the Judge

According to the Constitution, the President of the United States nominates a person to be a judge. In this case its a supreme court judge. The Senate will confirm or not confirm this person. This is an example of separation of powers. There is only 9 Supreme Court Judges and they keep the job for life.

Why is it such a big deal on who these judge's are?

Employer wants to see your grades!

Employer wants to see your grades!

In Longview over 50 businesses are requiring a high school transcript to view when deciding wheather to hire a new employee. This includes part time highschool students.

Why do you think employers are wanting to check transcripts?

Freedom of Press

Amendment # 1 Freedom of the Press:
On December 23,
Three Algerians were arrested in an anti-terrorist operation in southern Italy. They are suspected of being linked to a planned new series of attacks in the United States, Interior Minister Giuseppe Pisanu said Friday.
The attacks would have targeted ships, stadiums or railway stations in a bid to outdo the September 11, 2001 strikes by Al-Qaeda in New York and Washington which killed some 2,700 people, Pisanu said.

This piece of news ran throughout Europe, Middle East, China and Japan. Not one major newspaper in the United States carried this story. Why do you think this news was not mentioned in the United States? By the way these guys were caught by eaves dropping on their cell phones.

It's Bush's fault!!!

On Hannity & Colmes, Fox News Channel. The guest is former Director of National Mine Safety, Jack Spadaro.

SPADARO: This mine should have been closed and there were too many serious violations, uh, and the record is very clear.
COLMES: (Dem) Why was it open, then? If you as a safety expert feel it should not have been, why was it open?
SPADARO: I think it's because of the, uh, uh, current, uh, Bush administration's policies toward mine operators --

Why is it necessary for a political party that opposes President Bush seem to blame him for every thing that happens in this country? (9-11, Katrinia, mine cave in killing 13, wiretaps of Al Qaida phone calls, appointing a judge that possibly is against abortion, Bin Laden not dead yet, etc. But never seem to give him credit for good.

a. Is it trully President Bush's fault?
b. Is it said to influence the uneducated - to vote for the Democrate next time)
c. Is it said to make the President spend time cleaning up his tainted image from the accusation?

Did the right team win?

Questions to ponder.

a. Did the right team win the National Crown this year?
b. Should Vince Young have won the Heisman trophy?
c. Should Vince Young skip his senior year and go pro?

Fourth Amendment Violation?

The Fourth Amendment to the Constitution states: "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated and no warrants shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the person or things to be seized."

President Bush, soon after the 9-11 bombing has been allowing government officials to wiretap/ listen to cell phone calls from suspected Al Qaidea members to people in the United States. Select a choice below and justify your answer.

• a. Is Bush violating the constitution for these wire taps without having subpoenas?
• b. Or Bush should have expanded libeties to do what ever is necessary to protect Americans?
  
  

Multple Choice --Which does not fit?

Of the following quotes -one does not fit. Select it and tell why it does not fit.

A. "These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country. . . . We fight not to enslave, but to set a country free, and to make room upon the earth for honest men to live in." — Thomas Paine, "The American Crisis," 1776-1777

B. "I propose to fight it out on this line if it takes all summer." — U.S. Grant, May 11, 1864

C. "Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never . . . ." — Winston Churchill, Oct. 29, 1941

D. "In war there is no substitute for victory." — Douglas MacArthur, April 19, 1951

E. "Above all, we must realize that no arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women." — Ronald Reagan, First Inaugural Address, Jan. 20, 1981

F. "The idea that we're going to win this war is an idea that unfortunately is just plain wrong." — Howard Dean, chairman, Democratic National Committee, Dec. 5, 2005

Democratic message to troops in Iraq....Retreat!

In an interview on News Radio 1200 WOAI, Democratic National Chairmanr Howard Dean said, "The idea that the United States is going to win the war in Iraq is just plain wrong." Dean criticized what he called President Bush's "permanent commitment to a failed strategy" and called for withdrawal from Iraq to "take the targets off our troops' back."

Select one position below and justify your answer. You might want to get some facts from research to back up your response.

a. Do you agree that America can not win this war, we need to bring the troops home now and receive the tag that America is a "loser" like in Vietnam?

b. or agree with President, troop commanders, and large percentage of Iraqi's that this war is winnable and should stay till the Iraq troops can take over for themselves?

c. This type of talk coming from the United States is not good to the troops and the people of Iraq?

d. Sounds similar to Vietnam when the politicans in Washington D.C. made it impossible for the troops to win. Politicians now do not want torture of prisoners.

Forwarding E-mail

Is forwarding email to a second or third person without the first person's (originators) consent a violation of one's right to privacy and should be considered illegal.

Presently it is wrong to record a persons speech and then use it without his/her permission.

Xmas..... What's in a name?

This abbreviation for Christmas is of Greek origin. The word for Christ in Greek is Xristos. During the 16th century, Europeans began using the first initial of Christ's name, "X" in place of the word Christ in Christmas as a shorthand form of the word. Although the early Christians understood that X stood for Christ's name, later Christians who did not understand the Greek language mistook "Xmas" as a sign of disrespect.

A large number of businesses have taken Christ out of Christmas this year claiming its less offensive to non believers in Christ.

Question: Should we start using "Xmas" for the holiday season? (justify your answer)

Amendment One ......Lawyer writes a book

Amendment One: Freedom of Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly, and Petition

You be the judge:

A lawyer defended his client that had murdered his wife and unborn child. The jury found the accused guilty and he is in jail. The lawyer is now writing a book about the case. The man in jail is suing the lawyer to stop him.

What do you say? Should the lawyer be allowed to write this book and profit from the court case? (justify your answer)

Excused from death sentence?

You be the judge

Twenty-three years ago an accused was found guilty of murder and sentenced to die. The prisoner is now sentenced to die Dec. 13th. Should this prisoner be excused from his death sentence since the last 3 years he has been proving to be a reformed person?

Amendment 14: Citizens by birth

Amendment 14: All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction therof, are citizens of the United States.

Should new borns of illegal Hispanic's in the United States be automatically entitled to be a citizen of the United States?

Are borders between Mexico and United States necessary?

It is estimated that there is over 11 million illegal Hispanic people in the United States. In the last 5 years the illegal population has increased by 3 million.

What do you think needs to be done about the illegal Hispanic population? Select from choices below and state your reason for it.
a. Increase the border patrol?
b. Put the national guard along the border?
c. Put a huge wall between the countries?
d. Make all illegals now in the US citizens?
e. Have no borders protected?
f. All employers in US that hire illegals be fined thousands of dollars for each illegal employee.

No Christmas at Wal Mart

Many business's such as Wal Mart are not going to acknowledge Christmas in their advertising. They will just say Winter Specials, Holiday Season, etc. Employees are not even allowed to say Merry Christmas. Reason being is to not offend those that do not believe in the reason for celebrating Christmas. Even our school calendar does not acknowledge Christmas holidays. It says Winter Break. What do you think about the move to taking Christmas out of our holiday season.

You be the judge....Parent provides alcohol to minors at party

A parent provides alcohol at her sons birthday party. All the invited guests are below the age of 20. No rules on behavior was enforced. No body was injured during or after the party.

You be the judge. What should happen to the adult that provides the alcohol?

Amendment 2 "Right to Bear Arms"

Amendment 2 of the Bill of Rights says
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

infringe vb 1: violate, transgress 2: encroach, trespass

In the context of the Constitution, phrases like "shall not be infringed," "shall make no law," and "shall not be violated"

Recently San Francisco voted to outlaw the sale of handguns in the city and to outlaw ownership of handguns in the city. The citizens are to turn their handguns in to the police by April 1st of 2006.

Address one of the questions below in what you think of this law.
1. Do you think that all cities should adopt this law?
2. Do you think the criminals will abide by this law?
3. Do you think crime will decrease?
4. Will crime now increase against the law abiding person?
5. Should this law be contested to the Supreme Court as being unconstitional?

Is Gangster Rap Liable?

Amendment 1 says that a person is entitled to free speech. In America a person is guaranteed the right to produce, record and make money from “Gangster Rap.” A person who is influenced by the words in a “gangster rap” song and goes out and kills a policeman will probably go to jail.

Question for you: Should the people responsible for the song be held liable for the death of the policeman influencing the person?

You be the judge? 15-year-old murderer

Recently a 15- year old boy took a gun to school and shot several people. One of them died, possibly another may die from wounds.

Should the boy be treated as a juvenile or as an adult? You are the judge what should happen to the 15-year-old boy?

Excuses, Excuses, Excuses ?

Stupid- lacking intelligence

At your school do you feel the opportunity to gain intelligence will lead you

A. To be successful
B. To be good enough just to get by
C. To stay “Stuck on Stupid”
D. Or realized that the opportunity is my responsibility and not the school’s. .....(Choice B. and C. above are just excuses)

Stuck on Stupid

Stupid- lacking intelligence
Intelligence- the ability to use ones knowledge to solve problems and respond appropriately to novel situations

Why are some students willing to be satisfied being “stuck on stupid?”

You be the judge case 2 (lottery ticket)

Actual court case.

A person recently won a million dollars with a winning lottery ticket. Its been discovered that the person used a stolen credit card to purchase the lottery tickets. The stolen credit card belonged to a deceased (dead) family member. The person has been arrested. Question is what happens to the money? Does she get to keep it? Explain your answer.

Voting against same sex marriage makes you prejudice...

Recently the Longview News Journal (on Oct. 24) the editor wrote saying if one votes against same sex marriage that you basically are a prejudiced person. Its her opinion and she is trying to persuade likely voters. Article

What do you think? Does her opinion make it right and those that oppose are wrong? Now its time for your opinion......

You have been accused of being prejudice.

Prejudice — preconceived opinion, usually unfavorable.
Preconceived - to form before hand
Bias – emotional leaning to one side.
Opinion – belief or conviction, based on what seems probable or true but not demonstrable fact.

Select a scenario and justify that the person is or is not exhibiting prejudice.

1. You have been accused of being prejudice since you will not date the opposite race.
2. Pres. Bush has been accused of being prejudice (racist) due to his lack of response in rescuing the black people after Hurricane Katrinia.
3. Your school has been labeled racist (prejudice) against blacks since none play on your athletic teams.
4. The police force have been accused of being racist (prejudice) against black since they use race to catch the bad guys.

Opinion please .......

Opinion-- the belief or conviction, based on what seems probable or true but not demonstratable fact

Is anyone wrong when one voices his or her opinion? explain

Leave Iraq or stay?

Every day our news media will update us on the latest US soldier death, total deaths and give the impression that we are losing the war. This picture of an American soldier was not told about here in America by the media. The little girl was killed by a car bomb. The terrorist have taken a larger toll on the citizens. Also a growing faction want the soldiers to leave Iraq and let them defend for themselves. You can read the story about the little girl when you click here.
Your question is, should we stay in Iraq and continue to lose some soldiers (nearly 2000 now) or leave now. leave a comment

Is this a Right to Free Speech?

This past weekend in Toledo, Ohio a number of people protested a group that had permission (from police) to stage a parade (Free Speech). Protesting is also a form of free speech. (See Video) then click on DOWNLOAD and watch video here. Then express your views that this is or not protected by Amendment One (Free Speech) .
Be sure to justify your answer.

Voters will vote that Marriage is ........

In November the elgible voters of Texas will have the opportunity to vote on the issue recognizes that marriage is between a man and a woman. This issue if voted down would pave the way for marriage between to gays be legal in Texas.

The artist is trying to influence readers about the issue of marriage. What is he saying and is he for or against gay marriage?

Vietnam again?

What is the artist conveying (message) in comparing the Iraq War to the Vietnam War during the 1960's and early 70's?

Vietnam / Iraq: Media's Role: Wanted Terrorist

A wanted terrorist grants one of your reporters an exclusive, face-to-face interview, but on the condition that you do not reveal his hiding place -- or any other sensitive information you learn in the course of holding the interview -- to the government. Do you refuse these terms and reject the interview, agree to the terms and abide by them, or agree to the terms but then violate them after the interview?

Is there a difference? assisted suicide / abortions

Is there a difference between the medical profession assisting a person ending their(inconvenient life) and the medical profession ending the (inconvenient life) of an unborn child?

should a doctor help a person end their life

The Supreme Court is hearing a case that would allow the medical profession to assist a terminal ill person end their life. So should a doctor be allowed to help a person actually commit suicide? (comment on this and also take the poll in the right column)

Vietnam / Iraq: Media's Role: Child Killed

One of your photographers takes a powerful, graphic picture of a child accidentally killed by U.S. forces during a major anti-terrorist operation. Do you print the photograph on the front page, on a less prominent page, or not at all? (Would you give a different answer if the child had been killed by a terrorist attack, or if the child had been killed during a newsworthy event that was unrelated to terrorism, such as a major flood or tornado? If so, why?)

Vietnam / Iraq: Media's Role: torture

Scenario:
One of your reporters has been given secret government documents that show the government has tortured foreigners arrested for involvement in terrorist plots against Americans. Do you provide this information to the public?

Vietnam / Iraq Media's Role: Hostage

The media's role in wartime. Ch.24 The Vietnam War
During the Vietnam War, the media played a highly visible -- and controversial -- role in bringing information to the American public and helping shape public attitudes toward the war.
The war raised important questions about how best to balance the public's right to information against other priorities, such as protecting government secrets and maintaining a strong war effort. These questions have emerged again in the context of the war against terrorism and the conflict in Iraq.

Scenario:
A terrorist group that is holding an American hostage sends your news organization a videotape of the hostage denouncing American foreign policy. The accompanying note states that the hostage will be released if you air the videotape on the evening news. Do you air it, refuse to air it, or agree to follow whichever course the U.S. government advises? (5 sentence minimum)

Do not be deceived, ....

"Do not be deceived, bad company corrupts good morals." What is meant by bad company?