Current Event #18: North Korea’s New Leader: Ready for Battle

Current Event #18: North Korea’s New Leader: 

Ready for Battle

Due: Friday, March 2, 2012

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, states that his country is ready to fight a war with the United States and its ally South Korea if need be. Recent dialogue ended last Friday, with little visible signs of any progress having been made between the two countries. Friday’s talks were the first high-level talks since the death of North Korea's longtime leader, Kim Jong Il, in December and the transition of power to his youngest son, Kim Jong Un. The former leader’s death placed an uncertainty around the U.S. plans for renewed diplomacy with North Korea. The negotiations of North Korea’s nuclear program and the resumption of the U.S. food assistance have now been placed on hold or influx until Kim Jong Un speaks.

What You Will Do:

After reading the following article: http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/27/world/asia/north-korea-tensions/index.html?hpt=wo_c1 , you will need to answer the following questions in complete sentences to form detailed paragraphs to discuss your points of view. Please be direct and specific as you proceed in answering each question surround the current international dilemma.

1.      Should the U.S. take precautionary measure to prepare to go to war with North Korea?

2.      Do you think these actions taken by Kim Jong Un, should be taken lightly or if they are his way of seeking attention as a new leader?

3.      What are your thoughts on the United States and South Korea holding regular military drills?

Current Event #17: China’s Valentine’s Date in Washington

Current Event #17: 

China’s Valentine’s Date in Washington

Due: Friday, February 17, 2012

China’s Valentine’s Date in Washington

It has been well documented that the governments of the United States and China have engaged in numerous business ventures that has resulted in America’s economic trade deficit, job loss, intellectual property issues, etc. The United States have been able to import cheaper products made in China and other countries including Canada and Mexico. Estimates state that for every dollar spent on an item purchased from China, about $.55 cents go to services produced in the United States. That $.55 cents goes to the companies that transport the goods and the U.S. retailers that sell them.

China is poised to be well on its way of becoming the largest economy within the next 10 years and surpassing the US in 2016. After Canada and Mexico, China is the US third largest exporter of goods and products. China is the US second biggest creditor after the Federal Reserve, due to a massive surplus through trade.

Your thoughts: China and the United States Relationship

What You Will Do:

Read the following CNN Money article found at http://money.cnn.com/2012/02/13/news/economy/china_us_relations/index.htm?iid=GM

You will answer the following three questions in thoughtful, well-organized, detailed paragraphs at length. Your responses should include paragraphs consisting of 7-10 lines each in order to provide a good explanation of your take on each subject matter. Be sure to include quotes from the article, if desired or needed.  

1. 1. Do you think America should be so dependent upon foreign trade and maintaining the continuance of outsourcing employment?

In2. In his State of the Union address in January, President Obama spoke about China. He shared that he wants to level the playing field for trade. What would you advise President Obama to share with China's Vice President  Xi Jinping regarding this issue?

3. 3. Other topics that will more than likely be discussed between the two leaders will include: the currency issue, human rights, intellectual property violations, barriers to foreign investment, and China's opposition to U.S. sanctions on Iran. Discuss any two or all of these issues to express your thoughts concerning U.S./China relations and how you think things should be resolved.

Current Event #16: Your Topic of Interest

Current Event # 16

Due: Friday, February 10, 2012

The topic for this week's current event blog assignment is your choice. The topic must revolve around a  topic in history which focuses on something currently happening the world of politics, education, government, etc. Please refrain from using sports or entertainment articles. Make sure to use a current and reputable source (not Wikepedia) and find an article that interests you. Your post should adhere to the following format:

Heading/ Be sure to include the following in your blog post:
-Your name/class period
-Title of article/author
-Source/date of article
-URL (copy and paste your article link in your response for me to review your article)

Paragraph #1:
-Summary of your selected article (minimum of 5-7 sentences that provide detail about who/what, when, where, and why your current event is significant) 

Paragraph #2:
-Reflection/Opinion of article (minimum of 5-7 sentences)
-Give supporting facts and include any personal experiences associated with the article
-Relate the current event to what we've been studying in class (if applicable)
-pose questions/concerns about the event