Current Event #21: Your Topic of Choice

Current Event # 21:

Due: Friday, March 30, 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

Current Event #20: U.S. Soldier Places America In Harm's Way

Current Event #20: U.S. Soldier Places America In Harm's Way

Due: Friday, March 16th, 2012

Recent reports have indicated that a United States soldier stationed in Afghanistan went on a house to house shooting rampage in two villages, killing 16 people. According to a report issued by CNN: the Afghan Taliban said that its fighters would exact revenge for 16 people left dead. The Taliban has described the U.S. forces as "sick minded American savages," and said in a statement on its website that it would mete out punishment for the "barbaric actions." The Taliban, an Islamic fundamentalist movement, has battled the U.S.-led coalition in Afghanistan for a decade. U.S. officials have expressed shock and sadness over the attack, while Afghan leaders have angrily condemned it. President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan called it an "unforgivable" crime, noting that nine of the dead were children.The killings have fueled fears of intensified ire directed at international forces in the country following deadly riots over the burning of Qurans by U.S. troops late last month.The soldier, an army staff sergeant, acted alone and turned himself in after opening fire on civilians, according to officials from NATO's International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF. He is now in U.S. custody as investigators try to establish what motivated him".

What You Will Do

***Please note that your responses should be in detailed paragraph form. Be sure to explain your points in well-thought out sentences to reflect each question in its entirety.   

1. Read the CNN article and view the video posted on the page to help you respond to the following questions:http://www.cnn.com/2012/03/12/world/asia/afghanistan-shooting/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

2. Should the U.S. take precautionary measure to prepare to go to war with Afghanistan over recent actions of U.S. soldiers (shooting spree and burning of qurans)?

3. What do you think the penalties/punishments should be for this soldier and others who continue to put the U.S. in danger because of their actions?

4.  With the cost of lives lost and money spent, should the U.S. pull troops out of  Afghanistan immediately or continue to occupy the country after reported incidents?

4.

Current Event #19: Crisis at the Pump

Current Event #19: Crisis at the Pump

Due: Friday, March 9th, 2012

Recent surges at the gas pump has caused American consumers to question the politics of the President and several other campaigning presidential candidates. Gas prices have been escalating rapidly across the country at record pace and has been slated to reach $5 per gallon by the time summer hits. CNN recently posted an article on its website regarding this economic hardship on most American citizens.

What You Will Do:

***Please note that your responses should be in detailed paragraph form. Be sure to explain your points in well-thought out sentences to reflect each question in its entirety.   

1. Read the CNN article and view the video posted on the page to help you respond to the following questions: http://money.cnn.com/2012/03/06/markets/gas-prices-aaa/index.htm?hpt=hp_t3

2. How has your family dealt with the rise of gas prices at the pump? Explain. (Examples: Carpooling/"Slugging", less travel, biking, walking, public transportation, etc.) Will the price of gas change the way you and your family travel and/or commute to work and school, etc.?

3. What advice can you offer surrounding the burden of gas prices to the President, as well as the presidential candidates campaigning for American's vote in the upcoming elections? 

4. Discuss your thoughts on Americans developing and finding new energy sources, to help accommodate the constant demands of fuel for automobiles in the near future.

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

Current Event #15: America Moonwalks

Current Event #15: America Moonwalks

                

Due: Friday, February 3rd, 2012

Recently, Republican Presidential Candidate Newt Gingrich, proposed implementing a permanent Moon Colony, if he is elected the next president. In a world that is particularly advancing in the fields of technology and science what are your thoughts and opinions regarding this initiative. America has always been innovative and competitive in sending man to the moon to conduct research for advancement. Considering our country's current financial economy, do you view this idea as a valid talking point in continuing America's ingenuity on the outer space frontier? 


What You Will Do:
Read the following published CNN article to determine if there is indeed a need for America to reconsider the race to the moon campaign. Should the next President focus on space exploration to align with America’s focus on science, math, and technology initiatives? How much government funding should be invested in a space program, if any? Discuss whether America should indeed employ individuals to man these space stations instead of relying on satellites and computers only to help boost the economy in Florida. In all fairness to the former U.S. Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, be sure to also view the two accompanying clips in the article to hear his views, prior to forming your opinons. http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/30/opinion/frum-moon-colony/index.html?hpt=us_mid