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.