Blog #6 - A Nation of Nincompoops

I read this yesterday and at first I found it laughable.  Then when I pondered upon it, I came a little bit concerned.  These are the children who will one day be in charge.  Read the article printed in the Tuscaloosa News and respond to the prompts.

1. What is your opinion?
2. What might this mean when these children matriculate to the real world?
3. Do you have a nincompoop story to share? (optional) 

Just so you will know if you are a nincompoop or not, here is the definition obtained from www.dictionary.com

Nincompoop - noun - a fool or simpleton.

Blog #5 - Velma Hart, Typical Middle-class American

This week, take a look at this video.  Two questions are posed.  One, does Velma Hart have a valid point? Does President Obama respond well to her point?

On a different front, you are that next generation he is talking about.  Do you feel that he truly represents your best interest?  Why or why not?

Blog #4 - Bentley and Sparks square up for a debate

The first of two televised college campus debates between gubernatorial candidates Robert Bentley and Ron Sparks will be held Thursday night (9/16) in the Moody Music Building at the University of Alabama.  Unfortunately, you will have to either watch it on TV or listen to it on the radio.  Only UA students and faculty received the free tickets. 

It will air on Alabama Public Television and Alabama Public Radio, beginning at 7 p.m. Debbie Elliott, a UA graduate and National Public Radio correspondent, will be the moderator.

YOUR ASSIGNMENT:

Either watch or listen to the debate and answer the following questions:

1)      What are their stances/beliefs on bringing revenue to the State of Alabama?

2)      What is their opinion regarding the question of gambling (bingo/lottery)?

3)      How do they feel about the system of education in Alabama?  How do they propose to solve the problems?

4)      Pick two additional issues that are debated and discuss them in your own opinion(s). 

Blog #4 - MTVs Teen Mom lands on cover of US Magazine

Your blog this week comes from a different angle.  US Magazine has placed teen mom Maci Bookout and her son on its cover.  You may have the magazine and read the story or at least have heard about it.  If you have not, do the easiest thing and Google the story.  The questions I pose to you this week:

1. What message does this send to teenagers?
2. Is this a situation, the explotation of teenagers and teenage parenthood, that should involve government intervention?  Explain your reasoning.  If you answered yes to this question, what would you recommend? 

Blog #3 - Obama Marks End of the War in Iraq

On Tuesday night, President Obama spoke to the nation from the Oval Office.  Your blog this week is about that speech.  Read the following article or watch the video online via CNN, C-Span or YouTube.  After doing the background work, answer the following questions.

1. What formal declaration did President Obama make in his Oval Office address to the nation Tuesday night?
2. What did the President emphasize about the war in Afghanistan?
3. a) How did Republican leader Senator Mitch McConnell respond to President Obama's speech? b) Do you agree with Senator McConnell's response? Explain your answer.
4. What domestic policy did President Obama address in his speech last night?
5. How did the President's remarks to the troops at Fort Bliss differ from statements he had made when he was a presidential candidate? (see paragraph 11).

Liberal vs. Conservative

The below link will redirect you to a website that not only defines Conservatives and Liberals, but explains their beliefs and a variety of topics.

http://www.studentnewsdaily.com/other/conservative-vs-liberal-beliefs/