The Basics on Pollution

by Monique What is pollution? Pollution is the chemicals in the air that harm humans and damage the environment. These chemicals come from human activity and can be primary or secondary. The pollution is killing many people each year.Pollution does not only affect humans and the environment but also plants and animals. It's a problem affecting the entire ecosystem. Pollution is the chemicals in the air that harm humans and the environment though it is harmful to plants and animals to.The plants are affected by acid rain. Acid rain is pollution mixed with rain to create acid rain.The acid rain then falls all over the soil affecting the plants growth and animals feeding grounds. These chemicals come from human activities. Pollutants may be primary or secondary. Primary pollutants come from a process, such as carbon monoxide gas from cars,or sulfur dioxide from factories. Primary pollutants are directly emitted from a process. On the other hand, secondary pollutants come from two primary pollutants mixed together.These harmful pollutants are damaging our earth! Pollution is killing many people each year. The World Health Organization says 2.4 million people die each year because of air pollution.More deaths are linked to air pollution than car accidents. Health affects of pollution can be long term or short term affects.Short term affects include irritation of the eyes, nose and throat,you can even get pneumonia. Long term affects include chronic respiratory disease,lung cancer,heart disease and damage to the brain, liver, nerves ans kidneys. If we don't try to stop air pollution more and more people will die each year. The pollution in the air is not going to stop on its own,we have to do something as a world to stop pollution. People will keep dying,the earth will become more damaged.The chemicals from factories and cars will not stop. These harmful chemicals will keep damaging humans and our environment if we don't do something about this. Photo Credits Flickr Creative Commons http://www.flickr.com/photos/stefanelf/525896840/

The Price of Our Shoes

by M.H.

Look at your shoes. Seriously, take them off and check them out. You might want to find a location that's clear of people. Now look at the tag. Where is it made? What's happening in that country? Who do you think that made them? The factories!!!!!

Perhaps you that you don't even think who made the shoes that you are wearing right now. However, you might be surprised that they are poor childrens anywhere around the world. They might be in Taiwan or India or some new factory sweatshop in a city across the globe. The workers earn pennies per hour. That is so little that they sometimes work all day to buy there family a little bit of food, but they still don't make enough to really have a living. The shoe corporations pay them so little bit that it is a rip off. But hey if you think that they get ripped off imagine the manager getting all happy and getting a bonus or the athlete who gets millions just to pretend that the shoes are nicer than they are.

Like for example you love your shoes and then you go out to buy some new ones in Foot Locker and you waste $80-120 on some Jordans and then you pay them and you just wasted more than what a worker in the factory makes in a month. Your participation in the process is a participation in slavery. I know that sounds harsh. I know that you may not quit using shoes, because no one else around you would accept you. But it's sad that we all participate in slavery just so that we can fit in.

That is so messed up you probably think; but hey if there is no where else for you to go and work then you will probably work there because your family needs food and of course you need food to.So those people do not go there because they want to they go there because they need money to help there family and children.People think that hey can't we just go to work in cleaning houses or mowing lawns,but there are no jobs like those over there so then they will have to go to do those jobs. It's easy to say, "go fight for your rights," but this is hard because there is no whining because if you whine then you get out of that job and be so poor that you will die starving and of thirst.

Photo Credit
Flickr Creative Commons
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pollytipsy/3124114994/

An Election Picture

Hitler and the Holocaust

by Antonese

Hitler. The name makes me squirm. And in the past in made billions do the exact same thing. Why his name is so popular in the Villains category is all because of the Holocaust in 1941. The main three topics of the Holocaust is the man behind it, who was effected and, how it is still going on now.

Adolf Hitler was the man to fear in the 30's. He was elected into the German government.After he was elected things went downward. Instead of peace Adolf Hitler choose war and violence in the most nonsense able way possible. In 1941 Hitler had started a historical event that was not looked up upon. To me, commanding that all Jews of Europe be thrown into a ferniest to burn, would lye well on my conditions. Obviously for the horrific Hitler, that wasn't a problem of his. For the Jews they more than feared him, they hated him.

Just imagine, the Holocaust wiped out almost all of a whole culture.6 billion Jews were deathly affected. It's flabbergasting by how one man can be so powerful. How he can manipulate and deceive people into the death of 6 billion. Many of the few survivors of the Holocaust write about their endearing story such Gerda Weissmann Klein. Their heartfelt stories give hope to all people even those who have no relations to the Holocaust. To me, during that time, the key to surviving mentally is hope and faith. When a whole nation is exterminated, hope and faith is all that's left.

Although the Holocaust happened over 60 years ago, events just like are happening all over the world. In Sudan many are victim of shootings daily. This is no different then the past events of genise. This needs to change or else our world will only consist of so many humans. Tribes in Sudan get invaded at least once a month. It saddens me how in dangered kids my age our. They can't just be regular bratty teenagers. Those kids don't have to learn history, because their living through it all over again.

An unforgettable event changed our history in a way we wish we could erase. We can not change our past, but we can do things in our present to change the future. Let's learn from the Holocaust and help those who are going through it everyday. They, just like the Jews, did nothing wrong. Which means nothing should be caused upon them.

Poetic Art

by Patricia

To view more poetic art, visit our Expanding Voice blog.

The Power of Symbols

The following is a reminder of the power of symbols. Placed one way and it's a symbol of hate. Placed another way and it's a Hindu symbol of unity and prosperity.

School Dress Codes

when I wear a uniform, we become uniform

by Stevie

TAKE A WALK AROUND ANY SCHOOL CAMPUS AND YOU'LL SEE THE SAME SCENARIO. EVERYONE LOOKING THE SAME, WEARING THE SAME POLO SHIRTS AND BORING DRESS PANTS. MOST SCHOOLS HAVE UNIFORMS. IT'S NOT FAIR. PEOPLE SHOULD BE ABLE TO WEAR WHAT THEY WANT, WHENEVER THEY WANT. IF IT WAS UP TO US NOTHING WOULD BE LIKE THIS.

THERE ARE MANY REASONS FOR HAVING SCHOOL UNIFORMS. HOWEVER, NONE OF THEM MAKE ANY SENSE. PEOPLE SAY THAT SCHOOL SHOULD BE A WAY TO PREPARE US FOR THE ADULT WORLD. HOWEVER, IN THE ADULT WORLD, PEOPLE CAN CHOOSE THEIR OWN CLOTHING. ALSO, SOME PEOPLE DON'T HAVE MUCH MONEY. SAY THEY WENT TO A SCHOOL THAT WAS NON-UNIFORM, AND THEY AREN'T WORRIED BECAUSE THEY KNOW THEY HAVE CLOTHES. THEY DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT THEY HAVE A CLEAN UNIFORM. BUYING ADDITIONAL UNIFORMS WOULD COST THEM LOTS OF MONEY. THEN THEY HAVE TO BUY NEW CLOTHES AND HAVE LESS MONEY.

AFTER AWHILE, THE PEOPLE IN CHARGE FAIL TO NOTICE THE MOTIVES BEHIND STUDENT CLOTHES. IF SOMEONE WORE EAR RINGS THAT WERE A CERTAIN SHAPE, THEY'D HAVE TO TAKE THEM OFF, YET THAT STUDENT IS JUST TRYING TO SHOW SOME INDIVIDUALITY. SOMETIMES GIRLS WEAR DIFFERENT COLORED UNDERSHIRTS, SO THAT THEIR BRAWS DON'T SHOW THROUGH AND THEN THE TEACHERS MAKE THEM TAKE THEM OFF SO NOW THEY HAVE A SEE-THROUGH SHIRT.

NO TEACHER EVER HAS TO WEAR A UNIFORM BECAUSE THEY ARE FORCED INTO IT. TRUE, THEY HAVE TO DRESS NICE, BUT IT'S ULTIMATELY THEIR DECISIONS. IF WE HAVE TO, WHY DON'T THEY? ON FRIDAY'S THEY COULD WEAR WHATEVER THEY WANT. WHY CAN'T WE? WE HAVE TO TRY TO LEARN THE STUFF THAT THEY GET PAID FOR IF WE LEARN IT. WE DON'T GET PAID AND WE DON'T EVEN HAVE A CHOICE ABOUT BEING HERE. AT LEAST TEACHERS HAVE THE OPTION OF FINDING A JOB WITHOUT UNIFORMS.

WHOEVER MADE THESE RULES NEVER ASKED A STUDENT WHAT WE THOUGHT OR OUR OPINIONS. WELL THAT'S GOT TO CHANGE. CLOTHES ARE HOW SOME ONE EXPRESS' THEMSELVES. TELLING US WHAT TO WEAR IS LIKE TELLING US WE CAN'T BE OURSELVES. WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO WEAR CLOTHES THE WAY WE WANT AND AS WE FEEL LIKE IT. DESIGNERS MAKE CLOTHES BECAUSE THAT'S THE WAY THEY LIKE THEM TO BE. AND WE BUY AND WEAR THE CLOTHES BECAUSE THAT'S THE WAY WE WANT THEM TO BE!

EVERYONE HAS A DIFFERENT STYLE, TO THE WAY THEY DRESS. IT'S HOW THEY SPEAK THEIR MIND. IT'S HOW THEY SHARE THEIR BELIEFS. IT'S HOW THEY COMMUNICATE WHO THEY ARE. THEY COULD DRESS PREPPY, ROCKISH, SKATERISH, PLAIN, EVEN IN THEIR CULTURE.. BUT THEY DO DRESS. AND HOW DO THEY GET THE CLOTHES THEY WEAR? THEY BUY THEM...THEY DON'T JUST BUY WHATEVER. THEY BUY WHAT THEY LIKE.

PEOPLE CHOOSE WHAT TO BUY, OR IN SOME CASES THEY STEAL THE CLOTHES... AND WHY WOULD THEY WAIST THEIR FREEDOM ON GETTING CLOTHES THEY DON'T LIKE? EVERY ONE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THEIR OWN STYLE. EVERYONE WANTS TO HAVE THEIR OWN VOICE. EVERYONE WANTS TO TELL PEOPLE WHO THEY ARE, WHAT GROUP THEY BELONG TO, WHAT THEY ARE INTERESTED IN.

BACK IN THE DAY PEOPLE DIDN'T EVEN HAVE THAT MUCH CLOTHES TO WEAR, AND NOW THAT WE DO, YOU DON'T EVEN LET US WEAR THEM. A WAY TO EXPRESS OUR SELVES. C'MON CHANGE THE RULES WE DON'T ALWAYS HAVE TO STICK TO SOME THING BECAUSE ONE PERSON SAID SO. LET US VOTE. LET MAJORITY RULE!

Picture: Taken from http://www.showyourlogo.com/custom-polo-shirt/Anvil-Polo-Shirt.jpg

View All Podcasts in Chronological Order

If you would like to access the podcasts in chronological order, please click on the link above. If you would rather access the podcasts in their respective categories, please click on any of the categories below.

Living History: Interviews with people who experienced a historical event

Face the Issues: Debates and discussions on anything in social studies

My Metaphor: Dialogues about our world through exploring metaphors

Social Satire: Any type of comedic take on social studies

Community Connection: Service reflections and thoughts on the community

Career Exploration: Student reflections and interviews about various careers

Book Review: Students have a weekly discussion on a featured book

Coming Soon!

Expanding Voice: Poetry read by the students

Social Pulse: Social issue surveys of the student population at our school.

Discrimination Nation

By Arely

Why do people think they have the right to judge? Imagine being in restaurant and seeing there tables available and the work there says that there no more table, because of the color or race you are. Imagine trying to get a job and knowing you have no chance because of skin color. Think about being pulled over and knowing that your word doesn't count because the other person's race holds the power.

The root of discrimination, or at least racial discrimination, is slavery. A lot of people back then were used as slaves, because of color or races and so on. Sometimes you didn't have a choice! lots of people would get killed. People would try to do anything possible to escape SLAVERY. Women, men,and kids were slaves most of the time family's were broken apart because they got sold or they had them as slaves. Children were sold. Men were beaten. Women were raped. It was all part of the system of power, all an excuse to make money.

Out of slavery, we became racialized. This means we started viewing all people as "races" instead of simply ethnicity or culture. We added labels and forced some groups to stay below other groups.

Even when slavery ended, discrimination remained. People would discriminate in places you wont of even thought of like boats,air ports and even at the movies ! Its so just so hard for people to get around places. Also the people who mostly got discriminated where black people they could hardy get schooling .If they went to school the blacks had everything separated like the drinking fountain, restrooms and even at lunch time . When they got of school and some black kids took the bus they had to site in the back.

Did you know Asian Americans have suffered of discrimination to? Asians had to sit with each other. Groups like the Chinese were beaten, sent back to their country and mistreated after their labor made our railroad system. The most egregious example was forced evacuation of Japanese Americans from the west coast during War World II. People would have signs in restaurant or store that would say, "No Japs."

Race isn't the only issue. Americans woman have been historically been victimized by discrimination in voting. I myself in school have been discriminated on because of my gender. I've been told what I will and will not be able to do as an adult. I've been told what jobs are for men and which ones are for women. I still live in a country where men are presidents and CEOs.

So for once, do something. Speak up for yourself. Don't let discrimination dominate our nation. If we are smart about it, we'll be able to fight it and in the end we will win!

Photo Credit: National Archives

Song Review

by Benny

I was listening to a song about a teenager named William that wants to be a thug. His is a deal drug but he was silver. He had a corrupted young mind in the age of 13. It was his goal to make money as a drug dealer and a gangster.

He had no father and his mother was sick. She would put the pipe down but the next day she was back again, all addicted to drugs. He began to hang around with the thugs and the dealers. He felt a reputation because he could hustle and steal. But like every kid in his hood he dropped out of school to sell weed and that's what the main character did in return. He was the product of his environment.

So then he started steal and mugging people in his projects, just to get in the gang so he started to try to step up but no one showed him any love. He thought he was ready and went up to cocaine and he got addicted and he was tried of the thug treating him the same. They told him that any one could sell drugs any one can shoot some on and that any one can wear a red shirt and conform as a blood and a real thug can stab someone until they die looking at them straight in the eye.

Willy knew that they weren't going to stop until he does something. So they weren't going to let him doing anything. So they were waiting for someone to make a hit and run. One night they were choking and waiting for entertainment. Until they saw a woman and stole her and took her to a hotel and raped her. Willy was first and they all got turns and after they raped her willy was soppose to kill her they had a rag over her face and they gave him a 9mm he was about to shoot when he pulled the rag it was his mother.

I have mixed feelings about the song. On one hand, it's real. It's a tale about how easy people get caught up in the "thug life." It reminds people of how dangerous that can be. At the same time, I'm not sure this is the type of music that kids need to hear. Even if it's trying to explain the dangers, it might be leading kids in the wrong direction.

Methods of Protest

During the Civil Rights Movement, people chose many methods of protesting against segregation and discrimination. Groups like the NAACP used community organizers and churches (not the chicken place) to spread the word. Rosa Parks, a member of the NAACP began a bus boycott when she deliberately broke the law and was arrested for refusing to sit in the back of the bus. College students led sit-ins and demonstrations where they "took over" the campus so that professors would include African-American and Latino studies. An all-black group of lawyers provided the lawsuit Brown vs. Board of Education, which led to the integration of schools. When the president failed to integrate schools, children throughout the nation led walk-outs which sent the message that they would not receive a mediocre education.

Groups such as the Black Panthers used the threat of violence to provide schools with free breakfast and lunch programs. In some areas of the country, there were riots. These helped pressure Congress to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voter Rights Act of 1965. Although the government helped with Civil Rights, the FBI was often involved in spying on Civil Rights leaders and openly supported racist sheriffs like Bull Connor who used fire hoses and attack dogs on protesters.

As a group, decide which method was the most effective way of fighting for Civil Rights. Make sure your response uses persuasive arguments and is at least one paragraph.

A Semester of Service

by Stephany

I volunteered in many different activities throughout the duration of the second quarter that improved my thinking abilities and compassion for others. The first event I was a major part of was the preparation for our own play, a few of the tasks I completed were the sketches. It was a great feeling when we gazed upon the finished result of the home during the Holocaust. Not only that, but we symbolically expressed what great torture millions of people lived through. If by the end of this play we impact the lives' of many people and inform them how horrible it was for many of our ancestors among us, we would look at things nowadays differently.

Planning for the future date of secretary appreciation day has also been one of my priorities that during its process has made me reflect upon life at a greater extent. One of the lessons I've learned has been, every person amongst us has an occupation which makes them ordinary, but the person who strives and lives day by day with the effort of improving the lives of others is to be honored. Our secretaries fulfill this very statement, with no doubt they deserve all we have planned for them and if possible the mentioning of their support on a daily basis. I will absolutely love to carry on this act with me in my future years because with an act like this we are changing the world bit by bit.

Trash

My Home

It represents two nations, one country. It's how I feel about this place. I belong in both places and I consider both my home.

Our Next President

Malcom X and Martin Luther King Jr.

	Malcom X	Martin Luther King Jr.
Can all races get along?	Segregation – All races should be separate and leave one another alone	Integration – All races should live and interact with each other
Faith	Muslim	Christian
Methods	Violence might be necessary when protests are not enough, but also try boycotts and protests and speeches.	Never use violence. Instead, use boycotts, protests, speeches, etc.
National Identity	Be proud of your race and consider yourself a nation of your race instead of your country	Be proud of your American identity and your race at the same time. The goal is for all races to be part of our nation.

What are their similiarties? What are their differences?

Whose approach do you like better? Why?

Racism in Our Neighborhoods

What types of racism exists in our neighborhoods and in our city? Give me specific examples of it.

Racism in Our School

What types of racism exists in our school? Give me specific examples of it.

Racism in Our Neighborhoods

What types of racism exists in our neighborhoods and in our city? Give me specific examples of it.

Fantastic Forty

Follow us throughout the next few days as we post each of the scenes from the Fantastic Forty movie that we created last year. This is partially an experiment to see how it would work to post a full episode of our new internet sitcom called THE STUPID GAMES.

First Scene

Second Scene

Third Scene

Fourth Scene

Fifth Scene

Sixth Scene


Seventh Scene


Eighth Scene

Case #1: Cell Phones

Cell phone technology developed out of the need to supply wireless communication in war. During the Korean War and later in Vietnam, the U.S. developed new methods of communicating with walkie-talkies. Later, this combined with some of the NASA technology used to communicate with aircraft. By the early 1980's, consumers could use cellular phones (although they were massive beasts that would not last long.)

1. How is this related to either the military or NASA?
2. How would the world be different if this hadn't been invented?

Case #2: Satellites

The Russians were the first to send a rocket into outer space. The Sputnik was the first manned aircraft to orbit the world. As a result of this competition between the United States and Russia, America sent thousands of satellites into orbit. The technology used to win the space race is now used to supply cell phone signals, GPS, television signals, etc. Satellite technology is a part of what created our digital world.

1. How is this related to either the military or NASA?
2. How would the world be different if this hadn't been invented?

Case #3: Nuclear Power

One of the by-products of using a nuclear bomb was that the United States and Russia were both able to harness the nuclear technology into power plants (think Homer Simpson in Springfield). Although environmentalists were upset about some of the potential contamination issues, it has proved to be a powerful method of supplying power to the U.S.

1. How is this related to either the military or NASA?
2. How would the world be different if this hadn't been invented?

Case #4: Internet

During the Cold War, the United States needed a way to network computers to send information. In the 1950's, no one had personal computers. All the computers were massive computers contained in entire rooms. The U.S. neeeded a way to connect these. So, the military created ARPANET. Several other networks grew from there.

In the 1980's, NASA developed the IP address system, which helped lead to what we now consider to be the internet. The internet as we know it really took off between 1989 and 1993, which helped prove that the United States was more innovative than the fledgling Soviet Union.

1. How is this related to either the military or NASA?
2. How would the world be different if this hadn't been invented?

Case #5: Cordless Tools

When you're sucking up bits of dirt or crumbs around the house with a handheld cordless vacuum, you are actually using the same technology that astronauts used on the moon. Although Black & Decker had already invented the first battery-powered tools in 1961 [source: NASA], the NASA-related research helped refine the technology that led to lightweight, cordless medical instruments, hand-held vacuum cleaners and other tools.

In the mid-1960s, to prepare for the Apollo missions to the moon, NASA needed a tool that astronauts could use to obtain samples of rocks and soil. The drill had to be lightweight, compact and powerful enough to dig deep into the surface of the moon. Since rigging up a cord to a drill in outer space would be a difficult feat, NASA and Black & Decker invented a battery-powered, magnet-motor drill [source: NASA Science and Technology Information]. Working in the context of a limited space environment, Black & Decker developed a computer program for the tool that reduced the amount of power expended during use to maximize battery life.
After the NASA project, Black & Decker applied the same principles to make other lightweight, battery-powered tools for everyday consumers

1. How is this related to either the military or NASA?
2. How would the world be different if this hadn't been invented?

Case #6: Water Filtration

Astronauts needed a way to cleanse water they take up into space, since bacteria and sickness would be highly problematic. Water filter technology had existed since the early 1950s, but NASA wanted to know how to clean water in more extreme situations and keep it clean for longer periods of time.

If you look at a water filter, you can usually detect small chunks of charcoal inside of them. Sometimes, when you first use a water filter, you'll even notice tiny black flecks from those chunks. This charcoal is specially activated and contains silver ions that neutralize pathogens in the water. Along with killing bacteria in the water, the filters also prevent further bacterial growth. Companies have borrowed from this same technology to bring us the water filter systems millions of people use at home every day.

1. How is this related to either the military or NASA?
2. How would the world be different if this hadn't been invented?

Should we overthrow another nation's government?

The following are fifteen different responses to the question: Should we overthrow another nation's government?

Stephany
Imperialism has been practiced for centuries. It empowers one nation and demolishes the country/government being invaded. In my personal opinion I believe that overthrowing a country is valid depending on the situation we're in at the time. Overthrowing a government can mean the hatred of a lifetime such as when our nation killed the president of Iran for his "wrongful ideology." We're now facing the hatred of the Iranian people. On the other hand when we overthrew the Communist movement in Korea, half of it's population stayed Capitalist. If we were to overthrow a country's government that had no negative connections towards us, I believe there's no purpose in doing this sort of act. When having good reasons to back up our choice and better yet speaking to those being invaded would secure us from any sort hatred act against us. This country has been said to be a nation of justice, but when we take the freedom of others without guilt we prove the complete opposite.

Aldo
There is no true answer for this because people always have different opinions on what is imperialism and just helping others. When we go to help Iran we helped to get our oil. It was more of giving them hope against there will and making them pay us with their resources. It is almost as if so held their leader by gun point and asked him if he wants to live or let us take over their country for their oil. I know that I'm exaggerating about what happened but in any case we should never enter any nations soil without any permission. On the other hand, when we fail to help oppressed people, others will ask, "Why didn't America stop the corrupt regime?" It's a Catch 22.

Clarissa:
Sometimes it is alright to overthrow a nation because they might want to bomb a place or they want to start a war. It has to be good reason to over throw their nation because you can't over throw their government for nothing. Maybe the other nation want to killed a certain race and we are the only hope against genocide. Or if they might want to turn communist, we can help maintain freedom. The world doesn't want a repeat of the Cold War.

Lupita:
Sometimes it is okay to do that because the government might not be making good choices. For example, he might be doing unfair things, like sending innocent people to jail or killing them. On the other hand, it can be wrong to overthrow a government if the government is maybe doing the best he can to help the people out and they aren't just going to kill someone for not doing what they wanted.

Vanessa
If some one was to overthrow another nations government it has to be because of a good reason, such as if the government was being unfair with people. Other than that then I think its wrong because some person killed the government for no reason. You can't just kill some one for no reason because you don't like them or because you feel like it will help your own interests. If your going to do something like that it has to be for a good reason.

Isaac
The correct time to over throw another government is when you have no other option and you are very desperate for results. For example you can't over throw a government just because you don't like them. If a president does that, it will guarantee a war or an attack to the place where the over throw was organized. So I say over throw if you need to know and that you don't have any more options, because overthrowing isn't always the best way. You can always talk it out or form a peace contract or make deals with one another,because there is always another way you just have to look for it.

Itzel
In the Cold War America overthrew a government in order to keep or make the place Capitalist. There are many other ways America turned places Capitalist , but overthrowing another nation's government isn't always what should be done. When you take away another nation's government you take away their properties and sometimes even their freedom and there is no one to lead the country. Again it all depends on the government and the situation, if the government is bad or trying to take over the world then sure we should overthrow governments.

Jessica
No I do not think its right because everyone needs their government. I look at it this way: if they didn't do anything to you then why do it to them.your taking away something that they need and something that they love for. If you really feel that yourself or anyone else needs help or in danger then do what you have to do. All i got to say is do the right thing!

Mar
A right time to over through a government would be if they are being completely unfair to all of the people living there, and not giving them any freedom at all. If the government is taking away no only their civil right but their human rights as well (you know like treating them like animals). That and if the government is killing its own people for pleasure.

Andrew
It is right to do that because what if they are trying to tack over our country. Or not only that, If they have something we need we will try to take over there place. But at one point it is not good because it can lead up to a war. If that happens we can maybe have another world war. Maybe not only that maybe a big war. Well not a as big as a world war but close to something like that. so in some ways it is a good thing but some other times it is bad.

Arely:
It's not right to overthrow another government because we don't know how powerful they or they got on you. Also they mite end up over throwing are government. As we think we can over power them they mite be ready for all we know. If they overthrow us there gonna end up getting us bad because we ruined their life. We should be seeing if they have anything important that they would lone.

Martin:
It is sometimes okay to overthrow another nations government. It is sometimes okay because they might do something to other nations that they don't like. At the same time it is not okay because that nation chose the government and they like what he or she is doing. If they are going to overthrow another nation's government they should do it when the government did something to their nation.

Seth
It's wrong to kill someone's president. They might not be good but its worse to kill them. Those are the worst people. You don't want them to kill your president. Its just not right. There are other ways you could do than that. There is no solution to that.

Nathaniel
Depending on the how the goverment will affect the nations and espeicially our nation, I would say it would be alright to over through them.Yes it'll make them very upset on how their was changed struggle after struggle for the rights they fought for.If I was ever going to over throw a country,I would at least give them some of their rights of religion.

Angela
I think it is not right to over throw another nations government especially when that nations people have voted for him. However there are certain times in which there is no other choice for instance when they pose as a major threat to another nations security but even then it has to be well though of before its done because a nation has to think about the consequences because im sure that if another nation tried taking over their country they would fight back.The Cold War is a great example of that because they tried taking over each others nations and they went through allot of other countries to do so.

Political Report Card

CHOOSE TWO OF THE FOLLOWING PRESIDENTS AND CREATE YOUR REPORT CARD
Truman
Eisenhower
Kennedy
Johnson
Nixon
Ford
Carter
Reagan
Bush

YOUR REPORT CARD MUST INCLUDE AT LEAST THREE OF THE FOLLOWING:

• How each president handled freedom and safety
• How each president handled the military, including the various wars
• Technology innovations that occurred with both presidents
• Each president's ability to communicate
• Issues with the CIA and the FBI
• Issues connected to the Arms Race and nuclear development
• Minority / Civil Rights
• Ability to handle conflict with the Soviet Union
• How they handled money
  
• YOU MAY ALSO USE ANY OTHER ISSUES YOU BRAINSTORMED (OR OUR CLASS BRAINSTORMED) YESTERDAY
  

group discussion

You have learned about specific examples of what America did during the Cold War. These include the War in Vietnam, the Korean War, the Bay of Pigs, helping Afghanistan fight Russia, putting a dictator in Iran (which later backfired), spying on citizens to ensure safety. This also includes the Truman Doctrine and the way we gave money to poor nations so they would not support the communists.

Based upon all these examples, choose three of them and relate it to the War on Terror. What could Obama learn from these past examples as he begins his presidency?

Superheroes in Training

Quarter 3

Individual Student Sites

Wikis 
Bill of Rights (small group)
Our Bill of Rights (small group)
Rights: School and Public (small group)

Blogs
World War I Blog 
World War I Blog 
Immigration Blog
Stephany's Art Blog
Nazis vs. Humanity
Issues in Society
Facing the Issues
The Failing Economy

Websites
My Life: Stephanie (an individual student sample)
My Life: Aly (individual student)
My Life: Jessica
Borman Website (a small group project)

Palestinian-Israeli Conflict Resolution
Example #1
Example #2
Example #3
Example #4
Example #5
Example #6
Example #7

Access all articles in Chronological Order