Case 1: Ronald McDonald vs. State of Arizona
On July 17th, 2004, Ronald McDonald was arrested for possession of marijuana. It seemed that he was trying to add some extra special to his “special sauce.” Before police can say his Miranda rights, he says, “Where I come from, in Hamburgurland, that stuff is legal. My crime-loving friend, the Hamburglar, asked me to keep it in my car for him.”
The next day, police visit Ronald’s house, but he is not there. However, his roommate, Grimace, invites them in for a Big Mac and a cup of coffee. After an hour, one police officer asks to use the restroom and sees a deflated balloon in Ronald’s bedroom. After looking into it, they realize that it is Jack, the founder of Jack in the Box. The police then obtain a warrant to search Ronald’s car, using the crime he committed of possession. There they find the butter knife that Ronald McDonald used to pop Jack’s head. They immediately interview Ronald, who is still in jail. He confesses before anyone explains that he has a right to an attorney.
Ronald claims that he is not guilty of murder. He accidentally popped Jack’s head in order to save his life. Because of the Phoenix heat, Jack’s head was expanding and about to explode. Ronald thought he could create a slow leak that would let it deflate enough to save his life. Police claim Ronald murdered Jack, because he was jealous of Jack’s recent popularity and his fresh-ingredient approach to hamburgers. The trial was quick, with the result that Ronald was found guilty of first degree murder and sentenced to being French fried in hot oil and served with a supersized Coke.
Questions to Discuss
-What rights did the police violate?
-Was there enough evidence to put Ronald McDonald on trial?
Friday, February 29, 2008
case #2 - Buggs Bunny
Case 2: Bugs Bunny vs. United States
Buggs Bunny, a popular cartoon figure, decided to drop an anvil on Daffy Duck. The anvil slammed Daffy into the ground, from the top of a cliff leading to a horrific death. Police arrived, explained Mr. Bunny’s Miranda rights and began questioning him without an attorney. Buggs confessed to the crime and was set for trial. During the trial, the prosecuting attorney demanded that Mr. Bunny testify about the crime. Due to pressure from Daffy Duck’s family, three jury members quit before the end of the trial. So instead they found three new jury members. The ones who quit admitted that they would have found Bugs Bunny not-guilty. Finally, he was found guilty of first-degree murder and was sentenced to the death penalty by the gas chamber.
Questions to Discuss
-What rights did the court violate?
-Should Buggs still receive he death penalty?
Buggs Bunny, a popular cartoon figure, decided to drop an anvil on Daffy Duck. The anvil slammed Daffy into the ground, from the top of a cliff leading to a horrific death. Police arrived, explained Mr. Bunny’s Miranda rights and began questioning him without an attorney. Buggs confessed to the crime and was set for trial. During the trial, the prosecuting attorney demanded that Mr. Bunny testify about the crime. Due to pressure from Daffy Duck’s family, three jury members quit before the end of the trial. So instead they found three new jury members. The ones who quit admitted that they would have found Bugs Bunny not-guilty. Finally, he was found guilty of first-degree murder and was sentenced to the death penalty by the gas chamber.
Questions to Discuss
-What rights did the court violate?
-Should Buggs still receive he death penalty?
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Multimedia Me: My Life
by Stephanie M
This is a website that is all about my life. My goal was to see my life through the lens of every social studies method (social, political, etc.)
This is a website that is all about my life. My goal was to see my life through the lens of every social studies method (social, political, etc.)
Hanging
Hanging
Until the 1890s, hanging was the primary method of execution used in the United States. Hanging is still used in Delaware and Washington, although both have lethal injection as an alternative method of execution.
For execution by this method, the inmate may be weighed the day before the execution, and a rehearsal is done using a sandbag of the same weight as the prisoner. This is to determine the length of 'drop' necessary to ensure a quick death. If the rope is too long, the inmate could be decapitated, and if it is too short, the strangulation could take as long as 45 minutes. The rope, which should be 3/4-inch to 1 1/4-inch in diameter, must be boiled and stretched to eliminate spring or coiling. The knot should be lubricated with wax or soap "to ensure a smooth sliding action," according to the 1969 U.S. Army manual. (The Corrections Professional, 1996 and Hillman, 1992)
Immediately before the execution, the prisoner's hands and legs are secured, he or she is blindfolded, and the noose is placed around the neck, with the knot behind the left ear. The execution takes place when a trap-door is opened and the prisoner falls through. The prisoner's weight should cause a rapid fracture-dislocation of the neck. However, instantaneous death rarely occurs. (Weisberg, 1991)
If the inmate has strong neck muscles, is very light, if the 'drop' is too short, or the noose has been wrongly positioned, the fracture-dislocation is not rapid and death results from slow asphyxiation. If this occurs the face becomes engorged, the tongue protrudes, the eyes pop, the body defecates, and violent movements of the limbs occur. (The Corrections Professional, 1996 and Weisberg, 1991)
1. Do you agree with this method of the death penalty?
2. How does the person die in this method? Is that a cruel way to die or does the criminal deserve to die like that?
3. Does qualify as “cruel and unusual punishment?”
Until the 1890s, hanging was the primary method of execution used in the United States. Hanging is still used in Delaware and Washington, although both have lethal injection as an alternative method of execution.
For execution by this method, the inmate may be weighed the day before the execution, and a rehearsal is done using a sandbag of the same weight as the prisoner. This is to determine the length of 'drop' necessary to ensure a quick death. If the rope is too long, the inmate could be decapitated, and if it is too short, the strangulation could take as long as 45 minutes. The rope, which should be 3/4-inch to 1 1/4-inch in diameter, must be boiled and stretched to eliminate spring or coiling. The knot should be lubricated with wax or soap "to ensure a smooth sliding action," according to the 1969 U.S. Army manual. (The Corrections Professional, 1996 and Hillman, 1992)
Immediately before the execution, the prisoner's hands and legs are secured, he or she is blindfolded, and the noose is placed around the neck, with the knot behind the left ear. The execution takes place when a trap-door is opened and the prisoner falls through. The prisoner's weight should cause a rapid fracture-dislocation of the neck. However, instantaneous death rarely occurs. (Weisberg, 1991)
If the inmate has strong neck muscles, is very light, if the 'drop' is too short, or the noose has been wrongly positioned, the fracture-dislocation is not rapid and death results from slow asphyxiation. If this occurs the face becomes engorged, the tongue protrudes, the eyes pop, the body defecates, and violent movements of the limbs occur. (The Corrections Professional, 1996 and Weisberg, 1991)
1. Do you agree with this method of the death penalty?
2. How does the person die in this method? Is that a cruel way to die or does the criminal deserve to die like that?
3. Does qualify as “cruel and unusual punishment?”
Electric Chair
Seeking a more humane method of execution than hanging, New York built the first electric chair in 1888 and executed William Kemmler in 1890. Soon, other states adopted this execution method. Today, electrocution is used as the sole method of execution only in Nebraska.
For execution by the electric chair, the person is usually shaved and strapped to a chair with belts that cross his chest, groin, legs, and arms. A metal skullcap-shaped electrode is attached to the scalp and forehead over a sponge moistened with saline. The sponge must not be too wet or the saline short-circuits the electric current, and not too dry, as it would then have a very high resistance. An additional electrode is moistened with conductive jelly (Electro-Creme) and attached to a portion of the prisoner's leg that has been shaved to reduce resistance to electricity. The prisoner is then blindfolded. (Hillman, 1992 and Weisberg, 1991)
After the execution team has withdrawn to the observation room, the warden signals the executioner, who pulls a handle to connect the power supply. A jolt of between 500 and 2000 volts, which lasts for about 30 seconds, is given. The current surges and is then turned off, at which time the body is seen to relax. The doctors wait a few seconds for the body to cool down and then check to see if the inmate's heart is still beating. If it is, another jolt is applied. This process continues until the prisoner is dead. The prisoner's hands often grip the chair and there may be violent movement of the limbs which can result in dislocation or fractures. The tissues swell. Defecation occurs. Steam or smoke rises and there is a smell of burning. (Hillman, 1992 and Weisberg, 1991)
U.S. Supreme Court Justice William Brennan once offered the following description of an execution by electric chair:
...the prisoner's eyeballs sometimes pop out and rest on [his] cheeks. The prisoner often defecates, urinates, and vomits blood and drool. The body turns bright red as its temperature rises, and the prisoner's flesh swells and his skin stretches to the point of breaking. Sometimes the prisoner catches fire....Witnesses hear a loud and sustained sound like bacon frying, and the sickly sweet smell of burning flesh permeates the chamber. (Ecenbarger, 1994)
At postmortem, the body is hot enough to blister if touched, and the autopsy is delayed while the internal organs cool. There are third degree burns with blackening where the electrodes met the skin of the scalp and legs. According to Robert H. Kirschner, the deputy chief medical examiner of Cook County, "The brain appears cooked in most cases." (Weisberg, 1991)
1. Do you agree with this method of the death penalty?
2. How does the person die in this method? Is that a cruel way to die or does the criminal deserve to die like that?
3. Does qualify as “cruel and unusual punishment?”
For execution by the electric chair, the person is usually shaved and strapped to a chair with belts that cross his chest, groin, legs, and arms. A metal skullcap-shaped electrode is attached to the scalp and forehead over a sponge moistened with saline. The sponge must not be too wet or the saline short-circuits the electric current, and not too dry, as it would then have a very high resistance. An additional electrode is moistened with conductive jelly (Electro-Creme) and attached to a portion of the prisoner's leg that has been shaved to reduce resistance to electricity. The prisoner is then blindfolded. (Hillman, 1992 and Weisberg, 1991)
After the execution team has withdrawn to the observation room, the warden signals the executioner, who pulls a handle to connect the power supply. A jolt of between 500 and 2000 volts, which lasts for about 30 seconds, is given. The current surges and is then turned off, at which time the body is seen to relax. The doctors wait a few seconds for the body to cool down and then check to see if the inmate's heart is still beating. If it is, another jolt is applied. This process continues until the prisoner is dead. The prisoner's hands often grip the chair and there may be violent movement of the limbs which can result in dislocation or fractures. The tissues swell. Defecation occurs. Steam or smoke rises and there is a smell of burning. (Hillman, 1992 and Weisberg, 1991)
U.S. Supreme Court Justice William Brennan once offered the following description of an execution by electric chair:
...the prisoner's eyeballs sometimes pop out and rest on [his] cheeks. The prisoner often defecates, urinates, and vomits blood and drool. The body turns bright red as its temperature rises, and the prisoner's flesh swells and his skin stretches to the point of breaking. Sometimes the prisoner catches fire....Witnesses hear a loud and sustained sound like bacon frying, and the sickly sweet smell of burning flesh permeates the chamber. (Ecenbarger, 1994)
At postmortem, the body is hot enough to blister if touched, and the autopsy is delayed while the internal organs cool. There are third degree burns with blackening where the electrodes met the skin of the scalp and legs. According to Robert H. Kirschner, the deputy chief medical examiner of Cook County, "The brain appears cooked in most cases." (Weisberg, 1991)
1. Do you agree with this method of the death penalty?
2. How does the person die in this method? Is that a cruel way to die or does the criminal deserve to die like that?
3. Does qualify as “cruel and unusual punishment?”
Gas Chamber
In 1924, the use of cyanide gas was introduced as Nevada sought a more humane way of executing its inmates. Gee Jon was the first person executed by lethal gas. The state tried to pump cyanide gas into Jon's cell while he slept. This proved impossible because the gas leaked from his cell, so the gas chamber was constructed. (Bohm, 1999) Today, five states authorize lethal gas as a method of execution, but all have lethal injection as an alternative method. A federal court in California found this method to be cruel and unusual punishment.
For execution by this method, the condemned person is strapped to a chair in an airtight chamber. Below the chair rests a pail of sulfuric acid. A long stethoscope is typically affixed to the inmate so that a doctor outside the chamber can pronounce death. Once everyone has left the chamber, the room is sealed. The warden then gives a signal to the executioner who flicks a lever that releases crystals of sodium cyanide into the pail. This causes a chemical reaction that releases hydrogen cyanide gas. (Weisberg, 1991)
The prisoner is instructed to breathe deeply to speed up the process. Most prisoners, however, try to hold their breath, and some struggle. The inmate does not lose consciousness immediately. According to former San Quenton, California, Penitentiary warden, Clifton Duffy, "At first there is evidence of extreme horror, pain, and strangling. The eyes pop. The skin turns purple and the victim begins to drool." (Weisberg, 1991)
Caryl Chessman, before he died in California's gas chamber in 1960 told reporters that he would nod his head if it hurt. Witnesses said he nodded his head for several minutes. (Ecenbarger, 1994) According to Dr. Richard Traystman of John Hopkins University School of Medicine, "The person is unquestionably experiencing pain and extreme anxiety...The sensation is similar to the pain felt by a person during a heart attack, where essentially the heart is being deprived of oxygen." The inmate dies from hypoxia, the cutting-off of oxygen to the brain. (Weisberg, 1991)
After death, an exhaust fan sucks the poison air out of the chamber, and the corpse is sprayed with ammonia to neutralize any remaining traces of cyanide. About a half an hour later, oderlies enter the chamber, wearing gas masks and rubber gloves. Their training manual advises them to ruffle the victim's hair to release any trapped cyanide gas before removing the deceased. (Weisberg, 1991)
1. Do you agree with this method of the death penalty?
2. How does the person die in this method? Is that a cruel way to die or does the criminal deserve to die like that?
3. Does qualify as “cruel and unusual punishment?”
For execution by this method, the condemned person is strapped to a chair in an airtight chamber. Below the chair rests a pail of sulfuric acid. A long stethoscope is typically affixed to the inmate so that a doctor outside the chamber can pronounce death. Once everyone has left the chamber, the room is sealed. The warden then gives a signal to the executioner who flicks a lever that releases crystals of sodium cyanide into the pail. This causes a chemical reaction that releases hydrogen cyanide gas. (Weisberg, 1991)
The prisoner is instructed to breathe deeply to speed up the process. Most prisoners, however, try to hold their breath, and some struggle. The inmate does not lose consciousness immediately. According to former San Quenton, California, Penitentiary warden, Clifton Duffy, "At first there is evidence of extreme horror, pain, and strangling. The eyes pop. The skin turns purple and the victim begins to drool." (Weisberg, 1991)
Caryl Chessman, before he died in California's gas chamber in 1960 told reporters that he would nod his head if it hurt. Witnesses said he nodded his head for several minutes. (Ecenbarger, 1994) According to Dr. Richard Traystman of John Hopkins University School of Medicine, "The person is unquestionably experiencing pain and extreme anxiety...The sensation is similar to the pain felt by a person during a heart attack, where essentially the heart is being deprived of oxygen." The inmate dies from hypoxia, the cutting-off of oxygen to the brain. (Weisberg, 1991)
After death, an exhaust fan sucks the poison air out of the chamber, and the corpse is sprayed with ammonia to neutralize any remaining traces of cyanide. About a half an hour later, oderlies enter the chamber, wearing gas masks and rubber gloves. Their training manual advises them to ruffle the victim's hair to release any trapped cyanide gas before removing the deceased. (Weisberg, 1991)
1. Do you agree with this method of the death penalty?
2. How does the person die in this method? Is that a cruel way to die or does the criminal deserve to die like that?
3. Does qualify as “cruel and unusual punishment?”
Lethal Injection
In 1977, Oklahoma became the first state to adopt lethal injection as a means of execution, though it would be five more years until Charles Brooks would become the first person executed by lethal injection in Texas on December 2, 1982. Today, 37 of the 38 states that have the death penalty use this method.
When this method is used, the condemned person is usually bound to a gurney and a member of the execution team positions several heart monitors on this skin. Two needles (one is a back-up) are then inserted into usable veins, usually in the inmates arms. Long tubes connect the needle through a hole in a cement block wall to several intravenous drips. The first is a harmless saline solution that is started immediately. Then, at the warden's signal, a curtain is raised exposing the inmate to the witnesses in an adjoining room. Then, the inmate is injected with sodium thiopental - an anesthetic, which puts the inmate to sleep. Next flows pavulon or pancuronium bromide, which paralyzes the entire muscle system and stops the inmate's breathing. Finally, the flow of potassium chloride stops the heart. Death results from anesthetic overdose and respiratory and cardiac arrest while the condemned person is unconscious. (Ecenbarger, 1994 and Weisberg, 1991)
Medical ethics preclude doctors from participating in executions. However, a doctor will certify the inmate is dead. This lack of medical participation can be problematic because often injections are performed by inexperienced technicians or orderlies. If a member of the execution team injects the drugs into a muscle instead of a vein, or if the needle becomes clogged, extreme pain can result. Many prisoners have damaged veins resulting from intravenous drug use and it is sometimes difficult to find a usable vein, resulting in long delays while the inmate remains strapped to the gurney. (Ecenbarger, 1994 and Weisberg, 1991)
1. Do you agree with this method of the death penalty?
2. How does the person die in this method? Is that a cruel way to die or does the criminal deserve to die like that?
3. Does qualify as “cruel and unusual punishment?”
When this method is used, the condemned person is usually bound to a gurney and a member of the execution team positions several heart monitors on this skin. Two needles (one is a back-up) are then inserted into usable veins, usually in the inmates arms. Long tubes connect the needle through a hole in a cement block wall to several intravenous drips. The first is a harmless saline solution that is started immediately. Then, at the warden's signal, a curtain is raised exposing the inmate to the witnesses in an adjoining room. Then, the inmate is injected with sodium thiopental - an anesthetic, which puts the inmate to sleep. Next flows pavulon or pancuronium bromide, which paralyzes the entire muscle system and stops the inmate's breathing. Finally, the flow of potassium chloride stops the heart. Death results from anesthetic overdose and respiratory and cardiac arrest while the condemned person is unconscious. (Ecenbarger, 1994 and Weisberg, 1991)
Medical ethics preclude doctors from participating in executions. However, a doctor will certify the inmate is dead. This lack of medical participation can be problematic because often injections are performed by inexperienced technicians or orderlies. If a member of the execution team injects the drugs into a muscle instead of a vein, or if the needle becomes clogged, extreme pain can result. Many prisoners have damaged veins resulting from intravenous drug use and it is sometimes difficult to find a usable vein, resulting in long delays while the inmate remains strapped to the gurney. (Ecenbarger, 1994 and Weisberg, 1991)
1. Do you agree with this method of the death penalty?
2. How does the person die in this method? Is that a cruel way to die or does the criminal deserve to die like that?
3. Does qualify as “cruel and unusual punishment?”
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Why us?
Why did it have to be us?
The ones that had to be deported
Why not other people
We just came to get a better life
now we're back to our old miserable life
Why us?
and not the people that come to be drug dealers
they come to do illegal things
and we come for a better life
so we did we have to be deported and not them
why us?
The Border
From Anonymous Voice Blog
Why is it there?
People wonder that
it separates different races
people still try to get across
they do this to get a better life
a lot of them try
but only some succeed
and the rest are sent back
or some never return
so why is it there?
Why is it there?
People wonder that
it separates different races
people still try to get across
they do this to get a better life
a lot of them try
but only some succeed
and the rest are sent back
or some never return
so why is it there?
Steroid Use in Baseball
steroid use in baseball - From Anonymous Voice Blog
The report that you are going to read today is about steroids in the history of baseball. This drug does help the athletes but it can also injure them in their life. This situation has been around for years,and for years to come. Many athletes ruin their sports career trying to get all strong and muscular for all the ladies to want them I'm guessing. This situation has been trying to be stopped for generations, and people will try and stop it for generations to come. It's unbelievable how many athletes are willing to risk their career and their life just to improve their game in sports.
The first athlete that I am going to make an example of is the home run king Barry Bonds. He has been around the the game of baseball for many years now. He is a baseball player right now and his father was a baseball player back in his time. He just recently broke the all time home run record that was held for so long by Hank Aaron one of the first black baseball players to break a record in his career! After he had broken the record he was accused of using enhancing steroids. This was not the first time he was accused of enhancing steroids he was accused a while back in his career but no one really paid attention to that after a while because he was never proven innocent or guilty. Until this day Barry Bonds' ticket to the Hall of Fame is in danger!
The second player that I will use as an example is Mark McGuire. In case you don't know who that is he was a player for St.Louis Cardinals, as a matter of fact he was their leading home run hitter! He is in the top ten when it comes to home runs. He was also accused of using enhancing pills for improvement in his baseball game! People say that he should be stripped from all of his career titles. He does have a lot of accomplishments in his career but thanks to him using the enhancing pills all those are at risk of being taken away.
Barry Bonds and Mark McGuire are not the only baseball players to take these pills. Sammy Sosa was also accused of being a steroid abuser. He also is in the top ten of the all time home run hitters in the M.L.B. (Major League Baseball). Sammy Sosa is the all-time home run hitter for the Chicago Cubs,but now plays for the Baltimore Orioles. He did retire for a season because he was accused of steroids enhancing. People also say that he should be stripped of all his home run that he has hit through out his career.
Baseball is not the only sport that has players enhancing steroids into themselves, but so far it is the sport that has had the most in their league. So many players have been kicked out of their career because of this situation. Some people have no clue why people bother to use these dangerous drugs. But they do it anyway no matter what they are told for some reason they just won't listen!
Book Review: Among the Free
book review: Among the Free - from Anonymous Voice Blog
A review of "Among the Free"
How is Among the Free like the Holocaust ? Can it become our future?
Stopped dead in your tracks as you hear the loud banging of the door followed by a horrible sound of scary men who call themselves population police. Once you hear that chills run down your spin as you go into hiding. At the same time you family is trying to erase any evidence that you were there. You crouch down in a small space in the dusty attic. So many thoughts are racing through you mind as you hope you don't get caught, you pray that they don't find you. At a long inspection they finally leave and you are free to come out of hiding.
As horrible as that sounds this is a usual procedure for Margret Patterson Haddix's characters in her book Among the free ( from the series shadow children). The Shadow Children series is a futuristic based book about a society where the government only allows two kids per family due to droughts and famines. In the book Luke Garners is a twelve year old boy has never experienced life outside of his house because he is a third child. Now after getting a fake ID and posing as Lee Grant he is going to risk his life to take down the population police. After reading this series question popped up in my mind. Is Among the free like the Holocaust? Could this eventually become our future?
Like the Holocaust , many people were killed in Among the free. Innocent people died because they were born 3rd. In the book they would hire what they call population police to get rid of [kill] 3rd children. Population police were so big they could have been considered an army. The Population Police were equivalent to the Nazi. They killed and controlled Innocents. That would mean the third children were equivalent to the Jewish back during the holocaust.
Among the free is a very powerful book. In my opinion the whole series is addicting, but as good as it is what would it be like if it became reality? With the way things our going in America, I'm honestly afraid of our future. Droughts and famines were the reason for this incredibly insane law for less population. People got this crazy idea that third children were the reason. Although the population is getting bigger I don't see a better reason to destroy a human bean. Even with the crazy accusations of this fictional book, could people ( presidents mainly) be inspired by this. Possibly even think is is a great idea?
Could this possibly be our future? Could America be taken over in these preposterous thoughts? Could Among the free and another holocaust become our future? Could we those millions and lose our freedom? Just the thought scares me out of my wits. I guess we will just have to see what the future holds for us!
-Antonese Robertson
Eva Peron: the History of a Hero
Eva Peron: the History of a Hero
On May 1919, Argentina became the home of what became a hero, her name Eva Maria Duarte AKA Evita Peron. Growing up very poorly with five more siblings and no dad Eva had to live in a one room shack and work in kitchens of rich houses instead of going to school. After turning 16 she moved to Buenos Aires, and filmed a few movies and worked at a radio station.
In 1945 Eva met the Minister of War, Juan Peron. In less than a year they were married and she helped him run for presidency. To their surprise they won. As the first lady, Eva started her own foundation and made many schools and hospitals. She also helped women with their education and workers that were being exploded. Soon Eva had made many friends and enemies, because she embraced her poverty and became to many the first women politician even though she was only the president's wife.
Her worst enemies were the rich people in Argentina. They hated her because she didn't like them and did everything to put them down. When the oldest charity in Argentina didn't invite her to be the president, she cut all of the money they received from the government, shut them down and started her own foundation.
Eva's political life was short. She was diagnosed with cancer in 1950 and she knew she was going to die. Since she was so loved by people in Argentina she did one last thing before giving up. She ordered some workers to build her something that would hold her standing up so she could seem like she was fine and they did. When she finally felt ready she used her biggest coat and covered her whole body so people wouldn't see what she was hiding. She went out on the streets and waved at everyone.
The very next year on July Evita died. The whole country was devastated and so was her husband. Up to this day everyone remembers her and that's what makes her a hero. She came from the lowest and embraced her poverty becoming the first lady of Argentina, to many the first woman politician and most important of all Evita.
Underground Railroad
Underground Railroad: Road to Freedom or Death?
I'm writing this are to explain how the underground rail road started, why, when and how it was like. My sources were only books.
You may be wondering what the under ground rail road is, well it is the term given to slaves escape routes.It helped runaway slaves to reach safety of the northern or in Canada. Slavery was illegal in Canada. The rail road routes led from the south to the north. (Although they were not really railroads at all, but routes where people would go from place to place).
The Underground Railroad sprang up and grew over time as more people helped run away slaves move north. Even though it was illegal, they helped them because they believed that no person should own another person. Although many lucky slaves made it to freedom, other unlucky slaves didn't make it at all. They were often hunted down while trying to escape. They were sometimes beaten and even shot when captured. As another punishment for trying to escape. Slave owners would cut off their fingers, heels or toes.
At the end of the war of 1812, U.S. soldiers spread the word that Canada was a safe place for run away slaves. So some slaves began the long and life threating journey to the North. Many slaves each had their own idea of a good hiding place such as houses,farm's,barn's, cave's secret compartments and even grave yards.
Slaves took directions from the north star and moss that grew on tree trunks. People who helped run away slaves were called Conductors. Conductors had secret codes that helped slaves get to their destination safely; like quilts and stones the tapping of stones meant for slaves that it wasn't safe to come out at the moment. A bear claw patterned quilt meant for the slaves to follow bear tracks over mountains.
The most famous conductors were Uncle Billy Marshal and Harriet Tubman. It is believed that they helped over 300 run away slaves make it to freedom. Alexander Ross was also a conductors, but even more impressing he was a white doctor with a big heart. He helped many slaves by providing them with supplies and Canada directions.
By the 1860 many states have passed laws for or against of slavery. That same year, Abraham Lincoln was elected as the U.S president. He did not believe in slavery even thought it was legal under the U.S constitution. He thought the federal government had no power to out law slavery. He said each state should decide if it was legal.
The Underground Railroad was a dramatic protest action against slavery. This secret operation was part of a organized abolitionist activity in the 1800's. The story of the under ground rail road includes the many brave slaves determined to reach freedom, as well as the people who helped them. Although there were many routs slaves could take only few from each slave states made it to freedom, the nearest were either were captured or they died of starvation or extreme weather. Slavery started in 1501 and it ended completely in 1865, that's a lot of years that remaining slaves had to put up with. Many say it was worth it, at least they were free for ever.
Photo Credit
Library of Congress
Public Domain
I'm Scared
by SM
I am locked in my room
With my music so loud
That you can't here me cry
I'm scared to leave
That when I leave this room
I will make mistakes
I'm scared to get hurt
I'm scared to cry
I'm scared to feel... like I don't belong
I feel lonely but at the same time safe,
These 4 walls are my only protection
This is my "heaven"
It's my border from "hell"
I'm scared to hear the cracking of my heart
I'm just scared of the outside world
I'm scared that once I leave this room,
I will mess up...
I try and try
I just can wake up and face the disappointments,
the anger and the dangers...
Why is it so hard for me to grow up???
I'm just so scared... of REALITY...
I am locked in my room
With my music so loud
That you can't here me cry
I'm scared to leave
That when I leave this room
I will make mistakes
I'm scared to get hurt
I'm scared to cry
I'm scared to feel... like I don't belong
I feel lonely but at the same time safe,
These 4 walls are my only protection
This is my "heaven"
It's my border from "hell"
I'm scared to hear the cracking of my heart
I'm just scared of the outside world
I'm scared that once I leave this room,
I will mess up...
I try and try
I just can wake up and face the disappointments,
the anger and the dangers...
Why is it so hard for me to grow up???
I'm just so scared... of REALITY...
Alien
by SM
I came from another land,
But people see it as if I came from another planet,
Everything here is different,
People speak in some form of gibberish,
I don't understand it here,
Whats happening,
People say that police... are looking for people like me
But what did I do wrong?? And what are people, like me?
I don't speak there language,
But I promise I will try to learn it....
Where are these men taking us,
All I see I'm my mom crying one tear after another
I'm Scared!!! People are calling me an Alien,
Since when are humans... Aliens??
Why don't they want me here, I promise I don't mean harm
Why can't I stay? Why is me being born in this land, a problem
And since when do people get to decide on my new name being " Alien"???
I came from another land,
But people see it as if I came from another planet,
Everything here is different,
People speak in some form of gibberish,
I don't understand it here,
Whats happening,
People say that police... are looking for people like me
But what did I do wrong?? And what are people, like me?
I don't speak there language,
But I promise I will try to learn it....
Where are these men taking us,
All I see I'm my mom crying one tear after another
I'm Scared!!! People are calling me an Alien,
Since when are humans... Aliens??
Why don't they want me here, I promise I don't mean harm
Why can't I stay? Why is me being born in this land, a problem
And since when do people get to decide on my new name being " Alien"???
Racial Profiling
From our Blog: Anonymous Voice
A big problem in our society right now is racial profiling. You may ask yourself, "what is racial profiling?" Well, racial profiling is when someone makes a judgment about someone else depending on their race. This is something common today. Every race makes a judgment of another race. It happens everywhere.
A police man can make a judgment about someone. For example, a police man is white and he sees a Latino driving. Even though the Latino is driving at the correct speed limit, the cop suddenly makes a judgment or just because he is racist he pulls him over. That is an example of racial profiling and it is realistic. Yet, it does not have to be a white officer and a Latino. It happens with all races.
Racial profiling started decades ago and it still remains common. Back in the 60's racism was more direct. African-Americans suffered more than any other race that lived in America. Whites used to be very cruel to them. People have no right to judge any person just because of the color of their skin.
In the 60's when hippies were new, they got judged, not because of their race or their color of skin, but how they acted, how they dressed, how they thought and how they looked. I think racial profiling doesn't always have to do with race or racism. Racism is judging someone by their color of skin. Hippies were judged, but that does not mean a certain hippie was judged just by his/her color of skin. People from many different races were hippies and considered part of the counter culture.
We can all fall in making a judgment of someone that we don't now deeply. Racial profiling is finally going away, but slowly. We should all think before making a judgment about someone. being racist can produce hate and get rid of peace and love. Finally, racial profiling can happen any where any time and to any one.
A big problem in our society right now is racial profiling. You may ask yourself, "what is racial profiling?" Well, racial profiling is when someone makes a judgment about someone else depending on their race. This is something common today. Every race makes a judgment of another race. It happens everywhere.
A police man can make a judgment about someone. For example, a police man is white and he sees a Latino driving. Even though the Latino is driving at the correct speed limit, the cop suddenly makes a judgment or just because he is racist he pulls him over. That is an example of racial profiling and it is realistic. Yet, it does not have to be a white officer and a Latino. It happens with all races.
Racial profiling started decades ago and it still remains common. Back in the 60's racism was more direct. African-Americans suffered more than any other race that lived in America. Whites used to be very cruel to them. People have no right to judge any person just because of the color of their skin.
In the 60's when hippies were new, they got judged, not because of their race or their color of skin, but how they acted, how they dressed, how they thought and how they looked. I think racial profiling doesn't always have to do with race or racism. Racism is judging someone by their color of skin. Hippies were judged, but that does not mean a certain hippie was judged just by his/her color of skin. People from many different races were hippies and considered part of the counter culture.
We can all fall in making a judgment of someone that we don't now deeply. Racial profiling is finally going away, but slowly. We should all think before making a judgment about someone. being racist can produce hate and get rid of peace and love. Finally, racial profiling can happen any where any time and to any one.
Child Abuse: A Poem
by SM
What did I do,
(To make you so mad)
When you swipe your hand across my face,
Does it make you feel any better?
Am I in the wrong time and place?
When I fall against the dirt,
How bad do you want it to hurt?
Who am I suppose to be to you?
I thought we had to be our selves
But I finally got the clue...
But am I really that bad??
Just answer me this...
What did I do to make you so mad???
What did I do,
(To make you so mad)
When you swipe your hand across my face,
Does it make you feel any better?
Am I in the wrong time and place?
When I fall against the dirt,
How bad do you want it to hurt?
Who am I suppose to be to you?
I thought we had to be our selves
But I finally got the clue...
But am I really that bad??
Just answer me this...
What did I do to make you so mad???
Monday, February 25, 2008
Multimedia Me: About Me
by Ally
I created a website that is all about what I want to do with my life, where I have been in my life and how I am viewing my world.
I created a website that is all about what I want to do with my life, where I have been in my life and how I am viewing my world.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Freedom of Religion
A City Hall has the Ten Commandments inside of their courthouse. People sue, saying that this is establishing religion. They claim that it's wrong to promote one religion over all others. The court claims that all people believe in right and wrong and that the Ten Commandments are what we base our laws upon.
Did this violate their freedom of religion?
Did this violate their freedom of religion?
Free Speech Case #4
A television program creates a spoof making fun of the president. In this sketch, they make up lies about him and mock his authority. The government sues, claiming that it was slander and that it is not protected by the first amendment.
Did this violate the freedom of speech?
Did this violate the freedom of the press?
Did this violate the freedom of speech?
Did this violate the freedom of the press?
Free Speech Case #4
A television program creates a spoof making fun of the president. In this sketch, they make up lies about him and mock his authority. The government sues, claiming that it was slander and that it is not protected by the first amendment.
Did this violate the freedom of speech?
Did this violate the freedom of the press?
Did this violate the freedom of speech?
Did this violate the freedom of the press?
Free Speech Case #3
In 1989, a man burned a flag in front of the Republican National Convention. He was arrested for "un-American" activities. He sued, claiming that it was his freedom of symbolic speech. He claimed that he had every right to burn a flag in protest.
Was this a violation of freedom of speech?
Was this a violation of freedom of speech?
Freedom of Assembly
A group of KKK members decide that they will march in an all-Jewish neighborhood with signs promoting the creation of a new Holocaust. The city refuses to let them march and they sue.
Did this violate their freedom of assembly?
Did this violate their freedom of assembly?
Free Speech Case #2
The Supreme Court was first requested to strike down a law violating the free speech clause in 1919. The case involved Charles Schenck, who had during the war published leaflets challenging the draft system then in effect. The Supreme Court unanimously upheld Schenck's conviction for violating the Espionage Act when it decided Schenck v. United States, 249 U.S. 47 (1919).
Did this violate his first amendment freedom of the press?
Did this violate his first amendment freedom of the press?
Free Speech Case #2
The Supreme Court was first requested to strike down a law violating the free speech clause in 1919. The case involved Charles Schenck, who had during the war published leaflets challenging the draft system then in effect. The Supreme Court unanimously upheld Schenck's conviction for violating the Espionage Act when it decided Schenck v. United States, 249 U.S. 47 (1919).
Did this violate his first amendment freedom of the press?
Did this violate his first amendment freedom of the press?
Free Speech Case #1
John and Mary Beth Tinker, aged 13 and 16 respectively, attended public school in Des Moines, Iowa. In December, 1965, they and their parents attended a meeting to discuss ways of protesting the Vietnam War. The group decided to publicly wear black armbands as a symbol of their protest.
When the school principals heard about the decision at the meeting, they passed a rule that prohibited the wearing of an armband in school; those who would refuse to remove an armband would be suspended from school until it was removed. The principals stated that they hoped that this rule would prevent any disorder.
The Tinkers, aware of the new rule, wore their armbands to school. During the day no classes were disorderly and school went on as usual. Before the end of the day, however, the Tinkers went home because the school principal suspended them until they would remove the armbands. Their parents disagreed with the school's rule and actions, and took the case to court. Eventually, the case reached the U.S. Supreme Court.
Was this a violation of free speech? Why or why not?
Thursday, February 21, 2008
unravelling
by DV
inside my mind i
run like a fugitive
being chased by something
my heart is pounding
as if to jump out of my chest
My throat is dry
withering inside
for no single one
and to no one else
this is my time...
Unraveling, the pain
Unraveling, my heart
Unraveling shadows
stiffling my breath,
I reach for beyond
tearing through the dark
In fighting
and
in love
to the distant light above
I'll keep moving on.
inside my mind i
run like a fugitive
being chased by something
my heart is pounding
as if to jump out of my chest
My throat is dry
withering inside
for no single one
and to no one else
this is my time...
Unraveling, the pain
Unraveling, my heart
Unraveling shadows
stiffling my breath,
I reach for beyond
tearing through the dark
In fighting
and
in love
to the distant light above
I'll keep moving on.
road to freedom or death????
by I.F.
I'm writing this are to explain how the underground rail road started, why, when and how it was like. My sources were only books.
You may be wondering what the under ground rail road is, well it is the term given to slaves escape routes.It helped runaway slaves to reach safety of the northern or in Canada.Slavery was illegal in Canada. The rail road routes led from the south to the north. The under ground Rail Road sprang up and grew over time as more people helped run away slaves move north,even though it was illegal, they helped them because they believed that no person should own another person. Although many lucky slaves made it to freedom, other unlucky slaves didn't, they were often hunted down while trying to escape. They were sometimes beaten and even shot when captured. As another punishment for trying to escape. Slave owners would cut off their fingers, heels or toes.
At the end of the war of 1812, u.s soldiers spread the word that Canada was a safe place for run away slaves. So some slaves began the long and life threating journey to the North. Many slaves each had their own Idea of a good hiding place such as houses,farm's,barn's, cave's secret compartments and even grave yards. Slaves took directions from the north star and moss that grew on tree trunks. People who helped run away slaves were called Conductors. Conductors had secret codes that helped slaves get to their destination safely. Like quilts and stones the tapping of stones meant for slaves that it wasn't safe to come out at the moment. A bear claw patterned quilt meant for the slaves to follow bear tracks over mountains.
The most famous conductors were Uncle Billy Marshal and Harriet Tubman. It is Believe that they helped over 300 run away slaves make it to freedom. Alexander Ross was also a conductors, but even more impressing he was a white doctor with a big heart. He helped many slaves by providing them with supplies and Canada directions. By the 1860 many states have passed laws for or against of slavery. That same year, Abraham Lincoln was elected as the U.S president. He did not believe in slavery even thought it was legal under the U.S constitution. He thought the federal government had no power to out law slavery. He said each state should decide if it was legal.
The Underground Rail road was a dramatic protest action against slavery. This secret operation was part of a organized abolitionist activity in the 1800's. The story of the under ground rail road includes the many brave slaves determined to reach freedom, as well as the people who helped them. Although there were many routs slaves could take only few from each slave states made it to freedom, the nearest were either were captured or they died of starvation or extreme weather. Slavery Started in 1501 and it ended completely in 1865, that's a lot of years that remaining slaves had to put up with. Many say it was worth it, at least they were free for ever.
I'm writing this are to explain how the underground rail road started, why, when and how it was like. My sources were only books.
You may be wondering what the under ground rail road is, well it is the term given to slaves escape routes.It helped runaway slaves to reach safety of the northern or in Canada.Slavery was illegal in Canada. The rail road routes led from the south to the north. The under ground Rail Road sprang up and grew over time as more people helped run away slaves move north,even though it was illegal, they helped them because they believed that no person should own another person. Although many lucky slaves made it to freedom, other unlucky slaves didn't, they were often hunted down while trying to escape. They were sometimes beaten and even shot when captured. As another punishment for trying to escape. Slave owners would cut off their fingers, heels or toes.
At the end of the war of 1812, u.s soldiers spread the word that Canada was a safe place for run away slaves. So some slaves began the long and life threating journey to the North. Many slaves each had their own Idea of a good hiding place such as houses,farm's,barn's, cave's secret compartments and even grave yards. Slaves took directions from the north star and moss that grew on tree trunks. People who helped run away slaves were called Conductors. Conductors had secret codes that helped slaves get to their destination safely. Like quilts and stones the tapping of stones meant for slaves that it wasn't safe to come out at the moment. A bear claw patterned quilt meant for the slaves to follow bear tracks over mountains.
The most famous conductors were Uncle Billy Marshal and Harriet Tubman. It is Believe that they helped over 300 run away slaves make it to freedom. Alexander Ross was also a conductors, but even more impressing he was a white doctor with a big heart. He helped many slaves by providing them with supplies and Canada directions. By the 1860 many states have passed laws for or against of slavery. That same year, Abraham Lincoln was elected as the U.S president. He did not believe in slavery even thought it was legal under the U.S constitution. He thought the federal government had no power to out law slavery. He said each state should decide if it was legal.
The Underground Rail road was a dramatic protest action against slavery. This secret operation was part of a organized abolitionist activity in the 1800's. The story of the under ground rail road includes the many brave slaves determined to reach freedom, as well as the people who helped them. Although there were many routs slaves could take only few from each slave states made it to freedom, the nearest were either were captured or they died of starvation or extreme weather. Slavery Started in 1501 and it ended completely in 1865, that's a lot of years that remaining slaves had to put up with. Many say it was worth it, at least they were free for ever.
what is imperialism?
by DV
Did you know that imperialism is all over the world? Imperialism has been on the world since humankind. Then in the past there wasn't so much imperialism. Nowadays you see all kinds of imperialism. There is cultural imperialism, economic imperialism and political imperialism. Compared to the old days, where the imperialism they practiced was dangerous and a leading source of world war, now, the type of imperialism is less dangerous; even if it is still a source of violence. There are others that practice imperialism as they did in the old days. I just hope that their thoughts and drives don't take them to the type of imperialism.
The first type of imperialism is cultural imperialism. Cultural imperialism is when one nation tries to force there culture believes on another country. If the country that they try to force there culture, refuses, then there will be war. Then that war will start world war. The example of Cuba is an example of Cultural imperialism. The Spanish try to put their culture on them. So America st3eped into battle. America said,"Well help you get Spanish out". The Cubans automatically said yes, anything so we can be a free nation. Once America drove the Spanish off Cuba, America said ,"Hey, now you guys have to practice our ways". The Cubans are all alike,"Well we got rid of the Spanish because we don't like to be controlled. We don't think you got the message correctly. Well we helped you get rid of the Spanish so we actually own you. Therefore, Cuba had to practice American ways for a couple of years. Once they had enough forces they drove the American's off. That is one example of cultural imperialism.
The next type of imperialism is economic imperialism. Economic imperialism is when a nation takes over other nations natural resources.A natural resource is natural acuaring material. For Example coal or wood, that can be explaited be people. Like if if some one from Africa or some other nation found out that Africa had goldmines,of course , all the nations would try to take over Africa.They would try to take over Africa just for there money. Wal-mart is one example of economic imperialism. When Wal-mart hears that a little shop is going out of buisness, they buy the little shop and ship merchandise over to sell. Mc Donald's is the leading economic ruler of fast foods. Compared to Burger King and Taco Bell, Mc Donald's won't from the simplest fast food to the highest fast food industries. Mc Donald's now has toy, ads cartoons,comercials and much more other stuff that no other company has.
The last type of Imperialism is political imperialism. Political imperialism is when one nation tries to force their ways of polities on another nation. Let's say that Iran takes over Puerto Rico or Cuba. If Iran likes there ways of politics, so they force Puerto Rico their ways of politics. Political Imperialism is more , like one nation controlling another nation's laws and systems Like if you're nation controls you're friends nation. Well, let's say that you want to pass a law in your country,and it gets approved. If that law gets approved, and you control other nations, well, these nations will have the same laws and political systems. Thats is what Political imperialism is.
There are a lot of people that don't know this but we are all the cause of imperialism. Imperialism is always on people's minds. Some people know that if they are practicing its either for a good thing or a bad thing. Not all types of imperialism are bad. If those types of imperialism were used for selfish thoughts, and will cause other nations to suffer, than I am against imperialism.
The thing is all humans are selfish. Fact is, there is one in a million that are rarely selfish. So as long as man kind is selfish there will always be imperialism amd war. Imperialism will either be used for good or bad causes. It just depends on what that person wants to do with imperialism.
"He who fears being conqued is sure to be defeated."- Nepolean Bonpart
Monday, February 18, 2008
What Is Social Voice?
Social Voice is an online social studies / social issues magazine created by students at Borman Middle School in Mr. Spencer's Social Studies class. Read above to understand our story. Our goal is to share our social voice (both collective and individual) to the world in an ongoing dialogue. As long as people are respectful, we will engage in a global conversation.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
remembering the poor
by JC
Did you know that nearly 25,000 people die every day of hunger or other related causes? One person dies every three and a half seconds. As you can see in the picture below, children are the ones who die most often. They are the victims. We are the only ones that can lend a helping hand.
These kids take the little they have and don´t care whether it smells or looks bad, they just want to survive another day.
Even though there might be enough food for all the world, the problem is that the hungry people don´t have enough money to buy food. With no food they are more likely not to go to work, they become poorer and get more hungry. Until it comes to a horrid ending that involves, "Death." There is still hope some. Have you ever seen on TV or gotten in the mail some information about how to be a sponsor for a small little kid that needs your help in order to survive another day? What do you do about it?Do you just throw it in the trash or do something about it? This is what America and other states should do. Why bother fighting for some dumb reason rather than take care of the people that are really in need? ACT UP!
I would say that each little state should have a good leader.Maybe then will the leader learn that people have opinions too. Wouldn´t you want to have a leader that supports the poor, takes care of the old, someone that helps out schools give a better education for your kids? Half of the world live on less than $2 a day! Do your parents or you get payed 2 dollars a day? I mean working the whole entire day and getting paid only two dollars isn't fair! While other people work 6 hours a day and get payed $150 or more! Sadly that does occur in the daily lives of others. Poverty is not just a little problem, it's a huge problem! The way I look at it is horrible.
I had an experience once not to long ago,a man that looked like he was a homeless, came up to us (me and my dad,we were in the laundry place) and asked my dad for some money, my dad said that he didn´t have any at that time and told him he could have a bedspread that looked fairly new and was in good conditions, but the problem was that the bedspread was in the trash. Someone has thrown it in not too long before he came in.
At first he said no thank you,but then my dad told him it will be great for a place to sleep in!!! He didn´t think about it much. He rapidly took it out and as we watched he folded it and place it in his ¨FOOD CITY¨bag.My dad gave him chips and he greatly appreciated it.He sat down and started eating the chips (My eyes got a bit watery.)Then not to long came the laundry assistant and told him to please get out! He said O.K and thanked my dad then he left....I ran into the laundry´s restroom. I burst out in tears.(I'm the emotional kind) If someone is suffering I can´t help myself and begin to cry.Then my dad began to tell me the reasons why people like them shouldn´t be given money but help...Consider this he said that he would rather give money to a person that can no longer work then a person who just roaming around streets asking for money so when he reaches to an amount he or she can go waste it on beer. SAD!.............
Poverty hasn't change much over the years. It continues to ruin lives daily and they are always in need of our help. And its up for to us to lend them a helping hand. In order to do that we need to donate money to a charity that helps the ones in need. A couple cents a day makes a big difference in their daily life. Don't you like to see little kids happy? I do. So think about it.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Great Depression
by A.A.A.
The Great Depression lasted from October 24, 1929 until the economy recovered in the 1940s. On October 29, Black Tuesday, the stock market crashed badly, and continued to fall through the weeks. As a result, the United States and the world were thrown into 10 years of poverty and unemployment. The depression affected all sectors of the economy. Farmer owners suffered from falling crop prices. Businesses failed from a lack of investment support. Banks closed their doors as the nation's citizens hoarded their money and defaulted on loan payments.
Herbert Hoover was President of the United Sates at the beginning of the depression. His message to the people was one of the messages that made people still believe in recovery, even as things began to get worse. Though he eventually sparked some government action in an effort to curb the effects of the depression, he believed in the power of the economy and their power to right itself without government intervention. The situation did not improve, and dissent grew throughout the nation. Hoover lost presidency to Franklin D. Roosevelt(FDR) in the 1932 election.
FDR quickly shifted from a stance of non-intervention to a government policy of regulation. In the first hundred days of his presidency, he and his trusted advisers, known as the Brain Trust, created the New Deal. Marshalling a previously unseen executive power, Roosevelt created a number of agencies to aid business, and the unemployed. The nation mobilized, and it appeared that the economy might improve. However, the economy remained troubled, and criticism of the New Deal rose up in the government. A number of Supreme Court Rulings dismantled the primary mechanisms of FDR's plan.
FDR set forth the Second New Deal in 1935. This program reaffirmed the administration's commitment to public support of the nation's troubled people. Great steps were taken in attempts to solve the unemployment problem. The economy showed some signs of recovery but was set back by the 1937 recession. After that, FDR enacted few additional measures to cooperate with the depression. Finally, the economic recovery took place under the war economy of the early 1940s, with levels of poverty and unemployment returned to pre-depression levels.
The great depression was an really bad disaster but it did help spark many things which became popular during that time.The radio was a really good things that the depression sparked because it was mostly comedies and soap operas, that took peoples minds off their troubles and provided happiness during time of great sadness.
The Great Depression lasted from October 24, 1929 until the economy recovered in the 1940s. On October 29, Black Tuesday, the stock market crashed badly, and continued to fall through the weeks. As a result, the United States and the world were thrown into 10 years of poverty and unemployment. The depression affected all sectors of the economy. Farmer owners suffered from falling crop prices. Businesses failed from a lack of investment support. Banks closed their doors as the nation's citizens hoarded their money and defaulted on loan payments.
Herbert Hoover was President of the United Sates at the beginning of the depression. His message to the people was one of the messages that made people still believe in recovery, even as things began to get worse. Though he eventually sparked some government action in an effort to curb the effects of the depression, he believed in the power of the economy and their power to right itself without government intervention. The situation did not improve, and dissent grew throughout the nation. Hoover lost presidency to Franklin D. Roosevelt(FDR) in the 1932 election.
FDR quickly shifted from a stance of non-intervention to a government policy of regulation. In the first hundred days of his presidency, he and his trusted advisers, known as the Brain Trust, created the New Deal. Marshalling a previously unseen executive power, Roosevelt created a number of agencies to aid business, and the unemployed. The nation mobilized, and it appeared that the economy might improve. However, the economy remained troubled, and criticism of the New Deal rose up in the government. A number of Supreme Court Rulings dismantled the primary mechanisms of FDR's plan.
FDR set forth the Second New Deal in 1935. This program reaffirmed the administration's commitment to public support of the nation's troubled people. Great steps were taken in attempts to solve the unemployment problem. The economy showed some signs of recovery but was set back by the 1937 recession. After that, FDR enacted few additional measures to cooperate with the depression. Finally, the economic recovery took place under the war economy of the early 1940s, with levels of poverty and unemployment returned to pre-depression levels.
The great depression was an really bad disaster but it did help spark many things which became popular during that time.The radio was a really good things that the depression sparked because it was mostly comedies and soap operas, that took peoples minds off their troubles and provided happiness during time of great sadness.
why school can seem like boot camp
Like the military, children have to line up in tidy little rows.
by JM
The Germans: a horrible Jew-destroying people or a wise race with military in mind? This is the question that has made us ponder for some time now. In one sense, the Germans were wise by making their school system like the military. Yet, there were also some dangers. In this article, I will compare and contrast how the school is still like the military. By comparing it we can see how hard the teachers are on us kids. By contrasting it we can see how we have changed it for the better. For instance what if your kids want to go to another job. All of these issues will be discussed in this essay.
In the Late Eighteen hundreds the Germans created a school that would prepare kids for the military. It was part of a society of militarism, where all people must work toward the eventual goal of serving the military. They did it because they wanted to go to war. They probably needed to get more soldiers in the war. So they put the kids in these schools to toughen them up and to make them hard and not afraid of death.
The similarities between the military and the schools now a days are pretty great. We have to be in an in closed place. The military are also in an in closed place. In school if we miss behave you get punished. In the military if you disobey your commanding officer you get punished. Also we have identification cards that tell everyone your number and your name even the group your in. Again, in the military you have numbers and identification cards that tell who you are. That is pretty scary because in both he military and school they don't want to call you by your name. They want to call us by the numbers. They also want us to wear uniforms, just like the military. We have to line up in straight lines and march to and from lunch. We are told when to pee and when to drink and eat.
Just as there are similarities there are differences between the school system and the military. They have intense training both in combat and mind. In schools they only have training in the mind. But even then it is still not the same kind of mind training. They are also different by the way they talk. The military talks and says yes sir, no sir, yes mam, no mam. In school you just say Mr. or Ms. or Mrs. That is a big difference. One last difference is that in the military they want you to address them by there rank. We don't do that in school, its kind of awkward. However, there are people who assume they are higher up and better than you.
Now that you have seen the similarities and differences between the military and the school system. I would like to ask you what do you think of the Germans? Do you like them or do you hate them, Why? Is this military style of education what is best for our current society? Do you think we should change the school systems or should we keep them or should we change? You make the choice because its your life and your education.
The Germans: a horrible Jew-destroying people or a wise race with military in mind? This is the question that has made us ponder for some time now. In one sense, the Germans were wise by making their school system like the military. Yet, there were also some dangers. In this article, I will compare and contrast how the school is still like the military. By comparing it we can see how hard the teachers are on us kids. By contrasting it we can see how we have changed it for the better. For instance what if your kids want to go to another job. All of these issues will be discussed in this essay.
In the Late Eighteen hundreds the Germans created a school that would prepare kids for the military. It was part of a society of militarism, where all people must work toward the eventual goal of serving the military. They did it because they wanted to go to war. They probably needed to get more soldiers in the war. So they put the kids in these schools to toughen them up and to make them hard and not afraid of death.
The similarities between the military and the schools now a days are pretty great. We have to be in an in closed place. The military are also in an in closed place. In school if we miss behave you get punished. In the military if you disobey your commanding officer you get punished. Also we have identification cards that tell everyone your number and your name even the group your in. Again, in the military you have numbers and identification cards that tell who you are. That is pretty scary because in both he military and school they don't want to call you by your name. They want to call us by the numbers. They also want us to wear uniforms, just like the military. We have to line up in straight lines and march to and from lunch. We are told when to pee and when to drink and eat.
Just as there are similarities there are differences between the school system and the military. They have intense training both in combat and mind. In schools they only have training in the mind. But even then it is still not the same kind of mind training. They are also different by the way they talk. The military talks and says yes sir, no sir, yes mam, no mam. In school you just say Mr. or Ms. or Mrs. That is a big difference. One last difference is that in the military they want you to address them by there rank. We don't do that in school, its kind of awkward. However, there are people who assume they are higher up and better than you.
Now that you have seen the similarities and differences between the military and the school system. I would like to ask you what do you think of the Germans? Do you like them or do you hate them, Why? Is this military style of education what is best for our current society? Do you think we should change the school systems or should we keep them or should we change? You make the choice because its your life and your education.
why school can seem like boot camp
by RM
Now in my essay, I will explain what is similar and different between our schools from today and the military. I will also be explaining what the pros and cons are for this subject and in a few places, I will also show my own opinions about the same one. Since this subject is concentrated on the late eighteen hundreds, the information that I give out should explain most of the things that you may question about our schools today, and the ones from the military as well. This subject is about the difference and similarities about the military schools and ours, so I suggest you really think deeply about what I'm about to write in the following.
In the late eighteen hundreds, we created our style of education to match the German model. Many of those ideas continue in our everyday life. Also, ther are many pros and cons to this model of education.
Our school today is similar to the military in many ways because what happened in the late eighteen hundreds are still happening today. It's amazing how things can move on from generation to generation, but it actually does happen is happening all around you! One of the reasons that I say that the military is the same as our schools is because, since things pass down from generation to generation, then the same rules that applied to the military and the rules before were not yet lost tot he rules of our schools today. Let me explain better, if the schools from before tried to make themselves like the military, even though we students aren't at all relate to the military today, the rules and expectations from the "military schools" from before, still apply to all of us students out here. There are many other reasons for the similarities, (as I said before) but I think it's time to move on to the differences.
Although there are more similarities through this subject than differences, the differences, (I would say) are more of a concern, as in: they occur more often or are more important than the similarities in this subject. Now, the differences are huge because the more you go into school work and stuff like that, the less you care and do the stuff that the military would most likely do. I'm not saying that the students aren't like, doing the physical education the military is doing, or anything like that. What I mean is more like in the lines of that students forget about having to proceed the rules that were passed on from generation to generation. The similarities have their own good times, but they eventually have to pass on and the differences come along. This is why I said earlier that the differences are the most important ones -- because the differences will have to eventually happen in schools when we're talking about military differences.
In this subject, there are also pros and cons because not all people used to agree with this subject and may not really agree with it today. I would be in the con side of this situation, because I don't think that things from so long ago should still be laws in schools from today (only from this subject, though) because every, at least decade should have their own set of laws unless they're confirmed and accepted with everyone. Now for this situation though, since my opinion doesn't really matter for the laws that have been made, then I guess the things will be different than I expected. The people that do agree with this subject though, think that their children should keep the generation going, and they obviously also believe that having their kids be treated like if they were at the military, is right as well.
Now that you know that this subject has many different subjects in it, I hope you think of this more in debt and actually think about what you think is acceptable and what is not. Everyone has a freedom of speech, so you can either say your opinion to yourself, or say it to anyone. That way other people will know your opinion and may do the same like you did. I know it's very good to express yourself because of what I just did. Expressing myself and what I think, helps me let people know who I am and what I believe in, and that actually does feel really good. This subject was important and hope you learned a lot about military rules from the past and present.
interview with an immigrant #1
Name: Ernesto
Q: What made you cross the border?
A: I crossed the border because I wanted to insure that my brother's wife and child rossed the border. I needed to make sure they were ok they are part of my family. I also needed money for Me and the rest of my family.
Q: How hard was to get a job and how long did it take?
A: It wasn't hard because my brother got me one. But it was all physical work. It was no C.E.O position. I got a job in carpet work and did it for ten years. So it took me about a week to get a job.
Q: What do you think of the people that get a lot of money and don't appreciate it?
A: I get uppset, because if they only knew what it was like crossing the border, it would be different. They truly won't know what it is like because they have never expirenced it first hand.
Q: What do you think of the people standing at Home Depot and freezing or being to hot? How do you think they feel?
A: I think that you do wht you have to do to get food on the table for your family. I feel glad that they are out there tring to get a job. They could be stealing but there not. They are tring to make a honest living.
Q: If you could go and change the world so that you are the legal one making all the money would you not appreciate it like they do?
A: I would appricate it because I would still know where i came from and how I got here. I hope that one day we all will have papers and be free to go where ever we wanted.
Q: What made you cross the border?
A: I crossed the border because I wanted to insure that my brother's wife and child rossed the border. I needed to make sure they were ok they are part of my family. I also needed money for Me and the rest of my family.
Q: How hard was to get a job and how long did it take?
A: It wasn't hard because my brother got me one. But it was all physical work. It was no C.E.O position. I got a job in carpet work and did it for ten years. So it took me about a week to get a job.
Q: What do you think of the people that get a lot of money and don't appreciate it?
A: I get uppset, because if they only knew what it was like crossing the border, it would be different. They truly won't know what it is like because they have never expirenced it first hand.
Q: What do you think of the people standing at Home Depot and freezing or being to hot? How do you think they feel?
A: I think that you do wht you have to do to get food on the table for your family. I feel glad that they are out there tring to get a job. They could be stealing but there not. They are tring to make a honest living.
Q: If you could go and change the world so that you are the legal one making all the money would you not appreciate it like they do?
A: I would appricate it because I would still know where i came from and how I got here. I hope that one day we all will have papers and be free to go where ever we wanted.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
a new blog
We have a new blog that relates specifically to immigration issues. It is not officially connected to Social Voice or to our classroom, but it is a side project created by students during lunch time of Mr. Spencer's class. Although every student is entitled to an opinion about immigration, the vast majority of students support the idea of immigration reform. We encourage all students to become politically or socially active in their community and the blog is a reflection of this. The URL is http://voicesoftheborder.blogspot.com/
Friday, February 8, 2008
Penalty Of Murder
by JL
Should we use the death penalty when a person has committed murder? I say yes people should get the death penalty for murder but only if the one who is getting it murdered someone for sure. Imagine that there was a world that people can get away with a murder when ever they want. Say that a murderer was proven guilty of murder and there is a punishment for a lot of crimes. Why not give a murderer the death penalty? If he commits murder the consequence should be the same.
First, why not give a murderer the death penalty? There is a reason for every thing and people who murder deserve justice. Why not do the same thing to them that they did to the innocent victims? If we never used the death penalty to one who murdered, then whereever he ends up he will do it again or he'll just sit in jail forever never really facing up to what he did. So we should stop them and take there life before they take another.
Other people have good reasons why we shoulden't use the death penalty on murderer's. For example, what if we give a death penalty on someone who was blamed for murder and we use the electric chair and he is innocent. Second, people point out that what we're doing is wrong because we're murdering a murderer and that makes us what he is. These are good points, but they do not outweigh the point that most people who die from the death penalty have committed awful crimes. As we improve in CSI and DNA evidence, we'll be able to guarentee we have the right criminal.
I have a solution to this problem. We should have people vote on the topic. That way we know what we should do and act fast. We can hear what the people of America think about the thought of using the death penalty on a person who committed a murder. The people of America are the people that can control the freedom in America. Most Americans would support the death penalty. That way we can't have murderer's walking around the street's living with the children of the future.
Should we use the death penalty when a person has committed murder? I say yes people should get the death penalty for murder but only if the one who is getting it murdered someone for sure. Imagine that there was a world that people can get away with a murder when ever they want. Say that a murderer was proven guilty of murder and there is a punishment for a lot of crimes. Why not give a murderer the death penalty? If he commits murder the consequence should be the same.
First, why not give a murderer the death penalty? There is a reason for every thing and people who murder deserve justice. Why not do the same thing to them that they did to the innocent victims? If we never used the death penalty to one who murdered, then whereever he ends up he will do it again or he'll just sit in jail forever never really facing up to what he did. So we should stop them and take there life before they take another.
Other people have good reasons why we shoulden't use the death penalty on murderer's. For example, what if we give a death penalty on someone who was blamed for murder and we use the electric chair and he is innocent. Second, people point out that what we're doing is wrong because we're murdering a murderer and that makes us what he is. These are good points, but they do not outweigh the point that most people who die from the death penalty have committed awful crimes. As we improve in CSI and DNA evidence, we'll be able to guarentee we have the right criminal.
I have a solution to this problem. We should have people vote on the topic. That way we know what we should do and act fast. We can hear what the people of America think about the thought of using the death penalty on a person who committed a murder. The people of America are the people that can control the freedom in America. Most Americans would support the death penalty. That way we can't have murderer's walking around the street's living with the children of the future.
too distracted to stop global warming
by MM
Many people ask "What's global warming?" They have no clue that it has been going on for quite a while. That is really sad that a few know and that instead more people should know.Many people try to helpout but have their own problems. Some other people have few problems and are too lazy to help out. Some people don't even care. They keep telling themselves that the government is going to do something about it. Does anybody want to help our future?
I care. I'm one of the people in the world that do care. I want to help, but I have no idea how. I know some ways and I try my best but I want more people to join in what I'm doing. To me, this country is not helping as much as we should help. We're only putting more pollution into the environment. I think that because the news says nothing about this situation. Instead they focus on immigration. Yes that topic is also an important topic, but what about GLOBAL WARMING ?
Most of my family knows, but have there own problems to deal with. I also think a lot of people have their own problems to deal with but could make an effort to make the earth a better place. I don't have problems but still try to recycle as much as I could.
There are some basic things that we can do. I would love it if the school got more related into global warming. We need to use less light and electricity and be less dependent on paper. We need to switch over to low energy lighting and get solar panels. The school is distracted by things like AIMS tests and uniforms and IDs. It's easy for them to miss global warming, because they can't see it everyday the way they see a fight in the quad.
Some people want to help but they have other things to care about that they think is more important to them. There are so many problems in this country that pop out to people out of nowhere. Everybody has problems related to their families and we all have to deal with them in hard ways or easy ways. The world is so messed up and to me the world seems like a big school because they are so many different groups. There are rich people,poor people,lazy people,hardworkers,and so manymore. That is also a big problem that most of the people aren't doing anything to help out about global warming. Their lives are complicated enough that they can't help even they want to.
Global warming is something really horrible happening to the worldright this second. This is happening because of the ozone layer havingholes . The ozone layer protects us from the sun so that we won't burn,but now that it is getting holes by the pollution what is going tohelp us? Right now the ice from Alaska,Antartica,Greenland,and manymore places where they were covered in ice are being melted by GLOBALWARMING. If the ice melts the ocean is going to increase and prettysoon many place are going to be under water. This is a really sad factthat can come true if the people don't do anything. Now after you readthis do you want to HELP.
Imperialism and Iraq
by SG
Doesn't every country practice imperalism? Who said that Iraq couldn't be practicing imperialism as well as America. America is a proffesional at using imperalism.That is how we have a lot of money, weapons, land and influence. I also think that that is why people from other places of the world want to go to America. We are an imperalist country. That is why I think that Iraq also practiced imperialism in the past (in attacking Iran) and why we can expect that they will try to practice imperialism again.
Will Iraq Embrace Imperialism?
Iraq is a country rich in oil. They have the potential to be a very powerful nation, which would lead to imperialism. It might not be such a bad thing if Iraq practiced imperialism. They would be wealthier in economics and health and if they would be able to take over some of the little nations around them. This could actually help us if Iraq becomes democratic and forms an alliance with us. They would get much more people if the do all of this.
At the same time this could be bad. Since they are an imperialist nation other nations might want to get revenge because they have too much power.If they did that Iraq would simply just attack them because they have so much power, using a military trained by us. This might lead to more terrorism and escalate violence in Iraq.
Our Conquest of Iraq
Every state uses imperialism. Do you think that Iraq is an act of imperialism? In my opinion I do think that Iraq is an act of imperialism.The reason is because when you do a war to take over other nations, you are an imperialist nation.You earn part of their land and they do what ever you say. We are running the government and that is like running their whole state. We are taking their oil and importing our culture.
In my opinion I think that the best solution for the war in Iraq is to pull them out.I think this because it could get really crazy.They might want to get revenge and kill all our soldiers.That would be really bad. Many of the soldiers' families want them back. I know that I would. They have been there for the longest time ever.I think that we should give them their government back and let them see if they can make democracy work. If we take the first steps of not practicing imperialism, Iraq might follow our example.
Doesn't every country practice imperalism? Who said that Iraq couldn't be practicing imperialism as well as America. America is a proffesional at using imperalism.That is how we have a lot of money, weapons, land and influence. I also think that that is why people from other places of the world want to go to America. We are an imperalist country. That is why I think that Iraq also practiced imperialism in the past (in attacking Iran) and why we can expect that they will try to practice imperialism again.
Will Iraq Embrace Imperialism?
Iraq is a country rich in oil. They have the potential to be a very powerful nation, which would lead to imperialism. It might not be such a bad thing if Iraq practiced imperialism. They would be wealthier in economics and health and if they would be able to take over some of the little nations around them. This could actually help us if Iraq becomes democratic and forms an alliance with us. They would get much more people if the do all of this.
At the same time this could be bad. Since they are an imperialist nation other nations might want to get revenge because they have too much power.If they did that Iraq would simply just attack them because they have so much power, using a military trained by us. This might lead to more terrorism and escalate violence in Iraq.
Our Conquest of Iraq
Every state uses imperialism. Do you think that Iraq is an act of imperialism? In my opinion I do think that Iraq is an act of imperialism.The reason is because when you do a war to take over other nations, you are an imperialist nation.You earn part of their land and they do what ever you say. We are running the government and that is like running their whole state. We are taking their oil and importing our culture.
In my opinion I think that the best solution for the war in Iraq is to pull them out.I think this because it could get really crazy.They might want to get revenge and kill all our soldiers.That would be really bad. Many of the soldiers' families want them back. I know that I would. They have been there for the longest time ever.I think that we should give them their government back and let them see if they can make democracy work. If we take the first steps of not practicing imperialism, Iraq might follow our example.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Friday, February 1, 2008
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