Mr. Kirk's Blog

Mr. Kirk's Blog http://marianchs.k12web.com/kkirk/blog.apm K12web Blog Feed for Mr. Kirk en-us 60 K12web http://marianchs.k12web.com/kkirk/blog.apm http://www.k12web.com/img/web/xml_blog.gif 144 54 Website RSS Blog Syndication Generated by K12web v1.1 :: http://www.k12web.com :: Websites for Teachers RSS 2.0 -- This file is an RSS 2.0 file, it is intended to be viewed with a RSS reader. The content in this file may not look "normal" if you are viewing this in your web browser. Please subscribe to this RSS feed using your favorite syndication application. Fri, 26 Sep 2008 08:44:33 CST Week 6 Fri, 26 Sep 2008 08:44:33 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/kkirk/blog.apm?dM=09&dY=2008&b=858 With last week's discussion on voter turnout and the problems of voting, for this week's discussion board we will further that discussion. Copy and paste the following address to you internet browser and read:

http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/campaign-2008/2008/09/24/confusing-voter-registration-laws-could-affect-presidential-election.html

Voice your opinion on the problems of voting registration. Is requiring voters to be in a specific location the best way or should it be statewide? What do you think the problems with voter registration are and how do you think they could be improved upon?

]]> Week 5 Sun, 21 Sep 2008 19:19:13 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/kkirk/blog.apm?dM=09&dY=2008&b=856 This week as we continue to discuss our political values. Read about the values of our two presidential candidates by copying and pasting the following article into your internet browser:

http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/campaign-2008/2008/08/14/putting-values-issues-in-the-political-spotlight.html?PageNr=1

Perform your own comparison and explain which candidate holds the similar values that you share and if for the same reason. What do you think is shaping these values? And, do you believe that Americans feel the same way?

]]> Week 4 Sun, 14 Sep 2008 15:17:45 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/kkirk/blog.apm?dM=09&dY=2008&b=855 This week's topic deals with the issue of oil. Copy and paste the article into your internet browser:

http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/national/2008/08/15/if-congress-lifts-the-offshore-oil-drilling-moratorium-what-happens-next.html?PageNr=1

Based off of what you read and what you already know, what are your concerns, if any, in more off-shore drilling? Should we be putting more money into drilling or alternative energy? Especially if what they say is true how we won't feel that great of an impact for more drilling.

]]> Week 3 Mon, 08 Sep 2008 13:49:35 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/kkirk/blog.apm?dM=09&dY=2008&b=848 This week we are going to look at what has become a major issue in this year's presidential election: the defecit. Read the following article,
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2008/07/29/us_deficit_zooming_to_half_trillion_as_bush_leaves/

Regardless of who wins, we must look at what is more important increasing a much flawed education and health system or lower taxes. Either way we are not helping to cut the defecit. Which is more important do you think, or do we raise taxes and begin cutting the national debt...You be the President and decide.

]]> Week 2 Mon, 01 Sep 2008 21:15:36 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/kkirk/blog.apm?dM=09&dY=2008&b=847 Copy and paste the following web address into your internet browser:

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/C/CVN_CONVENTIONS_FREE_SPEECH?SITE=DCUSN&SECTION=POLITICS&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

State your opinion on whether our basic freedom of speech and protest is still protected to its fullest extent. Or does it only apply to certain circumstances?

]]> Week 1 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 07:24:44 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/kkirk/blog.apm?dM=08&dY=2008&b=844 With this semester, we as a nation will be experiencing what many are already calling a land-breaking election. Knowing this, many of our weekly blogs will deal with the election; allowing you all a chance to sound off and become educated in the election and its process. For our first week I would like you to read the article found at the following website:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/08/18/politics/main4357901.shtml

Copy and paste this onto your internet browser. Read the article and voice your opinion based on both candidates' positions. Who do you agree with more? What do you feel is the right direction?

]]> Week 16 Sun, 09 Dec 2007 21:59:29 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/kkirk/blog.apm?dM=12&dY=2007&b=742 As our last blog entry for this semester, there is no article that you will be required to read. Instead, I would like you to comment on everything we have learned this semester and formulate your own opinion on where American government is headed. What do you think is great about our system, or what do you feel needs to be fixed? Understand you are not guaranteed points for this entry, but instead must show a synthesis of the information learned over the course of the semester.

]]> Week 15 Sun, 02 Dec 2007 17:59:32 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/kkirk/blog.apm?dM=12&dY=2007&b=729 This week we will begin Unit 5, Judicial Branch. Read this article concerning a recent case that is being brought to the U.S. Supreme Court and comment on it. Also, I want you to explain why YOU think that these terrorists should or should not have the constitutional right of habeas corpus. The article can be located at:

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071202/NEWS07/712020622/1009

]]> Week 14 Sun, 25 Nov 2007 16:00:36 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/kkirk/blog.apm?dM=11&dY=2007&b=722 The U.S. House of Representatives considered passing a resolution labeling the 1917 Turkish massacre of Armenians as "genocide". While this seems to be ancient history, it could have a huge impact on U.S. foreign policy because Turkey is one of our strongest allies in the Middle East. Read the two articles below and post your thoughts. You don't need to necessarily take a side, but rather write reflections on the issue.

http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0423/p07s02-woeu.htm

and

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/17/washington/17cong.html?_r=1&oref=slogin&pagewanted=print

]]> Week 12 Sun, 11 Nov 2007 11:02:33 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/kkirk/blog.apm?dM=11&dY=2007&b=702 As we discuss the various roles of the President of the United States, we must look at an often criticized power of the President: the power of the pardon. Read the following article about a recent pardon President Bush made,

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/03/washington/03bush.html

Express your opinion on this particular pardon and also add your belief on the President's ability to pardon. To help you formulate your opinion look at President Ford's pardon of Nixon, or Clinton's 140 pardons during his last hours as President.

]]> Week 11 Sun, 04 Nov 2007 19:22:24 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/kkirk/blog.apm?dM=11&dY=2007&b=690 As we close our unit on the Legislative Branch, we need to the future of Congress and our nation. Many people argue that a major problem with Congress is that too often congressional members, once elected, stay longer then they should. Read the following article at the posted website:

http://www.heritage.org/Research/GovernmentReform/BG994.cfm

and discuss your opinion and the issue of placing congressional term limits on members of Congress. Feel free to respond to each other's comments.

]]> Week 10 Sat, 27 Oct 2007 11:32:49 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/kkirk/blog.apm?dM=10&dY=2007&b=675 This week as we continue our discussion on political ideologies, we also are introduced to congressional bills; so for this week's discussion board we shall combine the two. Read the article at the following website:

http://www.wagingpeace.org/articles/2003/12/09__wang_congressional-bills.htm

and think about the importance of these bills that were passed in 2003. In your commentary, please explain your opinion on the relevance and the need, if any, of these two bills and whether you believe these are more of a liberal or conservative plan.

***NOTE*** YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE FULL CREDIT IF YOU DO NOT EXPLAIN WHY YOU BELIEVE THESE TO BE LIBERAL OR CONSERVATIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

]]> Week 9 Sun, 21 Oct 2007 14:43:58 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/kkirk/blog.apm?dM=10&dY=2007&b=665 With the end of the first quarter debates I would like to bring all those issues to the forefront. Copy and paste the following link:

http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/politics/2007/10/19/can-washington-be-fixed.html

Read this article about the problems that face Washington and today's politics and voice your opinion on whether the problem is really that big. Feel free to comment on other people's opinions as well.

]]> Week 8 Mon, 15 Oct 2007 07:21:08 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/kkirk/blog.apm?dM=10&dY=2007&b=648 Copy and paste the following article from the Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/10/17/AR2005101701311.html

Dealing with the issue of abortion, our topic for debate this week, read this and ask yourself if because of medical advancements our society has begun playing God. Do we try to block out or get rid of the "undesireables?" Think about your own personal life; when you see someone who is different, do you stop and stare or make a comment out loud or to yourself?

Feel free to comment on other people's messages.

]]> Week 7 Fri, 05 Oct 2007 13:03:01 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/kkirk/blog.apm?dM=10&dY=2007&b=633 This week we will watch a debate on censorship in America. This topic stretches from what you say and wear in public to what is printed or seen on television. However, censorship also can be seen in many different areas as well, like the following article.

Copy and paste the following link:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/10/us/10prison.html?n=Top%2fReference%2fTimes%20Topics%2fSubjects%2fC%2fCensorship

and after reading discuss whether you think censorship is not necessarily a bad thing, but perhaps a protection of the civil liberties of others. Or is it simply government overstepping its boundaries? Please explain in your answer through voicing your own opinion without fear of having it being censored.

]]> Week 6 Fri, 28 Sep 2007 13:25:12 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/kkirk/blog.apm?dM=09&dY=2007&b=611 This week in preparation for our class debate on stem cell research I ask that you all read the article that can be found at the following website:

http://www.cbhd.org/resources/stemcells/plummer_2006-06-09.htm

Is it morally right? or Are the possibilities of this technology worth the negative consequences? Is it playing God or improving life?

Use these questions to guide your response to the arguement of philosophy and theology over science.

]]> Week 5 Fri, 21 Sep 2007 14:37:24 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/kkirk/blog.apm?dM=09&dY=2007&b=591 This week as we begin to discuss political parties and start moving towards the individual branches of government, we must look at leadership. Copy and paste the following link...

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/the-role-of-politicians.html

and comment on the present leadership of this nation. Do we posses strong leadership?, if not when was the last time we did?, and what should a strong, positive leader have in today's politics?

Feel free to comment on any aspect of the article, these were just a few guiding questions.

]]> Week 4 Sat, 15 Sep 2007 11:41:38 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/kkirk/blog.apm?dM=09&dY=2007&b=577 GUN CONTROL

Copy and paste the following link to your internet explorer

http://redandbluenews.com/gun-control/the-right-to-keep-and-bear-arms-concealed-weapons/4

It will take you directly to the brief article on gun control and concealed weapons. After reading the article comment on the advantages or disadvantages of carrying a concealed weapon. Is this act still protected by our right to bear arms? or Are we as a nation headed towards a more dangerous future?

]]> Week 3 Fri, 07 Sep 2007 18:32:04 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/kkirk/blog.apm?dM=09&dY=2007&b=551 GLOBAL WARMING

Read the following article concerning the issue of global warming and its effect on the Great Lakes. What do you think of the issue and its effect on America's economy and water system? Do you believe our government is hurting or helping the situation? and What attempts do you believe America should take to begin rectifying the situation?

Copy and Paste the following website: http://www.thenewamerican.com/

Then scroll down to the article entitled "Rethinking Green"

Be sure to understand who is writing this article and see if you can find any biases that are stated.

]]> Week 2 Wed, 29 Aug 2007 13:11:37 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/kkirk/blog.apm?dM=08&dY=2007&b=519 SHOULD FOUL LANGUAGE BE PROTECTED?

Copy and paste the following web link to your internet browser and read.

http://www.usatoday.com/educate/college/education/articles/20040215.htm

After reading write a brief response to the article voicing your opinion on the use of foul language in public areas. Feel free to use the discussion questions to help in organizing your ideas.

]]> Week 1 Thu, 23 Aug 2007 18:33:46 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/kkirk/blog.apm?dM=08&dY=2007&b=504 DOES THE DEATH PENALTY DETER CRIME?

Copy and paste the following link into you internet browser:

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20070610/D8PM3PQ00.html

Read the article and post a formal response to it on the discussion board. Feel free to comment on other students's responses.

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