Mr. Bohnenkamp's Blog http://marianchs.k12web.com/mbohnenkamp/blog.apm K12web Blog Feed for Mr. Bohnenkamp en-us 60 K12web http://marianchs.k12web.com/mbohnenkamp/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. Sun, 27 Apr 2008 20:47:28 CST Last Blog of the Year! Sun, 27 Apr 2008 20:47:28 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/mbohnenkamp/blog.apm?dM=04&dY=2008&b=835 Your last blog entry is simple:

As you begin thinking about graduation and beyond, what are your plans for the future (college, career, etc). I realize this blog has nothing to do with government, but I'm curious. Please share!

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]]> What did you think of the debate? Sun, 20 Apr 2008 22:50:44 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/mbohnenkamp/blog.apm?dM=04&dY=2008&b=832 Last Friday, we watched the beginning of the most recent Democratic Presidential Primary debate between Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Many pundits and even Obama himself argue that the moderators did a poor job and didn't focus on the issues.

Your question for this week is: Are such issues (such as Rev. Wright, Clinton's statements about Bosnia, Obama's statements about rural Americans, and whether Obama wears and American flag lapel pin) relevant to the campaign or did the media fail us in this debate?

For more guidance read the following article:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080417/ap_on_el_pr/obama_debate&printer=1;_ylt=Ak6rUidmJNv5sZO4D.eplulh24cA

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]]> Presidential Power and Guantanamo Bay Sun, 13 Apr 2008 21:13:01 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/mbohnenkamp/blog.apm?dM=04&dY=2008&b=830 This week we will discuss the implied powers of the presidency. Guantanamo Bay serves as a great example of expanded presidential power. Detainees have been held there as "enemy combatants" during the War on Terror with very little Congressional oversight based on the President's power as "Commander in Chief". Read the article below and give your opinion on whether you agree or disagree with the author's opinion that this is an abuse of power.

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/cheney/chapters/pushing_the_envelope_on_presi/index.html

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]]> Political Ideology and Congressional Legislation Sun, 06 Apr 2008 16:14:39 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/mbohnenkamp/blog.apm?dM=04&dY=2008&b=827 Now that we have completed our discussion of political ideologies and have been introduced to congressional bills this blog entry will 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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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]]> Obama and Race Sun, 30 Mar 2008 22:05:11 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/mbohnenkamp/blog.apm?dM=03&dY=2008&b=823 Just before break, Senator Obama gave an important speech on race. Read (or watch the you-tube video) of the speech by going to the following link:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/03/18/obama-race-speech-read-t_n_92077.html

Write your thoughts about the speech in no fewer than four complete sentences.

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]]> What to do about Michigan and Florida? Sun, 09 Mar 2008 09:38:35 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/mbohnenkamp/blog.apm?dM=03&dY=2008&b=816 As we discussed in class, Michigan and Florida were stripped of their delegates in the Democratic nominating process because of their decision to movie their primaries before Feb. 5th in violation of the Democratic National Committees rules.

Now with the race so close, some are arguing that these states should have a say in who becomes the nominee. What do you think should be done and why? If you think they should have a new election, who should pay for it? According to most reports, it will cost between $15-$20 million dollars to hold a new election.

For some background, read the following article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/07/us/politics/07delegates.html?_r=1&sq=michigan%20and%20florida&st=nyt&oref=slogin&scp=1&pagewanted=print

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]]> Got Leadership? Sun, 02 Mar 2008 22:26:42 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/mbohnenkamp/blog.apm?dM=03&dY=2008&b=809 This week as we begin to discuss political ideology and continue through 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 qualities should a strong, positive leader possess in today's political arena?

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

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]]> Where do you fit on the ideological spectrum? Sun, 24 Feb 2008 23:18:45 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/mbohnenkamp/blog.apm?dM=02&dY=2008&b=803 We will spend a LOT of time on political ideology over the course of the next two weeks. Many of you will be confused about the differences between liberalism and conservativism.

Read the information on the following url:
http://studentnewsdaily.com/conservative_vs_liberal_beliefs.shtml

When you are finished, figure out where you stand using the 18 different issues they use to distinguish between liberals and conservatives. List the issues you agree with conservatives and those issues you agree with liberals. In other words, you'll have two lists when you are finished:

1) Issues where I agree with liberals
2) Issues where I agree with conservatives

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]]> Week off Mon, 18 Feb 2008 20:29:23 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/mbohnenkamp/blog.apm?dM=02&dY=2008&b=800 No blog this week. Finish your article reviews and enjoy your week off.

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]]> Is foul language protected? Sun, 10 Feb 2008 22:31:55 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/mbohnenkamp/blog.apm?dM=02&dY=2008&b=792 Cut and paste the following link into your internet browser and read the article:

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

Consider the discussion questions but feel free to respond in any way you'd like. Feel free to comment on other students' responses.

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]]> The Internet vs. the First Amendment Sun, 03 Feb 2008 23:09:45 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/mbohnenkamp/blog.apm?dM=02&dY=2008&b=783 This week we will begin a discussion of the Bill of Rights in class. A recent controversy in the courts has surrounded the relationship between our rights and the Internet. Read the article "The Internet vs. the First Amendment" which is saved as a Word document on the course website. Then discuss your opinion of the whether the first and fourth amendments should apply to our usage of the Internet. Should our use of cyberspace be censored/searched by the government? If so, under what circumstances?

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]]> Race, Gender, and Religion Sun, 27 Jan 2008 21:03:48 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/mbohnenkamp/blog.apm?dM=01&dY=2008&b=775 The current presidential primaries have brought long debated issues to the forefront. Will we elect a female president (Hillary Clinton)? Will we elect a black president (Barack Obama)? Will we elect a Mormon president (Mitt Romney)?

For this week's blog, please read the following editorials and comment on the role of race, gender, and religion in presidential politics. Do any of these factors weigh into your decision of who to vote for or support? Remember they can affect your opinion in a positive way as well. Also, don't forget to write a THOUGHTFUL blog. You will not receive full credit otherwise!

Gender:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/08/opinion/08steinem.html?sq=obama%20and%20race&st=nyt&scp=6&pagewanted=print

Race:
http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0128/p08s01-comv.html

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]]> Issues in the '08 Election Mon, 21 Jan 2008 23:51:53 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/mbohnenkamp/blog.apm?dM=01&dY=2008&b=771 Cut and paste the following url into your internet browser:

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

Which of these issues is most important to you in the 2008 election and why? Also write about one other issue that is not listed, but is something that is incredibly important to you in '08. Remember, just because you make a post does NOT mean you will be given full credit. Be thoughtful.

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]]> Should the primary system be reformed? Sun, 13 Jan 2008 21:27:20 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/mbohnenkamp/blog.apm?dM=01&dY=2008&b=766 We talked a lot about the presidential primary system last week in class, but did you know that many people want the process reformed? Read the wikipedia article below and state your opinion of the current process:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_primary

For more reading see the following article:

http://www.bostonherald.com/news/opinion/op_ed/view.bg?articleid=1066168

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]]> The Primaries! Sun, 06 Jan 2008 19:24:53 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/mbohnenkamp/blog.apm?dM=01&dY=2008&b=758 Who are you supporting in the 2008 Republican or Democratic presidential primaries and why? Or if you don't know or don't feel comfortable revealing your favorite candidate discuss what issue or issues are most important to you in the upcoming presidential election.

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]]> Do enemy detainees have the right to habeas corpus? Sun, 02 Dec 2007 21:21:59 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/mbohnenkamp/blog.apm?dM=12&dY=2007&b=730 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

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]]> The 2nd Amendment Fri, 23 Nov 2007 11:51:55 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/mbohnenkamp/blog.apm?dM=11&dY=2007&b=721 The Supreme Court agreed last week to hear a case regarding the 2nd Amendment for the first time since 1939. Read the article below and record your thoughts.

http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/1121/p25s09-usju.htm

Please be sure not to comment on the 2nd amdendment in general, but specifically on the case the Supreme Court is hearing. Due: 11/29/07

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]]> Happy Thanksgiving Sun, 18 Nov 2007 20:50:28 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/mbohnenkamp/blog.apm?dM=11&dY=2007&b=717 No blog this week. Happy Thanksgiving.

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]]> The Power of the Pardon Mon, 12 Nov 2007 05:27:58 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/mbohnenkamp/blog.apm?dM=11&dY=2007&b=703 As we consider the various roles of the President, 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.

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]]> Week Off Sun, 04 Nov 2007 20:04:49 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/mbohnenkamp/blog.apm?dM=11&dY=2007&b=691 Students--you have the week off from blogging. Enjoy it and use the extra time to study for your Unit III exam.

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]]> Where do you fit on the ideological spectrum? Sun, 28 Oct 2007 19:31:41 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/mbohnenkamp/blog.apm?dM=10&dY=2007&b=677 We've spent a LOT of time on political ideology and it appears as if some of you are still a bit foggy about the difference between liberalism and conservativism.

Read the information on the following url:
http://studentnewsdaily.com/conservative_vs_liberal_beliefs.shtml

When you are finished, figure out where you stand using the 18 different issues they use to distinguish between liberals and conservatives. List the issues you agree with conservatives and those issues you agree with liberals. In other words, you'll have two lists when you are finished:

1) Issues where I agree with liberals
2) Issues where I agree with conservatives

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]]> Armenian Genocide Fri, 19 Oct 2007 18:52:45 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/mbohnenkamp/blog.apm?dM=10&dY=2007&b=661 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

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]]> Affirmative Action Sun, 14 Oct 2007 21:58:53 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/mbohnenkamp/blog.apm?dM=10&dY=2007&b=647 Last summer the Supreme Court ruled on the latest case involving affirmative action. Please cut and paste the address below into your web browser:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/28/us/28cnd-scotus.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print

What do you think of the Court's decision?

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]]> Should capital punishment be abolished? Mon, 08 Oct 2007 15:07:15 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/mbohnenkamp/blog.apm?dM=10&dY=2007&b=637 This Thursday we will have a debate on whether the death penalty should be abolished. Cut and paste the following url into your internet browser:

http://www.balancedpolitics.org/death_penalty.htm

Which arguments for and against abolishing the death penalty do you find most compelling? Be sure to address BOTH sides!

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]]> Should marijuana be legalized? Sun, 30 Sep 2007 16:23:13 CST http://marianchs.k12web.com/mbohnenkamp/blog.apm?dM=09&dY=2007&b=612 This Friday we will have a debate on whether marijuana usage should be legalized. Cut and paste the following url into your internet browser:

http://www.balancedpolitics.org/marijuana_legalization.htm

Which arguments for and against marijuana legalization do you find most compelling?

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