The War Powers Act

Is our current system for deciding when, where and for how long to deploy US armed forces fairly balanced between the executive and legislative branches? Do "The People" have enough input?

Discuss with regard to the War Powers Act and the current conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, Uganda, etc.

Due Friday by 7:30am

Afghanistan Crossroads

Ten years into the war in Afghanistan, where do we stand? Have me made progress since the 2008 Frontline Report? What advice would you give the the President as to the course of action from this point forward?

Afghanistan Crossroads

10 years on, Afghan Americans see lost opportunities

U.S. Recalibrates Remarks About Pakistan

Karzai accuses Pakistan of supporting terrorists

India and Afghanistan sign security and trade pact

U.S. drone strike kills Haqqani insider

Wallstreet Journal Interview w/ Adm. Mike Mullen

Due Wednesday 10/19 @ 7:30 am.

Current Issues 10/10

Sorry for the delayed post. Below are three current stories making headlines today. Read all three. Which you you find most appealing or interesting? Why? Which story is the most significant? Be sure to explain your answers with references to the articles.

Occupy Wall Street: Newcomers bring their worries and hopes to New York protest
What’s Next for Apple?
Perry Video Attacks Romney on Health Care

Responses are due Thursday by 7:30am.

Inside the Obama White House

Now that you have viewed Inside the Obama White House, what did you find surprising or interesting? Would you want to live there, or be interested in working there? Why/Why Not?

Due Friday 7:30am.

9/11 Ten Years Later

"9/11 Attacks - 102 Minutes That Changed America
For 102 minutes on September 11, 2001, the world looked on in horror as terrorists flew hijacked passenger planes into New York City's mighty twin towers, destroying the iconic buildings and killing more than 2,700 people. Watch unfiltered videos from nine New Yorkers who witnessed the day that changed America."
9/11 Attacks — History.com Interactive Maps, Timelines & Games." History.com — History Made Every Day — American & World History. Web. 09 Sept. 2011. .

"Remembering 9/11 - Oral History Exercise
Use this document as a guideline to conduct your own oral history of the effect of 9/11 on your family and/or friends. You may interview a parent, older relative or sibling and record his/her memories of that day. You may record responses in writing or with an audio/video device. If you choose an audio or video device, you must convert into a format that can be uploaded into Google docs such as windows media, or burn your file to a DVD. I cannot allow you to use personal jump drives in my computer to submit work. You will be sharing some of your material with the class.

"9/11 Memorial - Oral Histories

"Bearing Witness to History

"9/11 Timeline

Must be completed by class on Thursday 9/15

President Obama's Jobs Speech

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Evaluate president Obama's Speech. (You should be able to identify at least 5 key proposals he makes for spurring job growth in the US.) Where there specific ideas that you support or oppose? Why? Do you think that this speech will have influence members of Congress? Will it help create jobs? If you feel strongly about this speech, you should consider contacting our CT representatives and letting them know how you feel.

Due Monday by 7:30am

The News Today

Media Coverage

Google/Go to NYTimes Online, Washington Post Online, CNN, FOX, Google News.
• What common stories appear on each of these sites front pages? Provide examples.
• Are there differences in the types of stories appearing? Explain
• Which sources would you turn to, and why?
• What other sources do you go to for news? Locate at least three. What stories are they featuring today?
• Would you consider this/these sources “traditional” or “new” news sources. Why?

We've discussed changes in the news media over the past century. What changes do you foresee in the next decade or two?