Danger of Factions and Uneducated People

In Washington's Farewell speech, he warned about the following:
The Danger of Factions. Washington also warned of “the baneful effects of the Spirit of Party”—one of the two most famous recommendations of the Farewell Address (along with a warning about permanent alliances). By party, Washington meant factious groups that sought their own good, to the detriment of the common good and the rights of others. The proliferation of faction or party in this sense was a dominant question of his presidency. He spoke of designing men, who would divide sections of the country as a means to their own political power. The factions of the 1790s foreshadowed those of the Civil War. 

It would seem that it also foreshadowed today's government division of parties which has lead to the shutdown 

1What is your opinion on the government shutdown and what should the American people do? 

Also, the Federalist Party was worried about the uneducated masses controlling the country. Do you feel it should be mandatory to be educated about the propositions, bills and people running for office before letting them vote? 

First Amendment Rights

You have five freedoms or rights that are stated in the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights. Of those five freedoms/rights, which one would you be willing to give up and why?

CELL PHONE DEMISE OF THE HUMAN RACE?

Using a Cell Phone While Driving

After watching the CK Loius clip from "Conan"  do you agree or disagree with the comedians viewpoints why/why not?
Ask yourself, do you talk/text more then interact with other people? Do you see this as a problem?
What if anything, should be done about the lack of human contact in today's world? Explain. 

Do Violent Video Games play a role in shootings?

This week there was another mass shooting and the gunman was an avid gamer of violent video games. 

Read the following articles and answer the Title question.
Make sure to give your reassoning to  your answer and comment
on another classmates answer with respect and insight.

ARTICLE ONE
ARTICLE TWO

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government.

The above words are found in the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence. 

1. In your own words, what were our forefathers saying? 

2. After interpreting the statement, do you agree/disagree and why? speler 

3. If you were in the process of writing your own Declaration of Independence. What would you declare and why? 

Is Big Brother watching to closely?

Due date: August 16th for full credit. 

Click here to read the article. 

After reading the Beale's opinion on "Big Brother" write at least two paragraph giving your response to his article. 

1. Do you agree/disagree or are you somewhere in the middle? Make sure to articulate (Express (an idea or feeling) fluently and coherently.)

2. If you do agree what should we as the American people do to halt the invasion of ...

3. Is it ever okay for the government to invade our private life without our knowlege? Why/Why not.

4. Respond to at least one other entry, make sure to remember the rules of response. 

http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/03/opinion/beale-1984-now/index.html

Political Compass

In the last two weeks both parties have ran their National Conventions. I truly hope you watched at the very least a little of both!  Remember, regardless of your political beliefs it is important to know the platforms of both parties in order to make a informed decision in November. I know, you are saying I can't vote yet, BUT, you have a voice and you can influence those around you that do place their vote. Today you are going to take a political typology quiz to see where you fall on the political scale.

First click on the word below and take the test: 

POLITICAL COMPASS

Second, blog your results!! What did the political compass say about your beliefs? Do you agree or disagree? 

We will be following the Presidential election closely, this will be one tool to help you know where you stand politically.