State, Nation, Other: Puerto Rico tries to decide - Respond by Wed. Nov. 10!

Oh, no....not politics!! YES, we are going to go there this time. This issue in Puerto Rico has still not been resolved and guess what...all of YOU will most likely be making this decision in the future!

Read this article from the PR Daily Sun and respond by answering some of these questions. You MUST refer to the article in your comment so that we all know that you have read it! For example... "I thought it was crazy how the political candidate from Idaho thought Puerto Rico was a COUNTRY, and didn't even care!!!" or "I know what they mean about the passport question, people asked me that when I went to the states..."

• Have you had a similar experience to Dayra Rivera's? If so, exlain...
• What do you think about other peoples' knowledge (or lack thereof) of Puerto Rico?
• Does Puerto Rico's political status confuse you? How? What about the social status? Is PR more American or more Puerto Rican? Explain...
• The BIG question: What do you think PR should do...become a state, become independent, stay the same, other?? Explain...
• Show this article to your parents or other family members. What do they think?
• Any other reactions, thoughts, questions, opinions that you have to this issue...

You should also start responding to your classmates' comments. Remember, this is a DISCUSSION with the whole class, not just with yourself. For example, "I really agree with ______ because _____." Or "I see the point that _____ is making, but I disagree because ________." As always, BE RESPECTFUL!!

Here is the link to the article:
State, nation, other: Puerto Rico tries to decide - Puerto Rico Daily Sun - Timely news about Puerto Rico, the Caribbean and the world

Why you should know the Constitution...

I know you all grumbled when I said you should know which amendment is which, but remember that the Constitution is a basic ideology that all American citizens live by and should understand, ESPECIALLY if you ever decide to become a political leader in the future! Make sure you don't end up looking like Christine O'Donnell did in this clip....

President Obama - It Gets Better Project

There is an ongoing project in response to the recent teen suicides called the "It Gets Better Project." Here is a message about it:

Hey,

Have you seen all the YouTube videos about how it gets better?

Dan Savage the writer started it, but now there's over a thousand videos, including ones by TV stars and politicians like Tim Gunn, Kathy Griffin, and Hillary Clinton.

They're actually part of the It Gets Better Project, started to help teenagers who are being bullied for being gay. Young people who are gay, lesbian, bi or trans can share stories from their lives and watch other people's stories for hope and inspiration.

You should check the website:

 http://www.itgetsbetterproject.com/hope

If you want to add your story, it's easy to do on the site. If you don't, there's a bunch of other stuff you can do too:

- Video Archive: Every It Gets Better video in one place.
- The IGBP Pledge: Take the pledge and show your support.
- Share Your Story: Tell your story in your own words.
- Help and Resources: Services for young people who need help.
- Contribute: Your donations will support teen suicide prevention.

This is such a cool project that I really wanted you to know about it. I hope you visit the site!

 http://www.itgetsbetterproject.com/hope

Thanks!

One of the most recent supporters is President Obama. Watch the message here:

Can you read this???

Check this out...

What do you think? Could you read it? Crazy or what?? 

Bullying Kills - Respond by Monday, Oct. 25

 Teen bullying, cyber-bullying, teen suicides....these topics have been all over the news lately and we can't avoid talking about it. I have posted three stories below. Please take a look at all of them, then respond to this post with a thoughtful response. Here are some suggestion questions:

• How did you feel when reading/watching these stories and why do you feel this way?
• Describe a time when you or someone you know has been bullied or affected by bullying. 
• How do you think technology (ie. facebook, video chat, youtube, instant messaging, etc.) has changed or affected bullying? Has it made bullying easier or harder? Or not affected bullying at all? Explain your thoughts...
• What can be done to stop bullying, and cyber bullying in particular? 
• How does this relate to the 1st Amendment of Free Speech? Do you think Tyler's roommate had a right to do what he did based on the right to free speech? How do we decide when to limit "free speech," or should we stop it at all? 

Video clip about Tyler Clementi, a college freshman who took his own life after being cyber bullied. You will not believe what his roommate and roommate's friend did to him:

Another story about a recent teen suicide due to bullying:

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2023083,00.html?xid=newsletter-weekly

Video clip from Ellen Degeneres: