Thursday, April 5, 2012

James Madison Present Paragraphs (T-Chart on paper)

1. I believe one very simple way to prevent a problem like this is for people in the district to use their money wisely. They need to think ahead, before they spend money on useless reasons. They need to think about how their decisions affect the education of potential doctors, engineers, or lawyers. How can they ruin a students education because of their lack of common sense? If classes are over-populated from a lack of teachers, students won't get as much individual time with the teachers. They won't get the most of their education. Therefore, in order to solve this problem, districts need to wisely think before they act.

2. As a citizen, or mostly as a student, these cuts will definitely affect my education. It isn't fair for the students to suffer because of the faults of the districts. I hope districts will change their ways, so pink slips and layoffs can decrease, resulting in a better education for me, and my piers. More teachers are needed for student citizens to receive the most out of their education, and be successful in the future.

3. This concept relates to our unit of study, because the quarrel of students/teachers vs districts, resemble the Fedralists vs the Anti- Federalists.  The federalists had different views of certain situations compared to the Anti-federalists. In relation, the students/teachers have oppsing views of the reason for pink slips as districts too. Hopefully in the end, the districts and students can find the a good solution, like the federalists and the Antis did.

4. I can make a difference simply by doing essays like this. If I can educate myself on these topics, I can learn more ways of how to get active. As of now, however, I can write letters to the district of alternate ideas, or going on strike with others. With these essays I can learn more about the topics, which will help me make a difference in the future.            

James Madison Present Article 2: Pink Slips

http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/sdcounty/region-relatively-few-teachers-getting-layoff-warnings-this-year/article_b6428fef-e14b-52e7-9e2c-60aa884cbf1d.html

Summary: This year in North County, there were 170 notices given out to teachers, which according to this article, is relatively low. Layoff warnings must be given because of the backward budgetting. As a result, many cuts have beens made in the Carlsbad and Encinitas School Districts. MAny teachers are upset about witht eh "First come, First leave" tradition in cuts. Even though cuts are bad, it can make a significant risk in a school district.

Questions: Why is there "backwards budgetting"? How many teachers have been layed off this year? Why is there a "First come, First leave" idea? What are the arguements and controversy of pink slips going on now?

Concerns: My concerns for this article are the reasons behind the budget cuts, and the reason backwards budgetting is occuring. It needs a deeper explanation.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

JAmes Madison Present Article 1: Pink Slips

http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/swcounty/region-more-than-teachers-receive-layoff-notices/article_253e43ef-ade2-5a28-a110-8d453f252d8d.html

Summary: Many teachers are getting cut across the whole Southwest county. THese cuts are due to the decrease in money in school districts. During these cut-offs, teachers are layed off based on experience. Therefore, the teachers that are getting cut off are usually that ones that were hired last. as a result of these cuts, lower education may result from a higher populated classroom, ending up with less independent time for each student with teachers.

Questions: How does house values effect students coming into an area? Why are teacher lay-offs based on experience and not skill? How come the economy in school districts are so bad? Why doesn't districts cut people who actually made mistakes to cause the loss of money?

Concerns: Concerns I have on this article is the depth or their explanation. They aren't specific enough to know WHY each actions leads to another, such as how students avoid an area because of house value. I'm also concerned with their need for opinion, and the reason teachers are getting layed off.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

current event C.8, North County Times: "Wis. Assembly approves recall reasons"

http://www.nctimes.com/news/national/wis-assembly-approves-limiting-recall-reasons/article_a3227930-2ff7-5afd-aa74-b346aa784ffe.html

1. This article is about how the Assembly of Wisconsin agreed on amending their state constitution to make it tougher to toss an official from office. Republican supporters believe that changes are needed to limit the amount of recalls. Many senators are facing recall. As a result, Wisconsin wanted to make changes soon.

2. This relates to what we are studying, because of the amendments they make. When the delegates realized that the Articles of Confederation weren't working out with the people, they wanted change. As a result, they made a change to government. They threw out the Articles and replaced it with a new constitution.

3. This relates to my life because it relates to changes I make. If soomething isn't working out for me in my life, I make changes. The delegates made changes to government. I make changes to the little things that male a difference.

4. I think Wisconsin was smart to make changes. I they hadn't there would be an increasing amount of recalls. In order to stop this, they made the right choice to make the changes before it got out of hand. Now recalls can be more limited.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Current event C.7, North County Times: "Columbia's FARC annoucnces halt to kidnapping"

North County Times
http://www.nctimes.com/news/world/colombia-s-farc-announces-halt-to-kidnapping/article_c639c8e7-34bc-5ac3-85ed-e78b920d16ee.html

1. This article is about the FARC's (a Columbian rebel group) halt to kidnapping. The FARC kidnapped various officers and soldiers. They have also kidnapped foreigners, such as chinese oil workers. As a result as a halt from the kidnapping, they agreed to free the remaining prisoners-- 10 security force members that were held prisoner for as long as 14 years. However, people are still not sure they will actually do it.

2. This article relates to chapter 7, because the FARC's acts and strategy resemble both the American's and British's  acts and strategys. For example, the FARC uses hit-and-run strategies on their opponents, like the Americans. They also think of themselves as a revolutionary group, like the Patriots. They relate to the British because they tried to kidnap people of war, like what the British did to the Americans. They are also against Americans, like the British.

3. This article relates to my life because I see police officers all the time. These officers were fighting against the rebels, and some even got captured. It also relates to the fact that I am a citizen of the U.S, therefore I can make a difference politically. The acts of these groups negatively affect the U.S politically. These are why this article relates to me.

4. My opinion on this is against the rebels, obviously. The rebels are kidnapping Americans and other foreigners for bad reasons. They keep these people captive, and I believe this is wrong. The FARC are kidnapping and killing Americans, so the FARC are obviously bad people to me.

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Chapter 5/6, Current Event article, North County Times: "Occupiers versus the Tea Party" by Richard Kirk

North County Times
 Article URL: http://www.nctimes.com/news/opinion/columnists/kirk/kirk-occupiers-versus-the-tea-party/article_af9b2aeb-8afa-570d-8063-5e89a3d1b934.html

1. This article is about the Occupy Wall Street Protest. This movement is a protest of the people that believe that the taxes that they are paying are unfair and that bankers are being greedy. The article explains two reasons why the people protest: One, because the government is spending too much and should not increase taxes, and two, because the grwth of the power of government is harming the people's liberty.

2. This article connects to what we are learning in class because the protest of Occupy Wall Street relates to the protest against the king during colonial times. In Occupy Wall Street, people are protesting against taxation and government's unexpected growth of power, harming the people's power. In the colonial times after 1763, colonists were upset with the king's taxation, and his use of tyranny to control the colonists. Overall, both situations both exemplify the protests against taxation and tyrannic ideals of power.

3. This article relates to my life as a citizen, because I have my liberty as a citizen, as well as my responsibilities. Many people are protesting against taxation, and the government's  overuse of power. Of course I wouldn't want to have these sort of things to happen to me! As a citizen, I don't want to deal with so much tax, especially as with the economy as it is now.

4. I have mixed feelings about the topic of this article. I truly believe that I shouldn't be taxed so much as a result of our government's "foolish" use of power. We all need liberty. However, I think that many of the people protesting should be more responsible. Shouldn't they be responsoble for how they spend their money? If they had been responsible and adapted to how the economy is at the moment, they wouldn't have to get caught up in such ordeals. So overall, I have mixed feelings about this topic.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Current event article, North County Times: "ACLU says city illegally endorsing Christianity"

http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/escondido/escondido-aclu-says-city-illegally-endorsing-christianity/article_ff54026c-cbb4-5979-a98a-d914691503a1.html

1. This article is about Escondido illegally endorsing Christianity. Some speakers at the City Council said "Jesus" and "Heavenly father" during the speeches. Even though the ACLU accuses Escondido of endorsing, the city says that they never chose the words for the speakers, and the speakers said it at their own will.

2.This article connects to the First Great Awakening. The speakers endorsed Christianity. The First Great Awakening promoted religion and living based around the Church. Both situations publicly promoted religion.

3. This connects to my life as a citizen, because I am not necessarily religious, and people commonly endorse religion in public. Many people around the streets endorse religion with signs that say "God" and "Jesus" and "Heavenly Fahter". I never really thought of switching religion, but if I did, then it could make a big difference.

4. I believe the endorsing of Christianity is wrong. When the speakers use "Heavenly father" and such, it was obvious they were endorsing, and I think its wrong, when there is a variety of beliefs out there, and they said it in a public place. They should just use common sense, when they know it's wrong, and that they will most likely get a warning from the ACLU anyways.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Current event article: North County Times: "US farm exports boom as rest of economy struggles"

http://www.nctimes.com/news/national/us-farm-exports-boom-as-rest-of-economy-struggles/image_5364df78-48b8-52c9-8a3c-f56eaa2880d8.html

1. This article is about how the US is making deals with various countries in Asia. They are making deals for agricultural exports. The exports are gaining a lot of money for the US. This shows how the US economy is still working while the rest of the world's economy is in crisis.

2.This connects to what we are learning in class, because we are learning about the Columbian exchange. The Columbian exchange is the trade of various agricultural foods. The exchange also benifits both sides. The Columbian exchange from the Americas to Europe is just like the US trade with Asia.

3. This connects to my life as a citizen because I always have to buy these agricultural products in order to maintain a healthy diet. When I buy these items, the government gets money. So the agrcultural exports will end up with an increase in buyers and money.

4. I believe that these exports are a good thing. I believe this way because since our economy is in a recession, it's good to have more inprovements. It is also important for people to buy these products in order for our economy to improve.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

iPaws 6, article 5, Executive Branch: North County Times: "USDA report clears Pa. zoo in deaths of bison"

http://www.nctimes.com/news/national/usda-report-clears-pa-zoo-in-deaths-of-bison/article_50c6dfce-dcae-574b-a555-861b4841300d.html

1. This article is about the USDA clearing the wrongdoing of the deaths of two bison at ZooAmerica in Pennsylvania. This too place after the rising of water from Tropical Strom Lee. The bisons' homes were flooded. One bison drwoned, and another was shot by staff. Animal- rights activistsfelt these deaths were wrong, but the USDA cleared this by saying that the zoo made an appropriate response to the rising water.

2. This article connects to what we are learning in class, because the USDA is part of the executive branch. The USDA have the power to clear those accused of wrongdoing. In this case, the USDA cleared the wrongdoing of the bisons' deaths. In class, we learned about the executive branch and their role in government. Therefore, this article connects to what we learned in class through the USDA.

3. This article conects to my life, because the USDA oversees all the argricultural aspects in the U.S. They oversee food, forests, health, wildlife, etc. These aspects all come into play in my life, such as food safety and community development. The USDA is important to the safety of all living things, even plants. Therefore, the USDA effects my daily life, and the daily lives of others as well. The article shows one example of how the USDA makes a difference.

4. I think that the staff of ZooAmerica did the right thing during the death of the two bison. Though I was devasted by the death of the bison, I believe they did the right thing during that crisis. The animal- right activists should know that the staff did what they should've in their situation. The USDA gave good reasoning to the clearing of these deaths. I believe that in the end, that even though the deaths are troubling, the zoo did what they should've done.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

iPaws 6, article 4, Freedom of Religion and Press : North County Times: "Ohio pastor apologizes for Halloween pamphlets"

http://www.nctimes.com/ap/national/ohio-pastor-apologizes-for-halloween-pamphlets/article_395940a8-8e8f-5960-8beb-1baedac2b45f.html

1. A pastor in Ohio apologized for giving out inappropriate halloween pamphlets. In the pamphlets, it has a story where three children die. The pastor apologizes, and says the church was careless. He says that the church doesn't do thoses sort of scare tactics. the church gives out pamphlets every year. The pastor says the pamphlets were indeed inappropriate for children.

2. This article connects to what we are learning in class, because the church was using the freedom of press. The church used the pamphlets to symbolize how they felt. They also used freedom of religion, since the church has the right to believe in what religion they'd like. Both of these are part of the first amendment. Even though the pamphlets were inappropriate, it still showed how the church actually felt of their religion through the pamphlets

3. This article connects to my life because I also have the right of press and  religion, since I am a citizen of the U.S. I have the right to believe in any religion of my choice and to put what I want on newspapers, magazines, etc. So if I were to give out pamphlets like what the church did, I can put how I feel on those pamphlets. It is common for people to express feelings on newspapers and magazines, and luckily we have such a freedom.

4. I believe that even though the church had the right to put what they wanted on the paamphlet, I think they took it too far. To put death and killing on a pamphlet given to kids is crossing the line. The pastor is right saying the church was too careless. I am glad he took responsibility for his actions. Putting such actions on the pamphlets to kids was going too far, and it doesn't fit the occasion for kids having fun. Sure Halloween should be scary, but it shouldn't affect how kids think.

iPaws 6, article 3, Amendment 2: North County Times: "South Carolina sheriff urges women to carry guns"

http://www.nctimes.com/news/national/article_ce3c6eae-3d6a-5d5a-9764-250a55f90eae.html

1. This article is about a South Carolina sheriff, that wants women to carry guns for protection against assault and rape. He urged this after an arrest for attempted assault. He proposed that women carry fanny packs with guns in them while jogging. This is if a someone attempts rape with them, then they can use the gun for protection. He also encouraged women walking around in groups, for an increase in safety. HE mentions that guns are better than maces. The man accused was charged for first- degree assault.

2. This article connects to what we are learning in class because when women carry guns for protection, this is mentioned in the 4th amendment: the right to bear arms. The 4th amendment states that citizens have the right to bear arms for protection and hunting. The women carry guns for protection. The protection is against attempting rapists. The sheriff urged this for women in order to protect them. therefore, the 4th amendment connects to this article, since the women were protecting themselves.

3. This article connects to my life, because I know that I have the right to bear arms for protection. Even though in the article it specifically talks about women, I can still relate this sort of protection to my safety. If attempting serial killers try to kill me, then I have the right to bear arms as protection. I also ow know that it is safer to walk in groups. I can easily incorporate these factors into my daily life, and it can make a big difference.

4. I think the idea from the sheriff is a very good idea. I feel this way, because it increases the protection of women. Of course I believe assault is wrong, so I hope the guns will help womens' protection. One factor I think may be dangerous is that women might take advantage of this law. I hope they don't end up killing innocent people! They may even pull the trigger on accident.

Friday, October 28, 2011

iPaws 6, article 2, Amedment 6 : North County Times: "Defense in Jackson Case opens with doctor, police"

http://www.nctimes.com/ap/entertainment/article_4b8edfaf-6bde-51a4-b967-397e620063b3.html

1. This article is about the trial for the murder against Dr. Conrad Murray of Michael Jackson. Prosecuters gathered, and defense lawyers call upon witnesses. Murray was accused of manslughter of Michael. Murray pleaded guilty, as autorities contend Murray gave Jackson the porpofol as a sleep aid. The case closed after going through 33 witnesses, which included Dr. Allen Metzger and Cherylin Lee, doctor and practitioner of Jackson. They say Michael had asked for a an anesthetic propofol, but they denied his request.

2. This connects to what we learned about in class, because this article exemplifies the 6th amendment: criminal trial rights. Dr. Murray had the right to a public and speedy trial, and the right to hear all witnesses to testify. There were a total of 33 witnesses in the trial, and the trial gathered prosecyters, defense attoneys, and witnesses. The defendent also had the righ to an attorney. Murray was given defense attorneys, who say that Jackson took the dangerous drug, even when told it was dangerous.

3. This connects to my life because the criminal trial rights are for the people. FOR THE PEOPLE! So if I get accused of a crime, then I all the rights in the 6th amendment take place. So, that means I have the right to an attorney, right to public & speedy trial, and righ to call on witnesses to testify. Murray was able to use all these factors. Additionally, if I am proven guilty, I have the rights of the 8th amendment: bail and punishment. And if I am proven not guilty, then I have the right to no double jeorpardy.

4. I believe that Murray's trial was a very fair trial. Since Murray got all the rights of the 6th amendment, then the outcome will be fair. I also think that it makes sense that Murray would give the propofol as a sleep aid, and not to kill Jackson. If there were 33 witnesses, then I'm sure that the jury and judge will make the right decision. I believe that if the rights of the 6th amendment weren't incorporated in trials, then outcomes can be terribly wrong.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

iPaws 6, article 1, Legislative Branch: North County Times: "Fake Maple Syrup? Vermont senators urge prison time"

http://www.nctimes.com/ap/washington/article_d208d145-939a-5d27-bbd6-30c4731e5762.html

1. Vermont senators find fake maple syrup a legislation of fedral felony. They say that under existing law, calling a fraud products such as maple syrup, can put you in jail for a year. Senators from other states have joined the MAPLE Act. They have informed the USDA about the fake syrup. Vermont is apparantly known for their maple syrup, and don't want fraud.

2. This connects how Senators can make federal laws, in this case, fraud maple syrup. They can can introduce legislation to make it a federal felony. they can base this off of existing law. In class, we learned about how the legislative branch makes laws. In this case, senators introduce legislation as a part of Congress.

3. This connects to my life as a citizen because I now know if I make a fraud product, then I could be put in jail. The senators of many states are behind the act of putting frauders in jail. So if I make fraud items, them I am against the senators of many states. As the economy as it is already, fraud makes it worse. So if I fraud as a citizen, I make the economy worse, and end up in jail.

4. I believe that this law is fair, since there should never be fraud products. In Vermont, the maple syrup is a big part of their economy, and if fraud maple syrup is introduced, then it makes the economy worse. It also shows to not go against government sice you can be put in jail for fraud. Since the senators have already introduced a legislation to this being a federal felony, fraud of maple syrup can even put you in jail for five years now. It makes sense if fraud makes such a negative impact.

iPaws 6 : The Pledge

1. During the 400 year anniversary of the discovery of America, Francis Bellamy and James Uphan created "The Pledge to the Flag". It was made for the students across the nation to recite for planned activities. For the first 25 years, it gained little attention. But it gained major attention from adults at the National Flag Conference and during the Patriotic fever of World War II. Overtime, the place changed in wording in replace with words that fit the meaning better. Through the pledge, it shows our loyalty to America.

2. This article connects to what we are learning in class, because the pledge connects to our government and constitutional freedoms. The pledge shows your loyalty to government and democracy. You promise loyalty to your nation's government through the flag. The pledge states the freedoms of every American, no matter what race, gender, religion, etc. The pledge shows our country is a Union of one nation.

3.The pledge connects to my life as a citizen, since the pledge states my freedom and the government I rely on. I say the pledge 2 times a day. The meaning behind it states how we pledge our loyalty to government as a democracy. I live under a Union of one nation. It states my freedom to pursue life, liberty, and happiness.

4. The article was very helpful in helping me understand the true meaning of the pledge. I now know the meaning behind all the parts of the pledge. For example, "and to the republic" means pledging loyalty to government that is rebublic. I also learned the history behind the pledge. I never knew the pledge was made in 1892. I also never knew there were so many revisions to the pledge to make it the way it is today.