Do Walls Work?

The big domestic issue this past week centered on two court cases argued in front of the Supreme Court dealing with Gay Rights.  While numerous legal technicalities are involved, it was an opportunity for the judges to hear arguments as to why or why not Gay people should have the right to marry.  Many civil rights groups have argued that this is THE civil rights issue of the decade.  The judges have heard the arguments on both sides and are expected to make a decision in June.  The Court has the option of a very narrow ruling on the “standing” of the plaintiffs, that is, whether the aggrieved people even have the right to have their case heard by the Supreme Court. By listening closely to the judges’ questions, many observers inferred that the judges may not be ready to rule on the legality of same sex marriage.  But some commentators also point out that it may make little difference in the long run; even if the justices decline to rule on the constitutionality of laws affecting gay marriage, public opinion has already shifted to the point where legislators are likely to adopt more liberal laws out of political necessity.  Indeed, the Rhode Island state legislature may be on the point of doing just that.

On the international scene, the leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-un, has placed the military on high alert and told his country to be ready to go to war with the United States.  While some may see this as “saber rattling,” it can be a very dangerous situation as this untested, 28-year-old leader tries to strengthen his authority by rallying his people against external “enemies.”  A single miscalculation by either side could trigger a chain of events that could quickly mushroom out of control – “mushroom” being an appropriate word to use, since North Korea is now presumed to have at least a few nuclear weapons.

Modern America

This week we continued our study of the Cold War by taking notes as we watched the video “The Seven Phases of the Cold War.”  While the reference to a “cold” war suggests no direct fighting between the USSR and the United States, there were two major conflicts during this period: the Korean War and the Vietnam War.  You had the opportunity to use your graphic organizer to help understand the views of the US as compared to the views of the Soviets.  You also were able to work with a partner comparing Churchill’s Iron Curtain speech and Stalin’s response.  Finally we looked at a video of “The Wall” that showed what life was like for the people of Berlin after the wall was built.  Do walls work?  Can you keep people separated, especially when one group really wants to be joined with those on the opposite side?  Yet walls are still used, as seen in Israel and Jerusalem as well as our border with Mexico.

End of 3^rd quarter

The end of the quarter is rapidly approaching.  By Monday you should have your task loaded on TieNet and past work should be handed in. 

World History

This week we continued to look at World War I and the new technology that caused massive loss of life.  We looked at how the airplane, U boats, machine guns and poison gas changed the rhythm of war.  We also read about life in the trenches, and you had an assignment to write about that life…your feet constantly water logged…fighting off rats and lice…and long periods of boredom.   

For homework you had a worksheet that needed to be completed.  If you brought your book to class you should have made a good start on the assignment.  Bringing your text to class is a sign of being prepared.  Your freshman year is almost over and by now you should know what you need to have for class to be ready to learn.

Congratulations JD!

We are all so proud of you…great job…an article for the scrap book!