PUBLIC SPEAKING: INVOLVEMENT IN THE CRISIS IN UKRAINE

We spent time last week in small groups reviewing the ongoing situation in the Ukraine where Russian troops have occupied key areas in Crimea and Ukrainian military bases. Is this an illegal intrusion by the Russian President Putin or his country merely providing security assistance? The people of Crimea apparently voted for annexation from the Ukraine and desire to be controlled by Russia. We discussed some of the US options (Diplomatic, Informational, Military, and Economic) that could be taken. Many question President Putin's motives and President Obama's leadership? Some say the "cold war has come back" as Russia was previously thought of as a former superpower in decline? It is a very fluid situation that is having a growing impact in the European (NATO) region. What will happen?

Russian Troops in Occupation

US Military Preserving Peace

 Your Individual Public Speaking Assignment is to develop a short speech expressing your individual opinion on:

"Why the United States Should (or Should Not) Get involved in the Crisis Between Russia and Ukraine?" 

TOPIC: Is the Question Above. Pick an opinion and develop your speech.

Time Standard for Speech: 1 minute and thirty seconds (Anything shorter will result in the reduction of your grade)
Contents: Introduction, 3 Main Points Supporting Your Opinion, Conclusion
Monday: Work on Speech in Class, Review and Time Rehearse for Homework. You will be allowed to have a written speech, but it will need to have been rehearsed as homework so you do not merely read it.
Tuesday: Give Speech in Class

Final Comment: A component of being a citizen is being informed by keeping yourself aware of what is going on locally, domestically, and globally. Once you are informed you are responsible to do something about it: talk with peers, let your elected official know what YOU think, vote for candidates that are well informed on the issues, participate in a protest or organize a protest if your government is taking action that you feel is counter to your national interests, etc.

I am Going To Write A Letter To My Congressman.

As we continue to discuss the concept of citizenship in regards to the Navy JROTC program goal to "develop informed and responsible citizens", it is important to learn the value of communicating with our elected officials.  The majority of you aren't of age to be registered voters. There is no reason you can't develop the ability and the habit to contact your elected representatives at the local, state, and federal level. 

Coupled with our recent focus on the international situation in the Ukraine and the aggressive involvement of Russia, we are going to craft a group letter to our Senator, Senator Blumenthal. 

Class Activity: 
1. Two designated Group Leaders will open a Google Document and share editing privileges with the members of their group. 
2. The class was divided into groups. Each group was divided into a Ukrainian perspective group and a Russian perspective group. Each of these two groups will draft a summary paragraph and provide the hard copy to the group leader. 
3. Each group will craft a online letter to Senator Blumenthal which I will review and we will mail to the Senator. I am certain we will get a response of some kind. 

UKRAINE...What is Going On and Why Should We Care?

As American citizen's, is it important to know what is going on in the world outside of the United States? We have so many domestic problems and challenges, how or why should we be concerned about what is taking place in a far off land such as Russia and Ukraine? What are the consequences of our citizen's not paying attention to world events, such as the present day situation in the Ukraine? What might those consequences be if our citizens lack situational awareness to what is happening in the world? How does our government determine whether or not to get involved? How do they determine if an international situation is in the United State's national interests or not? 

Balance out these two quotes:

Quote 1:   "I don't know why I have to spend so much time studying the past when I want to focus on the future!" Quote from Jake the Great -a student

Quote 2:  " Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."  George Santayana - a philosopher 

Which quote do you agree with? 

Here is a quick overview of the Ukraine:

Let us take a quick look at the varying opinions and perspectives about what is going on and what the US should or should not do?  

PT Friday: Yoga

There are many facets of physical fitness and health. We have talked about and participated in the benefits of stretching and meditation for flexibility and stress management. Yoga is a unique combination of both. 


This tape is Yoga for complete beginners. 20 minute gentle yoga class to give you greater relaxation, more energy and joy. Relaxation pose and crocodile poses to relax the lower back. Shoulder exercises to relax the neck and shoulders. Sitting forward bend for flexibility. Inclined plane for strengthening the back. Spinal twist for good massage of the abdominal organs. Final relaxation to really let go. You will feel full refreshed and recharged. Try it out! 

Mister President I have a Question?

Today President Obama will be speaking a Connecticut Central State University (CCSU) making an announcement about raising the minimum wage. As we are discussing your role as a Citizen, and your rights and responsibilities; one of your rights is to voice your concerns to your elected officials and seek information from them. We are going to practice this freedom of speech this morning. 

Classroom Activity: Take 5 minutes and think about a question you would like to ask the President about a topic you are interested in. Write the question down in your notebook. Then be prepared to share your question with the class and some of your questions will lead to class discussion. 

Public Speaking Monday

The picture above is of two former BMHS cadets. The young lady is now a US Marine Officer. The young man was her friend who passed away from cancer. We never know what will happen to the people we meet in life so it is important to appreciate each other. 

Without talking to anyone, come up with FIVE QUESTIONS to ask someone in the form of a short hasty interview. You have five minutes to come up with the questions so write them down in your notebook. You will use those questions to interview someone you are assigned.