Spring Break is Over! Lets become Informed Citizens...

Welcome back from Spring Break. I hope everyone is rested and ready to get back to the work of learning. 

So What Does This Mean...???

Questions for the Class: Let us take a moment to ponder...

• What is a Democracy? 
• What is the relationship between a democracy and its citizens?
• What is the relationship between a democracy and its non-citizens? Is there one?
• What is the difference between a well informed citizen and a non-informed citizen?
• How does a person become and remain a well informed citizen?

Here is a different perspective:

Why would a government or institutions within a government or organizations within a country NOT want well informed citizens?

Class Question: Can you give some present day or past examples (Govts, govt institutions, or organizations) of this? 

PREVENTING BECOMING POORLY INFORMED.

What are the ways you ensure you are a well informed citizen? Lets list them as a class:

THE CHALLENGE IF YOU WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

The METHOD 

IF THIS IS TRUE, HOW POWERFUL ARE YOU MAKING YOURSELF TO CHANGE YOUR WORLD????

Subjectivity versus Objectivity: Ferguson Grand Jury Announcement

Here is the Grand Jury Announcement from Ferguson, Missouri.

Ferguson Missouri Shooting Overview

We are using the ongoing situation in Ferguson Missouri as a vignette in which to analyze the difference between subjectivity (opinions, emotions) and objectivity (facts) it is important to break down the major aspects of this situation: 

Alleged Crime --->  Police Response ---> Police Encounter --->

Shooting Incident ---> Public Response to Shooting / Protest --->

Police Response to Public Response / Riot --->

Post Incident Investigation (Local / State / Federal) --->

Public Response to Grand Jury --->

Discussion Considerations: 

• Role of Leaders 
• Family
• Community
• Local / State / Federal

• Role of Media 
• Reporting News or Making News
• Subjective Reporting versus Objective Reporting
• Impact of Social Media
• What Would You Do Differently?
• 
  

Developing an Aptitude for Objectivity...Going from what you feel towards what you know

WORD BANK / CONCEPT BANK:  

OBJECTIVE              OPINION VERSUS FACT       ANALYSIS
RACE                         ROLE OF POLICE                   PROTEST     MEDIA / PRESS        PERCEPTION VERSUS REALITY
RACISM                     ABUSE OF POWER                RIOTING     FAIR and BALANCED REPORTING                      LEADERSHIP
SUBJECTIVE

Definitions:

• Subjective: placing excessive emphasis on one's mood, attitudes, and opinions.  

• Objective: not influenced by personal feelings, interpretations, or prejudice, based on facts, unbiased.

Task: Discuss the meaning of the words and concepts above. 


Food for Thought: This is foundational to start our journey on developing an aptitude for looking at each situation objectively and developing the ability to simultaneously maintain a balance between intellect and emotions.  

CASE STUDY: 

MICHAEL BROWN

FERGUSON, MISSOURI

DARREL WILSON

Task:  Take out your notebook and think about these three words and write what you know about them.  

EBOLA THE HOT ZONE...KEEPING IT REAL...

Today is about perspective. It is easy to talk about the Ebola virus as an academic topic, but watching these short videos help you get more familiar with the challenge of it. In your groups you hypothetically discussed preventing the spread of EBOLA by containing the virus by isolating those who may have the virus and quarantining them away from people who have not been exposed from the virus. Think of how this would be done in our city if the virus spread here. 

First Video: WATCH: EBOLA THE HOT ZONE   (15 minutes)

Then Watch, Second Video: WATCH: 21 Days in Quarantine for Lora Logan  (7 minutes)

Post Video Task from the Class Leader: Lead a short discussion on how watching this may have changed your recommended policies your groups developed now that these videos put a face on the virus.

Discussion Class Leaders:
Period 2: Cadet Sienna
Period 4: Cadet Brendan
Period 6: Cadet Nicole
Period 7: Cadet Mercy

Thursday in class (shortened day) we will finish any of the Ebola presentations of Question & Answer periods during the shortened day. 

PS: REMINDER: All of the sophomore and junior male cadets (list below) selected for the Center For Youth Leadership Workshop in Greenwich on Thursday remember it is early release day, so you will need to come back to BMHS and be in front of the school by 3:30 pm for a 3:45 depart for the workshop (5 pm to 7 pm with pizza). We will talk tomorrow in class. This is merely a heads up. List of committed cadets:Shane K, Tom M, Mechal V, Elias B-C, Robert C, James G, Rene B, Jamerikah G-Y, Kevin M, Helmuth I, Josue A, Louis C, Kevin Marin, Ahmad Y.

WHAT VETERANS DAY MEANS TO YOU AND OUR COUNTRY

Dan Caporale, USMC Vietnam Vet

ABOVE IS A PICTURE OF former Staff Sergeant Dan Caporale, a USMC Veteran who served three tours in Vietnam. He is a recipient of the Silver Star for heroism in combat was wounded and received the Purple Heart as well. He served with the MACV SOG (Special Operations Group). The veterans you see in the next few days served when they were a little older than you and were participating in the defense of our nation. 

TODAY WE WILL WRITE A LETTER IN CLASS THANKING OUR VETERANS AND TELLING THEM WHAT VETERANS DAY MEANS TO YOU AND TO OUR COUNTRY.

Instructions for In class assignment: 

1. Single piece of paper write a letter addressed To A Veteran
2. First paragraph thanking them for their service to their country.
3. Second paragraph telling them what veterans day means to you. 
4. Print your name as your signature. 
5. Turn in your letter to SNSI. 

Remember tomorrow is Veterans Day and uniform Day in order to attend you need to bring your permission slip in and be in uniform and conduct yourself accordingly. 

The Mayor Needs Some Help...?

The Ebola Virus has become an issue internationally and within the United States. (This is a simulated scenario for this class) The Mayor is determining what his City's policy on Ebola prevention should be. More specifically, what should the city's concept of prevention and quarantine be? What other preventative measures should the city take? More specifically, if someone comes to Norwalk from one of the countries affected by Ebola how should Norwalk handle that? What should its policy on quarantine and Ebola prevention be? (Below are three short videos to give you some background on the Ebola virus, symptoms, and prevention to get you started on your knowledge build. Note: clicking on the hyperlink on the word quarantine will give you a basic understanding of that concept.) 

Classroom Task: We will form into three groups and develop Ebola prevention policy recommendations for the Mayor. Everyone takes notes on the group work and discussion. 

Group Leaders: 
Period 2: Rene, Tom. Sienna, and citizen Rep: Angelique.
Period 4: Brendan, Johanna, Christian, and citizen Rep: Jen and Josue.
Period 6: Nicole, Christian, Elias, and citizen Rep: Brian.
Period 7: Allan, Steven, Anthony, and citizen Rep: Tatiana.

Group Task A (Thursday): 

• Step 1:Determine what are the key questions your group needs to answer before you can determine what policy recommendations to make? 
• Step 2: Find the answers to your own questions and then prepare a rough draft press statement. Below your Team Leaders are given a link to a Google Doc on which to put your statement. 
• Step 3: Everyone in your group review the scanned articles on Ebola as it relates to public reaction and the guidelines some states are taking. 

Group Task B (Nov 3. Monday - Thursday): The Group Leader's will be tasked with placing input on a class Google document for this module. 

Team Leaders Click on the below hyperlinks to put your City Press statement on the document. 

Period 2 Link to Google Doc:  

Period 4 Link to Google Doc:  

Period 6 Link to Google Doc: 

Period 7 Link to Google Doc:

Group Task C: (Nov 7, Friday):  As per the directions on the scanned document (for group statement) coupled with all of the group collaboration (discussion, videos. scanned articles, self research) you have done has prepared each group to present their simulated Mayor's press statement and participate in the community Town Hall meeting on Friday.

Sequence: A Group presents their statement and the other groups ask questions in response to the simulated mayoral statement.

Then the next group presents and we follow this sequence

Group 1 Presentation: Groups 2 & 3 role play as citizens and designated citizen Rep will takes notes and prepare to ask questions during the Q&A period. 

Group 2 Presentation: Groups 1 & 3 role play as citizens and designated citizen Rep.

Group 3 Presentation: Groups 2 & 1 role play as citizens and designated citizen Rep.

Assessment: Individual Assessments of Group and Group Members. 

ENDSTATE of this EBOLA MODULE:

• Learn more about the Ebola virus (causes, prevention, and intervention)
• Consider the role of government in maintaining the collective health at the local, state, and federal level. 
• Consider the issues associated with enforcement of a quarantine if the government deems it necessary. 
• What are some of the considerations of the government in determining to isolate or quarantine its citizens. 

ISIS...ISIL...AL QAEDA...ISLAMIC EXTREMISM or Just Countering Extremist Violent Organizations...?

ISIS: Islamic State of Iraq & Syria.   ISIL: Islamic State in the Levant.

Here is a discussion on Why Global Jihad and the Spread of Islamic Extremism will not be successful.

What is the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) or termed differently Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)? Let us watch a short video to gain perspective:

This is a 9 minute video call Inside Isis and the Islamic Caliphate.

This is a 2 minute video about the Western world's use of social media to counter ISIS social media efforts and recruiting. 

Fighting Back Against ISIS: Kurdish Peshmerga fighters in Northern Iraq. (9 min video) 

Trading One US Soldier for Five Taliban Terrorists...What Do You Think???

US POW: Bowe Bergdahl

The last American soldier held captive by the Afghan Taliban has been released, after the US government agreed to free five Afghan detainees from the Guantánamo Bay prison in Cuba to the custody of the Qatari government, US officials said.

Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, 28, was held captive for almost five years. Sources told the Associated Press he was in good condition and was able to walk. Bergdahl was on his way to an American military hospital in Germany, a US defence official told Reuters, and was then expected to be transferred to a military medical facility in San Antonio, Texas. 

Later, during an appearance in the Rose Garden at the White House with the soldier's parents, Barack Obama welcomed news of the release, saying that while Bergdahl was gone, "he was never forgotten." The president said that the US "does not ever leave our men and women in uniform behind" and that in relation to the five Taliban detainees released, the Qatari government had given assurances it would "put in place measures to protect our national security".  The five former Guantánamo detainees have been transferred to the custody of the Qatari government. Their movements will be restricted, according to US government statements.

RECIDIVISM RATES OF RELEASED GITMO DETAINEES: GOING BACK TO TERRORISM

An unclassified version of a September report from the Director of National Intelligence reveals that another five former Guantanamo Bay detainees have either been confirmed as reengaging in terrorism or are suspected of doing so.  The report comes just as a judge in Algeria has approved parole of two detainees recently transferred to Algerian custody from the Cuba-based detention facility.

Of the 603 former detainees tracked by US intelligence services, a total of 100 have now been confirmed as reengaging in "terrorism" or "insurgent" activities, while another 74 are suspected of reengaging.  This brings the total rate of recidivism to nearly 29 percent, up from 28 percent as of the last report six months ago. Two of the detainees suspected of reengaging in the last six months are among those transferred since President Obama took office in 2009.  Of the seventy-four detainees transferred since January 22, 2009, seven are either confirmed or suspected of reengaging, up from five in the prior report, raising the recidivism rate of those transferred during the president's time in office from 7 percent to 10 percent.

The Code of Conduct: All Service men and woman are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct while serving their country to the best of their abilities. 

 

I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.

II

I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist.

III

If I am captured I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and to aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.

IV

If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information or take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.

V

When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give name, rank, service number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause.

VI

I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.

POINTS FOR CONSIDERATION:

• While there is much we do not know, based on your initial (and unqualified) impressions do you think Sgt. Bergdahl adhered to the Code of Conduct. 
• WHAT WERE THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THIS SOLDIER BECOMING A POW? Was he captured in combat or did he abandon his post and walk into his capture?
• THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IN US HISTORY AN AMERICAN SERVICE-MEMBER HAS BEEN TRADED FOR TERRORISTS. 
• THE RELEASE OF PRISONERS FROM GITMO REQUIRES CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL, NO APPROVAL WAS SOUGHT BY THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF.

PUBLIC SPEAKING ACTIVITY: Tuesday

Without conferring with others, develop a short one minute to one minute and a half impromptu speech voicing your opinion on this situation in class on Tuesday.

NAVAL TASK FORCE SEARCH FOR THE MISSING PLANE

As we prepare to organize into 7th Fleet Naval Task Force Groupings, we are going to conduct some background education into the recovery efforts that follow an aircraft accident and investigation similar to Malaysian Flight 370. This crash investigation is too immature to be able to analyze what happened, so we will look at another crash with more information available.

In a recovery effort over the ocean there are generally a number of factors affecting the search:

• Flight Plan for the plane (Where the plane is supposed to fly)
• Radar Flight Path (Where the plane actually flew) to determine when you lost contact with the missing plane. This also helps determine where to start your search. 
• Once the search is initiated they generally use three methods to find the plane:
• Visual Sighting (air crews and sea crews looking for survivors or wreckage)
• Surface Radar: from surface craft and aviation assets to find the survivors or wreckage on the surface of the water..
• Sonar is used to find the plane or (find flight data recorder)

There was a previous crash Air France 447 that departed from Brazil to France when it crashed. The only way transportation authorities can determine what might have happened to cause the crash is if they recover the remnants of the plane and the flight data recorder which has considerable detailed information. Your mission will be to recover the flight data recorder, but it is important to see how that recovery effort fits into the bigger question,We will watch a video which will give us some background:

This crash and the recovery effort will give your teams some perspective on your upcoming task.           

Recovery Efforts Cost Money   

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. 

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. 

How is the POTUS Doing?

How is President Barack Obama doing as our President? 

1. Form into 5 person small groups.

2. Determine in your groups opinion how POTUS is doing both domestically and in foreign affairs?

3. Use all of the resources you have available.

When Was the Last Time You Heard a Reporter Offer a Balanced (Albeit Emotional) Perspective?

Current Affairs Update: We have talked about the Affordable Healthcare Act...the Debt Crisis...the Housing Crisis...the Debt Ceiling...considerable discussion in the media about what is wrong with our country and unfortunately depending upon the political slant of the particular news channel you will often hear the media blame one particular party or another. 

Word / Concept Bank:
Apolitical      News Media   Freedom of Speech    Fourth Estate  Press   Bias    Media Bias

Let's watch a video (with some biases of its own) that talks about the cost of Media Bias on our Elections: 

Classroom Activity / Associated Homework:

1. Form into three separate groups.

2. Watch the first video which is of a MSNBC media reporter getting emotional but voicing what appears to be a balanced perspective of blame towards both parties and the demand for the POTUS to step up and lead the country to start to fix this crisis.

3. Review & Discuss the Word / Concept Bank as a class.

4. Watch the second video on Media Bias which gives a look at how a CNN Reporter (typically viewed as a liberal reports about the Tea Party (grassroots ultra Conservative Republican party group).

5. Discuss your impressions as a group and your HOMEWORK is to make an individual blog entry (minimum of a paragraph) of your opinion whether or not you think their is bias in our news media? and why?

What Does Courage Look Like?

You have heard of the Navy SEALs from SEAL Team 6. We look at athletes who play hurt and still perform as being courageous. These are people who make a choice to participate in the activities that put them in challenging situations. How about a 15 year old girl? Can she be courageous? How many of you heard of Malala?

She has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, listen to her message and attitude:

What Is The Message Malala teaches us? What do you think of her message...?

Small Group Discussion: Break up into small 3 person groups and discuss. Be prepared to discuss in class afterward. 

What is Going On With Our Government???

What is Going On with our Government...?  Debt Ceiling...Debt Crisis....? Sequestration....Obama-care...Housing Bubble...Hedge Funds....Unemployment and Underemployment....

WORD / CONCEPT BANK: Lets discuss what some of these terms mean

3 Branches of Govt          3 Levels of Govt      Budget     Debt     Deficit     Taxes     
Types of Taxes     Politics     Healthcare    Insurance Companies   Premiums   Uninsured  Underinsured   Pre-exisitng medical condition     

Question: How do people pay for Healthcare? (Use salary or receive a job benefit)


Lets take a look at this thing they call the Debt limit...

Now lets look at Affordable Healthcare or Obama Care...

Now lets take a look at the federal government shutdown...

This video is the stereotypical "Its politics and its boring and I am sure it will just get fixed..."

This video is a more balanced overview: See how it impacts on a family...?

Final Comment:  One of the reasons the citizenry of America are in this situation is because many Americans remain uninformed about what the government they elected is doing or not doing. If individual citizens take a "what is in it for me" attitude instead of "what is best for our country" attitude than this problem will continue to get worse until our country's stability is further eroded. This attitude can manifest itself in the politicians who represent us at the local, state, and federal level. If a politician supports and votes for issues primarily because of "what is best for my political party" instead of "what is best for our country" this will accelerate our national issues at home and abroad. 

Homework: For tonight

1. Watch the Affordable Healthcare Video (9 minutes) with an Adult in your House and Discuss its impact on you.

2. Make a blog entry in the comment section (at end) of this posting that captures the main point of your discussion at home about the video. (Include what period you are in and first name only).  

3/11: One Voice...The Power of Exercising Your Freedom of Speech

One Student's Opinion's On School Budget Cuts

CLICK ON THE LINK ABOVE TO READ THE LETTER FROM A STUDENT (A SENIOR) IN TORRINGTON, CONNECTICUT WHO IS CONCERNED ABOUT POTENTIAL CUTS IN HER TOWN'S SCHOOL BUDGET.

Last week, your assignment was to write a letter to your Elected Officials concerning our national financial crisis and in particular, the impact of the Sequestration. Some of you worked hard on it, some put a mediocre effort into it, and some (despite promptings) elected not to complete the assignment. (How indicative of this varied student effort is a reflection of the types of citizens you will become in the future?) The quote above speaks to our responsibility as citizens to work to defend the blessings of our freedoms. Not for us to merely to enjoy them, but to be informed and when necessary defend them through our freedom of speech. 

Classroom Assignment: 
1. Let's read the letter as an entire class aloud. Student's take notes on what you felt were important points of the letter. 
2. Break up into small groups, and review your notes, her letter,  and discuss how effective or ineffective you felt this letter will be if you were an Elected Official or on the Board of Education. 
3. Have a group note-taker to capture the key points of your group discussion. Turn the group notes in at the end of class. 
4. Your focus: Questions I want you to address in your groups:

1. How will you go about cutting the budget if you have to? 
2. What are some of your considerations in determining what to cut and what not to cut? 
3. As Elected Officials, how can you raise money to maintain or increase the budget?

How Long Will Your Freedom Of Speech Remain a Freedom, 

If You Do Not Exercise That Freedom...?

Someone Else Speaking For A Change...Tuesday Feb 11, 2013

Every Monday you have had to participate in some public speaking activity, this week I am going to give you a break. This week you just need to listen and take notes. The speaker is Doctor Benjamin Carson, who is the head of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He is one of the world's most accomplished surgeons and was born into poverty and raised by a single mother. The National Prayer Breakfast is an annual event held in Washington, DC at the National Cathedral. It is attended by the President of the US and the First Lady. Specifically listen to what he says about the importance and value of education. Think of these questions in relation to your report card you received today:

1. How seriously do you take your education? 
2. Do you understand the value your education has on your future success and the quality of your life? 
3. Do you believe your grades (and associated G.P.A.: Grade Point Average) are a reflection of how much or how little you value your education?   

Homework Activity: I want you to post (first name & class period) your answers to those three questions after watching Dr. Carson speak in the comment section of this blog. The quality of your answer will be reflected in your grade. This homework is due by your next class period on Wednesday.

NOTE: Only about 6 of my students responded to the homework posting assignment for the Stress Management blog which means those that didn't will receive an "F" for that homework assignment given on last Friday and due by this Monday. That is UNSAT folks. If we are going to bring you into the 21st century, you have to learn to incorporate technology into your learning process. Remember the video SHIFT HAPPENS...With the snowday you have until Wednesday to make that Stress Management posting as well or you keep the grade of "F".

To Build or Not To Build...That is the Debate

Today's Debate will center on the controversial topic of building a mosque in lower Manhattan, NY in the general vicinity of Ground Zero. The World Trade Center Towers were twice attacked by Islamic Extremists (Al Qaeda). The first attack was in 1993 by a car bomb in the parking garage of one of the Towers. The second attack was on Sept 11 where the towers were destroyed by flying hijacked planes with innocent people killed in the destruction of the Twin Towers. That terrorist attack and other attacks, generated much national focus, passion, and sacrifice on behalf of Americans and their allies against the spread of Islamic Extremism. Watch these two short videos to see opposing interpretations against or in support of building the mosque there... the first video opposes the building of the mosque.

This video is the President supporting the building of the Mosque in NY.

Some Questions to Ponder in preparing for your debate:

• Can you separate a religion from groups who exploit or high-jack the religion for their own extreme purposes? 
• Is a religion responsible for the acts of extremists who follow that religion? 
• Our country claims to exercise freedom of religion, however, is that freedom or any other freedom absolute?
• Some people claim that extremists are using our freedoms against us and in support of themselves. 

Class Task: 

1. You will be formed into two groups (one group that supports and one group that opposes the building of the mosque).
2. Your debate groups will be given a short period of time to prepare your hasty debate each focusing on three main points. 
3. Your homework is entering a comment tonight on how you feel about the topic. Include you First Name & Last Initial, and class period you are in. Keep your comments professional.

TO BUILD OR NOT BUILD.....that is the question?????