Oh the weather outside is Frightful!

NO blog this week, BUT....feel free to post pics of your snowman on the blog. You will receive no credit, but will have enlightenment and total conscienceness----which is nice! On Monday, we'll get the term assignment AND the AWESOME Chapter 16 Test!

Marshmallow Peeps--a tasty bit of PA history PLUS MORE CANDY!

http://www.marshmallowpeeps.com/ Go to Just Born, a PA company that makes the ubiquitous Peeps. Play the Peeps game. Read Peeps History. LEARN something that will be valuable someday. Let's face it.....we all know a lot about Hershey, although I'm still not a fan of the Chocolate World redo. Frankly, I hate the focus on the stuffed, Disney-esque cows.

In http://www.hersheystory.org/exhibits/failures-to-fortunes.aspx Hershey fails across the US as he tries to establish a candy business. He finally makes BIG money at the Lancaster Caramel Company. But, he sells and goes back to his hometown of Derry Township. A little know fact...Hershey leaves Lancaster because his tax rate DOUBLED after he failed to give $$ to local politics. It was political machine politics personified---so Hershey decided to take his $$$ and go where he could run the machine.

The last part of our candy tour is the Mars company, one of the largest privately owned corporations in the world. Mars is famous for its secrecy..is located in VA & NJ and is named after--the Mars family, not the planet. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars,_Incorporated It's interesting to compare the 3 companies during this holiday, candy eating season!

Your assignment....eat one product from each company before Christmas & visit all 3 links. No points will be awarded, but empty calories will bring you great JOY. There will be a 10 point quiz on 12/23/09 where you will have only 5 choices--the 3 companies, none or all.

It's sure to be a tasty treat.

Obama--mania

Rate Obama's 1st year as President. What were the high/low lights? What do you think he should make the top priority for 2010? What do you think that others rank high--but you think should be shelved.

Lastly, what do you think about the Obama family? Do we care too much about Michele's arms? do you want to know more about the children?

Climate Change Policy

Look at the NY Times links for articles on Climate Change. In addition to any articles you might find, comment on the following:

1. What is the most recent developments in Climate change?

2. How is the Obama administration different from the Bush administration?

3. What is your opinion regarding the political responses to climate change. What should be done?

These answers will require a little thought and more than a one sentence "get the points" response. Since this is posting on Sunday, you will have until Monday at 11:59pm to respond. As always, I am flexible.

Bureaucracy and Health Care

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! Or as hunters say---let kill deer this Monday! The assignment is a simple yet, not so simple one---and you can go wherever you want.

1. Google Health Care Bureaucracy and describe the plans that are displayed. What groups display these charts? What agenda do they have?

2. http://docs.house.gov/rules/health/111_ahcaa.pdf Hey Gang! Its all 3.3 mb and 1987 pages of the health care bill. Add the month and date of your birthday to the number of steps in your home TIMES the number of TVs in your home. Go to that page of the health care bill (tell me which page) and summarize it.

3. Go to the AARP site & find out what they say about health care.

4. Lastly, examine an established bureaucracy: PA's medicaid system: Read the FAQ and detail what is most surprising about this program. http://www.pamedicaid.pitt.edu/faqs.html#a1

Presidential Approval

Believe it or not, Obama's approval is gauged everyday. Let's take a look Rasmussen poll.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/obama_administration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll

1. Draw some conclusions about the poll. How does this poll measure his administration? In your opinion, where do you think Obama's numbers will go?

2. Is Rasmussen biased? What are the indicators?

3. Search http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_approval_rating

(at one point, I hated wikipedia) Comparing Presidents from past and recent history, what conclusions can be drawn comparing the old (FDR-LBJ) to new (Reagan-Obama)

4. Lastly, is it important for a President to be popular? Why?

Relink for 1st article

It appears that the 1st article might be an issue. Here's the link and thanks Zach!

http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/30/the-magic-of-financing-health-care-reform/

I also want to respond to the "this is too hard" crowd---are you serious???? 25 points for a blog based on reading, analysis & an opinion?

I've been MORE than generous with the point distribution this semester. Please feel free to ignore the blogs and forfeit the points!!!

There---I had a little rant. Now I'm better. ENJOY the rest of the Blog--you are ALL AWESOME!

I'm Just a Health Care Bill

doversocialstudies.wikispaces.com Check out the NEW social studies Wiki!!!

Go to the following link and develop a better understanding of health care and the controversy that surrounds the new bill.

http://topics.nytimes.com/topics/news/health/series/house_calls/index.html

1. Click the bottom link on economics and the Italian Suit analogy. Let's face it...most of us don't get the Italian suit. Explain the article and construct another analogy that can be understood by all of us.

2. Look at the video and article targeting the elderly and Medicare. Why are older Americans afraid of the reforms. On the other hand, are they also supportive? What are the main concerns. Watch the video if possible--great singing!

3. You have a choice--read about the Milwaukee clinic or the Villains piece on Humana insurance. Summarize the article and comment. Are he insurance companies being unfairly hammered? What can be done about the care for the poor? How can more doctors be recruited to serve?

Dover Interest Group videos and commentaries

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkIah6Nv8F4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3COSVpkRIM

Here's two of the DHS videos from AP. I plan to upload or link others as well. Nice job on the videos. As always, some were better than others, but all captured the spirit of the assignment.

Although this blog isn't for credit, I would appreciate commentary on the assignment here and outline parameters for future assignments using the multimedia platform. My goal is to post all 6 grops work here--eventually.

Biased News: Fair & Balanced

We looked at Interest Groups and Media this week, but we didn't get much of a chance to actually view each. For this week, lets look at both ends of the spectrum:

1. watch Fox News, preferably O'Reilly Factor or Sean Hannity. What were the topics discussed and cite incidents of bias? None of these shows available? Look at their websites and do the same.

2. watch MSNBC and watch Obermann or Rachel Maddow. What were the topics discussed and cite incidents of bias? also see the websites if none are available.

Due to the nature of the assignment, we'll go until Tuesday midnight to give you a chance to see all the shows. Still want more? Listen to Rush!

PIG's, PAC's and the Lobby Merchants of Death!

An interest group represents a large collection of like minded people that band together to force political change and protect the rights of the overall group. In short, PIG's (political interest groups) try to advance their lives using resources managed by the government.

Your challenge will be to create a plan for a DHS PIG that will advance student opportunities and make DHS a better place to go to school by showcasing the positive parts of the DHS experience. What methods are currently being used to make DHS a better place? Do they work? If not, how can better methods be applied to demonstrate positive feelings regarding DHS.

1st: view the video wall and discuss the different views on health care. Why are lobbyists so entrenched in the system?

2nd: answer the poll

3rd:write about the opportunities for growth in general perception & reality regarding the DHS experience.

Peace, Kind Words and Public Opinions

Thanks for all the kind words in the previous posts. I hope that the course meets expectations, but I realize there are some skills that still need worked on...ie: reading and understanding.

First, find a political opinion poll related to health care, the wars in Iraq & Afghanistan or Obama's Peace prize.
a. Explain the poll--if possible, provide a link
b. Analyze the poll--how is it fair, not fair
c. Propose changes to the poll...what other questions would you ask.

Lastly, how will the increasing role of technology affect politics? What changes do you foresee in the future & what problems will technology create for future elections?

Blog Numero Six: Is it all worth it?

It's the end of the 1st marking period and we reach the one-third pole. I think we hit a high, or low mark during the last blog entry: lots of opinions about raceness, gayness and fairness. (shockingly "gayness" isn't flagged by spell check, but "raceness" is). For this week, I'd like to have you comment on the following:

1. What's the best part of this AP course? Speaking positively, give a few group hugs about AP Gov.

2. What's the problem with AP Gov? What roadblocks exist for your education and what things irritate you. In addition, how can these problems be remedied?

3. What do I want to know during the last 2/3rds of the course? Is this course meeting your expectations? How can the class change to better help you be a success?

Thanks for the input. Although I may come off as a sarcastic person at times, I do use criticisms and suggestions to get better---or at least I try!

Hot off the Presses!

Tennessee Coach Bruce Pearl had some insensitive comments today. Thoughts?

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=4502768

AP Blog Assignment #5

Remember to post your NAME & PERIOD at the beginning of the post!

Chapter 5: Civil Rights. The following questions are geared to generate a narrative response. Write commentary on 3 out of 5 questions.

1. Read and Listen to the following story on the significance of the Obama election. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18489466
Do we live in a post-racial society?

2. Reflect on the changing diversity of Dover specifically and York county in general. How has this affected DHS and what do you see as potential benefits and probvlems in the future as Dover becomes more diverse?

3. Discrimination against gay students is a reality at DHS and around the country, but has these students become more accepted within schools? Read the NY times article and comment on gay rights and acceptance/limits for DHS and schools in the US.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/27/magazine/27out-t.html?_r=1&em

4. Should English be the required language in the US? As Hispanic citizens become more politically powerful, do you see other demographic changes in the future. Do you think government should offer voting information in other languages?

5. Starting on page 152, Affirmative Action is discussed. What is Affirmative Action and do you think the US still needs these programs. Look at the charts on 153--do Americans have contradictory views on the same issue? Should there be any other factors used for college admissions besides test scores, courses, recomendations and activities? Does race, sex or financial status matter?

AP Blog Assignment #4--Post your REAL name this time!

http://www.usconstitution.net/consttop_stud.html

Look at the above website and read about cases that directly affect students. After looking at the site, please respond to the following questions. Also--post responses to TWO other students. All of this will be due by 9/21/09 at midnight. Be sure to put your FULL NAME and period # on the 1st line of the post.

1. Review your school handbook and highlight particular rules that you find objectionable. Are they Constitutional? Why are these rules a problem for you?

2. After reading about the Pledge cases online and in the text, how do you think schools should handle the pledge?

3. On 9/23, Youth Alive is sponsoring the See You at the Pole activity. On Friday, the announcements mentioned the objective of asking God to watch over our country. Should these activties be allowed or restricted anda detail where you think the line is in regards to the Establishment v. Free exercise clause in schools?

4. As detailed on the website, the school has the job of loco parentis. Does DHS police the students properly? Should the school exercise tougher controls over the student body? Should locker searches be done more frequently? Do you agree with school ids. Finally, if students believe that administration has gone too far, what mechanisms are available to address student concerns? Are they effective?

Chapter 3: federalism

This week--we do a little research for our question:

1. What is a mandate?
2. Give a specific example of a mandate in terms of the national government to state OR state to local.
3. What are some of the criticisms of mandates?

Labor Day---a One day Reprieve!

Hey all---happy labor day! Every other country in the world celebrates it on May 1st, except freedom loving Americans--who view may Day as a Commie holiday.

You ALL get a one day extension for the Obama/surveillance assignment!

Happy Labor Day & DHS cares.

Chapter 2 Blog assignment

On pages 54-55, the issue of warrantless domestic surveillance is debated. Read this section and anwer the following questions in a post. Comment on 2 other posts as well:
1. What is your opinion of warrantless surveillance in a post 9-11 world?
2. Since it has been 9 years since 9-11, are Americans becoming less concerned with terrorists?
3. How should the Obama administration proceed? If they have the power, should the executive branch voluntarily give it up?

Comments on Chapter 1

First, GREAT JOB on Chapter one! I enjoyed the comments, although I do not blame McD's for obesity--We all could order the side salad you know. I also would like top caution you about----being nice. Don't personally attack people--I know that what was written was not very harsh by internet standards but we must practice civility!!!

Chapter 1 Blog

Chapter 1 Blog. Chapter one is all about power and how it is shared or in many cases, not shared with others. What is your impression of the REAL power in the US? Choose one of the following and make a case for them as the MOST POWERFUL player(s) in US Government.

1. The PEOPLE
2. The ELITES, predominantly wealthy individuals and corporations
3. The Government Bureaucracies
4. The EDUCATED class
5. The Congress and the President
6. The COURTS, especially the Supreme Court.

Remember to keep it brief and also comment on the writings of others.

Even the Libraries are on the Block.

If you go to the local library, like I did today with my 2 daughters, you can't escape the signs that proclaim doom and gloom for libraries due to budget cuts. At York County libraries, one can even click on a link to keep up with the latest in budget follies.

http://www.yorklibraries.org/budget/letter3.pdf

But, before we storm the marble walls of the Capitol--have libraries become a brick and mortar dinosaur, waiting for the meteor to crash into the Earth? As a library patron, I would miss the low cost options that the library provides, but should the majority of citizens pay for programs that only a minority of citizens use?

This is an old government argument--what obligation does the majority have to fund programs in education? The arts? Can these services be done better privately and can government, through citywide wi-fi and better access to technology, eliminate the need for a fully staffed library?

Perhaps the 2010 PA budget may serve as a beginning of the decentralization of information for libraries. Or, this crisis will draw new appreciation for the government service. What do you think?

The Axe is Sharpened and Ready to Fall

What will it take for the PA State government to learn the fine art of negotiation? The Governor is a lame duck & doesn't mind pushing the state to the brink to get his points from the budget. Now, the targets appear to be the state workers and public service employees.

D-Day is July 17th.

http://www.wgal.com/money/19991469/detail.html

What do you think of the standoff? Should the state be allowed to run under an unbalanced budget, like the national government?

Belly Up to the Video Bar! It's a State Budget Party!

Ed Rendell Challenges YOU! Watch the 4 videos at the video bar, beginning with the last selection: Tom Joyce of the York newspaper's fractured budget fairy tale. After viewing the videos, please answer the following questions:

1. Describe the basic PA budget process and explain the problems and pitfalls along the way.
2. What are the special challenges of the 2010 budget?
3. What are the main objections voiced by Republicans?
4. What are the positive and negatives of the budget as voiced by business leaders?
5. What tax options do you believe are the most fair? Least fair?
6. Comment on other classmates posts.

Play the Budget Game!

Polly sez: Play the Game! www.youbudgetpa.org/

On the surface, its a simple balance the budget game...BUT, there's more!

Answer one all these questions and pose any of your own.

1. Can you spot the bias in the game?
2. How can the game be improved?
3. What is it about PA that makes a budget so difficult to pass?
4. Compare PA to California's budget crisis. Which state is in a worse position and why?

So, You Want to Take AP Government?

Polly says: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/usgov/topics.html?usgovpol

The typical AP government course will focus mostly on the 4 branches of government: legislative, executive, judicial & bureaucracy. These branches account for about 40% of the test.

The most challenging component of the test is the four REQUIRED essays. The structure necessitates the triaging of questions, focusing on the question that the writer has the greatest ability to answer down to the essay that produces heart palpitations. Be mindful of the time and BRING A WATCH! Your cell phone clock canNOT be used.

RIP CFF

What will become of the Classrooms For the Future (CFF) program?

With the Governor cutting CFF funding and the General Assembly committed to NOT raising taxes, the technology initiative established by Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) appears dead. After three years and millions of dollars dealt to over 300 districts, the program is finally being put down. Any districts that were surprised by these developments are naive and overly reliant on the words of politicians that are constrained by the fiscal realities facing all states.

The larger questions for districts:

1. How much staff support will be provided for the technology now that the program has ended and the required accountability is gone?

2. Upgrades? How long will the technology go before it needs replacement?

3. Incentives? Will districts reward staff that implements technology and the goals of the CFF initiative?

When our district became a part of the 3rd wave, I predicted a one year process that would be axed due to budget crunching. Now that the prediction has come true, the real question is....

What Now?

http://www.budget.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=4566&mode=2