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!