Current Event #3: Ron Paul Bill Would End Federal War on Marijuana

This one will get you talking. Read the summary and think about the questions that Friedersdorf asks. Try to focus not as much on whether or not marijuana should be legalized, but about the issue of who has the right to decide--the states or the federal government. It's the answer to that question that will have a much more meaningful impact on how our government develops over the next few decades.

Current Event #2: Sing Out, Hillary

Should Hillary have been more forceful in pushing the Saudi Arabian government for more rights for women (like simply driving)? Summarize Maureen Dowd's opinion, and then tell us what you think. What comes first, diplomacy (and good relations with other countries) or the rights of individuals in those countries?

We have our first comment on a post!

Thank you for braving the waters. A reminder to everybody that a good chunk of this assignment is online. You need to a) respond to the primary source discussion questions in the comments (in addition to writing down the document analysis: author, place and time, prior knowledge, etc...) and b) comment on three of the current events that I will post throughout the summer.

Hope you all are making the most of your time off from school. I'm going to be a history teacher nerd extraordinaire this weekend and learn lots about African-Americans in North Carolina prior to the Civil War. Enjoy the sunshine and read some books!

P.S. If you are still confused about the assignment, make sure you read the "Read Me First" and then shoot me an email.

Current Event #1: US Funding Secret Internet for Dissidents Abroad

Read the following article from the Atlantic Wire: U.S. Funding Secret Internet Access for Dissidents Abroad. This seemed like a good fit for our summer assignment, which relies on the power of the web. So what do you think--is internet access a basic human right? Can you foresee potential problems as a result of this? Is it in the best interests of the American government to promote revolutions or anti-government activity around the world? Feel free to respond to these or other questions in the comments.

Reminder: Comments should be 100-200 words and can offer your opinion on the topic at hand, respond to a classmate’s comment, or ask questions related to the material. Remember that your writing will be posted for all to see—therefore it should be carefully proofread, reflect thoughtful analysis, and be respectful of others ideas. Do not wait until August to write all three required comments!