Week Four(Gov): What to do on Free Speech?

Welcome to Week Four.

We are taught at a young age in the U.S. that we have "free speech". This statement is both true and false.

The 1st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or the free exercise there of; or abridging the freedom of speech..."

This has subsequently been interpreted to mean freedom of spoken word, your own printed word, your expressed words (symbols, styles, fashions, etc). We will learn the particulars this year. But for our purposes this week, this basic overview will suffice.

So, then what are we talking about this week?

We also know that while we have freedom of speech, there are all sorts of limitations. You cannot incite violence, you cannot commit defamation/libel, you cannot commit sedition (remember that guy Schenck in the 1920s who spoke out against the U.S.?)..... and you can not be obscene.

Obscenity is tough. One Supreme Court justice wrote that "he cannot define it, but he knows it when he sees it!". OK, that may be true- but how does that help us define legal guidelines and punish offenders?

We established the Federal Communications Commission to help regulate obscenity on public radio/tv/newspapers, etc and in music, movies, and video games.

Today, please go to the FCC website and take a quick look around. This is the federal site. States can always place more restrictions on top of the FCC, just not less.
http://www.fcc.gov/what-we-do

Then, look at what happened today.
Your United States Supreme Court announced their ruling that states cannot explicitly ban the sale of violent video games to children.
Read this article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/28/us/28scotus.html?hp

So, what do you think? What should we limit? At what age? Is it the government's job to restrict? Or is this a private family manner? Are we saying anyone of any age can listen to, play, or watch whatever they want? Does this mean an 8-year-old can go watch Rated R or NC-17 films now?

..... where's the line? How do we know? What should it look like? Essentially, agree or disagree with the Supreme Court and explain why!

Week Three (Gov): What to do About Libya?

I hope that many of you already know that this has been a spring of renewal, rebellion, and liberation across the Middle East. A vision of democracy for all is growing. The first great success (Yemen can't count yet) came with the Egyptian revolt led by the middle class, educated citizens who desired a voice in their government..... sound familiar??

The current lead story on this theme is the nation of Libya. Libya is NOT where slaves moved to in the 1800s (that was Liberia....).

So I want us to consider two topics this week.
First: What do we do about Libya? How should we help? What should NATO do? And, what is the role of the U.S.?
Second, because this is a NATO peace-keeping mission, and not a war- what is this current debate over whether or not Congress needed to authorize troop deployment?

Please view this clip:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032608/vp/43455360#43455360

Then read these articles:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/16/us/politics/16powers.html?ref=africa
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/06/19/libya-says-nato-airstrike-hits-residential-area/

Now, consider the two questions. It is important that you respond to both and don't mix the facts. Be clear on what should be done about Libya. Then, be clear about what the relationship should be with NATO, the White House, and Congress. Have opinions!

Week Two: Gov't and Politics: Republican Debate

Hello Class!
For Week Two we are switching to a Gov post. Tonight is a Republican debate. I realize the 2012 presidential election seems very far away, but the election is off and running. It takes about 2 years just to run for the presidency.

The Republican field for 2012 has left many "waiting for Superman" (a common phrase used right now) as no one feels excited about any of the hopefuls.

Here's your task this week,
1. Watch highlights online, or watch the whole debate. It will air in it's entirety on CNN Monday night or you can watch recaps on any web site immediately after the debate.
2. Determine who "won". And give your reasons why. Look at policy statements, smoothness of speech, body language, charisma, and how the crowd responds to consider how to choose your winner.

Keep in mind whether you are a liberal or a conservative (or if you don't even know yet), that you can always learn something from watching a debate. And, since you are knew to this- be aware of your emotions too.

Here's a pre-debate article to give you a little background. Read if BEFORE you watch any parts of the debate:

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/13/us-usa-campaign-republicans-idUSTRE75C0NY20110613

Remember, post by Wednesday morning and chat through Friday :)

Have a great week.

Week Two: Gov

APGov and Econ Summer 2011 First Post

Welcome to the Summer Blog for AP Gov/Econ. Mrs. Pondy and I are very excited to get to know you this summer. Since I am this site's admistrator, all posts will look like they are coming from me. But, rest assured- Mrs. Pondy chooses the Econ topics and I choose the Gov topics.

Before we get started on this summer's blog, let's look at a couple suggestions on how to succeed at this assingment.
Guidelines for Blogging:
Responses should be in complete sentences, no text lingo/symbols. This is not an essay, but responses should be thought out and related to the posted topic. Please keep discussion respectful, put downs, harassment or out of line comments will not be tolerated. This is a chance to have stimulating, intelligent dialog with your classmates.

Requirements:
You will have TWO days to post your initial post
Respond to at least 2 other classmates post by Friday
Please make sure your screen name identifies you in some way (this is to insure you receive credit for you post)


Now, Let's Get Started:
WEEK ONE: You paid what??? TANSTAAFL

TANSTAAFL - There ain't no such thing as a free lunch! Economics is all about choices and one of the most basic choices is how we spend our hard earned money. Each consumer makes individual choices about what is best for them (Handy Dandy Guide) and behaves in a way that may not make sense to the next guy. Would you spend more than $100 on a ticket for a sporting event? I would. Would you spend the same amount on a ticket to see you favorite band? There is no way I would! That is the beauty of economics choices, we have the freedom to choose our own foolish purchases. :)

From IPhone, IPad, fancy game systems to gourmet coffee, name brand clothing and trendy shoes consumers are willing to shell out big bucks for items that cost a fraction of the retail price to produce. What drives these prices? Supply and Demand would be the first logical response and you would be correct. The influence of each of these market forces is not always equal, however.

For this week's topic I challenge you to consider one of the products mentioned, or introduce another equally applicable item. Based on a search of information about the product such as price, resources needed, and targeted market, determine if you believe that supply or demand of the product is a bigger factor in the going retail price of the product. Is it limited supply that drives prices up? Perhaps it is the cost of a valuable resources needed in producing the good or simply a paradox of value on the part of the consumer? Or possibly it is the massive number of people needing or wanting the item that pushes the prices to crazy levels.

We are starting with an easy one so have fun. There really are no wrong answers so dig deep and make us think!
You must include supporting links to valuable information.