Period 3 Discussion Area
The discussions for Round 1 are closed, but you should post to the same discussion area for the new round of discussions . . . . . . And now, ROUND 2 . . . .
As with the last round of discussion, please adhere to the following guidelines:
FIRST, look over the various topics.
- Pick a topic from the options below (A, B, C, D, E, or F).
SECOND, when you are ready to post:
- Tell us which topic you are addressing.
- Post your response. Proofread your post before you click submit.
- Come back for discussion with others.
ADDITIONALLY? IF you want extra credit:
- Post a response to a classmates post, and/or
- Post a response to another discussion topic, and/or
- Post in the study hall for anything you need or want to help with
TOPIC A – “Stand for something, or you’ll fall for anything.” – Anonymous. Creighton learns about many virtues, some of which are honor, loyalty, honesty, humility. This topic deals with honor and loyalty. In chapter 16, the narrator tells us:
“But now Creighton understood for the first time the truth of the matter: If loyalty really was the most worthy of virtues, then loyalty that was misplaced or misguided must be the most worthless.”
Ask yourself:
- What did Creighton’s father stand for? How can you take the lesson of what Creighton’s father died for and use it to grow?
- What is meant by Creighton’s realization about loyalty? How can you personally use the knowledge Creighton has gained?
- Do you stand for something that you (probably) shouldn’t? Do you stand for anything? How do poeple see what you stand for in your actions?
There are a lot of questions in this thread. Pick one to answer. No matter which one you pick, try to talk about yourself as much as possible.
TOPIC B – What is courage? Throughout the first three sections of the book, Creighton struggles to come to terms with the circumstances surrounding his father’s death. After the ransacking and burning of the print shop, General Arnold speaks to Creighton about courage:
“It’s a far more difficult thing to make up your own mind about what’s right and to act accordingly – to go against the demands of duty when it’s necessary, to take another path when you feel the one you’ve been led down is wrong. That requires real courage.”
Read one or more of the following articles: then post on the topic they present:
- FBI E-Mail Refers to Presidential Order Authorizing Inhumane Interrogation Techniques from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) website.
- TORTURE AT ABU GHRAIB as presented by The New Yorker Magazine online.
- ‘They said this is America . . . if a soldier orders you to take off your clothes, you must obey.’ as presented by Gaurdian Unlimited online.
- The Guilt-Free Soldier: New Science Raises the Specter of a World Without Regret presented by The Village Voice online.
THEN post your thoughts on the topic as presented by the author. Do you agree with the author? Why or Why not?
TOPIC C – A free press. Enemies of the Patriots’ cause felt the need to destroy the place where The Liberty Tree newspaper was printed. In your response for discussion, please address the following questions:
- What do you think this says about the power of the press?
- Can you think of a recent example in which a newspaper became a powerful tool in waging war or impacting world politics?
TOPIC D – He’s a puzzle, a riddle, an enigma! A major character in this novel is Benedict Arnold – who could possibly be one of the most interesting individuals in American History. In real life he was a hero to the Patriots, and was later hated by those same soliders. Read a little about the life of Benedict Arnold at one of the websites below.Use the following links to find information on this hot topic:
- Who Served Here? offered on the U.S. History.Org page on Historic Valley Forge
- The Enigma of Benedict Arnold an archive file of EarlyAmerica.com
- General Benedict Arnold from the National Park Service archives
Then return here to post some comments in response to the following questions:
- What did Benedict Arnold stand for to the Americans?
- What did Benedict Arnold stand for to the British?
TOPIC E – Right is right. Creighton makes a tough decision when he helps break his uncle out of jail. Try to put yourself in Creighton’s shoes.
- Would you have made the same choice?
- What other options did Creighton have, and what did he risk in making those decisions?
TOPIC F – A Duel! A duel becomes a major event in this portion of the novel. One of the most famous duels in American history tragically takes the life of Alexander Hamilton.Read more about the famous Burr-Hamilton duel that took place in 1804 at one of the links below.In your comment for this post, explain why you think that Burr actually shot and killed Hamilton.
- Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr’s Duel at PBS.org
- Aaron Burr Kills Alexander Hamilton in a Duel offered by the National Park Service
- Duel at Dawn at theEyewitness to History website
NOW, go to the discussion areas, and discuss. Remember to be open-minded, honest, kind, and gentle in how you discuss with each other.
- Study Hall – Help others in their academic and/or creative pursuits.
- Period 2 Discussion Area
- Period 3 Discussion Area
- Period 4 Discussion Area
- Period 5 Discussion Area
- Period 6 Discussion Area
Tell us.For Regular Credit you must:
- Which discussion topic are you dealing with: 1, 2, 3, or 4?
- What do you have to say about that?
For EXTRA CREDIT you can:
- Answer extra topic question(s)
- Get into a discussion with other student(s)
#1The setting for this portion of the novel is the city of New Orleans. Since the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, there has been much discussion on the future of this important American city.How do you feel about rebuilding the city of New Orleans? Do you think that the federal government should spend billions of dollars to rebuild the city of New Orleans and protect it from future hurricanes, or should the citizens of New Orleans be asked to pick up and move somewhere else and the city not be rebuilt, or can you think of some other idea?
#2Sophie and Creighton are given a great deal of responsibility in Ben Franklin’s print shop as teenagers. In colonial America many teenagers around the age of 14 or 15 are doing work and taking responsibility for things that today are often associated with adults.Do you think that in American society today we wait too long to treat teenagers as adults? What would be some pros and cons of allowing teenagers in America to have the full rights and responsibilities of adults at the age of 15?
#3The code used by Ben Franklin was possible because it used a book that almost everyone in the colonies was able to access.If you were to write a similar code today, which book would you choose (remember that it should be a book almost everyone has access to or could access). Would you use a certain book if you were only trying to include a certain group of people? In your comment please list the book you would use and why you chose that book.
#4In this portion of the book you have been introduced to Ben Franklin. Ben Franklin was truly one of the most important men in colonial America. The amount of inventions and ideas directly associated with this man is incredible.Here’s what I want you to do:
Step #1 – Check out more about Ben Franklin using the links below.
Step #2 – Pick one of his ideas/inventions that directly impacted you somehow. Tell us the idea you are focused on – describe it briefly – then explain how your life has been directly impacted by it.
Here are the links:
- Ben Franklin – Inventor from the The Franklin Institute
- Franklin Firsts from ThinkQuest
- The Inventions and Scientific Achievements of Benjamin Franklin from About.com
- Ben Franklin – Inventor from the United States Government Printing Office
topic e:
If i was in Creighton’s shoes, I would have made the same choice he did. After all, Gower was still family. And family help each other. Another option Creighton had was to leave his uncle in jail. He would’ve risked Gower telling on him and then he’d get thrown into jail. Or worse, killed.
response to daniella-
I get what your saying about how somethings are hard to look over but when it’s family in need, then you should force yourself to help. Creighton might also have done it because he wanted to leave and go back home with his uncle. Which didn’t really happen.
(:
topic C.
In the Year of the Hangman, the print shop is burned down by a couple of indians for a certain reason. They probably burnt down the print shop because of the power of the press. The press has the power to spread information for the good of the life so we can be activily involved in our roles in life. Although most of the time it’s bad. Like when the press will take a heroic story and turn it upside down. Turning it upside down for the gossip and the entertainment of it all. Which is wrong and dishonorable. This power though is what draws peoples’ attention instead of the more important issues we face. That’s what gives them power though, us! We give in to the lies and believe a life that doesn’t exist, just a life we laugh at or make fun of. The newspapers these days bring up conflicts in poilitcs for example. Like how it wages war between canidates Obama and Clinton. Giving gossip that makes them both bad. Then there is the rumors that seperate them as well. This is why if one of them wins the other will not be their vice preisdent.
Topic E.
Hey Mr. Moshe, it’s Alec. I’ve missed alot of school. Wondering if there is any work to make up?
If I was in the same situation as Creighton, I would have most likely done the same thing. Colonel Gower would stil be family to me, and I always help family, no matter how mean spirited they are. I would also free him because I have a friend in there, Lieutenant Hale. The same rule of family applies to friends.
Other decisions Creighton could have made was just leaving them there. If he does this, he risks his conscience bitin at him for the rest of the story, and he possibly risks Gower ratting him out.
Topic E:
I’m not really sure that if I had been in the same situation as Creighton, that i would’ve done the same thing. I mean I’m also a believer in the whole you-may-really-dislike-them-but-they-are-family thing but some things are hard to look over. In the end I probably would’ve helped them out but there would still be a sense of major dislike towards them.
Some of Creighton’s other options would have been:
1. To leave his uncle in the prison, but then again if he did that and his uncle got out alive, he would come after Creighton.
2. To take the gun and escape himself (leaving the colonel in prison) but he would be lost, hungry, and on his uncle’s hit list.
3. Or he could’ve just given them the gun and ran so he wouldn’t get caught. However the colonel may beat Creighton if he saw him again for not fully helping them to escape.
Extra Credit:
I agree with Hunter. Families do have their annoying quirks but in the end you still love them even if just a little. So you have to have each others’ backs.
Topic D
In the beginning, the Americans considered Arnold to be a general who was more imaginative, more daring and more courageous than anyone else. He was considered a hero for a while until he turned traitor. General Arnold went down in history not as a hero but as a villain, a military general who planned to hand over the fort he was in charge of to the British. His British contact who was Major John Andre was caught with documents in Arnold’s handwriting which told routes that lead to his fort. Arnold who was fleeing on a British ship defended his treason by saying, ” love to my country actuates my present conduct, however it may appear inconsistent to the world, who very seldom judge right of any man’s actions.” But later on he was faced with financial ruin, uncertain of future promotion, and was disgusted with the congress’ choices. He realized he would seek fortune and fame in the service of Great Britain. He bargained with Sir Henry Clinton, and persuaded Washington to put the fort under his command once more. Only his plan failed when Andre was captured. But Arnold still served George III with as much enthusiasm as he did with the Patriots. He even would throw the American war effort if it meant continuing his success. His treason was not of principle but of selfish-ness. he never lived that down. The Americans treated him with coldness and the British with contempt feelings. So not only did the Americans feel Arnold standed for himself, the British did too. Arnold lived as he died: a man without a country.
=]
round 2:
TOPIC E
If i were in Creightons shoes, i would try and break my uncle out of jail.
Creighton could have left him in jail and forgot about him, and continue to work with Dr.Franklin.
In busting his Uncle out, he risked his life.
The gaurds had guns and they could have easily shot and killed him. After he broke his uncle out, he struck him on the head with his gun. He could have easily killed Creighton also.
Topic F
I believe that Burr killed Hamilton because of their rivalry and the fact that Hamilton had stopped Burr’s re-nomination for vice president as well as his governorship of New York. I highly belive that Burr sought vengence after Hamilton, and tht’s just what he got.
Round 2: Topic A #3
Hunter R.
My mom always taught me to do what is right. Like not being a bully and if someone is bullying somebody, try to stop it. So, I stand for protecting the “Underdog”. If I see someone being bullied I stick up for them. No one deserves such cruel treatment. Especially when people stand there and laugh. That’s something I probably shouldn’t do though, because then I get into drama that I wasn’t in to start off with. From my actions, people can see that I like to talk out problems, rather than get into a physical fight. That doesn’t solve anything, and I see no point in it. Also, If you don’t like someone no one makes you talk to them. And If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all.
Extra Credit: Response to Michelle R.
I absolutely agree with you. If I was in Creighton’s shoes I would have done the same thing. I also stand up for the whole you-might-not-like-them-but-they’re-
your-family concept. Family is family, and you always got to have each other’s back. Even though me and my family members generally get along, we do have our ups and downs. But, I know they would do anything for me, when I need them too. And I would do the same in return.
Round 2: Topic E.
If I were Creighton, I would have done the same thing. I am a big believer in the whole you-might-not-like-them-but-they’re-
your-family concept, so I would have helped him.
His other options, though there are very few of them, are as follows:
1. He could have just left his uncle in jail and went along with his life at Franklin’s house. But if his uncle ever found him afterwards, he’d probably beat him senseless.
2. He could have just gave them the pistol and ran, not helping them to escape. If his uncle ever found him after that, he’d probably beat him senseless, again.
3. He could have run away from the whole situation and try to find his way back to England. And then he’d be faced with the problem of having to face his mother and trying to either explain why he was there or make up a huge lie, proving that his behavior isn’t much better than it was when he left.
Overall, I think he made the best choice out of these options, since it was a very hard decision, because he wasn’t quite sure if he was a Patriot or not.
Hello! fellow peers! and mr.moshe’! (he he) 😀
Topic B! THATS B as in Boy!
This article is very heart-wrentching and sad. Yes, it does get many quite emotional and I think so too. The way these prisoners were treated was unexceptable and just wrong. This is ABUSE! YES A-B-U-S-E…abuse! Any ways these prisoners are humans and they are being tourchered.(tourchered i say tourchered) By other human beings. They were taken and put into a tiny cell as small as five by 10meters.(omi gosh!) The only life supplies were blankets and a bucket of water for a toliet (eeww). From a polices point of view he did this for of course $ money$. But being kicked and teased as a human just because of their religion is just wrong!! wrong i say wrong. There are so many sides and stories to this article and each unfortunate and sad. But my friends, yes this is a happening and its very much real. So the main question is….what can we do?
very sinceriely, Aleeyah!
(yes i know very cheesy ending but this is how i feel)!
Hello! fellow peers! and mr.moshe’! (he he) 😀
Topic B! THATS B as in Boy!
This article is very heart-wrentching and sad. Yes, it does get many quite emotional and I think so too. The way these prisoners were treated was unexceptable and just wrong. This is ABUSE! YES A-B-U-S-E…abuse! Any ways these prisoners are humans and they are being tourchered.(tourchered i say tourchered) By other human beings. They were taken and put into a tiny cell as small as five by 10meters.(omi gosh!) The only life supplies were blankets and a bucket of water for a toliet (eeww). From a polices point of view he did this for of course $ money$. But being kicked and teased as a human just because of their religion is just wrong!! wrong i say wrong. There are so many sides and stories to this article and each unfortunate and sad. But my friends, yes this is a happening and its very much real. So the main question is….what can we do?
very sinceriely, Aleeyah!
(yes i know very cheesy ending but this is how i feel)!
Matt W
4/15/08
Topic A
Question 3
Look. I stand behind the death penalty. Personally, i don’t think it’s right to play god and kill an innocent person. I think that a person who is a murderer or a r***ist should recieve the death penalty because they took that liberty to play god. And i believe that if you did that you should die. Explain to me how its right that a person who commits one of those atrocious crimes gets three gaurenteed square meals a day, a roof over their head, recreational time, the option for an education behind bars, and the oppurtunity to be let out just to commit more crime? How is that right when the family and loved ones of the deceased are meant to suffer emotional pain for the rest of their lives? Or how is that right when a victim of r*** has to stay at home, not able to shut their eyelids becauseever time they open them they are constantly reminded of what horrible things were done to them, and the person who did it sits in jail able to sleep. That doesn’t sit well with me. I wouldnt be able to sleep if i let a person go to jail instead of being executed after commiting a crime so disgusting. Those offenders deserve to die horrible deaths. They desreve to feel the pain that they cause others and after that they should die. I believe it not honorable or loyal to the rest of the innocent people if a criminal is allowed to live while others suffer for their actions.I stand behind the death penalty and won’t stop. I’d die for what i believe in.
I think New Orleans should be rebuilt because, it is not the citizens fault that the hurricane came and distroyed their homes their everything their life.The city can not just be domolished or diserted forever.There would probley be a couple thousand people just picking up what they have left !And start a new life in a different place or state.Can you put yourself in their shoes?I would be terrifed not knowing what to do .New Orleans wonce was a histroical place to vist .And so beautiful.I think that we cann at least give back to the poeple who lost everything including some lifes.
The Pre-Spring Break Assignment is closed. Thanks for a great discussion.
Kevin’s right, “destroyful is not a word, although the english langauge is well known for adopting invented words. You never know, Aleeyah, it could be accepted by the general public in the next fifty or so years if you and your friends keep using it. I think you meant destructive “Hurricane Katrina was a very destructive storm…”
Keep up the strong discussion in here.
But most of all, enjoy your break.
Response to Deanna and Aleeyah
I agree with what the both of you said it really is true i mean how would the government feel if George W. Bush walked up to them and said ” Hey guys you gotta pack up and leave im sorry yes i know you have no place else to go but i dnt care because im George W. Bush i’m the president and im going to sleep in my big cozy Presidential bed while you rumage through the garbage for some food”. If he had ever said that to them they would obviously be pretty shocked and flabbergasted by it. It would be to unfathomable for their brains to even register. In closing for you Aleeyah destroyful I dn’t think is a word and of course you can say sincerely if that’s how you want to end your response that’s almost how I ended mine.
Topic#1
I think that the government should spend billions of dollars rebuilding the city of New Orleans. Although New Orleans is another disaster waiting to happen what are the chances of another natural disaster of Hurricane Katrina’s stature hitting New Orleans dead on full force again…..Not likey, possible but not likely.Not only that but the people living their would be heart broken to leave their home, their city, their place of comfort, the only place that know so suddenly when it could easily be rebuilt over a course of a few years.Honestly i think the government isn’t doing enough to try and rebuild New Orleans.Its coming along slowly but if you were to visit it today “3 years!!!” since the disaster their are still flooded areas, dead bodies all around, along with many completely destroyed and condemned areas that should show some flashes of progress by now that aren’t.The government isn’t showing as much enthusiasity about rebuilding this energy filled city that hosts many exciting events such as Mardi Gras and other parades that give the people of New Orleans the least bit of sense that everything will be ok.
Deanna,
The hurricane didn’t destroy the city, the levee’s (or however you spell it) broke.
Why should we pay because city oficials neglected to take care of that?
Topic 1 – This comment has been edited for voice, conventions (Mr. Moshé).
I think the ferderal government should spend billions trying to build the city of New Orleans.
People from New Orleans are U.S. citizens too, and their city should be rebuilt for them. They should not be forced to move, like they have someplace to go, and in truth, some of them don’t have family or friends close enough to live with. Also, people from New Orleans pay taxes as well, and their taxes should help rebuild their city and home.
Response to Crystal R
People from New Orleans are living breathing Americans. [I don’t think] They can just get up and go. Sure, some may want a fresh start, but, alot of people are citizens [of that particular city] who are attached to their hometown. They could have grown up there, or generations of their family could have lived in one house. The government can’t just take their city away from them, because, they have rights too.
Discussion # 1
I think the government should spend billions of dollars to rebuild the city of New Orleans because many people lost their homes and all their belongings due to Hurricane Katrina. It’s not fair for them to have no place to go. Since many people died and all buildings were demolished, people were left jobless and homeless. We already have many homeless people in America, and this will just add on to that population. The government can’t expect people to be able to pick up their belongings and start new somewhere. That costs a lot of money, and things are already ridiculously expensive. This is an important cause and they should take charge. If the government is able to help their citizens they should.
🙂
Responses to:
Deanna –
As I aforementioned in my long, and extremely drawn-out response to topic #1, I liked your approach to the debate of the reconstruction of New Orleans. It was interesting, and I agree whole-heartedly. They are American Citizens, and deserve to be treated with compassion and sympathy, not to just be haphazardly tossed out on the streets to live in poverty and forced to relocate.
Aleeyah:
As for your comment… well, yours just made me laugh. But, looking past the humor, I see your point, and it was well-executed. Now, although you may have exaggerated a little with the whole “living on the roof or the streets” comment, it was still right all the way. If it happened to us – like you tried to illustrate with the White House remark – then we wouldn’t want to be yesterday’s news and tossed to the recycling bin, so to speak. We would want what was taken away from us to be returned by any means necessary.
Topic #1:
I have mixed feelings on the subject of the reconstruction of New Orleans, a city ravaged by the relentless and underestimated Hurricane Katrina. On the side of rebuilding the city, I’d have to agree that this is/was people’s home and that they have a right to live there once more. If our homes were destroyed, we wouldn’t want the government to second-guess efforts to restore our home, would we? There is also the approach that Deanna took, that I found interesting. Yes, they ARE American Citizens, people who have lived here, paid taxes, gave to their community, gave to our COUNTRY, and again, why should we second-guess these efforts? These are people who have suffered greatly, people who lost everything in less than a 24-hour period, and are now having to deal with either poverty, the stress of moving and starting anew, etc.
Then there is the other side of me [dang split personalities] that agrees that it would be costly, and inevitably a waste of time and funds to restore a city that, in a decade or so, could be completely submerged in water or another disaster, manmade or natural. Now, there is the suggestion that the levees be stronger, along with the wall, but even if such were built, it’s almost impossible to estimate the force water could impact on said materials, and in the end, could’ve been a waste of government – along with our – money.
But again, I have differing opinions.
Topic #2:
I’m a very indecisive person, and as such, have – once again – mixed opinions on the topic of forcing adult responsibilities on teens. Both sides have their benefits, along with flaws, so it is difficult to project what the correct answer is. Also, such an answer is dependent on the person you’re referencing, since some teens handle stress and adult responsibilities differently.
Pros:
– responsibility, preparedness for independence, independence itself, trust, and maturity
Cons:
– having to grow up too fast, stress, tension, unknowing of how such stress and tension will affect the teenager, harsh penalties on what should be described as “youthful indiscretion”
Okie dokie….. it’s time for the one and only RESPONSES FROM MOI! :]
okay now respnse to Aleeyah(did i spell that right?):
Yo, kidd, you are hilarious. The white house thingy was priceless. It’s true though. As I aforementioned (yes, i use big words,too!), it’s posposterous (I can’t spell) that the government would even second guess funding something like this. We are AMERICAN CITIZENS and this is AMERICA, dang ribght (that’s me controlling my temper) they’re going to use our AMERICAN MONEY DOLLAR THINGS to fund saving our people. hmpph. But lots of kudos to you Aleeyah. (once again, sorry for any spelling errors. too lazy to look at the top!)
&& now, for my response to, dun dun dun, SAMMY!
I am outraged at you! My mouth went :0 when i read you answer. New orleaneans are people, american citizens and even some of our friends. They deserve a home just as much as any of us do! If they need help rebuilding, we should do everything we can to help them. It’s not their fault a hurrincane dcame and hurt their poor little homes. They should not be punished for that. HELP THE NEW ORLEANEANS! WHOO HOO! (I’m still dissappointed in you Sammy!) Of course we should care.
lalala. && THose are my responses.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
:0.
Topic 1:
I think that the Federal government should spend billions of dollars to rebuild the city of New Orleans and protetct from future hurricanes. New Orleans is a marvelos city filled with artifacts from France (The first country in which it was bought by). These priceeless artifacts should continue to live on. Also they host the anual Mardi Gras in which enjoys alot of people. They have to continue this tradition. ALso people who lived here have to move someplace else where they don’t know. SO they need to live here so that is why the government should spend billion of dollar to build this city again
I think that billions of dollars should be used to rebuild New Orleans because New Orlean’s has many historical sites and many stars have already donated money to rebuild New Orleans, such as Brad Pitt. The federal government should take more steps to protect New Orleans, such as making the levees stronger and higher. If they don’t protect the city and another hurricane could come through and destroy what the government has spent billions of dollars to rebuild.
Response for Daniella M,
Yeah but since New Orleans was a death sentence to begin with because of the tiny walls holding up powerful water, families moving to a new place could be a fresh start. Not to mention if they went back it would have all the memories of Katrina and all the loved ones thy lost. So they SHOULD keep it as it is! =O
Hey y’all.
I’m very impressed with the honest and respectful discussion going on in here.
To say that to rebuild New Orleans in all senses of the phrase would cost millions is unrealistic. Think in terms of billions.
Check out these google results to get an idea of the cost to rebuild after disasters perpetrated by man and caused by nature.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=active&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&hs=Zxr&q=list+destroyed+city+rebuild+cost&btnG=Search
Also, take a look at this NPR story – An American History of Disaster and Response – at http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4839530
I agree with Crystal R because, i know this is kind of cruel but rebuilding New Orleans is really a waist of time money and gives people hope for it to come crashing down in a flood like before.If there was such a fatal problem why build a city in a flood zone. This is similar to building a house near a volcano that erupts annualy. Hurricane season strikes around specific places about every year. a positive solution would be to put more money into building and securing the cause of the problem then consider rebuilding. Whats a little creepy is that I visited New Orleans a couple weeks before the insident and I’m kind of glad I left early on my way to Mexico.
Topic #1
I personally do not believe that the city of New Orleans should be rebuilt. I don’t think that the american people should have their tax money spent to rebuild a city. It’s not our fault that the city got flooded. The people that lived there should pay, or anybody that is is willing to donate money. I know it might sound rude but I don’t really care about those people in new orleans, and I’m sure a lot of people feel the same way i do. I mean what happened to them does not affect me so why would I care?
🙂
Topic 1:
Well for the whole New Orleans problem, it can go many way. I don’t think that the government should spends billions of dollars at once to restore New Orleans. Instead they should over a period of time rebuild it, not spending overwhelming sums of money at once. Those families who lived in New Orleans should not have to picked up and leave because that was their home and leaving it would be devastating for them. Also New Orleans was ans is a city full of history, culture and Mardi Gras =]. New Orleans was an important city so it should be restored.
Also in response to Crystal R.’s response:
Even if New Orleans could be destroyed since it kind of is below sea level (which is pretty cool) it is still a great city and it should be given another chance to share its extraordinary traditions to future generations. That is why the government should at least TRY to rebuild it.
and since i want extra credit….Topic 2:
No i don’t think the government waits too long to treat teens as adults. . Sure the government and economy would be getiing more money if 15 was the “adult age” but hello?? The only pros I can see are that 15 year olds could get more jobs, make money faster(in favor of the government and economy) and have more freedom. I mean YAY!!! 15 year olds can drive, vote and contribute to society but is it all that great? There are major cons: 15 year olds are not always that mature to handle what 18 year olds can handle. Also 15 year olds may cause more risks while driving. I think there is a beyond greater risk of injuries and deaths with 15 year olds having the right to drive. Also sure there would be money involved and who doesn’t like having money at hand, but 15 year olds like to goof off. So there would not be a serious, calm, professional atmosphere at a workplace with a pair of giddy 15 yr ols best friends working together. So i believe 15 isn’t the best age for adult responsiblilities and rights.
Topic #2 –
In colonial America, teenagers were given more responsibilities and privileges that would be associated with adults today. In some ways, the colonial teenagers were more prepared for work and living on their own than teens nowadays. They were going to war at ages 15-17; they lived much more difficult (in most cases)lives, without machines and electronics that entertain and work for Americans today; and they began work very young, most living on plantations or struggling in factories. These were some advantages the colonial teens had over our generation, for they had more experience with being independent by the time they were our age. However, many colonial teens did not attain the extensive educations we teens take for granted today; they also did not have the freedom of expression, for they were still looked down upon, even with their responsibilities. Teenagers today are looked down upon, yes, but the ranking of status that has to do with age has diminished in meaning from that time to now. 10 year olds graduate college, mere children save lives, and some teens are even mass murderers! The last wasn’t a positive example, but just the knowledge of such events increase the status of teens in the eyes of Americans.
So: Are the teens today ready for the responsibilities bestowed upon kids their age a century or two ago? The answer is NO. If teens were given those same responsibilities, many would shy away from them or not be able to handle the tasks. I’m not saying all teens are lazy, or stupid, but that most are unprepared to handle the stress and responsibilities of being a self-supporting or even working individual. Teenagers today are given (for the most part) a long lead. They go out by themselves, see R rated movies, and do other unsupervised things that would be considered “unappropriate” behavior in the colonial times. However, even if they are allowed to indulge in adult-like experiences, they are sheltered. Many American parents feel the need to “protect” their children from punishment, even when the child is obviously the culprit. Lack of discipline, simply put, prevents many – not all – American teens nowadays from having the responsibilities and trust bestowed upon them that teens from the colonial times were given so graciously.
Period:4
Andrew S.
Topic:2
Society does not wait too long to treat teenagers as adults due to the fact that even though teenagers think that they know it all and that they can do everything on their own, they can’t. They are growing up and may act more maturely at times, but they still have the childish instinct running inside, and they have a lot of things to learn. Life as an adult is not easy, it full of worries, and frustration; dealing with bills and papers for banks or work. Along with the constant alertness for identity theft.
Point is,teenagers are not cuncidered adults until the can deal with the everyday life like an adult.
Topic #1
In my opinion, how dare they even question to NOT rebuild the city. We spend billions of dollars on a war going on in ANOTHER country and the government is second guessing rebuilding something on OUR ON SOIL. I’m not against the war. I might even say I’m for it. I just don’t think it would ever be fair for the government, or anyone else for that matter, to ask people to leave there home and have no place to go. It might take alot of money, and a heck of alot of time, but these are people. Scratch that: AMERICAN CITIZENS. And we’re in AMERICA. (the land of the free; home of the brave. equal rights for all, blah blah blah) New Orleans is their home. Hurricane Katrina took away their lives- figuritively and litarlly, too. Their homes, families, lives are in New Orleans. That’s where it should be able to stay.
Topic #2.
I do think sometimes we wait too long to enter adulthood. We don’t always get as much responsibilty. There’s alot of kids out there who are just so spoiled and get everything handed to them. I don’t think working will make it so that they are more of an adult, but rather maybe it will just open their eyes. In turn, that may make an adult out of them.
I think teenagers have just as much a right to work as anyone else. If teens make the choice to work and take on the responsibilty of having a job, why should they be prevented form doing so? THere’s a lot of pros and cons of this topic. PROS:
1. Teens will be able to support themselves.
–Buy their own clothes, food, accessories, ect.
2. They can learn some responsibilty.
–Getting to work on time, doing what is asked of at work, ect.
3. Get an idea of the future.
–Learn what it will be like in the future when they enter a real, fast pace, working environment…
CONS:
1. They’ll have to get used to responsibilty.
— They HAVE to be at work on time. They HAVE to be at work when they’re told. THEY have to respect the cliet(s).
2. Miss out on other activities.
— Teens social time can be cut back. Less hanging out with friends, going to parties, ect.
3. Won’t be at home or around the family as much.
— For example, my brother, 15, just got a job last week. He now works five days a week and he even had to work from 10-4 on Easter Sunday, unvolitarily. For some teens, this could mean they’ll grow farther from their families thhen they already may be.
I don’t think by allowing teens to work, it should mean that they have to automatically grow up. It just gives a sense of responsibility, maybe even respect. If we wait too long to grow up though, it definately wouldn’t be a good thing.
I think I’m confusing myself now. haha. =)
topic 1 (for extra credit)
i have two views on the situation.
i know that the city would me a mess and a boat load of money to rebuilt- but peoples family history is there and everything they called home is burried under the ruins(did they clean it up?) so they should be able to return to a place better than the old one, with a flood barrier (:
i also think its a waste of money, and they money they were planning to use to rebuilt the city, should be givin to the survivors of hurricane Katrina, to do what ever they want with.
becuase they did loose everything to something they didnt ask for.
its only fair(:
response to Aleeyah;
your answer/response.
made me laugh,
i dont think the government should spend as much money possible to rebuild new orleans,
just enough money to provide flood protection and offer insurance to all residents.
but i doubt that if they had to evacuate the white house, they would have to live on their rooftops.
i also think that the government should intise the torists to come back, so new orleans can create more money by itself
kudos aleeyah (:
topic 2 (:
i do not think that in an American Society we wait too long to treat teenagers as adults.
some pro of letting teenagers be treated as adults by the age of 15 is that they assume responsibility for themself and others. for example at the age of 15, a teenager can get their learners permit to drive. they are assuming responsibility by having to be a save driver for their wellbeing, and others as well. Teenagers can also experience the life as an adult quickly so they may see how their elders feel.
some cons are that teenagers grow up to quickly and have no time to experience life as a young adult. also, if a teenager messes up with access to full rights as a young person in society, the punishment is way to severe and they will never want to experience anything again.
unlike if they were still considered a child, they would get a lighter punishment
(:
Topic#2
I think that in American society today we wait to long to treat teenagers as adults. Teens aren’t treated or raised like adults which will result badly. If we are not treated and raised like adults as teens now, then how will we learn and grow. How will we know what to do later on in life? How will we know what to do when we face obstacles in life that we cannot overcome. Most importantly, how will we know how to pass it on.
Pros and Cons of allowing teenagers in America to have the full rights and responsibilities of adults at the age of 15
Pros: mature, make money, teach the young, learn, live the life
Cons: bills-debt, jail,
***EXTRA CREDIT***!!
TOPIC#3!
1.)First of all I think that secret code was a pretty clever idea. Ben Franklin is so smart no wonder he’s on the $100 bill! Anyway I would use the shakespare book “HAMELET” because it’s grammar is mideveil times and hard to understand today. This would make the secret code much harder to understand which will make it even more top secret! 😉 Now if I were to only contact a small grop which would be my friends, I would use the gossip girl series. Simply because we all have read them all and can easily translate and access our secret code.
2.)RESPONSE TO VICTORIA K.,
Wow Tori! great minds think alike before i even read your answer for topic number three I used gossip girl books too. The childrens book is also a great idea which i didnt think of. But when you said stephen king books for boys I disagree because I’ve read two books of his and their not only for boys. Also a fellow classmate of mine whom is a female is reading one right now(in class that is). Otherwise great response!
Topic 1
Yes, I do think New Orleans should be rebuilt. Just because it would take millions to rebuild dosent mean that it should not be rebuilded. New Orleans has potential to make all that money back due to its tourists and economical funds. New Orleans is also a place in Americas history and should not be forgotten. Also, due to the fact that New Orleans is a bowl it should have something to prevent the same incident of Hurricane Katrina. New Orleans is also a home to many people. To let people rebuild to another place would be werird and discomforting for New Orleans citizens.
Topic 1 (:
I feel that New orleans should be rebuilt because that’s home to the people that lived there, and how would you feel if the place that you lived and loved was destroyed and you weren’t allowed to go back and live there ever again ? I feel that the federal government should spend as much money needed to rebuild New Orleans and help to protect the citizens and show that they care. They shouldn’t have to pack up and leave their own houses just because the government rathers to waste money on stupid things instead of focusing on serious issues.
Topic 2
In American society, I believe that teenagers wait too long to be treated as an adult. Some pros to treating teenagers as adults at and early age is that it would lessen the amount of irresponsible, immature people going around. But, the cons of allowing teenagers full rights of an adult is that some may not be up for the challenge and will be the downfall of society.
response to aleeyah.
I agree that the homes should be rebuilt for the people. But, it seems like its going to be a waste of the billions of dollars because a natural disaster could hit again. That would destroy the homes and worse, kill the people who moved back to New Orleans.
(:
MattW
3/24/08
Topic#2
I believe that society does wait long enough for teenagers to participate in the work force. There are many reasons why teenagers shouldnt work. Working is to strenuous on their bodys, it takes away from education time,and puts too much pressure on them. Teenagers are late, have attitudes and have poor work ethic. The pros for teenagers working would be it that it teaches them how to prepare for life, how to get money and how to be responsible.
Gotcha Matt! Hope to see you tomorrow.
discussion #1
I believe the federal government should spend millions of dollars to rebuild the city of New Orleans because it’s a beutiful city,they have nice events, and many people live there.New Orleans is a beutiful city because “it has good food ,nice environment,and nice people.”quoted from Sena Rogers.They also have special events like mardi gras.If we were to move them to a different city they wouldn’t be able to celebrate mardi gras the New Orlans way.And many people live there.it will be wrong to tell them they have to move somewhere else because they’re leaving their jobs and home behind.that is why i believe the federal government should spend millions of dollars to rebuild the beutiful city of new orleans.
discussion #2
i believe in the american society today we do ait to long to treat teenagers as adults because many people who own a business don’t believe teenagers are responsible enough to help them run their business.Their are many cons about kids having jobs today and they are: they might not be on time,have an attitude,and might not take thir job seriously.their are many pros about kids having jobs and they are:helps them be respoinsible.they get a taste of the adulthood and gives them something else to do in their life instead of causing trouble
TOPIC 1:
Whether New Orleans should be rebuilt or left alone is a very interesting topic. When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans the outcome of it all was extremely devastating. I think the government should rebuild the city because the breaking of the levees was an unfortunate accident. The government should use the billions of dollars to rebuild the levees even stronger and to repair the damages caused by the hurricane so that next time a terrible disaster happens again the city will be ready. Also you can’t relocate or force people to move somewhere else when their city CAN be repaired. That would be way too stressful and it’s unnecessary when the problem CAN be resolved.
Topic #1
I feel that the government should spend billions of dollars to rebuild the city of New Orleans and to protect it from the future hurricanes. They should because what hurricane Katrina did to New Orleans was devastating. People’s homes and prized possesions were lost. Families in the process were even lost. Now with that, they have no future and no hope. They can’t just start over because there is no place to start. If the government invested money into New Orleans it would benefit the people greatly. Investing money into New Orleans is also wiser in the sense of investing money in the war. People’s houses, grocceries, businessess, and even their Dunkin Donuts will be back. It would be the reset button on the Nintendo Console that starts a new game, or life I should say. They could get back their jobs to provide food and shelter to their young instead of living in the dark. There are many more reasons that the survivors of New Orleans can tell you on why the Government should spend billions of dollars rebuilding New Orelans. Clearly, the Government should spend billions of dollars to rebuild the city of New Orleans and to protect it.
Topic #2
I don’t think in american society today we wait too long too treat teenagers as adults because some children aren’t as mature as they should be to be conceidered an adult. Some pros about treating child as adults when they are the age of 15, are they know how hard it is to be an adult. They also understand how hard it is for their parents. Cons about treating child as adults when they are 15, are kids are being pressured to grow up to quickly and we are adult longer than we are a kid, so we should enjoy it while we are a kid and NOT be pressured to be more mature.
Topic #3
If i were able to write a similar code in a book today, the book i would probably use, wouldn’t be a specific book, but in every childrens book. Because both children hear the message and parents would read the book to their children which would have them read the message. That way the message would get out to both generations. I would use a certain book if i was trying to only include a certain group of people, i would use the Clique books to reach out the younger girls. I would use the Alist or gossip girl to reach out to Teenage girls (14 and up). I would use steven king books to reach out to Teenage boys or adults.
TOPIC #1!
Hurricane Katrina was a very destroyful(is that a word?)storm that striked the city of new orleans. I feel that the damage is very much our and the governments responsibility and also rebuilding new orleans would help to make the city better. The federal government needs to spend as much money it takes to rebulid and protect New Orleans. Even if it takes billions of dollars they need to show that they care and the citizens should not be forced to pack their bags and leave their houses to relocate. They were there first and thats not fair.(i know its impossoble)but what if we told the government to move out of the whitehouse and they had to live on the streets or worse their rooftops! Basically their looking for the easy way out which is never the answer and yes we can help too.
Very sincerely(can i say that?), aleeyah(p.3)
TOPIC 1:
I think New Orleans should be rebuilt because it is one of the most famous cities in America, and its productivity should not suffer because of a hurricane.
And the government has no right to kick people out of their hometowns and tell them to start a new life somewhere else. I can imagine that would be frustrating and difficult.
And if it was rebuilt properly, it would be ready for other disaster, should one strike. That would be alot better than having a already demolished city be destroyed a second time. After all, there has already been some reconstruction. Why should that already spent money go to waste?
And it would be a fresh start, which is good for any place or thing, really. And hopefully it will be “fresh” literally, because my parents went there and they said it smells really bad since the whole place was underwater. (lol)
Topic 1.
I believe the government should definitely rebuild the city of New Orleans. They are capable of building a new city that can withstand hurricanes. Everyone knows that land is precious, so in a matter of time, someone is going to decide to build in New Orleans anyway. Also, the residents that witnessed that great tragedy are probably going to have trouble starting over in a new town or city. Not everyone has the emotions or financial foundation to just get up and start their lives over in different surroundings. All in all, the government is able to, and should rebuild New Orleans because it is the appropriate action to take. 😀
Topic 4
One of Ben Franklin’s inventions included the famous bifocals. Bifocals let you see near and far without changing glasses. this invention impacted my life because my grandparents wear bifocals. Without them my grandparents wouldn’t be able to see and in result drive. they wouldn’t be able to go to Publix, come see me, etc. So with bifocals they can freely go anywhere they want. My friend also wears bifocals. Without them she wouldn’t be able to read the board of see her work. Thanks to Ben, My friend and my grandparents are able to see clearly. Thank You Benjamin Franklin!
Topic 1
New Orleans is BELOW sea level. To rebuild a city that is capable of the same tragedy, is a complete waste of money. The only thing that would keep that city from flooding is another wall. I don’t understand why the government would take the time to rebuild a city that could easily be destroyed again. The people that lived there lost everything so living in a new city is a way to start new. To raise a family in a secure enviroment is the best thing for them and they can make a better living. New Orleans is like a soup bowl. Once there is a crack in the wall, the whole wall is basically shot. The billions spent Rebuilding a city destined to be destroyed should be put to other use. The government should leave it as it is
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