America's Foreign Policy

Based on today's class...

What reasons might explain why America seems to be more willing to help other nations than people in our own country?  

For example, in the movie "When the Levees Broke," we learned that the US was able to get supplies into Sri Lanka faster than they did to New Orleans.  

Why do you think we're more concerned with other nations than our own country? 

When the Levees Broke - Part II

Based on the government's response to Hurricane Katrina...

In what areas was the government successful? 

In what areas did each level of government fail? 

What were the major reasons behind the government's success or failure? 

Have your ideas about the responsibilities of government changed as a result of seeing this film? Why, or why not?  

Regents Week Assignments

Hello, Everyone:

Although we are not meeting for class next week, due to the regents exams, please do not be mistaken that this is a week of vacation.

I expect that you'll take some time to enjoy yourself this week. However, there is much work to be done before we finish this course. Therefore, you will have some assignments to complete this week.

Here are your assignments.

1. Complete your blog-post assignment related to "When the Levees Broke." This is a very important assignment, and I am really counting on everyone to make a comment on this film. CLICK HERE FOR THE LINK

2. Go to the "Foreign Policy" section of the regentsprep.org website. Print out the information for each of the topics. Read, and highlight each section (don't worry, they're really short). Bring it with you to class when we return after the Regents. CLICK HERE FOR THE LINK

3. Click Here for the "Foreign Policy Vocab" assignment. Print out the list. Using your textbook, the internet, and/or other sources, please create a definition of each term or concept in your own words.

See you next week!

Right to a Fair Trial Part 2

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/ny-tankleffgallery1002,0,3188407.storygallery.

CLICK ON THE LINK ABOVE. Take time to read some of the articles related to this case...Then, answer the questions below.

1. Do you agree with the decision to set Mr. Tankleff free, even though he confessed to the murder of his parents?
2. Were Martin Tankleff's civil liberties violated? How?
3. Which of Martin Tankleff's rights were violated?
4. What type of recourse should Martin Tankleff have in this case?
5. Based on this case, and the case yesterday, do you think a jury trial is always a fair trial?

The Right to a Fair Trial

http://www.newsday.com/news/opinion/ny-opfocus5518442dec30,0,182822.story

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/longisland/ny-limill1211,0,1911067.story?coll=ny_breaking_500

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/longisland/ny-limill1212,0,1976604.story?coll=ny_breaking_500

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/longisland/ny-limill1128,0,2304290.story?coll=ny_breaking_500

Click on the links above, or copy, and paste the links above into your browser. Read the articles. Then answer the questions below in the form of a paragraph.

1. What role, if any, do you think race played in this trial?
2. Do you think race SHOULD have played a role in this trial?
3. Do you think the outcome of the case would have been different, if the races of the people involved were reversed? Why?
4. Do you believe that John White received a fair trial?
5. What other actions could/should Mr. White or Mr. Cicciaro have taken in this case?