There has been an increase in controversy over voter ID and registration laws, as many states are passing them to discourage voter fraud, and ensure only US citizens can vote. Critics of these laws say that they disproportionately effect minorities and the poor, preventing them from voting when (if they did not have to buy an ID card or go through a lengthy registration process) they would have otherwise. Read this article from NPR (and do other independent research on your own) and add to the discussion. Be sure, in your comments, to include reasons why you believe what you do. This is an open forum for any discussion regarding this issue, but here are some questions to consider:
1. Should voters decide the fate of voter ID laws or should the courts?
2. Should photo IDs be required to vote? What should be done if citizens can not afford to buy an ID card?
3. Is it constitutional for states to have different voter ID laws? Concerning federalism, should these laws vary by state or should there be a federal law addressing the issue?
Monday, August 25, 2014
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Unrest in Ferguson: Protecting citizens or illegal use of force?
Hello everyone! Welcome to class, I hope you enjoye the format of your first competitive debates because we are going to be doing a lot more of the same. Everyone did a great job, but now it is time for your first opportunity to provide some insightful commentary and discussion on current events. The first unit is all about the policy-making cycle, the purpose and function of government, the US Constitution and our federal system of governance.
A major function of the government is to provide security and protection for it's citizens. Go to any news website (or many news websites - use the links to the right to start out) and read up on the events in Ferguson, MO to tell me what you think about the role the police are playing amidst the protests. It is their job to protect the community, but do you think they have gone too far? At this point, are they protecting the citizens from looting and violence or are they unnecessarily cracking down on a mostly peaceful protest? Was a curfew necessary? Have the protesters shown they can not maintain nonviolence during their protests? These are all just possible questions for you to address in your response. Any response should explain why you think the way you do, without unjustified assertions or false assumptions. Also, in your response, include your sources with commentary on how that might affect your opinion. This is a lightning rod issue, so this is your first test to start up meaningful, constructive discussion about an extremely sensitive and charged issue, at the heart of which is the role of the police (who are employed by the government) for protection and security. Clearly, race is also a big part of this ongoing story, but for now I want you to focus on the role the police (and by extension the government) play in protection of their citizens vs. the citizens right to protest.
Patiently awaiting your well thought out, reasoned, evidence-based responses. See you in class!!
A major function of the government is to provide security and protection for it's citizens. Go to any news website (or many news websites - use the links to the right to start out) and read up on the events in Ferguson, MO to tell me what you think about the role the police are playing amidst the protests. It is their job to protect the community, but do you think they have gone too far? At this point, are they protecting the citizens from looting and violence or are they unnecessarily cracking down on a mostly peaceful protest? Was a curfew necessary? Have the protesters shown they can not maintain nonviolence during their protests? These are all just possible questions for you to address in your response. Any response should explain why you think the way you do, without unjustified assertions or false assumptions. Also, in your response, include your sources with commentary on how that might affect your opinion. This is a lightning rod issue, so this is your first test to start up meaningful, constructive discussion about an extremely sensitive and charged issue, at the heart of which is the role of the police (who are employed by the government) for protection and security. Clearly, race is also a big part of this ongoing story, but for now I want you to focus on the role the police (and by extension the government) play in protection of their citizens vs. the citizens right to protest.
Patiently awaiting your well thought out, reasoned, evidence-based responses. See you in class!!
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