The Trade Debate

Honors Government: (Due 4/25/07)

Our nation (along with many industrialized nations) is dealing with an intense trade debate. Should our government promote the principles of free trade or should the government protect domestic producers from foreign competition? Please read the trade debate packet and address the following issue.

1) In your own words, describe the trade debate.
2) Which side has the better argument? Why?
3) Where do you stand on the issue?

Political Ad Contest

Explore the Political Ad links on the right hand side of the blog. Then write a post explaining which one you find the most effective. Make sure to cite specific details about the ad that contribute to its perceived success.

The Role of Government

Honors Government -

For Thursday, read the essay by Milton Friedman and respond to this post by answering the following questions:

1) What is the general message of Friedman's essay?

2) According to Friedman, what is the proper role of government in the economy? Be specific.

3) Do you personally agree with his view? Why or why not? Note: your answer should be read as your personal economic philosophy, so make sure it is clear and specific.

Interesting story about Milton Friedman:

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/remember/july-dec06/friedman_11-16.html

The Lessons of Don Imus

In the past two weeks, the media has been discussing, debating, and condemning radio personality Don Imus. All this attention is centered around comments Mr. Imus made in reference to the Rutgers Women's basketball team on his morning show, Imus in the Morning. I will assume that all will agree that what he said was offensive and below a standard of decency that Mr. Imus should have for himself. To Mr. Imus' defense, he has continually and repeatedly apologized for his statement and has even offered to meet with the Rutgers team. However, no matter what one's opinions are about the attention and punishment Imus is receiving this whole episode has revealed five very important lessons for us to consider.

1) Words do matter - Words (especially words expressed across the airwaves) have true power. Words can inform, enlighten, and in this case hurt. Imus, who has built his career on words is now suffering from them. Thus, Ladies and Gentlemen choose your words carefully.

2) Sorry only goes so far - This entire episode leads to this 2nd observation and lesson. Our society has seemingly developed the belief that the word "sorry" heals all wounds. It doesn't. Sorry is a hard word to say and it is honorable because it reveals that an individual acknowledges wrong. However, sorry does not undue. Forgiveness is divine but we mere mortals cannot be expected to be divine all the time.

3) Money drives all - MSNBC announced yesterday that it would be dropping the Imus in the Morning show. Many applauded the move. However, it is unclear if MSNBC was driven by some high ideal against racist/sexist speech or by the fact that its corporate sponsors were pulling their advertising dollars out of Imus' show. No matter the motivation, the lesson is clear: if you are angry and want change head straight to where the money is...advertising.

4) Even the smallest actions have consequences - Don Imus has been on radio for decades and has been on TV for 11 years. He has raised tens of millions of dollars for child disease research and veterans. He operates a ranch for children dying of cancer. He has done and continues to do good works. Yet, none of this matters now. His current struggle is driven by three words delivered in less than 3 seconds. Here is a hard lesson to learn: no matter how good you are, no matter how much good you do, don't let small actions ruin you, because they will if you commit them.

5) Perception matters - Imus has repeatedly claimed that he is not a sexist or a racist. But that claim does not matter. It does not matter if you are not truly a racist or a sexist. What matters is the perception that others have of you. We live in a highly social and (thanks Tom Friedman) "flat" world. You might be the nicest person on earth but if others perceive you as mean, then you are mean. It may not be fair but it is how the world functions. As a famous Republican pollster Frank Luntz writes, "It's not what you say, it's what people hear." Pay attention to how people perceive you. Don't be fake but make sure your actions and words accurately reflect who you are or who you want to be.

Interesting Take on Patriotism

300 Review

I recently saw the movie, 300, and was a bit disappointed. Many of my students had showered this movie with high praise; some even declaring that it was now their "favorite movie." While I found the special effects to be amazing, the battle scenes uniquely done (I don't think I have ever seen a battle scene decapitation slowed down), and the movie to be truly "beautiful" in imagery; it was lacking. It took awhile to come to a full realization of what that missing element was but eventually epiphany hit. On its surface, it was missing something quite simple, yet so necessary to any movie, a sympathetic hero.

While the movie made it clear who it wanted the hero (Spartans) and the villain (King Xerxes and the Persians) to be, I was left unconvinced. While the Persians were made into something to be despised, I can't say I looked fondly toward the Spartans.

What really is to be admired about a civilization that killed its weakest members, taught its young to steal, and was built entirely on war and violence? Furthermore, I find it interesting that the Spartans fought for "freedom" yet were all too willing to enslave anyone who was not "Spartan." Yet, it is their thirst for war and combat that I find the most distasteful. In one scene, a Spartan warrior, looking upon the massing Persian horde is seen smiling. He goes on to explain that it is his wish that someone within that massive enemy force will give him what he has dreamt of, a proper warrior's death. Well to put it simply: his dream comes true as he and is companions are cut down by those evil Persians.

Finally, it is hard to look past the accidental or purposeful political analogies located throughout the movie. The formula is basic: west : good :: east : evil. The Spartans and the broader Greek forces of the movie are the west (US) battling for everything good in the world: freedom and liberty. Meanwhile the Persians (Muslims, Iran, etc.) are fighting for conquest and to destroy the Greek (western) world. King Xerxes is portrayed almost as the devil offering temptations to the Spartan King if he will but join the Persian crusade. Yet, the movie could also be read as a warning if one were to switch the analogy. The Persians because of the arrogance of their leader underestimate their enemy. They are the greatest military force ever assembled and no small nation can defeat them in open battle. But an enemy (as the Spartans show), no matter how small, is greatly strengthened when fighting for their own freedom and against a force seen as a conqueror and occupier. Perhaps the hidden lesson in this movie is not to fight the "east" with all cost, but rather to avoid the arrogant belief that through military force you can change the world into what you believe it should be.