Sunday, February 26, 2012
Spring 2012 Civil War Blog Post
In studying the Civil War, one often wonders if there are any divisive issues today that could threaten the union of our country much like that of slavery in the 1800's.Identify at least 3 issues you think might be dividing Americans today, and explain why you think so in a paragraph of 3-5 sentences for each. Comment to two students on the issues they chose and whether or not you agree with their opinion.
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One reason for Americans dividing would be the poverty issue. Many americans including myself are being affected rapidly by this terrible economy. This would separate the rich from the poor. Obviously the rich have nice cars, houses, and a lot of money, which itself is a gift. But the poor only have what they need, and not as much as they want. This certainly would create hostility, and actually may harm the well-being of others, their attitude, and self-esteem.
Another reason that americans are dividing is the children's education. Parents are now losing more an more interest in their childs education and simply letting them just take high school all online. It's 1, not socially healthy, and 2, not ethical. Children need a social life, children need physical activity, and involvement, but those who stay at home and chose when and what they do creates a strong division between the kids that do go to school. Kids that go and get up at 6:00, and then have after school sports or clubs are the ones who are socially healthy and make better choices. But the ones who wake up whenever they please, and just stay inside all day, and go out all night because they don;t have to get up the next morning are the ones who aren't as intelligent and aren't as healthy.
Lastly, a reason for division would be a political issue. Republican vs. democrats! I know a lot of people who actually aren't a democrat anymore because of president Obama, and have turned to republicans. But the ones who remained a democrat seem to have a strong hatred for the "back-stabbers". Anything that has to do with politics can get pretty heavy and messy, and it certainly has with the rise or unemployment and the crisis that Obama is creating.
(Lauren Kalt)
I think that right now the national debt is a huge issue. Government spending has been a big problem for the US and we're plunging deeper and deeper into debt despite the government's efforts to lessen it. This drives up taxes, makes everything more expensive, and means that the US has to rely more on other countries than it really should. The US recently sold a bomb to Israel to get money to help pay off the debts. I think it's pretty insane that we'd put that kind of dangerous power in another country's hands because we're that deep in debt.
Another important issue is the Mexican border, we're really affected by that living in Arizona. People all over the country are debating whether we should crack down on illegal immigration to try to lessen the illegal drug trade or if we should make it easier for people to legally immigrate.
Finally, being the tree hugger that I am, I have to include global warming as one of the issues. This is an issue that doens't only affect us; it affects the entire world. Industries and companies are finalyl starting to develop more renewable and environmentally friendly sources of energy, but they aren't being developed quickly enough. Every day, more and more carbon is emmitted into the atmosphere to gradually warm the climate. Phytoplankton are responsible for 70% of the world's oxygen. They can only live within 6 degrees of the original temperature that they are currently living in. This means that if the planet keeps heating up at the rate it is, within ten years we will all be breathing with only 30% of the oxygen that we breathe today.
I agree that the separation between the rich and the poor is an important issue. The whole "Occupy Wallstreet" thing is a big indicator of that. People are getting fed up with only a small fraction of people getting all the benefits of the wealthy while everyone else has to struggle and fight for their own well being.
I think education is another big issue, but not necessarily for the reasons you're giving. For one, I don't think it's the most logical thing to just state that high schoolers who take classes online always "wake up whenever they please, stay inside all day, and go out all night" And I really don't think you can justify that they're less intelligent and healthy than kids who go to public schools. I know several homeschooled kids who have taken their education very seriously and actually take in information much more efficeintly than the average high schooler. Of course there are the students who really do slack and don't take their education seriously and stay home all day, but there's also plenty of kids like that in public school. Say, perhaps 40% of the population? Education is a very important issue and lots of people have very different ideas about how to improve the system and how to best teach kids, I'm not denying that. Just try not to stereotype.
Yes, politics have become utterly and completely ridiculous in our society, with politicians trying to outdo each other in "who can fling the most mud at the other candidates?!" Honestly, the best way to make a decision on the next political candidate for president should be who actually discusses their issues instead of focusing on personal issues that have nothing to do with how they'd govern.
I think one major issue that could split up america is food stamps and Welfare. I think this because our government gives food stamps and welfare out way to freely. People are becoming way to dependent on the government for their daily needs. It angers me to think that i am in a way paying for people who are able to work to not work and be lazy.
Another issue i think little laws they pass that slowly take our freedom away. For example the law they made that we cant have gardens is suppressing our freedom. The laws they are passing are going against our constitution and anger American citizens.
The last issue i think that could possibly split up America is drugs. This might sound preposterous. But look at how it splits up family's it could do the same to a country. And the drug industries is huge and affects our economy.
Larun i do Agree with you on the Mexican border. It is a big issue in America.
But Sam i do not agree that education could possibly split up America. Its a minor issue with the problems we have now.
An issue that is dividing Americans today is the different social classes. Americans today are very judgmental towards other people and how they act. As some people would say “weirder people” are severely picked on and they are outlawed from being around the people who think they are better than them. It’s like how the slaves were looked at differently and hated because of the color of their skin, so are people who are interested in things that aren’t like what others are interested in, or would like to dress differently than others.
Another issue that is dividing America today is the economy. The economy is throwing people out of their houses due to losing their jobs. All the people that are being divided from others is because the people with less money are having to move to areas that are cheaper for them to live in, and the people with more money get to live in the areas with nicer housing.
I also think that were you work at is dividing American today. The Americans with better jobs get more respect toward themselves. The American’s with worse jobs, such as someone who works at a fast food restaurant at an older age, get a lot less respect.The different ranks of jobs determines how people are treated because of it.
There are many reasons that are dividing Americans today. One of the most obvious being the terrible economy we seem to be facing today. I know that my own family has been effected in many ways. The average changes to the middle class are those like foreclosing houses, and mortgages being taken out all over the place. These acts in our society seem to move the middle class into the lower class- meaning the lower class is perceived as less than the little value they have.
Another reason I strongly believe is dividing America is the disagreement on gay rights. With many states declaring gay marriage illegal, there is no bond the Americans share on this subject. Almost any person you ask will have a different opinion. No ones exactly knows how the feel about it, until they voice it. Our society has a problem with voicing this opinion from time to time. Sadly, nothing is happening when voices aren't being heard. This is causing America a great amount of division.
The last reason dividing Americans today is the border problems that Americans are familiar with. Many Mexicans "hop the border" into states like Arizona and California. In these states, citizens feel that immigrants take jobs that Americans feel they are entitled to. However, the reality is that Americans don't want those jobs. And they are, in fact, some of the most important jobs around. Such as construction and landscaping. This ideology of these illegal immigrants is definitely a big reason for division in America today
Responding to Julia_E's comment:
I really like the fact that you brought up the social status associated with the type of jobs people have. I didn't realize that that is probably one of the biggest reasons that America has a visible division within it.
The topic of gay marriage is increadingly dividing Americans today. Many people support gay marriage, whether they parttake in it or not. However, many other Americans stongly oppose gay marriage, often based on their religions interpretations. If people don't learn to either integrate and become tolerant or shun the gay community, America may become an entire division between gay rights activits and opposers.
Another issue is the growing prevalance of racial stereotypes. Slavery and legal segregation have been abolished for years. However, people are still being negatively reminded of their difference in color from one to the next, whether they are white, black, Asian, Latino, or Native American.
A third cause of division amongst Americans is the animosity between many Republicans and Democratics. Having different political parties present in our government is supposed to be beneficial in that it provides many viewpoints and prevents an all-powerful government of one party. But recently, people have become blatantly insulting and demeaning towards the political party opposite of them.
Responses:
Lauren, I agree that the debate over the Mexican border and illegal immigrants is an issue. While we should be doing something about illegal immigrants, we should also work on our programs to help them enter legally. America is a melting pot of different cultures, so we should be encouraging people from other countries to join us in the right way.
Samcoe11, I agree that education is an issue, but for a different reason. Many students aren't able to afford to go to college, even the intelligently deserving. This is likely to hinder their career aspirations in the future when they are unable to apply for a certain job because of their lack of credentials.
ashmkern:
I definitely agree with the gay right's movement being a big modern issue in the US. There's definitely a lot of different opinions out there and there's already been so much violence and hatred because of this. I get the feeling that the gay right's movement is going to become an even bigger fight than it already is, probably the modern civil right's movement. It's the same basic prinicple: whether gay people should be allowed the right to marry and thus share all the rights that the Constitution promises all men and the right for African Americans to share all the rights that the Constitution promises.
I think one major issue that could have split up America is Money. Because back then people were dependent on the government for food stamps and Welfare. I think this was the governments issue because the government gives food stamps and welfare out way to anyone and will support them for a really long time too. So by the government doing so the people rely on the government for their daily needs. This really make me fell up sit because I have to work for my things and pay for them while the government just gives it away to the people.
Another issue I have is about our rights as United States citizens because you have no rights intill your in court. What I mean about that is in normal life you go by with out you rights but if you do something bad and you go to jail the government can't do anything because the person will use every thing to his side so the government cant talk to him because he will use all the rights he can to get out of it. I think thats not right and if you do something bad or just stupid you should have all your rights taken away from you.
The last issue I have is about the laws. I think the laws a missed up because you see people that kill many people and they are put in jail for 25 years and then they get out and can do it again. I also think jails are missed up because it like a free place to live and you get free health insurance. The free place to live makes me made because thats were most of the tax money goes to support these people who have an easy life behind bar. Also when I said free health Insurance it is truly free because if your hurt they must get you well before you go to jail. For example last year some man went to a bank and held it up by giving the cashier a note saying this is a robbery and all i want is $1 then he got the money and sat on the bench and waited for the police to take him to jail because he need to have a surgery so by him going to jail they had to give him the surgery because he was in jail. That makes me mad because he used the system to get free health care.
There are an incredible amount of reasons why Americans are dividing today, unfortunately. Three are; the economy, social classes, and gay marriage. The horrible economy has affected half or even more of Americans. So many have lost their jobs, houses, and had to go places they probably never imagined.
The people are dividing from one another due to the amount of money one makes. The economy threw the people out of living basically, and without a job, it wouldn’t be easy to always eat what you want or buy the clothes you always wanted to. All the people that are being divided from others is because the people with less amounts of money are needing to find places which are cheaper to live in. the people with more money get to live in the areas with nicer housing.
Another issue that is dividing Americans is the different social classes, the rich, middle class and poor, just those titles have separated people. The rich obviously live in nice, huge homes, with very nice cars and eat and wear whatever that catches their eyes. Being rich sometimes changes the person’s personality and how they treat people with less money than them because they know they are rich. The middle class are the ones who sometimes buy what they desire but not too much of it and eat right and have affordable cars. The poor on the other hand, are the ones who do not have much, and have to try hard to get what is there not too much of it. People judge a lot on the way one looks, by the car they drive, or the house they live in. this is a horrible issue, that humans judge one another so much, and it’s unbelievable.
Lastly, the last issue that is dividing Americans is the marriage of the same sexes, this makes no sense because people are people, and they should be able to choose to do what they want, it’s not like their committing a murder or something. Therefore, there is no reason to treat them different then you would treat any other person, because treating them different is dividing us Americans apart. Americans also do not share their voices often, odd because we live in a free country, and if we were to speak out more, there wouldn’t be so much distance from one another.
I agree with Andy Zeek, on the laws are an issue because I have seen so many cases where one kills another and they do not get much punishment. I didn’t know you get free health insurance in jail, that’s an interesting fact. Also, that is a crazy story, that’s crazy how when one is to go to jail they have to be healthy first, wow. Lastly, I also hate how some of the taxes we pay go to the ones going into jail. However, I don’t see how this divides Americans overall?
I agree with Julia_E on how the place that one works in is a big thing and others judge a lot on that. Since working in a hospital as a surgeon vs. working at MacDonald’s, is a big difference. Since this is a big difference the one with the better job receives more respect than the other one. This is wrong because they are BOTH working their butts off to get money and to make a living. They both should receive the same amounts of respect, since they are both making an effort to work instead of staying home and doing nothing.
Three issues that might be dividing Americans today are the issues of gay marriage, health care, and money.
The first issue that is dividing Americans today is gay marriage. The people who favor same-sex marriage claim to recognize it as marriage equality. They also want and support legal recognition for this type of marriage. The other side of this issue are the people who do not favor same-sex marriage. These people believe that gay marriage should not be allowed because it is not good for the kids and it is degrading the whole definition of marriage. This issue continues to divide Americans as it becomes more common in modern days.
The next issue that divides Americans is health care. The usual split in this case is between Democrats and Republicans, each wanting something completely different. Democrats want to cover the uninsured Americans, extend support of preventative health programs and cover chronic health conditions. Republicans on the other hand, want no additional taxes to go to health care programs. I think that this issue is not one that will be solved any time soon due to the fact that both parties have completely contrasting views on the subject.
The last issue that seems to be dividing Americans is money, which creates different social classes. Many people depend on the government to survive, whether its from food stamps or welfare systems. While these people depend on the government, most Americans work for what they have and earn it instead of relying on the government. Also, with this money issue, comes the issue of social classes. There is the “higher” class of people who have good-paying jobs and who work hard. Then there is a “lower” class of people who may work hard but do not have a good-paying job. Although I would like to say there should not be social classes, it is something that will always exist in such a nation as ours.
I agree with Andy Zeek because I do think money has split up Americans. I think that the government should help people that are truly in need of help but only for a short time just to get them back on their feet. I definitely agree with you when you said you feel upset because you have to work for what you have. That makes me angry as well because my family and I work very hard for what we have and own while the government gives people their things because they don't have a job.
I agree with Rozhan Mokri also on the fact that gay marriage is splitting Americans. Although, I have a different view on gay marriages. I think gay marriage should not be allowed or legalized at all. We were put on this earth to “multiply and replenish the earth” and with gay marriages, that is physically impossible. I also believe that legalizing such a thing degrades the actually meaning of marriage, which is a union between one man and one woman.
-Ashley Lee
There are many factors that contribute to the division of America these days. Three main reasons are; the economy, immigration, and gay marriage.
The first reason for divison of Americans is the economy. Over the past few years American have lost their job, and now can not find a replacement. Due to the loss in jobs, citizens are not receiving close to the ammount of money they were when they had a job. As a result, bankrupsy on houses and just getting by day after day has become difficult. Also, due to the fact money has become an issue, social classes have become a factor that divide Americans. The wealthy still live in nice houses and are not affected by the economy, while the poor are stuggling and trying to get by. These fators listed above are reasons for American division.
Immigration is another reason for division of Americans. Mexican citizens are known for sneaking into states such as California and Arizona. As a result, many Americans feel they take job opportunities, and have no reason for being in their state. This causes division because there is a group of American citizens that are trying to keep Mexicans out of their state. When all the Mexican citizens want to do is create a change or a good life for their families.
Finally, gay marriage is a major reason why Americans are dividing. For example, there is the point of view where gay marriage is not any harm. Where they feel that it is just like any other marriage and it does not harm anyone. On the other hand, some feel that it will cause problems for society and their families. For example, some see it as disturbing, unecessary, and will judge them just because they are marrying the sam sex. This has caused division because you have two sides of citizens that will harshly defend their position on the belief of same sex marriage.
Ashley- I like how you brought up the gay marriage factor. Going off of that I think the people of the United States should have the right to marry what ever sex they want too. I think that is wrong that if the people want gay marriage they have to leave the country to get married.
Rozhan Mokri- I liked how you listed the economy as one of the three things. One reason the economy is very importan because the world goes around and around with the economy. But lets say are economy crashed more then now the world would be effected big time and thousand even millions of people would have no money it it would be not good. Now lets say the economy 2005 was the highest it every was it was the good life. If that was still today our lifes would be completely different because there would be way more people with jobs and alot of the country's would not fall failed. So the economy effects the world.
Andy- I agree with your statement on how the laws divide Americans. I feel the same way about the fact that jails are a free place to live and once they get out they can do anything again. It was ver clever on how you put that paragraph together and i feel it is a very important issue that many ignore.
Ashley- I agree with your statement on how health care has caused division of Americans. It is a very important issue because there are two sides to the topic that will defend their position unti they get the result they want.
One reason for America dividing today is the economy. America is sinking deep into debt to many countries, and many think we will not be able to pull ourselves out. The economy on a national scale is also doing poorly, and this is leading to serious disagreements about what we should do to bring our economy back up.
Another issue dividing issue deals with illegal immigrants from Mexico and drug trafficking. Many people from Mexico are immigrating into America illegally, which is causing arguments of what to do with illegal immigrants. Politicians also argue about border security, whether to lessen the number of border patrol agents and keep security the same or to increase security on the border. Those who want to increase security want to stop illegal drug trafficking and to catch illegal immigrants. Those who do not want this want more open borders between Mexico and America. This is a very serious disagreement.
The last dividing issue is the foreign policy. While some may think of Mexico, most are thinking of Syria and what we should do about their civil war. Many are in huge disagreements about what to do in Syria. This issue is mainly an issue for many politicians.
Kali- I agree with you on the immigration issue. Many illegal immigrants come into Mexico to change their life and instead find a very tough time in America.
Katie- I also agree with you issue of the bad economy. The economy is doing horrible right now and America is surrounded by debt and unemployment.
One reason Americans might divide would simply be the differences in political parties. As time goes on the arguments between the two parties grow larger and hostilities increase. The two parties absolutely cannot find a common ground between them and the crater separating them continues to increase. Members of the two parties have been known to get into bitter fights and I'm sure more than one life has been lost in a political argument between members. There is almost nothing that the parties agree on and it is tearing a hole in the government and politics in general. It is very possible that it could split the states up into Democratic and Republican states, though some are already much like this.
Another splitting issue would be the large gap between rich and poor. While the rich seem to only get richer and never share the poor are often ending up on the streets with nothing. While the rich usually earned their money honestly it strikes a sort of hatred in the hearts of those who do not have a lot of money. The rich think they deserve every cent of their money while the poor grow more and more bitter. Eventually the two classes may get fed up and split.
The last reason would be outer religion and politics mixed together. Some believe the religion is always supposed to be a part of everything while others believe that church and state should never come together. Eventually the majorly religious people and those who do not think religion should be involved in politics will start to fight more harshly.
Kali Morris- I completely agree with all of your reasons, especially gay marriage. It is a HUGE issue in today's society and it is constantly argued about all over. It has been splitting people all over the country ever since being gay became a public thing.
Ashley- I agree that money is a huge issues and as time goes on the gap between rich and poor will only get larger.
There are many issues dividing America today but the three I am going to discuss are abortion, gay marriage, and immigration.
Anytime the word abortion is brought up, you know there will be a disagreement over it. On one side there are the people who believe that it’s okay to have an abortion because they baby is not born yet. Then there are people who believe that it is morally wrong to kill anybody, unborn or not. Although it is a very touchy subject for many, it continues to cause major debates worldwide.
The next issue I will discuss is gay marriages. In many states, governments are beginning to allow gay marriages which are beginning to cause much controversy. Some believe that marriage should be between only a man and a woman. Others believe that people should be able to marry whoever they want regardless of their gender.
Finally, the issue of immigration is splitting the nation. On one side, people believe that immigrants are taking all the money and all the jobs that available. They believe that with immigrants coming in, there won’t be jobs available for them. On the other hand, people think that if an immigrant wants to come to the US in search of a better life then we should let them. Laws such as the Dream Act have been passed recently allowing people eligible to be able to receive an education even if they are not a citizen of the US.
Ashley- I agree with you when you say that money is dividing Americans. There’s a widening gap between the rich and the poor and it just keeps getting bigger. Like you said, despite the fact that the poor work hard, their jobs are barely paying enough for them to survive.
Kali- I agree with you because I believe that immigrants come to the US in search of a better life, not to take all the job opportunities. That is why it warms my heart to see things like the Dream Act being passed.
One of the issues dividing America today is relgion. The foundation on which America was built was based on Christianity, one nation, under God, and is now being forgotten. Many do not believe in a Christian nation anymore, and this has sparked much debate.
Another issue dividing America is the healthcare system. Many argue whether or not healthcare should be provided by the government or have a private plan. The United States is one of the few industrialized nations that does not guarentee access to healthcare for its citizens. This is still hotly debated and many American's disagree on this matter.
The last issue is the death penalty. The death penalty is a sentence in which criminals are killed for their crime. Many find this issue morally wrong. They think those criminals should not have to pay for their crimes with their own life.
ashmkern: I think you are right about gay marriage. It is a very sensitive topic and is constantly argued about in the US. This is definitely an issue which is dividing America today.
samcoe11: I think you are right that poverty is an issue which divides America today. Poverty does create hostility towards other classes and can be a big cause of violence.
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