These links are from various television shows that discuss current issues in U.S. and world politics. 

 

This Week with George Stephanopoulos

Foxnews Opinion

Meet the Press with Chuck Todd

1.  Soldiers of Conscience 

Perspectives on the morality of killing in wartime.  Use this handout as you view the clips.  Make sure you answer each question/prompt in complete paragraphs. 

Clip 1-"Killing Haunts You"

Clip 2-"One Soldier's Inner Struggle"

Clip 3-"Becoming a Conscientious Objector"

Clip 4-"The Problem With Conscientious Objectors"

Clip 5-"Sometimes Killing is Morally Justified"

Clip 6-"What if the Good Samaritan Had Come Sooner?"

2.  Going AWOL

Click here to view the reasons some members of the U.S. military have deserted the military.  (If you can't stream the video, that's fine, the entire transcript of the video clip can be read on the link.)  After viewing the clip, on a separate sheet of paper, answer the following questions:

• What are your initial thoughts about the deserters?
• Should they be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law?  Why?
• Are they unpatriotic?  Why?
• By swearing an oath to uphold the orders of the president and superior officers, are the deserters going back on their word?  Why?

 3.  In Fighting the War on Terror, How Far Should the U.S. Be Willing to Go to Protect Itself?

• Click here for different viewpoints about the definition of "torture".  For each viewpoint briefly summarize the main points, then share your opinion in at least one complete paragraph.

Should Teens Who Commit Serious Crimes be Tried and Sentenced as Criminals or Adults?

Use this link  to read about 4 young men and their situations.  On a separate sheet of paper, explain whether you agree with their sentencing or not, and what you would do differently.

Wal-Mart:  The Evil Empire? Click here for 2 different viewpoints on the controversy surrounding Wal-Mart.  Follow the instructions on the handout.

Global Warming? Click here for a critique of Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth," and a different account on the controversial issue.

Gun Control

What should the U.S. do, if anything, about guns? Click here for both sides of the debate.

Constitutional Issues

Click here for some current issues involving the Bill of Rights.

1.  Indians and Colonists: Peaceful Coexistence or Conquer?  Read viewpoints 3A and 3B.
2.  What were the Effects of the Great Awakening?  Read viewpoints 7A and 7B.
3.  Is Secession Justified?  Read viewpoints 34A and 34B.
4.   Atomic Bombs Discussion.  Follow the instructions on the hand out for this activity.
5.  Vietnam War Discussion.  Follow the instructions on the hand out for this activity.
6.  Should the U.S. Celebrate Columbus? Follow the instructions on the hand out.

On Sheep, Wolves, and Sheepdogs--Define the sheep, the wolves, and the sheepdogs.  What is the meaning of the essay?  Do you agree?  Why?

Larry's Personal Pledge-Agree? Why, why not? 

1930s Inventions