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Patriot Act
Article posted April 30, 2013 at 12:52 PM GMT0 •
comment (24) • Reads 558
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Since 9/11/01, we have been in a "war on terror," but terrorism is a tactic, not a physical entity. How should such "wars" be fought, and how should we balance our concern for safety against our desire to protect individual rights?
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Article posted April 30, 2013 at 12:52 PM GMT0 •
comment (24) • Reads 558
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Descriptive Representation (Periods 2 & 8)
Article posted February 12, 2013 at 07:07 PM GMT0 •
comment (23) • Reads 922
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In her famous article, Mansbridge posed the question "Should Blacks represent Blacks? Should women represent women? Should farmers represent farmers?" She then said the answer was "a contingent yes." Take note of our class discussions, the assigned articles and the work of other bloggers, then respond to Mansbridge.
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Article posted February 12, 2013 at 07:07 PM GMT0 •
comment (23) • Reads 922
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Your Political Socialization (periods 2 and 8)
Article posted December 5, 2012 at 03:57 PM GMT0 •
comment (41) • Reads 1201
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Reflect on the political parties webquest completed earlier this week. Which political philosophy best reflects your sensibilities? How did you develop your political identity? What factors influenced your political socialization?
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Article posted December 5, 2012 at 03:57 PM GMT0 •
comment (41) • Reads 1201
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Periods 2 and 8: To Engage or Not to Engage?
Article posted November 29, 2012 at 07:57 PM GMT0 •
comment (22) • Reads 629
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Pretend you are the student in Professor Malley's office. He has asked you to explain your current level of political "engagement." Do you care or not? Why? Will you become "political? Why or why not? If yes, what will you do? Help Malley understand your hopes and fears. In the course of speaking to him, cite evidence from the articles we read and from fellow bloggers.
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Article posted November 29, 2012 at 07:57 PM GMT0 •
comment (22) • Reads 629
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Period 8 Voting and Democracy
Article posted October 25, 2012 at 02:43 AM GMT0 •
comment (11) • Reads 742
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Plato argued that philosopher kings would be preferable to democratic sensibilities. Scholars disagree over whether he meant this as parody or in earnest. In any event, react to his sentiment. Is it rational to rely on popular election to select our leaders? Or would it be wiser to install, on a lifetime basis, "professional rulers?" Supply your rationale.
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Article posted October 25, 2012 at 02:43 AM GMT0 •
comment (11) • Reads 742
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Period 2 Voting and Democracy
Article posted October 23, 2012 at 06:33 PM GMT0 •
comment (10) • Reads 353
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Plato argued that philosopher kings would be preferable to democratic sensibilities. Scholars disagree over whether he meant this as parody or in earnest. In any event, react to his sentiment. Is it rational to rely on popular election to select our leaders? Or would it be wiser to install, on a lifetime basis, "professional rulers?" Supply your rationale.
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Article posted October 23, 2012 at 06:33 PM GMT0 •
comment (10) • Reads 353
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Period 8 Goldwater
Article posted September 18, 2012 at 05:59 PM GMT0 •
comment (10) • Reads 503
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If the American government were to abide by the rules and restrictions of Goldwater, our country would be strictly Conservative and never stray from the Constitution. However, does such governing best suit the overall needs of our nation? Are Goldwater's thoughts leading America to a bright future? (By Simone C.)
"I feel certain that Conservatism is through unless Conservatives can demonstrate and communicate the difference between being concerned with these problems and believing that the federal government is the proper agent for their solution." (65)
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Article posted September 18, 2012 at 05:59 PM GMT0 •
comment (10) • Reads 503
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Period 2 Hardball
Article posted September 12, 2012 at 08:03 PM GMT0 •
comment (13) • Reads 689
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Could one make a case for playing "reverse" Hardball or should one play it safe and stick to the rules Matthews lays out? Why or why not would this tactic be effective?
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Article posted September 12, 2012 at 08:03 PM GMT0 •
comment (13) • Reads 689
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Period 8 Blog on Hardball
Article posted September 6, 2012 at 07:40 PM GMT0 •
comment (15) • Reads 618
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Consider the strategies that Matthews suggests in his book. Have you seen them applied in real-world politics, or in your own interpersonal relations? Should they be? Are they effective? Explain.
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Article posted September 6, 2012 at 07:40 PM GMT0 •
comment (15) • Reads 618
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Period 2 - Goldwater
Article posted September 2, 2012 at 04:29 PM GMT0 •
comment (14) • Reads 534
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Class: please engage with one or more of the following prompts, written by J. Petro and his group. Be sure to employ the type of analysis we modeled in class. Also, you must engage with the ideas of at least one other blogger (unless you are the first to post). Multiple entries are encouraged but not required.
1)Does the PATRIOT Act contradict Goldwater's views on government powers and conservatism?
2)Based on Conscience of a Conservative, what do you predict Goldwater's views would be on the government investing in new, alternative energy sources?
3)What role does the elastic clause play in Goldwater's views on enumerated powers of the federal government?
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Article posted September 2, 2012 at 04:29 PM GMT0 •
comment (14) • Reads 534
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My Classes & Students
About the Blogger
Mr. Schels was born in 1967 in Westwood, New Jersey, and grew up in River Vale, New Jersey. He read history, law and American Studies at Rutgers and Columbia Universities. After practicing law for 7 years as a civil trial attorney, he went through Connecticut's Alternate Route for Teacher Certification, and has been teaching since 1999. He lives in Trumbull with his wife, Marcia and two children, Tyler, 17 and Kaitlyn, 12. Hobbies include reading, cooking, gardening, tennis, music (classical trumpet) and crossword puzzles. Also - big Yankee fan!
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