Is the Pension System for Municipal Employees Fair?

The Miami Herald started a series this Sunday, September 18th which deals with how government employees' pensions are creating problems that cost taxpayers money and can potentially damage municipalities. The first article of the series, Pension Bonanza (see link below), details the problem and cites specific examples. After reading the article, post your comments and be ready to discuss them in class.


http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/09/17/2412472/municipal-pensions-a-bonanza-for.html

What Should Obama Do If He is to Join Other One-Term Presidents?

Princeton University's History Professor Julian Zelizer ponders, in the Sunday, September 11th's New York Times' Week in Review section, about the distinct possibility that President Obama might not get reelected in 2012 and suggests things he can do to create a lasting legacy. After reading the article (see link below) and summarizing in the blog, comment about it. Be ready to discuss the article and your thoughts in class if you want in a class for which you can earn extra credit for the activity,.




http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/11/opinion/sunday/if-obama-is-a-one-term-president.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=If%20Obama%20is%20a%20One-Term%20President&st=cse

Are We Really "Middle Class?" Who's Below Us?

The Sunday, September 4th New York Times' Sunday Review Section includes an article by former Secretary of Labor Otto Reich in which he discusses the economy and the problems we encounter to get it jumpt started again. After reading it, commment about it stating what the author's views are as well as yours.


http://www.nytimes.com/pages/opinion/index.html#sundayreview

Are we too harsh on sex offenders?

The Sunday, August 21st New York Times' Opinion Section includes an article tiled "Sex Offenders: The Last Pariahs" in which the author exposes views and relates information about sex offenders and about the efficacy of our laws that address sexual crimes. After reading the article (see link below) comment on the blog.


http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/21/opinion/sunday/sex-offenders-the-last-pariahs.html?_r=1&ref=opinion

Why is it that 'We're Spent'?

The New York Times' Sunday Review Section includes an article whose title: "We're Spent" discusses the economic problem we are facing today. After reading the article and summarizing it in the blog by stating what the article claims are the economic problems we face, be prepare to discuss the article in class for extra credit points.



http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/17/sunday-review/17economic.html?_r=1&ref=opinion

Redemption in Birmingham... is a pardon in order?

The Sunday, July 10th New York Times' Opinion Section includes an article titled "Redemption in Birmingham" which questions whether mercy is "due a Birminghman man whose 11-year old died in a 1963 Klan church bombing. After reading the article, post your opinion in the blog and state why you feel the way you do. Be ready to discuss the article and your opinion in class for extra credit.


http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/10/opinion/sunday/10birmingham.html?_r=1&ref=opinion

Are These People Out of Touch?

The Sunday, July 3rd Miami Herald's Opinion Section includes a piece by nationally syndicated columnnist Cal Thomas about the Supreme Court Justices' ruling in a First Amendment-related case. After reading the article (see link) and familiarizing yourself with the current Supreme Court members; their responsibilities and how their rulings affect us, post your comments on the blog and be ready to speak about your knwoledgeable opinions in class for extra credit.

http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/07/02/2295768/justices-dont-live-in-the-real.html