The Predicaments of Being President: Is Obama Doing Enough?

The August 29th The New York Times has an editorial, "Waiting for Mr. Obama," in which the paper exposes what has been reported by other media: that the economy has not improved and it is not expected to do so in the immediate future. The Times exposes the Democratic agenda and the Republican agenda which are at odds. Read the article, recount what it says and after thinking about the topic and reflecting on it, express your views about the economy, the Obama administration's handling of the economy and how you are personally affected by what each party wants to do and what Obama has done. After posting your views, be ready to speak about them in class.


http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/29/opinion/29sun1.html?_r=1&ref=opinion

Florida Ranks Dead Last in Government Funding for its Public Universities

The August 22nd Miami Herald's Issues & Ideas section includes an article (see link above and below) that addresses Florida's inadequate funding for public educational institutions. After readomg the article comment about what the authors say and what you think the problem is (or the problems are). Mention something you see as being a problem(s) regarding funding, the need for it, and the difficulties in getting funding or disbursing funding that the article does not mention but that you think is(are) important to address. Prepare to discuss your opinion in class.


http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/08/22/1787013/florida-puts-little-investment.html

Would you pay $18 for a regular T-shirt if you know the workers are being paid fairly?

Today's (July 18th, 2010) New York Times' Business Section (see the link above and below) includes an article entitled "A Factory Defines Stereotypes, but Can it Thrive?" that exposes the business downside of paying workers a "living wage." Read the article and comment about it, the dilemma that business face when they try to "do the right thing, and what can and should be done about it.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/18/business/global/18shirt.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper

Why Are Bank Bailout and Stimpulus Packages Not Popular with Voters?

The July 11th The New York Times' article (see link above and below), "Bank Bailout is Potent Issue for Fall Faces," states that even though banks have paid back the government to the $700 billion for the Troubled Asset Relief Program approved by the Obama administration in the fall 2008, most voters confuse TARP with the stumulus package and are, thus, are rejecting incumbents in recent or upcoming elections. Read the article and comment on the article and why there is such anti-incumbent sentiment throught the country.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/11/us/politics/11tarp.html?_r=1&hp

Can we Still Aspire to Equality, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness?

A New York Times' July 4th editorial titled "Liberty Thoughts" (see link below) comments on the meaning of the Declaration of Independence 234 years ago and today? Read the editorial and comment regarding changes that have taken place in our history and whether the proposition exposed by the Declaration is still relevant today


http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/04/opinion/04sun4.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper

Who is a Feminist? Do ALL women have a voice?

The Sunday June 27th's Miami Herald's Opinion Page includes a piece from Washington Post columnist Kathleen Parker regaring what it means to be a feminist. Read it (see the link above and below) and comment about Parker's and your views.

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/06/27/1701797/all-women-have-a-voice.html

Oil Clean Up: Threat or Opportunity?

New York Times' columnist Frank Rick states - in the article whose link you can find below - that the BP oil spill, though a environmental nightmare, can be injurious to President Obama as well as provide him with opportunities. Comment on what Rich says (you must read the article) and state why you agree or disagree with Rich as well as with your fellow students who'll also post their comments.


http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/20/opinion/20rich.html?ref=todayspaper