March 2010 Archives

Draw from Phyllis' recent column, your own knowledge, and the resources available to you to answer the following questions. Link to column: http://ow.ly/1rikK

1. Where does the United States Constitution authorize Congress to require citizens to purchase medical insurance?

2. How could the passage of Obamacare effect the elections in November?

3. According to Rasmussen Reports, right before the House of Representatives passed the health care legislation last Sunday, only 41% of voters nationwide favored the legislation while 54% were opposed. Why do you think many representatives did not listen to their constituents? 

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/healthcare/march_2010/55_favor_repeal_of_health_care_bill

Because we are a representative democracy (a Republic), do you think representatives should use public polls to guide their votes? 

4. How is Obama "fundamentally transforming" the American nation?

5. Why is Obamacare bad for America?

6. More than 35 states are working to pass "Freedom of Choice" bills and similar measures. Why do you think this is? What implications might this have?

7. Is there a federal amendment that allows the states to "opt out" of Obamacare?

8. Why did the Administration not take a closer look at the results of Massachusetts plan? Or, do you think they did?

9. Do you think Obama, by way of Obamacare, is in fact trying to transform America? 

10. What are the implications if Obama is successful?

Action:

Is there an effort to pass a Freedom of Choice bill in your state? If so, where is it in the legislative process?

Call your state representative and state senator to express your support for your state to protect your health care freedom. Look up the talking points for this bill and write a follow up letter of support for the Freedom of Choice bill.

Teens attended Phyllis' speech in Naples March 12.

1. What is the definition of "American Exceptionalism?"

2. Why does Texas have such a heavy influence on textbook content?

3. What are the possible benefits or drawbacks of Texas having a heavy influence on textbooks?

4.What would be the possible benefits or drawbacks of the federal government controlling the content printed in public school textbooks?

5. Why do "experts" want to eliminate requirements to know the history behind Independence Day, Christopher Columbus, Thomas Edison, etc. from textbooks?

6. Are there certain groups or people behind eliminating patriotic holidays and American inventors? What might be their motives or intentions?

7. How does leaving out certain historical figures and events affect how students understand history?

8. How might leaving out certain historical fitures and events effect the future of our country?

9. Can you think of examples of how American history has already been?

10. Why might Liberals not like the concept of "American Exceptualism" being taught in history class?

Challenge: 

1. If you were writing social studies textbook standards, what are the top 10 American figures you would include, and why?

2. Read a live blogger Jonathan M. Saenz's account of the hearings at the Texas Legislative Update Blog: http://texaslegislativeupdate.wordpress.com/

1. What role does innovation play in technology?

2. Do you think most inventions come from big corporations or independent inventors?

3. What things are patented today?

4. What would happen if people did not patent their work?

5. Where does the Constitution address patents? 

6. What are some of the major innovations conceived in the U.S.?

7. Why are there time constraints on patents?

8. How do patents encourage innovation?

9. Why is innovation necessary in our society?

10. If you were an inventor, what would you invent? Would you patent your invention?

Challenge:

1. Research how to apply for a patent in the U.S.

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