Can Separate ever be Equal?

We recently studied Reconstruction, its accomplishments and limitations. One of the results of this era was the emergence of Jim Crow- or segregation. Supported by the Supreme Court in Plessy v Ferguson, two worlds existed in the US- one white and the other black. In class, we analyzed the reality of "seperate but equal" within the context of segregated schools. In your opinion, can seperate ever be equal? Do we have any situations in our country right now where certain groups of citizens are treated differently from others? Support your opinion with specific examples either from history or the present. I encourage you to respond respectfully to each other's postings. Since I want you to really think about your answer and support it well, you need a minimum of 5 sentences- a topic, 2 support and 1 detail for each support- think Step Up To Writing. Also- please check your comment for spelling and content before you send it. I will not post comments that do not make sense or are not well written.

Watch video "Little Rock Nine- 50 years later".

Glory

We just finished watching Glory, a movie about the Massachusetts 54th regiment. You saw the conditions and treatment of the black Civil War soldiers. They were not given the same pay as white soldiers. They were used for manual labor. They were abused and disrespected by other soldiers. If caught by the Confederacy in a Union uniform, they would be executed. A Union victory, also, was their only hope for any chance of real freedom. If you were a slave freed by the Emancipation Proclamation, would you have joined the Union army? Why or why not?

John Brown: Martyr or Madman

Do the ends justify the means? Almost everyone in our class agrees that John Brown's objective of abolitionism was a noble one. However, we disagree whether his methods- meaning murder- were as righteous. Do you think John Brown was justified in his actions at Pottawatomie and Harper's Ferry or do you think violence is an inappropriate strategy? Remember: giving your own life for a cause is very different than taking someone else's life for your cause.

You may either respond to this posting directly, or post a respectful comment to another student's response. As always- if you do not include your reasons for your opinion, then you will not get credit.

The $20 Question

We have been talking about the good (more voters), the bad (veto the National Bank) and the ugly (Indian Removal) of Andrew Jackson's administration. Jackson is one of the most controversial Presidents in U.S. History. His face also graces our $20 bills. Many have postured that our country should not honor this controversial figure by having his portrait on our currency.

Do you think Jackson's portrait should remain on the $20 bill?

If you think he should remain on the $20 bill, why do you think he deserves this honor? Be specific- do not just say because he "was a great President"- tell me what he did to deserve this honor.

If you think Jackson is undeserving of this honor, who would you like to see on a newly designed $20 bill. Keep in mind three criteria a person must meet to appear on U.S. currency: This person must be an American, must have had a significant impact on the nation and must be dead . Please explain why you would choose this person- be specific. Do not just say "They did a lot for our country" tell me something they did that was great.

Less is More

On Tuesday, January 20, President Obama will give his first inauguration speech. The purpose of an inauguration speech is to inspire the nation and give a general direction that the President wants to take. Inaugural speeches throughout American History have been full of truly great words. Examples are "We have nothing to fear but fear itself"- FDR and "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country"- JFK.

Click here for a replay of President Obama's speech http://www.c-span.org/Watch/watch.aspx?MediaId=HP-R-14507

Your assignment is to inspire our nation in 10 words or less. The National Constitution Center recently held a contest in which participants gave suggestions in 6 words or less for the inaugural speech. Go to this link to find the winners: http://constitutioncenter.org/addressamerica/ What would you say in 10 words or less that would inspire our nation? Make sure you include your first name, last initial and period in order to get credit.

Stay or Go?

We have been discussing the deplorable conditions people lived with under slavery. You know the challenges and risks of escape. You can only imagine the further challenges that would await you if you actually were successful in your escape. If you were a slave, would you risk an escape attempt on the Underground Railroad? Why would you make this choice?
For a refresher, take the journey on the Underground Railroad online at http://www.nationalgeographic.com/railroad/

Political Inheritance

Inheriting problems is nothing new to incoming Presidents. We have been learning about problems Jefferson faced as President and how he dealt with them- cutting military spending, the Embargo Act. President-elect Obama has quite a job ahead of him starting in January. We are fighting 2 wars, an economic meltdown, healthcare crisis, job loss, educational reform that is "not working", global warming, oil dependence... I could go on all day. If you were President-elect Obama, which of our nations issues would be your first priority. Why do you choose that issue?