To Tax or to Spend?

Watch the video above, think about where you stand (at this point) on the issue of whether or not to raise the minimum wage. Then look for an article that likely opposes what you think.  Post a link to your quality source in your comment, then react to that article in a paragraph.  Sometime during the rest of the week, read at least one other classmates paragraph, and react to their paragraph in a sentence or two, respectfully.

AP Gov Blog #1

     I feel President Obama was accurate in removing the pledge of allegiance in schools nationwide. Growing up pledging to the flag every morning, I did not think much about the words I was saying, I did it subconsciously. It was not until now, that I recited the pledge in my head, that o realized how inapplicable it is. Some of the terminology used no longer holds true to the values of America. The United States has evolved immensely since 1942, when the pledge was adopted by congress. Our country's outlook and beliefs have developed greatly since that time. The pledge is divisive as it does not include many of the Americans that impact our country. The fact of the matter is many minorities in this country do not feel they posses "liberty and justice for all." Additionally, the reference to our nation being under God, excludes a variety of faiths held by impactful individuals in America. I agree with my classmates in saying the punishment of $10,000 and up to a year in prison is rather intense for the violation of the order. Essentially, the pledge soon needs to be revised to display an accurate depiction of America's values, but until then, we should no longer pledge in schools nation wide.

     I would have to disagree with Obama's choice to ban the pledge of allegiance. Just like all my classmates I'm sure, I have grown up siting this anthem many times before. I do agree that it may not relate directly to everyone person in the U.S but I don't think it should have been banned completely. As a Christain, I can relate to the words it's saying, but I do understand how it can be "offensive" or not corolate to ones religion or values. I think we should keep the anthem but it is up to the person whether they recite it or not.

I partially agree with President Obama's decision to ban the Pledge of Allegiance in schools nationwide. This country was founded by leaders who were primarily Christian and believed in Christian ideals. It is evident that the constitution was written based off many Christian ideals. So, it is no surprise that the pledge of allegiance alludes to Christian beliefs and ideals. The United States includes people from all over the world, from all different cultures, and from all different religions. In my opinion, every legal citizen of the United States is just as "American" as one another, regardless of their background or ethnicity. As a result, every citizen of this country should be respected and treated equally. They should not be forced to participate in a practice that conflicts with their personal beliefs. However, if our country has always been influenced by Christian ideals, then I also think those ideals should be respected as well. A better solution to this problem would have been to allow schools to permit the pledge of allegiance, but not require it. So, schools could recite the pledge, but students would not be required to engage if they felt that the words went against their beliefs. They could either remain silent or go to another location while other students recited the pledge. This would ensure that nobody is forced to engage in an activity that contradicts their beliefs, but also respects the very ideals our country was founded on.

Policy Day Blog #1

Read the following article.


Obama Signs Executive Order Banning the Pledge of Allegiance in Schools Nationwide


Post a comment that provides your personal reaction to the article or to any comment previously stated by your classmates.  1 paragraph is adequate for this first blog.  This will be the basis of our policy discussion on Friday, so for any credit it must be posted prior to class start.