Since the course is winding down, I am going to post 3 additional discussion que
ID: 463298 • Letter: S
Question
Since the course is winding down, I am going to post 3 additional discussion questions. You are to choose ONE in which you write a minimum 500 word original post along with the minimum substantive responses to other students. These topics cover several issues that are pertinent not only to the nation but also you as college age students. I hope you enjoy the topics.
TOPIC 1:
In chapters 16 and 17, we discuss the nations economy as well as social policy which is a big drain on our national budget. These programs and policies are important to many people but they come with long term economic consquences. I have posted a link to a short video regarding our debt and deficit. After watching the video and reviewing several other posted links answer the following question in no less than 500 words. As always be sure to respond to at least one student for full credit.
Discussion Question:
Since the issue of debt has been around since our nations founding, is it really a big issue or is it something we as a nation can deal with in the long term? How do we deal with the increasing debt of over $18 trillion? Do we cut programs, raise taxes or both? Who is ultimately to blame for this situation? Is it our elected officials or is it "we the people" who continously allow our elected officials to run these large deficits and debts. What kind of future do you see for yourself and future children and grandchildren when it comes to our nations economy and apparent love of deficits and debt?
(the movie is the first link)
IOUSA
Debt clock
IOUSA Facebook page
TOPIC 2:
Since we are reading about federalism and the role between our federal government and the states, let's take a look at one controversial topic, gay marriage. The Supreme Court recently ruled that state laws banning same sex marriage were invalid and unconstitutional, thereby legalizing same sex unions. Historically, the role of the state was to grant marriage licenses as well as define who could get married. Many states initially created marriage laws to prevent interracial marriage. With all that being stated, I ask each of you whether or not you agree with the ruling by the Supreme Court and why. Is this is an issue left to the states or one where the federal government has the authority to step in and overrule states? Remember, there are several key aspects of the Constitution that can all play a role in whether or not states are within their rights to either ban or allow same sex marriage.
In your essay, be sure to link to the Constitution to your opinion about the topic. I have included several articles which discusses the topic at various lengths. Feel free to research the topic in more detail. Refer to the syllabus for assistance with word count, etc. Remember you must post your original essay before responding to another student.
I realize this is a controversial topic and people may have strong feelings about it one way or the other. I ask that we keep our original posts professional and thoughtful as well as our responses to others. We are not going to solve the world's problems in this course but we can have thoughtful and intelligent conversations about them. :-)
Alabama judge overturns gay marriage ban.
Gay Marriage and Republicans
Supreme Court to rule on gay marriage
Poll Results on Gay marriage
Research sources
TOPIC 3:
During the last legislative session in Austin in 2015, representatives and state senators passed a law allowing those who are licensed to carry handguns in Texas with the ability to now carry concealed those same handguns on college campuses beginning this August, 1st, 2016. For community colleges, the start date for Licensed to Carry or LTC is August 1st, 2017. Again, this does not allow for the "open carry" of these weapons, only concealed carry. Also, the legislature gave colleges and universities the ability to restrict to certain areas the ability of LTCs to carry on campuses. All of this has created some controversy with students and faculty in Austin and other state universities to protest the law, either for or against. Other schools such as A&M have seemed to take the law in stride.
In your opinion, is concealed carry a good thing to introduce to college campuses? Will it matter given that you have to be 21 to carry a handgun in Texas? Would you feel safer or less safe if you knew some of your fellow students and or faculty were possibily carrying? What could be some potential benefits of the change in law as well as potential problems?
Do some research on this topic if you choose to write about it.
I have included a few links for you to review as well. Please note that this topic is controversial and we are not trying to solve the world's problems but just having a dialogue about what I hope are interesting topics. :-)
http://texas.concealedcampus.org/
http://gunfreeut.org/
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/sosmap/firearm.htm
http://dps.texas.gov/rsd/chl/faqs/
Explanation / Answer
Topic 2:
Well, in real it is not possible for any state to stop anyone from going on marrying someone of his/her choice of either gender or the same gender. So, the Supreme Court has done the right thing in this regard.
Regards.