Here are the Topics that need to be discussed and the order...(Remember you need to be very SPECIFIC and use quotes from the articles. Answer each question about the articles and comment twice by this Friday at Midnight)
The Economy Article
Although the Bush Administration is looking more and more like a lame duck presidency on it's way out, How is Obama trying to get control of the situation before he is sworn in as President? Discuss his appointments, the problems looming and why you think Bush is doing nothing before he leaves?
A Path Out of the Woods
This article, by Fareed Zakaria,deals with our relationship with China and how each depends on each other. Discuss what our only plan is with the help of China and why is China in a better position to solve this crisis?
What Michelle Means To Us
This article so wonderfully written by Allison Samuels, discusses the impact that Michelle Obama will have on the world. What are some of barriers that she needs to knock down? And after reading the article tell me what you think Michelle Obama means to the United States and to African American Women everywhere?
Just One More Frame!
What precautions are the Obama's taking to keep their kids as normal as possible as they grow up in the White House? Do you think the Obama's can keep their kids safe and normal at the same time? Why or Why not?
Show-and-Tell Time
This article discusses what changes need to be made to the inner-city school systems of D.C.? What are the two options on the table and how can they succeed or fail? Remember to be SPECIFIC.
Good Luck and Enjoy the Articles!!!!!!!!!!
53 comments:
THE ECONOMY ARTICLE
Clearly, America is still in an economic crisis. Although president-elect, Barack Obama, cant do anything until he is inagaurated it is important that he can "reassure the markets by quickly making clear the course he plans to take, with a detailed map of his economic rescue plan." Obama has already began working on putting his cabinet together, Timothy Geithner being chosen as the Treasury secretary. Right now Obama needs to focus on avoiding becoming involved in the failed economic policies of the Bush administration. Spokeswoman, Brookly McLaughlin, claimed "the criticism of the Bush administration is unfair.... We're still very much working on programs..." Our economy only seems to be getting worse, and since the end of Bush's presidency is nearing I believe that he has given up in a way since he has already had so much negative publicity.
A PATH OUT OF THE WOODS
China is the only country that actually has enough money to help get America out of the economic crisis. China has been "America's banker," but the Chinese are now worried about their slowly decreasing economy. Since China has a ton of money and a large population they have two options: "to finace the American consumer," or "finance its own citizens, who are increasingly able to consume in large enough quantities to stimulate economic growth in China." I think it's pretty sad that America has fallen into such a crisis, so bad that we cant help ourselves in our own system. =/
WHAT MICHELLE MEANS TO US
Michelle Obama is going to be the very first African American First Lady. One thing Michelle will have the chance to do is, "Knock down the ugly stereotypes about black women and educate the world about Amrican black culture mroe generally," said writer, Allison Samuels. Michelle is also "creating a protective cordon around the girls." The Obama's kids are very young, and being directly in the spotlight may not be the best thing for them.
I think that Michelle Obama can be looked upon as a symbol. She is an average African American woman who worked her way up to the position she is in now. With her hardworking manner and great charisma, Michelle is one to look up to.
JUST ONE MORE FRAME!
One step the Obamas have taken to keep their daughters safe is selecting the school that they will go to. They have chosen Sidwell Friends, a private school. Another major task they must do is "figuring out whom to trust."
In order to make sure their two daughters, Sasha and Malia, live a more normal life they make the kids do chores, and they also have the advantage to have fun in their very own bowling alley and movie theater in the White House. I believe they will be able to keep their daughters safe and normal at the same time because of the above reasons. They will just have to be way more cautious than the average parent.
SHOW AND TELL TIME
The first option to change the inner-city school systems of D.C. is to "reward the best teachers and dismiss the bad ones," as proposed by Michelle Rhee (chancelor of the D.C. system). This system could fail because it is "next to impossible to remove ineffective teachers in almost all public systems." Even if we do this, we will have a much larger shortage of teachers in our schools.
On the other hand, Linda Darling-Hammond (head of Obama's transition policy task force) believes that our current teachers should be better trained instead of bringing in new teachers. This method seems more fair because teachers wont be losing their jobs.
Lets hope that Obama sides with the/a plan that he believes will be more effective and reasonable.
The Economy Article
Barack Obama is trying to get control of this mess that were in by assembling his staff as soon as possible, so that his administration can get solid ideas on the table, and once January 20th 2009 comes around, he can propose his policies and start giving America the help it needs. A plan that the Obama team has came up with is developing a two year stimulus plan including new job creating investments in infrastructure and alternative energy, these are signs of how Obama is taking control of the situation even though he is still just the President elect. When Barack Obama announced Timothy Geithner as the new Treasury Secretary the DOW shot up nearly 6.5%. And as for the current President, the Bush administration is very much still working on programs that are designed to help the credit markets and the expansion of credit, and using all there resources. While they might not make any major impact, it’s better than nothing.
I think that Barack Obama setting up his staff early was a very wise move. If he were to have waited till two weeks until his inauguration, nothing would be done as soon as he gets into office, but since his team his mostly complete, America will be able to get the help it needs quick. I think that the stimulus package Obama and Geithner proposed is a going to help America get back on its feet. It’ll create over 2 million jobs to help America reduce its need on foreign oil.
A Path Out of the Woods
With the American debt growing and growing every day, the only country that can give us some sort of support would be China. In September Beijing became America’s largest foreign creditor, surpassing Japan, which no longer buys large amounts of American Treasury. China holds about 10% of all U.S. public debits, it has become America’s banker. The Chinese foreign-reserves stand at about $2 trillion compared to Americas $75 billion, so with that sort of money, it gives China the ability to help.
Helping America get back on their feet is critical to the Chinese because when America’s financial markets hurt, the Worlds financial market hurts. For a time it seemed like a marriage made in heaven. The East did the saving, the West did the spending. The Easterners got growth, while the Westerners low inflation and low interest rates. Helping America basically helps everyone. If the Chinese see that supporting America financially is not working, they have a plan B, which would be supporting there own economy. If that happens we can all say good bye to globalization.
What Michelle Means to Us
The article about Michelle Obama talks about how she became the first African American first lady and what that means to America, but the barriers that Michelle Obama will need to knock down according to the article are will her views be to parochial when it comes to focusing on the black community and helping urban schools. And while every First Lady and plenty of professional women walk the line between being confident and seeming like a bitch, African American women are especially wary that being called “strong” is just another word for “angry”.
I think what Michelle Obama means to America is portraying an image of African American women that some people wouldn’t expect. In the article it stats that “Michelle will be a daily reminder that were not all hotheaded, foaming at the mouth drug addicts, always ready for a quick one liner and a roll of the eyes” , some people are accustom to seeing that in African American women, and that’s not true at all. Hopefully Michele can open the eyes of people who view African American women this way a new out look.
Just One More Frame
The Obamas have decided on which private school they are going to put there daughters in and the choice is Sidwell Friends. This is a school that there daughters felt more comfortable at. The security steps that are going to be taken will be having secret service with the girls while they are at Sidwell. At a visit to another school that was an option Georgetown day school, a student asked a secret service member why was he hiding behind a door hall way and he responded “Malia had asked me to hang back so she could be more normal”.
I think that since the kids are attending a private school they can be protected even more, because im sure if the security levels were the same at a public school there wouldn’t have been the need to choose. I also that the kids can be normal as well. Allowing the kids to hang out with friends and have there friends over to the white house, will help them be more like normal kids.
Show and Tell Time
When it came time for the Obamas to pick a school for there daughters they didn’t even look at public schools. This is because Washington D.C. ranks among the lowest in public education. A fix to the problems are two options. Option A: teachers can make up to $130,000.00 in merit pay-but they must forgo tenure. Or they can choose to keep tenure, but accept a much more moderate pay raise.
I’m for paying teachers more, because after all, they teach the future, and one day our kids. So I think if you pay the teachers more, you can get more people to apply for teaching jobs and bound to get some good teachers, but of course there will still be those “bad” teachers.
GO CHARGERS!
Economy:
Obama met with the nation's economic elites in Chicago, but he said that he can't do much because there is "only one government and one president at a time." This is true, but there are things that he can do. Like they mention in the article, Obama can give a detailed outline of his economic plans and what he will do to fix our economy. This would bring a sense of stability or at least of feeling safe in respect to the future.Also, his picks for the Cabinet show that he wants people of experience and diversity that will bring their expertise to the difficult task at hand.
I believe that Bush is doing nothing now is because they don't see what more they could do. I don't think they have the answers to fix our problems. Also, I don't think they have the time to do anything. All of our problems require long-term solutions, which will not be achieved in a matter of days, but years, something Bush does not have.
The Economy Article
Obama's way of tackling the economy is by doing exactly what he said on Nov. 7th in Chicago, by apply deliberate haste. He has taken no time at all to look and find cabinet members. Although he does not have much power now, he says that he will perform a full scale rescue plan. Obama also picked a seemingly qualified man to be his Treasure secretary, the president of the Federal Reserve Bank, Timothy Geither. When Obama met with Geither, he talked about developing a 2 year stimulus plan, including creating new jobs and alternative energy. Even though many people say Obama has it together, some people, like his advisers say that he need to have something to be proposed the moment he is sworn in. That the problems are so catastrophic that action needs to be taken as soon as possible. With more jobs being cut and more money being asked for, there wont be any time to waste. It may even get worse before Obama sets in to his new office. The Bush administration as seemingly given up. Why? In my opinion it is because they know they have screwed up and there just isn’t any more time to correct their mistakes so they shouldn’t even bother. If I was Bush I would want to get out of that office as soon as possible before something else goes wrong and it is added to his record of failed presidency.
A Path Out of the Woods
Our plan that has been plan is to run up a bigger deficit with China, so that we can have money to put out stimulus plan in to action. Beijing is our biggest creditor, passing Japan. The reason why China is doing this is because they need America to coexist. America buys many products from China and if they loose us their economy will dwindle down even more than it is starting to now. Without hurting their economy they are going to try and help America out as much as they can so they can keep their living prosperous.
The Econony Article:
President Elect Barack Obama has stated that he is going to face this financial crisis "head on." President Bush's lame duck administration seems to have given up already; but Barack Obama cant really do anything but plans at the moment. This is exactly what he's doing. He can "reassure the markets by quickly making clear the course he plans to take, with a detailed map of his economic rescue plan." Another thing he can do at the moment is make new appontments. He has already appointed Timothy Geithner as the next Treasury Secretary.
What Michelle Means To Us
Michelle Obama's future position as first lady is a huge thing for us and our country. This counrty is in shambles at the moment, and Michelle will have to stand the strain and pressure alongside President Elect Obama. Michelle Obama will have alot of barriers to knock down, including defeating "ugly stereotypes" and "educate the world about American black women." She is going to change the way the world sees the United States, and this is something we really need right now.
Just One More Frame
Michelle and Barack Obama want their two daughters to have a normal life in the White House. They plan to make this possible by enforcing chores, such as doing their own beds. The Obamas dont want to restrict their daughters too much. Over protectiveness would probably " alianate them from their peers. i think their safety should be the first priotrity though. Everything else should come after.
THE ECONOMY ARTICLE
Hearing that the U.S. economy is on a downfall isn't anything new to anyone living in America at this crucial time. Although Barack Obama states that there is "only one government and one president at a time" it seems as if we have no president at all. Our current president, Bush and his administration have been recently called a "lame duck" for they are not doing anything to better our situation. I feel since we have already selected our next president Bush and his administration might feel that it is not their job anymore so they've decided to leave everything as is, I also believe it could be that he has decided the economy is messed enough and doesn't want to make matters worse. Obama has puzzled his advisers due to the slow speed at which he has been developing his stimulus and bailout proposals. Jon Corzine states that Obama should "get something together that could be proposed the moment he's sworn in." Recently Obama picked up his game with the appointment of Timothy Geitherner as the new Treasury of Secretary and his two-year stimulus plan that includes "job-creating investments in infrastructure and alternative energy. Obama is showing that he has picked up the ball and is ready to lead our country as the new president.
A PATH OUT OF THE WOODS
The statement saying, "China and America are equally dependent on each other" is no longer true. Today America is the one that relies on China to get us out of the economic crisis we're in. China has always been America's banker but China is also suffering from an economic crisis and naturally they are looking out for themselves before us. China has two options: "finance the American consumer" or "finance it's own citizens". China has no problem helping America but if it sees no progress and retreats it could be the end of globalization as a whole.
WHAT MICHELLE MEANS TO US
As the first African American first lady Michelle Obama will have to break down "ugly stereotypes" that have been placed upon the female African American demographic. She will have to prove that all black women being "hotheaded, foaming-at-the mouth drug addicts, always ready with a quick one-liner and a roll of the eyes" is a common misconception.
I believe that Michelle Obama can truely be the women to set a worthy stereotype of what the African American female stands for. She, as first lady, will have the publicity to show that black women can be educated, they can maintain a stable home for their children, and that they can be happy without looking like Beyonce. I believe that Michelle Obama is true example of what America should stand for.
JUST ONE MORE FRAME!
As first lady Michelle Obama states that her first goal is to learn "how to raise daughters in the national spotlight, how to keep them out of it as much as possible and keep them normal as much as possible." One way of instilling normalcy is by giving her daughters chores to do like cleaning their rooms-advice formally given to Hillary Clinton. The Obama's have also enrolled their daughters into Sidwell Friends, a school for "famous" children.
I do not think the Obama's can keep their children safe and normal at the same time. Yes, having Secret Service agents with you at all times, and having your personal movie theater and bowling alley can definitely assure someone's safety but in which way is that normal? Being a normal child means hanging out with your friends on the weekend, going to parties, having some sense of privacy. These are some things I don't see those girls obtaining.
SHOW-AND-TELL TIME
The first proposal to change the school system in D.C. comes from Chancellor Michelle Rhee who wants to be allowed to "reward the best teachers and dismiss the bad ones." This proposal, if passed, would most likely end up in failure because it is impossible to dismiss all the ineffective teachers in the nation. This would result in an increase in the student to teacher ratio which would ultimately effect the learning of the students.
The second proposal was given by Linda Darling-Hammond who believes "the answer is not to bring young, eager and untrained teachers into classrooms, but rather to better train the teachers already there." This plan I believe would also result in failure due to the time and money the government would have to and cannot afford to spend.
RE: AMBER (Just One More Frame!)
I don't agree with you on how you think the girls can lead a normal life being the president's daughters. I don't think having their personal movie theater or bowling alley would help them at all, I think it would just make it harder for them because they wouldn't know whether to trust the friends they make or not. I also think that their parents being more cautious more make them less normal as well because they wouldn't be able to live as freely as those of us who don't have our father running the country.
RE: GLADYS (The Economy Article)
I agree with you that Bush may not have the time to fully solve some of the problems we are having, but I don't think thats any reason for his to just sit around and do nothing. I think that Bush could at least start or plan something that might solve our situation, if we see it progress then Obama could then proceed with the program when he enters as President.
The Economy Article
Obama is trying to bet control on the economic crisis by starting reevaluating his economic plan. Obama is in a tight fix because not only does he have to start fixing the problem, he doesn’t have the power to fix it in this transition period. Obama said himself “only one government and one president at a time.” The only task that president-elect can do is place people in to his Cabinet. “Geithner ,… he is developing a two-year stimulus plan including new jobs –creating investments in infrastructure…” Obama appointed Timothy Geithner as Secretary of Treasury. As impressive as his experiences is, it is remarkable that he is already getting ahead in the game. Though it is great the Obama team is ready to move in and get things moving, the Bush administration is just waiting it out. Bush doesn’t have to do anything, its not really his job to solve the economic crisis, that is why Obama was elected for. Bush already ran two terms, he could team up with President-elect a make an amazing plan out of recession, but he doesn’t have to.
A Path Out of the Woods
"China is key to America getting through the worsening economic crisis." America is in over our heads. We have too much debt, I repeat too much debt. Zakaria explains in the article, A Path Out of the Woods, that China is the only country that can buy our debt. Zakaria wrote "They will probably try to accommodate us, because it's in their interest to jump start the American economy. But naturally their priority is likely to be their own growth." In other words this isn't a two way street, we depend on China. Coming to a consensus with China is a big must, because without China buying American bonds we would go under.
Zakaria states that we don't have many options in this, and that there isn't any other country that could "finance the American deficit." I feel that China has the upper hand, no doubt about it. If we don't make China happy, we go under. China doesn't really have to buy our debt; they can choose to use their money in increasing the economic growth in their country. The only people to blame for our huge debt pool, is our selves. So, I think I need to know some Mandarin.
What Michelle Means To Us
To me, Michelle Obama means just another first lady in the White House. I know the world isn’t quite past the “best representation of a black woman” but I am. Allison Samuels said that some of the barrier the Michelle Obama needs to break down is the stereotype of being uneducated. Samuels also states that by breaking down this barrier, she will be a “daily reminder that we’re not all hotheaded foaming-at-the-mouth drug addicts.” Another point that Samuels points out the Michelle needs to is to truly find her self. Samuel explains by talking about appearance and being a representation for African Americans “to take better care of themselves.”
I don’t really feel that it is necessary to be debate on, which celebrity represents an ethnicity. I would have hope that by 2009 everyone would be so culturally diverse that you would think your neighbor is your cousins, but evidently it is going to be a while until everyone on the same page. Don’t get me wrong, I’m overjoyed that we finally have a African American president, I just hope it would have happen before I was born.
Just One More Frame:
“Nothing is normal about growing up at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.” The Obama’s have a lot of things to do, pertaining to their children. Not only do they have to find a school where its normal to have famous children attend, they need to find a school where normal children go to. The whole family will be overwhelmed with media attention, especially if something happens in school. If one of the Obama children get in trouble, we may hear about it. The precautions that Obama’s are taking is to keep are “enforce a bit of chores” or maybe even ban Myspace (gasp). I don’t think the Obama girls would live a normal life. I believe that any child with famous parents wouldn’t be normal. The pressure of not messing up so you won’t ruin your parents’ career is a heavy burden to carry. “Schools that were once valued for their ability to protect famous kids from prying eyes are now wide open if their students choose to post photos or status updates.” No doubt that the Obama girls will be safe but they probably wouldn’t be able to go to sleepovers or birthday parties without a body guards. Well the bright side is at least the Obama girls don’t have a Myspace account, but the down side is their fellow classmate’s parents might.
Show-and-Tell Time
The public schools in Washington D. C. are one of the worst in the country. Since Obama is for a better education it wouldn’t be wise to ignored this call. Obama may send his own children to private schools but this is a problem that he has to face. One of the options, presented by Michelle Rhee, is to “reward the best teachers and dismiss the bad ones.” The other, presented by Linda Darling-Hammond, is to “not to bring young, eager and untrained teachers into classrooms, but rather to better train the teachers already there.” The first option could successes because the teachers would train themselves to be better, if the value their jobs. However it could fail because there would be less teachers and classes would be over-crowded. The second option is a good idea to, teacher would just be learning, again. But it may be difficult because there may be no money to teach them would need to be there and teachers may be overwhelmed by taking more classes. It's to bad that Obama is caught in the middle.
A Path Out Of The Woods
We all know that at we really need China at the moment. China is probably the ony country willing to help us,since they are "Americas Banker." We are really dependent on them right now. China will try to keep our consuption going, but nothing is certain.They are in a better position becausse if it turns out we're too much to handle, they could just simply turn to plan B. Plan B would be to "focus on boosting China's own consumption through government spending and easing credit to their own people." It is very clear that we really need China, much more then they need us.
Show And Tell Time
It has become pretty clear that schools in Washingtion D.C. are in really bad shape. Many solutions have been suggested though. Michelle Rhee, chancellor of the D.C. system, has suggested the breaking of unions. She has also proposed a new contract that will reward good teachers and fire bad ones. When the pros and cons are weighed, i have to agree with Rhee. This new contract would give teachers a good reason to try their hardest to get their students to learn. I dont really know much about the teachers union, so i dont really see how getting rid of it would help or harm the school system.
The Economy Article depicted Obama's plan to be reminsicent of FDR's plan in 1933. Some would say he's following that model to the T. The fact is that Obama wants to avoid being linked in any way to the policy failures of the Bush
Administration. Which feeds into Bush's current "who cares" attitude. Hirsh and Gross said that it "makes sense to hang bush out to dry, but Obama has to hang the economy out to dry at the same time." They continued to say that the market may sink another ten percent but then they can win elections for another ten years. The looming problems, however, include the fall of companies such as Campbell Soup -which are supposed to lead the market to higher ground but has been slumping as well.
A Path Out Of The Woods, completely explains what "Chinamerica" means and why its current existance is completely neccessary. The China Ambassador has to do his/her best to rekindle this relationship. The fact is that we need china because we need them to buy our debt. This could total between 1 trillion to 1.5 trillion. However, the chinese government is concerned for its own peoples safety. Zakaria said "In effect we're asking Chinato finanace simultaneosly the two largest fiscal expansions in human history - Their sand ours." He continued to say that there are two ways to keep its economy grwing. One way is to finance the Americn consumer. But the other way is to finance its own citizens. Wich in turn are increasingly ableto consumein large enough quantities to stimulate economic growth in China.
"What Michelle Means To Us" was an amazingly intruinging article. As Samuels wrote, "Michelle has the power to change the way African-Americans see ourselves, our lives and our possibilities." I completely see where she is coming from. Michelle Obama can break the "Angry Black Woman Stereotype" and replace it with an all new "Mom-in-chief" image. The power couple can also show a new side of relationships to the people of America. She also has the opportunity to break the "lighter the skin the prettier you are" stereotype, as she is nothing like a supermodel but has acquired the front cover of Vogue magazine. This article really opened my eyes to a new Michelle.
The Just One More Fram article showed the need for "normal" for America's sweethearts. The fact is that the Obamas only want the best for their daughters which may take more precautions than they first thought. First, private schooling. Second, the household chores. Third, protecting them from the internet without actually handicapping them from being normal. However, as Smalley stated, Sasha and Malia "Could have one advantage over some of their recent predecessos: they're preteens and will have a chance to get used to the spotlight before they enter the inevitable gawky years."
The Show and Tell article shed the spotlight on DC's horrible schooling system. Michelle Rhee has proposed two choices to teachers. First, teachers can make up to $130,000 inmerit pay - but they have to forgo tenure. Second, they can choose to keep tenure, but accept a modest pay raise. This is the only way, in her eyes, to truely hold teachers accountble for what and how they teach. I completely agree with this exact philosophy but it may discourage even more new teachers from trying to get into the classroom quicker.
I agree with Gladys. Although President Elect Obama cant really do anything right now, he can try to give us an idea of what he plans to do to fix this economic crisis. Its obvious that President Bush has completely given up, so having Barack Obama show us a little glimpse of what he has planned will do a lot to calm our anxiety, at least for a little while.
Re: Travis
I completely disagree with your GO CHARGERS comment. However, I do agree on your comment on how Obama's decision to set up his cabinet early on was smart. Since his team his almost complete, America will be able to get the help it needs quicker and more efficiently. This is a great point along with the fact that the economic stimulus package will jumpstart the American spirit.
Re: Amber
I completely agree with your take on the Economy Article. Bush has in fact given up because the people have already given up on him. The facts are facts. If we still believed in his policies, we would be complete idiots. This attitude could possibly be the fact as to why he has just been a sitting duck. "No need to try anymore! I'm almost OUT!" is the attitude he's showing struggling Americans.
A Path Out of the Woods:
Our only plan now is to have China invest in our economy and buy our bonds. China is the only country that can buy our debt and help our economy. Before, China and America shared a sense of dependency, but in recent years, this is no longer the case and it is more true for us. The Chinese have options for their economy, but we don't. China can help themselves by selling their products to their own people. Also, by helping us, they will be able to export to us, thereby helping them. China is the only country able to help us since they have gone through industrialization recently.
What Michelle Means to Us:
Michelle Obama has to break the stereotypes that always haunt African American women. There are prejudices that are just stupid, but which she has to get through. People think that African American women cannot have a stable relationship or that they are impulsive, but she can change people's view by showing another side of the African American woman. Not everyone is the same, so it is unfair to suppose two people will have the same personality just because they are the same color. Michelle is a different First Lady. She is different to what people are accustomed to. She shows how working women can be mothers, stay healthy, and maintain a healthy marriage all at the same time. She will inspire other women of color to do things they thought they could never do.
Just One More Frame:
The Obamas want their daughters to have as much normalcy as possible. They want to have their daughters do chores and to be normal children in general. They have been asking for advice from many people, such as Hillary Clinton and Rosalynn Carter on how to keep their children safe and normal. Also, the school they chose for their daughters is meant to keep them safe and also somewhere they fit in. I think it is hard to keep their daughters safe and also to make their lives normal. I think they can do it though. I think that the fact that the Obamas marriage is strong will help with how their daughters live their lives in the White House. The only thing they might have a problem with is when they get older and enter their teenage years.
Show-and-Tell Time
The first option is that teachers can make up to 130,000 dollars in merit pay, but forgo tenure. The second option is that they can keep tenure, but accept a more modest pay raise. Teachers unions do not believe that there should be merit pay, at least not one that views test scores as the only thing to be accounted for. Also, the fact that many Democrats are closely tied to the teachers union will make it hard for these options to become available. Rhee also realizes that she needs the support of Obama or else she will get nothing done. If a state of emergency is declared, then no union would be able to stop Rhee and her goals.
RE: Amber
I find that Brookly McLauglin's quote is ridiculous. I, like you, agree that Bush has given up and that he isn't doing anything anymore. This is why I think McLaughlin's statement is untrue, and she is wrong. The criticism of the administration is not unfair. The current war we're in has not made things better, and Bush is to blame for that.
RE: Jacob
I think that since Obama has been acting pretty quickly, especially with getting his Cabinet together, has helped him a lot. He has to continue doing this in order to better our situations. He is already being compared to FDR, people saying that he wants to follow his model. This is a bit risky, but if he can pull it off, it will really boost our economy and our country as a whole. The only thing that worries me a bit is that last time, we got out of the Great Depression at the start of WWII, due to the increase of productivity. Hopefully, this will not be the case this time around.
ECONOMY ARTICLE
Obama has already met with 16 of the nation's economic elites at a news conference in Chicago, showing that he has already began to deal with the looming economic problems. Obama has decided that Timothy Geithner, the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, will be his Treasury Secretary. Obama also announced that he is developing a "two-year stimulus plan including new job-creating investments in infrastructure and alternative energy", which shows that he is beginning to take control of the economy problems. This is a very sticky situation for Obama because it would be absolutely detrimental to be linked to policies of the Bush administration. If Obama can let the problem linger until he is actually in charge, he can come out as a savior of the economy. More jobs are getting cut, U.S. treasury bonds are at less than 1 percent in some cases, and stock is dropping to low prices, examples of the increasing economic problems. Bush isn't doing anything before he leaves because it is a huge problem and he only has a little more than one month left, and he's going to let Obama handle it.
A PATH OUT OF THE WOODS
This article states that America needs China’s interests to mirror America’s in order to dodge more economic problems. Economists believe that at this point, defecits shouldn’t matter, and that we should buy ourselves out of debt. The only country with the cash to bail us out is China. The People’s Republic of China has become Washington’s largest creditor, and is seen as America’s “banker” China is in a better position to solve this crisis because they can afford to do so. Their foreign exchange reserves are at $2 trillion, but are worried of their own economic problems. It is necessary for China to keep buying U.S. bonds so the U.S. can buy their way out of the mess. As we depend on China, China depends on us. With the American economy spiraling downward, the U.S. is buying up less Chinese imports, obviously being detrimental to China’s economic health.
WHAT MICHELLE MEANS TO US
Michelle needs to knock down the “ugly stereotypes about black women and educate the world about American black culture more generally.” According to Samuels, Michelle has the power to change the way black people see themselves, their lives, and their possibilities. Michelle is representing all American black women, and with all of the ugly stereotypes flourishing, she needs to make herself looks admirable. Some of the things listed in the article, “hotheaded, foaming at the mouth drug addicts, always ready with a quick one liner and roll of the eyes”. To black women everywhere, Michelle represents a model that is desirable for them. She is giving an example of a happy and stable black marriage to America. She is also having her daughters her first priorities, but still going to get her job done.
JUST ONE MORE FRAME!
One precaution is that Michelle has taken her daughters to two of Washington’s most prestigious private schools. Does this make them “normal” kids? Normal? Then I wonder what that makes of all us public school kids. We must be freaks. The Obama’s can keep their kids safe and “normal” at the same time because unlike other families, they have the secret service following them around.
SHOW AND TELL TIME
Under the first option, teachers can make up two $130,000 in merit pay but must forgo tenure. Under the second option, teachers can keep tenure, but accept much more modest pay raise. Obama’s support is necessary for these plans’ success. “Congress controls the budget, many Democrats are closely tied to the teachers union, and the union may be heading for a clash with Rhee.” So, Rhee needs Obama’s support.
SHOW-AND-TELL TIME
In this article there are two options mentioned on the changes that need to be made to the inner-city school systems of D.C. The first one is a teachers' contract that could aloow her (Michelle Rhee) to reward the best teachers and dismiss the bad ones. The second one is to offer teachers a choice of wo contracts. Under the first one, teachers can make up to $130,000 in merit pay-but they must forgo tenure. Or they can choose to keep tenure, but accept a much more modest pay raise (average of 65,902 in Washington. Both of this options sound great but one way this can go wrong is that they are never going to be able to eliminate 100% of bad teachers. Another thing is that for the second option teachers do not want to put tenure at risk. If the second option was to be put in action the result would be young, eager and untrained teachers in classrooms rather than better train the teachers already there. I think that they should at least try to do a better supervising the teachers and attempt to fire some of the inefective ones and reward the good ones.
JUST ONE MORE FRAME!
In this article they discuss the challenge that the Obamas went through in order to make the right choice for their kid's school. Just like this decision there will be many more because they, more than anybody have to be very careful with both of their daughters. However; I don't think that a private bowling and the in-house movies are the best choice. Yes they should be careful and not let their kids hang out with strangers or visit dangerous places but I don't think that alienating the kids is the best choice. They are not going to be living in the White House forever therefore I think that they should learn to socialize with people and by this I don't mean to trust everyone but at least to be able to be around people and feel comfortable.
The Economy article:
As well know America is in an economic crisis due to all the financial errors that have been occurring in the past years, and they are finally catching up to us. By Obama having no power as being president right now people assume he can't do very much. But what Obama can do right now is take control of the staff members that will be in the system, for example the treasury secretary. Obama is willing to try his hardest to fix all the commotion that the Bush administration caused. Obama is trying to get control of difficult situations by selecting his staff in advance so he wouldn't have to in the future.
As for the Bush administration, they are doing very little or nothing because they are somewhat concentrating more on market recoveries, they are trying to lay low on the fact they have horrible publicity so it won't cause any bigger problems and commotion. He feels he doesn't need to do anything because he is on his way out. Just like a job, when you plan on putting your two weeks in and it comes the day to be your last, you're not going to do anything because there is already someone new ready to take that open spot.
A path out the woods:
China is the only country that can help us get out of the recession and help us from getting into another Great Depression. There is no only country that can help us this much, that is why it is crucial for China to be helping us out in a financial way. In this article it says that China has two ways to keep its economy growing. One is to finance the American consumer, and the other one is to finance its own citizens.
In helping out America China can gain a lot from it too. We will be able to import more of their supplies into the country and if we hurt evidently every country will be suffering. We rely on each other to make ends meet. A great world would be Chimericans.
What Michelle means to us:
Michelle Obama will be the first African American woman serving as first lady. She will have the opportunity to knock down ugly stereotypes about black women and educated the world about American black culture more generally. With Michelle being in office she will bring hope to young African woman who were always told they can't do anything because of their skin color. Michelle understands how her appeal should appear.
I believe that Michelle Obama is the right first woman for this job because it is time for a change. She is a wonderful woman who can overcome any great obstacle that comes her way. The thing that makes Michelle stand out is her dedication on not giving up.
Just One More Frame:
The Obama family is having a lot of precautions due to the publicity their daughters have. The need to be extra careful because they are the African American's daughter. I don't believe they can live the normal life because they already go to two of the top most popular private schools in Washington. It is very difficult for them because their parents are in the white house.
Show and Tell Time:
When Obama and Michelle had a choice to look for schools for their daughters they didn't look back because they knew they had to put their daughters in private schools due to the relationships other schools have. They are low when it comes to testing scores. There are two options teachers can make up to $130,000 in merit pay or the other option might be that to settle in a mediocre position and choose to sty merit.
In my opinion I believe that teachers should be getting payed more because after all they are the people that teach us about school. They make us more mature and make us face the aspects and reality in the world. They deserve to have a better income because they stay long hours just to provide a better education to the children life.
AMBER:
I believe that you are right on point on every article. The paragraph that I enjoyed reading the most was the Economy article because you went into details about everything very good. Our economy does seem to be getting worse, and we really do need China to get out of this whole mess. It would be a horrible thing if our economy seems to be getting weaker instead of stronger.
GLADY'S:
I agree with you when you said that Bush is doing nothing because he is on his way out of the office. And obviously that is not the right thing to do but in his eyes what else can he do right? He won't get recognize as a good image by the good things he's done but better by the bad ideas that he has done.
Re: Debby
I totally agree, no doubt the Obamas will be able to keep their daughters safe, being the President and first lady and all, but to be normal is hard. If you are famous you can never be normal, because normal people are not famous. To be honest this scenario sounds like a remake of a movie.
THE ECONOMY
President-elect Barack Obama still can't do anything until he is inagaurated, but it has to be clear to the people of America what he is going to do. Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson "blocked a Big Three auto rescue and abruplty abandoned the "distressed asset" buy -up plan he sold to Congress." Obama is developing a two-year stimulus plan including new job-creating investments in infrasturcture and alternative energy.
A PATH OUT OF THE WOODS
washingtoon desperately needs Beijing to keep buying American bonds, so that the U.S. government can run up a defivit and launch its own fiscal stimulus. America is asking China to finance simultaneously the two largest fiscal expansions - theirs and ours. China has its ways to keep its economy growing, one is to finance the American consumer, and tw to finance its own citizens. If it doesn't work than they have a Plan B. Plan B is to focus on boosting China's own consumption through government spending and easing credit to their own people.
WHAT MICHELLE MEANS TO US
The new First Lady will have the chance to knock down the ugly stereotypes about black women and educate the world about American Black culture. She has "the power to change the way African-Americans see our selves, our lives and our possibilities."
Michelle Obama has made history in becoming the First African-American Lady. She showed she could calibrate her remarks for predominatly black audiences too.
JUST ONE MORE FRAME
In a way they can keep them normal because they will always be with them like every family but one thing is that they will be living in a gigantic house. They will be goin to a private school. Still they will get to go bowling and enjoy a movie theater. Trying to see who they can trust.
SHOW AND TELL TIME
One of the options they can do to improve D.C. schools to "innovative teachers' ontract that could allowe her to reward the best teachers and dismiss the bad ones." The education community is badly split on the issue of how to hold teachers accountable. Rhee has hinted that she will go to the federal government to declare a state of emergency in the D.C. schools.
the last re: comment was a mistake
> < sorry Mr. Magness
the comment after this one is the real comment
sorry again
Re: Debbie (Just One More Frame)
I agree, no doubt the Obamas will be able to protect their daughters, but to keep them normal is a whole different story. It is hard to be normal if your father is the President, and your mother is the first lady. Famous people can never be normal because normal people are not normal. Since the Obama girls are Obamas, they would be hoarded by the media. To be honest this scenario reminds me of a movie.
AMBER:
Article: WHAT MICHELLE MEANS TO US
I agree with you that she is someone to look up to. She is the First African-American Lady and can help change the image on way people use stereotypes.
A PATH OUT OF THE WOODS
In this article Fareed Zakaria talks about the only plan with the help of China and that is to "Make China see that its interests are aligned with America's." The article says that the only country that has the cash to buy all of the Ameican debt is China, therefore they are the key to America getting through the worsening economic crisis. They have the money to do whatever they want and have plenty of options but Washington desperately needs Beijing to keep buying American bods, so that the US government can run up a deficit and launch its own fiscal stimulus. This leaves no room for mistakes or options for the United States they are the only country that can help us to get out of this situation and it is obvious that they are not going to help us out of the kindness of their heart they are going to very much benefit for this but unfortunately it is the only way out.
WHAT MICHELLE MEANS TO US
In this article Allison Samuels talks about the impact that Michelle Obama will have on the world but mainly in the United States. On of that things she mentioned was that Michelle will have the chance to knock down ugly stereotypes about black women and educate the world about American black culuture more generally. Another thing mentioned was that she had the power to change the way African-American see themselves, their lives and responsabilites. Some of the many aspects in which she will or already has had an impact is that she means opportunity for many black women and also for the future of black families. In my opinion I think that Michelle will definetely change the way African-American women see themselves. This will give them the opportunity to realize that not only white-skined women can be successful and be beautiful. Michelle just like Barak is someone who the black American people can identify themselves with.
THE ECONOMY ARTICLE
In this article Daniel Gross talks about how the economic crisis in America is just getting worse.
Since Obama is still not the president all he can do is to plan really carefully what he is going to do once in office and to start working really close with his cabinet. One of the things that Obama is trying to do is to avoid becoming involved in the economic policies of the Bush Administration. The Geithner appointment, and Obama's announcement Saturday that he is developing a two-year stimulus plan including new job-creating investments in infrastructure and alternative energy are signs that he is beginning to grasp the economy. And of course the Bush administration is not doing anything now before he leaves because they have given up on this issue since he will shortly not have to deal with it anymore and because he already has had so much negative publicity.
RE: Amber
THE PATH OUT OF THE WOODS
I do agree because they are a wealthy country and will be the only ones who can get us out of this recession. It ridiculous knowing we have so much but were stuck in a black whole.
RE: Amber
A PATH OUT OF THE WOODS
I agree with you and it is pretty sad that we can't help ourselves and we pretty much have to do whatever the Chinese want because they are the only ones that can help us to get out of this situation. Hopefully they will continue to help us althought they are putting their own economy at risk too.
Re: Brenda
Yep, it is a scary thought that our economy is determine by the discion on what China plans to do with us. I think it may be for everyone best interest is to learn the language of our helpers. If this continues where its going, we may be fast by a national problem. Like Zakaria said "Over the next decade, the toughest and most crucial assignment may well be in Beijing."
RE: BRENDA NAVARRETE
What Michelle Means To Us
I also believe that the United States needs a new image and I think that the Obamas will help in this process. I think that they seem much more trustworthy than past presidents. Also I think that Michelle will boost the confidence of many women that are part of the minority groups.
What Michelle Means To Us
Not only being African-American, Michelle Obama is the youngest first lady since Jacqueline Kennedy. Already people are starting to see what potential Michelle Obama could have on American society. Tearing down stereotypes, change the way African Americans see them selves, their lives and their possibilities. These are just a few barriers she is expected to break down while being the first lady. I think to America, Michelle Obama is the force that drives Barack Obama to go after these dreams. To black women i think she is one of the role model a women's daughter could look up to. She is the Oprah of politics.
Just One More Frame!
Barack and Michelle are taking precautions to keep their children safe. For their protection certain things, like facebook, have been banned from their household. They are also going to have their children attend one of the top private schools in America, Sidwell Friends. I don't believe that it is possible for Barack Obama can keep his children safe, and normal, especially for Malai. By the end of his term Malai will be in her teens, and I’m sure she will start to want her independence and not constantly watched. She’s going to want to be treated like every other girl, but that wont happen because she is the presidents daughter.
Show-and-Tell Time
One option that is on the table, put on by Michelle Rhee, is to make public schools a better place by basically keeping the good teachers and kicking out the bad ones. This is to make sure that all teachers are always doing the most they can, because if they don’t they will loose their job. Rhee doesn’t think her plan will go through unless she has Obama's support. This could work in the sense that teachers wont slack off so they can keep their job. This could fail because that would make teachers scared and there wouldn’t be any application and we wouldn’t have enough teachers for the students. The second option is to better train teachers so they are more equipped to teach children. This proposal was brought up by Linda Darling-Hammond. This could succeed because the better trained you are at something the better performance you give. This can fail because its not always that teachers aren’t trained enough, they frankly don’t care that much to make the effort.
RE: Jacob (economy article)
I think you contradicted yourself. You said that Obama has spent no time selecting cabinet members, but two lines later you said he picked a Secretary of the Treasury. You also say that Obama doesn't have a plan for the crisis. You misinterpreted the article. It says that he hasn't made his plans clear, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have a plan.
Re: Gladys
I agree that Bush more than likely isnt doing anything because he only has a short amount of time left as president. He probably wouldnt be able to do much for our economy in the time that he has left, and even if he does Obama may change anything Bush pushes for. As for Obama, the best thing he can do is to work on getting prepared to fix America once he gets into office.
Re: Matt (the economy article)
I agree with you on the point that he just given up because there is barely any time left, so he just gonna let Obama take care of it. I think they should still try to leave it a little bit better for Obama to pick it up at
Re: Debbie
A PATH OUT OF THE WOODS
The situation we are currently in is a bit scary to think about. America is in an economic crisis and our only hope is China at the moment; however, China is heading to their own economic crisis.... so what are we to do. It's sad that our own economy and system that we created isnt working out very well for us at all.
Re:Re: Gladys
You said "...got out of the Great Depression at the start of WWII, due to the increase of productivity. Hopefully, this will not be the case this time around."
Back then it was war item being produced, but does that mean it has to be war products again? Why cant we have an increase of prouctivity in something that does not encourage war?
The Economy Article
I think Bush isn’t doing anything on his way out because it doesn’t matter. The Democrats hold the majority in Congress for at least two years. He’s expressed his plans post-presidency, and heavy politics is nowhere in them. He doesn’t care…but I wouldn’t either. Timothy Geithner will be Obama’s Treasury Secretary. Obama is putting together a two-year stimulus plan that will create new jobs. The financial situation will get worse before it gets better, and economist Ken Rogoff says it’s in Obama’s best interest to let it get terrible so he can step in and save the nation from disaster. However, by letting the economy worsen it might be too late to save it.
A Path Out of the Woods
To open the article, Zakaria emphasized the importance that China has on the direction the American economy will take. America’s only hope to avoid a depression is to implement a massive stimulus package, disregarding the trillions of dollars in debt the country will amass by doing so in hopes that China will buy the debt. Since September, China has been America’s largest foreign creditor, and Zakaria writes that the government of the People’s Republic of China is “America’s banker”.
The prosperous and wealthy economy of China is the basis for the United States’ dependence. They own ten percent of all U.S. public debt. Niall Ferguson’s analysis of the relationship we have with China was humorous, saying that the “East Chimericans” save while the “West Chimericans” spend because that simple statement holds much truth… without the aid of China, our country will be in deep trouble.
What Michelle Means to Us
This article was appalling. I was definitely not impressed with the content or the ideas presented by Samuels. The picture she painted of the women of my race was insulting. Michelle is not the only intelligent, highly successful African-American woman in the United States. Becoming the first lady is not a spectacular personal achievement---she has the title by default.
I am a young African-American woman and Michelle Obama does not mean anything to me. My president is black, and that’s a significant political feat. Congratulations. But the topic of Michelle Obama being black is inherently obvious and completely irrelevant. What does she have to do with the presidency? She doesn’t. She is soaking up attention that should be going to her husband who’s actually going to impact the development of our country. She has done nothing deserving of idolism.
The barriers Michelle has to face are the same as every other African-American woman. Overcoming the “hot-headed, foaming-at-the-mouth drug addict” stereotype is something all African-American women want to do.
Just One More Frame!
I do not think that the Obamas will be able to keep their daughters safe and normal at the same time. Safe? Sure. Normal? Not so much. Nothing about growing up in the White House is ‘normal’. Being followed by Secret Service agents every time one leaves the house is not ‘normal’. Having a father hold the most prominent title in the United States is also not ‘normal’. Doing chores and making their own beds may keep the children grounded, but they’ll still be missing out on some of the more fun aspects of childhood.
Show-and-Tell Time
Washington, D.C. school district chancellor, Michelle Rhee, wants to introduce two contracts for teachers to accept. In one contract, teachers would earn up to $130,000 in merit pay, but would have to give up tenure. In the other contract, teachers are given the option to keep tenure and receive a substantially lower salary. The first contract could succeed because it holds teachers accountable and provides incentive to do their job well. But the teachers union argues that eliminating tenure would be eliminating a teacher’s “only guard against politics and arbitrary findings”. The second contract eould pretty much keep things the same and continue to contribute to the demise of the D.C. public schooling system. Rhee needs President-elect Obama’s backing and support to push for effective education reform.
Re: Matt
I agree with your point that Bush has given up because there isn’t any time left. I think that Bush should still be trying to leave things a little bit easier for Obama. He is after all cleaning up his administration's mess.
RE: Gladys (economy article)
I agree with you on why Bush isn't doing anything in his final weeks as president. There isn't much he can really do. He's only president until noon on January 20th. He could implement a proposed solution, but I doubt that Obama would even carry it out. Since presidents are focused on images and how they are seen through America's eyes, Obama would like to disassociate himself with anything Bush.
The Economy Article:
Obama is working on getting control of the situation before he is sworn in by first: choosing a good cabinet for when he is in office, to be prepared. Secondly, and very importantly for his public image, he is avoiding the possiblity of any chance of association with the Bush administration. I believe that the bush administration is doing next to nothing on their way out, due to the negative public image, and the failing economy. Despite his administration claiming otherwise: "the criticism of the Bush administration is unfair, We're still very much working on programs"
A Path Out of the Woods:
Due to the co-dependency that characterizes the relationship between the United States and China, America's economic turmoil is very much China's as well. China now holds 10% of the United States' debt. If America disappears from the world market, China may as well. This is due to the fact that America is one of China's largest consumers, and when our economy goes down the drain, our demand for their products does as well, therefore, no more US money is circulated into their economy.
What Michelle Means to Us:
Some barriers that Michelle Obama needs to knock down include the image of an "angry black woman." This is of course a stereotype, yet at the same time i believe many support the idea, and it would be adventageous to prove she is not what that stereotype says she should be. Also, it would be a good idea to try and knock down the barrier that says the lighter the skin the prettier you are. She has already made headway, by being on the cover of Vogue Magazine. And, in my opinion she is a symbol of hope, and triumph for the black community nationwide, and will hopefully pave the way for more racial equality in the electoral process and such in the future.
Just One More Frame:
One precaution the Obama's have taken to keep their daughters safe and normal is choosing a private school for them to go to with other children, as opposed to homeschooling. They also make the girls do chores and allow them to have fun in their own bowling alley and movie theater in the White House. And yes, I believe that they can keep the children as normal as any other rich kid. They will of course grow up accustomed to having money and excessive privelages, yet many others have the same, and it is normal in its own way.
Show and Tell Time:
The first option is to "reward the best teachers and dismiss the bad ones," and the second is to better train the teachers already there, as opposed to bring in new "fresh out of college" teachers. This seems much more reasonable in today's current situation, due to the fact that unemployment is on the rise, and the country cannot afford to lose more teachers.
Re: Matt: Show and Tell Time
I agree that many teachers are very tied to the teachers union, thats a given, and yes in order for Rhee's proposal to have a chance, it requires Obama's Support. Obama holds the power in this situation, now we need to just wait and see how he uses it.
Re: Brenda: Just One More Frame
I completely agree that safety is the top priority, and everything else should come next. Normality is important in a sense, but if they are alive, and not normal everyone would be happier than if they achieved normality and then were kidnapped.
The Economy Article
This article was about what Barack Obama is plotting for our economy while he awaits his inauguration day. He plans to tackle the situation early by establishing his administration before January 20th of next year. Timothy Geithner has already been named as Treasury Secretary. By doing this, he will be able to enforce his policies right off the bat. The major plan that he and his team have come up with is a two year stimulus plan that will create new jobs by investing in infastructure and alternative energy sources, just like he said in his rallies and debates. President George Bush and his administration are still working on some programs to provide aide to the credit markets, but they aren't making a big difference. By the time his final term is over, we will still have a deficit in the federal budget, and we will still be in this crisis. Its a good thing that Obama is working hard before he is in office. It shows his persistancy, and that he is prepared for the tasks that lie ahead. As for George Bush, I feel bad for him. He should at least go out with a bang and make a major move in an effort to fix the economy, but it doesn't look that way.
A Path Out of the Woods
The path out of the woods in the title refers to China. China is noted in the article as "America's Banker", because they own ten percent of the United States' public debts. The reason that the United States and China are dependent on one another is because we purchase many of our products from them, and if we don't purchase their products, they will struggle to exist. Along with that, their reserves are at approximately two trillion dollars. Ours is at seventy-five billion. They have a lot of money to spare, and some of it can be used to help us out. I don't like the idea of coexisting with China. If one of us goes down, the other does two. I think we should do something about that.
What Michelle Means to Us
This article explains Michelle Obama's role as the first African American first lady. She will have the opportunity to break many stereotypes of the African American culture, and be a role model as a mother in the White House. One thing that also is underlooked is her role as a wife. She will need to guide her husband and support him throughout his presidency.
Just One More Frame
This article talks about what the Barack and Michelle Obama are doing in order to make their daughters' lives as normal as possible. They have opted to place their daughters in a private school called Sidwell Friends. Along with that, they will be receiving chores like the average, everyday child does. Also, the Obama family wants to protect their kids from the media (internet). Though they may have some unnecessary luxuries as daughters of the president elect, Barack and Michelle Obama are trying their hardest to let their daughters experience a normal lifestyle.
Show and Tell Time
This was about the school systems in our nations capital. It talks about what should be done to increase the quality of education in this area. One idea is to reward the good teachers and realease the bad ones. This is critiqued because we are currently experiencing a shortage of teachers. We have to take what we can get. Another idea is to train the current teachers better. There is no doubt that some teachers are not prepared to pass on knowledge to students. However, due to the shortage there isn't much we can do. Hopefully we can figure something out so that we can compete with the rest of the world academically.
RE: Ariel
Just One More Frame
I agree that it is good that the two daughters won't have a myspace account. Myspace is dangerous. There are a lot of hackers and internet predators out there. This issue is sort of underlooked in my eyes. Its a wise decision for them to not allow myspace in the White House. Besides, myspace is addictive. The girls have better things to do, like play with their new doggy.
RE: Travis
Show and Tell Time
I agree that teachers should be payed more. They play an important role in our society. You are definantly right about that. However, I do believe that there really some teachers out there that are not qualified to be educators. I do respect teachers, don't get me wrong, but there are some really questionable things about the American education system, and selection of teachers is one of them. I think that the process of becoming a teacher should be more challenging in order to make sure that we have the right people in front of the classrooms. They have to really prove that they have the skills, proper teaching methods, and personalities to be teaching. You know? But maybe I'm wrong. I'm just saying.
...Chargers..?
The chargers goal for the 2008-09 season in three words.
High Draft Pick.
SHOW-AND-TELL-TIME
This article starts off by stressing the improvements that need to be made to public schools in washington d.c. i find it very ironic that aside from obvious security problems, its generally acknowledged to have some of the worst if not worse public schools in the country. It talks about how obama didnt even second guess the fact to send his daughters to private school. The chancelor of the D.C. system , Michelle Rhee proposed a teacher contract with two different options in order to try to improve the public schools in washington D.C. to reward the best teachers and dismiss the bad ones. She expresses that fact that her proposal cant be accommplish without support of obama.
The two options rhee presents in proposal is teachers can make up 130,000 in merit pay but must forgo tenure or they can keep tenure and accept a more modest pay rate. this has its pros and cons in many ways its alreADY really hard to get rid of a teacher and with these approaches its makes it worse also they think more young teachers would except the higher salary but i feel they would be teaching more for the money and not the kids!
Re: Matt
Maybe i should have worded it differently. When i said no time i was meaning that he didnt waste any time looking for people to fill the postions. And i dont think i said he didnt have a plan, i was just putting out the point that his staff wanted him to be prepared for when is sworn in.
RE:Debbie
I don't think that the fact that Bush doesn't have a lot of time left in his presidency is a good excuse for him not doing anything. I just cited that as a possible reason of why he didn't do anything. I don't think it's excusable and i agree that he should do something.
RE: Jacob
I was just citing an example of how our country got out of the Great Depression. I did say that I hope that war productivity is not the way we get out of this recession. I hope that we can find something else to produce in order to get out of this recession.
On Meet the Press elected president Barack Obama discussed the differences between now and decades ago, when the whole situation happened with Pearl Harbor. Obama said that at a point they would need to stop printing money. He also has many choices to start making later on in the future. Him and the new administration plan to fix work on and fix roads and bridges all our the country. Rebuild schools and make sure they are around a suitable environment. Also that are being energy efficient. Another great strategy Obama has is investing on medical technology and the last one would be another other technology needed to help lower health care costs. His economic team is working on matching all of the costs needed for the recovery plan Obama sketched out.
From my point of view, Obama is handling everything very well. Because he already assembled his team to get ready for the unnecessary. He is ready for the challenge. He is anxious to start working with everything. He is the president that can offer change for us, he is willing to do all of that for us.
RE: Leo on RE: Travis
I completely agree with both of you. The fact is, we've all had that teacher that sits down presents a useless amount overhead transparencies and goes off on rants about everything not on the test. (ie. anonymous anatomy teacher....) We've also had those teachers that DO infact teach us and MAKE us learn in fun entertaining ways (ie. Mrs. Arango) The fact is I believe there should be some type of merit system. Not so much based on tests.. but on results.
HAHA! HIGH DRAFT PICK!! ROFL!!!!
Get it.. Travis.. ahaha!!! High... Draft... PICK! haha Let me Put that in bold and italisized.
...Chargers..?
The chargers goal for the 2008-09 season in three words.
High Draft Pick.
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