Second Opinion

American Idol "2007"

2007-05-15T12:22:00.000-07:00

With 3 singers left in the competition, who do you think will win the competion?

expression of free speech

2007-01-25T18:17:00.000-08:00

Select a topic below to defend (not guilty) on the basis of expression of "Freedom of Speech"

A. Ken Corley, mayor of Brazoria, Texas, "wants offensive use of the 'n-word'"to be punishable by a fine of up to $500 in his town.

B. A lawsuit was filed against a video company by relatives of three men shot to death by a teenager who has since been sentenced to death. It claims the murders mimicked video violence in "Grand Theft Auto."

C. Donald Trump is being fined $1,250 a day because the town of Palm Beach, Florida says the 42 foot United States flag he is flying on his property is against City Code.

D. Public school districts prohibited students wearing clothes that reveal too much of the body, contains racially insensitive symbols, promotes alcohol or tobacco, or suggests violence.

I Swear on the Bible?

2007-01-22T15:40:00.000-08:00

From George Washington to the present, every President has been sworn into office by placing his hand on the Bible and then taking the oath.
Potential wintesses place their hand on a Bible and then take the oath to tell the "Truth and nothing but the Truth"

a. Why should this precedent (practice) be continued?
b. What would happen if a person does not believe in the Bible, should they swear on something else?
c. What if the person believes in another religion, should another holy book be used?

Magic pill

2007-01-06T16:59:00.000-08:00

If you could take a pill that would change you, which would it be and why?

a. make you handsome or beautiful ex. (Miss USA, Miss Teen, Miss Universe)
b. make you famous
c. stronger
d. rich
e. extremely smart
f. President of the U.S.

No cross on Christmas decorations allowed!

2006-12-20T08:19:00.000-08:00

Recently an elementary teacher gave each student a Christmas tree ornament (ball) to take home and decorate. The students decorated the ornament and then brought back to school to hang on the class Christmas tree. All the students were allowed to hang their decorated ball on the tree except one child. The teacher told her she could not hang her ball cause it had a cross on it.

What do you want to say about this?

Transplant ethics

2006-12-03T10:37:00.000-08:00

There are more than 53,000 people in the United States waiting for organ transplants. There are approximately 20,000 organ transplants performed each year in the United States. The average cost of an organ transplant is $120,000.
Select a topic below
a. Explain why or why not transplants should happen at all?
b. Who should get a transplant?
c. Should a young person receive a transplant before an older person?

Is there a Santa Clause?

2006-11-20T16:46:00.000-08:00

Why or why not is it appropriate to lie to children about Santa Clause?

What do you expect ......?

2006-11-20T16:27:00.000-08:00

A radical Islamic person expects to receive 72 virgins when he gives up his life in the name of Alah
The native American expected he was going to the happy hunting ground when he died.
Some people don't expect anything after they die.
Christian expects to go to heaven.

What do you expect (select one below to discuss)

a. heaven to be like?

b. if you have another view after life?

Bus accident / no seatbelts

2006-11-20T16:19:00.000-08:00

If its mandatory for all passengers in a car/truck to be seatbelted then why are seatbelts on a school bus mandatory? Today another bus accident happened and six students died.
Why or why not makes seat belts mandatory?

School to fingerprint each child

2006-11-05T18:54:00.000-08:00

A plan to fingerprint students is meant to speed up the cafeteria lines. The scan will call up the student's name and student ID, teacher's name and how much the student owes.

What do you think of fingerprinting students for lunch? and why?

It's a great idea

It makes me nervous

I don't see a problem

To see Saw III or not !

2006-11-01T11:02:00.000-08:00

Saw III movie This movie shows the decapitating of heads, cutting off body parts, and obviously a lot of guts. This movie in the first week was the highest making movie for the week.

a. Why would you want to see a movie like Saw III?
b. Why would you not want to see a movie like Saw III?
c. What does the popularity of movies like Saw I, II, III prove about our culture?

Lonely Hearts, maybe?

2006-10-20T06:49:00.000-07:00

Select a scenario below and discuss one of them. (keep responses clean)

(14 to 18 year olds)
a. Why would a young lady stick with a young man when she knows that he drinks alcohol and (or) occassionaly smokes pot?
b. Why would a young lady stick with a young man that continually scares her cause of his tirad tantrums?
c. Why would a young lady stick with a young man that is way below her academically? (ex. she is college material and he might not even graduate)
d. Why would a young lady go out with a young man that has a reputation to see how far he can get with her?
e. Why would a young lady that professes to be Christian go out with a young man who is obviously not a Christian?
f. Or if you are a young man select a senario above and reverse the rolls and then leave your opinion.

No cell phones at school

2006-10-09T08:08:00.000-07:00

The principal is going to make a proposal,the school board to not allow students to have cell phones at school.
Make a confincing argument that cell phones be allowed.

Should teachers carry guns?

2006-10-05T15:22:00.000-07:00

In the wake of school shootings in Wisconsin, Colorado and Pennsylvania during the last two weeks, a state legislator says he plans to introduce legislation that would allow teachers, principals, administrators and other school personnel to carry concealed weapons.

Do you agree that teachers, principals, administrators should be allowed to carry concealed weapons?

Madagascar Beetle

2006-09-27T18:04:00.000-07:00

The adult Madagascar Beetles may measure up to four-inches long and one-inch wide, and weigh up to almost one ounce. They are a dark chocolate brown with dark orange markings on their abdomens.
Recently the Six Flags amusement parks across the country are offering anyone that eats a Madagascar Beetle can go to the front of the line instead of waiting in line for a popular ride. Waiting line sometimes last up to 1 1/2 hours.

So would you eat this bug to go to the front of the line?

The animal rights groups are protesting this promotion. Cruelty to animals. Do you agree that this promotion should be stopped? Why or why not.

Sound of Music

2006-09-27T17:55:00.000-07:00

1. What kind of music do you like?
2. Why do you like that kind of music?
3. Who is who is your favorite singer?

"The Pope must die!"

2006-09-27T17:23:00.000-07:00

"Threats of an attack on Vatican"
BY PAUL H.B. SHINDAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
Priest shows bullets following an attack in the West Bank. A radical Muslim group threatened a suicide attack on the Vatican yesterday even as the Holy See said Pope Benedict regretted that some Muslims were offended by his comments about the role of violence in the spread of Islam.

"Iraqis burn an effigy of Pope Benedict XVI "during a demonstration, in Basra, Iraq's second-largest city,Monday. The demonstration was against his speech last week in Germany

"Violent protests erupt as Islamic world condemns pontiff's comments ...."

"Two West Bank Christian churches were hit by firebombs....."

Muslim activists burn an effigy of Pope Benedict XVI during a protest in Srinagar, India.

These are several headlines recently showing Islamic reaction to Pope Benedict XVI quote about the Islamic religion.

What impression from these pictures and headlines do you have about the Islamic religion?

Welcome back Canada!

2006-09-25T15:02:00.000-07:00

I'm Rick McCaw the teacher down here in Texas that keeps putting questions up for my students and any one else to post an opinion on.

Just wanted you guys up there to know that I appreciate you looking at Second Opinion and posting what you have to say. Last year we had a small feud going on. Quite often the opinions were attacking the messenger instead of recognizing that differences of opinion does exist. Especially from another country. Nasya you are definitely welcome to post your difference of opinions.

My students have not started posting yet. We've started out the year writing (keeping) a journal with all these questions and their responses. On Friday we have "Open Forum" where we debate these topics. In another week or so I will turn them loose to post their opinions.

Like Naysa now in the 9th grade some of my last year students continue to post opinions. Like Resas-Pieces.

After you type a response to the question select "other". Then type in a username, then publish.

Have a good year and keep in touch.

What is stupid?

2006-09-25T10:05:00.000-07:00

What is stupid?

Would you tell?

2006-09-25T10:01:00.000-07:00

A friend confided in you that he / she had broken a serious school rule. If found out the student would be suspended. The office later asked if you knew any information about the incident. Whould you tell the office and why?

The Twin Towers

2006-09-22T06:42:00.000-07:00

It has been 5 years since tourists flew airplanes into the Twin Towers. You guys would have been in the 3rd grade. What do you remember about that day? What were your feelings? Were you scared? Did you have any clue what was going on.

Or write about what your feelings are now. Should we be making such a big deal with ceremonies of the event? Should their be films of the event? Etc.
(This was posted by resas-pieces).

Dress Codes

2006-09-09T08:48:00.000-07:00

Select one below to comment on

A. Should a school impose dress codes on their students? For example boys hair length, tattoos,
girls short lengths and mid-riff showing)

B. Why or why not have students wear standard uniforms?

C. Why should cheerleaders, twirlers be allowed to wear outfits to classes that would not pass
school dress code?

Steve Irwin (Crocodile Hunter)

2006-09-07T17:16:00.000-07:00

Steve Irwin (The Crocodile Hunter) was recently killed while filming for the Discovery Channel. Some people are wanting the TV show the film of his death. You are the person to make that decision on showing it or not. What is your decision and why?

Twenty-First Century Crusades?

2006-09-03T13:45:00.000-07:00

The Crusades were a series of wars fought by Christians to control the Holy Land. The Holy Land included Jerusalem and the other places were Jesus had lived and taught. The most immediate cause for the Crusades was Muslim incursions into previously Christian lands. The crusades were mainly directed toward Jerusalem and the Christian shrine of the Holy Sepulcher. The earliest Crusade battle between Christians and the Islam religion began in the year 1025. Thats nearly 1000 years ago.

Select a question below to answer
a. Do you think the Crusades are repeating itself?
b. What similarities are there in today's conflicts with the Crusades over the past 1000 years?

When you post an answer use facts to back up your position. Key word to use is 21st Century Crusades.

Death of a President

2006-09-02T15:18:00.000-07:00

A documentary movie has been made called the "Death of a President". The president in the movie is George W. Bush.

What do you think?

"Do not be deceived......"

2006-08-18T10:20:00.000-07:00

A quote: "Do not be deceived, bad company destroys good morals."

What is this quote saying and do you agree with it.

What is important?

2006-08-17T14:13:00.000-07:00

What is important to you? (for example church, friends, family, TV, music, pet)

List your top 3 and express why one you chose is the most important.

QTIP!

2006-08-17T13:41:00.000-07:00

Hello I'm back after a couple of months off. The last post was back in May. But the posting of opinions as gone on all Summer. The purpose of this web site is for you to express your opinion. Not everyone is going to agree with your opinion, especially if you do not explain why that's your opinion. So I encourage you to take 3 to 5 sentences to support your opinion. I've enjoyed reading every post especially some of you that want to debate another opinion that you disagree with. But some postings have been used to attack the person that does not agree with you. Try to follow this advice in the future if you are going to post. QTIP Quit taking it Personal! You convince a person by debating, presenting better facts. You don't by attacking the other person.

These postings are read all over the country. It makes it a lot easier to read and to take a person seriously if your words are spelt correctly.

If you were President

2006-05-16T12:24:00.000-07:00

If You Were President... What would you do to keep immigrants from entering U.S. illegally? And what would you do about the illegal immigrants already in our country?

Passing the grade!

2006-05-08T06:52:00.000-07:00

Should passing an end of course test be required to receive credit on a course that you have attended all year.
or should having a 70 average or better be enough to pass the course
or do you have a better idea on what should be considered passing the course?

National Anthem in Spanish?

2006-04-28T12:20:00.000-07:00

Should we make the National Anthem in Spanish as well as English?

How far should PDA (public display of affection) go?

2006-04-28T12:01:00.000-07:00

Should boy girl couples be able to show affection at school and if so how far should it be allowed to go?

American Idol

2006-03-20T16:07:00.000-08:00

After a week off due to spring break lets start back with a no brainer of a question. You can click on the title to go to web site.

a. -Will a man or a woman win the American Idol contest this year?
b.- Who will get keicked off the show this week? man or woman
c.- Who is your favorite singer?

When is it white man's day?

2006-03-07T12:19:00.000-08:00

Amendment 14 basically says that all men are equal regardless of race.

"This topic is at the request of my students".

Last week in class I was reviewing the signficance of the date March 2 in Texas History. For you that are reading this and do not know its the date of Texas declaring its Independence from Mexico. A student who often interjects a view that is interially different asked if this was the white mans day? You know like the black man as a day to celebrate. June 19th

The students wanted to express their Second Opinion on when do the white people have their day to celebrate? Whites are left out on Juneteenth, NAACP image awards, Congress black caucus , Black History month , Martin Luther King holiday , Black Entertainment TV channel , Black Caucus Awards (for literature) .

Need a Second Opinion on: select a topic
1. Is it wrong for one group of the American public to have segregated (separate) special events or organizations?
2. If the white man wants to have an (separate) only white man/women allowed then its called being prejudice. You must give the black the same (equal) opportunity. How is this right that one group can be segregated but the other can not?
3. What would happen if we had a (separate)White Person Image awards, White History Month, White Entertainment Channel, Confederate History Month , etc.
4. Are we actually being Separate but Equal?

Violation of Amendment 1?

2006-03-05T12:01:00.000-08:00

Recently a picture similar to this one was taken out of a school on the grounds that it violates Amendment #1. The caption of this painting is George Washington Praying at Valley Forge

Select a question to express your Second Opinion

a- How do you see that this picture violates the first amendment?
b- Why should this picture be allowed in a school?
c- Why should a history teacher use this picture in his classroom?
d- Why is it offensive to an athiest student if this picture is allowed to be on display in a history classroom?

All about me

2006-02-27T06:44:00.000-08:00

Write a paragraph about yourself.
-Do not use your name or any names of your family or friends.
-Do not describe your looks. Not what you want to be.
-Do not give any clues: like your email address, household address, phone numbers
-This paragraph is about you right now. Might consider this more a self evaluation of yourself. This paragraph is not for anyone reading your post to figure "Who you are".

Not fair??

2006-02-26T15:42:00.000-08:00

Two teachers teach the same subject. In comparing the teachers style of teaching one seems to be a lot harder. Students with harder teacher feels this difference is not fair. For some students it makes staying eligible for athletics harder. Students concerned with class rankings also call unfair.

- What is good or bad about this senario?
- Which teacher would you want and why?
- How could this situation be made more fair?

Police may be watching you in your home!

2006-02-21T07:58:00.000-08:00

Amendment 4. --Protection against unreasonable searches by law enforcement officers.

Houston's police chief on Wednesday proposed placing surveillance cameras in apartment complexes, downtown streets, shopping malls and even private homes to fight crime during a shortage of police officers.
Houston is facing a severe police shortage because of too many retirements and too few recruits, and the city has absorbed 150,000 hurricane evacuees who are filling apartment complexes in crime-ridden neighborhoods.

"I know a lot of people are concerned ..., but my response to that is, if you are not doing anything wrong, why should you worry about it?" - Police Chief Harold Hurtt.

I need a "Second Opinion" on one of the following questions

a- Why do you think this is a violation of Amendment 4?
b- Why do you think it's best to sacrifice privacy for protection?
c- What part of this plan is acceptable to you?
d- Do you think the "temporary" relocation of New Orleans's citizen's has affected crime in the cities where they were relocated? (Might need to research this for facts)

Amendment 1: Right to Petition

2006-02-17T11:10:00.000-08:00

View video

The video is being protested against by Democrates. Below is the means for people to voice their displeasure of the video.

If you feel that this ad is doing a disservice to our troops and is misleading at best, and pure propaganda at worst, please call to ask for the removal of the ads.

KARE 11 at 763 546 1111
WCCO at 612 370 0611

Send letters to the Editor in your local paper would be helpful to point out the untruths being communicated to citizens as fact. Thanks in advance for being a voice of truth, and for all that you do to improve the state of our nation and state. DFL Chair Brian Melendez will be holding a press conference at the State Capitol today at 2:30 to ask that this ad be pulled from the air waves. He will be joined by congressional candidate and veteran Tim Walz. Please tune in to your evening news to see coverage of this important event.

Sincerely, DonnaDonna Cassutt, Associate Chair, Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party

view second video under the original video

Express your "Second Opinion" on one of the following topics.
-----Why should this video be seen or not?
-----Why would groups not want this video to be seen?
-----Point out the info in video that is misleading and apparently false.

Bribing the teacher to skip class

2006-02-17T06:50:00.000-08:00

Mr. Braxton allowed kids to skip his class if they paid him $1 a day. The authorities in Escamblia County, Fla. say he may have racked $1000.00 or more over three months. The 28 year old teacher has been charged with six felony counts of bribery.

Question to you.

What would you pay to not have to do something? And what would that be?

Not guilty! Man cannot speak English!

2006-02-14T16:21:00.000-08:00

A North Carolina judge threw out the roadside breathalyzer test results of a Spanish speaker, saying that the officers had a duty to give him his rights in Spanish. The decision by Durham County District Court Judge Richard Chaney in a case against Francisco Pereyra is the latest in a string of judgments that have dismissed breathalyzer results due to the language barrier. Chaney's judgment on the rights of Spanish speaking DWI offenders went a step further, when he added "If you're talking about someone who speaks Chinese, you have a different issue."

---Do you agree that the Spanish speaking driver should not be charged for drunk driving? Is not speaking English a good defense?

Cheating?

2006-02-12T12:04:00.000-08:00

I've been gone for a week. So sorry for no "Second Opinions"

A student in another state searching the internet came across a web site by a teacher in another state that puts assignments, notes, a calendar and practice test up for his students. The student in the other state used the practice test since it was the same text book and subject she was on. The student aced the test (made a 100 on it). The students teacher accused the student of cheating, (getting a copy of his test). The student was forced to tell the teacher how she passed the test and told him about the study test she found on the internet.

Need your opinion on: select the topic
--. Explain why this is or is not cheating.
--. Explain why the teacher should fail the student.
--. Explain why the teacher should give the student the grade she made.
--. Explain why the teacher in the other state should take down his web site or not?

Superbowl commericals

2006-02-06T06:09:00.000-08:00

Which was you favorite Superbowl commerical and why?

a. Fedex caveman
b. Budweiser magic refrigerator
c. Clydesdale horse pulling trailer
d. Careerbuildr.com - monkies in the office
e. touch football - guy tackling woman
f. save your self - the bear was attacking
g. Clydesdale playing football with a streaker
h. or another not listed

The Book of Daniel

2006-01-31T06:00:00.000-08:00

NBC is promoting "The Book of Daniel" as a serious drama about Christian people and the Christian faith. The main character is Daniel Webster, a drug-addicted Episopal priest whose wife depends heavily on her mid-day martinis. The Webster family is rounded out by a 23- year old homosexual Republican, a 16-year old daughter who is a drug dealer, and a 16-year-old adopted son who is having sex with the bishop's daughter. At the office, his lesbian secretary is sleeping with his sister in law.

NBC considers The Book of Daniel a positive portrayal of Christ and Christians.

What do you think?

a. Is NBC correct that this TV show is an accurate portrayal of Christ and Christians?

b. Why do you think a major TV network would make a show like this?

c. Why do you think the show lets you know that the son is a Republican?

d. Is this show meant to have a moral, spiritual or intellectual worth?

President with Character

2006-01-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

Character - Moral or ethical strength.
Moral - Conforming to standards of what is right or just in behavior; virtuous
ethical- (adj) Being in accordance with the accepted principles of right and wrong that govern the conduct of a profession

Aaron Burr lost the presidency to Thomas Jefferson cause Alexander Hamilton spoke about Aaron Burrs character to the House of Representatives. Aaron Burr retaliated against A. Hamilton and challenged him to a duel. Burr killed Hamilton cause Hamilton felt it was immoral to kill another human being and he did not fire his weapon.

Select a Question to ponder and explain:
a. Do you think Burr and some president "want'a be's" want to be president just to feed their ego? What character does a person like this seem to have?
b. Would you want your president to exhibit all the above qualities? Give an example of one of these qualities.
c. How does a person acquire good character, good morals, and be ethical?

Should we negotiate?

2006-01-27T03:57:00.000-08:00

Recently some terrorist have taken a lady journalist as a hostage. They are demanding the U.S. release all women in Iraqs jail. There is only 9 women being held by the U.S. If the U.S. does not release the women then they promise to kill the hostage.

Should the U.S. negotiate and give int with the terrorist to save the lady's life? expalin your answer.

What would you ask President Bush?

2006-01-25T03:56:00.000-08:00

If you had the opportunity to ask President Bush one question what would it be? and explain why it would be your question.

Is Abortion a Constitutional Right?

2006-01-17T11:31:00.000-08:00

Democrate Dick Schumer asked Judge Alito "is abortion a Constitutional Right since Free Speech is?"

Click on link below and then go beneath picture to download the sound.

Schumer: Abortion Is a Constitutional Right Because Free Speech Is (VIDEO)

What do you think? Is Abortion a Constitutional Right just because Free Speech Is?

"Worlds Greatest Terrorst" --- Freedom of Speech?

2006-01-13T07:10:00.000-08:00

Harry Belafonte speaks as Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez looks on

"No matter what the greatest tyrant in the world, the greatest terrorist in the world, George W. Bush says, we're here to tell you: Not hundreds, not thousands, but millions of the American people … support your revolution," Belafonte told Chavez during the broadcast.

Questions to ponder: (justify your answer)
a. Is this an opinion or a fact when he says that the president is the "Worlds Greatest Terrorist? b. Should Americans be allowed to voice opinions about America without consequences?
c. Is he an example of a person that is patriotic to his country?

Here comes the judge

2006-01-08T11:57:00.000-08:00

According to the Constitution, the President of the United States nominates a person to be a judge. In this case its a supreme court judge. The Senate will confirm or not confirm this person. This is an example of separation of powers. There is only 9 Supreme Court Judges and they keep the job for life.

Why is it such a big deal on who these judge's are?

Favorite TV show is

2006-01-05T16:48:00.000-08:00

What one TV show do you feel is a must to see each week and why?

Did the right team win?

2006-01-05T16:43:00.000-08:00

Questions to ponder.

a. Did the right team win the National Crown this year?
b. Should Vince Young have won the Heisman trophy?
c. Should Vince Young skip his senior year and go pro?

Employer wants to see your grades!

2006-01-04T16:10:00.000-08:00

In Longview over 50 businesses are requiring a high school transcript to view when deciding wheather to hire a new employee. This includes part time highschool students. Why do you think employers are wanting to check transcripts?

Fourth Amendment Violation?

2006-01-03T15:28:00.000-08:00

The Fourth Amendment to the Constitution states: "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated and no warrants shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the person or things to be seized."

President Bush, soon after the 9-11 bombing has been allowing government officials to wiretap/ listen to cell phone calls from suspected Al Qaidea members to people in the United States. Select a choice below and justify your answer.

a. Is Bush violating the constitution for these wire taps without having subpoenas?
b. Or Bush should have expanded libeties to do what ever is necessary to protect Americans?

Multiple Choice - One does not fit

2005-12-13T15:24:00.000-08:00

Of the following quotes -one does not fit. Select it and tell why it does not fit.

A. "These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country. . . . We fight not to enslave, but to set a country free, and to make room upon the earth for honest men to live in." — Thomas Paine, "The American Crisis," 1776-1777

B. "I propose to fight it out on this line if it takes all summer." — U.S. Grant, May 11, 1864

C. "Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never . . . ." — Winston Churchill, Oct. 29, 1941

D. "In war there is no substitute for victory." — Douglas MacArthur, April 19, 1951

E. "Above all, we must realize that no arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women." — Ronald Reagan, First Inaugural Address, Jan. 20, 1981

F. "The idea that we're going to win this war is an idea that unfortunately is just plain wrong." — Howard Dean, chairman, Democratic National Committee, Dec. 5, 2005

Bad Words at school?

2005-12-12T12:39:00.000-08:00

What do you think the message is in this political cartoon?

Let's ride our bikes to our wedding!

2005-12-06T16:43:00.000-08:00

Recently a 13 year old girl and a 14 year boy were married in Alabama.

Select a topic below and justify your answer. (5 sentence minimum)

a. What do you think the chances of this being a successful marriage?

b. What's some questions that you would like to ask of this couple? Keep it clean!!

Xmas.... What's in a name?

2005-12-04T11:18:00.000-08:00

This abbreviation for Christmas is of Greek origin. The word for Christ in Greek is Xristos. During the 16th century, Europeans began using the first initial of Christ's name, "X" in place of the word Christ in Christmas as a shorthand form of the word. Although the early Christians understood that X stood for Christ's name, later Christians who did not understand the Greek language mistook "Xmas" as a sign of disrespect.

A large number of businesses have taken Christ out of Christmas this year claiming its less offensive to non believers in Christ.

Question: Should we start using "Xmas" for the holiday season? (justify your answer)

Forwarding email ... is it wrong?

2005-11-30T17:10:00.000-08:00

Is forwarding email to a second or third person without the first person's (originators) consent a violation of one's right to privacy and should be considered illegal. Presently it is wrong to record a persons speech and then use it without his/her permission.

Are borders necessary?

2005-11-30T17:07:00.000-08:00

It is estimated that there is over 11 million illegal Hispanic people in the United States. In the last 5 years the illegal population has increased by 3 million.

What do you think needs to be done about the illegal Hispanic population?
Select from choices below and state your reason for it.
a. Increase the border patrol?
b. Put the national guard along the border?
c. Put a huge wall between the countries?
d. Make all illegals now in the US citizens?
e. Have no borders protected?
f. All employers in US that hire illegals be fined thousands of dollars for each illegal employee.

Should he be excused from death sentence?

2005-11-30T16:34:00.000-08:00

You be the judge:

Twenty-three years ago an accused was found guilty and received a sentence to die. The prisoner is now sentenced to die Dec. 13th. Should the prisoner be excused from the death sentence since the last 3 years he has been proving that he is a reformed person?

Amendment 14: Citizens by Birth

2005-11-28T06:54:00.000-08:00

Amendment 14: All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction therof, are citizens of the United States.

Should new borns of illegal Hispanic's in the United States be automatically entitled to be a citizen of the United States?

No Christmas at Wal Mart

2005-11-17T05:54:00.000-08:00

Many business's such as Wal Mart are not going to acknowledge Christmas in their advertising. They will just say Winter Specials, Holiday Season, etc. Employees are not even allowed to say Merry Christmas. Reason being is to not offend those that do not believe in the purpose of celebrating Christmas. Even our school calendar does not acknowledge Christmas holidays. It says Winter Break. What do you think about the move to taking Christmas out of our holiday season.

You be the judge.... Parent provides alcohol to minors at party

2005-11-15T12:40:00.000-08:00

A parent provides alcohol at her sons birthday party. All the invited guests are below the age of 20. No rules on behavior was enforced. No body was injured during or after the party.

You be the judge. What should happen to the adult that provides the alcohol?

Amendment 2 - Right to bear arms

2005-11-12T14:49:00.000-08:00

Amendment 2 of the Bill of Rights says

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

infringe vb 1: violate, transgress 2: encroach, trespass

In the context of the Constitution, phrases like "shall not be infringed," "shall make no law," and "shall not be violated"

Recently San Francisco voted to outlaw the sale of handguns in the city and to outlaw ownership of handguns in the city. The citizens are to turn their handguns in to the police by April 1st of 2006.

Address one of the questions below in what you think of this law.

Do you think that all cities should adopt this law?
Do you think the criminals will abide by this law?
Do you think crime will decrease?
Will crime now increase against the law abiding person?
Should this law be contested to the Supreme Court as being unconstitional?

Is Gangster Rap Libel?

2005-11-10T07:07:00.000-08:00

Amendment 1 says that a person is entitled to free speech. In America a person is guaranteed the right to produce, record and make money from “Gangster Rap.” A person who is influenced by the words in a “gangster rap” song and goes out and kills a policeman will probably go to jail.
Question for you: Should the people responsible for the song be held liable for the death of the policeman influencing the person?

You be the judge... 15 year commits murder

2005-11-09T07:08:00.000-08:00

Recently a 15- year old boy took a gun to school and shot several people. One of them died, possibly another may die from wounds.Should the boy be treated as a juvenile or as an adult?

You are the judge what should happen to the 15-year-old boy?

Excuses, Excuses, Excuses ?

2005-11-03T12:40:00.000-08:00

Stupid- lacking intelligence

At your school do you feel the opportunity to gain intelligence will lead you

A. To be successful
B. To be good enough just to get by
C. To stay “Stuck on Stupid”
D. Or realized that the opportunity is my responsibility and not the school’s. .....(Choice B. and C. above are just excuses)

Now how BIG is Texas?

2005-11-02T15:48:00.000-08:00

Thought we would give the opportunity to people that don't have the luxury of living in Texas to ask about Texas. What do you want to know? Be sure to let us know where you are from (country or state).

Stuck on Stupid

2005-11-02T07:46:00.000-08:00

Stupid- lacking intelligence
Intelligence- the ability to use ones knowledge to solve problems and respond appropriately to novel situations

Why are some students willing to be satisfied being “stuck on stupid?”

You be the judge case 2 (lottery ticket)

2005-11-01T06:42:00.000-08:00

Actual court case.

A person recently won a million dollars with a winning lottery ticket. Its been discovered that the person used a stolen credit card to purchase the lottery tickets. The stolen credit card belonged to a deceased (dead) family member. The person has been arrested. Question is what happens to the money? Does she get to keep it? Explain your answer.

You be the judge

2005-10-31T14:02:00.000-08:00

This is an actual court case.

Recently a person won a million dollars in a lottery. She purchased the winning lottery ticket with a stolen credit card. She has been arrested. Now the question is what happens to the money? Does she get to keep the money or not and why?

Welcome Canadian friends

2005-10-27T05:58:00.000-07:00

We may feel that we live in a small world; going to school every day, seeing our friends, watch TV, etc...... With the means of the computer and internet our so called small world can definitely reach outside to points of unknown. These blogs that have been posted for the past several months have been read by a number of people throughout the United States. Yesterday I heard from a very innovative teacher Mr. Clarence Fisher in Canada. I know that I can learn from him. He has given his students the Second Opinion web site so that they could occasionally blog also. This will be very interesting even thou the two countries are located near each other we do have different opinions on a number of social and political issues. Hopefully we can have a better understanding of each other with this means of communication.

Rick McCaw

Topic for the day is: What would you really like to know from our new friends in Canada? and why?

If you oppose same sex marriage are you prejudice???

2005-10-26T14:46:00.000-07:00

Recently the Longview News Journal (on Oct. 24) the editor wrote saying if one votes against same sex marriage that you basically are a prejudiced person. Its her opinion and she is trying to persuade likely voters. Article This proposal is an amendment to the State Constitution.

What do you think? Does her opinion make it right and those that oppose are wrong?

Now its time for your opinion......

Been accused of being prejudice

2005-10-25T14:05:00.000-07:00

Prejudice — preconceived opinion, usually unfavorable.
Preconceived - to form before hand
Bias – emotional leaning to one side.
Opinion – belief or conviction, based on what seems probable or true but not demonstrable fact.

Select a scenario and justify that the person is or is not exhibiting prejudice.

1. You have been accused of being prejudice since you will not date the opposite race.
2. Pres. Bush has been accused of being prejudice (racist) due to his lack of response in rescuing the black people after Hurricane Katrinia.
3. Your school has been labeled racist (prejudice) against blacks since none play on your athletic teams.
4. The police force have been accused of being racist (prejudice) against black since they use race to catch the bad guys.

Opinion please .......

2005-10-24T13:00:00.000-07:00

Opinion-- the belief or conviction, based on what seems probable or true but not demonstratable fact.

Is anyone wrong when one voices his or her opinion? explain

Woman for President?

2005-10-18T19:25:00.000-07:00

The United States has never had a African American or a female for president. Once we had a female running as the vice-president. Do you think America is ready to have a female president? Would it make a difference if she was black? To watch (video). Click on video then download and view video here.

Leave Iraq or Stay?

2005-10-18T16:33:00.000-07:00

Every day our news media will update us on the latest US soldier death, total deaths and give the impression that we are losing the war. This picture of an American soldier was not told about here in America by the media. The little girl was killed by a car bomb. The terrorist have taken a larger toll on the citizens. Also a growing faction want the soldiers to leave Iraq and let them defend for themselves. You can read the story about the little girl when you click here.Your question is, should we stay in Iraq and continue to lose some soldiers (nearly 2000 now) or leave now. leave a comment

From Sgt. Ron Long "Doc"

2005-10-17T19:00:00.000-07:00

Bottom right is Sgt. Ron Long. Recently he took part in a televised interview with President Bush. I tracked his email address and linked his blog site to ours. I wrote to him this past weekend and he sent mail back

Mr. McCaw,
Thank you for your support and genuine care. I appreciate you including my blog with your school's site as I hope that it may add a different perspective to your students, supplementing the MSM. I've never really been "anti-media," but after this experience, I have to say that I am definitely leaning toward that view. Please pass on my best to the students as again, I hope that they may pull some points of interest from my blog.
Take care.

HOOAH!

-SGT Ron Long

Why are we rude to others?

2005-10-17T12:13:00.000-07:00

Why do some students (people) make fun of or ridicule other students?

Gay Marriage

2005-10-13T05:40:00.000-07:00

In America we can trace back to having representative government to the House of _________ back in the 1820's. In Texas our representative government have written a law about marriage. This law clearly stats that in Texas that legal marriage will only be between a man and woman. If this issue is voted down then this will pave the way to have gay marriages in Texas. This law will be voted on (in November) by the eligible voters in Texas since it will amend the state constitution.

Artist try to influence their readers by drawing cartoons to convey (message) to their readers. Do you think the artist is for gay marriage or not? Explain by using information from the picture. You can inlarge the picture by clicking on it.

ideal age to date?

2005-10-12T12:56:00.000-07:00

What would be the ideal age to date unsupervised? and why? (5 sentence minimum)

Corporal punishment in schools

2005-10-11T12:44:00.000-07:00

Should the use of corporal punishment (paddling) of students be band in shcools? Explain your position

Assisting Suicide

2005-10-10T18:45:00.000-07:00

The Supreme Court is hearing a case that would allow the medical profession to assist a terminal ill person end their life. So should a doctor be allowed to help a person actually commit suicide?

What is cool?

2005-10-03T12:15:00.000-07:00

A person is said to be cool. Explain what is cool?

Who is wrong Oil companies or employer

2005-09-29T12:21:00.000-07:00

Who is wrong? The employer that will only pay his employees the minimum wage of $5.15 an hour or the oil companies the are forcing nearly $3.00 a gallon on gas?

Hes a fake (evacuee)

2005-09-28T12:29:00.000-07:00

A person was found to have fabricated (made up) a story about losing his wife and son in the flood in New Orleans. This person pretended to be an evacuee and was receiving financial aid cause of the storm. He was actually living near Tyler. What should happen to this person?

Bad company

2005-09-27T14:35:00.000-07:00

Be not deceived, bad company corrupts good morals." What is meant by bad company?

What would you take ......

2005-09-22T12:16:00.000-07:00

If you were forced to evacuate from your home, what one item would you take? (exclude clothes and pets?

Executing prisoners

2005-09-21T12:13:00.000-07:00

Since 1986, 326 people have been executed. Should Texas continue to execute prisoners?

Must serve your country

2005-09-20T12:18:00.000-07:00

Why should all 18 -20 yeal old young adults be obligated to serve their country for a year?

Under God

2005-09-19T14:40:00.000-07:00

Should the words "under God" remain in the pledge of allegiance?

the Pledge

2005-09-15T14:39:00.000-07:00

You are the judge, why did you say that the Pledge is unconstitutional?

Entitled to money cause of hurricane Katrinia?

2005-09-14T12:09:00.000-07:00

Should anyone be entitled to receive money from the government for damages to their homes cause of hurricane Katrinia?

Government vs. your use of the public library

2005-09-13T12:06:00.000-07:00

Should the government be allowed to view your use of the public library? (ex: books checked out, computer use)

returning material donations for cash

2005-09-12T12:04:00.000-07:00

Is it okay to take material donations and then exchange it for cash?

Whose to blame....?

2005-09-08T11:59:00.000-07:00

On the evacuation of the stranded evacues, should most of the blame be on the failure of a plan to evacuate all the citiizens before the hurrican or on the why it to took so long to evacuate after the flood?

Decides not to evacuate?

2005-09-07T11:57:00.000-07:00

The dad makes the decision NOT to evacuate his family. Does he make the right decision?

Use the military to force people to leave homes

2005-09-06T11:54:00.000-07:00

Explain your decision to use military to force people to evacuate their flooded homes.

Life Speak?

2005-09-02T09:31:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard the phrase "Let you life speak"? What do you think that means?