Eminent Domain: What do you think?

I hope you all enjoyed the lesson on eminent domain. I think you all learned quite a bit, and hopefully you've already gone home and shared with your families what you've learned about this important issue. I hope that understand that anyone can be affected by this government "tool." Now I want you to sound off – I want to know what you think. Here's a little something to get you started:

"This is America. This is a country with free enterprise. You have all the rights to own your property, your own home, your own business. You have the right to build your American dream."

"The use of eminent domain is a delicate tool, but it is a tool and it helps keep a community clean; it helps keep a community vibrant. It's a good tool and, definitely, I don't think it should be taken away."

These are quotes by two of the people interviewed in the film Unintended Consequences: Eminent Domain. Use them to get your thoughts rolling. Does eminent domain have a role to play in our communities? What should government do to protect private property rights? What can we do as citizens to ensure that these rights are protected? I don't expect you to answer the questions directly (but you may as part of your thought process). These questions are intended to help you think about the issue.

This will be an open forum, which means your comments should post immediately. Do not copy the thoughts of those that post before you, but you can certainly work off of them. That means that you can comment on a comment – you can disagree, agree, or just comment on someone else's thoughts – but give me your ideas.

Your comments must be posted by Friday, November 30.

Globalization: What is it and why is it important?

Update – Wednesday Afternoon
I’m sorry that missed you all again today, but I found out on my way to school this morning that my baby daughter would be released from the hospital today to come home. I will see you tomorrow. As you learned in class today, I am extending the blog deadline until Friday morning at 9:30 am. Make sure you read the next paragraph before beginning your assignment.

Most that have commented have done a pretty good job. However, some have missed the point that I made about writing a short essay response. In other words – 2 or 3 sentences just does not get it. Exercise your brains and give me some great comments. This is not a completion exercise. I am looking for evidence of real thought. Every one of you has the ability to do quality work, but ability is worth nothing unless it’s put to use.


Beginning of Post

On Monday, you were assigned pages 101-106 to read as classwork - Time Reports: Our Shrinking World.

Combine what you learned from the Time Reports section with topics we have discussed in class concerning globalization - things such as cultural diffusion, emigration, and the movement of jobs and industries to other countries (Chapter 3 will be helpful here). After analyzing all of this information, write a thoughtful comment that addresses the following questions. Please do not feel that you are limited to just these questions. You can also include any well thought out ideas of your own.

1. What is globalization?
2. What are some of the benefits of globalization, for both Americans and non-Americans?
3. Is globalization good for everyone? If not, who suffers in a globalized world?
4. What are some of the things that young people today will have to do to prepare for life in a globalized world?

Very Important:
Your comment should consist of a well-written mini-essay. IM slang or abbreviations will not be accepted. Be careful to use proper grammar, correct spelling, and academic language.

Your comments must be posted by 9:30 am, on Thursday, November 8. Late comments will earn no more than half credit.

Do not hesitate to research the topic further. There is much information available online dealing with globalization. Try a Google or Yahoo search.