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Friday, January 23
It is traditional for the outgoing president to leave a note in the Oval Office for the new president. Former White House press secretary Dana Perino said that former President George Bush’s note to President Barack Obama was "similar to what he’s said since election night about the fabulous new chapter [President] Obama is about to start, and that he wishes him the very best." Write a note that you think would have been appropriate for Bush to give to Obama. Make the first part of your note personal, but in the second, share some wisdom about two current events. Consult
Thursday, January 22
President Barack Obama has promised to restore citizens’ trust in government by making the government more transparent. That means letting the public know exactly how its money is being spent and disclosing any influence that lobbyists have on the legislation that goes through Congress. Transparency also means being honest and up front with the people in all affairs. After all, that’s what democracy is about — a government of the people, by the people and for the people.
Now, think about communist countries like China and North Korea where there is no government transparency. The people know little about their leaders and have no say in government policies. News is censored so that citizens only hear pro-government information. For a moment, imagine that America was a communist country. Skim the news section of USA TODAY and find five pieces of information that the government would surely censor. Then, choose one piece of information from your list and decide what the consequences would be if citizens didn’t know about it. Share your example with peers.
Finally, think about the opposite of strict government censorship: total transparency. As a class, decide whether or not all information about a government should be available for public consumption. If you were President Obama, is there anything you would keep from the American people? Explain.
Wednesday, January 21
In his Inaugural Address on Tuesday, President Barack Obama quoted George Washington, who said, during the darkest hour of the American Revolution: "Let it be told to the future world…that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive … that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]." Obama then encouraged Americans to remain determined during the difficult times the country is currently experiencing. He stated: "Let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children’s children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God’s grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations. "
Choose a historical figure whom you admire, and using the Internet, find an inspiring quotation from the person. Select a statement, as Obama did, that applies to current times. Then, in writing, explain why the quotation you selected still rings true today. Use examples from the newspaper to support your explanation.
Tuesday, January 20
In his "I Have a Dream" speech delivered on Aug. 28, 1963, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. said, "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." As you reflect on President Barack Obama’s historic election and listen to his Inaugural Address, think about King’s dream and decide whether or not you believe it has been realized. As you write your answer, include at least two quotes or references from Obama’s speech and/or today’s newspaper.
Monday, January 19
Businessman and entrepreneur Earl Stafford has created and helped fund the People’s Inaugural Project — an effort to bring 400 disadvantaged citizens from 22 states to the inauguration. Not only will those chosen by the project get to see the Inaugural Parade and enjoy two Inaugural Balls, they will also attend seminars on budgeting, life and work skills and health care. The idea is to send participants home with support networks in place. Stafford says, "People are hurting, and no one is bailing out the people. We must become our brothers’ keepers, indeed."
With a partner, skim stories in USA TODAY that show how people, either in America or abroad, are hurting. Next, in writing, describe three situations that are adversely affecting individuals. Then, decide how the government, businesses and private citizens could help improve each situation. Explain your suggestions in writing.
Friday, January 16
According to the cover story in today’s USA TODAY, a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll shows that Americans’ expectations for President-elect Barack Obama are extraordinarily high. Most of those surveyed believe that Obama will be able to make good on 10 of his big campaign promises, including ensuring that all children have health insurance and increasing production of alternative energy. Because so many Americans are behind Obama, he has accrued "political capital" — the power to get things done. Friends, reputation and the support of the people and the government can all give a person political capital. Look through today’s newspaper and find several examples of Obama’s political capital. Then, as a class, discuss how valuable political capital is. How do you spend political capital? What challenges could Obama face that political capital would not help him overcome?
Thursday, January 15
Read the Forum piece entitled "Great expectations" on Page 9 of USA TODAY. Why does columnist Sandy Grady compare Barack Obama to escape artist Harry Houdini? What tasks will Obama face immediately upon entering office? Why are the country’s expectations for the new president so high? Do you agree that the media is trivializing the president-to-be? If so, how? If not, explain.
Imagine that you could have a two-minute interview with the President-elect. Write down two pieces of advice that you would give him and two questions that you would ask. Share your best question or piece of wisdom with the class. As a class, choose one question and discuss how you think Obama would answer it.
Wednesday, January 14
Marketers are thrilled by the enthusiasm for the upcoming presidential inauguration and many are trying to capitalize on it. Home goods manufacturer IKEA constructed an Oval Office using IKEA products inside Union Station in Washington DC. Dunkin’ Donuts has come out with "Stars & Stripes" donuts that it will sell from Jan.17 through Jan. 23. Walt Guarino, professor of advertising at Seton Hall University, says, "If it’s done well and done tastefully and people understand there’s a reason, whether it’s to complement the event, have fun or add spirit, then it’s the right thing. The minute it crosses that line of good taste . . . people will [react to] it negatively."
With a partner, select an advertiser mentioned in today’s USA TODAY and develop a way that it could tastefully capitalize on the inauguration. As a class, evaluate each pair’s idea and determine which one would be the biggest hit with consumers.
Tuesday, January 13
In his press conference on Monday, President Bush called President-elect Obama a "smart, engaging person" and said, "There’ll be a moment when the responsibility of the president lands squarely on his shoulders." As president, Obama will have many official responsibilities. As chief executive, he will carry out the laws developed by Congress and establish commissions and committees on pressing issues. He will sign and veto bills, recommend legislation and deliver an annual "State of the Union" address. He will also appoint judges and ambassadors and make treaties. As commander in chief, he will head the Armed Forces, protect U.S. citizens in foreign countries and decide whether or not to intervene in foreign conflicts. Look through the newspaper and find three actions that Bush or Obama is currently taking — at least one of which reflects an official responsibility. Briefly describe each action in writing. Then, order the actions on your list from most to least urgent. Explain your rationale.
Monday, January 12
An adage that many politicians cite says, "to govern is to choose." With a partner, scan the articles in today’s USA TODAY and list five significant choices that President-elect Barack Obama will have to make (e.g., whether to end the war in Iraq). Briefly describe the importance of each choice in writing. Then, adopt the role of Obama and imagine that due to circumstances beyond your control, you are only able to make two of the choices on your list. Explain which two choices you would make and how inaction on the other three would affect Americans and/or the world.