Blog Post #3 - Now This is Something New (Old)...

And I thought we had seen the end of Plessy v. Ferguson's influence.

Riddle me this: is segregation considered segregation when it's voluntary?

I find this one a little fascinating, myself.

Read the story HERE and respond with your views.

What is the issue here? Bearing in mind, if you recall from history class, the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, is this a return to the old times? Or is this something else?

What does this say about other cases? Is it wrong for private institutions, such as The Citadel, to attempt to deny women the right to enter? (They lost that case). What about the Augusta National Golf Club denying entrance to women? Or is it different if it is race, and not gender? Can a person voluntarily segregate themselves from the rest of society if they choose? Why or why not?

Answers in 300-500 words, please.

MP

P.S. Since my name has become synonymous with "Late Blog Posting", this little baby is due on WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2011, when we won't have class anyway. So, good luck with that...MP

Blog Post #2: Freedom of Speech? Or Inciting Terror? Part One

I am not a huge fan of this, but recent events in Tucson, AZ have pulled everyone into this country into the talk about "inciting speech". The Left has been accusing The Right of making incendiary comments. The Right has been counter-accusing The Left of attempting to shut off speech that does not comply with "The Big Government Regime" (all emphasis mine).

Regardless of how you feel about this topic, I think it is having a major effect on the idea of freedom of speech as currently understood in this country.

Check out this article here, posted last week on The Agonist. Critically analyze this argument. Who's making it? What side of the political fence are they? How does this relate to what happened in Tucson, Arizona? Is this a way to corral free speech? Or is this a way to control dangerous potential threats to the country? Does this blog fit the idea of Mature Reasoning we'll discuss in today's class? Why or why not?

This is the first part of a set of ideas, as we hit this from different sides.

As for the picture, I found it funny how both political parties could use this picture (the Democrats from 2001-2008; the Republicans from 2009 to now). It's the ultimate bipartisan picture. picture found on samsonblinded.org

MP

Blog Post #1 - Better Late Than Never

All right, I missed the boat on the blog for the first week. So, we'll catch up.

Since Monday is MLK day, we'll say this blog is due on TUESDAY, JAN 18 -- that's 4 days from now. And Week 2's blog will be up on Monday, so that will catch us up.

Since we're all waiting for the textbook to come in from Amazon, I've got this assignment, which we can start today and have ready by TUESDAY, JAN 18.

Click this link here to read this article. Be sure to read all of this article...it's a little bit longer.

Be prepared to discuss this information in class as well on Wednesday. There will probably be an in-class writing assignment on Wednesday, to get us all loosened up -- and we're going to talk about the near future in a few seconds, soon as I finish typing this...

MP

Welcome to the Class Blog!

All right, here's how it goes:

Each week, I'll put in a blog post posing a question or referencing some of the reading we've done. Each student responds at least once to the post, answering the question, responding to it, riffing off it, et cetera. Pretty simple.

To set you up on the blog, I will need the email address that you wish to use. If you have a Blogger account, you can use that, or create a new one if you like. Your reply to the blog can be done as a comment to the original post. If you create a new post, please put your name and the date of the post in the title, so I may be able to track these better.

Remember, each week you're responsible for 300 words on the topic at hand. Don't stretch, or try to fill -- if you give the topic proper thought, one page should not be a problem at all.

You will also see other posts and the occasional Powerpoint or video up here to give you something to think about/read/understand/see, etc.

GROUND RULES FOR POSTING:

-- No flames. The most annoying thing in the world can be "Pajama People".
-- No personal attacks. That would be BAD.
-- I don't need to reiterate that hate language won't be tolerated, but I will.
-- When making an argument, be respectful and state your position. Since this class is about learning how to make an argument, NOT how to argue, I expect civility and respect for posters at all times. Marquess of Queensberry rules, please.
-- This is an academic forum. Remember that your words are visible to other people in the world. Be yourself, keep more or less on topic, and do not be afraid to speak your mind.
-- Finally (and this may seem contrary to the above rules sometimes), feel free to state your position if I ask for it. We're going to speak about some topics that may not make everyone comfortable -- I understand that. Part of participating is learning to move a little bit outside your comfort zone. Don't be afraid. Or, be afraid, and do it anyway. Courage is nothing more than holding off fear for one more moment.

That finished...welcome to the class, everyone.

- MP