President Obama is leaving for a trip to Australia and Indonesia this month, and before he leaves he wants Congress to be close to voting on a final draft of the Health Care Bill. My question for you this week, is, will it happen?

The Health Care Bill has been a heated bone of contention between Democrats and Republicans in Congress ever since President Obama took office. During his campaign, Obama spoke often about the need for Health Care reform in America. You or a friend or loved one may know first hand that we need a change when it comes to heath insurance in America. Do you have health insurance? Can you go to the doctor whenever needed, or must you weight your health against your pocket book?

There are a lot of problems standing in the way of passage of the bill. This week, I'd like you to take a look at these problems and decide for yourself. Will the bill pass? You decide!

The Earthquake in Haiti

For a few weeks now, the world has been watching to see how Haiti will survive after a devastating earthquake shook the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. Almost immediatley, people from the United States and all across the world began planning recovery efforts. Thanks to technology, it is easier than ever to donate money to the cause. Did you or a family member donate $10 by sending a simple text message? That 10 bucks would be charged to your cell phone bill; convenient to pay, right?

It is amazing to see how the world bonds through disaster! I am watching The Grammy Awards right now, and all the presenters are wearing red crosses on their beautiful gowns and tuxedos. No one has pointed out that these crosses represent unity and support for the Hatian victims, but that is what I am assuming. Have you viewed similar displays of support? Have you seen former Presidents Clinton and Bush and also First Lady Obama appealing to television viewers for financial help?

This week, I'd like you to learn about the great people of Haiti and the recovery mission. Human kind has the power to open hearts and pour out a whole bunch of love when we are at our best. Have you ever stopped to think, why does it take a natural disaster for millions of people to be motivated to help? Could this be a blessing in disguise for Haiti? Will the nation's resources, government, education, and economy be stronger after this monumental disaster? What do you think?

Bonuses and Bailouts - Do Banks Owe the Country?

In 2007 and 2008, when the whole country was sitting on the edge of their seats waiting to learn if the bottom would fall out and the economy would tank like it did in the "Great Depression," our government decided to loan over $350 billion to banks. This money was used to keep the banks from defaulting on their assets, which would have ultimately hurt practically every American who owned a home or had a credit card or invested money in the stock market, not to mention small and big businesses, for which we work and make our incomes.

This was called the Troubled Assests Relief Program (TARP), and while it did help our economy and has lead to what may be a recovery (a very slow one, that will not result in the good economic times we have been used to prior to the mortgage crisis), there have been problems with the program, just like any other government run program in history.

This week, I'd like you to learn about this program and why it has effected you and your family. The big issue people are talking about right now are those pesky end of year bonuses. Should banks be allowed to pay a high-ranking executive $700,000+ for a year of "good" work, when normal people like us are still unable to get a loan for a new home or when these companies are jacking up credit card percentage rates to make more money off us? Does the government have the right to intervene and tell these companies not to fork over hundreds of thousands, in some cases millions, of dollars to executives for their efforts (?) within the banking industry? Hmmm, if you ask me, teachers should be receiving bonuses like that! :0)

So, this week, read about those bonuses, what President Barrack Obama is doing to ease tension between Americans and large banks, and develop your own opinion concerning this issue. Since we (the tax payers) bailed out these banks just over a year ago, do they owe us? Should large corporate banks be reinvesting these funds, and thus allowing more money to be available to small businesses and individuals who would like to buy a home but are unable to get a loan due to poor decision making a few years ago by the banking industry? You decide!

Health Care Bill - Do Some Research and Form an Opinion

In case you are completely oblivious to what is happening in politics these past few months, you should probably begin to research the health care bill being debated right now in Congress! I know what you will say, Mrs. Williams, I'm only 16/17/18 years old, I don't care anything about this health care bill. BUT WAIT! Did you know that, in just a few years, you will be a working American citizen who will be concerned about insurance? Do not be ignorant to your future! The discussions going on right now in Congress WILL EFFECT YOU sooner or later!

So, what should I do, you ask? Read about all that is taking place in Congress and form an opinion. Knowledge is power and it will help you understand this very complex issue. I have compiled a list of websites, articles, and news clips for you to review. Take some time and look over everything I have posted on the classroom web page under Section Pages - click on Weekly Extra Credit Blogging. Step outside the box and look up an article or two on your own, there is a world full of information out there at the tip of your fingers - you must take the first step to access it all!

I want you to post a comment (but remember to get the maximum number of extra credit points you must post more than one comment!) describing your opinion about the health care bill. Do you support or oppose the new law? What concerns do you have? What are you happy about? What do you think of the different aspects of the bill? In order to answer these questions you must KNOW about what the bill will mean for Americans, which means you must do some research. So, read the sources I have posted onto the classroom web page and you will enlighten yourself!

I'm very excited to hear what you have to say about this complex but very important social issue effecting every single American today. As the week progresses, I will respond to your comments and add what I think. For the time being, you should get to work reading and learning, and get ready to post a comment that will dazzle and amaze us! Put on your thinking cap and share with us your opinion on the health care bill.....

Thanksgiving is here! What are your traditions? How do you practice this American holiday?

Well, this will be our first week participating in weekly extra credit blogging. Most weeks, you will be asked to read an article or watch a video clip online about some major event or issue effecting Americans. This week, we are going to take it easy and work through some of the technological ins and outs of blogging. Our topic for this week is THANKSGIVING!

I am VERY excited about this Thanksgiving because my family is staying here in Ohio. In the past we have traveled to either Georgia or Indiana to visit with family members. Ever since my sister and I have grown up and moved out of Mom and Dad's house, it is difficult to pack up and leave home during this busy time. I'm excited to spend a relaxing day at my parent's home playing games, watching movies, and, of course, eating lots and lots of food. It is MY job to make the PARTY POTATOES, which I have affectionately dubbed "Heart Attack In A Pan." (If you want the recipe, I can give it to you!) Honestly, though, I am most looking forward to shopping on BLACK FRIDAY! This is an "American Tradition" I haven't had the opportunity to take part in because of our traveling schedule in the past. I truly am looking forward to getting up really early in the morning, putting on my sweats, and shopping until I collapse.

This time of the year seems to kick off the holiday spirit in many of us. I'm anxious to know what your Thanksgiving traditions are with your family and friends. Are you like me... you really dislike Thanksgiving food so your mom makes special dishes just for you!?! Or are you like most Americans who could eat turkey and stuffing for the rest of your life!?! Add a post to share with your classmates (and Mr. Zeller and I!) what Thanksgiving is like for you. Do you look forward to it, or is it just another "Hallmark Holiday?" Have fun with our first extra credit blogging topic!