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!