Colombian Stereotypes

The problems of Colombia´s past still contribute to a present perception of the country that may not be totally acurate. Despite being one the fastest growing economies in the world, with one of the strongest middle classes in South America, many North Americans and Europeans continue to avoid investment and travel in Colombia. On top of it´s rapid economic growth, Colombia has one of the highest literacy rates in the Americas topping Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Venezuela, and even China!
In addition to being one of the largest trading partners with the United States, Colombia still is lagging behind in foreign investment and international travel. Past violence and political instability have directly contributed to the West´s current perception of Colombia.

You will now use this blog as a forum to dispell (get rid of, repudiate, cancel) current stereotypes or misconceptions of your country. Students in Boulder, Colorado will be reading and commenting on your blog posts. Keep in mind, Most of these American students will have a very limited knowledge of Colombia, and especially Manizales!

Your Blog Response Must:
-address misconceptions/stereotypes about Colombia (what do you want people of other countries to know about Colombia?)
-discuss where these stereotypes come from
- In YOUR opinion, do you think Colombia is safe for foreign investment and travel
-At least two paragraphs

Should There Be More Restrictions For Gun Owners?

The 2nd Amendment clearly states,

"A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed"

After the Supreme Court overturned Washington DC's ban on handguns, guns rights advocates are looking to repeal the City of Chicago's ban on handguns as well. Although the 2nd Amendment states that our right to own weapons shall not be limited, some citizens feel that there should be some "reasonable" restrictions for gun ownership. Please read the attached Newsweek article about the possible gun ban in Chicago and respond to the following question(s).

Should American citizens have the right to unrestricted gun ownership or should the government place restrictions on certain types of weapons?

http://www.newsweek.com/id/234185

Undocumented Students and College

A recent study has placed the number of undocumented residents of the United States at around 12-14 million. All of these individuals have come to the United States for different reasons and under different circumstances. Presently in Colorado and the United States as a whole, undocumented high school students cannot attend colleges and university because they are denied in-state tuition and very often cannot afford to pay out of state tuition. The current controversy surrounding this debate is whether individual state and the federal government should allow undocumented high school students who have the necessary grades and test scores to receive in-state college tuition.

The DREAM Act, which has been voted down twice, is a piece of legislation that would allow in state tuition for undocumented students. Moreover, this act would provide a "path to citizenship" for undocumented students who would otherwise have to leave the country for 10 years before they could apply for citizenship. Opponents of this bill argue that we should not reward illegal immigration and this law would provide the motivation for more illegal immigration in the future. Proponents of the DREAM Act maintain that often times it is not the fault of the student that they are here in the United States and should not be penalized for their parents "crimes". What do you think? Should undocumented students be given in-state tuition in Colorado?

Points to consider in your response:

-Where is the money coming from?

-Should undocumented students be required to pay state taxes as well?

-how would that look?

-Does granting in-state tuition reward illegal immigration?

-Should these students be punished for their parents actions?

-How can these students ever become citizens?

Dream Act

reformimmigrationforamerica.org

"RIFA"

Supreme Court in Action: First amendment

The Supreme Court often hears cases that illicit strong opinions on each side. Often times, the court is asked to hear cases that are ruled on by one of the federal Appellate Courts. The most recent case that has stirred controversy is the case involving members of the Westboro Baptist Church protesting at fallen soldiers funerals. Please read the following article on the extent of first amendment rights and answer the following question. Should Americans freedom of speech and expression extend to protesting at soldiers' funerals? Is this going to far or do these extremists have the right to say what they choose at these service funerals?

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/09/us/09scotus.html?scp=1&sq=westboro%20baptist%20church&st=cse

Health Care Debate

The debate about health care reform has created a political divide between Democrats and republicans that we haven't seen in years. The central argument for Democrats is that there is never a good time to reform health care and that despite our struggling economy we need to act fast. Republicans then counter by saying that more government involvement in health care and private enterprise is not only unnecessary but hurtful to our economy. Please read the New York Times article (attached link below) and respond to the following question. Should the Obama Administration and Democrats continue to push forward with Health Care reform? Does this economy allow for proper and lasting reform? Does health care even need reforming in the first place?


http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/09/health/policy/09health.html?scp=2&sq=health%20care%20bill&st=cse

There has been much debate about the substance of the Pledge of Alliegiance. The phrase "under God" has been challenged at the state and federal levels due to its religious connotations and possible violation of the separation of church and state. Do you think that our pledge violates the Constitutions' First Amendment that states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.."?
Moreover, do you think that students in public schools should be required to hear the pledge if it violates their beliefs? Should the pledge be changed or should it stay as it is?
"But even in times of peace, Americans have grown accustomed to invoking God?s name in everything from the motto on their currency ("In God we trust") to the saying at the start of every Supreme Court session ("God save the United States and this honorable Court"). Yet while the word God has become omnipresent in the nation?s ceremonial language, it should be noted that when the Founding Fathers were crafting the Constitution, the blueprint for a bold new nation, they left it out. " Nadya Labi

State of Nature: Haiti

After the devastating earthquake in Haiti, the UN estimates the death toll above 200,000. Unfortunately, the situation has degraded to the point where, in some cases, there is an absence of government and police enforcement. The media has depicted incidents of violence, looting, and crime that have arisen in the aftermath of this devastation. However, there are also stories of heroism and bravery from average people trying to help out their friends and fellow citizens.

After our discussion of human nature and the Locke v Hobbes debate, we are now seeing a situation in which there is an absence of government in Haiti. The question now remains: In the absence of government, is human nature naturally selfish, greedy, and corrupt ?(Hobbesian View) Or is human nature naturally innocent or benevolent? (Locke) From reading the article below and what you have seen in the aftermath of the Haiti Earthquake please support Locke or Hobbes' view of human nature.

http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20100119/OPINION01/1190308/1038/OPINION01