Obama and FDR

Barack Obama and FDR are similar in that they were both left with dismal situations in the United States and they both hoped to restore hope in America. George W. Bush was not a well-liked president, which is one of the reasons why Obama won the '08 election. Americans wanted change and a new leader, one that would restore hope and initiate change as well as moving away from the policies and ideas of Bush. This is similar to the situation with FDR; Hoover was president before FDR, and like Bush he was disliked by many Americans. When FDR ran for president and began discussing his New Deal, people were excited for a change. Obama and FDR are both presidents that were/are trying to improve our country's situation, hoping to change America's future for the better. I believe that Obama should emulate FDR, though both have different problems to deal with; Obama will be a strong and optimistic president, just like FDR.

Depression 2009: What would it look like?

From reading the article Depression 2009: What would it look like, I noticed that Drake Bennett stated that if we do go into a depression within the next year, it will not be as hard-hitting and as threatening as the depression which occurred in the 1930s. The likelihood of a depression occurring again, however, is not good. A depression, Bennett notes, is far off and remains far from inevitable. Still, many people are preparing for the worst and trying to guess what will happen if we do go into a depression. The fact is that as much as we may try to understand what it will be like, we will never truly know. What we do know is that the world policy makers have learned enough not to repeat the mistakes made in the 1930s. What may happen, however, is the slowing down of society and commerce as well as an increase in unemployment. The depression of 2009, if it does occur, will be less visible and more isolating.

To be a good patriot/American...

To be a good patriot/American, should we be willing to give up civil liberties in a time of war? Why or why not?

To be a good patriot or American, I don't think that it is right to give up civil liberties in a time of war. Our nation was built upon the idea of these liberties and freedoms. Just because we are in a war, it doesn't mean that we should throw out everything we believe in. Every person should be able to have civil liberties and should have freedom and as much privacy as they choose.

The Assassination of the Archduke

Archduke Francis Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated yesterday, June 28, 1914, at the hands of The Black Hand. Previous to his death, the Archduke's car was attacked when a grenade was thrown at his car. Those injured in this attack were sent to the hospital, with the Archduke and Archduchess close behind. On the way to the hospital, 19 year old Gavrilo Princip, a member of the Serbian terrorist group The Black Hand, found his opportunity: he approached and shot not only the Archduke, but also the Archduchess. Both died before being able to recieve the proper medical attention.

Archduke Francis Ferdinand was aware of the growing tension in Bosnia, but refused to be swayed in his decision to travel there. Only a mere day since his assassination, there has been a sudden uproar in Europe. This assassination is seeming to have dire consequences; though there had been no thought of a war previous to this event, war now seems to be inevitable. Alliances are being formed and sides are being taken at this very moment.

Quote Assignment

"Take responsibility for yourself because no one's going to take responsibility for you."
-Tyra Banks

This quote means that you must take responsibility for yourself and for your actions, because no one else will take responsibility for you.
I appreciate this quote because I find it to be true. You shouldn't think that others will take responsibility for your actions. It's when you take responsibility for yourself that you are mature.

The Maine Destroyed! Is Spain to Blame?

On February 15, a terrible and unprovoked crime was committed on the United States, showing that a war is desperately needed. Innocently sitting in the Havana harbor, the U.S.S. Maine was ripped apart by an explosion, killing over 250 Americans. This loss came as a shock to all of America. Who could have destroyed the Maine?

Spain has been mistreating Cuba for far too long, and the people are finally tired of being bullied and abused. Searching for any sort of help, the Cubans turned to America for help. Knowing this, Spain would not allow American involvement in the situation; in hope of scaring off the U.S., and any other country that sympathizes with the Cuban people, they placed explosives in the Maine.

How long will the United States government remain indifferent on a problem that is not only affecting the Cuban population but that is now affecting our welfare? How long will the United States sit back with such murder and mistreatment? We as Americans need to show Spain who they are dealing with, and that we will not be attacked. A war must be declared!