Politically Correct?

More and more we hear greetings this time of year expressed as "Happy Holidays" rather than "Merry Christmas." Because of that, we hear more and more dissatisfaction in private conversation over the use of this politically correct, generic greeting.

Are we becoming too polically correct in today's society?

Read the following article and write a thoughtful response.
http://theintermountain.com/page/content.detail/id/539318/Can-we-be-politically-correct-an---.html

L.I.Serial Killer?

Recently, four bodies have been found murdered and dumped on Long Island. Could we have a serial killer in our midst?

Read and reflect on the following article.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40656155/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/

Money Changes Everything

When every dollar counts, parents are having to say no…when all they've ever said is yes. Has your outlook/habits with regards to money changed in this country's economic decline?
In this troubling economic time, is it important for parents to discuss their finances with their children? Should children know how much money their parents make?
How has the recent decline in the economy affected your outlook on your future?
job prospects?

Free Speech or Espionage?

WikiLeaks has published thousands of pages of classified U.S. intelligence. This non-profit website publishes and comments on leaked documents that allege government and corporate misconduct. Some defend it saying that it protects whistle-blowers, journalists and activists. Critics have charged that it recklessly endangers national security. The online organization's actions have ignited fierce debate over whether the First Amendment's free speech rights will keep its members and its founder, Julian Assange, safe from prosecution. Is this free speech or simply espionage?

Read all (3) articles and write a thoughtful response.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/12/01/sweden.interpol.assange/index.html?hpt=T2

http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/12/01/wikileaks.toobin/index.html?hpt=T2

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/12/01/sweden.interpol.assange/index.html?hpt=T2

Opt Out Day

After much recent controversy over heightened airport security measures, people across the country are calling for all airport travelers to "opt out" of the new full body scanning procedures and for the "pat down" method in its place. On the busiest weekend of the year for traveling, people are hoping to draw attention to this issue if enough people refuse to walk through full body scanners. Should this technology be further investigated before we put into place? What are the health ramifications of the radiation, privacy issues, etc.? Is this really necessary for safety against terrorism? How invasive is the alternative "pat down" method?
Explain your concerns or ideas on this issue.


Please read the following article and write a thoughtful response.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/11/24/national.opt.out.day/index.html?hpt=T1

To Friend or Not To Friend

How has technology (ie. tweeting, facebook, texting, etc.) changed our personal connections with others? for the better? for the worse?
Read the following article and write a thoughtful response.

http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/12/tweets-texts-and-facebook-cost-young-people-true-friendships-s/?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-w%7Cdl5%7Csec3_lnk3%7C183899

Thrill Kill

Is man inherently evil or are evil men created?
Read the following article and watch the footage on CNN to reflect on it thoughtfully.

http://www.aolnews.com/crime/article/nh-teen-steven-spader-gets-life-in-prison-for-machete-murder-of-kimberly-cates/19710009