Example: OJ gets away with it, again!

Our justice system can be flawed, but it is the best we have.  The overwhelming majority of Americans think OJ Simpson was guilty, but the justice system played out to the best of its abilities.  My primary issue now is that OJ is being paid millions of dollars to write a book called "If I Did It", in which he 'hypothetically' details how he would have murdered the 2 victims, including his ex-wife.  This is pathetic.  How can anyone who rooted for OJ, anyone who wants to see African-American children achieve more success as adults, be happy for a man who is basically waving his "I got away with murder" sign?  How in God's name is OJ Simpson a role model for African-American youth??  (Post-note:  The money paid by the book publisher to Simpson has since been given by the courts to the families of the victims in the original murder case.)

OJ and Minority Rights (EXAMPLE!!!)

The victory of Mr. Simpson and his legal team was not only a win for minority rights, but it also helped pave the way for the historic election of Barack Obama as President of the United States! For hundreds of years, African Americans had been mastered under the whips of not just slave owners, but also under the whips of America's legal system. Johnny Cochran, the African-American lawyer who lead OJ's defense, boldly took the reins of a case that was about so much more than murder. At stake was a minority's right to a fair trial. The fact that doubt existed in the prosecution's case, and that the jury did not look past this in what was "The Court Case of a Lifetime", helped ensure the protection of minority rights for generations to come. President Obama's 14th Amendment rights of Due Process and Equal Protection were further enhanced as a result of this case, despite 200 previous years of discrimination, racism, and law-breaking.

GEOGRAPHY BLOG ASSN: OJ Simpson and Race

Based on your readings, video, and class discussion, you need to explain whether or not you agree that the OJ Simpson murder case has helped advance minority rights in the United States. In one paragraph, post your argument.

This assignment is due by 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 27.

GEOG ASSIGNMENT: The EU and Basque Separatism

On the border of Spain and France lay the Pyrenees Mountains.  In these mountains, in what is technically either French or Spanish territory, reside a group of 3 million people called the Basque.  These people have a unique, 1000-year-old culture (which includes their own language and customs) that is one of the oldest known cultures in all European history.  The countries of France and Spain have both allowed limited autonomy for the so-called 'Basque Country", including its own police force and local forms of government.  Over the last 50 years, however, the territory has seen a huge increase in the numbers of non-Basque migrants moving there for work, and both the Spanish and French governments have established policies that significantly limit the use of the Basque language in Basque Country schools, websites, televised events, and government publications.  Certain Basque Nationalists (or, separatists) would like complete independence for their homeland.

In a paragraph, based on your lessons about what the European Union stands for, argue what you believe the EU should do about the Basque Nationalist cries for an independent, separate Basque country. Keep in mind that both France and Spain are full members in the EU.  Based on what the European Union stands for, where do the other EU countries' responsibilities lie:  with the Basque people, or with the central governments of France and Spain?

Also, post a paragraph-long comment on another student's entry explaining why you disagree with his or her argument.  Defend your disagreement by explaining your position on a similar case regarding separatism in American history:  where did the federal government of America's responsibilities rest in this comparative case?  (Examples includes Native Americans, Black Nationalists, the Confederate States in the Civil War, etc.)

This assignment is due by Mon., Feb. 24 at 8:15 a.m..

The Grievance Industry

Post a paragraph-long entry explaining whether or not you believe today's grievance industry (civil rights movement and lawyers, the entertainment industry, the news media, minority politicians, etc.) is positive or negative for protecting and advancing minority rights in America.

Also, post a paragraph-long comment where you critique another student's views on this.

This assignment is due by 8:15 on Thursday, January 23.