Nebraska Capitol Forum
Class Statements 2007
School: Boone Central High School - Albion
Class: American Government/Modern Problems
Teacher: Dan Zoucha
What specific international issues did your class discuss?
U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and The U.S.’s Role in a Changing World.
Are there issues that you agreed are important? If so, what are they?
Two issues we believe are important are:
a. Conflicts in the Middle East
b. U.S. Economic Stability
Did you agree that some issues are less important? If so, which ones?
We believe the issue of imposing U.S. values on other cultures to be least important.
Class Statement
We aim to balance U.S. interests with international needs.
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School: Greenwood High School - Ashland
Class: 12th Grade Government Class
Teacher: Mr. Brian Petermann
What specific international issues did your class discuss?
We addressed the issues of Nuclear Proliferation, Terrorism, Debt and the Trade Deficit, and the foreign policy of the United States throughout the world.
Are there issues that you agreed are important? If so, what are they?
The class was very concerned about the foreign policy that the United States conducts within the world. The class was worried about the future problems
that could arise because of our intervention throughout the world. Particularly in regards to how foreign intervention could make us more vulnerable in the United States, and how scarce resources are being diverted away from America.
Did you agree that some issues are less important? If so, which ones?
Many students did not believe that the United States should be conducting nation building in order to root out terror networks. So it would be the the issue of nation building that most students think is unimportant.
Class Statement
We believe that the United States should be more concerned with our homeland and what is best for our country. Intervening in foreign countries only wastes taxpayer’s money and breed’s resentment. The U.S. funded Al-Qaeda in the 1980s and now they are our enemy in the present war against terrorism. Pre-emptive attacks against nations that are perceived by the ‘US’ to be a threat causes more harm than good and only leads to the misuse of taxpayers money and unintended consequences. Often times our perception of a ‘potential threat’ is not shared by other countries. They usually don’t see our justification like we see it. This elimination of ‘potential’ threats by the United States can only breed world resentment and unnecessary death and disruption in the world. Currently we should finish our conflict in the Iraq War to prevent future terrorism upon the U.S. But we would try to maintain good relations with other countries and military bases that will benefit us. We don’t want to start anymore pre-emptive conflicts, but we must finish what we started.
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School: Bellevue West High School - Bellevue
Class: 21st Century World Studies
Teacher: Mrs. Robin Kratina
What specific international issues did your class discuss?
Immigration, Global Trade, Nuclear Proliferation, Terrorism, Genocide, Global Environment and the Iraq War.
Are there issues that you agreed are important? If so, what are they?
Of the issues we discussed in class, we agree there are natural groupings; we believe that if we address issues aggressively like, Trade, Global Environment and Terrorism then other issues such as Immigration, Nuclear Proliferation and Genocide will naturally benefit. For example, the idea that people respond to incentives; if everyone’s country was capable of sustaining a viable economy, and there were fewer economic inequities then people would not feel like they were displaced and powerless. That could lessen the incentives for leaving their country, genocidal acts against people, terrorist acts against people and possibly a decreased interest in having the most nuclear power. We believe there is something to the positive psychological effects tackling these issues would have, therefore making the other issues less threatening. Another example of a positive focus would be, if we all focus on Global Environmental issues, maybe we could improve farming, improve overall health and have positive effects on people’s lives, again increasing individual countries successes rather than generalized feelings of helplessness.
So generally, focus on the issues that can be approached in a positive way, improve trade, improve global environmental conditions, improve people’s overall standard of living and the other “negative” stuff will benefit.
Did you agree that some issues are less important? If so, which ones?
Following the same logic as above, we don’t feel the issues of Nuclear Proliferation or Immigration are “less important”, we just feel that a more proactive approach to issues that directly effect people’s daily life will have a greater impact and do more good in the long run.
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School: Cambridge High School - Cambridge
Class: American Government
Teacher: George Lytle
1) What specific international issues did your class discuss?
International Trade, Nuclear Proliferation, Immigration, Terrorism, Arab-Israeli relations, problems in the Middle East and globalization.
2) Are there issues that you agreed are important? If so, what are they?
We agreed that addressing national security and terrorism were inter-related issues. Our government must consider both problems in determining the basis for our domestic and foreign policies. We also agreed that immigration reform would need to be another basic component of creating domestic and foreign policies. We also agreed that globalization will be the driving force in the shaping of world events and the impact it will have on any foreign or domestic policies that will be developed by our government.
3) Did you agree that some issues are less important? If so, which ones?
We believe that all issues are somewhat equally important as they are often enmeshed with each other. However, national security, terrorism, and immigration received the most concern.
4) Class Statement
We believe that American must continue to take an active role in promoting the basic principles of freedom and democracy with a respect to the cultural differences that exist between the U.S. and other nations. Our government must also work to prevent future acts of terrorism directed at Americans or our allies by working with the international community in identifying the most serious threats to our common interests. America must also pursue an economic policy that promotes the growth of international trade in respect to a global economy in which political, geographical, and social barriers are removed.
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School: Chadron High School
Class: International Relations
Teacher: Keith Walton
What specific international issues did your class discuss?
The U.S. Role in a Changing World; the Middle East; Terrorism; U.S.-Chinese relations; immigration; genocide; trade
Are there issues that you agreed are important? If so, what are they?
Terrorism and immigration seemed to be most important. We believe they pose the most immediate challenges fro U.S. policy makers
Did you agree that some issues are less important? If so, which ones?
It is more difficult to see how the U.S. is threatened by an issue such as genocide in Darfur, for example. It is an important moral issue, but does not directly threaten our way of life in the U.S.
Class Statement
The students of International Relations believe that the best course of action is to protect U.S. global interests while building a more cooperative world. U.S. leaders are obligated to protect U.S. interests, but it is in our best interest to take an active role in the international community of nations. As the world’s only true superpower, the U.S. must use its power wisely to promote an agenda that most of the world can accept.
In the arena of human rights the U.S. must promote democratic values. We may be required to abandon some of our “get tough” policies against terror suspects in order to convince potential allies that we practice what we preach. In the area of trade, we recognize that free international markets offer the best hope for the nation, but we should take steps in two areas: one, we must provide safeguards for American workers from unfair foreign competition; second, we should work with other wealthy nations to explore ways to lessen the gap between the “have” and “have-not” nations. Another challenge is to create international agreements that will preserve the environment. We believe that environmental concerns must be factored into economic policies. Lastly, the U.S. in cooperation with other nations must work to stop further proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and work to prevent terrorists from acquiring WMDs.
The U.S. can lead the international community if it demonstrates sound judgment and makes wise use of its political, economic and moral strengths.
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School: Crofton Community School - Crofton
Class: American Government
Teacher: Bill Schroeder
What specific international issues did your class discuss?
Terrorism, Nuclear Weapons, Immigration, and Environment
Are there issues that you agreed are important? If so, what are they?
We believe that all of the issues are important.
Did you agree that some issues are less important? If so, which ones?
No, all issues are inextricably linked, and therefore effect us equally.
Class Statement
It is our belief that the United States has a responsibility to the rest of the world. As the lone superpower in the world today, it is our duty to address the following issues:
terrorism, immigration, nuclear proliferation, and the environment. All of these issues are intertwined and convoluted, and are therefore equally important.
As the main target of terrorists all over the world, the United States should and has taken the lead in the war on terror. We need to gain support from other countries to continue in our struggle with international terrorists.
The threat of nuclear weapons is a growing concern in the minds of many Americans. We need to focus our attention on keeping nuclear weapons out of the hands of terrorist groups and corrupt leaders. We can do this only with the help of other nations around the world.
The United States is the land of opportunity. It is not a problem for others to seek opportunity here if this is done legally, but too many people are coming here illegally. The U.S. cannot support over 500,000 illegal immigrants every year, and should not support them through our social programs. The United States needs to fix the illegal immigration problem before America collapses under the enormous economic weight of this burden.
Our environment is a vital aspect of life. To preserve it, we need to pursue alternative energy sources. This will reduce the effects of global climate change, our pollution rates as a country, and reduce our dependency on foreign oil. We should also continue to set aside and protect wildlife habitat across the country so that later generations can also enjoy the outdoors.
The United States is in a unique global political position. We need to use our power wisely, or risk losing it altogether. This class statement is from Crofton, Nebraska.
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School: Medicine Valley High School - Curtis
Class: Economics/Government
Teacher: Barry Mraz
1) What specific international issues did your class discuss?
Our class discussed globalization, immigration, the war on terror, AIDS, hunger, pollution, the greenhouse effect, international values, international viewpoints of American values and our system of government, the development and situation of the United Nations, nuclear weapons, the Cold War, the Iraq war, and the security of democracy throughout the world.
2) Are there issues that you agreed are important? If so, what are they?
All of these issues are important in our world today. It is especially important that youth become educated about them.
3) Did you agree that some issues are less important? If so, which ones?
While, they all play a significant part in international relations, there are some issues that are not as important. These include making a system of international values, international viewpoints of American values and our system of government, and the Cold War. These issues are not as urgent as the others our world faces.
4) Class Statement
The United States has a very challenging future ahead of it. It is the dominant power in the world today. It is up to us, as future leaders, to channel the right path in our policies. If we keep an open mind and a positive outlook, the future of the United States can be bright and effective. It is our responsibility to keep a balance of domestic and international growth, of homeland and global security. The United States donates more than any other nation to international HIV/AIDS programs and the World Food Program. We need to continue to work with these efforts and to be open-minded in our policies if we are to truly lead the world to a better place.
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Holdrege High School - Holdrege
Class: American Government
Teacher: Chad Bailey
1) What specific international issues did your class discuss?
Immigration, Environment, Nuclear Weapons, Terrorism and International Trade
2) Are there issues that you agreed are important? If so, what are they?
Right now in Nebraska we hear about Immigration reform and International Trade.
As oppose to national issues of Terrorism and Nuclear Weapons and the Environment.
3) Did you agree that some issues are less important? If so, which ones?
Our classes feel that all the issues are very important. The fact that we live in a very complex world, we as Americans need to work on all issues to help solve problems.
4) Class Statement
The Holdrege American Government classes feel that the United States needs to continue to work on issues to improve relations with other nations of the world but also focus on homeland issues. As a leader of nations, the United States needs to maintain influence in the world. How do we improve relations with other nations while maintaining our security? One solution is to work together as a nation and not be divided; we need to cooperate within the United States before we expect the rest of the world to cooperate. Secondly as a class we feel that our economy and trading must be strong and competitive with the rest of the world. Finally, steps need to be taken to finalize immigration plans and try to prevent terrorism.
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School: Howells Public School - Howells
Class: Sociology
Teacher: Scott Polacek
What specific international issues did your class discuss?
Immigration, global warming, nuclear weapons.
Are there issues that you agreed are important? If so, what are they?
Immigration. It greatly affects the economy.
Did you agree that some issues are less important? If so, which ones?
Yes, the environment and trade. We need to protect ourselves first.
Class Statement
We believe that we should improve our national security. First, we should stop the flow of illegal immigrants by securing our border and speeding up the process of naturalization. Next, our country needs nuclear weapons for deterrence, but we should limit the quantity. Finally, to protect against terrorism, we need to maintain adequate security and stop the trade of illegal weapons. The security of the nation is our foremost concern.
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School: Lincoln North Star HS - Lincoln
Class: AP World History
Teacher: Brian Burback
What specific international issues did your class discuss?
Iraq
Terrorism
Immigration
Environment
Trade
Are there issues that you agreed are important? If so, what are they?
Terrorism
America’s Economy
Immigration
Did you agree that some issues are less important? If so, which ones?
Environment
Class Statement
We feel that global terrorism and America’s economy are the major issues facing the United States today and that America’s role in the world today should be focused on dealing with these issues. When dealing with terrorism, America should work towards forming a collective world effort with shared responsibility and not be the main player. If the United States would cooperate more with the rest of the world, it would lead to less resentment and anger towards America. In the area of the economy, the United States should work to reduce our dependence on foreign imports while helping the middle class at home.
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School: Lynch High School - Lynch
Class: American and World History
Teacher: Mr. Hart
What specific international issues did your class discuss?
Terrorism, International Trade/Economics, Nuclear Weapons, Environmentalism, Immigration
Are there issues that you agreed are important? If so, what are they?
Students tended to focus on the issues currently in the news, immigration and terrorism.
Did you agree that some issues are less important? If so, which ones?
Students were less excited about discussions of international trade and economics
Class Statement
We, the students of Lynch High School, believe that the United States should be a leader in the world while continuing to protect citizens at home. In international affairs, the United States should remain committed to the ideals that have served us well for over two hundred years. Free trade, supporting democracy, and nonproliferation of weapons are important touchstones of U.S. international policy. On the home front, the United States must use its immense abilities to protect our borders, grow our economy, and improve our environment. These are not easy goals, but they serve the long-term interests of the nation.
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School: North Platte Public High School - North Platte
Class: AP American Government
Teacher: N. Dennis Fornander
What specific international issues did your class discuss?
Our class specifically discussed Immigration, environment, trade, nuclear
proliferation, and terrorism. We discussed what should be done and how we
are planning on achieving what we felt was right. We made it a point to
bring up all five issues so that we have an idea of how different people
felt and what their supporting reasons are.
Are there issues that you agreed are important? If so, what are they?
As an overall class, we have no specific problem that we all agreed on.
We all know that there needs to be actions taken about immigration and we
also need to come to a conclusion about nuclear proliferation, but there
is not one specific way to "solve" these problems.
Did you agree that some issues are less important? If so, which ones?
There is not a single issue that we found to be less important than
others. All of these issues need tended to soon, but there is not one
that has more importance than any of the others.
Class Statement
"It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a
question without debating it"
-Joseph Joubert
Immigration, environment, trade, nuclear proliferation, and terrorism are
five major issues that facing the world today. With controversial debates
on each topic, it makes it difficult to decide on a "perfect" solution.
Everyone seems to have their own way to "fix" our problems, but there
never seems to be two of the same idea...until now! Today's world sees
American as the overall "super villain." However, we believe that the
only way to make the world livable for all people is to find a super hero.
America is heroic, and is also super, so, contrary to what the world may
think, America is the super hero the world has been searching for.
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School: Millard West High School - Omaha
Class: Amnesty International Club
Teacher: Bragg
1) What specific international issues did your class discuss?
Immigration, stereotyping, violent crimes, AIDS, poverty, war crimes, oil, Darfur, and racism.
2) Are there issues that you agreed are important? If so, what are they?
Poverty, AIDS, and violent crimes because they hurt people and are sad.
3) Did you agree that some issues are less important? If so, which ones?
No, all the issues we decide to discuss or fund raise for are important to us.
4) Class Statement
The U.S. government should focus on maintaining the prosperity of the middle class. We need to save the American economy and workers. We believe that illegal immigration should come to a halt. No, violence should partake in the capture of present-day immigrants; rather they should make them pass the naturalization process. Deportation should occur if the individual fails the naturalization process or does not comply with authority. Terrorism is used to instill fear into the masses and needs to be stopped by the turn of the century.
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School: Omaha South - Omaha
Class: World History
Teacher: Stejskal
What specific international issues did your class discuss?
We discussed the war in Iraq and the issues of warfare on civilians.
Are there issues that you agreed are important? If so, what are they?
We have talked about terrorism and nuclear proliferation.
Did you agree that some issues are less important? If so, which ones?
It seems that the economy was not as important until a week ago
when the Chinese stock market started a downward spiral for the whole
world.
Class Statement
Our class has decided that the threat of terrorism is in the forefront
of most Americans' minds. We believe that protecting our own nation is more
important that trying to stop the insurgents in Iraq. We understand that the
environment and the economy is also affected by the war but we think that we should do
more within our own borders that sending more soldiers for the surge in Iraq.
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School: Platteview High School - Springfield
Class: American Government
Teacher: Mr. Comine
What specific international issues did your class discuss?
Our class discussed a wide variety of issues including: immigration, nuclear weapons, the environment and terrorism.
Are there issues that you agreed are important? If so, what are they?
We agreed that all of the issues were of the utmost importance. The two issues that we agreed were of the greatest concern are nuclear weapons and terrorism.
Did you agree that some issues are less important? If so, which ones?
The issues that seemed to take a back seat were immigration and the environment. We feel nuclear proliferation and terrorism are the more pressing issues.
Class Statement
The two greatest threats we face in today’s world are terrorism and nuclear weapons. Terrorism is the toughest enemy to fight due to the fact that they go into a mission with the intent of killing as many people as possible.
Nuclear technology if used correctly is incredibly beneficial. It is being used to create energy without producing harmful environmental gases. However, many third world countries are on the verge of harnessing this awesome source of power into weapons of mass destruction. Unfortunately, third world countries, especially in the Middle East, often house/harbor terrorists. If a terrorist were to obtain one of these nuclear weapons, the results could be devastating.
Albert Einstein described the potential of nuclear weapons best, "I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones." This is the future we face if things continue on their current path. Only with proper precautions and action can we control the threat of nuclear weapons, and only with an unrelenting determination can we defeat terrorism.
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School: Sterling High School - Sterling
Class: Senior High School
Teacher: Arlo Wusk
1) What specific international issues did your class discuss?
Immigration, Terrorism, Global Environment, Trade
2) Are there issues that you agreed are important? If so, what are they?
We believe that all issues we discussed are very important to the world today.
3) Did you agree that some issues are less important? If so, which ones?
No
4) Class Statement
We, the students of Sterling High School, feel that all the issues we discussed are equally important. These issues will affect our global society in the present and in the future. It is important to our environment that we discover the causes for global warming so that we can better manage the effects that society has on our world.
If our stand against terrorism is to become successful we need to unite with global organizations to help decrease terrorism. As it stands right now, fewer and fewer nations want to get involved in being our world’s police officers. The issue of terrorism also affects trade world wide. If we cannot peacefully interact with other nations in global trading ventures due to terror threats, the economic structure of the U.S. will be diminished. The issue of trade and global stock markets has been brutally reminded to us just in the past few weeks as markets overseas affect our stock market here in the U.S.
Illegal immigration has become a problem in our country and therefore we need to enforce the laws already in place to curtail this activity. However, illegal immigration is important due to our dependency on cheap labor. This is a difficult issue that has no easy solutions. All of these issues are inter-twined and will continue to be important to the future success of our global society.
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School: Stanton Community Schools - Stanton
Class: American History
Teacher: Mr. Patric Brechbill
What specific international issues did your class discuss?
Vietnam, Global Economics, Socialistic governments of Latin America- Chavez and Castro,
U.S. Immigration, Iraqi War, and Comparison of 12-7-41 and 9-11-01.
Are there issues that you agreed are important? If so, what are they?
Our class strongly objects to current immigration policies. After studying the quota system used in the 1920’s to restrict immigration, the class attitude was even further strengthened.
Did you agree that some issues are less important? If so, which ones?
The lessons on the Spanish American War and U.S. imperialism were not as successful when analyzing current conditions of Cuba and Venezuela.
Class Statement
Although a small class, we are dedicated to addressing global issues.
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School: Sterling High School
Class: Senior High School
Teacher: Arlo Wusk
What specific international issues did your class discuss?
Immigration, Terrorism, Global Environment, Trade
Are there issues that you agreed are important? If so, what are they?
We believe that all issues we discussed are very important to the world today.
Did you agree that some issues are less important? If so, which ones?
No
Class Statement
We, the students of Sterling High School feel that all the issues we discussed are equally important. These issues will affect our global society in the present and in the future. Is is important to our environment that we discover the causes for global warming so that we can better manage the effects that society has on our world.
If our stand against terrorism is to be come successful we need to unite with global organizations to help decrease Terrorism. As it stands right now, fewer and fewer nations want to get involved in being our world’s police officers. The issue of terrorism also affects trade worldwide. If we cannot peacefully interact with other nations in global trading ventures due to terror threats, the economic structure of the U.S. will be diminished. The issue of trade and global stock markets has been brutally reminded to us just in the past few weeks as markets overseas affect our stock market here in the U.S.
Illegal immigration has become a problem in our country and therefore we need to enforce the laws already in place to curtail this activity. However, illegal immigration I important due to our dependency on cheap labor. This is a difficult issue that has no easy solutions. All of these issues are inter-twined and will continue to be important to the future of our global society.
School: Sumner-Eddyville-Miller
Class: Junior English / Social Problems
Teacher: Mrs. Dee Thompson (Eng/speech) / Stephanie Shaw (Social Studies)
What specific international issues did your class discuss?
We discussed the integral nature of the topics in that each impacts another. For example, we discuss how a global effort to correct the ozone layer and other environmental problems could in turn affect trade by imposition of sanctions on certain offensive countries; or how imposing of sanctions on nuclear weapons stockpiling and building might also affect world trade and terrorism.
Are there issues that you agreed are important? If so, what are they?
We mostly agreed that the environment is possibly most important in that it might be the impetus to force change for all societies, especially industrial nations, to work together. We understand the reciprocal nature of protection of the environment and the concept of man’s inhumanity to man.
Did you agree that some issues are less important? If so, which ones?
We don’t understand how the problem of terrorism can be addressed or resolved at this time. But in short, all issues are equally pressing.
Class Statement
We, the students of Sumner-Eddyville-Miller, continue to seek a solution for cooperation among nations, first to solve the environmental issues though a solid, goal- intensive world organization; and next to move on to other issues regarding trade, immigration, and nuclear proliferation. We understand the integral nature of all of the issues wish for our leaders to work toward peaceable, cooperative solutions vs. force and pressure for world democracy.
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Superior High School - Superior
Class: Leadership and Human Relations
Teacher: Mr. Dave Barnard
What specific international issues did your class discuss?
Immigration and Global Trade – Key agricultural current issues on all levels.
Are there issues that you agreed are important? If so, what are they?
The class agreed that on a local, state, and national level immigration, global trade, and environmental issues were very important to our nation’s agriculture economy and well-being. Agriculture is still a key to a positive balance of trade, environmental concerns, and illegal job sources by non-citizens.
Did you agree that some issues are less important? If so, which ones?
The reduction of nuclear arms was less important to the class because there is not a lot the U.S. can do but talk about the issue. Sanctions on other countries seem to hurt our trade interests as much as the other party. We can not enforce stiff measures unless we want to be involved with another war. (Iran, North Korea)
Class Statement
The students of Superior High School believe factual knowledge is the first step in creating an attitude of cooperation to promote local, state, national, and global well-being for present and future generations.
- This is why programs like Capitol Forum are important.
- This is why sharing of thoughts is necessary.
- This is why youth leadership development is essential!
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School: Centennial Public Schools - Utica
Class: 11th
Teacher: Trent Goldsmith
What specific international issues did your class discuss?
a. Immigration—should we really close our borders? What other choices do we have?
b. Trade—who should we trade with? How much should we trade? Will it benefit our economy? What about American jobs? American industries? Sweatshops?
c. Nuclear Weapons—Do other countries really have nuclear weapons…if so, what are we going to do to contain them? Why can we have this capability and others not?
d. Terrorism—how do we defend our borders? Will terrorism ever end? Why are we so afraid of terrorism—the chances are so minute?
Are there issues that you agreed are important? If so, what are they?
a. Terrorism—it has come to our homeland and is being dealt with by our own brothers and sisters (in the military). When family is involved and they are dying, then it becomes a very big issue.
b. Trade—our economy thrives through trade with other counties. Increasing trade could either help or hurt our economy. How can we convince Americans that trade is a good thing over all? When someone loses a job, how can we say that that is good?
Did you agree that some issues are less important? If so, which ones?
a. Nuclear Weapons: we think developing countries have weapons of mass destruction, but aren’t very worried. Every time we search for such weapons (the US), minimal signs show up. These countries seem to be unstable, but we seem to be able to control them. Maybe the issue should be “non-countries” that can get their hands on them (militant groups)
b. Immigration: many immigrants come to our country and do the jobs that many native born Americans do not want to do. Most of the immigrants are taking the proper steps to become citizens. And their work actually helps our GDP.
Class Statement: US: something that everyone needs—really! Arrogance? Probably. Realistic? Yes. We are the world’s police (and many countries like that despite what many think), the US dollar is the currency that most countries want. We are the main consumer of world resources (trade). Many countries would suffer without our support in the military, in political issues, and economically. No one likes “number 1”…but when push comes to shove, many rely on us. For better or worse, it is a fact.
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Valentine High School
Class: Sociology
Teacher: Mr. Roy T. Ferris
What specific international issues did your class discuss?
We discussed all four topics, Terrorism, Trade, Global Environment, and Immigration.
Are there issues that you agreed are important? If so, what are they?
We believe that all four topics are important, that must be dealt with by our Government if we want the world to be a better place to live for everyone.
Did you agree that some issues are less important? If so, which ones?
No.
Class Statement
We, the students of Valentine High School, feel that all issues presented are extremely and equally important. Future generations will be affected by the decisions made concerning our environment. It is important to take into account the harmful effects of deforestation and the causes of global warming.
As for terrorism, we beleive that the United States needs to cooperate with global organizations( U.N. & NATO), and individual countries in the world wide stuggle against terror. If our united cause against terrorism is successful, it would bring about stability in the world’s economies. In order to keep our economy thriving, globalizing trade is essential.
When it comes to illegal immigration, justice must be served, therfore we should “enforce” the laws we already have on illegal immigration. Knowing that our country was founded on immigration, we realize that it is important to allow legal immigration to continue to build a great and diversified society.
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School: Wilcox-Hildreth - Wilcox
Class: Current Events
Teacher: Ken Meyers
1) What specific international issues did your class discuss?
We discussed North Korea and other rogue nations, e.g. Iran, Pakistan, etc. that cannot be trusted with nuclear weapons. Also discussed the impact of global warming especially its impact on climate. Terrorism was discussed and the resulting impact it has had on U.S. foreign policy and role it is playing in the world community. Lastly we have discussed immigration, especially illegal immigration and how it has affected our economy and political debate in Congress.
2) Are there issues that you agreed are important? If so, what are they?
We feel the issues of nuclear proliferation, terrorism and global warming are major issues which we have agreed upon. We feel these issues have greater impact on not only the U.S. but on the entire world community.
3) Did you agree that some issues are less important? If so, which ones?
We looked at trade, especially oil and agriculture, and its impact not only on the U.S. but also on the world community. We discussed the impact of rising corn prices on Mexico. Although we as a class feel trade is an important issue, we feel, at this time, it does not ranks up there with nuclear proliferation, terrorism and global warming. We feel these issue have more of an impact on trade than trade on the other three.
4) Class Statement
As leaders of the free world, we have a responsibility as a nation to work together to solve these major issues. Immigration is a growing problem that will only be solved through tighter border security and enforcing stricter laws. By tightening our borders we will also help stop terrorism in the homeland. We also realize that we cannot “bully” other nations because of the effect it would have on our economy and trade. We feel that rogue nations like North Korea cannot be trusted with nuclear weapons. By stopping the nuclear threat, we will also stop the impact which nuclear weapons have on the environment.
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