IRhode Island Capitol Forum
Class Statements 2007
Burrillville High School - Burrillville
Class: US History II- Period 3
Teacher: Ms. Lamontagne
What specific international issues did your class discuss?
Our class discussed issues involving environment, trade, nuclear proliferation, human rights, international conflict and immigration. Within these categories were subtopics with which we discussed US policy and what should be done about these issues.
Are there issues that you agreed are important? If so, what are they?
The issues that our class agreed upon that were the most important were: Global warming, Human rights, such as Aids, world hunger and health care, and the War in Iraq.
Did you agree that some issues are less important? If so, which ones?
We agreed that although all the issues discussed are important, some currently are more immediate than others.
Class Statement
Each and every day, media produces catchy phrases and headlines to portray the issues the United States and other nations face. Currently, it seems as though these issues have increased in size and in need for an immediate response. As citizens of the United States, Burrillville High School students have discussed these issues, and have come to the conclusion that some are in more need of a response than others. These issues threaten the US’s stability and security. As a class, we decided that with cooperation, all these issues could be fixed. The world needs to begin to work together to solve these issues, as one country’s involvement is not enough.
Over the past couple of weeks, our classroom discussions have been centered upon the current issues of the world. We have researched and discussed these issues and were able to conclude that some were in more need of attention than others.
First and foremost, the majority of individuals in the class agreed that the most important issue our world faces today is global warming. Global warming threatens not only the United States, but also every nation on this planet. We only have one world, and we are destroying it. We need the environment to survive, and without it, these other issues would not be a problem. Previously, Global Warming was a myth; evidence was not clear, and the theory was refuted. But recently, concrete evidence has been made apparent, and the world now realizes what a serious issue this is. The students agree that without the cooperation of every nation, this great task of saving our planet will never be accomplished. As of recent years, the US has had nothing to do with the issue of Global Warming. That desperately needs to be changed.
Secondly, as a class we decided that Human Rights, both within the US and the world, is an important issue. Violation of these rights plagues the population of the world. In Africa, the AIDS epidemic is a serious issue, as these men and women are not educated about how to stop the spread of the disease and do not have the medical treatment needed to help those who have contracted it already. Also, worldwide hunger is an issue mainly because within the entire planet, food cannot be transported to each country. As a result, men, women and children die of starvation everyday. Other issues, such as Health Care, may be only involved within the United States, but still are increasing in importance. As a country we have one of the best health care systems in the world, yet because of the cost of it, many are denied treatment. Our class felt that it was important for the US to work with the UN and other countries to fix these Human Rights issues, and make the world a better place for ALL people.
Lastly, the class decided that, unfortunately, the War in Iraq is still an important issue. This war has impacted the lives of its citizens, as well as the lives of the Iraqi citizens. As a country, we are in over our heads, as we are now realizing the financial burden this war is causing. Once more, the United States needs to work with other nations, as one country cannot work alone to solve the world’s issues. If we fail to complete this task, terrorism could be more of an issue that it was before. Although the class was unable to create a consensus of how to go about solving this specific issue, we all agreed that cooperation was key.
Throughout history, countries around the world have been on bad terms with each other. Wars have erupted, and these countries fought each other causing massive casualties. But now is the time to put aside our differences, and to work together to make this world better for everyone. The Earth and its people must be treated properly, by all nations. The actions of one nation are not enough to get the job done; if these global issues are to be solved, cooperation is a necessity.
~~~~~~
Burrillville High School - Burrillville
Class: US History II- Period 7
Teacher: Ms. Lamontagne
What specific international issues did your class discuss?
Our class discussed such international issues as women’s rights, the war with Iraq, poverty, U.S. reliance on oil, the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the role of the United Nations in global affairs, terrorism, decreasing government aid, the role of immigration in the American economy, global warming, and nuclear proliferation with a focus on North Korea and Iran.
Are there issues that you agreed are important? If so, what are they?
As a class, we agreed that the War on Iraq, global warming, and nuclear proliferation were the most important issues facing us today.
Did you agree that some issues are less important? If so, which ones?
Although we felt all of the issues we discussed were important, we chose the 3 issues involving Iraq, the environment and nuclear weapons to be more important than the others because they pose the most immediate threat to our nation and our world.
Class Statement:
The first issue we discussed in our class was global warming. We felt this issue was one of the most important ones to discuss because it poses an immediate threat to our stability and security. Without a healthy environment in which humans can live, there would be no war, no nuclear weapons and no life, as we know it. Therefore, we centered our discussion around what we, as a class felt should be done to deal with the threats global warming poses to our world. The majority of the class felt that the United States should place more emphasis on alternative fuels, both in regards to research and use. We felt this was important in order to lessen our reliance on foreign oil and to decrease the amount of harmful pollutants we send into our atmosphere. We also felt citizens in America should use public transportation systems more frequently, continue to recycle and do more to conserve energy. Finally, the class agreed that because global warming knows no political boundaries, the United States needs to be working collectively with other nations in making the necessary sacrifices worldwide to help put an end to the threat of global warming.
The second issue we discussed in our class was the war in Iraq. We felt this issue was important because it involves our values of security, stability, democracy, freedom and equal opportunity. Unlike the first issue, the class was divided about what should be done about this issue. We all agreed that the U.S. should be taking a more diplomatic route in trying to solve conflicts around the world, including Iraq. Everyone felt that had we done so to begin with, American and Iraqi lives would have been spared and the U.S. would not be draining its economy by sending over millions of dollars to fight this war in Iraq. The class disagreed on what actions should be taken in regards to U.S. military forces in Iraq today. Some students wanted immediate withdrawal of U.S. forces, leaving the Iraqis to solve their own problems. These students felt this option would spare the lives of future American soldiers, keep American dollars in America and help to end anti-American attitudes in the Middle East, thus making the United States more secure. These students feel our actions in Iraq are only making the situation worse for both Americans and Iraqis. Other students felt the U.S. needs to keep troops in Iraq until their government is stabilized. These students felt an immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops would show weakness and fuel anti-American sentiment because we would be leaving before our mission was accomplished. These students argued that we created the mess and we cannot leave until it has been cleaned up. Only in this way, students argued, would the U.S. be able to repair relations in the Middle East and ensure itself a strong future ally in the country of Iraq. These students feared immediate withdrawal would leave Iraq, an oil rich country, in the hands of terrorists, who down the line would be able to pose a major threat to our national security.
The final issue we discussed was nuclear proliferation. We felt this issue was important because it involves our values of security, community and cooperation. Students were especially concerned about what might happen if nuclear weapons programs are developed successfully in countries like Iran and North Korea. In addition to connecting to the theme of nuclear proliferation, this issue also connects to the global themes of terrorism and environment. If terrorists get their hands on nuclear weapons, they could cause unimaginable damage to our country. Furthermore, the development of nuclear weapons lead to long-term environmental concerns seeing as how no one knows how to safely dispose of nuclear waste or contain nuclear radiation. The class again was divided on how the U.S. should be dealing with this issue. Some students felt the U.S. needed to be more compromising when it came to dealing with non-nuclear countries like North Korea and Iran who wish to develop their own nuclear programs. These students felt it was hypocritical to tell other nations not to develop them when we have them ourselves. They also felt the U.S. can’t blame other countries for not living up to non-proliferation treaties if we fail to do so ourselves. Other students felt the U.S. should take part in a long-term de-escalation plan with other nuclear countries with the goal of eliminating all nuclear weapons from this world, while others felt it was unrealistic to think this could ever be accomplished. These students questioned the ability to keep countries honest through treaties and promises. Finally, most students agreed that the best way to stay on top of this issue was for the U.S. to work with and support UN inspectors to monitor and research the weapons programs in other countries like Iran and North Korea.
~~~~~~
Cranston High School East - Cranston
Class: Contemporary Issues
Teacher: Scott Maynard
What specific international issues did your class discuss?
We have discussed human rights violations in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. We have also looked at the various health crisis that plague impoverished nations. Finally, we have examined the role of the United States has taken on these issues and debated what could/should be done.
Are there issues that you agreed are important? If so, what are they?
It is our belief that the United States should take a more active role in world health problems. It is unconscionable that a powerful country like the United States doesn’t offer more assistance when people are dying from easily preventable diseases.
Did you agree that some issues are less important? If so, which ones?
Military intervention is not the best way to help reshape and reform a country.
Class Statement
As a world power the United States should take a more active role in improving world health and wellness. The United States should combat AIDS, hunger, and disease through the improvement of infrastructure, medical training, and agricultural development. Providing the initial supplies and basic training to these countries will ensure their ability to become self sufficient in the future.
The country selection process will be based upon several guidelines. These guidelines include the percent of population below the poverty line, existing infrastructure and resources, and the percentage of population with AIDS and other communicable diseases. The amount of assistance provided by the United States may be limited by a government’s stability and willingness to cooperate.
To improve infrastructure, the United States will help build educational facilities, hospitals, roads, and water treatment plants. A reduced tuition will be provided to American medical students who practice in these developing countries for a fixed period of time. American businesses will receive tax breaks for donating their services and/or supplies.
If you give a man a fish he is fed for a day; if you teach a man to fish, he is fed for life.
~~~~~
North Kingstown High School - North Kingstown
Class: Current Issues
Teacher: Avedisian
What specific international issues did your class discuss?
Genocide, Environment, Immigration, War, Terrorism, Economy, Human Welfare
Are there issues that you agreed are important? If so, what are they?
All equally important but Genocide & Human Welfare should be placed first
Did you agree that some issues are less important? If so, which ones?
War & Terrorism= we have less control
Trade & Economy= Boring and more cyclical
Class Statement
The U.S. should take a more proactive role in world stability. American willful blindness to human welfare issues around the world is destructive to global cooperation. Lessons learned from the cold war have been ignored in the current fight against terrorism. The U.S. was built on tolerance, acceptance, equality, and determination. These values should be the foundation of all U.S. policy.
~~~~~~
North Kingstown
Teacher: McKay
What specific international issues did you discuss?
Values, Terrorism, Environment, Economy, Trade, and Immigration.
Are there issues that you agreed are important? If so, what are they?
Each of the topics listed above are important to the United States and the world. After 9/11 U.S. Security is on the forefront of everyone’s minds and is at the heart of all five international issues.
Did you agree that some issues are less important? If so, which ones?
Our class felt that immigration and trade are somewhat less important because they do not present as serious a risk to the survival of the human race as the other three issues.
Class Statement
As a class we feel that it is essential for the United States to address the issues that are truly important to the well being and survival of our country. The United States should lead by example to encourage all countries to do what is in the long-term interest of humankind. We also strongly promote responsible international cooperation in all matters concerning our world.
The security of United States is our most important concern. The devastating reality of terrorism is growing as terrorists discover new weaknesses in our homeland security. We think the U.S. government should be proactive about protecting our markets, stop the flow if illegal immigrants, work to keep jobs at home, and lower the cost of consumer goods. We clearly see that pollution, nuclear contamination, overpopulation, poverty, and challenges posed by finite natural resources are great risks to both the U.S. future and the future of the globe. We also think it should be a top priority for our country to seek and develop new energy sources.
It is necessary that we address these issues at home to better not only our society but the entire world!
~~~~~~
Portsmouth High School - Portsmouth
Class: American Studies
Teacher: Mr. James J. Betres
What specific international issues did your class discuss?
Our class regularly discusses the War on Terror, Immigration, Energy, and the Environment.
Are there issues that you agreed are important? If so, what are they?
The general consensus is that overall U.S. foreign policy is the most critical issue in our country.
Did you agree that some issues are less important? If so, which ones?
We felt that, when compared to the other issues, Immigration and the Environment are not as important.
Class Statement
America has always been a country of the people and for the people. If we hope to continue our role as the leading democratic power in the world, we must create unified goals within our country. A strong foreign policy based on the opinions of the American people will aid the country in confronting complex international issues. When discussing complex issues, dissenting opinions often develop. These dissenting opinions are needed in a democratic society and should not be feared. Historically, Rhode Island serves as an example of how dissenting opinions can help in the development of a consensus. Consensus in foreign policy must be developed in order for the United States to continue serving as an example for the rest of the world to follow.
~~~~~~
Providence Academy of International Studies
Class: 11th Grade Capitol Forum
Teacher: Mr. Wall
What specific international issues did your class discuss?
We have discussed the war in Iraq and the debate of whether or not nuclear weapons should be permitted within countries because of the high level threat. We have also discussed the issue of climate change, global warming and its negative effects towards our environment. Another concern was the issue of legal immigrant status within the U.S and the fight for more border patrols along the U.S/Mexican border.
Are there issues that you agreed are important? If so, what are they?
We have agreed that the issues that need to be controlled most urgently are immigration and terrorism because they affect the U.S directly (i.e. affecting the people and the economy). The issues that we have agreed are the most important internationally are environment and proliferation of nuclear weapons.
Did you agree that some issues are less important? If so, which ones?
Although terrorism and proliferation (nuclear weapons) have become an international threat to our safety, they do not affect our everyday life at least as viewed by most citizens of the United States. They are less important because we can still live our lives even with the constant threat of nuclear warfare.
Class Statement
As a class, we feel that these issues affect not only the U.S but countries around the world. Environment has become our most important issue because of the everyday impact towards our earth and living a more healthy life. It has become an issue because of the climate changes that are affecting our water and air supplies, our land that provides our crops for food and for trading, and also our economy. This also leads to the issue of immigration that will also affect our environment. Over populated countries are causing many more economic issues, forcing people to immigrate to lands with better opportunity. This is diminishing the world’s natural resources, material, and increasing labor cost.
All these issues have not only become an issue of the United States but are also an international risk. If these problems are not addressed by international government, they will affect future safety and well-being of this country and beyond.
~~~~~~
South Kingstown High School
Class: Period D
Teacher: Mr. Taber
What specific international issues did your class discuss?
We discussed issues relating to the global environment, nuclear proliferation, immigration, trade and terrorism.
Are there issues that you agreed are important? If so, what are they?
Issues of the environment were observed to be of the greatest importance, particularly issues of energy use and the health of the natural world.
Did you agree that some issues are less important? If so, which ones?
All issues were considered to be of great importance.
Class Statement
Our class believes strongly in the imperative and necessary challenges facing the global community. We wish to accelerate the vital process for a peaceful coexistence among all nations. In regards to immigration, the class is conflicted as to a possible solution. However, the maintenance of a secure country while treating all global citizens with equality and fairness to all is a top priority. On the related issue of trade, we believe the promotion of local and sustainable agriculture would provide an improved standard of living, as well as support for the economy. Such a process would alleviate conditions of poverty that are a result of the current globally competitive production. Concerning terrorism, we believe that security by any means is an important process to ensure the safety of our nation. However, we do not condone pre-emptive strike for any matter. The proliferation of nuclear weapons is also a growing dilemma for not only the United States but the international community as a whole. Through majority vote, our class overwhelmingly agreed upon the expedited elimination of all nuclear weapons from our world, due to the unnecessary dangers they pose. In regards to the environment, we believe international cooperation is crucial to the existence of the natural world. We promote lower energy and resource usage as well as the use of any responsible alternatives. We advocate for widespread environmental education as well as diplomatic solutions for reduced environmental impact and greater wildlife and ecosystem conservation. As a whole, our class was overwhelmingly concerned with our nation’s environmental impact upon the entire global community. We strongly promote the responsible international cooperation in all matters concerning our world.
~~~~~~
South Kingstown High School
Class: Period E
Teacher: Mr. Taber
What specific international issues did your class discuss?
We discussed issues relating to the global environment, nuclear proliferation, immigration, trade and terrorism.
Are there issues that you agreed are important? If so, what are they?
Issues of the environment and immigration occupied more of our discussion, although all topics we considered important. In regard to the environment, deforestation, recycling and air quality were deemed most important. In regard to immigration, encouraging education visas and refugees while discouraging work visas were established as priorities.
Did you agree that some issues are less important? If so, which ones?
All issues are of great concern, although some are connected to more obvious policy solutions.
Class Statement
We believe the issues of the global environment, terrorism, nuclear proliferation, trade and immigration are critically tied to the political and economic health of the United States. The global environment is at risk due to continued deforestation. The US must commit itself to saving our environment by creating a recycling program while urging other nations to implement similar programs. Such programs will abate the effects of deforestation, protect the quality of air in our atmosphere, and help to maintain fertile soils. Also in regard in to the environment, the US must work to develop standards of carbon neutrality for every country, thus reducing the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The US must prioritize education visas over work visas both for the health of our own economy and the native economies of our immigrants. While we should not solely incur the burden of the world’s refugees, we should not turn refugees away. Therefore, the US must work to improve our diplomacy promote justice in regard to global immigration. Such diplomacy will also be critical to our successful approach to the issue of terrorism, particularly with respect the Middle East. We are concerned about the issue of nuclear proliferation, particularly in regard to the nuclear programs of North Korea and Iran. The United States should continue to support the policy of non-proliferation while encouraging nuclear arms reduction.
~~~~~
South Kingstown High School
Class: US History Period D
Teacher: Mr. Carr
We agree that terrorism is a very relevant threat, but must be dealt with indiscriminately and with global cooperation. Furthermore, the rights of citizens must not be violated in doing so. We believe that the US should begin to push for better working conditions with its foreign trading partners. We realize that as we become more globally connected we must look at the world as a whole and not as individual countries. Therefore, we advocate a limited open door policy. As the demand for resources becomes greater, the toll on the environment continues to increase. We therefore support more environmentally friendly means of harvesting and renewing these resources. Furthermore, we advocate a greater UN cooperation.
Given the limited resources that the US has access to, it is necessary to research alternate power sources. This will result in less dependency on foreign oil, which the US spends billions on annually and causes international conflict. Discovering the potential hydrogen based energy would benefit the nation and the world in many ways. This could significantly decrease air pollution, reduce the dependency on foreign wars. Eliminating the dependency on oil would also eliminate the controversies over mining on wildlife reserves. This would also contribute to the conservation of our population. Such conservation greatly benefits the wildlife and air quality. To further benefit the environment we propose to more strictly enforce a harsher set of pollution laws.
~~~~~~
South Kingstown High School
Class: US History Period E
Teacher: Mr. Carr
The US should promote protection of human rights. The US should encourage environmental conservation at home and abroad. Specifically, this country should unite with other countries to slow global warming and take action to reduce chemical pollution. International cooperation is needed to stop nuclear proliferation and develop safe disposal of nuclear waste. The US should continue to help alleviate the consequences of the AIDS epidemic and provide funding for programs that address the problem in various ways.
We believe that there should be limited censorship in the US. Parents and guardians should make the decisions on issues regarding their children and their exposure to certain behaviors. We believe that terrorism is a worldwide problem that should be dealt with by every country in the world. It is a huge international problem that the world must solve.
The US should recognize separatist groups in line with our belief in freedom and democracy. We must end our aggression abroad. The US should ratify the Kyoto Agreement, create safe nuclear dumps, reorganize our forestry department, and prohibit oil drilling in the natural reserve. We should disband NAFTA, limit outsourcing jobs, support fair trade over free trade and subsidize fair trade. The US should enact stricter immigration laws, enforce border controls, and open trade with Cuba.
~~~~~~
Westerly High School
Class: World Affairs
Teacher: Mr. Gleason
Our Block 1 World Affairs class just finished a unit on Genocide. This unit changed our outlook on the world. While all five themes (terrorism, trade, immigration, nuclear proliferation, and the environment) are major focuses in the world today we believe that the dehumanization of certain people in the world today is of central importance. Poverty and socio/economic conditions in the 3rd World are of chief concern. Until we as a world community begin to treat the entire human race as one than we have no chance of solving the major crises around the globe. WE as a United States need to confront and end poverty and genocide wherever it exists. We believe that the themes of this year's Capitol Forum all revolve around this simple focus. Terrorism and emigration are directly resulting from poverty throughout the globe. Global trade and environmental pollution are also directly correlated to this simple premise. Our motto for our class statement and our posterboard is "All thing being equal ...They are not"