Washington Capitol Forum
Class Statements 2008
School: Franklin Pierce High School
Class: Contemporary World Problems
Teacher: Jeff Beha
[The students at the Capital Forum represent two separate CWP classes. Their class statements have been combined.]
What specific international issues did your class discuss? Overuse of natural resources/Environmental Protection, Education, AIDS Crisis, the effects of Globalization, and Immigration.
Are there issues that you agreed are important? If so, what are they? Globalization, Environment, and Education.
Did you agree that some issues are less important? If so, which ones? Although all of the issues above are important and each brings its own unique challenges, the issues above are critical for our planet to move forward.
Class Statement The choices we make today will forever affect our future. The world community needs to focus its attention on three key issues: globalization, education, and the environment. As a society we need to come together as one force to solve these pressing issues. Increased diplomacy will strengthen awareness and increase the momentum for change. We only have one chance to seize the opportunity to make changes to preserve our future. As the future generation of the United States we rely on the leaders of our nation to express our ideas in a cooperative format. To better meet these challenges, domestically, we call on leaders to reform our educational system so that America’s future leaders can find better ways to address coming challenges.
School: Graham-Kapowsin High School
Class: United States History
Teacher: Karen Seaborn
What specific international issues did your class discuss? Nuclear proliferation: We are concerned that nuclear technology is being used as a threat rather than an energy alternative; that global understanding and peace cannot be achieved with the production of weapons of war
Terrorism: We are concerned that terrorism may be becoming the ‘answer’ for disgruntled militants. The United States was humbled by the attacks on 9/11, but reorganized itself quickly. However, other countries may not be able to rally so quickly, and it may take very little, if the US does not provide aid or assistance, for terrorism to become the reality for many people in the Middle East and Africa.
Environment: Real restructuring needs to take place in order for all countries to be on board regarding carbon emissions, yet the United States has yet to sign the Kyoto Treaty. We see this as an arrogant oversight, and the United States cannot mandate global awareness in others if we cannot do it ourselves. After all, nothing will matter if all life is destroyed.
Trade: World trade is a current reality, but along with that reality comes the American question of outsourcing. In addition, fair trade, as an alternative means of economy is working only in few selected areas by even fewer corporations. We believe that the United States should protect it’s interests but not by policing the rest of the world. The United States’ propensity towards agri-business and bio-fuel has left us with crop issues, beef recalls, polluted dairy and some of the highest grocery prices in the world.
Immigration: We see immigration as an issue, but not to the extent it is portrayed in the media. Many people come to the United States seeking a better life for themselves and their family, and immigration has been an ongoing issue since 1800. There should be some restrictions and checks, however, that are more effective than the ‘fence’.
Are there issues that you agreed are important? If so, what are they? Nuclear proliferation, terrorism, and the environment
Did you agree that some issues are less important? If so, which ones? Trade and immigration.
Class Statement The immediate threats of nuclear proliferation and global terrorism have been antagonized by hypocritical policies and can only be interrupted if the United States becomes more committed to international diplomacy, and agrees to promote a more cooperative world. Although the position of this nation as a potent power gives it a sense of supremacy and leadership, it must be kept in mind that the world is a conglomeration of cultures and beliefs that must be acknowledged and respected. The United States must not use our given power to impose solutions upon others; instead a compromise must be made between nations.
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School: Roosevelt High School, Seattle
Class: ELD (English Language Development) World History
Teacher: Janine Magidman and Katherine Martin
What specific international issues did your class discuss? Terrorism, Immigration, Global Warming, War
Are there issues that you agreed are important? If so, what are they? Yes - Terrorism, Immigration, Global Warming, War
Did you agree that some issues are less important? If so, which ones? N/A
Class Statement Terrorism brings to us violence and it affects the whole world, where we live, and most people feel unsafe when it happens. Terrorism is the worst thing in the world because it causes many enemies. Too much money is spent on terrorist prevention. This money could be spent on helping children.
Also, immigration is a problem that is based in the USA but is still a big problem for people who want to migrate for a better life. Global warming makes it dangerous for those who cross borders in warm climates.
War is the worst thing in the world. The economy decreases and generations are lost by large amounts of killing. Children who experience war are influenced negatively. Innocent people are killed during war- sometimes soldiers make mistakes and kill innocent people when they are attacking terrorists. The Iraq war should be stopped because it is a waste of money and human lives.
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Teacher: Liz Minks
School: Tacoma School of the Arts
Class: Humanities
What specific international issues did your class discuss? Environment, Terrorism, Nuclear Proliferation and Trade.
Are there issues that you agreed are important? If so, what are they? Environment, for example, cannot be turned “off” like a television. We always see the effects of the environment. It is something we feel we can make a difference to see the positive results.
Did you agree that some issues are less important? If so, which ones? No, but some get more attention and are
Class Statement We at the Tacoma School of the Arts, hereby claim the Environment as our number one priority to build a more cooperative world. The environment is something we can all be involved in today and every day. Additionally, we feel that trade and terrorism are critical issues. The environment as of late has been getting a lot of media attention because it is an easy issue for every American to get involved in. But, trade and terrorism are issues of the utmost importance as well. With the up and coming presidential election and a large scale change of leadership these issues will grow as front runners in the media.
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School: 5-12 Learning Community, Lakewood
Class: U.S. History
Teacher: Matthew Yarkosky
What specific international issues did your class discuss? Our class discussed the environment, immigration, genocide, gay rights, obesity, prevention of violence, and cloning.
Are there issues that you agreed are important? If so, what are they? Most of us agreed that environment, genocide, obesity, prevention of violence, and cloning are issues that should be addressed. However, the biggest ones we discussed were gay rights and immigration, saying that they were issues that caused present problems, and much fuss that can be changed immediately.
Did you agree that some issues are less important? If so, which ones? We once discussed using God in certain text, such as the Pledge of allegiance, but noted that it was a national issue that did not influence the rest of the world whatsoever.
Class Statement: The United States’ government has taken extreme positions on border control and homosexuality, taking an intolerant outlook and causing a loss of prestige in the eyes of other nations. Numerous politicians and religious activists have prevented gay marriage to be legalized, making the majority of our class to come together in an uproar. We have also discussed the issue of illegal immigrants, and its effects on the American Economy and the outsourcing of jobs. By preventing certain minorities access to freedoms of the United States, these can be viewed as bigoted in the eyes of other nations. We found that change is needed, and that legalization of gay marriage and new policies must be put into place involving immigration.