Extra Credit!

The new national parks series by Ken Burns premieres this Sunday on PBS at 8 PM.

National Parks: Our Best Idea

I strongly encourage you all to watch.  National parks are truly a great part of our country and Ken Burns (no relation) does fantastic work.

There will be an extra credit opportunity for this.  Please see me if you are interested!

The Civil War Today

During the recent presidential election (and after his eventual election), Barack Obama went to great lengths to inspire comparisons between himself and Abraham Lincoln.  Many think that this comparison is accurate--both come from humble origins, both are from Illinois, both are gifted speakers--while others deride Obama for grasping at straws.

Regardless of who is correct about the Obama-Lincoln comparisons, I think that the interesting issue is not who Obama is referencing but the era he is referencing, the Civil War.

The wounds ripped open by the Civil War are still felt deeply today.  Considering topics (which will require some research) such as race relations, the Confederate Flag/State Flag controversies in recent years, the neo-Confederate movement, battlefield preservation efforts, "War of Northern Aggression," or others, explain what role the Civil War still plays in the shaping of our society today. 

Entries should adhere to the following format:

1) A one paragraph explanation of what role you believe the Civil War still plays in the shaping of our society.
2) 3 links to articles supporting what you have discussed.
3) A one paragraph summary for one of the articles.

POST MUST BE MADE BY FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 AT NOON.