A "New Deal" for 2009 and beyond?

With a historian's keen eye, the task of studying past and linking to present becomes a habit--of both heart and of mind. That said, occasionally there are such parallels between past and present that the comparison is transparent, glaringly obvious. Many connections have been made of late between the Great Depression and today's economic woes, FDR and President Obama, and the New Deal and the Economic Stimulus package. Criticisms leveled against the New Deal--namely that it was rushed, but also that it is not a perfect solution to the problem--were replicated. Rebuttals, too, were recycled. Using a New Deal line, a political commentator pointedly remarked that while a perfect plan might materialize SOMEDAY, the flip-side was that people can't live on SOMEDAY.

If you were unable to catch President's Obama first speech to Congress Tuesday, use this link to familiarize yourself with his arguments--including the importance of the Economic Stimulus package. For fun, click on the red arrow on the left hand side under his picture. This feature breaks his speech into six key areas. Clicking on each word "cloud" will provide a summary of his thoughts and footage dealing with that area. Work your way through the six areas, reading the summaries and watching the footage what goes with it. Lastly, be sure to push the red arrow that says "see Obama's speech as a word cloud." HOORAY, his speech expressed as a WORDLE--with the ideas most frequently mentioned in larger text.

Having familiarized yourself with the Economic Stimulus package and what it's meant to do, watch this clip called "Ballad of an Ordinary Man."





When economic times sour, often, the Ordinary Man gets pinched. In your post, please identify the one measure, as identified in the Economic Stimulus plan, that you believe will BEST help the Ordinary Man. Naturally, you must provide a rationale or reasoning for what you say. Don't forget to identify yourself if you'd like to have extra credit. Should you have any original ideas on what else would best help Mr. Ordinary Man, please include these also.

21st Century Controversary--Man and Monkey

As you already know from class, the Scopes Monkey Trial was about more than just teaching evolution or creationism. In a larger sense, it was a face-off between embracing or rejecting modernity in an ever-changing world.

To bring the issue full-circle, please watch this clip called "Judgment Day: Intelligent Design on Trial" from PBS Nova.



To watch the entire program (a 2 hour show divided into 12 segments), click here. Now that you know the story, the players, the case and subsequent ruling, imagine that the Kitzmiller v. Dover ruling has been appealed. As a Supreme Court Justice writing the majority ruling, you must answer the following crucial question: "Is Intelligent Design a scientific alternative to evolution, or religion in disguise?" Be sure to provide reasoning for the opinion you provide.

January 20, 2009: Day 1 for 44th

While it makes for a great catch-phrase and is oft quoted by the media, some find calling a presidential inauguration "the most peaceful transition of power the world knows" a misnomer. I am inclined to agree with William Huff's assertion--that it is "Rubbish!"

However, I do give a nod to all the pomp and circumstance surrounding presidential inaugurations. As a historian, how could I not? I revel in studying the past! The 2009 Inaugural Theme, "A New Birth of Freedom" is most fitting. Aside from commemorating the 200th anniversary of Lincoln's birth, history is being remade when Barack Obama utters those 39 words: "“I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. So help me God.''

Of course, there has been a lot of discourse comparing the two and the challenges presented them. After careful examination of the links highlighted in this posting, do you find such a comparison valid? Why or why not? If not, which president would you select as more fitting, and why?

Progressive Era --Guess Who?!?

The Progressive Era was exactly what the name implied, a bustling time of change and reform. Crusaders worked tirelessly against greed and corruption, for social justice and the general betterment of mankind. Some goals included: ending child labor, improving city life (especially for the poor), pushing for workplace safety, regulating food and drug purity, and making democracy more accessible for all.

The wordle at right describes one of the many Progressive leaders. The first student to correctly post his/her identity (the answer to my wordle) on this blog will be awarded 30 extra credit.

As for the rest of you, should you desire extra credit, you may select your own Progressive leader (the subject I've shown is out), and complete your own wordle. If you do so, please email me a copy at fettigb@billings.k12.mt.us and post their identity in the subject line. Don't forget to also include your name and period number.

The Battle for New Orleans

Some of my favorite memories of my dad have to do with his Ford F150 black truck and the 8 track player in it. As a little girl, I spent hours in it listening to two tapes over and over again--Johnny Cash and Johnny Horton. Not only did both have catchy tunes, they sang about the common man and his struggles AND about historical events. As we complete our study of the War of 1812, I'd like to share Horton's song with you.



Kudos to Evan Bell, who shared this version with me. It's so much more fun than just the song (though my first thought was WHO has this much time on their hands?).

To bring the topic full circle, evaluate to what degree New Orleans' struggles serve as a barometer of American society in general.

The People Have Spoken

President-elect, Barack Obama at Billings West High School

In these days following the election, we are up to our arm-pits in political analysis of every kind. Was it the youth vote that propelled Obama to a victory? Was it McCain's vice-presidential pick? Was it... the list could go on and on.

While some of that is necessary--and certainly interesting--something larger is on my mind. The theme of "change" was central to both campaigns, and to the American public. Without doubt, something hard to put a finger on has certainly changed; the winds are blowing from a new direction. In so many ways, it reminds me of the 1960s. And who better to serve as a spokesman than Bob Dylan?

Tyranny Is Tyranny

In the spring of 1776, Colonial leaders met at Independence Hall in Philadelphia to voice and deliberate many concerns--including the increasingly tyrannical nature of England. Often, the discussions centered around the notion of equity; more specifically, about the lack of it afforded to the colonists, who were English subjects.

Demonstrating a keen political mind, Abigail Adams borrowed from Locke's ideas of natural and inalienable rights and extended them to include women. In a famous letter to her husband, she implores colonial leaders to "Remember the Ladies." Unfortunately, nearly 150 years would pass before the idea of womens' suffrage became a reality.

Now, in 2008, the natural question becomes "Are We There Yet?" Is political equity a reality for all Americans?