Stalin - good or bad?

Seeing as we have studied Joseph Stalin, do you believe that he was a good or bad leader and why?

I discovered a short 4 min documentary put together by a student, which is a brief biography of Stalin.

The Khmer Rouge & Pol Pot

Local & international judges were sworn in to bring the remaining Khmer Rouge members to justice ... the trial process began this year in 2006.

What do you think is suitable justice for those involved in the Cambodian Genocide?

Have a look at this short documentary ... be warned, some of the images are a little disturbing.

Make Poverty History

Do you think in our generation we could make poverty history?
Why or why not?

Rescued in time?

What do you think about the way the US Government was so slow to respond to the catastrophe of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in August 2005?

Is a classless society really possible?

Humans are far from equal, and class distinctions are still a predominant feature of society.

Have such classes brought any benefits to society as a whole?

No. Social class systems divide people, resulting in envy, hatred, heartache, and much bloodshed. The one-time white-supremacy mentality in Africa, Australia, and North America brought misery to nonwhites—including the total genocide of the Aboriginals in Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania). In Europe, classifying the Jews as inferior was a prelude to the Holocaust. The great wealth of the aristocracy and the dissatisfaction among the lower and middle classes were factors that led to the French Revolution of the 18th century and to the Bolshevik Revolution in 20th-century Russia.

Is is possible to create a classless society?

Does power corrupt all those who hold it, however well-meaning they may be?

Taking action ...

'To be prejudiced,… is to be ignorant…To be indifferent…is to be weak… to be accepting…is to be wise… and to take action….Is to be strong '

What do you think this statement means?

Should Saddam Hussein Be Put To Death?

Do you believe in the decision to execute former dictator Saddam Hussein?

On Sunday, November 5, 2006, the High Tribunal in Iraq sentenced the former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein to death by hanging for crimes against humanity (ordering the murder of 148 Shi'ite residents in 1982).

The former Iraqi dictator and 6 subordinates were convicted and sentenced for the 1982 killings of 148 people in a single Shiite town after an attempt on his life there. The 9 month trial had inflamed Iraq and 3 defense lawyers and a witness were murdered in the course of its 39 sessions.

Saddam was found hiding with an unfired pistol in a hole in the ground near his home village north of Baghdad in December 2003, 8 months after he fled the capital ahead of advancing American troops.

22 months later, he went on trial for ordering the torture and murder of 148 Shiites from the city of Dujail. Saddam said that ordering the massacre was legal, because they had conspired to assassinate him and those who were killed had been found guilty in a legitimate Iraqi court in 1982.

Do you believe executing Saddam Hussein is the moral or ethical thing to do in this circumstance?

Should John Howard apologise?

Do you believe John Howard should apologise about the injustices towards the Aboriginal People in the past? Why or Why not?

For Australia, the issue of an apology is most strongly argued by those who feel Indigenous people have suffered from European settlement, that an apology is an important part of a reconciliation process. There is widespread opposition to this gesture, most notably from Prime Minister John Howard.

Those supporting an apology suggest that it is a sign of maturity, of a willingness to face mistakes that caused suffering. It heals divisions between people, shows a deepening understanding of the life of a nation and reflects humility and honesty. The acknowledgement of guilt is not to be confused with personal guilt; rather, it acknowledges a historical responsibility. In the case of Indigenous Australians, many of whom lost family, culture and tribe, it helps to soothe the anger and frustration of those who feel affected.

Those who argue against apologising ask questions such as: What practical effect does an apology have? Wouldn't it be better to face up to current injustices? How can one atone for the past? How can people now be made responsible for what happened in the past? How can there be a "collective'' guilt, when there should only be an individual one? How can suffering be measured?

What are your feelings on the subject?

Reliance on technology

Do we rely too much on technology?

A funny story was sent to me recently that made me question how much we put our trust in technology ...

A German motorist followed the command "Turn right now!" from his (GPS) navigation system and crashed into a small toilet hut by the side of the road — about 30 metres before the crossing he was meant to take.

The overly obedient 53-year-old from Freiburg drove his sport utility vehicle off the road onto into a building site, up a stairway and into the small toilet shack.

It caused $3300 worth of damage to the stairway, $165 damage to his car, and he was also fined $60.

Mmmm ... this man learnt the hard way that letting technology think for him has its dangers!!

Curfew on young drivers

Should there be a curfew for young drivers?

What is worse?

What is worse?

Ignorance or apathy?

Gun safety

Are gun manufacturers doing all they should to manufacture safe weapons?

Homosexual human rights

Should we provide the same rights to gay and lesbian couples that are currently only given to heterosexual couples?

Such as the right to marry, adopt and receive benefits?

Testing Nuclear Weapons

What are your views on countries testing nuclear weapons?

By testing a nuclear weapon recently, North Korea becomes the 9th country to have a nuclear arsenal. The country was given reactor technology and expertise by several countries, had made the mandatory promises to use that power for energy, not weapons, however they have broken the terms of the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty (NPT).

Under the terms of the Treaty, those countries with nuclear weapons agreed to eliminate their weapons within 25 years. In return, the countries that did not possess nuclear weapons agreed not to manufacture or acquire nuclear weapons.

7 other nations have demonstrated their nuclear capabilities:

• United States of America


• The Russian Federation


• The United Kingdom


• France


• China


• India


• Pakistan

Israel is known to have nuclear weapons, but has never admitted as much, and never claimed responsibility for an explosive nuclear test. And due to the widespread use of nuclear energy about 40 other countries have access to nuclear weapons material and therefore possess the ability to develop nuclear weapons.

The Ku Klux Klan

The Ku Klux Klan -

bunch of backward thinking racist rednecks or merely misunderstood?

The Ku Klux Klan started after the American Civil War with a group of white Southerners who were very angry when the war ended. They were angry because the African-Americans had won their freedom from slavery and the townspeople had lost their slaves. No more slavery meant their lives had changed and they felt threatened. They then banded together a group who wore white masks, which looked ghoulish with only the two holes for eyes and the hole for a mouth. The Ku Klux Klan group was responsible for many mobbings, hangings, and shootings of African-American people.

DNA Cloning

Is adult human DNA cloning moral?

If you would like to read arguments for this topic, click on the link below:

http://www.religioustolerance.org/clo_intra.htm

Avoiding Religious Conflict

Do you believe different religions can co-exist without conflict?

Religion can generate great personal commitment and passion, expressed as caring, love, respect, and support for others. It can motivate believers to dedicate their lives to the alleviation of suffering and need. However, it can also motivate people to hate followers of other religions. This can escalate into actions of conflict, oppression, murder, terrorism and genocide.

How might this be avoided?

The plight of refugees

Do refugees have rights?

What do you think?

In 2001, Australian Prime Minister John Howard said his government would stick to its policy of locking up asylum seekers in remote outback camps, despite a report which found conditions in them appalling.

The report recommended a 14-week limit on the length of stay and called for low-risk asylum seekers, including women and children, to be released into the community. But Mr Howard said such moves would only increase the burden on Australia. "The worst thing Australia could do is to send a signal to would-be illegal immigrants coming to this country that we are an easy touch," Mr Howard said.

Questions remain on what Australia does with refugees who come to our country, because of political or religious reasons. Others of course are seeking out the 'better life'. However, there is no escaping the drain on Australian resources - perhaps to the detriment of full-time Australian residents ...

An interesting issue with an uncertain future...

The fight against terrorism

Should rights be sacrificed in the fight against terrorism?

Farewell Steve Irwin & Greer's comments

The tragic death of Steve "The Crocodile Hunter" Irwin, one of Australia's most well-known and well-loved figures, has shocked the world. The 44-year-old nature conservationist was filming on the Great Barrier Reef when he suffered a heart attack after a stingray's barb pierced his chest.

Irwin was used to working with all kinds of deadly creatures, most famously crocodiles, and relied on his instincts and personal experience to calculate risks. He leaves behind his American-born wife Terri and two children: Bindi Sue Irwin, aged eight, and Robert (Bob) Clarence Irwin, three.

Outspoken ex-Australian academic Germaine Greer has come under fire for her comments about Steve Irwin in the wake of his death.

She claims he was an embarrassment to millions of Australians, and said that given the way he treated dangerous animals "it's no surprise he came to grief." And those who had mourned him with their tributes at the Irwin family's Australia Zoo in what the British had labeled "a Princess Diana moment" were idiots, she said.

Greer, who now lives in Britain wrote in The Guardian newspaper after Irwin's death that the animal world had taken revenge on "self-deluded animal tormenter Steve Irwin".

And on the 6th of September, she continued her attack on Irwin. She told Channel 9's A Current Affair she did not understand Australians' feelings of loss for Irwin.

She said he had exploited animals by telling the world how dangerous they were and then treating them disrespectfully. "I find the whole Steve Irwin phenomenon (embarrassing) -- and I'm not the only person who did," Greer said.

But when pushed, she was unable to name anyone who had publicly agreed with her. She rejected claims her sentiments were "un-Australian". "I don't care what I'm being called," Greer said. "I just hope I'm out of touch with what idiots are thinking."

Asked if Australians were idiots, she said: "I don't believe Australians are as dim or as easily led as you may perceive. As far as I can see, quite a few Australians have been embarrassed by Steve Irwin -- lots -- millions possibly. "Why are the English calling it 'Australia's Princess Diana moment'. Aren't you embarrassed about that, at least?"

What are your thoughts on Greer's comments?

Global public outcry about the war in the Middle East

For more than four weeks now we've watched the bloodshed in the Middle East with horror. For a month, global and regional leaders have stood by and failed to take the necessary action to stop the violence. Thousands of innocent civilians have been killed or wounded in the bombings in Lebanon, Palestine and Israel and the death toll is rising every day. If the US, Syria or Iran get involved, there is a chance of a catastrophic larger war.

Finally, last weekend, the US and France reached agreement on a plan. But it's now clear that this flawed compromise plan, which did not call for both sides to stop all attacks, has failed to curb the violence.

This is unacceptable! Over a thousand innocent civilians have already been killed, thousands more wounded, and almost a million people have been made homeless.

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has called for an immediate ceasefire and the deployment of international troops to the Israel-Lebanon border, and been strongly supported by almost every world leader. This is the best proposal yet to stop the violence, but the US, the UK, and Israel have refused to accept it.

Now is the time to act! People around the world must tell their leaders to speak out and support Kofi Annan's proposal. If we can persuade our governments to unite in demanding a ceasefire, all sides in this conflict will be pressured to stand down.

I have just signed a petition calling on US President Bush, UK Prime Minister Blair, and Israeli Prime Minister Olmert to support Kofi Annan's proposal. If millions of people join this call, and we advertise our views in newspapers in the US, UK, and Israel, we can help pressure these leaders to stop the fighting. Please sign this petition and ask your friends, family and colleagues to do the same.

The UN Security Council needs to know that the world is watching them, and that anything less than an immediate ceasefire is not good enough.

Click below to sign this petition demanding that the members of the UN Security Council take immediate action to end this bloodshed.

http://www.ceasefirecampaign.org/mo/en.html

Please sign the petition today, and then spread the word by forwarding this website address onto all your friends and family. The goal is to deliver a petition to the Security Council with 1 million signatures, and to publicize the petition in major newspapers in the capitals of the US, UK, France and other Security Council members.

NB
Groups and leaders from across the world and from diverse perspectives agree that an urgent ceasefire is an important part of resolving this crisis. Most countries of the world, from Lebanon to Tanzania to India, have called for a ceasefire, and have been joined by major international NGOs such as Oxfam and Amnesty International. Christian leaders such as Pope Benedict XVI, and the World Council of Churches have also called for a ceasefire. Arab and Muslim organizations such as the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the Arab League have also been joined by Israeli and Jewish groups such as Meretz Israel, Degel HaTorah, and Brit Tzedek v'Shalom in calling for a ceasefire.

Your ideal society

The word 'Utopia' refers to the notion or idea of a perfect world - a perfect society.

With all that is happening in our world, I often question what our lives would be like if it were a perfect society.

What would be your ideal society?
What would it look like?

The end of the world

If you believed the world will finish tomorrow, what would you say and do?

Winning the lottery

If you believed that you had just won the lottery, what would you say and do?

Serving others

Sometimes people say:

"Why should we help people who are poor? It usually is their fault; either they are lazy or they have not used their resources and opportunities wisely."

How would you respond to this?

WELL DONE, BRITISH AIRWAYS!

This scene took place on a British Airways flight between Johannesburg, South Africa and London, England. A white woman, about 50 years old, was seated next to a black man. Obviously disturbed by this, she called the air hostess. "You obviously do not see it then?" she responded. "You placed me next to a black man. I do not agree to sit next to someone from such a repugnant group. Give me an alternative seat."

"Be calm please," the hostess replied. "Almost all the places on this flight are taken. I will go to see if another place is available." The hostess went away and then came back a few minutes later. "Madam, just as I thought, there are no other available seats in the Economy Class. I spoke to the captain and he informed me that there is also no seat in the Business Class. All the same, we still have one place in the First Class."

Before the woman could say anything, the hostess continued. "It is not usual for our company to permit someone from the Economy Class to sit in the First Class. However, given the circumstances, the captain feels that it would be scandalous to make someone sit next to someone sooooo disgusting." She turned to the black guy, and said, "Therefore, Sir, if you would like to, please collect your hand luggage, a seat awaits you in First Class."

At that moment, the other passengers, who'd been shocked by what they had just witnessed, stood up and applauded.

This email has been making the rounds and I received it late in 2005. I thought as it is a true story, I would post this on my blog site to ask if any of you have experienced, seen or heard any racist situations. If you have and comfortable in sharing, I would love to hear how it made you feel and how you reacted in that situation.

Is the Pen Mightier than the Sword?

I believe the pen is indeed mightier than the sword. Man wields both. Where the pen is controlled by Man, the majority rules. Where the sword is controlled by man, the minority rules. Man is at its collective best when celebrating its successes and honestly confronting its failures.

Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ contains the line: "Why should I play the Roman fool, and die on mine own sword?" A query for people who both live and die by the sword. That these words were penned over five hundred years ago speaks volumes.

In a curious way, intelligence is at the heart of the matter. The pen demands intelligence. The sword reprimands intelligence. The pen has aided Man's quest for intelligence. The sword has repressed it.

As a teacher, I have seen the educational power of the pen as our young people learn its language. As a teacher I have also seen the demeaning power of the sword, its cutting edge, as it endangers our families, our schools, and our streets. The pen is carried with pride by young people and used for enrichment. The sword is carried with anger by young people and used to destruct our world. Enrichment prevents anger. I do believe the pen is mightier than the sword.

Do you agree or disagree that the pen is mightier than the sword?

Increase your IQ by BLOGGING!

http://eideneurolearningblog.blogspot.com/2005/03/brain-of-blogger.html

I came across the above website that really outlines the power of BLOGGING. It's written by a pair of doctors who are "strong advocates for neurologically-based approaches to learning," and they've written a post crediting blogging with doing everything short of curing cancer. According to these Doctors, ‘Blogs’ promote critical thinking, analytical thinking, creative thinking, intuitive thinking, associational thinking, and analogical thinking. Blogs also increase access and exposure to quality information and combine the best of solitary reflection and social interaction.

So if your parents are concerned about the amount of time you are spending online on my TLC BLOGGERS website, perhaps you can direct them to this website and they maybe surprised at some recent findings!

Marriage in later life

People are getting married later in life.

Does this generalisation have any truth to it?

Experimenting with drugs

In today's society, it is said that:

Everyone experiments with drugs these days.

What do you think about this generalisation?

Reduced IQ levels?

People are 'dumber' now compared to 30 years ago.

What do you think about this statement?

Muslims taking over the world?

In light of recent world events, many of us have heard some very pointed generalisations. One is this statement:

Muslims are taking over the world.

What are your opinions about this statement?

An unfriendly nation?

No-one knows their neighbours anymore.

What do you think about this statement?

Is Australia a racist country?

What do you say about this generalisation?

AUSTRALIA IS A RACIST COUNTRY

War in Lebanon

We all can’t help but be aware of the atrocities being committed in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, at the moment. Every time we switch on the news or turn on the radio, we are subjected to awful images of the situation in the Middle East. The Australian media is of course hot on the action as there are hundreds of Australian citizens trapped in the area, trying to escape the country.

July 13th 2006 - This date signified the bombing of central parts of Beirut's infrastructure, in retaliation of Hezbollah kidnapping of Israeli soldiers. Hezbollah is a militant (a radical) group that has been fighting with Israel for a long time. This group is very strong in the south of Lebanon, in the areas bordering Israel.

It all started on July 12, when Israeli troops were ambushed on Lebanon’s side of the border with Israel. Hezbollah, which is in control in the south of Lebanon, immediately seized the Israeli soldiers on their crossing. They arrested two Israeli soldiers, killed eight Israelis and wounded over 20 in attacks inside Israeli territory.

This unleashed hell in Israel, and the Prime Minister of Israel, Ehud Olmert immediately responded by mounting a war on Lebanon. A sea, air and ground attack was enforced on Lebanon, and a systematic destruction of Lebanon’s infrastructure was began.

US President George W Bush, who commented on Lebanon from Germany 24 hours after violence had spiralled out of control, described the situation as “pathetic”. He also expressed concern that Israel’s attack on Lebanon could threaten or even topple a Lebanese government that Washington supports. His comments have further infuriated and angered Arab communities by expressing Israel’s “right to defend herself”.

This situation is absolutely appalling and angers me to the core. This atrocious attack is a downright sickening attack on human rights and is an inexcusable reaction to a group’s actions that do not speak for all Lebanese people. I have been disgusted watching the news and reading the papers regarding these ‘terrorist’ attacks, as every time I’ve witnessed or heard Israeli bombings, their very first targets are the power stations and water facilities. Then they have taken out bridges and roads and destroying civilian infrastructure (which is a direct violation of the Geneva conventions, just like the indiscriminate bombings).

I’m sickened by this and the U.S. administration, who goes out of it’s way to excuse and protect Israel. I, like most other Australians, was also very disappointed at the time taken to rescue trapped Australians.

What are your opinions on the war in Lebanon?

Do you think Australia has been doing enough to rescue stranded citizens in Lebanon?

Assassination of a Dictator

Can the assassination of a dictator be justified?

Before you consider this issue, it maybe useful for you to look at these helpful definitions:

• Assassination - is the deliberate killing of an important person, usually a political figure or other strategically important individual
• Dictator - a leader who holds an extraordinary amount of personal power, especially the power to make laws. A leader who displays brutality and oppression in the running of their country
• Regime - an administration, or a system of control and managing a government
• Arbitrary - not limited by law

Arguments For:

Many deaths and much suffering could be prevented if one man is killed. The greater good demands a single evil act is done, especially if it would avert the immediate and certain danger of much worse evil. The alternatives to assassination would all leave a dictator in power for many years. In that time not only will many more people suffer under a repressive system, but the policies pursued by an out-of-touch and unrepresentative regime are likely to do serious (if unintentional) harm to the whole nation and its economy, making eventual rebuilding much more costly in both human and economic terms.

Arguments Against:

Murder can never be justified. If we assume the role of executioner without the backing of law, we are sinking down to the level of the dictators. Any new government founded upon such an arbitrary act will lack moral legitimacy, undermining its popular support and making its failure likely. By assuming the power to take life arbitrarily, even in an apparently good cause, we cheapen the value of life itself. Many terrorists, criminals, or indeed dictators could and have claimed similar legitimacy for their violent actions. Only if we ourselves respect human rights absolutely, will our promotion of these values seem valid to others.

Where do you stand with this issue?

Do you believe it is ok to assassinate a dictator?

Private Lives of Public Figures

Should the private lives of public figures (movie/film /tv stars)

be open to media / press scrutiny?

Assisted Suicide / Voluntary Euthanasia

Euthanasia is the practice of ending the life of an individual (who is suffering from a terminal disease or a chronically painful condition) in a painless or minimally painful way. This can be done by either a lethal injection, drug overdose, or by the withdrawal of medical support.

Debate about the morality and legality of voluntary euthanasia has been, for the most part, a phenomenon of the second half of the twentieth century and the beginning of the twenty first century.

Some say that it is the right thing to do to help people who desire a hastened death so as to avoid further suffering. Some say it is morally and ethically wrong to kill another human being. At present, it is against the law to practice Euthanasia / Assisted suicide.

Is Euthanasia something you agree with? Should assisted suicide be legalised?

Abortion: For or against?

Should abortion be permitted?

PE in schools

Should Physical Education in schools be compulsory?

Animals in Sports and Entertainment

Should human beings be allowed to use other animals as objects of sport and entertainment?

Big Brother scandal

Recently, 2 Big Brother contestants were escorted from the set of the reality television program amid allegations of sexual misconduct.

Do you believe this show should be taken off the air, due to breaching a code of conduct? Why or why not?

The need for mankind ...

'Non-violence is the answer to the crucial political and moral questions of our time; the need for mankind to overcome oppression and violence without resorting to oppression and violence. Mankind must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression, and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.'

Martin Luther King Jr., December 11, 1964

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What do you think Martin Luther King Jr meant by these words?

Is this quote still applicable for today?

MUSE - What's behind that door?

Don't open that door ...

Quick - set yourself 3 minutes and just speed write ... what could be behind that door?