There must be a better way, or is there?

Of great debate in Canada and particularly British Columbia is the way we elect our government representatives and how our vote is counted. This debate has even progressed to the point of British Columbians voting in a referendum regarding changing from the first-past-the -post system to the Single Transferable Vote during our last provincial election in May, 2009. (It was defeated with only 39% of the voters voting in favour of it.) (for more on the single Transferable Vote and what it is click here.

We have examined some of the pros and cons of our current system and what some of the alternatives are so I want to here from you.

Comment on what system you think is the best. Should we try something new? Is the problem really in how our votes are counted or in the fact that so few people actually vote? How do you think we can fix our system so our government actually represents the people? (If you need to refresh your memory refer to your Counterpoints textbook pages 253-255.)

Exploring Your Political Views

Read the following instructions and complete the two activities. These were developed by a friend of mine, Mr. Thielmann, over at DP Todd.

Activity One
Purpose: find out what kind of political views you have and how they compare with world figures and political parties

Instructions:
go to http://www.politicalcompass.org/
read the instructions and complete the quiz
read through your results page to learn about your views
summarize what you learned from the quiz by commenting in response to this posting on the course blog -- http://www.soc11eh.blogspot.com

Tips:
left vs right: left-wing usually means more government control over industry and economy; right-ring usually means less government regulation and intervention (laissez-faire)
authoritarian vs libertarian: authoritarian means powerful government which controls rights and freedoms, sometimes it can be a dictatorship; libertarian means less government control of rights, sometimes less government in general

Activity Two
Purpose: learn about different ways of organizing nations by politics, economy, and values

Instructions:
go to http://www.nationstates.net
read the introduction and sign up to “build” your nation
experiment with the simulation for as long as you need to see how it works, more if you have the time (warning: NationStates can be addictive!)
summarize what you learned from the simulation by commenting on this posting on the course blog -- http://www.soc11eh.blogspot.com

Tips:
See how the choices you make at the beginning affect the kind of country which is generated by the simulator. Look at other countries and issues around the “world” to see what others have done.

The People's Voice

Election Day is upon us and BC, or at least 30% of the eligible voters, are heading to the polls to decide on who should lead us into the next decade and through some of the biggest challenges we have faced in over half a century.

http://www.nodice.ca/elections/britishcolumbia/

As this will be the last time you are forced to sit on the sidelines through an election inquiring minds want to know where you stand.

Task: Visit the following links and do some research (reading) on the various provincial parties and their platforms in order to gain an understanding of the choices voters have. Who do you support, who seems to represent your point of view?

Research the Parties
http://www.studentvote.ca/bc/student/learn.html (click on the parties tab to visit the party websites)

Explore some of the issues and take note of how the different parties stand on the issues that matter to you. What are the big issues for you? Does how a party stand on an issue affect your opinion of them?

Examine the Issues
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/bc-election/issues.html

Finally, surf through some of the news items to gain an understanding of how parties and specific candidates are portrayed in the media. Do you think the media is unbiased and fair in their reporting? Do the media items change your mind about who you support?

The Election and the News
http://www.studentvote.ca/bc/student/learn.html(click on the news tab to access different news sources)

Comment on the above questions, make sure to provide specific examples to support your opinions.

Bonus
Would you vote yes or no in support of the Single Transferable Vote? Explain your reasons.

Visit What is the STV to learn more.

Civil Liberties and You

In October 1970 Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau invoked the War Measures Act in response to kidnappings of James Cross and Pierre Laporte by the FLQ.
http://archives.cbc.ca/war_conflict/civil_unrest/topics/101-618/

This gave the police almost unlimited powers in searching out suspected terrorists and suspended many of the civil liberties that are the foundation of a democratic society.

Since the events of the September 11, 2001 we have seen the government gain increasing power and control in their efforts to keep us safe from terrorism.

What rights do you believe in the most? Do think we should give up some of our individual freedoms to ensure our safety and where should we draw the line? Give an example when you have felt your civil liberties or "rights" have been abused.

The Learning Lab Project

As you are aware you have been given Wednesday's off as "learning lab" time as part of being in Social Studies 11 honours. This is not time off but time for you to work independently on course material that does not require me, as the teacher, standing over you. It is also a day that allows you to access me individually for help or clarification, complete any outstanding work and/or make up time due to absences. As you know, Wednesday's are not a day off as you are responsible to complete a lesson, however, it is work that you can complete at your own pace and on your own schedule between Tuesday and Thursday.

Please comment on how you have liked or disliked this model. Be constructive and honest.

What if you were the Governor General?

As Canada faces one of it greatest political debates Michaelle Jean has been gone from ceremonial figurehead to a person charged with shaping the nature of democracy in our country.

While we already know what she chose to do, the debate continues to rage across Canada as Canadians look for the "right" and "best" solution to a complex political situation. So based on your knowledge of our political system and your own personal beliefs about the role of government and democracy what do you think Michealle Jean should have done. Remember to provide justification for your decision as you you will have to justify your decision to the Canadian people.

Click here if you want to see Rick Mercer's take on the situation.... Rick Mercer Rant

Canadian Arts and Entertainment

This weeks Blog discussion has two parts:

Part A: The 1920's say the coming of age of Canadian artists with the Group of Seven gaining international recognition for their images of the rugged Canadian landscapes. Since this time Canadian artists, musicians, writers and performers of all types have continued to gain international recognition for their work. Today Canadians such as The Tragically Hip, Mike Myers, Leonard Cohen and Jim Carrey are household names throughout the world for their work in the arts and entertainment industries.

Who is your favorite Canadian artist (this includes musicians, actors etc) and how do you think their work gives Canadians a sense of national pride?

Part B: The twenties in Canada saw an upswing in the economy that meant Canadians were searching for was to spend their "extra" money and fill their leisure time. As a result the 1920's gave birth to a number of "fads" that became wildly popular only to pretty much disappear in a few short years. Take a look at the following video to get a better sense of 20's entertainment.
The Flappers
The Jazz Age

What types of popular activities today do you think may turn out to be just "fads. Personally, while they called the 1920's the Roaring Twenties, I think they may end up calling the 2000's the iPod 2000's.

Do not forget to finish your post with your initials and the period of your socials class or else I cannot give your credit for your response.