Digital Anthology Sample

#8  Elections

Museum of the Moving Picture

watch the following ads (in this order), selected from the menu of commercials for both Bush's and Dukakis's campaigns: "Harbor" (Bush) and "Bay" (Dukakis); "Tank Ride" (Bush) and "Counterpunch" (Dukakis); "Revolving Door" & "Willie Horton" (Bush) and "Furlough" (Dukakis).                                          

Questions for writing and discussion:

1. From watching the ads, what do you think were Americans' main domestic and international concerns at the time? How do the ads address these concerns?
2. Describe the specific criticisms of Michael Dukakis made by George Bush. Does Bush give evidence to back up his claims? If so, what is it? How does Dukakis respond?

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#9 Interest Groups

"Familiar Players in Health Bill Lobbying-- Firms Are Enlisting Ex-Lawmakers, Aides"

New records show some lobbyists are top fundraisers for political candidates   By Dan Eggen Washington Post.  May 31, 2010

Is the "cycling" of lobbyists in and out of government/lobbying  and massive investment in lobbyists a threat to democracy? Or is this pluralistic democracy at its best where policy will result from the push and pull of interests groups acting on behalf of the "people"? Explain in a two page analysis? 

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#10 Congress

Watch Mr. Heath Goes to Washington PBS Expose` Notice that there is a link to a print article as well.

Watch Quid Pro Quo -- "The Insiders' Game"  PBS Expose` .  If you are interested in more, notice that there is a link to the full program.

Read "Earmarks Are A Model, Not A Menace". Saturday, March 14, 2009 by Jonathan Rauch National Journal.

Look over Earmark Watch -- Senator Carl Levin.  (A project of Sunlight Foundation and Taxpayers for Common Sense).

Critical Thinking.  Watch, read and look over the resources above.  Then write a paper (minimum three pages) which expresses your enlightened point of view on earmarks.  The analysis should reference all of the resouces, but this will not be a summary.  Instead, you should indicate that you have weighed each piece of information when coming to your conclusion.  You may not leave your position during the argument ("On the other hand....).