Monday, 11/16

Starter
Turn in your research notes and then send a thank you note to your interview subject!

Example note:
Dear _________________,

Thank you for taking the time to share your perspective and expertise on my political issue. It not only helped me with my research, but it helped provide me with more well-rounded understanding of this issue.  Specifically, I appreciated your comment that,  (mention something specific they said that stood out to you...).

FOR Durango residents only: If you are in town during our exhibition, I would love for you to come and engage in more dialogue about various political issues with my classmates and I.  Our exhibition will take place at Durango Joes at the Town Plaza location across from Natural Grocers on Thursday, December 10th from 5:30-7:00 pm.  I hope to see you there!

Again, thank you for your time and support.
Sincerely,
________________

Class Biz

• Op-ed Deadlines (let's look at the Homework calendar page, shall we?)
• Ellis-- check in with Ashley about honors updates
• What did you all think about the interview requirement for your research?

Agenda
Today's Goals: Understand how to write an op-ed and begin drafting  yours

1. Critique this introduction and thesis statement

• How is the hook?
• What is the thesis? Is it clear? Does it answer this question: How should the government balance security/liberty/equality in creating a just society?

Let me introduce you to the next generation of Robocops: revolutionary advancement in the field of ensuring safety for ordinary, law-abiding citizens of America. Each police-solider is outfitted with state-of the-art equipment, including a grenade launcher and a lustrous MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle), equipped with bullet-proof armor and desert camouflage, promising complete military-style dissimulation.

Although this description may sound like a plot for a new-world science fiction film, it is, however, becoming a reality for many of America’s local police forces. Programs like the Defense Logistics Agency’s ‘1033’ allow military surplus equipment to percolate down into a range of police departments. While this may seem like a beneficial way to protect citizens against escalating crime, the militarization of police forces not only ensures a common belief of the divide between citizens and police, it will lead to the destruction of people’s security and equality.

2. Mini Lesson: How to write your op-ed article
Analyze Op-Ed Examples Instructions

• Example op-eds
• Go over the op-ed outline guidelines
• Provide feedback on the rubric for the op-ed (PAGE 2)

3. Work time!

• Draft your op-ed
• Finish your research if you still need to!