Showing Respect or Showing Weakness

Blog #1- Due Tuesday, May 11th at midnight


Obama’s bow in Japan sparks some criticism
Conservative commentators accuse president of groveling to foreign leader

updated 8:30 p.m. ET, Mon., Nov . 16, 2009

Read the article below and then debate the question that follows:


WASHINGTON - Some American conservative commentators are seizing on President Barack Obama's deep bow to Japan's emperor during the weekend, accusing the U.S. commander in chief of groveling to a foreign leader.

Obama greeted Emperor Akihito, whose father ruled when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor in 1941, with a simultaneous handshake and nearly 90-degree bow, sparking furious online commentary, much of it negative.

Obama's gesture on Saturday was not without precedent, however. Neither was the outrage.

U.S. presidents from both political parties often have been criticized for attempts at culturally sensitive greetings to high-ranking foreigners.

Former President George W. Bush, a Republican, was mocked for holding Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah's hand, a traditional sign of friendship in the Middle East, as they strolled together in 2005.

In 1994, former Democratic President Bill Clinton was criticized for almost bowing to Akihito. The resulting image, The New York Times wrote, was of "an obsequent president and the emperor of Japan."



Is Obama's bowing to foreign leader a show of respect or weakness? Support your answer.

The Crusades

Blog #2- Due Tuesday, March 16th

The Crusades were a series of "holy wars" fought between the Christians and Muslims over the city of Jerusalem, which was considered a holy land by both religions. The Crusades are often considered one of the most successful failures in history. Why were the Crusades considered a failure? How can a failure be also considered successful?

The New Rome?

Due Tuesday, March 2nd

The United States is often compared with the Roman Empire. Many of our laws come from Roman laws. Our government is modeled after the Roman Republic. Even our government buildings are modeled after Roman architecture. The Roman Empire was once considered the greatest empire in the world and the United States is now considered to be the world's only "super power." However, like all great empires, after years of decline the Roman Empire eventually fell.

Is the United States destined to fall as the once great Roman Empire did?


How are the United States and the Roman Empire similar?