Taking a Stand

Currently, as a result of the gun violence that continues to plague our country, newspapers, politicians and ordinary citizens continue to discuss potential solutions and reactions to the issue. To finish our exploration of the topic, it is now time for you to formally become part of that national discussion.
To do so, you must complete ONE of the following tasks:

1) Do some research to find a current editorial or op-ed piece (there were two in yesterday's Chicago Tribune alone.

•  Write a letter to the editor that comments on the piece that you read and offers your own solution that is based on the facts from the resources we added to our chart in class.

2) Do some research to find the plans to deal with gun violence from a current candidate for president.

• Write a letter to that candidate's campaign that agrees or disagrees with his/her plan. You should support your argument with facts from the resources we added to  our chart in class. If you disagree with the candidate's plan, make sure that you offer alternative solutions (again based on facts).

3) Do some research to find plans to deal with gun violence that are being offered by either President Obama or members of Congress.

• Write a letter to the President, Senator Dick Durbin, Senator Mark Kirk, or Representative Bob Dold supporting or arguing against one of the plans that you read. You should support your argument with facts from the resources we added to  our chart in class. If you disagree with the plan, make sure that you offer alternative solutions (again based on facts).

All letters will not just be graded as the assessment to end this unit but also actually be sent. Thus, you need to be sure that you use proper formatting for a formal letter and that it is as polished and clear as it can be. All sources must be properly cited.

It will be your responsibility to find the snail mail or email address to use to send your letter. If you are using snail mail you must bring a hard copy of your letter and an addressed stamped envelope to class. If you are using email, you must show me a screen shot of your sent mail file. 

Your letter is due on Monday, 11/2.  You will have one work day in class next week.