FYI: Rethinking Race Film Festival

Mildred and Richard Loving's Interracial Marriage is featured, as we discussed in class Friday, February 14 (Valentine's Day) 10AM in Student Union Theater. Free! I'll hand out full schedule Friday, or go here:

Film Festival Schedule

Get 4 extra credit points if you hand in your 1 full page film review (any of the films!) with your personal thoughts on the film and how it might have changed your views (or not).

FYI: Bill of Attainder

From:Robert Longley of About.Com

A "bill of attainder" is any act of a legislative body declaring a person or group of persons guilty of a crime and assessing a punishment without the benefit of trial. The Constitution of the United States, Article I, Section 9, paragraph 3 provides that: "No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law will be passed."

Bills of attainder were commonly used in England during the 18th century and were applied to the British colonies. Anger over the application of bills attainder in the colonies was one of the motivations for the American Revolution.

As James Madison wrote in, Federalist Number 44, "Bills of attainder, ex post facto laws, and laws impairing the obligations of contracts, are contrary to the first principles of the social compact, and to every principle of sound legislation. ... The sober people of America are weary of the fluctuating policy which has directed the public councils. They have seen with regret and indignation that sudden changes and legislative interferences, in cases affecting personal rights, become jobs in the hands of enterprising and influential speculators, and snares to the more-industrious and less-informed part of the community."

Congressional hearings are considered "trials", and individuals can be sentenced to prison for violating laws. There is no "jail" in the Capitol, although there is a room in the lower level with bars (built to hold the body of George Washington). Prison space for perps exists in the D.C. Capitol police department.

FYI: The Run Up to the Constitution

Assignment #1 We, the People

President Taft and Wife "Nellie" Heading Back to White House
1909
Click to enlarge

Here's President Obama's 2nd Inaugural Address. Read it in its entirety, highlighting his main points from your perspective.

Now, put yourself in his shoes. It's the year 2018. You're the new President! What will you say to the nation?

Spell out:

1/ Your inaugural theme for the next 4 years (Obama's seems to be "We the People")

2/ What are the 4 main "goals" you want the millions watching to take away with them?

3/ Who do you want to sing the National Anthem?

Write your comment (I suggest writing in Word, saving, and then pasting). Click on "comment" button. Add your comment.  Pick your desired account (Google, etc. from drop down menu). You may post Anonymously; all need to remember to sign your post!

Due Friday Class Time

Welcome!

This is where I put a lot of information for this class: Assignment, readings, study guides, etc. Have a great semester.

Bruce Freeman