Comments for U.S. History & Govt. Honors

Comment on 11-12-07: Homework by eleanor

eleanor — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 02:25:53 +0000

Comment on 9-06-07: Class Agenda by eleanor and kelsey

eleanor and kelsey — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 03:14:18 +0000

yes our computer didnt actually put our comment on… so i’ll redo it.

this slideshow demonstrates the unfair distribution of wealth in American society. Wealth was concentrated in the banks of owners of corporations, such as Andrew Carnegie, Cornelius Vanderbilt, and J.D. Rockefeller. They lived in sumptuous and lavish mansions while families shared shacks. Housing conditions for the lower classes were abysmal- houses were often near industrial sites, which were physical and environmental hazards. Families were unable to support themselves and often sent small children into the workforce. They worked for little pay and often had to team up with neighbors to make do, which prompted the beginnings of strikes and unions.

Comment on 9-06-07: Class Agenda by Megan and Marion

Megan and Marion — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 19:34:57 +0000

There is a huge difference between the upper class and the lower classes and their working facilities. In the lower class, people of all ages have jobs; even children were forced to work in factories and mills. Their working conditions are very poor and dangerous. For example, the buildings are old and unstable. Many of their homes are located in slums close to their workplace, where there is an enormous amount of pollution. On the other hand, the working facilities of the upper class were very expensive, well located, and in good shape. Some upper class members gave some of their money away to different organization and universities.

Comment on 9-06-07: Class Agenda by Kimber and Laura

Kimber and Laura — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 19:34:09 +0000

1. This house shows the extreme difference between the upper and lower classes. The wealthy disregard the poor and live in their own mansions, while the poor lives in the slums.
2. Carnegie makes alot of money, because he has workers, who he pays very little. His factories are montrous and spewing out pollution. The workers live in bad conditions because of this.
3. This pictures contrasts the first picture. These people are living in awful, unhealthy conditions.
4. This is a dangerous job. People are paid little for doing such dangerous tasks.
5. Children are also exploited because their parents need the money. This leads to educated people because the children do not go to school.
6. Children are put to work to suppliment their families low income.
7. Again, wealth concentrated to a select few.
8. These girls look tired and used.
9. Children do dangerous jobs for little pay.
10. Rockefeller was a wealthy oil tycoon, who gave his money to colleges to give back.

Comment on 9-06-07: Class Agenda by Remy, Kendall, Charlotte, and Emily

Remy, Kendall, Charlotte, and Emily — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 19:32:43 +0000

1. The fact that the building was in New York is ironic because New York was filled with slums and overrun with immigrants, while this building is in great condition.
2. Shows huge industrialization — lots of workers. Typical images of industrialization.
3. Families are crammed together; everything looks dirty and temporary. Overpopulation.
4. Huge buildings with a lot of workers — unsanitary working conditions.
5. Child labor — inappropriate and disturbing to see young children in dangerous jobs. Not only in danger but foreboding for the future because they are not being educated.
6. Hard work for very little pay. Women have limited jobs. Italians have the lowest jobs and pay — can’t really advance. Kids should be at school but are not.
7. Colleges show interest in education but streets look clean and spacious. Only people in the upper class can afford to go to nice colleges. Nice college campuses vs. slums.
8. Girls look very unhappy — from the South which shows that they are possibly less educated than in the North. Living in rural conditions.
9. Young boys working in extremely unsafe conditions which dangerous machines, without appropriate attire and protection.
10. Same as image 7. Sprawling, manicured lawns.
11. Child labor — kids trying to make money, no matter how cheap the pay may be. Sad that this is what people arriving to the US get.
12. An entire family working even at night for little money. Crammed in a tiny room.
13. A lot of work for a little pay. Unsanitary and small conditions.
14. Child labor — a ton of work for one little girl.
15. Big business have nice big buildings, not in the slums. People are dressed nicer than middle class.
16. Shows that all workers are unhappy — not just a few rebels — they all realize that their working conditions are unjust and unsanitary. Can get it done together and not risk getting fired.
17. Libraries are large and spacious — sort of like a luxery. Immigrants were often illiterate so it was impractical for them. However, shows move towards reform.

Comment on 8-27-07: Homework by Emily Smith

Emily Smith — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 15:11:41 +0000

Chris Matthews, author of Hardball as well as talk show host on MSNBC’s show Harball, has been credited for revealing politics to the public but has also been accused of using false information in his book. Though he may have been called “2005’s Missinformer of the Year” by Media Matters, his books and shows shed light on the world of politics which can be somewhat mysterious to those not involved. In his book he describes an idea which seems positive no matter if political facts are false or not which is if you let someone say something bad about you and let it slide it can do a lot more damage. He will either damage the reputations of the politicians in his book or he will give them an opportunity to rebut. Either way his book contains many facts which could be easily verified and have been noted to have come from reliable sources. He has also been accused of being bias but his political position can seem shady at times for he is said to be a Democrat but continuously grills their political leaders and policies. Perhaps he is trying to use his debates to strengthen his party but sometimes his position appears to be more conservative. Regardless, his books and shows present politics to the American people; explaining its strategies, weaknesses, and games to the public which is directly affected by politics and yet knows little of what goes on “behind the scenes”.