Pro & Con

It seems that today our leaders could not agree on a law that celebrates Motherhood, Childhood, or the glorious Americanism of Fireworks on the 4th of July and the deliciousness of apple pie! But that has happened before and since the truth is that most Americans are good and reasonable folk when not pressured by the fear that tough times bring, this too will pass. (Remember: Desperate Times call for Desperate Measures). The problem is that for MOST Americans times are not desperate AT ALL! Yeah, OK, things are not going the way we want and the world has got a boat-load of problems, but in the grand scheme of things we are FAR better off than most.
I found this site that might be helpful to gain some perspective. If we could just calm down and analyze issues reasonably, and KNOW in our hearts that there are reasonable perspectives on BOTH sides of an issue, we might, just might, gain some measure of understanding AND sophistication.

This last aspect is what I want for my students: Sophistication: go ahead look it up!
(Pay particular attention to the antonyms)
Anyway, as usual, I digress...take a look at ProCon.org It gives a fairly objective perspective from folks in the "fight" on various issues. All you need is an e-mail address to register.  Be sure to include Spring Forest as your organization.
To me a sophisticated person does not jump to one polarized view or another without giving the matter some serious thought. It is completely OK, in fact a duty of citizenship, I believe, to take time to consider views that you don't initially agree with and not be opposed to the idea that you could be wrong in your initial judgment(s).
Take a look at the definition and consider it. Take a look at the Pro/Con site - pick an issue that you are interested in - particularly one that you have your mind "made-up" on - and consider the other side without passion, but with intellect. It is a tough exercise, but worth it.  Enjoy!

P.S. Parents - this is a great exercise to engage your children in thoughtful discussion!