Week in Review September 9, 2011

News Story of the Week: President Obama Asks for $447 B for Jobs Bill

What Happened? Last night, President Obama asked congress to pass a $447 Billion package of tax cuts and new government spending to help create more jobs. Includes: $250 Billion in tax cuts $140 Billion for roads, bridges, schools $35 Billion to keep teachers, firefighters, police

Background With unemployment at 9.1%, a low approval rating, and only a little more than a year until he faces re-election, President Obama is under pressure to take action to boost the economy. New government spending is controversial because we are deeply in debt. However, most experts believe the plan would help create jobs. But, it would also worsen the budget deficit.

Video http://www.cnn.com/video/

Discussion Do you support Obama’s proposal?

News Story of the Week: Muammar el-Qaddafi on the Run

What happened? After months of fighting in Libya, anti- Qaddafi rebels have taken over the nation. Muammar el-Qaddafi, who had been the dictator for 42 years, has now gone into hiding and Qaddafi’s allies have either been defeated or have left the country. Qaddafi is still on the run and in hiding.

Background Information In power since 1969, Qaddafi has been a brutal dictator and supporter of terrorism. In February 2011, an anti-Qaddafi rebellion erupted in several Libyan cities. Qaddafi lashed out with extreme violence and threatened to wipe out all rebels. On March 19, after the UN authorized the use of force to protect Libyan civilians, American and European forces began a broad campaign of military strikes against Colonel Qaddafi and his government. In August 2011, the rebels began to rapidly take control.

Video http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id= 7379743n

Discussion Did President Obama do the right thing by supporting the bombing of Qaddafi’s forces?

News Story of the Week: US Commemorates 10th Anniversary of 9/11

What is Happening? Sunday marks the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. A 9/11 memorial at ground zero is being dedicated and will be open to visitors starting 9/12.

Background 9/11 Facts: http://wtc911.us/wtc_911_facts.html

Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRYdRse7 6FM

Discussion Do you think 9/11 is the most significant historical development of your lifetime?

News Story of the Week: New Attacks Feared

What’s Happening Intelligence indicates that a new Al Qaeda plot may be timed for Sunday. Some information comes from a captured high level al Qaeda official from Pakistan. The attack may be a car or truck bomb in DC or New York. Officials are on high alert.

Background US has devoted hundreds of billions to better intelligence about possible terrorist attacks. Interrogation methods have been debated ever since. No major attacks on US soil since 9/11/2001 Vehicle bombs are a definite threat: Oklahoma City truck bomb in 1995 kills 168; In 2010, a car bomb in Times Square did not detonate.

Video http://video.foxnews.com/v/1150706236001 /terror-threat-has-officials-on-high-alert

Discussion To what degree do threats like his concern you?