Secondary – June 4

On this date in 1989, in what became known as the June 4th Incident, hundreds of Chinese students were killed and thousands wounded as military troops massacred demonstrators from Tiananmen Square in Beijing. Describe the importance of a principle about which you feel strongly enough to confront military force.

Secondary – June 3

“I worked night and day for twelve years to prevent the war, but I could not. The North was mad and blind, would not let us govern ourselves, and so the war came.” -Confederate States of America President Jefferson Davis, who was born on this date in 1808. Explain your beliefs about the concept of a justifiable war.

Secondary – June 2

On this date in 1924, Congress granted full U.S. citizenship to American Indians. Describe a motivation politicians might have used to oppose this change.

Secondary – June 1

On this date in 1980, a new, all-news cable TV channel called the Cable News Network began broadcasting. Describe how you get most of your news today, and whether you think that process is a good one or could be improved.

Secondary – May 31

On this date in 1977, the BBC banned the playing of the Sex Pistols song God Save the Queen. Explain your opinion about whether banning a creative work is ever justifiable.

Secondary – May 30

“There is no sin but ignorance.” -Christopher Marlowe, who died in a bar fight at age 29 on this date in 1593. Explain what you think he meant when he wrote that line.

Secondary – May 29

True or false: “It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not.” Explain your response to Andre Gide’s opinion.

Secondary – May 28

On this date in 1987, West German teenager and novice pilot Mathias Rust flew a small plane through the Soviet Union’s allegedly impregnable air defenses and landed at the Kremlin in Moscow. He claimed he did it to improve relations between the Soviet-led East and American-led West. Describe the stunt you would pull to make a point about something important to you.