US History

Discussion 7:

Read Chapters 25 and 26, and this selection from The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien: On the Rainy River. Once all reading is complete, respond to the following:

· How does O'Brien feel about the war in Vietnam?

· Why does O'Brien go to the rainy river?

· What various factors does O'Brien take into account when deciding whether to go to Canada or not?

· Why ultimately, does he decide not to escape to Canada?

· What is O'Brien trying to communicate when he writes: "I was a coward. I went to the war?"

· What does this reading reveal about the polarization of society during the war?

You are required to submit an initial posting (200 words minimum) that addresses the items above. You are also expected to respond to the posting of at least one other student (100 words minimum). Your response should address why you agree/disagree with their posting, support it with new evidence to bring a new perspective to the topic. Do NOT submit anything as an attachment since some people cannot open certain formats.

Discussion 8:

Read Chapters 27 and 28 along with George H.W. Bush's Gulf War Address. Once all reading is complete, respond to the following:

· Although most of this speech focuses on Iraq and Kuwait, what domestic issues does President Bush also address? How are those issues linked to the situation in Iraq?

· Which counties does Bush identify specifically as working closely with the United States? Why might he focus on these countries?

· Ultimately, according to Bush, why is intervention in Kuwait necessary?

You are required to submit an initial posting (200 words minimum) that addresses the items above. You are also expected to respond to the posting of at least one other student (100 words minimum). Your response should address why you agree/disagree with their posting, support it with new evidence to bring a new perspective to the topic. Do NOT submit anything as an attachment since some people cannot open certain formats.