A Word on Current Event Comments

First, congratulations on completing your first current event comments. On the whole, everyone did a nice job analyzing my different current event posts, and many of you demonstrated a good grasp of our government at work. However, now that you have completed your first current event comments I have some constructive (I hope) criticism for you:

Good Analysis, But...
Most everyone did a nice job analyzing the articles I posted, however, I would like to see you do more than just state your opinion. Instead, try expanding your analysis beyond yourself - add links to other articles, connect my current event to other events or other ideas, try to make connections beyond the article! Most often in order to write a thoughtful and analytical comment you might need to do some extra background reading so you can better inform your opinion (for example what in the constitution makes Trump's travel ban constitutional or unconstitutional?)

Comments are meant to drive further discussion
Many of you chose to write comments that simply stated your opinion (I agree/disagree). However, I am not looking just for your opinion, I am also looking to see you interact with and discuss these current event topics with your fellow classmates. Therefore, it's important to try to address both the article and your classmates. This means you should try to reference each other in your comments. It also means that I would like to see you actually think beyond the agree/disagree part of the comment. When you address your classmates think, do you agree with their opinion? Why or why not? Do you have a question for them? Do want to start an argument? Go for it! This is politics! It gets bloody sometimes!

If You're Commenting Late...
Many of you chose to write comments toward the end of the two week cycle, which is fine. However, be aware that if you choose to wait until the last minute to write a comment on article it will be difficult for you to provide any original analysis of your own. If you wait until the last minute many of your other classmates will have already read and commented on the article you choose to comment on. While being the first commentator on article doesn't automatically give you a better grade, it does give you the advantage of original analysis because you're the first to comment. 

Overall, you did a nice job with your comments, but there is certainly room for improvement on the next round. Remember to check the blog frequently, and if there are any questions please ask!