Revolution.

What a great discussion today in 3rd hour (and to a lesser extent in 6th) about Jefferson's "all men are created equal."

Lincoln's words about the Declaration: "Ibelieve the entire records of the world, from the date of the Declaration of Independence up to within three years ago, may be searched in vain for one single affirmation, from one single man, that the negro was not included in the Declaration of Independence. I think I may defy Judge Douglas to show that he ever said so, that Washington ever said so, that any President ever said so, that any member of Congress ever said so…. And I will remind Judge Douglas and this audience, that while Mr. Jefferson was the owner of slaves, as undoubtedly he was, in speaking upon this very subject, he used the strong language that "he trembled for his country when he remembered that God was just."

Jefferson's words always inspire controversy. How could a slaveowner write these words? Was Jefferson a hypocrite? Was he a product of his time? As I explained to the class, the discussion illustrates the complicate nature of race in American history from the very beginning. To understand Jefferson is to understand, in some measure, the issue of race and the role it has played in shaping our nation.

Labor Day Weekend

Ok. Not one of my best mothering moments, driving to my dad's to pay his bills, while screaming at my girls in Columbia to "get their stuff together" and I CANNOT handle this, on top of everything else. Of course, once they slept and ate, the girls are at least headed home safely. They CANNOT socialize together. One's too stubborn by half, one's a drama queen. I'll let you guess which is which. Earlier in the week they sent me the most gorgeous flowers that I've ever gotten. And, a great quote. If He brought you to it, He will bring you through it.

Excitement in AP

Scroll down to the "flipped classroom." I like the graphic about inverting the class.

Despite the last two crazy weeks, I've been very excited about my class. I love using the Web 2.0 tools. I am a little concerned that the students are overwhelmed, but I am confident they will "get it". We have a test on Tuesday, so time will tell.