Opportunity

Essay Contest

Deadline:  November 16, 2007, 5:00 PM
Participants: 9th, 10th, 11th, & 12th grade students
Winners announced no later than March 2008

The Essay Contest awards a first place prize in 9th grade, 10th grade, 11th grade, and 12th grade.  Each winner will receive $750 cash or a $1500 savings bond.

All entries must be submitted electronically by 5 p.m. (EST) Friday, November 16, 2007 or postmarked by that day to be eligible for consideration. Winners will be notified no later than March 2008. Click here for more information and to enter the Essay Contest.

Essay Prompt

The Internet is shaping up to be a critical factor in the 2008 presidential election. The debates in which ordinary citizens asked questions of the major candidates through “YouTube” and the media coverage of those debates show the growing importance of the Internet as a way for people to learn about the candidates and to discuss election issues.

But people are concerned that some information on the Internet is inaccurate or unfair. Some bloggers and other Internet communicators intentionally distort a candidate’s record or character. One way to ensure citizens vote on the basis of correct information would be a law requiring organizations such as America Online (AOL) and YouTube to remove any such communication from blogs and other websites for which they offer access within 48 hours. Failure to do so would result in criminal penalties such as a large fine.

Would you support such an action by Congress?

In your discussion, you may consider:

• Will the availability of information on the Internet encourage more people to vote and would such a law discourage voting because an important source of information about candidates – even if some of it is inaccurate – might be affected?
• Would such a law violate the First Amendment’s protection for freedom of speech and press?

Contents of this website are intended for the enhancement of instruction only.
Contact: Julie Gaskin, District STLP Coordinator. Last Updated: 12/01/2007