Writing Prompts

4a) Make a final decision about your logical argument research topic. What is it? Questions to ask yourself:
What have we been studying in class this year?
This year, we have been studying being able to complete web literacy assignments and using the internet to research certain topics.
Which subjects appeal to me?
The subject that appeals most to me is what we are doing now with the blog writing prompts (Being able to choose our own subjects).
What are people writing about?
People are usually writing about global issues that are happening in the world.
What's most interesting to me?
The subject that is most interesting to me is same-sex marriage. I believe that it is a certain subject that I can connect to something personal in my life (pertaining to my sister) and I believe I can truly create a great argument in favor of same-sex marriage.
Can I find information about that?
Yes, I believe I can find information about same-sex marriage because there are many people in this world that are same-sex and are in love with one another and can make a case in favor of same-sex marriage.

4b) Why are you most interested in the topic of argument selected?
I am most interested in this subject because I have people in my family who are gay and lesbian, or even bi-sexual and they believe in same-sex marriage. I believe that people can love who they want, and they should be able to have the freedom to be happy with their life and with who they are with. Being happy is more important than a lot of things because everything means nothing if you don't have a smile on your face and are content with yourself and your life. 

5) Explore what you already know. Access Leading Issue summaries ("Topic Overview" or "At Issue" Pages) and Timeline (under Research Tools) from the SIRS Leading Issue you have chosen. In 3-5 sentences, summarize the background and historical information of the Leading Issue you selected. Include main controversies, key figures, important organizations, and key events.

Briefly list what you know about your topic already. Consider the following:

Surprising facts or statistics:

-In 1996, Congress passed the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) which defined marriage as a union of one man and one woman, preventing two men or two women to get married. 

- Same-sex marriage was illegal until Massachusetts became the first became the first state to grant legalized same-sex marriages in November of 2003. 

-Currently, more than 15 states legalized same-sex marriage. 

The extent of the problem: 

-Many people believe that marriage is between men and women only and for a two men and women to get married, it is morally wrong and will eventually destroy the sanctity of marriage. 

-Same-sex couples want to be able to legally marry because they don't want to lose their marriage license once they enter a new state and they also don't want to lose the parental rights to their children. 

Important people or institutions involved:

-In the 1970s, same-sex couples began fighting for the legal right to marry.

-In 2002 on July 8th, A law is passed by Congress and signed by President George W. Bush establishing a domestic partnership registry in the District of Columbia. Under the law, same-sex couples are given access to many of the state rights afforded to married couples. 

-November 18th, 2003, The Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts rules in Goodridge v. Dept. of Public Health that prohibiting same-sex couples from marrying violates the state constitution. The court gives the legislature 180 days "to take such action as it may deem appropriate in light of this opinion." 

Key schools of thought: 

Some people believe that same-sex 
Common misconceptions: 

Many people believe that because same-sex marriage licenses are legalized in 15 states, that the fight is over. However, there are still 35 states that are left to legalize same-sex marriage, let alone the rest of the world. There are same-sex marriage couples everywhere in the world who are completely in love and want deeply to be wedded but can't because of the government restrictions on same-sex marriage. 
Observations you've made
I've learned that same-sex marriage is a prevalent issue that same-sex couples would like to overcome. Many people believe that marriage should be between men and women due to biblical references. I've also learned, that since same-sex couples have been coming out more to fight for rights, there have been many other people who have come out into the world of being gay, lesbian or bisexual. 
Important trends
There are no important trends, besides same-sex marriage. 
Major controversies
The most common major controversies that are prevalent with this topic, is homosexuals being discriminated and targeted against because of their sexuality.