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This Critical Debate is part of a Debate Comparison:

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Duration
Less than 30 minutes
Topic(s)
  • Media Ethics
  • Politics
  • Protests
Grade(s)
  • 9-12
  • College/University

Looking Back: 9/11 Connections

Use the artifact viewer to explore the image below and discuss the following questions:

  • What happened/is happening in this image? What story does it tell?
  • How is this image connected to the events of Sept. 11, 2001?
  • How could you use this image to make an argument about the state of freedom in the U.S.? About national security?

What would you do if you found out about a planned protest that is illegal and could set off a mass panic?

You are a reporter at a prominent newspaper in Florida. A local postal worker contacts you about his plan to fly a gyrocopter through restricted airspace and land it on the U.S. Capitol grounds in Washington, D.C. He wants to draw attention to the need for new campaign finance laws by delivering letters to every member of Congress. He says the Secret Service has interviewed him twice and he wants you to tell his story and motivations.

You interview the man and take photos of his small homemade aircraft. He says he has no intention of hurting anyone or causing harm. You continue to stay in touch. Months later, he tells you his flight date is set.

What do you do?

  1. Contact the authorities.

    The planned protest is illegal and could cause a panic.

  2. Write a story about the man’s plans.

    Maybe your story will prompt someone to talk him out of his plan or prompt authorities to act.

  3. Wait to see how the story plays out.

    The man has done nothing wrong yet, and the story may get more interesting.

  4. Drive to Washington and begin reporting online and via social media as the man takes off.

    Take advantage of this scoop. You can contact authorities to get a comment once he is airborne.

  5. Something else.

    Explain how you’d cover this story.

  • How can you be certain of the man’s claim that he doesn’t intend to harm anyone or anything?
  • Who has the most to gain or lose based on your decision?
  • If you don’t notify authorities, are you complicit in a potential crime?
  • Why did the man contact you? What is your role in his plan? Do you feel comfortable with this role?
  • Is it ever effective or acceptable for a person to break the law when advocating for a cause?

Have students use the Analyzing Evidence and Making Your Argument handouts to collect and organize additional information about the case, then form an argument supported by evidence. Give groups 30 minutes to prepare, or assign as homework. (Note: Students may wish to organize their sources and evidence using a spreadsheet, such as Google Sheets.)

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