Lesson Plan: “How Our Global Friends Can Help Us: Don’t Come. Robert Reich

Current Situation in the US:
The United States is experiencing significant political tension under the second Trump administration. Recent developments include aggressive immigration policies, international trade disputes, and actions that have raised concerns about the state of democracy and presidential power.

The letter, addressed to international readers, expresses deep concern about the state of American democracy under the Trump administration. The author urges foreigners to reconsider visiting or studying in the United States as a form of protest and to avoid potential risks.

Objectives:

• Understand the current political climate in the United States

• Analyze the potential consequences for different groups considering travel or study in the US

• Interpret current events in relation to historical context

• Develop critical thinking skills about international relations and democracy

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Activities:

1. Letter Analysis and Summary

   • Read the letter “How Our Global Friends Can Help Us: Don’t Come Here”

   • Identify and discuss the main arguments and requests presented

   • Create a summary of the key points and requests

2. Current Events Analysis

   • Research and discuss recent executive orders and policy changes in the US

   • Compare news sources to identify potential biases in reporting

   • Analyze travel statistics mentioned in the letter (e.g., 11% decrease in Chinese travel, 23% decrease in Canadian car crossings)

3. Freedom of Speech Discussion

   • Examine recent cases involving freedom of speech in the US

   • Discuss potential consequences for high school students, university students, workers, and tourists expressing political opinions

4. Historical Comparison

   • Create a timeline of significant events in US politics from 2020 to 2025

   • Compare current situations to historical examples of democratic challenges

5. “Land of the Free, Home of the Brave” Analysis

   • Discuss the origin and meaning of this phrase

   • Evaluate how current events align with or diverge from this ideal

6. Risk Assessment Exercise

   • Divide students into groups representing different categories (high school students, university students, workers, tourists)

   • Each group researches and presents potential risks and considerations for their category

7. International Relations Simulation

   • Role-play a scenario where students represent different countries responding to US policies

   • Discuss potential diplomatic and economic consequences of current US actions

8. Debate on Travel Boycott

   • Organize a class debate on the ethics and effectiveness of boycotting travel to a country

   • Discuss the potential impact of a 5% drop in international travel to the US

9. Reflective Writing

   • Students write a personal reflection on how current events in the US might affect their own country or region

   • Consider the implications of the author’s requests for international relations

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Summary of Letter Requests:

1. Reconsider trips to the United States

2. Avoid studying in the US or applying for H-1B visas

3. Join an informal boycott of travel to the US

The concept of the US as the “land of the free, home of the brave” is currently being tested by political tensions and policy changes. Students should consider how recent events align with or challenge this ideal, and what implications this may have for the future of American democracy and its global standing.