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Don't tell her off. Don't tell her to shut up. You'd look like a total a**hole. You should state what you stated here: that you like GW, that you think he's doing a good job, and that the Patriot Act is helping to prevent terrorism. In general, don't try to start a fight - just focus on expressing your opinion, honestly and respecfully.

I would ask her why maintaining the principles of the founding fathers the republicans are oppressing anyone. I would remind her that the class is not her personal soapbox, (and I would also write the dean) and that there should be no place in open discourse for her "hate speech".

I had a teacher like this, and she had totally lost control of the class by the last session because so many of us challenged her. She didn't teach there again, either.

I know there's a great temptation to tell her off and blow off some steam at her pigheaded leftishness, but perhaps that's what she's counting on. She is, after all, the teacher. So suck it up, smile, present the picture of reasonableness, and politely disagree. If she goes on a rant with the usual leftist name-calling and fact-distortion, ignore the name-calling, smile, and politely point out her factual discrepancies. This may set her off further, but if it does, let the onus be on her. You were just trying to be polite and discuss all sides of the question in a rational manner. Good luck, and please keep us posted on how you do.

I think I'm going to tell her off on thursday.

No, just tell her that her opinion is wrong. Whenever she makes any of these kinds of statements, simply tell her that her opinion is wrong. Don't go into detail, don't offer any further explanation, simply say "Your opinion is wrong."

My suggestion is you read the Patriot Act. I have it on my computer at work if you'd like me to email it to you--I got it off the web from a government site, can't remember which one now, though. I tried a google search for it but that just brought up a bunch of liberal garbage and I had to call Washington DC and have them give me the web address.

Before you go mouthing off at the teacher, I'd suggest you arm yourself and be prepared. Hey, that would be good, next time the teacher mentions the Patriot Act, ask her if she's read it. LOL. I guarantee she hasn't, no one could.

I skimmed it. It pretty much says NOTHING and I can't understand why everyone gets so upset about it. It's typical political hogwash, many many pages of it. Little thought went into it, just a lot of words.

Good luck whatever you do. One part of me wants you to rip her to shreds, the other part wants you to blind her with your memorized version of the Patriot Act and show her up for the liar she is.

And one last thing, please please please take notes and document what she's doing. Then send a letter to your school president about it. You're paying good money for your schooling and this isn't right! Until students start doing this, these kinds of lousy teachers will continue to litter our schools.

I would recommend pulling the teacher aside and asking her to not provide political comentary during class. After all you are trying to learn History not political science.

If that does not work, call her to task during class, again with the same message. You might mention that by acting as an advocate of one political view, she appears to loose objectivity and credability with her message.

If that does not work, or if you feel you receive punishment from the teacher, go to your student orgainzation of dean of students.

I have used the above tactics and have NEVER had to do more than the first and second.

PS. It helps if you have a few others in class who are willing to add an "agreed" or "that's right" during you class confrontation. It shows to the teacher that you are not alone.