Sadly, my friend, if you want good marks and to maintain any integrity, then you must pick "fluff pieces" to talk about.  Talk about things where there is absolutely no controversy whatsoever, and just tell the people the facts.  I had a speech teacher who loved our small town.  I knew in the past the KKK had been active and that there had been a number of sites associated with the underground railroad.  I went to the library and asked some questions, but none of the historical people in the town wanted to really admit that we had ever had a problem.  They might admit that certain houses were used as safe houses, and outside of them it was very dangerous.  But they were really, really vague -- I mean it seems silly to say it was very dangerous outside of them, but not be willing to say what, if any, incidents actually ever happened to those who were not really careful.  I decided that I couldn't find a lot of reliable material, so I gave up on the project.  I think the next day she commented in class that she had heard from a librarian that someone was looking into the KKK.  It was obvious that she was horrified that anyone would want to uncover the unsavory past of our lovely little town.  I ended up doing that report on the past of our one park.  Think fluff, my friend, nothing controversial.  Nothing that would offend anyone.  You don't have to say anything that you don't agree with -- you don't have to sell out completely.  Just don't say anything that would upset your teacher.

p.s. fortunately for me the teacher had no idea thatI was the one who had been the one looking into the KKK, so she still liked me.  You've got an uphill battle since he already associates you with "dangerous ideas".  Also, aren't you glad the internet is here?  Your teacher doesn't realise that the mainstream media is now supplemented with a gazillion little blogs which make minor ripples.  Enough of these ripples may one day change the tide of public opinion.  So put the truth that you want to spread on your blog, and put the truth your teacher wants to hear in your classroom projects.  Even if that truth is something trivial like "Many people think litter is ugly.  A city with less litter is more attractive to tourists.  Wouldn't you like to be able to take more pride in your community?  If so, you can help pick up litter at the park on earth day this year.  Or you don't even have to wait until earth day -- you can pick up litter today."  With cutting exposes on the unpleasantness of litter our country will at least be a prettier place to look at, even if we do have to put up with politicians who are liars, socialists, etc.