To build some background, we talked about democracy and with voting, I also talked about a caucus. Some of them knew a few of the candidates, but most had no idea. So much of today's lesson was being introduced to democracy and civics, building relevant background, and previewing the text.
Every year I try to strive for at least one lesson that focuses on how our government works and how we play an important role.
As I was thinking about its relevance, I remembered a few key moments so far in my life that has molded my civic educational standards.
1. My senior year in high school I took government... my teacher always told me to "not sit on the fence" with my decisions. Growing up, I understood many viewpoints and had a hard time deciding one over the other. As I've gotten older, started a family, and seen society change, I understand what he was talking about. True change nor full understanding comes from just sitting on the fence.
2. Also my senior year in high school, I was at home watching the election being tallied starting with the east coast moving west when probably the most profound moment occurred in my life regarding my civic duty. I don't remember most of the details but I do remember a state in the Midwest voted their congressman, who happened to be I believe the minority leader, out of office. It was huge because, Senator Harry Reid of Nevada became the minority leader then. I turned and asked my parents, "Why would a state want to lose that kind of congressional power? Why not keep him?" My dad said a powerful thing, "If the man doesn't vote and make decisions the way the people of his state want him to than why would they keep him? You are elected by the people and should make decisions based on what the people of your state want." It was amazing to me that people would vote to do that and why wouldn't the congressman just change the way he voted based on the people he represents?
Which brings me to the part that's going to bring the "haters". That thought made me think of Hilary. I watched video evidence about her political stances from years ago vs today. This video which I found on Facebook and shared on my page showed how very conservative her views were years ago and how very liberal she is today. If we want someone who is willing to do what the majority wants than she would be it. The problem: she has denied ever believing in those conservative values and has accused people of twisting her words. Being dishonest and lying is something I don't believe in or agree with. Because of that, it makes me sad she is a candidate and a real possible contender for the election in November.
But, going back to my words in bold, you are elected by the people... I think too many people have forgotten that. When I read the statistic that an estimated 93 million Americans did not vote in the 2012 elections, it scares me. Where are you, the 93 million Americans that did not vote? Did you know it's your civic duty? Did you know that men and women have protested and died for us all to vote? Did you know it's the one time we can make our voice loud and clear, that we agree with you or we disagree with you? People of political stance who barely win tend to change their standing ground, if even for a short while. Too many people, in office or not, have forgotten that most officials are elected by the people for the people. That's the great thing about being a democracy! Spread the importance.
3. Be aware. Sometimes laws and bills are written in a complex manner. I remember years ago voting on the law about eminent domain. It made no sense to me whatsoever but because of personal reasons, I kept researching and clarifying until I understood exactly what it meant. I literally spent hours trying to figure it out. I even called my mom trying to talk through the law with someone else. The majority of people voted for eminent domain to be in place here in Nevada. Several years later, the people were trying to repeal the law. As we teach kids at school, for years as I remember being told as a kid too, sometimes the people who give you a test will try to trick you. Kids are expected to find a way to clarify and understand. As adults, the same thing happens when we come across content we are not easily exposed to such as politics. As a coping mechanism, just like some kids, we either skip the question, choose an answer to just move on to something easier that we better understand and can feel confident about, or we work until we figure it out the problem. Just like in school, some concepts are easier than others. It just depends on each individual. I think it's why or at least a partial reason why perseverance is being taught through Common Core. It is expected for a functioning society, at least one of the many things to help our society function.
Finally since I'm on this high horse...
4. We need to be able to debate. I have several friends who have "deleted" me from their lives because of my political stance. I miss the days where I could sit down and have an honest conversation without anyone getting upset about certain political stances. The only people who remain friends with me are those who have similar viewpoints. That saddens me because I love hearing all sides whether I agree or disagree. That is actually a constant battle in my classroom this year, being able to civilly disagree with other classmates and knowing that if we are respectful that it'll be okay. I try my hardest, I know parents try their hardest, but sometimes it's changes that need to happen everywhere including in public/ in society. Not everyone agrees on everything and that should be okay. It's not okay once it becomes disrespectful, and I feel that is what's happening today in society.
So off my high horse I go and into bed, except my oldest woke up. :)
