Discovering Democracy discussions ENHANCED my AUDACITY of HOPE!
Discovering Democracy discussions ENHANCED my AUDACITY of HOPE!
I have been VIBRATING since the dynamic DISCOVERING DEMOCRACY III's Political Science Research Fair last evening at Milton HS! The conversations with the AP US Government & Politics students have generated a MAJOR INCREASE in my AUDACITY of HOPE for the FUTURE of our REPUBLIC - the USA because of these YOUNG ADULTS!
I had numerous very informative and persuasive conversations with the students at the Fair. Let me cite a few KNOWING that I am NOT reporting each conversation which I valued highly. Just plain too many VERY SATISFYING conversations to share. Remember: Each of the issues selected by the Discovering Democracy students is a Significant Public Policy Issue (SPPI).
Rob Lyke had an issue which holds special professional as well as personal interest for me, “Separation of Church and State.” He poignantly discussed the incisive and focused decisions by our US Supreme Court. He had 2 excellent illustrations demonstrating that reality – 2 monuments which included The Ten Commandments with one ruled legal by the Supreme Court and one ruled illegal. GOOD work, Rob!
I gained meaningful encouragement as to the research which is going on vis-à-vis STEM CELLS talking with Landon Shea. I hope he moves ahead with the very important research on stem cells! Go for it, Landon!
I was persuaded by Mina Heinen-Brown’s portfolio presentation complemented by discussion with her that women should have full access to combat duty IF they meet all the requirements of any soldier on combat duty. This is the more significant in the context of the type of military operations we’ve had in Iraq and continue to have in Afghanistan. Full gender equity. What do YOU think?
The most intense discussion came with Kevin Koloff as I reviewed his portfolio and questioned him about the Secret Service. I had read the report of Secret Service Director, Mark Sullivan’s “apology” in the Hearing held by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on Wednesdat. If you want to read the Washington Post’s report, use this link, “Secret Service director apologizes as senators detail new misconduct allegations.”
I do not think his testimony was honest. I agree with political commentators who expect Mr. Sullivan to leave the Secret Service soon due to the contradiction between testimony of current and former Secret Service agents about the “off the record” climate with the “secret circus.” Time will tell…
Wonder whether Kevin, an inshape soccer player - we talked soccer because my grandsons are both soccer players and I follow Norwegian fotball (soccer), will become a Secret Service agent?
I would have to rate Jon Jennings the most articulate salesperson I met last evening as he advocated for Ron Paul for US President! (Alert: He is a salesperson at Janesville’s Sears store.) The official title of his project was, “Democratic-Republican Party Rebirth.” He asserts that Ron Paul would be the person who would be the appropriate candidate for US President in 2012 IF the modern Republican Party were loyal to its Democratic-Republican roots. If you are not attuned to the history of the Democratic-Republican Party, I suggest you get a quick review reading the Wikipedia’s article, “Democratic-Republican Party.”
Wondering what persons who identify themselves as Republicans reading this blog post think about Ron Paul. Watching for YOUR comment, please. I KNOW JON will be much interested too.
I was blown away by the FACTUAL KNOWLEDGE of these young adults which was then communicated with persuasion as I asked their own stance on each issue. The Discovering Democracy assignment, like the WASHINGTON SEMINAR assignment, requires each student to carefully analyze her/his issue and then take a stance on the issue. This is a very difficult requirement, but important for citizens of our republic, as I see it. The range of the stance of the students was full-range for the American political spectrum. Diversity with civility!
I wish ALL OF YOU would have experienced that Discovering Democracy III FAIR! DISappointed that I did NOT meet a single person who has written comments about DISCOVERING DEMOCRACY on my blog. I had asked YOU to introduce yourself to me. We ALL need to continue to LEARN if we are going to really LIVE! What do YOU think?
This morning, I want to express COMMENDATON and GRATITUDE to the AP US Government & Politics students who did all the work to be well prepared for the 3rd annual DISCOVERING DEMOCRACY FAIR at MILTON HIGH SCHOOL!
Special commendation and gratitude too to VAL CROFTS, the AP US Government & Politics teacher at Milton HS. I know fully the TREMDNOUS extra work which he has been investing to make Discovering Democracy HAPPEN and be so very effective!
Additionally, I want to express gratitude to the persons who served as staffers for Discovering Democracy III Field Study: Mr. Holt, Mr. Mayer, Mrs. Stieve and Mrs. Williams.
I am better prepared to observe MEMORIAL DAY this weekend because of my DISCOVERING DEMOCRACY III FAIR. I am MORE thankful for our REPUBLIC! I am MORE optimistic about the FUTURE of our REPUBLIC because I KNOW these YOUNG ADULTS (all citizens of the USA) are moving into the leadership of our REPUBLIC! What is YOUR perspective on the FUTURE of our REPUBLIC?
Through my 30 years with WASHINGTON SEMINAR on Field Study in Washington, DC, I again and again experienced the ENHANCEMENT of my AUDACITY of HOPE through the conscientious research with careful analysis by the young adults who were in my AP US Government & Politics which was enriched by the Washington, DC Field Study. TODAY I am attesting to that enriching experience at the Discovering Democracy III Political Science Research Fair last evening at Milton High School.
Each and every time I opened and then closed WASHINGTON SEMIANR Field Study at The Lincoln Memorial, I lifted up the closing challenges which Abraham Lincoln articulated to the people gathered at Gettysburg on November 19, 1863 and the resolutions which continue to echo to WE THE PEOPLE of the US on this MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND 2012. I know that VAL CROFTS uses this same quote with the DISCOVERING DEMOCRACY students on Field Study each year.
I ask you to read again the familiar words Lincoln spoke as he closed the unexpectedly short address in the Dedication Ceremony of the National Cemetery at Gettysburg, PA. calling on us to make 3 resolutions, “that we here highly resolve...
(1) that these dead shall not have died in vain—
(2) that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—
(3) and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
What are YOU doing to fulfill the 3 resolutions Lincoln identified?
Here we go...
Mr. E.
John Eyster lives in the Edgerton area. He is an adjunct professor of political science at UW-Waukesha and an advocate for democracy/civics education in Wisconsin high schools. John is a community blogger and is not a part of The Gazette staff. His opinion is not necessarily that of the The Gazette staff or management.
May 27, 2012 at 8:01 p.m.
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Hey John
We may not agree on much. But I agree that the kids who take this class are awesome. It does not matter whether you agree with their premise or not. Mr. Crofts teaches them to make sure their research is valid.
Now, I may be biased. My child took this class last year and has continued their involvement in politics. Whatever party they may support, it is a good thing to see young people providing vital involvement in real issues.
May 26, 2012 at 9:20 p.m.
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There is NO way I could ever vote for Ron Paul.
"The term "Democratic Republican" was created by political scientists mainly to avoid confusion with the modern Republican Party, founded on March 20, 1854 after the Whig Party broke up."
from JE's source....http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democratic-Republican_Party
May 26, 2012 at 11:16 a.m.
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I URGE every person reading "wislady"'s comment to use the link to read about the FIRST AMENDMENT! THANK YOU, "wislady"! The OpEd from the First Amendment Center is accurate, factual and valuable. The LINK again is: http://www.gazettextra.com/news/2012/may.... Here we go... John W. Eyster
May 26, 2012 at 7:22 a.m.
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Teacher flunks First Amendment 101 with classroom rant
http://www.gazettextra.com/news/2012/may...
May 25, 2012 at 8:17 p.m.
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Eyesore: You were a doofus yesterday, you're a doofus today and you'll be a doofus ToMoRrOw
May 25, 2012 at 11:28 a.m.
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As a presenter at the DDIII research fair last night, I share the enthusiasm with Mr. E. Last night showcased all of the educated, upcoming bright minds regarding the most controversial issues as well as the the brightest members of the community regarding political concern and dedication (If that answers your question Mr. E.) As a strong conservative I am proud of both the more liberal and more conservative individuals who presented/attended last night as we together reached a bipartisan agreement on many issues. The hope that Mr. E describes was represented last night, that's why you don't understand. A true fed up tax payer would show support to those who are actually willing to fix the government together. As one of the many presenters of the national debt, I understand truly being fed up with how money is being spent, however, had you attended as "requested" you would have learned my solution. I learned in Washington that it is not the politicians that create polarity but rather the American people, especially those fueling one side. The blatant display of ignorance that you consistently pursue pushing my party as well as yours is embarrassing to not only you but to the whole party. You are the reason that the country views our party as extremist idiots even though that description represents a select few. And as for Mr. E's "request," the request was not for a confrontation, so I it is clear why you don't understand that, but rather a chance to make your points in a civil environment and to learn how to understand how politics really works.
You would learn how we need to come together now because this polarity will destroy the American creation.
E Pluribus Unum
Out of many, one :)
May 25, 2012 at 9:39 a.m.
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You guys keep on vibrating.
The battery will run down eventually.
May 25, 2012 at 7:32 a.m.
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"DISappointed that I did NOT meet a single person who has written comments about DISCOVERING DEMOCRACY on my blog. I had asked YOU to introduce yourself to me."
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NARCISSISM aside people have lives to lead, following you around to engage in REQUESTED conversation is WAY down the list, IMHO.
May 25, 2012 at 7:11 a.m.
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Memorial Day
"As the flowers rest on the decorated graves and the sunlight shines on the beautiful sailboats, Uncle Sam whispers in my ear about how we should care for the soldiers and remember the ones that have died. Swimming pools open, BBQs fry. Today is the day to think of what they have done for us. There are blurs of red, white and blue marching down the street and flags are lowered at half-mast. But we should always remember and never forget what set us free, from this very day on."
Ali M., 3rd Grader, Academy Elementary School, Madison, Connecticut
2001
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