From a teacher in the Nashville area.
CIVICS 101 3rd GRADE
It's all about the Ice Cream
The most eye-opening civics lesson I ever had was while teaching third
grade this year. The presidential election was heating up and some of the
children showed an interest. I decided we would have an election for a class
president. We would choose our nominees. They would make a campaign
speech and the class would vote.
To simplify the process, candidates were nominated by other class members.
We discussed what kinds of characteristics these students should have. We
got many nominations and from those, Jamie and Olivia were picked to run
for the top spot.
The class had done a great job in their selections. Both candidates were
good kids. I thought Jamie might have an advantage because he got lots of
parental support. I had never seen Olivia's mother. The day arrived when
they were to make their speeches Jamie went first. He had specific ideas
about how to make our class a better place. He ended by promising to do
his very best. Every one applauded. He sat down and Olivia came to the
podium.
Her speech was concise. She said, 'If you will vote for me, I will give
you ice cream.' She sat down.
The class went wild. 'Yes! Yes! We want ice cream.'
She surely would say more. She did not have to. A discussion followed.
How did she plan to pay for the ice cream? She wasn't sure. Would her
parents buy it or would the class pay for it. She didn't know. The class
really didn't care. All they were thinking about was ice cream. Jamie was
forgotten. Olivia won by a land slide.
Every time Barack Obama opens his mouth he offers ice cream, and fifty
percent of America reacts like nine year olds. They want ice cream. The
other fifty percent know they're going to have to feed the cow.
