My second period class didn’t know what the midterm elections were. They didn’t know why last night had any potential to impact America. Only time will tell if last night’s results really did have any impact on politics in America.
We did get into an interesting conversation about political parties. A few of my students decided things would be better if there were only one party in power at one time. Say, a Republican president were elected, they decided the entire Congress should also then be Republican. We spoke further and talk turned to the war in Iraq.
“Why are we there?” I asked.
“The Iraqis flew the planes into the World Trade Center,” was the majority response.
“No,” one student said, “It’s because of the weapons of mass destruction.”
Thinking this was a strong road to follow, I asked the student to elaborate.
“Bush didn’t pay off the weapons of mass destruction, so the people from Iraq attacked us.”
The discussion was heated and everyone had an opinion. Tomorrow, I suppose I’ve got to decide whether I follow them down the rabbit hole. For right now, they’re writing. I can’t wait to see what they have to say.
More later.
It’s good to hear your thoughts on this. I teach in Scotland, and the stereotypical view we have of America is that Americans are very parochial and insular. I like that you are encouraging the kids to be aware of the world out there!
If it’s any consolation, I have a class that would have no idea where Sarasota is without Google Earth!
Zac I am so proud of the job you are doing…keep up the good work! Love, Dad