Reinforcing the importance of experiencing historical events
Categories: In The News, Media, That's Entertainment
Politics and the presidential campaign are all over the news. There is no way to turn on the television without hearing something about one of the presidential candidates. I recently wrote about the discussions I have had with my son regarding current events, including this year's historical presidential election.The Texas primary will be held on March 4, 2008, so we are seeing a lot of campaign coverage on the news right now. I have not yet made a firm decision about which way my vote will go in the primary, but I am intrigued by both of the Democratic candidates because of the history that will be made with this election. My son has been expressing quite a bit of interest in the primaries, asking various questions about delegates and other phrases he hears on the news. Kyle is especially interested in the popularity of Barack Obama because he shares the same heritage as Senator Obama.
Tonight in Houston, a rally will be held for Barack Obama and I plan to take Kyle. I continually remind him of how important this election is and hopefully he will remember this year when he is an adult. I am hoping that he will grow up and look back and be able to say that he went to see the two historical presidential candidates in the Democratic Party speak at rallies in Houston. We are also going to attend the debate on Thursday in Austin, and I am looking forward to sharing this experience with Kyle. However, I have to contain myself and not overwhelm him by turning it into a school assignment or making it sound like "work" and taking the fun away for him.
I have been trying to think of ways to make these events more memorable for him and ensure that he understands what he is experiencing but I don't think he will fully comprehend until he is an adult. Do you have any suggestions on how to increase the value of what we're doing and impress upon him how lucky he is to be old enough to remember this presidential election?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
CLM 2-19-2008 @ 1:02PM
Just let him have the experience and encourage him to ask any questions he may have. His perspective and appreciation of the historical nature of his experience will mature as he does.
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Jill 2-19-2008 @ 3:39PM
Perhaps he could make a list of questions he may have before attending, then look at it later to see if he has answers to the questions. Or he could have topics of interest to him and fill in Obama's point of view in each area when he gets home.
These are homeworky things, but may help him organize his thoughts.
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LS 2-19-2008 @ 3:44PM
The best thing you can do is teach him that, although this is being painted as a "historic" election because of the gender and race of two of the candidates, the *most* important thing to consider is a candidate's experience, not his/her gender, skin color, or slogans.
I will state right up front, I am not a fan of any of the candidates; mine dropped out recently, and I am looking at third-party candidates for November.
Electing a President is very much like hiring a person for any other job. When doing that, you must consider the candidate's experience and past performance, as well as the way he/she is currently presenting. Obama is a very charismatic speaker - of that there is no doubt. But when push comes to shove, what kind of experience does either candidate on the Democratic side have? McCain is a war hero. Again, no doubt of that. But what of his experience and performance in his current job? Experience, yes, but some would say his performance is deplorable.
This is the way that I would approach the subject with my son, and in fact, the way that I've approached it with our babysitter (who has become like a sister to me), when she's asked me about the whole political situation. Look at the WHOLE candidate, not just the flash and smile that is presented to the world. Check out the websites. Listen to talk radio, watch the news programs. Read the newspapers. Most importantly, research each candidate's voting record, and see where he/she *really* stands.
And for the love of Pete, please don't ever just vote for 'the party line' - just punching that one oval that says "D" or "R" is probably the most irresponsible thing that a person can do. I'd rather people didn't vote at all then vote one party just because it's "their" party. (In fact, that was an insult hurled between George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and other Founding Fathers - it was a major slap to be referred to as a "Party Man")
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the goddess anna 2-19-2008 @ 7:22PM
LS - your comments are always so rational and well-thought out. You said it so much better than I could (and I'm totally feeling you about the candidates this year).
maria 2-19-2008 @ 4:42PM
When I think about the lessons I learned from my parents what I realize is the old adage - Actions Speak Louder than Words - is so true. My parents aren't big talkers anyway (how they got me is a mystery) but some of the big lessons are do what you say you're going to do, do your share, in church, at school, in your community and others. So - I'm not convinced that lectures about current events really stick. What do are regular conversations, voting, maybe participating in a campaign if you feel strongly. We talk about current events at our house because we're interested and my husband is very active in our neighborhood association. We also try to answer questions as honestly as possible - so I think my son knows more about 9/11 (we live near the Pentagon) than his friends. My oldest - now 8 - has written 2 letters to President Bush and goes to all the neighborhood association meetings - and asks questions - good ones. He's very aware. I think the example we're living - paying attention and being involved - are tapping into his interests. My younger children (6 and 3) aren't there yet. Maybe they won't ever be - each kid is different.
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Loveo 2-20-2008 @ 3:38AM
According to me, you can let him have his own experience and encourage him to ask any questions he may have. And I think if anyone has ever been in the thick of a Presidential campaign, he seems to hitch a ride with the candidate on his plane. So if he will not fully comprehend, I think you can give him some books. That is necessary! Ya, Obama's story seems a nice choice:
http://dealstudio.com/searchdeals.php?deal_id=85057&ru=279
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LS 2-20-2008 @ 11:24AM
Also, a great resource is the Project Vote Smart website. It gives a wealth if information, not just on the popular candidates, but on *every* candidate running for every office. You can find information there about your state representation as well as your state's national representation (your senators and reps in D.C.), and how to contact them. Best of all, it is a truly non-partisan website - the information presented there is "just the facts, ma'am". (sorry, I watched Dragnet last night...)
http://www.votesmart.com.
Another good website for just general frustration is maintained by Citizens Against Government Waste. This one is also non-partisan, and harpoons those who would use our money for stupid ventures, like erecting statues and colliseums when the roads are crumbling and schools are failing. It's good stuff to know when those congresspeople are suddenly running for office, and touting all the "good" and "responsible" things that they've done with our tax dollars.
http://www.cagw.org
Never go into the voting booth unprepared, and never believe what the candidates say - they're talking to those who don't "have the time" to do their homework.
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