Fellow LLP blogger Capital Freedom writes about the D.C. City Council encouraging a group of sixth grade students at Bowen Elementary School in the District to appear before the Council to propose an official fruit for the District of Columbia. Now, we’ve heard about things like this happening elsewhere in the country, school kids go to the state capital and lobby in favor of an official state muffin, or an official state dance, or some other nonsensical piece of legislation. The purpose, apparently, is to teach the kids about how democracy works. As the author points out, however, that is precisely the problem with the entire idea:
Of course, the Council Members only want to teach youngsters about the political process, as it states in the resolution: “That having school children propose an official fruit to the Council through proposed legislation will teach the children about the political process and the importance of public participation in civic life and show all our residents that all people, young and old, can get involved in politics and in their own government.” After all, children should understand at a young age that all one has to do to impose his will on others is appeal to politicians to enact a law.
Personally, I’ve always thought that the best way to teach kids about what government is really about would be to give them all Monopoly money and then have a special guest from the legislature come in and take it all away. See kids, thats what taxes are all about !
There’s more on this official-fruit-of-the-District story at the Washington Post.
“Today, your voices are being heard,” Bobb told them. “I hope our students realize that their involvement can make a big difference in a process that is usually reserved for adults.”
Bunton agreed and hopes the Council will act.
“You have the unique opportunity to demonstrate to them that they can affect change in their lives and their surroundings. That if they want to reach out to their community and their government that there will be a hand reaching back to them to make sure that they are heard and taken seriously,” Bunton said.
Yes children, you too can use the power of the state to impose your will on others. Isn’t it fun ?!?
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