Em got involved in Youth In Government this year, which is an organization that walks them through the process of creating a bill and passing it into law. It's great because while we talk about such things in the classroom, the actual process is a slow one--bogged down by personalities, lobbyists, and show-boatin' politicians. It was a great experience for them to see first-hand how it works.....or not.
800 high school students/faux legislators transcended upon the state capitol this past weekend to roll up their sleeves and put some bills into action. We went along too--1) to see Emma in action and 2) to see the Capitol building in Springfield, IL, which is LOVELY.
Built in 1869, this is the tallest of non-skyscraper capitols--even larger than the United States Capitol in Washington D.C. It's just lovely, though. There is just something about those old buildings--all that marble and old-fashioned glory. It was a feast for the eyeballs.
Em was in the Senate--which wasn't nearly as impressive as the House of Representatives room for some reason. But aesthetics aside, it was very exciting to sit in on the event and watch the kids replicate what happens in our government. Em loved sitting in the seats that the Senators use, but they were not allowed to even touch the desks. What's with that??
Here is Em, our Senator, in action. We missed her introducing her bill, but she said it didn't pass. She was late in the day on Sunday and the kids were goofy and tired by then. Some knucklehead wanted to table her bill because he wanted to "go outside and enjoy the nice weather". Somehow, I think he's probably more representative of what is going on in that room than not.
And being that the State of Illinois currently has two former Governors in prison as of last week, I think these kids were probably doing a better job than most of these goofs we elect.
17 comments:
Oh yes... LOTS of goofs in our governmental seats in every state as well as Washington D.C.
Go Em!!
That building is GORGEOUS!
Politics only make me grumpy ;-)
I frequently shake my head at what some of Germany's politicians say and do. Sometimes I cannot believe they got elected. Scary to think that they set the rules for us.
Em looks so serious in that chair - cool top though!
And yes, gorgeous building :)
I spent a morning in that building a few years ago. It is magnificent! Maybe Em's generation will do a better job of governing. One can only hope.
Gorgeous detailing inside that building! There sure were some talented craftsmen back in those days.
I was going to say that they would have to stay there for 6 years to actually get anything done.....
Wow, that's pretty cool, Em! What gorgeous desks, and what a gorgeous building!
Reminds me of Arkansas Girls State. I assume IL has the same thing, sponsored by American Legion Auxillary. Basically the same, even went to the capitol and sat in the desks etc. Here in WI I think they call it Badger State? If she's a Jr this year she should be able to go, ask the local American Legion. I liked it so much I went back as a counselor the next year.
Sounds like a really fun program, I think my high school had something similar but I wasn't much into history/gov't stuff back then. I was more into color guard and working the newspaper.
Bigger than the US Capitol, eh? Looks like a great learning opportunity for the kids, though.
the only way you pass a bill in Illinois is thru Boss Madigan and the right amount on cash . they probably left that part out of the youth government class .
I would imagine the rule about not touching the desks is because the knucklehead who wanted to go outside would roll the desk top up and down if he had the opportunity. Too bad Em's bill didn't pass. It is a lovely building though!
Diane--I wish half of the politicians were as excited about this process as these kids were. It was great to see them so into it!
Lisa--Me too. I try to stay out of politics unless it is local stuff. The building was incredible--I'm glad we got in to see it.
Duni--We have TWO former IL governors in jail now....wow. Something to be proud of, eh? Hard not to be disgruntled when you've got those kinds of leaders. I think we'd be better off with the kids!
Vanilla--I hope so! Although some of the kids were getting ridiculous at the end, I think they did a fine job. Springfield is a fun place to visit with all that Lincoln history.
Hot Rocks--Oh yeah. Everywhere we looked, there were fabulous details. It was a great experience for us all!
Pricilla--Yeah, well, Obama was there for awhile and he didn't get a damn thing done. Now look where it has gotten him. Ugh.
Nancy--It was great to see all the details. All the gold! And the chandeliers! WOW!
Winnie--I will have to look into that. This is Youth in Government, run by the YMCA. I think Em had a good time and will do it again next year.
Silver--Me neither. I think kids get into these things to put on their college resumes, but then they end up really liking it. It takes a good teacher to get them excited about stuff like this--and that she had.
Sharkey--It's taller than the US Capitol. It was a good experience--for us all. We were sitting in the House and Em said she was in the Senate. We didn't even realize we were in the wrong room! Oops.
Paul--I dunno. I think Em learned a LOT about politics and the shenanigans they pull because some of the kids were doing the same. I guess they start young.
Beaded Tail--Yeah, there are always a couple of idiots in the group. Those desks were locked, so I'm not sure why there was so much fuss. Also, the kids were all dressed up and very well behaved and monitored. It was just silly and demeaning for the kids to be told that.
WOW! What a magnificent building!
The politicians over here are no better!
Way to go, EM!
Ok, that's just weird that they couldn't touch the desks. I guess it's easier than trying to remove wads of gum and whatever kids would leave on there though.
Beautiful building, but yeah, I've often wondered about the governor thing. I think Daly was the guy when I lived there. He's still free of crime, right?
What fun for Em. That's a lovely photo. Maybe she'll grow up to be a real politician.
One of our daughters did that and it did impress them.
Veronica--Politician = Crooks everywhere, eh?
Liz--I'm not sure they would damage them. Those kids were respectful, all dressed up, and serious about what they were doing. It wasn't the usual "thugs", you know? Oh, I don't know about Daley--he and pop were all kinda crooked like everyone else. They just weren't caught.
Marilynne--Oh, I hope she doesn't get into politics. It's so slimy!
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