November 2008
While turning in my husband’s absentee ballot earlier last week I was confronted with an unexpected and exciting picture. The entire board of elections building was surrounded and three parking lots were filled to capacity with people circling the lot like bees over a honey pot. For the first time in my voting life I witnessed the fact that people were actually participating but more importantly they were excited to be participating in the voting process. As Americans we have an inalienable right and duty to vote. As many of us have heard from students and friends alike and we ourselves may have even stated, “Why should I vote? My vote won’t count anyway. All votes count.
Which ever candidate you chose was a personal choice. It isn’t about who won or who lost but the fact was that Americans’ cast their ballots with excitement and by the droves. My mom and I chatted throughout the evening as the polls were closing about the process and how different her experience has been while casting her ballot as well. She stated, “I am 65 years old and have voted in every primary and election since I was 18 years old and have never experienced such patriotism and excitement for the process as I have these past few weeks.” Our country is badly in need of a change and for the 1st time in a long time people actually stood up and made their voices heard. Let us hope that this passion continues.
Either candidate would have brought change but only one could win the election. So congratulations to the winners of this week’s elections and may you continue to hold the favor of the people. John F. Kennedy said it best, “We observe today not as a victory of party but as a celebration of freedom.” The choice of the people voice was heard in this week’s election process. Our founding fathers would be proud. This week we made history. Not only did this election have one of the highest voter turn outs ever but we elected the first man of mixed racial heritage to the presidency. Some amazing events & changes have occurred this week. America is an ever changing country, which in itself is what makes us one of the greatest countries in the world.
Below you will find the information for The National Constitution Center. I receive emails from them approximately once a month. This site has been invaluable to me in many ways. For those of you looking for a great center activity, you might want to take a look. My students loved playing the educational games, which prompted some great class discussions. Have fun and enjoy! For those you who were curious but don’t have a lot of research time, I have listed the games that are currently being offered on the site. These games are appropriate for students from 3rd grade through 12th grade.
The site address is www.constitutioncenter.org
From the complete, annotated Constitution, to a variety of games, podcasts and videos, the National Constitution Center’s online resources provide in-depth understanding of the Constitution and its relevance to citizens of every age.
Seize the Vote! Test your knowledge of voting rights and gain the right to participate in the ultimate act of citizenship for your characters!
Interactive Constitution The U.S. Constitution, including detailed explanations of the text is just a click away.
Citizenship Timeline This online experience highlights some of the key dates and events that mark more than 200 years of U.S. constitutional history.
Lincoln’s Crossroads What would you have done in Abraham Lincoln’s shoes? Uncover the decisions Abraham Lincoln made in the interactive game, Lincoln’s Crossroads.
Bill of Rights Game
Entries (RSS)