Civics, 1st Period - Thursday 3/9

[imafuturist]

"While not part of any official government framework," Steve began, "political parties have been a part of the United States since the beginning."

"Originally, the major parties were the Federalists, lead by Alexander Hamilton, and the Anti-Federalists--also known as the Democratic-Republicans--lead by both Thomas Jefferson and James Madison," Tony added with a grin. "The name of the first party came from two treatises, Federalist Paper No. 9 and No. 10, written respectively by Hamilton and Madison that warned of the dangers of political parties."

And he found history hilarious sometimes.

"They weren't exactly wrong," Steve said dryly. "While the names of the parties have shifted over the year, the general framework has remained the same: one is in favor of greater federal oversight and involvement in the lives of their citizens, and one prefers the major work of government to be at the more local level. Both make good points, if each is not being run by completely crazy people."

Current GOP, Steve Rogers is judging the crap out of you.

Thank god no one thought it was a good idea to ask him to comment on the news. So far.

"A political party is a method of allying yourself with the ideals that most fit you. Or should be." Also with the judgement there, Tony Stark. "And applying those ideals to your government. In other countries where coalition governments are done, the number of parties increases massively in comparison to our own."

Steve nodded. "We have...two, more or less. The way that Congress is set up demands it: we have a majority in the House that rules absolutely, and the minority kinda...takes it. Committees are set up for one majority party and one minority party. If you win a seat as something other than a Democrat or Republican--Senator Bernie Sanders is an example of this--you have to choose which party you will caucus with in order to get a committee assignment. Parliamentary systems are set up for multiple parties, and many nations run on a coalition of different political parties--liberal or conservative--leading together."

"With varying degrees of success," Tony muttered.

Brexit.

He cleared his throat before moving on from that. "So, today we'll have you decide on a party you would most likely align with. Whether it's one of the two big ones or a smaller fringe movement."

"And if it's a smaller party, also come up with a way to make it more relevant on a national level, because 'and then I vote for Jill Stein for president because reasons' isn't actually an effective strategy," Steve added

Creative Cooking With a Focus on Pudding, Thursday, Hour 3

[simply2ndnature.livejournal.com]

No complex setups around the room today. It was spartan. At each workstation was a recipe for boiled sweets, as well as the necessary components, and sticks for lollipops. A row of concentrated flavors was lined up on Wonka’s desk, and on the chalkboard, a message written in violet chalk:

Boiled sweets today! I expect one lollipop from each of you, wrapped and placed on my desk by the end of the hour. It takes some concentration to get things right, so you don't need any distractions today. And instructors peering over your shoulder? Why, that's the most distracting of all!

Wonka was nowhere to be seen.