Sex Ed, Friday, First Period

[likethegun]

Today, Sam had a pile of packets and a box of fuzzy stuffed toys, and as the students came in, he gave each of them a random toy.

"Our topic for today is sexually transmitted diseases," he said, trying not to look amused, considering the subject matter. "Rather than listening to me ramble on about the different diseases, I wanted to let you guys do some research. Each of you has an adorable stuffed animal that represents a very not adorable disease; I'd like you to find it in your packet, and tell us about the disease and what will happen if someone contracts it. If you end up feeling grossed out, please remember that condoms are available for free at the clinic, and will stop almost all of these things before you have to worry about them."

Civics, Friday, November 17, 2017

[imafuturist]

"Treason is a word that gets thrown around a lot these days," Steve said. "And not just for people who don't like apple pie."

"And, in this country at least, it's also not about people who don't stand for the flag," Tony added. "Or people who don't agree with the government. Those are both rights that are blatantly placed into out constitution."

"Using tiny words that even the densest, hopefully, would understand," Steve said. "Everyone knows what abridge means, right?"

Maybe. Possibly? It was supposed to be taught!

"Treason here is defined as waging war on or assisting those waging war on the United States. Which is how we got our first big treason charge with Benedict Arnold in the revolutionary war," Tony said. "Arnold switched sides, becoming a British general."

Steve made a face. "In a world with political actors other than traditional nation states--terrorist organizations, for instance--treason has become a slightly more gray area than it was for Arnold."

Except for Hydra. Because screw Hydra.

"Which led to the charges in the Cold War not being of treason, but of espionage as that gray area became harder and harder to sort through legally," Tony said, nodding along before following it with a muttered, "Even with the witch hunt mentality whipped up by McCarthy."

"There have been very few people tried and convicted of treason over the years," Steve said. "Only about a dozen. It's a huge hurdle to clear, but colluding with a foreign government to win a Presidential election might just do it."

So bitter. So, so bitter.

"So!" Tony said brightly, because this could turn into a rant from both of them. "Today how about we examine what is considered treason in other systems of government?"