http://professor-lyman.livejournal.com/ ([identity profile] professor-lyman.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] fandomhigh2006-01-11 12:26 pm
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US Government (Wednesday, January 11, 4th period)

Josh looked up from the pile of electoral data he had been studying when students began arriving.

"Welcome to US Government. I'm Josh Lyman and up until a few weeks ago I was the deputy chief of staff for President Josiah Bartlet. You may all be suitably impressed now." He looked around the room. "Good."


"This is a class about how the US government works, or on occasion, comes to a screeching, painful halt. I've worked in both the legislative and executive branches and worked extensively with the judicial branch as well, so I'm very excited to bring my wealth of knowledge of all things government to your eager young minds."

He took a sip of coffee. "Okay, maybe I'm not excited, and maybe you're not eager, but work with me here, people. Knowing how the government works is part of your responsibility as Americans. Um, if you are Americans. If you're not, learning about the government of this completely other country is a fascinating hobby that will get you lots of dates." He raised an eyebrow. "Really.

"This class will focus mostly on the federal government and how it operates because I'm running the class and find all things dealing with state and local politics to be stupefyingly boring." He held up a hand. "You might have other opinions, but I, well, don't care that much."

He handed around copies of the class syllabus. "As it says so clearly at the top of the page, today we discuss why you should care about government. Now I know why I care about the government, but explain to me why you care at all what bills the House of Representatives is debating, or who sits on the Supreme Court. Or who's elected President, or governor, or to the local school board." He waved his hand. "Or if you don't, explain that too."

He sat down at his desk and pointed at random to a student. "You. Name, class, why you care about government."

Re: Sign in (January 11, Government)

[identity profile] leeadama.livejournal.com 2006-01-11 08:30 pm (UTC)(link)
Lee signs in.

Re: Sign in (January 11, Government)

[identity profile] carter-i-am.livejournal.com 2006-01-11 08:31 pm (UTC)(link)
Sam signed in.

Re: Sign in (January 11, Government)

[identity profile] whitedeathpod.livejournal.com 2006-01-11 08:33 pm (UTC)(link)
John signs in and reads the directions this time!

Re: Discussion question

[identity profile] carter-i-am.livejournal.com 2006-01-11 08:36 pm (UTC)(link)
"Sam Carter. Junior. I care about the government because they pay my stipend checks because they possess the big working 'gate to other planets and galaxies because the rules it makes have a direct effect on my life. Like voting, drinking, or minimum driving ages to name three things I can't do anymore , as examples."

Re: Sign in (January 11, Government)

[identity profile] izzyalienqueen.livejournal.com 2006-01-11 08:40 pm (UTC)(link)
Isabel signs in.

Re: Discussion question

[identity profile] whitedeathpod.livejournal.com 2006-01-11 08:42 pm (UTC)(link)
"I care about government because, um, despite the big words and confusing terms they use, they're affecting my life in some way, shape or form and I believe I should be well informed about that so I know what's happening and what I can do to be proactive about it."

Re: Discussion question

[identity profile] leeadama.livejournal.com 2006-01-11 08:43 pm (UTC)(link)
ā€œI’m Lee Adama, junior. I believe very strongly in PRINCIPLES in democracy and the consent of the people and all that good stuff and that we all have the right to strong leadership in a government that works.ā€

Re: Discussion question

[identity profile] carter-i-am.livejournal.com 2006-01-11 08:45 pm (UTC)(link)
Sam started humming "Hail to the Chief" very quietly under her breath. Parker'd probably end up getting him elected to something sooner or later anyway.

Re: Discussion question

[identity profile] leeadama.livejournal.com 2006-01-11 08:48 pm (UTC)(link)
Lee has no idea why Sam is humming some odd tune at him. Hrm.

Re: Sign in (January 11, Government)

[identity profile] lovelylana.livejournal.com 2006-01-11 08:49 pm (UTC)(link)
Lana signs in.

Re: Discussion question

[identity profile] carter-i-am.livejournal.com 2006-01-11 08:51 pm (UTC)(link)
"Thanks," Sam said, pleased.

Re: Discussion question

[identity profile] lovelylana.livejournal.com 2006-01-11 08:53 pm (UTC)(link)
"I care about what goes on in the government because what it does effects me or people around me. A friend died fighting overseas, sons, brothers, fathers are fighting in a war I still don't think I understand.

Re: Discussion question

[identity profile] leeadama.livejournal.com 2006-01-11 08:54 pm (UTC)(link)
Lee blushes. "Oh no, sir. I only wish to defend democracy with my amazing arms. I'm no politician."

Re: Discussion question

[identity profile] carter-i-am.livejournal.com 2006-01-11 08:54 pm (UTC)(link)
Sam sat up straight and gave Lee a little salute.

Re: Discussion question

[identity profile] leeadama.livejournal.com 2006-01-11 08:55 pm (UTC)(link)
Lee salutes back and winks.

Re: Discussion question

[identity profile] izzyalienqueen.livejournal.com 2006-01-11 09:00 pm (UTC)(link)
"Like so many of my classmates have said, I care because the decisions they make affect me, even if I'm only 16. Is the power plant down the road getting a waiver on clean air emissions because they donated to the right party? What does that do to the air I breath? I'd also like to know why they'd like to dissect me but that's another conversation entirely."

Re: Sign in (January 11, Government)

[identity profile] oatmanspatient.livejournal.com 2006-01-11 09:05 pm (UTC)(link)
Marty signs in like he was a rock star.

To Joshua Lyman,
Thanks for teaching! You're class is a ray of sunshine on an otherwise dreary cloudy day! Keep on rockin' in the free world!

-Martin Q. Blank

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