http://professor-lyman.livejournal.com/ ([identity profile] professor-lyman.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] fandomhigh2006-09-05 11:59 pm
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US Government (Wednesday, Sept. 6, 4th period)

Josh stopped doing what seemed to be a highly choreographed dance of joy as he read through a sheet of papers when students began arriving.

"Welcome to US Government. I'm Josh Lyman and up until January 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: Why government is so great

[identity profile] proudsidekick.livejournal.com 2006-09-06 06:28 pm (UTC)(link)
"I guess there needs to be a new government, because the one that's there just isn't going to work?"

Re: Why government is so great

[identity profile] proudsidekick.livejournal.com 2006-09-06 09:56 pm (UTC)(link)
"Oh, well yeah, debate should totally be the first step. I mean, the problem could just be that someone's not like, getting enough fiber in their diet or something," Layla said helpfully. "But the nice thing about democracy is that if there really is a problem, the government can be changed at the next election."