THE JUNIOR STATEMENT
The Official Newsletter of the Junior State of America (JSA)
January 2012
Volume 1 Issue 3
An Interview Filled Junior Statement By: Iman Baghai
In This Issue Page 2
Joel Stein Interview
First off, thank you for reading The Junior Statement. The Statement continues to bridge the gap between JSAers all over the nation and brings us together. This will be the fifth publication coming from The Statement and our third full edition.
Page 4
Commentary on Penn State Football
Page 5
National Civic Activism Initiative
This month’s issue will consist of the usual thought provoking articles and national JSA updates. However, this issue is extremely special. This issue includes interview with: Congressmen Dave Reichert, Time Columnist Joel Stein, and Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and activist Jose Antonio Vargas.
Page 6
Jose Antonio Vargas Interview
Page 8
Commentary on Liberty
Page 9
Issaquah Chapter Conference
Page 11
Rep. Dave Reichert Interview
Page 12
Commentary on Rick Santorum
Page 13
Civic Learning Act
I urge you to check out the interviews that were conducted for this issue they are highly intriguing and insightful! Again if ANYONE is interested in writing for The Statement on pretty much anything then please feel free to do so and contact me at ibaghai@jsa.org Also, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from y’all.
Note on Commentaries Opinions and points of view presented in the articles of The Junior Statement do not reflect that of The Junior Statement or The Junior State of America. The opinions presented are those solely and owned solely of their respective author.
JSA Be the People---
THE JUNIOR STATEMENT
The Official Newsletter of the Junior State of America (JSA)
An Interview With Joel Stein By Iman Baghi I had the AWESOME opportunity of interviewing Joel Stein and, as you probably guessed, it was quite a hilarious conversation. For those of you that have been deprived of Joel Stein's writing, he is currently a columnist at Time magazine. Over of the course of his career he has written about sperm bank experiences, immigration, Congress, and most importantly he names “The Coolest Person of the Year.” Let me share with you some of his tweets to give you better idea of his rhetoric: "None of the Sh*t my dad says is even close to being less than 140 characters" and in response to his loss of followers on Twitter that was suggested to be due from the attrition of pornbot followers he exclaims, "No! Pornbots love me!" My conversation with Stein was random and all over the place so, I apologize for the sporadic flow of this piece of literature. Interestingly, I learned that Stein was JSA-er. He went to a convention and was that one punk that ran for Governor against an actual candidate as a joke-kinda. He lost, badly. When we discussed politics, Stein admits that he's a liberal and his stances on some of the issues that we discussed were on par with the liberal status quo; but, Stein had a more unique way of explaining them. Regarding the "Hated commis," Stein doesn't think communism really exists anymore, 2
"Are people still into that?" Then I asked about the Chinese and he shed light on his opinion about the Chinese government, "Yeah, but no one is happy about it. Maybe some Chinese people in power." Upon further pondering he started doubting his previous stance that communism is gone, "Maybe Joel Stein, columnist and JSA alum, says, I'm wrong, maybe it's “No problem. Pornbots love me.” coming back. It seems like over Canadians, especially their time capitalism has become more politics, "I love Canada, and I love communist. You don't want full on liberal Canadian politics." communism or capitalism." Stein has received a lot of Now, the most dramatic negative feedback from his article part of our interview, was when about his hometown, Edison, New his cute 2 year old comes into the Jersey, and how an influx of room and, to my delight, Stein Indian immigration has affected it. tells his youngster, "I'm on the The article caused much disarray; phone with a nice high schooler , but, being the sympathetic and remember the one I was telling understanding man Stein is, he you about?" immediately apologized as he had Even though his site states no intention of causing harm. He the he hates America, at least he says he expected none of the says he is pro-democracy and pronegative feedback and thought his capitalism. But, he loves our article would be alright, "There Northern neighbors, the JSA Be the People---
THE JUNIOR STATEMENT wasn't much I could do, none of it was expected. My Editor was Indian said it was great. My fact check who is Indian also said it was good. The problem was I wasn't effective and clear." But, he pokes fun at himself about clarity, "I have problems in clarity in general." Despite his controversial article unintentional comings across against immigration, Stein is in favor of immigration, "Our country is based on immigration, our success and cultural success and our global blend are not possible without immigrants." But, he is sympathetic to those that have a hard time seeing their cultures changed, "I'm sympathetic to peoples who have problems with cultural changes especially when it contradicts your culture. But, you gotta adapt to it." Due to Stein's experience humor, writing, and encountering animosity about his humor, I had to ask how a humor writer draws the line between funny sarcasm and being rude. He explains," It's all subjective if you're funny and you're funny enough to get away with it because you are either pointing out a truth or maybe it'd just or not more mean than just being clever. Only if you are enough because it can still be hurtful . But, it isn't just the content it's also the delivery where I'll just say delivery equals intent or the personality. For example I have a funny, non-threatening personality." Which, if you’re wondering, is a very accurate description of himself. I then asked him about the importance of humor in media. I learned that he loves Colbert and is not a fan of CNN, "I love those 3 Â
The Official Newsletter of the Junior State of America (JSA)
[humor] shows. You get more content out of The Daily Show than any 15 minutes of Fox or CNN. I think it's just smarter. Humor is the release of anger. Stephen Colbert is more informed than 95% of other reporters...CNN is neither productive nor enjoyable." I was hoping to extract some Stein comment about the teen population, since we are at times under the microscope for crude things, but, he only had nice things to say. He says teens seem "pretty nice" and even better than in his time, "They are more earnest, well mannered, and better dressed." He would later say that teens are safer and less promiscuous than he remembers them being," [Teens] are having sex less often especially less unprotected sex." He says being a teen seems like a "more pleasant time" now than before. Guess what, we are even a "nicer group" than most other groups of teens in history. In the JSA community there is often controversy about the "dirty-dancing" that occurs on occasion at the conventions (at least in the PNW-we are just so skanky). So, I asked Stein for his take on the situation, "Dirty dancing is great, I'm glad it’s going on. In an awfully pleasant way it's better than kids doing drugs. Honestly, dirty dancing is better than drugs and alcohol for kids. I mean at least their exercising and away from video games, I mean it burns more calories." Surprisingly, he even suggested that he would be glad sending his kids to these conventions knowing that dancing would be occurring.
With more and more students blogging and expressing their opinions via the internet, it seems to be that many students are worried about being judged on these opinions later in life. Stein told me young people shouldn't restrain their voice, "Defiantly be a pissy blogger, you shouldn't restrain yourself." Regarding the cyber trail he said it isn't important," everyone will have long trails and no one will get in trouble for it, no one cares, if you do something it doesn't matter they are your opinions." That was my conversation with Joel Stein. Of course I had more fun conducting the interview than you will get reading this article, but I hope you can recreate some of the laughs had. I also hope you can intake some the wisdom that I gained from Mr. Stein which consisted of lightening up, being yourself, and having fun (just don't be an idiot).
JSA Be the People---
THE JUNIOR STATEMENT
The Official Newsletter of the Junior State of America (JSA)
Commentary
When Football Becomes the Number One Priority By Kate Harsh When revered Penn State football coach, Joe Paterno, was fired for ignoring allegations that his assistant coach had raped young boys, students at the university protested in the streets. This is a situation that inspires emotion, but these students were protesting for all of the wrong reasons. They were not protesting Sandusky’s actions or the university’s lack of followthrough with the police. They were protesting the university’s decision to fire their beloved “Joe Pa.” Students seemed not to care about the boys who were sexually assaulted by Sandusky. While we as outsiders look at the student body’s reaction with disgust and incredulity, their reaction is not their fault, or even Penn State’s fault. It is the product of a society in which universities can value a sport so much that they lose perspective on the real world. Joe Paterno has been on the sidelines of Penn State Nittany Lions football games since 1950, and through his 62 seasons as head coach, he had a coaching record of 409-136-3. As Torie Bosch of Slate wrote, “If football is Penn State’s religion, Paterno is somewhere between the pope and God.” Paterno is the man who made Penn State’s football program what it is: a defining fixture at the university, a source of student life, and a reason to be proud. Perhaps this is the concerning reason why students were so quick to rally around Paterno and defend him. Whatever the motivation, the reaction was inappropriate and alarming. It does not matter what he has done for the university or the football program, or how positively everyone thought of him. The facts are clear: Paterno and many others on university staff knew of Sandusky’s actions, but did not act. As Mike Wise of The Washington Post wrote, “They [were all] party to a worse crime than any crooked, pay-for-play booster at Miami, Ohio State or even SMU ever committed: guilty of protecting a program before a child.” When graduate assistant Scott McQueary entered a Penn State locker room in 2002 and witnessed the assistant football coach raping a young boy in the shower, he neither stopped the rape, not called the police. Rather, he went to the head coach of the football team. Rape is a serious crime that can result in years in prison. It is not a matter for the coach to deal with, it is a matter for the police. Paterno then reported the 4
incident to athletic director Tim Curley and vice president for finance and business Gary Schultz. None of these people felt obligated to report rape to the police. Or maybe they did, but a scandal might tarnish the reputation of the university, so they opted not to report the crime. Whatever the reason, the motivation that caused McQuearey, Paterno, Curley, and Schultz to withhold the knowledge of a child being raped from the police is alarming. It is the same motivation that caused Penn State students to protest Paterno’s firing and pay no attention to the eight boys that had been sexually assaulted by Sandusky. However, the students’ reaction does not mean they are terrible people. It means that they have been brainwashed by a sick society in which it is acceptable to allow ten boys to be raped, as long as the football team is doing well. This is a disgusting culture and everyone involved must be blamed. Penn State needs to reevaluate the cult around football that they have nurtured for so many years, because it has undeniably had detrimental effects. Excuses for Paterno are widespread and championed by his supporters. People claim his firing was unjustified: Sandusky raped boys, not Paterno. However, Paterno is one of the people who knew about it and could have saved boys from Sandusky. If you feel sympathetic to Paterno, take a reality check. As Dave Haugh of The Chicago Tribune wrote, “Save your pity for the trusting boys who may grow up into tortured men, not JoePa…If Paterno had picked up [the phone] 13 years ago and called the most powerful lawenforcement official he knew in the state…he might have saved countless boys from an alleged pedophile — and quite likely his job, his school and his legacy.” No matter how many games Paterno has won for the Nittany Lions, nothing, nothing, is more important than the safety of children, especially not a football program. The country has seen what can happen when a university’s priorities are so skewed that they would protect a football program before a child. Hopefully this will be a lesson to future generations. We can and should continue to cheer for our favorite sports team, but we must always remember that they are just that: a sports team, and keep everything in perspective. JSA Be the People---
THE JUNIOR STATEMENT
The Official Newsletter of the Junior State of America (JSA)
Governors Launch National Civic Activism Campaign on Capitol Hill
By Shawn Rusterholz On December 9 , Mid-‐Atlantic State Governor Shawn Rusterholz and Northeast Governor Rachel Weber visited Capitol Hill to support the efforts of two key members of Congress who have sponsored legislation to increase civic learning and involvement in schools across the nation. The Sandra Day O’Connor Civic Learning Act of 2011 mirrors the mission of JSA and JSA’s new National Civic Activism Initiative. Last month, Democratic Congressman Mike Honda of California’s 15 district and Republic Congressman Tom Cole of Oklahoma’s 4 district (pictured here with Rusterholz and Weber) proposed House Resolution 3464, which, if passed, would give the Department of Education the necessary resources and capabilities to properly gauge the proficiency of students th
th
th
across the country on civic education topics as well as establish a competitive grant program for civic learning that will stress innovation in civic learning and providing programs for currently under-‐ served school populations. The two governors met with Congressman Cole in his office to discuss the importance of civic education for the nation’s future and how the proposed legislation can help countless students nationwide. Additionally, they met with Lynn Hommeyer, an education policy aide in Congressman Honda’s office. At this meeting, they also discussed the importance of the legislation, as well as ways for which students across the country can become involved in civic education programs at their schools. Ms. Hommeyer also gave Rusterholz and Weber a tour of the HouseFloor. “I am really excited about the
progress that we have made on this issue. Civic education is so important for the future of this nation,” Shawn remarked. “Just the experience of coming to Capitol Hill and meeting with Congressmen and Congressional staffers is so rewarding. This experience in itself is a lesson in civic education.” Governor Rusterholz delivered nearly 300 letters signed by students from the Mid-‐Atlantic State at their recent Fall State convention in support of Congressman Honda’s and Congressman Cole’s efforts. The letters praised their sponsorship of the House bill and included a call to action of the nation’s leaders to recognize civic education as a noble and important cause for the United States to focus on over the coming years. Interested in learning more about the Junior State’s National Activism Initiative or HR 3464? Contact Max Brozynski at mbrozynski@jsa.org.
5
JSA Be the People---
THE JUNIOR STATEMENT
The Official Newsletter of the Junior State of America (JSA)
An Interview with Jose Antonio Vargas
By Iman Baghai Courage. One could come because of the lack of Federal an identity crisis for the youth. up with a very convincing Enforcement. Obama say that "Absolutely. Not just identity argument that Jose Antonio this issue is Federal jurisdiction crisis but, a human crisis as well. Vargas is a paradigm when it and people are anxious and This is why I'm incredibly comes courage. Vargas, a former frustrated especially with an opposed to the term illegal as Washington Post reporter who economy in shambles and they opposed to undocumented has been awarded a Pulitzer want someone and something to people. I don't want that young prize, had the courage to publish blame and I think the kid in Middle School and High an article in The New York Times immigration population is the School thinking oh my god I'm in which he described his life scapegoat." I asked him to Illegal-‐no human being is illegal. further elaborate on this It's not even grammatically story as an undocumented immigrant. He would then go correct. It's a noun. It's a very dehumanizing thing on to start his own organization called Define to call someone.” American which is striving to As my curiosity start more conversation burgeoned, I had to about immigration and states wonder how his status it is "shinning a light on a affected him growing up. growing 21st century "Depressing and underground railroad." Their motivating, therefore, I'm campaign is asking people going to prove them around the nation how do wrong anytime I can. I'm you define an American? also gay and every time "The biggest irony in the nation is that you hear the ‘f word’-‐it Some notables that have contributed in "defining the country promises you to dream big hurts. Words matter, American" include Secretary actions matter, but, words and what happens when you can't." of State Hillary Clinton and also matter." comedian Stephen Colbert. Many people proposition," At the end of the Most recently Vargas has wonder i f u ndocumented day the subtext and context made headlines when he was immigration is a social or behind this anti-‐immigration escorted out of a Mitt Romney political issue. Vargas shared his rhetoric and mood and these event in Iowa holding a sign that thoughts with me," It's all different laws getting passed is said, "An American without interconnected. Immigration is because of a demographically papers." My interview with fundamentally one of the most changing America. Young Latino Vargas was on the same day that misunderstood issues a lot of and young Asian Americans are the Supreme Court decided to misunderstanding that cuts driving the movement. And review the controversial across economic, social, and there are many undocumented Arizona immigration laws. I political areas.” people that are Latin and Asian; asked Vargas for his piece of Having just been kicked however, the common people mind on this news. He would out of a Mitt Romney event imagine people that are Mexican explain that this is a step that several day prior to our to be undocumented-‐that's not needs to occur, "Defiantly an interview I asked Vargas about the whole case.” issue the Supreme Court has to his intentions and goals of going I asked Vargas if the title take on. We have political to event with his sign. "My goal of illegal immigrant can create gridlock over this issue. It's was really to talk to Republican 6
JSA Be the People---
THE JUNIOR STATEMENT candidates about an issue that has been oversimplified. Going into that rally my intentions was not to protest or cause raucous. The sign reads ‘American without papers’ its statement made by millions like me. I want them to see what that person looks like and talk to that person. An actual human face to it. I wanted to start a dialogue." He says his goal was achieved. There was even an elderly woman who approached him and told him to go through Senator Grassley to get citizenship. Vargas explains how people are just unaware of the process, "People just don't know that there is no process and that you are just in limbo." I asked Vargas for his opinion on the Joaquin Luna Jr. case. Luna was an 18 year old who took his own life the day after Thanksgiving this year. Luna was an extremely talented young man who had aspirations to be a civil engineer or architect. He hoped to be the first in his family to attend college. His family claims he committed suicide in his despair about his situation and the Senate's inability to pass the Dream Act. The Dream Act would help undocumented immigrants obtain citizenship after serving in the military for two years or gaining some kind of higher education. (Editor’s note: The New York Times has an excellent article that explains the Luna case and presents both sides of the story.) Vargas explained how it illustrates how large of an issue immigration but, he would also 7
The Official Newsletter of the Junior State of America (JSA)
speak out against suicide, "Suicide is never the answer. But, I think that case underscores what is at stake here. I can only imagine what he was going through. The biggest irony in the nation is that the country promises you to dream big and what happens when you can't. Here is a kid that felt like he can get through college and high school. But, the door was eventually shut on him. So, what was the point? I do not advocate that. I really hope that more undocumented kids see that there is a way through this and that suicide is never the answer. But, I can totally see where he is coming from.” I asked if Vargas had some kind of solution to the issue. He commented that, "I'm up for anything. But, this issue is bigger than the Dream Act. It is much bigger than the Dream Act, the Dream Act addresses a small but, important part of the population. I'm for anything that gets lives out of a limbo. We need to address the 11 million plus population that live in the country. We know you know us. There ought to be a process. Anything really but, a process and pay back taxes and pass a citizenship or get in the back of some lie but, just some kind of process. Mitt Romney says we should get to the back of line. What line are you talking about? There isn't one." Regarding his Define American movement he says reaction has been good, "All we are doing is showing to America that illegal immigration isn't just about undocumented people, it's
about all of us, that all of us need to realize it affects all of us. Not just mowing lawns and picking corn, it's an issue we need all face. Our lives are intertwined, from the pastors, the coaches, the kids, your friends. How do you feel that your best friend is undocumented and being asked to leave? You have a stake and you have a (right) to speak out and you have loud calamity and we have not heard from the silent majority. Who know right from wrong, who know that people are being treated it’s not just. The silent majority cannot afford to be silent anymore." Being a youth and our publication being youth run and orientated, it seemed appropriate that I ask what the role of youth is in the immigration laws. "This is like the same sex marriage. Immigration rights are one of the defining issues of the millennium generation. Why the millennium is leading the charge for this being a time of the rising minority majority with us. You've gone to school with us and you don't know what the situation is, and know that you do what can you do to speak out and add insight and add context and add to the conversation. I know this person, this person is an American and he or she is one of you. That's a really really important role." Vargas's passion and determination are clear. Only time will tell how the immigration landscape will progress as the tensions and stakes increase.
JSA Be the People---
THE JUNIOR STATEMENT
The Official Newsletter of the Junior State of America (JSA)
Commentary
Who Took My Liberty? By: Zack Sunderland Let’s start by defining an important term, rights. Right – a moral or legal entitlement to have or obtain something or to act in a certain way. All too often people misunderstand the concept of rights. You may have once heard a friend proudly exclaim that he has a right to a job, or that he is entitled to a home, or that he deserves a warm meal to feed his family, or that… his ranting goes on and on. While that person is using the word, grammatically speaking, correctly, he is completely ignorant of the underlying philosophical roots of the word that give it its true value. The question you may have asked yourself, then, is: what are my rights? What am I entitled to? Hopefully I’ll be able to answer that question for you in this article, in addition to shining some light on a few policies and laws that violate your rights, liberty, and privacy. The truth is, you don’t have very many rights. In fact, The Declaration of Independence outlines only three, which it describes as unalienable, meaning no person or group of people (think government) can take them away from you. These are the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The right to life means that you are able to preserve your own life. It means you have the right to find the means to support yourself; it does not mean you have a right to those means. It means you have the right to search for a job that will pay you enough to purchase food, a home, and clothes; it does not guarantee that job. It means that you’re in charge of taking care of yourself; it does not mean you will be spoon fed your entire life. The right of liberty promises you that you’ll be able to live free within society from restrictions imposed by authority on your way of life, behavior, or political views. Basically, once you have the means to sustain your life, no one can tell you how to live it. This right branches out to become the freedom of speech, freedom of press, and freedom of religion. You get to think what you like, read what you like, watch what you 8
like, and do as you like. You are the only person who knows your own situation as intimately as you do, so you get to decide which paths are best taken and which to turn away from. The right to pursue happiness is the very essence of our great country. It states that we as individuals are entitled to search for peace, prosperity, love, and all the great things this world has to offer. Please pay special attention to the word “pursue,” though. The founders recognized each man an end in himself, so if he wanted happiness, he would have to find it alone and not at the expense of his fellow man. When casually looking at these three fundamental human rights, many Americans react with apathy. “Duh I get to live how I want to live,” “Uhh, of course I get to eat what I want to eat.” It is precisely this ignorance that Americans are infamous for. People living all over the world have these rights taken from them on a daily basis. In China, the government censors the internet (restricting the freedom of speech). In Middle Eastern countries, governments enforce Islamic law (restricting more freedoms than one would care to JSA Be the People---
THE JUNIOR STATEMENT count, as well as pushing women down to second class citizens). The saddest part of it all, however, is not that people have their rights taken from them. The saddest part is that the very nation that championed individualism and liberalism is turning its back on the ideals that made it the by far the wealthiest nation on the planet. While you go about the business of the day, Uncle Sam has his sly little hands sliding into your purse, stealing your privacy, liberty, and rights. Over the course of a century, America’s foundation has been slowly eroding, and if we don’t stop the madness soon, nothing will be left of it, and America will crumble faster than the Berlin Wall did. The income tax takes your hard earned money before you even get to see it. The Patriot Act gives the federal government an unprecedented amount of power to invade your privacy by means of wiretaps, searches into your financial transactions, and even “interviews” with your librarian. Countless wars cost you hundreds or thousands of
The Official Newsletter of the Junior State of America (JSA)
dollars. The latest offense to the American people, and perhaps the most dangerous, is the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA. This law gives the president the power to imprison and torture anyone he deems may be a “terrorist.” But don’t take my word for it, check it out yourself! Just type “NDAA” in a Google search, and see the destruction for yourself. Now what? America is falling to pieces at an every increasing rate, and you want to do something about it. The best thing to do is to educate yourself. No one’s asking you to write a paper on the issues, but at least spend some time reading about them, either in books and online, and know your stance on them. “Knowing is half the battle,” right? After you’re familiar with the issues, tell a friend. Tell your family. Put up posters. Get the word out. You’ll touch someone with your message, as I hope I touched you with mine.
Issaquah Hosts First Chapter Conference By: Iman Baghai On January 7th, 2011 Issaquah High School's chapter, began the new year with a bang. Issaquah's club hosted delegates from Issaquah and Skyline High Schools as both schools participated in a Battle of the Sexes Chapter conference hosted by Issaquah. Students from both schools (along with some delegates from "other" schools) squared off on debates both serious and humorous. Some of the debates were: that men are better parents than women, that women have more power over males, and are women are
better politicians than men. At the end of the convention the schools selected some of their best debaters to face off in an impromptu Delaney Foreman (Senior, Issaquah) Rejul Bejoy debate (Junior, Issaquah) contest. They Source: Nicole Hancock were three to immediately start a one-‐ teams: Skyline, Issaquah, and minute speech about the topic Other. The teams would then another team would debate randomly pick a topic and have the other side for one-‐minute. From there, the three judges “.Resolved, that women are better politicians than men" debate. Contrary to my would decide who won the expectations, the speakers used historical precedents and real evidence over sexist debate and the winning team stereotypes. This introduced credibility and rationality into the debates.”
9
JSA Be the People---
THE JUNIOR STATEMENT would earn a point. The contest went to the end but Skyline prevailed in a sudden death finale. Issaquah's Chapter President Karthik Palaniappan's favorite debate was resolved,
The Official Newsletter of the Junior State of America (JSA)
Junior; Vikram Kumor, Junior; Delaney Foreman, Senior; and Jared Ha, Senior. On the other hand, Skyline would bring home two best speakers awards awarded to: Karsten Ball, Senior and Lexi Boyer, Junior. Since the theme was Battle of the Sexes there had to be a winning sex at the end of day and today that would be the men. The men won four debates supporting men as superior to
women in Nicole Hancock (Senior, Issaquah) debating certain aspects and that women are better the women took two victories politicians than men as he against the men. explains, "My favorite part of the But, this chapter convention was the "Resolved, conference won't be the last that women are better according to Palaniappan," We politicians than men" debate. will defiantly host more chapter Contrary to my expectations, the conferences, and we invite and speakers used historical encourage other JSA chapters to precedents and real evidence do the same." over sexist stereotypes. This All in all, the two biggest introduced credibility and chapters in the Pacific rationality into the debates. Northwest battled it out in an Overall, both schools informal and fun manner for the walked away from the debate first Chapter conference of the convention successfully. year with hopefully many more Issaquah won more best to come. speaker awards while Skyline wont the impromptu contest and they conveniently tied in their debates won. Issaquah boasted four best speaker awards given to: Iman Baghai, 10
Take your JSA experience to a new level and join an elite group of JSA leaders.
Become a JSA Scholar As a student-run organization, JSA for over 75 years has relied on its top students to lead their peers as elected officers, cabinet officials and expert debaters. The Junior Statesmen Summer Schools were established specifically to give JSA’s chapter, state and territory leaders:
an advanced political science education
a high-level speakers program
access to the nationwide network of JSA leaders and other civically minded youth
an academically stimulating university experience
an understanding of the core principles and philosophy of our democracy.
an intensive public speaking training arena
This unparalleled leadership development experience has allowed JSA’s top members to grow the program and impact students and communities across the nation and around the world. http://www.jsa.org/summer
JSA Be the People---
THE JUNIOR STATEMENT
The Official Newsletter of the Junior State of America (JSA)
emphasis on young Congressman Dave people and their Reichert and His New contribution to the Board country." Youth By Iman Baghai experience isn't a new thing for Congressman Reichert; he was a youth counselor through his church for twenty-one years and actually started the youth program there. Additionally, when discussing the importance of the council, Congressman believes " it's absolutely essential that we put together a group." Even though Congressman Reichert is a Republican he isn't looking for a Republican board; "I don't want this to be a Republican Board. Who knows whatever views they [the board] may hold, who knows in Congressman Dave the course of discussion that the Reichert is creating a Youth youth on the board may be Advisory Council in the 8th changed. We are looking for a Congressional District of diverse group and we want to Washington, the 8th District diversify America. We want to encompasses the eastern parts of make sure we include all King and Pierce County where community, ethnic, and religious most of the population is groups." concentrated in the "Eastside" or When Reichert and his just the suburbs of Seattle. I had staff were looking for a model the opportunity to interview board, they looked to Congressman Reichert about the Congressman Sam Johnson of new Council. Texas . Reichert’s board will elect It was quite clear that its own executive officers and the Congressman Reichert puts youth entire group will be youth led with as one of his top priorities. supervision from Reichert's staff. Congressman Reichert explains, Congressman believes that this "The youth have always been at youth-led aspect is one of the the top of my list. When you look boards most powerful at what's important in this country components, "We want the young I don't think we put enough 11
people in the group to come up with ideas to be useful, active, and interesting to them." As Reichert's staff advertised the board they noticed that a lot of the response they were getting about the board was coming via social media. In terms of teen engagement in the community, Congressman Reichert believes that it starts with the smallest things and that just respecting and listening to one another does the community a big favor. "Well I always think it starts with the smallest things...but I really think that some of the biggest impacts are accomplished through some of the smallest actions...The bigger picture issue is about how we treat each other and how we have respect for one another and recognizing our diverse communities and allowing debate and discussion...because if we are always going to get angry at each other and not listen because that is what's happening back in DC. All you need is to know its your fault, take responsibility, and then have a conversation, but don't start screaming at each other because we are going to get to nowhere. That's where I think youth can make a difference." Congressman Reichert is extremely straight forward on what he thinks students need to do to stay competitive and compete in the global economy, "Very simple show up and go to class, study, and listen to your teachers and professors and you can excel. " Reichert views Seoul, Korea as paradigm for education, "I've been most impressed by JSA Be the People---
THE JUNIOR STATEMENT
The Official Newsletter of the Junior State of America (JSA)
Seoul, Korea they recognize that their resources, material resources, don't lie in their countries gold, coal, oil, or silver. Their greatest resource is their young people and 80% of them go to higher education." In terms of the affect that the Council may have, Reichert feels that it could have a greater impact than many of the local councils have and contain broader issues, "The impact they could have, I think, is a greater impact and the issues broader. We could be talking about foreign affairs."
stuff is flooding in and there is a real need for fact checking." Personally Congressman has seen many false accusations about Congress, such as giving themselves pay raises and retirement plans as well as the rumor that members of Congress don't pay for social security or health care. These accusations are false. Reichert believes that this false information correlates with Congress’s low-approval ratings, "I get all these questions all the time because, people are mad with me because they think I get all these false "We want the young people in the group to come benefits and up with ideas to be useful, active, and this helps add to the mistrust interesting to them." of Congress There are many statistics and adds to the low-approval that demonstrate teen apathy in ratings because they think we are terms of their civic knowledge and sitting there taking advantage of Congressman believes that fact tax-payer money and the checking is necessary to solve this government system itself." He problem, "I think that young believes youth need to fact check people today, for that matter most everything, " Youth, like everyone people, have so much access to so else, need to fact check much information through so everything-don't believe many different outlets...All that everything you see." Commentary
But, he is impressed with teens," Young folks today are some of the most informed kids I see. I'm always impressed when I go to high schools, some of the questions I get are very thoughtful and connected to what's happening in the world." All in all Congressman Reichert's has a lot of enthusiasm and hope for the council. The 8th Congressional District is going to wait and see how the Council shapes up. Applicants have already applied, the deadline was December 16th. Reichert is positive that they will select an extremely strong and diverse board that will advise him in helpful ways and hopefully engage the community as well. We'll just have to wait and see. This is a step forward for youth to get involved in politics. Hopefully this Council can demonstrate what teens are capable of doing and inspire other Councils across the nation.
Like us on Facebook
How Santorum Won Iowa By Jacob Brunette As the next election season began, everyone’s eyes were on the Iowa caucuses, eager to see what the presidential race of the coming year would hold. Many were surprised to see Rick Santorum, running his campaign on a shoestring budget, nearly tie with well-funded frontrunner Mitt Romney. Although Romney did win in Iowa, it was by a margin of only eight votes, far from the 12
strong lead he had hoped to attain in the first primary. However, despite Santorum’s unexpected success in Iowa, it is unlikely that he will be able to keep his momentum through the rest of the primaries, and almost impossible that he would be able to win the national election in the event that he reached that point. Santorum managed to attain his strong showing by
campaigning hard in Iowa, making personal appearances in every single county throughout the state, a feat he will not be able to repeat for every state. He will have to try, however, because he cannot compete financially with Romney. Santorum’s campaign resembles a house built out of cardboard and duct tape: hard work might be able to get it standing, but without the funds to reinforce it, it will soon JSA Be the People---
THE JUNIOR STATEMENT fall. Santorum will need to find more financial backers in order to keep up with the costs of his campaign, a problem that Romney, who is personally wealthy and has been constructing his campaign since the last presidential election, will not have. Romney’s best strategy for dealing with Santorum might be to just wait for his money to run out and his presence through ads and appearances to slowly disappear, after which Romney will be able to swoop in and take the nomination without much fuss.
The Official Newsletter of the Junior State of America (JSA)
Should Santorum pull off a miracle and win the Republican nomination, he will be facing an even more monumental challenge. A large part of his success in Iowa came from his appeals to hardright Republicans, who supported Santorum’s socially conservative message. However, the majority of voters who choose to participate in a caucus tend to be less moderate than the general electorate. A platform that is effective for a caucus may prove to be less than appealing for the greater number of moderates voting in the national election. This is where Romney
would have the advantage over Santorum, as Romney’s centerleaning political position and focus on the economy over social issues would likely lead to him having much greater support among moderate voters. Regardless of who wins, the coming election will interesting to watch, although it remains to be seen if any of the Republican candidates can pull together enough support to possibly win the spot of president.
Sandra Day O’Connor Civic Learning Act By Anthony Kayruz This past November, Rep. Mike Honda (D -CA) and Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) introduced the Sandra Day O’Connor Civic Learning Act of 2011 to Congress. This bill, House Resolution 3464, seeks to administer a competitive grant program for civic education in schools – especially those in rural and underserved areas – and increase data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) civil and history tests. These evaluation results would provide states with necessary information regarding their students’ proficiency in civics and government. Although some may shrug H.R. 3464 off as superfluous and unimportant, the frighteningly low mastery of these subjects, as proven by recent NAEP testing outcomes, intensifies the need for policies dedicated
13
to improving the youth’s knowledge of democratic principles. In May 2011, the NAEP revealed that only about twenty-five percent of students could exemplify competence in the assessed areas of civics and government, indicating that many young Americans will enter the democratic process inept and unprepared – a truth that threatens the traditional ideal of an educated and informed United States citizenry. Additionally, the startlingly insufficient scores were even lower for low-income and minority students.
Former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Conner, the person who the piece of legislation is named after, serves as the CoChair of the Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools and has been a consistent supporter of youth civil instruction, stating that “the better educated our citizens are, the better equipped they will be to preserve the system of government we have.” The goals and underlying values present in H.R. 3464 reflect the just mission of the Junior State of America and its new National Civic Activism Initiative. The knowledge and skills needed to mold the youth into future engaged and informed citizens are vital for the preservation of a democratic society and a continued emphasis on the public good.
JSA Be the People---