Interesting words coming from my students these days...

[Blue_Roses]

I have been substitute teaching this fall in our school district and the election is a common topic--among elementary and high school kids. A few of the lesson plans the teacher has left for me have been about how the voting process works.

Yesterday, I had 2nd graders and they had a lesson on the presidential elections and getting to know Bush and Kerry. They had to check who they would vote for and many went for Bush. I asked why they choose who they did and they said Bush, because Kerry would raise taxes! A 2nd grader said taxes! Now, there is no way a 2nd grader knows what taxes are and what they do, so you know it has to be coming from parents. I've been doing an ongoing personal survey in these classes and those that choose Bush looked to be from white middle to upper class families with very conservative parents. Kerry voters appear to be from minority families and IRONICALLY these kids KNOW why they want Kerry, but those who choose Bush can only ramble rhetoric and the same old talking points. In fact, one kid chose Bush and said, "I don't know why I picked Bush, just seems like everyone else is." Those who say Kerry are much clearer and say they want to keep their freedom.!

It never ceases to amaze me how thoughts and attitudes trickle down.