Been a while since I wrote a diary. But after the last few weeks, as my frustration, anger, disgust with Manchin, Sinema, the media was rising, I feel compelled.
This is about democracy; about teaching about democracy to young children and why we must. Why early on, children must understand that democracy is hard, is messy but still is way better than authoritarian bullies running the world.
Sineman and Manchin reminded me of a lesson I used to do with my 6th grade classes, way back when, in the first half of my career (1967 to around 1990), 6th grade was still a part of elementary. I LOVED teaching 6th grade in that setting. First of all, the classroom became a community as we were with each other a big chunk of the day, five days a week; we, the class and I, could grow and nurture things for the common good of the whole class. To do so efficiently, and this is something many teachers will recognize, I spent about the first two or three weeks, sometimes longer depending on the size and general complexity of the class, being a dictator. I dictated *where they sat *how they entered and exited my class * how they handed hallways and specialist teachers* how much homework, bathroom privileges, free time, etc.
Then as they were getting accustomed to MY rules, I proposed other ways to do things. Some were little things; some more complex tasks. For example, I had them sitting in groups/pods of four desks together: I strategically seated some of the more gifted academic kids with groups including some who struggled with basics. So for the weekly spelling test, I told the class that any pod averaging 90% or better got some bonus time recess. And they were welcome to study as teams (as well some of my less gifted spellers might have fewer or different words but still there scores counted). Without me saying a word, most of the pods figured out it was good for all of them if they helped each other study. (I always had some study times in my day and that was good to do then because with the exception of special classes (art, music, PE) they were with me all day for all subject).
As the year went on, more “privileges” were afforded. In a good year, by January, they got to arrange the seating (after role modeling, discussing, inclusion, kindness, patience). By Valentine’s Day many “cooperative “ activities were a normal part of the day; and some competitive ones (like voting for class leader/president, vp, treasurer, secretary) who got to be in charge of the “parties in school”. I ran the Halloween one, deciding on the food, the music, the games. They then got to do it “democratically” by voting, for Valentine and end of year parties.
THIS is the part where I thought about Manchin and Sinema. One year in particular came to mind. Jane was the class leader. She was running the “discussion/debate” on the refreshments (of course, they knew I had veto power). So as you might guess, pizza, soft pretzels, candy, ice cream, soda were all choices. Jane would list them, open the discussion and then they could vote. But that year there were two, who consistently “filibustered” by insisting on continuing the discussion when it was evident THEIR choice was losing; they tried bullying, begging, being stubborn. FINALLY Jane looked a me, pleading, “Could you just decide?” It was the best opening for a discussion about how hard democracy can be. BUT they were 11 and 12 year olds; Sinema and Manchin are grown *ss adults and honestly both of them behave more immaturely, selfishly than most 6th graders I ever had in class. Sad commentary on both. But still they are in the senate.
Writing this because it is driving me crazy how many are jumping on the “DEMS” messed up; Biden messed up; why can’t Ds deliver?
The media needs to do way better on saying how it is 50 Republicans + Manchin and Sinema screwing up the passage of uber popular legislation.
I would love if there was a way Biden could do an LBJ imitation with Sinema and Manchin but I don’t think it would work. Manchin is such a greedy pos, he might just jump on the GOP team and give McConnell the power back. Sinema is as unpredictable as a adolescent mean girl wanting attention.
What we REALLY need is more democratic senators! I believe we have the possibility of doing that in 2022. After the four years of Mango Mussolini, patience has run thin for all of us. But we must hang in there. **Fetterman in PA could take over Toomey’s seat. ** I think Tim Ryan in OH has a good chance. **I HOPE Val Demmings in FL can erase Rubio. And hopefully Sinema will be primaried. Sincerely praying, hoping Ds will not lose a senate seat. But if we convince voters all across all the states that 2022 is the time to win the senate strongly, that we MUST START NOW, then end the filibuster, add PR and DC as states, just maybe we can save our republic.