AMTI -- National Mock Trial/fundraiser

I don't even know where to begin on this post -- but I got the distressing news last week that the folks organizing AMTI (the invitational nationals we were planning to attend) have decided to no longer hold their competition. Now that the other national organization has decided that they WILL honor religious convictions, AMTI feels it is no longer necessary to offer the other opportunity. I am very disappointed, as I would imagine many of you are. I am very proud of all of you, and had looked forward to taking you to Nationals.

That makes the fundraiser we were planning to do next month not as critical -- but I would strongly recommend we go ahead and do it -- we could earn money towards Youth Leg and next fall's Mock Trial activities IN ADVANCE!

I'm sorry to end the year with such bad news, but figured now that we're past Christ-mas, sooner was better than later.

Practices for Nationals

Before we get the case (probably January -- March), we will have two practice times: Wednesdays from 4 - 5 p.m., and the 2nd and 4th Wednesday mornings from 10 -12. Everyone going to Nationals needs to come to at least one of those time slots (either the Wednesday afternoons or the Wednesday mornings). Anyone not going to nationals is also welcome to attend -- we will be working on general, keep Mock Trial fresh, types of things during that time.

Once we get the case (usually about April 1), we will practice on Thursdays from 10 - 2, and expect that everyone will be able to make it to at least an hour and a half of that time frame. We can decide then whether the Thursday practices are in addition to or instead of the Wednesday practices, but I'm guessing we're going to want to do both times!

Nationals Fundraiser

Joel is getting information on a fundraiser where we will sell coupons in January for family photographs (probably to be taken in February). We can potentially cover the entire cost of Nationals with this fundraiser!

He should have more information at the CHRISTmas party in a couple of weeks.

We really need a volunteer to help set up the scheduling for the pictures. I do not have time to do that. Any volunteers?

Youth Leg

I need a head count by the meeting on January 6 for who's going to Youth Leg in February. And it would be a good idea to get on the www.alyig.org website by then and pre-register, because the price goes up the following week.

Upcoming Govt Club Meetings/CHRISTmas party

One "meeting" left for December -- it is December 16th -- CHRISTmas party from 10 - 2. Please bring a $5 wrapped gift for the Dirty Santa exchange, and a food/drink to share.

We will have two meetings in January ---January 6 & 20, and should be on the usual, 1st & 3rd Wednesdays for the rest of the spring (through April).

Congratulations/Wednesday Celebration/Debrief

Congratulations to both Mock Trial teams! I am so proud of all of you! I cannot imagine a better weekend of Mock Trial.

We will be getting together Wednesday, November 18 (tomorrow) at 2:00 p.m., since it sounded like that time worked for everyone. I have copies of score sheets for everyone. I will also have some initial information about the AMTI National Mock Trial competition in May.

Paperwork need signed

I need this form signed for each student. (Just found ou this afternoon!). If possible, please print and bring Friday morning.
http://www.alyig.org/register/10registrationForm.pdf

Some more details for trip to Montgomery

Several students have already paid their $100 "extra" money...If you have not, please try to bring it to the scrimmage on Wednesday (check to WHCS Govt Club on Wednesday).

We will be meeting at Creative Learning Connection on Friday morning at 11:00 to depart for Montgomery. We WILL be stopping at the Art Museum on our way to Montgomery to see their "Art, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness" exhibit. The tickets will only cost $6 each, and we are covering that out of the "extras" money.

We will also be stopping for lunch and dinner on our way down to Montgomery Friday; both of those are also covered in the money we're collecting.

I'll post more as I think of -- let me know if you have any questions: cmmjaime@alum.mit.edu

2nd Scrimmage Note

For the Scrimmages next week, I would like everyone to plan to be there the entire time (regardless of which time slot you are scrimmaging in). The Montgomery folks should be there in the morning to encourage the Scrimmage folks, and vice versa.

We will be getting pizza again between the 2 scrimmages. Thank you to everyone who paid their $5 last week -- that will be enough to cover lunch for both weeks.

If you have not emailed me your direct/cross/statements, please do it ASAP!
cmmjaime@alum.mit.edu

Thanks.

See everyone Wednesday

November 11 Scrimmage

Our second set of scrimmages will be at Grace United Methodist (2113 Old Monrovia Rd.
Huntsville, AL 35806) The church is very easy to get to from University. Go North at the light for Providence Main (used to be called Indian Creek). It is a left turn if you are coming from Madison. Go through the little "Providence Main" section to the round about. The third exit off the round about is Old Monrovia, heading toward the church. Go about two blocks, and Grace United Methodist will be on your left.

The scrimmage teams will go first, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. The Montgomery teams will scrimmage at 1:00.

Friends and family are welcome to join us for either or both of these.

We will be having pizzas for lunch in between the two. If you paid your $5 the first week, you do NOT have to pay again, you are covered for both weeks.

Any questions, let me know: cmmjaime@alum.mit.edu

Notes for 1st Scrimmage

I will be at CLC to meet someone else between 8:30 and 9, if anyone would rather meet me there instead of meeting us at the church. I would like to be leaving AT 9 to head to the church.

We will be ordering pizzas for lunch. If each student will bring $5 either this week or next, we should have enough money to cover lunch both days. (Two of our students donated sodas, water, and chips for us to sell at the store, and the money from those is helping bring down the costs for these two lunches. Thank you guys.)

Email me!

I need Statements, Directs, and Crosses emailed to me by Tuesday afternoon: cmmjaime@alum.mit.edu.

Thank you.
Mrs. Jaime

Color Choices for Montgomery/Dress Scrimmage

Both teams are using black as their base color (suits for the guys, dress slacks and/or skirts for the girls).

Defense team has decided on:
Red for Saturday, Blue for the girls and Black for the guys on Sunday, and White for Monday. They've also chosen White for the Dress Scrimmage on Wednesday, November 11.

Prosecution team has decided on:
Red for Saturday and White for Sunday. They are leaving Monday as an individual choice.

Nov 4 -- First money is due!

The YMCA would like to get our $220/person next week. 4 students have already paid on-line, thank you! I need the other 8 to send their money in directly, or bring it to the Scrimmage on Wednesday.

We also need to finalize which adults are going with us. I've had a couple of parents express interest in going -- but we need to finalize who is and isn't joining us.

Nov 4 Scrimmage

November 4 Scrimmage will be at Central Assembly Church, 1701 Sparkman Dr. (Huntsville). One scrimmage will be from 10 - 12 noon, followed by pizza for lunch, and the 2nd scrimmage from 1 to 3. This one is casual (no dress clothes necessary).

This week's assignments (for Oct 14)

This week, we need all witnesses and lawyers on Montgomery teams to bring their questions (Direct or Cross) with them to Wednesday morning's practice. We will be copying them to share with the students on the scrimmage teams.

If you will not be there Wednesday morning, please email me a copy before then: cmmjaime@alum.mit.edu.

Students on the scrimmage teams are free to modify the questions they receive as little or as much as they like.

This week, in addition to sharing Cross and Direct questions, we will be focusing on Objections: what they are, when they are used, and how to respond to them.

Hamlet quotes

"Though this be madness, yet there is method in 't." Hamlet quote (Act II, Scene II).

"That it should come to this!". Hamlet quote (Act I, Scene II).

"There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so" Hamlet quote (Act II, Sc. II).

"I will speak daggers to her, but use none". - (Hamlet Quote Act III, Sc. II).

Fundraiser Letter Update

For everyone going to Montgomery, we will need to collect the $220 per person that we owe the YMCA by the end of October. The remaining $100 or so needs to be paid by time we leave on 13 November. If you have not sent out letters, it's not too late. (But I wouldn't wait much longer!)

Several of the students have sent out Fundraiser letters and are getting checks to help with the above costs. Their collections will go to pay their own expenses first (minus stamps if the club purchased the stamps). If anyone raises more than their own costs through the letters -- it will be applied to the group's expenses (such as the gas, extra hotel night, etc.)

Letters may be sent via snail mail, or via email, students have successfully done both at this point.

Any questions, let me know.
Cathy/Mrs. Jaime, Adviser
cmmjaime@alum.mit.edu 256-325-3305

Montgomery Team Practice Suggestions

It has been suggested that the Prosecution team meet at CLC to practice on Thursday from 10 - 12 (beginning next Thursday, Oct 15).

And that that we move the Defense team practices to Thursdays from 12 - 2 pm (starting Oct 15) We will still have one more Friday practice (this Friday, Oct 9 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.)

November Scrimmage Notes

We will have two scrimmage days in November, one on Wednesday, November 4 and one on Wednesday, November 11. Plan on both of those days going from about 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (We will bring drinks, and order pizza for those days.) The scrimmages will NOT be at CLC; we are working on getting two churches in the Madison/Huntsville area to have those at.

Family and friends are welcome to attend either or both of the scrimmages. The second one will be more formal.

For the first scrimmage, the students can just wear "everyday" clothes -- jeans, t-shirts, etc. For that scrimmage, we will have the Defense scrimmage team go against the Prosecution Montgomery team, and vise versa.

The second scrimmage is a Dress Rehearsal, especially for the Montgomery teams. The students on the scrimmage teams do NOT have to go out and buy special clothes for the Dress Rehearsal. But I would like them to come reasonably dressed up -- khakis and a dress shirt or polo would be fine.

For that scrimmage the scrimmage teams will scrimmage each other and the Montgomery teams will scrimmage each other.

Other notes from today's Govt Club

We got all members of the Montgomery teams registered on time!
www.alyig.org

For ALL team members:
The next meeting (Oct 7) we will have half the meeting as a General Meeting and half the meeting as Mock Trial -- Please bring at least a rough draft of direct questions if you are a witness and cross questions if you are a lawyer.

The following week, October 14, we will primarily be going over Objections. Witnesses from all the teams are welcome to attend, but we especially need all of the lawyers to attend.

Prosecution Team (Scrimmage)

Opening -- Aaron
Closing -- Tess

Witnesses
Shelby -- ?? (Directed by Micah)
Jamie -- ?? (Directed by Tess)
Police -- John (Directed by Aaron)

Crosses
Pat -- Micah
Kinsley -- Tess
Loren -- Aaron

Defese Team (Scrimmage)

Opening -- Holden
Closing -- Eli

Loren -- Hannah (Directed by Eli)
Kinsley -- Brad (Directed by Holden)
Pat -- Ben (Directed by Tiffany)

Crosses
Police -- Tiffany
Jamie -- Eli
Shelby -- Holden

Prosecution Team (Montgomery)

Opening -- Connor
Closing -- Jacob

Shelby -- Pearl (Directed by Kayleigh)
Jamie -- Maggie (Directed by Jacob)
Police Officer -- Katie (Directed by Connor)

Crosses
Kayleigh -- Loren
Jacob -- Pat
Connor -- Kinsley

Defense Team (Montgomery)

For right now, will be practicing on Friday mornings from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

Opening -- Tori
Closing -- Joel

Witnesses
Pat -- Heidi (Directed by Ariella)
Loren -- Lee (Directed by Joel)
Kinsley -- Noah (Directed by Tori)

Crosses:
Ariella -- Shelby
Joel -- Jamie
Tori -- Police Officer

Fundraiser Letter - be sure to insert phone number/names/email addresses

October 2009

Dear

We are members of the Way Home Christian School (WHCS) Government Club. We are writing today to ask for your support for our important upcoming events.

Each year our club sends teams to the statewide Youth Judicial (Mock Trial) competition in Montgomery, Alabama, which is hosted by the YMCA Youth in Government program. The YMCA Youth Judicial program allows high school students (Grades 9 -12) the opportunity to learn about law though preparation and presentation of a mock case. Students are on teams of 6, with 3 youth lawyers and 3 youth witnesses. Teams prepare either the defense side of the case or plaintiff/prosecution. Other students in Alabama’s program go down as a judge, sheriff, or deputy sheriff. (No other states offer these other choices for participation or have youth as the scoring judges.) All participants receive a fictional case which has a case summary, evidence and affidavits for the plaintiff/prosecution and the defense.

In the last 12 years, the Club has taken 21 teams to Montgomery. Every year at least one team has placed in the top 10, and 8 of the years we had 1st place teams. (We take our Mock Trial seriously and yet still have fun as we prepare our cases.) Additionally, 15 of our students have participated in national Mock Trial competitions over the years. Several of those students went on to do College Mock Trial and one is starting his final year at NYU Law School.

Altogether our Club needs to raise $5000 for this event in order to cover program fees, transportation, lodging and food expenses for the teams and advisors. Additionally, we have several students who are planning to attend the Harvard Mock Trial Training weekend in October, many who would like to go to Youth Legislature in February, and numerous more who hope to attend our Government Club Field Trip to Philadelphia in March.

Any size donation would be greatly appreciated and your entire donation is tax deductible as well.

Please send your contribution in the form of check or money order made payable to the Way Home Christian School (WHCS) to the following address:
WHCS Govt Club Fundraiser
8006 Old Madison Pike, Ste 11-a
Madison, AL 35758

If you would like to learn more about our group or have any questions regarding this letter, please feel free to contact me at (insert phone number). Thank you very much for your time and consideration.


Best regards,



Insert Names Here
WHCS Government Club
cmmjaime@alum.mit.edu

16 Sept General Meeting

Our general meetings will be spent discussing current events that are related to government. This week's Meeting was easy -- we spent almost the entire time discussing last weekend's 9/12 March/Rally in D.C. (My apologies for not mentioning in advance that Dee and I were going to that!)

We went through the pictures we had taken, the speeches, the media coverage, the reasons for it, and more.

Harvard Mock Trial Training

It looks like only 2 of us will be attending the Mock Trial Training in Harvard this year. But don't worry, we will come back with lots of good information to share with everyone!

Fall Meeting Dates Modified

I had these posted earlier, but made some changes to it, so I'm posting it again with the corrections:

General Govt Club Meetings are usually the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesdays of the month, beginning on September 16. (The exception will be November 4, since we will be having a Mock Trial Scrimmage that day, instead of a General Meeting.)

So, the fall general government meetings are scheduled for: September 16 & 30, October 7 & 21, and December 2. (The November General Meeting has been canceled -- it is too close to our potential departure for the Thanksgiving holidays...So for the fall we will plan on two General Meetings in September, two in October and one in December.)

The semester ends with a Christmas Party on December 16 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Mock Trial meetings are scheduled for September 9 & 23, and October 14 and 28. Then the first scrimmages are on November 4, and there is a Mock Trial Scrimmage/Dress Rehearsal on November 11. (The location will be announced on those -- we like to have at least the Dress Rehearsal somewhere larger, so it is easier for family and friends to come and watch.)

Additionally, we will try to have at least some of the Mock Trial teams get together to practice once a week, from mid-September through the beginning of November. (We will discuss that more at the September 9 meeting.

Mock Trial teams

We're going to try something new this year for Mock Trial, so that more people can benefit from the Mock Trial experience. This year we are going to plan on having our "competition teams" that will go down to Montgomery and compete in November, as we usually do.

But, in addition to that, we would like to form 1 or 2 "scrimmage teams" - where we pass out the case, the parts, etc., students prepare as they would normally do, but they will finish with 1 or 2 local scrimmages in November...So there will be practically no costs involved in that, and no big pressure -- just the great experience of participating in Mock Trial!

Our first Mock Trial Meeting will be on the 2nd Wednesday morning in September, September 9th, from 10 a.m. to 12 Noon. If you would like to be on a competition team, a scrimmage team, or just have more questions about Mock Trial, please plan to attend. (We hope to start forming teams that day, so if you ARE interested, and won't make it to the Meeting on the 9th, definitely let us know!)

Any questions, be sure to ask the Advisor/Coach, Cathy Jaime -- cmmjaime@alum.mit.edu.

First Fundraiser Idea -- Box Tops for Edcation

Start saving those General Mills' Box Tops for Education and bring them to a Government Club Meeting. (You can even ask friends and family to save them for you.) I don't know how quickly they add up -- but figure every little bit will help!

Mock Trial case

The 2009 case is available already! You can check it out at: http://www.alyig.org/judicial/case.pdf

Bowling Update -- Time Change

The time for next week's bowling has been changed. The lanes are not available until 11:30. So we will be bowling from 11:30 - 1:30 instead of 9:30 to 11:30, I hope that doesn't cause any problems! Please let us know if you are planning to attend, so we make sure we have enough lanes reserved. (See the earlier post for date and location...)

Fundraiser Idea

I apologize for all the high costs of all these events -- I wish they weren't so expensive, but most of the costs are outside of my control. We have done a fundraiser letter in the past that was very successful, and we are looking into the possibility of doing that again for this year. You may want to start compiling a list of names and addresses of family and friends that you could send that to, if we can work out the details. We hope to have that ready to roll by next week.

Harvard Mock Trial Association

Last year we had a wonderful opportunity at the last minute to take several students to a Mock Trial training program run by the Harvard Mock Trial Association. This year's training weekend is October 17-18, which is before our competition, so if we have any students who can make it, it would be a great learning experience. It is not a cheap experience -- registration is $150 each, and then we have to get airplane tickets on top of that. (Good news is we can stay with a friend when we are up there.) Let me know if you are interested.

Dates and Info for Our YMCA events

The place to see info on what is going on with the YMCA Youth in Government Program is www.alyig.org. When you register on their website, be sure to put down "Huntsville" for the delegation, and "Way Home Christian School" for the school (regardless of where you live and which homeschool group you are in -- that's who we're registered as).

We should get our case for the fall Youth Judicial/Mock Trial competition sometime in September. Pre-Youth Judicial will probably be Sunday afternoon, September 20 or September 27 in Anniston or Birmingham (more info on that when I have it). Pre-Youth Judicial is optional, but is a good idea for those who are new to the Judicial program. We will coordinate that once we have more information.

Registration for Judicial has already begun on the website, and the price goes up in October, so it is highly recommended that you register by the end of September.

They are doing something new this year, and only 52 experienced teams will be allowed to compete, so the sooner we get our teams firmed up and signed up, the better.

The competition itself is November 14 - 16, and we will head down on November 13. The cost that weekend,in addition to what we will have already paid, is usually about $100 per student. That includes the extra night in the hotel, extra meals before and after the meal ticket, and gas.

Youth Legislature is earlier this year than usual -- it will be held February 26 - 28. Registration for that begins right after Judicial.

Two Govt-Related Opportunities at CLC in August

Are you wanting to keep up with what's going on in the political world these days, but having trouble knowing how? Join us Thursday, August 27th from 7 – 9 p.m. for a discussion/teaching on "How Do We Keep Up with Politics Today?"

This is geared toward the adults in the family, but older, interested students may also get something out of it. Come find out some great new ways to find out what’s going on in our Government – Come with questions and ideas. (Please RSVP to Cathy at cmmjaime@alum.mit.edu so we have enough chairs.)

*****

Come out and meet Les Phillip! Les is running for Congress District 5 in 2010. http://www.lesphillip.com/ This is a great opportunity to meet and talk with Les. Let him know your concerns and find out what he will do if he becomes our next congressman.

Where: Creative Learning Connection, 8006 Madison Pike, Suite 11-A, Madison, AL 35758
When: August 31 at 7:00 pm

If you are planning to attend, please RSVP to Jan Nolin at janolin@comcast.net or 837-6364 (we need to make sure we have enough chairs set up).

If you have any questions, call or email Jan Nolin.

Fall Meeting Dates

General Govt Club Meetings are usually the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesdays of the month, beginning on September 16. (The exception will be November 4, since we will be having a Mock Trial Scrimmage that day, instead of a General Meeting.)

So, the fall general government meetings are scheduled for: September 16 & 30, October 7 & 21, and December 2. (The November General Meeting has been canceled -- it is too close to our potential departure for the Thanksgiving holidays...So we will plan on two General Meetings in September, two in October and one in December.)

The semester ends with a Christmas Party on December 16 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Mock Trial meetings are scheduled for September 9 & 23, and October 14 and 28. Then the first scrimmage is on November 4, and there is a Mock Trial Scrimmage/Dress Rehearsal on November 11.

Additionally, we will try to have each Mock Trial team get together to practice once a week, from mid-September through the beginning of November.

Govt Club Activity

What: Bowling at the South Parkway AMF Bowling Center.
When: Wednesday, 26 August from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $10 for 2 hours of bowling and shoe rental

RSVP to Cathy at cmmjaime@alum.mit.edu

2009 - 2010 Open House

We will have our Open House on Wednesday, August 19 from 10 a.m. to 12 Noon, at Creative Learning Connection.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Catherine at: cmmjaime@alum.mit.edu or 325-3305.

Scrimmage Wednesday, May 6

Please meet at the church at 10 for the scrimmage, or at my house by 9:30 if you need a ride from the Madison area.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Directions to church:

I-565 to Sparkman. North on Sparkman. Pass under University. Church is on left.

Central Assembly
1701 Sparkman Dr.
Huntsville, AL 35816
837-7004

Final Govt Club Meeting Results

After some hard fought elections, we have the following officers for next year:

President -- Elijah Jaime
Vice President -- Joel Burkes
Secretary -- Victoria Jaime
Treasurer -- Katie Kratsch
Chaplain -- to be announced


We have one more meeting for the year -- our mock Mock Trial next Wednesday, May 6th, from 10 to 12 at the Burkes' church, on Sparkman. Joel is supposed to be sending directions.

Decision was made that any clothes except shorts and t-shirts would be acceptable for the event.

Please let me know if you have signed up for this event and will NOT be attending...

Revised Mock Trial Parts

We will have another Mock Trial class in 2 weeks, on April 22nd, and the Scrimmage on May 6.

Parts are now:
Prosecution team

Opening -- Victoria

Chris Taylor -- Ariella, directed by Heidi
Bailey Powell -- Kayleigh, directed by Lee
Jean Thomas -- Levi, directed by Joel

Noah crossing Henley Wells
Connor crossing Blake Williams
Joel crossing Miller Edwards

Closing -- Joel

****

Defense team

Opening -- Houston

Henley Wells -- Aaron, directed by Karl
Blake Williams -- Jacob, directed by Elijah
Miller Edwards -- Katie, directed by Niki

Steven crossing Chris Taylor
Houston crossing Bailey Powell
Adam crossing Jean Thomas

Closing -- Steven

Highlights of Youth Legislature

All in all I think we would all agree that this was an exciting weekend at Youth Leg.
Alex spent much of Friday in the Senate, where she got to present her bill to require schools to teach both sides of the creation/evolution debate. It didn't pass, but it garnered more support than we expected. Alex also did a great job in Supreme Court -- often speaking up, so I didn't have to!
Joel's bill to require families to purchase an electric car did not pass in the House, but he was able to convince the Supreme Court it was constitutional, after amending it to allow families to still keep their gas powered cars if they owned at least one electric. (He was one of only a few bill authors who faced them that was able to accomplish that.)
Jacob's bill to ban the use of cell phones in cars did not pass in First Year, but he also convinced the Supreme Court that it was constitutional -- and gave them their best prepared argument of the day.
Aaron's bill to force public schools to allow participation in their activities by homeschoolers not only passed in First Year, it was signed into law by the Governor -- the first bill authored by a WHCS student to ever be signed into law at Youth Leg.
Elijah's bill passed in First Year, but was vetoed by the Governor. We never found out what he had against requiring first aid kits in cars...Throughout the weekend, Elijah made himself known as the one who would ask, "Do you have something against homeschoolers?"
Katie and Kayleigh were disappointed that their bill never made it to the floor in First Year to be debated, but they both enjoyed debating other bills. Kayleigh was recognized in the newspaper as one of those "who took a stand and completely shut down the chamber with their debate". And Katie helped amend the bill to improve it some.
Katie was also recognized as one of the top 16 debaters in the First Year, and then selected as the 12th alternate to National Affairs.

Hate Speech

One of the bills the Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional yesterday was one banning Hate Speech. It might be fair to say that the author had "good intentions", however the Supreme Court quickly ruled that his speech violated the first amendment anyway!

It was interesting today to then read in the Secular Right of a real issue with "UN-free Speech". I really enjoyed this portion: "It’s certainly to be hoped that (at least when it is deserved) some degree of good manners be shown when discussing matters of religion, but the essence of good manners are that they are voluntary." Sounded much like the discussions we were having yesterday. And disturbing to think that adults, in an international role, are pushing the same types of attacks on our free speech as some of the Youth in Government students.

2nd Day at Youth Leg

Another fun-filled day of debating in the various chambers and in the Supreme Court. Our Attorney Generals did a great job arguing for the constitutionality issues with various bills they brought before us. In the morning session, the Supreme Court only ruled constitutional on 2 out of 6 bills -- the one written by Joel and the one written by Jacob.

The morning ended with some extra excitement when the patron of one unconstitutional bill chose to throw his pocket constitution at the Supreme Court on his way out of our room.

The afternoon session saw six more bills get ruled on, with only one of those getting a constitutional pass (without much discussion, since it was basically a Senate version of Jacob's bill). Three additional bills, dealing with bringing a lottery to Alabama, caused issues since the Alabama constitution does not allow the lottery in our state. After much discussion, and some help from a legal scholar, it was decided that all three of those bills would have been unconstitutional if and only if the Constitution had already been amended to allow the lottery.

Most of the Supreme Court rulings were unanimous, 5-0, and then later 4-0 after one of the Justices had to depart. Only one bill caused much disagreement between the Justices, one dealing with illegal cell phones in jails brought a divided Court at 3-2.

1st Day at Youth Leg

Bad weather turned our 3 hour trip to Montgomery into a 5 hour one, but we finally arrived safely. Shortly after arrival, we made the Government Club's first trip to an Emergency Room, with Elijah's freshly broken finger/hand.

But Friday was an exciting day anyway. The Attorney Generals have found almost 20 "unconstitutional" bills to bring before the Supreme Court tomorrow, mostly dealing with free speech, search and seizure, and cruel and unusual punishment issues. The Supreme Court anxiously awaits hearing from the bills' authors, including Joel and Jacob.

Our 5 first year students enjoyed their first day of debate -- including passing Elijah, Jacob, and Aaron's bills.

Joel was disappointed that his House bill to force change to electric cars was shut down, while Alex was pleasantly surprised that her Senate bill to force schools to teach Creation in addition to Evolution garnered as much support as it did.

The day is winding down to the first game of the trip, Apples to Apples.

Govt Club Students React to CPSIA Rally Today

In spite of technical difficulties, at least 16 of us managed to watch the Rally crowded around the computer screen!

This is what I have for comments (if I have anybody's age wrong, feel free to let me know):

I don’t chew on things! I can’t even fit the books I read in my mouth.
Things I don’t like about CPS“I”A:
1. I can barely find shoes and clothes because the prices have gone up
2. My mom had to get rid of her books.
3. I am 10 and it says 13 and up, and 12 and under.
4. I just don’t like it.
Things I like about CPS “I”A
1. …I guess nothing!
Sonia, age 10
****
This law is stupid. I take this as an insult. Why to age 12? Children stop “eating” books at 1 ½! It is insulting to parents too! You have to physically eat lead to get lead poisoning! Are you really trying to make new jobs? No! Millions of people will lose their jobs after this bill.
Hardly anybody gets lead poisoning in America, so re-make this bill!
People are getting injured due to the fact that kids have to get too big bikes and such!
Aaron, age 12
****
The law is stupid ‘cause all of the lead is coming from China. There’s only 4 factories in the US that can test for lead, and when those 4 factories fill up then all of the things will have to be sent back to China where all the lead problems are coming from in the first place.
The CPSIA was meant to protect children, but I think it’s doing exactly the opposite because the law is making it illegal for kids to get ATVs that are the right size. So the kids are having to ride ATVs and bikes that are adult sized – and too big for them, thus raising the injury level.
Elijah, age 12
****
Parents should be able to make their own choices without the government in their way. But now Congress has passed a law that tells what you can and cannot buy. How dumb is that? Another thing is that they have to test the same shirt in different sizes. It’s the same material….It insults parents and kids.
Now to the penalties. These are soooo unconstitutional. A fine of $100,000. That’s outrageous and that’s not all. Five years in jail. Five years. Both of these for selling one item. One item with lead in it. CPSIA hurts kids and that’s the truth.
Student, age 13
****
Old books that are out of print are going to completely vanish, be eliminated. And twelve and younger? My two-year-old cousin doesn’t chew on things, let alone a twelve year old! Businesses are going to have to stop, people are going to be laid off, and we are already having issues with jobs! Some people can’t afford to test objects for lead, so what are they supposed to do? This bill should be repealed, there are no amounts of amendments that could fix this bill.
Katie, age 13
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Who is going to eat a book anyway? In order to ingest lead, you would have to eat the whole book. And even then, it would probably not have enough lead in it to do anything.
They are outlawing children’s ATVs. That means that the truly devoted ATVers would ride ADULT ATVs. Which is more threatening, lead or oversized ATV’s that younger kids could easily wreck?
The law is unconstitutional. The government has no rights to not allow us to sell children’s products. It isn’t drugs. It isn’t illegal stuff.
There are a total of two cases of lead related deaths in recent years. Neither of which were due to books, toys, ATVs or car engines. They were from jewelry, from China.
Jacob, age 13
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12 year olds do not eat random toys…testing for every color, product and size for lead is excessive and unneeded…Don’t take away One Fish Two Fish.
Student, age 14
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Many people will lose money and jobs from this law, because where would they put all their old toys and books? They will have to throw them all away because they can’t sell them.
If you touch something with lead in it you will not die. And you will have to ingest a lot of it!
Student, age 14
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This law makes it impossible for people who make and sell crafts to, or intended for, small children, to continue selling their products. These handmade products, which are created individually, now must be tested before they can be lawfully sold. Not only are the tests required impossibly expensive for these people to pay for, but they destroy the product in the process. How can these products be certified if they cannot afford testing, and the product ends up destroyed, anyway.
Also, lead poisoning occurs when lead is ingested. Simply touching something with lead in it does not put a person at risk. Why, then, are products such as books, bikes, and even clothes suddenly dangerous? Very few children that I am aware of, especially of the ages for which these products are intended, are chewing on their books and toys!
Kay, age 14
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The cost and frequency of testing the law requires is outrageous. And the penalty is too costly.
Student, age 15
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Books – everyone reads, even little kids. It helps them learn. Why would you want to keep them from learning? More importantly, why would you want to take away Dr. Seuss?
Bicycles – they’re made to have fun. A little kids isn’t going to eat it. Give them some credit, they’re smarter than you think.
Companies are going to have to cut back on their workers and during this time we need to keep as many jobs as we can. We can’t get through this without them.
Monica, age 15
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This enrages me and I’m not even going to be directly affected by this. The rally is a good way to take the war to the enemy, which in our case is Congress. The word that kills us her is “all”. And all will be affected by this in one way or another.
Joel, age 16
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Its inadvertent consequences hurt businesses, the economy, and children.
It completely takes the parents’ ability to choose toys for their children out of consideration.
Washington is incompetent!
Steven, age 17
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I am offended that Congress feels we the people can’t make decisions for ourselves. By passing CPSIA, politicians have taken away parents rights to decide what products are appropriate for their children.
This law is also insulting to the children that it claims to protect. No 12-year-old has ever died because there was lead in their library books. Though the original intent may have been good, Congress took it too far. This bill goes beyond children’s protection. All it does is take away their freedom to play.
Student, age 17

Leaving for Youth Legislature

We will meet at CLC on Thursday, April 2 between 3:30 and 4:00 p.m. We will return to my house sometime Sunday evening. (We'll call enroute with an ETA.) There will be 7 of us in an 8 passenger van -- so please don't over pack! Pretty much like Mock Trial -- dress for departure day is casual, during the day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning is dressed up, evenings are casual.

Scratch that -- there will be 8 of us in an 8 passenger van...Pack very light!

Also, extra costs should come in at about $100 each -- that covers our extra hotel costs, two extra meals, and gas

Any questions, let me know: cmmjaime@alum.mit.edu

Tracking Bills on Govtrack

If you want to see what type of bills are making their way through Congress, or see what your favorite (or least favorite) Senator/Congressman is up to http://www.govtrack.us/ is a great way to do it. You can get email alerts on topics that you want to follow (abortion, cpsia...), etc.

Mock Trial parts

Prosecution team

Opening -- Victoria

Chris Taylor -- Ariella, directed by Heidi
Bailey Powell -- Kayleigh, directed by Lee
Jean Thomas -- Victoria, directed by Joel

Elijah crossing Henley Wells
Connor crossing Blake Williams
Joel crossing Miller Edwards

Closing -- Joel

****

Defense team

Opening -- Houston

Henley Wells -- Aaron, directed by ?
Blake Williams -- Jacob, directed by ?
Miller Edwards -- Katie, directed by Niki

Steven crossing Chris Taylor
Houston crossing Bailey Powell
Adam crossing Jean Thomas

Closing -- Steven

Schedule for the remainder of Spring 2009

April 1 -- Watching CPSIA Rally -- starting at 9:00 (see earlier post); going over 2 bills for Youth Leg, and General Govt Club Meeting.

April 8 -- Mock Trial Meeting -- Drafts of Direct and Cross should be brought (legible, please!)

April 15 -- Govt Club Meeting will end early so that some of us can go downtown for the TEA Party at 11:30 (see earlier post)

April 22 -- Mock Trial Meeting

April 29 -- 3 meetings in one: Elect President/Elect Other Officers/End of Year Party

May 6 -- Mock Trial Scrimmage (location to be announced)

April 15 Field Trip

If any of my Economic students and/or Government Club students would like to join us, we're heading downtown Huntsville for the Tax Day Tea Party.

The event is scheduled from 12 - 1 at the VBC parking lot (Lot K) across the street from the Post Office.

The plan for the day is to end Government Club 30 minutes early, and head downtown at 11:30. Unless the event runs really overtime, I think we should be back at CLC by 1:30, for the last hour of Economics class.

So...If you're only coming for Govt Club that day -- it will only run from 10 - 11:30.
If you're only coming for Economics -- it will be (hopefully) from 1:30 - 2:30 that day.

If you would like to join us for the trip downtown -- either come for Govt Club and then join us, or be at CLC by 11:30. I have room for 5 extra students in my van -- other parents are obviously welcome to join us as well. (So, please RSVP if you are joining us either way.)

April 1 Government Club Meeting

For any who are interested:
We will unofficially begin Government Club an hour early on April 1. There is a CPSIA rally in Washington D.C. that morning from 9 - 10:30 our time. They are going to try to broadcast the Rally via streaming video, and I would like us to watch it.

If 9:00 is too early, show up when you can. We will watch the Rally, discuss the Rally, and then discuss any last minute details for those leaving for Youth Legislature. We have two more "youth leggers" who need to practice debating their bills, so we will do those two bills as a minimum.

Questions, let me know...

Introduction for Government Club Blog

I have had a page on my website with information about the Government Club for awhile now. But it is hard to update, and not interactive, so I thought we would try this venue and see how it goes.

I will try to post information on here about upcoming club meetings, our trip to Youth Legislature, etc.