When I was in 8th grade, I was required (along with all the other people in my grade) to take a civics class. Other than learning the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution (which I’d already memorized from Saturday mornings on “School House Rock”), I don’t recall a damned thing from that class.

 

Well, that’s almost true. I remember the old coot who taught us was an out and out racist. How do I know this? On the first day of class, he proceeded to give us seating assignments. That shouldn’t have been a big deal, as a lot of teachers assigned seats. But as the old man moved us about the room, we kids started looking around in an attempt to understand his methodology. Once he had finished his task, we all took one final gander and saw quite clearly that our jack-ass of a teacher had segregated our civics class. Both sides of the room knew, and we all just looked at each other incredulously. I mean, really.

 

 

I don’t know why I’m remembering that now, but I do know that here in America, it’s election day. And I’ve learned far more about civics and government as an adult than I ever learned as a kid. Things like how when our country was founded, only white men who owned land (or possessed taxable wealth) were allowed to vote. Or how non-white men were finally allowed to vote in 1870 (though women and Native Americans were still screwed until 1920 and 1924 respectively). And how in 1971, the age of voting eligibility was federally set at 18 years. This was done in response to soldiers being sent to Vietnam at such a tender age. They were old enough to fight, but not to vote.

 

Maybe old Cootie Cooterson did cover some of this in that 8th grade civics class. I can’t say for sure. I only know I’m grateful my classmates and I were open-minded enough to look around that room and know that the one adult in attendance was wrong. In fact, he was the most ignorant, childish one there.

 

 

If you live in America and are registered, please vote today. It’s an amazing privilege, and we are truly blessed to know such an honor.

 

Class dismissed.

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