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Today is Wednesday, 27-Aug-2008 22:03:56 PDT
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Teaching Kids About The Recall
The October 7 recall election is back on again for now and I decide my fourth-grader should learn about this history in the making. “Recall,” I explain, “means to take back. People want to take back their vote of Governor Davis.” “Why’d people vote for him if they didn’t want him?” Nick asks logically while munching on an apple slice. “Well,” I continue a bit nervously, “a lot of folks didn’t vote in the last election because they didn’t like the two choices. And those that did vote, held their noses.” “Sort of like when you tell me I can have carrots or broccoli with dinner?” “Yes,” I smile. “It was like that.” “Anyway,” I plunge on, “now the people of California have a chance to get someone they really want for governor.” Not wanting to turn him off to voting in the future, I decide not to mention the distinct possibility of a candidate winning with a small percentage. “Sounds like a do-over,” he says shaking his head. “Do-overs aren’t cool.” “Well, it’s legal,” I say a bit uncertainly. “Are the choices better now?” he asks, still working on his snack. After thinking for a moment, I focus on the front-runners and omit mention of the stripper and the porn king who have thrown their thongs into the race. “The good guy in that R-rated movie grandma let you watch is running.” Nick stares at me and protests, “But he killed so many people!” “That was just a movie,” I say, starting to feel my forehead perspiring. “He’s an actor so that was all pretend.” “Besides,” I add as Nick’s face becomes shadowed with skepticism, “he’s really into children’s issues now.” “Well, who else,” he asks, somewhat impatient for this impromptu civics lesson to be over. “There’s a man who works for the governor and a nice, smart lady that your father likes,” I answer somewhat miserably. I drift off, sure there is something important I have left out of the discussion. Nick finishes his apple then suddenly pops his head up. “Are any of these people chocolate cake?” he demands. I stare blankly. “The choice was carrots and broccoli last time,” he reminds me. Chocolate cake is not a fitting description. “No,” I say with a heavy sigh. ”I’m afraid we’ve got a choice of beefcake, milquetoast, meatloaf and flan.” As published in The Union Newspaper | |||
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