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JSA Congress 2007
By Lauren Stabile, Managing Editor
At 8 AM on February 10, 15 El Segundo High School students sleepily
arrived on campus. With Starbucks and rolling suitcases in hand,
they boarded school vans to take part in a 2 day mock congress for
Junior Statesmen of America. Armed with simulated bills and ardent
political beliefs, the students joined hundreds of other teens from
around Los Angeles to debate, amend, and eventually pass legislation
written by members of JSA.
Founded in 1934, JSA hopes to strengthen American
democracy by providing an outlet for students interested in law,
politics and leadership. By bringing together over 500,000 students
from across the United States, JSA prepares members for the
responsibility of life in the political and social arena. While
this club may sound blustery and boring, it’s not. As junior
Franccesca Kazerooni said, “I wouldn’t be the president [of JSA] if
I didn’t love it.”
While at Congress, students were separated from their
schoolmates and shuffled into committees. Immediately, the
firestorm began as Progressives clashed with Libertarians,
Republicans battled Democrats, and Independents ducked for cover.
Topics ranged from the legalization of marijuana and prostitution to
a Department of Peace and Nonviolence; there was even a bill to
remove Andrew Jackson from the twenty dollar bill. No matter what
political views one might have had, there was always a bill to
either love, hate, amend or burn.
After bills were passed in Committee, students split
into the Senate and House of Representatives. There, they voted on
the amended bills, while debates among infamous JSA speakers
mesmerized some and sent others into a tirade. Parliamentary
procedure reigned, with the elegant “motion to previous question[s]”
(a.k.a. a request to take a vote on the bill) juxtaposed with the
yells of “decorum” over the clamoring screams of outage and joy.
For even the most indifferent political spectator, the sessions of
the House and Senate proved to be much more than interesting and
informative. In general, according
to junior Kristin Regler, “Congress was amazing.”
Between the
vigorous political discussions, Congress entertained many guest
speakers, from a master on propaganda to many times presidential
candidate Ralph Nader. Though listening to speakers may not seem
enthralling, “listening to the key note speakers brings a real
perspective from real politicians. I really appreciate all the
guidance and support they show us inspiring politicians,” says
junior Caroline Hawks. There was also a refugee fundraiser for the
genocide in Darfur, featuring an inspiring expatriate from the war
torn region. Junior Veronica Pinkham attended the fundraiser and
said, “I felt like I really gained something from the experience.
The speaker inspired us to appreciate other cultures and
individually strive to make a difference.”
As all good things do, Congress came to an end, amid
hugs from newly-made friends tears between old acquaintances. There
was no doubt that Congress was an amazing experience for all who
attended, and for anyone interested in attending Spring State or in
joining JSA in general, come to the meetings on Thursday in Ms.
Briney’s room, A203.
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