Tuesday, June 21, 2016

10 Fun Political Terms To Know

By: Emilie Begin

Courtesy of Scholastic Teacher

http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/vocabulary-political- words

Coattails: The power of a popular candidate to gather support for other candidates in

his or her party.

Grass Roots: Political activity that originates locally, or arises from ground level.

Lame Duck: An officeholder whose term has expired or cannot be continued, who thus

has lessened power.

Muckraker: A journalist who seeks out the scandalous activities of public officials.

Pork Barrel: Wasteful and unnecessary projects that politicians secure for their local

districts, usually to gain favor with local voters.

Red Tape: Government paperwork and procedures that are slow and difficult.

Rubber Chicken Circuit: The endless series of public dinners and luncheons

politicians must attend to raise funds and make speeches.

Smoke-Filled Room: The sort of place where behind-the- scenes political wheeling and

dealing, often devious, occurs.

Trial Balloon: An idea a politician suggests in order to observe the reaction.

Witch Hunt: A vindictive, often irrational, investigation that preys on public fears.
Gun Control Debate Re-sparked by Recent Shootings
Ali Barritt


Sandy Hook Elementary School, Colorado Springs, Aurora theater, San Bernardino, California, and now, the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Several devastating mass shootings have occurred over the years, and with a new tragedy involving the murder of 49 innocent civilians and injury of 53 others, “the worst American massacre since 9/11,” the topic of gun control has resurfaced.
After a nearly 15-hour filibuster by Democrats on the Senate floor a week after the Orlando shootings, the Senate voted on four gun control proposals on Monday. The proposals did not receive enough votes to progress as the parties are far apart on the issue. Yet, voting brought attention the issue at hand in a large way.  
In addition, there are two amendments under consideration that involve the improvement of background checks for gun buyers, one proposed by Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT), and the other by Sen. Chuck Grassely (R-IA). Grassley’s amendment aims to direct more money and resources to the National Criminal Instant Background Check System (NICS), commission a study by the Director of the National Institutes of Justice and National Academy of Sciences that would investigate the causes of mass shootings, and add an assessment of mental health to background checks for those buying guns. Murphy’s amendment would require for submissions of records of those prohibited from buying guns to NICS by federal agencies to be certified. Also, states that don’t provide data electronically to the background check system would be penalized. The amendment would also deal with gun sales online and at gun shows, and how they may be “subject to closing the gun show loophole.”
The National Rifle Association (NRA) fervently opposes closing the “loophole,” claiming that doing so would burden unlicensed gun sellers at gun shows; they don’t require a background check, unlike licensed sellers. The association says that this would hurt sellers who want to sell a single gun.

With the accumulation of mass shootings, gun control remains an important issue that has made its way to the table, but differing views among the parties has impeded any progress that could be made in regards to creating policies and amendments.

ALAGMGS Comic

ALAGMGS Comic

Namesakes at Girls State: American Legion Auxiliary Past Department Presidents

Amy Mason-

From Windsor Unit 25

Past Department President in 1986-87 and 2003-04 who followed in her mother’s footsteps as she was

also a past Department President in Vermont.

Currently residing in Windsor Vermont and continues to be an active mentor. She is a retired school

teacher who is very tech-savvy and always willing to help.

Terri-Ann Christie-

From Waterbury Unit 59 Harry N Cutting

Past Unit President, District President, and Department President in 2001-02.

Currently the NEC woman for the department of Vermont and also an active American Legion Auxiliary

member. She is a mentor and lover of the constitution and protocol.

Chris Howard-

From Rutland Unit 31

Past Department President of Unit 59 in 2004-05 and also held most chairmen roles for her unit.

Currently resides in Florida and is still involved in the American Legion Auxiliary.

Rani Gray-

From Waterbury Unit 59 Harry N Cutting

Past Unit President, District President, Department President, NEC Woman, Eastern Division National

Vice President, National Historian, and currently Department Parliamentarian.

Currently lives in Barre Town, but is retired and just bought a home in Florida. She has been with Girls’

State for 16 years (this being her last) and is still an active American Legion Riders Chapter 1o member

and member of the American Legion Auxiliary.
  The Power Behind the Pledge of Allegiance is Not Forgotten

Over the expanse of the last few days, I have grown used to the steady rhythm of the heart beneath my breast. The same drumbeat that it's always seemed to play yet, this time, the meaning behind it appears to have shifted. Hot, heavy, and slow, yet powerful as it thrums against the palm of my right hand. It’s kind of tragic really, how this feeling of gratefulness that taps itself out against my outstretched fingers, is a feeling that I had to dig deep into the trenches of my past to remember. How the last time many of us had performed such a piece, was easily several years ago; back when our weak hands were too small to even cover our heart much less feel it beneath our t-shirts. Yet, now, as I stand with the flag flapping wildly in the wind above my head, elbows brushing awkwardly with those of the girls beside me, I feel my heart welcoming that grateful feeling back into itself again. Especially, as we call forth from the dusty dark chasms of our childhood, the words of the pledge that we’ve long since abandoned. Finally, these lyrics, meant to honor those who fought to allow us to stand where we do today, are serving their purpose. In the flood of green polos, one can see that we truly do represent the one nation that stands, indivisible, even under a greater source of power. Each body in those lines of teenagers, though varying in appearance, attitude, and mind is linked by similar goals of both patriotism and female success as it benefits the nation surrounding her.


Lauren Covey

Town of Howard

Monday, June 20, 2016

There once was a town named Gray,
They passed bills and made motions to stay.
The girls chanted with pride,
As other towns cried.
When Model Town was claimed that day.

By Celia Heath (Town of Gray) and Sofia Wolak (Town of Christie)
Girl’s State Experience
Day 1
So I walked into Girl’s State not sure how the week would go. I set everything in my room; bed made, clothes put away, and everything was going well until I plugged my charger in. I got an electric shock and it fried my only charger for the week; so this is it, this is how my week will go. At that time it felt like nothing was going to go in my favor and the tragedy of this week was slowly unfolding.
Never having experienced a college dorm before no one knew exactly what to bring and if you didn’t bring the right assets it could affect the rest of your week. Not bringing a mattress pad made for a difficult night. “I swear I slept on a brick” one delegate stated the next morning at breakfast. Many people also got paired up with someone they had never met before; going into the first day you would have to meet your new roomie and develop a type of mutual bond for the week, this would be the person you roomed with, lined up with, and made sure was always accounted for, this person essentially became part of you.
The food was a whole other story. It was your basic cafeteria grade food, expected of a college campus. We had everything from pizza to mac & cheese to chicken nuggets and so on. Unfortunately that first night we ran out of ketchup, an essential for chicken nuggets and fries. What a disaster. The cupcakes, however, were to die for…at least the frosting was. The ice cream bar seemed full of variety and a big hit. The next morning at breakfast we had eggs and fruit and French toast and more, and the best part…the ketchup was back. The only flaw with breakfast was the lack of real Vermont maple syrup. Can’t have everything in life.
Once we got into our towns we got to meet up with everyone we were going to be living with for the week. It was interesting seeing all the different styles and personalities everyone was able to display. There were a lot of similarities between girls. Eventually we found each other all with the understanding that we came here knowing nothing about politics or what it meant to run or really what any position meant. Over the course of that first day we all started to understand a little more about each town and party meetings.
Although we were the town of Gray there was nothing dull about us. We came together making new cheers revolving around our town model, Rani Gray, the face behind the name. At breakfast of our first official morning we debut our newest cheer. We were all really excited to see that it went as planned since it never did during practice. We were able to vote, appointing our new friends to important positions in the town. After that was said and done we came together as a town to decorate our hallways. Everyone participated; from making posters to hanging streamers the town of Gray was soon bursting with color.
We are excited to see what the rest of the week entails between the State House visit and the Girl’s State election coming up. It should be an eventful rest of the week!
Abbie P. Julia B. Kenzie T.
Where Are You Searching for College?

By Athena Hendrick and Erika GebhardtusaRegionsMap3.gif

Regions
States/Global Regions
Cities/Country
New England-15
Vermont, Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island
Boston, Providence, Burlington, New Haven
Mid Atlantic-10
New Jersey, Virginia, New York
D.C., New York City
Midwest-3
Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana
Chicago
West-4
Colorado, Utah, California
Denver, Colorado Springs
South-1
Florida
Tampa
International-5
Europe, North America, Oceania
New Zealand, Germany, Scotland, England, Ireland
Syrian Refugees in Rutland Vermont

I am afraid of fish. It has been made very clear to me that this is irrational, but as much as that resonates in my mind, I can not allow myself to move beyond the scales, the fast movements, and their little eyes. Because of this fear I hide from opportunities to swim in the beautiful lakes around me and I leave all chances of overcoming my fear simply because I choose not to attempt to change it. My fear is real, It shows on my face, but the chances that my fear will be made real are little to none. It would be easier for me to just avoid fish altogether but with a little courage in time I will overcome my fear. I listen to what Rutland is facing, and all that shows through is fear. Everyone has a fear, and Rutland is no different. The fear that accepting refugees will damage Rutland, I understand it, but that is irrational. Irrational fears are real, but we should not give into them.
It all started with a simple six word sentence. "Syrian refugees are coming to Rutland" As a student in a room filled with people from one wall to the next, I was shocked- in a good way, and tears filled my eyes. Without thinking, in a matter of seconds I had taken those six words and transformed them into one. "Welcome"
It's funny to think that a debate over adding some racial diversity has become so huge and discriminatory in such a small town, but it's funnier to think that it has evolved into a Me. Vs. you on the grounds of those in support and those not. I am standing in support simply because it is the right thing to do, as well as because I am just another human being looking forward to a future where my children can walk down the street and see no signs that put another race at a disadvantage. I hope that one day soon the world will see no difference between a family seeking asylum from a rough past in within local borders and a family seeking asylum from a foreign world.
People seem to be forgetting the fact that 100 individuals does not mean 100 adults who are entering the workforce, involved in the economy, and establishing a home. The concern over the economic impacts is just a cover up, disproved by the fact that within 6 months refugees pay back their  and continue to work towards a life opposite of their lives at home. If everyone is worried about $100,000 being allocated to refugees then take the shirt off of my back and watch as just 99 others follow until every refugee is clothed. If it means my future has one more tax, than for the time being add it onto the list because it will be given right back. If it is safety that you are concerned about, why would someone aiming to cause terror go through the extensive 24 month process of resettlement when they could apply for a tourist visa. Since the 9/11 attacks 750,000 refugees have been resettled and none of them have been arrested on the charges of domestic terrorism. If it is a concern because we are not urbanized, here is our next step to becoming a more urban and modern place. Vermont is behind the modern times in comparison to the rest of the country. We are the least diverse as it gets, but why continue a trend of the past and avoid joining into the melting pot of America, what good does that do us? Yes, like anything challenges are to be overcome, diversity to be expanded.
(Taken directly from an article from more than 18 months ago, “The large majority of these new Vermonters have adapted successfully” to society, economy, and climate markedly unlike that of their homelands… those who suffered severe traumas have overcome even greater challenges, they show remarkable resilience and courage,”)
On the surface I am just a teenager who wears a pin and nods her head. I am humanitarian, just a person hoping that my name never needs to appear on a list of refugees needing to be resettled. I am a voice, however small it may be, that represents years of bloodshed and shame, a lineage of east and west, but at the same time my “American” identity only begins when someone from another country sought out safety and the ability to breathe. Do not take my voice and diminish my importance because of my age (do not take the importance of a refugee and diminish it because of the nationality attached in front of their name) as I am young in age, but a year from now I will be voting for those who supported this.
I am a student, a leader, and a teacher. I am a person who roots for the underdog because of the fact that everyone deserves someone fighting for them to survive. I am the granddaughter of a man not born in the United States, and if he was not welcomed I would in no way be able to kiss him on the cheek and look at his tattoo that serves as a reminder that he fought for America when he was drafted before he was a citizen. My grandfather is no different from our new neighbors as they are running from our enemies, they are on our fighting side and in disbelief that their only choice is to leave their homes, families, and culture to come to a place that is torn over their arrival.
This is important to me as a young and rising adult because i have been taught to treat others the way I wish to be treated for my entire life. If there was one person who was being beat up in a crowd, what would you do? Would you intervene or walk away? If someone was injured, would you call 911 or walk away and say it is not my problem? If it was your future, your daughter and sons, would you say it is my job to give them the best life that they can live? or would you say it is their problem and not my own? What if it was you, what if it was someone that you loved? Would you hope that someone would lay out your bed and tell you that you have a future where it is not a real possibility that in the morning your school will be bombed, and your house burnt to the ground? If it was you on the other end of this conversation, it is impossible to think that you wouldn't wish to be welcomed in?
After the Paris attacks, and those in Brussels, it was no question that your Facebook picture would soon be changed to a flag of support- showing support to those affected. Why is it that there is no issue honoring 130 lives from a foreign country, attacked by an isolated few of their own- but it would be taken as a joke if I were to change my profile picture to a Syrian flag to honor 470,000 lives taken in the Syrian fight against one group who has displaced 3 million externally and 6.5 million internally.
I have been taught to treat others in the way that I wish to be treated. I have been taught that you lend a hand, and help someone who has fallen down get back up. I believe in looking past how a situation was handled and placed before me, and look directly to that situation with no bias or fear. Forget the race, the titles, and the blame, but see through to the people who reflect our past, our present and our futures as one day your lineage and theirs may be connected as has happened in the past which lead directly to every person as they live in America today.
My Level of Preparedness for Girls State and What I Learned
If there is one thing I have realized in the 24 hours I have been at Girls State, it is that some, like myself come completely unprepared compared to others. When I heard the announcement in chapel a couple months back about Girls State, I had no idea what exactly it was, but I thought it was something I would be interested in. I picked up an application and filled it out. A couple weeks later, I received a packet in the mail with papers of information to go over and fill out before my arrival. Being the procrastinator that I am, I submitted the paperwork two days after it was due and read the remaining information the night of the 17th (the day before). While reading over the “what to bring” sheet, I thought of the idea of possibly running for a position. On this list it said to bring campaign materials just in case. So that night, I went to Rite Aid and stocked up. 

Feeling prepared and ready to campaign, I showed up at Girls State the first day and soon came to realize many others had been far more prepared. Delegates had printed out pamphlets, pre-made posters and even handed out lollipops with their name. And here I was, with my poster board and materials still in the packaging. It was at this point where I realized I was definitely prepared.

But this was not the end. It soon became clear I was not alone, but beyond that it became clear it didn’t matter. This is an environment in which delegates are supported and encouraged to try new things out, even if they are unsure. So whether a delegate came ready to campaign, or came with the materials still in the box, it didn’t matter. All were equally supported and presented with the same opportunity.
How to Make the Most Out of Girls State Struggles:
By Isabella McCallum and Sydney Smith

Part One:
Making the Most Out of Waiting In Line

We all know the struggle of waiting in line. Whether it be at Girls State, or in other experiences, it is very annoying. Here we have some helpful tips to make the wait just a little more bearable.

Tip #1: Take this as an opportunity to introduce yourself to people you haven’t met yet. When in situations when the whole state is together, such as meals, get to know people outside your own.

Tip #2: Use this as a chance to contact home or upload pictures to your social media. Just don’t forget to socialize with other Girls State members as well!

Tip #3: Campaign! Waiting in line is a great chance to talk to others and get to know them better to make the connections needed to win.

Tip #4: Take a minute to appreciate the surroundings. Girls State is only a 5-day program; take in the views, it’s a beautiful campus.

Tip #5: Connect with people! Ask people about their hobbies and passions. Maybe you’ll have something in common and will make a life long bond.


Part Two:
Making the Most Out of Getting Up Early

We all know the struggle of waking up early. Being teenagers, we all have a certain tendency towards sleep and rest. As much as we all would love to sleep in, we have some great tips to make early mornings just a little easier.

Tip #1: Set a fun alarm. Wake up to something you actually want to hear and it will make pressing the snooze button just a little harder.

Tip #2: Coffee. Get coffee. Caffeine will be your friend during Girls State, especially during these early mornings.

Tip #3: If you wake up with early morning exercise, you go Glen Coco. But honestly the morning air can be a great way to feel energized and prepare you for the day.

Tip #4: Go to bed at a reasonable time and try not to stay up past lights out. Remember that the later you go to bed, the harder it will be to get up.

Tip #5: Set multiple alarms. If you only set one alarm you might sleep through it and be late or rushed.


Part Three:
Making the Most Out of Polos

We all know the struggle of our green polos. All of you fashionistas might worry about how to rock your polo, but we have some helpful tips to make your polo a little more stylish.

Tip #1: Wear cute, fun hairstyles. This is a great way to express your personality and manage your hair in the hot weather.

Tip #2: Bedazzle your polo. The polo is the window to the soul, so make it as you as possible!

Tip #3: Take advantage of any opportunity to wash your polo. As we all know, it’s hot outside and we all sweat. Also, use the D.O. for your B.O. :)

Tip #4: Respect, yo. Polos represent an important tradition in girls state. No matter how much your like or don’t like your polo, we’re all in this together.

Tip #5: You are more than your appearance. Get to know girls more for who they are and what they stand for.










bonus. section.
don’t fall in the pit
Feeling like a fun Girls State activity? Take our crossword challenge!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AP7ciCFUH4WZ--l68ywzpJGBzeUbK-nTpdmFjtsJuZ9MpjyswrwU5mtukl6fd6dkMLojJmDQDEl3npyK/view?ts=5767e543
Emilie Begin and Athena Hendrick

                            What is the Best Part of Girls State?

On the second day of Girls State, we went around and asked members what they thought is the best part of girl state so far.  
Here are our responses:
Athena H: “Meeting people with different backgrounds who have similar passions.”
Emilie B: “All of the opportunities to try new things, meet new people, and really make the most of this experience.”
Jaclyn C: “Meeting other girls from all over the state and making connections.”
Maeve S: “The College panel because it was really helpful and statewide activities.”
Kenna H: “Interacting with counselors and participating in statewide activities.”
Molly E: “I think that campaigning is an enrichment opportunity that nobody should pass up.”
Kaeleigh B: “I love the aspect of campaigning in a more fun atmosphere rather than the intense real world.”
Sydney S: “Meeting other people with similar interests.”
Isabella M: “I like the political parties, even though I haven’t had the opportunity yet to debate any issues. I’m excited for that.”
May H: “Meeting a whole bunch of people and crying about being elected into the position I wanted.”
Sophie L: “Meeting new people and seeing old friends.”
Madalyn S: “The college panel was very helpful.”
Claire W: “Being encouraged to put myself out there.”
Maria B: “Making posters and bonding with my awesome awesome awesome roommate.”
Skyler W: “Getting to watch the flag raising ceremonies everyday which puts into perspective what a beautiful and powerful symbol the American flag is for so many people in our country.”
Lizzie P: “Seeing how the ALA (American Legion Auxiliary) works.”
Abbie P: “Coming together, bonding with people and playing games.”
Erica G: “Having a cool roommate and the tiny town meetings, because they allow us to do things in a small group.”
Brooke O: “The community.”
Sunny I: “The state wide activities, because it’s fun seeing everyone.”



Sunday, June 19, 2016

Monday Night

Today has been a busy day here at ALAGMGS. Primary candidates submitted their petitions today, and our two parties will formally vote tomorrow on the primary candidates for 2016 ALAGMGS. We are so excited to hear from our exceptional candidates about why they want to serve in office.

This year, our citizens raised a generous donation to present to our veteran's recognition project, the Veteran's Place, which is a transitional home for veterans in Vermont.

We were joined by retired veteran Commander Stephen Weston, the Board Chair, of the Veteran's Place. Steve accepted the donation on behalf of the organization, and shared words of encouragement and appreciation for our girls.

In addition to these wonderful activities, the girls were told the poppy story and took an active role in our candlelight memorial service. At the service, the girls learned how to recognize those men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and its people.

Emily Butson performed On Flanders Field and America the Beautiful, and the ALAGMGS chorus performed Taps. It was a beautiful and moving service.

This evening, the girls were given the option of viewing episodes of Parks and Recreation during free time, which also meant lessons in feminism from our favorite bureaucrat, Leslie Knope! Girls State is all about women celebrating women. It's like Lilith Fair, but with elections!

Look out for articles, stories, and other media from the girls tomorrow, as well as the 2106 primary election results!

Yours in service,
ALAGMGS

Town Election Results

Congratulations to all of the girls who won their town elections! We are so proud of all of you! Results are posted below.  In addition to the Town Election results, we will convene tonight for our session Memorial Service to honor those service members who lost their lives defending our freedom. Girls will be actively involved in this process, as we once again make a donation to the Veteran's Place and lay a poppy wreath in honor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our great country.

Those girls who are running for a statewide office are turning in their petitions this afternoon, and we can't wait to hear primary speeches! Good luck to all delegates!

Attorneys have been hard at work learning their fact pattern, and starting to develop their arguments. We can't wait to go meet with Justice Robinson at the Vermont Supreme Court!


Howard Election Results

  • Town Moderator - Kenna Hausler
  • Town Clerk - Linnea Mylott
  • Town Treasurer - Emily Bates
  • Select Board Chair - Evelyn Leikert
  • Select Board - Mikayla Hull, Katie Koonz,  Elisabeth Tate, and Hannah Dambach
  • Lawyers - Andi Esenler and Mollie Coltey

Mason Election Results 

  • Town Moderator- Mason Archambeault
  • Town Clerk- Kassidy Walkowiak 
  • Town Treasurer - Sophia Rampone
  • Select Board Chair - Julia Stergas
  • Select Board - Kaeleigh Broyles, Reilly Howard, Bailey Brown, Caroline Johnston  
  • Attorneys - Jenna Bourdeau and Annie Soho

Gray Election Results 
  • Town Clerk - Alyse Beauchemin
  • Town Moderator - Molly Engels and Jaclyn Cline
  • Treasurer: Maria Brosseau
  • Select Board: Alyssa Saunders, Erin Wierzbicki, Karissa McFadden, Jasmin Daigle-Arnold, Julia Bernier
  • Attorneys -Darcy Lavoie and Kate Harrison

Christie Election Results 
  • Town Clerk - Moriah Covey
  • Town Moderator - Leia Robinson
  • Treasurer: Sydney Smith
  • Select Board Chair - McKenna Montminy
  • Select Board: Mikayla Weinzerl, Sierra Thornton, Claire Wulfman, and Rachel Hill
  • Attorneys - Sophia Parker and Kierstynn Hawkins

Saturday, June 18, 2016

It's here! The first day of 2016 ALAGMGS or the 73rd Session of ALAGMGS. The girls are all settled in, and the girls are all in bed. We've had a very eventful day today.

We are so excited to honor four of our past American Legion Auxiliary Department Presidents this year with towns named in their honor. Our state is divided into the towns of: Christie, Gray, Howard, and Mason.

The girls learned about the history of Old Glory, spent time in their party conventions, had their first town meetings, and bonded as a state through some very competitive group games.

Petitions were handed out this afternoon, and we are so excited to see who runs and hear their speeches. The halls are filled with campaign materials, and all of our delegates are working so hard already!

Congratulations to the winners of the party convention elections!

For the Federalists, we have:
Chair - Caroline Johnston (Mason)
Vice Chair - Mollie Coltey (Howard)
Secretary - Molly Engels (Gray)

For the Nationalists, we have:
Chair -  Annie Soho (Mason)
Vice Chair - Ellie Stroh (Christie)
Secretary - Lauren Covey (Covey)

We can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!