Percy C. Ashcraft

Every once in a awhile, I like to test some people around me by asking some basic questions about government.  I do it for two reasons: (1) Just to be annoying; and (2) To prove the point how out of touch most people are with their governments.

My questions usually begin with “Are you registered to vote?” and followed up with “If so, have you voted in the last three elections?”

Then I get into personality questions such as “Who do you think will win the party nominations for President?” and then ask “Who is the current Vice President, Speaker of the House and President of the Senate?”

Finally, and this one stumps them just about every time: “Name one bill or ordinance that was passed last year by Congress, the General Assembly and/or the Board of Supervisors?”

Seeing their frustration, and a little embarrassment, I back off and give them some wiggle room by saying, “I’ll make it easy for you.  All these legislative bodies adopt budgets or spending plans using our taxpayer dollars.  So that is one, now can you name another?”

Silence.  Utter silence.

In this great democracy we live in, it is obvious many people just let government exist.  If it doesn’t fit into their busy schedule of things they feel are important to know, then they just don’t bother with it.  Many people are removed from the civic and government classes they had in high school, and following the action taken by federal, state and local government leaders is just not on many people’s radar screen.

This week is ‘Local Government Education Week’ and I have been visiting Prince George County elementary schools and Moore Middle School to promote student learning about their government.  I have been joined by Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Bill Robertson and will be joined later this week by District 2 Supervisor Donald Hunter.

We are presenting a book to the school libraries entitled 'Kids’ Guide to Government,’ with the focus being on Local Government.  The 32-page book is easy to read and has great information on the government that is closest to the people with illustrations, photos and maps.

All this is done to give kids a head start on understanding the responsibility of being a good citizen.  They will soon realize that government is part of their daily lives and the actions of policy makers will always affect where they live, where they work and don’t forget those taxes.

Many thanks to the school librarians who have graciously accepted the books and we hope we can add to the learning curve of the students who will read them.

Kids get a pass on the forementioned questions until they read the book.  As for adults, I would get the answers to the questions when you can.  I may be close by to ask you those annoying questions the next time I see you.