We The People
Citizens can take part in government by serving as a juror, taking part in political events, or running for office. The court case Shelby County v. Holder overturned section 4(b) of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which mandated federal oversight of changes in voting procedure in jurisdictions that have a history of using a “test or device” to impede enfranchisement.
The literacy tests- supposedly applicable to both white and black prospective voters who couldn’t prove a certain level of education but in actuality disproportionately administered to black voters- was a classic example of one of these barriers. The Civil Rights Movement Veterans website, has a few examples of actual literacy test used in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi during the 1950s and 1960s. But these “literacy” test, singular among its fellows has nothing to do with citizenship. Designed to put the applicant through mental contortions, the test’s question are often confusingly worded. If some of the questions seem unanswerable, that effect was intentional. The (white) register would be the ultimate judge of whether an answer was correct.
Creating Family Patriotic Celebrations
06/11/20120 Comments Picture
Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Independence Day -- this is a season of patriotic holidays and celebrations. It's a good time to sit down and design meaningful experiences.
Celebrating patriotic holidays over the years can be a powerful tradition that helps our families develop a love and appreciation of America and our great heritage.
And creating family patriotic celebrations can be fun and easy.
Start with the question, "What do I want to have happen?"
* Think about the event, why it's important and what you want to teach. * Think about your family, what they would benefit from and enjoy doing. * Select a few meaningful activities that accomplish your purposes. Set aside time to celebrate. If you can't celebrate on the actual holiday, you can create
The literacy tests- supposedly applicable to both white and black prospective voters who couldn’t prove a certain level of education but in actuality disproportionately administered to black voters- was a classic example of one of these barriers. The Civil Rights Movement Veterans website, has a few examples of actual literacy test used in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi during the 1950s and 1960s. But these “literacy” test, singular among its fellows has nothing to do with citizenship. Designed to put the applicant through mental contortions, the test’s question are often confusingly worded. If some of the questions seem unanswerable, that effect was intentional. The (white) register would be the ultimate judge of whether an answer was correct.
Creating Family Patriotic Celebrations
06/11/20120 Comments Picture
Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Independence Day -- this is a season of patriotic holidays and celebrations. It's a good time to sit down and design meaningful experiences.
Celebrating patriotic holidays over the years can be a powerful tradition that helps our families develop a love and appreciation of America and our great heritage.
And creating family patriotic celebrations can be fun and easy.
Start with the question, "What do I want to have happen?"
* Think about the event, why it's important and what you want to teach. * Think about your family, what they would benefit from and enjoy doing. * Select a few meaningful activities that accomplish your purposes. Set aside time to celebrate. If you can't celebrate on the actual holiday, you can create