Politics from Five Feet Up: a Kid's Perspective
This article was written by son Jacob, a seventh grader at Parker Middle School in Reading: Jacob Berman
When one travels in the downtown area one might notice all of the political signs "magically" popping up all over. Of course there is nothing magical about it. Residents tune in to their favorite TV show or listen to the radio when all of a sudden their jams give way to "I'm Mitt Romney and I approve this message" or I'm Barack Obama and I approve this message."
Coming from a family with many political points of view, I know a whole lot more about this subject than many other twelve year-olds do. My paternal grandmother is a devout Democrat who despises anyone who even mentions the word "Republican." On the other side of the family, my uncle in California is pulling for Romney because he believes that he will be a better friend to Israel.
So I bet you're wondering when I would explain what the title means. Well, you might laugh at this one. Even though I'm 5'7'', I thought the title would stick. I asked myself why any normal kid would find politics today even remotely interesting? The answer is that no normal kid would find politics today interesting. (Even I get bored of the subject at times especially when I could be watching the World Series). But that's what's all over the news today and kids simply don't have a connection with that. The first (and biggest reason) is that the candidates yap on and on about healthcare, jobs, and government debt. That’s really not interesting to a 12 year old. Another reason is that the candidates trash talk each other instead of saying good things about themselves. Aren’t they supposed to act like role models? If I acted like that in school, I would be suspended for bullying. The candidates severely bully each other, Yet we’re going to elect one to the nation’s highest office. To me that is very sad.
A good newspaper would have something that appeals to EVERYONE not just to those who can vote. That's why I wrote this in the first place. We need stories for the kids, of the kids, and by the kids.We need something that chronicles happenings around town that would appeal to kids too. Just keep in mind, with the right amount of encouragement, good role models, and the great American spirit, the kid down the street could become President one day.
I’m Jacob Berman and I approve this message.
Jacob Berman
54 Longview RD
Reading MA
Parker Middle School 7th grade
Barry Berman
9:36 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Jacob, I am very proud of you. You show more wisdom than most adults. To bad we can't let kid run the country.
Craig Williams
10:14 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Good article Jacob. Some people believe its too much of a horse race without going into detail about issues. What you said about bullying is very interesting. Schools fight bullying and our political leaders promote it.
Also some people think the media makes the news boring which also adds to the problem . The criticism is that they make it sound like a joke where they tell the punch line in the first sentence. Young people could with a little guidance produce more interesting news stories than high priced TV broadcasters I bet.
Also keep in mind that the political parties are not really working with their average members. When your father was an organizer he would sit down with citizens and asked them what they cared about and how they can work with other people in their area to solve problems.We need more Barry Bermans and fewer politicans.
Once again the bully comment was profound.
Nikki
10:29 pm on Sunday, November 4, 2012
Very well written, Jacob. If The Chronicle should ever decide to have a weekly column dedicated for the teens in town, I recommend you for the job!
George
9:52 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
Well said Jacob and you have a great Dad!
Andrew Spinali
10:55 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
Jacob - I really enjoyed reading this piece! I agree with all of the comments above, but what I'm most blown away by is the sincere thoughtfulness and balance that this piece offers. Often, in politics, it seems like everyone is so concerned with supporting their own views and their own agendas that they forget about always trying to see opportunities for compromise and balance. I often feel that, on a good day, I learn more from my students than they may learn from me and that certainly rings true today. The way that you've developed your point of view is exactly the kind of approach that politicians need to take. You have really developed your individual voice as a writer as well and that last line literally made me laugh out loud. Bravo! - Mr. Spinali
p.s. - I agree with Nikki. The success of this piece shows that, maybe, it is time for a column that gets a teen's point of view!