John W. Eyster: Discover Democracy at Milton High School event

The Discovering Democracy VI research fair is set for 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Milton High School.

This is a VERY special opportunity for WE THE PEOPLE of the MILTON school district and area to learn more about significant public policy issues. This is the 6th annual and I will be there. Each year, I gain additional knowledge and special perspective on significant public policy issues talking with the Discovering Democracy students who are Milton HS seniors ready to graduate that I make it a priority to go to talk with these students. I urge you to visit the fair which is open to the public and free. We all need to live and learn… just do it!

Again this year, I had the benefit of being in Washington, DC at the same time as Discovering Democracy VI was on field study in March. I was very proud to be seen with this group of MILTON HS SENIORS looking like college seniors more than high school seniors dressed in business attire and ready for meaningful academic field research.

I would remind you of the assertion by Thomas Jefferson re. An “enlightened” or educated citizenry as requisite for a healthy democracy, "I know no safe depositary of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion by education. This is the true corrective of abuses of constitutional power."

I believe Discovering Democracy at Milton High School is a very good example of highest quality and most meaningful democracy/civics education afforded to our young adults in any high school or college.

You can review the plans of the 6th annual Discovering Democracy Field Study by reading Jake Magee's article, “Milton High School students to tour Washington, D.C.” published on March 20, 2015 by the Janesville Gazette.

Among the significant Public Policy Issues (SPPIs) researched by Discovering Democracy VI students included were: “Judicial review and the federal balance of power,” “Reproductive genetics,” “Equality for women in the workplace,” “GMO's and effects on crops,” “Voter ID laws,” “Internet security” and “Bipartisanship.”

The Discovering Democracy research fair offers us the opportunity to not only learn more about the FIELD STUDY in Washington, DC, but more importantly, I think, the analysis and stance these students have to share about the significant public policy each student researched. I urge you to make time to go to the Research Fair to LEARN and to be better prepared to advocate for healthy public policies in our republics (USA & WI).

DISCOVERING DEMOCRACY needs financial support. I HOPE you will contact Mr. Val Crofts, founder/director of Discovering Democracy if you want to find out about supporting Discovering Democracy. Call Mr. Val Crofts, Milton HS – 608-868-9200. Or, email: craftsv@milton.k12.wi.us. YOU can make a valuable INVESTMENT in democracy/civics education this OUTstanding democracy/civics education programs in our community.

IF you come to the Discovering Democracy VI research fair next Thursday (5/21) between 7 and 9 pm, I hope you will introduce yourself to me. I enjoy meeting persons who read my WE THE PEOPLE blog… ALL readers, whether or not they agree with me. See you there!