I Have Been Invited To Attend Alabama Boys State!

[BamaLefty]

I'm sure many of you are familar with the Boys State program sponsored by the American Legion. Last week I learned that I was one of only 7 in my class eligible for the program. Of course, being a die-hard politico I was quick to seize on this opportunity. It will be held in late May and early June at the University of Montevallo. Me and a couple of my friends gave our letters to our counselor today at school to seal the deal. I'm really excited about the news and if things pan out right I may decide to try for Boys Nation, and go to Washington DC as one of Alabama's two US Senators. I'll also have to decide which state office I'd like to run for.

Here is some information about the program from the website:

The Boys State study of government will be directed by authorities in Political Science and Government. The responsibilities and duties of each state officer are studied in the academic courses.

Upon registration, the boys are placed in political parties within their cities. The political parties will write their platforms and nominate their candidates for the state offices. The cities and counties will make the laws that govern their cities and counties and elect their officials. Boys Staters who are elected or appointed to an office will assume the role of that particular office. Each boy will have a role in the operation of the Boys State Government.

The Boys State legislature will go into session and debate bills that have been prepared during the week. After debate each bill will be voted upon and if the bill passes both houses, it will be referred to the governor for signing.

An organized recreational program has been scheduled to permit each person in each city the opportunity to participate in the activities program. Bring a cheerful attitude, cooperative spirit and a willingness to have fun. A Boys State Band and Chorus will be organized again this year.


http://www.alboysstate.org/prod01.htm

[NEDem]

1. Congratulations!

It's a great accomplishment to be invited.

[Bronco69]

2. Congratulations!

You're going to be great! :-)

[BamaLefty]

4. Thanks.

I'm following in the steps of President Clinton. Seriously... ;)

And I appreciate the encouragement guys. It really does mean a lot.

Proud to be a DUer!

[Bronco69]

6. Yep, you sure are!

Just stay on that path and you will go down in history as one of the greatest leaders of all time. I'm very excited for you. :-)

[Lone_Wolf]

3. I went to NY's Boys' State about 15 years ago...

It was a fun experience where I met some great guys.

[LiberalFighter]

5. Are you more likely to advance as a Democrat or Republican?

[BamaLefty]

Answer To Your Question

I don't believe that you are divided into Dems and Repubs. I believe you are divided into Federalists and Nationalists and that your affiliation at the camp is out of your control.

But- if it is in my control there is NO way I could run as a Republican. I couldn't care less if it presented a better chance of getting elected in heavily Repub Alabama. I just simply couldn't do it. I am a Democrat through and through.

[LiberalFighter]

18. That would be better... Fedralists vs Nationalists

Good luck

[flyarm]

7. ohhh bama lefty congradulations!!!

i hope one day we see you like Clinton..on top of our ticket!!always study hard, and put everything you have into all you do , and success will be a mere matter of fact!!
Never settle, work always to be the best that "you" can be!!
congradulations sweetie, i am sure your parents are proud of you, i sure would be!!

have fun doing it, and i hope you are the chosen one!!

fly

[southlandshari]

8. Congratulations!

As always, I am so proud to claim you as a fellow Alabamian - I have real hope for our much-maligned state if the future is in the hands of young people like you! I remember Boys State from my high school days. It was quite an honor to even be considered.

I'm starting to feel like a proud parent whenever I open one of your posts - is that icky? I AM old enough to be your mother (if I started early!), but my own daughter is just five years old. And we are raising her to think independently and work for positive change whenever opportunities arise for her in life.

:applause:

[BamaLefty]

10. I'll Call you Mom If You Like- lol

I'm proud of too Shari. We both can understand how it is live in Alabama and still be able to stand up for what's right.

I appreciate your thoughts Shari... or "mom." ;)

[southlandshari]

12. My cyberspace son!

Cool! I've definitely never had one of those, before!

You check in with me any time you want to talk, son. I know what you face growing up in small-town Alabama as a creative and independent thinker - been there, done that, and it is not always easy. You really do remind me of myself many moons ago. I know from personal experience that it IS possible to thrive while marching to the beat of your own drum - even in Alabama, even in high school (where being different can be as popular as the plague...unless you are truly comfortable in your own skin and with your own views, and I can tell you are just that).

Study hard, eat well, and don't forget to write "home" every now and then!

Love,
"Mom"

:hug:

[BamaLefty]

13. You Guys Are Great

We'll keep on fighting the good fight Shari.

[DeepModem Mom]

9. A DUer at 'Bama Boys State! A great honor --

congratulations, Lefty!

:yourock:

[LizW]

11. Congratulations, BamaLefty!

The University of Montevallo is very picturesque. At least it was when I was there for a convention many years ago.

Have a great time! DU is proud of you!

[Syrinx]

14. care to post your real name?

No pressure. I'm just thinking about us seniors (I'm 39) that, when you're elected president, will want to say "Hey, I knew him when..."

I wish you the best of luck. Make us proud.

[Sufi Marmot]

15. Congratulations!

-SM, whose experience at Boy's State ~17 years ago can best be decribed as "Lord of the Flies" meets "Animal House" meets "Triumph of the Will". Hopefully yours will be more civilized... :shrug:

[phylny]

16. Congrats!

I went to New York Girls State many years ago, and it was a great experience.

Enjoy yourself, and be proud of your accomplishment :)

[teamster633]

17. NH Boys State-1977

For me, just another misspent week in a misspent youth. In the wake of Watergate, anything political was viewed with justified suspicion. It sounds like you can make something of the experience. Good luck.