Part 1 (of this two-part series showcasing a weekend-long Civic Mirror game/workshop for Washington state social studies teachers at the 2009 Lake Chelan Leadership Retreat) left off with Justice Campbell asking Congress to determine exactly what “appropriate compensation for presidential services” is, so he could decide whether President Parkinen was guilty or innocent of embezzlement.
The three senators left the room to discuss. Before this trial, however, several citizens accused the Senate of being in cahoots with President Parkinen, so the pressure to redeem themselves and make a just decision was mounting.
When they returned, they took turns explaining their position. First Senator Pete spoke, rather passionately, about “what is fair.” This generated a heated discussion and Justice Campbell had to wrap the mallet and call for order in the court. Some citizens thought President Parkinen’s alleged transaction (where she moved $20,000 from the government account into her own, personal account) was acceptable because the law didn’t state she couldn’t. Others argued it was down-right criminal: they were penniless, homeless, and starving, while the President – with her two mansions and healthy financial portfolio – thought that there was nothing wrong with fluffing her account up by $20,000 (i.e. 20% of the cash in the economy).
Senator Pete Presents his Interpretation of the Constitutional Law
Next, and after listening to the counsel of her miniature but brilliant political adviser, Senator Currie spoke, explaining that – in her opinion – $20,000 does in fact exceed the implicit notion of “fair.”
Senator Currie offers her comments on the issue.
And here we see Senator Connor explain how Congress decided that $1,000 per year would be “fair compensation” for services rendered as President. Congress successfully maneuvered out of a tight spot with the support of the people.
Senator Connor Breaks Down the Numbers for Members of the Court
With Congress’s decision, Justice Campbell was ready to make his judgment. He wanted, however, to verify that the alleged dollar amount was $20,000 … something the President never admitted to, claiming instead that it was a fabrication. Justice Campbell ordered her to disclose her financial records using the computer projector. It was a moment of truth.
Justice Campbell Requires President Parkinen to Disclose Personal Money Transactions
And was the proof ever in the pudding.
President Parkinen's personal financial records indicate that she indeed withdrew $20,000 from the Government's Treasury, without Congressional approval.
There it was, for all to see, the $20,000 transaction with a comment written to herself, “Pay Day.” Yet, in a shocking judgment, Justice Campbell concluded that President Parkinen was not guilty, and only ordered her to return $19,000 of the deposited amount back to the government account.
The court couldn’t believe what they were hearing, and President Parkinen was even overheard asking the judge in a whisper, “You mean … (gulp) … I’m not in trouble?”
Justice Campbell announces verdict.
This was the last event in the Civic Mirror workshop, the points were calculated, hidden agendas were scored, and the winner was … would you believe … the student teacher, Hayley Henry!
Civic Mirror Winner ~ Hayley Henry!
All in all, the Civic Mirror Workshop was a huge success! So much so that the four teachers from Alderwood Middle School had “Lake Chelan” sweatshirts made the afternoon before the evening court date.
From left to right: Hayley Henry, Marnie Parkinen, Sarah Connor, and Bonnie Vijarro.
And check it out! They even had their Civic Mirror roles printed on the back!
Rear-View of the Alderwood Middle School Teachers Civic Mirror Sweatshirts
And here’s Regan Ross, workshop facilitator and creator of The Civic Mirror, posing with the Alderwood gang!
Regan Ross, creator of The Civic Mirror, with the Alderwood Middle School Crew
STAY TUNED Washington state social studies teachers: there are plans a-brewing to arrange a series of Civic Mirror workshops that will train teachers how to develop unit plans and course outlines with the program so that their students can experientialy prepare for the social studies CBA’s.
