Dear Editor:
Hudson County Freeholder Maurice Fitzgibbons hit a home run out of the park last week in an excellent letter to the editor. Maurice, who was inspired by the sense of hope and possibility he felt at the Democratic Convention in Boston, made a passionate appeal in his letter for getting young people excited about politics. As an English teacher who has witnessed firsthand the terrible apathy today’s young often feel about politics, a feeling of paralysis that nothing can be done to make things better, I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and work to make Maurice’s vision a reality.We could start by creating political clubs for young people, both in and outside of schools. I’d be happy to use my experience as a member of the Village Independent Democrats, an internationally recognized reform club in Downtown NYC, to get the kids started. At our club meetings in New York, for example, we have relevant and interesting guest speakers, passionate dialogue about local, national and international issues, and we propose and vote on all kinds of resolutions. One of my favorite resolutions I voted on was for the creation of a special dog run in Washington Square Park specifically for small dogs – who are often the victims of bullying by big dogs. We also endorse candidates for office from local judicial nominees to the president of the United States. On the night we endorsed John Kerry for president it was especially exciting because his sister Peggy Kerry (a member of our club) was there – and she handed both me and my 14-year-old daughter Alyssa a button for her brother.
So I propose we start political clubs for the young right here in Hudson County. We can begin by sitting in circles and talking. We’ll let the students have a say in shaping the direction of the club based on what projects come alive for them. We’ll read and talk about the latest articles and op-ed pieces in the NY Times, watch and discuss political films, and invite special guest speakers such as activists and government officials. If the project’s run well, who knows – we might even persuade Congressman Bob Menendez or Senator Jon Corzine to come in and talk with the students.
I wonder if the Symposia Bookstore, which has an excellent track record of creating innovative community projects in Hoboken, would be interested in participating in this project? Also I wonder if the Boys & Girls Club on Jefferson St. in Hoboken, a place where I worked as a volunteer in the after-school program earlier this year, would like to get involved?
If anyone would like to help like to call just to add an idea or two, my number is 201-792-0085. Email: jfbredin@hotmail.com John Bredin
Teacher/activist