When newly-elected U. S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-18th) came to address a group of about 150 students taking various history classes at Normal Community West High School on Nov. 25, I think those in attendance in the auditorium thought the kids, understandably, would be the ones getting an education.
But during the 45-minute session with students who were there as part of either their International Studies, World History, Advanced Placement Government, or International Politics courses, we adults quickly learned the kids have been paying a little more attention to world matters than their being in an all-too-plugged-in world might have us believe.
LaHood, who had been a Federal prosecutor in Las Vegas at one point in his career, found out these kids wanted to go beyond the standard surface questions young people of this age usually pose to newsmakers who visit. LaHood, a Republican state senator and son of former U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, easily won a special election in September to replace U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock. The younger LaHood’s victory brings the number of U. S. House of Representatives members back to 435. Schock was forced to resign as result of a scandal which included spending irregularities related to redecorating his Washington, D. C. Congressional office in the style of something similar to rooms found in the British television drama “Downton Abbey.”
“I sat where you sat today, as a student, 30 years ago, a student interested in current events,” LaHood told the students. “I appreciate your being interested in these things.”
How interested were the kids? Just consider the questions they asked: “How could you talk about the importance of our country but not be in support of Syrian refugees coming into the country?,” “Can you explain why there was a pause on allowing refugees into the country after the recent terror attacks in Paris?’, “How do we reduce the National debt?”, as well as an inquiry about cybersecurity.
LaHood’s visit had help in being arranged from West Social Studies teacher Jason Klokkenga, and the kids presented thought-provoking questions in an age where all the electronic gadgets they carry with them causes we older folks to think they aren’t paying enough attention to the world we’re likely to leave them. But these kids were definitely engaged in the concerns of today’s world, and their questions, and their attention to LaHood’s answers, proved that. It was an impressive period to observe.
Without getting into specifics about any of the Republican frontrunners, LaHood admitted the GOP needs “to broaden their appeal to young people” in order to win the Presidency in 2016.
Ben Bross, a West senior, asked LaHood a question during the session concerning how LaHood learns to compromise with Democrats and his fellow Republicans in a climate where neither side seems to come across as wanting to do so regardless of the issue. LaHood answered he goes into such a situation knowing full-well he probably won’t get everything he’s looking for in certain proposed legislation, but that he does his best for what he believes is best for his constituents.
“I thought his answer to my question was a good way to explain it,” Bross said of LaHood’s response to his question. Bross is looking to attend Southern Illinois University after high school and is looking to become a doctor.
Thomas Lipka, a sophomore, said he was most impressed with LaHood’s call to the students to consider becoming involved in politics regardless of whatever their party affiliation. “At home, we’ll talk about politics a small bit,” Lipka explained. “Having Rep. LaHood come here and talk to us was something I really liked. I also enjoyed hearing about how he explained how our country deals with the overseas terror attacks. That was really impressive.”
Lipka said he found LaHood’s explanation of why reducing the nation’s debt — now somewhere around $19 Trillion — isn’t easy to achieve quickly, “Finding out which programs to try to decide to cut was something I didn’t realize was that complicated,” Lipka said.
Another West sophomore, Izzy Lahr, said she found LaHood’s explanation concerning freezing allowing Syrian refugees from entering the country the most interesting item for her. “Personally, I believe we should let the refugees in when it’s so bad in their country where they come from,” Lahr said. She said she understands background checks are run on this group of folks wanting to enter our country.
Klokkenga admitted before the session the students were encouraged to ask the newest lawmaker for the area tough questions. They succeeded beyond what any of we older folks could have imagined. Let’s hope these kids stay that engaged as they become young adults. Something tells me we’ll need them to be very soon.