Paradox of the Poultry Pardon

"You can tell what a nation is like by the way it treats its turkeys"

 In just a few days, we will once again endure the annual spectacle of the President of the United States pardoning a turkey that would otherwise have been fated for the Thanksgiving table.  So this is a good time to ask why a nation that bemoans the bloated prison system and proclaims that "life is all about second chances" is--on the matter of clemency--one of the stingiest Presidents in the world?

Put another way: If a turkey deserves a second chance, why not America's Prisoners?

Which States/ Countries are part of the unique club that still have the death penalty?

1) How does the United States' rate of capital punishment compare to the rest of the world?

2) Is the death penalty 'Cruel and Unusual' punishment?

3) Which modern US President has given the most pardons?

4) If you were President who would you pardon? Why?

5) What can/ should be done to fix America's bloated prison system?

6) Which Presidents have given the most pardons?  The least?

7) Can a President Pardon himself?   Should he?   Why/Not?

Beg Your Pardon?!

Each year since 1947, the National Turkey Federation and the Poultry and Egg National Board have given a turkey to the President of the United States at a White House ceremony. Since then, presidents have been more likely to eat the turkey rather than give it a reprieve. A notable exception occurred in 1963, when President Kennedy, referring to the turkey given to him, said, "Let's just keep him." It wasn't until the first Thanksgiving of President George H.W. Bush, in 1989, that a turkey was officially pardoned for the first time.

For fifteen years through 2004, the turkeys were given to Kidwell Farm, a petting zoo at Frying Pan Park in Herndon, Virginia. The turkeys would receive a last minute pardon before arriving, and were then led to their new home at the Turkey Barn after enduring a turkey "roast" full of poultry humor and history.

In 2005 and 2006, however, Presdident George W. Bush continued his father's traditions but the turkeys were flown to Disneyland in California where they served as honorary grand marshals for Disneyland's Thanksgiving Day parade. After that, they spent the rest of their lives at a Disneyland ranch. A spot in sunny Disneyland seems immensely preferable to a place called Frying Pan Park.

Has President Biden kept this tradition ALIVE?

What is a real pardon and how is it used?

Can a President pardon himself?

Is the death penalty cruel and unusual punishment?

Want to pardon a turkey of your own? Click here.

Veterans Day

Dear US Service Member,

We don’t know each other and will probably never meet, but I want you to know that you and all of the troops are in our hearts and prayers each day. Please remember what you're doing will always be appreciated and never forgotten. I wish you all the best and pray for your safe and speedy return home to your family and friends. Thank you.

Talawanda HS Student

Oxford, OH

Some of our soldiers don't get much mail from home. They don't often hear how much we appreciate all they do for our country, even though there are many easy ways in which we can let them know. Write your letters of thanks in class and we will compile and send them to our soldiers currently serving overseas.

Electoral College

 

The final New York Times/Siena College polls, released yesterday, showed a virtually tied race. Kamala Harris is clearly favored in states that account for 226 electoral votes, while Donald Trump is favored in states that account for 219. To win, Harris will likely need at least 44 combined electoral votes from the seven battleground states, while he will likely need 51. But surprises remain possible. A highly regarded Iowa poll, for example, shocked many political analysts over the weekend by showing Harris ahead there — a potential sign of her strength with white voters. Alaska is another state where she has a small chance for a big upset. Trump could pull off his own surprises in New Mexico or New Hampshire.

You can explore all of the combinations through this map.

1) What is the best path to the White House for each candidate?

2) Which candidate benefits most from the Electoral College? Why?

3) How does the current map compare to past Presidential elections?

4) Why don't we just go by the popular vote?

5) Do you think the Electoral College is the best system for choosing our President? Why/ not?

6) What would you do to change the Electoral College if anything?