This past month the fourth grade students started learning about the American Revolutionary War. They learned that one of the main reasons for the war was that the English Citizens of the American Colonies did not have any representation in London, England at Parliament – the ruling legislative body of Great Britain – even though English Citizens in America requested representation for more than 10 years. And Parliament had been passing import tax laws on glass, lead, paints, paper, tea, and restricting trade to England, for all the American Colonies. Furthermore, the King of England sent the British Navy to enforce the British laws on the American Colonies.
When the 4th grade student were asked what they thought of those concerns. One student responded that he would “leave” if he did not get to have any say. Well, The Liberty Speech given by Patrick Henry at the 1775 Second Virginia Convention was based on the fact that no one in the American Colonies was able to vote in Parliament. His strong statements in the Liberty Speech included two historic statements; “If we wish to be free, we must fight!” and “I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death.” These statements persuaded Virginia leaders to vote to supply soldiers to support the American Revolutionary War.
Currently, USA citizens have the right to vote, the right to seek public office, and the right to introduce resolutions to the political parties of their choosing. In Minnesota, on February 1, 2022 at 7:00 PM every Minnesota Citizen that will be 18 by the general election on November 8, 2022 can participate in our political process referred to as our local caucuses.
A Minnesota Caucus is a local political meeting at which local members of a political party votes for their preference among candidates running for office, selects delegates to attend the County Conventions, and votes on resolutions to guide their political party. The fourth grade students would prefer to vote rather than go to war to decide how our Schools, Townships, Cities, Counties, States, and Country are represented. The Minnesota local caucuses are the start of the political party process which allows Minnesota citizens important input for their political party to help get their preferred candidates elected at the political party primary and general elections.
The fourth graders understand the Revolutionary War had to occur for our liberty and our right to vote. In Minnesota, Our Revolution continues every two years with our local precinct caucuses. I believe the fourth graders know the only way to lose our liberty it is to stop voting. We encourage everyone to attend and participate Tuesday evening February 1, 2022 at 7:00PM your local public caucus location. To discover where your local caucus is located contact our Minnesota Secretary of State or go on line to for information regarding precinct caucuses. You will find this information at the following link: https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/how-elections-work/precinct-caucuses/
And https://caucusfinder.sos.state.mn.us
Our American Revolutionary War occurred almost 250 years ago. In Minnesota Our Revolution continues every two years with our local precinct caucuses. Please join me at your local precinct caucus Tuesday evening, February 1, 2022 at 7:00PM.
Roger Kittelson Goodhue Township, Goodhue County, Minnesota.
