Democracy…on a small small scale

In the spirit of this year’s election I think a post on Democracy is only appropriate.

The Wife is a 2^nd grade teacher. This story takes place while we were still living in Chicago and she was teaching at Everett Elementary.

Classroom pets are a wonderful idea. I remember our two albino rats in 4^th grade very well – they were the highlight of the year. So it was with great enthusiasm that I endorsed the adopting of a rat as  a classroom pet.

With a rat comes a lot of responsibility. Who takes it home for the weekend? who cleans the cages? when are the specific playtimes? But one of the biggest responsibilities is naming it. The naming of an animal, human, inanimate object, should never be taken lightly. With parenting you don’t have a majority – thus you have names such as Rebel Snodgrass, Placenta (poor child), and 3 sons named after their dad’s favorite hobbies; Hunter, Trapper, and Fisher (I really knew these guys). But with a classroom pet, you have the benefit of a democracy - and we all know democracies always make the best choice.

So The Wife left it up to her very able 2^nd grade electorate to select the name for The Rat. Of course many names were put forth and with enough petitions they made the ballot. There were many appropriate names, including an odd one that was laughed at by others – “Nine Tails,” but after the vote, one name definitely had the majority. No hanging chads, no recounts necessary. “Steve” was the winner. The Rat was to be named “Steve.” Personally…I have never heard of a better name for a rat. They did good.

But…alas…Room 7 was about to learn a hard lesson in “democracy.”

When counting the votes at home, The Wife decided that the boy who suggested “Nine Tails” should also have his day in the sun. The election was rigged. Nine Tails was declared the winner. Nobody knew any different, no recall was called for. If only Steve could speak he may have objected…but he’ll never know now.

So, sorry kids. You’ve learned a hard lesson in democracy. Room 7…or “Classroom Florida” did end up enjoying the rat despite the name.

R.I.P NineTails “Steve”
2004-2004