I can't explain to my non-Boys State friends why I choose to spend vacation time each summer teaching government and politics to high schools juniors. Not sure it makes much sense to me, either. Except, I get to see things like this several times each June. You don't get to see things like this just anywhere. I hope it explains it all better than I can.
Enjoy the summer, stay well, and catch up with us again in 2009.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Nasiatka Award Winner
The Nasiatka Award (na-SHAHT-ka) is considered the highest award at Boys State, beyond any elected office. I've know many of the Legionnaires who have made Massachusetts Boys State what it is today. Joe Nasiatka, unfortunately, was before my time. Before all but Larry DiCara, I believe. The award in his name is given to the Boys Stater who best personifies the principles that the program tries to teach. I count about six Nasiatka Award winners among my closest friends. They all have the quality of being just simply great people.
This year's Nasiatka Award Winner.
This year's Nasiatka Award Winner.
My Week at Boys State - Trevor Morini of T-3
This week has been an interesting and historic week full of surprises. I never would have thought that I was going to be in a final election for a state-wide office. Although I did not win, it was a great experience and I was honored to have even made it that far. In my first speech I felt very nervous, which was very surprising to me, because I usually am fine speaking in front of a lot of people. But in my last speech, I decided that I wasn’t going to read word-for-word, and that seemed to work out a lot better for me; kind of Ironic, as I did not win this time, but I did last time.
Anyway, the historic part of the week was when Boys’ State and Girls’ State had a joint event for the first time ever! It was nice to see the ladies after four days of nothing but guys. But the most fun I had this week was either being in the race for Auditor (also very stressful) or writing for the Boys’ State daily newspaper, The Citizen.
GO T-3!
My Week at Boys State - Brian McCarthy of C-5
This past week here at Boys’ State has definitely been an interesting one. My experiences have been plentiful and the fellows in C5 have turned out alright as well. The food’s been good, classes great, and I haven’t missed my Teddy Bear tooooo much. I had a great run in my campaign for Lt. Governor, and although I lost, I can definitely say that I had fun with it and learned something the entire course of events. There are some great people that attend and work at this program, and the lectures and speeches given by Mr. Larry DiCara have been nothing less than Grade A. There is truly something for everyone to do here, and the competitive spirit seen in sports and debates has all been in great fun. Friendships have been made, rivalries have been ignited between towns and cities, and mostly everyone has reveled in seeing the Celtics win one of their first championships in many a year. Mr. DiCara said something in his Government lecture the other day something along the lines of this: “It’s not the one with the most money or the most credentials, but the one who cares the most.” Regardless of party affiliation, Nationalist or Federalist, male or female (I still can’t find any girls here. I think they’ve been hiding) I think that everyone here cares at least a little bit. And if you only came here for unlimited hookups and free gift bags, then I’m sorry fellas. This is Brian McCarthy signing out. Stay classy Boy’s State.
Boys State Ends. . .
It's noon on Friday and the kids are all on their way home. The blog team is also.
Later this evening, I'll go through whatever stray photos or video we have and post a few last items, and then we'll likely close this down for the year. It worked out really well, I think. Better than any of us expected. And, to that end, when we do it again for the 2009 Boys State Program, it would be helpful if you could add whatever comments, constructive criticism (because Boys State is very democratic), and suggestions you might have. This thread would be the place for that sort of thing, and we've removed any log-in requirements, so anyone can post. Anonymously, even.
Thanks to all those who followed over the course of the week. Our web traffic told us that more people were visiting this blog each day, so it forced us to put more work and time into it, all of which made it better for people at home and, it can't be understated, a better record of what we here at Boys State do.
Thanks again, and enjoy the summer months.
Later this evening, I'll go through whatever stray photos or video we have and post a few last items, and then we'll likely close this down for the year. It worked out really well, I think. Better than any of us expected. And, to that end, when we do it again for the 2009 Boys State Program, it would be helpful if you could add whatever comments, constructive criticism (because Boys State is very democratic), and suggestions you might have. This thread would be the place for that sort of thing, and we've removed any log-in requirements, so anyone can post. Anonymously, even.
Thanks to all those who followed over the course of the week. Our web traffic told us that more people were visiting this blog each day, so it forced us to put more work and time into it, all of which made it better for people at home and, it can't be understated, a better record of what we here at Boys State do.
Thanks again, and enjoy the summer months.
Troubadours
We met Jesse earlier in the week over breakfast. Thursday night, we caught him roaming the hallway with his guitar and a group of jolly minstrels.
Problems with Google Video
Unfortunately, Google hasn't fixed its video problems as definitely as we'd hope. I found that it's a fairly common problem, and I expect that video clips will suffer occasional problems freezing up. Until I can figure out a better and more permanent solution, please check back occasionally to see if the problem has been repaired.
This is disappointing.
EDIT: The video seems to play better if you click on the individual post title where the video is posted and open it into its own window.
This is disappointing.
EDIT: The video seems to play better if you click on the individual post title where the video is posted and open it into its own window.
You can help us. . .
I don’t feel entirely comfortable taking the spotlight off this amazing group of 2008 Boys Staters even for a moment, but I would be missing an opportunity to promote a program that they all seem to enjoy, and one that I love, if I didn’t tell you who followed this blog that you can help. I choose my words carefully. It isn’t that you must; but, you can. And, if you know that and understand it, then I’ve done all the soliciting I feel comfortable doing.
Thank you.
- You can speak with your high school principal, guidance counselor, teachers, or whoever else would be responsible for sending the next generation of Boys Staters to the program. You would be doing Boys State a tremendous service by sending a letter to your school and telling them how much your son enjoyed his week at Boys State.
- You can, when you hear someone mention the name “Boys State,” go out of your way to speak of it fondly. Even for counselors and staff who have been with the program for years, explaining it to someone else is difficult. This blog may have done as good a job as any at explaining Boys State, but our best brochure for this Program is in the talent and success of the students who leave it.
- You can apply to join staff; understanding, though, that it’s a week of vacation time where you’ll work hard and earn nothing but the satisfaction of participation.
- And, finally, you can certainly donate to help us send the next generation of Boys Staters to the program. The Boys State Foundation in 1993, the year of its founding, sponsored two students to Boys State. In 2007, the Foundation sponsored 40. This year, the Foundation sponsored 72 boys to Boys State and 8 girls to Girls State. If Boys State was a good experience for your son, you can help with that next generation of students.
Thank you.
Your Boys State Elected Officials
Dimitri Clarke, Auditor
"I’m going to tell my brother to come. Force my brother to come, actually. . . . And when you go back to your high schools, you’re all seniors, everyone listens to you, tell your teachers, request your students to go to Boys State and Girls State because it was one of the best experiences of my junior year."
Ryan MacPherson, Treasurer
"Kids get so much bad press these days. You hear about drunk driving and all this stuff and I look out here and the 350 some-odd kids, and honestly I have no idea what they’re talking about because these are some of the most amazing individuals I have ever met in my life."
Greg Gaffney, Secretary of State
“I heard about this in my history class, and no one made a big remark to it, and I put my name down just to see what’s up. . . I like government and I like politics, but I never thought I’d be up here. Never.”
Matt Russell, Attorney General
“When the time comes for us to lead the way in politics, or medicine, or whatever we’re doing, we can do this, because we’re together, we’re united, we’re not cut across party lines. We’re going to change America. We’re going to do it, and it’s going to be amazing.“
Matthew Cipollone, Lt. Governor
“Considering I came here with no intent to run for anything, I feel honored to be here. When my friend first told me about it, I said ‘Sure, I’ll see how it is, and if things don’t go too well, I’ll just spend the whole time with (the two kids I came with)'. . . . I’ve spent less than 15 minutes with each of them.”
Douglas Dame, Governor
(speaking of his Boys State friends)” I stopped for a second and they to this moment don’t know why I just stopped and looked around for a minute. . . but I looked at them and thought to myself that, in that moment, I had made friends that I’m going to have for the rest of my life. . . That was my moment of realization.”
Adam Formica, United States Senator
“When I hear it from people my own age, it really sinks in, and I really do see that people do see the world in different ways. They think in different ways, and it’s really been me coming to that understanding. And the only successful way to deal with that is just letting your voice be heard, being respectful, being sincere.”
Jeffrey Pereira, United States Senator
“When we’re here. . . we just embrace each other. And, what make me feel most. . . what makes me feel so good, is when after I was done with my speeches, and you guys came up to me – it could be anybody – and you shook my hand and you said, “Hey Jeff, I loved what you said today.”
"I’m going to tell my brother to come. Force my brother to come, actually. . . . And when you go back to your high schools, you’re all seniors, everyone listens to you, tell your teachers, request your students to go to Boys State and Girls State because it was one of the best experiences of my junior year."
Ryan MacPherson, Treasurer
"Kids get so much bad press these days. You hear about drunk driving and all this stuff and I look out here and the 350 some-odd kids, and honestly I have no idea what they’re talking about because these are some of the most amazing individuals I have ever met in my life."
Greg Gaffney, Secretary of State
“I heard about this in my history class, and no one made a big remark to it, and I put my name down just to see what’s up. . . I like government and I like politics, but I never thought I’d be up here. Never.”
Matt Russell, Attorney General
“When the time comes for us to lead the way in politics, or medicine, or whatever we’re doing, we can do this, because we’re together, we’re united, we’re not cut across party lines. We’re going to change America. We’re going to do it, and it’s going to be amazing.“
Matthew Cipollone, Lt. Governor
“Considering I came here with no intent to run for anything, I feel honored to be here. When my friend first told me about it, I said ‘Sure, I’ll see how it is, and if things don’t go too well, I’ll just spend the whole time with (the two kids I came with)'. . . . I’ve spent less than 15 minutes with each of them.”
Douglas Dame, Governor
(speaking of his Boys State friends)” I stopped for a second and they to this moment don’t know why I just stopped and looked around for a minute. . . but I looked at them and thought to myself that, in that moment, I had made friends that I’m going to have for the rest of my life. . . That was my moment of realization.”
Adam Formica, United States Senator
“When I hear it from people my own age, it really sinks in, and I really do see that people do see the world in different ways. They think in different ways, and it’s really been me coming to that understanding. And the only successful way to deal with that is just letting your voice be heard, being respectful, being sincere.”
Jeffrey Pereira, United States Senator
“When we’re here. . . we just embrace each other. And, what make me feel most. . . what makes me feel so good, is when after I was done with my speeches, and you guys came up to me – it could be anybody – and you shook my hand and you said, “Hey Jeff, I loved what you said today.”
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Photos from Inauguration
We have quite a bit of video. Clips of each of our new Boys State Constitutional officers will be available shortly, but it's going to take a while to upload. In the mean time, here are just a few of the photos we shot.
We have quite a bit of video. Clips of each of our new Boys State Constitutional officers will be available shortly, but it's going to take a while to upload. In the mean time, here are just a few of the photos we shot.
We have quite a bit of video. Clips of each of our new Boys State Constitutional officers will be available shortly, but it's going to take a while to upload. In the mean time, here are just a few of the photos we shot.
Inauguration Night
The Honorable Dennis J. Curran, Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Superior Court, will preside over Inauguration Night at Massachusetts Boys State, and will administer the oath of office to all of our newly elected Boys State officials. Each elected official will then address the Boys State citizenry one final time. We will be sure to take plenty of photos, as well as a clip or two of their speeches, all for posting later this evening.
Thursday night at Boys State is traditionally a social night for Boys Staters. No municipal or other business following Inauguration. Counselors collect money for pizza and soda and allow Boys Staters an ounce more of freedom in celebration of a productive and successful week.
In addition to Inauguration photos and video, we were able to catch an interview with Boys State Governor Doug Dame in the afternoon before his Candidates Forum speech and debate. If and when that finishes uploading, we'll post that up.
Inauguration runs from 8:00-10:00, so we will try to have something up by 11:00 or so.
Thursday night at Boys State is traditionally a social night for Boys Staters. No municipal or other business following Inauguration. Counselors collect money for pizza and soda and allow Boys Staters an ounce more of freedom in celebration of a productive and successful week.
In addition to Inauguration photos and video, we were able to catch an interview with Boys State Governor Doug Dame in the afternoon before his Candidates Forum speech and debate. If and when that finishes uploading, we'll post that up.
Inauguration runs from 8:00-10:00, so we will try to have something up by 11:00 or so.
2008 Massachusetts Boys State Elected Officers
Adam Formica, United States Senator
Jeffrey Pereira, United States Senator
Douglas Dame, Governor
Matthew Cipollone, Lt. Governor
Matt Russell, Attorney General
Greg Gaffney, Secretary of State
Ryan MacPherson, Treasurer
Dimitri Clarke, Auditor
T-7 Wheels and Deals
So, apparently, T-1 and T-4 have generator problems. Not sure exactly what they are, but we know in Clip #1 that T-4 had some sort of radiation spill and power outage, and sent out a negotiating team to contract with T-7 for power generators.
We then catch up with the T-4 negotiators outside. Seems they ran into the wrong negotiating team from T-7, and until our camera arrived, T-7 thought that it was dealing with C-4. How unfortunate.
Eventually, the T-4 team found the right location. The problem then was that T-1 had beaten them to the punch, and was already in active negotiations with T-7. Somewhere in these clips, you can see that T-7 gets that it now has two suitors. Negotiators have to reach back into their pockets for cell phones and get authorization to revise their offers.
I think the best part might be when someone from T-7 exclaims in clip #3: "I think our lawyer will have something to say about that!"
Follow the action consecutively.
Clip#1
Clip #2
Clip#3
Clip #4
We then catch up with the T-4 negotiators outside. Seems they ran into the wrong negotiating team from T-7, and until our camera arrived, T-7 thought that it was dealing with C-4. How unfortunate.
Eventually, the T-4 team found the right location. The problem then was that T-1 had beaten them to the punch, and was already in active negotiations with T-7. Somewhere in these clips, you can see that T-7 gets that it now has two suitors. Negotiators have to reach back into their pockets for cell phones and get authorization to revise their offers.
I think the best part might be when someone from T-7 exclaims in clip #3: "I think our lawyer will have something to say about that!"
Follow the action consecutively.
Clip#1
Clip #2
Clip#3
Clip #4
Boys' and Girls' State gets some press
The historic event that took place Tuesday night at Worcester State College has received nice coverage in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette. CLICK HERE to read the story.
Municipal Business at Boys State
In earlier posts below, you saw video, photos, and live blog of the Candidates Forum. That's a very spirited part of the program, and one which students seem to enjoy very much. You might be able to tell as much. Boys Staters spend more time, though, in their municipal meetings, electing local officials, writing budgets, and discussing various municipal obstacles set in front of them. You can get a feel for some of these issues by going to the Main Resource Page of the Boys State website, and clicking on your Boys Stater's city or town and opening the several "scenario" and "issue" tabs.
For example, if you click on the T-1 page and open the "Municipal Scenario" tab, you will read how T-1 is the home to "Williston College," and must decide whether or not T-1 favors expansion of the college and all of the attendant issues and benefits that flow from such an expansion.
There are 16 cities and towns, and it will take a while to get video of them all posted. Also, we have a few separate clips of some of the negotiating sessions between certain cities and towns. We'll include those also, but uploading these things will have to be done around today's Boys State business. Lastly, some of these cities and towns do get flustered in their negotiations. You'll hear the question: "Can they DO that?" uttered by one T-7 Selectman. For them, we've established Superior, Appeals, and Supreme Judicial Courts of Boys State to which they may direct their grievances. If we have an opportunity to follow those grievances through the court process, we'll try to do that also.
N.B. - Unfortunately, we don't have anything clips yet for C-6, T-6, and T-8. Sorry.
C-1
C-2
C-3
C-4
C-5
More C-5
T-1
T-2
T-3
T-5
T-7
T-9
T-10
For example, if you click on the T-1 page and open the "Municipal Scenario" tab, you will read how T-1 is the home to "Williston College," and must decide whether or not T-1 favors expansion of the college and all of the attendant issues and benefits that flow from such an expansion.
There are 16 cities and towns, and it will take a while to get video of them all posted. Also, we have a few separate clips of some of the negotiating sessions between certain cities and towns. We'll include those also, but uploading these things will have to be done around today's Boys State business. Lastly, some of these cities and towns do get flustered in their negotiations. You'll hear the question: "Can they DO that?" uttered by one T-7 Selectman. For them, we've established Superior, Appeals, and Supreme Judicial Courts of Boys State to which they may direct their grievances. If we have an opportunity to follow those grievances through the court process, we'll try to do that also.
N.B. - Unfortunately, we don't have anything clips yet for C-6, T-6, and T-8. Sorry.
C-1
C-2
C-3
C-4
C-5
More C-5
T-1
T-2
T-3
T-5
T-7
T-9
T-10
The Boys State College Fair
For more than a decade, John Brady has organized the Boys State College Fair on Friday morning. John works for The College Board as its National Executive Director of High Education Development. For this week, though, we just know him as the lead counselor of T-6.
Below is a list of colleges who have asked for booth space at the 2008 College Fair. Additionally, there are 40-50 staff members representing many of these schools and others as well. Boys Staters would be wise to take advantage of this opportunity to ask questions to those people who came here to Stonehill specifically to answer questions. Ask your counselor where he (or she) is going or went to school.
Connecticut
Daniel Webster College
Connecticut College – New London
Sacred Heart University – Fairfield
Wesleyan University - Middletown
Maine
St. Joseph’s College of Maine - Standish
Maryland
U.S. Naval Academy - Annapolis
Massachusetts
American International College - Springfield
Amherst College – Amherst
Assumption College – Worcester
Boston College – Chestnut Hill
Bridgewater State College – Bridgewater
College of the Holy Cross - Worcester
Fitchburg State College
Gordon College – Wenham
Harvard College – Cambridge
Lasell College – Newton
Mass. College of Pharmacy & Health Science – Boston
Massachusetts Maritime Academy – Buzzards Bay
Nichols College - Dudley
Stonehill College – North Easton
Suffolk University – Boston
Tufts University - Medford
University of Massachusetts - Amherst
University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth
University of Massachusetts – Lowell
Wentworth Institute of Technology - Boston
Western New England College – Springfield
Wheaton College - Norton
Worcester State College
New Hampshire
Franklin Pierce College – Rindge
St. Anselm College – Manchester
Southern NH Univ. – Manchester
Rhode Island
Bryant College - Smithfield
Johnson & Wales - Providence
New York
U.S. Merchant Marine Acad. – King’s Point
Pennsylvania
Dickinson College - Carlisle
Vermont
Norwich University – Northfield
St. Michaels College – Colchester
Armed Forces
Massachusetts Air Guard
Foreign/Consortium
Canadian Colleges & Universities
Below is a list of colleges who have asked for booth space at the 2008 College Fair. Additionally, there are 40-50 staff members representing many of these schools and others as well. Boys Staters would be wise to take advantage of this opportunity to ask questions to those people who came here to Stonehill specifically to answer questions. Ask your counselor where he (or she) is going or went to school.
Connecticut
Daniel Webster College
Connecticut College – New London
Sacred Heart University – Fairfield
Wesleyan University - Middletown
Maine
St. Joseph’s College of Maine - Standish
Maryland
U.S. Naval Academy - Annapolis
Massachusetts
American International College - Springfield
Amherst College – Amherst
Assumption College – Worcester
Boston College – Chestnut Hill
Bridgewater State College – Bridgewater
College of the Holy Cross - Worcester
Fitchburg State College
Gordon College – Wenham
Harvard College – Cambridge
Lasell College – Newton
Mass. College of Pharmacy & Health Science – Boston
Massachusetts Maritime Academy – Buzzards Bay
Nichols College - Dudley
Stonehill College – North Easton
Suffolk University – Boston
Tufts University - Medford
University of Massachusetts - Amherst
University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth
University of Massachusetts – Lowell
Wentworth Institute of Technology - Boston
Western New England College – Springfield
Wheaton College - Norton
Worcester State College
New Hampshire
Franklin Pierce College – Rindge
St. Anselm College – Manchester
Southern NH Univ. – Manchester
Rhode Island
Bryant College - Smithfield
Johnson & Wales - Providence
New York
U.S. Merchant Marine Acad. – King’s Point
Pennsylvania
Dickinson College - Carlisle
Vermont
Norwich University – Northfield
St. Michaels College – Colchester
Armed Forces
Massachusetts Air Guard
Foreign/Consortium
Canadian Colleges & Universities
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
LIVE BLOG from the Candidates Forum
8:30pm
Good evening and welcome to the live blog from the Candidates Forum. There are two of us with laptops in the back of the hall and we'll do our best to provide a running commentary. We have a very spirited crowd on our hands tonight, and the hall is decked out in red white and blue and filled with signs supporting the various candidates (pictures coming).
First we enjoyed a terrific welcome from Major Chris Shaw of the US Marine Corps. Major Shaw is a native of Mattapan and a 1988 Boys' State grad, went on the United States Naval Academy and has a distinguished service record while serving his country all over the world, most recently in Baghdad. He is currently stationed in San Diego as a member of the JAG Corps. Major Shaw encouraged the Boys' Staters to fullfill the promise that they represent to the future of our great nation.
8:42pm
We've just heard from the Chairman of the Nationalist and Federalist parties. They outlined the platform for each of their respective parties and encouraged the citizens of Boys' State to support the candidates at the polls tomorrow morning.
In addition to the candidates listed below, we have also have several independent candidates this year. Pedro Roque and Jasiel Correia are independent candidates for US Senator, and Kyle White is running for Secretary of State. These candidates were added to the ballot and Candidates Format after collecting the required number of signatures from other Boys' Staters.
8:53pm
Independent candidate for Secratary of State Kyle White just gave his speech (all candidates are limited to 3 minutes each). He received a less than enthusiatic response, with members of both parties expressing the two parties showing support for their party candidates.
8:57pm
TJ Ball, Nationalist party candidate for Sec of State. DJ gave an enthusiastic speech and seemed to get a warm repsonse from the crowd.
9:04pm
The candidates for Lt. Governor and Governor are about to speak. The candidates from each party are running as a ticket, so it is important that they are in synch.
9:05pm
Brian McCarthy (Lt. Gov, Nationalist) is speaking and is addressing immigration, the war in Iraq, and closed with a a rather famous quote from Howard Dean (if you Google angry Howard Dean you'll probably find it).
9:06pm
In reference to the comment from "a fan", I apologize that I missed the Attorney General candidates speeches while trying to get my technology straighten out. I can tell you that all the candidates so far have done a great job, they really have come a long way in refining their ability to adress such a big group over the last few days.
We are taking pictures and video and will try to get some of it uploaded as we go along.
9:10pm
We've taken a short break from the speeches to enjoy some music from the Boys' State band.
Some pictures and video are being added as I type, they will appear below.
9:15pm
Nationalist candidate for Gov Frank Oglesby has taken the podium. The candidates for Gov and US Senator will give a short speech and talso have to answer a question which they do not know ahead of time.
Frank shared a story about his mom who was stationed in Afganistan (I'm sorry but I didn't catch which branch she serves in) and how glad he was when she came home. He is proud of her service and leadership and those traits are what will guide him if elected.
9:19pm
The Gov candidate from the Federalists Douglas Dame is at the podium. He shared his views on issues such abortion, immigration, school testing and smoking bans. He then launched in to some (clean) Chuck Norris jokes. As was referenced earlier, some candidates have found that their peers often respond to humor. Doug is doing a good job of mixed humor and serious issues and seems to be getting a great response from the crowd (will it be enough to capture voters from across the aisle remains to be seen).
9:22pm
The moderator is asking a question the candidates will answer in 2 minutes or less...what would you do, as Governor, to support cummunity service? Would you require it or give additional incentives?
Frank responded by saying it should be a choice and encouraged, and should not be a requirement.
Doug said community service builds character. He would provide incentives in the form of tax cuts to reward community service.
Pictures are being loaded...taking a while due to bandwidth limitations.
9:26pm
Pedro Roque, independent candidate for US Senator is speaking. Pedro, a naturalized US citzen, is from Portugal and stresses "opportunity for all" as the core of his campaign.
The first batch of photos is up, scroll down to just below this entry (more will be added as we go along so keep at it with the "refresh" button).
9:31pm
Jasiel Correia, the other independent for Senator has just taken the stage. He is explaining why is running...he disgreed with his party's platform and after he did not get the nomination he says his friends and supporters encourage him to run. The economy and the war in Iraq are his two key issues.
9:35pm
The question put to the independent candidates was how would you approach the issue of illegal immegration. Pedro believes a major overhaul of our current system is needed. Jasiel said that we are a nation of immigrants and that this is a complex issue. He also believes that identifying the criminal element among illegal immegrants is crucial.
9;41PM
Scott took off for a quick break to say hello to a visiting friend.
Vincent Lee from T-1, candidate for United States Senate, is speaking. He addressed issues of abortion, gay marriage, immigration. Took a fairly progressive approach on all issues. Scott's back and does this part better than I do, so I'm passing off.
Federalist candidate for US Senator Jeffry Periera is speaking about the impact that gang violence is having on our society and young people and how his life has been touched by gang violence. He is talking about an issue that is important to many of the people in the audience, and making it personal. He is also helping kids who live in areas where gang violence may not be an issue and helping them to understand more about this critical issue...learning about people from other parts of the state, other backgrounds, etc. is an important aspect of the program. Jeff got a standing ovation.
9:50pm
The question for the senatorial candidates Vincent Lee and Jeffrey Pereria is, would you support legislation that would mandate healthcare coverage for all Americans.
Vincent Lee would try to push through legislation that would make affordable healthcare available for all, but would not support a govt funded system.
Jeffrey Pereria said that the govt should step in to help people who cannot afford healthcare. He would advocate a system based on income.
We now have 34 photos posted below, with more on the way.
9:55pm
Adam Formica, Nationalist for US Senator, is on the stage. He started by thanking the audience for helping him "hear them music". He talked about how Boys's State has taught him the value of acceptance and not being afraid to be himself. He received an enthusiastic response.
10:00pm
Federalist US Senator candidate Brendan Maione-Downing is now speaking. The issue most important to him is the war in Iraq. He spoke of people who knows who have been impacted by the war, the sacafice they had had to make as families while their loved ones were deployed. He stressed how the Boys's Staters are the leaders of tomorrow.
10:05pm
The question for Adam and Brendan are answering their question: should the current system for Social Security be changed?
Adam talked about the need to support our seniors and that the govt needs to keep a program like Social Security, and would advocate for a combination of private investment and social security. He said such a system should be based on need.
Brendan said Social Security is a "sacred trust" between our govt and our country's seniors that should never be broken. He said the only way to fix Social Security is through sacrafice in the form of a tax on high income earners.
10:10pm
The candidates are leaving the stage after what was a successful forum. We will continue to add photos and video tonight and tomorrow so please check back. Thanks to everyone who followed our live blog tonight, we hope you enjoyed it!
Good evening and welcome to the live blog from the Candidates Forum. There are two of us with laptops in the back of the hall and we'll do our best to provide a running commentary. We have a very spirited crowd on our hands tonight, and the hall is decked out in red white and blue and filled with signs supporting the various candidates (pictures coming).
First we enjoyed a terrific welcome from Major Chris Shaw of the US Marine Corps. Major Shaw is a native of Mattapan and a 1988 Boys' State grad, went on the United States Naval Academy and has a distinguished service record while serving his country all over the world, most recently in Baghdad. He is currently stationed in San Diego as a member of the JAG Corps. Major Shaw encouraged the Boys' Staters to fullfill the promise that they represent to the future of our great nation.
8:42pm
We've just heard from the Chairman of the Nationalist and Federalist parties. They outlined the platform for each of their respective parties and encouraged the citizens of Boys' State to support the candidates at the polls tomorrow morning.
In addition to the candidates listed below, we have also have several independent candidates this year. Pedro Roque and Jasiel Correia are independent candidates for US Senator, and Kyle White is running for Secretary of State. These candidates were added to the ballot and Candidates Format after collecting the required number of signatures from other Boys' Staters.
8:53pm
Independent candidate for Secratary of State Kyle White just gave his speech (all candidates are limited to 3 minutes each). He received a less than enthusiatic response, with members of both parties expressing the two parties showing support for their party candidates.
8:57pm
TJ Ball, Nationalist party candidate for Sec of State. DJ gave an enthusiastic speech and seemed to get a warm repsonse from the crowd.
9:04pm
The candidates for Lt. Governor and Governor are about to speak. The candidates from each party are running as a ticket, so it is important that they are in synch.
9:05pm
Brian McCarthy (Lt. Gov, Nationalist) is speaking and is addressing immigration, the war in Iraq, and closed with a a rather famous quote from Howard Dean (if you Google angry Howard Dean you'll probably find it).
9:06pm
In reference to the comment from "a fan", I apologize that I missed the Attorney General candidates speeches while trying to get my technology straighten out. I can tell you that all the candidates so far have done a great job, they really have come a long way in refining their ability to adress such a big group over the last few days.
We are taking pictures and video and will try to get some of it uploaded as we go along.
9:10pm
We've taken a short break from the speeches to enjoy some music from the Boys' State band.
Some pictures and video are being added as I type, they will appear below.
9:15pm
Nationalist candidate for Gov Frank Oglesby has taken the podium. The candidates for Gov and US Senator will give a short speech and talso have to answer a question which they do not know ahead of time.
Frank shared a story about his mom who was stationed in Afganistan (I'm sorry but I didn't catch which branch she serves in) and how glad he was when she came home. He is proud of her service and leadership and those traits are what will guide him if elected.
9:19pm
The Gov candidate from the Federalists Douglas Dame is at the podium. He shared his views on issues such abortion, immigration, school testing and smoking bans. He then launched in to some (clean) Chuck Norris jokes. As was referenced earlier, some candidates have found that their peers often respond to humor. Doug is doing a good job of mixed humor and serious issues and seems to be getting a great response from the crowd (will it be enough to capture voters from across the aisle remains to be seen).
9:22pm
The moderator is asking a question the candidates will answer in 2 minutes or less...what would you do, as Governor, to support cummunity service? Would you require it or give additional incentives?
Frank responded by saying it should be a choice and encouraged, and should not be a requirement.
Doug said community service builds character. He would provide incentives in the form of tax cuts to reward community service.
Pictures are being loaded...taking a while due to bandwidth limitations.
9:26pm
Pedro Roque, independent candidate for US Senator is speaking. Pedro, a naturalized US citzen, is from Portugal and stresses "opportunity for all" as the core of his campaign.
The first batch of photos is up, scroll down to just below this entry (more will be added as we go along so keep at it with the "refresh" button).
9:31pm
Jasiel Correia, the other independent for Senator has just taken the stage. He is explaining why is running...he disgreed with his party's platform and after he did not get the nomination he says his friends and supporters encourage him to run. The economy and the war in Iraq are his two key issues.
9:35pm
The question put to the independent candidates was how would you approach the issue of illegal immegration. Pedro believes a major overhaul of our current system is needed. Jasiel said that we are a nation of immigrants and that this is a complex issue. He also believes that identifying the criminal element among illegal immegrants is crucial.
9;41PM
Scott took off for a quick break to say hello to a visiting friend.
Vincent Lee from T-1, candidate for United States Senate, is speaking. He addressed issues of abortion, gay marriage, immigration. Took a fairly progressive approach on all issues. Scott's back and does this part better than I do, so I'm passing off.
Federalist candidate for US Senator Jeffry Periera is speaking about the impact that gang violence is having on our society and young people and how his life has been touched by gang violence. He is talking about an issue that is important to many of the people in the audience, and making it personal. He is also helping kids who live in areas where gang violence may not be an issue and helping them to understand more about this critical issue...learning about people from other parts of the state, other backgrounds, etc. is an important aspect of the program. Jeff got a standing ovation.
9:50pm
The question for the senatorial candidates Vincent Lee and Jeffrey Pereria is, would you support legislation that would mandate healthcare coverage for all Americans.
Vincent Lee would try to push through legislation that would make affordable healthcare available for all, but would not support a govt funded system.
Jeffrey Pereria said that the govt should step in to help people who cannot afford healthcare. He would advocate a system based on income.
We now have 34 photos posted below, with more on the way.
9:55pm
Adam Formica, Nationalist for US Senator, is on the stage. He started by thanking the audience for helping him "hear them music". He talked about how Boys's State has taught him the value of acceptance and not being afraid to be himself. He received an enthusiastic response.
10:00pm
Federalist US Senator candidate Brendan Maione-Downing is now speaking. The issue most important to him is the war in Iraq. He spoke of people who knows who have been impacted by the war, the sacafice they had had to make as families while their loved ones were deployed. He stressed how the Boys's Staters are the leaders of tomorrow.
10:05pm
The question for Adam and Brendan are answering their question: should the current system for Social Security be changed?
Adam talked about the need to support our seniors and that the govt needs to keep a program like Social Security, and would advocate for a combination of private investment and social security. He said such a system should be based on need.
Brendan said Social Security is a "sacred trust" between our govt and our country's seniors that should never be broken. He said the only way to fix Social Security is through sacrafice in the form of a tax on high income earners.
10:10pm
The candidates are leaving the stage after what was a successful forum. We will continue to add photos and video tonight and tomorrow so please check back. Thanks to everyone who followed our live blog tonight, we hope you enjoyed it!
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