When I started going to my new high school, back in '84, I immediately began to think about the student government
elections. I thought democratic government was real hot shit back then, that it was there to help people, so I wanted to
become president of my class, the 8th grade. After having this idea I passed a note around to the other students in my
math class to come hear my speech after class.
I had no idea about how or when my new school conducted elections, but I thought that was no reason not to start
campaigning. I thought the top of the trash elevator would make a good location for public speaking - students passed by
it on the way to the buses around the rear parking circle, there was a little courtyard for students to sit in, and I
wouldn't need to ask any teachers for permission. That afternoon I made a short speech about my candicacy to some
curious students, and asked them to return the next day.
Well, the turnout the next day far exceeded my expectations. I remember several dozen students in the courtyard, and
many others watching from classroom windows. I probably had the attention of a third of the student body while I gave
that little speech. I was a little overwhelmed .. I became a lot overwhelmed afterward, when they rushed me. Someone
tore off my clip-on tie (we had a formal dress code), and the biology teacher broke through to rescue me.
At that point I learned that my class did not elect a president; we had two homeroom representatives in the student
council. Oops. I did make it to the front page of the school newspaper, and no doubt that helped me grab the council
seat.
All statements are true in some sense, false in some sense, meaningless in some sense, true and false in some sense,
true and meaningless in some sense, false and meaningless in some sense, and true and false and meaningless in some
sense. A public service clarification by the Sri Syadasti School of Spiritual Wisdom.
