Dot Discussions

By Emma Redinger

Following the general election on Wednesday morning, the citizens of Cornhusker Girls State participated in Dot Discussions. The Dot Discussions period was a time when all citizens were separated into eight groups. The color and shape of a sticker on each citizen’s name tag dictated which floor she would go to for discussion.

Each Dot Discussion was led by a staff member to ensure that things would not get too out of hand. Questions the American Legion staff members asked the delegates pertained mainly to the current presidential election as well as certain values the American Legion Auxiliary advocates for.

Upon arrival on floor three, delegates were instructed to take a seat in the lounge area to begin. The first question asked by staff member Kathy Mazur was, “If you could meet the president, what would you ask him?” Each citizen was invited to share a comment or response to this. One popular question a citizen would have for President Barack Obama was, “If you were able, would you run for a third term?” Other interesting answers revolved around changes he would make if he were able to go back in time and healing party disparities.

A relevant topic discussed was the lack of young voter turnout. Many solutions were thrown into the conversation, and it was agreed that several new voters have been entertained by the conflicts of presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

An additional prompt truly hit home for a good portion of the delegates involved in the group discussion. Mazur led the citizens by asking how their families are being affected by having family members deployed. Only a few citizens expressed the fact that they were in a situation like this. Each mentioned that it is both emotionally and fiscally straining to have a family member serving the country.

Garfield citizen McKenzie Doty had a unique experience that she shared with the group. “I have an aunt that told us she was going to college in a different state, but she was actually leaving for a job in military intelligence. It was all very hush hush,” Doty said. She mentioned that her family never knew if she was able to tell the truth due to her confidential job.

To wrap up the discussion, Mazur asked delegates questions about keeping young adults in smaller towns, issues within the Veterans Health Administration, ALA Memorial Day Services and patriotism.

Overall, most citizens came to the conclusion that they were grateful to have the experience of Dot Discussions.