www.whyville.net Jul 11, 2003 Weekly Issue



Babypowdr
Times' Civics Writer

Political Platforms? Are Those Shoes?

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Ahoy. BP here. Owner of many, many platform shoes. LoLz, Vive La Spice! *blushes*. No, these platforms I am about to tell you how to write are not shoes. Obviously you don't write shoes, now do you? So, what is a 'platform'? Well, let's take a look.

The dictionary online (www.dictionary.com) describes it as:

plat??form (pltf??rm)
noun.

1a. A horizontal surface raised above the level of the adjacent area, as a stage for public speaking or a landing alongside railroad tracks. b. A vessel, such as a submarine or an aircraft carrier, from which weapons can be deployed. c. An oil platform.

2a. A place, means, or opportunity for public expression of opinion: a journal that served as a platform for radical views. b. A formal declaration of the principles on which a group, such as a political party, makes its appeal to the public.

3a. A thick layer, as of leather or cork, between the inner and outer soles of a shoe, giving added height. b. A shoe having such a construction.

Well, we want number two. A Platform is where you get to state your views and opinion. You write it to appeal to the general public. And do you know why this is important? Because Whyville has an election coming up! If you want to run for Whyville Senate, you need a platform. How many of us have ever written one before? *raises hand* I have! Civics - Grade Ten. So, let us all join in the wealth of knowledge and write some good platforms.

What do we need? Issues. Issues are generally categorized under 8 headings. Health Care, Education, Crime and Punishment, Environment, Social Programs, National Deficit, and any other issue that is important to the person writing that is also important to the public.

So, you've sorted the issues under the headings. Now what? Prioritize them, of course -- pick which ones are most important to you! Now, when you start writing, you need an introduction to your platform, then an issue. For each issue, you need an intro to the issue, an example of it, and a solution, then a conclusion as to why you would do this. Then, to end it all off, you need a conclusion to your platform as a whole. Use a powerful ending sentence to grip your reader, leaving them thinking... WOW. Of course I have to vote for you!

After you write your platform and edit it again and again until you have it perfect, you need to start campaigning. Make slogans, buttons, signs, and posters to spread the word about you and what you believe in. So start up -- make a slogan and spread the word in chat. There isn't much else you can do at the moment, until City Hall starts accepting official platforms. In the meantime, Y-mail people and make them aware of the upcoming election, and even post something on your City Records.

A Level Four platform will include:

  • creative thinking skills

  • addressing all the issues

  • providing original and realistic ideas

  • providing detailed and clear ideas

A Level Three would include:

  • creative thinking skills

  • addressing most of the issues

  • providing realistic ideas

  • providing complete ideas

So, there's a partial rubric to base your platform on. Remember to demonstrate a professional effort, but in the meantime, be yourself. You want to come across as a friend, not an enemy. For the best results, I believe you should have a campaign crew of at least four. A leader, a campaign manager, a speech writer, and promotions experts. You can do it all yourself if you need to, but behind most great people are the ones supporting her or him. It may also be less stressful to have help, unless you get stressed out about having help. LoLz, tee hee.

Good luck, and may the best platform win!

~Babypowdr

 

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