This is how the Parliament works

And so we watched that beautiful video of the British Parliament, and I say beatiful just because the focus was making me head aches, which is not a good thing. But, about the video, it was a good introduction for our school strip.

Having the idea that the British people are so civilized and all of those things we usually think, it was a surprise to know how the Members of Parliament cheer their peers; wowing and screaming is not really British, unless we're talking about hooligans.
In a Parliament, I never had the impression of such behaviour, but, at least, they seemed to be interested on the speechs of the other members. Or maybe it was just what they wanted us to believe.

After having contact with such assembly, it was good to compare with our Parliament last Wednesday. And, well... things are a little bit diferent.
We all know that our Members of Parliament aren't exactly the most disciplened people while working in the Parliament, but, sometimes, everything has a limit.
Basically, we saw people walking around the room, talking with each other, talking on the phone, surfing on the web (how many were on Facebook? Oh yeah, three, the ones we could actually see) and everything while someone was talking and exposing his or hers idea.

That wasn't exactly shocking (we all knew it happens) but it was impressive.  And for one reason only: while not showing any kind of respect for those who are speaking, these people show also a totally lack of respect for the ones who chose them to be there, the ones who are expecting them to legislate!

I could "forgive" all these things, if only some interest was showed. That is not a fact. And it's so bad knowing that all the politicians don't care about what all the others say, having completely notion that are going disagree with everything the others are going to say...

It's just sad.

The debate

Last Wednesday we had a debate where each group defended one form of government. My topic was anarchy.

I confess I was totally wrong about the anarchist system and beliefs; I was one of the many who still think that anarchy is nothing but complete chaos and disorganization. I found out that it wasn't quite like that.
I researched for the debate, trying to figure out what anarchy really stood about, and I found out that is something even more utopian than communism!
Yes, I would definitely like to live in an anarchist society, with everything that should exist in one, but I am reasonable enough to know that is virtually impossible! Not because of human nature or something that implies the necessity of conflict between men, but because of the lack of respect for the others and that sense of share and responsibility for the community; the one is part of the group.
Besides, organization is no synonym for laws and order; organization is needed in any society, but laws are just a way, not only to organize, but also to oppress the people.
These were the ideas I tried to defend.

I can't say I'm a defender of anarchy this moment. Like I said, is virtually impossible to install an anarchist society right now!
But, I'm an utopian. And, as an utopian, this sure would be a really amazing society to live in, if everything were going according to the plan.

Texts - 28th October (if I'm not mistaken)

I.

The morning was sunny, with the bright sun shining alone in the sky, birds as only company.
People were busy with their morning tasks, and I was only walking, passing through everyone without being noticed; the noise was rising while more people came and started their doings.
I came to Lisbon waiting for this day, and my expectations were enormous! I’m here, getting to know the city, for five days, but the time I spent walking on the streets finally paid off!
The King was now standing in the palace’s balcony, and the people were no longer working, but gathered by the shore, while a shadow started to form at the horizon, just like a ship.
The Ribeira das Naus was full already with the curiosity of the looks and the caravel was coming closer, so closer, until it arrived.
I don’t know what happened next. I only remember the sailors coming down of the ship, followed by the strangest beings, with skins as dark as night, practically undressed! And the animals! There were animals as big as a house, grey, with two big teeth and a nose as long as my arm; birds with long necks and legs (we would need three or four chickens on the top of one another to have a bird as big), feathers white and black; a big cat, yellow, with spots on its body, with a scary look.
So many things happened… That day, I discovered a new world.


II.

Finally! I have been waiting for these Portuguese people for a mouth already, and they just arrives today!
Their boats were near the quay, everything was set for the disembarkation. They started to come down.
I think I never going to get used to these people. They speak such a strange language, and their writing is strange as well. I still think they are learning to do both things properly from us. And I must say that those large clothes they use, those… pants, are just hideous!
Well, I’m only interested on the trunks they bring! The disembarkation is as quiet as can be, with many people on the quay waiting for their packages.
Although I think the Portuguese are quite inferior when related to us, I must recognize they’re not so bad as they look; they are clever, in a certain way, or else they wouldn’t had invented that weapon, how do they call it? Oh yes, rifle! It’s very useful when we go to war, and eve to hunt; one of the best inventions I’ve ever seen! And, of course, all the products they bring from other places, so good to our markets.
I admit I’m a little bit harsh when it comes to this people, but, really, have you ever listen to them? Have you ever seen them? If you did, you have to agree with me: such barbarians!

The first project

Our project was presented to the class. Now, we just have to prepare everything and present to you all.

I'm pretty excited about this. I really am.

We are going to talk about the topic I somewhat stated in the last entry: extremist parties and their rising in Europe; should they exist in Parliament?
That's what we would like to discuss with you.

But first, a little role play.


Oh, yes, I really like this project.

Fish-eaters and the Crystal Coffin

Democracy, oligarchy or monarchy? That's the question (?).

As far as I'm concerned, within certain limits, I agree with a Parliamentary Monarchy. Lets face it: it is not to different of what we live now - the King would have the same role as the President of the Republic, with a little difference: we could not choose who he was.
Although, having a King is good for a Nation more and more unattached to it's country - take Spain, per example, or England (even with a different form of Government): the people is all together when it comes to the Royal Family, they have something that creates a bound between them, besides the cultural characteristics.

But this is something we could talk, and talk, and talk.

Read this texts was an important activity: our generation is getting everyday less interested in politics, and we can't forget that we are the ones who are going to rule in the future! We are the ones who are going to be in politics!
We all have to discuss these themes, because is a part of our duty as citizens. Why are we citizens to so many things, if we benefit with it, but not to vote or to participate in the political life? Isn't that our duty, too?
Generalizing, of course, the youth of today don't have any interested in this subjects, which is a pity. I'm afraid of what it will happen when they DO have to worry...


In another topic, reading about the different aspects about this three regimes was nice too. And, once again, important.
I think my opinion was stated before: democracy, on the contrary of what so many say, is not the perfect system. Or, maybe it is; what it isn't perfect is who runs it!
Probably, we can not blame the regime itself; we have to blame the ones who consider themselves powerful, just because they are part of the government, superior to others because they can make laws.
I think democracy is coming to an end, because we live in a cycle: we have a democratic system; then, when something goes wrong, we need more authority, and dictatorships and oppressive regimes are chosen by the people (which is ironical, by the way); and when the people starts to see how much it was lost, democracy comes again. It is happening right now - this crises is leading to a social agitation, and, one day,maybe not tomorrow, maybe not in ten years, but someday, it will get to an end.

History speaks for itself.

Learning Journal #4 - I recommend...

Well, first of all, I must say I really like the idea of having the opportunity to talk about something we like so much in a day we choose. When I went to choose a date, it was all already fulfilled, so, I'm waiting for the next time.

The first contact we had with this part of our classes was interesting. I had all ready had an experience like this, so, it wasn't the first time. But I always like this activities; it is educational, and, of course, a little fun.
I think we can all learn from this activity: we can see how the behavior of the class can interfere with our performance; when we see that no one is listening to what we are saying, our confidence starts to diminish, and, with it, all our preparation.

But, if we see it clearly, the ones who really experienced where who was presenting. They felt that interference, and what it can happen if no one is paying attention. For us, who were "observing", or sleeping, or talking, it was just a free time. Or I think it was, for most of the people.
This is just me saying.

The first presentation

Yes, a little behind schedule, but it's better late than never.



This was the poster my group and I made to present to the class in our first presentation. It has all our ideas and opinions, and I thinks it demonstrates what we think about the topic and how we would like to work it.
I could say more, but it's all in the Learning Journal #3, so, this is it, basically.

An apology

I think I "abandoned" this site, but not by will. In fact, it is not a habit of mine to turn on the computer on week days (I don't want to distract myself while studying or doing other things), that's why I don't post so many entries - which, I should. However, this last weeks I tried to come to the internet more often, so I can be posted. And the time, that tricky thing, is never enough for everything.
But I'm making an effort. And, even if it is a possibility to write by hand the portfolio, I think I prefer this way - don't waste so much paper.

So, starting now, I making a revolution, and I'm not going to abandon this site anymore.