Smallville Torch — Season One

PAUL CHAN WINS CLASS PRESIDENCY

By Lana Lang

In an election where the choice was NOT between “the lesser of two evils,” Paul Chan was voted Class President. The result came as a surprise to many students, especially since Paul was seemingly knocked out of the race by a swarm of bees. However, when asked what the deciding factor was, many students commented that it was Paul’s rousing pro-Crows speech made the night before the election. Still hospitalized from a serious bee attack, Paul recorded an audio tape that was played before the assembly. The inspirational words–along with Paul’s determination to win and his commitment to the office–persuaded his fellow students to vote for him.

Two candidates, Sasha Woodman and Felice Chandler, were unavailable for comment due to illness. By election day, Clark Kent was the only other candidate to run against Paul not attacked by bees. Clark commented, “I’m genuinely happy for Paul. He won fair, and I know he’ll do a great job! And I hope he gets better soon.” Recovering at his home, Paul was gracious and mature in his acceptance speech over the phone. “It’s time to go to work,” the new president said after hearing the results of the election.

On behalf of the Torch staff, I extend our congratulations to Paul and wish him the greatest success in the school year to come.

FROM SMALLVILLE TO THE OVAL OFFICE

By Pete Ross

Another exciting election rocked the halls of Smallville High School, and this time I got involved in the process as campaign manager for my friend Clark Kent. We didn’t win the election, but I learned a few lessons and had a great time. All of this political madness piqued my interest in the bigger picture and made me wonder about what it takes to serve our country on the national level. What are the requirements to be the President of the United States? Ever wondered? That answer, and others, follow.

In order to vie for a 2-year term in the U.S. House of Representatives, a postulant must be at least 25 years old and a U.S. citizen for 7 years. The 435 seats in the House are elected by popular vote. Kansas currently has 4 members of Congress.

The minimum age for a U.S. Senator is 30, and a candidate must be a U.S. citizen for at least 9 years prior to running. A term lasts 6 years. Each state has two senators for equal representation.

The duties of the Vice President of the United States are to preside over the U. S. Senate and to break tie votes there. If the President dies, becomes incapacitated or is removed from office, the Vice President replaces the President. To the uninformed, the role of Vice President sounds like an easy job, but in some cases, the President empowers his Vice President with far greater responsibility. The Vice President, who must be at least 35 years old, is chosen as a running mate by the presidential candidate.

The President of the United States has, in recent times, been referred to as the leader of the free world. In our country’s history, we’ve had Presidents who started out as philosophers, lawyers, teachers, farmers, shoe salesmen and actors. Some have climbed the steps to the Oval Office by getting involved in state politics such as serving as governors or mayors. A presidential candidate must be at least 35 years old, a natural born citizen of the United States and a resident for at least 14 years. Known as the Commander in Chief, the President is in charge of our armed forces, as well as being responsible for appointing ambassadors, public ministers, consuls, judges of the Supreme Court and other important positions.

Almost anyone can serve as President, Vice President, Senator or Congressperson of our country–even someone from a quaint, rural community. Who knows, maybe one day someone from Smallville will work in the Oval Office.