Visit the National Constitution Center in Philly

[October]

My husband and I visited the brand new Constitution Center in Philly the other day, and I am moved to encourage everyone to make the trip.

The 20-minute opening presentation was inspiring and moving with a live speaker. He was not dressed in Colonial gear, as the idea of the Center (I was told) is to re-teach the public about the Constitution's relevance.

After this initial "theatre" the rest of the visit is self-guiding.

There are scads of interactive computers/games/touch screens for adults and children. (For instance, my daughter was "sworn in" as President of the U.S.)

Without going into all the wonderful details, the most thrilling part for me were the various "Post-it note sections." The Center posts Constitutional questions on walls (i.e., Do you support Patriot Act?, etc.) and they leave Post-it notepads everywhere, along with pencils -- actually ENCOURAGING visitors to respond. These Question Boards are thus filled with visitors' comments, the vast majority of which seem to be anti-Bush. (The staff also posts recent political cartoons/articles pertaining to the questions on these boards.)

The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. They periodically remove the Post-it notes, taking them away in large envelopes. I asked what do they do with these Post-its, and the woman told me "They are archived."

My husband and I left the building, teary-eyed and inspired -- even hopeful.

Afterwards, we grabbed a light dinner at a diner on South Street. My husband told me the words "F*ck Bush" were written on the bathroom door in the men's room.

Way to go, Philly!




(I'm kind of new to posting. Hope this is ok.)

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

1. This is a great post!

I am in California but if I ever hit Philly, I will go there! Great first thread :D

Welcome to DU!

[Pastiche423]

2. The Post it notes

are a fabulous idea! Especially since our liberal media isn't reporting how most USians feel about whistle ass.

Thank you so much for sharing!

Too bad your husband din't take a camera into the men's loo.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

3. I doubt many Republicans go to the Constitution Center

given the fact that they don't understand the basics upon which our country was founded, and treated the selection of their candidate like their team winning the Superbowl.

Maybe it should be required attendance for anyone registered 'R'.