Welcome to American Legion Boys' State 2005

By David Foster, 0088

I heard horror stories about Boys’ State before I came. The day before I departed for SUNY Morrisville, I was at a graduation party and talked with a citizen from last year. From what I heard, the whole experience sounded like some demented government camp where questions had no correct answer that would prevent push-ups. He even said that he got split up from the rest of his group, being forced to endure a more difficult Marine than that of the other three.

I now wonder if it was my fortune or unluckiness that allowed me to attend this program. So far everything has been going well, however. I first arrived after a short ride from my home in southern Herkimer County. The Legionnaires quickly resolved my lack of a citizen card and I received my dormitory assignment. Our first experience with discipline came later, when our Marine took us outside and showed us how properly to make our beds, or “racks” as they are called here.

We then received time to make our racks and clean our rooms. I think I went a little overboard, ensuring that my bed was made impeccably and even removing small pieces of dust from the floor. To my surprise, our Marine briefly looked into our rooms and made informative, helpful remarks.

The marching wasn’t so bad—our learning is constructive and we stay hydrated constantly. Even the lunch was delicious. Although a piece of turkey with gravy and mashed potatoes thrown on it might not sound good to you, it was very satisfying after only eating ravioli for breakfast. Then I found this job.

Another piece of advice I received from the past year citizen was that I should write to keep my sanity. Maybe this weblog will stop me from going insane? What I’ve learned so far suggests that I won’t need crazy prevention. The entire premise of the week here is to organize mock political parties and work your way up a fake governmental hierarchy. Reading that sentence sounds boring, but for a political nut like me it is pure joy. In fact, Eliot Spitzer is coming tomorrow. I can’t wait.

To introduce myself with more detail, my name is David Foster. I am living in an apartment in Herkimer County until we construct a house. I have wanted to be a number of different things since I was a boy, including physicist, doctor, real estate developer, and the choice I finally settled on, lawyer. About five years ago, my doctor asked me, “Why don’t you want to be a doctor instead?” My response: “I don’t like to help people.” It was a poor choice of words but it makes for a funny story.

But enough about me. In my coming reports, I will elaborate on my experiences here at Boys’ State.