A presidential history teaching moment

In this holiday season some folks recite the names of Santa's reindeer as a brain exercise. But even more challenging would be to recite the names of President Trump's cabinet officials.

Fifty years ago, as an Iowa high school senior, my government teacher, (Mrs. Velma Juelfs, Gilmore City-Bradgate High School) required the memorization of each cabinet member and their post. It wasn't hard. A stable president appointed a cabinet that usually remained intact for the 4 or 8 years of his presidency. From this exercise I gained a knowledge and appreciation of federal government struc-ture and the ability to follow and relate to current political news.

Fast forward 50 years! My late teacher, Mrs. Juelfs, a stalwart Republican, would be shaking her head in perplexed anxiety at what has happened to our stable, structured and predictable federal govern-ment. Surely there is a 'teaching moment” in this scenario.

Wanda Presler Gardner

Decorah