Live from Long Island: American politics on the agenda for NA24
During a social studies lesson at Ållebergsgymnasiet, first-year students in the natural sciences program had a unique opportunity to ask questions directly to an American small business owner, Mr. Tom Walsh, who lives on Long Island outside New York City. In a lively digital conversation across the Atlantic, they discussed current political topics such as Trump and the economy. Tom shared his thoughts on American politics and gave insight into what it feels like to be a voter in a turbulent time.
When social studies was on the agenda for NA24, the students were given a unique opportunity to speak directly with an American – live from the other side of the Atlantic.
On the big screen in the classroom, Tom Walsh appeared, a family man and entrepreneur from Long Island outside New York. He runs his own business in heating and air conditioning and navigates traffic to his customers in New York City every day.
Tom is also a friend of the class’s social studies teacher, Henrik Pettersson, and has on several occasions helped the students by answering their questions during their work on American politics. He has previously voted for the Democrats, but in the most recent presidential election, he cast his vote for Donald Trump.
Henrik Pettersson, social studies teacher, connects with Mr. Tom Walsh.
Before meeting Tom, the class was divided into groups and prepared questions – two political one fun question. They started immediately with a direct question:
Do you regret voting for Trump?
Tom chuckled and answered honestly:
“As you know, my favorite president is Barack Obama. I don’t like Trump as a person; he’s big-mouthed, and you cringe every day over the things he says. But something needs to happen with the economy. Interest rates are in a snowball effect, and Trump wants to get the U.S. industry going. We’ll see if it turns out good or bad.”
Students in NA24 ask direct questions to Mr. Walsh.
As the conversation shifted to Trump’s tariff policy, the so-called Trump tariffs introduced during the previous administration, Tom expressed some concern. The aim was to strengthen American industry and reduce dependence on China, but the consequences could be costly for businesses like his. “It’s hard to know how it will turn out. If steel gets a lot more expensive, it directly affects my industry. It may strengthen certain sectors, but it could just as easily backfire.”
Tom also spoke about the growing frustration in the U.S. toward tech billionaires, with Elon Musk at the forefront. “He’s enemy number one here. Every day, the news reports on Teslas being spray-painted or set on fire. People are tired of injustices. Some are getting richer than ever while others can’t even afford the interest rates.” At the same time, he described a U.S. in economic imbalance.
“We’re maybe a superpower when it comes to the military, but absolutely not economically. People have no money left, businesses are going under, and interest rates just keep rising.”
Mr Tom Walsh shared his thoughts and gave an insight into what it feels like to be a voter in a turbulent political climate.
One of the questions concerned Trump’s actions during a live meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss continued American support for Ukraine and the possibility of a mineral resource agreement. Tom was critical but not surprised.
Well, what can I say, that’s Trump being Trump.
Ukraine is struggling, but throwing so much money at them doesn’t solve the problem with Russia. And besides – according to Zelensky, Ukraine has only received half of what Biden claims. So… where has the money gone?”
At the end of the lesson, Tom was asked what he hopes will happen during the current administration. “I hope for a nation in control,” he replied. “Right now, we’re only a superpower militarily. Economically, we’re not doing well. The U.S. should be a superpower industrially as well.”
He also shared his thoughts on the American two-party system. “Most Americans aren’t fully Republicans or fully Democrats. Many swing between the parties depending on what they believe is best for themselves and for the country. I would prefer a system like Sweden’s with more options. But here, the general belief is that voting for a third party is like throwing your vote away.”
NA24 prepares questions for Mr. Walsh.
The meeting ended on a lighter note with more fun questions about, among other things, hockey, a virtual house tour, and many laughs. Tom summed it up by saying the students had asked smart questions and were really well-prepared.
It was clear that NA24 had delved deep into the subject. Research on Generation Z also shows that today’s young people are more informed and engaged than previous generations. They are natives on the internet, accustomed to navigating there, and trained to differentiate between facts and fake news.
For NA24, the lesson became more than just theory. It provided a real insight into the political landscape – directly from the living room of someone living in the heart of it.
A great school for every student
The article in swedish (falkoping.se)
This english text is mostly translated with AI.