“Questioning the Constitution” Documentary and Discussion at Harford Community College; Political Movie Series Runs Through April

Based on the unexpected success of selected movie showings last year, the League of Women Voters of Harford County and the Political Awareness Association of Harford Community College have teamed up to offer a series of thought-provoking documentary films followed by lively discussions. The first film of the 2011-2012 Movie Series will be “Questioning the Constitution”. For more than 200 years, the United States Constitution, a document dictating a representative government by the people and for the people, has served as the foundation for the country and its citizens.

“Questioning the Constitution” is a timely topic just prior to Constitution Day, September 17, 2011. The movie will be shown on Thursday, September 15, at 6:00PM in the Student Center of Harford Community College, room SC243. All are welcome. Admission is FREE!

The documentary reveals the development and structure of the Constitution, its various interpretations and the debate surrounding its possible reformation. Interviews with prominent politicians, constitutional scholars, and leaders from the NAACP and ACLU, combine with archival materials to create an understanding of the Constitution’s past, present and future.

“Questioning the Constitution” explores the Electoral College, the lack of a “no-confidence” clause, the “tyranny” of the minority states in the Senate, the difficulty in amending the Constitution, post 9/11 legislation and the expansion and potential misuse of Executive power. The program also addresses some of the compromises and problematic aspects of the Constitution, including its stance on equal opportunity for women and civil rights for racial and ethnic minorities.

Mark your calendars now for the rest of the series. All movies will be shown in Edgewood Hall room E132 on the Harford Community College Campus at 6:00PM.

“Gasland” to be shown on Tuesday, October 25, 2011, is a 2010 Documentary film focusing on communities impacted by natural gas drilling, also known as fracking.

“Gerrymandering” to be shown on Tuesday, November 22, 2011, is an illustrated civics lesson that makes the complicated, shadowy subject of electoral redistricting into a hot topic.

“Iron-Jawed Angels” to be shown on Thursday, February 16, 2012, tells the remarkable and little-known story of a group of passionate and dynamic young women who put their lives on the line to fight for American women’s right to vote.

“Blue Gold: World Water Wars” to be shown on Tuesday, March 13, 2012, suggests that wars of the future will be fought over water as they are over oil today. As the source of human survival enters the global marketplace and political arena, corporate giants, private investors and corrupt governments vie for control of our dwindling supply.

“Race to Nowhere” to be shown on Tuesday, April 17, 2012, takes a look at the pressures on today’s students, offering an intimate view of lives packed with activities. Little room is left for down-time or family time. The film tackles the difficult and sometimes tragic side of our often achievement-obsessed culture.

Information can be found on the League of Women Voters website at www.harford.lwvmd.org. Movies are open to the public and free of charge.