Toy Story Lessons

(From CBS 2 School)

We were reminded again this weekend that the subtle lessons learned from a box of animated toys from our youth remain timeless.

Sheriff Woody and Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear along with the rest of the Toy Story gang are back in 3D. In their latest adventure we learn an important lesson about “the consent of the governed” but that is not the only government message in this classic tale.

Sheriff Woody teaches us about our Foundations. Woody is brave and can always be counted on. So too were our Founding Fathers. They left enduring principles that still guide us.

The Green Aliens teach us about Federalism. Their ability to adapt to new environments and experiment with new policies is a lot like what we see in our fifty states. Federalism recognizes our regional differences while at the same time counting on our ability to work together. In the latest Toy Story this lesson is learned just in time.

Rex teaches us about Public Opinion. Large and loud but tender is what best characterizes the big green dinosaur and the big voice of the American people. Both provide the narrative to our human story.

Lots – O – Huggin’ Bear teaches us about Participation. Though tempted to follow certain elites it is only through the consent of the governed that we find our true solutions. This sweet smelling bear turns out to be something a little bit more unexpected.

Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head could be stand ins for our Political Parties. Both can change their appearance to get what they want.

Slinky Dog teaches us about Interest Groups. Always looking to help Slinky Dog like Interest Groups can bend, twist and maneuver in ways others cannot. Therefore we often rely upon them whether we like it or not.

Barbie and Campaigns have a lot in common. Wardrobe changes are the norm. Barbie like our campaigns can dress up to fit any situation.

Hamm teaches us about Congress. Clearly both keep our money. Pork projects would be the obvious comparison though a careful analysis would discover that Hamm rarely can keep the money secure. More often Hamm, the piggy bank, is empty.

Mr. Spell teaches us not unlike our Courts do. In the first two Toy Story movies Mr. Spell educates the other toys. When confusion arises Mr. Spell brings clarity. Our Supreme Court fulfills that same role in our polity.

And without question Buzz Lightyear is the archetype of our President. Always making bold promises Buzz suffers from dramatic swings both in personality and in ability. His idealism often trumps the others’ pragmatism. At times this is what is needed. Frequent mode changes, however, mean that Buzz can never quite meet expectations. Buzz thinks he can actually fly. After countless tries we now know better.

The best lesson to learn this summer just may be found inside the heart of our toy boxes.

In the end “You’ve got a friend in me…” is a much more assuring message than more hollow promises claiming “to infinity and beyond.”