WhyDoesn'tThisProgramWork?Oct 25, 2024
Madeleine Bonsma-Fisher, PhD

4-year-old woke up this morning asking to go to the Science Centre. We explained that we can't because it's closed.
"Why?"
"It needs to be fixed and the government doesn't want to fix it."
"What is the government?"

10 minutes later he's written a letter to Doug Ford.

Oct 24, 2024 at 8:30pmTusky
Show threadMadeleine Bonsma-Fisher, PhDOct 24, 2024
We shared a moment of sadness over the Science Centre, then channeled our sadness into action. We always try to answer our son's questions honestly, but I also don't want to burden him with knowledge he can't act on, which is why I was so glad to help him write this letter.
Show threadJenniferplusplusOct 24, 2024
@mbonsma That is amazing, I love this
Show threadkwantumOct 25, 2024

@jenniferplusplus

I miss the Science Centre so much... fond memories. Did you know it acted as a private high school, too? (once). They would accept a small number of students who could replace the last two years of conventional high school with classes at the OSC. I applied but didn't get in

So glad I took my kid there (age 7) before they upgraded to the all important function of "Hey, now rich people won't be homeless!"

@mbonsma

#OntarioScienceCentre #OSC

Show threadshironekoOct 25, 2024
@mbonsma OSC is so cool, too bad it's in the way of his developer friends.
Show threadtxt.fileOct 25, 2024
@mbonsma and they™ say young people are not allowed to vote cause they don't understand the world. Meanwhile demented 80 year old people are allowed to vote and are allowed to being elected.
Show threadMadeleine Bonsma-Fisher, PhDOct 25, 2024
@txt_file the voting age came up in our discussion! We agreed it was not fair.
Show thread0xd34db33fOct 25, 2024
@txt_file UK kids under 18 in 2016 would like a word! #Brexitshambles
Show threadStacey Cornelius 🇨🇦Oct 24, 2024
@mbonsma Heroes. Both of you.
Show threadJP Stringham 🇨🇦Oct 24, 2024
@mbonsma this kid is more effective in local politics than most of us
Show threadPeterOct 24, 2024

@mbonsma

The birth of a political activist, or at least a person who understands that politics affects everyday life. Well done 👏

Show threadLaurie KayOct 24, 2024
@mbonsma Congratulations on creating a little agent provocateur! Well done!
Show threadAzureArmageddonOct 25, 2024
@mbonsma Righteous grandma energy
Show threadMadeleine Bonsma-Fisher, PhDOct 25, 2024
@AzureArmageddon heading out for a speedwalk after
Show threadThomas Woolford 🚌🚲🚶Oct 25, 2024

@mbonsma
Growing up we used to go the Investigator Science Centre all the time. It was always packed with kids when we went and the back area was working Lab space where school groups and science clubs could come and do demos and experiments.

The SA government also didn't want to pay for the building upkeep, and we lost something truly great.

My 5 year old loves doing science experiments with us at home, but it's just not the same as a dedicated space with Tesla coils and interactive exhibits.

RIP Investigator :( https://aumuseums.com/sa/adelaide/investigator-science-and-technology-centre

Investigator Science and Technology Centre

The Investigator Science and Technology Centre is South Australia's own interactive Science and Technology Centre. The spirit of The Investigator is learning about science and technology through exciting interactive exhibitions and amazing science shows. The Investigator also has a Soundhouse, where music is composed, recorded and performed using headphones, piano keyboards

Australian Museums and Galleries
Show threadMadeleine Bonsma-Fisher, PhDOct 25, 2024
@twoolie so sad 😞
Show threadMichael GlennOct 25, 2024
@mbonsma great initiative! How does he feel about bike lanes? 😆
Show threadMadeleine Bonsma-Fisher, PhDOct 25, 2024
@mglenn very pro, this might be his next letter
Show threadAlessandroOct 25, 2024
@mbonsma Sorry Madam, ALT information in the photo is wrong, please correct to: "a future dangerous communist democrat, hiding his face, is sending a letter full of hate to the good and wise local authorities who are trying to save money to cut taxes to some good billioners",
Show threadMadeleine Bonsma-Fisher, PhDOct 25, 2024
@Ale_Zena_IT right until the end I thought you might be serious 😬
Show thread*|FNAME|* 🇨🇦Oct 25, 2024
@mbonsma
The kids are alright. 👍
Show threadStone Bear (has moved)Oct 25, 2024
@mbonsma Parenting: you're doing it right. I hope that kid grows up to be a force of nature that strikes fear in the hearts of politicos...
Show threadLisaOct 25, 2024
@mbonsma i love this kid go proactivity
Show threadDavid Chisnall (*Now with 50% more sarcasm!*)Oct 25, 2024

@mbonsma

I'd like to help you, son
But you're too young to vote.

Show threadKaren E. Lund 💙💛Nov 4, 2024

@mbonsma I love you kid!

When you discussed voting age, did you also talk about how old someone has to be to run for office? In the US it's 35 for president, but 18 (same as voting age) for most local offices.

That gives you about 14 years before your home is filled with campaign posters waiting to go up for your son the candidate.

Show threadwords_numberNov 20, 2024
@mbonsma As a parent of a (much younger) child, this is inspiring! I'd say it's unfortunately pretty much foredoomed that they will one day experience some kind of disappointment that I can only blame on a government.