Ben & Jerry's Chairman Ben Cohen discusses spending priorities of the federal government and advocates for an increase in education spending and a reduction in the amount of money spent on the research and development of nuclear weapons. After a demonstration illustrating the comparative strength and size of the current nuclear arsenal of the U.S., Ben Cohen introduces the ice cream "American Pie." With the new flavor, the company is also supporting a political campaign to increase the amount of federal discretionary spending that is dedicated to education.

Discussion Questions

1. What is "discretionary spending?" Read definition.
2. What does each BB represent? Why does Ben Cohen use BBs for his demonstration? Is this a convincing way to illustrate his cause? Is it persuasive?
3. How seriously should we take Ben Cohen and the American Pie concept if profits from the sale of the ice cream will not be devoted to the cause the company is advocating/supporting? What value can corporations bring to public policy debate?
4. Activity: Have the students create an ice cream flavor to support a cause they believe in and would like to advance.
5. Education spending and planning is done at the state-level, and based on local funds, so why should the federal government increase spending on education?
6. Considering that education is a state concern, does the federal government have a responsibility to education? Or to increase education spending/allocation?
7. Looking at the various categories in the discretionary spending, and how the money is allocated; what are some different allotments that will ensure all of the U.S.'s obligations are met?
8. Create a new budget and justify your allocations. What are the consequences of your budget allocations?