Should they lower the legal voting age?

[hollow_eyes]

It has become increasingly obvious that teenagers and young adults are more socially and politically aware than ever before. This can be attributed to the rise of the internet and the imminent exposure of young adults to the various issues ingrained in their societies and on a global level

Comments

[some_young_guy]

Let us say, hypothetically, that 16 year olds can vote.

"It has become increasingly obvious that teenagers and young adults are more socially and politically aware than ever before. This can be attributed to the rise of the internet and the imminent exposure of young adults to the various issues ingrained in their societies and on a global level.

Teenagers and young adults are the largest demographic using modern media. The internet, the cell phone, music and comedy television programs and audio recordings of their favourite artists are pretty much a prerequisite for any teenager's social life.

However it's not all fun and games. With this huge connection to the biggest providers of information in our time comes a responsibility: knowledge. Luckily, many teenagers see knowledge as a privilege and discussion about world issues and politics is common in many social groups.

The life style of an 16 yr old varies very little from that of a 15 yr old. Most 16 yr olds watch the same movies, play the same video games and even attend the same parties that many 15 yr olds do. But yet there is one glaring difference between the two age groups.

16 yr olds get to vote... we don't."

Et cetera.

If 16 year olds were allowed to vote on the grounds that they were not very different from 18 year olds, then one could continue that argument until the day came that people are voting briefly after leaving the womb. A line must be drawn somewhere, and as arbitrary as 18 might seem, it seems to have worked fairly well thus far. Quit whining and wait two years. This coming government will probably fall apart by then.

[hollow_eyes]

Wait doesn't that kind of poo-poo every civil rights movement in history? I mean, the womans suffrage and the racial suffrage were movements to end descrimination and to earn equality as voting citizens of their state. I don't see how restricting people's rights to vote over something they can't control (age) isn't also a form of descrimination. When the government says that people under 18 are not allowed to vote, they are saying that we are somehow less than the regular citizens who are allowed to vote.

I'm saying sixteen year olds should be allowed to vote (and the civics educational curriculum should be expanded) because we will need the responsibilities and freedoms when our world changes rapidly with the retirement of the baby boomer age. We can't have half the population in school or in a nursing home, we simply can't support them. We deserve the vote because it is US that is inhereting the world and so far nobody has acknowledged that. This is why all you see is old white guys leading the world, none of them are contemporary, they all seem to be caught up in issues in the past. Younger people need more control over their futures, simply to keep the nation going.

And your choice of language "whining" and your sarcastic comments are invaluable to this debate.

[hoboxcore]

No, you're just whining.

Calling the plight of snotty-nosed brats, who, in large part, don't even want to vote (fuck, even I wouldn't vote in this upcoming election on that good ol' 23rd), equivalent to women's suffrage is absolutely ridiculous.

Suck it up, princess.

[hollow_eyes]

1) I never said it was equivalent, I said not allowing people to vote based on their age rather then their character is indeed DISCRIMINATION.

2) Plight of snotty nosed brats? What the fuck? This isn't even my plight, it's a discussion. God knows I know it's a distant reality IF that. Why you guys are getting so wound up over an opinion is beyond me. If you don't agree, say so, but defend your reasons with actual content rather then blasting off a bunch of meaningless insults that add nothing to this discussion, because frankly you're making yourself look like an idiot.

3) And your experience alone can determine whether or not all 16 yr olds are not interested in voting?

And FYI, whining pertains to complaining in a childish fashion. I've backed up my reasons and asked for your opinions, not a personal assault, I don't see how attempting to start and intelligent discussion is in any way whining.

[some_young_guy]

1) By that logic, not allowing a politically enthusiastic 4 year old to vote is discrimination. You make the kind of sense that makes no sense. Idiot.

2) No, you already look like an idiot, and we are pointing that out. Idiot.

3) Was that a question or a statement? I don't understand. Idiot.

And FYI, you have not backed up your opinions, and you are complaining in a childish fashion, young man. I see nothing intelligent about this discussion. Idiot.

Man that felt good. Idiot.

[hollow_eyes]

1) If one is able to properly judge things based on their character rather then their physical attributes or age, then by all means they should be allowed to vote. As i've stated a few times, they SHOULD EXPAND THE CIVICS CURRICULUM to get more kids involved. I never said it was a reality, I'm saying that we're in a point and time where younger people need to be more involved because the world is in rapid change. If we continue living like it's the 1990's, with frivolous consumer lifestyles our economy and enviroment WILL crash. Since our generation and our children will suffer the most, WE NEED TO GET INVOLVED. Again, THIS IS ALL MY OPINION, IF YOU DO NOT AGREE PLEASE INTELLIGENTLY BREAK DOWN MY ARGUMENT IN A POLITE AND NON-HOSTILE MANNER!

2) Well I guess I can't respond to that. If you've pegged me out to be an idiot and will disregard my opinions based on that bias, it's unfortunate and regretful because I truly do respect your opinions and have no problem debating with you in a civil manner.

3) It was both, a rhetorical question with sarcastic undertones. I know my bad, emotions and rhetoric don't transcend well when communicating through cold emotionless boxes.

4) I don't see how I havn't backed up my opinions and how i'm whining and being childish. I really have no comment.

I really don't know where all this hostility is coming from. Either i've said something to personally offend you (and if that is the case, it was not my intent and I apologize) or you are angry at me for other reasons. I must say it is unfortunate because I considered you a friend and enjoyed the times we've spend in discussion and socializing. I must ask you to stop this tirade against me, because I really would like to get back to discussing the matter at hand and not my actual character.

And if i'm doing something wrong here that is justifying all this hostility than i'd love to know it.

I guess only on the internet can you get verbally assaulted and ripped into for having an opinion...

[cadence_amend]

Pretty slow for 23...

[hollow_eyes]

I can't be the judge of that, but i'm sure you're underestimating yourself :).