Date: 10/31/2004 8:31:00 PM
From Authorid: 42522
18 is the perfect age to begin voting. After all, the younger generation will shape our future. We are the future leaders of the world. We have to start somewhere.  |
Date: 10/31/2004 8:33:00 PM
From Authorid: 53689
Considering that at 18, this nation doesn't consider you too young to go to war, then no, you aren't too young to have a say in something that influences your future.  |
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Date: 10/31/2004 8:37:00 PM
From Authorid: 42522
Awesome point tarheel girl! If were old enough to defend our country, then we should be old enough to pick who will run it. |
Date: 10/31/2004 8:37:00 PM
From Authorid: 28190
I agree with Barbie... If 18 is old enough to go into the military, and possibly die for your country, its old enough to vote. Maybe not all of them research the views of the running parties, but that doesnt mean that they all just blindly go and just check a name. I will agree that at 18, we don't know all about life, but it does have to start somewhere, and by law the age of 18 is deemed adulthood.   |
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Date: 10/31/2004 8:40:00 PM
From Authorid: 28190
Tarheel said it better than I did.. Her reply wasnt there when I started mine, or I would have just said I agreed.. LOL |
Date: 10/31/2004 9:04:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 34487
Actually, I think 18 is too young to go to war and I think 16 is too young to drive. I think voting and enlisting in the military, shouldn't begin until at least 21.  |
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Date: 10/31/2004 9:11:00 PM
From Authorid: 53689
If the legal ages for driving, voting, or joining the military were raised to 21, then a few years down the road, people would be saying that 21 was too young. It happens everytime one of these age limits are raised. As for 18 year olds not focusing on the issues, well, most people in general don't focus on the issues. Just this year, here at usm, I've seen people focus on the silliest things. Even down to Kerry and Edward's hairstyle..lol. Majority of Americans just don't bother to research the canidates no matter what their age. |
Date: 10/31/2004 9:15:00 PM
From Authorid: 54444
Hmmm! Let me think...At eighteen I can drive a car, live on my own away from my parents, buy and drink alcohol, own a home, have a full time job, go to war and die for my country, pay taxes, have and raise children...yeah (tongue-in-cheek) its probably much too young for me to vote.  |
Date: 10/31/2004 9:17:00 PM
From Authorid: 62146
I personly think peopel should start voting sooner teen suicide probbly could be prevented if people listened to them some more. I think 16 should be the legal age I know some people wont argrue with me but to tell you the truth it is killing me seeing people go into power that I do not want in power. it effects me to.  |
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Date: 10/31/2004 9:18:00 PM
From Authorid: 62146
btw some people under the age of 18 can acctaully see the "big piture" alot more clearly than those over 18 i have known some very irrasponsible adults and some very responsible teenagers. |
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Date: 10/31/2004 9:30:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 34487
ManofAsgard...I don't know where you live that you can buy and drink alcohol at 18 but it's not anywhere around my neck of the woods. As for what I said above, I stand by that...MOST 18 yr olds are too young to vote. They tend to vote according to how their friends or parents are. Sorry but it's what I've seen time and time again. |
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Date: 10/31/2004 9:34:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 34487
TarheelGirl...I don't know about that, I think having 21 set as the minimum for buying and drinking alcohol, serving in the armed forces and voting makes sense. A person is still young at 21 but they've been out in the world on their own in most cases...for at least a few years at that point. As for driving...18 would be MUCH more acceptable than 16 in my opinion. People do IN GENERAL though, get wiser with age. |
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Date: 10/31/2004 9:40:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 34487
CosmicFreak...You're entitled to your opinion but I will say that I think 16 is totally unacceptable for voting. Looking back at when I was 16, there is NO WAY they have the time or interest to be involved in politics and informed enough to make such an important decision. They would simply...vote according to how their parents vote or friends vote. 18 isn't much better and in general...most 18 yr olds DON'T look at all of the issues at hand prior to voting. |
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Date: 10/31/2004 9:40:00 PM
From Authorid: 28190
I agree with ya there YC, but I also agree with Tarheel.. If they were to raise the ages, a few years down the road, people would be saying 21 is too young to do such and such, and it would end up turning into a ridiculous situation. The reason we have things set the way they are, is because it's stepping stones into responsibility. At 16 we are able to learn how to be responsible with a licence, and the use of a vehicle. Granted there are a lot of teens that take advantage of that responsibility or do not take into account the huge risks involved. But then again there are a lot that do. At 18, we are deemed responsible enough to live on our own if we so choose to, and take care of ourselves. That alone gives us a right to have a say in who our leaders are, and which path we choose to take in life, be it military or not. And at 21 we are deemed responsible to drinking Alcohol. Now in each one of these categories, there are people that do not handle that responsibility as they should. Sometimes it's all about what maturity level a person is at, but still to fit the whole country. Same goes for voting, I have known people over the age of 50 to not research out who they are voting for and what issues the party has. They just vote, and as an American that is, unfortunately, their right. It would be nice if we were required to do so, but that would go against our freedom of choice. Basically it's done the best way that it can be, for everyone. |
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Date: 10/31/2004 9:43:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 34487
KornGurl...thanks for your insight. I still however, feel that these age limits are not set correctly. I'm just going from my personal experiences in life and from those around me. |
Date: 10/31/2004 10:01:00 PM
From Authorid: 53961
I go along with the old enough to enlist, old enough to vote and all other adult things, including paying taxes, getting credit, getting married, buying alcohol and cigarettes (unfortunately), etc. If you're old enough to put your life on the line for your country then you deserve the benefits of an adult.  |
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Date: 10/31/2004 10:02:00 PM
From Authorid: 53961
But - if you have adult rights, then you face adult consequences for your actions - negative or positive. |
Date: 10/31/2004 10:48:00 PM
From Authorid: 26452
I think that its a fine age, you are legally an adult, just because of the way YOU were when you were 18 doesn't mean that all 18 year olds are like that. So if it takes decades, what do you think is the right voting age? 30? I am younger then 18 and look at the "big picture", I am very interested in whats going on in our counrty for everyones benefits, not just for things that would benefit me.  |
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Date: 10/31/2004 10:50:00 PM
From Authorid: 26452
Amanda made a very good point, it isn't just 18 year olds that don't look at ALL the issues.. |
Date: 10/31/2004 10:53:00 PM
From Authorid: 62267
LMAO this is crazy...no not too young...  |
Date: 10/31/2004 11:23:00 PM
From Authorid: 62887
I agree...with some 18 year olds...you could win votes by throwing a free concert ~~Distraught~~  |
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Date: 11/1/2004 3:54:00 AM
From Authorid: 62226
most peolpe who are 18 don't vote and the ones who do usualy care enough to consiner all the issues ,and from all points of view I might add, because most are not as opinionated as the older generations (yet). I'm proud to exercise my right to vote and have done so in every election I was eligable for. |
Date: 11/1/2004 3:59:00 AM
From Authorid: 62226
"most 18 yr olds DON'T look at all of the issues at hand prior to voting." ?speaking from experience or did you not vote when you were 18-19?
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Date: 11/1/2004 4:01:00 AM
From Authorid: 62226
(don't get me wrong i'm not trying to be offensive ,just make a point ,good post. |
Date: 11/1/2004 6:49:00 AM
From Authorid: 62675
If you are old enough to go off and fight and maybe die for the leader of this country you sure the heck have the right to help pick that leader!!  |
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Date: 11/1/2004 8:32:00 AM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 34487
MoonAngel...I got my first job at 8 yrs old...YEP, believe it or not. I worked for a neighbor in their print-shop cleaning up and he gave me a little cash for doing so. I also worked while in highschool...I was often told I seemed older than my age. Even with all of that, I still feel I was too young to make an objective decision on voting. I know MOST 18 yr olds, regardless of how they are raised...are too YOUNG to vote. You are right about older people not always being informed but in general, they've just seen more and done more to bring them to a more realistic conclusion. I do appreciate your opinion though. |
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Date: 11/1/2004 8:33:00 AM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 34487
Freaq..."this is crazy," Oh really, then why did you bother responding here? Maybe it's YOUR view that is crazy? Could be. |
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Date: 11/1/2004 8:38:00 AM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 34487
Distraught...A BIG THANKS to you...for getting what I'm talking about here. I mean, when a person is 18 their priorities aren't going to be what they are after they've lived life a little more. In general, young people are more EASILY influenced because they are just that...new to more things. It's not a bad thing, it's just reality. It has it pro's and con's. Thanks for adding your comment here. |
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Date: 11/1/2004 8:43:00 AM ( Admin-DNL )
I think 18 is a good age to vote. Although it really wouldn't make much of a difference if the voting age were hired since most of us in the 18-25 range don't even bother voting anyways. I think the younger generation should have a say in what goes on our in country though, it is too bad so many aren't exercising that right. |
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Date: 11/1/2004 8:45:00 AM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 34487
Simplexity...As a matter of fact, I didn't vote when I was that young. I'm GLAD I didn't either. I probably would've just voted as my friends or family did...as many very young people will. When I was 18, I thought I knew a bit about politics but I neither had the time or the DEEP interest, to do the required research to make an objective decision. I'm sorry but that's just reality for MOST, very young people. They might find the election somewhat interesting or have a liking to one candidate over the other...but how many of them ACTUALLY review bills proposed by candidates, review a candidates policies, past voting records, agenda and so on? I mean please, a lot of adults don't do it and you think that most kids are gonna be that motivated? I don't think so. I'm not only speaking from experience here but from what I've seen all around me everywhere, time and time again. It's just the way it is. It's not meant to be rude because it's not a put-down, it's just the truth. Thanks for your thoughts. |
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Date: 11/1/2004 8:48:00 AM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 34487
I now see that I should've elaborated on the fact that I also feel 18 is too young to go to war, since so many are bringing up that same issue of "old enough to go to war, old enough to vote." That is true and I agree but I also feel the age for both of these should be at least 21. |
Date: 11/1/2004 10:47:00 AM
From Authorid: 60685
I agree in raising the military enlisting age to 21, as for driving and alcohol I see no sense in changing the laws, cause unfortunately even with 21 being the legal drinking age and 16 the legal driving age aren't some kids already drinking and driving at 12??? Raising the ages it's just gonna give young people more reason to rebel. Now, as for voting, many of you were young once and got to vote at 18, I think young people are being taken for granted, 18 is old enough to make an informed decision, the mass shouldn't be judged on a few bad apples and as for not living enough to know what's right, well that's what history is for. And on another note there are older people who vote without being informed, that are more fanatics than anything else, so you see, it's not only limited to teens.  |
Date: 11/1/2004 11:06:00 AM
From Authorid: 62579
I think it is a good age to vote. I think that 16 is to young to drive.  |
Date: 11/1/2004 11:21:00 AM
From Authorid: 35720
If you're old enough to die for your country, you're old enough to participate in the politics of it.  |
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Date: 11/1/2004 11:24:00 AM
From Authorid: 35720
I see that you've already brought that factor up. Eighteen year olds are not babies. They are considers adults. Just because they are not allowed to drink alcohol makes them no less of adults that anyone else. That's crap. Some eighteen year olds are involved more in politics than some forty year olds! It doesn't matter. Eighteen is the age stated in the Constitution anyway. |
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Date: 11/1/2004 11:26:00 AM
From Authorid: 35720
AND ALSO.. who are you to judge how much an 18 year old has lived their life? Just because they are 18 doesn't mean they are the same as the rest of the same-aged population.. other 18-year-olds have different experiences.. some 18 years olds, I'm sure, have been through things FAR beyond their years. I'm not trying to be a smart alec or anything, but just putting it in a different point of view I guess. |
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Date: 11/1/2004 12:32:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 34487
Skylar...although we disagree, I thank you for your input. |
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Date: 11/1/2004 12:34:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 34487
Well Rika, that's all good and fine but I'm talking about the MAJORITY of them and the MAJORITY of them...aren't ready to make those kinds of decisions in my opinion. I'm not judging anyone either...it's just reality. |
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Date: 11/1/2004 12:38:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 34487
As far as the issue of the constitution...well, a lot has changed since then. When it was written, the average age a person married was probably about 16. |
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Date: 11/1/2004 12:39:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 34487
Thanks for your comments everyone. |
Date: 11/1/2004 2:28:00 PM
From Authorid: 62476
18 is right. Why would you go to war to DIE for your country yet can't elect who the president was. What would be the point of the amendent that says it then? What would be the point of the protests to lower it? I think 18 is perfect  |
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Date: 11/1/2004 2:38:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 34487
Thanks for your opinion...once again though, I also think going to war at 18 is also too young. |
Date: 11/1/2004 3:38:00 PM
From Authorid: 30229
I agree with the masses here... 18 year olds go to college, they can get married, they can have families, they can go to war, and they can vote. I know a LOT of 18 year old people who have MORE insight than 'so-called adults' and who DO their research to vote for the Candidate of their choice, it is their RIGHT. Thank God for our Rights  |
Date: 11/1/2004 3:52:00 PM
From Authorid: 62787
see, this is what i hate. we are stereotyped. when some bad apple drives a car like a maniac and gets hit or hits, it makes us all look bad. what about the decent and responsible kids? the ones who are smart enough to know the dangers of driving? of joining the armed forces? voting? many people, including those over 18, dont 'reseach what bills the president has proposed'....by what i saw, i wouldnt vote for either if i were 18. so choose, YOU should take in account that not ALL 18 year olds are 'too young'...not ALL 16 year olds are 'too young to drive. focus on the positives, not the negatives. *im 15 by the way and am capable of making good choices and know the consequences* - Blade of the Samurai  |
Date: 11/2/2004 8:51:00 AM
From Authorid: 4144
i'm not angry! i agree with you.  |
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Date: 11/2/2004 6:15:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 34487
Blade...you obviously missed the times I've numerously said "MOST 18 yr olds." I'm not stereotyping at all here, it's just a fact that due to being younger they've seen less and been through less. If you want to feel that facts are stereotypical, that's your choice but that's not what this post is for or about. I'm MORE than aware than SOME 18 yr olds are very mature but it's obvious that most will not be, since they haven't lived as long. |
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Date: 11/2/2004 6:17:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 34487
Thanks MomaBug...it's nice to have a few people agree with me on this and I'm glad it didn't anger you. |
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Date: 11/2/2004 6:19:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 34487
Thank you everyone else that I didn't personally address...I just felt I'd answered those issues in my general comment above. :O) |
Date: 11/4/2004 5:10:00 AM
From Authorid: 47296
I missed this post, but will respond anyway. I first enlisted in the service at 17, though I did not go on ative duty until after graduation at 18. My high school years were spent preparing for college, which included classes on current events, history, and economics. In other words, we had to know what was going in the world and what had been going on in order to sucessfully complete our classes. At 18, I could legally drink and buy cigarettes, because the laws were different then. I did vote for the first time in 1980, voting absentee for Reagan. Is 18 too young? At 18 the courts no longer veiw you as a juvenile, but as an adult. Those who do not go on to college join the American workforce. Many have already filed their first income tax return, from part time jobs they held in school. If they are working, paying taxes, and adding to the coffers of our government, then yes, they do have the right to vote.  |
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Date: 11/4/2004 8:26:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 34487
TS...you were definitely the exception to the rule. I don't know many 18 yr olds that were as responsible, knowledgable or wise as you obviously were at such a young age. You've proven though, that yes SOME 18 yr olds are capable of making informed choices. I think as time goes on though, not as much is expected of kids as it was even 20 yrs ago. Maybe, they simply don't have enough responsibility? I'm not sure why but I think in general, 18 seems to young. Thanks for adding your personal experience here, it does shed new light on this subject. |
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Date: 11/5/2004 12:54:00 AM
From Authorid: 28190
You know, Thinking back on this.. I thought about another point into this equation. Twenty years ago there wasn't as many resources to reasearch candidates as there are today. Therefore, when you were 18, yes they may have been more ignorant to a lot of the world. (Not saying you were 18 twenty years ago, I know you arent that old...just in case you think I meant that).... Today, we have 24 hour news coverage, on all kinds of current events. And if we can't get the information from the t.v. then we have newspapers, magazines, and the best option, the internet. Today, the younger population have a more widespread accessibility to the information that is out there. There are even Government classes in schools too, now. So, all in all, I think the resources are there for 18 year olds and older people, if they choose to look. But a lot of the people do not take advantage of these options, 18 year olds and older. So, again, Is 18 too young to vote? Absolutely not. |
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Date: 11/6/2004 7:01:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 34487
Korngurl...that is an excellent point, thanks for bringing that up. |
