On a recent National Public Radio program some alarming statistics were cited. They said that when 18 - 20 year-olds were first empowered to vote, close to 50% who registered actually voted. In the last Presidential election, only 27% of thos registered actually voted. So it seems we have a problem with Registeration first and then we have to get thme to the polls to vote. When I was in High School (pre-historic times), we were required to take two semesters of a course called Civics, basically we learned about our government, how it works, and even though at that time our parents had to fight to vote (And many could not because they had to be landowners, pay a poll tax, etc.); we were encouraged to participate. As a matter of fact, I was on a debating team. One of our subjects was: "Should We Abolish the Electoral College?" We had to study the subject from both sides because we did not know until the debate started which side we were to take. I participated in three debates on this topic and I have never forgotten. This was a major encouragement to me to register and vote in every election since. I think that we must educate our children about the workings and process of government and they will want to vote. What do you think?

Be Blessed

-- Anonymous, September 11, 2004

Answers

I agree with you. We should teach our children the power of one vote, multiplied by many.

Show them examples of peoplel in outher countires that don't have the rights that we do.

Then show them by the example of going to the polls and voting. Show them by making them volunteer in a local election.

-- Anonymous, September 13, 2004

Hip-hop mogul Sean "P-Diddy" Combs has formed a new group which is seeking to end voter apathy and maximize voter turnout of young men and women 18-30. While I think their slogan is a bit over the top, "Vote or Die", I do applaud Jennifer Lopez's ex-beau at recognizing the importance of taking part in this important civic duty. QED

-- Anonymous, September 14, 2004