Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Kids These Days

David and I were playing tennis at the Bainbridge Waterfront Park yesterday, and the high school crew team was busy putting boats away right next to us. They were loud and gangly, typical teenagers, until I overheard this phone conversation:

"Hey, do you want to come over and watch the debate between McCain and Obama on Friday? I really want to watch it, and then we can discuss it together".

"Sounds great!! I'm so excited. So, when do you want to study for math?"

When I was in high school, I didn't give a flying one about politics. I didn't feel like any of the issues affected me, plus, I wasn't old enough to vote. Now, it's all I can read about. I'm glad the tides are turning, and that young people are taking an interest in the Presidency, and the issues. It sounds like they are genuinely interested, not assigned to a homework project. I hope these well-informed young people sign up to vote in mass over the coming years, so young people can have a voice in government.

6 comments:

Colleen said...

That's encouraging to hear!! Wow. I'm impressed!

Dan-Eric Slocum said...

It's encouraging.. but voter turnout among the young is still HORRIFYING.

The OLDIES vote. The youngins-- not so much.

danielskiffington said...

Eric makes a good point. Even in the past when young people have been enthused (as they are this year) they still rarely vote.

- A - C - said...

I think it is a very positive sign, regardless of their going to vote this time (I do hope they do though).
Spreading awareness and education, letting young people to make up their mind on important topics for the country and the world is a paramount task.
Too many "unpleasantries" are happening because of a laissez-faire attitude towards politics.

Kristin said...

I agree, that more of them need to vote. I am very encouraged, though, that my 20 year old sister just registered, and my 17 year old brother, who will be 18 in a few weeks, is going to register as well. Go young people! You are our future!

danielskiffington said...

By The Associated Press

A look at voting patterns by age, from the 2004 presidential election:

Percentage of all eligible voters who cast ballots: 63.8.

Voting percentage of those 18-24: 46.7 (the age group least likely to vote).

Voting percentage of those 65-74: 73.3 (the age group most likely to vote).

Voting percentage of those 25 and older: 66.3.


Keep in mind this of REGISTERED voters. So the number of actual U.S. citizens who vote is much lower.