“It’s an odd thing, really, how so many in the generation that fights the wars take a pass on picking the people who start them. The generation that will be paying taxes for the most years abdicates on selecting the authors of tax policy. The kids who will be stuck with the bills don’t seem to care who runs them up … They may say the candidates never “connected with them.” Well, of course not. Candidates prefer connecting with people who vote. That’s why they work the senior centers instead of the gaming arcades and night clubs.”
As one of the young people Ron Dzwonkowski suggests doesn’t vote, it’s always disheartening to see the same tired meme of youth apathy constantly recycled. The problem hasn’t been that young people aren’t engaged in presidential elections, it’s that the choices previously offered were consistently disappointing. Another old white guy? And for many young people, myself included, George Bush has been our introduction to the presidency. The young are about idealism, which can be easily deflated by a politician winning on the crest of a strategy meant to bring out fear. Young people have finally found a candidate that inspires, excites, and engages them: Barack Obama. Everywhere I go, young voters are enthusiastic. This year will be one in which we see a massive increase in youth voting, and those who take our votes seriously. If there ever was a year for things to change, it’s 2008.
[...] The Detroit Free Press On The Youth Vote « [...]