There is only one way we are going to get our nation engaged in its own governance and that is to require that we have not only mandatory voting but mandatory service for a minimum of two years. It makes sense if we want to keep our democracy a vibrant growing movement. With too many there is a tendency to forget what it takes to have a free society. Well the voting and the service will refresh everyone's mind and heart as to why we have a democracy in the first place. Self rule has to have a foundation from which to thrive and voting, along with service, allows us to connect the dots as to why our politics matter. Life isn't just about chasing profits or a social life, it is also about a duty to a way of life that is an example for the rest of the world to emulate.
I know there are many detractors out there who think that too many are too ignorant to be involved in such heavy complex matters as choosing representatives or casting yeas and nays on policies. Yet when forced to learn we Americans are quick to the point. Just like when we must all pass a driving test we somehow learn to make it so. Voting is no different especially with the information available about our particular regions and the nation on whole. There may be a bump or two in the road at the beginning but the fear of starting to do something right should never stop us from doing it don't you agree?
So mandatory voting, I would eventually like to see the voting age dropped to 16 but for now mandatory voting at 18 and beyond with mandatory service is the best beginning. The mandatory service concept is to instill a sense of ownership into our youth as they grow and mature into our next generation of leaders. There is nothing like learning to walk in other people/s shoes to give perspective that is crucial to learning what life is like for more than ourselves or our particular group of people. The tremendous diversity we have within our borders requires us to become aware of the plight of the many and understand that what works for some doesn't work for others. Service gives us that with either military rostering or other civil duties as they are created. Mandatory voting, with a benefit for voting and a cost for not voting plus serving our nation in some capacity that gives us perspective beyond our own self. We need this here in America.
I know there are many detractors out there who think that too many are too ignorant to be involved in such heavy complex matters as choosing representatives or casting yeas and nays on policies. Yet when forced to learn we Americans are quick to the point. Just like when we must all pass a driving test we somehow learn to make it so. Voting is no different especially with the information available about our particular regions and the nation on whole. There may be a bump or two in the road at the beginning but the fear of starting to do something right should never stop us from doing it don't you agree?
So mandatory voting, I would eventually like to see the voting age dropped to 16 but for now mandatory voting at 18 and beyond with mandatory service is the best beginning. The mandatory service concept is to instill a sense of ownership into our youth as they grow and mature into our next generation of leaders. There is nothing like learning to walk in other people/s shoes to give perspective that is crucial to learning what life is like for more than ourselves or our particular group of people. The tremendous diversity we have within our borders requires us to become aware of the plight of the many and understand that what works for some doesn't work for others. Service gives us that with either military rostering or other civil duties as they are created. Mandatory voting, with a benefit for voting and a cost for not voting plus serving our nation in some capacity that gives us perspective beyond our own self. We need this here in America.
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