the need for extreme reforms are what’s needed, I agree completely especially if the nation wants to begin moving in a direction of noticeable and radical change. These changes are going to take time, and perhaps with time the education system can become more productive and effective.

But once again, the social climate at present is far from able to offer the admirable vision you present, and which I support. It’s a matter of time, however, the nation isn’t ready for students to devise and pursue their own curriculum yet. Once the corporate reps are out of the picture, the country can begin to move toward what you describe. That would be welcome.

Best to you.

You, therefore, are placing up a straw man in your arguments with me, while I have never argued that everything should stay as it is now, but with the only difference being 16 year olds being able to vote. In fact, I go farther than my statements above in preferring direct, participatory democracy going from the community level upward. I see you are very invested authoritarian education systems; my views of children’s rights also transcend that, to schools democratically run by the students where they are free to pursue their own curriculum. I think one of the worst aspects of American education right now is not the funding, but the fact that in 14 or so states, children, especially boys, are still beaten at public schools. There are as many politically active, informed 19 year olds as there are 16 year olds, and they should all be allowed to vote, and vote on more than just which wealth-serving imperialists should get power.

Indeed it may be proven elsewhere, but it is NOT proven in the U.S. As that society is quickly closing, it’s doubtful the opportunity will be presented any time soon.

But this argument isn’t racial or sexual, now it’s just borderline comical.

Tell you what, let’s just permit that ALL the kids go out and vote, age is irrelevant. Then they, like their parents, can waste their time together imagining that they are making a difference in their fake, corporate democracy.

You see, it’s the “at least” part which really causes the footing to come loose.

What do you think about UNICEF, impartial? They ranked the U.S. 18 of 24 in educational effectiveness. Surprise, Austria finished higher! Plus, their Ministry keeps the system well funded and ahead of the curve having focused on a social approach since after WWII — 60 years of experience under their belt. So, I suppose if you can convince which ever corporate candidate who replaces the old one to cut funding from the military for educational purposes, and then prepare for a few decades, it just might work.

Whew.

I’m not trying to burst your bubble, for what’s been going on in other nations educationally is fantastic, it’d be great to see it in the U.S., I’m sure the whole world would agree. However, the climate for cultivating that kind of system isn’t represented in the U.S., sorry to inform you.

I guess a person is entitled to hope, though.

Best to you.

while those positive results occur in Austria and other places, they are built on different cultural value systems. Statistics conclusively reveal the amount of time kids spend on TV and video games, it’s an unfortunate and lamentable status quo. Take a trip around different communities and sample the environment, it’s not Austria or anywhere else.

With the apparent increase in awareness around the nation, perhaps that’s a possibility for the future. Contrary to what my words might indicate, I hold no prejudices against younger people. But at this point in time, I don’t see kids of 16 or younger being that savvy in the realms of politics or history.

I may be wrong.

Best to you.

In Austria and other places where the voting age was lowered to 16, it has revitalized democracy.

if we lower the voting age to 16, then just as many kids who are consumed by XBox and TV, and who know very little about politics and/or history, will vote as their parents and mentors do. It would result in the same analogy as religion; little Billy or Sally are Catholic because that´s the way their parents raised them. This perpetuates a structured and sculpted belief system, not one based on free or critical thinking, it would be even more corrupt than today. In time, which ever party affiliates have more progeny, that party would retain hegemony.

It´s not the legal voting age that needs to be lowered, for in a non-transparent one-party business system it is corruption that needs to be eliminated.

I appreciate your wanting to spread voting rights, but that proposal seems to move in the wrong direction, not toward a truly functional system.

Best to you.

People assume that ‘democracy’ is good, without first taking a closer look at their fellow voters…