04-01-2004, 17:42
Elections need to be decided based on the issues at hand, not based on whether or not a candidate is likeable. Far too many people who vote know little or nothing about the policies they are supporting, or the events currently transpiring in the world. For example, there is a VERY significant chunk of the population which holds the beliefs that we found WMD in Iraq, that America had the support of the world in going to war in Iraq, and that Saddam Hussein was behind 9/11 and has strong ties to Al Qaeda.
Democracy can be taken too far - people who are not informed about current events should not be able to vote. By the resolution called "Making Elections Effective," part of the voter registration process would include an examination to test political awareness (this is NOT a literacy test - it is race blind and applies to all members of the electorate). Citizens who failed to pass the basic test of political awareness would not vote.
Yes, this is going to hurt some citizens, but part of being a good citizen is knowing what your country and your elected officials are doing. Elections need to be based on informed decisions. I urge support for this bill, as it will lead to more competent leaders in the nations which elect their leaders.
Democracy can be taken too far - people who are not informed about current events should not be able to vote. By the resolution called "Making Elections Effective," part of the voter registration process would include an examination to test political awareness (this is NOT a literacy test - it is race blind and applies to all members of the electorate). Citizens who failed to pass the basic test of political awareness would not vote.
Yes, this is going to hurt some citizens, but part of being a good citizen is knowing what your country and your elected officials are doing. Elections need to be based on informed decisions. I urge support for this bill, as it will lead to more competent leaders in the nations which elect their leaders.