Apathy 2
For the past 25 years it has been wondered why the young people of America have shared the same apathetic attitude towards politics as the older generation of Americans. Indeed, the issues concerning young voters are just as important as those concerning older voters. Why the newest voters choose to abstain their right has long been studied. While it has been proven that the vote of young people can make or a break an election, most candidates are reluctant to relate themselves to young people. When that Tuesday in November comes, young people choose not be heard, assuring themselves future neglect by the part of elected officials. There are reasons that young people do not vote, or get involved in political actions. They range from apathy to just plain not having enough time. One of the larger reasons is that most candidates are much older then those 18-25. This would put the generation gap in between candidates and the youthful voters. A 19 year old Trinity College student remarks about Bob Dole, I think he is making himself look older by speaking about certain issues we (young people) can not relate to. When asked to give an example the student stated, "he made a reference to World War I, I thought
Now the question will be asked that if only menial support needs to be showed to young people to get them out to the voting booths, is that that all they will ever be showed by the candidates? When asked about this new question student, and mother of one child Rebecca Smitten said "its kind of a double-edged sword. I dont want to show support for someone whose has mentioned little about my issues, but I dont want to not show any support at all either". However, there is hope that this trend will soon take a up-swing in favor of the young voters. While during the 96 election young voters had scant attention paid to them, that the elections to come in the future will have more for young people to work with. The fact that young people are showing up to the polls and making a difference in the out-come of races is giving them leverage for the future. Future candidates will appeal to new voters in more then one way however. For one example, candidates in the future will be closer to the age of young people. As young people grow out and into jobs they will have more financial status to be threatened. Now as we have new elections coming up in less than a year, what are candidates like, Bush, or Gore going to give to the youth of America? Even in 1996, even though Ross Perot has a dismal 5% overall, his support amongst the younger voters is in the double digits. There are many things that will make young people get involved. The biggest thing that gets the attention of youthful voters is the same thing that gets the attention of older voters, money. When the financial status of a young person is threatened, they are more likely to get involved in political activities. Issues such as student loans, tax cuts, minimum wage and Pell Grant minimums are issues that turn the heads of younger voters. Other issues that effect young people and make them get involved include birth control, use of tobacco products and A.I.D.S. research to name a few more. In 1991, Montanas state Legislature enacted a unique referendum. It allowed the states high school students to determine whether or not tobacco products should be sold to young people. In the turnout, a whopping 51,233
Some common words found in the essay are:
Bob Dole, Rebecca Smitten, Americans Indeed, Club SADD, Presidential Debates, Ross Perot, Montanas Legislature, America Lastly, Bill Clinton, Pell Grant, bob dole, bill clinton, youthful voters, issues effect people, involved political, support amongst, people involved, tobacco products, reason people, people people, ross perot,
Approximate Word count = 1462
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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