One of our most fundamental tasks as adults is to introduce young people to the importance of politics today and historically. It’s not always an easy task, especially because for young people “history” means no further back than yesterday.
I’m a retired journalist who covered politics for years and still loves political drama including debates in Congress and the Iowa General Assembly. But in a nation of more than 330 million residents, we voters this fall face the prospect of choosing between two presidential candidates who are bad for America, the question Professor Goldford’s students ask is relevant. Given the potential Republican presidential alternatives to Donald Trump, primary voters rejected more qualified candidates. Students cannot be faulted to turning away from election and politics.
I appreciate Mr. Coon's perspective here, but my concern has to do with his very last sentence: "Students cannot be faulted to turning away from election and politics." The point is that SOMEONE is going to be elected president and, barring extraordinary circumstances, that someone will be either Mr. Biden or Mr. Trump even if one thinks others would be better candidates. Turning away from the election and politics because of not liking either of the two does not change that fact. So the question is, do young people—even all citizens—want to have a voice or do they not?
Professor Goldford misunderstands my last sentence. As a retired journalist who has covered politics for decades and voted in every election, of course, I support the right of people to vote. But Americans also have the right not to vote if they choose--unlike many other nations where voting is mandatory and citizens are subjected to fines if they do not show up at the polls. My point was very clear. It is not surprising that many young people feel disillusioned given the mediocrity of the slate of candidates for elective office. So to answer Professor Goldford’s question, “do young people…want to have a voice or do they not?” That is their right to choose. Simple as that.
I’m a retired journalist who covered politics for years and still loves political drama including debates in Congress and the Iowa General Assembly. But in a nation of more than 330 million residents, we voters this fall face the prospect of choosing between two presidential candidates who are bad for America, the question Professor Goldford’s students ask is relevant. Given the potential Republican presidential alternatives to Donald Trump, primary voters rejected more qualified candidates. Students cannot be faulted to turning away from election and politics.
I appreciate Mr. Coon's perspective here, but my concern has to do with his very last sentence: "Students cannot be faulted to turning away from election and politics." The point is that SOMEONE is going to be elected president and, barring extraordinary circumstances, that someone will be either Mr. Biden or Mr. Trump even if one thinks others would be better candidates. Turning away from the election and politics because of not liking either of the two does not change that fact. So the question is, do young people—even all citizens—want to have a voice or do they not?
Professor Goldford misunderstands my last sentence. As a retired journalist who has covered politics for decades and voted in every election, of course, I support the right of people to vote. But Americans also have the right not to vote if they choose--unlike many other nations where voting is mandatory and citizens are subjected to fines if they do not show up at the polls. My point was very clear. It is not surprising that many young people feel disillusioned given the mediocrity of the slate of candidates for elective office. So to answer Professor Goldford’s question, “do young people…want to have a voice or do they not?” That is their right to choose. Simple as that.
I completely agree that it is anyone's right to choose not to vote. The question is whether that's a wise choice.
"You may not care about politics but politics cares about you."
FYI: I interviewed you a number of times when I was a newspaper reporter in Iowa.
John,
That's the perfect quote. Thanks for adding it. And I do recall our interviews from long ago.
Are you in Des Moines?
If people have time to read only one column today I hope it is this one, Dennis. Thank you.
Kathi, that's very sweet of you to say.