YouBoob-Too uninformed to vote?

NRO ^ | 1 Aug 07 | Jonah Goldberg

[GATOR NAVY]

There's no reason to assume that the quality of government would be improved if everyone voted. I'd rather someone who doesn't care doesn't vote.

[rocksblues]

Here is a ridiculous opinion column on they same subject.

An alternate way to reach the voters
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
By MARIA ELENA SALINAS

http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk0MDAmZmdiZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTcxNzY1MTImeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkxNA==

The July 23 YouTube/CNN debate among Democratic presidential contenders was an innovative alternative. Having actual voters asking very direct questions on video, via the Internet, instead of polished journalists asking well-thought-out, methodical questions gave the debate a sense of freshness. It’s the 21st century, and — let’s face it — technologically speaking, that’s the way to go. You have to reach voters through the Internet, on their cell phones or even on their iPods. But wait — don’t throw out the moderator just yet.

Anderson Cooper did a great job with his straightforward follow-up questions, keeping the candidates on track.

[rocksblues]

Geez! they=the!

[Tallguy]

Why not test people on the basic functions of government? Immigrants have to pass a test to vote; why not all citizens?

I think the courts hold that any test of civic knowledge amounts to a "poll tax" and therefore it won't happen until the courts get a dictionary.

[lowbridge]

"Can you name all three branches of government?"

The Executive (the White House), The Legislative (the Senate and Congress), and the Judicial (the Supreme court).

"Do you know who your congressman is?"

Steve Israel.

"Your senators?"

Hillary Clinton and Chuck Schumer (hanging my head in shame)

"Do you even know how many senators each state gets?"

Two.

[ari-freedom]

that’s great except the fact that you live in california! :)

[3AngelaD]

Blame for these amazing levels of ignorance needs to be placed squarely on our public schools. Eighth grade students ought to be able to answer those questions in order to enter high school.

[clamper1797]

More than two thirds can’t explain the gist of what the Food and Drug Administration does.

I don't know why it even exists

[brityank]

 
 
 

[lowbridge]

that’s great except the fact that you live in california! :)

Only according to this map...

[Old Sarge]

This is NOT to YOU, Gator...

And yet, to suggest that maybe some people just shouldn’t vote is considered the height of un-Americanism.

How about illegal aliens? Shouldl they vote?

How about the dead? Should they vote?

How about mush-brained teens who can't think for themselves? Should they vote?

And then, soldiers deployed overseas SHOULD be allowed to vote - but that doesn't always happen (Florida 2000)...

[SeanOGuano]

I got 350 points.

[brityank]

As did I; I would be very surprised if anyone from FReeperland got less than 300.

[adorno]

that’s great except the fact that you live in california! :)

And the difference is.... ?

[SeanOGuano]

My mother is from Great Yarmouth. That’s why I knew the answers and also why I have very good table manners.

[Riley]

Ask me how cricket works and I’m likely to respond with the same blank, uncomprehending stare my old basset hound used to give me when I asked him to chase a Frisbee.

I asked his old basset hound how Cricket worked, and got quite a comprehensive, lucid answer. He's a basset; they don't do 'Frisbee', for Pete's sake.

On a more serious note- I'm reminded of Hannity's Man-in-the-Street interviews. None of the respondents know fecal matter from shoe polish, but they all know that they're going to pull the lever for whoever the Dem candidate is.

When asked- they have no clue why.

[Jacquerie]

From the article: Instead of making it easier to vote, maybe we should be making it harder.

Those on the dole, in public housing should not be voting. Many of our country's woes stem from the effects of non-producers voting to relieve the producers of their hard earned income. In fact, there could be no Democrat party without such parasites.

[It Aint Easy]

You scored 349 out of 350 possible points, or 99.71%

I didn’t know that was maddonna

[GATOR NAVY]

I didn't like that suggestion either. My objection to a civics knowledge test of any kind is because of the question "who gets to write the test?" Say you live in a liberal enclave and one of the questions is "True or False-the Constitution is living, breathing document."

But in any case, I see no reason to push those without interest to vote.

[Nuc1]

Talk about shame...my senate critters are Sanders and Laehy! At least you can hold your head higher than mine!