The Age of Politics
From the Editor
Katie Leist
Issue date: 2/3/10 Section: Opinion
With its diversity of opinions and convictions, the political sector includes an assortment of individuals. Today, politicians come in many forms - republicans, democrats, conservatives, liberals, conformists, radicals. However, although those interested in politics are of differing races and ethnicities and come from all walks of life the majority have at least one thing in common - age.
In examining the current political atmosphere in the United States it is no surprise that a large quantity of politicians are over the age of fifty. In order to better understand this generalization it is helpful to examine the current United States government. After further examining the current United States Senate one is able to see that approximately twenty-three senators are in their seventies, thirty-three are in their sixties, thirty are in their fifties, and only ten are in their forties. Although the minimum required age for senators is thirty, the previous statistics show the lack of youth in today's senate. For instance, the longest serving United States Senator, Robert C. Byrd (Democrat, West Virginia) has served for fifty years and is currently ninety-two years old. (Information retrieved from www.senate.gov)
Cleary, with age comes the wisdom, understanding and experience that is needed in politics. In no way am I suggesting that politicians older than fifty are useless or that they should be removed from office. Instead, I am simply attempting to bring awareness to today's youth in hopes of encouraging increased interest and participation in politics.
As part of this generation of politically disinterested young adults, I too am lacking in political awareness, understanding and activism. Although I have established my own set of beliefs and convictions I am well aware that I have much to learn. Too often I find myself captivated by celebrity news or monitoring the success of professional athletes. Clearly the lives of these overpaid and overrated (in most instances) individuals have no impact on my life. The latest celebrity hook-ups and break-ups do not draw attention to current wartime conflicts, nor do steroid scandals provide insight into the national healthcare debate or do record breaking movie sales solve the economic difficulties facing the United States. Nevertheless, the entertainment value, along with the ease of subject matter and lack of intellectual power needed to follow such news has many young adults hooked. Instead of focusing on the current War on Terror, the national healthcare debate or the troubled economic state of our country attention is diverted to the world of entertainment.
By no means am I demanding the entertainment world be cast aside. Instead, I am simply encouraging my generation to pick up a newspaper - or rather search the internet and browse one of the many online newspapers - and pay attention to the world of politics. Become aware of current events, take a position on a variety of issues such as education, taxes, world relations, and/or political elections, and most importantly voice your opinions, support those you agree with and encourage others to do the same.
In examining the current political atmosphere in the United States it is no surprise that a large quantity of politicians are over the age of fifty. In order to better understand this generalization it is helpful to examine the current United States government. After further examining the current United States Senate one is able to see that approximately twenty-three senators are in their seventies, thirty-three are in their sixties, thirty are in their fifties, and only ten are in their forties. Although the minimum required age for senators is thirty, the previous statistics show the lack of youth in today's senate. For instance, the longest serving United States Senator, Robert C. Byrd (Democrat, West Virginia) has served for fifty years and is currently ninety-two years old. (Information retrieved from www.senate.gov)
Cleary, with age comes the wisdom, understanding and experience that is needed in politics. In no way am I suggesting that politicians older than fifty are useless or that they should be removed from office. Instead, I am simply attempting to bring awareness to today's youth in hopes of encouraging increased interest and participation in politics.
As part of this generation of politically disinterested young adults, I too am lacking in political awareness, understanding and activism. Although I have established my own set of beliefs and convictions I am well aware that I have much to learn. Too often I find myself captivated by celebrity news or monitoring the success of professional athletes. Clearly the lives of these overpaid and overrated (in most instances) individuals have no impact on my life. The latest celebrity hook-ups and break-ups do not draw attention to current wartime conflicts, nor do steroid scandals provide insight into the national healthcare debate or do record breaking movie sales solve the economic difficulties facing the United States. Nevertheless, the entertainment value, along with the ease of subject matter and lack of intellectual power needed to follow such news has many young adults hooked. Instead of focusing on the current War on Terror, the national healthcare debate or the troubled economic state of our country attention is diverted to the world of entertainment.
By no means am I demanding the entertainment world be cast aside. Instead, I am simply encouraging my generation to pick up a newspaper - or rather search the internet and browse one of the many online newspapers - and pay attention to the world of politics. Become aware of current events, take a position on a variety of issues such as education, taxes, world relations, and/or political elections, and most importantly voice your opinions, support those you agree with and encourage others to do the same.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
James Gray
posted 2/03/10 @ 12:25 PM CST
Well done, Katie. Your analysis is right on point. In the end, Americans generally get the government they deserve. In other words, if people adopt "a do nothing mentality" is it any surprise we have a "a do nothing government?"
James T. (Continued…)
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